Document Document Title
US09498379B2 Glaucoma drainage devices including vario-stable valves and associated systems and methods
Glaucoma drainage devices including vario-stable valves and associated systems and methods are disclosed. A glaucoma drainage device includes a drainage lumen and a valve system coupled to the drainage lumen to control the flow of fluid through the drainage lumen. The valve system includes an adjustable valve with a diaphragm that is in communication with the drainage lumen and is movable to occupy varying amounts of the drainage lumen. In some embodiments, the valve system is maintained in a desired position without the use of power such that power is only needed when changing a position of the adjustable valve.
US09498374B2 Modular shoulder cryotherapy system and method
A modular shoulder cooling system. A retention panel is affixed over the shoulder. The retention panel is hald in position by a pair of straps attached to a belt around the user's waist. At least a portion of the inward facing surface of the retention panel is covered in loop material. Bags containing cooling medium are furnished. These are referred to as “cold packs.” Each cold pack has a first side with a soft, tactilly pleasing surface. This first surface is intended to face the user. Each cold pack also has a second side intented to face the inward facing surface of the retention panel. This second side includes one or more hook panels configured to engage the loop material on the inward facing surface of the retention panel. The user can attach a cold pack or packs to the rentention panel by pressing the hook panels on each cold pack against the loop material on the retention panel. Thus, no pockets are required.
US09498373B2 Oral device for improvement of breathing
An oral device for improving the breathing of a user by means of protrusion of the lower jaw includes a first dental rail that covers at least some teeth of a lower row of teeth of the user; a second dental rail that covers at least some teeth of an upper row of teeth of the user; and at least one coupling element connecting the first and the second dental rail. The first dental rail comprises a front, labial connection point and the second dental rail has two rear, buccal connection points positioned substantially at its two posterior ends. The coupling element has a substantially U-shaped configuration, and an apex of the coupling element forms a joint with the front labial connection point on the first dental rail. The posterior ends of the coupling element form a joint with the rear connection points of the second dental rail.
US09498372B2 Ostomy pouch appliance
A coupling assembly for fastening an adhesive wafer to an ostomy appliance device, the coupling assembly including a captive connection between the adhesive wafer and ostomy appliance that permits captive relative displacement between the entire adhesive wafer and the entrance aperture of the appliance, to facilitate access to the wafer from the non-body-contacting side. The coupling assembly further comprises a fixation coupling for fixing the adhesive wafer in the operative position.
US09498371B2 Flow control and collection device
A flow control and collection system includes a flow control device having a tubular member in which an inflatable balloon is positioned about the circumference of the interior side wall for closing the passageway to movement of matter and liquid when the balloon is expanded and allowing flow when the balloon is contracted against the side wall to which it is attached. The flow control device includes an adapter at the outer end of the tubular member having one or more interlocking features. A generally outwardly extending flange may be configured at the outer end of the tubular member. The flange may be configured with an inflatable membrane having an inflated position wherein at least a portion of the inflatable membrane extends generally outwardly from the flange.
US09498367B1 Apparatus and method for applying spinal traction forces
An apparatus for applying traction force to a spine of a user has a chassis with an upper surface. A user lies on the upper surface with the spine extending generally parallel to a longitudinal axis of the chassis. Two members extend from the chassis on opposing sides of the longitudinal axis, each member being positioned to engage an armpit. A lever is pivotally attached to the chassis for rotation about a lateral axis, and a pad coupled to the lever contacts a proximal portion of each upper leg when the leg is bent forward at a hip joint. A force applied to the lever is transmitted through the pad to each upper leg and opposed by the members, thereby applying traction force for decompressing the spine. The force may be applied by the arms of the user or by a motor.
US09498364B2 Medical device delivery system and method of flushing same
A medical device delivery system includes a catheter defining an inner space, and an outer retractable portion positioned over the catheter and defining an annular space between the catheter and the outer retractable portion. At least one bypass opening through a sidewall of the catheter fluidly connects the inner space and the annular space. A tubular sealing member is positioned in the annular space proximal to the bypass opening. The tubular sealing member is movable between a compressed state in which proximal fluid flow through the annular space is inhibited by the tubular sealing member, and a non-compressed state in which proximal fluid flow through the annular space at the tubular sealing member is permitted.
US09498361B2 Repositionable diameter constraints
An endoluminal prosthesis includes an expandable stent graft that includes a cannula extending through a lumen of the stent graft. A suture is threaded along the perimeter of the graft through openings therein, with an inner end of the suture mounted to the cannula. The cannula is rotatable relative to the graft to wind or unwind the suture around the cannula and cause the graft to become compressed when wound or allow the graft to expand when unwound. The cannula includes an attachment member for retaining an inner end of the suture, and the attachment member can release the inner end of the suture when adjustment of the graft diameter is no longer desired.
US09498360B2 Stent and method of use
A stent configured for implantation in a body lumen includes a plurality of radially expandable circumferential segments, and an axially expandable connecting member connecting adjacent circumferential segments of the plurality. The stent has a relaxed, axially contracted configuration in which the connecting member is contracted axially and each circumferential segment is nested with at least one adjacent circumferential segment. The stent also has a delivery, axially expanded configuration in which the connecting member is expanded axially, and an axial distance between adjacent circumferential segments of the plurality is greater than when the stent is in its relaxed configuration.
US09498352B2 Method for producing an artificial foot
The invention relates to a method for producing an artificial foot, comprising a medial plane (M) in a longitudinal axis, in which a nominal foot length (l) is defined as a distance from a heel to a foot tip of a natural foot replaced by the artificial foot, and designed having a top side connecting piece (4) for torsionally rigidly connecting a foot insert (2) extending substantially over the length of the foot (l), and contacting two contact surfaces (6, 7) over the length (l), of which a first heel side contact surface (7) is located in the heel area and a second ball side contact surface (6) is located in the ball area, and designed so that the connecting part (4) is connected to the contact surfaces (6, 7) of the foot part by means of spring connections.
US09498351B2 Apparatus for locating the position of a spinal implant during surgery
An apparatus and method for locating the position of a spinal implant in an intradiscal space patient during surgery, comprising a spinal implant formed of radiolucent material and a releasably attached inserter comprising a positioning element including thereon a marker of material more radiopaque than the material of the spinal implant. The positioning element extends into the implant such that the marker is positioned at a predetermined location within the implant, the positioning element with the radiopaque maker being removable from the spinal implant after insertion. In a particular method of locating the position of the spinal implant, the spinal implant is inserted from the lateral approach.
US09498345B2 Glenoid implant for a shoulder prosthesis, and surgical kit
A glenoid implant for a shoulder prosthesis for implantation in the glenoid of a scapula according to embodiments of the present invention includes a central fixation element; an articular body configured for articulation with a humerus, the articular body comprising a plate, the plate comprising a side configured to be oriented toward the glenoid, the side comprising a central protrusion, wherein the central fixation element comprises a means for mechanically engaging with the central protrusion; a first means for locking rotation of the central fixation element with respect to the glenoid; and a second means for locking rotation of the articular body with respect to the glenoid.
US09498338B2 Methods for forming a connectable insert
Methods for forming an insert, such as a threaded or threadable insert, within a cavity in an implant, such as a spinal spacer. In some implementations, an implant body comprising a first, non-threadable, may be provided. A cavity may be formed in the implant body, after which an insert may be positioned within the cavity. Preferably, the insert comprises a second material distinct from the first material, wherein the second material has physical properties distinct from the first material. A female thread may then be formed within the insert, which may allow for threading an otherwise unthreadable, or relatively unthreadable, material.
US09498334B2 Glenoid defect-filling component
An orthopedic shoulder prosthesis includes glenoid defect-filling component configured to be implanted within a defect in a glenoid of a patient. The glenoid defect-filling component includes a porous metallic body and a plurality of holes formed in the porous metallic body, the plurality of holes being arranged in a pattern to receive a number of pegs of a discrete polymer glenoid component.
US09498333B2 Penile prosthetic insert with a body having a channel and a method for implantation of a penile prosthetic
An implantable penile prosthetic insert for placement in a corpora cavernosum of a penis and capable of transitioning the penis between a flaccid and an erect state. A body of the insert is made from a bio-compatible material and extends between a proximal end and a distal end. The body includes an exterior surface defining a channel extending longitudinally along the body. The body is configured to transition between a first state corresponding to the flaccid state of the penis and a second state corresponding to the erect state of the penis. The channel is present in both the first and the second state. A method for implanting a penile prosthetic insert and a kit of parts are also disclosed.
US09498329B2 Apparatus for treatment of cardiac valves and method of its manufacture
A prosthetic valve including a replacement valve having a tubular valve body wall, an expandable stent having a framework with first and second ends, and suturing holding the framework to the valve body at the first and second ends. The suturing at the first end is colored differently from the suturing at the second end.
US09498328B2 Artificial valve for implantation
An artificial heart valve consists of two or more valve members (10, 20) stacked one upon the other in a housing (40) and having blood flow passages (13, 23) that can be aligned with each other in order to open the valve and allow blood flow through the valve and that can be disaligned to close the valve. The valve members are maintained in continuous rotation and the alignment and disalignment of the valve members is achieved by slowing down and reaccelerating one or more of the valve members using a drive (18, 28) appropriately controlled by a control unit (C).
US09498326B2 Injector for intraocular lens system
Disclosed is an injector which comprises an injector housing having a longitudinal axis and an injection probe disposed along the longitudinal axis. The injector further comprises an intraocular lens disposed in the housing. The intraocular lens comprises first and second interconnected viewing elements, and the optical axes of the first and second viewing elements are substantially aligned. The optical axes are substantially orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of the housing. The injector further comprises a lens carrier which engages one of the viewing elements. The viewing elements are moveable in response to longitudinal movement of the lens carrier relative to the injector housing. The longitudinal movement causes both (i) the optical axes to be displaced relative to each other and (ii) the viewing elements to be disposed substantially on the longitudinal axis of the injector housing.
US09498325B2 Systems and methods for implanting and examining intraocular lens
Systems and methods for designing and implanting a customized intra-ocular lens (IOL) is disclosed. In one embodiment, a system includes an eye analysis module that analyzes a patient's eye and generates biometric information relating to the eye. The system also includes eye modeling and optimization modules to generate an optimized IOL model based upon the biometric information and other inputted parameters representative of patient preferences. The system further includes a manufacturing module configured manufacture the customized IOL based on the optimized IOL model. In addition, the system can include an intra-operative real time analyzer configured to measure and display topography and aberrometry information related to a patient's eye for assisting in proper implantation of the IOL.
US09498324B2 Scleral prosthesis for treating presbyopia and other eye disorders and related devices and methods
A scleral prosthesis includes an elongated body configured to be implanted into scleral tissue of an eye. The elongated body includes (i) opposing first and second ends and (ii) multiple first portions that form the first end of the body and part of a remainder of the body between the first and second ends. The first portions of the body are separated by empty space, and the first and second ends are wider than the remainder of the body. The scleral prosthesis also includes an insert configured to be placed and retained between the first portions of the body. At least part of the insert, prior to insertion between the first portions of the body, has a shape complementary to a shape of the empty space.
US09498323B2 Stent graft having movable fenestrated tubular bridge
A stent graft comprising an elongate main tubular body of a biocompatible graft material is disclosed. The main tubular body comprises a main lumen, a distal end and a proximal end; and an elongate tubular bridge of a biocompatible graft material. The elongate tubular bridge extends around a portion of the main tubular body so as to form a bridging lumen bridging between two circumferentially spaced-apart openings within the main tubular body. The tubular bridge has at least two fenestrations. The tubular bridge comprises concertinaed graft material.
US09498318B2 Removable embolus blood clot filter
A removable blood clot filter includes a number of locator members and anchor members disposed radially and extending angularly downward from a hub. The locator members include a number of linear portions having distinct axes configured to place a tip portion approximately parallel to the walls of a blood vessel when implanted and to apply sufficient force to the vessel walls to position the filter near the vessel centerline. The anchor members each include a hook configured to penetrate the vessel wall to prevent longitudinal movement due to blood flow. The hooks may have a cross section sized to allow for a larger radius of curvature under strain so that the filter can be removed without damaging the vessel wall.
US09498314B2 Urological device
A urological device comprises a urological valve having a plurality of valve leaflets with a region of co-aption between the valve leaflets. The valve has a normally closed configuration in which the valve leaflets are engaged at the region of co-aption and an open configuration in which the leaflets are separated at the co-aption region for fluid flow through the valve. The valve is automatically movable from the closed configuration to the open configuration in response to applied urological pressure.
US09498311B2 Multipurpose filament dispensing device
A multipurpose filament dispensing device serves the dual purpose of dispensing a filament, such as dental floss, while simultaneously forming a cap on a container of a topical composition. The device can either function as a standalone dispenser for storing and dispensing the filament, or serve as a cap for the container while simultaneously storing and dispensing the filament. The filament is rotatably extracted from an internal spool. The device dispenses a desired amount of filament from the spool, extending the filament from a raised outlet to a depressed cutting member. The downward slope of the filament facilitates grasping and manipulating of the filament. After extracting a desired unit length of the filament, the filament may be cut at a unit length with a sharp edge on the cutting member. The device forms a detachable cap over a container of topical composition, such as lip balm.
US09498305B2 Endosseous dental implant and abutment for prevention of bone loss
Endosseous dental implants and abutments for deterring tissue loss, such as loss of buccal bone, at the site of the implant/abutment. An exemplary implant may include longitudinally extending externally threaded and unthreaded regions each extending over only a circumferential portion of the external circumference of the implant. The implant may include an internal passage extending along the shaft having a frusto-conical region extending over only a circumferential portion of the internal passage. An exemplary abutment may include a distal connection end comprising a frusto-conical region thereat extending over only a circumferential portion of the external circumference of the connection end to provide a frusto-conical connection region and non-frusto-conical connection region.
US09498298B2 Ring form surgical effector
The present invention is a surgical ring form structure including a surgical ring where the surgical ring is a circular structure adapted to receive a surgical implement rigidly affixable with respect to the surgical patient and the surgical ring, an electrical circuit allowing the surgical implement to be electrically communicable with a remote controller, a surgical implement as an effector unit, an effector unit configurable to operate a laser, ultrasound device, lights, camera, and other imaging and monitoring devices capable of two-dimensional and three-dimensional capture, a circular rail respective to the surgical ring whereupon controlled motion of the surgical implement or effector unit is provided, remote display and interfacing capabilities with the surgical implements, remote controlling interfaces for controlled motion of the surgical implements with respect to the surgical ring and the patient, and an electrical circuit having contacts extending along the periphery of the surgical ring.
US09498293B2 Automated cell patch clamping method and apparatus
In an automated method for in vivo multiple cell patch clamping, cell patch clamping devices are automatically moved into position and targeted to multiple corresponding cells. Cell contact is determined by analyzing the temporal series of measured resistance levels at the clamping devices as they are moved. The difference between successive resistance levels is computed and compared to a threshold, which must be exceeded for a minimum number of computations before neuron contact is assumed. Pneumatic control methods are used to achieve cell-attached or gigaseal formation and subsequent cell break-in, leading to whole-cell patch clamp formation. An automated robotic system automatically performs patch clamping in vivo, automatically detecting cells according to the methodology by analyzing the temporal sequence of electrode impedance changes. By continuously monitoring the patching process and rapidly executing actions triggered by specific measurements, the robot can rapidly find neurons in the living brain and establish recordings.
US09498290B2 Surgical navigation devices and methods
A trajectory frame for use with surgical navigation systems includes a base having a patient access aperture formed therein. A yoke is mounted to the base and is rotatable about a roll axis. A platform is mounted to the yoke and is rotatable about a pitch axis. An elongated guide is secured to the platform and includes opposite proximal and distal end portions and a bore that extends from the proximal end portion to the distal end portion. The guide is configured to removably receive various devices therein for quick release therefrom, including an optical tracking probe (which may be a universal tracker) detectable by a camera-based tracking system or an EM probe detectable by an EM navigation system, a microelectrode probe driver adapter, a drill guide and drill bit, skull fixation device and driver, and a catheter guide.
US09498286B2 Microwave energy-delivery device and system
A microwave ablation device including a cable assembly configured to connect a microwave ablation device to an energy source and a feedline in electrical communication with the cable assembly. The microwave ablation device further includes a balun on an outer conductor of the feedline, and a temperature sensor on the balun sensing the temperature of the balun.
US09498277B2 Apparatus and method for rapid reliable electrothermal tissue fusion and simultaneous cutting
Pieces of tissue are fused together and simultaneously cut by compressing the pieces together at an interface, delivering an impulse of electrical power which is converted into sufficient thermal energy to fuse the pieces together at the interface and simultaneously cut the fused tissue pieces along a well-defined linear path. The impulse, and the fusion and the simultaneous cutting, occur within a preferable time of 1.5-2.0 seconds but no greater than 4.0 seconds. The temperature of the thermal energy is regulated between 220° C.-320° C. The force applied on the tissue pieces is sufficient to fuse the tissue at the interface followed by further compression to cut the fused tissue along the linear path as a result of the thermal energy and a zero distance gap between jaws which compress the tissue pieces. The jaws have smooth working surfaces with an Ra of 0.15 or less microns up to 0.40 microns.
US09498274B2 Liner extraction methods
Methods and apparatus for the treatment of a body cavity or lumen are described where a heated fluid and/or gas may be introduced through a catheter and into treatment area within the body contained between one or more inflatable/expandable members. The catheter may also have optional pressure and temperature sensing elements which may allow for control of the pressure and temperature within the treatment zone and also prevent the pressure from exceeding a pressure of the inflatable/expandable members to thereby contain the treatment area between these inflatable/expandable members. Optionally, a chilled, room temperature, or warmed fluid such as water may then be used to rapidly terminate the treatment session.
US09498270B2 Methods and apparatus for insertion of vertebral body distraction and fusion devices
An inserter can be used to implant a distractible intervertebral body fusion device into a disc space and expand the device. The inserter includes a shaft frame and a drive shaft assembly for expanding the device and a support shaft assembly for stabilizing the device extending distally from the shaft frame. A drive housing can be operably connected to the shaft frame and extend outwardly from shaft frame distal of a proximal end of the shaft frame. Drive housing can have an internal passage that provides access into the shaft frame to a proximal end of the drive shaft assembly. An actuation tool can be disposed with the drive housing with a distal end extending through the access into the shaft frame to interface with the proximal end of the drive shaft assembly such that activation of the actuation tool rotates the drive shaft assembly to expand the device.
US09498269B2 Percussion device for bone implantology and operating method thereof
A percussion device for bone implantology includes a body housing an electromagnetic coil for the acceleration of a percussion anchor and from which a stem of a metal tool projects, a sonic rod which runs through the core of the electromagnetic coil and along which the percussion anchor is slidable, the sonic rod including a terminal head with which the stem of a metal tool is integrally engageable, a floating yoke arranged in the proximity of the terminal head which acts as travel end stop for the anchor, and wherein the electromagnetic coil is energized impulsewise with an electric current of a duration below 20 milliseconds and energy ranging between 0.8-1.2 KW, to produce an impact of the anchor on the yoke which develops an energy transferred to the tool stem through a sonic wave and a translational momentum, the force developed ranging between 60 and 260 daN.
US09498268B2 Devices, systems, and methods for acetabulum repair
Systems for repairing acetabulum fractures can include a bone plate that has openings therein and one or more bolts sized to fit through the openings. The bone plate can cooperate with the head portions of the bolts to prevent them from spinning within the holes as screws are attached to the bolts. Such arrangements can assist in reverse implantation methods in which the bone plate is introduced into the true pelvis of a patient.
US09498265B2 Devices and methods for bone fixation using axial implants
The invention comprises a method for fixating bones in the foot by aligning the bones in their desired position, inserting a screw in the aligned bones, inserting at least one transverse element near the head or tip of the screw, and tightening the screw to compress the bones. The screw comprises a shaft having first and second ends with spirally wound screw threads beginning near the first end and extending along the shaft. Advantageously, the screw is cannulated and screw threads are formed on an interior surface of the cannulation. Illustratively, the transverse elements may be staples, open-ended washers, or open-ended nuts. Reduction instruments and drill guides used in the invention are also disclosed.
US09498263B2 Prosthetic ligament having a helical bone fastener
An intervertebral connection system wherein the bone anchor has a helical configuration. Also included is a method of installing a bone fastening connection system, comprising the steps of: a) forming a pilot hole in a bone, b) providing a connection system comprising a conformable ligament having a first end portion, and an anchor having a central axis which is axially implantable into a bone in a patient's body, c) inserting the distal head portion of the system into the pilot hole, and d) rotating the helix to drive the system into the bone and drive the ligament up the helix.
US09498262B2 Minimally invasive fixation system
A minimally invasive fixation system and method for providing access to a surgical site. The fixation system may include a holding assembly, the holding assembling preferably including a lateral implant holder which may be attached to a pedicle screw and a sleeve positioned in connection with the lateral implant holder to prevent the lateral implant holder from separating from the pedicle screw. The sleeve may further include a tissue protection portion to keep the tissue out of the surgical site. A holding sleeve may be operably connected to the holding assembly and pedicle screw and may be used to insert the pedicle screw into the body. Multiple constructs may be inserted into the body so that a portion of the holding assembly extends from the body and provides access to and visualization of the surgical site. A rod holder may also be used to insert a rod into the head of the screw. The rod may be held by the rod holder so that the rod may be angulated as the rod is inserted into the screw heads. Once the rod is positioned in the screw heads, locking caps and/or set screws may be positioned over the rod and engage the screw heads so that the position of the rod may be fixed with respect to the screws. In some embodiments, a movement mechanism may be used to move the screws relative to each other to compress and/or distract the vertebrae.
US09498259B2 Dynamic spinal plating system
Dynamic spinal plating systems that can be placed on the anterior aspect of the spine to aid in spinal fusion and surgical methods for using the dynamic spinal plating systems are disclosed. The dynamic spinal plating systems including a plate and at least one bone attachment mechanism. The plate including a superior end with at least one screw hole, an inferior end, and two lateral sides forming an opening that is transverse by the bone attachment mechanism. The dynamic spinal plating systems also include at least one screw plate with a center screw hole and two passageways that mate with two transverse members of the bone attachment mechanism. When implanted the vertebral stabilization devices may provide a degree of movement in the superior-inferior direction providing for a minimal change in length as the patient moves and as vertebral body height decreases.
US09498257B2 Connection assembly
An orthopedic connection assembly is described that comprises a housing member for receiving an implant that is operably connected to a receiving member for receiving an anchor member. The connection assembly is configured to have a locking mechanism that secures and fixes the relative orientation between the implant and the anchor member. The connection assembly can comprise a plate member receivable within the housing member. When a securing member such as a set screw is introduced downwardly into the housing member to secure the implant, the securing member applies a lateral force to the plate member, which presses against an interference member within the receiving member. The interference member presses against the anchor member, such that the anchor member is fixed in a position relative to the implant.
US09498255B2 Translational pedicle screw systems
The present disclosure relates, according to some embodiments, to translational pedicle screw systems. A translational pedicle screw system may comprise a bone screw secured within a saddle. Different mechanisms may provide for translational movement of the saddle relative to the bone screw. In some embodiments, a saddle may comprise an elongated distal channel configured to provide a translational motion of a bone screw head disposed therein. In some embodiments, a saddle may comprise a discoidal recess configured to receive a corresponding discoidal section of a bone screw. The discoidal recess and the discoidal section may allow for a rotational offset of the saddle relative to the bone screw. In some embodiments, a proximal portion of a bone screw may comprise an attachment section configured to engage with a removable bone screw head. The removable bone screw head may translate laterally along the attachment section of the bone screw.
US09498252B2 Uterine lavage for embryo retrieval
A device for recovering one or more blastocysts from the uterus of a human includes an outer guide member for insertion into a cervical canal of the human. The outer guide member includes a distal portion with an activatable seal for isolating the uterus from the external environment and defines a lumen having a longitudinal axis. The device also includes an inner catheter located within the lumen and slidable along the longitudinal axis of the lumen relative to the outer guide member. The inner catheter has a distal tip positionable distally of the seal to extend into the uterus and includes a fluid delivery lumen terminating at a distal fluid delivery port for delivering fluid into the uterus. The device defines a distal suction port for aspirating fluid and entrained blastocysts from the uterus. The distal fluid delivery port and the distal suction port are arranged such that, in use, fluid delivered from the distal fluid delivery port travels through the distal suction port to the uterus.
US09498250B2 Apparatus and method for performing intrastromalabdominal hysterectomy as bloodless nerve sparing method
An apparatus and procedure for defining the area for a thermo-electric knife to perform a bloodless intrastromal abdominal hysterectomy procedure while minimizing damage to the pericervical ring. The apparatus is configured to be inserted into the center cavity of the cervix and uterus to engage the uterine wall. The apparatus comprises an elongate member having a first end configured to extend into the center cavity of the uterus and cervix, and a thermo-electric knife guide plate secured concentrically to the elongate member proximal to the second end of the member to define the area for dissection of connective tissue between the cervix and the pericervical ring by a thermo-electric knife. A barb is secured to the elongate member between the first end and the guide plate, and configured to engage the uterine wall so that upon removal of the apparatus when in use the barb becomes attached to the uterus sufficient to remove the uterus and cervix through the abdomen. At least one aperture in the guide plate is configured to permit the passage therethrough of a centering tube when in use, whereby the apparatus is configured to stabilize the thermo-electric knife during intrastromal abdominal hysterectomy procedure.
US09498248B2 Retainer for immobilizing an implanted catheter during stylet retraction, and stylet holder for use with same
Devices, systems, and methods for immobilizing an implanted catheter tip while a catheter stylet is withdrawn from the catheter. In one embodiment, a cannula system is included that incorporates a catheter retainer securable to an immobilized guide cannula. The retainer may include one or more surfaces that operatively engage the catheter and effectively restrain the catheter relative to a head of the guide cannula. Other embodiments may also include a stylet holder operable to engage the stylet with a consistent and repeatable clamping force that is independent of clinician-applied force.
US09498245B2 Ultrasonic surgical instruments
In one general aspect, various embodiments are directed to an ultrasonic surgical instrument that comprises a transducer configured to produce vibrations along a longitudinal axis at a predetermined frequency. In various embodiments, an ultrasonic blade extends along the longitudinal axis and is coupled to the transducer. In various embodiments, the ultrasonic blade includes a body having a proximal end and a distal end, wherein the distal end is movable relative to the longitudinal axis by the vibrations produced by the transducer.
US09498242B2 Surgical instrument drive element, and related devices, systems, and methods
A surgical instrument including a shaft, an end effector, and a push/pull drive element is provided. The push/pull drive element may include a head extending perpendicular to a push/pull direction of the push/pull element. The head of the push/pull drive element may have end portions each having a cross-section that differs from a cross-section of a main portion of the head between the end portions. The push/pull drive element may include an engagement portion in contact with the end effector to actuate the end effector. The engagement portion may have a first width and an end portion may have a second width, with the second width being greater than the first width. A surgical instrument is also provided that may include an electrical connector connecting at least one conduit providing electrical energy to the end effector. The end effector may be in sliding contact with a portion of the connector.
US09498240B1 Device for cleaning a tongue and method of use
A device for cleaning a tongue includes a body having a top surface, an opposite bottom surface, a proximal section, and a distal section. An upwardly projecting ridge is centrally disposed at the proximal section. The ridge has a first downwardly sloping side which is shaped and dimensioned to receive one of the two fingers, and a second downwardly sloping side which is shaped and dimensioned to receive the other of the two fingers. The bottom surface forms a cavity at the proximal section, the cavity is shaped and dimensioned to receive the thumb. A tongue-cleaning pad is disposed on the bottom surface at the distal section. The device can be held by either hand and used to clean the tongue.
US09498236B2 High pressure ballistic extracorporeal shockwave device, system and method of use
The present invention relates to a device, system and a method for extracorporeal Shockwave treatment and in particular, to such a device, system and method in which a Shockwave is produced by a high pressure ballistic device utilizing a regulated high pressure energy source for generating an initial ballistic collision producing an initial Shockwave and an electromagnetic solenoid as reloading apparatus facilitating the formation of subsequent and/or successive Shockwaves.
US09498234B2 Customized surgical guides, methods for manufacturing and uses thereof
The invention relates to surgical guides which are of use during reconstructive bone surgery for guiding a surgical instrument or tool. More particularly, the guides are characterized in that they are fitted to the implant rather than to the bone.
US09498232B2 Articulating drill guide
Drill guides and methods for maintaining contact on bone in areas where rigid instruments cannot access. The drill guide is an articulating drill guide that comprises an articulating mechanism for articulating and positioning the guide in at least two positions, i.e., an undeployed (non-articulated or straight) position and a deployed (articulated or bent) position. The articulating drill guide delivers guide wires, drills and/or additional instruments at any angle while maintaining contact to the bone.
US09498231B2 On-board tool tracking system and methods of computer assisted surgery
A number of improvements are provided relating to computer aided surgery utilizing an on tool tracking system. The various improvements relate generally to both the methods used during computer aided surgery and the devices used during such procedures. Other improvements relate to the structure of the tools used during a procedure and how the tools can be controlled using the OTT device. Still other improvements relate to methods of providing feedback during a procedure to improve either the efficiency or quality, or both, for a procedure including the rate of and type of data processed depending upon a CAS mode.
US09498224B2 Ligation band dispensing cap assembly and methods of use
A medical device for resecting a tissue. The medical device includes an elongate shaft having a distal end, a proximal end, and a plurality of channels extending therebetween. The medical device also includes a cap assembly disposed at the distal end of the elongate shaft. The cap assembly includes a housing having a proximal portion, a distal portion, and a cavity extending therebetween. The housing is configured to be transparent and includes a friction surface pattern disposed over a portion of an outer surface of the housing. The cap assembly further includes one or more ligation bands disposed on the proximal portion of the housing. The cap assembly also includes a wire interwoven between the ligation bands. The wire is further configured to roll at least one ligation band at a time towards the distal end of the distal portion.
US09498219B2 Detachable motor powered surgical instrument
A stapling system is disclosed. The stapling system comprises a handle, a shaft extending from the handle, and a disposable loading unit configured for operable attachment to the shaft. The stapling system further comprises a battery, a staple cartridge comprising a plurality of staples removably stored therein, a translatable member configured to translate within the staple cartridge to eject the staples from the staple cartridge, and a rotary drive comprising a motor configured to drive the translatable member, wherein the rotary drive is configured to selectively receive electrical power from the battery only when the disposable loading unit is attached to the shaft.
US09498215B2 Surgical staple cartridge with enhanced knife clearance
A surgical instrument having an elongated shaft having a shaft distal end and a shaft proximal end. An end effector is coupled to the shaft distal end and includes opposed jaws. A housing is included in one of the jaws, the housing having a housing proximal end, a housing distal end, an upper surface, a distal garage having lateral surfaces that extend above the upper surface, and a plurality of staple openings extending through the upper surface. A knife member is supported within the housing for movement distally. The knife member is moveable into a predetermined parked position such that a first portion of the cutting blade displaces below the upper surface and a second portion remains displaced above the upper surface. There is enough lateral clearance in the predetermined parked position between the lateral faces and the second portion to accommodate a dislodged staple.
US09498214B2 Surgical stapling apparatus with clamping assembly
A surgical stapling apparatus includes a handle assembly and an elongate portion extending distally from the handle assembly. An end effector disposed adjacent a distal portion of the elongate portion includes an anvil assembly and a cartridge assembly, wherein at least one of the cartridge assembly and the anvil assembly is movable with respect to the other to move the end effector between an open configuration where the cartridge assembly and the anvil assembly are substantially spaced and a closed configuration where the cartridge assembly and the anvil assembly are closer together. The end effector also includes a clamping assembly including a first clamping surface deployable to extend laterally from the anvil assembly, and a second clamping surface deployable to extend laterally from the cartridge assembly such that, when deployed, the first and second clamping surfaces oppose one another when the cartridge assembly is in the closed position.
US09498210B2 Puncture apparatus
A puncture apparatus includes a puncture member rotatable about a rotation center and having a needle tip which rotates together with the puncture member and is configured to puncture living body tissue. The puncture apparatus is also provided with at least one of: i) a vaginal-insertion member insertable into a vagina of a living body and including a vacuum area connected to a suction port; and ii) a urethra insertion member insertable into a urethra of the living body and including a vacuum area connected to a suction port. A cover covers the vacuum area so that the vacuum area does not contact and damage a vaginal wall of the vagina. The cover is movable relative to the vacuum area to expose the vacuum area.
US09498206B2 Tissue ligation devices and tensioning devices therefor
Described here are closure devices and methods for ligating tissue, such as the left atrial appendage, and tensioning devices and mechanism for actuating these devices. The tensioning mechanisms and devices may allow a user to apply one or more predetermined forces to a suture or other portion of the closure devices. The closure devices may comprise a suture loop releasably attached to a snare loop assembly, and a tensioning mechanism or device may be configured to tighten the suture loop and/or release the suture loop from the snare loop assembly.
US09498196B2 Sheath apparatus and methods for delivering a closure device
An apparatus for delivering a clip includes an introducer sheath including an outer surface extending between its proximal and distal ends. A clip is carried on the outer surface, e.g., on a carrier assembly that is slidable along the outer surface from the proximal end towards the distal end. A skin overlies the outer surface of the sheath and the carrier assembly that is separable from the outer surface as the carrier assembly is advanced from the proximal end towards the distal end of the sheath. During use, the distal end of the sheath is inserted into an opening through tissue, e.g., into a puncture communicating with a blood vessel. The carrier assembly is advanced towards the distal end of the sheath, causing the skin to separate from the outer surface of the elongate member, and the clip is deployed from the carrier to seal the opening.
US09498191B2 Device and method for use in the collection of whole saliva in research and diagnostics
An embodiment in accordance with the present invention provides a device for collecting a specimen of oral fluids. The device includes an elongate tubular member with a first end being configured to come into contact with a mouth of a subject. The device also includes a coupler, wherein the first end of the coupler is configured to couple to a second end of the elongate tubular member and wherein the second end of the coupler is configured to couple the device to a collection vial. A chamber is defined by the outer wall of the elongate tubular member and positioned proximate to the second end of the elongate tubular member, and a filter is disposed within the chamber. An exhaust port is defined by the coupler to allow pressure to escape from the device to ease the collection of the specimen.
US09498188B2 Enhanced ultrasound imaging apparatus and associated methods of work flow
Enhanced ultrasound imaging apparatus and associated methods of work flow are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a method of ultrasound scanning includes receiving a first dataset representing ultrasonic scanning of a target anatomy of a patient in a two-dimensional mode and generating a two-dimensional ultrasound image of the scanned target anatomy based on the received first dataset. The method also includes receiving an input defining at least one of an A-plane, a B-plane, and a C-plane on the displayed two-dimensional ultrasound image. Thereafter, a second dataset representing ultrasonic scanning of the target anatomy in a three-dimensional mode is received and an additional ultrasound image along a plane orthogonal to the two-dimensional ultrasound image of the target anatomy is generated based on (1) the three-dimensional scanning and (2) the input defining at least one of the A-plane, the B-plane, and the C-plane.
