Document Document Title
US09478609B2 Integrated circuit with multiple cells having different heights
An integrated circuit comprises a first cell having first cell height and a first line routed at a first line height and having a first line width. The integrated circuit also comprises a second cell having a second cell height different from the first cell height and a second line routed at a second line height and a second line width different from the first line width. The integrated circuit further comprises a third cell. The third cell has a third line having a first end and a second end. The first end has a first end width. The second end has a second end width. The first end width is equal to the first line width. The second end width is equal to the second line width. The first end is coupled with the first line. The second end is coupled with the second line.
US09478608B2 Apparatus and methods for transceiver interface overvoltage clamping
Apparatus and methods for transceiver interface overvoltage clamping are provided. In certain configurations, an interface device includes a first p-type well region and a second p-type well region in an n-type isolation structure. Additionally, the clamp device includes a first p-type active region and a first n-type active region in the first p-type well region and electrically connected to a first terminal of the clamp device. Furthermore, the clamp device includes a second p-type active region and a second n-type active region in the second p-type well region and electrically connected to a second terminal of the clamp device. The n-type isolation structure is in a p-type region of a semiconductor substrate, and electrically isolates the first and second p-type well regions from the p-type substrate region. The clamp device further includes a blocking voltage tuning structure positioned between the first and second n-type active regions.
US09478605B2 Semiconductor device with similar impurity concentration JTE regions
A highly reliable semiconductor device with high withstand voltage is provided. As means therefor, an impurity concentration in a first JTE region is set to 4.4×1017 cm−3 or higher and 6×1017 cm−3 or lower and an impurity concentration in a second JTE region is set to 2×1017 cm−3 or lower in a case of a Schottky diode, and an impurity concentration in the first JTE region is set to 6×1017 cm−3 or higher and 8×1017 cm−3 or lower and an impurity concentration in the second JTE region is set to 2×1017 cm−3 or lower in a case of a junction barrier Schottky diode.
US09478603B2 Oxide semiconductor film, transistor, and semiconductor device
To provide an oxide semiconductor film which has high stability and does not easily cause variation in electric characteristics of a transistor, a transistor including the oxide semiconductor film in its channel formation region, and a highly reliable semiconductor device including the transistor. The oxide semiconductor film including indium includes a crystal part whose c-axis is substantially perpendicular to a surface of the oxide semiconductor film. In the crystal part, the length of a crystal arrangement part containing indium and oxygen on a plane perpendicular to the c-axis is more than 1.5 nm. Further, the semiconductor device includes the transistor including the oxide semiconductor film in its channel formation region.
US09478591B2 Organic light emitting display device and repair method thereof
An organic light emitting display device can include a substrate, two or more first electrodes positioned on the substrate and spaced apart from one another, an auxiliary electrode positioned between the first electrodes, a barrier rib positioned on the auxiliary electrode and having a reversely tapered structure including at least two layers, a bank layer exposing portions of the first electrodes to define a light emission region, an organic layer positioned in the light emission region and patterned by the barrier rib, and a second electrode positioned on the organic layer and the barrier rib and disposed to be in contact with the auxiliary electrode.
US09478590B2 In-cell OLED touch display panel structure with metal layer for sensing
An in-cell OLED touch display panel structure with metal layer for sensing includes an upper substrate, a lower substrate parallel to the upper substrate, an OLED layer configured between the upper and lower substrates, a black matrix layer, a sensing electrode layer, and a thin film transistor layer. The black matrix layer is disposed at one surface of the upper substrate facing the OLED layer, and is composed of a plurality of opaque lines. The sensing electrode layer is disposed at one side of the black matrix layer facing the OLED layer, and is composed of a plurality of sensing conductor lines. The thin film transistor layer is disposed at one side of the lower substrate facing the OLED layer. The plurality of sensing conductor lines are disposed at positions corresponding to those of the plurality of opaque lines of the black matrix.
US09478584B2 Nonvolatile memory device and method for manufacturing the same
A nonvolatile memory device includes an insulating layer, oxygen diffusion prevention layers disposed on the insulating layer, a plurality of contact plugs, each of the plurality of the contact plugs penetrating through each of the plurality of the oxygen diffusion prevention layers and at least a part of the insulating layer, and a plurality of resistance-variable elements, each of the plurality of the resistance-variable elements covering each of the plurality of the contact plugs exposed on surfaces of the oxygen diffusion prevention layers and being electrically connected to each of the plurality of the contact plugs Each of the oxygen diffusion prevention layers is provided only between the insulating layer and each of the plurality of the resistance-variable elements to correspond to each of the plurality of the contact plugs arranged for each of the plurality of the resistance-variable elements.
US09478582B2 Pixel cell and its method for applying voltage generated in a photosensor to a gate capacitance and alternately resetting the applied voltage
A pixel cell, and a method of use thereof, the pixel cell including: an output, a photosensor configured to generate a first measuring current in a first measurement cycle and a second measuring current in a second measurement cycle as a function of radiation, an output node, a power storage device configured so that in a first operating mode a current can be injected by the power storage device as a function of the first measuring current, and so that in a second operating mode the power storage device is configured to hold the injected current so that the injected current can be detected at the output node, and a switching unit configured to form a difference between the injected current and the second measuring current at the output node in a reading cycle and to couple the output node to the output.
US09478580B2 Grounding system for integrated circuits of particular usefulness for circuits incorporating backside-illuminated photosensor arrays
A backside-illuminated photosensor array IC is formed in a thinned circuit wafer. Silicon is removed in at least one substrate-stripped zone where a doped edge-contact ring surrounds the substrate-stripped zone, the edge-contact ring formed in a same first side of the wafer as a plurality of transistors, and opposite to a backside of the wafer. Backside metal is disposed on the backside of the wafer, the backside metal having window openings over the photosensors, and having sidewalls contacting the edge-contact ring around the substrate-stripped zone. The edge contact region is formed in the first side of the device wafer before providing structural support and thinning the device wafer. Substrate-stripped zones, such as bondpad openings and guardring openings, are formed by removing silicon to expose the edge-contact region, and backside metal is deposited with sidewall metal at edges of the substrate-stripped zones and thereby contacting the edge-contact region.
US09478579B2 Stacked chip image sensor with light-sensitive circuit elements on the bottom chip
An example imaging sensor system includes a backside-illuminated CMOS imaging array formed in a first semiconductor layer of a first wafer. The CMOS imaging array includes an N number of pixels, where each pixel includes a photodiode region. The first wafer is bonded to a second wafer at a bonding interface between a first metal stack of the first wafer and a second metal stack of the second wafer. A storage device is disposed in a second semiconductor layer of the second wafer. The storage device includes at least N number of storage cells, where each of the N number of storage cells are configured to store a signal representative of image charge accumulated by a respective photodiode region. Each storage cell includes a circuit element that is sensitive to light-induced leakage.
US09478578B2 Stress release layout and associated methods and devices
An embodiment semiconductor device includes a substrate such as a silicon or silicon-containing film, a pixel array supported by the substrate, and a metal stress release feature arranged around a periphery of the pixel array. The metal stress release feature may be formed from metal strips or discrete metal elements. The metal stress release feature may be arranged in a stress release pattern that uses a single line or a plurality of lines. The metal stress release pattern may also use metal corner elements at ends of the lines.
US09478575B2 Solid-state image sensor
An image sensor includes a first pixel having a first color filter, a first reflection region which reflects light from the first color filter, and a first photoelectric conversion portion arranged in a semiconductor layer and located between the first color filter and the first reflection region, and a second pixel including a second color filter, a second reflection region which reflects light from the second color filter, and a second photoelectric conversion portion arranged in the semiconductor layer and located between the second color filter and the second reflection region. Wavelength corresponding to a maximum transmittance of the first color filter is shorter than wavelength corresponding to a maximum transmittance of the second color filter. An area of the first reflection region is smaller than area of the second reflection region.
US09478573B2 Solid-state imaging apparatus and method of manufacturing the same
A solid-state imaging apparatus includes: an imaging section having a light-receiving portion for receiving light from an object to image the object; and a substrate on which the imaging section is disposed, wherein a predetermined member provided on the substrate in the neighborhood of the light receiving portion is partially or entirely coated in black.
US09478570B2 Vertical gate transistor and pixel structure comprising such a transistor
The present disclosure relates to a photodiode comprising: a P-conductivity type substrate region, an electric charge collecting region for collecting electric charges appearing when a rear face of the substrate region receives light, the collecting region comprising an N-conductivity type region formed deep in the substrate region, an N-conductivity type read region formed in the substrate region, and an isolated transfer gate, formed in the substrate region in a deep isolating trench extending opposite a lateral face of the N-conductivity type region, next to the read region, and arranged for receiving a gate voltage to transfer electric charges stored in the collecting region toward the read region.
US09478566B2 Array substrate, LCD device and driving method
In an embodiments of the present invention, since two pixel electrodes are arranged in the pixel unit and each of the pixel electrodes is respectively controlled by a corresponding TFT, the rotation direction of the liquid crystal molecules may be controlled by the voltage difference between the two pixel electrodes, while the voltage on the pixel electrodes of other pixel units in the array substrate is not affected, so that the greenish phenomenon can be avoided. Furthermore, since the two TFTs for controlling the two pixel electrodes respectively may have same parasitic capacitor when the pixel unit is turned off, the voltage difference between the two pixel electrodes is kept unchanged, and thus the occurrence of the image flickering can be avoided.
US09478559B2 Semiconductor device and method of fabricating the same
A semiconductor device and a method of fabricating the same are disclosed. The semiconductor device includes: a memory cell structure formed over a semiconductor substrate; a channel portion formed in the semiconductor substrate; a through-hole formed to pass through the memory cell structure; a first channel region formed over sidewalls of the through-hole; and a second channel region formed at a center part of the through-hole, and spaced apart from the first channel region, wherein each of the first channel region and the second channel region is coupled to the channel portion.
US09478554B2 Semiconductor device and method of manufacturing semiconductor device
A semiconductor device having a high degree of freedom of layout has a first part AR1, in which a plurality of p-type wells PW and n-type wells NW are alternately arranged to be adjacent to each other along an X-axis direction. A common power feeding region (ARP2) for the plurality of wells PW is arranged on one side so as to interpose the AR1 in a Y-axis direction, and a common power feeding region (ARN2) for the plurality of wells NW is arranged on the other side. In the power feeding region (ARP2) for the PW wells, a p+-type power-feeding diffusion layer P+(DFW) having an elongate shape extending in the X-axis direction is formed. A plurality of gate layers GT extending in the X-axis direction to cross the boundary between the PW and NW wells are arranged in the AR1, and a plurality of MIS transistors are correspondingly formed.
US09478550B2 Arrays of vertically-oriented transistors, and memory arrays including vertically-oriented transistors
An array includes vertically-oriented transistors. The array includes rows of access lines and columns of data/sense lines. Individual of the rows include an access line interconnecting transistors in that row. Individual of the columns include a data/sense line interconnecting transistors in that column. The array includes a plurality of conductive lines which individually extend longitudinally parallel and laterally between immediately adjacent of the data/sense lines. Additional embodiments are disclosed.
US09478547B2 Semiconductor device and method of manufacturing the same
Dishing of a plate of a capacitor is suppressed in a structure where the top of the plate is flush with a top of an interconnection. Double interlayer dielectric films are used to form a first recess and a second recess. The second recess has an opening on the bottom of the first recess. The first and second recesses are used to form a capacitor. The lower electrode of the capacitor has a bottom part along the bottom of the first recess. The lower electrode further includes a sidewall part having an upper end that projects along a side face of the second recess from the opening of the second recess up to a position between the opening of the second recess and a top of the upper interlayer dielectric film (the upper one of the double interlayer dielectric films).
US09478541B2 Half node scaling for vertical structures
A method for half-node scaling a circuit layout in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure includes vertical devices on a die. The method includes reducing a fin pitch and a gate pitch of the vertical devices on the die. The method also includes scaling a wavelength to define at least one reduced area geometric pattern of the circuit layout.
US09478539B1 Compound semiconductor device and method of manufacturing the same
An AlGaN/GaN HEMT includes a compound semiconductor stack structure; an element isolation structure which demarcates an element region on the compound semiconductor stack structure; a first insulating film which is formed on the element region and is not formed on the element isolation structure; a second insulating film which is formed on at least the element isolation structure and is higher in hydrogen content than the first insulating film; and a gate electrode which is formed on the element region of the compound semiconductor stack structure via the second insulating film.
US09478530B2 Semiconductor device and manufacturing method of the same
A semiconductor device having a field-effect transistor, including a trench in a semiconductor substrate, a first insulating film in the trench, an intrinsic polycrystalline silicon film over the first insulating film, and first conductivity type impurities in the intrinsic polycrystalline silicon film to form a first conductive film. The first conductive film is etched to form a first gate electrode in the trench. A second insulating film is also formed in the trench above the first insulating film and the first gate electrode, and a first conductivity type doped polycrystalline silicon film, having higher impurity concentration than the first gate electrode is formed over the second insulating film. The doped polycrystalline silicon film is provided in an upper part of the trench to form a second gate electrode.
US09478528B2 Devices, systems and methods using through silicon optical interconnects
Some implementations provide a semiconductor device that includes a first die and an optical receiver. The first die includes a back side layer having a thickness that is sufficiently thin to allow an optical signal to traverse through the back side layer. The optical receiver is configured to receive several optical signals through the back side layer of the first die. In some implementations, each optical signal originates from a corresponding optical emitter coupled to a second die. In some implementations, the back side layer is a die substrate. In some implementations, the optical signal traverses a substrate portion of the back side layer. The first die further includes an active layer. The optical receiver is part of the active layer. In some implementations, the semiconductor device includes a second die that includes an optical emitter. The second die coupled to the back side of the first die.
US09478523B2 Semiconductor packages and methods of fabricating the same
A semiconductor package including a lower package and an upper package provided may be provided. The lower package includes a lower package substrate, a lower semiconductor chip mounted thereon, and a lower mold layer provided on the lower package substrate. The upper package includes an upper package substrate and an upper semiconductor chip thereon. The lower mold layer includes a guide portion extending along a vertical direction from an edge of the lower package substrate toward the upper package.
US09478522B2 Electronic part, electronic device, and manufacturing method
An electronic part includes: a substrate; a first electrode configured to extend through the substrate and have a first opening size; a second electrode configured to extend through the substrate and have a second opening size; a switching section configured to switch between connection of the first electrode to a first power line and connection of the second electrode to the first power line; and a third electrode configured to extend through the substrate and be connected to a second power line different in potential from the first power line, a capacitance between the first and third electrodes and a capacitance between the second and third electrodes being different.
US09478521B2 Package-on-package Structure
A device comprises a top package mounted on a bottom package through a joint structure, wherein the joint structure comprises a solder ball of the top package coupled to a metal structure embedded in the bottom package and an epoxy protection layer having a first edge in direct contact with a top surface of the bottom package and a second edge surrounding a lower portion of the solder ball.
US09478520B2 Solid-state imaging device, imaging apparatus, substrate, semiconductor device and method of manufacturing the solid-state imaging device
A solid-state imaging device is a solid-state imaging device in which a first substrate formed on a first semiconductor wafer and a second substrate formed on a second semiconductor wafer are bonded via connect that electrically connects the substrates, wherein the first substrate includes photoelectric conversion units, the second substrate includes an output circuit that acquires a signal generated by the photoelectric conversion unit via the connector and outputs the signal, and dummy connectors that support the first and second bonded substrates are further arranged in a substrate region in which the connectors are not arranged in a substrate region of at least one of the first substrate and the second substrate.
US09478513B2 Semiconductor device with conductive pillars having recesses or protrusions to detect interconnect continuity between semiconductor die and substrate
A semiconductor device has a semiconductor die and conductive pillar with a recess or protrusion formed over a surface of the semiconductor die. The conductive pillar is made by forming a patterning layer over the semiconductor die, forming an opening with a recess or protrusion in the patterning layer, depositing conductive material in the opening and recess or protrusion, and removing the patterning layer. A substrate has bump material deposited over a conductive layer formed over a surface of the substrate. The bump material is melted. The semiconductor die is pressed toward the substrate to enable the melted bump material to flow into the recess or over the protrusion if the conductive pillar makes connection to the conductive layer. A presence or absence of the bump material in the recess or protrusion of the conductive pillar is detected by X-ray or visual inspection.
US09478511B2 Methods and apparatus of packaging semiconductor devices
Methods and apparatus are disclosed which reduce the stress concentration at the redistribution layers (RDLs) of a package device. A package device may comprise a seed layer above a passivation layer, covering an opening of the passivation layer, and covering and in contact with a contact pad. A RDL is formed above the passivation layer, above and in contact with the seed layer, covering the opening of the passivation layer, and electrically connected to the contact pad through the seed layer. The RDL has an end portion with a surface that is smooth without a right angle. The surface of the end portion of the RDL may have an obtuse angle, or a curved surface.
US09478510B2 Self-aligned under bump metal
An integrated circuit including a self-aligned under bump metal pad formed on a top metal interconnect level in a connection opening in a dielectric layer, with a solder ball formed on the self-aligned under bump metal pad. Processes of forming integrated circuits including a self-aligned under bump metal pad formed on a top metal interconnect level in a connection opening in a dielectric layer, by a process of forming one or more metal layers on the interconnect level and the dielectric layer, selectively removing the metal from over the dielectric layer, and subsequently forming a solder ball on the self-aligned under bump metal pad. Some examples include additional metal layers formed after the selective removal process, and may include an additional selective removal process on the additional metal layers.
US09478509B2 Mechanically anchored backside C4 pad
The present invention relates generally to flip chip technology and more particularly, to a method and structure for fabricating a mechanically anchored controlled collapse chip connection (C4) pad on a semiconductor structure. In an embodiment, a method is disclosed that may include forming a bonding pad having one or more anchor regions that extend into a semiconductor structure and may inhibit the bonding pad from physically separating from the TSV during temperature fluctuations.
US09478508B1 Microwave integrated circuit (MMIC) damascene electrical interconnect for microwave energy transmission
A semiconductor structure having a semiconductor layer having an active device therein. A dielectric structure is disposed over the semiconductor layer, such dielectric structure having open ended trench therein. An electrical interconnect level is disposed in the trench and electrically connected to the active device. A plurality of stacked metal layers is disposed in the trench. The stacked metal layers have disposed on bottom and sidewalls thereof conductive barrier metal layers.
US09478505B2 Guard ring design structure for semiconductor devices
A customized seal ring for a semiconductor device is formed of multiple seal ring cells that are selected and arranged to produce a seal ring design. The cells include first cells that are coupled to ground and second cells that are not coupled to ground. The second cells that are not coupled to ground, include a higher density of metal features in an inner portion thereof, than the first seal ring cells. Dummy metal vias and other metal features that may be present in the inner portion of the second seal ring cells are absent from the inner portion of the first seal ring cells that are coupled to ground. The seal ring design may include various arrangements, including alternating and repeating sequences of the different seal ring cells.
US09478499B2 Semiconductor package structure and method for manufacturing the same
A semiconductor package structure and a method for manufacturing the same are provided. The semiconductor package structure has a substrate and a die stack of n die(s), wherein n≧1. The substrate has a first side, a second side and an opening extending from the first side to the second side. The die stack is disposed in the opening. The thickness of the substrate is substantially the same as the thickness of the die stack.
US09478498B2 Through package via (TPV)
A through package vias (TPV), a package including a plurality of the TPVs, and a method of forming the through package via are provided. Embodiments of a through package via (TPV) for a package include a build-up film layer, a metal pad disposed over the build-up film layer, a polymer ring disposed over the metal pad, and a solder feature electrically coupled with the metal pad.
US09478494B1 Digital data device interconnects
Digital data system disposed on a substrate includes a digital data device and at least one digital data interconnect disposed on the substrate. The digital data interconnect is comprised of a plurality of material layers stacked to form a three-dimensional structure. The material layers form a conductive shield, a plurality of straps which are periodically spaced along an interior length of the shield, and a core which includes one or more conductors. The conductors extends along the length of the tubular form parallel to the opposing walls and are suspended on the straps, separated from the conductive shield by an air gap. First and second conductors of the core can facilitate a differential signaling mode.
US09478491B1 Integrated circuit package substrate with openings surrounding a conductive via
Integrated circuit packages with openings surrounding a conductive via on a substrate layer are disclosed. An integrated circuit package may include a substrate layer with upper and lower surfaces. A conductive via may extend between the upper and lower surfaces of the substrate layer. The integrated circuit package further includes multiple openings in the substrate layer that may be distributed evenly in the substrate layer surrounding the conductive via. The multiple openings reduce signal insertion loss of the conductive via.
US09478486B2 Semiconductor device and method of forming topside and bottom-side interconnect structures around core die with TSV
A semiconductor device has a core semiconductor device with a through silicon via (TSV). The core semiconductor device includes a plurality of stacked semiconductor die and semiconductor component. An insulating layer is formed around the core semiconductor device. A conductive via is formed through the insulating layer. A first interconnect structure is formed over a first side of the core semiconductor device. The first interconnect structure is electrically connected to the TSV. A second interconnect structure is formed over a second side of the core semiconductor device. The second interconnect structure is electrically connected to the TSV. The first and second interconnect structures include a plurality of conductive layers separated by insulating layers. A semiconductor die is mounted to the first interconnect structure. The semiconductor die is electrically connected to the core semiconductor device through the first and second interconnect structures and TSV.
US09478481B2 Semiconductor device, method for manufacturing same, and electronic component
An electrode layer is formed on a gate insulating film. An interlayer insulating film is formed on the gate insulating firm. A lower pad is formed by a damascene method. Next, a through hole is formed, and a first interlayer insulating film, which is provided with a projected portion that is in the same pattern as a lower insulating film, is exposed within the through hole at the same time. After etching the first interlayer insulating film so that a part of the projected portion remains as an etching residue, a via insulating film is formed and the via insulating film at the bottom of the through hole is etched. After that, a through electrode is formed by plating an electrode material on the inner side of the via insulating film on the through hole.
US09478478B2 Electronic device assemblies and vehicles employing dual phase change materials
Electronic device assemblies employing dual phase change materials and vehicles incorporating the same are disclosed. In one embodiment, an electronic device assembly includes a semiconductor device having a surface, wherein the semiconductor device operates in a transient heat flux state and a normal heat flux state, a coolant fluid thermally coupled to the surface of the semiconductor device, and a phase change material thermally coupled to the surface of the semiconductor device. The phase change material has a phase change temperature at which the phase change material changes from a first phase to a second phase. The phase change material absorbs heat flux at least when the semiconductor device operates in the transient heat flux state.
US09478475B2 Apparatus and package structure of optical chip
An apparatus includes a package structure. The package structure includes a chip, a conductive structure over the chip, a molding structure surrounding and underneath the chip, and a first passivation layer over the conductive structure. The chip includes an optical component and a chip conductive pad. The conductive structure is electrically coupled to the chip conductive pad. The conductive structure has a planar portion substantially in parallel with an upper surface of the chip. The first passivation layer has a first opening defined therein. The first opening exposes a portion of the planar portion. The package structure is configured to receive an electrical coupling through the first opening in the first passivation layer.
US09478473B2 Fabricating a microelectronics lid using sol-gel processing
A method for fabrication of a lid for a microelectronic device is described, wherein the microelectronic device comprises of a die and a laminate. A gel is formed having a coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) within a threshold percentage value of either a CTE of the die or a CTE of the laminate of the microelectronics device. A metal piece is inserted into the gel to form a lid.
US09478471B2 Apparatus and method for verification of bonding alignment
Presented herein is a device comprising a common node disposed in a first wafer' a test node disposed in a first wafer and having a plurality of test pads exposed at a first surface of the first wafer. The test node also has test node lines connected to the test pads and that are separated by a first spacing and extend to a second surface of the first wafer. A comb is disposed in a second wafer and has a plurality of comb lines having a second spacing different from the first spacing. Each of the comb lines has a first surface exposed at a first side of the second wafer. The comb lines provide an indication of an alignment of the first wafer and second wafer by a number or arrangement of connections made by the plurality of comb lines between the test node lines and the common node.
US09478467B2 Semiconductor device including power and logic devices and related fabrication methods
Semiconductor device structures and related fabrication methods are provided. An exemplary fabrication method involves forming a layer of gate electrode material overlying a semiconductor substrate, forming a layer of masking material overlying the gate electrode material, and patterning the layer of masking material to define a channel region within a well region in the semiconductor substrate that underlies the gate electrode material. Prior to removing the patterned layer of masking material, the fabrication process etches the layer of gate electrode material to form a gate structure overlying the channel region using the patterned layer of masking material as an etch mask and forms extension regions in the well region using the patterned layer of masking material as an implant mask. Thereafter, the patterned layer of masking material is removed after forming the gate structure and the extension regions.
US09478466B2 Metal gate structure and method
A method comprises removing a dummy gate electrode layer to form a gate trench in a dielectric layer over a substrate, forming a resistor trench over the substrate, depositing a plurality of films on a bottom of the gate trench, a bottom of the resistor trench, sidewalls of the gate trench and sidewalls of the resistor trench, depositing a gate electrode layer over the plurality of films and removing an upper portion of the gate electrode layer until the gate electrode layer is removed from the resistor trench.
US09478465B2 Wafer processing method
A method of processing a wafer having a device area where a plurality of devices are formed and a peripheral marginal area surrounding the device area on the front side of the wafer is disclosed. The devices are formed in regions defined by division lines. Each device has a plurality of bump electrodes on the front side. A first laser beam is applied through dicing tape from the back side along the boundary between the device area and the peripheral marginal area, with the focal point of the first laser beam set inside the wafer, thereby forming an annular modified layer inside the wafer. A second laser beam is applied through the dicing tape from the back side along each division line with the focal point of the second laser beam set inside the wafer, thereby forming a modified layer inside the wafer along each division line.
US09478461B2 Conductive line structure with openings
Wide and narrow mandrels that are used to form sidewall spacers for patterning are formed in a sacrificial layer with openings in wide mandrels near sides of the wide mandrels. Sidewall spacers are formed on the sides of mandrels and the sacrificial layer is removed. The sidewall spacers are then used for patterning of underlying layers.
US09478460B2 Cobalt selectivity improvement in selective cobalt process sequence
Embodiments of the invention provide processes to selectively form a cobalt layer on a copper surface over exposed dielectric surfaces. Embodiments described herein control selectivity of deposition by preventing damage to the dielectric surface, repairing damage to the dielectric surface, such as damage which can occur during the cobalt deposition process, and controlling deposition parameters for the cobalt layer.
US09478457B2 Shallow trench isolation structures in semiconductor device and method for manufacturing the same
Shallow trench isolation structures in a semiconductor device and a method for manufacturing the same. The method includes steps hereinafter. A substrate is provided with a pad oxide layer and a first patterned photoresist layer thereon. A first trench is formed in the substrate corresponding to the first patterned photoresist layer. A first dielectric layer is deposited in the first trench and on the substrate. A second patterned photoresist layer is provided to form an opening in the first dielectric layer and a second trench in the substrate corresponding to the second patterned photoresist layer. A second dielectric layer is deposited to cover the first trench and the second trench in the substrate and the first dielectric layer on the substrate. The second dielectric layer is removed by chemical-mechanical polishing until the first dielectric layer is exposed. The first dielectric layer on the substrate is selectively removed.
US09478455B1 Thermal pyrolytic graphite shadow ring assembly for heat dissipation in plasma chamber
Methods of and apparatuses for dicing semiconductor wafers, each wafer having a plurality of integrated circuits, are described. In an example, a shadow ring assembly for a plasma processing chamber includes an annular body including a thermally conductive material. The annular body includes a top surface to face an interior of the plasma chamber, and a bottom surface to face a substrate carrier in the plasma chamber. A plurality of posts are attached to the annular body and positioned substantially below the bottom surface of the annular body. Each of the plurality of posts includes an inner core of thermal pyrolytic graphite (TPG). The shadow ring assembly also includes a plasma resistant coating on the annular body and the plurality of posts.
US09478452B2 Small production device and production system using the same
A production system to facilitate the commonization of front chambers among a plurality of production devices that are different in the kind of a process to be performed for a processing substrate.Control units are provided separately in a processing chamber and a front chamber of a small production device. When the processing-chamber control unit outputs a load request signal, the front-chamber control unit loads a processing substrate to the processing chamber, and outputs a load acknowledgment signal. When the load acknowledgment signal is input, the processing-chamber control unit performs a process for the processing substrate, and outputs an unload request signal after the completion of the process. When the unload request signal is input, the front-chamber control unit unloads the processing substrate, and outputs an unload acknowledgment signal. When the unload acknowledgment signal is input, the processing chamber starts the preparation of the next process.
US09478451B2 Robot having interchangeability features
An apparatus including a stator configured to be stationarily connected to a housing; and a rotor configured to have a robot arm connected thereto. The rotor includes a shaft and an robot arm mount adjustably connected to the shaft. The stator and the rotor include mechanical reference locators to temporarily stationarily locate the robot arm mount to the stator for subsequently stationarily fixing the robot arm mount to the shaft.
US09478450B2 Wafer shipper
A wafer container for holding a spaced stack of thin wafers, comprising an H-bar carrier, a base portion for receiving same, a base wafer cushion attached at the bottom wall positioned below the H-bar carrier, the cushion having a plurality of ribs defining slots each with a bottom wafer seating region having a curvature and a pair of ends, each of the ends having a flare whereby the seating region flares outwardly at the ends, a cover portion that connects with the base portion to form a closed interior. The cover portion having an uppermost wall a wafer cushion secured thereto. The cover wafer cushion having a row of wafer engaging finger portions, the finger portions Y shaped and having two legs extending from a support portion and alternatingly extending from opposing support portions, the finger portions may be S shaped with a wafer pad flared in two direction.
US09478447B2 Substrate support with wire mesh plasma containment
Embodiments of substrate supports having a wire mesh plasma containment are provided herein. In some embodiments, a substrate support may include a plate comprising a first surface, an opposing second surface, a thickness bounded by the first and second surfaces, and a first perimetrical surface; a first heater element disposed between the first and second surfaces; a wire mesh disposed between the first and second surfaces; a ground connector mounted to a surface of the plate; at least one electrical connection between the wire mesh and the ground connector; and an elongate shaft comprising a first end and an opposite second end, wherein the plate second surface is mounted to the first end of the shaft.
US09478446B2 Load lock chamber
A semiconductor processing tool is disclosed, the tool having a frame forming at least one chamber with an opening and having a sealing surface around a periphery of the opening, a door configured to interact with the sealing surface for sealing the opening, the door having sides perpendicular to the door sealing surface and perpendicular to a transfer plane of a substrate, and at least one drive located on the frame to a side of at least one of the sides that are substantially perpendicular to the door sealing surface and substantially perpendicular to the transfer plane of the substrate, the drive having actuators located at least partially in front of the sealing surface and the actuators being coupled to one of the sides of the door for moving the door from a sealed position. The at least one drive is located outside of a substrate transfer zone.
US09478441B1 Method for forming a superjunction device with improved ruggedness
An improved superjunction semiconductor device includes a charged balanced pylon in a body region, where a top of the pylon is large to create slight charge imbalance. A MOSgated structure is formed over the top of the pylon and designed to conduct current through the pylon. By increasing a dimension of the top of the pylon, the resulting device is less susceptible to variations in manufacturing tolerances to obtain a good breakdown voltage and improved device ruggedness.
US09478439B2 Substrate etching method
Embodiments of the invention provide a substrate etching method, which includes: a deposition operation for depositing a polymer on a side wall of a silicon groove, an etching operation for etching the side wall of the silicon groove, and repeating the deposition operation and the etching operation at least twice. In the process of completing all cycles of the etching operation, a chamber pressure of a reaction chamber is decreased from a preset highest pressure to a preset lowest pressure according to a preset rule. The substrate etching method, according to various embodiments of the invention, avoid the problem of damaging the side wall, thereby making the side wall smooth.
US09478438B2 Method and apparatus to deposit pure titanium thin film at low temperature using titanium tetraiodide precursor
Methods of depositing highly conformal and pure titanium films at low temperatures are provided. Methods involve exposing a substrate to titanium tetraiodide, purging the chamber, exposing the substrate to a plasma, purging the chamber, and repeating these operations. Titanium films are deposited at low temperatures less than about 450° C.
US09478437B2 Methods for repairing low-k dielectrics using carbon plasma immersion
Methods for repairing low-k dielectrics using a plasma immersion carbon doping process are provided herein. In some embodiments, a method of repairing a low-k dielectric material disposed on a substrate having one or more features disposed through the low-k dielectric material may include depositing a conformal oxide layer on the low-k dielectric material and within the one or more features; and doping the conformal oxide layer with carbon using a plasma doping process.
US09478433B1 Cyclic spacer etching process with improved profile control
Embodiments described herein relate to methods for patterning a substrate. Patterning processes, such as double patterning and quadruple patterning processes, may benefit from the embodiments described herein which include performing an inert plasma treatment on a spacer material, performing an etching process on a treated region of the spacer material, and repeating the inert plasma treatment and the etching process to form a desired spacer profile. The inert plasma treatment process may be a biased process and the etching process may be an unbiased process. Various processing parameters, such as process gas ratios and pressures, may be controlled to influence a desired spacer profile.
US09478431B2 BARC-assisted process for planar recessing or removing of variable-height layers
The present disclosure provides a method of manufacturing an integrated circuit device in some embodiments. In the method, a semiconductor substrate is processed through a series of operations to form a topographically variable surface over the semiconductor substrate. The topographically variable surface varies in height across the semiconductor substrate. A polymeric bottom anti-reflective coating (BARC) is provided over the topographically variable surface. Chemical mechanical polishing is performed to remove a first portion of the BARC, and etching effectuates a top-down recessing of the BARC.
US09478420B2 Method for depositing a group III nitride semiconductor film
A method for depositing a Group III nitride semiconductor film on a substrate is provided that comprises: providing a sapphire substrate; placing the substrate in a vacuum chamber; conditioning a surface of the substrate by etching and providing a conditioned surface; holding the substrate away from a substrate facing surface of a heater by a predetermined distance; heating the substrate to a temperature by using the heater whilst the substrate is held away from the substrate facing surface of the heater, and depositing a Group III nitride semiconductor film onto the conditioned surface of the substrate by a physical vapour deposition method whilst the substrate is held away from the substrate facing surface of the heater and forming an epitaxial Group III nitride semiconductor film with N-face polarity on the conditioned surface of the substrate.
