Document Document Title
US09554619B2 Article of footwear with integral upper and sole
An article of footwear with an integral upper and sole and a method of assembling the article of footwear are disclosed. The method includes folding the article of footwear from a flat configuration and attaching top and bottom lateral edges to form the article of footwear. A kit of parts containing an article of footwear with an integral upper and sole and a set of instructions is also disclosed.
US09554618B2 Article of footwear with integral upper and sole
An article of footwear with an integral upper and sole and a method of assembling the article of footwear are disclosed. The method includes folding the article of footwear from a flat configuration and attaching top and bottom lateral edges to form the article of footwear. A kit of parts containing an article of footwear with an integral upper and sole and a set of instructions is also disclosed.
US09554616B2 Dual-density insole with a molded geometry
A dual-density insole (or sock liner) for a shoe is disclosed. The insole includes a carrier with two cavities. Two inserts with a density or hardness level that is different from that of the carrier are positioned in the cavities for increased performance. The disclosed insole further exhibits a molded geometry marked with shaped protrusions.
US09554615B2 Skate boot having a toe cap with rear extensions
A skate boot having an outer shell and a toe cap. The outer shell has medial and lateral side portions having front medial and lateral end portions. The toe cap has rear medial and lateral extensions defining medial and lateral hollow spaces. The front medial and lateral side end portions of the outer shell are at least partially received in the medial and lateral hollow spaces of the toe cap for affixing the toe cap to the outer shell.
US09554613B2 Method of manufacturing a multi-colored safety helmet
Provided is a safety helmet that exhibits more than one color. Methods of manufacturing such safety helmets are also provided.
US09554611B2 Foldable protective helmet
The invention relates to a protective helmet comprising a plurality of segments, at least two of said segments (106, 107) being connected together by way of a sliding connection for sliding purposes, said segments connected by said connection having complementary and approximately parallel indentations and protrusions, characterized in that, for each sliding connection, said protrusions of at least one of the segments are connected together by way of a transverse bar.
US09554603B2 Glove with removable fingertips
A glove, having a finger sheath comprising multiple pieces of fabric held together by seams; and reinforcements for the seams so that part of the sheath can be removed by cutting without the seams unraveling.
US09554600B2 Band for garment
An upper torso garment and a lower torso garment each comprising a respective torso encircling band. The band includes an inner layer and an outer layer with each layer having a first series of courses. The first series of courses defined by a first, covered elastomeric, yarn and a second, low friction, yarn. The first and second yarns are knit such that the second yarn is float platted with the first yarn.
US09554599B2 Brassiere with adjustable spacing between cups
The brassiere with adjustable spacing between cups includes an elastic band adapted for releasable mounting about a user's torso and a pair of shoulder straps secured thereto. A pair of fabric cups are secured to the elastic band for supporting the user's breasts. A lower portion of each cup has a channel defined therein and an open end. Each end of an elongate, flexible support wire or member is slidably disposed within a respective one of the channels. Additionally, a pair of flaps are respectively secured to the pair of fabric cups. Each of the flaps has a free end for selective positioning adjacent a respective open end of each of the channels. The free ends may be secured together such that when the flaps are secured, the support wire allows the spacing between the cups to decrease, thus providing additional inward and upward support for the user's breasts.
US09554598B2 Heat insulated apparatus for heating smokable material
An apparatus configured to heat smokeable material to volatilize at least one component of the smokeable material, wherein the apparatus comprises a region of insulation having a core region which is evacuated to a lower pressure than an exterior of the insulation.
US09554589B2 Food steganography
The present disclosure relates to methods and systems for calculating a food additive. A first method includes identifying chemical compounds of an averse food ingredient, identifying chemical compounds of a flavorful food ingredient and calculating a set of chemical compounds for the food additive such that an olfactory perception of a mixture of the averse food ingredient, the flavorful food ingredient and the food additive is the same as an olfactory perception of only the flavorful food ingredient. A first device includes a database storing information identifying chemical compounds of an averse food ingredient and identifying chemical compounds of a flavorful food ingredient, and a processor for calculating a food additive such that an olfactory perception of flavors of a mixture of the averse food ingredient, the flavorful food ingredient and the food additive is the same as an olfactory perception of only the flavorful food ingredient.
US09554584B2 Compositions and methods for controlling the weight of animals
Compositions are provided comprising a balance between lysine and essential amino acids and metabolizable energy. The compositions are useful in methods to prevent or treat obesity in an animal without concomitant loss of lean muscle mass. The compositions may also be used in methods to preserve or to cause a gain in lean muscle mass in an animal in need thereof.
US09554583B2 Process for the production of freeze dried micro-organisms and related compositions
The present invention provides a process for the preparation of freeze dried microorganism composition, comprising the step of (i) subjecting a frozen composition comprising micro-organisms to a drying pressure of from 133 Pa [1000 mT] to 338 Pa [2540 mT] such that at the drying pressure the frozen composition is dried by sublimation of water present in the frozen composition to provide a freeze dried composition comprising the micro-organisms.
US09554582B2 Marbled surface chocolate product
The present invention is directed to a panned confectionery product comprising a chocolate piece having a color adherent coating on a surface of the chocolate piece, wherein the coating comprises a color adherent coating solution selected from the group consisting of a chocolate polish and a confectionery glaze and at least one edible colorant adhered to the coating solution.
US09554576B2 Tetrazolinone compounds and their use as pesticides
The present invention provides a compound having an excellent efficacy for controlling pests. A tetrazolinone compound of formula (1): shows an excellent controlling efficacy on pests.
US09554574B2 Granular turf safe mesotrione compositions
A composition comprising herbicidal mixtures of mesotrione impregnated into or coated on the surface of a granular substrate material such as a fertilizer granule and/or a solid inert carrier material is provided for use to control weeds in turfgrasses without causing damage to the grass and methods for the use thereof.
US09554571B2 Elk reel
A device for producing a sound like the vocalization of an elk, the device having two pivotably connected portions, wherein said sound is produced by blowing into an opening, the air being directed over a bent vibratable reed, the pitch being adjustable by pivoting the portions to be more or less parallel to each other.
US09554570B2 Bird control assemblies for protecting wires
Systems and methods for providing modular bird control deterrent devices with spikes for use with overhead electrical wire are provided. A modular bird control segment base provides locking support for one or more bird control spikes by including locking flanges in a spike support cavity of the segment base that engages and locks a spike by engaging a groove in the bottom portion of the respective spike. The bird control segment base provides attachment support for fasteners that secure the bird control segment base to the electrical wire in use by providing opposing slot openings in a groove on the top of the segment base to engage a fastener. The bird control segment base also has opposing fastening mechanisms for connecting multiple segments together.
US09554565B2 Fly fishing reel
A fly fishing reel having a hidden counterweight system, reversible crank knob, mounting seat, and/or sealed spool and drag system.
US09554562B2 Lighting system and control for experimenting in aquaculture
A method of experimenting on aquatic life in an indoor facility and a lighting assembly for accomplishing the same. The lighting assembly includes a lighting device that emits light at a predetermined wavelength that provides a minimum water penetration depth and is positioned in a manner to provide uniform lighting at the air and water interface within a containment unit housing the aquatic life. The on and off functions are also controlled by the lighting assembly to provide a gradual turn on and turn off to prevent interference of effects of lighting with experimental results.
US09554559B2 Towed roping dummy shock absorption apparatus
The towed roping dummy shock absorption apparatus provides for an apparatus designed to be inserted between a pulling vehicle and a towed roping dummy when practicing team roping from horseback. The apparatus provides for modulation of jerks and forces on the dummy that cause strain on the vehicle, dummy and horse, as well as providing for more consistent speed when being towed.
US09554555B2 Apparatus for protecting feed accumulated in a wildlife feeder
An apparatus is provided for protecting wildlife feed. The apparatus has a body with a bottom portion and a top portion. The body is configured to attach to a feed accumulation portion of a wildlife feeder that provides feed accessible to wildlife. The apparatus further includes a first extension member angularly extending forward from the bottom portion of the body, and a second extension member angularly extending rearward from the top portion of the body.
US09554552B2 Method and device for spraying dairy animals
A method and device for spraying dairy animals and in particular for spraying an udder region of dairy animals, including cows, during an at least partly or fully automatic milking process, includes providing a spray device mounted on a robot arm, the spray device including a spray nozzle with a spray opening, and a fluid channel feeding spray solution from an input port to the spray opening; pumping spray solution through the fluid channel towards the spray opening; heating the spray solution in a heating region of the fluid channel; and spraying the heated spray solution through the spray opening towards the udder region of the dairy animal.
US09554547B1 Sorghum inbred PHK71BBIT
A novel sorghum variety designated PHK71BBIT and seed, plants and plant parts thereof. Methods for producing a plant that comprise crossing sorghum variety PHK71BBIT with another plant. Methods for producing a plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into PHK71BBIT through backcross conversion and/or transformation, and to the sorghum seed, plant and plant part produced thereby. Hybrid sorghum seed, plant or plant part produced by crossing the sorghum variety PHK71BBIT or a locus conversion of PHK71BBIT with another sorghum variety.
US09554546B1 Sorghum inbred PHONRMMIT
A novel sorghum variety designated PHONRMMIT and seed, plants and plant parts thereof. Methods for producing a plant that comprise crossing sorghum variety PHONRMMIT with another plant. Methods for producing a plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into PHONRMMIT through backcross conversion and/or transformation, and to the sorghum seed, plant and plant part produced thereby. Hybrid sorghum seed, plant or plant part produced by crossing the sorghum variety PHONRMMIT or a locus conversion of PHONRMMIT with another sorghum variety.
US09554543B2 Plants and seeds of hybrid corn variety CH124028
According to the invention, there is provided seed and plants of the hybrid corn variety designated CH124028. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of the variety CH124028, and to methods for producing a corn plant produced by crossing a corn plant of variety CH124028 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 CH124028.
US09554541B2 Plants and seeds of hybrid corn variety CH102421
According to the invention, there is provided seed and plants of the hybrid corn variety designated CH102421. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of the variety CH102421, and to methods for producing a corn plant produced by crossing a corn plant of variety CH102421 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 CH102421.
US09554539B2 Soybean variety XR30AT14RX
The invention relates to the soybean variety designated XR30AT14RX. Provided by the invention are the seeds, plants and derivatives of the soybean variety XR30AT14RX. Also provided by the invention are tissue cultures of the soybean variety XR30AT14RX and the plants regenerated therefrom. Still further provided by the invention are methods for producing soybean plants by crossing the soybean variety XR30AT14RX with itself or another soybean variety and plants produced by such methods.
US09554537B2 Soybean variety XB07A14R2
The invention relates to the soybean variety designated XB07A14R2. Provided by the invention are the seeds, plants and derivatives of the soybean variety XB07A14R2. Also provided by the invention are tissue cultures of the soybean variety XB07A14R2 and the plants regenerated therefrom. Still further provided by the invention are methods for producing soybean plants by crossing the soybean variety XB07A14R2 with itself or another soybean variety and plants produced by such methods.
US09554531B2 Soybean variety 01051034
The invention relates to the soybean variety designated 01051034. Provided by the invention are the seeds, plants and derivatives of the soybean variety 01051034. Also provided by the invention are tissue cultures of the soybean variety 01051034 and the plants regenerated therefrom. Still further provided by the invention are methods for producing soybean plants by crossing the soybean variety 01051034 with itself or another soybean variety and plants produced by such methods.
US09554530B2 Soybean variety 01057523
The invention relates to the soybean variety designated 01057523. Provided by the invention are the seeds, plants and derivatives of the soybean variety 01057523. Also provided by the invention are tissue cultures of the soybean variety 01057523 and the plants regenerated therefrom. Still further provided by the invention are methods for producing soybean plants by crossing the soybean variety 01057523 with itself or another soybean variety and plants produced by such methods.
US09554525B2 Agronomically elite soybeans with high β-conglycinin content
The invention overcomes the deficiencies of the art by providing an agronomically elite soybean plant with non-transgenic mutations of at least two of the glycinin subunits selected from the group consisting of Gy1, Gy2, Gy3, Gy4, and Gy5, such as conferring a Gy2 and Gy4 null phenotype and increased β-conglycinin content in seed. The invention also provides derivatives, and plant parts of these plants and uses thereof. Methods for marker assisted selection of soybean varieties comprising non-transgenic mutations conferring a reduced Gy1, Gy2, Gy3, Gy4, and Gy5 phenotype are also provided as part of the current invention. Methods for producing such plants that are further lipoxygenase and/or Kunitz Trypsin Inhibitor null and the plants produced thereby are also provided. The invention is significant in that soybeans from such plants are preferred dietary additives and provide important health benefits.
US09554519B2 Agricultural harvester concave adjustment system and method
An agricultural harvesting machine including a chassis, and a threshing section carried by the chassis. The threshing section includes a rotor, a plurality of frame assemblies adjustably positioned proximate to the rotor, a plurality of concaves and an adjustment mechanism. Each concave is carried by a corresponding frame assembly. The adjustment mechanism is coupled to the frame assemblies. The plurality of frame assemblies are X frame assemblies, with X being 2 or larger. The adjustment mechanism has at least one actuator, with there being Y actuators, with Y being 1 or larger. The adjustment mechanism is configured to adjust each of the X frame assemblies to different positions with Y actuators, where Y is less than X.
US09554508B2 Autonomous mobile robot
A robot lawnmower includes a robot body, a drive system, a localizing system, a teach monitor, and a controller in communication with one another. The drive system is configured to maneuver the robot lawnmower over a lawn. The teach monitor determines whether the robot lawnmower is in a teachable state. The controller includes a data processing device and non-transitory memory in communication with the data processing device. The data processing device executes a teach routine when the controller is in a teach mode for tracing a confinement perimeter around the lawn as a human operator pilots the robot lawn mower, when the robot lawnmower is in the teachable state, the teach routine stores global positions determined by the localizing system in the non-transitory memory, and when the robot lawnmower is in the unteachable state, the teach routine issues an indication of the unteachable state.
US09554505B2 Pneumatic system and method for a folding toolbar and seed planter assembly
A pneumatic manifold is provided for a folding toolbar for use with seed planters having pneumatic seed metering devices. The manifold is formed within the tubular center section and opposite folding wings of the toolbar. A flexible coupler is provided at each wing hinge juncture to provide air flow through the toolbar wings and the center section, while allowing the toolbar to fold and unfold between the transport and field positions.
US09554504B2 Depth control for a seed planting system
A planting system including a plurality of seeding row assemblies, each having components maintained at a controlled elevation. The seeding row assembly includes a tillage row unit controlled to maintain a desired elevation relative to a seeding row unit, the seeding row unit being configured to passively follow the local terrain. Each seeding row assembly can include two position sensors that generate signals corresponding to the elevation of the seeding row unit and the ground engagement attachment, respectively, or a differential position sensor that generates signals corresponding to the difference in the elevations. Various embodiments include a local closed loop controller that adjusts elevation of the tillage row unit relative to the seeding row unit to a desired set point. In some embodiments, the down force of the seeding row unit is actively controlled.
US09554503B2 Seed dispenser and conveyance system for agricultural machinery
A seed dispenser and conveyor system applied in agricultural tools with a circular structural base (20) equipped with lid (22), and an angled vertical base (21) equipped with lid (23), on the upper part of the base (20) presenting a seed box (30), a vacuum turbine (40) and a cutting disk (50), with the system actuated by a bar (223) and gear (222) rotating the selector disk (VI) in a clockwise movement, transmitting the movement to the hollowed gears (B1, C1, D1, and E1) equipped with spacing that conveys the seed (60) to the releasing ramp (211), producing synchronized movements in opposed directions, uniformly conveying the seeds and not being subject to trepidation in the seeding line or any type of lateral, frontal and rear inclination, besides keeping the correct distance up to the seeding groove, and reducing the seed variation coefficient in the seeding line.
US09554502B2 Seed coating compositions and methods for applying soil surfactants to water-repellent soil
Herein provided are innovative methods and techniques for improving seedling germination and plant establishment including a seed composition of at least one seed having a seed protective coating applied to the seed and a soil surfactant coating applied to the seed protective coating. The seed protective coating is positioned between the seed and the soil surfactant. The seed protective coating is formulated to keep the soil surfactant from contacting the seed and the soil surfactant coating is formulated to increase wettability of soil and being a sufficient quantity of soil surfactant to treat the soil in contact with the seed composition such that the soil is conditioned for growing the seed.
US09554500B2 Gravitational latch for wing lift wheels
The present application discloses an improvement to hydraulically operated wing lift wheels used in tillage equipment. According to embodiments of the present invention, a hydraulic lockout mechanism is provided that uses gravity to rotate a weighted latch into a position that prevents full retraction of a hydraulic cylinder when in a certain orientation. When in other orientations, the weighted latch is in a position that allows the hydraulic cylinder to fully retract.
US09560790B2 Power electronics cooling system with two-phase cooler
Cooling systems and vehicles containing cooling systems are disclosed. A cooling system may include an evaporator, a condenser positioned downstream from the evaporator, a pump positioned downstream from the condenser, and a two phase cooler positioned downstream from the pump and in series upstream from the evaporator. The two phase cooler may receive thermal energy from a heat generating device to preheat a working fluid and directs the preheated working fluid to the evaporator.
US09560789B2 System and method for fluid cooling of electronic devices installed in a sealed enclosure
A system and method for cooling electronic devices disposed with the inner volume of a fluid-tight sealed enclosure. Thermally conductive fluids that fill one or more volumes of said sealed enclosure may be circulated away from said sealed enclosure to an external heat exchange mechanism. The inner volume of the sealed container contains one or more single phase or multi-phase thermally conductive fluids and may contain solid or sealed hollow structures that conform to or occupy space between said electronic devices. Pressure balancing mechanisms may be included to maintain suitable pressure of gaseous fluid in a volume of the sealed container.
US09560788B2 Heat dissipation device and control method thereof
A heat dissipation device including a driving module and a heat dissipation sheet is provided. The heat dissipation sheet has a connection portion and a swing portion and is connected to the driving module by the connection portion. When the driving module receives an input voltage to drive the connection portion, the connection portion drives the swing portion to swing back and forth so as to generate a heat dissipation airflow.
US09560787B2 Removable heat management for recharge coils
Devices, systems, and techniques for managing heat generated in coils for wireless energy transmission are disclosed. Inductive coupling between two coils (e.g., a primary coil and a secondary coil) may be used to recharge the power source of an implantable medical device. A phase change material may be thermally coupled to the primary coil to absorb heat generated during the inductive coupling and reduce temperature increases of the primary coil. In one example, the phase change material may be configured to absorb heat from an energy transfer coil. A housing may be configured to contain the phase change material and a coupling mechanism may be configured to removably attach the housing to the energy transfer coil.
US09560786B2 Slide rail assembly and slide rail assembly pair
A slide rail assembly comprising: a first slide rail (10, 10′) comprising a first, elongated web plate (11, 11′), a front surface facing toward a carried item (80) in use and a back surface facing away from the carried item in use; a second slide rail (20, 20′) nested within the first slide rail and being movable relative to the first slide rail in length direction. The upper edge of the first web plate is provided with a first, L-shaped upper folded panel (12, 12′) extending at an angle of 90 degrees with regard to the back surface of the first web plate, the lower edge thereof is provided with a horizontal supporting panel (13, 13′) for supporting the item which is bended at an angle of 90 degrees with regard to the front surface of the first web plate, and the first web plate is also provided with at least one first, L-shaped lower folded panel (14, 14′) opposite to the first upper folded panel and extending at an angle of 90 degrees with regard to the back surface of the first web plate, with the first upper folded panel and the at least one first lower folded panel collectively constituting a slide chute for supporting and guiding the second slide rail sliding therein.
US09560785B1 Mezzanine card system
The mezzanine card system and method of use thereof provides a baseboard having opposing sides, each side configured to receive a mezzanine card thereon. A plurality of mezzanine cards are provided having integrated circuits, such as Field Programmable Gate Arrays, fixedly attached thereon. The mezzanine cards of the system reduce reprogramming time from about 15 months to about six weeks. This drastic reduction in reprogramming time provides great advantages for circuitry systems, especially when these systems are used within battlefield and electronic warfare technology. The surfaces of the baseboard are an Electroless Nickel, Electroless Palladium, and Immersion Gold (ENEPIG) plated finish.
US09560782B2 Waterproof lockable door and pressure adjusted plug thereof
A waterproof lockable door and a pressure adjusted plug thereof are provided. An electronic device is formed with an opening having an annular wall. The waterproof lockable door includes a cover member having at least one through hole and a pressure adjusted plug including a waterproof member and at least one fastening unit. The waterproof member includes at least one fastening hole. The fastening unit is formed with a head portion and a rod portion, and the rod portion is received in the through hole and moves relative to the cover member, thereby driving the outer periphery of the waterproof member to be tightly adjacent to annular wall. Accordingly, the tolerance of the annular wall and the waterproof member and the air pressure inside an opening both force the waterproof member to move.
US09560780B2 Electronic device
A memory module has a memory mounted thereon. A support plate supports a circuit board. The circuit board is located facing and separated from the support plate. The circuit board has a first contact. A holder has a recessed housing portion and a first engagement portion. The housing portion is formed to internally house the memory module. The first engagement portion is provided to be inserted into an opening and engage with the opening. The holder is configured to be fixed to the support plate in an attitude in which the housing portion is open toward the circuit board, by the first engagement portion engaging with the opening. A lid is mounted on the holder by being inserted into the housing portion. A conductive portion is provided on the lid. The conductive portion is configured to electrically connect the memory module to the first contact of the circuit board.
US09560777B2 Door closer mechanism for hot/cold aisle air containment room
A hot/cold aisle air containment room includes a plurality of electronic equipment enclosures at least partially defining an interior aisle, a frame structure supporting one or more ceiling panels above the interior aisle, and a door assembly. The door assembly includes a sliding door and an unpowered door closer mechanism adapted to move the sliding door from an open state to a closed state, thereby providing controlled access to the interior aisle and minimizing intermixing of hot air and cold air between an environment external to the hot/cold aisle air containment room and an environment internal to the hot/cold aisle air containment room.
US09560776B2 Image display device
An image display device includes: a display to output an image; a frame to cover at least a partial upper portion of a rear surface of the display and form an appearance; and a back cover coupled to the frame to cover the rear surface of the display, wherein the back cover includes a first cover disposed in a horizontal direction and detachably coupled to the frame; a second cover coupled to the first cover and disposed to overlap with the first cover; and a fixing member disposed at an inner side of the first cover and the second cover and fixes the second cover to the first cover.
US09560775B2 Curved display apparatus
A display apparatus is provided. The display apparatus includes a display which is curved such that opposite lateral ends thereof protrude forward relative to a central portion thereof. A support frame having a lower end supported on a horizontal surface and allowing the display to be disposed inside thereof is provided; wherein the support frame is curved such that opposite lateral ends thereof protrude forward relative to the central portion thereof.
US09560772B2 Electric circuit configuration having an MID circuit carrier and a connecting interface connected to it
An electric circuit configuration having an MID circuit carrier and a connecting interface, the connecting interface being situated on a surface of the MID circuit carrier. The electric circuit configuration further includes at least one electrical contact pair having at least one connecting interface contact element and at least one MID contact element that is provided on the surface and is situated on the connecting interface contact element. The exemplary embodiments and/or exemplary methods of the present invention further relates to a contact element group having at least one electrical contact element for the electrical contacting of an MID circuit carrier, which is developed on a surface of an MID circuit carrier, is electrically connected to it, and extends away from the surface. The at least one contact element is connected to a line element of the MID circuit carrier.
US09560771B2 Ball grid array and land grid array having modified footprint
An apparatus includes a substrate having a surface and a plurality of solder balls arranged on the surface to form a ball grid array. A portion of the plurality of solder balls is arranged to have a pitch between adjacent solder balls. The adjacent solder balls having the pitch have a shape of a truncated sphere. At least one solder ball of the plurality of solder balls is included in a solder island on the surface having a shape that is different than the shape of the truncated sphere.
US09560767B2 Wiring boards and semiconductor modules including the same
A wiring board includes a metal core including a first surface and a second surface facing each other and a first portion and a second portion disposed on the first and second surfaces, respectively. The first and second portions each include a plurality of insulating layers and a plurality of wiring layers stacked in an alternating manner. At least one capacitor is disposed in at least one interior region. The at least one capacitor includes first and second electrodes. The at least one interior region exposes a portion of the metal core and a portion of at least one of the first and second portions adjacent to the metal core and at least one first via electrically connects one of the wiring layers of the first portion with the first and second electrodes.
US09560761B2 Curved display
Embodiment related to a curved display including a curved panel, a printed circuit board separated from the curved panel, and a plurality of flexible films electrically connecting the curved panel and the printed circuit board. The lengths of the flexible films is increased as the flexible films approach an edge of the curved panel.
US09560760B2 Reduction of resonance in connectors
Techniques for reducing resonance in contact fingers of a connector are described herein. An example of a device in accordance with the present techniques includes an add-in-card that includes a circuit board and an edge contact finger disposed on an outer surface of the circuit board. The add-in-card also includes a resonator disposed in an internal layer of the circuit board and coupled to the edge contact finger, wherein the resonator reduces a resonance in the edge contact finger.
US09560759B2 Power supply module, package for the power supply module, method of manufacturing the power supply module and wireless sensor module
A package includes a metal core substrate, a first insulation layer formed along a periphery of a first surface of the metal core substrate, the first surface of the metal core substrate being exposed at an inner side of the first insulation layer, a second insulation layer formed along at least a periphery of a second surface of the metal core substrate, a first through-electrode penetrating the second insulation layer at a first part of the periphery of the metal core substrate, and a second through-electrode penetrating the first insulation layer, the metal core substrate and the second insulation layer at a second part of the periphery of the metal core substrate, the second through-electrode being electrically insulated from the metal core substrate via an insulation member.
US09560758B2 Uniform impedance circuit board
A printed wiring board includes a first conductive layer, a second conductive layer arranged at a gap with respective to the first conductive layer, a third conductive layer, a first via conductor and a second via conductor, and a third signal wiring pattern. A first signal wiring pattern is arranged on the first conductive layer, a second signal wiring pattern is arranged on the second conductive layer, and a third signal wiring pattern that is arranged on the third conductive layer. The third conductive layer is arranged between the first conductive layer and the second conductive layer via an insulating layer. The first via conductor and the second via conductor, which are arranged to be mutually adjacent, connect the first signal wiring pattern to the second signal wiring pattern. The third signal wiring pattern connects the first via conductor to the second via conductor.
US09560744B2 Component and method for producing a component
A component includes a substrate having at least one flexible substrate area which has at least one area reinforced by forming a material composite. The material composite includes at least a portion of the flexible substrate area. The component also includes a first microstructured or nanostructured element and a connecting mechanism configured to attach the first microstructured or nanostructured element to the flexible substrate area. A damping mass is configured to cover at least the first microstructured or nanostructured element and a portion of the substrate protruding over the material composite. The component is configured to provide a secure receptacle for the electronic element and to offer good vibration decoupling of the electronic element from vibrations of the component.
US09560739B2 Wiring board
To provide a wiring substrate which can prevent short circuit between connection terminals, and which realizes reduction of the pitch between the connection terminals. The wiring substrate of the present invention includes a layered structure including one or more insulation layers and one or more conductor layers, and the wiring substrate is characterized in that a plurality of connection terminals are formed on the layered structure so as to be separated from one another; a filling member is filled between the connection terminals; and each of the connection terminals has a side surface composed of a contact surface which is in contact with the filling member, and a spaced surface which is not in contact with the filling member and which is located above the contact surface and below the top surface of the filling member.
US09560738B2 Touch window
A light emitting device according to the embodiment includes touch window including: a substrate; and an electrode part on the substrate, wherein the electrode part includes: a first sub-pattern; an electrode layer on the first sub-pattern; and a second sub-pattern close to the first sub-pattern, and wherein a boundary area between the electrode layer and the first sub-pattern is larger than a boundary area between the substrate and the first sub-pattern. A light emitting device package according to the embodiment includes a touch window including: a substrate; and an electrode part on the substrate; wherein the electrode part includes: a first sub-pattern; an electrode layer on the first sub-pattern; and a second sub-pattern close to the first sub-pattern, and wherein a line width of the first sub-pattern is changed according to a height of the first sub-pattern.
US09560735B1 Planar graphene semi-cyclotrons
Various emitters and emitter systems are disclosed. For instance, in various embodiments, an emitter can comprise a substrate, an insulator bonded to the substrate, a graphene layer bonded to the insulator, and a first electrical contact and a second electrical contact. The first electrical contact can be bonded over a first portion of the graphene layer, and the second electrical contact can be bonded over a second portion of the graphene layer. The graphene layer electrically couples the first electrical contact and the second electrical contact and is configured to receive the application of a pulsed input voltage between the first electrical contact and the second electrical contact and to radiate radio frequency (RF) energy. An emitter system can comprise a plurality of emitters, each disposed on a single integrated circuit.
US09560733B2 Nozzle throat for thermal processing and torch equipment
A nozzle assembly includes an upper portion defining an opening for receiving a gas and a longitudinally extending cylindrical body portion adjacent to the upper portion and defining a passageway for the gas. The nozzle assembly also includes a tip portion adjacent to the body portion, with the tip portion defining a throat channel. The throat channel includes a throat inlet region that focuses a flow of the gas. The throat inlet region is fluidly connected to the passageway via a throat inlet opening. The throat channel also includes an acceleration region that is disposed downstream of the throat inlet region and fluidly connected to the throat inlet region to compress the gas and accelerate the flow of the gas. The throat channel further includes an expansion region disposed downstream of the acceleration region and fluidly connected to the acceleration region to allow the gas to expand.
US09560732B2 High access consumables for a plasma arc cutting system
A nozzle for a plasma arc torch is provided. The nozzle includes a substantially hollow, elongated nozzle body capable of receiving an electrode, the body defining a longitudinal axis, a distal end, and a proximal end. The nozzle also includes a swirl sleeve attachable to an interior surface of the nozzle body, the swirl sleeve configured to impart a swirling motion to a gas introduced to the nozzle. The nozzle additionally includes a nozzle tip connected to the proximal end of the nozzle body, a nozzle shield, and an insulator configured to connect the nozzle tip and the nozzle shield to electrically insulate the nozzle shield and the nozzle tip from one another while transferring thermal energy therebetween.
US09560730B2 Transport system for an extreme ultraviolet light source
Free radicals that combine with debris that is created by converting a target mixture to plasma that emits EUV light are received at a first opening defined by a first end of a conduit, the conduit including a material that passes the free radicals and the conduit including a sidewall that extends away from the first opening and defines at least one other opening, the at least one other positioned to release the free radicals toward an element that accumulates the debris on a surface. The free radicals in the conduit are directed toward the at least one other opening. The free radicals are passed through the at least one other opening and to the surface of the element to remove the debris from the surface of the element without removing the element from the EUV light source.