US09498183B2 Pulmonary embolism therapeutic methods using therapeutic delivery devices and systems
Methods and devices are disclosed that, in various embodiments and permutations and combinations of inventions, diagnose and treat Pulmonary Embolism or associated symptoms. In one series of embodiments, the invention consists of methods and devices for identifying patients whose Pulmonary Embolism or associated symptoms are caused or exacerbated, at least in part, by blockages of one or more of the patient's internal pulmonary veins. In some instances, stenoses or other flow limiting structures or lesions in the patient's affected veins are identified. Further, in some instances the nature of such lesions and whether there is a significant disruption of blood pressure, or both, is ascertained. In some embodiments, methods and devices for applying one or more therapies to the blockages in the patient's pulmonary veins are provided.
US09498181B2 Sensor and stethoscope
It is presented a sensor comprising a sensor plate (14), a base piece (15) and a first sensor membrane (7a) and a second sensor membrane (7b), each having a side of positive electrical polarity and a side of negative electrical polarity. Each one of the first sensor membrane and the second sensor membrane is mounted between the sensor plate and the base piece while allowing movement of the sensor plate in relation to the mounting piece. The first sensor membrane and the second sensor membrane are mounted such that their respective sides of positive electrical polarity face each other or face away from each other. A corresponding electronic stethoscope is also presented.
US09498180B2 Detecting and quantifying patient motion during tomosynthesis scans
The effects of patient motion in tomosynthesis scan images are automatically detected and quantified. In at least one embodiment an indication of detection of the effects of patient motion in tomosynthesis scan images is provided shortly after the scan, e.g., before the patient is discharged or before the breast is decompressed. A patient motion score may be calculated as part of motion quantification. The score may be stored for subsequent retrieval. Images may be presented with reference features to help a technician confirm of the effects of motion in images.
US09498178B2 Method for spectral CT local tomography
A method for performing reconstruction for a region of interest (ROI) of an object is provided. The method includes designating the ROI within the object, the ROI being located within a scan field of view (FOV) of a combined third- and fourth-generation CT scanner, the CT scanner including fixed photon-counting detectors (PCDs), and an X-ray source that rotates about the object in synchronization with a rotating detector. Further, the method includes determining, for each PCD, as a function of view angle, an on/off timing schedule, based on a size and location of the designated ROI, and performing a scan to obtain a first data set from the rotating detector and a second data set from the plurality of PCDs, while turning each PCD on and off according to the determined schedule. Finally, the method includes performing reconstruction using the first and second data sets to obtain ROI spectral images.
US09498177B2 Contrast-dependent regularization strength in the iterative reconstruction of CT images
A method is disclosed for reconstructing image data of an examination object from measured data, the measured data being captured during a rotating movement of a radiation source of a computed tomography system around the examination object. In at least one embodiment, different iteration images of the examination object are determined successively from the measured data by way of an iterative algorithm, wherein with the iterative algorithm the current iteration image at any one time is high-pass-filtered and weighted as a function of contrast using a variable which contains contrast information relating to the current iteration image at that time.
US09498175B2 System and method for low dose tomosynthesis
A breast imaging system leverages the combined strengths of two-dimensional and three-dimensional imaging to provide a breast cancer screening with improved sensitivity, specificity and patient dosing. A tomosynthesis system supports the acquisition of three-dimensional images at a dosage lower than that used to acquire a two-dimensional image. The low-dose three-dimensional image may be used for mass detection, while the two-dimensional image may be used for calcification detection. Obtaining tomosynthesis data at low dose provides a number of advantages in addition to mass detection including the reduction in scan time and wear and tear on the x-ray tube. Such an arrangement provides a breast cancer screening system with high sensitivity and specificity and reduced patient dosing.
US09498173B2 Mobile radiation generating apparatus and radiation imaging system
A mobile radiation generating apparatus comprising: a cart unit; a column extending from the cart unit; and an arm extending from the column; a radiation emitting unit arranged in a distal end portion of the arm, and configured to irradiate an object with radiation; a first display control unit configured to cause a first display apparatus arranged in the cart unit to display a radiation image captured by a radiation imaging apparatus which detects radiation transmitted through the object; and a second display control unit independent of the first display control unit, and configured to cause a second display apparatus arranged in the radiation emitting unit or on the arm to display a thumbnail image of the radiation image and a state of the radiation imaging apparatus.
US09498171B2 Method for examining an object using an X-ray recording system for phase contrast imaging with displacement measurement
A method, for examining an object using an X-ray recording system, includes aligning the object in the X-ray beam and the X-ray recording system with one another such that regions in the X-ray beam are uncovered for measurement of a free field. During an X-ray image recording, the components are moved relative to one another with a lateral displacement. In a position of the relative lateral displacement of the components, a reference image containing free fields is recorded. The X-ray image recording is generated from partial images during the displacement and the position of the second component relative to the first component is determined for each partial recording such that the displacement distances of the displacements and the reference phases are calculated from a selected set of pixels and the measured intensity values thereof. Finally, the image information is determined from the partial images, the displacements and the reference phases.
US09498168B2 X-ray CT scanning and dual-source CT system
A method is disclosed for x-ray CT scanning with a dual-source system, in which two radiation bundles are each delimited by diaphragms such that these radiation bundles are free of mutual points of intersection at least in the examination object. An embodiment of the invention also relates to a dual source CT system, including a controller configured to control radiation-delimiting diaphragms, which delimit and align the radiation bundles such that these run free of mutual points of intersection at least in the examination object.
US09498166B2 Method for displaying the temperature field of a biological subject
Measurements for medical diagnostic purposes measure the temperature of parts of the body to diagnose illnesses and for monitoring dynamics of an illness during treatment. This increases accuracy and clarity and simplifies technical implementation. An image of the region of the body of a biological subject under investigation is input into a computer database, with the image being output to a monitor of the computer, wherein the measurement points for measuring the temperature in the region of the subject under investigation are displayed in the image of the subject on the monitor screen and, once the measurements have been taken and the results of the measurements have been processed in the computer, an image of the temperature field is generated by a computer.
US09498159B2 Analyte monitoring device and methods of use
An analyte monitor includes a sensor, a sensor control unit, and a display unit. The sensor has, for example, a substrate, a recessed channel formed in the substrate, and conductive material disposed in the recessed channel to form a working electrode. The sensor control unit typically has a housing adapted for placement on skin and is adapted to receive a portion of an electrochemical sensor. The sensor control unit also includes two or more conductive contacts disposed on the housing and configured for coupling to two or more contact pads on the sensor. A transmitter is disposed in the housing and coupled to the plurality of conductive contacts for transmitting data obtained using the sensor. The display unit has a receiver for receiving data transmitted by the transmitter of the sensor control unit and a display coupled to the receiver for displaying an indication of a level of an analyte. The analyte monitor may also be part of a drug delivery system to alter the level of the analyte based on the data obtained using the sensor.
US09498157B2 Robust calibration and self-correction for tissue oximetry probe
A method for calibrating detectors of a self-contained, tissue oximetry device includes emitting light from a light source into a tissue phantom, detecting in a plurality of detectors the light emitted from the light source, subsequent to reflection from the tissue phantom, and generating a set of detector responses by the plurality of detectors based on detecting the light emitted from the light source. The method further includes determining a set of differences between the set of detector responses and a reflectance curve for the tissue phantom, and generating a set of calibration functions based on the set of differences. Each calibration function in the set of calibration functions is associated with a unique, light source-detector pair. The method further includes storing the set of calibration function in a memory of the self-contained, tissue oximetry device.
US09498152B2 Method and system for expediting the rescue of victims experiencing sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) when used in conjunction with an automated external defibrillator (AED)
A method and system for expediting the rescue of victims experiencing sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) when used in conjunction with an automated external defibrillator (AED). The system involves an apparatus that calls for help (i.e. 911), detects SCA and cardiac arrhythmias, locates an AED, guides the rescuer through CPR and connection of the AED. A second apparatus is in the enclosure that contains the AED, sends location information to the other apparatus, triggers audible and visual indicators, and provides information on the victim's location.
US09498151B2 Ellipticity measuring device
A balloon catheter is used for dilating tubular members of the body such as dilating stenotic aortic valve leaflets found in the aortic root, and measuring the shape and dimensions of the annulus. The balloon has two larger diameter bulbous regions; one is positioned in the left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT) and the other in the aortic sinus; a smaller diameter waist region is positioned across the aortic annulus. During inflation of the balloon, the balloon waist expands in diameter until it comes into contact with the aortic annulus. The balloon pressure and inflation volume is monitored during inflation so that an inflection point in the dP/dV curve is seen at the point of contact of the waist with the annulus. Radiopaque rings and/or marker bands in the device allow the size and orientation of the elliptical annulus to be calculated.
US09498146B2 Electroanatomical mapping
This invention relates to the determination and/or representation of physiological information relating to a heart surface.
US09498145B2 Cardiac event monitoring system
A cardiac event monitoring system may include a base unit including a base connector, a wearable electrode system, and a plug-in adapter. The wearable electrode system includes a cable, an electrode at one end of the cable, and a cable connector at the other end of the cable. The cable connector is configured to plug into the base connector. The plug-in adapter includes electrodes and an adapter connector that is configured to plug into the base connector. A handheld device may include a plug-in adapter having first and second electrodes and a controller that is configured to process electrical signals detected by at least one of the first or second electrodes that are indicative of a cardiac event.
US09498139B2 Background suppression by time dependent flip angle of saturation pulses
A magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) system, method and/or computer readable storage medium is configured to effect QISS (quiescent interval single shot) MR imaging (e.g., MR angiography or MRA) where an optimized flip angle for one or more initial saturation pulses minimizes background signal from tissue and/or venous blood. Upon expiration of first configurable time interval from a start of a scan interval, at least one saturation pulse having a flip angle greater than ninety degrees is applied so that longitudinal magnetization of background tissue and venous blood in the selected area is approximately at a null value at the beginning of a readout time (occurring upon expiry of a second time interval) and/or when a lowest frequency of k-space data is acquired for the selected area.
US09498137B2 Multi-function fitness scale with display
Certain aspects of the instance disclosure are assessing a fitness of a user using a weighing scale apparatus. Specific embodiments concern an arrangement of devices configured and arranged to monitor physiological parameters while the user is standing on a platform region of the device, and communicate an assessed fitness to the user as feedback. Further specific embodiments concern methods of monitoring physiological parameters of a user using the apparatus, assessing the fitness of the user based on one or more of the physiological parameters, and communicating the assessed fitness to the user as feedback.
US09498134B1 Diffuse optical tomography methods and system for determining optical properties
Optical source and detector arrangements, systems, and methods are described, which may be used to provide or analyze information about a subject, including hemoglobin and deoxygenated hemoglobin concentrations. Multiple optical detectors can be positioned at different distances from an optical source. The optical sources may irradiate the subject with optical signals and the optical detectors can detect the optical signals from the optical sources after passing through the subject. Analysis of the detected signals source can yield information about the subject.
US09498131B1 Aids for maintaining scheduled medication dosing
Monitoring administration of medication to a user by receiving an identification of at least a medication and a time of administration of the medication to the user from the first sensor and storing the identification in the repository. The identification of the medication is compared to prescribed medication for the user. A time required for the medication to travel from the first location to the second location is determined. An electronic tag at the second location is monitored until the determined time has passed or the electronic tag is identified. When the determined time has passed and an electronic tag has not been identified, a notification is sent to at least one user; and when the electronic tag is identified, the ingestion of the medication is confirmed by the user and the time and electronic tag identification is stored in the repository.
US09498128B2 Wearable architecture and methods for performance monitoring, analysis, and feedback
The present application relates generally to computer software, mobile electronics, wireless communication links, and wearable monitoring systems. More specifically, techniques, fabrics, materials, systems, sensors, EMG sensors, circuitry, algorithms and methods for wearable monitoring devices and associated exercise apparatus are described. A garment borne sensor system may generate data on a user's performance during exercise, for example, and the data may be analyzed in real time and feedback may be provided to the user based on the analysis. A piece of exercise equipment may be instrumented and in communication with the sensor system or other system and may be controlled in real time to adjust its settings to affect the user during the exercise routine. Communication between the sensor system and other systems may be wireless. Conductive structures formed directly in a fabric of the garment may integrally include sensors, circuitry, controllers, conductive traces, and sensor electronics.
US09498127B2 Data transfer device and data transfer system
A device for receiving a transmitting unit that is detachably attachable to a sensor unit configured to be placed on a subject to acquire a biosignal of the subject and that acquires bio-information from the biosignal acquired in the sensor unit to transmit the biosignal to an external device. This device has first and second ports on which transmitting units can be placed, and communication sections each provided in a respective one of the ports to carry out communication with the transmitting units mounted on the respective ports. When the transmitting unit is newly mounted on one port, the device acquires transmission data including communication identification information for the transmission from the newly mounted transmitting unit by the communication section of this port and transmits the acquired transmission data to another transmitting unit already mounted on the other port by using the communication section provided in the other port.
US09498126B2 Fundus imaging system
A fundus imaging system includes: an image sensor array, where the image sensor array includes monochrome photodiodes and global shutter control, an illumination unit with one or more light-emitting diodes that have one or more dies, a computing system including a processor and memory, one or more lenses, one or more reflective mirrors, and a display. In an example method of use, a clinician positions a patient, initiates a focal adjustment, initiates a retinal imaging process, and the same or a different clinician views the image. In some embodiments, the imaging system is configured to analyze the image and identify detected physical attributes in the image relating to the diagnosis and treatment of diabetic retinopathy.
US09498123B2 Image recording apparatus, image recording method and image recording program stored on a computer readable medium
There is provided an image recording apparatus including an image-capturing section that captures an image of the observed person, an observer's point of sight measuring section that measures a point of sight of the observer when the image-capturing section captures the image of the observed person, an observer's point of sight judging section that judges whether the point of sight of the observer which is measured by the observer's point of sight measuring section is present within a predetermined area, and an image storing control section that stores the image of the observed person which is captured by the image-capturing section, when the observer's point of sight judging section judges that the point of sight of the observer is present within the predetermined area.
US09498122B2 Systems and methods for determining biomechanical properties of the eye for applying treatment
A system for determining biomechanical properties of corneal tissue includes a light source configured to provide an incident light and a confocal microscopy system configured to scan the incident light across a plurality of cross-sections of corneal tissue. The incident light is reflected by the corneal tissue as scattered light. The system also includes a filter or attenuating device configured to block or attenuate the Rayleigh peak frequency of the scattered light, a spectrometer configured to receive the scattered light and process frequency characteristics of the received scattered light to determine a Brillouin frequency shift in response to the Rayleigh peak frequency being blocked or attenuated by the filter or attenuating device, and a processor configured to generate a three-dimensional profile of the corneal tissue according to the determined Brillouin frequency shift. The three-dimensional profile provides an indicator of one or more biomechanical properties of the corneal tissue.
US09498121B2 Surgical microscopes using optical coherence tomography and related systems
Some embodiments of the present inventive concept provide optical coherence tomography (OCT) systems for integration with a microscope. The OCT system includes a sample arm coupled to the imaging path of a microscope. The sample arm includes an input beam zoom assembly including at least two movable lenses configured to provide shape control for an OCT signal beam; a scan assembly including at least one scanning mirror and configured for telecentric scanning of the OCT signal beam; and a beam expander configured to set the OCT signal beam diameter incident on the microscope objective. The shape control includes separable controls for numerical aperture and focal position of the imaged OCT beam.
US09498116B2 Ophthalmologic apparatus
An ophthalmologic apparatus of an embodiment includes an optical system, a rotational movement amount calculator, a registration unit, a parallel movement amount calculator, a driver, and a controller. The optical system is used to capture a moving image of a subject's eye. The rotational movement amount calculator calculates a rotational movement amount between a first image and a second image included in the moving image. The registration unit performs registration between the first image and the second image in the rotation direction based on the rotational movement amount. The parallel movement amount calculator performs a phase only correlation process on the first image and the second image registered by the registration unit to calculate a parallel movement amount between the first image and the second image. The driver moves the optical system. The controller controls the driver based on the parallel movement amount.
US09498112B1 Laryngoscope
A system and method of intubating a patient includes an intubating body. A user-control at or associated with the proximal end of the body allows both display of patient oral cavity anatomy and control of orientation of a stylet guide at or near the distal end of the body. The combination assists a user to effectively intubate the patient even if the patient has difficult anatomy.
US09498110B2 Endoscope system having narrow band observation
An endoscope system includes a light source unit that emits first and second narrow band light sequentially, a color filter in which first and second filters having different spectral characteristic are disposed, an image pickup device that receives light passing through the first filter in a first pixel and receives light passing through the second filter in a second pixel, and can set an exposing period and a reading period of an electric signal for each pixel, and a control unit that performs control for causing the first narrow band light to be emitted, causing the first pixels to be exposed, and reading an electric signal from the second pixel in a first period, and causing the second narrow band light to be emitted, causing the second pixel to be exposed, and reading an electric signal from the first pixel in a second period.
US09498109B2 Fluorescence endoscope device
Provided is a fluorescence endoscope device that includes a light source; an image generating portion that captures an image of fluorescence generated at a subject due to irradiation with excitation light to obtain a fluorescence image and that captures an image of return light returning from the subject due to irradiation with white light to obtain a white-light image; a dividing portion that divides the fluorescence image by the white-light image to generate a divided fluorescence image; a coordinate extracting portion that extracts a second region of the divided fluorescence image having a gradation value higher than a second threshold; a fluorescence-image correcting portion that extracts a first region having a gradation value higher than a first threshold in the fluorescence image and generates a corrected fluorescence image in which an overlap region that overlaps the second region is extracted; and a monitor that displays the corrected fluorescence image.
US09498107B2 Clamping system
A collet comprising a cylindrical body comprising a first end and a second end and an aperture coaxial within the cylindrical body. The aperture is configured for receiving a medical device and for securing the medical device by decreasing in diameter when pressure is applied to at least one of the first end and the second end of the cylindrical body.
US09498104B2 Dishwasher rack assembly having positionable support members
A dishwasher rack assembly including a bottom wall formed of a first set of wire rods in parallel, uniform spaced relation to each other perpendicular a second set of wire rods in parallel, uniform spaced relation to each other, the first and second sets of wire members defining open, square lattice areas. One or more support members are coupled intermediate opposing wire rods of the first or second set within a selected lattice area. Each support member comprises an upwardly directed, support frame for optimally positioning the objects to be washed, the opposed ends thereof extending into mounting receivers that are adapted to be positionally coupled between opposed wire rods of the bottom wall of the dishwasher rack.
US09498103B2 Detergent release controller
A simply structured and conveniently used detergent release controller capable of avoiding detergent from solidifying and preventing use has a main channel. One terminal of the main channel is an inlet of a fluid, and the other terminal of the main channel is an outlet capable of being connected with a water outlet of a washing barrel. The detergent release controller is provided with multiple valves including valve A, valve B, valve C, valve D, a liquid collecting cavity, and a Venturi negative pressure generator. An inlet of valve A is connected with a bypass of the main channel. An inlet of valve B is connected with a storage tank of detergent A. The present disclosure is applicable to apparatuses such as clothes washing machines and dish washing machines.
US09498092B2 Cleaning brush
A cleaning brush is composed of a grip, a brush body, and a tightener. The grip includes a mounting portion running through first and second lateral sides and having an opening formed on a top side thereof, and a retaining portion located at third and fourth lateral sides. The brush body is a spherical reticular member formed of a tubular reticulum and includes a central portion passing through the opening and located at the mounting portion. The holds the central portion and the retaining portion for limiting the relative positions of the brush body and the grip. Thus, the brush body is not subject to sliding with respect to the grip to make the cleaning brush have definite perception of touch and preferable cleaning effect.
US09498090B2 Liquid dispensing system
A liquid-dispensing system is disclosed. The system includes a container associated with a base, the container and base being mounted within an enclosure (e.g., a cabinet) or on a ground surface, the container having an inlet and an outlet and being movable relative to the base from a first position to a second, different position to present the inlet for refilling of the container with a liquid. The container is also fluidly connected with a dispenser through its outlet so that liquid can be dispensed to a user. Methods of refilling the container are also disclosed.
US09498089B2 Sustainable mini shower
Disclosed is a sustainable shower apparatus (1) comprising: (i) a pressurizable container (2) to hold water (3) and a gas; (ii) a pressurizer (4) for pressurizing said container; (iii) a shower head (7); (iv) a first tubing for carrying pressurized water from the container to the shower head; (v) a second tubing (8) for carrying pressurized gas from the container to the shower head; where flow of said gas or water is individually controllable by use of respective valves (6, 9) and where each tubing terminates into a respective nozzle (10, 11) in said shower head which comprises a nozzle for spraying said gas and adjacent thereto, at least one nozzle for spraying the water, wherein tip of each nozzle for spraying water is oriented at an acute angle with the tip of nozzle for spraying gas.
US09498085B2 Food processor feed tube assembly
A food processor feed tube assembly includes a first feed tube extension and a second feed tube extension telescopically and slidably received in the first feed tube extension. The second feed tube extension is configured to be movable from a retracted position in which the second feed tube extension is substantially entirely nested within the first feed tube extension, and an extended position in which the second feed tube extension is extended from the first feed tube extension.
US09498083B2 Cooking appliance with stirring means and associated method
The invention relates to an appliance (1) for cooking food, the appliance comprising firstly a receptacle (2) for containing the food and secondly a blade (8) placed within the receptacle (2), said receptacle (2) and blade (8) being designed to be driven with relative rotary motion so as to stir the food in the receptacle (2), the appliance being characterized in that the blade (8) includes turnover means (13) shaped to act under the effect of the relative rotary motion to cause at least a fraction of the food to turn over in a turnover direction (D) that presents, in the plane of the rotary motion, a majority component that is radial.
US09498077B2 Footwear application assisting apparatus
The invention is defined by an elongate member having a handle end and an opposite sock-engaging end. The member is longitudinally flexible and may be shaped into a generally frusto-conically shaped tube onto which a sock is applied. The sock-engaging lower portion includes longitudinally outwardly projecting shoulders, and preferably sock engaging structures, that engage the sock to retain the sock in place during use. Immediately adjacent to and contiguous with the sock-engaging lower portion is a heel portion that is flexible transversely to the longitudinal axis along the device and which defines a heel-receiving area where the user's heel is placed when being used. Immediately adjacent to and contiguous with the heel portion is an elongate portion and an extended handle portion that the user grasps to pull the entire device upwardly to cause the sock to be properly placed on the user's foot. With the user's toe's inserted into the top of the sock, held open by the lower sock-engaging portion and the user's heel resting in the heel-receiving portion, the device is pulled upwardly by the user and the sock is pulled onto the user's foot in a normal manner. The shoulders on the device cause resistance to the force that tends to pull the sock off the device and the sock is thus pulled onto the user's foot in substantially the same way as the sock would be donned without the device—the sock is released from the shoulders as the resistive force is overcome by the upward pulling action.
US09498076B1 Zipper pull assist tool
A clip to assist a user in pulling up a zipper is particularly suited for zippers located on the back of garments. The clip attaches to a zipper puller portion of a zipper and is provided with a spring-loaded clamping mechanism that grasps the puller. The clip is also provided with an extending elastic cord. The clip is installed upon the garment prior to donning and the cord is then grasped and pulled to close the zipper. A pair of release arms on the side of the clip is pressed together to install and release the clip from the zipper puller.
US09498075B2 Garment hanger
A garment hanger is disclosed. The hanger has a hook and a body suspended below the hook. The body includes a garment supporting portion for supporting a garment and a display receiving portion for receiving a display member. A display member is also provided for attachment to the display receiving portion. The display portion includes retaining tabs, a flat front portion and side portions extending away from the front portion.
US09498072B2 Display case door assembly with tempered glass vacuum panel
A display case door assembly for a temperature-controlled storage device includes an opening into the temperature-controlled storage device and a vacuum panel mounted within the opening. The vacuum panel includes a first vacuum pane of tempered glass, a second vacuum pane of tempered glass, and an evacuated gap between the first and second vacuum panes. The evacuated gap has a predetermined thickness within which a vacuum is drawn, thereby providing a thermal insulation effect for the vacuum panel. The vacuum panel further includes a plurality of spacers disposed within the evacuated gap and configured to maintain the predetermined thickness of the evacuated gap when the vacuum is drawn therein.
US09498071B2 Harness system for a baby carrier
A harness system comprised of a harness assembly having adjustable shoulder and waist straps connected therewith secured at two points of engagement to an anchoring assembly permanently anchored to a baby carrier. A padding member is attached to the shoulder strap of the harness assembly extending over either side of the user's shoulder. The adjustability of the present invention provides a system that accommodates users of various sizes. The anchoring assembly is comprised of a plurality of washers, a plurality of anchoring straps, and at least one spacer secured to a carrier bar of the carrier by a fastener and a lock nut. Two anchoring straps on each side of the carrier allow the harness assembly to be releasably anchored to either side of the anchoring assembly depending upon the user's preference. Once the harness assembly is connected to the carrier, the user may carry the carrier “hands-free.”
US09498070B2 Adjustable child booster seat
An adjustable height child booster seat including a seat and a base configured to be placed on an elevated surface above ground. The seat may be rotated relative to the base to move the seat and the base relative to each other in to adjust the booster seat to a desired height.
US09498064B2 Swivel feeding seat
The present disclosure relates to a seat configured to swivel, recline, and raise to accommodate a child during feeding.
US09498062B2 Actuating drive for moving a moveable furniture part
An actuating drive for moving a moveable furniture part includes at least one moveably mounted actuating member for moving the moveable furniture part a spring device for subjecting the actuating member to force; and an adjustment device by which a force of the spring device acting on the actuating member can be adjusted. The adjustment device has an adjustment screw having a thread, wherein the force of the spring device acting on the actuating member can be adjusted via a screw nut mounted displaceably along the thread. At least one spring element is provided via which the screw nut can be subjected, at at least one end region of the adjustment screw, to a force directed away from the end region.
US09498060B1 Slide track assembly
A slide track assembly includes an outer track having a first unlocking face, a first stop face, and a second stop face. A middle track is slideably received in the outer track and includes a sliding groove. An inner track is slideably received in the middle track and includes a first unlocking portion, a first stop portion, and a second stop portion. A positioning block is received in the sliding groove and is slideable relative to the middle track in a vertical direction. The positioning block includes first and second stop ends. The positioning block further includes a stop face extending between the first and second stop ends and facing the first lateral wall of the sliding groove. The positioning block can be moved to lock or unlock the inner track, the middle track, and the outer track during extending and retraction of the inner track and the middle track.
US09498055B2 Portable tray for luggage
A portable tray for luggage has a support assembly, a ratchet assembly, a table, and a storage sleeve. The support assembly installs upon the telescoping poles of an existing handle assembly of luggage. The support assembly then allows a user to position the invention at a desired elevation from a supporting surface such as a concourse floor. The ratchet assembly allows a user to rotate the table from a stowed position, generally within the poles of a handle assembly, to a cantilevered position across the top of a piece of luggage. The user then unfolds the table of three plates into a flat shape, generally level but with at least two alternate angles. The invention fits into a storage sleeve placed within the handle assembly and within the luggage. The storage sleeve prevents luggage contents from entangling with the table and other components of the invention.
US09498054B2 Foldable table
A foldable table that provides a stable operational position in which the table legs may extend beyond the footprint of the table, and a folded, storage position in which the table legs may be tucked within the footprint of the table. An aspect provides table legs that may slide and pivot within sockets of a table top, to enable the legs to lock into the extended position and to also pivot flat against a horizontal undersurface of the table top.
US09498053B2 Apparatus for capturing brushing habits
An interactive toothbrush is provided. The toothbrush may include memory including a set of instructions and at least one processor. The set of instructions, with the at least one processor, may be configured to cause the toothbrush to display a list of option to a user via a display panel when a switch to power on the apparatus is pressed. The set of instructions, with the at least one processor, may further be configured to cause the toothbrush to perform an action when a selection from the list of options is received from a user via the display panel. In some embodiments, the set of instructions, with the at least one processor, may further be configured to cause the toothbrush to detect the brushing habits of the user and transmit the brushing habits to another device.
US09498049B2 Elastic casing article holder
A holder for the shank of a tool comprising a cylinder having a series of shoulders and grooves in radial formation with the shoulders and grooves allowing for O-rings to penetrate to the interior and exterior of the cylinder to form a means whereby the shank of a tool can be inserted and the tool held in position. As an alternative embodiment the shoulders and grooves can be helical around the cylinder with rubber latex tubing in the grooves and penetrating to the interior and exterior of the cylinder to thereby hold a tool or implement.Also note that a tool can be inserted at either end of the cylinder; and that an oversize cylinder can be inserted over the cylinder and held by the exterior portion of the O-ring or latex tubing.A special embodiment of this invention is the formation of a grommet employing a tubular portion to form a ring into which is cut grooves forming shoulders and into which is inserted an O-ring to form a grommet.
US09498047B2 Applicator for a cosmetic product and associated applicator assembly
The invention relates to an applicator for a cosmetic product, comprising a core having a first end, referred to as a proximal end, and a second, free end, referred to as a distal end, a plurality of protrusions projecting from the core, and a plurality of plates also projecting from the core, wherein the protrusions and the plates are moulded with the core, the core is curved in its direction of extension so as to define a concave part and a convex part, and wherein the protrusions extend substantially over the concave part of the core and the plates extend substantially over the convex part of the core. The invention also relates to an associated applicator assembly.
US09498046B2 Two-in-one apparatus comprising cosmetic brush and sponge
The present invention relates to a two-in-one apparatus comprising a cosmetic brush and sponge, comprising a cosmetic brush container (10) and a cosmetic sponge container (20) which are symmetrical to each other and are rotatably attached in contact.
US09498041B2 Cosmetic palette with selection mechanism for achieving a predefined look
Combinations of one or more selector mechanisms and a cosmetic palette for advising a user on how to achieve specific cosmetic effects.
US09498035B2 Silicone hydrogel contact lenses for sustained release of beneficial polymers
Silicone hydrogel contact lenses comprising an ionic component sustain release of beneficial cationic polymers.
US09498033B2 Protective enclosure for an electronic device
A protective enclosure for an electronic device includes a hard shell cover and a stretchable cushion shaped to conform to an outer surface of the hard shell cover. The hard shell cover includes a back shell to correspond with the back and sides of the electronic device. The hard shell cover includes an opening that provides access to controls of the electronic device, and provides rigidity to the protective enclosure. The stretchable cushion provides cushioning to the hard shell cover and the enclosed electronic device. The stretchable cushion includes one or more gaps that expose at least a portion of the hard shell cover. The stretchable cushion also has an opening that corresponds to the opening of the hard shell cover. A retention structure of stretchable cushion is disposed to engage a corresponding retention structure of the hard shell cover.
US09498032B2 Case for a portable electronic device with hard tactile buttons
A case for enclosing a personal electronic device is disclosed that has at least one button molded into the case, wherein the button is manufactured from rigid material that may or may not deform when depressed. The case, whether hard or soft, may incorporate the buttons manufactured from a hard material and afford the user the same tactile response as if the user were depressing the underlying buttons on the device. The case may be co-molded with two similar or dissimilar materials. One of the co-molded materials may provide a membrane that allows the button to flex and also secures the buttons to prevent them from being dislodged from or out of the case.
US09498031B2 Impact protection for electronic devices
Impact protection comprises using an impact protection apparatus to protect an electronic device from damage due to an impact with a surface (for example, if the device is dropped or falls from a height), reducing the likelihood that the device will be damaged by the impact. The impact protection apparatus comprises a flexible band that is placed around a perimeter of the device, where this band has a plurality of objects integrated therein. The objects are generally disposed along a length of the band, preferably in pairs. The flexible band is capable of adapting to a shape of a perimeter of the device. Each of the objects has a height suitable for causing the device to remain at a distance above a surface on which the device is located, once the band is placed around the perimeter of the device. The band preferably has a groove into which the device is insertable, thereby enabling the band to grip the perimeter of the device.
US09498029B2 Clasp mechanisms for wristwatch bands
In one aspect, the subject matter of the disclosure features a watch band. The watch band includes a strap and a clasp mechanism integrated with an end of the strap. The clasp mechanism includes a concave member defining a channel at the end of the strap and a cover plate. The cover plate is configured to move between (i) a first position in which the cover plate covers the channel, and (ii) a second position in which the cover plate is retracted to leave at least part of the channel uncovered by the cover plate.
US09498027B2 Pull tab and method of manufacturing a pull tab
A pull tab for zippers is formed by a cord having a cord retaining member attached to one end of the cord and a socket in the top surface of the cord retaining member, and a plug attached to other end of the cord. The plug has a shape corresponding to the shape of the socket, so that the plug can fit securely within the socket, thus, forming a loop with the cord. A slidable locking device is placed around the cord, the locking device having an interior cavity corresponding to the shape of the cord retaining member, such that placing the plug into the socket and sliding the locking device over the cord retaining member locks the second end of the cord to the cord retaining member. In a method for manufacturing the pull tab, the plug and cord retaining member are continuously overmolded in one piece on a length of the cord, and then cut into pieces to form completed pull tabs.
US09498026B2 Spaced multi-rib zipper
The present disclosure relates to a one piece multi-rib fastener including at least two groups of ribs, each rib with one or more hooks, wherein the groups are separated by a space less than the width of the maximum number of ribs within one of the groups.
US09498025B2 Strap attachment system for orthopedic device
A strap attachment system includes a frame member having an opening, a strap, and a tab having a body and an attachment element defined by the body. The tab connects to the strap. A fastener element connects to the tab and is detachably and slidably mountable to the frame member by the opening.
US09498021B2 Cleat for footwear
An improved cleat design is provided for article of footwear. At least one cleat is arranged on a bottom surface of the outsole, such that the cleat is disposed partially within the outsole and extends substantially perpendicular from the bottom surface of the outsole. The cleat includes an aperture such that a portion of the outsole extends through the aperture in a direction substantially parallel to the bottom surface of the outsole to retain the at least one cleat in a desired position relative to the outsole.
US09498017B2 Power generation device and shoe equipment having power generation device
A power generation device includes a first pivot arm having a shank extendable in a predetermined direction, and a rack arranged along the predetermined direction, wherein the shank has a slot between the rack and an end portion of the shank; a second pivot arm having a first end portion coupled with the end portion of the shank at a first pivot; and a third pivot arm having a first end portion coupled with a second end portion of the second pivot arm at a second pivot, and a second end portion of the third pivot arm coupled with the slot of the shank at a third pivot.
US09498008B2 Garments having an evacuation harness and methods of using the same
Garments having an evacuation harness that are intended for connection to each other, with each garment having an outer wear unit including at least a torso portion and an evacuation harness that includes a torso strap system connected to the outer wear unit, a drag strap coupling connected to the torso strap system and extending rearward relative to the outer wear unit, and a drag strap connected at a first end to the torso strap system at a position above the drag strap coupling and the drag strap being selectively extendible rearward relative to the outer wear unit. Also disclosed are methods of connecting a rescuer wearing a garment having an evacuation harness to an individual wearing a similarly configured garment having an evacuation harness.
US09498004B2 Apparel with drainage support
Disclosed is a support garment. The support garment is particularly configured to permit a post-surgical drainage tube to pass through the support garment unobstructed, thereby permitting the drainage of blood and other bodily fluids from the surgical site. The support garment employs a series of elastic panels joined in a way to provide comfort and utility, and includes a fastener in the front for enabling a wearer with decreased mobility to more easily apply and remove the support garment.