US09478419B2 Sulfur-containing thin films
In some aspects, methods of forming a metal sulfide thin film are provided. According to some methods, a metal sulfide thin film is deposited on a substrate in a reaction space in a cyclical process where at least one cycle includes alternately and sequentially contacting the substrate with a first vapor-phase metal reactant and a second vapor-phase sulfur reactant. In some aspects, methods of forming a three-dimensional architecture on a substrate surface are provided. In some embodiments, the method includes forming a metal sulfide thin film on the substrate surface and forming a capping layer over the metal sulfide thin film. The substrate surface may comprise a high-mobility channel.
US09478412B2 Semiconductor manufacturing apparatus and method of manufacturing semiconductor device
In one embodiment, a semiconductor manufacturing apparatus includes a container configured to contain a wafer, and a supporter configured to support the wafer in the container. The apparatus further includes a plasma generator including a plasma tube, and configured to form a film on the wafer by generating plasma in the container with the plasma tube during a first period and during a second period after the first period. The apparatus further includes a controller configured to set a distance between the plasma tube and the wafer to be a first distance during the first period, and set the distance to be a second distance longer than the first distance during the second period.
US09478411B2 Method to tune TiOx stoichiometry using atomic layer deposited Ti film to minimize contact resistance for TiOx/Ti based MIS contact scheme for CMOS
Methods of depositing and tuning deposition of sub-stoichiometric titanium oxide are provided. Methods involve depositing highly pure and conformal titanium on a substrate in a chamber by (i) exposing the substrate to titanium tetraiodide, (ii) purging the chamber, (iii) exposing the substrate to a plasma, (iv) purging the chamber, (v) repeating (i) through (iv), and treating the deposited titanium on the substrate to form sub-stoichiometric titanium oxide. Titanium oxide may also be deposited prior to depositing titanium on the substrate. Treatments include substrate exposure to an oxygen source and/or annealing the substrate.
US09478408B2 Systems and methods for removing particles from a substrate processing chamber using RF plasma cycling and purging
Systems and methods for operating a substrate processing system include processing a substrate arranged on a substrate support in a processing chamber. At least one of precursor gas and/or reactive gas is supplied during the processing. The substrate is removed from the processing chamber. Carrier gas and purge gas are selectively supplied to the processing chamber. RF plasma is generated in the processing chamber during N cycles, where N is an integer greater than one. The RF plasma is on for a first period and off for a second period during each of the N cycles. The purge gas is supplied during at least part of each of the N cycles.
US09478402B2 Photomultiplier tube, image sensor, and an inspection system using a PMT or image sensor
A photomultiplier tube includes a semiconductor photocathode and a photodiode. Notably, the photodiode includes a p-doped semiconductor layer, an n-doped semiconductor layer formed on a first surface of the p-doped semiconductor layer to form a diode, and a pure boron layer formed on a second surface of the p-doped semiconductor layer. A gap between the semiconductor photocathode and the photodiode may be less than about 1 mm or less than about 500 μm. The semiconductor photocathode may include gallium nitride, e.g. one or more p-doped gallium nitride layers. In other embodiments, the semiconductor photocathode may include silicon. This semiconductor photocathode can further include a pure boron coating on at least one surface.
US09478399B2 Multi-aperture extraction system for angled ion beam
An apparatus for creating an angled ion beam for implanting into a substrate is disclosed. The apparatus includes a plasma chamber in which plasma is created. The extraction aperture includes a plurality of rotatable plates. Ion beamlets are extracted through apertures defined by the plurality of rotatable plates. The degree to which these plates are rotated determines the angle of extraction for the extracted ion beam. These plates may be formed in a plurality of different shapes, which may increase the maximum extraction angle that is achievable. Additionally, electrodes may be disposed near the plates to affect the extraction angle.
US09478397B2 System level power delivery to a plasma processing load
The present disclosure discusses a power delivery system, and methods of operation, configured to monitor characteristics of a generator, a match network, and a plasma load, via one or more sensors, and control these components via a local controller in order to improve power delivery accuracy and consistency to the plasma load. Control can be based on a unified monitoring of power characteristics in the power delivery system as well as variations between components and even non-electrical characteristics such as plasma density, end point, and spectral components of plasma light emission, to name a few.
US09478394B2 Method for increased target utilization in ion beam deposition tools
In a sputter deposition tool (100) of the type in which an ion source (101) generates a beam directed at a sputtering target, the sputtering target comprises an elongated exterior skirt (102) and a generally circular insert (103) positioned within the skirt, the surfaces of the skirt and insert being relatively coplanar and forming the surface of the target, with the elongated dimension of the skirt being axially oriented toward the ion source. The insert is rotated within the skirt to one of several positions during use of the target by the sputter deposition tool, to distribute wear of the target around the rotating insert and thus increase the utilization and useful life of the overall target assembly.
US09478393B2 Computational scanning microscopy with improved resolution
A method of imaging a specimen comprises directing a beam to irradiate a specimen; detecting radiation emanating from the specimen; scanning the beam along a path; for each sample point in said path, recording a measurement set M={(Dn, Pn)}, where Dn is the detector output as a function of value Pn of measurement parameter P; deconvolving M and spatially resolving it into a set representing depth-resolved imagery of the specimen, whereby, at point pi within the specimen, in a first probing session, irradiating, in a first beam configuration, pi with Point Spread Function F1, whereby said beam configuration is different to P; in at least a second probing session, irradiating, in a second beam configuration, pi with Point Spread Function F2 which overlaps partially with F1 in a zone Oi in which pi is located; sing an Independent Component Analysis algorithm to perform spatial resolution in Oi.
US09478385B2 Field emission device having field emitter including photoelectric material and method of manufacturing the same
Provided are a field emission device and a method of manufacturing the same. The field emission device includes an anode electrode and a cathode electrode which are opposite to each other, a counter layer provided on the anode electrode, and a field emitter provided on the cathode electrode and facing the counter layer. Herein, the field emitter includes a carbon nanotube emitting cold electrons and a photoelectric material emitting photo electrons.
US09478378B2 Preventing out-of-synchronism reclosing between power systems
The present disclosure provides apparatus, systems, and methods for preventing out-of-synchronism closing between power systems. An intelligent electronic device (IED) apparatus may include a control component and a delay component. The control component is configured to selectively control opening and closing of a breaker. The control component selectively outputs a close signal to cause the breaker to connect a first portion of a power delivery system to another portion of the power delivery system. The delay component is configured to delay output of the close signal to the breaker. The delay component includes circuitry independent from control by the control component and the delay component is inconfigurable from a remote location.
US09478376B2 Vacuum interrupter
A vacuum interrupter includes a vacuum vessel configured with an insulator, a fixed end plate and a movable end plate fixed to both ends of the insulator. A fixed contact and a movable contact face each other inside the vacuum vessel. A movable conductor has one end fixed to the movable contact and the other end is extracted outside the vacuum vessel. A bellows has an accordion portion expanding and contracting with linear movement of the movable conductor. A bellows support member having a cylindrical shape is fixed to the vacuum vessel so that the accordion portion of the bellows contacts the inside of the bellows support member.
US09478375B2 Switch
A stationary contact for a rotary switch is provided. The stationary contact includes a connection portion for connecting to a conductor and a first portion being a contact portion for connecting the stationary contact to a rotary contact. The stationary contact also includes a second portion being a support portion for supporting the stationary contact to a switch body. The contact portion and support portion extend in the same angle from the connection portion. A method of mounting a rotary switch is also provided.
US09478374B2 Portable load-breaking and pickup jumper apparatus
A portable load-breaking and pickup apparatus for handling a load associated with a power distribution system is disclosed. The apparatus includes first and second spaced-apart connectors electrically connected by a load break assembly. The load break assembly includes first and second outer contacts configured for mating engagement and configured to provide a low-resistance path between the first and second connectors, and first and second inner contacts configured for mating engagement and configured to provide a high-resistance path between the first and second connectors. The load break assembly transitions from an open position to a closed position in two stages. The two stages include closing the high-resistance path prior to closing the low-resistance path, and closing the low-resistance path after the high-resistance path has been closed.
US09478372B1 Normally-open switch with positive stops for preventing movement of the stationary contact
A normally-open switch comprises: a housing; a push button that is mounted for movement with respect to the housing; a stationary terminal; a moveable terminal that, when in contact with the stationary terminal, completes a circuit; and one or more positive stops that engage the stationary terminal. When a force is applied to the push button, the moveable terminal makes contact with the stationary terminal, thus closing the circuit. When the force is removed, the moveable terminal breaks contact with the stationary terminal, thus opening the circuit. The one or more positive stops apply pressure to and maintain a predetermined position of the stationary terminal, but do not interfere with or impede the moveable terminal.
US09478370B2 Electrical switch
An electrical switch for mounting into a surface of a component, has at least one shoulder region to be brought closer to this surface and which has at least one seal, which is assigned to an opening in the surface. The shoulder region has at least one region with at least one assigned indicator component, wherein this assignment is changed in terms of position in the case of complete sealing action of the seal compared to an incomplete sealing action of the seal.
US09478369B2 Aligning device
In an aligning device, in plan view, a first recess of a first transfer jig allows an entire region of a second recess of the first transfer jig to be situated within the first recess of the first transfer jig by a predetermined interval. A first recess of a second transfer jig allows an entire region of a second recess of the second transfer jig to be situated within the first recess of the second transfer jig by a predetermined interval. When the first transfer jig and the second transfer jig overlap each other, the first recess of the second transfer jig allows the entire region of the second recess of the first transfer jig to be situated within the first recess of the second transfer jig by a predetermined interval. The alignment object is transferred from the cavity of said first jig to a cavity of said second jig.
US09478368B2 Power storage device, lithium-ion secondary battery, electric double layer capacitor and lithium-ion capacitor
One object is to provide a power storage device including an electrolyte using a room-temperature ionic liquid which includes a univalent anion and a cyclic quaternary ammonium cation having excellent reduction resistance. Another object is to provide a high-performance power storage device. A room-temperature ionic liquid which includes a cyclic quaternary ammonium cation represented by a general formula (G1) below is used for an electrolyte of a power storage device. In the general formula (G1), one or two of R1 to R5 are any of an alkyl group having 1 to 20 carbon atoms, a methoxy group, a methoxymethyl group, and a methoxyethyl group. The other three or four of R1 to R5 are hydrogen atoms. A− is a univalent imide anion, a univalent methide anion, a perfluoroalkyl sulfonic acid anion, tetrafluoroborate (BF4−), or hexafluorophosphate (PF6−).
US09478367B2 Positioning spacer, energy storage module using said spacer and method for assembling the module
The invention concerns a positioning spacer for positioning electrical energy storage elements, such as supercapacitors or ultracapacitors connected in series, in an electrical energy storage module, wherein the spacer comprises a first support part and a second part forming a rim relative to the first part, the positioning spacer comprising, at the free end of the second part thereof, at least one housing recess, the spacer being made from an electrically insulating material.
US09478366B2 Electric storage device and method for producing the same
An electricity storage device including at least one electrode having one metal tab lead and plural electrode plates. The electrode plate includes a metal foil, an undercoat layer formed on one surface or both surfaces of the metal foil, and an active material layer formed on a surface of the undercoat layer. The undercoat layer includes a carbon material and the undercoat layer has a coating weight per unit area of one surface of 0.01 to 3 g/m2. A sum total thickness of the metal foils in the electrode plates is 0.2 to 2 mm. The electrode plates are welded to each other in a portion where the undercoat layer is formed and no active material layer is formed. Further, at least one of the electrode plates is welded to the metal tab lead in a portion where the undercoat layer is formed and no active material layer is formed.
US09478362B2 Electrical storage unit
A plurality of electrical storage elements (11) are electrically connected to each other, and parts of the peripheral surfaces of the electrical storage elements (11) contained in concave surfaces (29) are joined to the concave surfaces (29) with double-sided adhesive tape (35), so that the electrical storage elements (11) can be firmly fixed to a holder (27), and heat can be efficiently transferred from the electrical storage elements (11) to the holder (27) through the double-sided adhesive tape (35).
US09478360B2 Tungsten capacitor anode and process for production thereof
A capacitor anode including a tungsten sintered body having an average pore diameter of 0.3 μm or less; and a method for producing the anode. The method includes forming tungsten powder into a molded body having a density (Dg) of 8 g/cm3 or more and then sintering the molded body to a density (Ds) of at least 1.15 times the density (Dg) to form a tungsten sintered body having an average pore diameter of 0.3 μm or less.
US09478359B2 Phase corrector for laser trimming, an integrated circuit including such a phase corrector, and a method of providing phase correction in an integrated circuit
A phase corrector for laser trimming a component, the phase corrector comprising: a first correction structure located to a first side of the component, the first correction structure comprising first and second correction regions at first and second distances from the component; and a second correction structure located to a second side the component, the second correction structure comprising third and fourth correction regions at third and fourth distances from the component.
US09478351B2 Isolation transformer for use in isolated DC-to-DC switching power supply
An isolated DC-to-DC switching power supply includes an isolation transformer having a magnetic core, a first winding around the magnetic core, a first winding-shield around the magnetic core, a second winding-shield within the first winding-shield, and a second winding within the second winding-shield. There is no direct coupling between the first winding and the second winding since the second winding is enclosed within the second winding-shield and the second winding-shield is enclosed within the first winding-shield.
US09478347B2 Dry type transformer with improved cooling
A distribution transformer having a coil assembly mounted to a ferromagnetic core. The coil assembly includes a resin-encapsulated low voltage coil mounted to the core, a resin-encapsulated first high voltage coil disposed around the low voltage coil, and a resin encapsulated second high voltage coil disposed around the first high voltage coil. The first high voltage coil is separated from the low voltage coil by an annular first space, and the second high voltage coil is separated from the first high voltage coil by an annular second space. The low voltage coil and the first and second high voltage coils are arranged concentrically. The low voltage coil and the first and second high voltage coils have different axial lengths.
US09478345B2 Converter unit, particularly a combination converter
A converter unit includes: a housing with a moulded-on hollow cylinder that extends into the housing; a non-magnetic toroidal core supporting a first secondary winding, contacting the housing bottom concentrically with the hollow cylinder and is embedded in a solid compound; a magnetic toroidal core supporting a second secondary winding, arranged concentrically with the hollow cylinder above the non-magnetic toroidal coil; and a casting compound with which the housing opening is closed. To achieve a compact converter unit, a first planar spacing element is arranged between the first and the second secondary windings, directly contacting the first secondary winding and the second secondary winding. In addition, electrically insulating particles fill out the space between the second secondary winding and the housing wall, and the casting compound extends at least up to the particles, which lie at the top towards the housing opening.
US09478344B2 Phase locked loop including a varainductor
A varainductor includes a spiral inductor over a substrate, the spiral inductor comprising a ring portion. The varainductor further includes a ground ring over the substrate, the ground ring surrounding at least the ring portion of the spiral inductor and a floating ring over the substrate, the floating ring disposed between the ground ring and the spiral inductor. The varainductor further includes an array of switches, the array of switches is configured to selectively connect the ground ring to the floating ring.
US09478343B2 Printed wiring board
A printed wiring board includes a first core substrate having an opening portion, an inductor component accommodated in the opening portion of the first core substrate, a first buildup layer formed on a first surface of the first core substrate and the inductor component, and a second buildup layer formed on a second surface of the first core substrate and the inductor component on the opposite side with respect to the first surface of the first core substrate. The inductor component has a second core substrate, a buildup layer formed on a surface of the second core substrate and a coil layer formed on the buildup layer, and the second buildup layer has a coil layer and a via conductor connecting the coil layer in the second buildup layer and the coil layer formed on the buildup layer in the inductor component.
US09478342B2 Actuator for medium voltage switchgear
An actuator for a switchgear is disclosed, which can include a core having a package of core element layers made of magnetic material, and permanent magnets between the core elements, fixed with screws with screwheads. A movable plate is configured to open or close a magnetic circuit to the core, and an electromagnetic coil is surrounded by the core elements. To avoid mechanical infringement of the environment of the actuator by prominent screwheads, without weakening the magnetic force, screws for mechanical connection of the core element layers and the permanent magnets can be oriented perpendicular to the plane of stacking of the core element layers, and screw-holes for the screws can be implemented through the core element layers and the permanent magnets, and the screw-holes can end in diameter extended openings, so that the screwheads and/or the screwnuts are recessed into the diameter extended openings.
US09478337B2 Magnet plate
A magnet plate for manufacturing a display device is disclosed. In one aspect, the plate includes at least two magnet units formed in a first direction, each magnet unit including first and second linear motion (LM) guides. The plate also includes a support plate attached to the LM guides. The magnet unit also includes a magnet supporter comprising an upper portion including a magnet coupling part, a lower portion including a plurality of cam followers, and at least two first transfer plate coupling protrusions formed at a predetermined interval. The magnet unit further includes a magnet guide plate placed beneath the magnet supporter and including a guide cam hole into which the cam follower is inserted. The guide cam hole is oblique with respect to the first direction and has a predetermined width such that the cam follower moves within the guide cam hole.
US09478334B2 Magnetic module for power inductor, power inductor, and manufacturing method thereof
There is provided a power inductor including: a main body; and first and second external electrodes formed on both end portions of the main body, wherein the main body includes: upper and lower cover layers; at least one coil support layer having a through hole formed in a center thereof, at least one first recess portion formed in both lateral surfaces thereof and a plurality of second recess portions formed in respective corners thereof, and disposed between the upper and lower cover layers; and first and second coil layers formed on both surfaces of the coil support layer and having respective one ends thereof connected to the first and second external electrodes.
US09478330B2 Control device for an electrical circuit built on a substrate of polymeric material
The present invention concerns a control device for an electrical circuit integrated on a substrate made of polymeric material, incorporating carbonaceous conductive structures which define at least one track having improved electrical conductivity properties with respect to the substrate, which control device includes an operating area adapted to be acted on by a user and having a pressure-deformable structure adapted to disturb the electrical properties of the track by a piezo-resistive effect, wherein the conductive track includes at least one linear segment which has a winding progression at the operating area.
US09478329B2 Methods of manufacturing wire, wire pre-products and wires
Exemplary methods for manufacturing a wire and resultant wires are disclosed herein. The method includes extruding a cross-linkable polymer that is substantially free of curing agent about a conductive core, then adding a curing agent to the extruded wire pre-product, then heat-curing the extruded wire pre-product.
US09478320B2 Method for in-core instrumentation withdrawal from the core of a pressurized water reactor
A method of removing the upper internals assembly from a nuclear reactor pressure vessel for refueling that simultaneously disconnects two or more of the in-core instrument thimble assemblies from the reactor vessel penetrations through which their signal cables extend. The signal cables are connected to the penetrations with an electrical connector that supports the two or more in-core instrumentation thimble assembly signal leads. Before the electrical connector is disconnected, water in the vessel is lowered below the connection so that the process is performed in a dry environment.
US09478316B1 Memory device
A memory device may include a plurality of normal word lines; a plurality of redundancy word lines capable of replacing the word lines; a hammering information storage unit capable of storing an address of a row hammering word line of the normal word lines and the redundancy word lines; an address generation unit capable of generating an address of a normal word line or redundancy word line adjacent to a normal word line or redundancy word line corresponding to the address stored in the hammering information storage unit; and a refresh control unit capable of selecting the normal word line or redundancy word line corresponding to the address generated by the address generation unit for performing an additional refresh operation.
US09478314B2 Memory utilizing bundle-level status values and bundle status circuits
An integrated circuit memory includes a memory array, including a plurality of data lines. A buffer structure is coupled to the plurality of data lines, including a plurality of storage elements to store bit-level status values for the plurality of data lines. The memory includes logic to indicate bundle-level status values of corresponding bundles of storage elements in the buffer structure based on the bit-level status values of bits in the corresponding bundles. A plurality of bundle status circuits is arranged in a daisy chain and coupled to respective bundles in the buffer structure, producing an output of the daisy chain indicating detection of a bundle in the first status. Control circuitry executes cycles to determine the output of the daisy chain, each cycle clearing a bundle status circuit indicating the first status if the output indicates detection of a bundle in the first status in the cycle.
US09478313B2 Fast semantic processor for Per-pin APG
System and method for implementing a memory test language compiler. The compiler includes a fast semantic processor for interpreting programming patterns in a test program, including converting stateful patterns into stateless patterns, and a device access timing generation module for generating an output based on the stateless patterns. The fast semantic processor can generate a closure for a device access line as the output. In the state of the closure, each device access line is in a closed state. A functor is formed from the interdependency of the variables and the loop dependency and a cache is used to handle recursive variables. The functor is propagated to device access lines as output, wherein the functor references the cache when needed.
US09478308B1 Programmable memory device sense amplifier
Embodiments include circuits, apparatuses, and systems for programmable memory device sense amplifiers. In embodiments, an electronic circuit may include a programmable memory device having a first resistance in a first state and a second resistance in a second state, a reference element, an amplifier to generate a first output signal based at least in part on the resistance of the programmable memory device and a second output signal based at least in part on a current from the reference element, and a comparator to determine a state of the programmable memory device based on the first and second output signals from the amplifier. Other embodiments may be described and claimed.
US09478305B1 Methods and apparatus to program multi-level cell memory using target-only verify
A disclosed example includes selectively precharging first bitlines of first multi-level cell (MLC) memory cells of a wordline without precharging second bitlines of second MLC memory cells of the wordline during a program verify. First strobe state outputs of the first MLC memory cells are obtained based on first sensed threshold voltage levels of the first MLC memory cells sensed at a first time. Second strobe state outputs of the first MLC memory cells are obtained based on second sensed threshold voltage levels of the first MLC memory cells sensed at a second time. Based on the first and second strobe state outputs, a first MLC memory cell of the first MLC memory cells is programmed using a first programming pulse, and a second MLC memory cell of the first MLC memory cells is programmed using a second programming pulse having a relatively higher voltage than the first programming pulse.
US09478304B2 Semiconductor memory device and operating method thereof
A method of operating a semiconductor memory device includes performing a first program operation to simultaneously increase threshold voltages of memory cells having different target levels to sub-levels lower than the different target levels, verifying the memory cells by using different verify voltages, respectively, performing a second program operation to divide the threshold voltages of the memory cells, and performing a third program operation to increase the threshold voltages of the memory cells to the different target levels, respectively.
US09478298B2 Memory system and method of reading data thereof
A method of reading data in a memory system including a non-volatile memory device, includes reading first data stored in a first block using a first read scheme capable of detecting/correcting an error in the first data, and upon determining an uncorrected error in the first data, setting the first block as a first temporary bad block and reading second data stored in the first temporary bad block using a second read scheme different from the first read scheme.
US09478295B2 Non-volatile memory device and related method of operation
A non-volatile memory device receives a start command through a command line, receives an address through an address line, receives at least one setting value through the address line, receives a confirm command corresponding to the start command through the command line, sets at least one parameter of the non-volatile memory device as the setting value based on the start command, a number of the setting value, and the confirm command, and executes an operation that corresponds to the start command, on a memory cell that corresponds to the address, based on the set parameter.
US09478294B2 Dummy memory erase or program method protected against detection
In a general aspect, a method of writing data in a nonvolatile memory can include performing a first erase or program cycle to write regular data in a first memory cell of the non-volatile memory by (i) applying at least one erase or program pulse to the first memory cell and (ii) determining the state, erased or programmed, of the first memory cell, and repeating (i) and (ii) if the first memory cell is not in the desired state. The method can also include applying a predetermined number of erase or program pulses to write fake data in a second memory cell.
US09478292B2 Read operation for a non-volatile memory
Apparatuses, systems, and methods are disclosed for a read operation for a non-volatile memory. A method includes determining whether one or more non-volatile storage cells satisfy a predefined condition. A method includes preparing the one or more non-volatile storage cells for use prior to satisfying a read request from a storage client using the one or more non-volatile storage cells in response to determining that a predefined condition is satisfied.
US09478291B2 Non-volatile memory device having vertical structure and method of operating the same
A non-volatile memory device having a vertical structure includes a NAND string having a vertical structure. The NAND string includes a plurality of memory cells, and at least one pair of first selection transistors arranged to be adjacent to a first end of the plurality of memory cells. A plurality of word lines are coupled to the plurality of memory cells of the NAND string. A first selection line is commonly connected to the at least one pair of first selection transistors of the NAND string.
US09478284B2 Semiconductor storage device
An object of this invention is to provide a semiconductor memory device capable of increasing the read transfer rate by performing the read operation in parallel while suppressing the voltage drop when a large current is passed to a memory chain and reducing a chip area by reducing the number of peripheral circuits to feed power. A semiconductor memory device according to this invention includes upper and lower electrodes in a flat plate shape, first and second select transistors extending in first and second directions respectively, and a wire arranged between the first select transistor and the second select transistor and the wire and the lower electrode are configured to be electrically insulated from each other by turning off the first select transistor (see FIG. 2).
US09478281B2 Variable resistance memory apparatus, manufacturing method thereof
A variable resistance memory apparatus and a method of manufacturing the same are provided. The variable resistance memory apparatus includes a plurality of memory cells. Each of the memory cells includes a plurality of data storage regions. The plurality of data storage regions have different widths from each other.
US09478277B1 Tri-level-cell DRAM and sense amplifier with alternating offset voltage
Tri-level-cell dynamic random access memory (DRAM) stores 3 levels of voltage (0, VDD/2, VDD) into a plurality of memory cells. Selected memory cell connected to bitline (BLT) to develop signal voltage, and adjacent reference bitline (BLR) develops reference voltage at VDD/2. An asymmetrical sensing amplifier (ASA), which has alternative positive offset and negative offset, is used to sense signal voltage and reference voltage for both their difference and sameness. ASA control signals, A and B, switch at different timing points or at different voltage level or the combination of both to have offset voltage set at either positive or negative polarity. Two consecutive read out from one ASA or one single read out from two ASA can be implemented to read memory cells data to local IOs. Output from ASA will be used to restore voltage back to the accessed memory cells.
US09478273B2 Low resistance bitline and sourceline apparatus for improving read and write operations of a nonvolatile memory
Described is an apparatus for improving read and write margins. The apparatus comprises: a sourceline; a first bitline; a column of resistive memory cells, each resistive memory cell of the column coupled at one end to the sourceline and coupled to the first bitline at another end; and a second bitline in parallel to the first bitline, the second bitline to decouple read and write operations on the bitline for the resistive memory cell. Described is also an apparatus which comprises: a sourceline; a bitline; a column of resistive memory cells, each resistive memory cell in the column coupled at one end to the sourceline and coupled to the bitline at another end; and sourceline write drivers coupled to the bitline and the sourceline, wherein the sourceline write drivers are distributed along the column of resistive memory cells.
US09478267B1 Semiconductor memory apparatus, and impedance calibration circuit and method thereof
A semiconductor memory apparatus may include a memory cell array. The semiconductor memory apparatus may include an impedance calibration circuit configured to perform an impedance matching operation by generating an impedance code based on a voltage of an interface node determined by an external reference resistor or an internal reference resistor unit according to whether or not to the external reference resistor is coupled to the impedance calibration circuit. The semiconductor memory apparatus may include a data input/output (I/O) driver configured to receive input data from the memory cell array and generate output data in response to the impedance code.
US09478265B2 Semiconductor memory device
Disclosed is a semiconductor memory device including: a sense amplifier capable of sensing and amplifying data loaded on a data-line pair based on a pull-up driving voltage and a pull-down driving voltage; a pull-up driving unit capable of supplying a first voltage as the pull-up driving voltage for first and third active sections of an active mode, and supplying a second voltage having a voltage level lower than the first voltage as the pull-up driving voltage for a second active section of the active mode, between the first and third active sections of the active mode; and a pull-down driving unit capable of supplying a third voltage as the pull-down driving voltage for the first to third active sections of the active mode and for an initial section of a precharge mode after the active mode.
US09478261B1 Semiconductor memory device and operating method thereof
A semiconductor memory device may include a memory cell array, a plurality of page buffers respectively connected to a plurality of bit lines of the memory cell array, and a control logic configured to control the plurality of page buffers to perform an operation on the memory cell array, wherein each of the plurality of page buffers senses a current amount, which varies according to a potential level of a corresponding bit line among the plurality of bit lines, at a sensing node to read data, and a precharge potential level at the sensing node is adjusted according to a temperature.
US09478259B1 3D voltage switching transistors for 3D vertical gate memory array
The area consumed by switching transistors for a 3D NAND memory array can be reduced with 3D voltage switching transistors with reduced aggregate area in comparison with 2D voltage switching transistors such as transistors in the substrate. The integrated circuit comprises a 3D NAND array of memory transistors; a plurality of bit lines, with different ones of the plurality of bit lines electrically coupled to different parts of the 3D NAND array; and a plurality of transistor pairs with a stack of semiconductor layers. Different layers in the stack of semiconductor layers include different transistor pairs of the plurality of transistor pairs. Each of the plurality of transistor pairs includes first and second transistors with first, second, and third source/drain terminals. The first transistor includes the first and the third source/drain terminals, and the second transistor includes the second and the third source/drain terminals. The first source/drain terminal is electrically coupled to an erase voltage line. The second source/drain terminal is electrically coupled to a corresponding one of a plurality of program/read voltage lines. The third source/drain terminal is electrically coupled to a corresponding one of the plurality of bit lines.
US09478258B2 Method of recording multiple highlights concurrently
A method of recording multiple highlights concurrently includes steps of collecting N game videos concurrently, choosing one of the game videos to execute a highlight recording treatment, inserting an in point and an out point for a highlight picture, and concurrently copying time position information of the aforementioned in point and the out point of the game video in N−1 video games to form respective highlight segment records. Thus, human and material resources involved in collecting videos at multiple viewpoints for the sport live broadcast can be largely reduced.
US09478256B1 Video editing processor for video cloud server
An apparatus comprising an interface and a processor. The interface may be configured to (i) receive a first clip of video generated by a camera through a network, (ii) receive edit information through the network, (iii) transfer parsing information to the camera and (iv) receive one or more segments of a second clip of video generated by the camera as identified by the parsing information through the network. The processor may be configured to (i) send/receive data to/from the interface, (ii) edit the first clip in response to the edit information, (iii) generate the parsing information based on the edit information and (iv) create a third clip of video by editing the segments according to the edit information. The second clip may be a higher resolution version of the first clip. The third clip may have the higher resolution.
US09478255B1 Dynamic split-frame preview of video editing effects
This disclosure relates to dynamic split-frame preview of video editing effects. An editing component determines a set of editing effects for the video, generates a copy of the video, applies the set of editing effects to the copy, and provides the video and the copy to a rendering component. The rendering component generates a mask based on a set of mask criteria, renders a split-frame composite video using the video and the edited video based at least in part on the mask, and provides playback of the split-frame composite video. The split-frame composite video provides a dynamic split-frame preview of video editing effects, wherein one frame includes the video, and another frame includes the edited copy of the video.
US09478254B2 Storytelling engine
Systems and associated methods for generating custom media products along various story arcs are described. The story arcs correspond to sub-themes for organizing media content within a larger theme, or story, into a custom media product. The media content can include stock media content, guest-specific or custom media content, which can include rendered content. Embodiments utilize authoring tools and automated workflow mechanisms to take various forms of raw media content and create customized media products for individual guests or groups of guests.
US09478252B2 Smooth playing of video
A computer-implemented method, including detecting an event associated with an image displayed on a display device within a software application, loading a media player into the software application behind the image, where the media player is configured to play a media file associated with the image, and causing a representation of a frame of the media file to be displayed within the media player instead of the image.
US09478247B2 Management of media content playback
Embodiments are provided for managing playback of media content by a media playback system based on identified preference data associated with one of a plurality of user accounts interfacing with the media playback system. In one embodiment, a computing device may maintain a plurality of user accounts associated with a media playback system, and receive user data identifying which of the plurality of user accounts are currently interfacing with the media playback system. Then, the computing device may receive media data identifying a media item to be played by the media playback system, identifying for at least one of the plurality of user accounts that are currently interfacing with the media playback system, preference data associated with the media item. Based on the identified preference data, the computing device may determine that the media item is not to be played by a media playback system.
US09478243B2 Magnetic recording medium for heat-assisted recording system and method for manufacturing same
The magnetic recording medium for a heat-assisted recording system has a magnetic recording layer on a non-magnetic substrate and a protective layer on top of the magnetic recording layer. The protective layer includes a first lower protective layer on top of the magnetic recording layer, a first upper protective layer on the first lower protective layer, and a second protective layer on the first upper protective layer. The first lower protective layer is composed mainly of an element selected from the group consisting of Si, Al and Cu, and the first upper protective layer is a layer configured by an oxide of the material of the first lower protective layer.
US09478239B2 Reader structure with barrier layer contacting shield
Implementations disclosed herein include a reader comprising a magnetically free layer and first barrier layer, wherein the barrier layer is in direct contact with a bottom shield in a down-track direction. Another implementation includes a device comprising a sensor stack comprising a free layer and a barrier layer; a synthetic antiferromagnetic shield layer comprising a reference layer and a pinned layer, wherein direction of magnetization of the reference layer forms an obtuse angle with direction of magnetization of the free layer in a quiescent state.
US09478238B1 Magneto-resistive effect element with recessed antiferromagnetic layer
A magneto-resistive effect element (MR element) has a first shield layer; a second shield layer; an inner shield layer that is positioned between the first shield layer and the second shield layer, and that makes contact with the first shield layer and faces the air bearing surface (ABS); and a multilayer film that is positioned between the first shield layer and the second shield layer. The multilayer film has a free layer; a first pinned layer; a nonmagnetic spacer layer; a second pinned layer that fixes the magnetization direction of the first pinned layer; and an antiferromagnetic layer that is exchange-coupled with the second pinned layer. The antiferromagnetic layer faces the back surface of the inner shield layer viewed from the ABS. The MR element has an insulating layer positioned between the antiferromagnetic layer and the inner shield layer.