US09560729B2 Grounding rope for a shaft grounding apparatus of a dynamo-electric machine
A grounding rope assembly for electrically grounding a rotatable conductive shaft of a dynamo-electric machine. The assembly includes a grounding rope member including a plurality of conductive wires extending along the length of the grounding rope member and one or more discrete fixation points intermediate the first and second ends of the grounding rope member. Two or more of the plurality of conductive wires are affixed together at each of the discrete fixation points.
US09560726B2 System and method for remote control of electrical appliance using reflected light
The invention addresses the problem of dependency of wireless control systems for electrical appliances on pre-existing control switches along with limited switching functionality. It relates to a system (1,50) for wirelessly controlling an electrical appliance (100). By providing the system with an input unit (5,25,55) comprising a user-operable command interface (9,19,49,59) and a control device (3,30) which is connectable to said electrical appliance, wherein said input unit is located remotely from said control device, and said control device is adapted to detect a light signal being reflected off said command interface, to allocate said light signal to a predetermined command and to output said command to the electrical appliance, it is possible to rely on light manipulation when being reflected, without need of connection to the electrical wiring present in a building.
US09560725B2 Illuminated sports system
The invention generally relates to an illuminated sports system. In certain embodiments, the system includes a device configured to be worn by a user that includes a first portion having a first illumination source and a second portion having first control circuitry configured to at least transmit or receive data associated with the device. The system also includes a movable piece of sports equipment including a second illumination source and second control circuitry configured to at least transmit or receive data associated with the movable piece of sports equipment. At least one of the first and second control circuitries is configured to sense when the user possesses the movable piece of sports equipment and modify an emission of at least one of the first and second illumination sources based on the user possessing the movable piece of sports equipment.
US09560724B2 Dual encoder
A dual encoder (07) has a first shaft (09) being mounted in a housing (16) so as to be rotatable, wherein a first locking mechanism, for locking different rotational positions of the first shaft (09), and at least one first rotation signal generator (26, 27), for generating a signal showing a switchover between two locking positions, are provided at the first shaft (09), and having a second shaft (10) being mounted in the housing (16) so as to be coaxially rotatable, wherein a second locking mechanism for locking different rotational positions of the second shaft (10) and at least one second rotation signal generator (28, 29) for generating a signal showing a switchover between two locking positions are provided at the second shaft (10), wherein both shafts (09, 10) include activation elements (11, 12).
US09560723B2 Systems and methods for self commissioning and locating lighting system
The present disclosure provides techniques for a self-commissioning and locating lighting system. The system includes a group of light fixtures, each emitting a unique optical data signal. A remote control device detects the unique optical data signal from the light fixtures when the light fixture is within a visual field of the remote control device. A central controller receives a signal from the remote control device, wherein the signal comprises data regarding the GPS location of the remote control device and the digital identities of the light fixture within the visual field of the remote control, wherein the signal further comprises a control command for operation of the light fixtures, and wherein the central controller sends a control signal to the light fixture implementing the control command.
US09560720B2 Emergency vehicle alert system
A method and system for the control and signaling of traffic signal lights by emergency vehicles in the vicinity. Emergency vehicles can be detected by traffic signal lights allowing the emergency vehicle to have a prioritized, rapid, unimpeded, and safe emergency vehicle transit.
US09560718B2 Dimmer with motion and light sensing
A dimming system includes an alternating current input, a reference crossing detector operable to detect when a signal derived from the alternating current input crosses a reference level, a ramp signal generator operable to generate a ramp signal with a changing voltage, wherein the ramp signal generator is operable to restart the ramp signal based on an output of the reference crossing detector, a switch operable to control a current derived from the alternating current input to a load output, a switch driver operable to control the switch based at least in part on the ramp signal, and a difference amplifier operable to generate a difference between the ramp signal and an input from a light sensor, wherein the switch driver is operable to control the switch based at least in part on the difference.
US09560715B2 Light source apparatus and display apparatus having a plurality of reflection unit each with a substantially N-sided pyramid shape and a detection unit
A light source apparatus comprises: a substrate; a light emission unit that is provided on the substrate; a plurality of reflection units configured to reflect light from the light emission unit; and a first detection unit that is provided on the substrate and detects the light from the light emission unit, wherein each of the reflection units has a substantially n-sided pyramid shape and is provided such that a bottom surface thereof is in parallel with the substrate, and the first detection unit is provided between a vertex of an n-sided polygon corresponding to the bottom surface of one of two of the reflection units adjacent to each other and a vertex of an n-sided polygon corresponding to the bottom surface of the other of two of the reflection units adjacent to each other.
US09560713B2 Color tunable light source module with brightness control
LED-based light source modules can incorporate color tunability and brightness control, allowing a user to select a desired color temperature and/or brightness and to change either or both dynamically. An emitter can include multiple independently addressable groups of LEDs, each emitting light of a different color. By controlling the relative operating current provided to each group, a desired color temperature can be achieved, and by controlling the absolute operating currents, the brightness of the output light can be controlled. Pulse width modulation (PWM) can be used to control the relative and absolute operating currents. Smooth, gradual transitions between brightness and/or color temperature settings in response to changes can be provided.
US09560711B2 Method and device for remote sensing and control of LED lights
A system and method of thermal management for an LED are provided. A method provided by the system includes (a) providing a forward drive current to power the LED, the forward drive current having a first LED operating current component; (b) detecting the first LED operating current component; (c) sensing a first thermal operating point of the LED; and (d) generating a temperature signal indicative of the first thermal operating point. The method also includes (e) determining a thermal operating range of the LED; (f) determining that the first thermal operating point of the LED is outside the thermal operating range of the LED; and (g) generating a first control setting configured to cause the LED to be driven at a second operating point, the second thermal operating point within the thermal operating range.
US09560710B2 Light unit for emitting light and method for driving a light unit
Lighting unit including a plurality of lighting devices, comprising: a first and a second current path each comprising at least one lighting device, the second current path is adapted to conduct while the first current path is adapted to not conduct when the total current is below a first threshold current, a current limiter for limiting the current in the second current path to shape a plateau in the current in the second current path when the total current is above the first threshold current; and a third current path comprising at least one lighting device, connected in parallel to the first and second current path, and comprises a third current regulator for controlling a current in the third current path; and a third control unit adapted to control the third current regulator based on a weighted sum of the current in the second and the first current path.
US09560708B2 Solid state lighting switches and fixtures providing dimming and color control
A solid state lighting switch can include a first input control that can be configured to adjust a dimming indication or color indication for a solid state lighting fixture that is configured for coupling to the solid state lighting switch. A selective linking mechanism can be configured to activate a linked mode of operation of the switch to link the dimming indication to the color indication or to activate an unlinked mode of operation of the switch to unlink the dimming indication from the color indication.
US09560706B2 Lightening apparatus having matrix-arranged light-emitting elements
A lightening apparatus includes light-emitting elements arranged in a matrix. One of the light-emitting elements is located at each intersection between at least two first reference voltage lines and “n” first drive voltage lines. A first reference voltage driver time-divisionally switches the first reference voltage lines. A first drive voltage driver supplies first luminous drive voltages to the first drive voltage lines. One of the light-emitting elements is located at each intersection between at least one second reference voltage line and “n” second drive voltage lines. A second reference voltage driver switches the second reference voltage line. A second drive voltage driver supplies second luminous drive voltages to the second drive voltage lines.
US09560704B2 LED driving device and LED lighting apparatus
The present invention supplies desired DC output power to a first LED load and a second LED load whose color temperature is different from that of the first LED load, includes a switching element, ripple current reducers series-connected to the respective LED loads and for reducing current ripples flowing through the LED loads, and a control circuit for controlling the DC output power so that it has a predetermined value, by performing on-off control of the switching element based on a feedback voltage at a connecting point between each of the LED loads and a corresponding one of the ripple current reducers. Each ripple current reducer has feedback-type constant current control circuits for performing control for varying impedance, and the present invention also includes color controllers for performing color control by maintaining a total LED current value of the first and second LED loads at a certain value.
US09560700B2 Illumination lamp and illumination device configured for rapid-start method
An illumination lamp includes: an input portion connectable to any one of power supply portions for two or more starting methods including a rapid-start method; a voltage detection circuit configured to detect a voltage applied from a power supply portion; and a control portion including at least one first voltage supply portion configured to supply a voltage suitably for the rapid-start method to a semiconductor light-emitting device, and at least one second voltage supply portion configured to supply a voltage suitably for the other fluorescent-lamp starting method to the semiconductor light-emitting device. The control portion causes, if the voltage is detected by the voltage detection circuit, the first voltage supply portion to supply a voltage to the semiconductor light-emitting device, but causing, if the voltage is not detected by the voltage detection circuit, the second voltage supply portion to supply a voltage to the semiconductor light-emitting device.
US09560698B2 Apparatus and methods for cartridge case annealing
In one embodiment, a case transfer apparatus includes a base, a feeding device having a first end tapering to a second end that is coupled to the base, a motor disposed on the base, a rotatable feed wheel assembly disposed on the base and coupled to the motor, the rotatable feed wheel assembly adapted to receive at least one case via gravitational force from a feeding device, and a roller plate coupled to the motor and disposed adjacent the rotatable feed wheel assembly within a case receiving region where the at least one case is rotated and heated.
US09560693B2 Methods and apparatus for access data recovery from a malfunctioning device
Methods and apparatus for recovering access data from a malfunctioning device. In one embodiment, trained service personnel are provided a specialized apparatus for retrieving access data from a malfunctioning device. For example, in the instance the device comprises a cellular device having an unrecoverable hardware failure, trained service personnel can connect to the secure element and retrieve the one or more electronic Subscriber Identity Modules (eSIMs) stored thereon. The eSIMs are then “reclaimed” and reprogrammed/distributed to a new device. In one implementation, security and integrity measures are taken to protect and control distribution of sensitive access data.
US09560690B2 Interrupted handoff reconnection for licensed shared access
A proposed 3GPP LTE protocol enhancement disclosed herein realizes the full benefit of proposed dynamic frequency sharing systems by enhancing current handoff signaling in a 3GPP LTE standard for optimized UE reconnection during interrupted handoff from Licensed Shared Access (LSA) frequency bands to Primary Long Term Evolution (LTE) frequency bands during loss of LSA spectrum resources. A User Equipment (UE) comprises a transceiver configured to determine a connection state during a loss of LSA frequency spectrum, transmit a reconnection request message when the UE is in a state of established connection or a connection request message when the UE is in an idle state, the request message carrying a loss of LSA frequency band cause, optimally connect according to the loss of LSA frequency band cause, to a primary LTE frequency band, and transmit a connection or reconnection complete message.
US09560683B1 Displaying visual representation of voice messages
Messages, such as voice messages, are received at a server and processed to generate extracted data that includes text from the message, envelope information, or contact information. The extracted data is transmitted to a device that displays a visual representation that includes some of the extracted data. The visual representation (e.g., an icon) enables the user to visually see what is in a voice message. By selecting a particular visual representation, the corresponding message can be retrieved from the message server and played at the device. In some instances, the message server also transmits an initial segment to the device that can be played by the device as well.
US09560681B2 Method and device for establishing a communication
A method and a device establish a communication initiated by a terminal sending a communication request to a shared public identity associated with at least two destination terminals. The terminal sending the request receives at least one provisional response to the communication request, originating from one of the two destination terminals. From the provisional response received, the terminal sending the request obtains an address identifying the destination terminal that sent the provisional response received. The terminal sending the request sends a message to find out the capacities of a terminal to said destination terminal using the address obtained and receives in return a response message to the message to find out the capacities of a terminal originating from the destination terminal; the response message includes the capacities supported by the destination terminal. The terminal sending the request can thus display information representative of the capacities supported by the destination terminal.
US09560676B2 Cooperative components in a wireless feeder network
A wireless feeder network comprises feeder base stations coupled to the communications network and feeder terminals coupled to associated access base stations of the access network. A group of wireless network components form elements of a feeder cluster and the elements of the feeder cluster are connected by an additional communications resource configured to be operated in parallel with the wireless resource of the wireless feeder network. Both a primary and secondary element of the feeder cluster seek to decode at least one resource block allocated to the primary element for reception of data. Information derived from the secondary decoded data is transmitted from the secondary element to the primary element via the additional communications resource. The primary element then performs a revised decoding process additionally using the information received from said secondary element to improve its own decode probability.
US09560675B2 Interference measurement in heterogeneous networks
In a heterogeneous network based on LTE, the random access, RA, procedure triggered in a macrocell produces transmissions from a UE (20) on the physical random access channel, PRACH, which a picocell eNB (12) can attempt to make measurements of for interference coordination purposes over the X2 interface between the macro eNB (10) and the pico eNB (12). By reconfiguring the UE's behavior during principally the contention-free RA procedure, its transmissions on PRACH are made different to the default such as to be suitable for heterogeneous network interference measurements. This is done by assigning new meanings to certain of the characteristic parameters provided by the macro eNB (10) to the UE (20), such as the RA preamble it uses and the C-RNTI it is assigned during the procedure. Interpreting these new meanings allows the UE (20) to temporarily re-configure its PRACH transmissions so as to be useful to the pico eNB's (12) interference measurement needs without disrupting the UE's existing configuration within the macrocell, and without the UE needing to know the purpose of its transmissions.
US09560671B2 Method and base station for transmitting scheduling information
The present disclosure provides a method and base station for transmitting scheduling information. The method comprises: determining that a downlink subframe corresponding to the uplink subframe according to a first scheduling timing corresponding to a first Time Division Duplex (TDD) uplink and downlink configuration scheme of a plurality of TDD uplink and downlink configuration schemes is unavailable for transmitting the scheduling information; obtaining a first equivalent TDD uplink and downlink configuration scheme by treating one or more downlink subframes, including the downlink subframe, in a radio frame as uplink subframes; selecting a downlink subframe corresponding to the uplink subframe according to a second scheduling timing corresponding to a second TDD uplink and downlink configuration scheme of the plurality of TDD uplink and downlink configuration schemes, wherein a set of downlink subframes specified in the second TDD uplink and downlink configuration scheme is a subset of a set of downlink subframes specified in the first equivalent TDD uplink and downlink configuration scheme; and transmitting the scheduling information in the selected downlink subframe.
US09560669B2 Method and devices for specifying the quality of service in a transmission of data packets
A method for specifying the quality of service in a transmission of data packets between a service entity (AF1) and a user equipment over a mobile network is described. The mobile network comprises a core network node (SGSN1) and an access node (NB1, RNC1) which are adapted to control the handling of data packets sent between the service entity (AF1) and the user equipment (UE1). A plurality of service classes relating to the quality of service are preconfigured and a selected service class is selected from said plurality for the transmission. A first transmission context (PDP1) is established between the core network node and the user equipment (UE1), said first transmission context being associated with a first set of attributes for defining a first quality of service for the exchange of the data packets with the user equipment in the transmission. Furthermore, a second transmission context (RAB1, RB1) is established between the access node (NB1, RNC1) and the user equipment (UE1), said second transmission context being associated with a second set of attributes for defining a second quality of service for the exchange of the data packets with the user equipment in the transmission. The selected service class determines the first set of attributes by a first unique mapping function performed in the core network node and the selected service class determines the second set of attributes by a second unique mapping function performed in the access node. A corresponding mobile network, control device and computer program are also described.
US09560666B1 Method and system for carrier frequency prioritization based on operational characteristics of wireless communication devices
As disclosed, while a wireless communication device (WCD) is idling on a particular carrier frequency of a base station, the base station may receive a message broadcast by that base station, the message specifying multiple relative sets of priority levels defined for a set of carrier frequencies and correlating each of the multiple relative sets of priority levels with respective different WCD operational characteristics. In particular, the message may specify a first correlation of one relative set of priority levels with one WCD operational characteristic and includes a second correlation of a different relative set of priority levels with a different WCD operational characteristic. The WCD may select one of the relative sets of priority levels responsive to the WCD having a WCD operational characteristic that the message correlates with the selected relative set of priority levels. The WCD may then apply the selected relative set of priority levels.
US09560662B2 Methods and network nodes for configuring almost blank subframe transmission patterns and corresponding measurement patterns for reducing intercell interference in an heterogeneous cellular radio communication system
A method and a network node (110, 120, 140) for enabling configuration of at least two patterns for a cell (C0) are provided. The patterns are transmission patterns or measurement patterns. The network node (110, 120, 140) obtains (402) the at least two patterns. Each of the at least two patterns is associated with information about a respective restricted area (A1, A2) such that each pattern is used when a user equipment (130) served by the cell (C0) is located in the respective restricted area. Each respective restricted area (A1, A2) is smaller than an entire area of the cell (C0). Moreover, a method and a user equipment (130) for configuring measurements are provided. The user equipment (130) is served by a cell (C0, C1, C2) of a radio base station (110, 120, 140). The user equipment (130) receives at feast two measurement patterns from the radio base station. Each measurement pattern is associated with a respective restricted area. Each respective restricted area is smaller than an entire area of the cell. The user equipment (130) obtains information about the respective restricted area.
US09560660B1 Method and system of managing an allocation of resources
Disclosed is a method and system of managing an allocation of resources in a wireless communication system. According to the disclosure, a base station may receive or otherwise determine an indication of radio frequency (RF) conditions being perceived by a given user equipment device (UE). Based on that indication, the base station may make a decision of whether to use a first resource limitation or a second resource limitation for data transmissions to the given UE, where the second resource limitation generally allows for a lesser extent of resources to be allocated than the first resource limitation in weaker RF conditions. For instance, the base station may decide to use a bit-rate limitation for threshold strong RF conditions and a resource-block limitation for threshold weak RF conditions. Thereafter, the base station may allocate resources for a data transmission to the given UE in accordance with the decision.
US09560658B2 Method for transmission of backhaul data in wireless 238communication systems
A wireless communication system using radio resources for transmission of backhaul data between one or more mobile stations and at least one network control node, a first backhaul transmission link (L_1) being used for transmission of backhaul data and at least one second backhaul transmission link (L_2) being used for transmission of backhaul data. The first backhaul transmission link (L_1) operates as a main backhaul transmission link and the second backhaul transmission link (L_2) operates as an auxiliary backhaul transmission link, and the second backhaul transmission link (L_2) uses at least a part of the radio resources for transmission of backhaul data when in operation.
US09560645B2 UE, a secondary ENB and a master ENB and respective method performed thereby for providing system information of a communication system to the UE
A UE, a MeNB, a SeNB and respective methods performed thereby are provided. The UE, the MeNB, and the SeNB are operable in a wireless communication system, the wireless communication system being adapted to provide for dual connectivity between the SeNB and a UE, and between the UE and a MeNB. The method is performed for providing system information of the wireless communication system to the UE and for the UE to acquire the system information. The method performed by the UE comprises receiving (110), from the SeNB, a MIB of a cell of the SeNB; and acquiring (120) a System Frame Number, SFN, from the MIB.
US09560638B2 Short physical-layer control frames
A method is provided for transmitting a control frame from a emitting entity to a receiving entity. The control frame includes what is called a “first layer” header field intended to convey information relating to a first layer. The method includes a modulation step employing a first modulation technique, and, before the modulation step, a step of inserting information relating to a second layer into the first layer header field.
US09560636B2 Wireless communications system and method
A wireless communications system includes a base station, a plurality of intermediate devices, and a terminal device. Downlink communications may be provided directly from the base station to the terminal device, including control signals which instruct the terminal device where to send uplink data. This enables the base station to directly control scheduling of uplink communications, and in particular to define an uplink route from the terminal device to the base station via one or more intermediate devices. Power is conserved at the terminal device on the uplink because a lower power transmission can be used which although insufficient to reach the base station can reach the intermediate device. The terminal device is not required to determine the uplink path itself and therefore does not require complex, expensive, and power consuming control logic.
US09560635B2 Apparatus and method to reduce interference between frequency-division duplex and time-division duplex signals in a communication system
An apparatus, method and system to reduce interference between frequency-division duplex and time-division duplex signals in a communication system. In one embodiment, an apparatus includes a processor (520) and memory (550) including computer program code. The memory (550) and the computer program code are configured to, with the processor (520), cause the apparatus to allocate a time-division duplex carrier for a frequency-division duplex downlink signal for communication with a communication element, and employ the time-division duplex carrier with a truncated time duration for the frequency-division duplex downlink signal.
US09560631B2 System and method for alerting a user on an external device of notifications or alerts originating from a network-connected device
Users are experiencing an increasing number of alerts and notifications on their mobile devices. When it is inconvenient or not possible to view the network-connected device, an accessory can be used to save time and avoid missing notifications. A system comprising a network-connected device and an accessory are provided to address these problems. The accessory is capable of notifying the user of alerts from the network-connected device, allowing the user to quickly be advised of alerts without needing to first interact with the network-connected device. The system includes a method to selectively filter alerts so as to avoid unnecessarily interrupting the user in cases where the network device is inaccessible. The system is also capable of pushing new interface designs and themes from the network device to the accessory to alter the appearance and configuration of its display.
US09560630B2 Devices for reduced overhead paging
A method for reduced overhead paging by an access point is described. The method includes assigning at least one paging identifier to at least one station. The method also includes partitioning a paging identifier space into paging identifier sets. The method further includes generating a paging message based on at least one of the paging identifier sets and the at least one paging identifier. The method additionally includes sending the paging message.
US09560629B2 System and method for alerting a user on an external device of notifications or alerts originating from a network-connected device
Users are experiencing an increasing number of alerts and notifications on their mobile devices. When it is inconvenient or not possible to view the network-connected device, an accessory can be used to save time and avoid missing notifications. A system comprising a network-connected device and an accessory are provided to address these problems. The accessory is capable of notifying the user of alerts from the network-connected device, allowing the user to quickly be advised of alerts without needing to first interact with the network-connected device. The system includes a method to selectively filter alerts so as to avoid unnecessarily interrupting the user in cases where the network device is inaccessible. The system is also capable of pushing new interface designs and themes from the network device to the accessory to alter the appearance and configuration of its display.
US09560627B2 Assistance data for use in determining a position of a mobile device
A method for assisting a mobile device to perform positioning measurements on positioning signals periodically transmitted by at least some of a plurality of cells in a wireless communication network includes receiving cell information. The cell information is measured or otherwise obtained by the mobile device and includes measurements/data pertaining to one or more of the plurality of cells in the wireless communication network. The method includes generating assistance data to include an assigned frequency channel number for use by the mobile device for performing the positioning measurements based on the received cell information. The assistance data is then sent to the mobile device.
US09560624B2 Method and apparatus for configuring and locating a home base station
Techniques for configuring a Home evolved Node B (HeNB) in a location server and positioning the HeNB are disclosed. In one aspect, location for a HeNB is supported based on LTE Positioning Protocol (LPP) messages. The HeNB communicates LPP messages with a location server. These LPP messages are terminated at the HeNB instead of a UE. At least one location transaction for the HeNB can be performed to configure in the location server and/or locate the HeNB based on the LPP messages. In another aspect, location for a HeNB is supported based on an embedded UE in the HeNB. The HeNB establishes a location session with a location server based on an embedded UE ID, which is assigned to the HeNB and recognized by the location server as being for a HeNB instead of a UE. At least one location transaction for the HeNB is performed during the location session.
US09560622B2 Indoor positioning in the presence of dynamic transmission power control access points
A position fix for a mobile platform is determined using RSSI values for wireless signals received from access points (APs), at least one of which has dynamic transmission power control. The transmission power data for the APs is received from an entity separate from the APs, e.g., a central entity or a positioning assistance server. The RSSI values for wireless signals received from the APs are acquired, as is an RSSI heatmap. Using the transmission power data, the RSSI values and the RSSI heatmap, the position fix for the mobile platform is determined. The position fix may be determined by the mobile platform or a positioning assistance server. Additionally, a server may receive transmission power data for APs and may provide to a mobile platform RSSI heatmap information based on the transmission power data. The RSSI heatmap information may be, e.g., the transmission power data or a RSSI heatmap.
US09560618B2 System and method for providing social network service and for setting relationship between users
Provided is a system for providing social network service (SNS) and a method for setting relationship between users of mobile terminals. The system may include a reception unit to receive location information on a user terminal allowing the location information to be shared in response to a friend request from the user terminal, a user terminal identification unit to identify at least one other user terminal present within a preset distance based on the location information on the user terminal and allows location information to be shared, a user information transmission unit to identify and send user information on the other user terminal to the user terminal, and a relationship setting unit to set a relationship between users of the user terminal and the other user terminal when the user information on the other user terminal is selected in the user terminal.
US09560617B2 Wireless network access method and apparatus, terminal, and server
A wireless network access method includes: sending, by a first terminal, a wireless network access request to a server, the wireless network access request carrying identification information of the first terminal and property information of a to-be-accessed wireless network; generating, by the server according to the wireless network access request, an image verification code and returning the image verification code to the first terminal for display; scanning, by a second terminal, the image verification code displayed by the first terminal, generating access authentication information, and sending the information to the server; and performing, by the server, wireless network access authentication according to the access authentication information, and connecting the first terminal and the second terminal to the wireless network after the authentication succeeds.
US09560616B2 Method and device for determining synchronous cell
Embodiments of the invention relate to the field of wireless communications and particularly to a method of and apparatus for determining a synchronous cell so as to determine a synchronous cell of an extension carrier so that the extension carrier is available between the network and a user equipment. The method of determining a synchronous cell according to the invention includes: a network-side apparatus determining an extension carrier to be configured for a user equipment; and the network-side apparatus determining a synchronous cell of the extension carrier upon determining that the extension carrier is a synchronous extension carrier. The synchronous cell of the extension carrier can be determined so that the extension carrier is available between the network side and a user equipment to thereby improve the performance of the system.
US09560614B2 Direct control signaling in a wireless communication system
A first wireless communication device (14-1) belongs to a first (12-1) of multiple groups (12) of wireless communication devices (14). Devices (14) in any given group (12) are synchronized to the same timing reference and devices (14) in different groups (12) are not synchronized to the same timing reference. The first device (14-1) receives a message that indicates, for each of one or more of the groups (12), a range of possible values for misalignment between the timing reference of that group (12) and a common timing reference. The range accounts for uncertainty in that misalignment. The first device (14-1) determines, based on the one or more ranges, intervals of times during which direct control signaling is expected to be received at the first device (14-1) from one or more devices (14) in one or more other groups (12-2, 12-3). The first device (14-1) then adjusts intervals of times during which it is configured to operate in an awake state to narrowly encompass the intervals of times during which the direct control signaling is expected to be received.
US09560607B2 Method and apparatus for radio link synchronization and power control in CELL—FACH and idle mode
A method and apparatus for radio link synchronization and power control in CELL_FACH state and idle mode are disclosed. A wireless transmit/receive unit (WTRU) transmits a random access channel (RACH) preamble and receives an acquisition indicator acknowledging the RACH preamble via an acquisition indicator channel (AICH) and an index to an enhanced dedicated channel (E-DCH) resource. The WTRU determines a start of an E-DCH frame. An F-DPCH timing offset is defined with respect to one of the RACH access slot and an AICH access slot carrying the acquisition indicator. A relative F-DPCH timing offset may be signaled to the WTRU and the WTRU may determine a start of an E-DCH frame based on the relative F-DPCH timing offset and timing of an AICH access slot including the acquisition indicator. The WTRU may transmit a dedicated physical control channel (DPCCH) power control preamble before starting an E-DCH transmission.
US09560606B2 Wireless communication system, mobile station, base station and wireless communication method
In a wireless communication system capable of wireless communication by using multiple frequency bands at the same time, a mobile station includes an uplink transmitting unit, which transmits allowable power difference between frequency bands and limitation node information indicating an object of power limitation in transmission power control of the mobile station to a base station, and a transmission-power control unit, which controls transmission power on the basis of a TPC command received from the base station, and the base station includes a TPC-command generating unit, which generates a TPC command on the basis of the allowable power difference between frequency bands and the limitation mode information, and a transmitting unit, which transmits the TPC command to the mobile station.
US09560605B2 Method for configuring downlink transmission power through RRH in cloud LAN environment
Disclosed are a BBU power configuring method and a BBU which determine required power which is requested by a BBU to an RRH to transmit a downlink signal to a terminal based on RRH power headroom information in a cloud LAN environment in which the RRH and the BBU are separated and transmit a power allocation change request message for making a request for changing transmission power of other BBUs connected to the RRH to the other BBUs.
US09560604B2 Method for calculating and reporting power headroom and device therefor
The present invention relates to a wireless communication system. More specifically, the present invention relates to a method and a device for power headroom reporting in the wireless communication system, the method comprising: determining a first weight factor for the first BS and a second weigh factor for the second BS if a sum of a power headroom (PH) for the first BS or a PH for the second BS is more than a PH of activated cells of the UE; reducing a size of the PH for the first BS by using the first weight factor; and reducing a size of PH for the second BS by using the second weight factor.
US09560602B2 Error rate control apparatus
A wireless communication system comprising a transmitter configured to transmit a data signal and a control signal to the same mobile station and a control unit configured to regulate transmission power of the control signal in accordance with a reception status of the control signal in the mobile station.
US09560599B2 Method and apparatus for controlling uplink power of user equipment in carrier aggregation scenario
The present invention provides a method and an apparatus for controlling uplink power of a user equipment, where the method includes: separately acquiring first maximum transmit power of the user equipment corresponding to a first subframe and second maximum transmit power of the user equipment corresponding to a second subframe; and when the first maximum transmit power and the second maximum transmit power are different, using a minimum value of the first maximum transmit power and the second maximum transmit power as first configured maximum transmit power, and performing power control over transmit power of multiple carriers in an overlap region according to the first configured maximum transmit power, so that total transmit power of the multiple carriers in the overlap region after the power control is lower than or equal to the minimum value of the first maximum transmit power and the second maximum transmit power.
US09560596B2 Adaptive biasing to meet stringent harmonic requirements
This disclosure relates to adaptively reducing the peak power of harmonic distortions as a function of the operating conditions for transmission communications. Specifically, the bias of the amplifier is adaptively increased to reduce harmonic distortions when a small fraction of the resource blocks are active.
US09560593B2 Merging of independent basic service set (IBSS) power save (PS) enabled networks
Methods, systems, and devices are described for merging two or more power save enabled independent basic service set (IBSS) networks. In one example, a method includes receiving, at a station of a first IBSS network, a first beacon from a second IBSS network, wherein the first beacon identifies a timing synchronization function (TSF) of the second IBSS network. The method may further include transmitting, by the station, a second beacon at a next target beacon transmission time (TBTT) of the first IBSS network based on a comparison of the TSF of the second IBSS network with a TSF stored by the station, wherein the second beacon identifies a TSF of the second IBSS network.
US09560589B2 Method and apparatus for accessing channels in wireless LAN system
The present invention relates to a wireless communication system, and more specifically, to a method and apparatus for accessing channels in a wireless LAN system. The method for accessing channels in a station (STA) of the wireless communication system according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises the steps of transmitting a first frame of a channel access request to an access point (AP); and receiving, from the AP, a second frame related to whether access to the channel is allowed in response to the first frame, wherein the second frame can include a value for a channel access start offset with respect to the STA.