US09498003B2 Construction of a gripping fabric
A gripping fabric and method for construction thereof is provided. A fabric structure that defines an inner surface and an outer surface is created. The fabric structure or the gripping fabric is configured to conform to a user's body part for constructing a garment, for example, a sock. The inner surface is proximal to a user contact surface and distal to an external contact surface. The outer surface is proximal to the external contact surface and distal to the user contact surface. A gripping material is selectively applied on the inner surface and/or the outer surface of the fabric structure. The gripping material on the inner surface and the outer surface of the fabric structure adheres to the user contact surface and the external contact surface respectively, thereby providing grip between the user contact surface and the fabric structure, and grip between the fabric structure and the external contact surface.
US09498002B1 Multi-chamber vaporizer
A multi-chamber vaporizer is disclosed. The vaporizer includes a heating assembly with a heating element, the heating element having a portion thermally coupled to an airflow passage. A plurality of herbal placement chambers is rotatable relative to the airflow passage. Further, a track assembly having an herbal support surface extends about a central axis at a track radius and with a motor operably configured to rotate the herbal support surface about the central axis at a rotation rate. The herbal support surface is operably configured to support the herbal placement chambers thereon for rotation about the central axis to the airflow passage.
US09498000B2 Heated aerosol-generating device and method for generating aerosol with consistent properties
There is provided a method of controlling aerosol production in an aerosol-generating device, the device including: a heater including at least one heating element configured to heat an aerosol-forming substrate; and a power source for providing power to the heating element, including the steps of: controlling the power provided to the heating element such that in a first phase power is provided such that the temperature of the heating element increases from an initial temperature to a first temperature, in a second phase power is provided such that the temperature of the heating element drops below the first temperature, and in a third phase power is provided such that the temperature of the heating element increases again. Increasing the temperature of the heating element during a final phase of the heating process reduces or prevents the reduction in aerosol delivery over time.
US09497987B2 Devices and methods for instantly freezing food products
A device for quickly freezing food product incorporates a pan and a base. The pan is adapted to receive the food product to be frozen, and has a bottom portion and a wall portion surrounding the bottom portion. The bottom portion of the pan has an upper surface and an opposing lower surface. The base is positioned under the bottom portion and the wall portion of the pan. The wall portion of the base is coupled to the wall portion of the pan such that the pan and the base form a unitary body. A cavity exists between the bottom portion of the base and the lower surface of the bottom portion of the pan. A plurality of fins project outwardly from lower surface of the bottom portion of the pan into the cavity.
US09497983B2 Liquid enteral nutritional composition with a low monovalent metal ion content
Heat-treated liquid enteral nutritional composition with a low monovalent metal ion content are provided that contain micellar casein and optionally caseinate, and in which the total amount of monovalent metal ions is less than 25 mg/g of protein. Also, heat-treated liquid enteral nutritional compositions are disclosed comprising 10 to 20 g of protein per 100 ml of the composition, in which all or a major part of said protein comprises micellar casein. Also, a method is disclosed for producing the composition according to the invention, comprising a step wherein an aqueous protein solution in which all or a major part of said protein comprises micellar casein, is subjected to an evaporation step.
US09497981B2 Medicated particulate animal feed supplements and methods of preparation
The present invention is a process and the product produced by that process for solid, particulate animal feed premixes, characterized by having a certain particle size range, physical stability, hardness range, and rapid dissolution, wherein the premixes contain various drugs and other, pharmaceutically and nutritionally acceptable diluents, binders and formulation aids as needed, or desired.
US09497975B2 Broad spectrum natural preservative composition
Disclosed herein are preservative compositions comprising effective amounts of an alcohol, such as benzyl alcohol (“BA”), ethyl alcohol or phenyl ethanol, and cinnamon bark oil (“CB”), cinnamaldehyde (“CMA”), thyme oil, thymol, galangal oil, botanical extracts or combinations thereof, each of which are preferably obtained from natural sources. These preservatives have been observed to show broad spectrum anti microbial efficacy in both anionic and cationic formulations. In certain non-limiting embodiments, such compositions further comprise tetrahydrocurcuminoid (“THC”), phenyl ethanol and/or orange oil (“OR”) or rosemary oil (“RM”).
US09497973B2 Elasmobranch-repelling compounds, methods of use and devices
Elasmobranch-repelling compositions are prepared from elasmobranch carcasses. Extraction of these elasmobranch carcasses with polar solvent after a period of aerobic decay yields semiochemical repellents that induce a flight reaction in sharks when introduced into the sharks' oceanic proximity.
US09497966B2 Pesticidal compositions and related methods
A pesticidal composition comprises a 3-(1H-pyrazol)pyridine compound of formula I or any agriculturally acceptable salt thereof, wherein R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, R6, R7, R9, R10, R12, x, n, and Q are as described herein. A method of controlling pests comprises applying the pesticidal composition near a population of pests.
US09497965B2 Pesticidal compounds
A compound of formula (I) wherein R1 to R4 are, for example, each hydrogen, R5 is, for example, a substituted phenol; R6 is, for example, hydrogen; R7 is, for example, hydrogen, cyano, hydroxyl, formyl, C1-C4-alkyl, C1-C4-alkoxy, C2-C4-alkenyl, or C2-C4-alkynyl; and A1 to A5 is, for example, A1 is N or C—X, A3 is C—X, and A2, A4 and A5 are C—H, where X, is, for example, halogen; and its use as a pesticidal agent.
US09497961B2 Composition for improving the efficacy of herbicides
The present invention relates to a novel composition for improving the effectiveness of herbicides, to the use of this composition for improving the effectiveness of herbicides, to a herbicidal agent which comprises this composition and at least one herbicide, and to the use of this herbicidal agent for controlling undesired plant growth. The composition comprises: (a) at least one C1-C4-alkyl ester of at least one aliphatic C14-C22-carboxylic acid, where the at least one carboxylic acid consists to at least 70% by weight of aliphatic carboxylic acids having 18 carbon atoms; (b) at least one anionic surfactant which is selected from the esterification products of monohydroxy-functional alkyl polyethers with inorganic polyprotonic acids; (c) at least one aliphatic C14-C22-carboxylic acid; (d) optionally at least one antifoam; and (e) at least one aromatic solvent.
US09497960B2 Biocide compositions comprising alkoxylation products of isoamyl alcohol derivatives
Suggested are alkoxylation products of 2-isopropyl-5-methyl-hexan-1-ol in which AO stands for an ethylene oxide, propylene oxide or butylenes oxide unit or their mixtures and n denominates an integer of from 1 to 100.
US09497957B2 Animal trap
An animal trap has a housing (2) and a support (12) extending within the housing. The support is movable between a first, set position and a second, fired position. A trigger (6) is integrally formed with the support (12) and protrudes from the bottom of the housing in the set position. Wire loops (4), which act to kill an animal, are fixed to the bottom of the support (12) and also protrude downwardly. In the set position of the trap, shoulders (18) on the trigger (6) are engaged beneath flanges (20) formed on the bottom of the housing. These shoulders (18) and flanges (20) form interengaging means to hold the trigger (6) and the support (12) in the downwardly extending set position against the force of two torsion springs (22) which are each affixed to the bottom of the support (12) and to the housing (2). The trigger (6) can be moved by an animal due to its flexibility. This causes the interengaging means to become unengaged and the support (12) to move explosively to its upper fired position. The movement of the support explosively lifts the wire loops (4) whereby an animal within a loop is squashed against the bottom of the housing.
US09497955B1 Fumigation of containerized cargo
An apparatus and method for tarpless fumigation of containerized cargo within a shipping container is disclosed. A portable fumigation containment door is installed in covering relation with main rear opening of a standard cargo container. Pneumatic cylinders are actuated to secure the door in place, and an inflatable gasket extending around the perimeter of the containment door and is inflated to create an airtight seal between the cargo container and the containment door. The door is provided with a series of connection ports for receiving fumigant injection and sampling lines necessary for performing the fumigation process. A fumigant scrubber is placed in fluid communication with the interior of the shipping container via a scrubber inlet line and a scrubber outlet line whereby said scrubber inlet line draws fumigant from the interior of said container, where it passes through said scrubber, and is circulated back into the container by said scrubber outlet line.
US09497949B1 Fishing brakes
A fishing brake for a fishing line includes a generally concave fishing brake body having a brake interior and a brake mouth communicating with the brake interior and a buoyant flotation portion carried by the fishing brake body.
US09497944B2 Mouse for predicting a behavior of drugs in humans
The present invention is directed to the production, breeding and use of transgenic non-human animals such as mice in which specific genes, such as serum albumin, or portions of genes have been replaced by homologs from another animal, such as a human, to make the physiology of the animals so modified more like that of the other animal with respect to drug pharmacokinetics and metabolism. The invention also extends to the use of the genetically modified non-human animals of the invention for pharmacological and/or toxicological studies.
US09497943B2 Nucleic acid constructs encoding reprogramming factors linked by self-cleaving peptides
The disclosure relates to a method of reprogramming one or more somatic cells, e.g., partially differentiated or fully/terminally differentiated somatic cells, to a less differentiated state, e.g., a pluripotent or multipotent state. In further embodiments the invention also relates to reprogrammed somatic cells produced by methods of the invention, to chimeric animals comprising reprogrammed somatic cells of the invention, to uses of said cells, and to methods for identifying agents useful for reprogramming somatic cells.
US09497938B1 Receptacle for nesting material
The present invention directed to nesting material for birds, and more particularly, to a receptacle containing nesting material for birds. In a preferred embodiment the receptacle comprises a plurality of windings forming a generally spherical structure. The structure is provided with tuffs of fleece type nesting material inserted inside the ball and between the windings, and extending outwardly there from.
US09497937B1 Bird feeder with shield
A ground-mounted bird feeder includes a shield to prevent squirrels from accessing the feeder portion of the bird feeder. The ground-mounted bird feeder may include a post and a feeder mounted on the post, and a shield may be placed below a bottom of the feeder, and may also be above the feeder.
US09497932B1 Canine wound boot
A canine wound boot is fabricated using a breathable substrate having two layers of generally open weave and a fibrous material spacing and bonding the two layers together. Onto the substrate, various friction pads, wear pads, one or more straps, and strategically located cushions are attached. Specially configured slits ensure that a wide range of leg sizes relative to paw sizes may be accommodated, while easing application of the boot and eliminating any risk of bunching. Elastic material serves as a gusset in the boot which expands to cover a bandage or cast.
US09497929B2 Animal feeder having a retractable feeding surface
A feeder for animals has an enclosure that receives feed material. The enclosure has at least one vertical feed surface that retains the feed material and provides access to animals to the feed material. The vertical feed surface is movable in a horizontal direction. A biasing device is attached to the vertical feed surface. The biasing device moves the vertical feed surface horizontally as the feed material is depleted within the enclosure.
US09497923B1 Hybrid corn variety 373284
The invention provides seed and plants of the hybrid corn variety designated 373284. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of the variety 373284, and to methods for producing a corn plant produced by crossing a corn plant of variety 373284 with itself or with another corn plant, such as a plant of another variety. The invention further relates to genetic complements of plants of variety 373284.
US09497921B1 Soybean variety 01051779
The invention relates to the soybean variety designated 01051779. Provided by the invention are the seeds, plants and derivatives of the soybean variety 01051779. Also provided by the invention are tissue cultures of the soybean variety 01051779 and the plants regenerated therefrom. Still further provided by the invention are methods for producing soybean plants by crossing the soybean variety 01051779 with itself or another soybean variety and plants produced by such methods.
US09497918B2 Wheat cultivar FA9S10-0008R
The invention relates to the wheat cultivar designated FA9S10-0008R. Provided by the invention are the seeds, plants and derivatives of the wheat cultivar FA9S10-0008R. Also provided by the invention are tissue cultures of the wheat cultivar FA9S10-0008R and the plants regenerated therefrom. Still further provided by the invention are methods for producing wheat plants by crossing the wheat cultivar FA9S10-0008R with itself or another wheat cultivar and plants produced by such methods.
US09497915B2 Soybean variety XR32AU14
A novel soybean variety, designated XR32AU14 is provided. Also provided are the seeds of soybean variety XR32AU14, cells from soybean variety XR32AU14, plants of soybean XR32AU14, and plant parts of soybean variety XR32AU14. Methods provided include producing a soybean plant by crossing soybean variety XR32AU14 with another soybean plant, methods for introgressing a transgenic trait, a mutant trait, and/or a native trait into soybean variety XR32AU14, methods for producing other soybean varieties or plant parts derived from soybean variety XR32AU14, and methods of characterizing soybean variety XR32AU14. Soybean seed, cells, plants, germplasm, breeding lines, varieties, and plant parts produced by these methods and/or derived from soybean variety XR32AU14 are further provided.
US09497914B2 Soybean variety 01045730
The invention relates to the soybean variety designated 01045730. Provided by the invention are the seeds, plants and derivatives of the soybean variety 01045730. Also provided by the invention are tissue cultures of the soybean variety 01045730 and the plants regenerated therefrom. Still further provided by the invention are methods for producing soybean plants by crossing the soybean variety 01045730 with itself or another soybean variety and plants produced by such methods.
US09497912B2 Plants and seeds of hybrid corn variety CH608451
According to the invention, there is provided seed and plants of the hybrid corn variety designated CH608451. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of the variety CH608451, and to methods for producing a corn plant produced by crossing a corn plant of variety CH608451 with itself or with another corn plant, such as a plant of another variety. The invention further relates to genetic complements of plants of variety CH608451.
US09497906B2 Method of assembling a platform to support a tree and rootball for tree relocation
A method of removing a tree and rootball includes the steps of excavating around the rootball, driving a plurality of pipes through a lower portion of the rootball to expose first ends on one side of the rootball and second ends on the other side of the rootball, disposing a first slotted beam across the topsides of the first ends of the plurality of pipes, disposing a second slotted beam across the topsides of the second ends of the plurality of pipes, interlacing a first lacing member with the first ends of the plurality of pipes and a first plurality of cross members, interlacing a second lacing member with the second ends of the plurality of pipes and a second plurality of cross members, and pulling the first and second lacing members taut to secure the first and second slotted beams to the pipes to create a platform.
US09497904B2 Plunger slot cover assembly for an agricultural baler
An agricultural baler includes a main bale chamber having a pair of opposed side walls, with each said side wall including a plunger slot arrangement defining a plunger slot. A pair of plunger slot rails are positioned in each plunger slot, including a top rail positioned at a top of a respective plunger slot and a bottom rail positioned at a bottom of a respective plunger slot. A plunger is reciprocally disposed within the main bale chamber. The plunger includes a pair of opposed sides and at least one roller extending laterally outward from each side, with each roller being positioned within a respective plunger slot. The baler is characterized by a pair of plunger slot cover assemblies, with each cover assembly being associated with a respective plunger slot and having an upper cover and a lower cover.
US09497902B2 Forced-air conveyance harvesting system for small produce
A forced-air system for conveying a produce within a mechanized harvester of a row crop. The mechanized harvester includes a straddling over-carriage having a central channel for receiving a row of bushes or vines containing the produce to be harvested, and especially for blue berries. The harvester has a harvesting beater, including a spool with rotating rods, mounted within the central channel of the mechanized harvester. The forced-air system can employ offset harvesting beaters and a flexible air supply diffuser, to precisely direct the fan or blower-generated airstream, to direct the harvested fruits or produce to interior catch pans and conveyors within the harvester, and to help remove the produce from the bushes or vines.
US09497900B2 Planter with post seed tube mounted row cleaner and depth control tool
A planter unit for planting seeds as it traverses a field in a direction of travel includes a seed delivery tube and a furrow opener configured to open a furrow in the soil for receiving seeds dropped through the delivery tube. A gauge wheel assembly controls the depth of penetration of the furrow opener. The planter unit also has a furrow closing tool that closes the furrow, the furrow closing tool positioned after the delivery tube in the direction of travel. The planter unit also has a row cleaning and depth control tool positioned after the furrow closing tool. The row cleaning and depth control tool has first and second row whippers that push excess soil out away from above where seeds were dropped in the furrow, wherein vertical position of first and second row whippers is selectively adjustable relative the vertical position of the furrow opener.
US09504193B2 Shielded conductive path
A shielded conductive path that can facilitate manufacturing operations is provided. A shielded conductive path includes a shielding pipe that is configured to have a tubular shape into which an electric wire can be inserted, by combining together a pair of divided bodies into which the shielding pipe is divided along its axis, and an overlapping fitting portion that is provided at a joint portion of the pair of divided bodies and allows the pair of divided bodies to be fitted to each other while overlapping each other in an inside-outside direction when the pair of divided bodies are combined together. Thus, the operations for manufacturing the shielded conductive path can be performed easily.
US09504192B2 Electrical machine having a shielding plate
Electrical machine (12) having a shielding plate (10), wherein the electrical machine (12) comprises a housing part (32) in which is arranged an electronic unit (14), and said electrical machine also comprises a metal heat sink (34) that is arranged on the housing part (32), wherein the electronic unit (14) is arranged between the shielding plate (10) and the heat sink (34).
US09504188B1 Air-moving assembly with auxiliary turbine drive
Apparatuses and methods are provided for facilitating air-cooling of, for instance, one or more electronics racks within a data center. The apparatus includes an air-moving assembly and an auxiliary turbine drive. The air-moving assembly includes a shaft, one or more mechanical fans coupled to the shaft to rotate, at least in part, with the shaft, and a motor coupled to the shaft to rotatably drive the shaft. The auxiliary turbine drive is coupled to the shaft of the air-moving assembly to provide backup rotational energy to the shaft to facilitate continued rotation of the shaft during interruption in power to the motor. In one implementation, the auxiliary turbine drive is configured to facilitate, for a specified time period, continued rotation of the shaft at a specified percentage, or greater, rotational speed of the shaft compared with a shaft speed when rotatably driven by the motor.
US09504184B2 Flexible coolant manifold-heat sink assembly
A cooling assembly is provided which includes: one or more coolant-cooled heat sinks configured to couple to one or more electronic components to be cooled; one or more flexible coolant conduits; and one or more pivotable coolant manifolds. The flexible coolant conduit(s) couples in fluid communication the pivotable coolant manifold(s) and the coolant-cooled heat sink(s), and accommodates pivoting of the pivotable coolant manifold(s), while maintaining the coolant-cooled heat sink(s) in fluid communication with the pivotable coolant manifold(s). In one or more embodiments, the pivotable coolant manifold(s) pivots between a first position laterally offset from one or more of the coolant-cooled heat sink(s), and a second position above the one or more coolant-cooled heat sinks. First and second pivot arms may be provided at opposite ends of the pivotable coolant manifold(s) to facilitate pivotable movement of the manifold(s) between the first position and the second position.
US09504182B2 Electrical housing having cooling and sound-absorbing means
An apparatus for enclosing a medium and/or high voltage unit connectable to an electric power system. The unit includes one or a plurality of electrical components and generates heat as a by-product during operation. The apparatus includes a housing including a main chamber housing a seat for holding the unit. The main chamber is arranged to house the unit. The housing includes at least one gas exit opening at an upper part of the housing and at least one gas entry opening. The housing includes a sound-absorptive gas exit chamber provided with the at least one gas exit opening. The housing includes a sound-absorptive gas entry chamber provided with the at least one gas entry opening. A first heat convection path is provided inside the housing between the at least one gas entry opening and the at least one gas exit opening, via the gas entry chamber, via the main chamber and via the gas exit chamber, in order to provide cooling. Each of the gas exit chamber and the gas entry chamber houses at least one sound-absorbing member for absorbing sound produced by the unit during operation. At least one of the gas exit chamber and the gas entry chamber has at least one heat conducting wall and at least one free space provided between the at least one sound-absorbing member and said wall such that the first heat convection path is provided inside the housing between the at least one gas entry opening and the at least one gas exit opening via the at least one free space.
US09504181B2 Slide rail assembly
A slide rail assembly includes a first rail, a second rail movably connected to the first rail, a bracket base connected to the first rail, and a supporting base movably mounted to the bracket base. The supporting base includes a wall portion and at least one supporting portion transversely connected to the wall portion. The wall portion and the at least one supporting portion jointly define a supporting channel corresponding to a longitudinal channel defined by the first rail. The at least one supporting portion of the supporting base supports the second rail as the second rail is longitudinally displaced relative to the first rail and extends through the longitudinal channel of the first rail and the supporting channel of the supporting base.
US09504174B2 Electrical connector for attachment to vehicle glass
A connector for attachment to glass for connecting an electrically conductive substrate to an electric conduit is disclosed. The connector includes an electrically non-conductive housing having an interior region and an underside with a slot formed therein. The connector further includes an electrically conductive insert. The conductive insert has a contact portion that extends at least partially through the slot defined in the housing. A pre-applied, heat-activatable adhesive is provided on the underside of the housing for attaching the housing to the glass. The disclosed invention is provided in two embodiments, one that maintains conductivity between the substrate and the contact portion by a compressive force and one that maintains conductivity by lead-free solder. In the first embodiment, the contact portion includes a conductive skid extending therefrom. In the second embodiment, at least the contact portion of the conductive insert is coated with lead-free solder.
US09504172B2 Electronic assembly having a circuit board with a shock absorber device
An electronic assembly including a printed circuit board (PCB), a housing, and a shock absorbing device that is intermediate the printed circuit board and the housing. The shock absorbing device is formed of an insulative and compliant material, such as a thermoplastic elastomer material. The side walls of the shock absorbing device defines a groove surrounds and at least partially encloses the edges of the printed circuit board. The shock absorbing device defines an aperture through which a fastener is configured to pass to secure the shock absorbing device to the housing and thus securing the printed circuit board within the housing. The shock absorbing device is intermediate the fastener and the printed circuit board so that there is no direct contact between the fastener and the printed circuit board which could transmit impact shock directly from the housing to the printed circuit board.
US09504170B2 Flexible display devices
Electronic devices may be provided that contain multiple housing portions. The housing portions may be coupled together using hinges. The hinges may include hinges based on a three-bar linkage, hinges based on a four-bar linkage, hinges with slotted members, hinges formed from flexible support structures, and hinges based on flexible housing structures. Flexible displays may be mounted to the housing portions overlapping the hinges. When the housing portions in a device are rotated relative to each other, the flexible display may bend. The hinge may be configured to allow the flexible display to be placed in a front-to-front configuration in which an active side of the display faces itself or a back-to-back configuration. Engagement structures may be used to help the housing grip external objects and to hold the housing portions together. The hinges may be provided with rotational detents to help hold the flexible display in desired positions.
US09504168B2 Fluxing-encapsulant material for microelectronic packages assembled via thermal compression bonding process
A fluxing-encapsulant material and method of use thereof in a thermal compression bonding (TCB) process is described. In an embodiment, the TCB process includes ramping the bond head to 250° C.-300° C. at a ramp rate of 50° C./second-100° C./second. In an embodiment, the fluxing-encapsulant material comprising one or more epoxy resins having an epoxy equivalent weight (EEW) of 150-1,000, a curing agent, and a fluxing agent having a mono-carboxylic acid or di-carboxylic acid and a pKa of 4-5.
US09504162B2 Manufacturing electrochemical sensor modules
Certain processes for manufacturing an electrochemical sensor module include etching a Silicon wafer to form precursor sensor bodies, disposing sensor fibers along rows of the precursor sensor bodies, securing a rigid layer over the sensor fibers, dividing the wafer, rigid layer, and sensor fibers into individual precursor sensor bodies, and joining each precursor sensor body to a component body to form sensor modules.
US09504160B2 Semiconductor memory device
A semiconductor memory device is included. The semiconductor device includes a semiconductor memory device, comprising: a first substrate including a first semiconductor device mounted on the first substrate and a first connection terminal disposed at an edge of the first substrate; a second substrate including a second semiconductor device mounted on the second substrate and a second connection terminal at an edge of the second substrate; and an interface connector including a first socket portion configured to receive the first connection terminal and a second socket portion configured to receive the second connection terminal. The interface connector further includes: first socket terminals of the first socket portion are connected with the first connection terminals; second socket terminals of the second socket portion are connected with the second connection terminals; and an internal wiring for electrically connecting the first socket terminals with the second socket terminals.
US09504159B2 Circuit component bridge device
A bridge device is described herein. The bridge device may include a first via of a bridge device, the first via of the bridge device having a short via stub or no via stub, the first via of the bridge device to be communicatively coupled to a first via of a printed circuit board (PCB). The bridge device may include a second via of the bridge device, the second via of the bridge device having a short via stub or no via stub, the second via of the bridge device to be communicatively coupled to a second via of the PCB. A trace of the bridge device may communicatively couple the first via of the bridge device to the second via of the bridge device.
US09504156B1 Distribution of return paths for improved impedance control and reduced crosstalk
To achieve an even distribution of different types of connections, sets of connection cells have been devised having different ratios of signal, power and ground connections in which the signal connections are all within a maximum distance of a power and/or a ground connection. In addition, the shapes of the cells are such that the cells fit together in a repeatable array that fully covers the plane of the interface, i.e., an array that tiles the plane. Accordingly, to distribute the connections substantially uniformly across the interface, the ratio of the number of signal connections, power connections and ground connections is determined; a cell is selected from the set of cells that has approximately the same ratio of the number of signal connections, power connections and ground connections; and the selected cell is repeatedly used to allocate the signal, power and ground connections in accordance with the distribution of connections in the selected cell until all the connections are distributed.
US09504154B2 Semiconductor device
A semiconductor device composed of a plurality of semiconductor modules exhibiting a large current carrying capacity for a semiconductor device as a whole is disclosed. The connection between the plurality of semiconductor modules is conducted by means of optimum construction suited to the semiconductor device. The device comprises a semiconductor module having externally connecting terminals protruding out of a casing, bus bars electrically connecting the specific externally connecting terminals of the plurality of semiconductor modules arranged in parallel with each other, and a semiconductor module case covering and fastening the plurality of semiconductor modules connected with the bus bars. The bus bars and the externally connecting terminals of the semiconductor modules are joined by means of laser welding.
US09504151B2 Conductive composition and conductive film
Provided is a conductive film having a high conductivity in which electric resistance is less likely to increase, and a conductive composition for forming the same. The conductive composition includes an elastomer component, a fibrous carbon material having a fiber diameter of less than 30 nm, and a flake-like carbon material having a graphite structure, having an intensity ratio (G/D ratio) of a peak (G band) appearing in the vicinity of 1580 cm−1 to a peak (D band) appearing in the vicinity of 1330 cm−1 of Raman spectrum of not less than 1.8, and having a maximum length of not less than 150 nm and a thickness of not more than 100 nm. The conductive film is formed from the conductive composition.
US09504147B2 Resin composition, and printed circuit board using same
According to one embodiment of the present invention, an epoxy resin composition comprises: a resin including an epoxy compound, triethylenediamine, diphenylphosphine and/or tetraphenylborate; a curing agent including diaminodiphenylsulfone, ethylenediamine, diaminopropane, methanediamine, phenylenediamine and/or triethanolamine; and an inorganic filler, wherein the inorganic filler includes at least two alumina (Al2O3) groups classified by particle size.
US09504144B2 Power module substrate, power module substrate with heat sink, power module, method of manufacturing power module substrate, and copper member-bonding paste
This power module substrate includes a copper plate that is formed of copper or a copper alloy and is laminated on a surface of a ceramic substrate 11; a nitride layer 31 that is formed on the surface of the ceramic substrate 11 between the copper plate and the ceramic substrate 11; and an Ag—Cu eutectic structure layer 32 having a thickness of 15 μm or less that is formed between the nitride layer and the copper plate.
US09504143B2 Electrical circuit
An electrical circuit includes a first circuit part and a second circuit part. A first electrical potential is applicable to the first circuit part, wherein a second electrical potential is applicable to the second circuit part. The two circuit parts are galvanically isolated from each other by an insulator, wherein the insulator includes a conducting portion. This conducting portion can be safely sensed by an additional circuitry, to detect if a full or partial contact to the first electrical potential or the second electrical potential has occurred due to a voltage shift or a current flow on the conducting portion, which is itself insulated. This sensing circuitry can incorporate protection elements to clamp voltages and limit currents to prevent destruction of connected circuitries in case of a fail of the insulation.
US09504139B2 Elastic flexible substrate and manufacturing method therefor
There is provided an elastic flexible substrate including an insulating film base material which includes a wire. The insulating film base material includes an opening which is formed by opening a slit, and an opened state of the opening is held by an insulating member.
US09504138B2 Semiconductor device
Embodiments of the inventive concept include a semiconductor device having a circuit board including a first outer layer, a contact region in the first outer layer, a second layer formed on an opposite side of the first outer layer, a via-hole, and a plurality of inner layers formed to be stacked between the first layer and the second layer. A case may accommodate the circuit board. The case may have a projection portion that is configured to come in contact with the circuit board in the contact region. The plurality of inner layers may include a ground layer. The first outer layer may be connected to the ground layer through a via-hole. The case may be connected to the ground layer through the first outer layer.
US09504136B2 Inverter device, plasma generating device, sheet-member reforming device, and alternating-current voltage output method
An inverter device includes: multiple inverters that switch input voltages by turning on and off respective switching elements to thereby apply excitation currents to primary excitation windings of respective boosting transformers and output alternating-current voltages from secondary output windings of the respective boosting transformers, the multiple inverters having the same output characteristics, and a common control circuit, on/off control of the switching elements of the inverters being performed by the same switching signal output from the common control circuit.
US09504133B2 System and method for controlling lighting
A controller for controlling a plurality of lighting devices configured for wireless communications in a facility includes a data communications interface communicating with at least one of the devices. The controller further includes a control module configured to provide a control signal to the data communications interface for communicating to a transceiver associated with the device and for turning off the device according to an algorithm wherein the control signal is provided based on a time of day and/or a sensed condition relating to use of the facility. The transceiver reports device data to the control module to quantify a reduction in power obtained by controlling the devices according to the algorithm.
US09504130B2 Settings for light loads connected to bus
Devices (1) for selecting settings for illuminating light loads (2, 3) connected to a bus (4) comprise controllers (11) for running processes and for defining, through controls of power converters (5, 6) connected to the bus (4), in response to process results, direct current voltage signals for the bus (4) and comprise power detectors (12) for detecting changes in total power consumptions of the illuminating light loads (2, 3) and for in response to detections of the changes informing the controllers (11) to run the processes again. This way, links are created between the total power consumption via the bus (4) and the direct current voltage signal on the bus (4), to save energy. The devices (1) may further comprise receivers (13) for receiving definitions of optimal individual voltage signals and/or of optimal individual power consumptions and/or of voltage amplitudes and may further comprise power meters (14) for measuring the total power consumption of the illuminating light loads (2, 3) for different direct current voltage signals for the bus (4).
US09504129B2 Method and device for regulating an illuminance using an adaptive control loop factor
In order to regulate an illuminance, an actual value of a sensor (3) is queried, said value being dependent on the illuminance to be regulated and being regulated to a setpoint value. In a control step, an electronic computing device (11) determines an actuating step for an illuminant (2) on the basis of said actual value and a parameter value of a control parameter. The electronic computing device (11) determines a new parameter value of the control parameter for a subsequent control step on the basis of a first actual value which is received before the corresponding control step, and a second actual value which is determined after the corresponding control step.
US09504122B2 Fluorescent replacement LED lamps
A light emitting diode (LED) lamp circuit is adapted to replace a fluorescent lamp in a fluorescent light fixture without having to modify the fluorescent light fixture in any way. The LED light string and its associated drive circuitry may be divided into two symmetric light strings. Furthermore, the two strings (power rails more precisely) may be tied together with a diode voltage/current steering system. The fluorescent replacement LED lamp design ‘spoofs’ all fluorescent lamp drive modes that a ballast could be configured for.
US09504120B2 Thermal protection structure for multi-junction LED module
A system includes a plurality of light-emitting devices electrically coupled together. A temperature of each of the light-emitting devices is correlated with a voltage of said light-emitting device. The system includes a current driver configured to control an amount of current through at least a subset of the light-emitting devices. The system includes electronic circuitry that is electrically coupled to the subset of the light-emitting devices. The electronic circuitry is configured to: measure a voltage of the subset of the light-emitting devices while the light-emitting devices are in operation; determine, based on the measured voltage, whether the subset of the light-emitting devices is hotter than an acceptable temperature threshold; and instruct the current driver to reduce the amount of current through the subset of the light-emitting devices if the subset of the light-emitting devices has been determined to be hotter than the acceptable temperature threshold.
US09504117B2 Over-voltage and over-current protection circuits and electronic devices
The present invention provides an over-voltage and over-current protection circuit (30), including an over-voltage detection unit (31) to generate an over-voltage detection voltage, an over-current detection unit (32) to generate an over-current detection voltage, a LED driving unit (33) being connected with the over-voltage detection unit and the over-current detection unit to converter a reference voltage into an over-voltage reference voltage and an over-current reference voltage being proportional to the reference voltage, a reference voltage adjusting unit (34) and a control unit (35). The control unit (35) outputs a boost control signal with a high level when it judges that change range of the working voltage of the LED module (20) exceeds a predetermined value according to a LED characteristic data curve. The present invention provides an electronic device (1), the over-voltage or over-current protection threshold could be increased along with increasing the working time of the electronic device (1).
US09504112B1 Adaptive lighting driver
A method of adapting output power of a driver to conduction duration of a phase-cut dimmer includes determining a first conduction duration of an electrical signal generated by a phase-cut dimmer. The first conduction duration corresponds to a dimmest setting of the phase-cut dimmer. The method further includes storing a first value corresponding to the first conduction duration and determining a second conduction duration of the electrical signal. The second conduction duration corresponds to a brightest setting of the phase-cut dimmer. The method also includes storing a second value corresponding to the second conduction duration and generating intermediate values that are between the first value and the second value. The method further includes adjusting an output power of a driver based on a conduction duration of the electrical signal, the first value, the second value, and the intermediate values.
US09504109B2 Balanced AC direct driver lighting system with a valley fill circuit and a light balancer
An AC direct driver lighting system is disclosed. According to one embodiment, the AC direct driver lighting system includes a plurality of LED groups serially connected to an AC power source, and an AC driver comprising a plurality of current sinks. Each of the plurality of current sinks is connected between a respective LED group of the plurality of LED groups and a ground. The AC direct driver lighting system further includes a valley fill circuit coupled to a target LED group of the plurality of LED groups. The valley fill circuit charges from the AC power source and supplies electrical power to the target LED group via a current path established between the AC power source and the ground via at least one of the plurality of current sinks.
US09504107B2 Backlight unit and display device having the same
A backlight unit includes a DC-DC converter that converts a first voltage to a second voltage in response to a driving pulse signal and a driving controller that outputs the driving pulse signal in response to an over-current control signal to control a reference voltage and a level of the second voltage. The driving controller controls the reference voltage in response to the over-current control signal such that the reference voltage increases prior to the second voltage by a predetermined time when the second voltage needs to be increased. In addition, the driving controller controls the reference voltage in response to the over-current control signal when the second voltage needs to be decreased such that the reference voltage decreases later than the second voltage by the predetermined time.
US09504100B2 Selective radiation utilization apparatuses for high-efficiency photobioreactor illumination and methods thereof
A selective radiation utilization apparatus includes an optical filtering device and a modulation device. The optical filtering device transmits one or more selected spectral bands of incoming solar radiation and reflects one or more remaining bands of the incoming solar radiation. The modulation device spatially modulates one of the one or more selected spectral bands or the one or more remaining bands and directs the spatially modulated one of the one or more selected spectral bands or the one or more remaining bands towards a target of illumination.