US09478235B2 Voice signal processing device and voice signal processing method
Up-sampler generates an up-sampled sound signal from the sound signal. From the up-sampled sound signal, odd-ordered high-harmonic generator generates an odd-ordered high-harmonic, and even-ordered high-harmonic generator generates an even-ordered high-harmonic. Vowel sound detector identifies whether or not the sound signal is vowel sound, and generates a first gain value and a second gain value. First gain controller amplifies or attenuates the odd-ordered high-harmonic based on the first gain value, and outputs the resultant odd-ordered high-harmonic. Second gain controller amplifies or attenuates the even-ordered high-harmonic based on the second gain value, and outputs the resultant even-ordered high-harmonic. Sound signal processing device adds the gain-adjusted odd-ordered high-harmonic and the gain-adjusted even-ordered high-harmonic to the up-sampled sound signal, and outputs the up-sampled sound signal having the high-harmonics added.
US09478231B1 Microphone interface and IP core for always-on system
Methods and systems provide a partitioned IP core and hierarchical power management to reduce power consumption and footprint size of an “always-on” pulse density modulation (PDM) sensor system. The IP core may be partitioned into a register transfer level (RTL) block and a firmware block. The RTL may include a first stage decimation filter, storage, and, optionally, a sound energy detector. The firmware block may include subsequent decimation filter(s) and sensor processing logic, e.g., a sound trigger algorithm. In operation, the firmware block may conserve energy by being in a power-off or power-saving mode by default. Responsive to a trigger by the sound energy detector, the firmware block may wake up, receive data from the RTL block, and process the data. The sound energy detector may output the trigger based on characteristics of the received sample such as signal strength, noise strength, and type.
US09478228B2 Encoding and decoding of audio signals
An encoder (1201) for encoding a plurality of audio signals comprises a selector (1303) which selects a subset of time-frequency tiles to be downmixed and a subset of tiles to be non-downmix. A downmix indication is generated which indicates whether tiles are encoded as downmixed encoded tiles or as non-downmix tiles. An encoded signal comprising the encoded tiles and the downmix indication is fed to a decoder (1203) which includes a receiver (1401) for receiving the signal. A generator (1403) generates output signals from the encoded time-frequency tiles where the generation of the output signals includes an upmixing for tiles that are indicated by the downmix indication to be encoded downmixed tiles. The invention may provide more flexible and/or improved encoding/decoding and may specifically provide improved scalability, especially at higher data rates.
US09478227B2 Method and apparatus for encoding and decoding high frequency signal
Provided are a method and apparatus for encoding and decoding a high frequency signal by using a low frequency signal. The high frequency signal can be encoded by extracting a coefficient by linear predicting a high frequency signal, and encoding the coefficient, generating a signal by using the extracted coefficient and a low frequency signal, and encoding the high frequency signal by calculating a ratio between the high frequency signal and an energy value of the generated signal. Also, the high frequency signal can be decoded by decoding a coefficient, which is extracted by linear predicting a high frequency signal, and a low frequency signal, and generating a signal by using the decoded coefficient and the decoded low frequency signal, and adjusting the generated signal by decoding a ratio between the generated signal and an energy value of the high frequency signal.
US09478224B2 Audio processing system
An audio processing system (100) comprises a front-end component (102, 103), which receives quantized spectral components and performs an inverse quantization, yielding a time-domain representation of an intermediate signal. The audio processing system further comprises a frequency-domain processing stage (104, 105, 106, 107, 108), configured to provide a time-domain representation of a processed audio signal, and a sample rate converter (109), providing a reconstructed audio signal sampled at a target sampling frequency. The respective internal sampling rates of the time-domain representation of the intermediate audio signal and of the time-domain representation of the processed audio signal are equal. In particular embodiments, the processing stage comprises a parametric upmix stage which is operable in at least two different modes and is associated with a delay stage that ensures constant total delay.
US09478218B2 Using word confidence score, insertion and substitution thresholds for selected words in speech recognition
A method and system for improving the accuracy of a speech recognition system using word confidence score (WCS) processing is introduced. Parameters in a decoder are selected to minimize a weighted total error rate, such that deletion errors are weighted more heavily than substitution and insertion errors. The occurrence distribution in WCS is different depending on whether the word was correctly identified and based on the type of error. This is used to determine thresholds in WCS for insertion and substitution errors. By processing the hypothetical word (HYP) (output of the decoder), a mHYP (modified HYP) is determined. In some circumstances, depending on the WCS's value in relation to insertion and substitution threshold values, mHYP is set equal to: null, a substituted HYP, or HYP.
US09478213B2 Acoustic wave device built-in module and communication device
An acoustic wave device built-in module includes: a multilayer wiring board formed by stacking an insulating layer and a wiring layer; an acoustic wave device embedded in the multilayer wiring board; and an electronic component located on the multilayer wiring board and electrically coupled to the acoustic wave device, wherein the acoustic wave device includes: an electrode that is located on a substrate and excites an acoustic wave; and a sealing portion that includes a frame body located on the substrate so as to surround the electrode and a lid located on the frame body so as to form an air space above the electrode, and the lid is recessed toward the substrate.
US09478209B2 Tunable active noise control
An active noise control system and method for tuning an acoustic noise signal at a listening position are disclosed in which a first weighting element is connected in the filter coefficient copy path and/or a second weighting element is connected in the microphone path.
US09478208B2 Acoustic device, and electronic device and image forming apparatus incorporating same
An acoustic device includes an opening; a flange forming the opening; a first member including the opening and the flange; and a second member joined to the first member, thereby forming a cavity. The second member is formed of a material with a density lower than a material of the first member.
US09478205B2 Methods and devices for determining media files based on activity levels
Example methods and systems for determining media files based on activity levels are described. An example method includes receiving information indicative of a first speed of the computing device, and receiving information indicative of a geography of a location of the computing device. The method further includes determining, from a plurality of media files tagged with respective tempo identifiers, a first media file based on the geography of the location of the computing device and also having a tempo that substantially matches to the first speed of the computing device. The method includes providing an indication of the first media file to a media player, and based on a change in the first speed of the computing device to a second speed, determining from the plurality of media files tagged with respective tempo identifiers, a second media file having a tempo that substantially matches to the second speed.
US09478204B2 Sub-harmonic mixer
A sub-harmonic mixer comprising first and second input ports, and an output port, and arranged to output products of signals applied at the input ports. The sub-harmonic mixer comprises a first stage a second stage arranged in series with each other, with the input ports of the sub-harmonic mixer being input ports of the first stage, and the output port of the sub-harmonic mixer being an output port of the second stage. An output port of the first stage is connected to an input port of the second stage. The first stage is arranged to generate a fundamental product and a first third order intermodulation distortion product in-phase with each other. The second stage is arranged to generate a second third order intermodulation distortion product in anti-phase to the fundamental product generated by the second stage.
US09478203B2 Resonance tone generation apparatus and resonance tone generation program
A resonance tone generation apparatus 20 is applied to an electronic musical instrument DM having a tone generator for generating a musical tone signal indicative of a piano sound in accordance with a tone generation instruction signal having a key number n, and a plurality of output portions for externally outputting a musical tone signal. The resonance tone generation apparatus 20 has a plurality of resonance tone generation circuits 30(n) each of which is assigned a different key number n, retrieves a musical tone signal indicative of a musical sound of the piano, generates a musical tone signal indicative of a resonance tone imitating a tone of a string of the piano resonated by the musical sound of the piano indicated by the retrieved musical tone signal, and supplies the generated musical tone signal to the plurality of output portions. Each of the resonance tone generation circuits 30(n) has a resonance circuit 40(n) which has a plurality of resonance frequencies corresponding to the assigned key number n, and generates a musical tone signal indicative of the resonance tone imitating the tone of the string of the piano resonated by the musical sound of the piano indicated by the retrieved musical tone signal, and a panning setting circuit 50(n) which generates a plurality of musical tone signals which are to be supplied to the plurality of output portions, respectively, and each of which indicates a different resonance tone in which a tone volume of the resonance tone indicated by the musical tone signal generated by the resonance circuit 40(n) is changed in accordance with the assigned key number, and supplies the generated musical tone signals to the plurality of output portions, respectively.
US09478202B2 Sound effect data generating apparatus
A sound effect data generating apparatus has a starting point setting portion, an endpoint setting portion, a travel point defining portion and a data generating portion. The starting point setting portion and the endpoint setting portion set a starting point and an endpoint specified by position information, respectively. The travel point defining portion sequentially defines a point which is situated on a line connecting between the set starting point and the set endpoint and is specified by position information, as a travel point in accordance with progression of reproduced tone signals. The data generating portion determines a value of at least one parameter on one sound effect which is to be added to the tone signals on the basis of the position information of the defined travel point, the set starting point and the set endpoint, and generates sound effect data in accordance with the determined parameter value.
US09478201B1 System and method for optical music recognition
Music recognition is carried out by accepting a musical score of musical elements in a digital format, transforming the digital format into a composite musical data object that models the musical score, defining the key signatures in the composite musical data object probabilistically, computing start times to play musical elements in respective measures of the composite musical data object without regard to rhythmic values of other musical elements in the respective measures, and generating an output including the defined key signatures and computed start times.
US09478195B2 Transferring state information between electronic devices
Some embodiments enable a first electronic device (e.g., a notebook computer) to obtain state information directly from another electronic device (e.g., a smartphone) so that the first electronic device may replicate a state of content of the other computing device. This is useful when a user of an electronic device desires to switch between one device and another device such that the user may continue an activity (e.g., playing a video game) on another device without having to restart the activity. This is also useful when a user of a first electronic device attempts to replicate the state of the activity on a second device from another user such that both users may participate in the same activity. In some embodiments, a user of a device may obtain content from a server and state information from another device to replicate the state of content on the other device.
US09478194B2 Driving circuit and display device of using same
In one aspect of the invention, a driving circuit has a PCB, a transmitter disposed on the PCB for providing an input signal, first and second transmission lines disposed on the PCB and electrically coupled to the transmitter for transmitting the input signal, and a plurality of source drivers formed in a COF architecture disposed between the PCB and the display panel. The input signal is an encoded signal including first and second Gamma reference voltages control signals, and image data. The first and second Gamma reference voltages are transmitted by the PLC technology through the first and second transmission lines, respectively. The driving circuit is implemented with differential transmission of the Gamma voltages, the image data and the control signals.
US09478191B2 Display device and method of driving the same
A display device includes: a system unit which output image signals corresponding to frames and a first or second image control signal based on the image signals; an eDP reception unit which receives the image signals and the first or second image control signal from the system unit, provides a still image signal based on the first image control signal, and provides the image signals based on the second image control signal; and a frame memory which stores the still image signal and outputs the still image signal while the first image control signal is provided to the eDP reception unit, where the still image signal is one of the image signals; the eDP reception unit recovers first clock signals based on the image signals; and the frame memory outputs the still image signal based on a second clock signal generated based on the first clock signal.
US09478189B2 Touch sensor having a single sensor layer
In one aspect, a touch sensor includes a dielectric surface layer; drive electrodes disposed on the dielectric surface layer and arranged radially about a center, the drive electrodes defining a perimeter about the center, and a sense electrode disposed on the dielectric surface layer and arranged between two of the drive electrodes. Each drive electrode can include: an outer radial section extending radially along the perimeter; a central section extending from the outer radial section towards the center; and an inner radial section comprising a first section extending radially away from the central section in a first radial direction and a second section, shorter than the first section, extending radially away from the central section in a second radial direction.
US09478188B1 Digitally controlled voltage generator
A digitally controlled voltage generator is disclosed for use in applications requiring fine resolution voltage control, such as generating a common voltage for a liquid crystal display. A constant resistance digital to analog converter (DAC) is configured to provide appropriate voltage steps by tuning bias resistors to generate desirable reference voltages for the DAC. The bias resistors are configured to be tuned after placement and routing steps in an integrated circuit design.
US09478184B2 Method of driving display panel and display apparatus for performing the same
A method of driving a display panel includes generating compensated grayscale data by increasing grayscale data corresponding to an N-th gate line of a plurality of gate lines of the display panel, where N is a natural number, generating a data voltage based on the compensated grayscale data, outputting the data voltage to the display panel including a plurality of pixel electrodes and a plurality of data lines, where each of the plurality of data lines is alternately connected to the plurality of pixel electrodes in a first pixel column and the plurality of pixel electrodes in a second pixel column, generating a storage voltage having a first level and a second level, where the second level is lower than the first level, and applying the storage voltage to the display panel.
US09478182B2 Locally dimmed quantum dots (nano-crystal) based display
Dual modulator displays are disclosed incorporating a phosphorescent plate interposed in the optical path between a light source modulation layer and a display modulation layer. Spatially modulated light output from the light source modulation layer impinges on the phosphorescent plate and excites corresponding regions of the phosphorescent plate which in turn emit light having different spectral characteristics than the light output from the light source modulation layer. Light emitted from the phosphorescent plate is received and further modulated by the display modulation layer to provide the ultimate display output.
US09478174B2 Artifact mitigation for composite primary color transition
This disclosure provides systems, methods and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on computer storage media, for displaying image frames. A smoothing process can be utilized for mitigating image artifacts similar to dynamic false contouring (DFC). In some implementations, were a display to transition from an field specific contributing color (FSCC) having only two component colors to a target FSCC with meaningful intensities of all three component colors, or vice versa, and that target FSCC remained constant over a series of image frames, DFC-like artifacts would be mitigated at the transition by gradually, over a first number of image frames in a series of image frames, reducing the intensities of all component colors of the FSCC to values at or near zero, before gradually increasing the intensities of the component colors included in the target FSCC to their final target values over a remainder of image frames in the series of image frames.
US09478171B2 Display device and method for operating the display device
A display device includes a plurality of pixels. The display device further includes a plurality of gate lines. The display device further includes a gate driver configured provide a plurality of gate signals through the plurality of gate lines to the plurality of pixels according to at least one of a discharge signal and a scanning start signal for controlling the plurality of pixels, the gate driver being configured to provide a plurality of gate-off signals through the plurality of gate lines to the plurality of pixels according to the discharge signal. The display device further includes a signal provider configured to provide the discharge signal to the gate driver when the signal provider determines that an image signal is abnormal.
US09478170B2 Pixel circuit and organic light emitting display device
A pixel circuit includes an organic light emitting diode, a first PMOS transistor coupled between a first power voltage and an anode electrode of the organic light emitting diode, a second PMOS transistor coupled between a first node and the anode electrode of the organic light emitting diode, a first capacitor coupled between a second node and the first node, a second capacitor coupled between the first power voltage and the second node, a third PMOS transistor coupled between a data line and the second node, a fourth PMOS transistor coupled between a third node and the second node, a third capacitor coupled between the third node and a gate terminal of the third PMOS transistor, and a fifth PMOS transistor coupled between the data line and the third node.
US09478168B2 Semiconductor device and driving method thereof, and electronic device
A driving method of a semiconductor device for compensating variation in threshold voltage and mobility of a transistor is provided. A driving method of a semiconductor device including a transistor and a capacitor electrically connected to a gate of the transistor includes a first period where voltage corresponding to threshold voltage of the transistor is held in the capacitor, a second period where a total voltage of video signal voltage and threshold voltage is held in the capacitor holding the threshold voltage, and a third period where charge held in the capacitor in accordance with the total voltage of the video signal voltage and the threshold voltage in the second period is discharged through the transistor.
US09478166B2 Driving method for dimming an organic light-emitting diode (OLED) display
A driving method for dimming an organic light-emitting diode (OLED) display is disclosed. In one aspect, the method includes selecting a dimming mode indicating a maximum luminance to be displayed by the OLED display based on an input and determining a luminance range from a plurality of luminance ranges. The determined luminance range comprises the maximum luminance of the dimming mode. The method also includes performing at least one of converting image data based at least in part on the dimming mode or controlling a duty ratio of an emission control signal, wherein the performing is based at least in part on the determined luminance range.
US09478164B2 Compensation pixel circuit and display apparatus
There are provided a compensation pixel circuit and a display apparatus. The compensation pixel circuit comprises an organic light emitting diode (D1) and a driving transistor (M1), a first terminal of the driving transistor (M1) being connected to an anode of the organic light emitting diode (D1). The compensation pixel circuit further comprises: a resetting module, a data voltage writing module, a light emitting control module and a switching module. The resetting module includes a capacitor (C1) whose first terminal is connected to a gate of the driving transistor (M1) and configured to make the gate of the driving transistor (M1) discharge so that a gate voltage is reduced to a magnitude of a threshold voltage of the organic light emitting diode (D1). The data voltage writing module is configured to discharge at the gate of the driving transistor (M1) so as to connect a data voltage to a second terminal of the driving transistor (M1) after the gate voltage is made reduced to the magnitude of the threshold voltage of the organic light emitting diode (D). The light emitting control module is configured to connect a source of the driving transistor (M1) and a second terminal of the capacitor (C1) to an operating voltage at a high level after data voltage writing is completed. The switching module is configured to disconnect the driving transistor (M1) from the organic light emitting diode (D1) when the data voltage is connected to the second terminal of the driving transistor (M1). The compensation pixel circuit can compensate for the threshold voltage offset, and reduce the influence of signals from frame to frame greatly.
US09478163B2 Organic light emitting diode display and method of driving the same
An organic light emitting diode (OLED) display and a method of driving the same are provided. The OLED display includes a display panel including data lines, scan lines, and pixels that are connected to a corresponding data line and a corresponding scan line; a signal controller that generates display gamma control data corresponding to a display grayscale of an image source signal according to previously stored gamma curve information and that generates offset gamma control data corresponding to a position of each pixel according to threshold voltage deviation information; a scan driver that supplies scan signals to the scan lines; and a data driver that generates data signals according to the display gamma control data and the offset gamma control data and that supplies signals to the data lines.
US09478159B2 Display device having short and long light emitting periods. Apparatus for signal control device of the same, and signal control method
A display device includes a plurality of pixels, a scan driver sequentially applying a scan signal to a plurality of scan lines, a data driver applying a data signal corresponding to the scan signal to a plurality of data lines, and a signal controller calculating an image parameter from an image signal, and generating and transmitting one of a driving control signal for short period light emitting and a driving control signal for long period light emitting to the scan driver and the data driver by using the image parameter. The driving control signal for short period light emitting is a signal controlling a light emitting period in which a plurality of pixels emit light during one frame with a first period. The driving control signal for long period light emitting is a signal controlling the light emitting period with a second period that is longer than the first period.
US09478157B2 Ambient light adaptive displays
An electronic device may include a display having an array of display pixels and having display control circuitry that controls the operation of the display. The display control circuitry may adaptively adjust the display output based on ambient lighting conditions. For example, in cooler ambient lighting conditions such as those dominated by daylight, the display may display neutral colors using a relatively cool white. When the display is operated in warmer ambient lighting conditions such as those dominated by indoor light sources, the display may display neutral colors using a relatively warm white. Adapting to the ambient lighting conditions may ensure that the user does not perceive color shifts on the display as the user's vision chromatically adapts to different ambient lighting conditions. Adaptively adjusting images in this way can also have beneficial effects on the human circadian rhythm by displaying warmer colors in the evening.
US09478154B2 Light panel and method for producing the light panel
A light panel includes a light panel front (2) made of a translucent, self-supporting structure having a forward panel (10) distanced from a rear panel (12) via cross-linking walls (11) and arranged in the light panel to transmit light from one or more light sources (3) arranged behind the light panel front. A light scattering medium is arranged between the light source (3) and the forward panel (10) of the light panel front.
US09478151B2 Apparatus for soil box experiment making shape of variable landslide surface
Provided is an apparatus for a soil box experiment making a shape of a variable landslide surface. The apparatus for the soil box experiment making the shape of the variable landslide surface includes a soil box for realizing a slope on which landslide occurs, the soil box being inclinedly disposed and having an opened upper portion to accommodate soil therein, a base member disposed under the soil box to support the soil box, and a shape changing unit for changing a shape of a bottom surface of the soil box.
US09478146B2 Method and system for capturing reading assessment data
A method and system for assessing a student's reading ability is disclosed. An image-capturing device detects, from a worksheet comprising a position-identifying pattern, a first mark in a first region of the worksheet. The first mark is in a first indicator portion of the position-identifying pattern contained within a first indicator region that is associated with a first word. The image-capturing device detects a first note in a note region of the worksheet. Based on whether the first mark, the first note, or both indicates that the first word was read incorrectly or correctly, a processor determines a first reading assessment result for the first word and stores, in a memory, a digital document file comprising the first reading assessment result.
US09478144B2 Computer systems for capturing student performance
A method of capturing student performance can be provided that includes enabling a course creator to generate assessment data related to learning assessments for an online course and to generate learning outcomes for the online course, associating the assessment data with the learning outcomes, such that at least some of the learning assessments correspond to at least some of the learning outcomes, and generating an online classroom. The method may further include providing the learning assessments to students enrolled in the online course using the online classroom, wherein the students can generate completed learning assessments, and determining, for each of the completed learning assessments, whether one or more of the learning outcomes were met by each of the students.
US09478141B2 Identification and analysis of aircraft landing sites
A method and apparatus for identifying and analyzing an aircraft landing site during flight is provided. The method includes the steps of using image capture means such as an infrared camera to capture in-flight images of the ground in the region of a possible landing site, using a database of computer modelled images of possible aircraft landing sites mapped to a global co-ordinate reference frame to compare the in-flight images with a modelled image of the possible landing site and optimizing correspondence between the two images to obtain an in-flight image optimally mapped to the global co-ordinate reference frame. Thereafter, the landing site which corresponds to the optimally mapped in-flight image is analyzed to ascertain the presence of any obstructions such as life forms, vehicles or newly erected buildings thereon.
US09478132B1 Vehicle hazard detection and warning system
Described herein is a vehicle system configured to identify and mitigate a risk associated with one or more hazards that may impact a vehicle. The vehicle system may include a service provider computer configured to maintain information related to one or more hazards. In some embodiments, a hazard may be identified based at least in part on its being located within the vicinity of a vehicle. In some embodiments, the service provider computer may generate a mitigation strategy to reduce or eliminate the risk posed by the identified hazard. The mitigation strategy may include one or more actions to be taken by a processor device within the vehicle. Upon being provided with a mitigation strategy, the processor device may execute one or more of the actions in the mitigation strategy without human interaction.
US09478128B2 Obtaining vehicle traffic information using mobile bluetooth detectors
A method and system for obtaining traffic information from mobile Bluetooth detectors is disclosed. A mobile Bluetooth detector is a device located in a moving vehicle that includes Bluetooth and GPS firmware for collecting data from Bluetooth enabled devices. The mobile Bluetooth detector transmits the collected data to a remote facility where the data is processed to generate traffic information. A pair of mobile Bluetooth detectors may be used to collect data for generating ground truth.
US09478127B2 Center-side system and vehicle-side system
An object of the present invention is to provide a technology capable of estimating a waiting time at an energy refilling facility for each of drive types. A center-side system includes a center-side receiver that receives, from a vehicle-side system, probe vehicle position information and drive type information that is information regarding a drive type of a probe vehicle. Then, the center-side system includes: a traffic condition estimation unit that estimates a traffic condition, which includes a drive type-classified number of vehicles, based on the probe vehicle position information and the drive type information, which are received by the center-side receiver; and a center-side transmitter that transmits, to an outside, the traffic condition estimated by the traffic condition estimation unit.
US09478125B2 System and method for configuring the remote control functionality of a portable device
A system and method used to configure a smart device to command functional operations of a target appliance. The smart device retrieves from a controllable appliance, such as a settop box, data indicative of a codeset identity of the target appliance wherein the codeset identity was determined during a process used to configure a conventional universal remote control to command functional operations of the target appliance and wherein the process used to configure the conventional universal remote control is performed in cooperation with the controllable appliance. A remote control application resident on the smart device then uses the data indicative of the codeset identity retrieved from the controllable appliance to also configure the smart device to command functional operations of the target appliance.
US09478121B2 Emergency equipment power sources
Energy harvesting devices provide power to devices of emergency equipment stations (e.g., fire extinguisher station, fire alarm pull station, defibrillator station, etc.) distributed throughout a facility to monitor one or more internal or external conditions (e.g., identifiable objects detected near the station, presence of an obstruction restricting access to the station, etc.) and relay information about the monitored conditions to a central station.
US09478119B1 Wireless safety alert signaling system
An emergency alert system comprising one or more access-controlled wireless transmitters and a plurality of wireless wearable receivers that can be deployed locally to privately warn users of potential danger, by allowing authorized users to use the transmitters to send alert signals to the receivers.
US09478118B2 Hand hygiene complicance confirmation system
Provided according to embodiments of the present invention are Hand Hygiene Compliance Confirmation Systems (HHCCS) that include a Hand Hygiene Composition Dispenser (HHCD); a Hand Hygiene Composition Dispenser Monitor (HHCDM) and a Hand Hygiene Compliance Monitor (HHCM). In some embodiments, the HHCDM detects when said HHCD dispenses Hand Hygiene Composition (HHC) and signals said HHCM to start a clock so that if the hands of a person are presented to said HHCM within a pre-defined period of time from the time that said HHCDM sends said signal to said HHCM, said HHCM sends a signal to at least one display to indicate hand hygiene compliance, referred to as a Green Light Condition or GLC. Related apparatus and methods are also provided.
US09478116B2 Electronic device with a warning function and method thereof
A method with a warning function includes: determining whether an electronic device is in a first preset state, wherein, the first preset state of the electronic device can be a state that the electronic device is being charged or a state in which the temperature of the electronic device is greater than a preset temperature; determining, when the electronic device is in the first preset state, whether the electronic device is contacted by a user via a sensing unit; controlling, when the electronic device is contacted by the user, a timer to record a contact duration; determining whether the contact duration recorded by the timer is greater than a first preset time; and controlling, when the contact duration is greater than the first preset time, a prompt unit to generate a warning signal.
US09478115B2 Operator system for a machine
An operator system for a machine, in particular for a beverage processing machine, the system comprising a mobile operator device for the machine, a signal emitter for reporting alarm and/or warning signals and safely glasses for protecting the eyes of a user. The safety glasses have a display system that is designed in particular as a head-mounted display, or a virtual retina display, or a projector and the operator device and/or the signal emitter and/or the safety glasses have a respective data transmitter for exchanging machine information and/or alarm and/or warning signals.
US09478113B2 Cordless indicia reader with a multifunction coil for wireless charging and EAS deactivation
A cordless indicia reader including a multifunction coil that can be configured to either transmit or receive electromagnetic energy is disclosed. In this way, the multifunction coil facilitates both the wireless charging of a battery and the wireless deactivation of electronic article surveillance (EAS) tags. The multifunction coil, and a plurality of modules to perform these functions, are integrated within the cordless indicia reader's hand-supportable housing.
US09478111B2 Long-range motion detection for illumination control
An illumination system and methods to control a light source are provided. An illumination system includes a light source, a two-dimensional non-Passive Infrared (non-PIR) imager, and a controller. The light source provides at least two levels of illumination. The non-PIR imager images an area and to produce image data representative of images across at least part of a visible portion of an electromagnetic spectrum. The controller is communicatively coupled to receive the image data from the non-PIR imager and process the received image data to detect at least one ambient environmental characteristic of the area in the part of the visible portion of the electromagnetic spectrum, where the ambient environmental characteristic is indicative of a presence or imminent presence of a body in the area. The controller is also coupled to control operation of the light source based on, at least in part, detection of the ambient characteristic of the environment.
US09478107B2 Game machine, and control method of controlling computer and computer program used therefor
A game machine includes a display device that displays a game screen in which virtual reels formed by symbols are arranged so as to correspond one-to-one to cells as symbol stop positions. And, a game machine determines the symbol to stop in each cell through drawing, and controls a movement to change the symbol and a stop of the movement for each virtual reel based on a drawing result. Furthermore, a game machine determines a number of specific symbols that stop in the cells, and controls a movement of each virtual reel, which causes the specific symbols to appear in the cells, as one virtual reel group and a stop of the movement in units of virtual reel group.
US09478105B1 Detecting collision between objects
Among other disclosed subject matter, a computer program product is tangibly embodied in a computer-readable storage medium and includes instructions that when executed by a processor perform a method for detecting collision between objects. The method includes identifying a first edge of a first object, and a second edge of a second object, presented on a display, the second object associated with a transformation. The method includes performing an inverse of the transformation on the first object while not performing the transformation on the second object. The method includes generating an output on the display that indicates whether the first and second objects collide, the output based on performing the inverse of the transformation.
US09478102B2 Wagering game with alterable-math feature
A method for playing a wagering game includes receiving wager inputs from a player for a wagering game. A randomly-selected outcome is selected from a plurality of outcomes in response to receiving the wager inputs. The selecting of the randomly-selected outcome is determined in accordance with a gaming math feature. A data set representing a game-play characteristic is stored before discontinuing game-play in a gaming session. In response to the player continuing the wagering game in a subsequent gaming session, the data set is accessed. The gaming math feature for the wagering game in the subsequent gaming session is altered based on the game-play characteristic.
US09478097B2 Gaming machine with a curved display
A gaming machine that includes a cabinet, a peripheral device coupled to the cabinet, a curved video display, and a processor is provided. The curved video display includes a cutout, wherein a perimeter of the cutout surrounds the peripheral device, and wherein the processor is programmed to display, on the curved video display, a graphic adjacent to and associated with the peripheral device.
US09478089B2 System for handling valuable documents
A system for handling valuable documents is provided that comprises a validator 2 for validating authenticity of a valuable document, and a printer 3 for printing on a card 20 information in validator 2 and an interface 4 for connecting validator 2 and printer 3 for their intercommunication. Automatically or after a certain period of time, validator 2 transmits its stored validation information to printer 3 through interface 4. Otherwise, receiving a transmission instruction signal of validation information given upon turning a trigger switch on or receiving a retrieval instruction signal from printer 3, validator 2 transmits its stored validation information to printer 3 through interface 4 to print the validation information on card 20.
US09478082B2 Wearable device and associated control method
A wearable device is provided. The wearable device includes: a fingerprint recognition apparatus; a pulse sensor for detecting pulse information of a user; and a processor for determining whether the user is wearing the wearable device according to the pulse information detected by the pulse sensor. When the processor determines that the user is wearing the wearable device, the processor performs a first time of fingerprint recognition and a pulse recognition on the user according to a fingerprint image detected by the fingerprint recognition apparatus and the pulse information detected by the pulse sensor, respectively. When the processor determines that the first time of fingerprint recognition and the pulse recognition are approved, the processor controls the wearable device to enter a first working state from a locked state.
US09478080B2 Method and system for providing condition reports for vehicles
A method of providing a condition report for a vehicle using a mobile device including a display includes constructing a plurality of condition report sections using a condition report application database residing in a cloud based server service and infrastructure to process requests from the mobile device including: capturing data, on the mobile device, for constructing at least one condition report section of the plurality of condition report sections; and accessing, from the mobile device, a condition report document database and/or a condition report images database residing in the cloud based server service and infrastructure for constructing and storing the plurality of condition report sections. The method includes providing user input indicative that the plurality of condition report sections have been completed, and providing user input indicative of a decision to publish the completed condition report sections as the condition report for the vehicle. The published condition report is viewable by a party by an Internet accessible web browsing device.
US09478072B2 Control device of aftertreatment device, working vehicle, control system, and control method of aftertreatment device
A controller in a form of an engine controller controls an aftertreatment device for a residual substance in exhaust gas. The engine controller includes a regeneration occurrence-condition output unit that outputs regeneration occurrence-condition data indicating occurrence of a regeneration treatment of the aftertreatment device, and a regeneration division detector that detects division of the regeneration treatment by a key-off operation conducted during execution of the regeneration treatment. The regeneration occurrence-condition output unit outputs regeneration occurrence-condition data that is analyzable to show that a regeneration treatment before the division detected by the regeneration division detector and a regeneration treatment after the division are a series of regeneration treatments.
US09478070B2 Coordinate information updating device
An object can be displayed on a screen of a two-dimensional coordinate system based on xyz-coordinate values of the object in a three-dimensional coordinate system, operation information of a two-dimensional coordinate system with respect to the object can be received from an input device, and whether the operation information is in accordance with a predetermined rule or not is determined. If the operation information is not in accordance with the predetermined rule, xy-coordinate values of the object can be updated in accordance with the operation information. If the operation information is in accordance with the predetermined rule, a z-coordinate value of the object can be updated in accordance with the operation information.
US09478068B2 Computer-readable medium, image processing device, image processing system, and image processing method
An example system causes a computer to function as: a display reference information updating unit which updates at least any of a position and a posture of a virtual object in a virtual space based on information obtained from a real space; an image generating unit which generates an image of a virtual space including the virtual object; a display control unit which causes a display device to display an image so that the image of the virtual space is superimposed on the real space so as to be viewed by a user; and an update interrupting unit which interrupts an update of at least any of a position and a posture of the virtual object in the virtual space when predetermined conditions are met.
US09478061B2 Image processing apparatus and method that synthesizes an all-round image of a vehicle's surroundings
An image processing apparatus synthesize a synthesized image by taking pixel values of pixels in a synthesized image corresponding to each point on the three dimensional projection plane as viewed from a specific viewpoint position, as pixel values of corresponding pixels of the first image based on the first correspondence relationship, and taking pixel values of each pixel in the synthesized image corresponding to pixels identified in the first image as being pixels representing a solid object, as pixel values of corresponding pixels of the second image based on the second correspondence relationship.
US09478058B2 Object correcting apparatus and method and computer-readable recording medium
An object correcting method includes disposing multiple sample objects at different positions on a display screen, the sample objects having respective attributes characteristic thereof; obtaining the position of a point on the display screen specified by a user; changing the attribute of a target object by calculating an interpolated value of the attributes of the sample objects based on the positions at which the sample objects are disposed and the position of the point and replacing the value of at least one of the parameters of the attribute of the target object with the calculated interpolated value; and correcting the target object based on the changed attribute thereof.
US09478057B2 Chaining animations
In applications that display a representation of a user, it may be reasonable to insert a pre-canned animation rather than animating a user's captured motion. For example, in a tennis swing, the ball toss and take back in a serve could be a pre-canned animation, whereas the actual forward swing may be mapped from the user's gestures. An animation of a user's gestures can be chained together into sequences with pre-canned animations, where animation blending techniques can provide for a smoother transition between the animation types. Techniques for blending animations, that may comprise determining boundaries and transition points between pre-canned animations and animations based on captured motion, may improve animation efficiency. Gesture history, including joint position, velocity, and acceleration, can be used to determine user intent, seed parameters for subsequent animations and game control, and determine the subsequent gestures to initiate.