US09560586B2 Communication method in wireless local area network system
A communication method performed by a target station in a WLAN system is provided. The method includes receiving a relayed TIM message from a relay station, the TIM message comprising a relayed TIM field indicating whether there is buffered traffic intended to be transmitted from an AP to the target station, determining whether there is the buffered traffic based on the relayed TIM field, receiving a data frame related to the buffered traffic, if the relayed TIM field indicates that there is the buffered traffic, and switching to a doze state, if the relayed TIM field indicates that there is no buffered traffic. The relayed TIM field is determined based on a TIM element transmitted from the AP to the relay station. The TIM element is transmitted in a first period, and the relayed TIM message is transmitted in a second period.
US09560582B2 Smart connection manager
A telecommunication device configured to perform at least one of adjusting a network polling frequency, prompting a user to select one of a plurality of networks, automatically connecting to one of the networks, or automatically disconnecting from one of the networks is described herein. The telecommunication device performs the adjusting, prompting, or connecting based at least on received device data or network data that is associated with the networks.
US09560580B2 Method of managing power of RF circuits and wireless communication device utilizing the same
A method of locating a mobile device, and a mobile device utilizing the same are provided. The method, adopted by a wireless communication device, includes: searching for a plurality of signal-source types; in response to the searching, determining whether a first type of signal source is available; setting a search configuration based on availability of the first type of signal source; and searching again for the plurality of signal-source types according to the search configuration.
US09560579B2 Wireless communication roaming with coexisting radio access technologies
Methods, systems, and devices are described for wireless communications. More particularly, the described features relate to techniques for adaptively or dynamically setting a roaming threshold for a wireless communication link over a first RAT based at least in part on an aspect of a coexisting wireless communication link over a second RAT. In one example, a mobile device may have coexisting wireless communication links over WLAN and BT. In such case, a WLAN roaming threshold may be set based at least in part on a type of BT device employed.
US09560578B2 Mobile station
To transmit a “CELL UPDATE message” in a radio access network not supporting “Additional Dynamic Transport Format Information for CCCH,” a mobile station UE according to the present invention includes a transmitting unit 13 configured to transmit a “CELL UPDATE message” to a radio access network in a “CELL UPDATE procedure,” and the transmitting unit 13 includes a predetermined information element in the “CELL UPDATE message” only when the radio access network supports the “Additional Dynamic Transport Format Information for CCCH.”
US09560575B1 Vehicular safety system
A vehicular safety system includes a vehicle that has a power outlet. An electronic device is provided and the electronic device may be in communication with an extrinsic communication network. A locking unit is removably positioned within the power outlet such that the locking unit determines when the vehicle is turned on. The locking unit is in communication with the electronic device such that the locking unit disables the electronic device when the vehicle is turned on while the electronic device is within the vehicle.
US09560573B2 Relay link communication
A link based on one radio access technology (RAT) is used to supplement the operation of another RAT. For example, in a user equipment (UE) device that can access both long term evolution (LTE) and millimeter wave (mmW) networks, the UE may use an LTE network to relay information between the UE and the mmW network.
US09560565B2 Connection handover method based on near field communication, and corresponding apparatus
The present invention discloses a connection handover method for near field communication, and further disclose a connection handover apparatus. The method includes: acquiring, by a zeroth terminal, idle connection resource information of the zeroth terminal; receiving a request message that is sent by a first terminal and is used for initiating a connection handover process or used for notifying the zeroth terminal that a connection handover process needs to be performed; and determining, according to the request message, that the following determining needs to be performed: determining, according to the idle connection resource information of the zeroth terminal, whether the zeroth terminal has an idle connection resource, if yes, sending a response message to the first terminal, so as to feed back connection configuration information of the zeroth terminal to the first terminal, and if not, skipping feeding back connection configuration information of the zeroth terminal to the first terminal.
US09560564B2 Assisting return to a first network from a second network after performance of a circuit switched fallback procedure
A method for assisting a wireless communication device to return to a first network from a second network is provided. The method can include the wireless communication device participating in a CSFB procedure to transition from the first network to the second network for servicing of a voice call; receiving a connection release from the second network after termination of the voice call; initiating a reselection procedure to reselect to the first network; determining presence of packet switched data ready for transmission from the wireless communication device before completion of the reselection procedure; holding the packet switched data at the wireless communication device at least until expiry of a reselection timer initiated during the reselection procedure; reselecting to the first network after expiry of the reselection timer; and initiating transmission of the packet switched data on the first network after completing reselection to the first network.
US09560558B2 Reduced handover latency for licensed shared access
A proposed 3GPP LTE protocol enhancement disclosed herein enables an Evolved Node B (eNB) to perform a mass handoff of User Equipment from Licensed Shared Access (LSA) band spectrum to LTE Primary band spectrum without creating an over-the-air signaling surge by preventing individual handover messaging exchanges between the eNB and UEs affected by loss of LSA frequency band. A User Equipment (UE) comprises a transceiver configured to receive a broadcast paging message in a Licensed Shared Access (LSA) frequency band instructing the UE to move to a primary Long Term Evolution (LTE) frequency band from the LSA frequency band, receive system information comprising primary LTE frequency band information, extract handover parameters from the received system information for moving to the primary LTE frequency band, stop communicating on the LSA frequency band and synchronize communications with an Evolved Node B (eNB) associated with the primary LTE frequency band.
US09560557B2 Mobility management of OSI connections between cell towers
A processor-implemented method, apparatus, and/or computer program product move Open Systems Interconnection (OSI) layer 4 connections between wirelessly-connected user equipment to a series of cell-towers, wherein an OSI layer 4 connection is extracted out of the underlying cellular protocols at the series of cell-towers. A detection is made that user equipment, which has a broken-out layer 4 connection, has moved from a first cell-tower to a second cell-tower. Traffic for an existing layer 4 connection from the user equipment is tunnelled between the first cell-tower and the second cell-tower. In response to a predetermined trigger event occurring, an ongoing bidirectional flow of data packets is migrated from the user equipment over to layer 4 connections maintained at the second cell-tower. Furthermore, OSI layer 4 connections for all server ports other than the proxied active layer 4 connections that are proxied in the web cache are byte cached.
US09560553B2 Systems and methods for mobile stations to identify radio access technologies
A mobile station capable of being served via a first radio access technology (RAT) and a second RAT. The mobile station includes a component configured to receive a permission to identify a cell of the first RAT in absence of a first radio access type neighbor cell list for a serving cell of the second RAT. The mobile station also includes a component configured to identify a cell of the first RAT after receiving the permission.
US09560552B2 Enhancement to multiple handover preparation
A communication system includes a plurality of base stations and a user equipment, wherein the communication link is established between the user equipment and a source base station of the plurality of base stations. A method includes: selecting a target cell and a re-establishment cell of at least one candidate handover base station of the plurality on the basis of a measurement report, the measurement report comprising measurements of attributes of cells of the plurality of base stations for a handover; initiating a handover preparation by transmitting a request from the source base station to the at least one candidate handover base station, wherein the request indicates the target cell and the re-establishment cell; carrying out admission control on the target cell and on the re-establishment cell; initiating the handover by transmitting a handover request acknowledgement from the at least one candidate handover base station to the source base station.
US09560551B2 Quality of service packet scheduler design
Systems, methods, devices, and processors are described for quality of service (QoS) packet scheduling in satellite communications systems. A packet received at the QoS packet scheduler may be assigned a virtual departure time utilizing novel self-clocked fair queuing techniques. The virtual departure time for a packet assigned to a queue may depend on a different weight assigned to the queues. Queues may be treated as low latency queues in some cases and may be provided with committed information rates in other cases. Low latency queues may be assigned weights equal to infinity, or the reciprocal of the weight equal to zero. Queues with committed information rates may assign different weights to packets depending on whether the rate that packets are received exceeds the committed information rate. Packets may then be scheduled based on their virtual departure time order.
US09560546B2 Enhanced multicarrier transmission using orthogonal subcarriers
A wireless device transmits, during a first period, a first plurality of voice packets of a first talking period on a first plurality of subcarriers of a first carrier. The wireless device transmits, during a second period, a second plurality of voice packets of a second talking period on a second plurality of subcarriers of a second carrier. The wireless device transmits, in the first period and the second period, data traffic packets on a third plurality of subcarriers. There is at least one guard band between at least two subcarriers in the third plurality of subcarriers.
US09560543B2 Method for optimizing signalling load in a cellular communication network
The invention relates to a cellular communication network serving mobile terminals or devices and how to optimize the switching between Dual Cell High-Speed Uplink Packet Access [DC-HSUPA] and Single Cell High-Speed Uplink Packet Access [SC-HSUPA] and vice versa. This invention makes the reconfiguration to dual cell or single cell HSUPA depending on the UE power, available capacity in the cells, sufficient data from UE, and UE battery consumption.
US09560535B2 Data stream generation and transmission system and method therefor
A data stream generation and transmission system is provided. The system includes a cable, a data stream generation device, and a wireless transmission device connected to the data stream generation device through the cable. The data stream generation device includes a storage component and a data stream generation module. The storage component stores wireless network configuration data. The data stream generation module generates a data stream. The wireless transmission device includes a wireless module, wherein the data stream generation device is adapted to send the wireless network configuration data and the data stream to the wireless transmission device through the cable, and the wireless transmission device is adapted to use the wireless network configuration data to configure the wireless module and use the wireless module to transmit the data stream wirelessly.
US09560534B2 Processing objects of a radiomap database
It is inter alia disclosed to respectively link at least two objects of a plurality of objects to one or more respective regions of a grid of regions. The at least two objects are respectively related to a respective coverage area representation and/or a respective coverage-providing entity. At least two of the at least two objects are associated with each other based on a finding that both have been linked to at least one same region of the grid of regions. At least one of the at least two associated objects is an object related to a first communication system and at least one other of the at least two associated objects is an object related to a second communication system that is different from and/or operated by another operator than said first communication system.
US09560532B2 Signal strength profiling
A system for supporting electronic positioning in apparatuses. Apparatuses may receive various wireless signals over time. The strength of the received wireless signals may be determined by the apparatuses, and based on this determination an occurrence for each received wireless signal may be accumulated in a histogram in the apparatus. Information based on the histogram may then be transmitted to a mapping database. The mapping database may then utilize this information to, for example, create signal-based maps for use in apparatus positioning.
US09560528B2 Assigning frequency bands from a group of frequency bands to a wireless network system
A method for assigning frequency bands from a group of frequency bands, the method comprising determining a quality of service being required by the wireless network system, comparing the required quality of service with the predefined categories of the plurality of groups of frequency bands, selecting a group of frequency bands based on the comparison, and assigning at least one band from the selected group of frequency bands to the wireless network system, for communication between the at least one base station and the at least one user equipment.
US09560527B2 Version protection method and apparatus for mobile terminal
Provided is a version protection method for a mobile terminal, which includes: monitoring a local event of the mobile terminal and judging whether the mobile phone enters a loss protection state or not; and after the mobile phone is determined to enter the loss protection state, recording a loss state event, switching a current working state to the loss protection state, and limiting a corresponding function. A version protection apparatus for a mobile terminal is also provided. Accordingly, a beneficial effect of performing specific version protection on the mobile terminal entering the protection state is achieved, reliability of the mobile terminal is improved, and a user experience is improved by monitoring the local event of the mobile terminal, recording the loss state event after the mobile terminal is determined to enter the loss protection state, switching the current working state to the loss protection state and limiting the corresponding function.
US09560524B1 Wireless network application access by a wireless communication device via an untrusted access node
Embodiments disclosed herein provide systems and methods to provide wireless network application access to a wireless device via an untrusted access node. In a particular embodiment, a method provides receiving communications directed to an application system within a wireless communication network from a wireless communication device via a wireless access node external to the wireless communication network. The method further provides determining whether the communications are authorized for the application system based on a signature included in the communications, wherein the signature comprises a unique identifier generated at the wireless communication device that corresponds to an identity of the wireless communication device and an identity of an integrated circuit within that wireless communication device that is associated with a subscriber of the wireless communication network. Upon determining that the communications are authorized, the method provides transferring the communications to the application system.
US09560517B2 Method and apparatus for providing a service to a roaming UE via a packet data network gateway
A method of providing a service to a user equipment (UE) via a packet data network gateway (PDN GW), wherein the UE is served by a visited public land mobile network (V-PLMN) and wherein the UE has a subscription with a home public land mobile network (H-PLMN) comprising the steps of: providing, by a register in the H-PLMN, a H-PLMN-allowed indication, indicating whether a PDN GW in the H-PLMN is authorized to be selected for the UE for execution of the service, and providing, based on the H-PLMN-allowed indication, an indication to the UE, whether the UE can expect successful execution of the service.
US09560510B2 Reducing provider costs related to E911 service
In compliance with regulatory requirements imposed on multicarrier wired/wireless network carriers, the disclosed system receives input representing a selection of a street address to be used as a current location associated with a user identity. The system determines an expiration date associated with the street address, designates the street address as a validated emergency contact location for the user identity in response to determining that the expiration date associated with the street address has not expired. The system thereafter permits the establishment of communications between the system and a disparate wireless network device associated with a multicarrier wireless network.
US09560508B2 Mobile communication system, base station, gateway apparatus, core network apparatus, and communication method
A mobile communication system includes a mobile station, a base station that communicates wirelessly with the mobile station, a gateway apparatus that connects the base station to a core network, and a core network apparatus that is arranged in the core network. The base station includes a control unit that includes, in a message, information indicating that the mobile station has originated a call as an emergency call, and a transmission unit that transmits the message to the core network apparatus. In addition, the core network apparatus includes a reception unit that receives the message that was transmitted from the base station.
US09560502B2 Methods of performing actions in a cell phone based on message parameters
Methods performed by handsets such as cell phones of receiving a notification of a remotely stored message, the notification including message parameters related to the message, monitoring those parameters for a parameter selected via a user interface of the handset and requesting an action be performed on the message when the parameter matches the selected parameter, such as forwarding all messages of a given type to another destination.
US09560499B2 System and method for controlling device usage
Mobile device usage may be monitored and restricted by pushing enabling/disabling events from an administrator the device. The events impose a certain set of rules that can “lock” certain features provided by the device, according to permissions and pre-established policies, for a certain period of time. Such restricted periods may coincide with meetings or other events in which distractions should be kept to a minimum or be during regular, predetermined time periods. Preferably, the rules include conditional locks that allow a user to use a feature a reasonable number of times before the lock is activated to place the onus on the user for minimizing such distractions, while enabling the user to maintain access to such a vital communication tool. Cancel packets may also be used to not only control but to monitor the application of the rule sets and when certain conditions are breaches, which provides an employer with sufficient information to use in auditing device usage or in reprimanding users for misuse of a privilege such as the use of mobile data communications devices.
US09560496B2 End-of-call short message implementation method and apparatus based on CTD
A method and apparatus for implementing an end-of-call short message based on click to dial are disclosed. The method includes: receiving a click to dial request of a network customer service, and establishing a call from a calling party to a called party; and judging whether a condition of triggering the end-of-call short message is satisfied, and if it is determined that the condition of triggering the end-of-call short message is satisfied, sending the end-of-call short message to a preset receiver of the end-of-call short message. The apparatus includes: a click to dial unit and a judgment unit. In the present document, by organically combining the CTD service and the end-of-call short message in websites of specific enterprises and stores, the enterprises and stores are better advertised.
US09560494B2 Instant messaging to a mobile device
A wireless communications device logs on to an instant messaging service through a proxy server. Notification of an incoming instant message is provided to the wireless communications device by converting at least part of the instant message to Short Message Service (SMS) format or by transmitting a notice in SMS format that a message has been received.
US09560489B2 Reducing location search space
Methods, program products, and systems for reducing a location search space are described. A mobile device, when arriving at a venue, can determine a location of the mobile device using signals from one or more signal sources associated with the venue. The mobile device can use a coarse location estimator to estimate a coarse location of the mobile device at the venue. The mobile device can request, from a server, detailed location data associated with the coarse location. The detailed location data can include location fingerprint data associated with a portion of the venue that includes the coarse location. The mobile device can determine an estimated location that has finer granularity than the coarse location using the location fingerprint data.
US09560480B2 Interactive advisory system
A method for providing information to a plurality of vendors located remotely from a broadcast network. A plurality of user-defined parameters are received by a user input database with at least one of the user-defined parameters including a user profile. Each of the user profiles includes a user identifier code identifying a communicator device associated with a particular user. Real-time data indicative of the spatial locations of the communicator devices is received by a communicator location database. Search information is received independently from a plurality of vendors and a data set is generated for each vendor.
US09560478B2 System and method for location-based content delivery
Various embodiments are described herein for a system and method for providing location-based content delivery to at least one target zone. The system comprises at least one content transceiver unit having a processor configured to control the operation of the content transceiver unit, and a communications subsystem coupled with the processor and being configured to communicate with at least one target in the at least one target zone. The processor is configured to send an introductory content page based on a content campaign to the at least one target when the at least one target initiates a content transmission session with the at least one content transceiver unit. The processor is also configured to send selected content to the at least one target when the at least one target selects a content option in the introductory content page.
US09560475B2 Mobile terminal and control method thereof
A mobile terminal includes: a display; a short-range communication module; and a controller configured to establish a communication link with at least one first terminal located within a predetermined distance by using the short-range communication module, obtain second information associated with first information when the first information is obtained through the established communication link, and display the same on the display. Based on information obtained through a short-range communication link, information associated with the obtained information is obtained, thereby providing various services by using short-range communication.
US09560474B2 Device for transfering data between an unconscious capture device and another device
Apparatuses and methods are disclosed for accessing and distributing data that includes a portable first device and a second device wherein both devices have unconscious capture capability. The first device has a first memory wherein at least one document is stored in the first memory of the first device. The first device has a transceiver, an identifier, and a public key to access a second device.
US09560471B2 Peer-to-peer host station
A method and system is disclosed for allowing the sharing of one or more system resources between multiple devices. In one embodiment, a requesting device transmits a resource access request to a target device using a near-field communication (NFC) protocol. The target device responds by using the NFC connection to return a listing of resources available for sharing to the requesting device. The requesting device may select one or more of the available resources and establish an appropriate connection to access the selected resource or resources. In one embodiment, the requesting device may lack external network connectivity capabilities while the target device includes wi-fi connectivity as a shared resource. Accordingly, the requesting device may access external network of the target device via the target as a conduit.
US09560469B2 System and method for adapting an electronic device for different desired persona
A system and method are described for automatically or manually adapting the user interface of a mobile electronic device (“MED”) for a desired persona of the system user. This will permit the system user to provide a desired personal image to the outside world. The ability of a system user to adapt the MED for a system user's persona will include the changing the user interface consistent with the persona the system user desires to represent internally and externally. This will also permit the system user to change the external connections of his/her MED consistent with that persona, which will remain the active persona until the system user decides to change the persona.
US09560466B2 Systems and methods for simulation of mixing in air of recorded sounds
A mixing signal processing technique modifies digital audio recordings to simulate the linear and nonlinear effects of propagation and mixing of sounds in air. When multiple sounds or complex sounds comprised of multiple frequencies in the audible spectrum propagate in such a nonlinear medium, they transfer energy into sound at new frequencies given by the sums and differences of the original signal frequencies. The mixing signal processing technique may improve the ability of a system to reproduce the effects of a live performance using a digital audio recording.
US09560465B2 Digital audio filters for variable sample rates
Various exemplary embodiments relate to a method and apparatus for processing audio signals to influence the reproduction of the audio signals. The apparatus may include a speaker, a headphone (over-the-ear, on-ear, or in-ear), a microphone, a computer, a mobile device, a home theater receiver, a television, a Blu-ray (BD) player, a compact disc (CD) player, a digital media player, or the like. The apparatus may be configured to receive a virtualization profile including a digital audio filter with a design sample rate, resample the virtualization profile to a different sample rate, filter the audio signal with the resampled virtualization profile, and reproduce the filtered audio signal as sound.
US09560463B2 Multistage minimum variance distortionless response beamformer
A system and method relate to receiving, by a processing device, a plurality of sound signals captured at a plurality of microphone sensors, wherein the plurality of sound signals are from a sound source, and wherein a number (M) of the plurality of microphone sensors is greater than three, determining a number (K) of layers for a multistage minimum variance distortionless response (MVDR) beamformer based on the number (M) of the plurality of microphone sensors, wherein the number (K) of layers is greater than one, and wherein each layer of the multistage MVDR beamformer comprises one or more mini-length MVDR beamformers, and executing the multistage MVDR beamformer to the plurality of sound signals to calculate an estimate of the sound source.
US09560462B2 Microphone test stand for acoustic testing
The present invention relates to a microphone test stand comprising a slide assembly with a microphone holder surrounded by a first acoustic sealing member. The slide assembly is movable in a first direction between a first position outside an acoustical chamber with an exposed state of the microphone holder and a second position inside the acoustical chamber in a shielded state of the microphone holder. An electrical connector comprises a set of electrical connector terminals which is connectable to a set of microphone terminals for receipt of a microphone response signal from a microphone assembly arranged in the microphone holder in response to a test sound pressure in the acoustical chamber.
US09560461B2 Automatic loudspeaker polarity detection
In some embodiments, a method for automatic detection of polarity of speakers, e.g., speakers installed in cinema environments. In some embodiments, the method determines relative polarities of a set of speakers (e.g., loudspeakers and/or drivers of a multi-driver loudspeaker) using a set of microphones, including by measuring impulse responses, including an impulse response for each speaker-microphone pair; clustering the speakers into a set of groups, each group including at least two of the speakers which are similar to each other in at least one respect; and for each group, determining and analyzing cross-correlations of pairs of impulse responses (e.g., pairs of processed versions of impulse responses) of speakers in the group to determine relative polarities of the speakers. Other aspects include systems configured (e.g., programmed) to perform any embodiment of the inventive method, and computer readable media (e.g., discs) which store code for implementing any embodiment of the inventive method.
US09560459B2 Modular voice amplification system for protective mask
Disclosed is a modular voice amplification system for a protective mask that allows connection of a single amplifier assembly to masks of varying configurations through minimal adjustment of the system. Adapter plates in the form of mounting brackets are provided, each of which is configured for attachment to the single amplifier assembly, but is individually configured for attachment to protective masks of varying configurations through differing attachment mechanisms provided on each adapter plate.
US09560457B2 Plug connector
A plug connector includes: a jack portion into which a pin of a microphone-equipped headphone plug in which a speaker contact portion connected to a speaker of a headphone, a ground contact portion connected to a ground wire of the headphone, and a microphone contact portion connected to a microphone of the headphone are sequentially formed in an axial direction, the jack portion having a first contact which is in contact with the speaker contact portion, a second contact which is in contact with the ground contact portion, and a third contact which is in contact with the microphone contact portion; a bias circuit configured to supply a bias voltage to the third contact through a resistor; and a control circuit configured to detect that the pin is extracted from the jack portion, based on a change of a potential of the third contact.
US09560454B2 Acoustic transducer
A silicon substrate has a chamber that penetrates vertically. A diaphragm is formed on the upper surface of the silicon substrate so as to cover the upper portion of the chamber. Also, a back plate is provided above the silicon substrate so as to cover the diaphragm, and a fixed electrode plate is provided on the lower surface of the back plate in opposition to the diaphragm. Multiple acoustic holes, which penetrate vertically and are for allowing the passage of acoustic vibration, are formed in the back plate (28) and the fixed electrode plate. Multiple through-holes that have a smaller opening area than the acoustic holes are formed in a large displacement region of the diaphragm.
US09560447B2 Blind extraction of target signals
A system and method allow for extracting target signals from the overall measurement data without knowing how and where these data are collected, the locations and characteristics of target sources as well as those of random background noise sources. In essence, it uses an innovative and advanced signal processing technique to reveal certain critical information from a mixture of data that is hard to obtain otherwise. In particular, it allows for denoising the measured data that have been contaminated by various interfering and background noise, making it possible to extract certain target information that may be otherwise difficult to observe. The only assumption made in this method is that the target signal is incoherent with respect to all interfering signals and background noise. The more information about a target signal is available, the more complete the extracted signal becomes.
US09560446B1 Sound source locator with distributed microphone array
A sound source locator efficiently employs a distributed physical or logical microphone array to determine a location of a source of a sound. In some instances, the sound source locator is deployed in an augmented reality environment. The sound source locator detects sound at a plurality of microphones, generates a signal corresponding to the sound, and causes attributes of signal as generated at the plurality of microphones to be stored in association with the corresponding microphone. The sound source locator uses these stored attributes to identify multiple groups of the plurality of microphones from which delays between the times the signal is generated can be used to compute the location of the source of the sound.
US09560445B2 Enhanced spatial impression for home audio
Technologies pertaining to provision of customized audio to each listener in a plurality of listeners are described herein. A sensor outputs data that is indicative of locations of multiple listeners in an environment. The data is processed to determine locations and orientations of the respective heads of the multiple listener in the environment. Based on the locations and orientations of heads of the listeners in the environment, for each listener, respective customized audio signals are generated. The customized audio signals are transmitted to respective beamforming transducers. The beamforming transducers directionally output customized beams for the first listener and the second listener based upon the customized audio signals and locations of the heads of the listeners.
US09560440B2 Apparatus and method for detecting location of moving body, lighting apparatus, air conditioning apparatus, security apparatus, and parking lot management apparatus
An apparatus and method for detecting the location of a moving body. The apparatus may include a speaker configured to intermittently generate a pulse signal to a detection space and a microphone array configured to obtain a reflected sound of the pulse signal that is generated in the detection space. The location of a moving body is estimated by extracting a change of a sound field from the reflected sound. The present invention can be applied to an apparatus for detecting a moving body without any side effect because the location of a moving body can be accurately detected up to an angle and distance. Furthermore, the present invention can be applied to various application apparatuses, such as a lighting apparatus, an air conditioning apparatus, a security apparatus, and a parking lot management apparatus because there is no problem in health and there is no side effect in application.
US09560439B2 Methods, systems, and computer readable media for source and listener directivity for interactive wave-based sound propagation
Methods, systems, and computer readable media for supporting source or listener directivity in a wave-based sound propagation model are disclosed. According to one method, the method includes computing, prior to run-time, one or more sound fields associated with a source or listener position and modeling, at run-time and using the one or more sound fields and a wave-based sound propagation model, source or listener directivity in an environment.
US09560436B2 Ergonomic earpiece and attachments
An earpiece that substantially lacks a lower lobe is disclosed. In one example, the earpiece can have a generally arcuate rib having upper and lower ends. A lobe can be formed at the upper end of the arcuate rib. No lobe is formed at the lower end of the arcuate rib. An extension can extend from the earpiece and can be configured to extend into the ear canal. Eliminating the lower lobe mitigates discomfort during use and also reduces the likelihood of tissue damage and infection. The extension can enhance communication of desired sound, e.g., from a two-way radio, to an eardrum while mitigating communication of undesirable ambient noise to the eardrum. Other implementations and related methods are also disclosed.
US09560435B2 Protective enclosure for electronic device
A protective enclosure for a mobile computing device that has an interactive touchscreen includes a first case member and a second case member. The second case member is attachable to the first case member via a latching mechanism, and the combined case members provide a protective interior of the enclosure. Pliable areas of the first and/or second case member align with a control button of the mobile computing device and transfer external force to the control button. An electrical connector of the protective enclosure is structured to engage a corresponding connector of the mobile computing device. The protective cover includes audio headphones and a headphone cable that connects between the audio headphones and an exterior surface of the second case member, electrically connecting the audio headphones to the electrical connector of the protective enclosure.
US09560434B2 Head cord audio system and method of use thereof
A head gear audio system having an audio plug electrically connected to a y-adapter, a left coiled wire having a first end and a second end, the first end connected to the y-adapter and the second end connected to a left ear bud speaker; and a right coiled wire having a first end and a second end, the first end connected to the y-adapter and the second end connected to a right ear bud speaker, wherein the left coiled wire is releasably affixed to a left section of a stretchable cord and the right coiled wire is releasably affixed to a right section of the stretchable cord, and a tensioner.
US09560433B2 Microphone mounting method and apparatus
A microphone support and enclosing windscreen has microphone supports curving about 270 degrees about an axis with upper and lower fingers to grip the microphone above and below the longitudinal axis of the microphone. The microphone supports move along an upper rail of a connector. First and second cage portions have longitudinal ribs connected to circular rings forming a windscreen support, with base rings on each cage portion connected to a bracket to encircle the microphone and its supports during use. One of the cage portions moves along the connector and rotates to allow access to the microphone.
US09560426B1 System and method for group tracking and displaying a plurality of wireless tracking devices on rotational maps oriented by one or more individuals being tracked
A system and method for tracking a group of individuals comprising: a wireless tracking device provided to at least one or more individuals within a group, wherein the wireless tracking device is configured for bi-directional communications with a monitoring center that establishes dynamic geo-fencing limitations in real-time for all group members provided with the wireless tracking device based on the group's center of gravity as they travel, whereby the geo-fence is in constant motion, and the wireless tracking device is adapted to determine and store absolute location information of each wireless tracking device provided to group members; and viewing device configured for displaying identification information concerning each individual wireless tracking device within the group on a rotating map display oriented relative to the group leader's location information.
US09560421B2 Broadcast and broadband hybrid service with MMT and DASH
Method and apparatuses for broadcasting and receiving media data over a heterogeneous network. A method for receiving media data includes receiving and processing media data broadcast using MMTP packets via a broadcast network. The method also includes, in response to receiving a signaling message associated with the broadcast media data, determining whether broadband media data associated with the broadcast media data is available via a broadband network based on the signaling message. The method includes receiving the broadband media data using DASH via the broadband network. Additionally, the method includes providing the broadband media data in association with the broadcast media data for presentation via a display device.
US09560419B2 System and method for listening to teams in a race event
A computer-implemented method and system allows a remote computer user to listen to teams in a race event. The method includes receiving audio signals from a plurality of audio sources at the race event; transmitting at least some of the audio signals to a remote computer; and filtering the audio signals as a function of the source of at least some of the audio signals so that at least some of the audio signals are not played by the remote computer and heard by the user.
US09560416B2 Method and apparatus for interfacing buyers with products depicted in a video
A method for capturing viewer attention concerning a product depicted in a color motion video display is provided wherein one or a chosen sequential plurality of image frames rendering the motion video on a display during a defined time period, includes highlighted portions of the video frame depicting products or services to attract the gaze and attention of the user wherein a provided user interface may be employed to request information about or order the product depicted in the highlighted portion of the display of the video.
US09560415B2 Method and system for interactive selection of items for purchase from a video
A computer-implemented method comprises displaying a video episode via a display screen, identifying, via a processor, the video episode with a unique play identifier, tracking, via the processor, an image of a shopable item in the displaying video, and linking a display screen coordinate location of an interactive tap zone with the image of the shopable item during the video episode. The interactive tap zone is selected to indicate selection of the tracked shopable item and the processor associates the selection with the unique play identifier.
US09560413B2 Systems and methods for notifying a user when activity level exceeds an authorization level
Systems and methods for generating a notification when activity exceeds an authorization level are provided. A determination is made as to whether content currently being presented to a first user exceeds an authorization level associated with the first user. In response to determining that the content exceeds the authorization level, the content being presented is monitored to determine whether the content meets a criterion. An amount of time the content being presented meets the criterion is measured. In response to determining that the amount of time exceeds a threshold, a communication is transmitted to a second user indicating that the content currently being presented to the first user exceeds the authorization level.