US09504098B2 Furnace system having hybrid microwave and radiant heating
A furnace system for thermal processing of products and materials is disclosed which is particularly useful in processing touch screens for computer tablets and silicon wafers employed in fabricating solar cells. The system employs a hybrid of microwave and radiant heating of workpieces to provide controlled heating of the workpieces. A plurality of susceptors are disposed a furnace chamber. A plurality of microwave sources are arranged to provide microwave radiation in the chamber to uniformly heat workpieces in the chamber and to provide uniform heating of the susceptors. The susceptors are effective upon microwave heating by the microwave sources to provide uniform radiant heating of the workpieces in the chamber.
US09504096B2 Heater and image heating apparatus including the same
A heater includes: a substrate; a first electrical contact; second electrical contacts; first and second electrodes; heat generating portions; a first electroconductive line portion electrically connecting the first electrical contact and the first electrode portions; and a second electroconductive line portion electrically connecting one of the second electrical contacts and a part of the second electrode portions. A cross-sectional area of a portion, of the first electroconductive line portion, into which all of currents flowing through the first electrode portions merge when the currents flow from the first electrode portions toward the first electrical contact is larger than a cross-sectional area of a portion, of the second electroconductive line portion, into which all of currents flowing through the part of the second electrode portions merge when the currents flow from the part of the second electrode portions toward the one of second electrical contacts.
US09504093B2 Mobile telecommunications network with distributed base stations
A mobile telecommunications local area network (20) is described with a concentrator (32) connected to a plurality of radio heads (36, 38) via a local area network (LAN, 20). The concentrator (32) provides remote control of a local timing signal individually in each radio head. The control may be open loop or closed loop and may be provided through the LAN. The concentrator may also provide digital signal processing (DSP) as a shared resource for the radio heads (36, 38). The DSP may include channel coding. The radio heads (36, 38) may provide modulation for channel coded signals transmitted from the concentrator (32) via the LAN (20). The LAN may be wired LAN or a wireless LAN.
US09504090B2 Method and apparatus for group communication in proximity-based service
A method of supporting a group communication by a first user equipment (UE) in a wireless communication system is provided. A communication connection is established with a second UE via a first relay UE. The first UE receives, from a first relay UE, a message requesting a relay connection, the message including first information indicating a current hop count, second information indicating a maximum number of allowed hops, and third information on a capacity profile which indicates a maximum number of allowed subordinated UEs. If a condition is satisfied, the relay connection is provided between the first relay UE and a third UE via a second relay UE, the second relay UE being the first UE. If the condition is not satisfied, the relay connection request is rejected.
US09504089B2 System and method for wireless station bridging
A station in a basic service set of a wireless network includes layer 2 bridging functionality to one or more nodes in external networks. An access point in the basic service set acts as a control plane for the bridging functionality. The access point includes bridge address learning and a bridging table to map destination addresses and associated bridging stations.
US09504087B2 Facilitating mobile phone conversations
Methods and arrangements for managing termination of a telephone call. A contemplated method includes: detecting a request by a first party to terminate a telephone call between the first party and a second party; detecting whether the second party is still speaking after detecting the request to terminate the call; and automatically forestalling termination of the call if the second party is still speaking, via affording the first party an opportunity to continue the call, via at least one of: sending a confirmation request to the first party, and sending an audio signal to the first party. Other variants and embodiments are broadly contemplated herein.
US09504086B2 Service domain selection service indicator
A service indication mechanism is described for use by IP Multimedia Subsystem, IMS, codes (201, 204) of an IMS network (106) in routing a terminating call in a network comprising a circuit switched, CS, network (107) and an IMS network (105, 106). On receipt of a Service Initiation Protocol, SIP, message from a second IMS node (202), the SIP message including a called user number associated with the call (A1), a SIP Uniform Resource Identifier, URI, and the call services for the called user from a user profile database is retrieved (A2). A second SIP URI is generated by including a service indicator of the called user in the received SIP URI, the service indicator representing the call services of the called user (A3), the SIP message is transmitted with the second SIP-URI to a third IMS node (204). On receiving the transmitted SIP message, the third IMS node (204) detects whether the service indicator is included in the SIP URI, and applies the service indicator to a plurality of policy rules for indicating whether the terminating call should be routed to the CS network (107) and whether to suppress insertion of a prefix to a CS routing number of the called user. The third IMS node (204) transmits to a CS node (206) a SIP message including the CS routing number without the prefix when a routing policy rule associated with the service indicator indicates suppression of the prefix (B5).
US09504084B2 Method to support an asymmetric time-division duplex (TDD) configuration in a heterogeneous network (HetNet)
A method to support an asymmetric time-division duplex (TDD) configuration at a macro node in a heterogeneous network (HetNet) is disclosed. The method at the macro node comprises transmitting a half blank subframe (HBS) of a downlink subframe during an uplink subframe of a low power node in the HetNet. An effective transmission range of the macro node can overlap with an effective transmission range of the low power node. The downlink subframe and the uplink subframe can occur on a substantially same carrier frequency. The HBS can have a reduced transmission power during an uplink control channel or a random access channel of the uplink subframe of a mobile device transmission to the low power node.
US09504082B2 Method of enhanced connection recovery and loss-less data recovery
An enhanced connection recovery upon lost RRC connection due to radio link failure (RLF) or handover failure (HOF) is proposed. A UE first establishes an RRC connection in a source cell in a mobile communication network. Later on, the UE detects a failure event and starts an RRC reestablishment procedure in a target cell to restore the RRC connection. In a first novel aspect, a fast NAS recovery process is applied to reduce the outage time in the target cell. In a second novel aspect, context fetching is used to reduce the outage time in the target cell. In a third novel aspect, a loss-less reestablishment procedure is proposed to reduce data loss during the connection recovery.
US09504081B2 Suspending a connection in a wireless communication system
There are disclosed methods, apparatuses and computer programs for use in wireless communications systems for suspending a connection in the wireless communication system. In particular there are disclosed methods, apparatuses and software for use in a wireless communications system to suspend and handle the reactivation of a Radio Resource Control (RRC) connection for carrying user-plane and control plane data between a user equipment (UE) and a Radio Access Network (RAN). Also disclosed herein are methods, apparatuses and software for handling mobility control and downlink data for a UE for which an RRC connection is suspended. There is disclosed a method, implemented in a user equipment (UE) for use with a Radio Access Network (RAN), comprising: the UE suspending an established RRC connection with the RAN; the UE monitoring, while the RRC connection is suspended, for at least one of: paging and notifications of downlink data for the UE; and the UE storing RRC connection data related to the suspended RRC connection, said RRC connection data being usable by the UE to reactivate the suspended RRC connection. Also disclosed a is user equipment for use with a Radio Access Network (RAN), the UE being configured to carry out the aforementioned method, and a computer program having instructions which when carried out by a processor of user equipment (UE) for use with a Radio Access Network (RAN) cause the UE to be configured to operate in accordance with the aforementioned method.
US09504075B2 Field device apparatus and method for communicating of a field device apparatus with an evaluation device
A field device apparatus is described which, for communicating with an evaluation device, can be operated in a direct or indirect operating mode, which both use the same access data.
US09504074B2 Method of providing proximity service communication between terminals supporting proximity service communications
The present invention relates to a method of providing proximity service communication between terminals. In accordance with an embodiment, a first terminal makes connection to a second terminal with network assistance. The first terminal requests information required to search for the second terminal from a network management server. The network management server determines a communication mode for proximity service communication. The network management server transmits a request message requesting communication between the first terminal and the second terminal in the communication mode to the first and second terminals. In accordance with another embodiment, a first terminal may switch its proximity service communication technology for better QoS without network assistance. The first terminal monitors link status. If the link status is deteriorated, the first terminal requests a second terminal to change proximity service communication technology. The first and the second terminal switch their proximity service communication technologies.
US09504066B2 One or multiple bit restricted access window (RAW) end point determination for single user, multiple user, multiple access, and/or MIMO wireless communications
One or multiple bit restricted access window (RAW) end point determination within for single user, multiple user, multiple access, and/or MIMO wireless communications. A RAW is defined in which only devices of the particular class (e.g., low power class, Z class, smart meter station (SMSTA) class, etc.) are allowed access to the communication medium. Indication of the end of such a RAW may be included within one or more bits set within a signal field (SIG) field of a framer packet generated by a given device within the system and transmitted to one or more other devices. After completion of the RAW, other respective devices of at least one other type of class may be provided access to the communication medium. The manner of access to the communication media outside of the RAW may be varied (e.g., scheduled, based on carrier sense multiple access/collision avoidance (CSMA/CA), etc.).
US09504061B2 Networked resource provisioning system
In response to requests for their use of the resources by the applications, resources are first allocated to “inelastic” requests specified for performance at a specific time slot. A baseline allocation of resources is then determined which is the minimum amount of capacity that has to be used for efficient operation of the resources required to meet the requests. This baseline will include some additional capacity as the minimum efficient capacity is less than the maximum capacity. “Elastic” requests, specified for performance within a predetermined time range comprising two or more of the set of time slots, are then allocated so as to prioritize the use of this spare capacity, bringing actual usage up to at least the baseline allocation of resources. If further capacity is required to meet all the inelastic requests, further capacity is allocated and the baseline redefined to include it.
US09504059B2 WLAN and LTE time division based scheduling devices and methods
A device with concurrent long-term evolution (LTE) and WLAN uplink transmission includes a WLAN transceiver coupled to an LTE transceiver via an interface. The LTE transceiver includes an LTE Layer-1 module that determines whether an LTE data downlink activity is scheduled for an LTE downlink sub-frame of an LTE time frame, based on information in a first portion of the LTE downlink sub-frame. When determination is made that the LTE data downlink activity is not scheduled for the LTE downlink sub-frame, a message may be communicated through the interface to notify the WLAN transceiver that the second portion of the LTE downlink sub-frame is available for WLAN communication. The LTE time frame includes multiple LTE downlink sub-frames each including the first portion and a second portion. The first portion provides the information that indicates whether the LTE data downlink activity is scheduled for the second portion of that LTE sub-frame.
US09504058B2 Methods and systems for scheduling transmission of uplink communication
Disclosed herein are methods and systems for scheduling transmission of uplink communication. One embodiment takes the form of a process carried out by a first-radio-access-network-(RAN) entity in a first RAN, where the first RAN has a first-RAN uplink that is time-synchronized with a second-RAN uplink of a second RAN. The first-RAN entity detects an uplink-scheduling event associated with a mobile radio, and the first-RAN entity also identifies a second-RAN-uplink-transmission time slot for the mobile radio. The first-RAN entity schedules the mobile radio to transmit first-RAN-uplink communication, which is associated with the detected uplink-scheduling event, during a first-RAN-uplink time slot that does not overlap the identified second-RAN-uplink-transmission time slot.
US09504057B2 Methods and apparatus for in-device coexistence detection and mitigation
Methods and apparatus for detecting and mitigating interface conditions at a multi-radio device. In one embodiment, a multi-radio device monitors and detects an in-device coexistence (IDC) interference condition which is, for example, caused by concurrent operation of radios. In response, the device notifies a network entity (e.g., a Long Term Evolution (LTE) eNodeB) of the detected IDC condition. Upon receiving the notification of the IDC condition, the network entity may implement or invoke a mitigation scheme in order to reduce the amount of IDC experienced at the client device.
US09504051B2 Signal strength guided intra-cell upstream data forwarding
Intra-cell upstream data forwarding can be utilized in a wireless network such as a wireless local area network. A network forwarding path can be determined based on the signal strength of an access point signal received at client stations within the network, referred to as the observed access point signal strength (OASS). In particular embodiments, a station that is either originating or forwarding a frame can insert its own OASS into the frame before transmitting it and a client station that receives a frame can forward it only if its own OASS exceeds the frame-enclosed OASS, by at least a predetermined amount.
US09504041B2 Hybrid automatic repeat request (HARQ) method and device in a cooperative terminal communication system
A method for performing a device to device (D2D) communication is performed by a first wireless device and includes receiving, by the first wireless device through a primary carrier, an allocation of a secondary carrier from a base station. Here, the primary carrier is used for data transmission and reception with the base station and the secondary carrier allocated by the base station is used for data transmission and reception with a second wireless device. The method further includes transmitting data to the second wireless device on a subframe of the secondary carrier.
US09504039B2 Universal remote radio head
A distributed base station radio system includes first channelized to broadband conversion unit that receives first downlink channelized data for first radio frequency band from first channelized radio frequency source; and first universal remote radio head communicatively coupled to first channelized to broadband conversion unit. First channelized to broadband conversion unit converts first downlink channelized data into a first downlink broadband signal. First channelized to broadband conversion unit communicates the first downlink broadband signal to first universal remote radio head. First universal remote radio head receives first downlink broadband signal. First universal remote radio head frequency converts the first downlink broadband signal into first downlink radio frequency signals in first radio frequency band. First universal remote radio head is further configured to transmit first downlink radio frequency signals in first radio frequency band to first subscriber unit.
US09504038B2 Apparatus, method and system of communicating a wide-bandwidth data frame
Some demonstrative embodiments include apparatuses, devices, systems and methods of communicating a wide-bandwidth data frame. For example, an apparatus may include a controller to generate at least one wide-bandwidth data frame to be transmitted over a wide-bandwidth millimeter-Wave (mmWave) channel, the wide-bandwidth mmWave channel including a plurality of mmWave channels; and a transmitter to transmit a plurality of reservation frames over the plurality of mmWave channels, a reservation frame of the plurality of reservation frames including a duration value corresponding to a duration of the wide-bandwidth data frame and a wide-bandwidth indication to indicate that the wide-bandwidth data frames are to be transmitted over the wide-bandwidth mmWave channel, the transmitter to transmit the at least one wide-bandwidth data frame over the wide-bandwidth mmWave channel.
US09504037B2 Method and apparatus for transmitting and receiving data
The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for transmitting and receiving data. The method can include the steps of: a terminal transmitting, to a primary cell (P-cell), a first ACK/NACK for downlink transmission of the P-cell through a first uplink ACK/NACK channel; and transmitting, to a secondary cell (S-cell), a second ACK/NACK for downlink transmission of a first S-cell through a second uplink ACK/NACK channel.
US09504035B2 Communication terminal, channel selection method, and program
A communication terminal, comprises: a wireless communication unit to which a plurality of channels are allocated; a channel status calculation unit that calculates, when one of the plurality of channels is set as a forwarding channel, a capacity that can be used in the one channel by the communication terminal and a capacity that can be used in the one channel by another communication terminal; and a channel selection unit that determines, when one of the plurality of channels is set as a forwarding channel, whether a capacity that can be used in the one channel by the communication terminal satisfies a required bandwidth and determines, when another communication terminal has set the one channel as a forwarding channel, whether a capacity that can be used in the one channel by the another communication terminal satisfies the required bandwidth.
US09504033B2 Method and apparatus for allocating channels related to uplink bundling
A new PHICH channel and a new PDCCH channel are allocated when the location of a subframe to be used in transmission changes by the change in the configuration of the subframe caused by a dynamic uplink/downlink configuration in a subframe bundling transmission mode. In the event that a subframe is successfully transmitted in a subframe bundling mode, the location of the subframe that has been successfully transmitted is determined as a reference in determining the point of time of the response to the bundling transmission. In addition, the bundling transmission following the subframe that has been successfully transmitted can be omitted.
US09504031B2 Resource allocation and joint transmission
The embodiments relate to a method and a controlling unit for resource allocation and joint transmission in a cellular communication network. The method includes allocating a first set of frequency resources for transmitting a first set of time slots of data in a subframe, from a first communication node to a User Equipment, UE, and allocating at least one second set of frequency resources for transmitting, at least one second set of time slots of data in the subframe, from at least one second communication node respectively to the UE. The first set of frequency resources is intersected with one of the at least one second set of frequency resources, and union of the first set of time slots of data and the at least one second set of time slots of data is equal to the subframe.
US09504030B2 Method of processing control information in a mobile communication system
A method of processing control information in a mobile communication system is disclosed, by which an RRC connection setup can be quickly completed and by which control information can be processed without an unnecessary standby of a mobile terminal. The present invention includes the steps of receiving a plurality of protocol data units transmitted plural time from a transmitting side via one common logical channel by an RLC (radio link control) entity operating in a UM (unacknowledged mode) and having a receiving window and a timer, reordering a plurality of the received protocol data units using sequence numbers of a plurality of the received protocol data units, the receiving window and the timer, reassembling at least one service data unit by processing a plurality of the re-ordered protocol data units, and delivering the at least one service data unit.
US09504029B2 Method for signaling control information, and apparatus therefor
The present invention relates to a wireless communication system. In detail, the invention relates to a method for a terminal to transmit a UCI in a carrier aggregation-based wireless communication system, and to an apparatus therefor, wherein the method involves the steps of: forming a first cell group having a PCell; forming a second cell group having one or more SCells; receiving one or more data in the second cell group; and transmitting HARQ-ACK information on the one or more data through a PUCCH, wherein, when the first and second cell groups are managed by an identical base station, the HARQ-ACK information is transmitted in the PCell, and, when the first and second cell groups are managed by different base stations, the HARQ-ACK information is transmitted in the second cell group.
US09504028B2 Blind detection mode determination method, blind detection method and device
Disclosed are a blind detection mode determination method, blind detection method and device, the blind detection mode determination method comprising: a base station determines the E-PDCCH blind detection mode of a terminal in a subframe according to system configuration information and the blind detection capability of the terminal, and informs the terminal of the determined E-PDCCH blind detection mode of the terminal in the subframe. The blind detection method comprises: a terminal determines the E-PDCCH blind detection mode in a subframe, and conducts E-PDCCH blind detection in the subframe according to the determined E-PDCCH blind detection mode. The E-PDCCH blind detection mode of a UE in a subframe is determined according to the resource occupied in a subframe by the system configuration information, enabling the UE to conduct E-PDCCH blind detection in the subframe according to the determined E-PDCCH blind detection mode, thus avoiding unnecessary energy overhead.
US09504027B2 Method and apparatus for transmitting a control channel and a data channel in a wireless communication system
The present invention relates to a wireless communication system, and more particularly, to a method and apparatus for transmitting a control channel in a wireless communication system that supports multi-cell cooperative communication. According to the present invention, a scheme for protecting a control channel and a data channel of one cell from interference caused by another cell is provided.
US09504025B2 Method and device for transmitting uplink signal including data and control information via uplink channel
A method of transmitting a first uplink signal and a second uplink signal. The first uplink signal includes data of a transport block for initial transmission and the second uplink signal includes data of the transport block and control information. The control information of the second uplink signal is channel encoded to produce channel encoded control information. A number of encoded symbols of the channel encoded control information is determined by using: M X = ⌈ N X · β X · M RE PUSCH N data ⁢ ⌉ where MX is the number of the encoded symbols of the channel encoded control information, NX is a payload size of the control information, βX is an offset value, Ndata a payload size of the data of the first uplink signal, MREPUSCH is a size of resources for a Physical Uplink Shared Channel (PUSCH) transmission of the first uplink signal, and “┌ ┐” denotes a ceiling function.
US09504023B2 Mobile communication system, base station apparatus, mobile station apparatus and communication method
A mobile station (MS) receives a parameter used for configuring PUCCH resources, the PUCCH resources being configured on an uplink component carrier (UCC) on which HARQ control information is transmitted on a PUCCH; determines a first PUCCH resource on the UCC for a first PDSCH transmission indicated by a detection of a first PDCCH in a sub-frame on a first downlink component carrier (DCC), the first PUCCH resource being determined based on a control channel element of the first PDCCH; determines a second PUCCH resource on the UCC for a second PDSCH transmission indicated by a detection of a second PDCCH in the sub-frame on a second DCC, the second PUCCH resource being determined from the PUCCH resources which are configured; and transmits information bits using one of the first or the second PUCCH resource, the information bits being used for indicating the HARQ control information.
US09504019B2 Method for mapping logical channel on shared channel
According to the invention data in a number of logical downlink intended for one or more mobile terminals are received in a first mapping unit, where at least a first High Speed Radio Network Temporary identity is allocated to these logical downlink channels addressing a group of mobile terminals for allowing transmission of channel data for reception by mobile terminals. A mobile terminal then reads, from a Broadcast Control Channel, necessary information including a High Speed Radio Network Temporary identity allocated to at least one logical downlink channel, where at least said first identity exists among possible identities. It then listens to a high speed shared control channel for the read identity. In case it detects the identity, the terminal follows a scheduling command, receives data on a high-speed downlink shared channel and processes said data.
US09504015B2 Method and apparatus for receiving service in wireless communication system
A method and apparatus for receiving a service in a wireless communication system is provided. A user equipment (UE) receives a service from a first node serving a first cell, detects a second cell not providing the service, and determines whether to transmit a message for the second cell to the first node according to a preference for the service.
US09504014B2 Methods and apparatuses for P-CCPCH-aided channel estimation in wireless systems
The present disclosure provides methods and apparatuses for performing channel estimation in a wireless environment using a Primary Physical Common Control Channel (P-CCPCH) to aid in channel estimation. For example, according to an example method provided by the present disclosure, a user equipment (UE) may receive a pilot signal and a Primary Physical Common Control Channel (P-CCPCH) signal from a network entity. In an aspect, the P-CCPCH signal may include initial broadcast channel (BCH) data layered thereon. Furthermore, the UE may predict estimated P-CCPCH data based on the initial BCH data. Additionally, in an aspect, the UE may estimate a channel based on at least the estimated P-CCPCH data and the pilot signal. As such, more reliable channel estimation is possible in wireless systems, such as at UE locations at the geographical periphery of a network entity serving area.
US09504013B2 Communication system
The present invention provides a communication node for a communication network. The communication node includes means for identifying that paging is required for a mobile communication device, means for obtaining information identifying at least one cell in which said mobile communication device has been located previously and for obtaining further information relating to at least one of movement of the mobile communication device between cells and a time when said mobile communication device was located in said at least one cell, means for defining a set comprising at least one cell in which to seek said mobile communication device, based on said information and said further information, and means for initiating transmission of a respective paging message for said mobile communication device in each cell of said set.
US09504011B1 Methods for improved single radio long term evolution (SRLTE) mobile termination (MT) call success rate for mobile switching center (MSC)-sub paging scenarios
Various embodiments provide methods, devices, and non-transitory processor-readable storage media for mitigating the risk of delayed connection or call failure during base station handover by preventing single radio long term evolution (SRLTE) communication devices from dropping Mobile Termination (MT) paging messages due to paging channel mismatches (e.g., mismatches between the Walsh codes used for different paging channels).
US09504010B2 Paging reading conflict management in dual standby handsets
A wireless communication apparatus, which is configured to receive and transmit data via cells of at least two network cell belonging different networks, selects one of the networks to listen to in case of conflict. The apparatus has a radio transceiver module and a processor. The processor includes a driver of the radio transceiver module to choose one network that the radio transceiver module should listen to, a pattern detector configured to obtain a paging block repetition pattern for each of the networks, and a conflict manager configured to select the network to listen to when paging blocks from different networks collide. The conflict manager selects the network based on the paging block repetition patterns to minimize the probability of loss of a paging message associated to the paging blocks by predicting the next paging block transmissions.
US09504004B1 Method for device to report when it may be missing
A method of locating a smartphone or electronic device may include determining a location of a such device (e.g. smartphone), continuously monitoring time and location of the smartphone, predicting expected locations of the smartphone, and issuing alerts regarding the location of the smartphone.
US09504001B2 Location aware wireless network access controller
A device may control a network based on the position of a client, and may be configured to determine a position of a client within the network. The device may determine whether the client is located inside a zone from a plurality of established zones based on the determined position of the client, and then identify a zone in which the client is located upon determining that the client is located inside one of the established zones. The device may apply a profile associated with the identified zone to the client, and then determine a logical network identifier for the client based on the identified zone. The network may appear to the client as an isolated network for the identified zone.
US09504000B2 Trilateration processing of abnormal location data
Embodiments of the invention address how trilateration processes, used to obtain a location of a mobile computing device, are affected by physical placement and sub-optimal selection of peer devices (PDs). Embodiments of the invention describe processes for selecting nearest PDs over further PDs, as received signal strength indicator (RSSI) measurements are more reliable—i.e., said “nearest PDs” provide more accurate distance measurements while improving the probability of finding more intersection points. Embodiments of the invention selectively utilize abnormal location poll data when executing location determination processes. Embodiments of the invention further enhance trilateration processes by utilizing dampening values for calculated location poll data.
US09503999B2 Service continuity in centralized service network system
There are provided measures for enabling/realizing service continuity in a centralized service network system. Such measures exemplarily comprise detecting a deregistration request for deregistering a terminal with respect to a first switching entity from a registration in which the first switching entity is registered for the terminal as a contact point for centralized services, starting a waiting timer for waiting for a registration request for registering the terminal with respect to a second switching entity upon detection of said deregistration request, and re-registering the terminal in the registration such that the second switching entity is registered for the terminal as a contact point for centralized services upon detection of the registration request for registering the terminal with respect to the second switching entity before expiry of the waiting timer.
US09503990B2 Apparatus and method for performing uplink power control in wireless communication system supporting carrier aggregation
A method of an apparatus controls transmit power of uplink channels in a wireless communication system. The method includes configuring, for a UE, a primary serving cell on which a first uplink control channel is transmitted from the UE, configuring, for the UE, a secondary serving cell on which a second uplink control channel is transmitted from the UE, configuring a first TPC command and a second TPC command in a single TPC command group, the first TPC command being associated with transmit power of the uplink control information of the primary serving cell, the second TPC command being associated with transmit power of the uplink control information of the secondary serving cell, scrambling downlink control information based on an identifier associated with a TPC, the downlink control information comprising the single TPC command group; transmitting, to the UE, a downlink control channel comprising the scrambled downlink control information.
US09503989B2 Method and apparatus for power control for wireless transmissions on multiple component carriers associated with multiple timing advances
A method and apparatus for power control for wireless transmissions on multiple component carriers corresponding to multiple serving cells associated with multiple timing advances are disclosed. A wireless transmit/receive unit (WTRU) may determine transmit powers for a first physical channel for a first serving cell in a first timing advanced group (TAG) and a second physical channel for a second serving cell in a second TAG. The first TAG may less timing advanced than the second TAG. The WTRU may determine a WTRU configured maximum output power (PCMAX) for an overlapping portion, which may be a portion of a transmission of the first channel in a first subframe that overlaps in time with a portion of a transmission of the second channel in a next subframe. The WTRU may adjust the channels such that a sum of their transmit powers in the overlapping portion does not exceed the determined PCMAX.
US09503987B2 Reducing power consumption in wireless stations executing various client applications
A wireless station of a wireless network identifies required active durations based on outbound request packets. Each active duration is from around a first time instance at which a corresponding request packet is to be transmitted to a second time instance corresponding to receipt of the corresponding response packet. A receiver of the wireless station is placed in an active mode in the active durations. The wireless station transmits and receives packets in the active durations. The wireless station operates the receiver in power-down mode when the receiver is not required to be operated in the active mode.
US09503984B2 Dynamic geographic beacons for geographic-positioning-capable devices
In one embodiment, a processor may identify information about an entity represented by a first node in a social graph for a social-networking system. The information may comprise a location for the entity and an affinity score for the entity with respect to a user, wherein the user is represented by a second node in the social graph. The processor may then determine a region defined with respect to the location of the entity, wherein the region is defined based in part on the affinity score for the entity, as well as determining that a location of a mobile device associated with the user is within the region. Finally, the processor may cause the mobile device to transition from a sleep state to an active state.
US09503983B2 Wireless communication system, and wireless communication method in wireless communication system
A wireless communication system is a wireless communication system including a slave device, and a master device wirelessly connected to the slave device, and the master device includes a master device wireless communicator that performs wireless communication with the slave device, a master device power supply that supplies power to each unit of the master device, a master device interrupt detector that detects various interrupts, and a master device controller that controls the entire master device, the master device interrupt detector supplies power from the master device power supply to each unit of the master device when detecting the interrupt, and the master device controller performs control to continuously transmit a capture signal to the slave device that waits for reception at a reception timing of a predetermined interval, via the master device wireless communicator for time longer than the predetermined interval.
US09503981B2 Apparatus and method for operational state synchronization in a wireless communication system
A method (300) and user equipment (110) that are for operation in a wireless communication system (100) maintain system state synchronization between a fixed network (130) of the wireless communication system and the user equipment by performing a receipt (305) of a message from a network station (105) while the user equipment is in a connected state (220); a determination (310) that the message includes an address of the user equipment and that the message is a message that should not be generated while the fixed network has the user equipment logged as being in the connected state; and a switching (315) of the user equipment to an idle state (215).
US09503978B2 Timing resolution for devices with long sleep cycles
Timing resolution for user equipments (UEs) that operate using a discontinuous reception (DRX) mode that includes various sleep cycles may be addressed through selection of various alternative wake up procedures. A UE selects a wake-up procedure based on the length of the sleep cycle. The UE may use details of the sleep cycle, including a time offset or timing uncertainty associated with the sleep cycle, when selecting the wake-up procedure. The UE may select to obtain system timing information either directly from a serving cell or non-serving cell in sync with the serving cell or may select to perform either a one-step or two-step pre-wake up procedure in order to obtain the system timing. Once the UE obtains the system timing or determines a wake-up procedure, it performs timing correction before the scheduled wake-up times between the sleep cycles.
US09503977B2 Method and apparatus for reducing wireless traffic by controlling management frame in wireless local area network (WLAN)
Provided is a method and apparatus for reducing wireless traffic by controlling a management frame of an access point (AP) in a wireless local area network (WLAN), the AP including a beacon frame generator to generate a beacon frame, a probe response generator to generate a probe response frame, and a management frame control unit to control at least one of a period of the beacon frame and a number of retransmissions of the probe response frame, based on at least one of a power consumption of the AP, a system load imposed on a system including the AP, and an emergency level related to whether an emergency occurs.
US09503974B1 Systems and methods for operating a device in sleep and awake modes
The present disclosure generally pertains to systems and methods for switching data at nodes of a wireless networks. In one exemplary embodiment, a node comprises memory, a first port, a second port, a virtual machine, and logic. The memory is configured to store port settings, and the virtual machine is configured to execute a remote procedure call wirelessly transmitted to the node through the wireless network. In executing the remote procedure call, the virtual machine is configured to set the port settings. The logic is configured to receive data from the first port and to transmit the data to the second port based on the port settings without processing of the data by the virtual machine such that the data streams unchanged through the node from the first port to the second port.
US09503972B2 Method and base station for energy saving compensation
The present invention relates to the technical field of wireless communications, is used for optimizing an energy saving mechanism, and provides a method for energy saving compensation, which method comprises: expanding, by a base station, a signal coverage area to form a new cell, when the energy saving activation requirements are met, so as to allow an energy-saving cell managed by the base station to switch users to the new cell and to activate the energy saving state; and when energy saving deactivation requirements are met, and if the energy-saving cell managed by the base station deactivates the energy saving state, then switching, by the base station, the users to the energy-saving cell and reducing the signal coverage area. The present invention optimizes currently available energy saving mechanisms and provides a solution capable of compensating the service loss of energy-saving cells.
US09503971B2 Client terminal device, access-point selection method, and wireless LAN system
Provided is a client terminal device that is capable of wirelessly connecting to an access point that would offer high performance by reducing an influence of a connection history of the past, as well as such an access-point selection method and such a wireless LAN system. A load factor acquisition unit 22 acquires, a current load factor of each access point. A connection rate calculator 23 calculates a connection rate of the self terminal device to each access point. Based on the communication quality of a signal that a wireless communicator 21 has received from each access point, the load factor that the load factor acquisition unit 22 has acquired, and the connection rate that the connection rate calculator 23 has calculated, a controller 24 calculates priority with respect to each access point and selects connection with one of the access points based on the calculated priority.
US09503966B2 Idle mode access through assisted discovery
One embodiment is directed to a method of cell selection/reselection. The method includes gathering discovery information of a secondary radio access technology (RAT) by listening to a single primary radio access technology (RAT). The method may further include performing cell selection/reselection using the discovery information.
US09503965B2 Set-top box setup via near field communication
A device may be configured to receive network information for connecting to a wireless network that is provided by a network device. The device may store the network information. The device may detect a wireless device based on radio frequency identification (RFID) communication. The device may transmit the network information to the wireless device via the RFID communication. The device may cause the wireless device to connect to the wireless network provided by the network device and set up the wireless device using the wireless network.
US09503964B2 Method and system for parallel transmission of plural types of wireless links
A method and a system for a parallel transmission of plural types of wireless links are disclosed. The method includes: activating at least two different types of wireless links in advance; allocating transmission data to the wireless links at a signal source end according to transmission rates of the wireless links; and transmitting the allocated transmission data to the wireless links in parallel via the wireless links, so as to transmit the transmission data to a receiving end. In the method and the system, the data is transmitted via the plural wireless links in parallel, the transmission abilities of the wireless links are sufficiently utilized, and the transmission rate of the data is significantly increased. Since the wireless links are sufficiently utilized, a user's experience is enhanced.
US09503963B1 Wireless communication system to track data records
A wireless communication network to route data communications. The wireless communication network has wireless access systems and network gateway systems. The wireless access systems and network gateway systems store a plurality of routing instructions to direct the routing of the data communications within the wireless communication network. The wireless access systems and network gateway systems receive user instructions to add data tags to individual ones of the stored routing instructions. The wireless access systems and network gateway systems process the routing instructions to route the data communications. The wireless access systems and network gateway systems count the processing of the routing instructions having the stored data tags. The wireless access systems and network gateway systems transfer data records indicating the counts for the individual routing instructions having the stored data tags for delivery to a routing control system.
US09503962B2 Mobile wireless device
A mobile wireless device includes a first microphone that receives an audio signal, a plurality of antennas disposed at different distances from the first microphone, a wireless unit that performs wireless signal processing for signals received/transmitted through the antennas, an antenna switch that is connected to the wireless unit and performs antenna switching to connect one of the plurality of antennas to the wireless unit, an audio signal processor that processes the audio signal, and a main body that is wearable and includes the wireless unit, the first microphone, the antenna switch, the audio signal processor, and at least one of the antennas. The audio signal processor calculates a level of the audio signal. The antenna switch performs the antenna switching based on the level of the audio signal to switch to one of the antennas that is anticipated to provide better performance.
US09503960B2 Radio communication apparatus and radio communication method
An interfering wave is detected using, in a received signal including a preamble and a control signal field, a plurality of symbols including a symbol configuring the preamble and a symbol configuring the control signal field. The received signal has one of a plurality of transmission formats that use at least either a first frequency band or a second frequency band. In a signal quality detector, a symbol differential calculator calculates, in each of the first frequency band and the second frequency band, differences between a certain number of symbols adjacent to one another at predetermined positions in a time domain among the plurality of symbols. A square operator performs square operations on results of the calculation of differences. An interference determiner determines, using results of the square operations, whether each of the first frequency band and the second frequency band includes an interfering wave.