US09478053B2 Image display device and image adjustment method of image display device
An image display device capable of performing a shape correction of an image displayed on an image display surface having a corner composed of a plurality of surfaces is provided. The image display device includes: an OSD processing unit that displays identification images respectively corresponding to four sides of an image; an identification image selection unit that accepts an operation of selecting the displayed identification image; a moving operation unit that accepts an operation of moving a node set at a predetermined position of the side corresponding to the selected identification image; and an image processing unit that corrects the shape of the image by moving, based on the operation accepted with the moving operation unit, the node of the side of the image displayed on an image display surface composed of a plurality of surfaces.
US09478052B2 Visualization method and system based on quartile graph display data
The present invention provides a visualization method based on quartile graph display data, the method comprising: the step of defining a data grid (Gx) and determining the display scale of the X axis; the steps of data source configuration, scanning, and reading; the step of analyzing stored data and correcting the X axis to display the scale, and calculating the quartile of the data in each data grid (Gx) of each scale level; the step of using a quartile graph to display the data. By means of defining a data grid (Gx) to store data, the four display scales of the X axis being interchangeable, and using a quartile graph to display data, the present invention displays the distribution of two-dimensional data in extremely large-volume data or big data environments, and provides interactive functionality. The present invention also provides a visualization system based on quartile graph display data.
US09478050B2 Imaging system for imaging an object
The invention relates to an imaging system for imaging an object. Projection data of the object are acquired by using a radiation source emitting primary radiation (14) from a primary focal spot (15) and unwanted secondary radiation (16) from secondary focal spots (17). A first image of the object is reconstructed from the acquired projection data, a forward projection of the secondary radiation through the first image is simulated for generating secondary projection data, and a second image is generated based on the acquired projection data and the secondary projection data. Since the secondary projection data, which can generally cause image artifacts, are determined, the reconstruction unit can consider these unwanted secondary projection data while reconstructing the second image, in order to reduce the influence of the secondary projection data on the reconstructed second image, thereby improving the image quality.
US09478049B2 Method for local adjustment of regularization parameters for image quality optimization in fully 3D iterative CT reconstruction
A method and related apparatus (116) for iterative reconstruction of a volume. A regularization parameter (β) of an iterative update function is spatially adapted and normalized in respect to a region of interest ROI in the volume. The method allows achieving essentially uniform noise distribution across the reconstructed volume.
US09478048B2 Prior image based three dimensional imaging
Described herein are technologies for facilitating three-dimensional imaging based on prior image data. In accordance with one aspect, deformable registration is performed to align three-dimensional (3D) image data to a sparse set of two-dimensional (2D) projection image data of at least one structure of interest. An iterative reconstruction scheme may then be performed to minimize a difference between the aligned 3D image data and the 2D image data.
US09478047B2 Apparatus and method for reconstructing images by displaying user interface indicating image reconstruction modes
Provided are a medical imaging apparatus and a method of reconstructing an image capable of selecting an image reconstruction mode. The method of reconstructing an image using a medical imaging apparatus may include displaying a user interface indicating at least one of a first mode for reducing time required for reconstruction of the image and a second mode for acquiring the image with high resolution, receiving an input selecting one of the first mode and the second mode as a selected mode, displaying at least one reconstruction option corresponding to the selected mode, receiving another input selecting at least one reconstruction option among the at least one displayed reconstruction option, and reconstructing the image according to the at least one selected reconstruction option and selected mode.
US09478045B1 Vibration sensing and canceling for displays
This disclosure is directed at least in part to sensing movement of an electronic display and canceling perceived movement of content on the electronic display in response to the sensing. A display manager may reassign “physical pixels” to “image pixels” (or virtual pixels) such that the image appears to be stationary while the physical pixels are moving due to movement of the electronic display. For example, if the physical pixels are moving upward, the image pixels may be reassigned downward in an equal and opposite manner. The user's persistence of vision may then be reinforced by reassignment of the pixels by the display manager. For example, text displayed on the electronic display may be more readable and images more easily viewed by a user.
US09478043B2 Measuring teeth whiteness system and method
A method and system are presented for measuring the whiteness of teeth. This is accomplished by analyzing an average pixel value of teeth taken from a digital image. The pixel value is mathematically standardized to create an indicator that quantifies teeth whiteness. This eliminates subjectivity in measuring teeth whiteness and permits precise communication of the level of teeth whiteness.
US09478042B1 Determining visibility of rendered content
Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on a computer storage medium, for determining whether content rendered on a display is actually visible to a user. In one aspect, a method includes generating and transmitting content presentation data that causes a user device to present, at a display and over a first time period, a content item that includes one or more content portions that are each designated for presentation in a respective first color. For a second time period, the respective first color of a particular content portion is changed to a second color. Visual representation data that includes a visual representation of the display during the second time period is generated and provided. Using the visual representation, an amount of the content item that was visible at the display is determined based on an amount of the particular content portion presented in the second color.
US09478038B2 Unsupervised spatio-temporal data mining framework for burned area mapping
A method reduces processing time required to identify locations burned by fire by receiving a feature value for each pixel in an image, each pixel representing a sub-area of a location. Pixels are then grouped based on similarities of the feature values to form candidate burn events. For each candidate burn event, a probability that the candidate burn event is a true burn event is determined based on at least one further feature value for each pixel in the candidate burn event. Candidate burn events that have a probability below a threshold are removed from further consideration as burn events to produce a set of remaining candidate burn events.
US09478034B1 Geoposition determination by starlight refraction measurement
A system and method are disclosed for determining geoposition of an observer. The system includes a sensor such as a wide field of view camera or telescope that can capture an image of the sky. The image of the sky is used to compile a table or list of the stars in the sky along with their positions. This table or list is pattern-matched with a predetermined list or table of stars to identify each star. In one embodiment, the distances between all stars in the image are computed and compared to star images from an atmospheric refraction model. A comparison of the measured table or list and the refraction model, using an optimization algorithm, is performed to determine the geoposition of the observer. In an alternative embodiment, a sensor capable of measuring two different frequency bands obtains two images of each star in the sky simultaneously. A difference in displacement is determined between the two frequencies for each imaged star; and a magnitude and direction of the difference in displacement is used to determine the geoposition of a body.
US09478033B1 Particle-based tracking of objects within images
Objects are tracked within images. According to an example embodiment, video data is processed for tracking one or more objects. A computer circuit executes instructions to process a series of ordered video frames in a set of video data as follows. A region of interest is defined in an initial one of the video frames, and a particle mesh is formed from a set of feature points for an object in the defined region. The particle mesh is propagated to an adjacent video frame using motion vectors of points in the mesh to form a coarse boundary at the adjacent frame. Occlusion and scene boundaries are detected in the adjacent video frame, and the detected boundaries are used to set a boundary and a number of feature points within the boundary in the adjacent video frame to maintain mesh coherence and track the object in the subsequent video frames.
US09478032B2 Image monitoring apparatus for estimating size of singleton, and method therefor
An image monitoring apparatus includes a foreground/background separator generating a foreground image by removing background pixels exhibiting no movement from pixels in an image and separating foreground pixels representing pixels of a moving object from the pixels; a foreground object information generator generating foreground object information containing a coordinate value of each of one or more foreground objects included in the foreground image and the number of pixels of the foreground objects; an clustering unit clustering the foreground object information into a plurality of groups; a singleton information detector determining at least one group from the plurality of groups as a group of singletons, and detecting singleton information on the singletons; and a singleton estimation calculator estimating a predetermined area calculation function using the singleton information and calculate at least one of estimates with respect to an area, a width and a height of each of the singletons.
US09478029B2 Selection strategy for exchanging map information in collaborative multi-user SLAM systems
Disclosed is a method and apparatus for selecting a part of SLAM map information of a first device for transmission to a second device in a collaborative SLAM environment. In one embodiment, the functions implemented include: determining whether a 3D registration transformation between a map of the first device and a map of the second device is available; and transmitting a part of map information of the first device to the second device according to one of a first strategy or a second strategy based on whether or not a 3D registration transformation between the map of the first device and the map of the second device is available.
US09478025B2 Device having a digital infrared sensor and non-touch optical detection of vital signs from a temporal variation amplifier
A microprocessor is operably coupled to a camera from which patient vital signs are determined. A temporal variation of images from the camera is generated from multiple filters and then amplified from which the patient vital sign, such as heart rate or respiratory rate, can be determined and then displayed or stored.
US09478023B2 Method for discriminating between background and tissue of interest, and method and apparatus for generating photo-acoustic images for detecting calcified tissue
Provided is a method for discriminating a tissue of interest and a method for generating photo-acoustic images to detect a calcified tissue, which includes: detecting an intensity of each pixel of a tissue-of-interest image obtained for each wavelength; matching an index corresponding to an image, which has a greatest intensity corresponding to each pixel, to each pixel; generating a signal weight corresponding to each pixel in consideration of a wavelength absorbed by the tissue of interest; and applying the generated signal weight of each pixel to each pixel of an image obtained with a wavelength, which is the most absorbed by the tissue of interest, to generate an image in which a background is discriminated.
US09478022B2 Method and system for integrated radiological and pathological information for diagnosis, therapy selection, and monitoring
A method and system for integrating radiological and pathological information for cancer diagnosis, therapy selection, and monitoring is disclosed. A radiological image of a patient, such as a magnetic resonance (MR), computed tomography (CT), positron emission tomography (PET), or ultrasound image, is received. A location corresponding to each of one or more biopsy samples is determined in the at least one radiological image. An integrated display is used to display a histological image corresponding to the each biopsy samples, the radiological image, and the location corresponding to each biopsy samples in the radiological image. Pathological information and radiological information are integrated by combining features extracted from the histological images and the features extracted from the corresponding locations in the radiological image for cancer grading, prognosis prediction, and therapy selection.
US09478020B2 Method for analysing the effect of a test substance on biological and/or biochemical samples
Disclosed are methods for analyzing the effect of a test substance on biological and/or biochemical samples in which a plurality of samples, each comprising a known concentration of the test substance in at least three different concentrations, are used to obtain measurements which provide raw data. An evaluation rule utilizes the raw data of the sample determining the effect of the test substance, at the particular concentration, on the sample. The evaluation rule is influenced by at least one control parameter, and at least one starting value for the at least one control parameter is determined. The raw data is evaluated and correspondence between the determined activities and a functional model resulting from theoretical considerations yields a dose/effect curve describing the dependence of the activities on the concentration of the test substance. The steps are modified and repeated until an abort criterion has been reached.
US09478019B2 Reticle inspection using near-field recovery
Systems and methods for detecting defects on a reticle are provided. The embodiments include generating and/or using a data structure that includes pairs of predetermined segments of a reticle pattern and corresponding near-field data. The near-field data for the predetermined segments may be determined by regression based on actual image(s) of a reticle generated by a detector of a reticle inspection system. Inspecting a reticle may then include separately comparing two or more segments of a pattern included in an inspection area on the reticle to the predetermined segments and assigning near-field data to at least one of the segments based on the predetermined segment to which it is most similar. The assigned near-field data can then be used to simulate an image that would be formed for the reticle by the detector, which can be compared to an actual image generated by the detector for defect detection.
US09478018B2 Multifunctional interface for medical imaging
A multifunctional interface for medical imaging has a lower limb operable multifunctional interface which includes at least one activation element, such as a foot switch pedal, a timing unit, and a control unit. The activation element is configured to provide an activation signal to the control unit when being activated. Further, the timing unit is configured to provide a timing signal to the control unit upon being provided with the activation signal from the activated activation element. The control unit is configured to provide at least two different control signals for triggering at least two different predetermined actions. Further, the control signal is dependent on a duration of the timing signal.
US09478017B2 Guided image filtering for image content
Apparatus 10 for processing image data comprises an input 11 arranged to receive image data representing an image. The image data comprises a luminance component 13 at a first spatial resolution and at least one chrominance component 14 at a second, lower, spatial resolution. An up-sampling unit 18 up-samples the spatial resolution of the at least one chrominance component 14 to form an up-sampled chrominance component. A guided image filter (GIF) 20 filters the up-sampled chrominance component. The guided image filter comprises a radius parameter which determines an extent of the filter around a pixel. A control unit 15 for the guided image filter 20 determines a value of the radius parameter of the guided image filter. The value of the radius parameter is variable for different pixels of the image, or for different regions of pixels of the image. The control unit 15 can analyze the image data to determine the value of the radius parameter.
US09478015B2 Exposure enhancement method and apparatus for a defogged image
An exposure enhancement method and apparatus for a defogged image. The exposure enhancement method includes: constructing an exposure enhancement function in accordance with a defogging parameter; performing exposure enhancement on a defogged image by using the constructed exposure enhancement function. The method and apparatus can adaptively process the defogged image according to the defogging parameter and can process pixels in the defogged image in parallel.
US09478011B2 Method and system for processing of images
XHD video is acquired from a camera fitted with an ultra-wide field-of-view lens such as a fish eye lens. The active picture portion of the images are divided into patterns each having a plurality of pixels. The patterns are assigned coordinate values and then reformatted into HD format using an encryption key which reorders the patterns. The images are processed in the HD format and then returned to XHD formation by applying the reverse reordering process under the control of the key.
US09478010B2 Generating an enhanced image of a predetermined scene from a plurality of images of the predetermined
A method, device, system, and article of manufacture are provided for generating an enhanced image of a predetermined scene from images. In one embodiment, a method comprises receiving, by a computing device, a first indication associated with continuous image capture of a predetermined scene being enabled; in response to the continuous image capture being enabled, receiving, by the computing device, from an image sensor, a reference image and a first image, wherein each of the reference image and the first image is of the predetermined scene and has a first resolution; determining an estimated second resolution of an enhanced image of the predetermined scene using the reference image and the first image; and in response to the continuous image capture being disabled, determining the enhanced image using the reference image and the first image, wherein the enhanced image has a second resolution that is at least the first resolution and about the estimated second resolution.
US09478009B2 Method and apparatus for acquiring overlapped medical image slices
The disclosure describes a technique for medical imaging, referred to herein as the Rapid Interleave Overlap Technique (RIOT), wherein image data is acquired as a plurality of series sequences in a manner that allows for unlimited overlap. RIOT involves interleaving and overlapping 2D image slices of multiple series of image data of the same ROI into a composite data set from which MPR and 3D reconstructions exhibiting excellent resolution properties and crisp image quality can be generated.
US09478005B2 Method and device for processing 2D graphics
A method of processing 2D graphics comprising generating a perspective projection of a 2D graphics by scaling the 2D graphics with a variable ratio, wherein scaling the 2D graphics with the variable ratio comprises interpolating the graphics with a filter, such that a point xp in the perspective projection is generated from a point x0 in the 2D graphics with a following equation x0=1/R(j)*xp+Ph(j), wherein j represents a line index of the point x0, 1/R(j) represents a scaling factor of a length in the 2D graphics versus a length in the perspective projection, and Ph(j) represents a phase shift.
US09478000B2 Sharing non-page aligned memory
A method for sharing memory between a central processing unit (CPU) and an input/output (I/O) device of a computing device is described. The method may include creating an allocation of memory for the I/O device to operate on. The method includes detecting whether the allocation is not page-aligned, wherein an allocation is page-aligned when its base address and size be evenly divisible by the applicable page-size. The allocation may be successfully shared, even if not page-aligned, even if an operating system of the computing device doesn't support sharing of non-page-aligned allocations.
US09477999B2 Low power programmable image processor
A convolution image processor includes a load and store unit, a shift register unit, and a mapping unit. The load and store unit is configured to load and store image pixel data and allow for unaligned access of the image pixel data. The shift register is configured to load and store at least a portion of the image pixel data from the load and store unit and concurrently provide access to each image pixel value in the portion of the image pixel data. The mapping unit is configured to generate a number of shifted versions of image pixel data and corresponding stencil data from the portion of the image pixel data, and concurrently perform one or more operations on each image pixel value in the shifted versions of the portion of the image pixel data and a corresponding stencil value in the corresponding stencil data.
US09477998B2 Performance control for concurrent animations
The embodiments set forth a technique for targeted scaling of the voltage and/or frequency of hardware components included in a mobile computing device. One embodiment involves independently analyzing the individual frame rates of each animation within a user interface (UI) of a mobile computing device instead of analyzing the frame rate of the UI as a whole. This can involve establishing, for each animation being displayed within the UI, a corresponding performance control pipeline that generates a control signal for scaling a performance mode of the hardware components (e.g., a Central Processing Unit (CPU)) included in the mobile computing device. In this manner, the control signals generated by the performance control pipelines can be aggregated to produce a control signal that causes a power management component to scale the performance mode(s) of the hardware components.
US09477991B2 Methods and systems of aggregating information of geographic context regions of social networks based on geographical locations via a network
In one or more embodiments, one or more systems, devices, methods, and/or processes described can apply searches and/or filters to data of social networks with respect to one or more geographical search regions that intersect respective one or more geographical context regions. One or more social networks can be queried with search and/or filter parameters and one or more geographical context regions, and results received from the social network(s) can be based on the search and/or filter parameter(s) and the geographical context region(s) and presented to a user on a map or other user interface. One or more queries can be saved with their identification(s) of geographical context region(s) and their search and/or filter parameter(s) (e.g. saved queries) can continue to run and/or execute over one or more periods of time transpiring to provide continual and/or periodic reporting.
US09477990B1 Creating a virtual model of a vehicle event based on sensor information
A method includes receiving external data including a plurality of data points indicative of a plurality of respective states of an environment external to a vehicle. The external data is data that was received by the vehicle from a handheld mobile communication device of a pedestrian external to the vehicle via a wireless link, and is indicative of objects sensed by the handheld mobile communication device. The method also includes storing the external data in a memory, generating an animated re-creation of an event (e.g., accident) involving at least one vehicle using the stored plurality of data points, and causing the animated re-creation of the event to be displayed.
US09477988B2 Systems and methods for identifying financial relationships
Improved systems and methods are provided for identifying financial relationships. In particular, financial relationships may be identified by associating tradelines with one or more people who sign or co-sign on the tradeline. In various embodiments a method is provided comprising, receiving, at a computer-based system for credit data analysis comprising a processor and a tangible, non-transitory memory, credit reporting data relating to a tradeline, parsing, by the computer-based system, the credit reporting data to yield primary debtor data and secondary debtor data and linking, by the computer-based system, the tradeline with the primary debtor data and the secondary debtor data.
US09477985B2 Method and apparatus for facilitating user selection of a category item in a transaction
A method and apparatus are facilitates category selection by user in a computerized auction. A category field is provided, containing a plurality of category entries used to categorize an item in the auction. One category entry is selected in the category field and at least one subcategory field is provided, containing a plurality of subcategory entries also used to categorize the item in the auction, the subcategory entries corresponding to the one selected category entry of the plurality of category entries. At least one subcategory entry corresponding to the one selected category entry is further selected in the at least one subcategory field for further processing.
US09477982B2 Techniques for filling orders
A system includes N location indicators and a mobile scanning device. The N location indicators are configured to be arranged throughout a store that includes a plurality of stocked items for picking according to one or more electronic customer orders. Each of the N location indicators is configured to transmit a different location signal. The mobile scanning device includes a display. The mobile scanning device is configured to wirelessly receive an electronic customer order comprising a plurality of ordered items indicating which of the stocked items are to be picked, detect at least one of the N location signals, and arrange at least some of the plurality of ordered items on the display based on which of the at least one of the N location signals is detected.
US09477979B2 Product customization system and method
A product customization system and method are provided in which a consumer can insert user content, such as images or text, onto a product, such as a shoe, and then view the customized product before purchasing the customized product.
US09477978B1 Systems and methods for a virtual car advisor
A system for advising a user on the condition of a vehicle is described. Data can be collected from a vehicle in the form of images or reflected energy from a section or part of the vehicle, and the data can be analyzed to determine if repairs, damage, or other problems are present. The collected data may also be images of identifying panels or insignia on the car. A report with results of the analysis can be provided to the user. The results of the analysis may describe detected damage or repairs, provide vehicle history or identifying information, or report detection of repainting.
US09477977B2 System and method for providing a personalized shopping experience and personalized pricing of products and services with a portable computing device
A system and method for providing a personalized shopping experience with a portable computing device (“PCD”) are described. The system and method may include checking-in PCD consumers upon entering an establishment of a merchant. The checking-in of the PCD consumer may include verifying credentials for gaining access to a central mobile payment controller and receiving a merchant identifier corresponding to a merchant from a computer communication's network. Next, a scan of a machine-readable code associated with at least one of a good and a service may be received. Information associated with the machine-readable code may be retrieved from a database. Subsequently, a personalized price for the at least one good or service may be determined by applying one or more rules. The personalized price may be transmitted over a computer communications network to the portable computing device for display to the PCD consumer.
US09477974B2 Method and systems for flexible and scalable databases
Methods and systems for utilizing a database are disclosed. The methods and systems determine a key representative of a storage location of first RDF data in a NoSQL database. In addition, the methods and systems read the first RDF data in the NoSQL database using the key. The methods and systems also write second RDF data derived from the first RDF data into a second database stored in memory. The methods and systems may also modify the second RDF data, and write third RDF data derived from the modified second RDF data into the NoSQL database.
US09477973B2 Visually generated consumer product presentation
A personalization enhancement method and system. The method includes retrieving and analyzing digital content associated with a user. Characteristics describing the digital content are tagged and transferred to a profile of said the user. The profile includes additional characteristics generated during previous analysis of data from the digital content and additional digital content associated with the user. User information associated with products, a location, and a time profile is assigned. The profile is analyzed based on selection and interaction of the user with respect to a consumer Website. The profile includes the characteristics and the additional characteristics with respect to products and services of the consumer Website. A presentation color setting and a group of products and services of are determined for presentation to the user. The group of products and services are presented to the user using the presentation color setting.
US09477972B2 System for providing advertisement information
A system for providing advertisement information is disclosed. The system includes a display device, at least one near field communication (NFC) antenna and a control for controlling the display device for displaying advertisement contents and NFC antenna for providing data related to the advertisement contents displayed on the display device. The system may include as advertisement management server to supply the advertisement contents and data related to the advertisement contents.
US09477971B2 Providing contextual information for spoken information
Techniques are described for providing relevant information to users (e.g., information that is at least potentially of interest to the users). Relevant information for a user may be automatically determined based on a determined context of the user and/or on a request for that information from the user. For example, voice-based information may be obtained from a user in one or more ways, and then analyzed to identify requests or other indications of information of interest and/or to otherwise determine a context of the user that corresponds to potential information of interest. Relevant information for a user may be provided to the user in various ways, such as via a voice-based response during a telephone call and/or via one or more electronic messages sent to the user (e.g., via emails, instant messages, paging messages, SMS or other text messages, etc.).
US09477967B2 Systems and methods to process an offer campaign based on ineligibility
In one aspect, a computing apparatus is configured to represent offer rules based on requirements for the detection of predefined types of events and actions scheduled to be performed in response to the detection of each occurrence of the events. The events are independent from each other in processing and are linked via prerequisite conditions and/or ineligibility conditions to formulate the requirements of an offer campaign. In one embodiment, the ineligibility of a user, participating in the offer campaign, to meet the requirements of a first event leads to the monitoring of a second event that has a prerequisite condition formulated based on the ineligibility of the user to meet the requirements of the first event; and the second event provides an alternative path within the offer campaign when the user cannot meet the requirements of the first event.
US09477966B2 Accurately estimating the audience of digital content
A method, system, and computer-readable storage medium are disclosed for accurately estimating the audience of digital content. A plurality of user interactions occurring on a digital device are received, wherein digital content is displayed on the digital device. Based on the plurality of user interactions, a total number of unique viewers of the digital content on the digital device is estimated.
US09477963B2 Method and apparatus for automatically structuring free form heterogeneous data
Techniques are provided for automatically structuring free form heterogeneous data. In one aspect of the invention, the techniques include obtaining free form heterogeneous data, segmenting the free form heterogeneous data into one or more units, automatically labeling the one or more units based on one or more machine learning techniques, wherein each unit is associated with a label indicating an information type, and structuring the one or more labeled units in a format to facilitate one or more operations that use at least a portion of the labeled units, e.g., information technology (IT) operations.
US09477961B2 Communication management systems and methods
A computer system that is adapted for: (A) displaying a geographical map on a display screen; (B) displaying a plurality of icons on the geographical map, each of which generally represents the current location of at least one individual; (C) allowing a user to select a group of the icons; and (D) after the user selects the group of icons, providing messaging functionality for allowing the user to send a common message to the respective portable computing devices of at least substantially all of the individuals who correspond to the selected group of icons. In particular embodiments, the system allows the user to send the message by executing a single activity, such as selecting a single button. The system may also be configured to approximate the current location of an individual based on the individual's current travel itinerary.
US09477960B2 User authentication based on historical transaction data
Embodiments are directed to systems, methods and computer program products for providing user authentication based on transaction data. Embodiments receive from a user, a request to execute a user action associated with an application, wherein execution of the user action requires validation of authentication credentials; collect a transaction set of data comprising information related to transactions conducted by the user; collect a location set of data comprising information related to a physical location of the user; determine a transaction proximity score associated with the user and the transactions; determine a level of authentication associated with the determined transaction proximity score; determine which authentication types are associated with the level of authentication; request authentication credentials; receive authentication credentials from the user; validate the authentication credentials, thereby resulting in a successful validation of the authentication credentials; and, in response to the successful validation of the authentication credentials, execute the user action.
US09477958B2 Credit card reader authenticator
A credit card reader is attached to a mobile device to process credit card transactions at the point of sale. A user of the credit card reader slides an authenticator card through the credit card reader to activate the credit card reader. Accordingly, the credit card reader may compare data stored in the authenticator card to an expected value for the data to determine whether the user is authorized to utilize the credit card reader. If there is a match, the credit card reader displays a unique password, known to the user, which the user can use to verify that the credit card reader is authentic. Further, if there is a match, the credit card reader may allow the user to process credit card transactions through the credit card reader.
US09477950B2 Prognostics-based estimator
Described herein are methods and devices for determining potential-repair information related to a vehicle based on content of a vehicle repair database. According to an example method, a computing device can receive vehicle information that includes a vehicle identifier for a vehicle type. The computing device can then determine, based on the vehicle information, at least two top repair order items in a first category of repair order items. For example, the at least two top repair order items may be related to the first vehicle type and determined from among a plurality of repair order items in the first category of repair order items that are related to the first vehicle type. The example method can further involve providing, by the computing device, a display of a graphical representation of the at least two top repair order items in the first category of repair order items.
US09477949B2 Media file sharing, correlation of metadata related to shared media files and assembling shared media file collections
The present invention provides for systems and methods for communicating media files and creating a collection of media files, also referred to herein as a master media file. In addition, the systems and methods of the present invention provide for the creation of automatic metadata and compilation of metadata associated with the collection of media files. The present invention is able to bond devices, referred to herein as slave devices, such as media capture devices, presence devices and/or sensor devices and instruct the slave devices, particularly the media capture devices, to communicate captured media files with a specified set of metadata included.
US09477948B2 Electronic business postal system
An electronic business postal system collects, clears and delivers electronic business mail through a closed access, secure messaging system. A collection subsystem consists of access portals that are associated with secured system nodes. The access portals provide authenticated users access to the system to send and retrieve electronic business mail that includes postal system electronic delivery addresses, physical delivery addresses, or both. Secured message servers that are associated with the respective access portals process the electronic business mail into uniquely identified messages for delivery over the system nodes and also process received messages to provide the corresponding electronic business mail to the intended recipients through associated access portals. A delivery subsystem directs the messages through the system nodes associated with the senders' access portals to the system nodes associated with the recipients' access portals. A clearance subsystem confirms the integrity of both the messages and their delivery and ensures that each message is delivered once and intact.
US09477947B2 Retrospective changing of previously sent messages
Functionality can be implemented in email applications to allow sent messages to be updated, even if the sent messages have been read. When a request to update a sent message is received, a message update unit can update information in the message according to the notification. The message update unit can notify a recipient that the message was updated, and can indicate changed information in the sent message. The message update unit can also determine if the sent message has been forwarded, and forward the update notification to other recipients.
US09477946B2 Method and system for providing a virtual job market
The present invention relates to a method for providing a virtual job market on a network comprising an application server and clients and/or electronic message systems allowing to input and output information, wherein the method comprises the following steps: providing primary dimensions information on industries, career levels and functional areas; providing secondary dimensions information on salary ranges and/or geo-data and/or educational information and/or languages and/or special expertises, entering the primary and secondary dimensions information in a three dimensional data base on the application server; collecting information chunks of open jobs and candidate profiles, and placing the information chunks in a distinct cell or number of cells in the three dimensional database. Further, the present invention relates to a system for providing a virtual job market on a network comprising an application server and clients and/or electronic message systems including at least a first database comprising candidate profiles, a second database comprising salary information and a third database comprising job information, wherein the information available in the three databases is matched in a three dimensional database model.
US09477945B2 Task-centered context management
A method, system, and computer program product for interaction management systems. The method commences upon receiving a first incoming communication pertaining to a first task, and launching a first task-centered context user interface being initially populated with a first screen device selected in response to the type of incoming communication (e.g., a phone call icon, etc.). An agent interacts with the client by responding to the incoming communication. Then, the method receives a second incoming communication pertaining to the same first task; and populates the first task-centered context user interface with a second screen device appropriate for the second incoming communication (e.g., a chat UI, etc.). Additional new incoming events are routed to its corresponding task-centered context (or a new task-centered context is created). Thus, upon receiving a third incoming communication pertaining to a second task (different from the first task), the method launches a second task-centered context user interface.
US09477941B2 Genealogy system for interfacing with social networks
A system for managing genealogy data is provided. The system includes a genealogy application for storing genealogy account identification data for a first genealogy account. A social network interface receives data from the first genealogy account and provides genealogical data to the genealogy application. A relative invitation system generates an invitation to a user to create a second genealogy account for the genealogy application.
US09477940B2 Relationship-centric portals for communication sessions
Relationship-centric resources are provided to users during a communication session. After establishing a communication session between a first communication device and a second communication device, content that meets a content descriptor is retrieved. This content descriptor describes a nature of a relationship between users of the first and second communication devices. The retrieved content, which meets the content descriptor, is then simultaneously displaying on both the first communication device and the second communication device.
US09477939B2 Radio frequency based remote health monitoring
A modular self-care health monitoring system which employs a compact microprocessor-based unit such as a video game system of the type that includes switches for controlling device operation and a program cartridge. In accordance with the invention, the program cartridge adapts the microprocessor-based unit for operation with a glucose monitor (or, another type of health monitor). The microprocessor-based unit processes data supplied by the glucose monitor to supply signals for displaying relevant information on a display unit that may be included in the microprocessor-based unit or may be a separate unit such as a television or video display monitor. The system provides for transmission of signals to a remote clearinghouse or a healthcare facility via telephone lines or other transmission media. The clearinghouse includes signal processing capability for transmission of reports to a remotely located healthcare professional via facsimile transmission.
US09477936B2 Cloud-based operator interface for industrial automation
A cloud-based operator interface system is provided that runs as a cloud service on a cloud platform. The cloud-based operator interface system collects industrial data from one or more industrial systems via respective cloud gateway devices. A set of predefined operator interface screens are stored on cloud storage associated with the operator interface system, and delivered to authorized Internet-capable client devices upon request. The industrial data received from the cloud gateways can be delivered to the client devices from the cloud platform via the operator interface screens. Additional cloud-side services can correlate and analyzes the industrial data on the cloud platform to facilitate additional reporting, alarming, and notification features.
US09477933B2 System and method for graphical representation of business documents and effectivity
A system and method to graphically represent historical product structures. When a computer extracts all change states for a data set corresponding to a first product structure having a plurality of items. The change states associated with each item are concatenated. The concatenated change states relative to each item and to the parametric constraint effective for the data set are displayed on an electronic display. In this way it is possible to visualize the historical product structure.
US09477930B2 Cross channel optimization systems and methods
The inventive subject matter is generally directed to a cross channel optimization system, methods, and related software which provide for the conducting of experiments and/or optimization of digital content across a plurality of external content systems to user of the external content systems.
US09477929B2 Graph-based transfer learning
Transfer learning is the task of leveraging the information from labeled examples in some domains to predict the labels for examples in another domain. It finds abundant practical applications, such as sentiment prediction, image classification and network intrusion detection. A graph-based transfer learning framework propagates label information from a source domain to a target domain via the example-feature-example tripartite graph, and puts more emphasis on the labeled examples from the target domain via the example-example bipartite graph. An iterative algorithm renders the framework scalable to large-scale applications. The framework propagates the label information to both features irrelevant to the source domain and unlabeled examples in the target domain via common features in a principled way.
US09477924B2 Artificial neural circuit forming re-activatible functional link between the postsynaptic terminals of two synapses
An electronic neuronal circuit system to model the interaction between the postsynaptic terminal of a first synapse between two neurons and the postsynaptic terminal of a second synapse between two neurons includes comparators to model the presynaptic neurons of the synapses, plurality of three diodes connected to the comparators to model synapses, an AND gate and latch to model the formation of functional link between the postsynaptic terminals, and timer-controlled latches for controlling the life-span of the inter-postsynaptic functional link, durations of re-activation of inter-postsynaptic functional link and flow of activity through the output postsynaptic dendritic terminals.
US09477922B2 UHF RFID wristband with a long read range
A radio frequency identification wristband for attaching to a patient that has a band, a wristband housing attached to or integral with said band, one or more radio frequency identification tag(s) or tag inlay(s), an insulator material, wherein said wristband housing is adhered to said radio frequency identification tag or tag inlay, said radio frequency identification tag or tag inlay is adhered to an isolator material, and wherein said insulator material is nearest to the skin of the patient and insulates the radio frequency identification tag or tag inlay from the patient's skin.