US09560412B2 System and method for troubleshooting a set top box
A method and system for troubleshooting a media processor is disclosed and can include receiving a trouble ticket from a media processor and initiating a self-test at the media processor. The method and system can include receiving test results from the media processor and analyzing the test results to isolate a problem.
US09560411B2 Method and apparatus for generating meta data of content
A method of providing content includes receiving emotional information in relation to the content; generating information about a representative type of emotion associated with the emotional information received from the client; updating an Electronic Program Guide associated with the content or a header of the content using the information about the representative type of emotion; and providing the content with the updated Electronic Program Guide or the updated header to the user.
US09560409B2 Media service personalization systems and methods
An exemplary media service personalization system maintains profiles for multiple media service access devices associated with an end-user account with a media service, generates a merged profile based on the profiles for the media service access devices, and directs a communal media service access device associated with the end-user account to personalize the media service based on the merged profile.
US09560408B2 Tracking and displaying popular media content
A media content processing system includes a first tuner programmed to receive a first media content signal and a second tuner programmed to receive a second media content signal. A processing device is programmed to receive a popularity signal representing a popularity of a media content instance. The processing device is further programmed to command the second tuner to tune to the media content instance identified by the popularity signal.
US09560407B2 Systems and methods for managing pairing of remote control devices with a plurality of media content processing devices
An exemplary method includes a remote control device management system pairing a remote control device with a first media content processing device; detecting, after the pairing of the remote control device with the first media content processing device, that a second media content processing device receives an infrared (“IR”) signal transmitted from the remote control device together with a non-infra-red (“non-IR”) based wireless communication signal; determining that the remote control device is not paired with the second media content processing device by determining that the IR signal received by the second media content processing device includes an IR token that identifies the remote control device as being paired with the first media content processing device; and re-pairing, in response to the determination, the remote control device with the second media content processing device in place of the first media content processing device. Corresponding systems and methods are also described.
US09560404B2 Advertisement targeting scheme in a multicast ABR environment based on ad caching
A scheme for providing targeted advertisements in a multicast adaptive bitrate (ABR) streaming environment. In one implementation, ads specific to a subscriber's demographic profile and relevant to the genre of a tuned MABR media channel may be downloaded in a gateway (GW) or into a network storage system. In another implementation, multicast ABR streams of ads may be triggered at specific points (e.g., insertion markers in a multicast ABR media channel) that can be selectively joined by a GW node based on demographics and channel genre. In yet another implementation, continuously streaming multicast ad channels may be switched at suitable points in a multicast ABR media channel based on targeting parameters.
US09560397B2 Adaptive video-server reconfiguration for self-optimizing multi-tier IPTV networks
Various embodiments of the disclosed subject matter provide apparatus, methods, and systems including an input to receive data associated with a channel viewership of a network; a distribution unit coupled to the input, the distribution unit to determine one or more relative viewership distributions based on the data; and a configuration unit coupled to the distribution unit, the configuration unit to provide one or more reconfiguration settings for one or more reconfigurable servers coupled to the network.
US09560395B2 Systems and methods for remote web query and image selection exchange to video screen
Systems and methods are disclosed for receiving a request to display, on an first communications device, media content, where the request comprises a first logical address for accessing the media content at a first storage location, transmitting to a second communications device, a second logical address for accessing a copy of the media content at a second storage location, where the second logical address differs from the first logical address, and where the second storage location differs from the first storage location. Other embodiments are disclosed.
US09560394B2 Specifying client behavior and sessions in dynamic adaptive streaming over hypertext transfer protocol (DASH)
An apparatus comprises a receiver configured to receive a request for an adaptive streaming media presentation description (MPD), a processor coupled to the receiver and configured to generate the MPD, wherein the MPD indicates an event, and wherein the event is time-related auxiliary information, and a transmitter coupled to the processor and configured to transmit the MPD. A method comprises receiving a request for an adaptive streaming media presentation description (MPD), generating the MPD, wherein the MPD indicates an event, and wherein the event is time-related auxiliary information, and transmitting the MPD. An apparatus comprises a processor configured to generate a request for an adaptive streaming media presentation description (MPD), a transmitter coupled to the processor and configured to transmit the request, and a receiver coupled to the processor and configured to receive the MPD, wherein the MPD indicates an event, and wherein the event is time-related auxiliary information.
US09560391B2 Systems and methods for compiling and organizing multiple episodes of media content series
Methods, systems and devices for organizing media content are provided. One method includes receiving a request, via a user interface presented to a user, to compile a requested plurality of episodes of a selected media content. The availability of the requested plurality of episodes are determined from a plurality of media content sources. The requested plurality of episodes are then compiled (e.g., recorded via a digital video recorder or located within a streaming service). A user interface is then presented to the user, including a series-order arrangement of the requested plurality of episodes.
US09560382B2 Method and apparatus for adaptively reducing artifacts in block-coded video
Apparatus, systems and methods for adaptively reducing blocking artifacts in block-coded video are disclosed. In one implementation, a system includes processing logic at least capable of deblock filtering at least a portion of a line of video data based, at least in part, on edge information and texture information to generate at least a portion of a line of deblocked video data, and an image data output device responsive to the processing logic.
US09560381B2 Encoding system, device, and method
An encoding system includes: a plurality of encoding devices that each include an encoding processing unit configured to, at a timing in accordance with a vertical synchronization signal included in a moving picture signal, encode divided image data, wherein one encoding device acts as a single master and the remaining one or more encoding devices act as slave. A main synchronization processing unit configured to be provided in the master, in accordance with the vertical synchronization signal, to transmit a setting signal to the slave to perform setting on the encoding processing unit, so that a start timing of encoding processing by each of the encoding processing units is synchronized in frame image units, and to monitor a synchronization state of the encoding devices based on a state signal representing a state of the encoding processing unit of the ancillary encoding device received from the slave.
US09560379B2 Inter-prediction method and video encoding/decoding method using the inter-prediction method
A video encoding method using inter-prediction, includes: encoding a first picture, wherein the first picture serves as a random access picture and is encoded without referring to a reference picture which has already encoded and then decoded; inter-prediction encoding a block included in a second picture, which is encoded after the first picture and displayed before the first picture, by using a plurality of reference pictures; generating reference picture information representing one or more past pictures which are encoded before the first picture and are used as reference pictures for encoding the second picture; and transmitting the encoded first picture and the encoded second pictures and the reference picture information, wherein, when the one or more past pictures are used as the reference pictures for encoding the second picture, the one or more past pictures are deleted from a memory after encoding at least the second picture.
US09560378B2 Image coding method, image decoding method, image coding apparatus, and image decoding apparatus
An image coding method includes selecting two or more transform components from among a plurality of transform components that include a translation component and non-translation components, the two or more transform components serving as reference information that represents a reference destination of a current block; coding selection information that identifies the two or more transform components that have been selected from among the plurality of transform components; and coding the reference information of the current block by using reference information of a coded block different from the current block.
US09560373B2 Image coding method and apparatus with candidate motion vectors
An image coding method derives a first candidate having a first motion vector that has been used to code a first block, and derives a second candidate having a second motion vector that has been used to code a second block. It is determined whether a total number of candidates having the first candidate and the second candidate is less than a maximum candidate number, and a third bi-directional candidate is derived when the total number of candidates is less than the maximum candidate number. The third bi-directional candidate has a third motion vector that is identical to the first motion vector, and a fourth motion vector that is identical to the second motion vector. A merging candidate for coding a current block is selected from the candidates having the first candidate, the second candidate, and the third candidate.
US09560371B2 Video compression system
A improvement to video compression techniques is described in which blocks of video input information are compared in their respective pixel values to corresponding blocks of immediately preceding frames. The blocks are analyzed to determine whether change has occurred in accordance with two tests. First, the pixel values of the block are compared to the pixel values of a preceding block and if a threshold number of pixel values in the block exceed their counterparts by a threshold amount, then the block is assumed to have changed and is communicated via a standard communication protocol, compression technique and media. Second, even if the threshold number of pixels in the block has not changed, the pixel values are compared with their prior frame counterparts to determine if any one pixel value has changed in magnitude more than a second threshold amount. Again, one such pixel is identified, then the block is assumed to have changed and is communicated.
US09560369B2 Video decoding method and apparatus using the same
Disclosed is a video decoding method that decodes a bitstream, the method including receiving a picture parameter set (PPS) comprising at least one of first information indicating whether the same reference picture list is applied to slices comprised in a picture and second information indicating whether additional information on modification of the reference picture list is present, and deriving a construction of the reference picture list based on the PPS. Accordingly, there are provided a method and an apparatus for signaling by a picture whether the construction of the reference picture list is modified when constructing the reference picture list.
US09560368B2 Moving picture decoding method and moving picture encoding method
High-quality video is provided using a small amount of coded bits. The moving picture decoding method performs inter-frame prediction processing. With the aforementioned inter-frame prediction processing, blocks with similar motion vectors from among the motion vectors in multiple blocks that have already been decoded are combined and a combined area is computed. A predicted vector for a target block to be decoded is computed using the motion vector of the aforementioned combined area, and a motion vector for the aforementioned target block is computed based on the aforementioned predicted vector and a difference vector which is included in a coded stream that is input. A predicted image is generated using the aforementioned motion vector, and a difference image which is included in the aforementioned coded stream and the aforementioned predicted image are added to generate a decoded image.
US09560367B2 Parameter set and picture header in video coding
In a start code based bistream structure for use in video coding, a picture header is used simultaneously with the parameter set in the start code. The picture header is present before the slice header in the same picture. As such, it is possible to allow the presence of at least one sequence parameter set or picture parameter set before the slice header. In a NAL unit parameter set bitstream structure, the picture head NAL unit is present before the slice NAL unit. In either structure, the picture header information must remain unchanged during the decoding of the entire picture, but should change more frequently between pictures as compared to the information in the picture parameter set.
US09560363B2 Image encoding device, photographing system, photographing recording system, image encoding method, and non-transitory computer readable medium storing image encoding control program
An image encoding device includes a degree of importance calculating unit that calculates a degree of importance on each of a plurality of input images which are consecutively input, a degree of importance period calculating unit that calculates a degree of importance period which is a period of the degree of importance, an average degree of importance calculating unit that calculates an average degree of importance which is an average of degrees of importance of times corresponding to a current in each of a plurality of previous degree of importance periods, an image quality control parameter calculating unit that calculates an image quality control parameter based on the average degree of importance, and an image encoding unit that encodes the input image using the image quality control parameter and generates video data.
US09560362B2 Method and apparatus of texture image compression in 3D video coding
A method and apparatus for 3D video coding system are disclosed. Embodiments according to the present invention apply SAO process (sample adaptive offset process) to at least one dependent-view image of the processed multi-view images if processed multi-view images are received. Also embodiments according to the present invention apply the SAO process to at least one dependent-view image of the processed multi-view images or at least one depth map of the processed multi-view depth maps if both processed multi-view images and the processed multi-view depth maps are received. The SAO can be applied to each color component of the processed multi-view images or the processed multi-view depth maps. The SAO parameters associated with a target region in one dependent-view image or in one depth map corresponding to one view may share or may be predicted by second SAO parameters associated with a source region corresponding to another view.
US09560360B2 Decoding a picture based on a reference picture set on an electronic device
A method for decoding a picture on an electronic device is described. The method includes obtaining a bitstream. The method also includes obtaining a current picture. The method further includes obtaining a relative reference picture set (RPS) parameter. The method additionally includes initializing an index value. Furthermore, the method includes processing another RPS parameter based on the index value. The method also includes decoding the current picture.
US09560351B1 Low cost rate-distortion computations for video compression
A method of rate-distortion computations for video compression is disclosed. The method may include steps (A) to (C). Step (A) may generate a plurality of transform coefficients from a residual block of the video using a circuit. Step (B) may generate a block distortion value (i) based on the transform coefficients and (ii) independent of a plurality of inverse transform samples produced from the residual block. Step (C) may generate a rate-distortion value from the block distortion value.
US09560350B2 Intra/inter mode decision for predictive frame encoding
This invention predicts that intra mode prediction is more effective for the macro blocks where motion estimation in inter mode prediction fails. This failure is indicated by a large value of the inter mode SAD. This invention performs intra mode prediction for only macro blocks have larger inter mode SADs. The definition of a large inter mode SAD differs for different content. This invention compares the inter mode SAD of a current macroblock with an adaptive threshold. This adaptive threshold depends on the average and variance of the SADs of the previous predicted frame. An adaptive threshold is calculated for each new predictive frame.
US09560345B2 Camera calibration
Embodiments herein include systems, methods and articles of manufacture for calibrating a camera. In one embodiment, a computing system may be coupled to a calibration apparatus and the camera to programmatically identify the intrinsic properties of the camera. The calibration apparatus includes a plurality of light sources which are controlled by the computer system. By selectively activating one or more of the light sources, the computer system identifies correspondences that relate the 3D position of the light sources to the 2D image captured by the camera. The computer system then calculates the intrinsics of the camera using the 3D to 2D correspondences. After the intrinsics are measured, cameras may be further calibrated to in order to identify 3D locations of objects within their field of view in a presentation area. Using passive markers in a presentation area, computing system may use an iterative process that estimates the actual pose of the camera.
US09560341B2 Stereoscopic image reproduction device and method, stereoscopic image capturing device, and stereoscopic display device
A stereoscopic image is displayed with an appropriate amount of parallax on the basis of auxiliary information recorded in a three-dimensional image file. A 3D image file is read (Step S31), and the size of a display which performs 3D display is acquired (Step S32). The maximum display size capable of appropriately performing 3D display of a viewpoint image is acquired from metadata of the read 3D image file (Step S33). The size acquired in Step S32 is compared with the maximum display size acquired in Step S33 (Step S34). When the maximum display size is smaller, parallax displacement or parallax compression is performed, (Step S35), and then 3D display is performed (Step S36). Therefore, display can be appropriately performed on the basis of the maximum display size.
US09560340B2 Three-dimensional image pickup lens system and image pickup system including the same
A three-dimensional image pickup lens system, including two lens apparatuses, each of the two lens apparatuses including: an optical element drivers in a direction containing a component perpendicular to an optical axis; a driving unit driving the optical element; a detector detecting vibration of a corresponding one of the lens apparatuses; a first generator generating a first signal driving the optical element to correct image blur due to the vibration; a second generator generating a second signal driving the optical element to a position corresponding to a set angle of convergence; a retainer retaining an effective maximum correction amount as a correctable maximum image stabilization amount determined based on the second signals generated in the lens apparatuses and is common to the lens apparatuses; and a controller driving the optical element by the driving unit based on the first signal, the second signal, and the effective maximum correction amount.
US09560336B2 Interlaced 3D video
A video processing device (100) for processing 3D video is coupled to a 3D display device (120). The device receives the 3D video data according to a high resolution interlaced 3D format. A video processor (106) generates a 3D display signal according to a display format. 3D display capability data indicates at least one interlaced 3D display format accepted by the 3D display device, the interlaced 3D display format having a lower resolution than the high resolution interlaced 3D format. The device has a storage unit (21, 31) for storing the 3D display capability data and 3D conversion capability data. The 3D conversion capability data indicates a capability of the video processing device for interlaced down conversion for enabling a selection mechanism to control the processing of the 3D video information by selecting the interlaced 3D display format and the interlaced down conversion. Advantageously the user is provided with the best possible 3D view.
US09560328B1 Scanned beam projector pulsed laser control
Briefly, in accordance with one or more embodiments, a scanned beam projector comprises a laser diode to emit a beam, a scanning engine to scan the beam on a surface to project an image comprising virtual pixels on the surface, a digital-to-analog converter (DAC) coupled to the laser diode to cause the laser diode to emit the beam in response to a digital video signal provided to the DAC, and a pulsed pixel controller to provide the digital video signal to the DAC, the pulsed pixel controller to align the digital video signal provided to the DAC with the virtual pixels of the image, and to select an optimal waveform to be generated by the laser diode for each virtual pixel.
US09560322B2 Device having built-in digital data device powered by unlimited power source for light device
A device having built-in digital data means is powered by an unlimited power source for a lamp-holder, LED bulb, or light device connected to unlimited power source by prongs or a base that can be inserted into a socket that would otherwise receiving a bulb. The device may take the form of a webcam having auto tracking functions and retractable prongs that plug directly into a wall outlet.
US09560319B1 Audiovisual information processing in videoconferencing
Embodiments of the present invention relate to audiovisual stream processing in videoconferences. For each audiovisual stream in a videoconference, a sound level of the audiovisual stream is detected. If the sound level exceeds a predefined threshold level, the audiovisual stream is processed with a first configuration. If the sound level is below the predefined threshold level, the audiovisual stream is processed with a second configuration. The second configuration is more resource-effective than the first configuration.
US09560317B2 Videoconferencing system using QR codes for interaction
Quick Response barcodes (“QR Codes”) are used for videoconferencing between a peripheral device and a videoconferencing system, which can include a conferencing server and/or a videoconferencing unit. Conferencing related QR codes are embedded within video frames and are identified by either a peripheral device or a videoconferencing unit. Once identified, the device or unit acts according to the information provided by the QR code. The QR codes enables the peripheral device, videoconferencing unit, and conferencing server to operation in conjunction with one another even though one or more of the device may not share a compatible operation platform that would allow for direct communication of requests and responses.
US09560316B1 Indicating sound quality during a conference
Implementations generally relate to indicating sound quality during a conference, thereby providing real-time feedback to those generating audio intentionally or unintentionally. In some implementations, a method includes detecting an audio signal during a conference. The method further includes determining one or more sound types in the audio signal based on one or more respective characteristic criteria. The method further includes providing an indicator based on the one or more sounds types.
US09560314B2 Interactive and shared surfaces
The interactive and shared surface technique described herein employs hardware that can project on any surface, capture color video of that surface, and get depth information of and above the surface while preventing visual feedback (also known as video feedback, video echo, or visual echo). The technique provides N-way sharing of a surface using video compositing. It also provides for automatic calibration of hardware components, including calibration of any projector, RGB camera, depth camera and any microphones employed by the technique. The technique provides object manipulation with physical, visual, audio, and hover gestures and interaction between digital objects displayed on the surface and physical objects placed on or above the surface. It can capture and scan the surface in a manner that captures or scans exactly what the user sees, which includes both local and remote objects, drawings, annotations, hands, and so forth.
US09560313B2 Dialogue system and dialogue method
A system and method are provided to hold a dialog between communicators while the communicators are viewing their images each other and which prevents the presence of an image display screen from being noticeable in a non-communication state. A first unit for the communicator generates and transmits first data indicating the image of the communicator. A second unit for the communication partner expands the first data received via a communication line to display the image of the communicator on the display screen, and generates and transmits second data indicating the image of the communication partner in front of the display screen. A human sensor is configured to detect that the communication partner is at a predetermined position in a home. Only during the period of the human sensor detecting that the communication partner is at the predetermined position, the display-cum-mirror forms a display screen, and otherwise, a mirror.
US09560301B2 Pixel unit cell having conversion circuit
A circuit includes a signal line and a pixel unit cell. The pixel unit cell includes one or more light sensing elements, a conversion circuit, and a selection switch between the conversion circuit and the signal line. In the pixel unit cell, the conversion circuit is configured to convert charge carriers from the one or more light sensing elements to a voltage signal at an output node of the conversion circuit.
US09560299B2 Image pickup apparatus
At least one image pickup apparatus includes a plurality of pixels each including a photoelectric conversion unit, a charge storage unit, and an amplification unit. The charge storage unit includes a first charge storage unit, a second charge storage unit, and a third charge storage unit. In a first period from a first time to a second time, charges generated by the photoelectric conversion unit in the first period are transferred to the first charge storage unit and charges stored in the second charge storage unit and the third charge storage unit in a period preceding the first period are transferred to an input node of the amplification unit. In a second period from the second time to a third time, charges generated by the photoelectric conversion unit in the second period are transferred to the first charge storage unit and the third charge storage unit for storage.
US09560292B2 Frame-sequential multiwavelength imaging system and method
A frame-sequential multiwavelength imaging system comprises a wavelength switching device for producing a repeated series of different wavelength profiles, a detector for detecting the dynamic scene and a signal processing unit for synthesizing a dynamic multiwavelength image of the dynamic scene. The signal processing unit may comprise at least one input device at least one logic device and at least one output device. The system can be used in a method to perform multiwavelength imaging of a dynamic scene, typically for surgical purposes.
US09560289B2 Imaging apparatus and control method for recording device
A control method for a recording device includes image processing of applying an effect to a moving image, and controlling to record the moving image into a recording medium, when recording a moving image obtained by image capturing. In the image processing, an effect is applied to a moving image corresponding to a partial period of a normal moving image to be recorded into the recording medium with no effect being applied. In the controlling, control is performed to connect the normal moving image to which no effect is applied and a moving image created by applying the effect to the moving image corresponding to the partial period of the normal moving image, to record the normal moving image and the created moving image into the recording medium as a continuous moving image.
US09560287B2 Noise level based exposure time control for sequential subimages
A sequence of multiple subimages is captured by an imaging sensor organized in multiple subsets of pixels. Each of the subsets of pixels is assigned to capturing a corresponding one of the subimages. For each of the subsets of pixels, a noise level of an output of the pixels of the subset is measured. Depending on the measured noise level, an exposure time for capturing the corresponding subimage is controlled.
US09560282B2 Systems and methods for capturing images from a lock screen
Techniques for entering an image-capture user interface from a locked mobile device and capturing an image while the mobile device is still in a locked state. In an example implementation, a mobile device at a lock-screen may detect a change in orientation of the mobile device from a portrait orientation to a landscape orientation. In response, the mobile device may display an image-capture UI. In some implementations, the image-capture UI may be overlaid over one or more elements of the lock-screen. Accordingly, the mobile device may provide visual notice to a user that the phone is still in a locked state while offering image capture functionality. In another implementation, the mobile device may provide another indication that the mobile device is still locked.
US09560279B2 Camera device and projector device having protective lens
A camera device includes a lens module and a birefringent sapphire lens. The sapphire lens is coupled to the lens module as a light window to protect the lens module. The sapphire lens has a crystal structure and a crystal axis. The crystal structure is a single-crystal structure and the crystal axis is one of c-axis (0001), a-axis [including (1210), (1120), (2110), (1120), (2110) and (1210)], m-axis [including (1010), (1100), (0110), (1010), (1100), and (0110)], and r-axis [including (1011), (1011), (0111), (0111), (1101) and r-axis (1101)].
US09560278B2 Imaging device, imaging device drive method, and imaging device control program
An imaging device includes an imaging-lens, an image-sensor, a lens-moving-mechanism, a ROM, and an intersection-point-position-control-section. The lens-moving-mechanism moves an intersection point on the image-sensor by moving a second lens in a plane perpendicular to an optical axis. The ROM stores, in advance, a LUT that stores the intersection point and an image quality evaluation value of an image, which is obtained through image capturing performed at the intersection point, in association with each other. The intersection-point-position-control-section acquires the current intersection point, calculates distances between the current intersection point and the plurality of intersection points stored in the LUT, and selects an intersection point for imaging, at which a ratio of the image quality evaluation value to the distance from the current intersection point is at the maximum, among the positions of the plurality of intersection points stored in the LUT.
US09560277B2 Image processing apparatus and image processing method
An image processing apparatus performs distortion aberration correction appropriate for each of the cases where the image processing apparatus clips image data by performing electronic image stabilization and does not clip the image data by performing the electronic image stabilization. The image processing apparatus includes a correction unit configured to perform the distortion aberration correction on image data in which distortion aberration has, and a stabilization unit configured to perform clipping from the image data based on a movement of an imaging unit when the image data has been generated. The correction unit reduces an amount of the distortion aberration correction in a case where the stabilization unit does not clip the image data, as compared to a case where the stabilization unit clips the image data.
US09560275B2 Solid-state imaging device, driving method, and electronic apparatus
Disclosed is a solid-state imaging device including a pixel array, two vertical scanning circuits, and a control part. The pixel array has a plurality of pixels arranged in a two-dimensional matrix form. The two vertical scanning circuits are configured to sequentially select and scan each of the pixels in a vertical direction per row. The control part is configured to generate, based on a mode signal corresponding to an imaging mode, a driving switch signal to stop driving of one of the two vertical scanning circuits.
US09560272B2 Electronic device and method for image data processing
An electronic device for processing image data including a camera module configured to obtain the image data. The electronic device also including a control module configured to set at least one pointing object in the image data and configured to control the image data on an object corresponding to a position of the set pointing object according to at least one of a position and movement of the at least one pointing object.
US09560269B2 Collaborative image capturing
Systems and approaches are provided to allow for collaborative image capturing. Multiple user devices subscribed to the collaborative image capturing system can be synchronized to perform certain image capturing related tasks, including coordinated image capture. When the user devices are widely dispersed, the image data can be aggregated to generate composited image data, such as panoramas, 3-D transformations, or stereoscopic image data. Multiple user devices can also be coordinated to simultaneously flash or activate other light emitting components that may improve lighting condition than would otherwise be capable of a single computing device.
US09560268B2 Method for obtaining video content from cameras which relates to a user of a communication device, and associated apparatus
A method is dedicated to the obtaining of video recordings related to a user who has a communication device (EC) capable of connecting to a wireless communications network (RC) and whose position is determinable. This method comprises the following steps: (i) determining the position of the spot where the communication device (EC) is located, (ii) determining whether there is at least one camera (C1) capable of providing video recordings, of a part of an observation area that may include that determined spot, accessible via the communications network (RC), and (iii) in the event that such a camera (C1) is determined, transmitting to the communication device (EC), via the communications network (RC), at least a portion of a video recording made by that camera (C1) while the communication device (EC) is in its observation zone.
US09560266B2 Information processing apparatus and method for extracting and categorizing postures of human figures
An information processing apparatus includes an image pickup unit, an extracting unit, an estimating unit, a categorizing unit, and a recording control unit. The image pickup unit captures an image of a subject. The extracting unit extracts a human figure from the captured image of the subject captured by the image pickup unit. The estimating unit estimates a posture of the human figure extracted by the extracting unit. The categorizing unit categorizes the posture of the human figure estimated by the estimating unit into a previously prepared pose. The recording control unit controls recording of the captured image on the basis of the pose that the posture of the human figure is categorized into by the categorizing unit.
US09560259B2 Image processing system with blur measurement and method of operation thereof
An image processing system and method of operation includes: an image processing device; an image capture module for capturing a source image on the image processing device; an assessment module for detecting an edge of the source image, and measuring an edge width measure of the edge; and a retrieving module for retrieving a depth of field from the edge width measure.
US09560258B2 Image sensing apparatus, image sensing system and focus detection method of detecting a focus position of a lens using image signal pair
An image sensing apparatus including: an image sensor including a plurality of focus detection pixel pairs that perform photoelectric conversion on each pair of light beams that have passed through different regions of a photographing lens and output an image signal pair; a flash memory that stores shift information on relative shift between an optical axis of the photographing lens and a central axis of the focus detection pixel pairs; a correction unit that corrects a signal level of the image signal pair based on the shift information and exit pupil information of the photographing lens so as to compensate for an unbalanced amount of light that enters each of the focus detection pixel pairs; and a focus detection unit that detects a focus of the photographing lens using the image signal pair corrected by the correction unit.
US09560257B2 Information processing system, information processing apparatus and method
The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus by which image data can be downloaded simply. A video camera 11 receives thumbnail images corresponding to one or more images included in an album from a video camera image station 41 and displays the thumbnail images on an LCD unit. If one or more images to be downloaded are selected, then the video camera 11 acquires image information of the selected image or images from a video camera image station 41, analyzes the image information and discriminates it one by one image whether or not the selected image data are downloadable. Every time one image is discriminated to be downloadable, the video camera 11 accesses a corresponding URL designated for each image, downloads the image from the URL and records the image onto a recording medium. The video camera 11 successively downloads the selected images in this manner.
US09560256B2 Image capture apparatus and image capture method in which an image is processed by a plurality of image processing devices
An image capture system is provided that increases processing speed after an image is captured and also increases the rate at which data is read from an image capture device during a shooting sequence. The image capture system includes an image capture device for capturing an object image and converting the captured object image into an electrical signal, a plurality of image processing devices, and a distribution device for distributing the electrical signal from the image capture device to the plurality of image processing devices. The plurality of image processing devices generate image signals by processing the electrical signal output from the distribution device and are provided in parallel with each other. Each of the plurality of image processing devices concurrently processes the electrical signal for one frame.
US09560254B2 Method and apparatus for activating a hardware feature of an electronic device
A method and apparatus for activating a hardware feature of an electronic device includes the electronic device detecting 302 a predetermined motion of the electronic device and measuring 304, in response to detecting the predetermined motion, an orientation of the electronic device. The method further includes the electronic device activating 306, based on the orientation, a hardware feature from a plurality of selectable hardware features of the electronic device, wherein each selectable hardware feature can be activated based on different orientations of the electronic device.
US09560252B1 Flash optimization for camera devices
Various embodiments include a camera system. The camera system can receive a command to photograph an environment utilizing a camera. The camera system can identify a plurality of flash settings for a flash system of the camera. The camera system can drive the flash system in a sequence of flashes respectively corresponding to the plurality of flash settings. The camera system can then capture consecutive images utilizing the camera. The capturing of the consecutive images can be synchronized against the sequence of flashes such that a device can later combine the consecutive images to generate a composite image that represents a virtual photograph of the environment.
US09560251B2 Image pickup apparatus
A light-emitting-part holder moves between a housing position in which the light-emitting-part holder is housed in a housing part formed in a strobe base and a light emission position in which the light-emitting-part holder projects from the housing part. One end of an arm member is supported by the light-emitting-part holder, and the other end thereof is supported by the strobe base. An arm cover member holds a magnet, and in a case where the arm member is housed in the housing part, the arm cover member is fixed to the face of the arm member facing the housing part. A part of a light-emitting-part flexible board (flexible wire member) is disposed between the magnet held by the arm cover member and the arm member.
US09560250B2 Information processing apparatus, measurement system, control system, light amount determination method and storage medium
There is provided with an information processing apparatus. Location information indicating an approximate location of a measurement target relative to a projection apparatus is obtained. The projection apparatus projects, onto the measurement target, projection light of a predetermined pattern composed of light rays travelling in respective directions. For respective travelling directions, incident regions of the measurement target on which the projection light is incident are estimated in accordance with the location information. Amounts of the projection light toward the respective travelling directions are determined such that light amounts of reflected light from the estimated incident regions toward an image capturing apparatus fall within a predetermined range. The image capturing apparatus captures an image of the measurement target onto which the projection light has been projected.