US09503959B2 Transmitting and receiving data based on multipath
Methods, apparatuses and systems for transmitting and receiving data based on multipath for transmitting data based on multipath include: establishing WiMAX connection-based multiple paths between a first device and a second device; transmitting data frames in a data queue in the multiple paths; obtaining the quality condition of the multiple paths; and based on the quality condition, adjusting the transmission of the data frames in the data queue in the multiple paths. According to one aspect, there is provided a method for receiving data based on multipath, which includes: establishing WiMAX connection-based multiple paths between a first device and a second device; receiving a plurality of data frames in the multiple paths; processing the received plurality of data frames based on quality condition of the multiple paths. There are further provided corresponding apparatuses and systems.
US09503958B2 Path control device, path control system, path control method, and non-transitory computer readable medium
Provided are a path control device and a path control method for maintaining a constant communication quality between wireless links in a network including a plurality of wireless links with varying transmission rates. A path control device 900 for a plurality of wireless links connecting a plurality of communication devices includes an information management unit 901 that stores a correlation of communication quality between the wireless links; and a path selecting unit 902 that selects a path of a flow by using the correlation of communication quality between the wireless links. The path selecting unit 902 selects a path using the correlation of communication quality between the wireless links, thereby maintaining the communication quality of the entire path constant.
US09503956B2 Systems and methods for facilitating communications originating from a non-terrestrial network
Embodiments are provided for facilitating text- and voice-based communications that originate from an electronic device connected to a non-terrestrial network. According to certain aspects, the electronic device can be previously registered with a data center and can have an active service or product with the data center. The electronic device initiates a communication request that is intended for a destination device. The data center examines the communication request to identify the electronic device, and modifies the communication request to indicate a subscription associated with the electronic device. The data center transmits the modified communication request to a service provider network for delivery to the destination device.
US09503954B2 Method and system for station location based neighbor determination and handover probability estimation
The present invention is a method and system for station location based neighbor determination and handover probability estimation. A serving access point determines the location and movement measurements of a station (STA). Neighboring access points report coordinates of cell fringes of the neighboring access points. The STA sends a request for system information to the current access point along with current location of the STA. The current access point provides the system information, and the STA utilizes the system information to determine best handover candidate from among neighboring access points and an estimate of the time for handover.
US09503952B2 Systems and methods for interference cancellation capability reporting and user equipment offloading in heterogeneous networks
Embodiments are provided for interference cancellation (IC) capability reporting and user equipment (UE) offloading in wireless or heterogeneous networks. In an embodiment, a method performed by a UE includes reporting, to a network, IC capability information of the UE, and receiving, from the network, instructions in accordance with the IC capability information of the UE. A handover procedure is then initiated in accordance with the instructions. In another embodiment, a method performed by a network component includes receiving, from a UE, IC capability information of the UE, evaluating the IC capability information of the UE, and sending instructions to the UE in accordance with the IC capability information of the UE. The instructions determine a handover behavior by the UE.
US09503948B1 Managing data redundancy of wireless device communication
First data packets for a wireless device are received from a data source at a network element, and are encoded into at least one second data packet using a data redundancy factor, where the at least one second data packet comprising at least two of the first data packets. The at least one second data packet is provided to an access node and is sent from the access node to the wireless device over a first frequency band. A round trip time of at least one of the first data packets is determined at the data source, and further a frequency band load of the first frequency band is determined. A handover is performed of the wireless device from the first frequency band to a second frequency band based on the round trip time and the frequency band load of the first frequency band.
US09503947B2 Priority handling-based cell reselection method in wireless communication system and apparatus for supporting the method
Provided is a cell reselection method performed by a terminal in a wireless communication system. The method comprises acquiring information indicating that the lowest priority is to be applied to a specific frequency, applying the lowest priority to the specific frequency and operating a cell reselection, applying the highest priority to the specific frequency upon sensing a specific type cell during the operation, and performing a cell reselection based on the applied lowest priority or highest priority.
US09503941B2 Systems and methods for supporting an enhanced serving cell change when moving among different cell types
A system and method enable handover from a DC-HSUPA-capable node in a cellular wireless network to a non-DC-HSUPA-capable node. According to various aspects of the present disclosure, a handover may implement a legacy serving cell change procedure or an enhanced serving cell change procedure. In either case, signaling from the network to user equipment includes information to enable the user equipment to change or remove an Active Set when undergoing a handover from a cell with two uplink carriers and accordingly two Active Sets, to a cell with one uplink carrier and accordingly one Active Set.
US09503935B2 Handover mechanism in cellular networks
Systems, apparatuses, and methods for a handover procedure in heterogeneous networks are provided. In particular, an intermediate handover (IHO) is introduced. Certain aspects of the disclosure involve, a method, performed at a serving base station of a wireless communications network, where the serving base station serves a user equipment (UE). The method includes receiving a downlink (DL) signal quality indicator from the UE; and determining, from the signal quality indicator, whether a condition for an intermediate handover (IHO) state is satisfied. If the condition for the intermediate handover state is satisfied, the serving base station can initiate the intermediate handover state.
US09503930B2 Method and apparatus for transmitting control information
A method and an apparatus for transmitting control information are disclosed. The method includes: grouping UEs in a cell, and obtaining second control information of each UE group after grouping; performing joint channel coding on the second control information of each UE group; obtaining first control information, and transmitting the first control information to the UEs in the cell, where the first control information includes indication information of the second control information, on which joint channel coding has been performed, of each UE group, so as to obtain the second control information according to the indication information; and transmitting the second control information, on which joint channel coding has been performed, of each UE group to the UEs in the cell.
US09503924B2 Interpolation-based channel state information (CSI) enhancements in long-term evolution (LTE)
According to example embodiments, a method for wireless communications by a user equipment (UE) is included. The method generally includes performing channel estimation at a plurality of frequency locations based on reference signals (RS) transmitted from at least one transmission point, computing at least one channel feedback metric for each frequency location, and transmitting the channel feedback metrics to the transmission point. According to certain aspects, a method for wireless communications by a base station (BS) is provided. The BS may receive channel feedback metrics from a UE, calculated at a plurality of frequency locations based on RSs transmitted from the BS. The BS may perform interpolation to determine values for channel feedback metrics for frequency locations between frequency locations of the received channel feedback metrics.
US09503922B1 Wireless network abstract maintenance command execution framework
A communication network maintenance system. The system comprises an equipment inventory data store comprising cell tower equipment information, at least one processor, a memory, a command builder application, and a command executor application. The command builder application receives an abstract command identifying an abstract maintenance operation and a cell tower, looks up information about the cell tower in the inventory data store, based on the looked up information determines a specific command to execute on the cell tower using an element management system (EMS) associated with the cell tower, builds the specific command, and places the specific command on a queue. The command executor application retrieves the specific command from the queue, verifies a syntax of the specific command against the rules of the EMS associated with the specific command, checks that the specific command is authorized, and transmits the specific command to the EMS.
US09503921B2 Method for determining scrambling code conflict and apparatus for determining scrambling code conflict
Embodiments of the present invention relate to a method for determining a scrambling code conflict and an apparatus for determining a scrambling code conflict. The method includes: determining a serving cell before a handover of a user equipment fails, and determining a current serving cell of the user equipment; and comparing frequencies and scrambling codes of the current serving cell and a neighboring cell of the serving cell before the handover fails, and determining, according to a result of the comparing, that a scrambling code conflict exists between the current serving cell and the neighboring cell of the serving cell before the handover fails. A probability of a handover failure of a user equipment is reduced, so as to ensure that a service of the user equipment runs normally.
US09503913B2 Distributed generation of slow-fading post-coding vectors for LSAS communication networks and the like
In one embodiment, a cellular wireless communications network, such as a large-scale antenna system (LSAS) network, having multiple base stations is logically divided into overlapping, virtual, truncated networks, where each base station functions as the master of a different truncated network, and each truncated network also has one or more base stations that function as slaves to that master base station. Each master base station generates estimated slow-fading coefficients and a slow-fading post-coding (SFP) vector based only on the wireless units current located within its truncated network. In particular, to generate the SFP vector, the master collects estimated slow-fading coefficients and estimated uplink data symbols from its slaves. The master uses the SFP vector to update its own estimated uplink data symbols for the wireless units currently located within its own cell.
US09503911B2 System and method for coordinated beamforming for overlapping basic service set in WLAN
Embodiments are provided for enabling a coordinated beamforming (CB) mechanism in WLAN scenarios. In an embodiment, an AP sends a Feedback Request (FBR) frame to each one of the STAs in the OBSSs. The OBSSs comprise the STAs and a plurality of APs including the AP. The AP then receives a feedback frame from each STA of the STAs that participate in the CB transmission. The feedback frame includes channel state information (CSI) of the STA. The CSI enables the sending AP of performing CB on downlink. In an embodiment, the AP receives an initiate CB frame from a second AP initiating a CB transmission, and then sends an ACK frame to the second AP before sending the FBR frame to each one of the STAs. The AP starts the CB transmission with each one of the other APs that participate in the CB transmission.
US09503906B2 Detection and location of wireless field devices
A method of evaluating a potential location to add a wireless field device to an existing network of a plurality of existing wireless field devices is provided. The method includes placing a handheld field maintenance tool in the potential location and causing the handheld field maintenance tool to identify wireless field devices within communicative range of the potential location. Information related to wireless communication at the potential location is viewed. Methods are also provided for identifying a selected field device in a process installation using a handheld field maintenance tool.
US09503900B2 Method and system of protecting files
Provided is a method of protecting files of an electronic device. In the method, a pre-setting return information is read in a wireless communication tag; a setting interface is provided; the files of the electronic device is selected through the setting interface; a predetermined protection time period and a pre-setting return information are set through the setting interface; wireless communication signal having a fixed frequency is transmitted by the electronic device; the selected files are encrypted if no pre-setting return information is obtained by the electronic device from the wireless communication tag; the selected files are deleted upon the condition that the selected files are encrypted for the predetermined protection time period.
US09503898B2 Hybrid mobile device and radio system
Certain embodiments disclose an integrated dual-device architecture for marrying modern computing devices (e.g. laptops, smartphones and tablets) with standalone tactical radios (e.g. military or first-responder push-to-talk radios) with the goal of leveraging modern mobile devices for improved interfaces and usability (compared to a tactical radio) while reducing the footprint (size, weight, battery power/capacity, and cost) of the tactical radio. Certain embodiments encompass offloading various traditional radio workloads (e.g. voice processing, control/management processing, and cryptographic processing) from the radio onto the mobile device, dramatically simplifying the tactical radio design and cost (e.g. making the radio a “dumb” transceiver only), and physically conjoining the mobile device with the reduced tactical radio into a single, conveniently operated and transported system.
US09503894B2 Symbiotic biometric security
The method, system and device examples provide for a mobile device biometric authentication that authenticates an application user via a biometric input, and thereby reduce the need to enter complex user credentials into a mobile device to gain access to a mobile application. The examples leverage the biometric recognition operations managed by the operating system of the mobile device to allow a mobile application to authenticate the user as a valid user of the mobile application. In an example, a successfully unlocking of a mobile device via a biometric input from a user is used by the mobile application to perform an authentication operation with assistance from an authentication server to authenticate the user of the mobile device as a valid user of the mobile application. As a result, the mobile application grants access to the mobile application based on the user's biometric input.
US09503893B2 Communication management system, relay device, communication control system, communication system, communication method, and recording medium storing communication control program
A relay device is communicable with a communication management system that stores relay device identification information for identifying a relay device capable of communicating with a communication terminal using a first communications protocol, in association with configuration data that allows the communication terminal to communicate using a second communications protocol. In response to a configuration data request received from a communication terminal using the first communications protocol, the relay device transmits relay device identification information to the communication management system to obtain configuration data associated with the relay device identification information, and transmits the configuration data to the communication terminal.
US09503891B2 Authentication method of wireless mesh network
Disclosed is an authentication method of a wireless mesh network capable of reducing overload and communication delay during authentication procedure by performing authentication between nodes without accessing an authentication server. The authentication method of a wireless mesh network according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure includes: selecting, by a new node, a first neighbor node among one or more adjacent nodes; transmitting, by the new node, an authentication request message including a public key of the new node; authenticating, by the first neighbor node, the public key of the new node; transmitting, by the first neighbor node, an authentication response message including a public key of the first neighbor node to the new node; and authenticating, by the new node, the public key of the first neighbor node; transmitting, by the new node, an authentication identification message to the first neighbor node.
US09503890B2 Method and apparatus for delivering keying information
A method of delivering an application key or keys to an application server for use in securing data exchanged between the application server and a user equipment, the user equipment accessing a communications network via an access domain. The method comprises running an Authentication and Key Agreement procedure between the user equipment and a home domain in order to make keying material available to the user equipment and to an access enforcement point. At least a part of said keying material is used to secure a communication tunnel between the user equipment and the access enforcement point, and one or more application keys are derived within the home domain using at least part of said keying material. Said application key(s) is(are) provided to said application server, and the same application key(s) derived at the user equipment, wherein said access enforcement point is unable to derive or have access to said application key(s).
US09503889B2 System and method for mobile IP
Network system for communicating between a mobile node and a correspondent node via a first IP edge-IP network-second IP edge connectivity, comprising a user IP addressing space and a network IP addressing space, wherein a locator identifier space is inserted between the user IP and network IP addressing space, wherein the first and second IP edges are associated with first and second locator identifiers, and wherein the system is further arranged for associating a mobile node with one or more IP network addresses and an IP user address decoupled from the one or more IP network addresses via the first locator identifier.
US09503887B1 Method and apparatus for controlling input to a mobile computing device located inside a vehicle
A wireless transmission system and method is provided for use in a vehicle having an on-board diagnostic (OBD) system configured to provide vehicle speed data and engine operation status data. A transmission apparatus is interfaceable with the on-board diagnostic system. The transmission apparatus is configured to transmit a wireless signal as specified by Bluetooth criteria. A mobile computing device has an input device, a GPS module, and a wireless transceiver configured to receive the wireless signal in accordance with Bluetooth criteria and determine a signal level thereof. The GPS module is configured to provide GPS data as determined by received GPS signals. The mobile computing device operates in accordance with a method for determining is the mobile computing device is with a driver's seating area and disables the input device if the vehicle speed is at or above a threshold value.
US09503886B2 Systems, methods and articles for providing communications and services via a peer-to-peer network over a data transport link
Network communications, Web-based services and customized services using the Web-based services may be provided over a peer-to-peer network from a first peer to a second peer (e.g., automobile head unit) wherein the first peer has a separate connection to a more general server-based network such as the Internet. A communications device application based on a peer communications framework component in communication with a peer network stack on the communications device may work as middleware, with a connection to both a more general server-based network such as the Internet and to an external device, such as a head unit of an automobile. Although the communications device has a separate connection out to the Internet via a general network stack co-existing on the same communications device, the peer network stack and the general network stack are not directly connected.
US09503884B2 System, method and apparatus for pairing SIM or UICC cards with authorized wireless devices
A wireless device and a process of authorizing a wireless device are disclosed. The process includes storing a list of authorized terminals within a memory accessible by a wireless device. The process further includes comparing the list of authorized terminals in the memory to at least one of terminal profile data and an IMEI of the wireless device and allowing network access if at least one of the terminal profile data and the IMEI are found on the list of authorized terminals and limiting network access if at least one of the terminal profile data and the IMEI are not found on the list of authorized terminals.
US09503883B2 Method and system for automatically switching subscriber mode through identifying IMSI
A method for automatically switching subscriber mode through identifying IMSI includes, when a cell phone is turned on, determining if a first IMSI is consistent with a pre-stored second IMSI. If the first IMSI is determined to be consistent with the second IMSI, the cell phone enters a subscriber mode corresponding to the second IMSI. If the first IMSI is determined to not be consistent with the second IMSI, the first IMSI is matched with a third IMSI of an IMSI list pre-stored in the cell phone; when the first IMSI is determined to be consistent with the third IMSI, the cell phone enters a subscriber mode corresponding to the third IMSI. Thereby, the cell phone quickly and efficiently completes identifying an IMSI and automatically switches subscriber mode.
US09503882B2 Service processing method and terminal
A service processing method comprises: after receiving a service sharing request from another terminal, a terminal storing context information of a current state of the terminal, and then switching to the shared service; and when a fallback condition in a preset policy is satisfied, recovering to the state before the switch according to the context information. An embodiment of the present invention also provides a terminal Embodiments of the present invention allow fallback to the state before the service sharing, and thus avoid complex setting and operation of a user.
US09503880B2 Method for managing the mobility of a node
A method for managing the mobility of a mobile node in telecommunications networks, which include first and second telecommunications networks, the mobile node including a memory area that stores data concerning the mobility of the mobile node in the networks, a first module for managing the mobility of the mobile node, to establish, through the first network, from an item of mobility data, a mobility session with a home agent, and, a second module for managing the mobility of the mobile node, to establish, through the second network, from an item of mobility data, a mobility session with the home agent, the method including accessing by the first module the mobility data stored in the memory area, and obtaining, by the second module, from the first module, at least one item of mobility data from the set of data that is accessible by the first module.
US09503873B1 Real-time, crowd-sourced, geo-location based system for enhancing personal safety
The disclosure describes a crowd-sourced, social network and geo-location based system for enhancing personal safety via users' mobile devices. The system shares information (including images, video, and/or audio) about crimes, fires, accidents and public safety-related events and their geo-locations. Users selectively receive notifications for such events in a map view based on the events' proximity to users or on whether the notification was initiated by a person in the users' social network. The system also shares users' status and geo-location information with previously identified persons or with all persons in their social network to let them know their geo-location and/or when they have reached a destination. Through the system's operation, a user can cause sending of a distress signal to pre-identified persons, groups within their social network, or others who are within a pre-established distance. Additionally, the system can send a distress signal if the user fails to check in.
US09503868B2 Sending text messages to multiple devices using a joint services account
A network device receives a message that identifies a relationship between a wireless user device and a client device, the relationship allowing text messages, intended for the wireless user device, to be sent to the client device. The network device stores the information identifying the relationship. The network device receives a text message intended for the wireless user device. The network device determines to send the text message to the client device, based on the information identifying the relationship stored by the network device; and the network device sends the text message to the client device for display on a display device associated with the client device.
US09503858B2 Selective crowdsourcing of location-related data
Example methods, apparatuses, or articles of manufacture are disclosed herein that may be utilized, in whole or in part, to facilitate or support one or more operations or techniques for selective crowdsourcing of location-related data, such as within an indoor or like environment, for example, for use in or with a mobile communication device.
US09503854B1 Criteria-associated media content
A content item may be associated with criteria that are to be performed to unlock the content items. In response to a user action, a determination as to whether the user action satisfies the criteria may be made. In response to determining that a user satisfied the criteria, the content item may be unlocked with respect to that user, meaning that the content item may become available to that user, such as via a corresponding user device. If it is determined that the criteria is not satisfied, the content item will remain unavailable to the user. Either a service provider or a user may associate the criteria with the content item, which may include video content, audio content, textual content, or image content.
US09503851B2 Location based notification services
Architecture that generates a notification when a user arrives at a location, but without exposing identity of the location. Moreover, the notification can be generated and transmitted at all times. The architecture comprises a reminder service that manages all reminder requests and approvals, a notification engine that notifies a requesting user when target user arrived at a specific location or one of a general category of location, and a user interface that allows the user to set reminders that are displayed when the target user arrives at the point of interest and approves other user reminder requests. The architecture can be run on a mobile phone, and manages user requests and user approvals for location based notifications, alerts a requesting user the target user arrived at one of previously-specified points of interest. Similarly, a general category of destination can be specified, rather than a specific point of interest.
US09503850B2 Method and system for identifying and defining geofences
The preferred embodiments of the present invention are directed to an improved mapping and navigational system. Specifically, the present invention is directed to a system for defining and assigning geographical boundaries to points of interests on a graphical map, where the geographical boundaries preferably correlate to spatially defined boundaries of the respective points of interests. In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, the points of interest, along with the respective defined geographical boundaries, can be transferred from a personal computing device to a telecommunication device, such as a portable communication device, so as to be used for mapping purposes and to set off proximity alerts when the portable communication device, equipped with a GPS unit, enters or exits the geographical boundary of a particular point of interest.
US09503846B2 Embedded location tracking systems for sports equipment
Embedded location tracking systems for sports equipment that include a locator tag embedded within an item of sports equipment in such a fashion that removal of the tag results in severe damage to the sports equipment. The tag is capable of determining its location and continually reporting this location over a wireless data network to a server for use by the owner of the sports equipment. The sports equipment can include any item capable of receiving the locator tag in a fashion manner that would result in serious damage to the equipment upon removal. Examples include skis, a snowboard, watersports equipment, or bicycles.
US09503842B2 Techniques to support integrated bluetooth/3GPP radio access technologies
An integrated Radio Access Technology (RAT) architecture may include 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) and Bluetooth links. Configuration information for the Bluetooth link may be provided over the 3GPP link to assist in the setting up and/or usage of a Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) link. Bearer traffic that may normally be transmitted over the 3GPP link may be offloaded to the BLE link in a manner that is seamless and transparent to the 3GPP core network elements (e.g., the serving gateway (SGW) and packet data network gateway (PGW)).
US09503837B2 Method and apparatus for performing HARQ process in wireless communication system
A method and an apparatus for performing hybrid automatic repeat request (HARQ) in a wireless communication system is provided. UEs that use the same application for D2D communications form a sharing group so that reliability of transmission of a physical uplink shared channel (PUSCH) and a physical uplink control channel (PUCCH) among terminals that perform the D2D communications is guaranteed. In addition, among the terminals that perform the D2D communications, uplink transmission points in time determined in accordance with TDD configuration are checked and determined (calculated) so that the PUSCH and the PUCCH are correctly transmitted and received.
US09503833B2 System and method for network provisioning of mobile entities for peer-to-peer service
Techniques are provided for peer-to-peer (P2P) service provisioning. For example, there is provided a method, operable by a network entity, that may involve determining a set of region-specific parameters for use in the P2P service in a coverage area. The method may involve providing the set of the region-specific parameters to at least one user equipment (UE) for configuration of the at least one UE for the P2P service, in response to the at least one UE entering the coverage area. In related aspects, the set of the region-specific parameters may include RF parameters, service discovery parameters, connection establishment parameters, and/or security parameters.
US09503831B2 Audio playback method and apparatus
Embodiments of the present invention provide an audio playback method and apparatus. The embodiments of the present invention provide an audio playback method, applied to a mobile terminal that has a spatial attitude sensor, where the mobile terminal includes at least three speakers, and the at least three speakers are not in a same straight line, where the method includes: when screen rotation is performed on the mobile terminal, acquiring spatial attitude information; and controlling, according to the spatial attitude information, audio content played by each speaker, so that a speaker located on the left of currently played video information plays a left audio channel, and a speaker located on the right of the currently played video information plays a right audio channel. The audio playback method and apparatus provided in the embodiments of the present invention can be applied to the mobile terminal having the spatial attitude sensor.
US09503829B2 Ear pressure sensors integrated with speakers for smart sound level exposure
Systems and methods may provide for a headset including a housing and a speaker positioned within the housing and directed toward a region external to the housing such as, for example, an ear canal when the headset is being worn. The headset may also include an ear pressure sensor positioned within the housing and directed toward the same region external to the housing. In one example, a measurement signal is received from the pressure sensor, one or more characteristics of an audio signal are automatically adjusted based on the measurement signal, and the audio signal is transmitted to the speaker.
US09503823B2 Capacitive microphone with insulated conductive plate
A capacitive microphone may include a housing, a membrane, and a first backplate, wherein a first insulating layer may be disposed on a first side of the first backplate facing the membrane and a second insulating layer may be disposed on a second side of the first backplate opposite to the first side of the first backplate. A further insulating layer may be disposed on a side wall of at least one of a plurality of perforation holes in the first backplate. Each conductive surface of the first backplate may be covered with insulating material.
US09503822B2 Electroacoustic transducer
An electroacoustic transducer comprises a diaphragm body part and a voice coil combined to one side of the diaphragm body part, wherein the diaphragm body part comprises non-conductive base material layers and a conductive metal layer; the metal layer is interposed between any two neighboring layers of the base material layers, and is provided with first conductive terminals conductively combined with the voice coil; each of the base material layers between the metal layer and the voice coil is provided with open holes which are formed by removal of material to allow the passage of the first conductive terminals; the central part of the diaphragm body part is combined with a reinforcing layer; and the reinforcing layer is combined to one side of the diaphragm body part away from the voice coil, and covers the regions where the first conductive terminals are located.
US09503821B2 Electrostatic transducer
An electrostatic transducer comprises an electrically conductive first layer (1), a flexible insulating second layer (25) disposed over the first layer, and a flexible electrically conductive third layer (26) disposed over the second layer. Between the first and the second layers are provided spacers (24) and between the second and the third layers are provided spacers (27). The spacers may be provided by strips of adhesive or by bonding the layers together by welding, for example. The first layer (1) is provided with an array of through apertures (5) each having an inlet (6) facing the second layer (2) and an outlet (7). In response to signals applied to the first and third layers, the second and third layers have portions which are displaced towards the outlets of the apertures by electrostatic forces. The apertures (5) may have conducting walls and the walls may converge.
US09503815B2 Perceptual echo gate approach and design for improved echo control to support higher audio and conversational quality
To address issues with present echo gate control, a method and apparatus for more intelligently operating an echo gate is described herein. In particular, the decision of whether to mute an uplink signal, or not, is formulated herein as primarily a perceptual decision based on an appropriate analysis of the perceptual interaction of the current residual echo and the current near-end signal(s). By doing so, the application of muting through an echo gate may be minimized and/or more appropriately engaged. This will lead to fewer dropouts and muting of speech onsets and offsets 1) during periods such as double-talk or 2) during periods of downlink playback in the presence of low near-end signal levels, two cases of particular importance.
US09503814B2 Differential outputs in multiple motor MEMS devices
An the acoustic apparatus comprising a first MEMS motor that includes a first diaphragm and a first back plate, and a second MEMS motor that includes a second diaphragm and a second back plate. The first motor is biased with a first electrical polarity and a second motor is biased with a second electrical polarity such that the first electrical polarity and the second electrical polarity are opposite. At the first motor, a first signal is created that is representative of received sound energy. At the second motor, a second signal is created that is representative of the received sound energy. A differential output signal that is the representative of the difference between the first signal and the second signal is obtained. In obtaining the differential output signal, common mode noise between the first motor and the second motor is rejected.
US09503813B2 System and method for dynamic residual noise shaping
A system and method for dynamic residual noise shaping configured to reduce hiss noise in an audio signal. The system and method may detect an amount and type of hiss noise. The system and method may limit calculated noise suppression gains responsive to the detected amount and type of hiss noise. The limited noise suppression gains may be applied to the audio signal and may reduce the hiss noise.
US09503810B2 Arrangement for mixing at least two audio signals
In order to realize a correction for changes in the reproduction loudness at low frequencies in a downmix-arrangement, a mixing arrangement is proposed for mixing at least two audio signals, which mixing arrangement is provided with a first unit (104) for deriving a first power signal, which is a measure for the power of the first audio signal, a second unit (105) for deriving a second power signal, which is a measure for the power of the second audio signal, a cross-correlation unit (103) for deriving a cross-correlation signal, which is a measure for a cross-correlation between the first and the second audio signal, a unit (106) for deriving multiplication parameters from the first and second power signals and the cross-correlation signal, and a multiplication and combination unit (107) for carrying out a signal processing on the first and second audio signals and combining them. The unit (106) for deriving the multiplication parameters is provided with a combination unit (110) for deriving a combination signal which is a measure for a combination of the first and second power signals and the cross-correlation signal, and is provided with a scaling unit (109) for scaling one of the signals in the unit for deriving the multiplication parameters with a scaling signal. The scaling signal (D[k]) has a frequency characteristic which is a substantially constant below a first frequency value (kL), is increasing between the first frequency value (kL) and a second higher frequency value (kU) and is again substantially constant above the second frequency value. The unit (106) for deriving the multiplication parameters is further adapted to derive a single multiplication parameter m[k]) from the combination signal, and the multiplications and combination unit (107) is adapted to carry out a signal processing on the first and second audio signals which is equivalent to multiplying the first and second audio signals with this single multiplication parameter, and combining the so multiplied first and second audio signals.
US09503809B2 Beam-forming device
A beam-forming device includes a first target sound blocker 103 and a second target sound blocker 104 that remove a target signal having a correlation mutually from a first sound signal x1 and a second sound signal x2 which are converted by first and second microphones 101 and 102, a phase synchronizer 105 that synchronizes the phases of the first sound signal x1 and the second sound signal x2 and synthesizes these sound signals by using information acquired when the first target sound blocker 103 removes the target signal, and a noise learner 106 that learns a noise component included in an output signal of the phase synchronizer 105 from signals from which the target signal is removed by the first target sound blocker 103 and the second target sound blocker 104.
US09503794B2 Serving a live stream as an advertisement
A content server receives live streams from a content distributor to transmit to users of the content server. In one embodiment, the content server promotes the live streams received from the content distributor, by serving portions of the live stream as advertisements (ads) to users of the content server along with videos or digital content requested by the users. The content server buffers the live stream. The content server receives a request for a video from a client device. The content server identifies the video requested by the user and metadata associated with the identified video. The content server, based on the metadata determines whether to serve the client device with a live-stream ad, as a pre-roll ad for example, along with the video requested by the user. The content server then identifies a buffered live-stream ad to transmit to the client device along with the requested video.
US09503793B2 System and method for enabling client-side initiated identification of media content
There is provided a system and method enabling client-side initiated identification of media content rendered on a client-side media player. In one embodiment, the system comprises the client-side media player including a controller and a memory, a media content database accessible by the client-side media player over a network, and a media content identifier application to be run on the client-side media player. The media content identifier application, when executed by the client-side media player controller, performs a method comprising sampling the media content, sending a first data corresponding to the sample to the media content database over the network, and receiving a second data over the network identifying the media content, thereby enabling client-side initiated identification of the media content rendered on the client-side media player.
US09503791B2 Home screen intelligent viewing
The disclosure relates systems and methods for analyzing viewing habits on an audiovisual content receiving device such as a set-top box, including both program recording and viewing habits for live programs, and to determine viewer preferences for audiovisual events such as television programs for any given timeslot.
US09503789B2 Customized user interface generation in a video on demand environment
A method for delivering customized navigation or interactive program guide imagery to a user by digitally splicing bitstreams bearing graphics or video imagery and bitstreams bearing navigation or IPG imagery. The resulting combined bitstream is delivered to a user or viewer.
US09503786B2 Video recommendation using affect
Analysis of mental states is provided to enable data analysis pertaining to video recommendation based on affect. Analysis and recommendation can be for socially shared livestream video. Video response may be evaluated based on viewing and sampling various videos. Data is captured for viewers of a video where the data includes facial information and/or physiological data. Facial and physiological information may be gathered for a group of viewers. In some embodiments, demographics information is collected and used as a criterion for visualization of affect responses to videos. In some embodiments, data captured from an individual viewer or group of viewers is used to rank videos.
US09503783B2 Methods and apparatus to detect spillover in an audience monitoring system
Methods and apparatus to detect spillover in an audience monitoring system are disclosed. An example method includes sampling a first audio signal from a first source received by a first microphone. A second audio signal received by a second microphone from the first source is sampled. The second microphone is separated from the first microphone by a first distance. A time delay between receipt of the first and second sampled audio signals is calculated. Whether the time delay is within a threshold time difference is determined. When the time delay is within the threshold time difference, the media associated with the first source is retained. When the time delay exceeds the threshold time difference, the media associated with the first source is ignored.
US09503779B2 Network connection configuration method for multimedia player and related computer system
A network connection configuration method for a multimedia player includes establishing a Wireless Fidelity (Wi-Fi) connection between a mobile device and a network connection device, such that the mobile device obtains a service set identification (SSID) and a password thereof of the network connection device; utilizing an image capture module of the mobile device to capture an optical image corresponding to the multimedia player, so as to establish a Wi-Fi Direct connection between the mobile device and the multimedia player; and establishing another Wi-Fi connection between the multimedia player and the network connection device according to the Wi-Fi connection between the mobile device and the network connection device as well as the Wi-Fi Direct connection between the mobile device and the multimedia player.
US09503774B2 Information display device
An information display device includes: a display unit, an information obtaining unit which obtains program-related information related to a video program displayed on a video display device following the video program; and a terminal control unit which causes the display unit to display the program-related information obtained by the information obtaining unit. When the information obtaining unit is unable to obtain first program-related information related to a first video program currently displayed on the video display device following the first video program, the terminal control unit causes the display unit to display (i) second program-related information distributed before the first video program is displayed on the video display device, or (ii) third program-related information related to the second video program displayed before the first video program is displayed on the video display device.
US09503771B2 Low latency wireless display for graphics
As part of a communication session, a wireless source device can transmit video component data and metadata to a wireless sink device. The wireless source device can intercept the video component data prior to the video component data being rendered by the wireless source device, and the wireless sink device can generate a frame of video data based on the video component data and the metadata.
US09503769B2 Metadata brokering server and methods
Exemplary embodiments of the present invention provide methods and systems for supplying rich multimedia metadata usable to generate, e.g., sophisticated entertainment user interfaces in the home. These methods and systems can be implemented as a server-based software application that feeds multiple, diverse clients. The server functionality could be distributed, even co-located physically with one or more clients, or centralized. The server aggregates, filters, validates, augments and links metadata from disparate sources. The server transforms the metadata into a more manageable and extensible internal format. The server communicates with client devices using a schema-independent protocol, providing metadata in the appropriate format that suites the clients needs.
US09503768B2 System and method for content transmission network selection
A content transmission selection system is disclosed. The content transmission selection system receives requests from viewers for specific video content items. Using characteristics of the designated content item, the content transmission selection system determines whether to transmit the content item over a broadcast network or a broadband network.
US09503767B2 Program storage, retrieval and management based on segmentation messages
Segmentation messages indicative of locations of upcoming events, such as the start and end of programs and program portions, and/or rights related to the programs and program portions, are used by cable systems and the like to store programs and program portions for later retrieval and transmission to customers on request. Storage, retrieval and management of programming is thereby facilitated. Methods and systems are disclosed.
US09503764B1 Processing and/or distributing media content associated with at least one parameter related to a memory operation
A system to facilitate media content protection is provided. The system includes a partitioning component, a key derivation component and an output component. The partitioning component partitions encrypted media content associated with a master key into a plurality of media content segments. The key derivation component generates respective subkeys for the plurality of media content segments based at least in part on the master key and one or more parameters associated with one or more memory operations. The output component generates decrypted media content based at least in part on the respective subkeys.
US09503755B2 Image coding method, image decoding method, image coding apparatus, image decoding apparatus, and image coding and decoding apparatus
A dependency indication is signaled within the beginning of a packet, that is, within the adjacent of a slice header to be parsed or a parameter set. This is achieved, for example, by including the dependency indication at the beginning of the slice header, preferably after a syntax element identifying the parameter set and before the slice address, by including the dependency indication before the slice address, by providing the dependency indication to a NALU header using a separate message, or by using a special NALU type for NALUs carrying dependent slices.