US09477921B2 Electrical connector housing having an RFID transponder
A disadvantage of the prior art consists in the fact that the RFID transponders attached to plug-in connectors have a range that is insufficient for many applications. The present disclosure provides a design for a plug-in connector housing with an RFID transponder integrated therein, which allows a range that is greater than the one possible in the prior art. This object is achieved as a result of the fact that the antenna of the RFID transponder includes a slot, so that the antenna is a slot antenna.
US09477919B2 Method and apparatus for generating a barcode with a human readable interpretation, a printing apparatus, and a program
The present invention is an apparatus and method for generating a barcode with a human readable interpretation (HRI). The method includes receiving a data set comprising an application identifier and a data portion. The data set further includes a first special character before the application identifier and a second special character after the application identifier and before the data portion. The application identifier and data in the data portion have a one to one correspondence with an HRI. The method further includes generating a barcode encoding data set based on the data set, including stripping the first special character and the second special character from the data set; generating an HRI data set based on the data set; and generating the barcode with the HRI based on the barcode encoding data set and the HRI data set.
US09477917B1 System and method of context specific identity in a radio frequency identity (RFID) chip
An electronic device. The device comprises a rewritable radio-frequency identification (RFID) tag to store an identification number and to transmit the identification number via a radio transmitter, an RFID writer, configured to write an identification number into the RFID tag based on selection by a controller, and a memory storing identification selection rules and a list of identities of RFID interrogators. The device further comprises a controller, configured to read the identity of the RFID interrogator from the RFID reader, analyze the identification selection rules and the list of identities of the RFID interrogators in the memory, select an identification number for the RFID tag based on the list of identities of the RFID interrogators, the identification selection rules stored in the memory, and the identity of the RFID interrogator, and command the RFID writer to write the selected identification number into the RFID tag.
US09477915B2 Print control apparatus, method for controlling print apparatus, and storage medium, with notification of rotation result
There are provided a print control apparatus in which a load on a user can be lightened by reporting information on necessary processing, a method for controlling a print apparatus, and a print medium. A print control apparatus for controlling a print apparatus to print an image based on print data, the print control apparatus includes: a determination unit configured to determine whether a size of a sheet set in the print apparatus and a size of the print data match; an acquisition unit configured to acquire information on processing needed to adjust the size of the print data to be closer to the size of the sheet in a case where it is determined that the size of the sheet and the size of the print data do not match; and a notifying unit configured to notify a user of information acquired by the acquisition unit.
US09477914B2 Image processing apparatus, method, and medium for converting page image data
An image processing apparatus including a memory includes a first conversion method configured to perform conversion processing for converting an image represented by span information in page line sequence into span information in tile sequence, using the memory; a second conversion unit configured to perform conversion processing for converting an image represented by pixel information in page line sequence into pixel information in tile sequence, using the memory; and a control unit configured to control a conversion unit employing a less usage amount of the memory used in a case that a process target image is converted into tiles, of the first conversion unit and the second conversion unit, to perform the conversion processing on the process target image.
US09477913B2 Print path obfuscation method and system for document content analytics assessment
Disclosed is a method and system of differential processing a print job including one or more original documents to render an obfuscated version of the print job. According to an exemplary method, the differential process replaces letters of an original document with randomly selected characters of substantially the same size and location as the original document and objects such as images/graphics are replaced with blurred versions of substantially the same size and locations as the objects in the original document. The differential process creates an obfuscated version of the print job which is illegible and useful for further processing where privacy of documents included in the print job is required.
US09477911B2 Image forming apparatus having an assignment unit that assigns pulse modulation signals in accordance with a predetermined rule and a specific pixel position information
Disclosed is an image forming apparatus, including: n laser elements arranged in the sub-scanning direction and configured to simultaneously scan an image; a pixel selection unit configured to execute a thinning process in which the pixels are thinned by selecting m pixels among n pixels arranged in the sub-scanning direction, by changing positions of the pixels to be selected according to positions in the main scanning direction; a pulse width modulation processing unit configured to sequentially convert image data corresponding to the m pixels into m pulse width modulation signals; a transmission unit configured to transmit the m pulse width modulation signals in parallel; an assignment unit configured to assign the m pulse width modulation signals to m laser elements corresponding to the positions of the m pixels; and a driving unit configured to drive the laser elements in accordance with the assigned pulse width modulation signals.
US09477909B2 Object investigation and classification
An object investigation and classification system may include an object test system, a data storage system, and a data processing system. The object test system may receive a command to perform at least one action with a test object, perform the at least one action with the test object, and return test information indicative of at least one percept resulting from the at least one action. The data storage system may contain an experience database containing data indicative of multiple classifications and, for each classification, at least one action that was performed with at least one previously-observed reference object having this classification, and at least one percept value that is based in whole or in part on the test information resulting from the at least one action.
US09477905B2 Image congealing via efficient feature selection
A novel technique for unsupervised feature selection is disclosed. The disclosed methods include automatically selecting a subset of a feature of an image. Additionally, the selection of the subset of features may be incorporated with a congealing algorithm, such as a least-square-based congealing algorithm. By selecting a subset of the feature representation of an image, redundant and/or irrelevant features may be reduced or removed, and the efficiency and accuracy of least-square-based congealing may be improved.
US09477899B2 System and method for differentiating type of vegetation from remotely sensed data
A computer system is programmed to analyze data from aerial images and LiDAR data obtained from a region of interest in order to determine whether a group of LiDAR data points representing an individual item of vegetation (i.e. a blob) is a particular type of vegetation. Infrared data from aerial images of the region of interest is stretched and divided by red spectral data to compute an objective-stretched vegetation index value (OVI) for a pixel. The mean LiDAR intensity and the mean OVI for the LiDAR data points and the pixels in the area of a blob are used to predict what type of vegetation is represented in the area of the blob.
US09477898B2 Straightening out distorted perspective on images
Methods for correcting distortions in an image including text, or an image of a page that includes text, are disclosed. The methods include identifying reliable and substantially straight lines from elements in the image. Vanishing points are determined from the lines. Parameters associated with a rectangle are determined. A coordinate conversion is performed.
US09477897B2 Methods and systems for compressing electronic documents
The disclosed embodiments illustrate methods and systems for encoding an image. The method includes identifying one or more objects, having an associated first tag value, in the image. The first tag value is deterministic of at least a type of the one or more objects. The number of the one or more objects in the image is less than a predetermined number of objects. The method further includes assigning a second tag value to each pixel in the image to create an encoded image. The second tag value is assigned based on the type of object represented by each pixel. The size of the second tag value is less than the size of the first tag value. The method further includes defining a header field for the encoded image. The header field includes the first tag value associated with each of the one or more objects.
US09477890B2 Object detection using limited learned attribute ranges
Techniques for object detection are provided that employ limited learned attribute ranges. One or more objects are initially detected for a full range of one or more attributes at each location of an image. Thereafter, a set of positional constraints are generated indicating an expected range of values for each position in the image for one or more of the attributes based on the detected objects employing a geometric model of a scene in the image. Objects are then detected in the image using the expected range of values for each position in the image for the one or more the attributes. The attributes comprise, for example, one or more of size, pose and rotation of the objects. A best fit is computed to the geometric model to generate the set of positional constraints, for example, using a least squares approach.
US09477889B2 Face recognition with parallel detection and tracking, and/or grouped feature motion shift tracking
Apparatuses, methods and storage medium associated with face recognition are disclosed herein. In embodiments, a method for recognizing a face may include detecting, by a first thread of a computing device, for presence of a face in interspersed selected ones of the plurality of image frames. On detecting presence of a face in a first of the selected ones of the plurality of image frames, the first thread requests tracking of the face by a second thread of the computing device, the second thread being operated in parallel to the first thread by the computing device. In response, the face may be tracked for the first thread, by the second thread. Other embodiments may be described and claimed.
US09477886B2 Smart document anchor
A template document is received. A user defines an anchor area, and a field zone that contains a target object, in the template document. Objects, such as text objects, are identified in the anchor area along with their locations. Distances between locations of the objects in the anchor area are identified. A distance between the anchor area and the field zone is identified. A reference document is received. The objects in the reference document are identified. A number of common objects are identified. If there are common objects, locations of the common objects and the distances between the common objects are identified in the reference document. The identified distances between objects in the template document and the reference document are compared. If the distances are substantially the same, a corresponding target object is retrieved from the reference document based on the distance between the anchor area and the field zone.
US09477883B2 Method of operating handwritten data and electronic device supporting same
An electronic device is provided. The electronic device includes a display module configured to generate an event corresponding to a handwritten data input and a control module configured to recognize a stroke of handwritten data, collect input time information on at least one stroke and store or transmit a message including stroke related information and the input time information.
US09477882B2 Object detection apparatus
In an object detection apparatus (1), a window setting unit (12) extracts a window (52) from an edge image (22), to thereby generate an ordinary window image (23). When an edge strength of the ordinary window image (23) is not larger than a usage reference value, a used image determination unit (15) determines to use the ordinary window image (23) for calculation of an identification value (30) indicating a degree of presence of a pedestrian in the window (52). When the edge strength of the ordinary window image (23) is larger than the usage reference value, a pixel value correction unit (13) generates a corrected window image (24) having an edge strength smaller than that of the ordinary window image (23) from the ordinary window image (23). When the edge strength of the corrected window image (24) is not larger than the usage reference value, the used image determination unit (15) determines the corrected window image (24) to be used for calculation of the identification value (30).
US09477881B2 Passenger counting system, passenger counting method and passenger counting program
A passenger counting system that can count correctly the number of persons present in a vehicle, including persons sitting on the back seat, is provided. The passenger counting system includes an image capturing device 11 which is arranged outside the vehicle and which captures an image of the vehicle from the lateral direction of the vehicle, an image acquisition unit 31 that controls the image capturing device 11 and acquires an image in which the inside of the vehicle is captured as an input image, a profile detection unit 32 that detects a profile of a person from a partial image obtained from the input image based on an image feature amount calculated by using the partial image and outputs a detection result, and a passenger number determination unit 33 that determines the number of persons present in the vehicle based on the detection result.
US09477878B2 Rigid stabilization of facial expressions
Systems and techniques for performing automatic rigid stabilization of facial expressions are provided. The systems and techniques may include obtaining one or more shapes, the one or more shapes including one or more facial expressions of a subject. The systems and techniques may further include generating a subject-specific skull representation, and performing rigid stabilization of the one or more facial expressions by fitting the subject-specific skull with the one or more facial expressions of the subject.
US09477874B2 Method using a touchpad for controlling a computerized system with epidermal print information
Methods of processing touchpad data are disclosed. The touchpad data indicates one or more areas of the touch pad contacted by a user, and indicates print information indicating a pattern of epidermal ridges of the user in the contacted areas. The methods may also include analyzing the touchpad data in accordance with a model of a human hand. The methods may also include associating the content areas with particular anatomical portions, such as fingers, where the associating is based at least in part on the model, the contact areas, and the print information. The methods may also include modifying one or more parameters of the model based on the print information. The methods may also include obtaining print information from contact areas selected based on features associated with the contact areas.
US09477872B2 Guided fingerprint enrolment
In a fingerprint sensing system, a determination is made of a center of attention, COA, point. The COA point is a point on a finger of a user that is likely to be in proximity of the center of a fingerprint image of the finger obtained by a fingerprint sensor. This COA determination is used in guiding the user in a fingerprint enrolment procedure.
US09477871B2 Method and device for dual lens fingerprint identification
A dual lens fingerprint identification method comprises following steps. A first fingerprint image and a second fingerprint image of a finger in contact with a touch panel are captured by a first lens and a second lens respectively. The first fingerprint image and the second fingerprint image are partially overlapped with each other. An image processing procedure is performed to merge the first fingerprint image and the second fingerprint image into a third fingerprint image, and a calculation procedure is performed to compare a plurality of fingerprint characteristic points captured from the third fingerprint image with a plurality of preset characteristic points captured from a preset fingerprint image.
US09477869B2 Mutual-capacitance palm print identification method, mutual-capacitance palm print identification device and mutual-capacitance palm print identification touch panel
Provided is a mutual-capacitance palm print identification method, a mutual-capacitance palm print identification device and a mutual-capacitance palm print identification touch panel. The method includes: forming a palm template information by using a mutual-capacitance touch panel to acquire a capacitive sensing data obtained from a palm pressing by a user; forming a current user's palm information by using the mutual-capacitance touch panel to acquire a capacitive sensing data obtained from a palm pressing by the current user; and comparing the current user's palm information with the palm template information and outputting the result of the comparison. It is unnecessary to add extra parts for the present invention, and thus the cost is low. Moreover, a palm of a living body is required, it is difficult to be cracked and counterfeited.
US09477863B2 Systems and methods to determine motion parameters using RFID tags
Systems and methods to determine motion parameters of physical objects using radio frequency identification (RFID) tags attached to the objects. In one embodiment, a method implemented in a radio frequency identification (RFID) system includes determining a motion parameter of the RFID tag based on detecting a Doppler frequency shift in a radio frequency signal received from the RFID tag.
US09477860B2 Communication device, communication system, image presentation method, and program
A communication device including an image capturing device having a RF-ID unit for performing proximity wireless communication with a RF-ID reader/writer connected via an infrared communication path to a TV. The image capturing device includes: an antenna for the proximity wireless communication; a data receiving unit receiving an input signal from the RF-ID reader/writer; a nonvolatile second memory storing at least UID and an execution program; and a data transmission unit transmitting the UID and the execution program to the RF-ID reader/writer via the antenna according to the input signal. The UID is used to identify the communication device, and the execution program is executed by the TV with reference to the UID. The transmitted UID and execution program are transferred to the TV via the RF-ID reader/writer.
US09477858B2 Restraining system including near field RFID detection
A restraining system comprises a restraining device including first and second interlockable parts that, when interlocked, restrain the system. The restraining system further comprises a passive RFID tag attached to the first part, and a passive RFID reader coupled to the second part for near field detection of the tag within a prescribed range of the second part.
US09477856B2 System having an improved user interface for reading code symbols
A system for reading code symbols includes a camera, a user interface system, and a processor communicatively coupled to the camera and the user interface system. The user interface system includes a visual display. The processor is configured for (i) capturing an image including a code symbol, (ii) displaying the image on the visual display, (iii) determining whether the code symbol in the image is readable by the processor, and (iv) displaying on the visual display a positive indicator overlaying the code symbol in the image when the processor determines that the code symbol in the image is readable by the processor. The processor is further configured for reading the code symbol in the image in response to a selection input received from the user interface system.
US09477855B2 Test automation for automated fare management systems
A test robot may receive a test scenario for testing a fare management system. The test robot may program a fare card to store card information based on the test scenario. The test robot may provide an instruction to an actuator component to cause the actuator component to move the fare card within communicative proximity of a card reader device. The fare card, when moved within communicative proximity of the card reader device, may cause the card reader device to read the stored card information from the fare card and to provide updated card information, based on the stored card information, for storage by the fare card. The test robot may read the updated card information from the fare card. The test robot may provide test result information, based on the updated card information, to a test management device.
US09477853B2 Generating an incremental information object
Systems and methods for generating an incremental information object (IIO) from an information object (IO). The method includes analyzing an IO to identify code, wherein the IO is made up of a number of tiles, and wherein the tiles make up a code. The method also includes confirming the code. If the code is successfully confirmed, the method further includes modifying the IO by adding binary information IO the IO through the use of color scales that are not recognizable by an optical IO reader, generating a new progressive code comprising a bitstream, and overwriting the bitstream on the tiles.
US09477852B1 Augmented reality numberless transaction card
A method implemented on an augmented reality (AR) electronic device includes receiving a request to activate a transaction card account on a transaction card. The transaction card account is activated on the transaction card. A virtual representation of account information corresponding to the transaction card account is displayed on the AR electronic device. The exterior of the transaction card is free of account identifying information.
US09477851B2 LCL high power combiner
A combiner includes N coaxial cables each configured to connect to a respective output of N radio frequency power amplifiers, where N is an integer greater than one. Each of the N coaxial cables is configured to receive an amplified radio frequency signal from a respective one of the N radio frequency power amplifiers. A board includes capacitances and is configured to connect to each of the N coaxial cables and combine the radio frequency signals. The N coaxial cables and the capacitances provide N inductance and capacitance combinations. A connector is configured to connect an output of the board to a load.
US09477847B2 Method and system for managing processing resources
The present disclosure improves upon existing systems and methods by providing a tool for managing processing resources. For instance, the presently described tool may be used to time replacement, plan for uplifts, budget for uplifts/decommissioning of hardware, and/or maintain a plurality of servers. This tool may lead to increased satisfaction, uptime, and a reduction of unexpected costs. The system may include initiating collection of variables to compile a prioritized list of servers, executing, a calculation application for determining a prioritized list of servers' end of life targets based on both technical and business parameters based on the entered variables, and prioritizing uplifts of the servers based on the technical and the business parameters.
US09477844B2 Context-based security screening for accessing data
A processor-implemented method, system, and/or computer program product securely accesses a specific data store. A non-contextual data object is associated with a context object to define a first synthetic context-based object. The non-contextual data object ambiguously describes multiple types of persons, and the context object provides a circumstantial context that identifies a specific type of person from the multiple types of persons. The first synthetic context-based object is associated with at least one specific data store in a data structure. A string of binary data that describes a requester of data, including a time window for receipt and security level of the requester, is received by a security module for generating a new synthetic context-based object. If there is a match between the new synthetic context-based object, the first synthetic context-based object, and the security level of the requester, then the data is returned to the requester.
US09477842B2 Business partner data deletion for privacy
Various embodiments illustrated and described herein include at least one of systems, modules, processes, methods, and software that operate to keep customer, vendor, and business partner private information private.
US09477839B2 Methods for centralized privacy-preserving collaborative threat mitigation
One embodiment of the present invention provides a system to facilitate collaboration for mitigating network threats. During operation, the system receives encrypted data sets from a plurality of entities. The data sets including data describing threats to network security. The system performs privacy-preserving operations on the encrypted data sets, such as private set intersection. The system then computes one or more metrics based on results of the private set intersection computations. The system may generate a similarity matrix based on the one or more metrics, and returns one or more similarity values from the similarity matrix to one or more entities of the plurality of entities.
US09477836B1 Content modification in served code
In some implementations, a computer system for obfuscating text in an electronic document can include an analysis module, a font data repository, a re-coding module, and a data interface. The analysis module is operable to identify strings of text from an electronic document. The font data repository can include one or more character maps that correlate, for each character map in the one or more character maps, a first set of characters with a respective different second set of characters. The re-coding module can generate a re-coded document by re-mapping, using a particular one of the one or more character maps, the identified strings of text into corresponding obfuscated strings of text, and by replacing the identified strings of text with the corresponding obfuscated strings of text from the electronic document. The data interface can transmit the re-coded document to a client computing device.
US09477834B2 Maintaining secure data isolated from non-secure access when switching between domains
A data processing apparatus including circuitry for performing data processing, a plurality of registers; and a data store including regions having different secure levels, at least one secure region (for storing sensitive data accessible by the data processing circuitry operating in the secure domain and not accessible by the data processing circuitry operating in a less secure domain) and a less secure region (for storing less secure data). The circuitry is configured to determine which stack to store data to, or load data from, in response to the storage location of the program code being executed. In response to program code calling a function to be executed, the function code being stored in a second region, the second region having a different secure level to the first region, the data processing circuitry is configured to determine which of the first and second region have a lower secure level.
US09477831B2 Electronic device and method for releasing lock using element combining color and symbol
An electronic device and a method thereof for releasing lock using an element combining color and symbol are provided. In the method, at least two groups including at least two elements combining color and symbol are displayed. One element included in each of the at least two groups is allowed to be sequentially selected at least one time. When it is determined that a sequence of the sequentially selected elements is the same as a set sequence, a lock of the electronic device is released.
US09477829B2 Locking and unlocking a mobile device using facial recognition
In an embodiment of the invention, an unlocked mobile device is configured to capture images, analyze the images to detect a user's face, and automatically lock the device in response to determining that a user's face does not appear in the images. The camera capturing and face recognition processing may be triggered by the device having detected that it has been motionless for a threshold period of time. In another embodiment, a locked mobile device is configured to capture an initial image using its camera, capture a new image in response to detecting movement of the device, determine that the device moved to a use position, capture a subsequent image in response to determining that the device moved to a use position, analyze the subsequent image to detect a user's face, and unlock the device in response to detecting the user's face. Other embodiments are also described and claimed.
US09477828B2 Authentication device, authentication method and non-transitory computer-readable recording medium
To prevent improper authentication, a authentication device includes a visual-line detecting unit configured to detect a visual line direction of a user, an authentication-permission visual-line direction setting unit configured to set an authentication permission visual-line direction, a biometric deciding unit configured to execute authentication by deciding whether a detected visual line direction is an authentication permission visual-line direction, and a display control unit configured to cause a display unit to display an image showing a type of a visual line direction in setting an authentication permission visual-line direction and configured to cause the display unit not to display the image in executing authentication.
US09477827B1 Apparatus, system and method for authenticating a plurality of users for a mobile device using biometric means
A mobile device comprising a touch screen display; at least one processor with computer executable instruction code executable by the at least one processor configured for detecting a finger gesture, heat or pressure exerted on the mobile device and for responding to the finger gesture, heat or pressure by activating a release mechanism for releasing biometric verification means to extend outward from the concealed housing positioned within the mobile device for user authorization for activating the mobile device with a valid biometric identifier, wherein upon activation the biometric verification means retracts into the concealed housing; and activating a verification module executable by the at least one processors configured for verifying an image of user's biometric identifier when the mobile device is in sleep mode or for communicating user's authorization to access at least one application program or a remote hardware device that requires biometric verification.
US09477826B2 Device, system, and method of detecting multiple users accessing the same account
Devices, systems, and methods of detecting user identity, differentiating between users of a computerized service, and detecting a possible attacker. The methods include monitoring of user-side input-unit interactions, in general and in response to an interference introduced to user-interface elements. The monitored interactions are used for detecting an attacker that utilizes a remote access channel; for detecting a malicious automatic script, as well as malicious code injection; to identify a particular hardware assembly; to perform user segmentation or user characterization; to enable a visual login process with implicit two-factor authentication; to enable stochastic cryptography; and to detect that multiple users are utilizing the same subscription account.
US09477825B1 System for transparent authentication across installed applications
A system for authenticating mobile device users transparently is disclosed. This invention improves on the existing flaws by deriving encryption keys from environmental condition data when the user and device are trusted. The keys are then cryptographically hashed and compared with repository hashed data to determine if the conditions match a prior set of conditions. If a match is found and trust factors are sufficient, the system uses the condition data to decrypt a master key that allows access to secure data in the same manner as would a user-provided password. The security system cannot be bypassed if the device is stolen, as an attacker would have to replicate the exact environment and behavioral attributes employed and learned from the user without any knowledge as to the factors that constitute them because the factors are not maintained by the system.
US09477818B1 Leveraging a unification of content hosting and social networking
Content hosting architectures and/or social networking architectures can be improved by, e.g., unifying the two architectures to some extent. Services or features from both can be leveraged to provide an ecosystem that can be superior or preferred by users or consumers. For example, premium content that typically must be purchased via a transaction with the content hosting service can be accessed by certain users that have not purchased the premium content provided those users have a social relationship with one that has purchased the premium content, which can be determined based on data managed by the social networking service.
US09477814B2 Distribution of an IP-based multimedia channel to non-IP enabled devices
An apparatus and method for converting an IP-based multimedia channel and distributing the channel to a plurality of non-IP enabled devices based on the channel's popularity among the devices. The apparatus identifies a plurality of multimedia channels requested by a group of devices, and determines a data rate for providing each channel to the devices based on a popularity of each channel among the devices. The apparatus uses an adaptive bit rate (ABR) client to receive content segments for a respective one of the multimedia channels from an ABR server at a source data rate aligned with a determined data rate for providing the respective multimedia channel. The content segments are received at the source data rate, and converted by the apparatus to a continuous digital content stream. The apparatus then provides the continuous digital content stream to one or more of the devices at the determined data rate.
US09477811B2 Blood glucose tracking apparatus and methods
A measurement module for glucose testing includes a glucose testing measurement module housing, a test strip receptacle formed in the housing, and a connector portion formed in the housing and shaped to permit mechanical removable attachment of the housing to a hand-held computer. Electronics determine the amount of glucose present in a sample of body fluid, when the test strip is positioned in the receptacle and the body fluid is placed on a test strip, and communicate the glucose amount to the hand-held computer via the connector portion.
US09477807B1 Automating system on a chip customized design integration, specification, and verification through a single, integrated service
A user specified high level design selects a plurality of IP cores for placement in a customized system on a chip. A single integrated service automatically performs each of a design integration phase, specification phase, and verification phase for the user specified high level design to generate an integration file specifying stitching between a plurality of pins of each of the plurality of IP cores, a specification file specifying one or more characteristics of the customized system on a chip based on the user specified high level design, and a verification testbench for verification of the user specified high level design.
US09477799B2 Hierarchical determination of metrics for component-based parameterized SoCs
A method of determining a metric of a System-on-Chip (SoC), the method comprising: receiving a model dependency graph representing the SoC, the model dependency graph having a plurality of nodes representing components of the SoC and their models, and a plurality of directed edges between the nodes representing variables passed between the nodes of the model dependency graph; modifying the model dependency graph by clustering a plurality of strongly connected nodes in the model dependency graph into a single clustered node to form a clustered model dependency graph; determining an execution schedule according to a direction of an edge in the clustered model dependency graph; and executing models in the clustered model dependency graph according to the execution schedule to determine metrics of the SoC.
US09477796B2 Methods for general stabilizer-based quantum computing simulation
The disclosed method and computer-readable medium allow efficient simulation of both stabilizer and non-stabilizer states in general quantum circuits on a classical computer by maintaining global phases and orthogonalizing linear combinations of stabilizer states during simulation. This is accomplished by representing arbitrary quantum states as superpositions of stabilizer states, which may be implemented using one or more stabilizer frames. Each stabilizer frame includes a stabilizer matrix, one or more phase vectors corresponding to the stabilizer states, and an amplitude vector corresponding to the global phases of each stabilizer state. Orthogonality is maintained throughout the simulation for efficient computation and measurement. Some embodiments utilize a multiframe representation of the quantum state to reduce the number of stabilizer states required to represent the quantum state, which multiframe representation may also be used to implement parallel simulation.
US09477795B1 Modeling, simulation, and control of a solar electric propulsion vehicle in near-earth vicinity including solar array degradation
Modeling and control software that integrates the complexities of solar array models, a space environment, and an electric propulsion system into a rigid body vehicle simulation and control model is provided. A rigid body vehicle simulation of a solar electric propulsion (SEP) vehicle may be created using at least one solar array model, at least one model of a space environment, and at least one model of a SEP propulsion system. Power availability and thrust profiles may be determined based on the rigid body vehicle simulation as the SEP vehicle transitions from a low Earth orbit (LEO) to a higher orbit or trajectory. The power availability and thrust profiles may be displayed such that a user can use the displayed power availability and thrust profiles to determine design parameters for an SEP vehicle mission.
US09477794B2 Simulation method for high polymer material
A computerized simulation method for evaluating the dispersion of fillers in a high polymer material is disclosed. The method comprises: a simulation step in which, using filler models and polymer models placed in a predetermined virtual space, a molecular dynamics calculation is performed; and an evaluation step in which, from results of the simulation step, the dispersion of the filler models is evaluated. The evaluation step includes a step of computing a mean-square displacement of most influential particles for which a cutoff distance largest in the filler particle is defined. Thereby, the dispersion can be evaluated certainly at short times.
US09477788B2 Monolith geometry design for carbon dioxide capture
A method of determining an optimal geometry for monoliths useful for capturing CO2 is described. Monoliths having the determined desired geometry are also described.
US09477785B2 Customized query application and data result updating procedure
Disclosed are an apparatus and method of processing search query results and providing a user interface application to access the query results. According to one example, the application may be configured to perform retrieving user preferences from memory associated with a user profile of a query agent and applying the user preferences to a number of different search queries used to obtain information of one or more topics associated with the user profile. The method may also include automatically executing the search queries to various different remote data sources and receiving a number of search query results to populate user information sources associated with the user profile and included in a user interface.
US09477782B2 User interface mechanisms for query refinement
A query processing system (QPS) for generating query suggestions to a user by matching the user's input query against a set of query-detection grammars defined by respective rule modules, and with respect to a structured knowledge base. In response to the matching operation, the QPS may generate a set of synthetic query suggestions to the user, representing refinements of the user's input query. The QPS can also present a refinement tool that conveys refinement options to the user. The QPS may also present one or more preview items to the user upon the user's selection of one of the synthetic query suggestions. Each synthetic query suggestion and each preview item is guaranteed to having a matching counterpart information item in the structured knowledge base.
US09477779B2 Graph database devices and methods for partitioning graphs
A method and apparatus for partitioning a graph database that includes nodes connected to one another is presented. The method entails determining a node type indicating a type of node that is to be used as mapped nodes, and upon receiving a new node, placing the new node in a partition according to one or more property values associated with the new node if it is a mapped node, and placing the new node in a partition according to its connections to other nodes if it is not a mapped node. The apparatus includes modules containing computer-executable instructions to perform the above method.
US09477776B2 System and method for visualization of data
Embodiments of computer implemented methods and systems for visualization of data are described. One example embodiment includes receiving authentication data related to a user, establishing an identity of the user based on the user authentication data, and receiving profile data associated with the user in response to the establishing of the identity of the user. The example embodiment may further include receiving transaction data associated with the user, selectively aggregating the profile data with the transaction data as aggregated user data, visualizing the aggregated user data as a data visualization, the data visualization being a composition of visual media corresponding to the aggregated data, and providing an address to the data visualization such that the data visualization may be referred to in other applications.
US09477770B2 System and method for information sharing using visual tags
Source data stored on a source device may be shared with other devices. Sharing the source data may include facilitating communication associated with the source data, based on a communication protocol, between a first device and another device. Receiving a first token associated with the source data may be facilitated. The first token may be encoded to generate a visual tag. An image of the visual tag may be provided to enable a second device to capture the image, retrieve the first token after decoding the visual tag, and use the first token to access the source data utilizing a communication protocol.
US09477760B2 Query construction on online social networks
In one embodiment, a method includes accessing a set of nodes of a social graph of an online social network. The social graph includes a number of nodes and a number of edges connecting the nodes. Each of the edges between two of the nodes representing a single degree of separation between them. The nodes include a first node that corresponds to the first user and a number of nodes that each correspond to a concept or a second user associated with the online social network. The method also includes accessing one or more grammar tokens. Each grammar token includes references to zero or more nodes and one or more edges. Each grammar token corresponds to a particular type of completion token. Each grammar token may be based on a natural-language string. The method also includes receiving from the first user a selection of one or more of the grammar tokens and one or more of the completion tokens.
US09477759B2 Question answering using entity references in unstructured data
Methods, systems, and computer-readable media are provided for collective reconciliation. In some implementations, a query is received, wherein the query is associated at least in part with a type of entity. One or more search results are generated based at least in part on the query. Previously generated data is retrieved associated with at least one search result of the one or more of search results, the data comprising one or more entity references in the at least one search result corresponding to the type of entity. The one or more entity references are ranked, and an entity result is selected from the one or more entity references based at least in part on the ranking. An answer to the query is provided based at least in part on the entity result.
US09477749B2 Apparatus for identifying root cause using unstructured data
A system and method of identifying root cause of an observation by leveraging features from unstructured data is disclosed. A report generation component may be configured to generate a report. A report presentation component may be configured to allow an operator to select an observation from the report. A root cause component may be configured to determine one or more causal factors associated with the observation.
US09477744B2 Event-related media management system
An event-related media management system contextualizes media content. The event-related media management system associates media content with contextual event-related data to associate the media content with the events and information about the events. The contextual event-related data can then be used to provide access to the media content, such as through relevant search results or by presenting the media content in organized displays for contextual browsing and navigation. In some embodiments the event-related media management system generates contextualized media content for contextual search, discovery, and advertising.
US09477743B2 System and method for load balancing in a distributed system by dynamic migration
A system and method for load balancing between components of a distributed data grid. The system and method support dynamic data migration of selected data partitions in response to detection of hot spots in the data grid which degrade system performance. In embodiments, the system and method relies upon analysis of per-partition performance statistics for both the identification of data nodes which would benefit from data migration and the selection of data nodes for migration. Tuning of the data migration thresholds and method provides for optimizing throughput of the data grid to avoid degradation of performance resulting from load-induced hot spots.
US09477741B2 Systems and methods for redistributing data in a relational database
Systems and methods for redistributing data in a relational database are disclosed. In one embodiment, the database includes a plurality of rows of data distributed across a plurality of slices of a table in the database. The database system is configured to distribute the rows of data across the slices according to a first function based on one or more columns of the table. The database system monitors at least one database statistic indicative of variation in a distribution of the rows of data across the slices and detects a redistribution condition based on the at least one monitored database statistic. The database system is further configured to respond to the detected redistribution condition by redistributing the rows of data across the slices according to a second function based on a different number of columns than the first function.
US09477740B1 System and method for management of an automatic OLAP report broadcast system
A system, method and processor medium that manages automatic generation of output from an on-line analytical processing (OLAP) system. Scheduled services are processed in an OLAP system and output from the OLAP system is then automatically forwarded to one or more subscriber output devices specified for that service. The system manages the operation of the service processing system to increase throughput, increase speed, and improve administrator control over the processing. The system enables administrator control over processing by enabling administrators to view all services and all subscribers of the system, by maintaining an address book containing entries for subscribers of the service, and by scheduling processing of services. The system governs the volume of services being processed, the number of subscribers to a particular service, and the number of output devices to which a service may be broadcast.
US09477733B2 Hierarchical, parallel models for extracting in real-time high-value information from data streams and system and method for creation of same
A computer system identifies high-value information in data streams. The computer system receives a plurality of filter graph definitions. Each of the filter graph definitions includes a plurality of filter nodes arranged in a two-dimensional graph by a plurality of graph edges. Each filter node is configured to accept or reject individual packets in a data stream based on content and/or metadata information associated with the individual packet. The system prepares the filter graph for execution. In response to receiving a data stream with a plurality of packets, the system distributes the packets to inputs of each of the executable filter graph definitions. The system identifies, using the executable filter graph definitions, packets with high-value information based on parallel execution of the filter nodes included in the respective filter graph definition.