US09560249B2 Imaging apparatus having bending optical element
A bending imaging apparatus provided with an imaging optical system, a bending optical element, an image sensor positioned on a post-bending optical axis of the bending optical element, and a housing, includes an inclination adjusting body having a mounting plate portion, onto which the image sensor is mounted, and an inclination-adjusting bent plate portion extending toward an underside of the bending optical element from the mounting plate portion; a swing pivot portion formed between the inclination-adjusting bent plate portion and the housing to pivotally support the inclination adjusting body; and an inclination adjusting portion positioned between the inclination-adjusting bent plate portion and the housing to overlap the bending optical element with respect to the post-bending optical axis direction and swings the inclination adjusting body about the swing pivot portion to adjust an inclination of the inclination adjusting body.
US09560248B2 Camera module having two lens modules
A camera module can include a lens housing, an imaging unit and a driving motor. The lens housing can include a first lens module, a second lens module and a lens holder holding the first lens module and the second lens module. The imaging unit is located between the first lens module and the second lens module. The imaging unit is in optical alignment with the first lens module and the second lens module. The driving motor is coupled to the lens housing and configured to drive the lens housing to move relative to the imaging unit. When the driving motor drives the first lens module and the second lens module to move relative to the imaging unit, distance between the imaging unit and the first lens module is changed, or a distance between the imaging unit and the second lens module is changed.
US09560242B2 Method and device for the true-to-original representation of colors on screens
Described is a method and a device for screen calibration for the true-to-original reproduction of surface colors, the spectral reflection distribution of which is known, wherein by setting parameters the screen can be influenced using software and an electronic controller in each partial region of the screen. The disclosure is characterized in that an observer adapts the reproduced color impression of the screen to the color impression of an original in each partial region of the screen, wherein the original is compared to the screen colors immediately thereafter on the screen surface and the screen parameters are varied until the color impressions of the original and of the screen appear identical to the observer on the respectively viewed partial screen, viewed from a predefined observer angle, and the settings performed are stored in a screen profile.
US09560239B2 Method and apparatus for generating dots in image reproduction
This invention discloses a method and apparatus for generating dots in image reproduction, and relates to the field of image reproduction in the printing industry. The method comprises performing a binarization process on a threshold matrix of one or more basic dots according to level thresholds to obtain a set of level-binarization matrixes corresponding to the threshold matrix; determining substitution binarization matrixes and auxiliary binarization matrixes from the set of level-binarization matrixes; performing a Boolean operation on the substitution binarization matrixes and the auxiliary binarization matrixes to generate resulted binarization matrixes; substituting binarization matrixes to be substituted in the set of level-binarization matrixes with the resulted binarization matrixes; and according to the substituted set of level-binarization matrixes, forming a substituted threshold matrix, and generating shape-varied dots according to the substituted threshold matrix. The shapes of dots with some grayscale in basic dots are changed by Boolean calculation among binarization matrices, thereby achieving the purposes of changing the overall shape of the basic dots and constructing dots with complicated shapes using dots with simple shapes, so that it is simple and easy to implement.
US09560236B2 Image reading apparatus, control method, storage medium, and system
An image reading apparatus having a front surface reading unit for reading a front surface of a document and a back surface reading unit for reading a back surface of the document performs adjustment processing in such a manner that start positions of the obtained image data of the front surface and the back surface are each at a position corresponding to an integer multiple of a coding block, and encodes front-and-back combined image data that is based on the adjusted image data of the front surface and the back surface. The image reading apparatus then transmits the encoded front-and-back combined image data, first position information indicating an end edge of the image data of the front surface in the front-and-back combined image data, and second position information indicating an end edge of the image data of the back surface in the front-and-back combined image data.
US09560235B2 Image scanning apparatus and image reading method using a first reading head for a first scanning position and second reading head for a second scanning position
An image scanning apparatus has a conveyer, a first scanning device configured to scan an image on one surface of an original sheet at a first scanning position, a second scanning device configured to scan an image on an other surface of the original sheet at a second scanning position. A controller is configured to execute a first adjustment process to adjust light amount adjustment of the first scanning device before scanning the original sheet subject to the received scanning instruction, start scanning after the first adjustment process, execute a determination process to determine, after starting conveying the original sheet, whether a light adjustment of the second scanning device is to be executed, execute a second adjustment process, when it is determined to start the light adjustment of the second scanning device, and stop conveying the original sheet when no original sheet is located at the first scanning position.
US09560234B2 Image reading device and image forming apparatus
An image reading device includes a support table that supports a document; a light source that is supported movably along the support table between a reading start position set near one end of the support table and a reading end position set near the other end of the support table and that irradiates the document with light; a reading member that reads an image based on reflected light from the document; and an image composing unit that composes read image information based on a first image read by the reading member and a second image based on light reflected from the document in a direction different from a direction of the first image.
US09560232B2 Image processing apparatus, method of controlling the same, and storage medium for configuring a reconfigurable device
In an image processing apparatus including a reconfigurable device, a plurality of configuration data items for configuring a circuit for realizing a predetermined function in the reconfigurable device and for arranging and wiring the respective circuit at differing locations of the device to each other are stored in a memory, and operation information is obtained and accumulated based on an operation time of the circuit for realizing the predetermined function each time a job using the circuit for realizing the predetermined function is executed. Then, when the accumulated value exceeds a threshold, the circuit for realizing the predetermined function is configured in the reconfigurable device using other configuration data corresponding to the circuit for realizing the predetermined function and stored in the memory.
US09560231B2 Image output system, information processing device, and authentication device
An information processing terminal transmits, to an authentication server, information obtained by imaging a code pattern of multifunction device information, and authentication information inputted by a user. The authentication server performs user authentication based on the received authentication information and specifies a multifunction device based on the received information of the code pattern. If the user has been authenticated, the authentication server transmits print data corresponding to the user to the multifunction device and prescribes the execution of print processing to the multifunction device. The multifunction device executes print process based on the obtained print data.
US09560230B2 Image forming apparatus, control method for the same and storage medium
An image forming apparatus of this invention includes abbreviated keys that realize abbreviated input of a transmission destination, an openable cover provided so as to cover the abbreviated keys, and first and second cover open/closed detection switches configured to output an open state and a closed state of the cover. When an operation of an abbreviated key is received, if the first and second cover open/closed detection switches indicate different detection results, mismatch information indicating that different output has been occurred from the first and second cover open/closed detection switches is stored in a non-volatile storage unit, and the image forming apparatus is restarted.
US09560228B2 Document reading apparatus, control method in document reading apparatus, and storage medium
A document reading apparatus includes a conveying unit to convey a document, a reading unit to read an image of the conveyed document, a detecting unit to detect multi-feed of the conveyed document, a setting unit, a stopping unit, and a displaying unit. The setting unit makes a setting indicating whether, based on detecting multi-feed of the document, conveyance of the document is to stop. The stopping unit stops conveyance of the document where the made setting indicates that, in response to detecting multi-feed of the document, the conveyance of the document is to stop. Where the made setting indicates that, in response to detecting multi-feed of the document, the conveyance of the document is to stop, the displaying unit displays a screen for receiving, from a user, an instruction not to stop conveyance of the document, even in a case where the detecting unit detects multi-feed of the document.
US09560226B2 Cover portion of image reading apparatus and image forming apparatus
An image reading apparatus includes an apparatus body, a document sheet cover, a magnetic force generating portion, and a magnetic force control portion. The apparatus body has a document placement surface. The document sheet cover is supported by the apparatus body so as to be pivotable between an open position where the document placement surface is uncovered and a closed position where the document placement surface is covered with the document sheet cover. The magnetic force generating portion is able to selectively generate a magnetic attraction force and a magnetic repulsion force between a pair of a permanent magnet and an electromagnet provided in the cover portion and the apparatus body, respectively. The magnetic force control portion switches the magnetic force generating portion between a state where the magnetic force generating portion generates the attraction force and a state where the magnetic force generating portion generates the repulsion force.
US09560224B2 Remote control device, remote operation device, screen transmission control method, and non-transitory computer-readable recording medium encoded with screen display control program
A remote control device remotely controlled by a remote operation device includes an operation screen transmission portion to transmit an operation screen to the remote operation device; and a changed area decision portion to decide on an area in a second operation screen that is different from a first operation screen, as a changed area, in a stage before the operation screen transmission portion transmits the second operation screen subsequently to the first operation screen. The operation screen transmission portion includes a supplemental information transmission portion to transmit supplemental information including a command to display the changed area in full screen, together with the second operation screen.
US09560223B2 Personal photographer mobile application
A photographic exchange network may allow individuals taking photographs to share those photographs with other individuals having their photograph taken. An example technique may include receiving an indication of a physical location of a first user and, responsive to receiving the indication of the physical location of the first user, determining at least a second user at the physical location of the first user. The example technique may also include transmitting information identifying the first user to a mobile device associated with the second user and then receiving an image of the first user from the mobile device associated with the second user.
US09560217B2 Adapters, terminal devices, USB connection devices and charging stations
Adapters, terminal devices, USB connection devices and charging stations are disclosed. The adapter includes a first port configured to connect to an alternate current (AC) source, a conversion module configured to convert an AC power from the AC source into a direct current (DC) power, a second port configured to connect to a first electronic device and provide power thereto, an uplink interface configured to connect to the first electronic device, a downlink interface coupled with the conversion module to obtain an external power supply therefrom and configured to connect to a second electronic device, and a signal control module arranged between the uplink and downlink interfaces, and configured to control a status of a signal in the downlink interface based on a status of a power supply of the uplink interface. The second electronic device enters one of the operating and charging modes based on the status of the signal in the downlink interface, when the second electronic device is coupled with the downlink interface. With the present invention, charging of an electronic device which can be charged only upon recognizing the signal line status of the downlink interface can be enabled even if a computer is powered off or in a sleep state.
US09560215B2 System, method, and computer-readable medium for rebilling a carrier bill
A computerized method and system for rebilling a carrier bill is disclosed. The method includes receiving one or more carrier bills for a plurality of mobile phones at a processor, receiving a selection of a ratio for distributing the total fee amongst the plurality of mobile phones from an administrator device at the processor, determining, with the processor, an average cost per mobile phone based on the ratio multiplied by the total fee and divided a total number of mobile phones in the plurality of mobile phones, determining, with the processor, a cost-per-time for each of the plurality of mobile phones based on one minus the ratio multiplied by the usage time of each of the plurality of mobile phones and divided by a total minutes, and determining, with the processor, a total cost for any of the plurality of mobile phones.
US09560214B1 Portable data for mobile devices
Network devices register a mobile device to use mobile data with a service provider network and create a default account for the mobile device. The network devices receive, via the mobile device, user credentials to activate a portable data service for the mobile device, and determine that the user credentials correspond to an existing account that is different than the default account for the mobile device. The network devices assign, to the existing account, a temporary mobile directory number (MDN); map the temporary MDN to a unique identifier for the mobile device; and log mobile data use, by the mobile device, using the temporary MDN. The network devices detect a signal to deactivate the portable data service for the mobile device; and creating a billing record based on the logging and associated with the existing account.
US09560213B2 Vehicle communication system, on-board unit, recording medium and communication method
A communication system includes an on-board unit adapted to a vehicle-vehicle communication and roadside equipment 10 performing a roadside-vehicle communication. In communications in service channels of the vehicle-vehicle communication, one reception-only service channel in which the on-board unit only performs a reception operation is provided for a plurality of the service channels and communications in the reception-only service channel is performed at the same frequency as that of the control channels of the roadside-vehicle communication. When the vehicle-vehicle communication is performed, the on-board unit performs switching to the roadside-vehicle communication in response to detection of reception in the reception-only service channel of a radio signal transmitted from the roadside equipment 10 in a control channel of the roadside-vehicle communication.
US09560212B2 Enhanced QOS control in PCRF
The embodiments herein relate to a method in a Policy and Charging Rules Function, PCRF, node (320), for handling User Equipment-Aggregated Maximum Bit Rate, UE-AMBR, for a wireless device (305) in a communications network (300). The PCRF node (320) comprises a direct interface (317) with a Mobility Management Entity/Serving General packet radio service Support Node, MME/SGSN (308). The PCRF node (320) receives a subscribed UE-AMBR from the MME/SGSN (308) using the direct interface (317). The subscribed UE-AMBR is associated with a wireless device subscription. When triggered, the PCRF node (320) calculates a UE-AMBR based on the subscribed UE-AMBR and based policies associated with the wireless device (305). The PCRF node (320) transmits the calculated UE-AMBR to the MME/SGSN (308) using the direct interface (317).
US09560211B2 Error handling for CDR transport within an offline charging system
Systems and methods that provide error handling for CDR transport. One embodiment comprises a CGF of an offline charging system. The CGF receives an initial CDR transfer request from a CDF, identifies a data record value inserted in the initial CDR transfer request by the CDF to indicate a number of CDRs in the initial CDR transfer request, and counts the CDRs contained in the initial CDR transfer request. The CGF compares the count of CDRs contained in the initial CDR transfer request with the number of CDRs indicated by the CDF, and rejects the initial CDR transfer request if the count of CDRs does not match the number of CDRs indicated by the CDF. The CGF then assembles a CDR transfer response that includes a cause value indicating a count mismatch, and sends the CDR transfer response to the CDF.
US09560204B1 Systems and methods for authentication of customers
A computer-implemented method and system for authenticating identification of a customer during interaction with a company representative. Data is received and stored relating to the customer at a computer. The data includes one or more identification attributes associated with the customer and one or more authentication data attributes associated with the customer. An interaction is commenced between the customer and the company representative. Captured is one or more identification attributes and authentication data attributes relating to customer from the interaction between the customer and the company representative. The customer is identified by matching a captured identification attribute with a stored identification attribute. The customer is authenticated by matching a captured authentication data attribute with a like stored authentication data attribute associated with the identified customer.
US09560202B2 Automatic contact center administration updates based on acceptance of a broadcast request
Methods and systems for automatically implementing contact center administration updates based on acceptance of a broadcast request are provided. In particular, a request can be broadcast to a target audience. Acceptance of the request by members of the target audience automatically implements changes defined in connection with the request for accepting agents. The broadcast request can be recalled under certain conditions. In addition, the action or actions implemented in response to the acceptance of the request can be undone under various conditions.
US09560200B2 Method and device for obtaining voice service
The present disclosure discloses a method and device for obtaining a voice service. The method includes: obtaining information on a service process corresponding to a service number of a call, wherein the information on the service process comprises input prompt information for each stage of the service process, and the input prompt information is used to prompt a user for input; displaying, after getting through the call, the input prompt information of the service process; receiving an input signal from the user in response to the input prompt information; and sending the input signal to an automatic voice service system to obtain a service therefrom. The method and device avoid the problems that the user does not know what kind of response signal should be input to continue the query until he or she hears the whole voice prompt information.
US09560196B2 Computer-implemented system and method for determining call connection status
A computer-implemented system and method for determining call connection status is provided. A call initiated by a calling party to a receiving party is monitored. Metadata associated with the receiving party is obtained upon reaching a ring tone of the receiving party. An identity of the receiving party is determined via the metadata. A connection with the receiving party is determined to be secure during the call when the metadata comprises a security certificate. A status of the secure connection is provided to each of the calling party and the receiving party.
US09560191B2 Method and arrangement for determining a charging of a battery of a user device
This disclosure relates to a method, and a network node for determining a charging of a battery of a user device. Network traffic of the user device is monitored, where the network traffic comprises network traffic of an application and/or a service of the user device. A network traffic pattern is identified for the monitored network traffic and a battery-charging event is detected based on the identified network traffic pattern. Charging of the battery is determined of the user device, based on the detected battery-charging event. These features and operations offer a number of advantages. For example, they allow a network operator to implement detection of battery-charging events using the operator's current network setup, because the teachings herein require no changes to existing network deployments, nor are additional protocols needed.
US09560190B2 Mobile phone with touch panel for responding to incoming calls
A mobile phone is disclosed. The mobile phone includes a touch panel, a correspondence execution determination part, and a correspondence selection part. The correspondence execution determination part determines whether or not to correspond with respect to an incoming call from other telephone, in response to an input from the touch panel. The correspondence selection part, when the correspondence execution determination part determines to correspond with respect to the incoming call from the other telephone, in response to the input from the touch panel, selects to at least answer the incoming call or ignore the incoming call.
US09560188B2 Electronic device and method for displaying phone call content
An electronic device and method for displaying phone call content are provided. The electronic device includes a communication unit configured to transmit and receive voice data during a phone call connection, an audio unit configured to input and output voice data, an input unit configured to receive a user input, a controller configured to determine whether a connected phone call corresponds to an automatic response system (ARS) phone call, and convert received voice data into text data when the connected phone call corresponds to the ARS phone call, and a display unit configured to display the converted text data.
US09560185B2 Hybrid telecommunications network connection indicator
A mobile device having capabilities to access connections to cellular and Wi-Fi portions of a hybrid telecommunications network is configured to display a variety of different icons that graphically indicate a current connection status for both data usage and voice calling on a graphical user interface (GUI). A user can put the GUI into an expanded state to show additional information about the connection status including textual descriptions of icons to instruct the user as to the specific meaning of a given icon. The textual descriptions enable an association between the iconography and the connection state to be established for the user. The icons can then quickly and effectively convey connection state to the user in a comprehensive manner while efficiently using the available display space on the device.
US09560180B2 Systems and methods for adjusting carrier quality metrics for intrinsic impairments
An Internet protocol (IP) telephony system terminates calls to certain groups of telephone numbers via multiple different telephony carriers. The IP telephony system will discontinue using a telephony carrier to terminate calls if the quality provided by the carrier falls below a threshold level. The IP telephony system includes a quality monitoring unit that determines when a particular group of telephone numbers are intrinsically impaired, such that no carrier could provide high quality when terminating calls to those numbers. In these circumstances, the IP telephony system adjusts the quality threshold to which a carrier's quality is compared when completing calls to the impaired numbers to account for the intrinsic impairment of the telephone numbers.
US09560179B2 Foldable curved wireless communication device for insertion into hip pocket
A mobile communication device which comprises a first member with first surface having a first curvature and a second surface having a second curvature; a second member having first surface with a third curvature and a second surface with a fourth curvature. A hinge pivotally connects the first and second members with one another such that they are movable between opened and closed configurations. The first and the second curvatures of the first member combine with one another and form a combined average curvature for the first member and the third and the fourth curvatures of the second member combine with one another and form a combined average curvature for the second member. The combined average curvature for the first member and the combined average curvature for the second member combine with one another to form a combined average curvature for the communication device which is 8 feet or less.
US09560177B2 Network system and network flow tracing method
A switch apparatus includes a storage storing a table, the table including rules and actions corresponding to the rules, and a controller including a memory storing instructions, and a processor configured to execute the instructions to receive the rules and the actions from a control apparatus, identify, based on the rules, a received packet, duplicate a part of a header of the identified packet as an additional header when the identified packet includes a target of encapsulation, encapsulate the identified packet by the additional header, and process, based on the actions, the identified packet.
US09560176B2 Correlating packets in communications networks
A computing system may identify packets received by a network device from a host located in a first network and may generate log entries corresponding to the packets received by the network device. The computing system may identify packets transmitted by the network device to a host located in a second network and may generate log entries corresponding to the packets transmitted by the network device. Utilizing the log entries corresponding to the packets received by the network device and the log entries corresponding to the packets transmitted by the network device, the computing system may correlate the packets transmitted by the network device with the packets received by the network device.
US09560171B2 Method and apparatus for transmitting a multimedia data packet
A method and an apparatus for transmitting a multimedia data packet are provided. The method includes generating Media Abstraction Layer (MAL) information for abstracting information on the multimedia data to be transmitted, generating a multimedia data packet including said MAL information, and transmitting the generated multimedia data packet to a network entity.
US09560170B2 System and method of abstracting communication protocol using self-describing messages
A system and method for abstracting communication protocol using self-describing messages. The method includes providing a first communication protocol having control codes and binary messages having a self-describing schema of a data object model. The method includes providing a second communication protocol where instances of the second communication protocol are associatively mapped to the instances of the first communication protocol. The method includes receiving a message in the second communication protocol. The method includes classifying the message as being either a control message or a data message and translating it to a second message where upon the message has been classified as a control message, the processor maps the control message to one or more control codes and where upon the message has been classified as a data message, the processor maps the data message to a corresponding binary message having the self-describing schema.
US09560168B2 Methods and apparatus for providing one-arm node clustering using a port channel
Methods and apparatus for providing one-arm node clustering using a port channel are provided herein. An example application node may be communicatively connected to at least one application node, and the application node may be connected to a network through a port channel. The application node may include: a link included in the port channel for accommodating the network data being communicated between the remote client and server; and a processor configured to send/receive a cluster control packet to/from the at least one application node through the link included in the port channel.
US09560165B2 BT offline data download system and method, and computer storage medium
A BT offline data download system and method, and a computer storage medium with instructions to perform BT offline data download are provided. The system may include an offline download task management server that may receive a download task. The system may also include an offline download scheduling server that may perform arrangement and combination processing on the download task. An offline download server may then download data according to the download task. The data may correspond to a subset of files after the arrangement and combination processing, and store the downloaded data in a storage server. A download client device may download, from the storage server, the downloaded data of the subset of files corresponding to the download task. The subset of files may be selected by a user to be obtained at the download client device.
US09560164B2 Image processing apparatus, method of controlling the same, non-transitory computer readable storage medium, and data processing apparatus
An image processing apparatus, comprises: a dynamic portion reconfiguration unit configured to be able to reconfigure an internal circuit configuration dynamically and partially; and a reconfiguration control unit which controls the reconfiguration of the circuit configuration by the dynamic portion reconfiguration unit; wherein one or more processing circuits configured in the dynamic portion reconfiguration unit are each configured to include a data processing unit and a parameter holding unit for holding a parameter used for processing by the data processing unit, and for the parameter holding unit, a circuit configuration corresponding to a parameter corresponding to a setting in the processing by the data processing unit is defined, and the reconfiguration control unit, in accordance with a modification of the setting in the processing by the data processing unit, reconfigures only the circuit configuration of the parameter holding unit.
US09560161B2 Resource request management
A resource management system may use information regarding the bandwidth status of a downstream communication path to determine what portion of queued content should be sent in the current available bandwidth timeslot. In some embodiments, multiple versions of the same requested content may be available, and the system may select a lower-quality version to send if needed to meet a time deadline included in the original content request.
US09560160B1 Prioritization of the delivery of different portions of an image file
Prioritizing delivery of different portions of images is disclosed, including: receiving a request for an image file; identifying a cluster of characterized images in an N-dimensional space to which the image file belongs; assigning a split point to the image file that is associated with the identified cluster of characterized images; and prioritizing a delivery of a first portion and a second portion of the image file based at least in part on the assigned split point.
US09560158B2 Social networking using local area networks
A local area networking method includes a receiving by a system server unique identifiers associated with the first mobile device and other devices of a local area network. The system server correlates a listing of user identifiers and user profiles with the unique identifiers received from the first mobile device. The system server then communicates the listing of user identifiers and user profiles correlated with the unique identifiers to the first mobile device. A user of the first mobile device is thereby permitted to view the user identifiers and user profiles relating to the other devices registered with the system server, including the other devices in the local area network. The system server may further receive a geographical location of the local area network from the first mobile device, and associate one of a data file and an executable file from the first mobile device with the geographical location.
US09560157B1 Managing shareable content in a social network
Methods are presented for managing shareable content articles in a social network. One of the methods includes receiving a plurality of articles from a publisher for access to selected users in the social network. In one example, the received articles are identified as having premium content. Each of the received articles is assigned a sharing parameter that includes a sharing threshold. The method further includes receiving a request from a first user, who is identified from the selected users of the social network, to share an article identified from the plurality of received articles with a second user in the social network, and providing the second user with access to the article when the sharing threshold is satisfied. The article is presented to the second user with supplemental content.
US09560156B1 System and method for coaching a user on a website
Methods and systems for coaching an end user are disclosed. Information related to a user profile and/or user activity of an end user is collected in a memory. An analysis engine analyzes information against a metric. A metric may represent or include one or more characteristics of a (typical) successful end user. Said metric may be statistically determined in various ways. A rules engine generates a coaching message for output to the end user if the information does not meet the metric, wherein the one or more coaching messages provokes (or suggests) the end user to change the user profile and/or the user activity of the end user to meet the metric.
US09560153B2 Method for continuous, frame-specific click-stream recording
A method for tracking a user's movements between network addresses can include, subsequent to a request for a (current) network address from a user, receiving the network address and an identifier for a region associated with the network address. The method can also include locating a record that contains the identifier for the region and a time that immediately precedes the request for the network address from the user. The record may further contain a prior network address. The method can further include generating an entry for a table that includes the identifier for the region, the current network address, and the prior network address. A server computer or a client computer can generate the entry. Improved accountability and improved user profile accuracy can be obtained with the method. A data processing system readable medium can comprise code that includes instructions for carrying out the method.
US09560152B1 Personalized summary of online communications
A method for generating an output of users that are communicating online in which one or more processors gathers data of topics of interest for each group member. One or more processors receive content of an online communication session and sends the content to a cognitive engine to determine the topic and summary information of the session. The cognitive engine sends the topic to a graphic engine to obtain a pictorial representation of the topic. One or more processors receive the summary information and pictorial representation and generates personalizes summaries for the group members based on the interests determined for each group member from prior online sessions.
US09560146B2 Apparatus and method for data-tag based object-to-object applications
The present invention relates to a method and system for data tagging in the field of computer technologies. In this method, a user terminal acquires tag data, obtains information about services and functions associated with the tag data, then interacts with target servers to exchange service and function information, and fulfills appropriate services and functions to complete the business application. The disclosed data tagging method and system allow user terminal to interact with directly target servers that are associated with relevant services and functions, which allows functions to be realized in distributed target servers, which simplifies the implementations of tag data, reducing the cost to setting servers. The disclosed data tagging methods allow more extensive applications of data tagging, improved user experiences, simplified processes, and lower costs.
US09560144B2 Apparatus and method for processing packets
An apparatus and method for processing packets are disclosed. The apparatus for processing packets includes a session processing unit, a parallel processing unit, and a storage unit. The session processing unit divides a packet group, including a plurality of HTTP packets, into a plurality of session files, and then distributes the session files. The parallel processing unit generates metadata and extracts content from each of the distributed session files based on the plurality of session files. The storage unit stores the metadata generated by the parallel processing unit and the content extracted by the parallel processing unit.
US09560139B2 Train communication network
An access point for a communication network is disclosed. The access point may have a communications processor configured to receive signals from a different access point of the communication network, and at least a first attenuator configured to selectively attenuate the signals before they are received by the communications processor. The access point may also have a voltage clamp configured to limit a strength of the signals before they are received by the at least a first attenuator, and a second attenuator configured to attenuate all signals before they are received by the voltage clamp.
US09560137B1 Optimizing remote direct memory access (RDMA) with cache aligned operations
A system for optimizing remote direct memory accesses (RDMA) is provided. The system includes a first computing device and a second computing device disposed in signal communication with the first computing device. The first and second computing devices are respectively configured to exchange RDMA credentials during a setup of a communication link between the first and second computing devices. The exchanged RDMA credentials include cache line size information of the first computing device by which a cache aligned RDMA write operation is executable on a cache of the first computing device in accordance with the cache line size information by the second computing device.
US09560135B2 Technique for communication between networks for distributing digital contents
A method is provided for communication, which is implemented by an interfacing device of a server of a first network for distributing digital content. The method includes: receiving a content ingestion request emitted by a device of a second network for distributing content, with a view to storage of the content in the second distribution network; and when the first distribution network is not able to respond to the request, dispatching an enquiry destined for at least one third network for distributing content, requesting a transfer of the content to the second distribution network. The first distribution network delegates the transfer of the content. The third distribution network then transfers the digital content to the second content distribution network.
US09560133B2 Acquiring multi-media content
A method begins by a dispersed storage (DS) processing module receiving a first sub-set of encoded data slices, wherein a data segment of multi-media content was encoded using a dispersed storage error coding function to produce a set of encoded data slices, wherein the set of encoded data slices is partitioned into the first sub-set of encoded data slices and a second sub-set of encoded data slices. The method continues with the DS processing module sending accessing information when the second sub-set of encoded data slices is to be requested. The method continues with the DS processing module receiving, in response to the accessing information, at least one of the encoded data slices of the second sub-set of encoded data slices such that a decode threshold number of encoded data slices have been received.
US09560132B1 Method and system for transferring the hosting of financial service to elastic virtual computing resources from a data center and without service interruption
A method and system transfers the hosting of financial services to a virtual asset computing environment from a hardware asset computing environment, according to one embodiment. The method and system transfers a secondary copy of application data to a storage device, and delivers the storage device to a second computing system from the first computing system using a parcel courier, according to one embodiment. The method and system receives, with the second computing system, the secondary copy of the application data from the storage device, and configures virtual assets to execute a second instance of the financial services application to enable the second computing system to provide the financial services to the multiple users, according to one embodiment. The method and system configures the second computing system as a primary service provider, according to one embodiment.
US09560128B2 Sharing a file through a metadata representation of the file
The use of logic for routing data. Metadata that is associated with data residing on a first computing system is sent to at least a second computing system. The metadata is structured so that when interpreted by the second system, the second system provides an appearance that the data is local. The first system then receives a communication from the second computing system, demonstrating that a user has interacted with the appearance of data on the second system. Logic may be applied to determine how and when to send the data to the second system. Based on the determination made by applying logic, the data is sent to the second system in a manner that is associated with the identifier for the entire data.
US09560127B2 Systems, methods and algorithms for logical movement of data objects
The present disclosure relates generally to the field of logical movement of data objects. In various examples, the logical movement of data objects may reduce or eliminate network hotspots (e.g., avoid formation of hotspots, remove existing hotspots and/or reduce the magnitude of hotspots). In various examples, the logical movement of data objects may be implemented in the form of systems, methods and/or algorithms.
US09560122B1 Secure native application messaging with a browser application
A system for securely mediating messages between a native application and a browser application on a computing device includes running the browser application and a browser process that controls access by the browser-based application to the native resource. The browser process may use a data file distributed with the native application to allow or deny communications between the browser-based application and the native application. When communications are allowed the browser-based application accesses the native resource via the native application. In one implementation, the browser process may initiate a native messaging host and send communication requests to the native messaging host. The data file may be downloaded with the native application or separately from the native application from a site that distributes the native application or a site controlled by the developer of the native application. The data file identifies browser-based applications allowed to communicate with the native application.
US09560114B2 Message switch file sharing
Embodiments relate to message switch file sharing. A file is accessed by a computer processor of a client producer device to share with a plurality of client consumer devices across a network. The computer processor partitions the file into a sequence of message payloads associated with a topic and a scheme. The scheme defines a sequence identifier to establish an order to reassemble the sequence of message payloads into the file. A sequence of messages is formed including the topic and the sequence of message payloads. The sequence of messages is published to a message queue associated with the topic in a message switch in the network. The message switch provides the client consumer devices with access to the sequence of message payloads based on subscriptions to the topic.
US09560113B2 Optimizing server delivery of content by selective inclusion of optional data based on optimization criteria
Optimization constraints are used to select an appropriate content item from an available group of content items which are ordered in a specific manner to facilitate the proper selection of the content item, even if the exact item desired is not present. The server is then able to insert the selected content item into the outgoing content page requested by the client. The optimization constraints can be, but are not limited to, anyone of the following: communication channel performance (bandwidth), client operating system, client processor, client display capabilities, client installed software (video or audio codecs for example), and/or user preferences. A software product and method enable selective delivery of content to client devices of varying performance characteristics, including varying bandwidth, by selective filtering and inclusion of markup language content using tags demarcating optional content. An optimization constraint is used to select one of the items.