US09503751B2 Method and apparatus for simplified depth coding with extended prediction modes
A method and apparatus for Simplified Depth Coding (SDC) with extended Intra prediction modes are disclosed. Embodiments of the present invention use an extended Intra prediction mode set including Horizontal mode and Vertical mode. When the Horizontal mode is selected, the prediction samples for the current depth block are derived based on a reconstructed neighboring depth column adjacent to a left block boundary of the current depth block by generating rows of the prediction samples from the reconstructed neighboring depth column. When the Vertical mode is selected, the prediction samples for the current depth block are derived based on a reconstructed neighboring depth row adjacent to a top block boundary of the current depth block by generating columns of the prediction samples from the reconstructed neighboring depth row.
US09503750B2 Binarization of prediction residuals for lossless video coding
A video codec comprising a processor configured to compute a difference between an original pixel and a prediction pixel to generate a prediction residual, and binarize an absolute value of the prediction residual. A method for video coding comprising computing a difference between an original pixel and a prediction pixel to generate a prediction residual, and binarizing an absolute value of the prediction residual. A video encoder comprising a processor configured to set a number of syntax elements to indicate lossless encoding of some or all coding units (CU) in a video frame, a transmitter configured to transmit a bit stream comprising the syntax elements. A method for video encoding comprising setting a number of syntax elements to indicate lossless encoding of some or all coding units (CU) in a video frame, and transmitting a bit stream comprising the syntax elements.
US09503749B2 Efficient rounding for deblocking
The present disclosure relates to deblocking filtering which is applicable to smoothing the block boundaries in an image or video coding and decoding. In particular, the deblocking filtering is either strong or weak, wherein the clipping is performed differently in the strong filtering and the weak filtering.
US09503746B2 Determine reference motion vectors
A method for encoding a video stream having a plurality of blocks including a current block. The method includes identifying, from a plurality of previously coded blocks, a plurality of candidate motion vectors; identifying, for the current block, a set of reconstructed pixel values corresponding to a set of previously coded pixel values; determining, for at least one of the plurality of candidate motion vectors, an error value based on the set of reconstructed pixel values and a set of predicted values for the set of previously coded pixel values; and selecting, from the plurality of candidate motion vectors, a reference motion vector for the current block based on the error value.
US09503742B2 System and method for decoding 3D stereoscopic digital video
Described herein is a MPEG-2 compatible stereoscopic 3D-video image digital decoding method and system. In order to obtain 3D-images from a digital video stream, modifications are made to the current MPEG2 decoders, by means of software and hardware changes in different parts of the decoding process. Namely, the video_sequence structures of the video data stream are modified via software to include the necessary flags at the bit level of the image type in the TDVision® technology. Modifications are also made in the decoding processes as well as in decoding the information via software and hardware, wherein a double output buffer is activated, a parallel and difference decoding selector is activated, the decompression process is executed, the corresponding output buffer is displayed; and the decoder is programmed via software to simultaneously receive and decode two independent program streams, each with an TDVision® stereoscopic identifier.
US09503738B2 Apparatus and methods for recompression of digital images
A system and method for generating a second reduced size digital image from a first digital image, the method including iteratively compressing the first digital image to an extent determined by a quality measure comprising at least a blockiness measure quantifying added artifactual edges along coding block boundaries of the second image and/or use of a quantization matrix generated by computing a weighted average of the quantization matrix of the first digital image and a scaled second quantization matrix.
US09503737B2 Low-complexity two-dimensional (2D) separable transform design with transpose buffer management
Methods are provided for reducing the size of a transpose buffer used for computation of a two-dimensional (2D) separable transform. Scaling factors and clip bit widths determined for a particular transpose buffer size and the expected transform sizes are used to reduce the size of the intermediate results of applying the 2D separable transform. The reduced bit widths of the intermediate results may vary across the intermediate results. In some embodiments, the scaling factors and associated clip bit widths may be adapted during encoding.
US09503733B2 Re-sampling with phase offset adjustment for luma and chroma to signal adaptive filters in scalable video coding
A sampling filter process is provided for scalable video coding. The process provides for re-sampling using video data obtained from an encoder or decoder process of a base layer (BL) in a multi-layer system using adaptive phase shifting to improve quality in Scalable High efficiency Video Coding (SHVC). In order to compensate for phase offsets introduced by downsampling an appropriate phase offset adjustment is made for upsampling in SHVC with an appropriate offset included for proper luma/chroma color space positions. In one approach, an adaptive filter is signaled with its phase offset adjusted to account for the luma/chroma offset.
US09503729B2 Encoding or decoding method and apparatus
Embodiments of the present invention provide an encoding or decoding method and apparatus. The method includes: extracting first information in a bitstream; determining a chroma component intra prediction mode according to the first information; when the chroma component intra prediction mode cannot be determined according to the first information, extracting second information in the bitstream; and determining the chroma component intra prediction mode according to the second information, where the first information includes information for indicating whether the chroma component intra prediction mode is a DM mode or an LM mode, the second information is used to indicate a remaining mode as the chroma component intra prediction mode, and the remaining mode is one of available chroma component intra prediction modes other than a mode that may be determined according to the first information.
US09503728B2 Image processing device, decoding method, intra-frame decoder, method of decoding intra-frame and intra-frame encoder
Adopted is a decoder, in which on condition that a prediction block shown by vector information extracted from a data stream, and a decode-target block have an overlap where respective pixels overlay each other, pixel information of an already-decoded portion at a distance of an integer multiple of a vector provided by the vector information from the overlap is made a prediction signal instead of the overlap, and the prediction signal is added to difference image data taken from the data stream to generate reproduction image data. The decoder is adopted for an intra-frame decoder, a local decoder of an encoder, and the like. According to a fundamental rule concerning a repetitive pattern of an image, a pixel at a distance of an integer multiple is a like pixel, and therefore the process of decoding can be performed efficiently.
US09503724B2 Interleave block processing ordering for video data coding
Systems and methods for interleaving video sub-blocks in video coding are described herein. In one aspect, an apparatus includes a memory and a video coder. The memory stores a first video block and a second video block. The first video block and the second video block include sub-blocks. The video coder processes a first sub-block of the first video block according to a first process and a second process, and processes a second sub-block of the first video block according to the first process and the second process after processing the first sub-block of the first video block according to the first process and the second process. Further, the video coder processes a first sub-block of the second video block according to the first process before processing the second sub-block of the first video block according to the first process.
US09503722B2 Line-based compression for digital image data
A method of compressing digital image data is provided that includes selecting an entropy code for encoding a line of pixels in the digital image data, wherein the entropy code is selected from a plurality of variable length entropy codes, using spatial prediction to compute a pixel predictor and a pixel residual for a pixel in the line of pixels, and selectively encoding the pixel residual using one of the entropy code or run mode encoding.
US09503719B2 Inter-layer coding unit quadtree pattern prediction
Systems, apparatus, articles, and methods are described including operations for inter-layer coding unit quadtree pattern prediction.
US09503715B2 Constrained intra prediction in video coding
A method of encoding video data includes determining that a current block of video data is to be encoded using an intra block copy (BC) mode and constrained intra prediction, determining one or more reference blocks that may be used for encoding the current block using the intra BC mode, wherein each of the one or more reference blocks is encoded with an intra prediction mode, and encoding the current block of video data using the intra BC mode and at least one of the determined one or more reference blocks.
US09503714B2 Programming disruption diagnostics
Various arrangements for monitoring the signal strength of a programming stream are presented. A tuner in a receiver may be allocated to monitor disruptions and changes to the signal strength of programming streams. Based on the characteristics of the signal strength and changes to additional data such as weather information, a cause of the disruption may be determined. The cause of the disruption may be communicated to a user. Characteristics of the disruption may be unique or localized to specific geographic locations. Based at least in part on the geographic location of a receiver characteristics of disruptions may be used to identify television receivers associated with account packing.
US09503712B2 Three dimensional display system
A three-dimensional display system (10) comprises a display housing (24) and a plurality of projectors (12) for projecting two-dimensional images (102) into a space, each projector (12) having means to adjust the distance between the projector (12) and the projected image (102), and each projector (12) being pivotally mounted to the display housing (24), for adjusting the horizontal and vertical position of the projected two-dimensional image (102) with respect to the projector (12). The display provides a high-resolution, three-dimensional multi-colored image which can be touched safely by the viewer. The display may be respond to physical objects in the display area by altering the image. The display may be used to operate a computer and browse the world wide web.
US09503710B2 Mobile terminal and method of controlling the simultaneous display of 2D and 3D images
A mobile terminal includes a memory configured to store at least one 2-dimensional (2D) image and at least one 3-dimensional (3D) image. A display unit is configured to display the images. A controller is configured to control the display unit to display a list including the at least one 2D image and the at least one 3D image when a command for displaying the list is input, and to control at least one image being one of the 2D image or the 3D image distinguishably displayed from another of the 2D image or the 3D image.
US09503707B2 Method for aligning a 3-D camera, method for controlling a 3-D camera during filming and camera rig having two cameras
A method of aligning the optical axes of two cameras, wherein the cameras are parts of a camera apparatus and the two cameras can be used for producing 3D films, wherein plural steps are automatically run through. The invention also relates to a method of controlling a camera rig comprising two cameras for producing 3D films according to the table of values according to such method, wherein during shooting upon zooming at least one camera is automatically moved via camera motors. The invention also relates to a camera rig comprising two cameras that are preferably juxtaposed or superimposed having a control which realizes a method as explained.
US09503706B2 Determining source lane of moving item merging into destination lane
Methods and devices acquire images using a stereo camera or camera network aimed at a first location. The first location comprises multiple parallel primary lanes merging into a reduced number of at least one secondary lane, and moving items within the primary lanes initiate transactions while in the primary lanes and complete the transactions while in the secondary lane. Such methods and devices calculate distances of the moving items from the camera to identify in which of the primary lanes each of the moving items was located before merging into the secondary lane. These methods and devices then order the transactions in a merge order corresponding to a sequence in which the moving items entered the secondary lane from the primary lanes. Also, the methods and devices output the transactions in the merge.
US09503704B2 Apparatus and method for picking up article disposed in three-dimensional space using robot
An article pickup device configured so as to select a first and second three-dimensional points present in the vicinity of each other based on position information of the plurality of three-dimensional points acquired by a three-dimensional measurement instrument and image data acquired by a camera, acquire an image gradient information in a partial image region including points on an image corresponding to these three-dimensional points, judge whether the first and second three-dimensional points are present on the same article based on a position information of the three-dimensional points and the image gradient information, and add the first and second three-dimensional points to the same connected set when it is judged that the first and second three-dimensional points are present on the same article.
US09503703B1 Approaches for rectifying stereo cameras
The quality of stereoscopic imaging using cameras with wide angle lenses can be improved using various calibration approaches to determine distortions or misalignments between the cameras. A calibration object such as a checkered grid with a determined inclination between portions can be used to provide lateral calibration as well as depth information. Intersections of the checkered regions can be used to determine intersection points for the calibration object in the image. Lines formed by the checkered regions can be located, and the points correlated with these lines, in order to determine correspondence between points in the image. These points are mapped to corresponding points of the calibration object in the real world, to determine system parameters and/or image adjustments to be made when subsequent images are captured, in order to remove the distortions and misalignment when providing a stereo image based on images from the cameras.
US09503702B2 View synthesis mode for three-dimensional video coding
A video encoder signals, in a bitstream, a syntax element that indicates whether a current video unit is predicted from a VSP picture. The current video unit is a macroblock or a macroblock partition. The video encoder determines, based at least in part on whether the current video unit is predicted from the VSP picture, whether to signal, in the bitstream, motion information for the current video unit. A video decoder decodes the syntax element from the bitstream and determines, based at least in part on the syntax element, whether the bitstream includes the motion information.
US09503700B2 Phosphor wheel and projector having the phosphor wheel
A phosphor wheel includes a rotating disk and a wavelength converting layer. The rotating disk has a first surface and a second surface opposite to the first surface, in which the first surface forms a coating region and a non-coating region. The wavelength converting layer is formed on the coating region of the first surface for converting a light wavelength of a light beam. In addition, an embodiment of the invention discloses a projection device having the phosphor wheel. When the rotating disk of the phosphor wheel rotates, the recess portion may disturb the air around the phosphor wheel such that the temperature of the wavelength converting layer may be effectively decreased. Simultaneously, the rotating disk has a stable dynamic balance and the rotating disk has a larger heat dissipating region because the recess portion is disposed on the rotating disk.
US09503699B2 Imaging device, imaging method, electronic device, and program
The present technique relates to an imaging device and an imaging method, an electronic device, and a program, which are configured to improve an SN ratio by combining addition reading and thin-out reading by signal processing similar to signal processing using thin-out reading.First, as illustrated in the left side of the drawing, G pixel and B pixel, which are sub-colors, of the top row of regions Z1, Z2 are subjected to thin-out reading. Next, for W pixels of the main color arranged in a checkerboard pattern in the regions Z1, Z2, two pixels tied by a straight line in the drawing are subjected to addition reading at the same tone timing. For W pixels of the main color arranged in a checkerboard pattern in regions Z3, Z4, two pixels tied by a straight line in the drawing are also subjected to addition reading at the same tone timing. R and G pixels, which are sub-colors, of the lower stage of the regions Z3, Z4 are read.According to a relative relation between the main color and the sub-colors of the regions Z1 to Z4 as illustrated in the center of the drawing, Bayer arrangement is obtained as illustrated in the right side of the drawing. The present technique can be applied to an imaging device.
US09503697B2 Digital camcorder angle display viewer device with an add-on protective cover for a mobile device and method for transporting components thereof
This invention, a digital camcorder angle display viewer device for a mobile device can continuously capture and present video images of the environment in front of the user when connected to a flexible, flip style protective cover with similarities of a book. By capturing present video images of the user's pathway, the device's user continuously can be aware of the environment beyond the device's display while multitasking using the mobile device. This device makes it comfortable for the user to look at the mobile device while glancing at the video camcorder angle viewer screen which is provided parallel to the mobile device to see what is in front of the user while the user is walking and simultaneously looking down towards the ground at a 45 degree angle. The video camcorder screen can continuously be a live and current video image of the view seen by the camcorder lens at any given moment. Consequently, the device's user is less likely to collide with or stumble over an object while operating the user's mobile device functions.
US09503696B2 Visual detection of volcanic plumes
A system for detecting volcanic plumes using a camera on an aircraft, a distant point-like source of light, and a computerized method of processing images acquired by the camera to detect phenomena indicative of the presence of volcanic plumes in a volume of space intersected by light from the light source. A computer system is programmed to determine whether the image data from the camera has characteristics indicating that the imaged light had passed through a volcanic plume or not. In response to detection of a volcanic plume in the flight path of an aircraft, the computer system outputs an alert activation signal to an alert device that produces a visible or audible alert.
US09503695B2 Network system having switch transferring data
A video monitoring device has a function that receives a VLAN-ID-attached Ethernet frame transferred from an Ethernet switch, and that identifies a port to which a video cable of a monitoring camera which is a distribution source of the Ethernet frame is connected by referring to the VLAN-ID attached to the Ethernet frame.
US09503693B2 Identifying spatial locations of events within video image data
An invention for identifying a spatial location of an event within video image data is provided. Disclosed are embodiments for detecting an object and obtaining trajectory data of a trajectory of the object within the video image data from a sensor device; converting the trajectory data into a contour-coded compressed image; generating, based on the trajectory data, a searchable code that contains a set of locations traversed by the trajectory of the object within the video image; associating the searchable code with the contour-coded compressed image in a database; and returning, in response to a query having a selected location that corresponds a location of the set of locations in the searchable code, an image of the trajectory data corresponding to the object based on the contour-coded compressed image in the database.
US09503691B2 Methods and apparatus for enhanced advertising and promotional delivery in a network
Methods and apparatus for enhanced advertising selection and delivery in a communications network. In one embodiment, the network comprises a cable television network, and the methods and apparatus enable a viewer to individually select and view advertisements during real-time broadcast program settings, as well as during “trick mode” operation in recorded program settings. Guess-work associated with skipping commercials via manual fast-forwarding through recorded content is eliminated, and a viewer is presented with several options regarding which advertisements to view and when to view them. In one variant, decoupling of advertising or promotions from a previously recorded program is provided, thus affording the network operator flexibility to insert various advertising content options, or selectively replace dated or expired advertisements, or those having less correlation to a current program content stream. In another variant, advertising or commercial skipping is substantially frustrated by presenting a viewer with several viewing options.
US09503689B2 Immersive telepresence anywhere
A conferencing peripheral for use with a mobile device or laptop or desktop computer can include one or more projectors, cameras, microphones, and speakers. Such a device can work with the mobile device to provide a higher quality conferencing experience than has been provided to date by projecting a substantially full size, high resolution, image of conference participants onto a screen or wall and by providing microphones, speakers, and sufficient audio processing to provide high fidelity audio as part of the conferencing experience. The peripheral may be configured to use the voice and/or data network of the mobile device or may include its own internal network interface.
US09503680B1 System for optimizing the monetization of outgoing video sessions of a contact center
Providing a video session from an agent of a contact center includes initiating by a contact center server an interactive video session to a customer computer, the interactive video session comprising a first video stream transmitted to the customer computer and the first video stream having an image size. The interactive video session also includes inserting an agent video portion within the first video stream, the agent video portion occupying a first part of the image size; providing an agent computer with a script related to a subject of the interactive video session; and inserting an automation within the first video stream; the automation occupying a second part of the image size. Input is received from the customer computer interacting with the automation; and based on the input, the script provided to the agent computer is modified.
US09503679B2 Display Apparatus
A display apparatus including a main body, a display panel installed in the main body, a video call unit installed to the main body, a circuit board for control of the video call unit, and a cable to connect the video call unit and the circuit board to each other, is provided. Installing the video call unit to the main body enables a video call via the display apparatus.
US09503676B2 Lens device and position detection method of movable optical element
In a magnetic recording scale 41 fixed to an outer periphery of a rotary tube 20 which rotates around an optic axis depending on the movement of a zoom lens, a plurality of recording section 41a and recording section 41b pairs are provided in the rotational direction. A recording section 41b has a width less than a width of a recording section 41a . The recording section 41a is recorded with code information indicating a position in the magnetic recording scale 41, and the recording section 41b is recorded with a magnetic signal for detecting the recording section 41a adjacent thereto. A lens position detecting unit 71 detects a position of the zoom lens based on the code information and then detects a position of the zoom lens based on the detected code information.
US09503675B2 Mobile terminal and control method thereof
The present disclosure relates to a mobile terminal and a control method thereof. A mobile terminal on which a video capturing function is executed according to one exemplary embodiment includes a camera that is configured to capture the video, a display unit that is configured to output a video frame received from the camera, and a controller that is configured to store time point information related to a time point at which a control command for inputting memo information during capturing of the video is received when the control command is received, and process the memo information, set after completion of the capturing of the video, in such a manner of associating the memo information with at least one video frame corresponding to the time point information within the captured video.
US09503673B2 Micromechanical component including an integrated photodiode and a microprojector
A micromechanical component includes: at least one micromirror; and an integrated photodiode. The micromechanical component is part of a microprojector which further includes a light source. The integrated photodiode of the micromechanical component receives light from the light source.
US09503671B2 Display device
Provided is a display device. The display device includes: a display panel which displays an image; and a housing which supports the display panel, wherein the housing includes: a bottom plate which includes edge regions; and a plurality of sidewalls which are located on the edge regions of the bottom plate and face the display panel, wherein the plurality of sidewalls include a first region and a second region adjacent to the first region and overlap an edge portion of the display panel, and an average height of at least one of the sidewalls on the first region is greater than an average height of at least one of the sidewalls on the second region.
US09503669B2 Smart control device and method for controlling television set
A smart control device for controlling a television (TV) set includes at least one sensing device and a processor. The sensing device is configured to detect whether a person is in front of the TV set, and generate a first control signal upon determining that at least one person is in front of the TV set, or generate a second control signal upon determining that no people are in front of the TV set. The processor obtains the control signal generated by the sensing device, and turns on the TV set when the control signal is the first control signal and if the TV set was turned off, or turns off the TV set after a first predetermined time period elapsed, when the control signal is the second control signal and if the TV set was turned on.
US09503666B2 Image sensor
An image sensor includes readout circuits coupled to read out integrated light signals from pixels via bitlines respectively. Each readout circuit includes a correlated double sampling (CDS) circuit, followed by an analog-to-digital converter (ADC). At least two pixels of a row share a bitline and an associated readout circuit. The ADC operates concurrently with the CDS circuit, such that their operating periods are substantially overlapped with each other.
US09503662B2 Solid-state imaging device and camera system
A solid-state imaging device and a camera system are disclosed. The solid-state imaging device includes a pixel unit and a pixel signal readout circuit. The pixel signal readout circuit includes a plurality of comparators disposed to correspond to a pixel column array, and a plurality of counters. Each counter includes a first amplifier, a second amplifier, and a mirror circuit to from a current mirror in parallel with the second amplifier. The first amplifier includes differential transistors, initializing switches connected between gates and collectors of the differential transistors, and first and second capacitors connected to each of the gates of the differential transistors. The second amplifier includes an initializing switch and a third capacitor. The mirror circuit includes a gate input transistor whose gate is inputted with a voltage sampled by the first amplifier or a voltage sampled by the second amplifier.
US09503661B2 Imaging apparatus and image processing method
An imaging apparatus includes a high-frequency pattern detector calculating a difference or a ratio between a value obtained by integrating averages of pixel outputs of a first pixel group arranged in identical positions in a vertical direction with respect to a focus detection pixel or in identical positions in a vertical direction with respect to another focus detection pixel located around the focus detection pixel and a value obtained by integrating averages of pixel outputs of a second pixel group arranged in positions shifted from the first pixel group in the horizontal or vertical direction, and sets a high-frequency degree in accordance with a magnitude of the difference or the ratio. An application determination unit increases the mixing rate of the focus detection pixel when the high-frequency pattern degree is high.
US09503660B2 Coordinated simultaneous real and Fourier plane imaging system and methods
Imaging systems and methods for simultaneous real and Fourier plane imaging. In one example, an imaging system includes at least one optical element configured to receive and focus incident electromagnetic radiation from a viewed scene, a first detector positioned at an image plane of the at least one optical element and configured to produce a first image of the viewed scene, and a second detector positioned at a Fourier plane of the at least one optical element and configured to produce a second image of the viewed scene, the first and second detectors configured to receive the electromagnetic radiation and produce the first and second images, respectively. The system may additionally include an optical component, such as a beamsplitter, for example, configured to divide and direct the incident electromagnetic radiation to the first and second detectors.
US09503659B2 Video display device and video display method
A video display device includes: a video display unit that displays video in accordance with a video signal; a switching detection signal input and output terminal that receives and outputs from and to another video display device a switching detection signal taking a first or second state; a display control unit that stops video display by the video display unit when a predetermined operation is instructed; a switching process signal output unit that outputs a predetermined switching process signal to change the switching detection signal to the first state when the predetermined operation is instructed, the switching process signal output unit stopping the output of the switching process signal when the predetermined operation is complete; and a switching detection signal input unit that releases the stoppage of the video display by the video display unit when the switching detection signal is in the second state.
US09503658B2 Method for generating and evaluating an image
A method for generating and evaluating an image of a section of an object using an optical sensor. To generate a bright image, individual images are recorded of a section, of which individual images at least some individual images overlap at least in part in each case, and that to generate the image, the individual images or signals are aligned with respect to one another and superposed to form an overall image as the image of the at least one section, so that the evaluation of the overall image is substantially restricted to the overlapping regions of the individual images and/or the evaluation of the overall image or of a part thereof is brought about on the basis of the overlapping regions of the individual images having the latter.
US09503657B2 Camera apparatus
There is provided a camera apparatus, including a first output section which outputs first image signals for displaying a first image corresponding to an image by captured image signals, and a second output section which outputs second image signals for displaying a second image having information which becomes effective when imaging.
US09503656B2 Solid state imaging device and image acquisition method using solid state imaging elements having a PN junction
A solid state imaging device includes: solid state imaging elements having a first electrode, a ferroelectric layer, and a transparent second electrode laminated together, and a PN junction between the ferroelectric layer and the first or second electrode; a controller acquiring brightness information of an imaging target, and determining whether each solid state imaging element is set to operate in a high or low sensitivity mode based on the brightness information; and a circuit applying a voltage to the solid state imaging element based on the determination, and setting the solid state imaging element to operate in the high or low sensitivity mode, in which a photovoltaic current from the solid state imaging element which is set to operate in the high or low sensitivity mode is detected, and an image is acquired based on the detection result.
US09503654B2 Automatic anti-glare exposures for imaging devices
Techniques related to anti-glare exposures for imaging devices and, in particular, for exposures that disable a flash when a flash reflecting surface is detected between the imaging device and an object of interest of the exposure are discussed. Such techniques may include determining a flash reflecting surface is between the imaging device and the object of interest based on a comparison of an autofocus distance to the object of interest and an estimated distance to the flash reflecting surface and disabling the flash based on the determination.
US09503653B2 Method for determining attitude of star sensor based on rolling shutter imaging
A method for determining an attitude of a star sensor based on a rolling shutter imaging is provided. The method comprises: optimizing a relation among an exposure time, a line readout time, an interline integral interval time and a frame processing time of an image for the rolling shutter imaging by using a rolling shutter model of an image sensor in the star sensor based on a line; predicting and extracting locations of M navigation stars comprised in a star map in the star sensor according to the optimized relation among the exposure time, the line readout time, the interline integral interval time and the frame processing time; and transferring an updated the attitude matrix and an updated angular velocity of the star sensor sequentially until a final attitude matrix and a final angular velocity of the star sensor are obtained.
US09503651B2 Apparatus and method for finding optimal zooming speed
An optimal zooming speed determining device includes: a storage to store a zooming speed at each position of a zoom lens; a tracking implementer to calculate a position of the zoom lens changed in a unit time at a zooming speed at each position of the zoom lens; a moving time calculator to calculate a difference between a position of a focus lens corresponding to a position of the zoom lens before the position of the zoom lens is changed and a position of the focus lens corresponding to the changed position of the zoom lens, and calculate a focus moving time by dividing the difference between positions of the focus lens by a highest moving speed of the focus lens; and a zooming speed determiner to reduce the zooming speed at each position of the zoom lens, if the focus moving time is greater than the unit time.
US09503642B2 Image capturing device and activation method therefor
An image capturing device includes a first controller operable to control image capturing; an operation section including a switch; a detector operable to detect a change to an image capturing mode and to send a signal representing the change; a second controller operable to monitor and process the sent signal, the second controller having a power consumption less than that of the first controller; and a power supply operable to supply power to the first controller, the second controller, and a functional section of the device. When the second controller receives the signal sent from the detecting section in a power saving state in which power is supplied from the power supply to the second controller, the power saving state is changed to a power supplying state capable of image capturing by supplying power from the power supply to portions of the device including the first controller.
US09503641B2 Energy-proportional image sensor
The subject disclosure is directed towards energy saving mechanisms of image sensor circuitry (e.g., in a camera). Image quality data, such as provided by an application, is processed to make energy consumption of image sensor circuitry more proportional to output image quality by controlling the operation of one or more controllable power saving mechanisms of the image sensor circuitry. Power saving mechanisms may include a frequency controlled clock, the ability to turn off unneeded components, an inter-frame standby mode that puts the image sensor circuitry into a standby mode between capturing sequential frames, selectable parallel analog chains having different energy usage properties and column circuitry that allows turning off circuitry corresponding to unneeded columns of the sensor array.
US09503637B2 Semiconductor device and image processing method
An image processing apparatus includes an image processing unit that calculates two types of image data from one image data and outputs the calculated image data, a data combination unit that combines the two type of data supplied from the image processing unit and outputs the combined data to one terminal, an output buffer that adjusts an output timing of the combined data according to an instruction supplied from bus arbitration means for arbitrating a bus, and a data distribution unit that outputs the combined data output from the output buffer to the bus in a form of the combined data, or distributes the combined data and outputs the distributed data to the bus according to an external combination distribution instruction.
US09503635B2 Refrigerator
A refrigerator is provided. The refrigerator may include a main body having a storage compartment, a first door rotatably installed at a first side of the main body to open and close a first portion of the storage compartment, and a second door rotatably installed at a second side of the main body to open and close a second portion of the storage compartment. A first camera may be installed at the first door to take a picture of an interior of the first storage compartment during rotation of the first door, and a second camera may be installed at the second door to take a picture of the interior of the first storage compartment during rotation of the second door. A controller may combine plural pictures taken by the first camera and the second camera into a single corrected image of a region of the first compartment spanning from the first door to the second door.
US09503631B2 Mobile terminal and control method thereof for displaying image cluster differently in an image gallery mode
A mobile terminal including a display unit; at least one camera; and a controller configured to perform first and second continuous shooting operations using the at least one camera for capturing a plurality of first images in the first continuous shooting operation and capturing a plurality of second images in the second continuous shooting operation, generate a combined image by combining a first image cluster generated from the plurality of first images and a second image cluster generated from the plurality of second images, and distinctively display the first and the second image clusters on the display unit.
US09503630B2 Method of executing fast association function of camera and portable device including the same
A portable device and a method of executing the fast association function of a camera are provided. The method includes activating the camera, capturing a gathering image using the camera, activating a user function registered as an associated function of the camera when the gathering image is captured, and performing the registered user function based on the gathering image.
US09503629B2 Image processing apparatus, image processing method, and computer-readable device having instructions for generating focused image
An image processing apparatus includes: a display section having the function of detecting a position touched by a pointer; an icon display control section for identifying a pixel of interest which is a pixel associated with the position of the pointer from among pixels forming an image displayed at the display section and displaying an icon for indicating the pixel of interest on the image displayed at the display section; and an image processing section for generating an image focused in a part thereof associated with the pixel of interest using distance data associated with the pixels forming the image.
US09503627B2 Handle for handheld terminal
A handle for a handheld terminal includes a first interface module, a first key module, a first power supply module, and a base handle module. The handle couples with the handheld terminal. The handle makes a wireless connection with the handheld terminal the first interface module or a wired connection with the handheld terminal via the first interface module. The first key module includes one or more user operation command keys. The first power supply module supplies power for the handle. The handle is operable with one hand.
US09503625B2 Attachable smartphone camera
Systems and methods are disclosed herein that generally involve a camera system including a high-quality lens which is selectively attachable to a mobile device, effectively replacing the mobile device's integral lens. The attachable camera system can leverage existing features of the mobile device, such as the display, battery, storage, and sharing functions, allowing the camera system itself to be a relatively simple, lightweight, portable, and inexpensive device. The ability to selectively attach and detach the camera system from the mobile device allows the camera system to be removed when it is desired to maintain the mobile device's favorable weight, size, and ergonomic characteristics. When high quality image or video capture or increased camera flexibility and functionality is desired, the camera system can be attached to the mobile device.
US09503621B2 Pendant housing for a camera
A pendant housing for a camera. The housing comprises a substantially cylindrical casing. The substantially cylindrical casing further includes a top end portion that may be removeably mounted to a tube without a tool, a dome structure that may house at least a lens portion of a camera, a bottom end portion that may be removeably mounted to the dome structure without a tool, and a waterproof seal positioned between the bottom end portion and the dome structure.
US09503616B2 Image capturing apparatus
An image capturing apparatus comprises an image sensor constructed by replacing some of a plurality of image forming pixels of the image sensor with focus detecting pixels, a comparison unit configured to compare outputs of the image forming pixels as a plurality of correction targets adjacent to the focus detecting pixel with outputs of a plurality of reference image forming pixels of the same color as the plurality of image forming pixels arranged in the vicinity of the plurality of image forming pixels adjacent to the focus detecting pixel, and a correction unit configured to execute correction processing of the outputs of the image forming pixels as the plurality of correction targets in accordance with a comparison result of the comparison unit.
US09503613B1 Scanning previous printing passes for registration of subsequent printing passes
Methods and devices print markings on an item in a first printing pass, using intended locations for the markings, to produce initial printed marks. Such methods and devices further scan the item after the first printing pass to detect actual printed locations of the initial printed marks. These methods and devices also compare the actual printed locations to the intended locations to identify the printing registration variation. Thus, such methods and devices change the intended locations for the markings based on the printing registration variation to generate corrected locations for the markings; and then reprint the markings directly on the initial printed marks a second time on the item in a second printing pass using the corrected locations for the markings, using the marking device.
US09503612B1 Glare mitigation for dynamic document scanning
Mitigating glare in connection with photographing a document using a camera includes assessing a first amount of glare that would result if a user were to take a snapshot at a first camera position and lighting conditions, if the first amount of glare is below a predetermined threshold, taking a snapshot with the camera, and, if the first amount of glare is above the predetermined threshold, continuously prompting the user to adjust a position of the camera and taking the snapshot when the camera is in a second position and a second amount of glare, different from the first amount of glare, is below the predetermined threshold. The lighting conditions may include effects of external lighting sources. The user may adjust the external lighting sources before taking the snapshot. The lighting conditions may include effects of an internal light source of the camera.
US09503608B2 Equipment management system, equipment management device, and equipment
There are included: a processing-result-information-acquiring-unit that acquires, from each equipment, processing result information associating communication device identification information for identifying a communication device being installed corresponding to the equipment and processing request information regarding a processing request; a layout-information-acquiring-unit that acquires layout information associating, with each piece of the communication device identification information, area information indicating an area where the communication device indicated by the communication device identification information is installed; a proposal-information-acquiring-unit that acquires proposal information associating, for each type of area, a proposal condition and a proposed content; a determining-unit that determines, for each area, whether the proposal condition is satisfied or not, based on a plurality of pieces of the processing result information, the layout information, and the proposal information; and an output-control-unit that causes, when the proposal condition is satisfied, an output unit to output a proposed content associated with the proposal condition.
US09503605B2 Image reader, and method and computer-readable medium therefor
An image reader including a controller configured to acquire white reference data based on a signal output from a sensor that has received reflected light from a white reference member, by controlling a light source to emit light of a first quantity onto the white reference member, acquire black reference data based on a signal output from the sensor that has received reflected light from the white reference member, by controlling the light source to emit light of a second quantity lower than the first quantity onto the white reference member, acquire image data of a document sheet based on a signal output from the sensor that has received reflected light from the document sheet, by controlling the light source to emit light of the first quantity onto the document sheet, and correct the acquired image data with the acquired white reference data and the acquired black reference data.
US09503602B2 Image forming apparatus, image formation method, and recording medium that execute application
Provided is the image forming apparatus, image formation method, and recording medium, which make unnecessary a change of the function in the side of a whole apparatus control platform, when the addition (extension) of the function of application is needed. Image processing service I/F, device operation service I/F, and network communication service I/F of a platform service I/F part are independent, without cooperating, respectively. Then, image processing service, device operation service, and network communication service of each part controlling service are called. That is calling a control service providing part of each part controlling service corresponding to the request from the standard application, directly, by each control service call part.
US09503597B1 Image capture method and image capture and synthesis method
An image capture method includes the following steps. Firstly, an image capturing device including a line image sensor and an optical mouse sensor is provided. Then, an image capturing resolution is provided. Then, the optical mouse sensor starts counting, and the image capturing device is moved along a specified direction. Then, a sampling target value along the specified direction is acquired. Then, the line image sensor acquires at least one temporary image. Then, each temporary image is correlated with a temporary target value according to a counting result of the optical mouse sensor. Then, an absolute value of each temporary target value minus the sampling target value is calculated, and the temporary image corresponding to the minimum absolute value is determined as a to-be-synthesized image. Consequently, the overall volume of the image capturing device is reduced, and the capturing performance is optimized.