US09477729B2 Domain based keyword search
A database keyword search technique that relies on a domain based storage infrastructure is disclosed. In operation, a keyword search string is processed to generate a set of search string permutations. Each string permutation specifies a different ordering of one or more portions of the search string. A domain based search process is then executed asynchronously for each string permutation. Each execution generates a search result set that identifies rows in the database that include data relevant to the string permutation. The results in each result set are scored and ranked based in part on the similarity between the string permutation and the search string provided by the user. The rankings determine which of the results are to be presented to the user.
US09477727B2 Abstracting data for use by a mobile device having occasional connectivity
A system, method, and computer program product are provided for abstracting data in a remote data source. A method operates by defining the data source, defining a data synchronization methodology for communication with the data source, and providing an abstraction layer for accessing data in the data source. The abstraction layer implements the data synchronization methodology when data is accessed through the abstraction layer is presented.
US09477725B2 Search results using density-based map tiles
In one embodiment, a method includes accessing a map comprising a plurality of tiles representing a plurality of geographic areas, respectively, where each tile comprises a plurality of objects having locations within the tile, and each tile has below a threshold number of objects located within the tile; receiving a first query from a first user that includes a first location within a first tile; identifying one or more objects corresponding to the first query, where each identified object has a location within the first tile; and generating search results comprising references to one or more of the identified objects.
US09477723B2 Causal profile
According to an aspect of an embodiment, a method of graphically representing a history of a user includes receiving information indicating a history of a user with respect to multiple categories. The method also includes mapping received information within a corresponding category and pertaining to a correspond age range to a corresponding indicator such that the received information is mapped to multiple indicators, each indicator being associated with a corresponding category and a corresponding age range. The method also includes generating a profile object based on the indictors. The profile object graphically represents the history of the user with respect to the categories.
US09477721B2 Searching media program databases
A method, apparatus, article of manufacture for providing list of a plurality of media programs responsive to a user search query is disclosed. In one embodiment, the method comprises the steps of accepting an general search query from a user computer, identifying a synonym for the general search query, identifying a category for the general search query according to the identified synonym, performing a categorical search of a media program database using the identified synonym and the identified category to obtain a search result, and transmitting the search result to the user computer for presentation on a display communicatively coupled to the user computer.
US09477720B1 Social search endorsements
This specification describes technologies relating to searching. In general, aspects of the subject matter described in this specification can be embodied in methods that include the actions of receiving, at a computing device, a search query from a user, receiving, at the computing device, search results responsive to the search query, the search results each associated with digital content stored in one or more computer-readable storage media, determining that a first search result of the search results is associated with a first endorsement generated by a first user, determining that the first user is a member of a social graph of the user, and transmitting instructions to display the search results to the user, the instructions including instructions to display a first endorsement annotation associated with the first search result.
US09477715B1 Personalizing aggregated news content
A system customizes a news document associated with a user of a news aggregation service. The system includes a remote news aggregation server configured to create a news aggregation service document based on a request received from the user. The remote news aggregation server identifies news content from a plurality of news source servers based on the received request and presents the identified news content in the news aggregation service document. The remote news aggregation server is further configured to receive a request from the user to remove a news item from the presented news content and removing the requested news item from the identified news content. Updated news content is presented in an updated news aggregation service document.
US09477710B2 Isolating resources and performance in a database management system
Techniques for tenant performance isolation in a multiple-tenant database management system are described. These techniques may include providing a reservation of server resources. The server resources reservation may include a reservation of a central processing unit (CPU), a reservation of Input/Output throughput, and/or a reservation of buffer pool memory or working memory. The techniques may also include a metering mechanism that determines whether the resource reservation is satisfied. The metering mechanism may be independent of an actual resource allocation mechanism associated with the server resource reservation.
US09477703B1 Item version similarity scoring system
Generally described are systems and methods for conducting content differential analysis on multiple versions of an item, such as a book published with multiple editions or an item released with multiple versions. A version similarity scoring system may be configured to perform such content differential analysis on item content between two or more versions, and generate one or more similarity scores or assessments between versions. Similarity scores may be generated for the item as a whole as well as for some or all particular content portions or features of the item. The similarity scores for various versions may be provided to consumers viewing item detail pages for a multi-version item, as well as to vendors as part of purchase planning and market price setting decision processes.
US09477701B1 Generic data compression for heart diagnosis
A method and associated systems for generic data compression. A mobile device receives realtime data from a medical-monitoring device, such as a heart monitor, worn by a patient. The invention compresses and encodes this data into ASCII text characters, which are transmitted via a commonly available low-bandwidth text-messaging service, such as the SMS service supported by most cell phones. The text messages are received by a second mobile device, which decodes the text characters into their original form and displays them to a healthcare practitioner. More critical portions of the data are encoded by a high-precision lossless compression mechanism. In some embodiments, the two mobile devices may be cell phones and the second device may have the ability to interpret the decoded information in order to determine whether to directly or indirectly alert the practitioner or other parties of an exceptional condition detected by the medical monitor.
US09477700B2 Data environment change notification
A method of and system for monitoring and providing notification of changes to a data environment. Parameters of interest for monitoring changes made to a metadata data store are stored. Instructions are stored related to notifying a recipient of a communication about the changes. The metadata is monitored for changes related to the parameters of interest, and a change notification communication is generated with transmission initiated to the recipient. The instructions related to notification of the changes may include the identity of a recipient, mechanism for notification, and format and content of notification. A computer readable memory system and a computer program product may be provided that is encoded with a data structure for notifying data consumers of changes to a data environment that includes metadata.
US09477695B2 Metadata cache supporting multiple heterogeneous systems
A request for a metadata object is received where the request includes an identifier. It is determined whether the metadata object is stored in a metadata cache, including by: selecting a sub-cache in the metadata cache based at least in part on the identifier and determining whether the metadata object is stored in that sub-cache. If it is determined the metadata object is not in the metadata cache, a request (in a format associated with the source) to obtain the metadata object is sent to a source with which the metadata object is associated. If the metadata object provided by the source is in a native format which is not the same as the common format, the metadata object is transformed from the native format into the common format. Access to the metadata object in the common format is provided.
US09477690B2 Method and apparatus for measuring information associated with another device
An approach is provided for presenting a measure of relevant information stored on or associated with a nearby device using one or more lighting parameters and/or one or more short-range communication technologies. An information platform determines one or more queries from at least one device. The information platform causes, at least in part, a measurement of an amount of information associated with one or more other devices that is responsive to the one or more queries. The information platform further causes, at least in part, a presentation of one or more representations of the amount.
US09477687B2 Mobile terminal and metadata setting method thereof
A mobile terminal and metadata setting method thereof are disclosed, by which metadata of various types can be set. The present invention includes displaying an image including at least one object, selecting a specific object from the at least one object, extracting the specific object from the image, setting the metadata for the extracted specific object, and storing the metadata set for the specific object and an image including the specific object.
US09477685B1 Finding untagged images of a social network member
A method for enabling a new member of a social network to tag photos of the new member is described, where the photos have been previously uploaded by existing members before the new member joined the social network. For example, a system can obtain a reference image (e.g., a profile picture) of the new member. The system compares the reference image to stored images in the social network using facial recognition technology and generates a list of stored images in which the new member may be pictured. The system enables the new member to take one or more predefined actions with regard to each image in the list. For example, the predefined actions may include tagging an image in which the new member is pictured, or sending a notification to the owner of an image in the list.
US09477684B2 Image processing apparatus and control method using motion history images
An image processing apparatus includes: a camera configured to generate a captured image by capturing motion of an object; an image processor configured to process the captured image; a storage configured to store a predetermined information which is common data included in common in a plurality of motion history images (MHI) obtained by capturing respectively the motions by a predetermined form; and a controller configured to determine that a form of the motion by the object within the captured image corresponds to the predetermined form if it is determined that MHI data of the captured image includes the predetermined information.
US09477669B2 Integrating messaging attachments with online publishing systems
A client publishes rich media content by receiving a message including a representation of imagery content. A publishing control is presented, in association with the message, that enables the user to transmit the imagery content to a publishing host. The user is enabled to interact with the publishing control and the representation of the imagery content to publish the imagery content using the publishing host.
US09477668B2 Content element editor
A system may include a communications device. The system may further include a content editor executed by said communications device and configured to present a content element including a plurality of contexts, each of said plurality of contexts associated with a version of content items to be included in a content presentation and a set of context attributes descriptive of user attributes for which said context is to be provided.
US09477666B2 Method and system for providing “what's next” data
A system and method for generating a list of content is disclosed. A processor may store in memory at least one content preference of a user, may store at least one non-user content preference of at least one entity other than the user, may associate the at least one non-user content preference with the user, and may generate the content list based on a combination of the at least one content preference of the user and the at least one non-user content preference for output to the user.
US09477665B2 Revenue-generating electronic multi-media exchange and process of operating same
In a process for creating media content, media submissions are requested and electronically received from end users and stored in a computer database. The submissions are searched for material to be included in the media content, and cross-checked against the other submissions for originality and timeliness. After the material is selected from one or more submissions, the content is developed and released to an audience for review. The end users whose submission material was included in the released content are rewarded. In one embodiment, third parties are permitted to access and search the submissions on an open exchange. The third parties can bid for rights in submissions on the open exchange. After receiving these bids, they are forwarded to the particular submission's end user for acceptance or rejection. Appropriate billing and payment processes are used to bill and pay the parties involved.
US09477664B2 Method and apparatus for querying media based on media characteristics
An approach is provided for querying media based on media characteristics. A media platform processes and/or facilitates a processing of one or more images, one or more videos, or a combination thereof to determine one or more latent vectors associated with the one or more images, the one or more videos, or the combination thereof. The media platform further causes, at least in part, a comparison of the one or more latent vectors to one or more models. The media platform also causes, at least in part, an indexing of the one or more images, the one or more videos, or the combination thereof based, at least in part, on the one or more latent vectors, the one or more models, or a combination thereof.
US09477661B1 Method and apparatus for predicting potential replication performance degradation
Techniques for predicting data replication performance degradation are described. According to one embodiment, a method starts with receiving periodically data replication characteristics from a source storage and a target storage, the periodically received data replication characteristics being extracted from a replication process of the source storage replicating data to the target storage. The periodically received data replication characteristics are analyzed at a replication management server communicatively coupled with the source storage and the target storage, and a predictive modeling are applied. When the possibility of degradation of replication performance reaches a predetermined threshold, a notification is sent out.
US09477658B2 Systems and method for speech to speech translation using cores of a natural liquid architecture system
A method and system for speech to speech translation using a plurality of computational cores of a natural liquid architecture are provided. The method includes receiving an audio signal; identifying a first concept related to the received audio signal; identifying a first language based on the first concept identified for the received audio signal; and determining a match between of the first concept and at least a second concept, wherein the at least second concept represents a target second language.
US09477657B2 Real time multi-language voice translation
A system may be configured to allow for the translation of content, obtained and/or presented by a media cast device, to different languages. The translation may be performed based on translating the text of closed captioning information provided with the content, and generating audio based on the text. The translation may be performed independent of music or sound effects, such that only speech is replaced, without affecting other portions of the audio.
US09477656B1 Cross-lingual indexing and information retrieval
Systems and methods are disclosed for searching across multi-lingual information. A user makes a query in a first language, and a group of documents that were previously machine-translated into the first language are searched for information responsive to the query. Contextual information derived can be used to improve the accuracy of the machine translation. Responsive documents are returned to the user. Alternatively, a query provided in a user's language may be translated into one or more other languages. Documents written in these languages can then be searched for information responsive to the appropriate translated query. Responsive documents can be translated into the user's language prior to providing them to the user.
US09477654B2 Convolutional latent semantic models and their applications
Functionality is described herein for transforming first and second symbolic linguistic items into respective first and second continuous-valued concept vectors, using a deep learning model, such as a convolutional latent semantic model. The model is designed to capture both the local and global linguistic contexts of the linguistic items. The functionality then compares the first concept vector with the second concept vector to produce a similarity measure. More specifically, the similarity measure expresses the closeness between the first and second linguistic items in a high-level semantic space. In one case, the first linguistic item corresponds to a query, and the second linguistic item may correspond to a phrase, or a document, or a keyword, or an ad, etc. In one implementation, the convolutional latent semantic model is produced in a training phase based on click-through data.
US09477651B2 Finding partition boundaries for parallel processing of markup language documents
A method, a computer program product and a system identify partition locations within an extended markup language (XML) document without parsing so as to process portions of said document in parallel. The XML document includes sections required to remain continuous. The document is scanned for continuous sections without parsing, and boundaries of the initial partitions are adjusted to reside outside the continuous sections to determine resulting partitions for the document. The resulting partitions may be processed in parallel to provide the document information for storage.
US09477648B1 Optimized web application user experience
A method, system, and computer readable medium to iteratively determine and deliver optimal experience of a web application running on multiple servers for the Internet. For example the multiple servers may be behind a single virtual Internet Protocol (IP) Address in a server farm. A candidate of the optimal webpage configuration is separately determined by each server of the server farm independent of each other. At recurring synchronization time points, the outcome of interest statistics from multiple servers are aggregated and used by each server to continue the next iteration until the convergence condition is detected.
US09477644B1 Identifying referral pages based on recorded URL requests
A system for pagination of data based on recorded URL requests, includes a data store comprising a computer readable medium storing a program of instructions for performing the pagination of data based on recorded URL requests; a processor that executes the program of instructions; a data segmentation module to receive a log of the URL requests, and to segment the log for a specific source; a referral tree construction module to construct a referral tree for the specific source based on the segmented log and HTTP referrer fields associated with the log; a tree enhancement module to enhance the referral tree based on site-specific rules; a signal computation module to perform signal computation on a plurality of nodes associated with the enhanced referral tree; a classification module to identify each of the plurality of nodes subsequent to the signal computation is performed on the enhanced referral tree; and a page construction module to construct a web page based on the enhanced referral tree subsequent to the classification module identifying the plurality of nodes.
US09477643B2 Method of and system for using conversation state information in a conversational interaction system
A method of using conversation state information in a conversational interaction system is disclosed. A method of inferring a change of a conversation session during continuous user interaction with an interactive content providing system includes receiving input from the user including linguistic elements intended by the user to identify an item, associating a linguistic element of the input with a first conversation session, and providing a response based on the input. The method also includes receiving additional input from the user and inferring whether or not the additional input from the user is related to the linguistic element associated with the conversation session. If related, the method provides a response based on the additional input and the linguistic element associated with the first conversation session. Otherwise, the method provides a response based on the second input without regard for the linguistic element associated with the first conversation session.
US09477642B2 Gesture-based navigation among content items
In any context where a user can view multiple different content items, switching among content items is provided using an array mode. In a full-frame mode, one content item is visible and active, but other content items may also be open. In response to user input the display can be switched to an array mode, in which all of the content items are visible in a scrollable array. Selecting a content item in array mode can result in the display returning to the full-frame mode, with the selected content item becoming visible and active. Smoothly animated transitions between the full-frame and array modes and a gesture-based interface for controlling the transitions can also be provided.
US09477640B2 Neural signal processing and/or interface methods, architectures, apparatuses, and devices
Processing a neural signal sequence occurs in accordance with a neural signal spiking model that includes an exponential component (EC) and a polynomial component (PC). The exponential component is correlated with the presence of signal sequence noise, and the polynomial component is correlated with the presence of detectable signal sequence spikes distinguishable from the noise. A neural interface includes a frequency shaping amplifier (FSA) configured for receiving input signals; an amplifier gain stage and an analog-to-digital conversion (ADC) stage; a Hilbert transformer configured for performing a Hilbert transform upon neural signal data received from the ADC stage; a linear regression engine configured for estimating EC parameters and PC parameters corresponding to Hilbert transformed neural signal data; and a neural spike probability estimator configured for generating a neural spike probability map based upon the EC parameters and the PC parameters.
US09477631B2 Optimized credit return mechanism for packet sends
Method and apparatus for implementing an optimized credit return mechanism for packet sends. A Programmed Input/Output (PIO) send memory is partitioned into a plurality of send contexts, each comprising a memory buffer including a plurality of send blocks configured to store packet data. A storage scheme using FIFO semantics is implemented with each send block associated with a respective FIFO slot. In response to receiving packet data written to the send blocks and detecting the data in those send blocks has egressed from a send context, corresponding freed FIFO slots are detected, and a lowest slot for which credit return indicia has not be returned is determined. The highest slot in a sequence of freed slots from the lowest slot is then determined, and corresponding credit return indicia is returned. In one embodiment an absolute credit return count is implemented for each send context, with an associated absolute credit sent count tracked via software that writes to the PIO send memory, with the two absolute credit counts used for flow control.
US09477630B2 Method of connecting a PCIe bus extension system
A PCIe bus extension system, method, interface card and cable for connecting a PCIe-compliant peripheral device to a PCIe bus of a computer system. The interface card includes a printed circuit board, an edge connector adapted for insertion into a PCIe expansion slot on a motherboard of the computer system for transmitting PCIe signals between the motherboard and the interface card, an interface port configured to mate with a connector of the cable, and a logic integrated circuit on the printed circuit board, the logic integrated circuit functionally connecting the edge connector with the expansion slot and amplifying and propagating clock and data PCIe signals therebetween that are compliant with a PCIe standard. The interface card and cable lacks the capability of transmitting power therethrough to a PCIe-compliant peripheral device connected to the interface card through the interface port.
US09477625B2 Reversible connector for accessory devices
Reversible connectors for accessory devices are described. In one or more implementations, a connector cable for an accessory of a host computing device is configured such that a head of the connector cable may be plugged into a corresponding port of the host in either orientation (straight or reverse). The host computing device is configured to sample signals associated with allocated pins of the connector to detect connection of the connector to an accessory port and to ascertain an orientation of the connector. A combination of high and low values of signals conveyed via these allocated pins upon insertion of the connector may be used by a controller of the host to distinguish between different types of devices and to resolve the orientation of the connector cable. A switching mechanism of the host computing device may then be configured to automatically route signals accordingly.
US09477623B2 Barrier transactions in interconnects
Interconnect circuitry is configured to provide data routes via which at least one initiator device may access at least one recipient device. The circuitry including: at least one input for receiving transaction requests from at least one initiator device; at least one output for outputting transaction requests to the at least one recipient device; and at least one path for transmitting transaction requests between at least one input and at least one output. Also includes is control circuitry for routing the received transaction requests from at least one input to at least one output and responds to a barrier transaction request to maintain an ordering of at least some transaction requests with respect to said barrier transaction request within a stream of transaction requests passing along one of said at least one paths. Barrier transaction requests include an indicator of transaction requests whose ordering is to be maintained.
US09477621B2 Bandwidth control method for an on-chip system
The invention concerns a bandwidth control method in an on-chip system comprising at least one main master module, at least one secondary master module, at least one slave module and a bus connected to each module on a communication link, the bus comprising interconnection means to make at least one common slave module communicate with at least one main master module and with at least one secondary master module via at least one common path portion, the method comprising the following steps carried out for each common slave module: first detection of a first request to access the common slave module, issued by a main master module, definition of a blocking time Dj associated with the common slave module, blocking, during blocking time Dj, of any data transfer on the at least one common path portion between a secondary master module and the common slave module.
US09477620B2 Storage system for changing a data transfer speed and a method of changing the data transfer speed thereof
A storage device of a storage system includes a device Direct Memory Access (DMA) configured to calculate a data transfer amount based on size information of data provided to a DMA queue; a command manager configured to receive the data transfer amount from the device DMA and to calculate a transfer speed using a speed mode table; and a device interface configured to transfer the transfer speed to a host.
US09477619B2 Programmable latency count to achieve higher memory bandwidth
Disclosed herein are system, method and/or computer program product embodiments for increasing memory bandwidth when accessing a plurality of memory devices. An embodiment operates by executing, by at least one processor, a first read operation to read data from a first memory device following an access time for the first memory device. The embodiment further includes executing, by the at least one processor, a second read operation to read data from a second memory device following an access time for the second memory device. The access time for the second memory device is substantially the same or longer than the access time for the first memory device plus a time it takes to read data from the first memory device.
US09477616B2 Devices, systems, and methods of reducing chip select
Several systems and methods of chip select are described. In one such method, a device maintains two identifiers, (ID_a and ID_m). When the device receives a command, it examines the values of ID_a and ID_m relative to a third reference identifier (ID_s). If either ID_a or ID_m is equivalent to ID_s, the device executes the command, otherwise, the device ignores the command. By using two different identification methods, a system has options in choosing to activate devices, being able to selectively switch between selecting multiple devices and single devices in a quick manner. In another such method, a device may have a persistent area that stores identification information such as an ID_a. Thus, system functionality may remain independent from any defect/marginality associated with the physical or logical components required for initial ID_a assignment of all devices in the system.
US09477608B2 Apparatus and method for rapid fuse bank access in a multi-core processor
An apparatus includes a fuse array, a random access memory (RAM), and a plurality of cores. The fuse array is disposed on a die, where the fuse array has a plurality of semiconductor fuses programmed with compressed configuration data. The RAM is disposed separately on the die. The plurality of cores is disposed separately on the die, where each of the plurality of cores is coupled to the fuse array and the RAM, and where the each of the plurality of cores accesses either the fuse array or the RAM upon power-up/reset as indicated by contents of a load data register to obtain the compressed configuration data.
US09477605B2 Memory hierarchy using row-based compression
A system includes a first memory and a device coupleable to the first memory. The device includes a second memory to cache data from the first memory. The second memory includes a plurality of rows, each row including a corresponding set of compressed data blocks of non-uniform sizes and a corresponding set of tag blocks. Each tag block represents a corresponding compressed data block of the row. The device further includes decompression logic to decompress data blocks accessed from the second memory. The device further includes compression logic to compress data blocks to be stored in the second memory.
US09477599B2 Write combining cache microarchitecture for synchronization events
A method, computer program product, and system is described that enforces a release consistency with special accesses sequentially consistent (RCsc) memory model and executes release synchronization instructions such as a StRel event without tracking an outstanding store event through a memory hierarchy, while efficiently using bandwidth resources. What is also described is the decoupling of a store event from an ordering of the store event with respect to a RCsc memory model. The description also includes a set of hierarchical read/write combining buffers that coalesce stores from different parts of the system. In addition, a pool component maintains partial order of received store events and release synchronization events to avoid content addressable memory (CAM) structures, full cache flushes, as well as direct write-throughs to memory. The approach improves the performance of both global and local synchronization events since a store event may not need to reach main memory to complete.
US09477596B2 LBA bitmap usage
Systems and methods are disclosed for logical block address (“LBA) bitmap usage for a system having non-volatile memory (“NVM”). A bitmap can be stored in volatile memory of the system, where the bitmap can store the mapping statuses of one or more logical addresses. By using the bitmap, the system can determine the mapping status of a LBA without having to access the NVM. In addition, the system can update the mapping status of a LBA with minimal NVM accesses. By reducing the number of NVM accesses, the system can avoid triggering a garbage collection process, which can improve overall system performance.
US09477594B2 Semiconductor device and control method for reading instructions
A system-in-package semiconductor device with a CPU, a first flash memory configured to store first instructions to be executed by the CPU, and a second flash memory configured to store second instructions to be executed in accordance with a predetermined control instruction included in the first instructions. The semiconductor device determines, prior to the CPU executing the instruction, whether an instruction read out from the first flash memory is a branch instruction, and if it is determined to be the branch instruction, causes the second flash memory to perforin read-out operation using a branch destination address value indicated by the branch instruction, and if a value of a program counter of the CPU matches the branch destination address value, while the second flash memory is in a state of being ready for read-out operation in accordance with the instruction, starts reading out the second instructions from the second flash memory.
US09477592B2 Localized fast bulk storage in a multi-node computer system
A high performance computing (HPC) system includes computing blades having a first region that includes computing circuit boards having processors for performing a computation, and a second region that includes non-volatile memory for use in performing the computation. The regions are connected by a plurality of power connectors that convey power from the computing circuit boards to the memory, and a plurality of data connectors that convey data between the first and second regions. The power and data connectors are configured redundantly so that failure of a computing circuit board, a power connector, or a data connector does not interrupt the computation. A method of performing such a computation, and a computer program product implementing the method, are also disclosed.
US09477587B2 Method and apparatus for a volume management system in a non-volatile memory device
Embodiments for partitioning a non-volatile memory device is described. In one embodiment a memory system includes a first addressable range of memory blocks for storing different types of data. The memory system is partitioned to include a second addressable range of memory blocks capable of storing data indicating attributes of the first addressable range of memory blocks. The second addressable range of memory blocks may also be periodically updated such that the capacities of the first addressable range of memory blocks may be dynamically adjusted depending on application needs and changes to the non-volatile memory device over time. In some embodiments, one partition of a memory device may be configured for high reliability data storage while a second partition is configured for normal reliability storage.
US09477585B2 Real time analysis and control for a multiprocessor system
System and method for testing a device under test (DUT) that includes a multiprocessor array (MPA) executing application software at operational speed. The application software may be configured for deployment on first hardware resources of the MPA and may be analyzed. Testing code for configuring hardware resources on the MPA to duplicate data generated in the application software for testing purposes may be created. The application software may be deployed on the first hardware resources. Input data may be provided to stimulate the DUT. The testing code may be executed to provide at least a subset of first data to a pin at an edge of the MPA for analyzing the DUT using a hardware resource of the MPA not used in executing the application software. The first data may be generated in response to a send statement executed by the application software based on the input data.
US09477584B2 System and method to test executable instructions
This document discusses, among other things, a method of testing an Application Programming Interface (API) call that includes receiving data identifying a schema associated with web services together with an API call. Various example embodiments may relate to accessing a data repository associated with the schema to identify an API response corresponding to the API call. In some example embodiments, a message is returned that is based on a determination of whether the API call is valid. The example message may simulate an API response from web services.
US09477581B2 Integrated system and method for validating the functionality and performance of software applications
The system and method presented provides a multi-phase, end-to-end integrated process for testing application software using a standard software testing tool. The system and method involve integrating the functional, automated regression and performance phases of software application testing by leveraging deliverables at each phase so that the deliverables may be efficiently reused in subsequent test phases. Deliverables such as functional and technical test conditions and manual test scripts are used as inputs for each phase of the integrated tests. The use of leveraged requirements-based deliverables between test phases significantly reduces much of the repetitive testing typically associated with functionality and performance testing and minimizes repetition of testing errors discovered in earlier test phases. This integrated system and method for validating the functionality and performance of software applications by leveraging deliverables provides enhanced efficiencies, test procedure consistency throughout multiple test phases, consistent test results and high quality software applications.
US09477579B2 Embedded software debug system with partial hardware acceleration
An embedded software debug system with partial hardware acceleration includes a computer that executes a debug software stack. The debug software stack includes high level operations. The system also includes a remote microcontroller electronically connected to the computer. The system further includes an embedded processor electronically connected to the remote microcontroller. The remote microcontroller receives an applet from the computer and executes the applet in conjunction with the computer executing the debug software stack to debug the embedded processor. The applet includes low level protocol operations including performance critical tight-loops precompiled into machine code. The debug software stack may include a stub that replaces the tight-loops of the applet. The computer may send the applet to the remote microcontroller in response to executing the stub.
US09477576B2 Using application state data and additional code to resolve deadlocks
A computer captures a thread state data of a first program. The computer generates a second program by applying a first program patch to the first program. The computer inserts additional code into a source code of the second program. The computer executes a first performance test using the second program and the inserted additional code. The computer monitors a first status of the second program and the inserted additional code that are under the first performance test. The computer determines a degree that a first deadlock state was prevented during the first performance test. The computer generates a first message based, at least in part, on the determined degree that the first deadlock state was prevented during the first performance test.
US09477575B2 Method and system for implementing a multi-threaded API stream replay
A method for debugging and includes receiving a request for capturing a frame generated by a graphics application implementing application threads executing function calls. The function calls are associated with one or more thread specific resources used at the beginning of the capturing process. For each application thread, a corresponding state is determined for each thread specific resource utilized, and a corresponding capture stream is established. For each application thread, executed function calls are captured into the corresponding capture stream. A plurality of captured function calls is arranged in the order they were executed by the graphics application. For each capture stream, a corresponding replay thread is established. Application threads, capture streams, and replay threads exist in a one-to-one-to-one relationship. Captured function calls are replayed in order, wherein each captured function call is executed in a corresponding replay thread based on which application thread executed the captured function call.
US09477571B2 Streaming operator with trigger
One or more operators in a flow graph of a streaming application may include one or more triggers that indicate when action needs to be taken for the operator. A streams manager monitors performance of a streaming application and receives a notification when a trigger in an operator fires. In response to a trigger firing, the streams manager determines an appropriate action corresponding to the trigger. When the trigger indicates an adjustment of cloud resources are needed, the streams manager formulates a cloud resource request to a cloud manager. In response, the cloud manager adjusts the cloud resources for the operator to improve performance of the streaming application. A trigger may specify a trigger action for an operator, and may additionally specify a trigger action for one or more other affected operators. The firing of a trigger in one operator can therefore result in adjusting resources to multiple operators.
US09477570B2 Monitoring software provisioning
A provisioning server can actively monitor the software provisioning processes being performed on a target machine to determine the status and integrity of the provisioning processes and notify an administrator or user of the status and integrity. The provisioning server can be configured to include a monitoring module and a message module. The monitoring module can be configured to monitor software provisioning processes being performed on a target machine and determine the status and integrity of the provisioning processes. The message module can be configured send notification to the administrator or user of the status and integrity of the provisioning processes.
US09477567B2 Method for monitoring a graphical user interface on a second computer display from a first computer
A high level interface between a remote computer and local computer operator permits the remote computer to be controlled via a sequence of interactions. The remote computer may be monitored for display information which is expected, and also controlled in the event the expected information either is or is not obtained. Command language extensions are provided which extend and complement a basic scripting language. Scripts with embedded command language extensions may be executed through a remote interface, permitting remote testing, operation and evaluation. The development of the scripts, including embedded command language extensions, may be prepared through execution of commands at the local computer on a depiction of the GUI received from the remote computer, and subsequently saved as a script.
US09477564B2 Method and apparatus for dynamic node healing in a multi-node environment
Method and apparatus for dynamic Node healing in a Multi-Node environment. A multi-node platform controller hub (MN-PCH) is configured to support multiple nodes through use of dedicated interfaces and components and shared capabilities. Interfaces and components may be configured to be used by respective nodes, or may be configured to support enhanced resiliency as redundant primary and spare interfaces and components. In response to detecting a failing or failing primary interface or component, the MN-PCH automatically performs failover operations to replace the primary with the spare. Moreover, the failover operation is transparent to the operating systems running on the platform's nodes.
US09477563B2 Virtual application delivery chassis system
A method for electing a master blade in a virtual application distribution chassis (VADC), includes: sending by each blade a VADC message to each of the other blades; determining by each blade that the VADC message was not received from the master blade within a predetermined period of time; in response, sending a master claim message including a blade priority by each blade to the other blades; determining by each blade whether any of the blade priorities obtained from the received master claim messages is higher than the blade priority of the receiving blade; in response to determining that none of the blade priorities obtained is higher, setting a status of a given receiving blade to a new master blade; and sending by the given receiving blade a second VADC message to the other blades indicating the status of the new master blade of the given receiving blade.
US09477555B1 Optimized disaster-recovery-as-a-service system
Methods, computer program products, and systems are presented. The methods include, for instance: enabling a client of a source site protected by a disaster recovery service, to select one or more value-added service to be performed by a data protection service provider in addition to the disaster recovery service. Respective dataset associated with a service is identified and analyzed to minimize the amount of dataset to replicate from the source site to a target site run by the data protection service provider, and a policy dictating when and how to replicate which dataset is configured. Upon being triggered, the data protection service provider performs the service by use of the dataset at the target site, the dataset either replicated according to the policy from the source site or being reconstructed from the transferred dataset when necessary.
US09477554B2 Mechanism for persisting messages in a storage system
A plurality of storage nodes in a single chassis is provided. The plurality of storage nodes in the single chassis is configured to communicate together as a storage cluster. Each of the plurality of storage nodes includes nonvolatile solid-state memory for user data storage. The plurality of storage nodes is configured to distribute the user data and metadata associated with the user data throughout the plurality of storage nodes such that the plurality of storage nodes maintain the ability to read the user data, using erasure coding, despite a loss of two of the plurality of storage nodes. The plurality of storage nodes configured to initiate an action based on the redundant copies of the metadata, responsive to achieving a level of redundancy for the redundant copies of the metadata. A method for accessing user data in a plurality of storage nodes having nonvolatile solid-state memory is also provided.
US09477553B1 Reliability based data allocation and recovery in a storage system
A storage system provides highly flexible data layouts that can be tailored based on reliability considerations. The system allocates reliability values to logical containers at an upper logical level of the system based, for example, on objectives established by reliability SLOs. Based on the reliability value, the system identifies a specific parity group from a lower physical storage level of the system for storing data corresponding to the logical container. After selecting a parity group, the system allocates the data to physical storage blocks within the parity group. In embodiments, the system attaches the reliability value information to the parity group and the physical storage units storing the data. In this manner, the underlying physical layer has a semantic understanding of reliability considerations related to the data stored at the logical level. Based on this semantic understanding, the system has the capability to prioritize data operations on the physical storage units according to the reliability values attached to the parity groups.
US09477552B1 Priority-based decoding
In one embodiment, a tape drive includes a magnetic head having a plurality of read sensors, each read sensor being configured to read data simultaneously. The tape drive also includes a controller and logic integrated with and/or executable by the controller. The logic is configured to receive encoded data read from a plurality of tracks of a magnetic tape medium simultaneously. The logic is also configured to perform priority-based decoding on the encoded data based on erasure coefficients associated with at least one codeword of the encoded data. In another embodiment, a controller-implemented method includes receiving encoded data read from a plurality of tracks of a magnetic tape medium simultaneously and performing priority-based decoding on the encoded data based on erasure coefficients associated with at least one codeword of the encoded data.