US09560112B2 Method for operating field devices
A method to operate field devices using an operating device with a touch-sensitive input and/or display area via which, for the purpose of operation, a field-device-dependent main menu level is displayed with multiple segments and at least one first segmentation level, which is assigned to a specific segment. A zoom function is used to increase or reduce the size of a selected segment of the main menu level and change the transparency of the main menu level and the transparency of the first segmentation level so that the transparency of the main menu level increases and the transparency of the first segmentation level decreases when the user zooms in such that the first segmentation level becomes visible. The transparency of the main menu level decreases and the transparency of the first segmentation level increases when the user zooms out such that the main menu level becomes visible such that switching takes place between the main menu level and the first segmentation level assigned to the desired segment.
US09560108B2 Providing a mobile access point
Disclosed are methods and apparatus for providing an access point for connection to the Internet. The methods may be performed using one or more user devices (e.g. smartphones or other mobile communications devices) which may be part of a residential Local Area Network or “home” network. A user device may detect that a connection to the Internet via a first access point is unavailable. This connection may be via a residential gateway. In response to the detection that Internet connectivity via the first access point is unavailable, a user device (e.g. the same or different user device) may activate a second access point (e.g. a wireless or mobile access point) to the Internet for use by other user devices. Other user devices may then connect to the Internet using this second access point. The second access point may be de-activated if Internet connectivity via the first access point is re-established.
US09560103B2 Custom video content
A segment is defined in an item of media content. A first file is received that includes content to be added to the segment. A second file is received that includes depth information related to the first file. The depth information is used to extract, from the first file, the content to be added to the segment. The extracted content is added to the media segment.
US09560101B2 Method and device with intelligent media management
A method (300) and device (200) with intelligent media management is disclosed. The method (300) can include: streaming (310) media content in a wireless communication device; identifying (320) a media signature of the streamed media content; searching (330) a stored library for the identified media signature; and playing (340) locally stored media content, if the search results in finding a match with the identified media signature in the stored library. Thus, when a match occurs, locally stored media content replaces the streamed media content, to provide substantially lower power consumption and enhanced battery life in connection with wireless communication devices.
US09560099B2 Systems and methods for group communication using a mobile device using motion and voice activate controls
Methods and systems of communication using a mobile device include detecting the voice of a user of the mobile device, and sending a request to a server for control of the floor in a group communication in response to the detected voice. Further methods of controlling floor access for a plurality of mobile devices include receiving voice commands of a user from the plurality of mobile devices, scheduling floor access for the mobile devices in response to the received voice commands, and sending messages to the mobile devices indicating the status of floor control in a group communication session. Further methods of group communication include detecting a motion of a mobile device corresponding to a user action, in response to the detected motion, initiating a half-duplex group communication application, and displaying visual feedback associated with the half-duplex group communication application on a display screen of the mobile device.
US09560097B2 Data management system and method
A method and computing system for receiving an indication of a first photo being uploaded to a web-based resource. A first capture date is determined for the first photo. A first object is associated with the first photo. The first object is positioned within a graphical representation of a calendar based, at least in part, upon the first capture date.
US09560094B2 System and method for identifying and analyzing personal context of a user
A method and system for identifying personal context of a user having a portable mobile communication device at a particular location for deriving social interaction information of the user, wherein the user within a predefined range is identified using personal context of the user at the particular location and the identified personal context of the user is assigned with the confidence value. Further the current location information of the user within the particular location is obtained by fusing assigned confidence value. Further the proximity of the user in the current location is estimated by finding the accurate straight line distance between users. Further the two users having similar current location information at the particular location are grouped together with the predefined density criteria. Finally the social interaction information of the user is derived by multimodal sensor data fusion at the fusion engine and represented using a human network graph.
US09560092B2 Crowdsourced image analysis platform
A crowdsourced search and locate platform, comprising an application server and a client interface application. The application server: receives connections from crowdsourcing participants; navigates a first crowdsourcing participant to a specific geospatial location; sends an image corresponding to the geospatial location to the first crowdsourcing participant; receives tagging data from the first crowdsourcing participant, the tagging data corresponding to a plurality of objects and locations identified by the first crowdsourcing participant. The client interface application: displays an image of a location; displays icons corresponding to objects that may be tagged; displays a navigation minimap adapted to allow a user to navigate; and upon the user's selecting a cursor location at which to place a new tag corresponding to a specific object type, displays a shape surrounding the cursor location, the effective radius of which is configurable and is adapted to define a region about the cursor location within which other tags by other users are considered to be in agreement with the new tag.
US09560083B2 Service denial and termination on a wireless network
A method and system are provided for denying an application service request, such as a Multimedia Messaging Service (MMS) request, on wireless and wireline Internet Protocol (IP) Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) networks or Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) networks. In one example, the method includes receiving a request for an application service from a user via a transport network, determining to deny the request, and providing a response corresponding to the denial of the request to the user via the transport network.
US09560082B2 Method and network device establishing a binding between a plurality of separate sessions in a network
The present invention relates to networks, in particular to communication networks. Moreover, the present invention relates to a method, to network devices, to a computer program product and to a computer-readable medium for establishing a binding for separate sessions. According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention there is provided a method for establishing a binding between a plurality of separate sessions, the method comprises storing a first identity of a first level, storing a second identity of a second level, providing a correspondence between the first identity and the second identity, extracting the second identity from a first message, retrieving the stored first identity on the basis of the extracted second identity and establishing a binding between a first session of the first level and a second session of the second level on the basis of the retrieved first identity.
US09560081B1 Data network microsegmentation
Methods and systems for microsegmentation of data networks are provided herein. Exemplary methods include: receiving a high-level declarative policy; getting metadata associated with a plurality of containers from an orchestration layer; determining a low-level firewall rule set using the high-level declarative policy and the metadata; and configuring by a plurality of enforcement points a respective virtual switch of a plurality of virtual switches to process packets in accordance with the low-level firewall ruleset, the virtual switches being collectively communicatively coupled to the plurality of containers, such that network communications between a first group of containers and a second group of containers of the plurality of containers are not permitted, and communications between containers of the first group of containers are permitted.
US09560076B2 Secure trust-scored distributed multimedia collaboration session
A device may receive a request for a collaboration session. The device may authenticate a user for the collaboration session. The device may generate a trust-score associated with the collaboration session based on authenticating the user. The trust-score may be associated with a security level for the collaboration session. The security level may be associated with one or more capabilities of the collaboration session. The device may assign the user to a session role associated with the collaboration session. The session role may be associated with the one or more capabilities of the collaboration session. The device may provide information associated with the collaboration session based on the security level for the collaboration session and/or the session role assigned to the user.
US09560075B2 Cognitive honeypot
An electronic communication evaluating device determines a suspicion level for an initial electronic communication. The initial electronic communication is addressed to an addressed entity that is associated with an electronic communication receiver. In response to the suspicion level exceeding a predetermined level, a communication switching device reroutes the initial electronic communication from the addressed entity to a cognitive honeypot. The cognitive honeypot transmits, to the electronic communication transmitting system, emulation electronic communications that emulate the addressed entity until a predefined state of the communication session occurs.
US09560074B2 Systems and methods of identifying suspicious hostnames
A method includes receiving a set of strings and applying one or more filters to generate a subset of strings that are determined to correspond to strings of interest. The method also includes retrieving domain name system (DNS) information associated with a first string of the subset. The method includes executing a rule-based engine to determine, based on application of one or more rules to the DNS information, whether to add the first string to a set of suspicious hostnames.
US09560073B2 Reconfigurable antenna based solutions for device authentication and intrusion detection in wireless networks
Channel based authentication schemes for intrusion detection that operates at the physical layer are described that apply the capabilities of a pattern re-configurable antenna for improved performance. Performance gains are achieved by the schemes as a function of the number of antenna modes. The first scheme relies on a channel based fingerprint for differentiating between transmitters whereas another scheme poses the intruder detection problem as a generalized likelihood ratio (GLR) test problem that operates on the channel realizations corresponding to different modes present in a reconfigurable antenna. The benefits of these two schemes over single element antennas are demonstrated. General guidelines are provided on how to choose the different elements of the decision metric in order to realize better performance for physical layer based authentication schemes based on any diversity scheme.
US09560072B1 Discovering and selecting candidates for sinkholing of network domains
Techniques for discovering and selecting candidates for sinkholing of network domains are provided. In some embodiments, a process for discovering and selecting candidates for sinkholing of network domains includes collecting passive DNS data from a plurality of security devices to discover candidates for sinkholing of domain names; selecting one or more domain names that are most commonly queried by distinct client devices based on the passive DNS data, wherein each of the one or more domain names is not yet registered; and automatically registering each of the one or more domain names with a domain registry to a sinkholed IP address in order to sinkhole each of the one or more domain names.
US09560070B1 Distribution of security rules among sensor computers
Systems and methods for generating rules in a networking environment having one or more sensor computers logically connected to compromised computers are provided. The rules comprise detection data used by a sensor computer to detect a potential security threat and a specified remediation measure that is caused to be performed when the security threat is detected. A security control computer generates the rules from record of series of actions created by the sensor computer, generates a rule, and distributes the rule to the sensor computers. The sensor computers periodically poll a central database for new rules and store a copy of each rule locally. Using the locally stored rules, the sensor computers can more efficiently and accurately respond to security threats.
US09560069B1 Method and system for protection of messages in an electronic messaging system
Methods, computer program products, computer systems, and the like, which protect messages in an electronic messaging system, are disclosed. The methods, computer program products, computer systems, and the like include detecting an occurrence of an event, and, in response to the detecting the occurrence of the event, scanning a message. The occurrence of the event indicates that the message should be scanned. The message includes recipient information, which identifies a recipient of the message, and is stored in a message store. The message has been received at a message destination associated with the recipient. The scanning uses a malware definition. The scanning is performed prior to the message being retrieved from the message store in response to a request by the recipient to retrieve the message from the message store. The event is other than the request by the recipient to retrieve the message from the message store.
US09560067B2 Correlation based security risk identification
Methods and systems are disclosed for identifying security risks, arising from credentials existing on machines in the networks that enable access to other machines on the networks. Account credentials indications are retrieved from machines in the network, which indicate that credentials for accounts are stored on those machines. Access rights for accounts are collected, describing the access and operation permissions of these accounts on machines in the networks. A correlation is then performed to identify machines that can be accessed by employing credentials of accounts retrieved from other machines in the network.
US09560066B2 System and method for evaluating network threats and usage
Systems and methods are presented for generating a threat score and a usage score of each of a plurality of IP addresses. The threat score may be determined based on quantity of occurrences and recency of each occurrence of an IP address in network alert datasets, in addition to a weighting factor for each data source indicating the accuracy of the data source.
US09560065B2 Path scanning for the detection of anomalous subgraphs and use of DNS requests and host agents for anomaly/change detection and network situational awareness
A system, apparatus, computer-readable medium, and computer-implemented method are provided for detecting anomalous behavior in a network. Historical parameters of the network are determined in order to determine normal activity levels. A plurality of paths in the network are enumerated as part of a graph representing the network, where each computing system in the network may be a node in the graph and the sequence of connections between two computing systems may be a directed edge in the graph. A statistical model is applied to the plurality of paths in the graph on a sliding window basis to detect anomalous behavior. Data collected by a Unified Host Collection Agent (“UHCA”) may also be used to detect anomalous behavior.
US09560059B1 System, apparatus and method for conducting on-the-fly decryption of encrypted objects for malware detection
A decryption scheme for recover of a decrypted object without a cryptographic key is described. First, logical operation(s) are conducted on data associated with a first data string expected at a first location within an object having the predetermined format and data within the encrypted object at the first location to recover data associated with a portion of a cryptographic key from the encrypted object. Thereafter, logical operation(s) are conducted on that data and a first portion of the encrypted object at a second location to produce a result. Responsive to the result including data associated with the plaintext version of the second data string, logical operation(s) are conducted on a second portion of the encrypted object and the data associated with the plaintext version of the second data string to recover data associated with the cryptographic key. Thereafter, the encrypted object may be decrypted using the cryptographic key.
US09560056B2 Cloud-based gateway security scanning
Some embodiments of cloud-based gateway security scanning have been presented. In one embodiment, some data packets are received sequentially at a gateway device. The data packets constitute at least a part of a file being addressed to a client machine coupled to the gateway device. The gateway device forwards an identification of the file to a remote datacenter in parallel with forwarding the data packets to the client machine. The datacenter performs signature matching on the identification and returns a result of the signature matching to the gateway device. The gateway device determining whether to block the file from the client machine based on the result of the signature matching from the datacenter.
US09560054B2 Incoming and outgoing privacy settings in social networks
Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs for defining a first group of contacts, the first group of contacts having been specified by a first user of a social networking service and including contacts of the first user within the social networking service, each contact in the first group of contacts being associated with a first sub-group of contacts within the first group of contacts, the first group of contacts being associated with a distribution scheme for digital content provided by the first user within the social networking service, and associating, based on first input provided by the first user, one or more contacts of the first sub-group of contacts with a second sub-group of contacts within the first group of contacts, the second sub-group of contacts including contacts for which at least some digital content distributed to the first user is filtered from display to the first user.
US09560053B2 Parental control management and enforcement based on hardware identifiers
A device may receive a first indication that a user device connected to a first network device associated with a first network, the first indication including a hardware identifier associated with the user device; identify a policy set associated with the hardware identifier; and output the policy set to the first network device. The outputting may cause the first network device to filter traffic, transmitted via the first network device and destined for the user device, in accordance with the policy set. The device may receive a second indication that the user device has connected to a second network device associated with a second network; and output the policy set to the second network device. The outputting may cause the second network device to filter traffic, transmitted via the second network device and destined for the user device, in accordance with the policy set.
US09560052B2 Installing virtual machines within different communication pathways to access protected resources
A computer-implemented method, system, and/or computer program product controls access to computer resources used by a computer application. One or more processors fractionate a computer application into disparate components. Two or more of the disparate components are assigned to different communication pathways, where the different communication pathways lead to requisite resources needed to execute the disparate components. One or more processors create and install a virtual machine within at least one of the different communication pathways, such that the virtual machine controls access to a particular requisite resource by a particular disparate component. One or more processors then issue a resource retrieval instruction to retrieve the particular requisite resource via the virtual machine and at least one of the different communication pathways.
US09560048B2 Method for updating identity information about packet gateway, AAA server and packet gateway
A method for updating identity information of a packet gateway, an authentication, authorization, and accounting (AAA) server and a packet gateway. The method includes: a decision-making network element receiving a message which carries user equipment (UE) capability indication information and is sent by an information transmission network element; the decision-making network element deciding whether to update identity information of the packet gateway or not according to the UE capability indication information carried in the message and/or local information. The technical solution can be applied to distinguish R11 UE and R12 UE, and to ensure supporting both the R11 UE and the R12 UE normally accessing to a 3GPP core network through a 3GPP access system and a non-3GPP access system simultaneously.
US09560046B2 Device notarization
Methods and systems for device notarization and verification are provided. In one implementation, various integrity values are concatenated to generate a concatenated value that is used to generate a transaction data signature (TDS). In one implementation, the concatenated value is a concatenation of a device value, an application value, an application encryption (AE) module value, and an authentication generation (AG) module value. The TDS or notarization code is generated by applying the concatenated value to the AG module. In one implementation, subsequent use of the application on the device involves generation of a new TDS, which is compared against the notarization code to determine whether use of the application on the device is authorized. In one implementation, the AE module and the AG module are seeded with a seed value which includes a device value, an application value, a user specific value, and a pseudo random number.
US09560045B1 Securing content using a wireless authentication factor
A mobile device is described that stores and renders content. Access to certain content is predicated at least upon receiving a particular wireless signal from an external or separate device that has previously been associated with the mobile device or with content stored on the mobile device.
US09560037B2 Integrated APIs and UIs for consuming services across different distributed networks
User interface integration across multiple clouds is achieved by hosting UI extensions for different services in the same browser window. The UI extensions are initialized by a shell with any necessary security context for the corresponding cloud. The shell provides versioning so that the newest version of the UI is presented to users for all versions of a service. A connector in a local cloud provides translation between APIs across different clouds.
US09560029B2 Publicly available protected electronic mail system
A secure messaging system provides a secure messaging exchange service to identified user. In one embodiment, the System comprises a User Record Server (URS) comprising a plurality of Private Electronic Mail (PEM) user accounts. A Secure Mail Delivery Agent (SMDA) provides a storage area for inbound sMail upon authentication via the URS that a Sender ID bundle in a message header of each incoming message matches the Sender ID of at least one of said plurality of PEM user accounts before delivering said incoming message. A first Secure Mail Transfer Agent (SMTA), coupled via a first encrypted connection to said SMDA and via a second connection to a public network, is configured to insert a Sender ID bundle into sMail headers when routing outbound sMail, and further configured to establish encrypted channels for the transmission of sMail over a public network.
US09560028B1 Systems and methods for filtering interprocess communications
The disclosed computer-implemented method for filtering interprocess communications may include (1) identifying a service process that provides a service on the computing device, (2) authenticating the service process, (3) identifying a request by a client process to use the service provided by the service process, (4) authenticating the client process, (5) receiving an interprocess communication from the client process directed toward the service process, (6) determining that the interprocess communication is malicious, and (7) in response to determining that the interprocess communication is malicious, blocking the interprocess communication from being communicated to the service process. Various other methods, systems, and computer-readable media are also disclosed.
US09560027B1 User authentication
There is disclosed some techniques for processing an authentication request. In one example, a method comprises the step of determining the velocity between authentication requests of a user associated with the requests. Additionally, the method determines the likelihood that a location associated with one of the requests is associated with the user location. Furthermore, the method generates an authentication result based on the likelihood that a location associated with one of the requests is associated with the user location.
US09560024B2 Pairwise temporal key creation for secure networks
A system and method for establishing a pairwise temporal key (PTK) between two devices based on a shared master key and using a single message authentication codes (MAC) algorithm is disclosed. The devices use the shared master key to independently compute four MACs representing the desired PTK, a KCK, and a first and a second KMAC. The Responder sends its first KMAC to the Initiator, which retains the computed PTK only if it verifies that the received first KMAC equals its computed first KMAC and hence that the Responder indeed possesses the purportedly shared master key. The Initiator sends a third message including the second KMAC to the Responder. The Responder retains the computed PTK only if it has verified that the received second KMAC equals its computed second KMAC and hence that the Initiator indeed possesses the purportedly shared master key.
US09560018B2 Autonomic locator/identifier separation protocol for secure hybrid cloud extension
A method is provided in one example embodiment and includes configuring a local network element as an autonomic registrar for a designated network domain; establishing an autonomic control plane (“ACP”) between the local network element and one or more remote network elements identified by local network element as a remote neighbor; designating a locally-defined subnet at the local network element to be extended to each of the one or more remote network elements; and executing an ACP command at the local network element, wherein the executing triggers a message to each of the one or more remote network elements, the message including information regarding the designated local subnet. The information included in the message is used by each of the remote network elements to auto-resolve its Locator/Identifier Separation Protocol (“LISP”) configuration, enabling the designated local subnet to be extended to each of the one or more remote network elements.
US09560017B2 Methods and apparatus to route traffic in a virtual private network
Methods and apparatus disclosed herein include receiving, at a first provider router that is not an edge router, first route information from a provider edge router. The first route information identifies a customer address in a customer network coupled to the provider edge router. The methods also include replacing, at the first provider router, a first next hop address included in the first route information with a second next hop address. The first next hop address identifies the provider edge router and the second next hop address identifies the first provider router. The methods also include advertising the first route information to a second provider router located in a different region than the first provider router.
US09560011B2 System and method for protecting service-level entities
An architecture is provided for protecting service-level entities. Such an architecture may escrow service requests prior to forwarding the requests to the service, and checking may be performed prior to releasing the request to the service. A crumple zone (CZ) architecture may be provided that buffers incoming service requests and may intercept attacks and/or sustain damage in lieu of the services being protected. The CZ may include an outward interface that is accessed by other entities, and the underlying service is not accessed directly. Elements of the CZ receive service requests, analyze them, and determine whether they can be safely executed by the underlying service.
US09560009B1 Systems and methods for commissioning a wireless lighting device with a magnetic reed switch
The present disclosure provides techniques for commissioning a light switch and a control device. A wireless light system implementing such techniques includes a light switch comprising a first microcontroller, a first wireless transceiver, and a first magnetic reed switch. The wireless light system further includes a control device comprising a second microcontroller, a second wireless transceiver, and a second magnetic reed switch. When the second magnetic reed switch is closed, the control device transmits via the second wireless transceiver a second unique address to the first wireless transceiver. When the first magnetic reed switch is closed and when the first wireless transceiver receives the second unique address, the first wireless transceiver transmits to the second wireless transceiver a first unique address.
US09560006B2 Method and apparatus for expiring messages in electronic communications
The present disclosure includes systems and methods for off-the-record communication including expiring messages. An example method comprises receiving an electronic communication from a source device, the electronic communication including at least one expiring message, temporarily storing content of the expiring message in a non-durable memory for a predetermined amount of time, durably storing envelope information associated with the expiring message in a durable memory, and determining whether a recipient device for the expiring message is available to accept transmission of the expiring message and determining whether an expiration event has occurred.
US09560005B2 Organizing social network messages based on temporal characteristics
A method for organizing messages may include detecting, by a processor, receipt of each new message of an activity stream comprising a group of messages and determining, by the processor, a tense associated with each new message. The method may also include associating, by the processor, the tense with each new message. At least the tense may be used for organizing the group of messages of the activity stream. The method may additionally include adding, by the processor, each new message and the associated tense of the message to the activity stream.
US09560003B2 Erroneous addressing prevention for electronic messaging
An electronic mail client includes features for preventing addressing errors in electronic messaging such as those caused by predictive text features. A messaging client tracks addressing parameters including the length of time since each previous addressee has been messaged, the quantity of times selected addressees have been co-addressees on messages, if any, whether the addressees are designated as sensitive and whether the messages contain sensitive subject matter. If a high risk of addressing error is determined, the client delays transmission of the message to permit the user to review the message recipient addresses and correct any erroneous addressees.
US09560002B1 Preventing a user from missing unread documents
According to one exemplary embodiment, a processor-implemented method for informing a user that an important unread email (IUE) will be removed from an online communication inbox, wherein the IUE is a high priority email determined by an algorithm is provided. The method may include determining, by the processor, if the online communication inbox associated with the user has received the IUE. The method may also include determining if an email removal event associated with the received IUE will occur within a threshold time. The method may then include displaying a notification to the user of the email removal event based on determining that the email removal event will occur within the threshold time.
US09559996B1 Systems and methods for integrating cloud storage and network service
A cloud storage system receives information associating a user's cloud storage account with a network service account associated with a service provider. The cloud storage system identifies files associated with the network service account, retrieves metadata associated with the files, and provides a list of the files and their associated metadata to the user. The metadata stored by the cloud storage system may indicate the context of the identified files within the network service account. In response to a user command, the cloud storage system may store one of the identified files in the cloud storage account, and may continue to provide the content of the stored file within the network service account even if the stored file is deleted from the network service account.
US09559988B2 PPI allocation request and response for accessing a memory system
Within a networking device, packet portions from multiple PDRSDs (Packet Data Receiving and Splitting Devices) are loaded into a single memory, so that the packet portions can later be processed by a processing device. Rather than the PDRSDs managing and handling the storing of packet portions into the memory, a packet engine is provided. The PDRSDs use a PPI (Packet Portion Identifier) Addressing Mode (PAM) in communicating with the packet engine and in instructing the packet engine to store packet portions. A PDRSD requests a PPI from the packet engine in a PPI allocation request, and is allocated a PPI by the packet engine in a PPI allocation response, and then tags the packet portion to be written with the PPI and sends the packet portion and the PPI to the packet engine.
US09559985B1 Weighted cost multipath routing with intra-node port weights and inter-node port weights
A technique includes determining a first set of intra-node port weights for a first switch of a first routing node, determining a set of inter-node port weights including a first inter-node port weight for routing traffic to a second routing node, determining a first inter-node weighted port group for the first switch for traffic directed to the second routing node, the first inter-node weighted port group including a first total port weight based on a first intra-node port weight and the first inter-node port weight and which is applied to a first port of the first switch, and a second total port weight based on a second intra-node port weight and the first inter-node port weight and which is applied to the second port of the first switch, and routing traffic to an output port of the first switch based on the first inter-node weighted port group.
US09559982B2 Packet shaping in a network processor
A circuit operates to manage transmittal of packets in a network packet processor. The circuit includes a packet descriptor manager (PDM), a packet scheduling engine (PSE), and a packet engines and buffering module (PEB). The PDM generates a metapacket and a descriptor from a command signal, where the command signal identifies a packet to be transmitted by the circuit. The PSE compares a packet transmission rate associated with the packet against at least one of a peak rate and a committed rate associated with the packet, and determines an order in which to transmit the packet among a number of packets based on the comparison. Once the packet is scheduled for transmission, the PEB performs processing operations on the packet to produce a processed packet based on instructions indicated in the descriptor. The PEB then causes the processed packet to be transmitted toward the destination.
US09559981B2 Providing agreement information to allow access by a client device of selected equipment from among multiple equipment
Agreement information based on agreements between an intermediary service provider and a plurality of provider entities that operate respective multiple equipment is stored by an intermediary system. The agreement information includes information to enable access of each of the multiple equipment by a client device. Client information associated with the client device is also stored by the intermediary system. The agreement information is useable to provide access by the client device of selected ones of the equipment.
US09559972B2 Systems and methods for managing congestion
Systems and methods for managing congestion in a network are disclosed. One method can comprise establishing a connection between a first network device and a second network device, wherein the first network device has an associated data limiter value such as a congestion window (CWND). The size of the CWND can be modified, for example, at a first rate, when no congestion is detected. In response to the congestion window size exceeding a threshold value associated with the connection, the size of the CWND can be modified based on round trip time (RTT) associated with the connection. If congestion on the connection is detected, the congestion window size can be modified to a value based on at least in part the bandwidth and RTT of the connection between the first network device and the second network device.
US09559971B2 Device configuration
Measures for configuring a network aggregation device in a network. First routing data for a plurality of internet protocol (IP) flows configured on at least one edge device of a service provider network is identified. The edge device is located towards the service provider network from the network aggregation device. At least one utility metric for at least one IP flow in the identified plurality of IP flows is calculated. The at least one utility metric is calculated at least in part on the basis of one or more destination IP addresses associated with the at least one IP flow. A subset of IP flows from the identified plurality of IP flows is selected at least in part on the basis of the calculated at least one utility metric. Second routing data for the selected subset of IP flows is configured on the network aggregation device.
US09559970B2 Shortening of service paths in service chains in a communications network
A method is provided in one embodiment and includes receiving at a network element a flow offload decision for a first service node that includes a portion of a service chain for processing a flow; recording the flow offload decision against the first service node at the network element; and propagating the flow offload decision backward on a service path to which the flow belongs if the first service node is hosted at the network element. Embodiments may also include propagating the flow offload decision backward on a service path to which the flow belongs if the flow offload decision is a propagated flow offload decision and the network element hosts a second service node that immediately precedes the service node on behalf of which the propagated flow offload decision was received and a flow offload decision has already been received by the network element from the second service node.
US09559969B2 Source-aware network shaping
Systems and methods are described for source-aware shaping of network traffic in a communications system. Embodiments can manage resource congestion within a communications network by preferentially adjusting certain types of traffic on a per-subscriber and/or per-application basis. For example, a subscriber can receive various types of traffic in respective streams, and the streams can be identified according to whether they carry adaptive traffic. When a congestion condition is detected, one or more of the identified streams can be squeezed or expanded, which can cause an associated content source to automatically adapt communication of the adaptive traffic (e.g., its quality) to the reduced or expanded capacity. Selectively squeezing those streams identified as adaptive can appreciably mitigate congestion, while maintaining a desired level of network performance for the subscriber.
US09559966B2 Reducing network and appliances load through cooperative control plane decisions
Systems and methods for forwarding data packets in a communications network, the method comprising: providing information included in a first portion of a data packet to a network policy unit, in response to a forwarding device receiving a data packet to be forwarded over one or more network routes; forwarding the data packet according to a flow policy, in response to the forwarding device receiving the flow policy from the network policy unit, wherein the flow policy applied to the data packet by the forwarding device is determined by the network policy unit based on the network policy unit performing an analysis of the information included in the first portion of the data packet in view of policy information provided to the network policy unit.
US09559964B2 Control message routing within anycast reliant platforms
Some embodiments provide a transport session discovery protocol that enables load balancing devices of an Anycast reliant distributed platform to route legacy control messages to destinations within the distributed platform that manage the sessions or connections implicated by the legacy control messages, even when the implicated sessions or connections cannot be directly identified from the control message headers. The modified load balancing operation as a result of the transport session discovery protocol involves identifying a message header mapping to an unrecognized session or connection, extracting session or connection identifying information and an error or condition from the message body, generating a new messaging construct to encapsulate the extracted information, and multicasting the messaging construct to other load balancing devices operating within a common point-of-presence. The load balancing device having knowledge of the server managing the implicated session then routes the error or condition to that server.
US09559963B2 Communication system and automatic metering system
A communication system according to the present invention includes a plurality of ad hoc communication networks each formed by one or more communication units and one gateway and includes a monitoring server that monitors the ad hoc communication networks. The monitoring server determines on the basis of a monitoring result of load states of the gateways and a monitoring result of a congestion state of radio traffic whether it is necessary to carry out load distribution control for moving a communication unit subordinate to a first gateway to be subordinate to a second gateway set around the first gateway and, when determining that it is necessary to carry out the load distribution control, instructs at least one gateway of the first gateway and the second gateway to broadcast-deliver a signal including control information and instructing reselection of a gateway set as a participation destination.
US09559959B2 Control apparatus, communication system, switch controlling method and program
A control apparatus includes a communication device controller that acts on a set of flow entries retained by one communication device of a group of communication devices(s) to control the group of the communication devices(s), and a flow statistics information management unit that gathers and manages the flow statistics information collected by the communication device per flow entry. On occurrence of a new flow, the communication device controller finds an estimated lifetime of the new flow based on the flow statistics information, and sets a flow entry on the communication device(s) on a path of the new flow. The flow entry has set an aging time consistent with the estimated lifetime.
US09559953B2 Path splitting with a connection-oriented network
In one embodiment this disclosure provides a network device that includes an input port configured to link to a first device to receive a packet from the first device, wherein the received packet having a first label encoded therein, the value of the first label is specific to the link between the network device and the first device; the input port having an input port identifier, the input port identifier and the first label form an input tuple; a plurality of output ports configured to link to respective ones of a plurality of second devices, each output port having a respective output port identifier; a forwarding table that includes at least one input tuple and a corresponding set of output tuples; wherein each output tuple comprises an output port identifier and a second label, the value of the second label is specific to the link between the network device and a respective one of the second plurality of devices; and routing circuitry configured to compare the input tuple of the received packet with at least one input tuple of the forwarding table, identify the corresponding set of output tuples, and select one output tuple from among the set of corresponding output tuples; the routing circuitry is also configured to replace the first label of the received packet with the second label and send the packet to the output port specified by the output port identifier in the selected output tuple.