US09503596B2 Image forming apparatus having a shift position obtaining unit
An image forming apparatus includes an obtaining unit that obtains image information for forming a confirmation image, a state of formation of the confirmation image at a peripheral portion of a recording medium when an image formation position with respect to the recording medium is a predetermined position differing from a state of formation of the confirmation image at the peripheral portion of the recording medium when the image formation position is shifted from the predetermined position; and a forming section that, when ascertaining the shift of the image formation position from the predetermined position, performs an image forming process using the image information obtained by the obtaining unit.
US09503590B2 Imaging apparatus, method of controlling imaging apparatus, and program
In an imaging apparatus, when a user selects a smart phone mode while a communication function menu screen is displayed, a control unit controls a communication unit to perform a connection operation to an information processing apparatus such as a smart phone. If the user selects a printer mode while the communication function menu screen is displayed, the apparatus determines the current photographing mode. If the current photographing mode is a specific photographing mode, the apparatus displays a printer connection disenabled screen to inhibit connection with the printer.
US09503588B2 Image device, image device controlling method, and program
An image device connected to an external device via a first communication interface and a second communication interface different from the first communication interface, the image device including an image capturing unit that captures an image in response to a shooting instruction, a sharing unit that shares a communication parameter used for connecting the image device to the external device via the first communication interface with the external device via the second communication interface with the external device, a connection unit that connects the image device to the external device via the first communication interface using the communication parameter shared using the sharing unit, and a control unit that controls the sharing unit to start a process for sharing the communication parameter with the external device using the second communication interface according to the shooting instruction.
US09503587B2 Information processing apparatus, control method of information processing apparatus, and storage medium storing program
In an information processing apparatus capable of executing a first wireless communication method and a second wireless communication method having a communication range wider than that of the first wireless communication method, an apparatus to be caused to execute predetermined processing is searched for using both the first wireless communication method and the second wireless communication method. When a common apparatus has been found by both the first wireless communication method and the second wireless communication method, the common apparatus is decided as the apparatus to be caused to execute the predetermined processing by the second wireless communication method.
US09503586B2 Online charging method, apparatus, and system based on number portability service
The present invention relates to the field of communications technologies, and in particular, to an online charging method, apparatus, and system based on a number portability service. When a calling UE in an IMS network initiates a call to a called UE, after receiving an invite message sent by a CSCF entity in the IMS network, an AS in the IMS network queries number portability information corresponding to a number of the called UE and sends a number of the calling UE and the found number portability information to an OCS in the IMS network, so that the OCS is capable of performing charging authentication for the calling UE according to the number portability information and the number of the calling UE. When the called UE has changed a subscription network and subscribed to an NP service, the OCS is thus capable of correctly performing charging authentication.
US09503584B2 Secure data entry system
Data signals (e.g DTMF tones) transmitted on a telephone call between a customer terminal (1) and a call center platform (4) are diverted at the call center platform 4 to a secure payment system (3) such that the call center operative cannot intercept them. In order to verify that this has been done, the security system provides access to the user over a connection (23,230) independant of the connection (34,41) to the call center that allows the user to independently verify that the secure connection 34 has been made. This may take the form of returning the user's calling line identity (CLI) for the connection (34) over the independant connection (23/230) or, where CLI is not available, transmitting a one-time code over one of the links for the user to return over the other. The customer can continue to talk to the call center operative as only DTMF tones are diverted. The call center operative can confirm that the customer's details have been entered and verified by the security system (but is not told what the verification details are) over a separate link (43) between the call center platform (4) and security system (3).
US09503580B1 Computing device assistance for phone based customer service representative interaction
Systems and methods for computing device assistance for phone based customer service representative interaction are described herein. One or more systems include a number of customer service representative computing devices having processors and memory thereon for the storage of executable instructions and data, wherein the instructions are executed to allow at least one of the number of computing devices to control a customer's computing device such that the customer service representative or executable instructions can select information, related to a phone based customer service representative interaction, to display on the customer's computing device and display the selected information on a display of the customer's computing device.
US09503579B2 Identification of non-compliant interactions
A method of evaluating scripts in an interpersonal communication includes monitoring a customer service interaction. At least one portion of a script is identified. At least one script requirement is determined. A determination is made whether the at least one portion of the script meets the at least one script requirement. An alert is generated indicative of a non-compliant script.
US09503576B2 System and method for determination and display of “in-network” caller notification on a mobile device
System and method for determining whether an incoming call originates from inside or outside of a mobile carriers network and indicates the result to the subscriber. An example system performs a GTT (global title translation) on an incoming number to determine the hosting carrier of any mobile phone number. When the result matches the subscriber's carrier, the mobile device then indicates to the subscriber (i.e. mobile device) that the call is an “in network call.” Results of the comparison are stored and used for later incoming calls. The stored results are refreshed every time or periodically.
US09503565B2 Device and method for providing application for external accessory in wireless terminal
A method and device for providing an application for an external accessory in a wireless terminal, by which related applications corresponding to a type of an external accessory connected to a wireless terminal can be displayed. Instead of sifting through applications or searching for the appropriate ones for the external accessory, the invention causes them to be displayed. To this end, the device includes a display unit for displaying related applications for an external accessory connected to the wireless terminal and a controller for sensing a type of the external accessory connected to the wireless terminal and extracting and displaying related applications for the external accessory.
US09503558B1 Battery module for communication devices having an accessory interface
A battery module for a portable communication device having a controller. In one embodiment, the battery module includes a battery accessory interface having a positive terminal, an identifying terminal, and a negative terminal. A voltage regulator is connected to the positive terminal of the battery accessory interface and configured to output a voltage on the positive terminal in response to a control signal. An addressable switch is connected to the identifying terminal of the battery accessory interface. The addressable switch is configured to communicate with the controller and generate the control signal based on input from the controller and the identifying terminal.
US09503555B2 Mounting device couplable to a human head
A clamping apparatus for a head-mounted display device is provided. The clamping apparatus comprises a pivot portion at a rear of the clamping apparatus, the pivot portion adapted to rotate in a rotation plane, a first side portion coupled to and extending in a forward direction from the pivot portion, a second side portion coupled to and extending in the forward direction from the pivot portion, wherein the pivot portion is adapted to adjust the first and second side portions through the rotation plane to a first position and maintain the first position until later adjusted, and a display device assembly coupled to the first side portion, the display device assembly extending in the forward direction from the first side portion.
US09503553B2 Device for controlling the implementation of functions in a service device belonging to an internet communication network core
An device (A) is dedicated to controlling the implementation of functions linked with providing at least one communication service to at least one communication terminal (T1) in a service equipment (SA1) belonging to an Internet communication core network (NC). The device (A) comprises control means (CM) which, upon receipt of a request for providing the service offered by its equipment (SA1) for a given communication, are tasked with (i) deciding to implement at least one function selected from among the functions offered by the equipment (SA1); and, subsequently, (ii) inserting data signaling that decision into at least one of the signaling messages sent by the equipment for the communication in question, which are intended for at least some other service equipments (PS1, PS2, SA2, MR1) of the core network (CR), so that they can prohibit themselves from implementing the selected function for the duration of the given communication.
US09503551B2 Hybrid native networked applications
Disclosed are various embodiments for a hybrid networked application. An application context communicates with a thin client application. The application context maintains a navigation state and manages previously loaded content to simulate a native application experience. Navigation contexts facilitate the search and discovery of information. Overlays facilitate the discovery and rendering of item details.
US09503550B2 Multi-modality communication modification
Disclosed herein are example embodiments for multi-modality communication modification. By way of example but not limitation, a communication device may interact with a user for a first portion of a communication in a manner corresponding to a first communication modality in accordance with at least one intimacy setting. A communication device may further discern at least one modification to at least one user interaction communication modality of at least one intimacy setting and interact with a user for a second portion of a communication in a manner corresponding to a second communication modality in accordance with the at least one intimacy setting responsive at least partly to the at least one modification.
US09503546B2 Method for connecting to one another communicating objects in which user profiles are stored, and communicating object corresponding thereto
A method for connecting to users using at least two communicating objects comprises the step of creating a user account, associating the user account to profile accounts, such as professional and/or social network accounts and/or an account memorized in a customer data base. The user accounts and the associated profile accounts of all the users are incorporated into a general data base. The detecting communication objects detects detectable communicating objects and exchanges fields of the user accounts and/or associated profile accounts, the detection keys and the search keys with each other. Common keys between the search keys of the detecting communicating object and the detection keys of a detected communicating object are identified, the user is notified, and the two communicating objects are connected to each other.
US09503544B2 Mobile application traffic optimization
A system with distributed proxy for reducing traffic to satisfy data requests made in a wireless network is provided. The system includes a mobile device having a local proxy for intercepting a data request made via the mobile device and a proxy server coupled to the mobile device and a content server to which the data request is directed. The proxy server is able to communicate with the local proxy and the local proxy forwards the data request to the proxy server for transmission to the content server for a response to the data request. The proxy server sends the data request to the content server independent of activities on the local proxy and notifies the local proxy when different content on the content server is detected for the data request
US09503543B2 Proxy cache aggregator
A social data aggregator generates entries of action data describing actions taken by users of a social networking system. The entries are archived in a number of remote data hosts, with a portion of the entries stored in an action cache to expedite retrieval. The action cache is modified to include relevant entries of action data by selecting the most relevant entries from proxy data aggregators, which identify sets of entries from remote data hosts coupled to the proxy data aggregators based on the relevance of the entries in the remote data hosts. The relevance of an entry is based on an associated engagement score indicating a likelihood of a user requesting content interacting with a notification based on an entry.
US09503542B1 Writing back data to files tiered in cloud storage
Systems and methods are provided herein for writing back data to files tiered in cloud storage. Files tiered to cloud storage can be stored in chunks where each chunk is stored as a distinct cloud object and where each cloud object is mapped to known offset regions of a file and the mapping is stored in local storage within a stub file. If the file is modified locally, e.g., a write has occurred, the offset range associated with the write can be used to determine which cloud object associated with the file is being modified. A new cloud object can be stored with the write data, while the previous cloud object is retained in cloud storage. The mapping, stored within the stub file can updated to reference the new cloud object for the region of the file that was modified. In addition, mapping can be retained for the previous version of the file allowing for efficient recall of past versions of files.
US09503534B2 Information distribution system
A system includes a server device and a plurality of user terminals. Each of the user terminals transmits a provisional user identifier, a group identifier, and activity information representing an activity of a user to the server device. For each of the received activity information, the server device selects distribution information based on the activity information, and also generates combination information including the distribution information and the provisional user identifier received with the activity information. The server device transmits a distribution information list including the combination information generated based on the activity information received with the group identifier, to each of the user terminals associated with the group identifier. Each of the user terminals acquires the distribution information included in the combination information including the provisional user identifier in the received distribution information list.
US09503529B2 System and method to transport HTTP over XMPP
Method to transport HTPP over XMPP, including: forming a first two-level URI template to identify web resources accessible by use of HTTP in an XMPP network, wherein a first level is XMPP-formatted and a second level is HTTP-formatted; binding HTTP to XMPP and stanzas; transmitting the HTTP messages in those stanzas; receiving a HTTP messages in those stanzas; and a XMPP mechanism to discover if an XMPP entity supports transporting HTTP over XMPP.
US09503527B1 Personalized phone registration based on virtual desktop infrastructure
Techniques are provided for a client device accessing a host virtual desktop (HVD) server in a network. At the client device, a session is initiated with the HVD server to access a virtual desktop hosted by the HVD server. The client device launches via the virtual desktop a communications application hosted by the HVD server to cause the communications application to obtain communication identifier information from a communications manager server. The communication identifier information is forwarded from the HVD server to the client device. The client device registers with the communications manager server using the communication identifier information to enable the client device to take on a persona of a user that is associated with the communication identifier information.
US09503523B2 Hybrid fibre channel storage with end-to-end storage provisioning and external connectivity in a storage area network environment
An example method for hybrid Fiber Channel (FC) storage with end-to-end storage provisioning and external connectivity in a storage area network (SAN) environment is provided and includes partitioning a SAN into an internal virtual storage area network (VSAN) for connectivity to an internal storage element located in a first portion of the SAN implemented in a unified computing system (UCS), where a second portion of the SAN is external to the UCS, partitioning the SAN into an external VSAN for connectivity to an external storage element located in the second portion of the SAN, and facilitating communication with the internal storage element over the internal VSAN and with the external storage element over the external VSAN. In one embodiment, border ports on a FI in FC switching mode are configured as N-ports for the external VSAN, and the external storage element is attached to the UCS through an N-port.
US09503519B2 Method and arrangement for the supervision of transactions in a peer-to-peer overlay network
The present invention relates to the supervision of transactions in peer-to-peer (P2P) overlay networks. A P2P overlay network often consists of peers interconnected via different access technologies having significantly different round-trip time (RTT) delays. Current time supervisions of retransmissions and transactions in P2P networks have fixed values. This has the disadvantages that if the timer values are too short, unnecessary retransmissions are performed although a response would be on its way. If the timer values are too long it results in unnecessarily long messaging delays. These disadvantages have been overcome by a method and a peer for adapting the timer values to the conditions in the P2P overlay network.
US09503517B1 Data volume placement techniques
A storage management system monitors an indicator of whether data storage is capable of meeting a performance description as stored on a current implementation resource, such as a storage server. The indicator may be used to determine whether none, some or all of the data storage should be moved from the current implementation resource to an available implementation resource.
US09503515B2 Administering virtual machines in a distributed computing environment
In a distributed computing environment that includes hosts that execute a VMM, where each VMM supports execution of one or more VMs, administering VMs may include: assigning, by a VMM manager, the VMMs of the distributed computing environment to a logical tree topology, including assigning one of the VMMs as a root VMM of the tree topology; and executing, amongst the VMMs of the tree topology, a broadcast operation, including: pausing, by the root VMM, execution of one or more VMs supported by the root VMM; sending, by the root VMM, to other VMMs in the tree topology, a message indicating a pending transfer of the paused VMs; and transferring the paused VMs from the root VMM to the other VMMs.
US09503514B2 Administering virtual machines in a distributed computing environment
In a distributed computing environment that includes hosts which each execute a VMM, with each VMM supporting execution of one or more VMs, administering a the VMs may include: assigning, by a VMM manager, the VMMs of the distributed computing environment to a logical tree topology, including assigning one of the VMMs as a root VMM of the tree topology; and executing, amongst the VMMs of the tree topology, an allgather operation, including: sending, by the root VMM, to other VMMs in the tree topology, a request to retrieve VMs supported by the other VMMs; pausing, by each of the other VMMs, a VM supported by the VMM; providing, by each of the other VMMs as a response to the root VMM's request, the paused VM; and broadcasting, by the root VM to the other VMMs as a set of VMs, the received VMs.
US09503513B2 Robust transmission of data utilizing encoded data slices
A method begins by a processing module concurrently encoding a collection of data segments to produce sets of encoded data slices, where each set includes a total number of encoded data slices and where a decode threshold number of encoded data slices is required to recover a corresponding data segment. The method continues with the processing module determining a transmit number to be initially greater than the decode threshold number and less than the total number. The method continues with the processing module selecting a transmit number of encoded data slices from each set of encoded data slices to produce sets of transmit encoded data slices. The method continues with the processing module randomizing ordering of the sets of transmit encoded data slices to produce a random order of encoded data slices and transmitting encoded data slices of the random order of encoded data slices.
US09503511B2 Delivery of multimedia service in mobile network
Embodiments of the present disclosure set forth a method for optimizing a multimedia service in a mobile network including a server and a client. The method includes: collecting QoS related information of a channel in the mobile network; collecting or retrieving at least one parameter associated with a usage preference of the mobile network or the client; determining a QMS metric based on the QoS related information and the at least one parameter for the channel periodically; notifying the server a first QMS metric when the difference between a second QMS metric and the first QMS metric exceeds a threshold, wherein the first QMS metric is obtained immediately succeeding the second QMS metric; and receiving a multimedia content in a manner that is determined based on the first QMS metric.
US09503510B2 Content distribution based on a value metric
Embodiments of methods, systems and apparatuses for distributing content over a communication network based on a value metric, are disclosed. One method includes managing, by at least one content distribution server, a plurality of content. The method further includes assisting preloading of at least a portion of a content to a storage element as directed by a service provider, wherein the content is selected from the plurality of content based on a value metric, wherein the value metric includes a cost parameter, and wherein the storage element is coupled to the at least one content distribution server over the communication network.
US09503508B2 Declarative and adaptive content management
A computer-implemented method for content management across multiple server computers includes receiving a request to transfer a file between a central server computer and a client device. A list of two or more local server computers is received, wherein the two or more local server computers transfer the file between the central server computer and the client device. Operational information is received that is associated with each of the two or more local server computers and a duration of connectivity between each of the two or more local server computers and the client device. A strategy is determined for the file across the two or more local server computers based, at least in part, on the operational information associated with each of the two or more local server computers.
US09503506B2 Transit-mode-based webpage accessing method, system, and crawler route server
A method for accessing webpages based on a transit mode is provided. A crawler route server receives a webpage access request sent from a client where the webpage access request contains identification of a target website to be accessed. The crawler route server obtains a target crawler server which has the fastest speed for accessing the target website corresponding to the identification of the target website to be accessed from at least one crawler server. Further, the method includes the crawler route server returns the identification of the target crawler server to the client, and the client accesses the target website through the target crawler server corresponding to the identification of the target crawler server.
US09503505B2 Monadic evaluation of injected query compositions
Embodiments enable the evaluation of injected queries within a monad. One or more operators with closures are received from a first process. The operators with closures represent one or more functions to be applied by a second process. The second process evaluates the received operators with closures to apply the functions within the monad. During evaluation, the second process converts the closures to simply typed closures. Further, the second process binds the converted closures within the monad to restrict execution of the functions. In some embodiments, the queries (e.g., sequences of one or more operators with closures) are composed using a set of query operators from the language integrated query (LINQ) framework encoded in uniform resource locators (URLs) in the representational state transfer (REST) style.
US09503504B2 System and method for generating visual identifiers from user input associated with perceived stimuli
The present invention generally relates to systems for generating visual identifiers. In particular, the systems and methods herein are configured to generate visual identifiers for representing user response to stimuli. In a preferred embodiment, visual identifiers are generated from primary colors or shapes, wherein the primary colors and/or shapes can be blended or modified based on strength/weakness of the stimuli experienced by a user or across a plurality of users. Preferred embodiments of the invention are further configured to receive text or other non-visual identifier from a user in order to describe the response the user has to a stimuli; wherein the associated system is configured to convert the described response into an appropriate visual identifier.
US09503500B2 Systems and methods of classifying content items
A method of classifying content items utilizes user-generated playlists. A content item is included in respective playlists from a plurality of respective distinct users. The method receives respective user-generated information corresponding to the content item from each of the respective distinct users. For some users, the respective user-generated information is the respective playlist title. For other users, the user-generated information is the text of social network posting that identifies a respective playlist. In each case, the respective user-generated information specifies a first content item attribute that characterizes the content item. Accordingly, the method assigns the first content item attribute to the content item. Subsequently, a request is received from a first user for a content item having the first content item attribute. In response, the method selects the content item according to the first content item attribute and delivers the first content item to the first user.
US09503499B1 Concealing latency in display of pages
Content logic in a web browser receives a request to load a web page in the web browser and determines whether a cached copy of the web page is available in a browser cache. If the cached copy is available, the content logic loads the cached copy of the web page in the web browser. While the cached copy of the web page is loaded, the content logic sends a request to a web server hosting the web page for updated content associated with the web page. If updated content is received from the web server, the content logic removes stale content from the cached copy of the web page and loads the updated content in the web browser.
US09503498B2 Web page script management
Web page scripts are managed in a network using a network appliance that intercepts a web page sent from a server and addressed to a client browser; modifies the web page by removing an embedded script from the web page; executes the removed embedded script; and sends the modified web page from the network appliance to the client browser.
US09503493B2 Apparatus and method for managing a presentation of media content
A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a communication device having a controller to detect a media device operating externally to the communication device actively engaged in presenting media content, detect an incoming communication session initiated by another communication device, present a notice identifying the media device and the media content being presented by the media device, detect a directive to modify an operation of the media device to mitigate interrupting a communication session with the other communication device, and instruct the media device to modify its operation according to the directive. Other embodiments are disclosed.
US09503492B2 Method and apparatus for improving quality of multimedia streaming service
In an apparatus for providing a multimedia streaming service, a server transmits a Media Presentation Description (MPD) including information about media data to a client, receives a partial request message requesting a part of media data having a range according to a defined range in the MPD, and transmits to the client a segment having the range in response to the partial request message. The segment includes at least one fragment, segment index information indicating the position of the at least one fragment in the segment, and fragment index information including information indicating the position of each of a plurality of samples included in the at least one fragment and information about a total size of the samples.
US09503488B2 System and method for virtual call hold
Disclosed herein are systems, methods, and non-transitory computer-readable storage media for accomplishing a virtual call on hold. A client communication device, such as a telephone, smartphone, or computer, receives a notification of a communication session to which the user is invited, and establishes a relationship with the communication session. Alternatively, a server associated with the communication session can establish the relationship with the client communication device. Then, the communication device can present an indication of the relationship with the communication session for a duration of the communication session, such that the user can join the communication session at will via a communication channel, and such that the communication channel is not occupied by the communication session unless or until the user joins the communication session. The communication session can be a conference call, video conference, a multi-modal chat wherein multiple users communicate via different modalities.
US09503483B2 Method and apparatuses for identifying and reporting quality of service rules applicable to a communication session
According to the present invention there is provided a method of facilitating a communication session between a user terminal and an Application Function over an IP Connectivity Access Network in which a mobile IP-based mobility protocol is used. The method comprises, if it is determined that the Quality of Service rules for the communication session cannot be installed or enforced due to a limitation on the resources available in the Access Network, reporting this to the Application Function together with information on the available resources.
US09503471B2 Pre-processing system for minimizing application-level denial-of-service in a multi-tenant system
Denial-of-service attacks are prevented or mitigated in a cloud compute environment, such as a multi-tenant, collaborative SaaS system. This is achieved by providing a mechanism by which characterization of “legitimate” behavior is defined for tenant applications or application classes, preferably along with actions to be taken in the event a request to execute an application is anticipated to exceed defined workflow limits. A set of application profiles are generated. Typically, a profile comprises information, such as a request defined by one or more request variables, one or more “constraints,” one or more “request mappings,” and one or more “actions.” A constraint is a maximum permitted workload for the application. A request mapping maps a request variable to the constraint, either directly or indirectly. The profile information defines how a request is mapped to a workload to determine whether the request is in policy or, if not, what action to take.
US09503467B2 Network anomaly detection
Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on computer storage media, for determining network related anomaly scores. One of the methods includes generating a network map including at least a plurality of network nodes and a plurality of edges that indicate communications paths between the plurality of network nodes, obtaining first data indicating network activity over the edges and between the plurality of network nodes for a first time period, generating a model of expected network activity over the edges and between the plurality of network nodes for a future time period using the network map and the first data, obtaining second data indicating network activity over the edges and between the plurality of network nodes for a second time period, and determining an anomaly score using a comparison between the second data and the model of expected network activity.
US09503466B2 Cross-validation of a learning machine model across network devices
In one embodiment, a first network device receives a notification that the first network device has been selected to validate a machine learning model for a second network device. The first network device receives model parameters for the machine learning model that were generated by the second network device using training data on the second network device. The model parameters are used with local data on the first network device to determine performance metrics for the model parameters. The performance metrics are then provided to the second network device.
US09503459B2 Establishing access controls in a premise-based environment
Establishing access controls includes establishing a communication session between an unrecognized user identity of a user device and a destination system through an online access provider device that provides the user device with access to the destination system. The communication session is established from a premise having associated therewith one or more user identities that are recognized by the online access provider device, with at least two of the recognized user identities being associated with different access control levels. An access control level to apply to communications between the unrecognized user identity of the user device and the destination system is determined by applying an access control level established for one of the recognized user identities. The determined access control level is applied to communications between the unrecognized user identity of the user device and the destination system.
US09503456B1 Video chat abuse detection based on external context
A server-implemented technique can include obtaining external context parameters indicative of an external context of a video chat session, calculating an abuse score based on the external context parameters, the abuse score being indicative of a likelihood the video chat session is abusive, and comparing the abuse score to an abuse score threshold. When the abuse score exceeds an abuse score threshold, the server can transmit, to a reviewer computing device, a request for a human reviewer to review a recorded portion of the video chat session for abuse. When the reviewer computing device returns a response indicating that the human reviewer deemed the video chat session to be abusive, the server can modify a profile of a participant in the abusive video chat session to obtain a modified profile, and generate an output based on the modified profile.
US09503455B2 Controlling access to storage devices shared by host systems
To control access to a source storage device shared by a plurality of host systems, methods and systems include confirming a presence of an application on each host system of the plurality of host systems accessing the storage device. After confirming the presence of the application on each host system accessing the storage device, the application is run allowing each host system to access the storage device. A request is received from a new host system to access the storage device. A presence of the application is verified on the new host system. If the presence of the application is verified on the new host system, the new host system is provided with access to the storage device. If the presence of the application is not verified on the new host system, the new host system is denied access to the storage device.
US09503454B2 Smart card service method and apparatus for performing the same
Provided are a smart card service method and an apparatus for performing the same. The smart card service method includes receiving a certificate generation request from a terminal, transmitting the certificate generation request to an authentication processing device, and storing credential information with respect to the generated certificate in a virtual machine associated with the terminal in response to a certificate generation success message provided from the authentication processing device. Thus, it is possible to reduce costs in accordance with manufacturing smart card hardware, and support smart card services in a more enhanced security environment.
US09503445B2 Pre-delivery authentication
Pre-delivery authentication may be required prior to routing and delivery of electronic content. A sender of the electronic content, for example, may require that a recipient authenticate to ensure legitimate use or identity. Should pre-delivery authentication be required, the electronic content is held at any networked device while the recipient authenticates. If the recipient correctly authenticates, then the electronic content is released for delivery.
US09503442B1 Credential-based application programming interface keys
A processing device comprises a processor coupled to a memory and is configured to obtain a credential associated with a particular access control interval, to determine an application programming interface (API) key based at least in part on the credential, and to utilize the API key in an API key enrollment protocol. The obtaining, determining and utilizing are repeated for one or more additional instances of the API key enrollment protocol corresponding to respective ones of one or more additional access control intervals. The processing device illustratively comprises a service requester device configured to carry out at least a portion of a given instance of the API key enrollment protocol with a service provider device. The API key may comprise, for example, the credential itself, or a function of the credential and other information. The credential may comprise, again by way of example, an intermediate value of a hash chain.
US09503423B2 System and method for adapting an internet filter
A system and method for updating a filtering system which controls access to a website/page between a local area network (LAN) and an Internet. The LAN includes an Internet gateway system coupled to a workstation and configured to receive a URL request. The system controls access to the website/page associated with the URL based on one or more categories that are associated with the URL. The Internet gateway system can determine the category that is associated with the URL by referencing a master database or requesting the category from a database factory. The database factory can receive URLs from multiple Internet gateway systems. The database factory determines whether the identifier was previously categorized by the database factory and provides the category to the Internet gateway system. Once the Internet gateway system has the category, it applies rules associated with the category and user to filter access to the requested website/page.
US09503418B2 Method and apparatus for obtaining remote IP address
A method and an apparatus for obtaining a remote Internet Protocol (IP) address are provided. The method includes: receiving, by a first client, a first detection IP packet from a remote server through a Point to Point Protocol (PPP) interface, in which the first detection IP packet carries a first IP address allocated by the remote server for the first client; and configuring the first IP address to be an IP address of the first client. Through the method and the apparatus, the remote server is capable of allocating a remote IP address of a client.
US09503417B2 Method for acquiring information, user equipment, and network equipment
A method for acquiring information includes: receiving an Internet Protocol (IP) address acquisition request or Packet Data Network (PDN) address allocation information sent by User Equipment (UE); determining a PDN address capability according to the IP address acquisition request or the PDN address allocation information; and sending the determined PDN address capability to the UE. An UE and network equipment are also provided. The PDN address capability is determined by the network and is sent to the UE, so as to indicate to the UE the IP address information that may be acquired in a current PDN connection, such that when the network cannot provide an IP address for the UE any more, the UE is prevented from acquiring other IP addresses in other manners, avoiding service abnormality.
US09503407B2 Message forwarding
Embodiments of the invention provide systems and methods for handling a communication, for example to provide a forwarding service. According to one embodiment, handling a communication can comprise receiving and storing one or more forwarding instructions, intercepting a message from a first user to a second user at a first address, applying one or more stored forwarding instructions to the message to determine at least one second address, and forwarding the message to the second user at the second address. In some cases, the at least one second address can comprise a plurality of addresses. Additionally or alternatively, the first address can be on a first communication channel and the second address can be on a second communication channel. The message can comprise a voice call, an email, a Short Message Service (SMS) message, a Multimedia Messaging Service (MMS) message, an Instant Message (IM), or another type of message.
US09503399B1 E-mail enhancement based on user-behavior
A computer-implemented method, a computer program product and a computerized apparatus, the method comprising: receiving a communication message transmitted to a user and at least one other recipient; providing to the user a display of a set of communication messages comprising the communication message; after said providing, receiving information of actions related to the communication message performed by the at least one other recipient of the communication message; scoring the communication message based on the actions to obtain a priority; and modifying the display based on the priority, whereby the display is modified dynamically upon an additional action of the at least one of the other recipients of the communication message.
US09503397B2 Applying a client policy to a group of channels
Management and provisioning of networking traffic may be provided by bundling virtual channels into a group. A global policy may be applied to the bundle so that virtual ports providing services to a client may be managed by referring to the global policy of the bundle. The channels comprising the bundle may span multiple physical ports and in some cases, multiple physical switches. Thus, policy management may be avoided at the port level and instead, be handled as groups of channels implementing a client service.
US09503396B2 Cell forwarding order selection for sending packets
In one embodiment, packets are sent a packet switching mechanism of a packet switching device, which includes partitioning each particular packet into a plurality of cells with each particular packet and cell derived therefrom associated with a same particular timestamp and a same particular ingress point identifier representing an ingress point of a plurality of ingress points of the packet switching mechanism. These cells are sent through the packet switching mechanism by selecting and forwarding, at each of a plurality of points within the packet switching mechanism. A tie-breaking value is determined based on a manipulation of ingress point identifier associated with said identifiable cell in a manner to vary the tie-breaking selection ordering of ingress point identifiers for different timestamp values. The tie-breaking value is used in selecting a next cell to forward when cells are associated with a same timestamp.
US09503394B2 Clustered dispersion of resource use in shared computing environments
Host machines and other devices performing synchronized operations can be dispersed across multiple racks in a data center to provide additional buffer capacity and to reduce the likelihood of congestion. The level of dispersion can depend on factors such as the level of oversubscription, as it can be undesirable in a highly connected network to push excessive host traffic into the aggregation fabric. As oversubscription levels increase, the amount of dispersion can he reduced and two or more host machines can be clustered on a given rack, or otherwise connected through the same edge switch. By clustering a portion of the machines, some of the host traffic can he redirected by the respective edge switch without entering the aggregation fabric. When provisioning hosts for a customer, application, or synchronized operation, for example, the levels of clustering and dispersion can be balanced to minimize the likelihood for congestion throughout the network.
US09503393B2 S-GW relocation and QoS change without mobility
A method in a network node for handling a relocation of a data flow of a User Equipment, UE, from a first GateWay, GW, to a second GW is provided. The network node receives (401) a message from a core network node. This message is an Enhanced Radio Access Bearer, E-RAB, modify request message. The message comprises one or more parameters for the relocation of the data flow for one or more respective E-RABs, wherein the one or more parameters comprises one or more Quality of Service, QoS, parameters. The message further comprises an indication, indicating whether or not to ignore the QoS parameters. When the QoS parameter is indicated to be ignored, the network node ignores the QoS parameters in the message. When the QoS parameters are indicated not to be ignored, the network node modifies the QoS of the data flow according to the QoS parameters in the message.
US09503392B2 Enhance private cloud system provisioning security
A method and system for securely provisioning a host, the method including determining, by a provisioning system, a physical path from the host in a cloud to the provisioning system, wherein the physical path includes static mapping for a device between the host and the provisioning system. The provisioning system receives a request to provision a virtual machine on a guest host in a cloud, and sends installation information for the virtual machine via the determined physical path.
US09503390B2 System and method for sharing multiple network resources on stand-alone machine
The disclosure discloses a system and method for sharing multiple network resources on a stand-alone machine. The system includes: a task managing subsystem configured to receive a downloading task, acquire a task parameter, divide the downloading task into M downloading subtasks and allocate the M downloading subtasks respectively to respective network equipments, merge downloaded messages after the respective downloading subtasks are completed, and report the merged message; an equipment managing subsystem configured to maintain an equipment status of each network equipment and provide an equipment parameter; a protocol managing subsystem configured to encapsulate a downloading request and send the downloading request to a route managing subsystem, receive and parse a message sent by the route managing subsystem, and store the parsed message in a corresponding memory space; and the route managing subsystem configured to maintain a route table, forward the downloading request to a network side via a corresponding network equipment, and send a message returned by the network side to the protocol managing subsystem. By integrating multiple network equipments on the stand-alone machine, the disclosure achieves sharing of multiple network resources, maximizing utilization of network resources of the stand-alone machine, which meets the demand of a high-speed network application.
US09503387B2 Instantiating incompatible virtual compute requests in a heterogeneous cloud environment
Example embodiments disclosed herein can provide for receiving a compute request for migrating an application from a source environment to a target cloud, determining a configured option of a first resource associated with the application, and determining at least one solution in the target cloud for the application. The solution is based, at least in part, on the configured option. In more specific embodiments, when the configured option indicates the first resource is splittable, a number of second instances of a solution in the target cloud is greater than a number of first instances in the source environment. In further more specific embodiments, when the configured option indicates the first resource is mergeable, a number of second instances of a solution in the target cloud is less than the number of first instances in the source environment.
US09503385B2 Delay request processing method and apparatus based on token bucket
The present invention discloses a delay request processing method and apparatus that are based on a token bucket and relates to the field of communications technologies, where the method and the apparatus are invented to shorten a scanning period when a delay request is processed. The method includes: receiving a delay request message of a queue corresponding to a token bucket, where the delay request message includes delay request time; determining, according to the delay request time, whether the delay request message needs to be processed preferentially; processing the delay request message in a preferentially processing manner when it is determined that the delay request message needs to be processed preferentially. The present invention may be applied to a delay request processing technology.
US09503384B1 Estimating network capacity and network bandwidth without server instrumentation
Accordingly, techniques for estimating network capacity of a path between two endpoints in a network without server instrumentation are disclosed. Techniques for estimating network bandwidth of a path between two endpoints in a network without server instrumentation are also disclosed. For example, techniques disclosed herein can be used for network capacity planning. As another example, techniques disclosed herein can be used for network availability troubleshooting (e.g., network degradation performance issues).