US09477545B2 Error correcting system and method for server
An error correcting system applied to a server, the server comprising a central processing unit, the central processing unit configured to send a warning signal when the central processing unit generates error. The error correcting system includes a programmable logic device, a baseboard management controller coupled to the programmable logic device, and a basic input output system coupled to the baseboard management controller. The programmable logic device is configured to detect the warning signal and send an interrupt signal to the baseboard management controller after the warning signal is detected. The baseboard management controller is configured to send a notification signal to the basic input output system after receiving the interrupt signal. The basic input output system is configured to retrieve the error and correct the error after receiving the notification signal.
US09477543B2 Installation health dashboard
The disclosure generally describes computer-implemented methods, software, and systems for presenting error information. Logs are received from different locations, the logs associated with a plurality of builds at the different locations and associated with one or more systems. The logs are stored in a centralized location. Build information is generated for a given build, including identifying errors associated with the given build. Information for a current log associated with the given build is analyzed, including accessing information for previous logs associated with previous related builds related to the given build. Based on the analyzing, error diagnostic information that is to be presented is determined, including an analysis of errors that occurred in the given build and previous related builds. Instructions are provided, the instructions operable to present the error diagnostic information to a user, including providing log information, for presentation in a user interface.
US09477539B2 Multi-application workflow integration
Techniques are described for managing interactions between workflows being performed by different applications, such as to enable a combination of multiple workflows in multiple applications of different types to aggregate varying capabilities available from the different types of applications. In some situations, an integrated workflow is created by separating portions of its functionality into multiple constituent workflows that is each performed by a different application and that initiate one or more inter-workflow interactions between the constituent workflows as they are performed (e.g., for one of the constituent workflows to, while it is being performed, invoke another constituent workflow in order to begin its performance). As one non-limiting example, the multiple applications of different types may include a least an enterprise business application program that provides various core business functions, and a desktop collaborative application program that provides various user activity management capabilities.
US09477537B2 Reactive coincidence
An outer event stream can be modeled to represent duration for an event with an inner event stream. The inner event stream can be generated to represent duration of at least one event from the outer event stream. By modeling the outer event stream to include duration, coincidence between two or more events can be determined. More specifically, the modeling of the outer event stream enables use of operators to identify coincidence between events from event streams.
US09477533B2 Progress meters in parallel computing
Systems and methods may provide a set of cores capable of parallel execution of threads. Each of the cores may run code that is provided with a progress meter that calculates the amount of work remaining to be performed on threads as they run on their respective cores. The data may be collected continuously, and may be used to alter the frequency, speed or other operating characteristic of the cores as well as groups of cores. The progress meters may be annotated into existing code.
US09477529B2 Job distributed within a grid environment using mega-host groupings of execution hosts based on resource attributes
According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a method and technique for job distribution within a grid environment is disclosed. The method includes: receiving jobs at a submission cluster for distribution of the jobs to at least one of a plurality of execution clusters, each execution cluster comprising one or more execution hosts; determining resource attributes corresponding to each execution host of the execution clusters; grouping, for each execution cluster, execution hosts based on the resource attributes of the respective execution hosts; defining, for each grouping of execution hosts, a mega-host for the respective execution cluster, the mega-host for a respective execution cluster defining resource attributes based on the resource attributes of the respective grouped execution hosts; determining resource requirements for the jobs; and identifying candidate mega-hosts for the jobs based on the resource attributes of the respective mega-hosts and the resource requirements of the jobs.
US09477526B2 Cache utilization and eviction based on allocated priority tokens
A system, method, and computer program product are provided for providing prioritized access for multithreaded processing. The method includes the steps of allocating threads to process a workload and assigning a set of priority tokens to at least a portion of the threads. Access to a resource, by each one of the threads, is based on the priority token assigned to the thread and the threads are executed by a multithreaded processor to process the workload.
US09477525B2 Application programming interfaces for data parallel computing on multiple processors
A method and an apparatus for a parallel computing program calling APIs (application programming interfaces) in a host processor to perform a data processing task in parallel among compute units are described. The compute units are coupled to the host processor including central processing units (CPUs) and graphic processing units (GPUs). A program object corresponding to a source code for the data processing task is generated in a memory coupled to the host processor according to the API calls. Executable codes for the compute units are generated from the program object according to the API calls to be loaded for concurrent execution among the compute units to perform the data processing task.
US09477523B1 Scheduling data access jobs based on job priority and predicted execution time using historical execution data
Techniques are described for scheduling data access jobs based on a job dependency analysis. A requested primary data access job is analyzed to determine one or more preliminary data access jobs on which it depends, and an execution duration of each data access job is predicted based on historical data or other factors. A time-sensitive subset of the preliminary data access jobs is determined as the subset of those serially dependent preliminary data access jobs for which there is a minimum time difference between the total predicted execution duration and a requested target completion time. Data access jobs are scheduled with priority given to those preliminary data access jobs in the time-sensitive subset, to enable the primary data access jobs to be completed by the requested target completion times.
US09477519B2 Distributed activity control systems and methods
A dynamic, distributed directed activity network comprising a directed activity control program specifying tasks to be executed including required individual task inputs and outputs, the required order of task execution, and permitted parallelism in task execution; a plurality of task execution agents, individual of said agents having a set of dynamically changing agent attributes and capable of executing different required tasks in said activity control; a plurality of task execution controllers, each controller associated with one or more of the task execution agents with access to dynamically changing agent attributes; a directed activity controller for communicating with said task execution controllers for directing execution of said activity control program; a communications network capable of supporting communication between said directed activity controller and task execution controllers; and wherein said directed activity controller and task execution controllers communicate via said communication network to execute said directed activity control program using selected task execution agents.
US09477517B2 Service broker systems, methods, and apparatus
In one implementation, a service broker system includes an authentication module to authenticate a plurality of devices with an account from a plurality of accounts of the service broker system based on a unique identifier of each device from the plurality of devices. Each device from the plurality of devices is associated with the account. The service broker system also includes a service access module to access data at a plurality of services using credentials stored at the account, and a delivery module to provide the data to each device from the plurality of devices.
US09477515B2 Handling operating system (OS) transitions in an unbounded transactional memory (UTM) mode
In one embodiment, the present invention includes a method for receiving control in a kernel mode via a ring transition from a user thread during execution of an unbounded transactional memory (UTM) transaction, updating a state of a transaction status register (TSR) associated with the user thread and storing the TSR with a context of the user thread, and later restoring the context during a transition from the kernel mode to the user thread. In this way, the UTM transaction may continue on resumption of the user thread. Other embodiments are described and claimed.
US09477507B2 State customization of forked virtual machines
Embodiments support instant forking of virtual machines (VMs) and state customization. A computing device initiates execution of a first group of services (e.g., identity-independent) in a first VM. A second VM is instantiated from the first VM. The second VM shares memory and storage with the first VM. The computing device customizes the second VM based on configuration data associated with the second VM. A second group of services (e.g., identity-dependent) starts executing on the second VM after configuring the identity of the second VM. Customizing the second VM includes configuring one or more identities of the second VM. In some embodiments, a domain identity is selected from a pool of previously-created identities and applied to the second VM, before bootup completes on the second VM.
US09477506B2 Dynamic virtual machines migration over information centric networks
An apparatus comprising a memory and a processor coupled to the memory, wherein the memory contains instructions that when executed by the processor cause the apparatus to receive a migration request from a virtual machine (VM) proxy running on a first server hosting a VM, wherein the migration request comprises a VM identifier associated with the VM comprising a globally unique VM name and a current VM address associated with the first server, and wherein data packets associated with the VM are routed to the VM based upon the VM identifier and instruct a VM proxy running on a second server to receive the VM from the first server in response to the migration request, wherein the second server receives the VM, and wherein the VM name remains unchanged while the current VM address becomes associated with the second server after the second server receives the VM.
US09477503B2 Resource management server, resource management method and storage medium for identifying virtual machines satisfying resource requirements
It is provided a resource management server comprising: a resource management module for managing virtual machines and use amounts of resources used by the virtual machines for deployment; a pool management module for managing a total amount of the resources and a total amount of available resources; a requirement specification reception module for receiving an allocation requirement for a new virtual machine along with requirement specifications including amounts of resources; and a search module for searching the virtual machines for deployment included in the resource management information for virtual machines for deployment having amounts of resources that satisfy the requirement specifications, and for virtual machines for deployment which do not have the amounts of resources that satisfy the requirement specifications but which allow the amounts of resources that satisfy the requirement specifications to be secured by adding the available resources included in the pool management information.
US09477502B2 Parallel processing of data for an untrusted application
An untrusted application is received at a data center including one or more processing modules and providing a native processing environment. The untrusted application includes a data parallel pipeline. Secured processing environments are used to execute the untrusted application.
US09477501B2 Encapsulation of an application for virtualization
Embodiments relate to a method for encapsulating a hardware application for virtualization. The method surrounds the hardware application with a service layer controller and ring interfaces. The ring interfaces dictates a virtual function that the hardware application is running. The method controls the hardware application so that the hardware application is reset in between each of a plurality of running jobs. The method tags, by the ring interfaces, each of a plurality of requests with an identifier signifying a virtual function that the respective request belongs to. The method ensures that there are not any outstanding requests following a quiesce of the hardware application.
US09477494B2 System and method for reconciling duplicate configuration items in a configuration management database
The system and method described herein may be used to reconcile duplicate configuration items in a configuration management database. In particular, corresponding properties that represent relationships with a trial configuration item and an existing configuration item may be compared to reconcile whether the trial configuration item corresponds to the existing configuration item and should therefore be combined with the existing configuration item, or alternatively whether the trial configuration item represents a new configuration item that can be added to the configuration management database. If comparing the properties associated with the trial configuration item and the existing configuration item results in an indeterminate outcome, a reconciliation engine may inspect a table stored directly on the trial configuration item and/or the existing configuration item to reconcile whether the trial configuration item and the existing configuration item are indeed different or identical.
US09477492B2 Deploying multi-channel or device agnostic applications
Various user interface components and features can be tested and simulated with the unified framework module, and the full application user experience can be tested, experienced and evaluated. This can assist the design process of an application in providing the ability to test and explore different user interface components. During this process the user components can be simulated to provide the user experience so it can be determined whether the user components are organized properly and the prototype can be validated before the full blown application is launched. Also user interface features can be further modified or added based on the user feedback. The unified framework module can be configured to package a program in a form that is suitable for any targeted device and/or channel to make deployment across various devices and channels more efficient and cost effective.
US09477489B1 Software based self-encrypting drive (SED) sleep resuming method
A method that can stably and reliably resume SED from operating system power saving mode is disclosed. The solution comprises a storage lower filter driver and an extra external SCSI I/O queue. The storage lower filter driver is coupled to the storage class driver and configured to provide a SED power saving transaction in response to an operation system power function. An extra external SCSI queue and correspondingly a unique SCSI I/O queue state machine trigger mechanism are included in order to avoid overwhelming the capability of any particular host adapter. A dummy SCSI package is inserted into internal SCSI queue in last phase of operating system power down transaction so that internal SCSI queue can be activated during operation system power resuming.
US09477488B2 Systems and methods for managing distributed sales, service and repair operations
The systems and methods of the present disclosure are generally related to managing distributed sales, service and repair operations. In particular, the systems and methods of the present disclosure relate to managing a distributed network of sales, service and/or repair operations that include automated features.
US09477487B2 Virtualized boot block with discovery volume
A file system independent virtualized boot block with discovery volume and cover files renders a volume visible when accessed by an accessing system which differs from a source system. For example, a downlevel operating system recognizes that data is present on a volume created in an uplevel operating system, even where the uplevel data itself may not be accessible.
US09477486B2 Attestation protocol for securely booting a guest operating system
In a cloud computing environment, a production server virtualization stack is minimized to present fewer security vulnerabilities to malicious software running within a guest virtual machine. The minimal virtualization stack includes support for those virtual devices necessary for the operation of a guest operating system, with the code base of those virtual devices further reduced. Further, a dedicated, isolated boot server provides functionality to securely boot a guest operating system. The boot server is isolated through use of an attestation protocol, by which the boot server presents a secret to a network switch to attest that the boot server is operating in a clean mode. The attestation protocol may further employ a secure co-processor to seal the secret, so that it is only accessible when the boot server is operating in the clean mode.
US09477484B2 System and method for boot acceleration of a data processing system wherein a nonvolatile memory is pre-configured before boot time
A system and method to reduce the boot time of a data processing system by informing a memory device to send data prior to the boot time. The data processing system includes: a host system having a host processor and host memory; and (2) the memory device. The memory device is preconfigured in advance prior to the boot time with one or more Read commands with one or more corresponding physical addresses of host memory. This preconfiguration can be done at the time of system integration or before every boot operation. Once the system power-on occurs, the memory device sends the data in packets to the host memory. Whenever the host processor needs data it will be available in host memory which significantly reduces the boot time.
US09477481B2 Accurate tracking of transactional read and write sets with speculation
Improving the tracking of read sets and write sets associated with cache lines of a transaction in a pipelined processor executing memory instructions having the read sets and write sets associated with the cache lines is provided. Included is active read set and write set cache indicators associated with the memory operation of executing memory instructions and associated with a recovery pool based on memory instructions being not-speculative are updated when the memory instruction is not-newer in program order than an un-resolved branch instruction. Based on encountering a speculative branch instruction in the processor pipeline, a representation of the active read sets and write sets is copied to the recovery pool. Based on completing the speculative branch instruction, updating the active read sets and write sets from the representations copied to the recovery pool associated with the branch instruction upon a detection of a misprediction.
US09477477B2 System, method, and computer program product for executing casting-arithmetic instructions
A system, method, and computer program product are provided for executing casting-arithmetic instructions. The method comprises receiving a casting-arithmetic instruction that specifies an arithmetic operation to be performed on input data and at least one casting operation of an input casting operation and an output casting operation. Upon determining that the casting-arithmetic instruction specifies the input casting operation, the input casting operation is performed on identified terms comprising the input data. Then the arithmetic operation is performed on the input data to generate an arithmetic result. Upon determining that the casting-arithmetic instruction specifies the output casting operation, the output casting operation is performed on the arithmetic result.
US09477471B1 Maintaining lock-free, high frequency, high performance counters in software
A first and second thread-local counter is allocated to a first and second thread respectively, where the first thread-local counter is updatable only by or on behalf of the first thread and the second thread-local counter is updatable only by or on behalf of the second thread. The first and second thread-local counter are updated and the updated values are communicated to a central process. The central process updates a single counter in a central database by a value equal to the sum of the updated counter values.
US09477468B2 Character data string match determination by loading registers at most up to memory block boundary and comparing to avoid unwarranted exception
Multiple sets of character data having termination characters are compared using parallel processing and without causing unwarranted exceptions. Each set of character data to be compared is loaded within one or more vector registers. In particular, in one embodiment, for each set of character data to be compared, an instruction is used that loads data in a vector register to a specified boundary, and provides a way to determine the number of characters loaded. Further, an instruction is used to find the index of the first delimiter character, i.e., the first zero or null character, or the index of unequal characters. Using these instructions, a location of the end of one of the sets of data or a location of an unequal character is efficiently provided.
US09477465B2 Arithmetic processing apparatus, control method of arithmetic processing apparatus, and a computer-readable storage medium storing a control program for controlling an arithmetic processing apparatus
An arithmetic processing apparatus includes a plurality of arithmetic cores configured to execute threads in parallel, and a control unit configured to cause the arithmetic core to execute a reduction operation for data of the threads having the same storage area to which data is written per a predetermined number of threads in order to add data obtained by the reduction operation to data within a corresponding storage area by an atomic process.
US09477464B2 Distributed aggregation for contact center agent-groups on sliding interval
A method for aggregating and reporting data from a plurality of data sources in a contact center is provided. The method includes: maintaining by a computer device aggregated data for a sliding interval including N+1 contiguous panes ordered from 0 to N, where N is greater or equal to 1; updating by the computer device the aggregated data for the sliding interval based on updates for the sliding interval received from one or more of the data sources; monitoring for expiration of one of the panes; and in response to determining that the one of the panes has expired, reporting the aggregated data for the sliding interval to a client.
US09477458B2 Dynamic timeout determination for microcontroller management of firmware updates
Embodiments of the invention provide a method, system and computer program product for dynamic time out determination during a microcontroller driven firmware update. In an embodiment, the method includes selecting by a processor of a server a firmware update to be applied by a microcontroller to firmware of the server and computing a timeout value according to a function based upon a date of production of the server. The method also includes transmitting a request to the microcontroller to apply the selected firmware update to the firmware. Finally, the method includes determining a failure state responsive to detecting a lapse in time from the request beyond the timeout value without response by the microcontroller.
US09477457B1 Automated software installation using a click area prediction model
A device may receive an instruction to automatically install a program using a click area prediction model. The click area prediction model may be associated with predicting a click area of a user interface that, when selected, causes a program installation procedure to proceed. The device may identify an installation user interface associated with installing the program. The device may determine a group of regions included in the installation user interface. The device may identify sets of features associated with the group of regions. The device may determine, based on the sets of features and the click area prediction model, a group of scores associated with the group of regions. The device may identify a particular region as a predicted click area based on the group of scores. The device may select the predicted click area to attempt to cause the program installation procedure to proceed.
US09477455B2 Pre-distribution of artifacts in software deployments
A set of artifacts is identified for deployment on a target device in a deployment. The set of artifacts are from a source computing system remote from the target device. A cache device can be determined as corresponding to the target device, the cache device separate from the target device. The set of artifacts are pre-distributed on the cache device in advance of the deployment. The set of artifacts are sent to the cache device from the source computing system to be held at the cache device prior to the artifacts being distributed to the target device. The deployment follows distribution of the set of artifacts on the target device.
US09477449B2 Responsive self-service website template
The technology disclosed relates to a self-service customization protocol for a single page website that implements a support component add-in to the CRM website. The self-service customization protocol includes a plurality of page elements that can be easily edited by the customers without any coding.
US09477448B2 Screen-oriented computing program refactoring
Techniques for refactoring a screen-oriented computing program are described herein. The techniques include a method that identifies screens of the computing program, and determines a starting point of the computing program based on the identified screens. The techniques include refactoring the computing program based on the starting point and the identified screens.
US09477447B1 Semantic representations of software extensions
Software extensions for applications of an enterprise system may be developed in a test system. An adaptation transport module displays, in a test system, a plurality of semantic representations of software extension components for an application of an enterprise system. A semantic representation of a software extension for the application is generated based on a user selection of a combination of the semantic representations of software extension components. An adaptation object comprising the semantic representation of the software extension and at least one associated software object is generated by identifying the associated software object(s) based on an adaptation type of the adaptation object. The adaptation transport module displays, in the enterprise system, the semantic representation of the software extension (or of a collection including the software extension) and the adaptation object is imported to the enterprise system based on a user selection of the semantic representation of the software extension.
US09477446B1 Bottom-up approach for integrating models for software components using contracts
The disclosure includes a system and method for building an integrated system using a formal language. The method may include designing one or more models for one or more software components to be included in the integrated system. The one or more models may describe one or more requirements for the one or more software components. The method may include assigning one or more contracts written in the formal language to the one or more models. The method may include integrating the one or more models based on the composition of the one or more contracts to form an integrated model. The integrated model may include each requirement for the one or more software components. The method may include analyzing the one or more contracts and the integrated model to determine whether the one or more contracts include each requirement described by the integrated model.
US09477443B1 Method and apparatus of entropy source with multiple hardware random noise sources and continuous self-diagnostic logic
A random number generating apparatus and method for generating on-demand random values using multiple hardware random noise sources; multiple analog-to-digital converters (ADC) for converting analog electrical signals into random digital values; a unit for selecting the random digital values and producing low bias random bytes; a unit for reducing bias and producing true random bytes; a continuous self-diagnostic logic (CSDL) for monitoring the health of the random noise sources and the quality of the generated random numbers.
US09477439B2 Device and method for terminating music reproduction in a wireless terminal
The present invention relates to a device and a method for terminating music reproduction in a wireless terminal. The device includes a key input unit including at least one specific key for terminating reproduced music; and a controller for controlling termination of the reproduced music when an input of the specific key is maintained for at least a predetermined amount of time.
US09477438B1 Devices for creating mosaicked display systems, and display mosaic systems comprising same
Discrete electronic modules, such as display tiles, designed and configured to be mosaicked and operatively connected with one another and/or to one or more differing types of discrete electronic modules. In some embodiments, the electronic modules include one or more recessed receptacles along their edges that receive corresponding connector biscuits that operatively connect abutting or confronting electronic modules with one another and/or to a controller. In some embodiments, the sizes of the recessed receptacles and connector biscuits are precisely matched so that the biscuits participate in aligning the abutting or confronting display tiles with one another. In some embodiments, the recessed receptacles are provided in recesses in the backsides of the display tiles, which allows each tile to be easily installed and removed from a display mosaic of which the tile is part.
US09477437B2 Sharing a graphics-processing-unit display port
An electronic device selectively couples a head with links in a graphics processing unit to a currently selected display port in a pair of display ports. During operation, control logic in the electronic device monitors a pair of configuration signals from the pair of display ports, where the pair of configuration signals correspond to physical connections to the pair of display ports. Then, the control logic determines a selection control signal based on the monitored pair of configuration signals, a policy setting and a default display port, where the selection control signal specifies the currently selected display port. Moreover, the control logic provides the selection control signal to a multiplexer in the electronic device. Next, the multiplexer selectively couples the head with the links in the graphics processing unit to the currently selected display port based on the selection control signal.
US09477436B2 Interactive display system, operation method thereof, and image intermediary apparatus
An interactive display system, an operation method thereof, and an image intermediary apparatus are provided. The image intermediary apparatus is adapted to at least divide a display area of an interactive display apparatus into a first frame region and identify external electronic apparatuses to establish a correspondence relation between the external electronic apparatuses and image signals of the external electronic apparatuses, and display a first image based on a first image signal among the image signals of the external electronic apparatuses on the first frame region. When interactive position information indicates that an interactive event occurs on the first frame region, the image intermediary apparatus acquires a communication identification information corresponding to the first image signal according to the correspondence relation, and transmits a coordinate corresponding to the interactive position information to an external electronic apparatus corresponding to the communication identification information among the external electronic apparatuses.
US09477435B2 Image processing apparatus, information terminal, and program
If a control method during correction processing is not designated in setting information sent from a mobile terminal and if the image forming apparatus has no capability to execute a function (element) designated in the setting information, the image forming apparatus corrects the setting information to be a setting corresponding to the capability. On the other hand, if the control method during the correction processing is designated in the setting information sent from the mobile terminal and if the image forming apparatus has no capability to execute a function (element) designated in the setting information, the image forming apparatus performs correction after confirmation of stop of the function or correction of the function according to the control method.
US09477433B2 Image forming apparatus enabling charging management, control method therefor, and storage medium storing control program therefor
An image forming apparatus that is capable of flexibly coping with charging in various protocols. A user information storage unit allows registering relating user information related with a protocol. A reception unit receives a print job that includes the relating user information and that is requested to execute according to a protocol from an external apparatus. A determination unit determines whether the relating user information in the print job is registered in the user information storage unit. A storing unit stores the print job without starting to print when the determination unit determines that the relating user information included in the print job is not registered. A registration unit registers the relating user information included in the print job to the user information storage unit, when printing of the print job stored is started according to an instruction from a user who logged in to the image forming apparatus.
US09477432B2 Method for controlling communication apparatus, and program
A communication apparatus including a first wireless communication unit that communicates with a partner apparatus by a first wireless communication method, and a second wireless communication unit that communicates with the partner apparatus by a second wireless communication method different from the first wireless communication method, acquires an application identifier from the partner apparatus by the first wireless communication method, executes an application corresponding to the identifier acquired by the identifier acquiring unit, and notifies, using the first wireless communication method, the partner apparatus of network setting information in the second wireless communication method. The communication apparatus communicates with the partner apparatus via a network, the setting information of which has been notified through the notification unit.
US09477431B1 Managing storage space of storage tiers
A method is used in managing storage space of storage tiers. Storage space utilization characteristics of a storage tier of a set of storage tiers in a storage system are evaluated. Based on the evaluation, reservation of headroom storage space in the storage tier is adjusted. The headroom storage space indicates an amount of the storage space reserved as unused storage space in the storage tier.
US09477428B2 Using access information to determine a storage tier for storing data
Provided are a computer program product, system, and method for providing access information to a storage controller to determine a storage tier for storing data. Access information is maintained for each data record in a data store, wherein the access information indicates a level of access to each data record in the data store. A write request directed to a data record in the data store is received. A command is generated identifying the data record and including the access information for the data record. The command is transmitted to the storage controller, wherein the storage controller uses the access information to determine one of the plurality of storage tiers on which to store the data record.
US09477418B2 Assigning device adaptors to use to copy source extents to target extents in a copy relationship
Provided are a computer program product, system, and method for assigning device adaptors to use to copy source extents in source ranks to target extents in target ranks in a copy relation. A determination is made of an order of the target ranks in the copy relation. Target ranks in the copy relation are selected according to the determined order. For each selected target rank, indication is made in a device adaptor assignment data structure of a source device adaptor and target device adaptor of the device adaptors to use to copy the source rank to the selected target rank indicated in the copy relation, wherein indication is made for the selected target ranks according to the determined order. The source ranks are copied to the selected target ranks using the source and target device adaptors indicated in the device adaptor assignment data structure.
US09477417B2 Data returned responsive to executing a start subchannel instruction
An abstraction for storage class memory is provided that hides the details of the implementation of storage class memory from a program, and provides a standard channel programming interface for performing certain actions, such as controlling movement of data between main storage and storage class memory or managing storage class memory.
US09477415B2 System and method for full virtual machine backup using storage system functionality
A VM management server receives a request from a backup application server to back up a first VM. The VM management server determines a first of the host systems based on the request, wherein the first host system hosts the first VM. A first request is transmitted from the VM management server to a VMM of the first host system hosting the first VM via a VM application programming interface (VM API) over a network. The first request requests the VMM to capture a VM snapshot representing a consistent state of the first VM. In response to determining that the consistent state of the VM has been captured, a second request is transmitted to a first storage system associated with the first host system to send one or more VM disk images associated with the consistent state of the first VM to a second storage system over the network.
US09477412B1 Systems and methods for automatically aggregating write requests
Described herein are various systems and methods to automatically decide to aggregate data write requests in a distributed data store. A system initiates outgoing data write requests in synchronization with incoming data store commands, thereby facilitating low-latency read-back of the data. In response to an absence of data read requests, the system automatically changes such that each request includes two or more data sets, thereby breaking synchronization but consequently reducing traffic load on a switching network within the system. If the system later detects data read requests for previously stored data, the system will automatically change back to the original synchronized state, thereby decreasing the latency of accessing stored data. The system alternates between the modes of operation to achieve balance between low latency of data access and reduced traffic load on the switching network.
US09477411B2 Apparatus, method and program product for determining the data recall order
To provide a technique for optimizing the processing order of recall requests in which the average latency time of a host apparatus is minimized. A storage manager accepts a request of the host apparatus for the recalling data from a tape library, and stores the request in a queue table. In response to storage of the request, the storage manager calculates the latency time for each request in all the conceivable execution orders for all the requests stored in the queue table. The storage manager determines the execution order which minimizes the total calculated latency time for all the requests including the active request.
US09477409B2 Accelerating boot time zeroing of memory based on non-volatile memory (NVM) technology
Methods and apparatus to accelerate boot time zeroing of memory based on Non-Volatile Memory (NVM) technology are described. In an embodiment, a storage device stores a boot version number corresponding to a portion of a non-volatile memory. A memory controller logic causes an update of the stored boot version number in response to each subsequent boot event. The memory controller logic returns a zero in response to a read operation directed at the portion of the non-volatile memory and a mismatch between the stored boot version number and a current boot version number. Other embodiments are also disclosed and claimed.
US09477408B1 Memory systems having improved out-of-order execution of commands and methods for operating the same
A memory device controller includes a main processor and a sequencer. The sequencer is configured to: estimate a time interval required to complete execution of a set of atom commands allocated to a channel of a non-volatile memory; calculate, for each of the plurality of atom commands, an urgency value associated with completing execution of a corresponding memory command after expiration of the time interval required to complete execution of the set of atom commands allocated to the channel; schedule each of the plurality of atom commands in the set of atom commands for execution by the non-volatile memory based on the calculated urgency values; and output the plurality of atom commands to the non-volatile memory for execution in the scheduled order.
US09477404B2 Device, method, and graphical user interface for managing concurrently open software applications
An electronic device detects a gesture on a touch-sensitive surface. In response to detecting the gesture on the touch-sensitive surface, when the gesture is a first swipe gesture in a first direction, the device displays at least a list of recent electronic notifications. When the gesture is a second swipe gesture in a second direction distinct from the first direction, the device displays one or more settings icons in a settings panel, wherein the settings panel includes a respective settings icon that, when selected, causes a partially transparent interface to be displayed over the settings panel, wherein the partially transparent interface is at least partially transparent so that at least a portion of the settings panel can be seen through the partially transparent user interface.
US09477401B2 Function executing method and apparatus for mobile terminal
A function executing method and apparatus for a mobile terminal is disclosed. The mobile terminal may execute a function. The function is associated with a target item according to information written in a selection item. The function executing method may include detecting an event related to a selection item and a target item among a plurality of menu items. The method then parses, upon detecting the event text information of the selection item. The method then executes a function associated with the target item according to the parsed text information.
US09477400B2 Method and apparatus for navigation system for selecting icons and application area by hand drawing on map image
A method and apparatus for displaying desired icons on an applicable area on a screen of a navigation system by a character and symbol drawing that is hand-written by a user on the screen. The method includes the steps of: evaluating a character & symbol drawing that is hand-written by the user to determine a category of the icons intended by the user; determining an applicable area on the map image for applying an icon display operation based on the character & symbol drawing; checking a prescribed data table based on the category of the icons and the applicable area selected by the character & symbol; and changing the manner of displaying the icons with respect to the category and applicable area determined by the foregoing process.
US09477397B2 Electronic device
A standard for performing an operation associated with an input object is changed in order to avoid an erroneous operation. When data based on the press detected by a press detection unit satisfies a predetermined standard, a control unit configured to perform the operation associated with the input object changes the predetermined standard of the input object based on a frequency of use of the operation associated with the input object.
US09477394B2 Desktop reveal
A multi-display device is adapted to be dockable or otherwise associatable with an additional device. In accordance with one exemplary embodiment, the multi-display device is dockable with a smartpad. The exemplary smartpad can include a screen, a touch sensitive display, a configurable area, a gesture capture region(s) and a camera. The smartpad can also include a port adapted to receive the device. The exemplary smartpad is able to cooperate with the device such that information displayable on the device is also displayable on the smartpad. Furthermore, any one or more of the functions on the device are extendable to the smartpad, with the smartpad capable of acting as an input/output interface or extension of the smartpad. Therefore, for example, information from one or more of the displays on the multi-screen device is displayable on the smartpad.
US09477389B2 Parameter controlling apparatus
A parameter controlling apparatus has a CPU 201 and operation input portion 302, 303 and 305 which include an operating area 303 whose operated position can be detected, and accept input operation. The CPU 201 detects whether the operation input portion is operated in the first manner or the second manner in accordance with the accepted input operation, and detects the content of the input operation of the operating area 303. In a case where the first manner has been detected, the CPU 201 also changes a value of a target parameter in accordance with the content of the input operation of the operating area 303. In a case where the second manner has been detected, the CPU 201 also switches a type of a target parameter in accordance with the content of the input operation of the operating area 303.
US09477384B2 Display control apparatus, system and recording medium having display control program
A display control apparatus includes a reception unit configured to receive designation of at least one data among a plurality of data when each of the plurality of data is disposed and displayed in each of a plurality of different first areas of a display area by a display apparatus; and a changing unit configured to change a degree of emphasis in each symbol displayed on the display area depending on a positional relationship between the symbol and the data associated with the designation received by the reception unit when the designation is received by the reception unit.
US09477383B2 Latency reduction in collaborative presentation sharing environment
A method and system for delivering a presentation created using a presentation application program are disclosed. One method includes initiating, from a presentation computing system, display of a presentation to one or more remote computing devices. The method also includes creating an initial display package based on the presentation that includes metadata describing the presentation and an image representative of the presentation, and uploading the initial display package to a presentation server. The method includes, after uploading the initial display package, creating an initial set of presentation slides from the presentation, and uploading the initial set of presentation slides to the presentation server. The method further includes, after uploading the initial set of presentation slides, uploading at least a remaining portion of the presentation to the presentation server for display at one or more of the remote computing devices.
US09477379B2 Information processing apparatus, display method, and display program
This application discloses systems and methods for receiving information associated with a first set of processing instructions and presenting a second icon indicating a change in status of data associated with the first set of processing instructions. A user selection of one of a first icon or the second icon may then be received. The selection of the first icon may cause execution of the first set of processing instructions, whereas selection of the second icon may cause execution of a second set of processing instructions.
US09477376B1 Prioritizing content based on user frequency
Various aspects of the subject technology relate to systems, methods, and machine-readable media for prioritizing content items based on a request frequency for a user. A system is configured to receive a request for a user interface containing content items for a user, retrieve, in response to the request for the user interface containing content items for the user, a set of content items for the user, and calculate a request frequency score for the user based on a frequency of user requests for the user interface containing content items for the user. The system may further be configured to adjust a priority score for each content item in the set of content items based on the request frequency score for the user and provide the set of content items for display to the user based on the priority score for each content item.
US09477369B2 System, method and computer program product for displaying a record as part of a selected grouping of data
In accordance with embodiments, there are provided mechanisms and methods for displaying a record as part of a selected grouping of data, including for example, identifying a record of a multi-tenant on-demand database system, displaying a plurality of actions associated with the record, and displaying the record as part of a selected grouping of data within the system in response to the user selecting an option to view the record as part of a selected grouping included within the table of the record. These mechanisms and methods for displaying a record as part of a selected grouping of data can enable improved data access, simplify and expedite a user's workflow, etc.
US09477368B1 System and method of indicating the distance or the surface of an image of a geographical object
A system and method is provided that displays cursors for street level images, where the cursor changes appearance based on the objects in the image, such as the geographic distance between the objects and the camera position and the surface of the objects. For example, the cursor may appear to lie flat against the objects in the image change size based on the distance between the camera and object's surface.