US09559948B2 System and method for managing unknown flows in a flow-based switching device
A network switching device includes a macroflow sub-plane that performs packet-based routing in the network switching device and a microflow routing module that performs flow-based routing in the network switching device. The microflow routing module is separable from the network switching device and operates to provide a data packet via a software defined network agent to an SDN controller. The data packet is associated with a first unknown flow on the network switching device. The microflow routing module further operates to receive via the SDN agent a flow-based routing rule from the SDN controller and route the data packet based upon the flow-based routing rule.
US09559946B2 Link aggregation group (LAG) support on a software-defined network (SDN)
In one embodiment, a system includes a software-defined network (SDN) controller including a processor and logic integrated with and/or executable by the processor, the logic being configured to: receive a port addition indication that a logical port is configured on a switching device, the switching device being connected to the SDN controller and a second device, wherein the logical port represents a link aggregation group (LAG) that includes at least two links between the switching device and the second device, and derive and maintain a logical index for all logical ports in software-defined switching devices connected to the SDN controller based on logical port identifiers thereof.
US09559943B2 Network communication redundancy method
There is provided an improved redundancy method for a communication network. The invention is based on the insight that a hitless failover can be performed by at the receiving node using a single common indexed play-out buffer in which a selective reconstruction of the transported data stream utilizing individual pieces, i.e. frames or packages, of a data stream received over multiple links is performed.
US09559942B2 Media stream providing device and method for connecting thereto, media streaming system, and computer-readable medium
Disclosed herein, among others, is a media streaming system, comprising a registrar server, a media stream providing device, and a media stream receiving device. The registrar server is configured to register a piece of connection information associated with the media stream providing device, the connection information comprising a local network location, a public network location, a broker location, and a proxy location. The media stream receiving device is configured to obtain the connection information from the registrar server, and to commence measuring simultaneously, based on the aforementioned locations, first, second, third, and fourth costs for connecting to the media stream providing device via a local path, a remote path, a peer-to-peer path, and a proxy-assisted path, respectively. The media stream receiving device then selects one of those paths based on the measured costs.
US09559941B2 Locally protecting service in a label switched path network
A network node that provides egress fault protection for a primary egress node. The network node may receive a service label associated with an application from a primary egress node of a primary label switched path (LSP). The network node may use the service label to add a forwarding entry into a forwarding table associated with the primary egress node. Following a fault in the primary egress node, the network node may receive a data packet comprising an LSP label and the service label from a partial backup LSP. The network node may use the LSP label to locate the forwarding table associated with the primary egress node. The service label may be used to deliver the data packet to a destination node according to the forwarding table associated with the primary egress node.
US09559940B2 Take-over of network frame handling in a computing environment
A first component of a computing environment receives, from a physical network adapter of the computing environment, a request that the first component take over processing of network frames directed to network frame address(es) associated with a second component of the computing environment. The first component register the network frame address(es) for processing of network frames directed to the network frame address(es). Based on the first component receiving from the physical network adapter a network frame directed to a network frame address of the network frame address(es) associated with the second component, the first component processes the received network frame, in which the network frame is provided to the second component via an inter-component link between the first component and the second component.
US09559939B2 System and method for handling resource failure in a hybrid contact center operations environment
A system for providing failover capabilities in a hybrid operations environment including a first operations environment and a second operations environment includes a first controller in a first operations environment configured to receive registration information for an agent device, and a second controller in a second operations environment configured to receive the registration information from the first controller. The first controller is a stand-by controller and the second controller is a primary controller. In response to determining that the second controller is not available for routing an inbound call, a media gateway is configured to transmit a request to the first controller in the first operations environment for routing the call to the agent device.
US09559936B2 Method and system for initializing the border gateway protocol on network devices
A method for initializing the border gateway protocol (BGP) on network devices. The method includes initializing, by a first network device, a BPG session with a second network device. The method further includes receiving, by the first network device from the second network device, route updates and an end of routing information base (EOR) marker. The method further includes updating an n_EOR variable maintained by the first network device after receiving the EOR marker and, after updating the n_EOR variable, determining that the first network device has received route updates from all peer network devices, and subsequently updating, in the first network device, a routing information base (RIB) using route updates received from the peer network devices. The method further includes updating, in the first network device, a forwarding information base (FIB) using the updated RIB and advertising, to all peer network devices by the first network device, routes.
US09559934B2 Non-disruptive integrated network infrastructure testing
Non-disruptive integrated testing of network infrastructure in which one or more processors of a first network interface device (NID) performs tests on a network cable connected to a first NID of a host system, and connected to a second NID. Tests verify connectivity of the cable, a bandwidth capacity baseline, and a maximum bandwidth of the network cable. A self-test determines the host operating system, host status, and operational status of the host NID, and responsive to changed conditions, NID settings are reverted to a pre-validated condition state, and confirmation of reverting is sent to the host. Network activity is suspended if received by the host ID during scheduled network cable tests. Upon completion of tests and storing of test results in NID memory network activity resumes. Results of the tests are transferred from memory of the first NID to persistent storage of the host system.
US09559930B2 Method and apparatus for measuring a packet throughput in wireless communication system
A method and apparatus of measuring a packet throughput using a timer in a wireless communication system are provided. When determining a reference time for estimating packet throughput, a receiver determines the time that a data burst starts or ends using a timer in order to estimate the packet throughput considering a change in the data burst of the transmitter buffer. A measurement period is defined through the determined start time and end time of the data burst by the timer, and packet throughput is measured considering the total amount of the received data burst. The throughput of packet data may be estimated by each base station based on the same standard rule, so that the measured packet throughput values may be reliable, thus allowing the operator to make use of it as a parameter for MDT.
US09559928B1 Integrated test coverage measurement in distributed systems
Methods and systems for implementing test coverage measurement are disclosed. A first set of interactions among a set of production services are determined. The first set of interactions comprises a plurality of service requests between individual ones of the set of production services. A second set of interactions among a set of test services are determined. The second set of interactions comprises a plurality of service requests between individual ones of the set of test services. A test coverage metric is generated. The test coverage metric indicates an amount of the first set of interactions that are covered by the second set of interactions.
US09559925B2 Network switch load balance optimization
A network load balancing method in a blade grouping chassis can be provided. The method can include detecting system conditions among blades coupled to a single blade grouping chassis. The method also can include maintaining a rotation of selected ones of the blades among which individual blades are selected for use in network load balancing inbound workloads. Finally, the method can include removing an individual blade from the rotation responsive to detecting a system condition in the individual blade indicative of an inability of the individual blade to support high availability in network load balancing. As such, the method further can include re-adding the individual blade to the rotation responsive to detecting a system condition in the individual blade indicative of an ability of the individual blade to support high availability in network load balancing.
US09559924B1 System and method for monitoring the status of multiple servers on a network
A system and method for monitoring a plurality of servers by a monitoring server in a computer network. A list of servers and a plurality of services to monitor in the computer network is generated at the monitoring server. A status query is transmitted sequentially by the monitoring server to each of the plurality of servers, the status query including the plurality of services to monitor at each server. A status message report is received from each of the plurality of servers in response to each status query. An event is reported in an event log for each server that has an abnormal service status. The transmission of the status query to each server is performed by the monitoring server at a specified service time interval.
US09559923B2 Adaptive buffer status reporting
The present invention relates to a method for communicating in a network from a first station to a second station, wherein the first station comprises at least one buffer memory for storing data packets to be transmitted, the method comprising the steps of (a) the first station estimating the status of the at least one buffer memory, (b) the first station transmitting at least one buffer status packet representative of the buffer memory status, wherein the method further comprises (c) adapting the value of a first parameter of the buffer status packets on the basis of a data traffic characteristic.
US09559920B1 Management of decommissioned server assets in a shared data environment
Embodiments of the present invention provide systems and methods for monitoring decommissioned servers in a shared data environment. Embodiments of the present invention can be used to aggregate information associated with an environment from external resources, and calculate a baseline of server activity from the aggregated information. When new information is received, it is compared to the baseline of server activity in order to determine a possible misuse of the server assets, when inconsistencies are detected between the baseline of activity and the new information.
US09559911B1 Forecasting link utilization between points of presence in an IP network
The present invention provides a method for computing traffic between a pair of Points of Presence in an IP network by summing link utilization values measured for each link connecting a pair of Points of Presence and dividing the sum by the number of link utilization values included in the sum. The resulting average link utilization is the average link utilization of any link in the aggregate and may be multiplied by the number of active links connecting a pair of Points of Presence to reflect the total amount of traffic between the two Points of Presence. Future link utilization may be forecast by modeling the observed traffic between a pair of Points of Presence using wavelet multiresolution analysis to create an approximation curve that captures the long-term trend of link utilization and at least one detail curve that captures the short term deviation of link utilization around the long-term trend. A time series model of the approximation curve may then be constructed and used for forecasting. In a similar fashion, deviation of link utilization may be forecast.
US09559909B2 Identifying an egress port of a device
A method of identifying an egress port of a focus device, the method being implemented at a monitor computer and comprising: generating a query message to the focus device including an address identifying the device and a query key formulated based on a destination identifier, and including an instruction readable at the device to return the result message including identification of an egress port for messages addressed to the destination identified in the destination identifier; receiving a result message at the monitor computer; reading the result message, and where the result message does not identify an egress port autonomously generating a subsequent query message; including at least one of (i) a different address for a different device connected in the computer network, and (ii) a different query key, wherein sufficient query messages are generated to identify the egress port of the focus device.
US09559905B2 Type-C retimer state machine and a protocol for inband control and configuration
An apparatus for retimer configuration and control is described herein. The apparatus includes at least one retimer. The is to receive an inband low frequency periodic signal (LFPS), and to send an inband LFPS based pulse width modulation message (LBPM) in response to the inband LFPS. The retimer is configured by decoding the LBPM.
US09559903B2 Cloud-based virtual machines and offices
Cloud-based virtual machines and offices are provided herein. Methods may include establishing a cloud-based virtual office, by providing selections, corresponding to backups of servers of a computing network, to a user interface, establishing a cloud gateway for the virtual office, virtualizing a backup for each server using a virtualization program to create the cloud-based virtual office that includes virtual server machines networked with one another via the cloud gateway, and providing a workload to the cloud-based virtual office.
US09559897B2 Device ID assignment in a system of devices
Techniques for assigning device identifiers in a system of devices are provided. In one embodiment, a master device of the system can maintain a first configuration that specifies a set of links between a first subset of the devices, where the first configuration includes a device identifier for each device in the first subset. The master device can further generate a second configuration that specifies a set of links between a second subset of the devices, where the second configuration is based on a physical topology of the system, and where one or more devices in the second subset are unknown devices that are not associated with a device identifier in the physical topology. The master device can then assign device identifiers to the unknown devices in the second subset by comparing the first configuration with the second configuration.
US09559891B2 System and method for hosted network management
A hosted network management solution for communications over a computer network supports data communication across a network in accordance with a network message protocol such that communications are established between a network host and a node device. The and the node device performs a self-configuring operation in which the network host identifies a network owner associated with the hosted network, and maintains a persistent network connection path between the network host and the node device for the exchange of network packet messages. The network host retrieves message data from the network packet messages it receives from the node device and performs network management operations to provide a user management interface to the identified network owner. The hosted network management enables more convenient setup and configuration for the network owner and provides more complete and effective network management tools.
US09559890B2 Routing device as a command client
A routing device determines data associating commands with devices connected to a local area network (LAN). The routing device receives a request for execution of a particular command and identifies a particular device to execute the particular command based on the command data. The routing device generates an instruction message that causes the particular device to execute the particular command, and the routing device forwards the instruction message to the particular device via the LAN. The request may be received via a wide area network (WAN), and the request may include an address for the routing device on the WAN. When generating the instruction message, the routing device may replace, in the request, the address for the routing device with an address associated with the particular device. The instruction message may further include parameters associated with execution of the particular command by the particular device.
US09559885B2 Apparatus for transmitting broadcast signals, apparatus for receiving broadcast signals, method for transmitting broadcast signals and method for receiving broadcast signals
Disclosed is a method for transmitting broadcast signals, including: formatting input streams to a plurality of data pipes (DPs), wherein the formatting comprises allocating data packets to a payload of a baseband frame (BBF), and adding a header indicating a format of the payload of the baseband frame, and the header comprises at least one of first control information and second control information.
US09559883B2 Power efficient digital wireless transmitter and method of operation thereof
A digital wireless transmitter and a method of transmitting a high-power modulated RF signal using a digital wireless transmitter are provided. In one embodiment, the transmitter includes: a digital system-on-a-chip configured to receive a complex digital input signal and having: an all-digital phase-locked loop and digital pulse modulator configured to modulate a phase and frequency modulation signal based on the complex digital input signal to yield a modulated complex signal, a driver configured to generate a pulse-position-modulated and pulse-width-modulated pulse train based on an instantaneous phase and amplitude of the modulated complex signal and a power supply modulation control block configured to develop an amplitude modulation control signal based on the complex digital input signal that defines a non-constant-envelope for an output signal of the transmitter.
US09559882B2 Apparatus and methods for flexible provision of control data in large data structures
Methods and apparatus for the flexible provision of control data within large data structures. In one exemplary embodiment, DisplayPort is modified from its existing 8B/10B line coding to 128B/130B (or 128B/132B). In one embodiment, the 128B/130B (or 128B/132B) block includes: sixteen (16) eight (8) bit command or data symbols and a two (2) bit (or four (4) bit) synchronization header. The synchronization header may provide a fixed reference to the next command symbol (for example, the symbol immediately following the synchronization header). In one variant, each command symbol is split into a first and a second portion, where the first portion identifies a control function (control symbol), and the second portion provides a reference to the next command symbol.
US09559881B2 Transceiver system with reduced latency uncertainty
A transceiver system with reduced latency uncertainty is described. In one implementation, the transceiver system has a word aligner latency uncertainty of zero. In another implementation, the transceiver system has a receiver-to-transmitter transfer latency uncertainty of zero. In yet another implementation, the transceiver system has a word aligner latency uncertainty of zero and a receiver-to-transmitter transfer latency uncertainty of zero. In one specific implementation, the receiver-to-transmitter transfer latency uncertainty is eliminated by using the transmitter parallel clock as a feedback signal in the transmitter phase locked loop (PLL). In one implementation, this is achieved by optionally making the transmitter divider, which generates the transmitter parallel clock, part of the feedback path of the transmitter PLL. In one implementation, the word aligner latency uncertainty is eliminated by using a bit slipper to slip bits in such a way so that the total delay due to the word alignment and bit slipping is constant for all phases of the recovered clock. This allows for having a fixed and known latency between the receipt and transmission of bits for all phases of parallelization by the deserializer. In one specific implementation, the total delay due to the bit shifting by the word aligner and the bit slipping by the bit slipper is zero since the bit slipper slips bits so as to compensate for the bit shifting that was performed by the word aligner.
US09559878B2 Phase adjustment circuit for clock and data recovery circuit
Described are phase adjustment circuits for clock and data recovery circuits (CDRs). Systems and apparatuses may include an input to receive a serial data signal, an edge data tap to sample transition edges in the serial data signal for generating a data edge detection signal, a CDR circuit including a phase detector to receive the serial data signal and the data edge detection signal, and to output a phase lead/lag signal indicating the phase difference between the serial data signal and the data edge detection signal, and a phase adjustment circuit to generate phase lead/lag adjustment data. The CDR circuit is to output a recovered clock signal based, at least in part, on the phase lead/lag signal adjusted by the phase lead/lag adjustment data.
US09559872B2 Signal transmission system
A signal transmission system includes a transmitter configured to encode a transmission signal to generate 2N (N: integer larger than or equal to two) binary signals among which a number of 0s and a number of 1s are equal to each other, and to transmit the 2N binary signals, 2N signal lines configured to transmit the 2N binary signals, respectively, and a receiver configured to detect a bit pattern among a plurality of possible bit patterns of the 2N binary signals in response to a plurality of differential components between 2N received signals received through the 2N signal lines, and to decode the detected bit pattern.
US09559868B2 Apparatus and methods for bandwidth saving and on-demand data delivery for a mobile device
A method for reducing data bandwidth usage in wireless communication comprises receiving a request from the a mobile device to provide the an e-mail message; sending a request to the an e-mail server for delivery of the e-mail message; analyzing the e-mail message delivered from the e-mail server to determine if a size of the e-mail message is above a threshold value, and if not expanding the e-mail content to be above the threshold value; acknowledging to the mobile device the existence of the e-mail message and its respective size; and delivering to the mobile device header content of the e-mail content, thereby only a small fraction of the data corresponding to the e-mail message is actually delivered to the mobile device.
US09559867B2 Contact group dynamics in networked communication devices
A communications terminal (200) including a user interface communicably coupled to a controller is configured to form a group of contacts. In one embodiment, the terminal displays only contacts having at least two attributes in common. In another embodiment, the terminal displays a group of contacts having a social relationship with at least two degrees of social separation relative to a user associated with the group. In another embodiment, a group of contacts is formed upon initiation of an application at the terminal, wherein all contacts in the group are associated with terminals running the same application and are also engaged in a common activity.
US09559866B2 Systems and methods for load balancing in cellular networks and wireless local area networks
Network operators are striving to find ways to provide stable video services amid a rapid increase in video data traffic. In order to provide stable video services with constrained network resources, network operators attempted to deploy multiple communication networks in parallel. However, network operators failed to effectively balance data traffic across parallel communication networks. This disclosure provides systems and methods for effectively balancing data traffic across parallel communication networks.
US09559864B1 Method and system for managing wireless devices using short-range wireless communication
A wireless device includes a self-activation client that allows a user to activate a communication service for that wireless device and for one or more other wireless devices. The communication service may use a long-range type of wireless communication, such as 1×RTT CDMA, EV-DO, GSM, or IEEE 802.16 (WiMAX) communication. During the activation process, the wireless device communicates with a device management server using the long-range type of wireless communication but communicates with the one or more other wireless devices using a short-range type of wireless communication, such as IEEE 802.11 (WiFi), Bluetooth, or infrared communication. After the communication service has been activated, the wireless device may subsequently communicate with the device management server in order to manage the communication service for itself and/or for one or more other wireless devices (e.g., to receive updates or to make changes).
US09559860B2 Method and apparatus for monitoring activity of an electronic device
An apparatus and method for monitoring activity of a device. The method includes associating one or more monitoring devices with an electronic device. Rules that have been established to define acceptable content that can be accessed by the electronic device are accessed. Requested content, which is requested by the electronic device, is identified. The requested content is compared to the established rules. An alert condition is generated when the requested content violates the established rules. An alert signal is provided to the one or more monitoring devices based on the alert condition.
US09559859B2 Home hub
In one embodiment, transmitting, from a first computing device, a private-home-network-discovery message that comprises a first identifier corresponding to a private-home-networking system, receiving, at the first computing device, one or more content-response messages from a second computing device that collectively comprise a second identifier corresponding to the second computing device, a third identifier corresponding to the private-home-networking system, and information corresponding to content stored on the second computing device, and storing, at the first computing device, the second and third identifiers and the information received in the one or more content response messages for access by one or more applications hosted on the first computing device, one of the applications being associated with administering the private-home-networking system.
US09559855B2 System and method for providing multicast delivery in a network environment
A method is provided in one example and includes receiving signaling data associated with a request for a multicast channel, the request includes an Internet protocol version 6 (IPv6) source and an IPv6 group address. The method may also include identifying an Internet protocol version 4 (IPv4) source and an IPv4 group address to be mapped to the IPv6 source and the IPv6 group address. The signaling data can be converted from a first protocol to a second protocol. The converted signaling data can be communicated to a network element. In more particular embodiments, the network element is an IP edge router configured to join the multicast channel and stream data in response to receiving the converted signaling data. The IP edge router can be configured to perform an encapsulation operation to transport IPv6 multicast packets within an IPv4 multicast channel.
US09559850B2 Component management via secure communications
Technologies are generally described for establishing secure communications to manage components of a control system. In some examples, upon receiving a request from a component to join a cluster of components, a class and instance of the component may be verified to authorize the component. A command to be transmitted from the component to another component of the cluster may be marked with a signature, where restrictions may be placed on a type of command that a particular class of component may transmit to one or more other classes of components. Based on the signature, a secure communication path between the components may be established by creating an encrypted virtual private network (VPN). The command may then be transmitted from the component to the other component through the secure communication path.
US09559849B1 Service-to-service digital path tracing
A service receives from a sender service a digital message and a corresponding trace, which includes an ordered set of digital signatures of one or more services that participated in causing the service to receive the digital message. The trace may further specify an ordering of the one or more services, which may be generated according to the order of participation of these one or more services. The service may compare the received trace to recorded message paths to determine whether the ordering specified within the trace is valid. If the ordering is valid, the service may use one or more digital certificates to further verify the digital signatures included within the trace. If the service determines that these digital signatures are also valid, the service may process the message.
US09559845B2 Systems, methods and apparatuses for the secure transmission of media content
The systems, methods and apparatuses described herein permit encrypted media content to be displayed by a display device under control of a local device. The local device may comprise a computer processor to control playing of the encrypted media content and a first communication interface to transmit an association encryption envelope and, according to the control, the encrypted media content. The display device may comprise a second communication interface coupled to the first interface to receive the encrypted media content and the association encryption envelope, a decryption engine to decrypt the association encryption envelope using a private key of the display device to recover a symmetric encryption key used to encrypt the encrypted media content and decrypt the encrypted media content using the recovered symmetric encryption key, and a decoder to decode the decrypted media content for display on a display screen according to the control.
US09559833B1 Frequency synchronization for a near field communication (NFC) device
A first near field communication (NFC) device is disclosed that synchronizes a first carrier wave of the first NFC device to a second carrier wave of a second NFC device. The first NFC device observes a magnetic field having the first carrier wave modulated with information corresponding to the first NFC device and the second carrier wave modulated with information corresponding to the second NFC device. The first NFC device isolates the information corresponding to the second NFC device from the combined sequence of information to determine a frequency error and/or a phase error between the carrier waves. Finally, the first NFC device adjusts the frequency of the first carrier wave in accordance with the first frequency error and/or the phase of the first carrier wave in accordance with the first phase error to synchronize the carrier waves.
US09559829B2 Signaling for flexible carrier aggregation
Flexible carrier aggregation is provided for a radio communications system. A capability is determined to communicate over a radio interface using multiple radio frequency component carriers. Each of the multiple component carriers is configurable with one or more control channels in a first mode of operation and with no control channels in a second mode of operation. Configuration information for one of the multiple radio frequency component carriers is signaled to indicate at least one of the component carriers is configured to operate in a selected one of the first mode of operation and the second mode of operation so that a network radio node and a user equipment radio node can communicate using the selected mode of operation.
US09559827B2 Methods and arrangements for managing reporting of channel quality
A wireless device (105) for managing reporting of channel quality is configured to communicate with a mobile radio communication network (102). The wireless device (105) identifies (404) there being no downlink activity between the wireless device (105) and the mobile radio communication network (102). The wireless device (105) reduces (406), in response to the identification, a level of channel quality reporting when there is no downlink activity. In a multi Radio Access Bearer (RAB) scenario this supports reduction of a higher drop rate of multi-RAB, e.g. speech and data, compared to e.g. stand-alone speech RAB.
US09559824B2 Method and apparatus for extending control signalling in an LTE network
A method for a wireless network node to support an extended control signaling is provided. The method comprises configuring a control signaling message over extended control symbols on a layer 1 (L1) downlink control channel, the control signaling message encoded over an increased aggregation of control channel elements (CCEs) in a time domain; placing the controlling signaling message in a designated set of subframes on the L1 downlink control channel; indicating a support for the extended control signaling to one or more UEs; indicating to the one or more UEs a position of the designated set of the subframes in a spare field of the Master Information Block (MIB); and transmitting the control signaling message to the one or more UEs over the L1 downlink control channel.
US09559823B2 Method and apparatus for allocating a control channel resource of a relay node in a backhaul subframe
A method and apparatus for allocating control channels of a relay is provided. The method includes generating resource block assignment information related to resource blocks allocated to the relay; transmitting resource information comprising the resource block assignment information; and transmitting a control channel according to the resource information.
US09559815B1 Generation of OFDM symbols
A method for generating a modified orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) symbol, the method may include generating, for each pair of FDR error and outer OFDM symbol constellation sample that belong to a same sub-carrier, a modified OFDM symbol constellation sample thereby providing multiple modified OFDM symbol constellation samples; and calculating the modified OFDM symbol; wherein the calculating of the modified OFDM symbol comprises performing a frequency domain to time domain conversion of (a) the multiple modified OFDM symbol constellation samples and (b) unmodified OFDM symbol constellation samples.
US09559813B2 Method for transmitting control information and apparatus for same
A method and a user equipment for transmitting uplink control information in a wireless communication system supporting carrier aggregation and operating in time division duplex (TDD) are discussed, the user equipment being configured with a first component carrier (CC) and a second CC having different uplink-downlink configurations, the user equipment being configured to transmit a hybrid automatic repeat request-acknowledgement (HARQ-ACK) response based on channel selection. The method according to an embodiment includes determining and transmitting HARQ-ACK bits. When a value W is 1 or 2, one or more HARQ-ACK bits for the first CC are determined based on min (M1, W) and one or more HARQ-ACK bits for the second CC are determined based on min (M2, W). Min (A, B) represents a smallest number, M1 represents a number of downlink subframes, and M2 represents a number of downlink subframes.
US09559811B2 Apparatus for transmitting broadcast signals, apparatus for receiving broadcast signals, method for transmitting broadcast signals and method for receiving broadcast signals
The present invention provides a method of transmitting broadcast signals. The method includes, encoding, by an encoder, PLP (Physical Layer Pipe) data; time interleaving, by a time interleaver, the encoded PLP data; frame mapping, by a framer, the time interleaved PLP data onto at least one signal frames; frequency interleaving, by a frequency interleaver, data in the at least one signal frames; and waveform modulating, by a waveform module, the frequency interleaved data in the at least one signal frame and transmitting, by the waveform module, broadcast signals having the modulated data, wherein the frequency interleaving is conducted according to an interleaving mode, wherein the interleaving mode is determined based on a FFT (Fast Fourier Transform) size.
US09559810B2 Methods and arrangements for a check sequence
According to various aspects of the present disclosure, medium access control (MAC) sublayer logic of a device or a system may generate and implement a preamble structure of a data unit including a signal field which includes a four-bit cyclic redundancy check sequence providing a Hamming distance of two. The signal field portion of the preamble structure may include information related to a plurality of physical layer parameters used for wireless communication of the data unit. The preamble structure may be stored on a machine-accessible medium. The preamble may be generated by a data unit builder of the device, which may further receive a frame including a data payload, and encapsulate the frame with the preamble portion to generate the data unit. A transmitter coupled with the data unit builder may then wirelessly transmit the data unit using an antenna array.
US09559804B2 Connected vehicles adaptive security signing and verification methodology and node filtering
We introduce a connected vehicles adaptive security signing and verification methodology. We also introduce an adaptive node filtering at receiver, using noise levels and received signal strength. This invention addresses two important pillars in connected vehicle technology and autonomous cars: The first one is related to the security 1609.2 format and its main two functions: signing and verification. The second one explains how the noise level and signal strength can be used to filter undesired connected nodes. In this presentation, we provide various examples and variations on these topics.
US09559796B1 Location sensitive, public security advisory system and method
A location sensitive, public security advisory system and method that communicates with the service subscriber app running on mobile devices, and utilizes the real-time location information to present comprehensive subscriber status information in a given area of interest to security agents. This system can also identify zones at different security status and direct the apps on the mobile devices to display textual alerts and visual geographical zone alerts on the map and blueprint of the area of interest. The system can also provide escape route advice to the subscribers textually or visually on the app's map.
US09559794B2 Apparatus and method for detecting signals
A signal detection apparatus includes a signal reception unit, an Analog to Digital (A/D) signal processing unit, and a user interface unit. The signal reception unit receives an external signal. The A/D signal processing unit determines whether the received signal is an abnormal signal based on a plurality of signal profiles having different signal characteristics, and obtains the abnormal signal if, as a result of the determination, it is determined that the received signal is the abnormal signal. The user interface unit displays the abnormal signal.
US09559789B2 Control device update
A system and method for updating IR signal information remotely for control devices are disclosed.
US09559788B2 Systems and methods for communicating data through an electromagnetic barrier
An electromagnetic barrier includes a first surface and a second surface. A first transducer is coupled to the first surface. A second transducer is coupled to the second surface such that a signal is transmittable between the first transducer and the second transducer without physically penetrating the electromagnetic barrier.
US09559783B2 Optical receiver and method for controlling optical receiver, optical receiver, method for controlling optical receiver, and method for receiving light
In an optical receiver which is compatible with a plurality of signal channels, it is difficult to receive signals properly because a variation in receiving light sensitivity of a photoelectric conversion unit occurs between a plurality of signal channels, therefore, an optical receiver according to an exemplary aspect of the invention includes an optical processing circuit processing input signal light to have been input and outputting a plurality of output signal light beams; and a plurality of photoelectric conversion means for receiving the plurality of output signal light beams respectively and outputting electric signals, wherein the photoelectric conversion means includes an avalanche photodiode which can control a multiplication factor of an output current as the electric signal by means of an applied voltage; and the avalanche photodiode operates with a driving voltage by which the output currents in the plurality of photoelectric conversion means become almost the same.
US09559782B2 Optical receiver for multimode communications
An optical receiver (20) for multimode communications comprises: a mode demultiplexer (21) having an input connected to a multimode link (22) and a plurality of output lines (231-234), wherein the mode demultiplexer is adapted to couple each of the modal components of the optical signal substantially into a selected one of the output lines, a plurality of coherent optical detectors (251-254) respectively connected to the output lines to produce a set of electrical digital signals each comprising an in-phase component and a quadrature-phase component, a plurality of independently adjustable optical delay devices (241-244) arranged on the output lines to impart a selected delay to each of the corresponding modal components, and a signal processing device (26) adapted to process the digital signals to recover the independent modulations of the respective modal components by inverting a mode-mixing characteristic of the multimode link.
US09559778B2 Optical dispersion compensation in the electrical domain in an optical communications system
Optical dispersion imposed on a communications signal conveyed through an optical communications system is compensated by modulating the communications signal in the electrical domain. A compensation function is determined that substantially mitigates the chromatic dispersion. The communications signal is then modulated in the electrical domain using the compensation function. In preferred embodiments, compensation is implemented in the transmitter, using a look-up-table and digital-to-analog converter to generate an electrical predistorted signal. The electrical predistorted signal is then used to modulate an optical source to generate a corresponding predistorted optical signal for transmission through the optical communications system.