US09503380B2 Communication apparatus, communication method, and computer readable medium
A communication apparatus is provided with: a transmission planned data storage unit in which a plurality of application data, each associated with transmission order information indicating a transmission order and with destination information indicating a destination terminal as a transmission destination are stored; a data aggregation unit that extracts a plurality of application data from the plurality of application data that are associated with mutually identical destination information, that extracts, on the basis of a maximum transmission size indicating an upper-limit value of data size and the transmission order information, a plurality of application data for aggregation from the plurality of extracted application data, and that generates aggregated data to which the identical destination information is allocated, on the basis of the plurality of application data for aggregation; and a data transmission unit that transmits the aggregated data to the destination terminal indicated by the allocated destination information.
US09503378B2 Load-balancing algorithms for data center networks
Multipath load-balancing algorithms, which can be used for data center networks (DCNs), are provided. A multipath load-balancing algorithm can be, for example, a distributed multipath load-balancing algorithm or a centralized multipath load-balancing algorithm. Algorithms of the subject invention can be used for, e.g., hierarchical DCNs and/or fat-tree DCNs. Algorithms of the subject invention are effective and scalable and significantly outperform existing solutions.
US09503375B1 Methods for managing traffic in a multi-service environment and devices thereof
A method, computer readable medium, and device that manages traffic in a multi-service environment including determining a self score for a front virtual service which is coupled to one or more inner virtual services. An aggregate score for the front virtual service is determined based on an aggregate score for each of the one or more inner virtual services and a number of connections between each of the one or more inner virtual services and the front virtual service. An advertised score for the front virtual service for load balancing is obtained based on the determined self score and the determined aggregate score.
US09503368B2 Routing a call
A method of routing a call involving a call party in a telecommunications network via a selected media routing path of a plurality of different media routing paths is provided. The media routing paths communicate media data to and/or from at least one communication device associated with the call party. A call control system in the telecommunications network receives data derived from a media quality test procedure for a given media routing path. The media quality test procedure includes media test data being communicated via the given media routing path and the media test data being analysed. The call control system selects a preferred media routing path from the plurality of media routing paths for communicating media data associated with the call to and/or from one or more of the at least one communication devices associated with the call party on the basis of at least the received data.
US09503366B2 Method and apparatus for SVE redundancy
Systems and methods for providing service virtualization endpoint (SVE) redundancy in a two-node, active-standby form. An active-standby pair of SVEs register with a cloud-centric-network control point (CCN-CP) as a single service node (SN) using a virtual IP address for both a control-plane and a data-plane. At any given time, only the active SVE is a host for the control-plane and the data-plane. When a failover happens, the hosting operation is taken over by the standby SVE, therefore the failover will be transparent to CCN-CP and the SN.
US09503365B2 Reputation-based instruction processing over an information centric network
A packet-forwarding network node can process a programmable packet based on a reputation value for a name prefix to perform a customized operation on a local resource. The programmable packet can include a name prefix, and a header comprising reputation criteria for the packet's name prefix and one or more resource fields. A resource field can include instructions that perform an operation on a corresponding resource of the network node. When the network node receives the programmable packet, the node determines a reputation value for the name prefix at the local node, and compares this reputation value to the packet's reputation criteria. If the reputation value for the name prefix at the local node satisfies the reputation criteria, the node proceeds to execute the one or more instructions of the respective resource field to perform the operation on the corresponding resource.
US09503364B2 Label switching path calculation method and label switching path calculation device
Embodiments of the present application provide a label switching path calculation method and a label switching path calculation device. In the method, by performing hierarchical level and domain value planning on a node in a network in advance, when an LSP is calculated, hierarchical domain information about each node is acquired, and the LSP is calculated using the acquired hierarchical domain information about each node. Since the hierarchical domain information about each node designates a network position where the node is located, it can be avoided that an LSP obtained by calculation reroutes an access layer according to the hierarchical domain information about each node and a satisfaction criterion for the LSP during the LSP calculation process. In addition, the technical solution provided in the embodiments of the present application needs no manual intervention in the whole LSP calculation process, realizing the automatic calculation of an LSP.
US09503356B2 Method and device for determining topology of network
Provided is a method for determining topology of a network, including: all links of the network are divided into link sets L(V1), . . . , L(Vn) according to rate levels V1, . . . , Vn of links of the network, wherein n is a positive integer equal to or larger than 1; a link set L(Vx) is divided into link subsets L(Vx)1, . . . , L(Vx)k according to connectivities of the links, wherein 1≦x≦n and k is a positive integer equal to or larger than 1; and a network layer to which a link subset L(Vx)y is attributed is determined, wherein 1≦y≦k. The disclosure solves the problem that it is difficult to divide artificially all links (and then nodes of respective links) to various network layers of respective layered networks when the networks have relatively large scale, it enables automatic calculation of a network layer to which a node is attributed, then enables automatic calculation of a networking structure of each layer of network and a number of nodes therein, thereby providing basic data to subsequent topology optimization of the network.
US09503355B2 Video receiving terminal, home gateway device, quality management system, and quality deterioration isolation system
A pre-FEC packet quality analyzer 310 measures quality information from a video stream which is not yet stored in a buffer 303 and on which a recovery process using FEC is not yet carried out. A post-FEC packet quality analyzer 308 measures quality information from the video stream which is stored in the buffer 303 and on which the recovery process using FEC is carried out. A video receiving terminal profile transmitter 307 generates a video receiving terminal profile including at least information showing the size of the buffer 303, and transmits the video receiving terminal profile to a home gateway device.
US09503354B2 Virtualization of networking services
A method of configuring a virtual network comprises: running a user-interactive business requirements wizard from a server, the wizard collecting business requirements from a user; translating the business requirements into technical requirements for a network configuration using the server; selecting a network configuration from a network configuration database using the server, the selecting utilizing the technical requirements; testing the network configuration using a processor; monitoring the testing and generating new facts regarding performance of the network configuration, using the processor; feeding back the new facts to the server for use by the server in the selecting; and repeating the selecting, testing, monitoring and generating, and feeding back, until the server determines a criterion for network stability has been reached. The method may include automatically discovering local network characteristics using a networking device, prior to the selecting, sending the characteristics to the server for use by the server in the selecting.
US09503353B1 Dynamic cross protocol tuner
Implementations are provided herein for dynamically tuning resource allocation within a node among a cluster of nodes of a distributed file system. Each node can have a plurality of protocol heads that enable the node to communicate with clients using varying protocols. As tasks are received by the node from the client through the protocol head, the amount of work required to perform the task can be estimated, the amount of resources consumed by the task can be estimated, the amount of kernel memory required to perform the task can be estimated, and the amount of general memory required to perform the task can be estimated. Using these estimations, tasks can be scheduled by a scheduler based on the most efficient means to concurrently process as many tasks as possible using available resources of the node. In addition to efficiently scheduling tasks by the scheduler, a dynamic tuner can also reside on the node that can monitor all work executing on the node for each protocol head. The tuner can then distribute and, over time, redistribute resources to each protocol head using real-time data to make adjustments. In addition to tuning resources allocated to the protocol heads, the tuner can also account for pending and scheduled system task activity, as well as account for misbehaving clients.
US09503351B1 Deployment feedback for system updates to resources in private networks
Deployment feedback for updates to resources implemented in a private network may be implemented. Feedback codes may be generated and included in deployments sent to a private network for deployment at resources implemented in the private network. One or more of the included feedback codes may be selected based on the performance of the deployment and provided via a feedback communication channel that is disconnected and distinct from the private network. Once received, a current status of the deployment may be determined based on the one or more feedback codes provided via the feedback communication channel.
US09503350B2 Method for monitoring a communication between a transmitter entity and a receiver entity
The invention relates to a method for monitoring a communication between a transmitter entity and a receiver entity. It consists of the transmission of diagnostic frames D dedicated to the monitoring of the communication. The objective of the monitoring is to ascertain the state of the communication before the next data communication frame C so as to be able to ensure that the latter has the maximum chance of taking place. Accordingly, at least one diagnostic frame D must be transmitted before the probable next transmission of a data communication frame C. The instant of transmission Tdiag[0] of the first diagnostic frame D is determined from the minimum period to be complied with between the transmission of two communication frames C. The instants of transmission Tdiag[i] of the diagnostic frames D which follow the first diagnostic frame transmitted at the instant Tdiag[0] are determined on the basis of an increasing function.
US09503348B2 Apparatus and method of control point for device discovery
An operating method of a control point includes setting a Maximum time for waits (MX) value for device discovery. The method also includes transmitting a message that includes the set MX value to at least one device connected with the control point. The method further includes receiving a response message in response to a Method for Search Request (M-SEARCH) message from the at least one device.
US09503345B2 Cloud services system
A cloud services system includes an access services layer, a cloud service manager, and a service platform layer. The access services layer provides front-end functionality for users and service providers to order and manage cloud services, including software applications provided for use by the users. The cloud manager exposes services provided by the cloud services system to the users, and orchestrates delivery of the services and provisioning of resources for the services. The service platform layer activates virtual machines and virtual desktops to provide the services.
US09503342B2 Method for time aware inline remote mirroring
A method of monitoring packet traffic is provided. The method includes: at a first access point, capturing portions of traffic packets passing therethrough separated by time intervals; encapsulating the portions of traffic packets thereby forming encapsulated packets and adding timestamps to the encapsulated packets so as to preserve the portions of traffic packets and information related to the time intervals; transmitting the encapsulated packets over a network; decapsulating the encapsulated packets so as to obtain replay packets and the capture timestamp, wherein the replay packets include the portions of the traffic packets; and, transmitting the replay packets separated by the time intervals, wherein the timestamps are used to reproduce the time intervals so as to imitate the traffic packets passing through the first access point.
US09503334B2 Allocating operators of a streaming application to virtual machines based on monitored performance
Performance thresholds are defined for operators in a flow graph for a streaming application. A streams manager deploys the flow graph to one or more virtual machines (VMs). The performance of each portion of the flow graph on each VM is monitored. A VM is selected. When the performance of the portion of the flow graph in the selected VM does not satisfy the defined performance threshold(s), a determination is made regarding whether the portion of the flow graph is underperforming or overperforming. When the portion of the flow graph is underperforming, the portion of the flow graph is split into multiple portions that are implemented on multiple VMs. When the portion of the flow graph is overperforming, a determination is made of whether a neighbor VM is also overperforming. When a neighbor VM is also overperforming, the two VMs may be coalesced into a single VM.
US09503331B2 Blade enclosure
A blade enclosure comprises a plurality of physical interfaces of a first type, each for connecting a blade to the blade enclosure, a plurality of physical interfaces of a second type, each for connecting a conventional computer to the blade enclosure, a management component connected to the physical interfaces and for managing the blades and conventional computers connected to the physical interfaces, and a body containing the physical interfaces and the management component.
US09503330B2 Relationship visualization and graphical interaction model in IT client management
Displaying a hierarchy. A method includes identifying a set of nodes representing sites in a hierarchy. The set of nodes share one or more common characteristics not shared by any other nodes in the hierarchy. The method further includes determining that the set of nodes, as a set, meet a predetermined condition. As a result of the nodes sharing the one or more common characteristics not shared by any other nodes in the hierarchy and as a result of the set meeting the predetermined condition, the method further includes aggregating at least a portion of the set of nodes. The method further includes displaying in a graphical user interface a representation of the hierarchy including displaying the aggregated portion as a single entity in the hierarchy.
US09503326B2 Control apparatus and control method
There is provided a control apparatus including a setting unit configured to set a network configuration by assigning a network connection to between each of a plurality of network switches and each of a plurality of nodes based on disposition of the network switches and the nodes in a network having the network switches and the nodes, and a notification control unit configured to notify the network switches and the nodes of the set network configuration.
US09503324B2 Systems and methods for enterprise mission management of a computer network
Systems (100) and methods (1400) for enterprise mission management of a Computer Network (“CN”). The methods involve configuring CN to operate in accordance with a first Mission Plan (“MP”) specifying a manner in which an assigned value for a first IDentity Parameter (“IDP”) is to be dynamically modified by a first node of CN; detecting a trigger event which indicates that a new MP needs to be implemented within CN; obtaining a second MP that specifies a manner in which an assigned value for a second IDP is to be dynamically modified by a second node of CN; determining if any conflicts exist between operations of the second node defined by the second MP and operations of the first node defined by the first MP; and configuring operations of CN to further operate in accordance with the second MP if it is determined that no conflict exists.
US09503323B2 Facilitation of connectivity and content management in mobile environments
Connectivity and/or content management in mobile networks is provided. Information associated with a mobile device of a plurality of mobile devices is determined. In various embodiments, the information can be current or past usage or travel pattern information for the mobile device. The mobile device is configured in association with delivery of content. The configuration is based, at least, on the information associated with the mobile device. The mobile device is configured to request accelerated content delivery if the mobile device is located within a good coverage area, and to request connection re-establishment priority if the mobile device is approaching or located within a poor coverage area or a handoff area.
US09503319B2 Method and apparatus for transmitting configuration in wireless communication system
A method and apparatus for transmitting a configuration in a wireless communication system is provided. A user equipment (UE) receives a configuration from a first node, stores the received configuration if a connection failure is detected, and transmits the stored configuration to a second node. The connection failure may be one of a radio link failure (RLF) or a handover failure (HOF). The configuration may include at least one of a discontinuous reception (DRX) configuration and a measurement configuration.
US09503318B2 Using DNS for security system event reporting
A method of transmitting a message from a security system to a central station receiver includes receiving at the security system an IP address associated with the central station receiver. An attempt is made to transmit the message from the security system to the central station receiver by use of the IP address. In response to a failure to receive at the security system an acknowledgement from the central station receiver that the message was received, the security system is used to query a Domain Name Server for a current IP address associated with the central station receiver. The query is dependent upon a domain name of the central station receiver. The current IP address associated with the central station receiver is received and used to re-attempt the transmitting of the message from the security system to the central station receiver.
US09503315B2 System and method for restoration in a multimedia IP network
Disclosed herein are systems, methods, and computer readable media for modifying IP backbone link weights such that multicast traffic and unicast traffic will not travel on a same path between nodes. The method comprises assigning link weights to nodes within an IP backbone such that multicast forwarding paths and unicast forwarding paths are failure disjoint, and delivering undelivered multicast packets using IP unicast encapsulation to the loopback address of next hop router on a multicast tree upon link/interface failure.
US09503314B2 Wireless transmission device, failure-information forwarding method, and failure-information notification method
A wireless transmission device houses a plurality of wireless transmission channels including a first and a second wireless transmission channel. The wireless transmission device includes: a wireless signal transmitting and receiving unit that includes a first wireless port and a second port, the first wireless port transmitting and receiving a wireless signal to and from a first transmission device via the first wireless transmission channel, the second wireless port transmitting and receiving a wireless signal to and from a second transmission device via the second wireless transmission channel; and a control unit that notifies the second transmission device of a failure via the second wireless transmission channel in a case where a failure relating to the first wireless port arises.
US09503305B1 Method for low complexity decision metric compression of higher-order square-QAM constellation
It is possible to compress log likelihood ratios (LLRs) by exploiting the mapping symmetry between bits in the same symbol. For example, two LLRs corresponding to the same dimension of a square Quadrature Amplitude Modulation (QAM) symbol can be compressed into a single compressed LLR that excludes the magnitude bits of one of the LLRs because the magnitude component of LLRs for bits corresponding to the same dimension of a square QAM symbol exhibit a piecewise linear relationship with one another. Similar techniques can be used to exploit piecewise linear relationships between a subset of constellation points in a non-square QAM constellation.
US09503302B2 Communication circuit and associated method for calibrating communication circuit
The present invention provides a method for calibrating a communication circuit. In an embodiment, the method may include: cooperating start of a calibration procedure, and, by the communication circuit, signaling a calibration signal between a test equipment and the communication circuit. The calibration signal may include a plurality of coexisting component signals respectively at a plurality of calibration frequencies. Associated communication circuit is also disclosed.
US09503300B2 Scattered pilot pattern and channel estimation method for MIMO-OFDM systems
Methods and apparatus are provided for inserting data symbols and pilot symbols in an OFDM (orthogonal frequency division multiplexing) transmission resource utilizing frequency hopping patterns for the data symbols and/or the pilot symbols. Data symbols and pilot symbols are allocated for down link (base station to mobile station) and up link (mobile station to bases station) transmission resources in a two-dimensional time-frequency pattern. For each antenna of a MIMO-OFDM (multiple input multiple output OFDM) communication system, pilot symbols are inserted in a scattered pattern in time-frequency and data symbols are inserted in an identical frequency-hopping pattern in time-frequency as that of other antennas.
US09503298B2 Techniques for encoding PLCP headers
A method and apparatus for encoding a block-based communication system header. A physical layer header and a medium access control header of the block-based communication system header are encoded to generate parity bits, wherein the PHY layer header includes at least cyclic prefix mode bits. Parity bits are appended to the PHY layer header and the MAC layer header to generate a bit vector. The bit vector is divided into at least two data blocks, wherein a first data block includes at least the CP mode bits. A predefined number of tail bits are appended to each data block. The two data blocks are mapped into at least two symbols, wherein the first data block is mapped to a first symbol, such that the first symbol is a first header symbol being transmitted.
US09503297B2 6MHZ bandwidth OFDM transmitter with the same guard interval as 8MHZ DVB-T2
A transmitter transmits data to a receiver using OFDM symbols including plural sub-carrier symbols, some carrying data symbols and some carrying pilot symbols. A data formatter can form the data for transmission into sets of data symbols for each OFDM symbol, and an OFDM symbol builder can receive each set of data symbols from the data formatter and combine the data symbols with pilot symbols. A modulator can map the data symbols and the pilot symbols onto modulation symbols and modulate the plural sub-carriers to form the OFDM symbols. An inverse Fourier transform can convert the OFDM symbols from the frequency domain to the time domain, and a guard interval inserter can add a guard interval to each of the OFDM symbols by copying a part of the OFDM symbols and appending the copied part sequentially in the time domain to the OFDM symbols.
US09503295B2 Method and apparatus for generating a proof-mass drive signal
A drive-mode oscillator module generates at least one proof-mass drive signal for use within a micro-electro-mechanical system (MEMS) device. The drive-mode oscillator module comprises at least one gain control component arranged to receive at least one proof-mass motion measurement signal, and to generate a digital modulation control signal based at least partly on the at least one proof-mass motion measurement signal, and at least one modulation component arranged to receive the digital amplitude modulation control signal, and to output at least one proof-mass drive signal. The at least one modulation component is arranged to digitally modulate the at least one proof-mass drive signal based at least partly on the received digital amplitude modulation control signal.
US09503292B1 Method and device for calculating coefficients of feed-forward equalizer and feed-backward equalizer in decision feedback equalizer
A method for calculating a feed forward equalizer coefficient of a feed forward equalizer in a minimum mean square error decision feedback equalizer (MMSE-DFE) based on a fast transversal recursive least squares (FT-RLS) algorithm is provided. The length of the feed-forward equalizer is LF, which is a positive integer. The method includes an outer iteration having an LF number of iterations. The outer iteration includes an inner iteration having an n number of iterations, where n is an integer between 0 and (LF−2).
US09503290B2 Diversity reception device, diversity reception method, reception program, and recording medium
A CFR estimation unit estimates channel frequency characteristic on the basis of a complex baseband signal provided by a front end via a data distribution unit, and a transmission symbol estimated value provided by a trellis decoder. On the basis of the channel frequency characteristics estimated in this manner, a carrier frequency control unit performs a carrier recovery control in order to become the carrier frequency error to zero in the front end, by performing an Auto Frequency Control based on changes in the channel phase in the full band of the frequency. As a result, carrier synchronization is performed appropriate for mobile receiving, and receiving performance is improved, even in the case of a digitally modulated signal having a DC pilot component by a single carrier.
US09503289B2 Methods and apparatus for signaling on a differential link
Methods and apparatus are disclosed for transitioning a receiver from a first state to a second state using an in-band signal over a differential serial data link.
US09503287B2 Signal processing method and apparatus
In an embodiment a method of estimating a sparse signal from a measured signal using a transform matrix is disclosed. The method comprises determining a partial contribution to the sparse signal; determining a residual by subtracting the partial contribution from the measured signal; and iteratively determining further contributions to the sparse signal. An iteration comprises: identifying a first candidate column of the transform matrix, the first candidate column being the column of the transform matrix which is most correlated with the residual at the start of the iteration; calculating a condition indicator, the condition indicator being an indication of the condition of a matrix formed by columns of the transform matrix selected in previous iterations and the first candidate column; comparing the condition indicator with a threshold; if the condition indicator is above the threshold selecting the first candidate column as a selected candidate column; if the condition indicator is below the threshold, identifying a second column of the transform matrix as a second candidate column and selecting the second candidate column as the selected candidate column; determining a contribution to the sparse signal for the iteration from the selected candidate column; and calculating a new residual by subtracting the contribution to the sparse signal for the iteration from the residual at the start of the iteration.
US09503284B2 Receiver, transmitter and a method for digital multiple sub-band processing
Highly efficient digital domain sub-band based receivers and transmitters.
US09503281B2 Merging instant messaging (IM) chat sessions
The present disclosure provides for merging of instant messaging (IM) chat sessions. In one embodiment, a method for automatically replying to an IM message from a first IM sender when a recipient is engaged in an IM session with a second IM sender is provided. In another embodiment, the disclosure provides a method for forwarding IM messages to a recipient at different IM clients. In still another embodiment, a method for transferring IM messages to a different recipient is provided. In some embodiments, two separate IM chat sessions are merged into a single IM chat session.
US09503275B2 House monitoring system
A house monitoring system includes at least one sensor that detects a predetermined event, a master device that communicates with the sensor, and is connected to a fixed telephone network so as to perform calls to other fixed telephones, and a mobile phone terminal that includes a display/input unit, performs wireless communication with the master device by using a wireless router, and is connected to other mobile phones via a mobile phone network. When the sensor detects the predetermined event, the master device transmits information regarding the sensor having detected the predetermined event to the mobile phone terminal, and the mobile phone terminal displays the information regarding the sensor having detected the predetermined event transmitted from the master device on the display/input unit.
US09503272B2 Fast convergence with multicast source mobility
In one embodiment, a method includes discovering at a first edge device in a first network that a multicast source has moved from the first network to a second network, the first edge device in communication through a core network with a plurality of edge devices belonging to a multicast group comprising the multicast source, transmitting from the first edge device to a second edge device in the second network, a join request for the multicast group comprising the multicast source at the second network, receiving multicast traffic for the multicast group at the first edge device on a transient multicast tree extending from the second edge device to the plurality of edge devices, and forwarding the multicast traffic to the plurality of edge devices. An apparatus and logic are also disclosed herein.
US09503269B2 Utilizing a stapling technique with a server-based certificate validation protocol to reduce overhead for mobile communication devices
A certificate issuer (210) can periodically request, receive, and store current server-based certificate validation protocol (SCVP) staples (225) for supported relying parties (205) from at least one server-based certificate validation protocol (SCVP) responder (215). The certificate issuer (210) can receive a contact initiation request (220) from one of the relying parties (205). Responsive to receiving the contact initiation request (220), the certificate issuer (210) can identify a current SCVP staple from the saved staples that is applicable to the relying party (205). The certificate issuer (210) can conveying a response to the contact initiation request (220) to the relying party (205). The response can comprise the identified SCVP staple and a public key infrastructure (PKI) certificate (230) of the certificate issuer. The SCVP staple can validate a certification path between the PKI certificate (230) and a different certificate trusted by the relying party (205).
US09503268B2 Securing results of privileged computing operations
A formalized set of interfaces (e.g., application programming interfaces (APIs)) is described, that uses a security scheme, such as asymmetric (or symmetric) cryptography, in order to secure the results of privileged operations on systems such as the operating system (OS) kernel and/or the hypervisor. The interface allows a public key to be included into a request to perform a privileged operation on a hypervisor and/or kernel. The kernel and/or hypervisor use the key included in the request to encrypt the results of the privileged operation. In some embodiments, the request itself can also be encrypted, such that any intermediate parties are not able to read the parameters and other information of the request.
US09503264B2 Attribute based encryption using lattices
A master public key is generated as a first set of lattices based on a set of attributes, along with a random vector. A master secret key is generated as a set of trap door lattices corresponding to the first set of lattices. A user secret key is generated for a user's particular set of attributes using the master secret key. The user secret key is a set of values in a vector that are chosen to satisfy a reconstruction function for reconstructing the random vector using the first set of lattices. Information is encrypted to a given set of attributes using the user secret key, the given set of attributes and the user secret key. The information is decrypted by a second user having the given set of attributes using the second user's secret key.
US09503247B2 Carrier aggregation management
A computer device may include logic configured to configure carrier aggregation for a user equipment serviced by the base station device; activate a secondary component carrier for the user equipment; determine that a quality level for the secondary component carrier is lower than a quality threshold; and de-activate the secondary component carrier for the user equipment, in response determining that the quality level is lower than the quality threshold. The logic may be further configured to detect a problem associated with the primary component carrier for the user equipment; determine whether a better primary component carrier is available, in response to detecting the problem; switch to the better primary component carrier, when the better primary component carrier is available; and de-configure carrier aggregation for the user equipment, when the better primary component carrier for the user equipment is not available.
US09503243B2 Method and device for transmitting channel state information
Disclosed is a method for transmitting channel state information, for realizing the transmission of channel information which supports CoMP transmission. The method includes: a terminal receiving from a base station control signaling which indicates to the terminal to perform channel information feedback, the control signaling including indication information about a plurality of CSI-RS resources for performing aggregation feedback; the terminal obtaining the plurality of CSI-RS resources based on the indication information to perform channel estimation and constructing a channel matrix according to a PDSCH transmission solution over a preset CSI reference resource, the correlation between the signal over the plurality of CSI-RS resources and the signal of a UERS port and the constructed channel matrix and transmitting the CSI to the base station. Also disclosed is a device for implementing the method.
US09503242B2 Device-to-device communication mode
Systems and methods for a device-to-device communications mode are described. When two user equipment are within proximity of each other and other requirements are met, the user equipment are configured by their associated nodes to enter a device-to-device communication mode. In that mode, the user equipment receives messages from the other user equipment without the messages traversing the core network between their associated nodes.
US09503237B2 Method and apparatus for conveying demodulation pilot information in a multi antenna wireless communication system
A radio network node (28) comprises a transmitter/receiver (48, 82, 93) configured to communicate over an air interface (32) with a wireless terminal (30); a scheduler (46, 84); and a order signal determination means (46, 62, 84). The scheduler (46, 84) schedules pilot signals, including common pilot signals transmitted for channel estimation, for transmission over the air interface to the wireless terminal. The order signal determination means (46, 62, 84) is configured to make a selective determination whether additional pilot signals for data demodulation are also to be transmitted to the wireless terminal (30) in addition to the common pilot signals transmitted for the channel estimation. The wireless terminal (30) comprises a transmitter and receiver (50, 101, 112) and pilot selection means (68). The pilot selection means (68) is configured to make a determination regarding which pilot signals transmitted by the radio network node are to be utilized by the wireless terminal. The pilot signals transmitted by the radio network node include common pilot signals transmitted for channel estimation and additional pilot signals transmitted for data demodulation.
US09503236B2 Method and apparatus for transmitting downlink reference signal in wireless communication system that supports multiple antennas
A method for transmitting reference signals for eight or fewer antenna ports includes mapping a portion of common reference signals (CRSs) for four or fewer antenna ports into a downlink subframe including 1st slot and 2nd slot with a normal cyclic prefix configuration; mapping channel status information reference signals (CSI-RSs) for eight or fewer antenna ports into the downlink subframe according to a preset pattern; and transmitting the downlink subframe into which the CRSs and the CSI-RSs are mapped, wherein the preset pattern defines the CSI-RSs for eight or fewer antenna ports to be mapped onto two OFDM symbols of the data region in the downlink subframe, with the two OFDM symbols being spaced apart by one OFDM symbol, and wherein the portion of the CRSs for four or fewer antenna ports is limited to the CRSs for two or fewer antenna ports.
US09503234B2 Method and apparatus for receiving data in wireless communication system supporting cooperative transmission
The present invention relates to a wireless communication system. A method for receiving data by a user equipment (UE) in a cooperative multi-point (CoMP) wireless communication system includes receiving downlink control information (DCI) that does not contain information indicating a transmission base station (BS) that actually transmits data among a plurality of BSs that participate in CoMP, receiving information about zero-power channel state information-reference signal (CSI-RS) of each of the plural BSs, and assuming that data is not mapped to a resource element of zero-power CSI-RS with a lowest index and receiving the data through a physical downlink control channel (PDSCH).
US09503228B2 Systems and methods to detect, diagnose, and mitigate issues in multi-layer networks
A method and server to detect, diagnose, and mitigate issues in a network include receiving Operations, Administration, and Maintenance (OAM) data related to the network, the OAM data related to current operation of the network; instantiating a rule engine to evaluate one or more rules based on any one of the OAM data, an event, policy, and an anomaly; and performing one or more actions based on the evaluating the one or more rules. A Software Defined Networking (SDN) controller is also described.
US09503222B2 Differential formatting between normal and retry data transmission
A first frame and a second frame are combined into an extended frame. The extended frame is encapsulated and transmitted over a channel as an extended physical digital. A transmission error notification is received, indicating error in a reception of the transmitted extended physical digital. In response, a re-transmission encapsulates the first frame into a first physical digit, transmits the first physical digit over the channel, encapsulates the second frame into a second physical digit, and transmits the second physical digit over the channel.
US09503219B2 Method and device for measuring the current signal-to-noise ratio when decoding LDPC codes
A method for measuring a signal-to-noise ratio when decoding Low Density Parity Check (LDPC) codes is provided. The method includes receiving from an input of a demodulator an input code word with “strong” or “weak” solutions, decoding the input code word in a LDPC decoder using a predetermined dependence of a mean number of iterations on the signal-to-noise ratio, recording a number of iterations performed during the decoding of the input code word, averaging derived values of the number of iterations for a specified time interval, estimating a signal-to-noise ratio based on averaged derived values of the number of iterations and based on the predetermined dependence of the mean number of iterations on the signal-to-noise ratio, and generating an output decoded code word.
US09503213B2 Systems and methods for data rate optimization in a WCAN system with injection-locked clocking
A method for determining an optimal pulse repetition period (PRP) in a system including a wireless transmission device operating in a static physical transmission environment includes providing a first and second injection-locked transmission system (ILT system). The method further includes implementing an algorithm in a microprocessor within the first ILT system. The algorithm includes synchronizing a receiver clock in the second ILT system with the clock of the first ILT system; setting the PRP equal to an impulse duration, the PRP being very short; increasing the PRP until a bit error rate (BER) at the PRP is less than the bit error rate limit; and based on the determining that the BER is less than the bit error rate limit, setting the PRP as the optimal PRP.
US09503211B2 Signal detection circuit and optical transmission equipment
A signal detection circuit includes: a first optical filter configured to filter an optical signal carrying a frequency modulated signal with a first transmission band; a second optical filter configured to filter the optical signal with a second transmission band; a first photo detector configured to convert the output light of the first optical filter into a first electrical signal; a second photo detector configured to convert the output light of the second optical filter into a second electrical signal; a difference circuit configured to output a signal representing a difference between the first electrical signal and the second electrical signal; and a detector configured to detect the frequency modulated signal based on the output signal of the difference circuit.
US09503209B2 Cell ID management for discovery reference signals for small cells in LTE
Heterogeneous networks incorporate various small cells, such as femto cells and pico cells, in addition to a macro cell. Existing signals (e.g., PSS and SSS) configured as discovery reference signals (DRSs) may not be sufficient for a UE to discover different cells in a heterogeneous network. The disclosed aspects provide approaches for managing cell IDs for various DRS configurations to improve UE discovery of different cells in heterogeneous networks. In an aspect, a UE receives a first reference signal (e.g., based on a PCI) configured for performing a base station measurement by the UE. The UE further receives one or more second reference signals (e.g., based on a VCI which is associated with the PCI) configured for measurement by the UE. The UE performs the base station measurement based on the first reference signal and the one or more second reference signals.
US09503208B2 Coordinated multipoint (COMP) techniques for reducing downlink interference from uplink signals
Base stations (BSs) can remove inter-BS interference components from received uplink signals using downlink information communicated over a backhaul network. The downlink information is associated with downlink transmissions of neighboring base stations, and is used to remove the inter-BS interference in accordance with interference cancellation techniques, e.g., signal interference cancellation (SIC), etc. The downlink information includes information associated with downlink transmission of the interfering BSs, such as information bits (e.g., data), parity information, control information, modulation and coding scheme (MCS) parameters, forward error correction (FEC) parameters, and other information. Additionally, inter-BS interference can be suppressed using channel information of interference channels using interference suppression techniques, e.g., interference rejection combining (IRC), etc.
US09503206B2 Multi-tier polling
A polling arrangement where polling frequency and/or rates may be adjusted according to activities of end stations or other elements being polled. The ability to adjust the polling activities may be used to facilitate reducing or otherwise controlling network resources allocated to the supporting the polling or other messaging depending operations.
US09503202B2 Underwater acoustic array, communication and location system
An underwater communication system comprises a plurality of network nodes for sending and receiving ultrasonic energy through water. In accordance with one aspect, each of the network nodes includes an array of two ultrasonic transducers positioned so as to define a line segment. Each node also includes a transceiver adapted to generate a code element, generate a data element, generate a modulation element, and combine the code element, the data element and the modulation element into an analog waveform. The system is further adapted to transmit the analog waveform through each of the ultrasonic transducers and receive the analog waveform generated by at least one of the network nodes.
US09503196B2 N2 times pulse energy enhancement using coherent addition of N orthogonally phase modulated periodic signals
A method for increasing energy in a pulse optical beam is provided. The method may include: receiving an optical input beam having a period pulse train with a given repetition frequency; splitting the input beam into N optical signals; phase modulating each signal in the N optical signals at a different phase, such that the N optical signal are orthogonal to each other; and coherently combining each of the phase modulated signals into a single optical output beam.
US09503194B2 External cavity laser based wavelength division multiplexing superchannel transceivers
A technique relates to a superchannel. Laser cavities include a first laser cavity, a next laser cavity, through a last laser cavity. Modulators include a first modulator, a next modulator, through a last modulator, each having a direct input, an add port, and an output. A concatenated arrangement of the laser cavities is configured to form the superchannel, which includes the last laser cavity coupled to the direct input of the last modulator, and the output of the last modulator coupled to the add port of the next modulator. The arrangement includes the next laser cavity coupled to direct input of the next modulator, and the output of the next modulator coupled to add port of first modulator, along with the first laser cavity coupled to direct input of the first modulator, and the output of first modulator coupled to input of a multiplexer, thus forming the superchannel into multiplexer.
US09503192B2 Data network, aircraft or spacecraft, and method
A data network, especially a data network for an aircraft or spacecraft, includes a primary data grid, and at least one secondary data grid, the primary data grid including primary data nodes, wherein the primary data nodes are directly or indirectly coupled in data communication with each other, and the at least one secondary data grid comprising secondary data nodes, wherein the at least one secondary data grid is configured to connect the secondary data nodes in a data communication chain and to connect the first secondary data node of the data communication chain to a first respective primary data node and/or the last secondary data node of the data communication chain to a second respective primary data node.
US09503189B2 Method and apparatus for arranging communication sessions in a communication system
Aspects of the subject disclosure may include, for example, a system for determining a usage pattern, and sending instructions to a plurality of waveguide systems to transmit or receive electromagnetic waves along a surface of each of a plurality of wires according to the usage pattern. Other embodiments are disclosed.