US09477366B2 Display device
A display device which can achieve compatibility between the simplicity of the configuration or control of electronic equipment and the maintaining of its high operability includes: a display panel and a touch panel arranged on a front surface side of the display panel as viewed from a viewer. The touch panel includes one transparent substrate and a conductive pattern disposed on the substrate. A plurality of detection areas in each of which a touch position can be detected are provided in the touch panel. A non-detection area in which the touch position is not detected is provided between two detection areas next to each other.
US09477363B2 Touch panel
A touch panel is provided. The touch panel includes a substrate, a plurality of first sensing pads, a plurality of second sensing pads and an extension sensing pad. The substrate has a body portion and an extension portion. The first sensing pads are arranged abreast on the body portion of the substrate along a first direction. The second sensing pads are arranged abreast on the extension portion of the substrate along a second direction. The material of the first sensing pads is different from the material of the second sensing pads. The extension sensing pad is arranged on the extension portion of the substrate. Thus, the touch panel can be extended to side portions of an electronic device, so as to replace functions of physical buttons by using the touch panel on the side portions.
US09477361B2 Capacitive in-cell touch panel, method for manufacturing the same and display device
The present disclosure provides a capacitive in-cell touch panel, its manufacturing method and a display device. The capacitive in-cell touch panel includes a plurality of gate scanning lines and a plurality of data lines arranged perpendicular to each other; a plurality of common electrodes, to which a common electrode signal is applied during a display period and a touch scanning signal is applied during a touch period, so that the common electrodes are also used as touch driving electrodes; and a plurality of touch sensing electrodes arranged at a layer identical to the data lines and at a region corresponding to the gate scanning lines, the touch sensing electrodes outputting a touch sensing signal during the touch period, wherein the touch driving electrodes and the touch sensing electrodes are arranged in a crisscross manner and insulated from each other.
US09477360B2 Position sensing method of touch panel and integrated circuit
Disclosed is a touch panel. The touch panel includes a touch screen provided therein with a plurality of X electrode lines and a plurality of Y electrode lines which cross each other, and a plurality of comparators connected between first and second Y electrode lines adjacent to each other. The touched position on the touch screen is detected according to an output code formed by using output values of the comparators.
US09477354B2 Conductive trace hiding materials, articles, and methods
An article includes a patterned substrate including a substrate surface with an inorganic electro-conductive trace adjacent thereto (wherein the substrate and the inorganic material of the trace each has an index of refraction), and a layer including a polymerized acrylate matrix adjacent to at least a portion of the surface of the substrate and the inorganic electro-conductive trace, wherein the layer has an index of refraction that is within ±10% of the average of the indices of refraction of the substrate and the inorganic material of the trace.
US09477353B2 Display device including touch sensor
A display device include a first surface, a sensing capacitor having a sensing input electrode and a sensing output electrode, wherein the sensing capacitor stores a first amount of charges and the sensing capacitor stored a second amount of charges when an external object contacts on the first surface, a sensing input signal line electrically connected with the sensing input electrode and receiving a sensing input signal to charge the sensing capacitor to the first amount of charges, a sensing output signal line electrically connected with the sensing output electrode, and a sensing signal processor connected with the sensing output signal line, wherein the sensing signal processor determines whether an external objects contact on the first surface based on a voltage difference between the first amount of charges and the second amount of charges stored in the sensing capacitor.
US09477351B2 Touch screen panel
A touch screen panel includes: a flat panel display including an upper substrate, a lower substrate, and pixels arranged on a display region of the lower substrate in a stripe arrangement; first sensing cells arranged in a first direction on the upper substrate and second sensing cells arranged in a second direction on the upper substrate; first connection patterns electrically connecting adjacent ones of the first sensing cells to each other in the first direction, and second connection patterns electrically connecting adjacent ones of the second sensing cells to each other in the second direction, wherein at least one of the first connection patterns and the second connection patterns is inclined so that it partially overlaps with the pixels.
US09477350B2 Method and apparatus for active ultrasonic touch devices
A system for determining a user indication is disclosed. The system includes a communication interface configured to send a signal to be used to propagate a freely propagating signal through a propagating medium with a surface and receive the freely propagating signal that has been disturbed by a disturbance on the surface. The system also includes a processor coupled to the communication interface and configured to process the received signal to determine a user indication associated with the disturbance.
US09477348B2 Focus-based touch and hover detection
Embodiments of the present invention disclose a system and method for focus-based touch detection. According to one embodiment, a reference pattern is formed on a surface and an imaging device is configured to detect the reference pattern and the presence of an object within proximity of a contact area of the surface. Furthermore, focus information associated with the reference pattern and/or object is used to determine if the detected object is touching or hovering said contact area.
US09477343B2 Method for moving contents and electronic device thereof
A method for moving content and an electronic device thereof is provided. The method includes detecting at least two touches, selecting content corresponding to locations at which the at least two touches are detected, detecting a combined shape of touch entities corresponding to the at least two touches if the detected at least two touches are released, and moving the selected content to a location at which the combined shape of the detected at least two touch entities is changed, wherein the touch entities include at least one of a user's finger, a stylus pen, and an extra touch tool.
US09477340B2 On-cell capacitive touch panel
An on-cell capacitive touch panel is disclosed. The capacitive touch panel includes a laminated structure. The laminated structure includes a LCD module, a touch sensing module, and a polarizing module. The touch sensing module is disposed on the LCD module. The polarizing module is disposed on the touch sensing module. The touch sensing module includes a touch sensor pattern. The touch sensor pattern has a single-layer ITO structure and includes at least one first electrode and at least one second electrode. The at least one first electrode is arranged along a first direction and the at least one second electrode is arranged along a second direction. The first direction and the second direction are two mutually perpendicular directions.
US09477339B2 Stretchable display devices and methods of compensating luminance of the same
A stretchable display device includes: a stretchable display panel including: pixels; a first resistive film extending in a first direction; and a second resistive film extending in a second direction; a scan driver to provide a scan signal to the pixels; a data driver to provide a data signal or a compensated data signal to the pixels; a row detection driver to detect a first current flowing through the first resistive film to generate a first detection signal; a column detection driver to detect a second current flowing through the second resistive film to generate a second detection signal; a compensation control signal generator to receive the first and the second detection signals to detect amounts of variations of the first and the second currents, and to generate a compensation control signal; and a timing controller to generate the compensated data signal based on the compensation control signal.
US09477338B2 Terminal device with display function
A terminal device with a display function enables only an operation of a desired operation key valid, and easily perform the invalidation operation. In response to switching to a predetermined function mode by manipulating a jog dial, an image in the switched function mode is displayed in a display surface, based on an image signal from a display control section. A bar is located on a borderline between a contents area and an operation area in an initial state of displaying an image. When the jog dial is manipulated by the user to thereby move the bar from the borderline to a predetermined position within the operation area, a CPU determines that the position of the bar has been moved. Then, the CPU detects a new position of the bar, and makes an operation with respect to the operation key located between the bar and the borderline invalid.
US09477335B2 Portable terminal, input control program and input control method
A portable terminal includes a touchpad that detects contact made thereto and output a value indicating a degree of the contact, and stores a first threshold and a second threshold less than the first threshold. The portable terminal calculates, based on the output value, an area contact value indicating a degree of the contact for each of contacted areas of the touchpad. The portable terminal judges whether the contacted areas include two areas that are not directly adjacent to each other and each have a calculated area contact value equal to or greater than the second threshold. When judging negatively, the portable terminal determines, as a target area to which processing to be performed is allocated, one of the contacted areas having an area contact value equal to or greater than the first threshold, and when judging affirmatively, the portable terminal does not to determine the target area.
US09477334B2 Curved touch panel and method for fabricating the same
A curved touch panel and a method for fabricating the same are disclosed. The curved touch panel with a predetermined curvature, includes a curved substrate having a curved upper surface and a curved lower surface, the upper surface being chemically strengthened and the lower surface being acid-etched, an adhesive layer disposed on one of the curved upper surface and the curved upper surface of the curved substrate, and a curved touch sensor plate with flexibility having a curved upper surface and curved lower surface disposed on the adhesive layer opposite to the curved substrate, wherein the curved upper surface and the curved lower surface are acid-etched, and the curved substrate, the adhesive layer, and the curved touch sensor plate are attached together.
US09477332B2 System and method for enabling touchscreen by passenger in moving vehicle
A system and method for controlling the performance of complex operations on a dashboard-mounted touchscreen in a vehicle moving above a predetermined minimal speed. The system includes a sensor for determining that the touchscreen is intended or going to be touched by driver and/or front seat passenger. A control, responsive to operation of the sensor, disallows or allows the touchscreen to be responsive to a touching. The touchscreen is not allowed to perform a complex operation when the vehicle is moving above the minimal speed if the touchscreen is touched by the driver. The touchscreen is allowed to perform a complex operation when the vehicle is moving above the minimal speed if the touchscreen is not going to be touched by the driver and is touched by the passenger.
US09477327B2 Display device and display control system
A display device having a display surface includes a plurality of black lines defining a plurality of pixels; and a plurality of information patterns arranged so as to overlap the display surface and each representing information regarding a position thereof on the display surface. Each information pattern is formed by using a plurality of marks provided so as to overlap the pixels, and each mark is formed from a material that transmits visible light and absorbs or diffusedly reflects infrared light. A length of each mark in a width direction of the thickest black lines among the black lines defining the pixel overlapped by the mark is larger than a width of each thickest black line.
US09477321B2 Embedded navigation assembly and method on handheld device
A handheld electronic communication device includes a plurality of text entry keys arranged in a keyfield. A navigation home region includes a navigation home key, and a navigation travel region bounds the navigation home region. The navigation travel region overlies text entry keys within the keyfield. A user navigates by actuating the navigation home key and then moving his finger across keys lying within the navigation travel region and otherwise generally used to effect text entry into the device. The navigation home key is preferably configured for dual levels of actuation, as may be the text entry keys.
US09477320B2 Input device
The present invention is a data entry device featuring a novel way of touch-typing on a small smart-device using two or more opposing touchpad surfaces positioned around a display, said surfaces comprising a housing. Bumps or other touch sensitive features are arrayed around the periphery of a digital display on the device. The bumps or other touch sensitive features provide both a locating means for finger placement and a zone for sensing the shift of a pressure point or sensing motion of the finger along the surface, the shift or motion in a preferred direction indicating a selection from a displayed menu to be made by lifting the finger from contact. A novel way of holding the device by its wrist band or handle or strap while fingering the bumps leads to a fluid method of keying functionalities for use as a phone and as an internet-enabled texting device.
US09477317B1 Sanitarily operating a multiuser device using a touch free display
A touch free input display control panel, may be used, to hygienically operate a device. Touch free input, allows the user, to activate the device's functions, which are displayed on the display, without physically touching the display. Limiting contact with the display, limits the possible transference of harmful bacteria and viruses, from the control panel to the users fingers. Limiting bacterial transmission between the user, and the panel, may be beneficial for users of multiuser public input displays, where contamination from bacteria on the displays is possible. Touch free displays may be used with the operation of devices, such as, elevators, as the elevator control panel. Touch free input may reduce static electric discharge, which may be beneficial in flammable environments, by reducing the possibility of flammable material combustion. Reducing static electric discharge may be beneficial in dry environments, such as, in a space station.
US09477313B2 User gesture input to wearable electronic device involving outward-facing sensor of device
In one embodiment, a wearable apparatus includes a sensor, a processor coupled to the sensor, and a memory coupled to the processor that includes instructions executable by the processor. When executing the instructions, the processor detects by the sensor movement of at least a portion of an arm of a user; detects, based at least in part on the movement, a gesture made by the user; and processes the gesture as input to the wearable apparatus.
US09477311B2 Electronic device and method of displaying information in response to a gesture
A method includes displaying information associated with a first application on a touch-sensitive display of an electronic device. A gesture is detected on the touch-sensitive display, which gesture indicates a request to display information associated with a second application. At least part of the information associated with the second application is displayed without opening the second application.
US09477307B2 Methods and systems for six degree-of-freedom haptic interaction with streaming point data
Methods, articles of manufacture, and devices related to generating six degree of freedom (DOF) haptic feedback are provided. A computing device can receive first depth data about an environment. The computing device can generate a first plurality of points from the first depth data. The computing device can determine a virtual tool, where the virtual tool is specified in terms of a translation component for the virtual tool and a rotation component for the virtual tool. The computing device can determine a first force vector between the virtual tool and the first plurality of points. The computing device can send a first indication of haptic feedback based on the first force vector.
US09477303B2 System and method for combining three-dimensional tracking with a three-dimensional display for a user interface
Systems and methods for combining three-dimensional tracking of a user's movements with a three-dimensional user interface display is described. A tracking module processes depth data of a user performing movements, for example, movements of the user's hand and fingers. The tracked movements are used to animate a representation of the hand and fingers, and the animated representation is displayed to the user using a three-dimensional display. Also displayed are one or more virtual objects with which the user can interact. In some embodiments, the interaction of the user with the virtual objects controls an electronic device.
US09477300B2 Bridging device and power saving method thereof
A bridging device and a power saving method thereof are disclosed. When a bridging chip of the bridging device receives a power saving command transferred from a host and thereby enters a power saving state, a voltage converter of the bridging device is disabled accordingly and a selection circuit selects to couple a bus voltage to the bridging chip to power the bridging chip. The bus voltage is transferred from the host through a power pin of a connector of the bridging device. The connector is coupled to the host.
US09477298B2 Method and apparatus for power-efficiency management in a virtualized cluster system
A method and apparatus for power-efficiency management in a virtualized cluster system. The virtualized cluster system includes a front-end physical host and at least one back-end physical host, and each of the at least one back-end physical host comprises at least one virtual machine and a virtual machine manager. Flow characteristics of the virtualized cluster system are detected at a regular time cycle, a power-efficiency management policy is generated for each of at least one back-end physical host based on the detected flow characteristics, and the power-efficiency management policies are performed. The method can detect the real-time flow characteristics of the virtualized cluster system and make the power-efficiency management policies thereupon to control the power consumption of the system and perform admission control on the whole flow, thereby realizing optimal power saving while meeting the quality of service requirements, so that a virtualized cluster system with high power-efficiency is provided.
US09477294B2 Microcontroller and method for manufacturing the same
A microcontroller which operates in a low power consumption mode is provided. A microcontroller includes a CPU, a memory, and a peripheral circuit such as a timer circuit. A register in the peripheral circuit is provided in an interface with a bus line. A power gate for controlling supply control is provided. The microcontroller can operate not only in a normal operation mode where all circuits are active, but also in a low power consumption mode where some of the circuits are active. A volatile memory and nonvolatile memory are provided in a register, such as a register of the CPU. Data in the volatile memory is backed up in the nonvolatile memory before the power supply is stopped. In the case where the operation mode returns to the normal mode, when power supply is started again, data in the nonvolatile memory is written back into the volatile memory.
US09477293B2 Embedded controller for power-saving and method thereof
An embedded controller for power-saving and a method thereof are provided. The embedded controller is used for executing a plurality of tasks and includes a timer module and a control unit. The timer module includes a plurality of timers, and each of timers is corresponding to one of the tasks respectively. The control unit is coupled to the timer module and respectively sets a wake-up period according to each task. When the wake-up period of each timer is expired, each timer respectively generates a wake-up signal to the control unit. The control unit controls the embedded controller to transfer to an active model from an idle model according to the wake-up signals respectively. After executing the tasks corresponding to the wake-up signals respectively, the control unit controls the embedded controller to transfer to the idle model from the active model.
US09477292B1 Wakeup controller apparatus and method for ultra low power wireless communications
A wake-up processor for a communications processor has a receive signal amplifier for amplifying the signal level of received RF which has been transmitted as wireless local area network WLAN packets, an amplitude detector for indicating the envelope of the RF energy in the packets, a threshold detector which thresholds the detected RF envelope, and a correlator which compares the detected and thresholded RF envelope with a private pseudo-random number to determine the level of correlation between the received value and the private value. When the correlation exceeds a required threshold, a wake-up signal is asserted which is used to bring a WLAN processor into an active state for processing of subsequently sent packets.
US09477290B2 Measuring affective response to content in a manner that conserves power
Systems and methods that enable a reduction in the power consumption involved in measuring a user's affective response to content. The reduction in the power consumption is achieved by utilizing tags that indicate a mode of operation in which to operate a sensor when measuring affective response of the user to certain segments of the content. By using at different times, different modes of operation for operating the sensor, which are characterized by different energy consumption rates, the total power consumption of the sensor may be reduced.
US09477289B2 Dynamic power allocation based on PHY power estimation
A system has a plurality of electronic components including a memory, a PHY coupled to the memory, and one or more other electronic components. Power consumed by the PHY is estimated during operation of the system. Estimating the power consumed by the PHY includes modeling the power consumed by the PHY as a linear function with respect to memory bandwidth. Available power for the PHY is determined based at least in part on the estimated power consumed by the PHY. At least a portion of the available power for the PHY is allocated to at least one of the one or more other components.
US09477288B2 Universal serial bus host and power management method thereof
A universal serial bus (USB) host includes a power unit and a USB interface unit. The power unit includes a battery and a charging module configured to control the battery. The USB interface unit is configured to interface with a first USB device, and is configured to be controlled based on a remaining amount of power of the battery. The USB interface unit is further configured to maintain a data connection between the USB interface unit and the first USB device when a power supply connection between the USB interface unit and the first USB device is disconnected.
US09477287B1 Optimizing computing resources
A method of optimizing a configuration of computing resources includes coupling computing devices to a test system. With the test system, a test is performed on one or more of the computing devices. The test includes operating the computing devices in two or more configurations. In each configuration, power consumption characteristics or thermal characteristics of the computing devices associated with the configurations are measured. Based on the measurements of power consumption characteristics, thermal characteristics, or both, a desired configuration for at least one computing device to be operated is determined.
US09477284B1 Minimizing power loss
A device determines a first received power via a first input feed of a circuit board, and determines a second received power via a second input feed of the circuit board. The device further determines whether the first input feed and the second input feed are receiving power based on the first received power and the second received power. The device opens a switch, of the circuit board, when the first input feed and the second input feed are receiving power.
US09477280B1 Specification for automatic power management of network-on-chip and system-on-chip
Example implementations described herein are directed to the generation of a specification for automatic power management of a network on chip and/or a system on chip. Such example implementations can include automatically generating a specification comprising at least one of a power domain, an always-on indicator, a voltage domain, a voltage level, and a clock frequency for each of one or more agents of a System on Chip (SoC) and a Network on Chip (NoC), the voltage domain indicative of power supply of the each agent, and the power domain indicative of one or more power switch rules applied to the each agent.
US09477278B2 Voltage regulator
A voltage regulator may be provided that includes a first circuit to receive at least one feedback signal from a buck converter and to provide at least one driving signal to the buck converter to provide an output voltage based on the at least one feedback signal, and a second circuit to control a super-capacitor to provide the output voltage when the first circuit is not using the buck converter to provide the output voltage.
US09477275B2 Thermal management solution for circuit products
An apparatus including a cold plate body; a channel module disposed within the cold plate body including a channel body and a plurality of channels projecting through the channel body; and a manifold disposed on the channel module, the manifold including an inlet and an outlet and a first plurality of apertures in fluid communication with the inlet and a second plurality of apertures are in fluid communication with the outlet. A method including introducing a fluid to an integrated cold plate disposed on an integrated circuit device, the integrated cold plate comprising a cold plate body extending about the device, the fluid being introduced into a manifold in fluid communication with a channel module disposed between the manifold and a base plate, the channel module, and including channels to direct the fluid toward the base plate, and collecting the fluid returned to the manifold.
US09477272B2 Prevention of removal of solid state drive from computer housing with data being accessible thereon
In one aspect, a device includes at least one solid state drive (SSD) and an element which prevents removal of the device from a computer housing with which the device engages with unique data on the SSD being accessible.
US09477271B2 Touch panel and manufacturing method thereof
The present invention provides a touch panel including a touch sensor and a connecting board. The touch sensor includes a touch substrate and a sensing electrode matrix with a plurality of connecting ends. The sensing electrode matrix is formed on the touch substrate, wherein the connecting ends of the sensing electrode matrix are separately located at at least two sides of the sensing electrode matrix. The connecting board is connected to the touch sensor, and the conducting wires in the connecting board are electrically connected to the connecting ends of the sensing electrode matrix. Furthermore, a touch panel manufacturing method is also provided.
US09477267B2 Wire controlled support assembly and electronic device including the same
An electronic device includes a housing with a base wall, a support unit and a control wire unit. The support unit includes a connecting member and a supporting member. The connecting member is connected to the base wall and has a connection portion. The supporting member has an engaging piece connected to the connection portion to vary an included angle between the supporting member and the base wall. The control wire unit includes a winding mechanism, a wire member and a control mechanism. The control mechanism is operable to control the winding mechanism to adjust an unwound length of the wire member for controlling the included angle between the supporting member and the base wall.
US09477266B2 Handheld device for controlling electronic equipment and electronic equipment
The present invention provides a handheld device for controlling electronic equipment and an electronic equipment including the handheld device. The handheld device is electrically connected with a control unit of the electronic equipment. The handheld device includes an annulus, and a first and a second disc bodies arranged oppositely. A first contact point and at least three second contact points are arranged on the first disc body. A first probe and at least three second probes are arranged on the second disc body. The annulus is connected to the first disc body and is used for driving the first disc body to rotate. The second disc body is fixed to a shell of the electronic equipment.
US09477262B2 Moveable display portion of a computing device including a clutch mechanism
A computing device can include a base portion including a keyboard and a base coupling mechanism fixedly coupled to the base portion where the base coupling mechanism includes a rotating receiver. The computing device can include a display portion having a display coupling mechanism configured to be removably coupled to the rotating receiver of the base coupling mechanism. The display coupling mechanism of the display portion can be configured to be coupled to the rotating receiver of the base coupling mechanism in response to the display portion being slidably moved with respect to the base portion when a viewable surface of the display portion is aligned along a plane substantially parallel to a plane along which the keyboard of the base portion is aligned.
US09477259B2 Calibration of clock signal for data transmission
A method and apparatus for calibration of a clock signal used in data transmission is disclosed. The method includes a calibration having coarse and fine grain procedures. The coarse grain procedure begins from the center of a current eye and performs reads while decrementing the delay provided to the clock signal until at least one bit fails. This is repeated, from the center of the eye, incrementing until again at least one bit fails. The lower and upper last passing points are recorded. A fine grain procedure includes performing reads while decrementing, from the lower last passing point, recording points at which each bit fails until all fail. The fine grain procedure further includes incrementing, from the upper last passing point, recording points at which each bit fails until fail. Thereafter, a clock delay corresponding to the center of the new eye is determined based on the calibration data.
US09477258B2 Clock tree in circuit having a power-mode control circuit to determine a first delay time and a second delay time
A clock tree in a circuit and an operation method thereof are provided. The clock tree includes at least two sub clock trees, at least two voltage-controllable power-mode-aware (PMA) buffers and a power-mode control circuit. The PMA buffers delay a system clock to serve as the delayed clock, and provide respectively the delayed clock to the sub clock trees. The power-mode control circuit provides at least two first power information to at least two function modules respectively, wherein a power mode of each of the function modules is determined according to the first power information respectively. The power-mode control circuit provides at least two second power information to the PMA buffers respectively, wherein a delay time of each of the PMA buffers is determined according to the second power information respectively.
US09477252B2 Voltage regulator
A voltage regulator, which contains a circuit to determine its output power. It has an output node providing an output voltage for a load; current sensing means for sensing an output current flowing at the output node; voltage providing means for providing a digital representation of the output voltage or of an input voltage to the voltage regulator; output power determination means comprising a digitally controllable variable resistance circuit receiving the digital voltage representation from the voltage providing means and generating a resistance, wherein the variable resistance circuit is connected to the current sensing means to obtain a signal that depends upon the output current and generates a voltage depending on the generated resistance and the obtained signal; and the output power determining means are adapted to determine the output power of the voltage regulator based on the voltage generated by the variable resistance circuit.
US09477249B2 DC-DC converter, power receiving device, and power feeding system
A circuit capable of keeping input impedance constant is provided. Further, a circuit which can contribute to improvement in power feeding efficiency in power feeding by a magnetic resonance method is provided. A voltage (a former voltage) proportional to a direct-current voltage input to a DC-DC converter from the outside and a voltage (a latter voltage) proportional to a current input from the outside are detected, and the ratio of the former voltage and the latter voltage are held constant. Accordingly, input impedance can be kept constant. Further, impedance conversion is performed in the DC-DC converter. Thus, even when the battery in which power feeding is performed exists on an output side of the DC-DC converter, input impedance can be kept constant. Consequently, power can be supplied to a power receiving device including the DC-DC converter and the battery with high power feeding efficiency by a magnetic resonance method.
US09477247B2 Device and method for global maximum power point tracking
A device, system, and method for global maximum power point tracking comprises monitoring an output power of a DC power source while executing a maximum power point tracking algorithm and adjusting a maximum power point tracking command signal in response to the output power being less than a reference output power. The command signal is adjusted until the output power exceeds a previous output power by a reference amount. The command signal may be a voltage command signal, a current command signal, an impedance command signal, a duty ratio command signal, or the like.
US09477243B2 System maximum current protection
A method and apparatus for providing proactive current protection. In one embodiment, the method comprises: prior to transitioning to a new state for an integrated circuit (IC), calculating a sum of expected powers for a plurality of domains in the IC by calculating an expected current for each of the plurality of domains based on an individual domain frequency in the new state and multiplying the expected current with its associated voltage for each of the plurality of domains for the new state; comparing the sum to a power limit; and if the sum is greater than the power limit, then reducing the individual domain frequency associated with at least one domain in the plurality of domains to maintain the total instantaneous power of the IC below the power limit.
US09477240B2 Centralized controller for intelligent control of thermostatically controlled devices
A control module for controlling a thermostatically controlled device includes a processor apparatus adapted to obtain first values for a plurality of parameters for the thermostatically controlled device, the parameters including actual power consumed by the thermostatically controlled device and a number of input parameters, determine a learned correlation function for the thermostatically controlled device based on the obtained values, wherein the learned correlation function relates power consumption of the thermostatically controlled device to at least the number of input parameters, obtain second values for each of the number of input parameters for a future usage period, and determine at least one recommended set point for the thermostatically controlled device using the learned correlation function and at least the second values for each of the number of input parameters.
US09477238B2 Monitoring hydraulic fracturing
This disclosure relates to systems, methods, and devices useful for monitoring and controlling water to be used, for example, in oil and natural gas production and hydraulic fracturing processes. An on-line unit for measuring, controlling, and optimizing the quality of water being used during the hydrocarbon production or hydraulic fracturing processes is also disclosed. Optimizing and controlling can include measuring one or more properties associated with the production water to be sure that the one or more properties are within an acceptable range and, if the one or more properties are not within the acceptable range for each respective property being measured, causing a change in flow of one or more water sources and/or one or more chemicals.
US09477237B2 Pilot operated gas regulator with diaphragm protection
A method of controlling a regulator with a pilot device includes periodically detecting an outlet pressure at an outlet of the regulator with a feedback pressure sensor. The method also includes comparing each detected outlet pressure with a set-point control pressure. Additionally, the method includes opening an exhaust valve when a detected outlet pressure is greater than the set-point control pressure so that a loading gas, which is applied to a top surface of a diaphragm of the regulator, exhausts out through the exhaust valve to reduce loading on the diaphragm. The method further includes sensing a loading pressure in the outlet port with a loading pressure sensor after opening the exhaust valve and comparing the loading pressure to a predetermined minimum threshold pressure. When the loading pressure is equal to or less than the predetermined minimum threshold value, the method includes closing the exhaust valve.
US09477235B2 Methods of controlling a cooling system based on pressure differences across a scroll compressor
A method includes determining a pressure difference across a scroll compressor of a cooling system. The pressure difference is compared to a minimum differential pressure value. Pressure differences across the scroll compressor that are less than the minimum differential pressure value are associated with unloading the scroll compressor. Parameters including a pressure set point value and an absolute minimum pressure value are increased when the pressure difference is less than the minimum differential pressure value. Subsequent to the increasing of the parameters, the parameters are decreased when the pressure difference is greater than a sum of the minimum differential pressure value and a hysteresis value.
US09477232B2 Apparatus for dividing and supplying gas and method for dividing and supplying gas
An apparatus for dividing and supplying gas is provided with a flow rate control device, a plurality of divided flow passages of gas flowing from the flow rate control device, thermal-type mass flow sensors disposed to the divided flow passages, electrically-operated valves disposed on a downstream side of the thermal-type mass flow sensors, controllers that control the electrically-operated valves, and a flow ratio setting calculator that calculates a total flow rate, then calculates flow rates of the divided flow passages, and then inputs the calculated flow rates as set flow rates to each controllers. One of the divided flow passages with the highest set flow rate is put in an uncontrolled state, and opening degree for each of the rest divided flow passages is controlled, and then feedback control of the divided flow rate of each of the divided flow passages is implemented by each of the controllers.
US09477231B2 Control system for variable displacement pump
A control system for a variable displacement pump driven by a drive source for driving a vehicle is provided. The variable displacement pump pressurizes hydraulic oil, and is switchable between a full capacity operation in which a discharge flow rate is maximized and a partial capacity operation in which the discharge flow rate is lower than that in the full capacity operation. It is determined whether an operation for starting the drive source has been performed. A rotational speed of the drive source and a temperature of the hydraulic oil are detected. When the rotational speed of the drive source is equal to or higher than a predetermined rotational speed and the hydraulic oil temperature is equal to or lower than a predetermined temperature, immediately after the operation for starting the drive source is performed, the partial capacity operation of the variable displacement pump is performed. This control suppresses generation of untoward noises caused by the operation of the variable displacement pump when starting to drive the vehicle.
US09477230B2 Method for the acquisition and processing of geographical information of a path
The present invention provides a method for the simultaneous acquisition and processing of geographical information of a path acquired by tandem terrestrial and aerial missions comprising a terrestrial vehicle and an unmanned aircraft whose trajectory is slaved to the terrestrial vehicle. The method comprises: acquiring geographical data and information from the terrestrial vehicle; sending trajectory information to the aircraft from a control station hosted on the terrestrial vehicle; the aircraft determining its trajectory according to the trajectory information of the terrestrial vehicle received; acquiring geographical data and information, including images, from the aircraft; obtaining, in a processing module, the orientation of the sensors of both terrestrial vehicle and aircraft from the geographical data and information acquired; calibrating, in a processing module, the sensors of both terrestrial vehicle and aircraft from the geographical data and information acquired; and associating every image acquired with the orientation and calibration obtained.
US09477226B2 Wirelessly controlling unmanned aircraft and accessing associated surveillance data
Controlling an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) may be accomplished by using a wireless device (e.g., cell phone) to send a control message to a receiver at the UAV via a wireless telecommunication network (e.g., an existing cellular network configured primarily for mobile telephone communication). In addition, the wireless device may be used to receive communications from a transmitter at the UAV, wherein the wireless device receives the communications from the transmitter via the wireless network. Examples of such communications include surveillance information and UAV monitoring information.
US09477219B2 Dynamic compensation in advanced process control
A method of semiconductor fabrication is provided. The method includes providing a model for a device parameter of a wafer as a function of first and second process parameters. The first and second process parameters correspond to different wafer characteristics, respectively. The method includes deriving target values of the first and second process parameters based on a specified target value of the device parameter. The method includes performing a first fabrication process in response to the target value of the first process parameter. The method includes measuring an actual value of the first process parameter thereafter. The method includes updating the model using the actual value of the first process parameter. The method includes deriving a revised target value of the second process parameter using the updated model. The method includes performing a second fabrication process in response to the revised target value of the second process parameter.
US09477215B2 Anthropomorphic control of lighting and other output conditions
An example of an intelligent lighting device or system is configured to control one or more parameters of light output, such as intensity, shape or distribution, color characteristics and position or orientation of light output (e.g. via a motorized luminaire control). The device or system may have other controllable output capability, e.g. display projection or audio. Sensors or other input devices are responsive to the user. Responsive to user input, the device or system, controls its light and any other output capabilities so as to present a defined persona to the user or other occupant(s) of a space illuminated by the intelligent lighting device or system.
US09477214B2 Plant control systems and methods
Systems and methods provided herein. In one embodiment, a system includes an advisory system including a loss computation engine configured to derive a total system loss for an industrial plant based on a first sensor positioned in a first industrial plant component and on a first physical model of the first industrial plant component. The advisory system further includes a cost model configured to use a cost function to derive a cost based on the total system loss, and a control strategy system configured to derive an advisory report, a control correction factor, or a combination thereof, based on the cost, wherein a control system is configured to apply the control correction factor to control a process in the industrial plant.
US09477213B2 Sheet punching device with humidifier
A sheet processing apparatus is described which is used to process a sheet transferred from an image forming apparatus such as a copying machine. A sheet processing apparatus is provided with a punching unit which cuts off part of a sheet conveyed along a conveying route, and a humidifying unit located on this conveying route in the upstream side of the punching unit and configured to humidify a predetermined area which is selected from the entire area of the sheet and includes punch areas to be cut off from the conveyed sheet by the punching unit. The cutting wastes can thereby be electrostatically discharged without leaving the sheet excessively wet.
US09477209B2 Power generator, timepiece, and method for manufacturing power generator
A power generator includes a photocell having a sheet-like shape provided with an opening therethrough and another photocell having a sheet-like shape that is accommodated in the opening and connected to the photocell in series. The center of the opening coincides with the center of the another photocell.
US09477206B2 Split-seconds device with epicycloidal train for a timepiece
A split-seconds device with epicycloidal train for a timepiece. The device includes a split-seconds pinion which carries a fly-back hand and is mounted to rotate freely about a rotation arbor of the timepiece; a differential having an entry wheel adapted to be kinematically connected to a power source of the timepiece; a first exit wheel kinematically connected to the entry wheel by a planetary wheel and meshing with the split-seconds pinion; a second exit wheel kinematically connected to the entry wheel by the planetary wheel; and a control lever allowing to block either the first exit wheel or the second exit wheel, such that whichever of the first and second exit wheels is released by the control lever is adapted to be driven by the entry wheel when the latter is kinematically connected to the power source of the timepiece, thus allowing to block or respectively release the fly-back hand.