US09559774B1 Bi-directional data and signal channels in optical interconnects
In one embodiment, the present teachings provide for an efficient means to implement bidirectional data and signal channels in optical interconnects. Each optical interconnect channel may include two pairs of emitters and detectors that are imaged onto each other. Many such bidirectional optical channels may be simultaneously interconnected in dense two-dimensional arrays. The send or receive state of each bidirectional optical channel may be directly set in some embodiments by an electronic control signal. In other bidirectional optical channel embodiments, the send/receive state may be controlled locally and autonomously as derived from the output of the local detector.
US09559772B2 Method and system for achieving communication between mobile device and electronic device
A method and a system for achieving communication between a mobile device and an electronic device are disclosed. The system includes a mobile device, having a lighting unit, which modulates light beams therefrom with a message signal by a communicating mode; a light beam receiver, connected to or embedded in an electronic device, for receiving the modulated light beams and transforming the modulated light beams into an electric signal; and a demodulator, equipped in the electronic device, for demodulating the electric signal to get the message signal. Light beams are used as media to transmit signal from the mobile device to the electronic device.
US09559770B2 WSON restoration
Dynamic restoration involves routing and bandwidth assignment of an unplanned restoration path in a wavelength switched optical network (20), having regeneration nodes (60), nodes each having a ROADM (62) having drop paths and add paths. An electrical switch (68) provides configurable regeneration capacity by coupling selected drop paths to selected add paths. Some of the configurable regeneration capacity is kept for unplanned restoration paths. A PCE determines (120) routing and bandwidth assignments for an unplanned restoration path for the traffic flow to avoid a fault, and sends (130) configuration messages to the nodes to set up the unplanned restoration path dynamically and to configure the electrical switch to provide regeneration on the path. Keeping some reconfigurable regeneration capacity enables much longer unplanned paths to be found to avoid faults, and enables wavelength conversion if needed. Thus the reliability of finding at least one path avoiding the fault can be increased.
US09559769B2 Communication systems
A transmission method for use in a wireless communication system is provided. The system includes a source apparatus, a destination apparatus and an intermediate apparatus, where the source apparatus and destination apparatus are arranged to transmit and receive information via the intermediate apparatus, and where at least the source apparatus is arranged to perform a network entry process in order to connect to the system. The includes, in the intermediate apparatus, determining whether the source apparatus has initiated a network entry process with the intermediate apparatus and if so, notifying the destination apparatus thereof while continuing to conduct the network entry process with the source apparatus. The method also includes, in the destination apparatus, responding to said notification with a return message to the intermediate apparatus, said return message being used to facilitate completion of the network entry process.
US09559766B2 Dynamic point to point mobile network including intermediate device aspects system and method
A computationally implemented system and method that is designed to, but is not limited to: electronically receiving one or more communication network relay related transmissions at least in part associated with one or more first portions of mobile operating system operated intermediate electronic communication device functionality related at least in part to communication network relay functionality of a mobile operating system operated intermediate electronic communication device as one or more standby communication network relays upon activation thereof for use by one or more origination electronic communication devices to communicate at least in part with one or more destination electronic communication devices, the mobile operating system operated intermediate electronic communication device functionality including second portions related at least in part to mobile electronic communication device functionality. In addition to the foregoing, other method aspects are described in the claims, drawings, and text forming a part of the present disclosure.
US09559763B2 Method and arrangement for polarization control in a communication system
Controlling the polarization state of signals to be transmitted from a MIMO capable radio base station node to a plurality of user equipment, which radio base station node comprises a precoder unit connecting a first and a second virtual antenna port to a respective first and second transmit antenna port, by the steps of controlling a relative phase between transmitted signals from the first and second transmit antenna port to provide a predetermined pair of orthogonal polarization states for signals transmitted on the first and second virtual antenna ports, and interchanging the polarization states of the first and second virtual antenna ports, to provide transmitted polarized signals with alternating polarization states.
US09559759B2 System and method for massive MIMO communication
A system and method of adjusting an equivalent channel for a downlink in a multiple-antenna communication system is disclosed herein. The system includes at least one user device and a base station having a plurality of analog RF chains, each analog RF chain having a plurality of antennas. The method comprises the base station obtaining equivalent channel information and adjusting the phases of the antennas in order to modify equivalent channel gains from the analog RF chains to the at least one user device, based on the equivalent channel information.
US09559756B2 Antenna system optimized for SISO and MIMO operation
An active antenna system and algorithm is described that provides for improved performance from LTE communication systems operating in Category 1 mode, where one antenna is used. For the LTE SISO case (category 1), a modal antenna capable of generating multiple radiation patterns will provide improved throughput due to improved resistance to fading. Modal (Null Steering) antenna technology is implemented in a multi-antenna system to provide for single and multiple antenna operation wherein one or more antennas have two or more radiation modes. An algorithm has been developed that determines when to switch from SISO to MIMO operation.
US09559752B1 Switching signal polarity of a network device plug for use in a powerline communication network
A network device may include a plug that couples with a socket to couple the network device to a PLC network. A position of the plug may be interchanged when the plug is coupled with the socket. In one example, the network device may determine a coupling orientation of the plug that indicates the position of the plug with respect to the socket. The plug includes a first plug terminal, a second plug terminal, a first ground plug terminal, and a second ground plug terminal. The network device may select a signal polarity for the plug based, at least in part, on the coupling orientation. The signal polarity indicates over which of the plug terminals data is to be transmitted for communication over the PLC network.
US09559751B2 Communication system, transmission apparatus, line control apparatus, line state monitoring method and non-transitory computer readable medium storing program
A communication system includes a radio transmission apparatus that terminates a radio communication line, a radio transmission apparatus that terminates a radio communication line, and a line control apparatus that performs data communication with the radio transmission apparatuses. The radio transmission apparatuses and monitor the line states of the radio communication lines and notify the line control apparatus of the line states. The line control apparatus controls data to be output to the radio transmission apparatuses and according to the line states.
US09559745B2 Dedicated shunt switch with improved ground
Antenna tuning switch circuitry includes an input port, a shunt switch, control circuitry, and an integrated ground. The shunt switch is coupled between the input port and the integrated ground. The control circuitry includes a control signal input port, a switch driver output port coupled to the shunt switch, and a ground connection port coupled to the integrated ground. The shunt switches, the RF input ports, the control circuitry, and the integrated ground are monolithically integrated on a single semiconductor die. The antenna tuning switch circuitry is adapted to selectively couple the input port to the integrated ground in order to alter one or more operating parameters of an attached antenna. By monolithically integrating the shunt switch together with the control circuitry and the integrated ground, the ON state impedance and the parasitic OFF state impedance of the antenna tuning switch circuitry can be significantly improved.
US09559744B2 System and method for TDD/TMA with hybrid bypass switch of receiving amplifier
Various embodiments disclosed herein relate to a circuit for connecting a transceiver input/output to an antenna, the circuit including one or more of the following: a transceiver port; an antenna port; a reception path disposed between the transceiver port and the antenna port; a first amplifier configured to amplify a signal on the reception path when the circuit is configured according to a normal operation mode; and a first hybrid coupler configured to establish a bypass path around the first amplifier when the circuit is configured according to a bypass operation mode.
US09559740B2 Mobile terminal case and mobile terminal
There is disclosed a polio case including a back cover coupled to a rear surface of a mobile terminal, a quick cover connected to a predetermined portion of the back cover, to cover a front surface of the mobile terminal, a touch unit provided in an inner portion of the quick cover, the touch unit formed of a conductive material, wherein a touch sensor provided in the front surface of the mobile terminal contacts with the touch unit, when the quick cover is closed, and capacity of the touch sensor changes. The polio case may provide the display unit with a screen matching a shape of the quick cover.
US09559739B2 Protective cases for mobile electronic communication devices
A protective case for a mobile electronic communication device having a user input interface includes a front cover configured to couple with a rear cover to define a volume for receiving the mobile electronic communication device, the front cover having an aperture aligned with the user input interface when the mobile electronic communication device is received in the volume; a transparent membrane provided between the front cover and the rear cover to be disposed over the user input interface when the mobile electronic communication device is received in the volume; and a compressible member arranged between the front cover and the membrane and separate from the front cover, the transparent membrane configured to provide a seal between the transparent membrane and the front cover when the mobile electronic communication device is received in the volume and the front cover is coupled to the rear cover.
US09559737B2 Telecommunications chip card
The invention provides for a telecommunications chip card for logging into a mobile a digital cellular mobile telecommunications network (107). The telecommunications chip card comprises a chip card reader interface for communicating with a mobile telephone device, a chip card processor means, and a secure memory means (302) for storing programs for execution by the chip card processor means. The secure memory means contains a program (304). The program causes the chip card processor means to: perform (200) a first cryptographic mutual authentication between the telecommunications chip card and a terminal device (502), receive (214) a configuration message (400, 402, 404, 406, 408, 410, 524) via the chip card reader interface, store the (216) configuration message in the secure memory means, and delete (218) the program from the secure memory means.
US09559736B2 Auto-selection method for modeling secondary-path estimation filter for active noise control system
An active noise control system and associated auto-selection method for modeling a secondary path for the active noise control system are provided. The method includes the steps of: receiving a reference signal; filtering the reference signal with a secondary-path estimation filter to obtain a filtered reference signal, wherein the secondary path estimation filter is determined from a plurality of candidate secondary-path estimation filters; filtering the reference signal with an adaptive filter to provide a compensation signal; sensing a residual noise signal at a listening position of the active noise control system; and adapting filter coefficients of the adaptive filter according to the residual noise signal and the filtered reference signal.
US09559735B2 Switching resonator filter circuits and methods
The present disclosure includes switching resonant filter circuits and methods. In one embodiment, a circuit includes a plurality of resonant switching circuits arranged in a three (3) or four (4) element PI network. In one embodiment, an undesired signal frequency is applied to two resonant switching circuits and a carrier frequency of an RF signal is applied to the other two resonant switching networks so that the network attenuates the undesired signal frequency and passes the carrier frequency. In another embodiment, the resonant switching circuits are configurable to shift a peak impedance so that undesired signals may be attenuated.
US09559732B2 Wireless apparatus
A wireless apparatus including: an amplification circuit configured to generate a second signal by amplifying power of a first signal, a calculation circuit configured to calculate a deviation amount of phase deviation of the second signal from the first signal, and a correction circuit configured to correct the phase deviation using a correction method that is selected from a plurality of correction methods based on the deviation amount, the plurality of correction methods among which each power consumption is higher as each correction amount corresponding to each power consumption is greater.
US09559730B2 Multiplexer
A multiplexer is disclosed configured between a transceiving antenna and a receiving channel and a transmitting channel; the transceiving antenna, the receiving channel and the transmitting channel are shared by signals of at least two modes. The multiplexer includes a combiner module, transmitting filter modules, receiving filter modules and amplifier modules in one-to-one correspondence with the signals of various modes. The multiplexer addresses the problem of how multi-mode signals share a transmitting channel, a receiving channel and a transceiving antenna.
US09559729B2 Same-band combiner using dual-bandpass channel filters
Various embodiments relate to an apparatus and related method for transmission and reception of a plurality of a carrier signals comprising one or more dual-band channels through a same-band combiner. A device such as a base station may include a same-band combiner that comprises a plurality of dual-bandpass filters and a combining element to transmit and receive the carrier signal. Each of the dual-bandpass filters may transmit and receive a channel, with each dual-bandpass filter including separate reception and transmission passbands for the separate frequencies in the dual-band channel. The combining element may separate and combine the one or more dual-band channels, with each of the dual-bandpass filters connected in parallel processing separate dual-band channels.
US09559728B2 Systems and methods for providing resilience to LTE signaling interference in WiFi
Systems and methods presented herein enhance WiFi communications in a RF band where conflicting LTE signaling exists. In one embodiment, a system includes a processor operable to detect the WiFi communications between a UE and a wireless access point of a WiFi network, to identify errors in the WiFi communications, and to determine a periodicity of the errors based on the LTE signaling structure. The system also includes an encoder communicatively coupled to the processor and operable to encode the WiFi communications with error correction, and to change the error correction based on the periodicity of the errors in the WiFi communications.
US09559727B1 Stopping rules for turbo product codes
Row decoding is performed on row codewords in an array in order to produce a row decoded array that includes row decoded column codewords. Column decoding is performed on the row decoded column codewords in order to produce a row and column decoded array that includes row and column decoded row codewords and row and column decoded column codewords. The number of row and column decoded row codewords that are not in a row codebook is determined and the number of row and column decoded column codewords that are not in a column codebook are determined. If the number not in the row codebook equals 0 and the number not in the column codebook equals 1, at least a data portion of the row and column decoded array is output.
US09559724B2 Method and device for processing received data
A method and device for decoding a plurality of packets of same data. Each packet is encoded using a product code. An encoded packet comprises data blocks is organized into rows and columns. Each of the rows and columns has a respective error detecting code. For a data packet, Erroneous row and column data are detected by their associated error detecting code. In the data packet, a potentially erroneous data block belonging to a row and a column of data blocks both having been detected as erroneous is detected. In another data packet of the same data, a non-erroneous data block corresponding to the identified potentially erroneous data block is determined. The data block is determined as non-erroneous if it belongs to at least one row or column of data having been detected as non-erroneous. The identified potentially erroneous block is replaced with the determined non-erroneous block.
US09559723B2 Transmitting apparatus, receiving apparatus, and controls method thereof
Provided are apparatuses and methods for generating and transmitting transmission frames of information data. A transmitting apparatus includes: a stream processor configured to generate a plurality of baseband frames; a frame generator configured to generate, from the plurality of baseband frames, a plurality of transmission frames which includes information data commonly provided to a fixed device and a mobile device, first parities to be used for signal processing at the fixed device, and second parities to be used for signal processing at the mobile device; and a transmitter configured to transmit the plurality of transmission frames.
US09559722B1 Network devices and methods of generating low-density parity-check codes and performing corresponding encoding of data
A network device including a matrix generating module, an encoding module and a transceiver. The matrix generating module is configured to generate or access a code base matrix, wherein the code base matrix has a corresponding code rate of 7/8. The matrix generating module is also configured to, based on the code base matrix, generate a resultant matrix of a low-density parity-check code. The resultant matrix includes sub-matrices. Each of the sub-matrices is generated based on a respective element in the code base matrix. The resultant matrix has a code length of 648 or 1296. The encoding module is configured to encode data based on the resultant matrix. The transceiver is configured to transmit the encoded data.
US09559719B1 Single amplifer bi-quad sigma-delta modulator
Some embodiments include apparatus and methods using a first stage including an integrator, a second stage coupled to the first stage, the second stage including an amplifier, a first capacitor, and a second capacitor coupled in series with the first capacitor between an input node and an output node of the amplifier, a quantizer coupled to the output node of the amplifier, and a feedback path coupled to an output node of the quantizer and to the first and second stages, the feedback path including a digital-to-analog converter (DAC), the DAC including an input node coupled to the output node of the quantizer and an output node coupled to the input node of the amplifier.
US09559716B1 AD converter, AD convert apparatus, and AD convert method
A processing speed can be improved while the accuracy of AD conversion is enhanced. An AD converter includes: a higher-order DAC that samples an analog input signal and performs DA conversion corresponding to higher-order bits of a digital output signal; an extension DAC that performs DA conversion to positive and negative polarities on an extension bit for expanding bits of the higher-order DAC; a lower-order DAC that performs DA conversion corresponding to lower-order bits of the digital output signal; a comparator that compares a comparison reference voltage with output voltages of the higher-order DAC, the extension DAC, and the lower-order DAC; and a successive approximation logic that controls successive approximation performed by the higher-order DAC, the extension DAC, and the lower-order DAC based on a comparison result of the comparator and generates the digital output signal.
US09559713B1 Dynamic tracking nonlinearity correction
An analog-to-digital converter (ADC) is used for dynamic tracking nonlinearity correction. The correction employs an analog sampling technique to determine the signal derivative by measuring the derivative current arising from sampling an analog input signal undergoing analog-to-digital conversion, at the sampling instant. The analog derivative sampling technique achieves significant reduction in power consumption with less complexity compared with a digital approach, with strong improvements in HD3, SDFR, and IM3 measures.
US09559704B1 Fractional-N phase-locked loop with reduced jitter
In an example, operating a PLL circuit includes generating an error signal in response to comparison of a reference clock signal having a reference frequency and a feedback clock signal having a feedback frequency, generating a plurality of clock signals having an output frequency based on the error signal, and generating the feedback clock signal from the plurality of clock signals based on a first divider value and a control value derived from a second divider value. Operating the PLL circuit further includes multiplying each of a first integer value and a first fractional value by a power of two to generate a second integer value and a second fractional value, respectively, generating the second divider value using a sigma-delta modulator (SDM) based on the second integer value and the second fractional value, and dividing the second divider value by the power of two to generate the first divider value.
US09559703B2 System ready in a clock distribution chip
Provided herein are apparatus and methods for system ready in a clock distribution chip or system. In certain configurations, a communication system includes a clock generation circuit having a divider and phase control circuit to provide output clock signals. The communication system further includes a system ready circuit to provide a system ready signal indicative of whether all of the output clock signals are ready.
US09559701B2 Sensor system, power feeding apparatus, and synchronization method
A power feeding apparatus includes a power feeding stop section that stops, all together, the supply of electric power to a plurality of sensors connected to the power feeding apparatus. Each of the sensors outputs a signal including timing information indicating the timing at which the supply of electric power is stopped by the power feeding stop section. A synchronization section synchronizes the output signals of the plurality of sensors based on the timing information.
US09559698B2 Spintronic logic element
An embodiment includes a C-element logic gate implemented as a spin logic device that provides a compact and low-power implementation of asynchronous logic by implementing a C-element with spintronic technology. An embodiment includes a first nanopillar including a first contact and a first fixed magnetic layer; a second nanopillar including a second contact and a second fixed magnetic layer; and a third nanopillar including a third contact, a tunnel barrier, and a third fixed magnetic layer; wherein (a) the first, second, and third nanopillars are all formed over a free magnetic layer, and (b) the third fixed magnetic layer, the tunnel barrier, and the free magnetic layer form a magnetic tunnel junction (MTJ). Other embodiments are described herein.
US09559696B2 Gate driver and related circuit buffer
A circuit buffer for outputting a voltage signal having a magnitude greater than a withstand voltage of any circuit element in the circuit buffer includes a first transistor and a second transistor. The first transistor includes a first terminal and a second terminal electrically connected to an input terminal and an output terminal of the circuit buffer respectively, a third terminal electrically connected to a first power supply terminal, and a fourth terminal electrically connected to the third terminal of the first transistor. The second transistor includes a first terminal and a second terminal electrically connected to the input terminal and the output terminal of the circuit buffer respectively, a third terminal electrically connected to a second power supply terminal, and a fourth terminal electrically connected to the third terminal of the second transistor. Voltages of the first and second power supply terminal are switched between two different levels, respectively.
US09559691B1 Semiconductor device and semiconductor system
A semiconductor system may include a first semiconductor device configured to output a test stop signal and a calibration control signal. The semiconductor system may include a second semiconductor device configured to generate a first state code from an external resistor, a second state code from an internal resistor, and a third state code from a fuse array in response to the calibration control signal, and to select one of the first to third state codes as a selection code in response to the test stop signal and the calibration control signal.
US09559689B2 Vehicle control switch with capacitive touch redundancy actuation
A vehicle control switch for controlling operation of a device in a motor vehicle is disclosed. The vehicle control switch includes an electromechanical switch switchable between ON and OFF states responsive to physical actuation of the electromechanical switch by an operator, the physical actuation comprising an application of force onto the electromechanical switch by the operator. The vehicle control switch also includes a capacitance sensitive touch sensor positioned adjacent the electromechanical switch and whose capacitance changes when brought into contact with a grounded object, with activation of the electromechanical switch into the ON state being inhibited until a grounded object is brought into contact with the capacitance sensitive touch sensor, such that an activation of the rocker switch to the ON state is enabled only upon contact with the capacitance sensitive touch sensor by the grounded object.
US09559687B2 Semiconductor device, power control device and electronic system
In order to reduce the cost and the like of a power control device including a semiconductor device such as a driver IC, as well as an electronic system, the driver IC includes a high side driver, a level shift circuit, first and second transistors, and a comparator circuit. The first transistor is formed in a termination area. The second transistor is formed in the termination region and is driven by a first power supply voltage. The comparator circuit is formed in a first region to drive the first transistor to be ON when the voltage of a sense node is lower than the first power supply voltage, while driving the first transistor to be OFF when the voltage of the sense node is higher than the first power supply voltage. The second transistor is a depression type transistor.
US09559686B2 Input/output circuit
A circuit includes a first power node, a second power node, an output node, a plurality of first transistors and a plurality of second transistors. The plurality of first transistors is serially coupled between the first power node and the output node. The plurality of second transistors is serially coupled between the second power node and the output node.
US09559684B1 Non linear resonant switch cell
Switch cells consist of an array of power switches and passive components which can replace the main switches in many power topologies, allowing reduced switching loss without altering the power topology directly. The switch cell topology discussed herein utilizes a saturable resonant inductor to reduce the size and power loss of the cell. Additionally, the cell transfers energy stored in the inductor into a capacitor for efficient energy storage during the cell's conduction region. This energy is then transferred back to the system when the cell turns off, thus reducing the total switching energy.
US09559683B2 System and method for a switch having a normally-on transistor and a normally-off transistor
In accordance with an embodiment, a circuit includes a first driver having a first output configured to be coupled to a control node of a normally-off transistor. The first driver is configured to drive a first switching signal at the first output in a cascode mode and configured to drive a first constant voltage at the first output in a direct drive mode. The circuit further includes a second driver having a second output configured to be coupled to a control node of a normally-on transistor that has a second load path terminal coupled to a first load path terminal of the normally-off transistor. The second driver is configured to drive a second switching signal at the second output in the direct drive mode.
US09559682B2 Protected switching element
A circuit is suggested comprising an electronic switching element, a logic unit coupled to control the electronic switching element, and a counter unit coupled to the logic unit, wherein the counter unit comprises a counter and an internal power supply.
US09559681B2 Semiconductor integrated circuit device
A semiconductor integrated circuit device is configured such that if, due to an erroneous connection or the like, an abnormal state is entered in which an output voltage is lower than a ground potential VSS, an N-type DMOS transistor and a first P-type MOS transistor are turned off and a voltage is applied to their parasitic diodes in the opposite direction, preventing a current from flowing. In a normal state in which the output voltage is higher than the ground potential, at least one of the N-type DMOS transistor and first P-type MOS transistor, which are connected in parallel, is turned on, preventing a current from flowing into the parasitic diode of the N-type DMOS transistor.
US09559676B1 Output buffer apparatus for controlling rate of rising/falling edge of buffered signal
An output buffer apparatus is provided. A clamp circuit outputs a clamp voltage through a transistor pair having a first configuration. A bias circuit outputs a bias voltage through a transistor pair having a second configuration. A rate control circuit for rising/falling edge buffers an input signal according to the clamp voltage and the bias voltage to generate a buffered signal.
US09559672B1 Ser tolerant flip flop having a redundant latch
In one or more embodiments, an integrated circuit includes a programmable memory, a key generation module and a module. The programmable memory is to maintain a first key portion. The key generation module is to generate a key using the first key portion from the programmable memory and a second key portion received via a memory interface. The module is to encrypt or decrypt data using the key.
US09559671B1 Devices and methods with capacitive storage for latch redundancy
A master slave storage circuit can include a first master portion coupled to a first master data storage node and a first slave portion coupled to a first slave data storage node. The first master portion can comprise one of a first master latch or a first master capacitive element coupled to the first master data storage node and the first slave portion comprises one of a first slave latch or a first slave capacitive element coupled to the first slave data storage node. If the first master portion comprises the first master latch, the first slave portion comprises the first slave capacitive element, and if the first master portion comprises the first master capacitive element, the first slave portion comprises the first slave latch.
US09559669B1 Circuits for and methods of generating clock signals enabling the latching of data in an integrated circuit
A circuit for generating clock signals enabling the latching of data is described. The circuit comprises a pulse generator coupled to receive an input clock signal at an input and to generate an output clock signal at an output; a latch circuit coupled to receive the output clock signal; and a pulse shaping circuit coupled to receive a feedback signal; wherein a pulse width of the output clock signal is determined by the feedback signal and the input signal coupled to the pulse generator. A method of generating clock signals enabling the latching of data is also described.
US09559665B2 Ultra-low voltage temperature threshold detector
An integrated circuit die includes a plurality of transistors formed in a semiconductor substrate, the body regions of the transistors on a doped well region of the semiconductor substrate. A threshold detector selectively applies either a first voltage or second voltage to the doped well region based on whether the temperature of the semiconductor substrate is above or below a threshold temperature.
US09559662B2 Synchronous charge sharing filter
A signal processing device has a first discrete time analog signal processing section, which has an input, an output, a plurality of charge storage elements, and plurality of switch elements coupling the charge storage elements. The device has a controller coupled to the first signal processing section configured to couple different subsets of the charge elements of the first signal processing section in successive operating phases to apply a signal processing function to an analog signal presented at the input of the first signal processing section and provide a result of the applying of the signal processing function as an analog signal to the output of first signal processing section. The signal processing function of the first signal processing section comprises a combination of a filtering function operating at a first sampling rate and one or more modulation functions operating at corresponding modulation rates lower than the first sampling rate.
US09559660B2 Micromechanical devices comprising n-type doping agents
The invention concerns a micromechanical device and method of manufacturing thereof. The device comprises an oscillating or deflecting element made of semiconductor material comprising n-type doping agent and excitation or sensing means functionally connected to said oscillating or deflecting element. According to the invention, the oscillating or deflecting element is essentially homogeneously doped with said n-type doping agent. The invention allows for designing a variety of practical resonators having a low temperature drift.
US09559658B2 Filter coefficient group computation device and filter coefficient group computation method
A filter coefficient group computation device is configured from a means for performing inverse Fourier transform on a frequency characteristic inputted through an input means; a means for performing short-term Fourier transform on a numerical string obtained by the inverse Fourier transform; a means for performing windowing on a frequency domain signal, obtained by the short-term Fourier transform, using a function of which a window length shortens as frequency increases; a means for performing short-term inverse Fourier transform on the frequency domain signal after the windowing; a means for performing overlap addition on a numerical string obtained by the short-term inverse Fourier transform; and a means for determining a numerical string after the overlap addition as a filter coefficient group which forms a filter having the frequency characteristic inputted through the input means.
US09559652B1 Systems and methods for identifying a mute/sound sample-set attribute
Presently described are systems and methods for identifying a mute/sound attribute of an audio sample set having first-channel samples and second-channel samples. An embodiment takes the form of a method that includes: (i) receiving the audio sample set; (ii) for each first-channel sample, determining a first max amplitude and a first min amplitude; (iii) calculating a first span based on a first function of the first max amplitude and the first min amplitude; (iv) for each second-channel sample, determining a second max amplitude and a second min amplitude; (v) calculating a second span based on a function of the second max amplitude and the second min amplitude; and (vi) identifying the audio sample set as having a sound attribute if both the first span and the second span are greater than a min-volume threshold.
US09559651B2 Metadata for loudness and dynamic range control
An audio normalization gain value is applied to an audio signal to produce a normalized signal. The normalized signal is processed to compute dynamic range control (DRC) gain values in accordance with a selected one of several pre-defined DRC characteristics. The audio signal is encoded, and the DRC gain values are provided as metadata associated with the encoded audio signal. Several other embodiments are also described and claimed.
US09559648B2 Amplifier with reduced idle power loss using single-ended loops
A method of audio signal processing includes receiving a first audio input signal (first input signal) at an input of a first integrating amplifier of a first single-ended (SE) closed loop channel, and second input signal with a polarity reversed relative to the first input signal at an input of a second integrating amplifier configured of a second SE closed loop channel. During audio signal processing a common-mode (CM) reference voltage level applied to a current source coupled to an input of the first and second integrating amplifiers is dynamically changed including whenever a level of the input signals is below a predetermined low level, reducing the CM reference voltage level for implementing low duty cycle (LDC) PWM operation, and whenever the level is above a level that corresponds to an onset of clipping, increasing the CM reference voltage level for at least reducing the clipping to lower crossover distortion.
US09559646B2 Apparatus and method for dynamically biased baseband current amplifier
A dynamically biased baseband current amplifier is provided. The dynamically biased baseband current amplifier includes an input interface; a controller; a variable resistor network; an amplifier stage; a hybrid differential envelope detector and full-wave rectifier; a transconductor; a first variable transistor; a second variable transistor; a third variable transistor; and a fourth variable transistor.
US09559642B2 Audio delivery system having an improved efficiency and extended operation time between recharges or battery replacements
Embodiments of the disclosure may include a method and apparatus for improving the efficiency and extending the operation time between recharges or replacement batteries of a portable audio delivery system. The audio delivery system may include a processor, an audio processing device, a speaker, and a rechargeable power source. The audio delivery system is generally configured to generate and/or receive an audio input signal and efficiently deliver an amplified, high quality audio output signal to a user. In some embodiments of the disclosure, the audio processing device of the audio delivery system may include a switch mode power supply (SMPS), a signal delay element, an envelope detector, and a switching signal amplifier.
US09559640B2 Electrostatic discharge protection for CMOS amplifier
A CMOS amplifier including electrostatic discharge (ESD) protection circuits is disclosed. In one embodiment, the CMOS amplifier may include a PMOS transistor, a NMOS transistor, primary protection diodes, and one or more auxiliary protection diodes to limit a voltage difference between terminals of the CMOS amplifier. In some embodiments, the auxiliary protection diodes may limit the voltage difference between an input terminal of the CMOS amplifier and a supply voltage, the input terminal of the CMOS amplifier and ground, and the input terminal and the output terminal of the CMOS amplifier.
US09559638B2 Distortion compensation apparatus and distortion compensation method
A distortion compensation apparatus includes a calculation unit that acquires, from calculation performed by using a factor and an output signal from the amplifier, a distortion component that is associated with the distortion generated in the amplifier, and a comparing unit that compares a signal that is obtained by giving the distortion component acquired by the calculation unit to an output signal output from the amplifier, with an input signal input to the amplifier, to which a distortion component is previously given. The calculation unit adjusts, on the basis of a comparison result obtained by the comparing unit, the factor that is used for the calculation.
US09559636B2 Thyristor-based optoelectronic oscillator with tunable frequency and optical phase lock loop employing same
An optoelectronic circuit for producing an optical clock signal that includes an optical thyristor, a waveguide structure and control circuitry. The waveguide structure is configured to split an optical pulse produced by the optical thyristor such that a first portion of such optical pulse is output as part of the optical clock signal and a second portion of such optical pulse is guided back to the optical thyristor to produce another optical pulse that is output as part of the optical clock signal. The control circuitry is operably coupled to terminals of the optical thyristor and receives first and second control signal inputs. The control circuitry is configured to selectively decrease frequency of the optical clock signal based on the first control signal input and to selectively increase frequency of the optical clock signal based on the second control signal input.
US09559634B2 Cleaning apparatus
The invention relates to a cleaning apparatus, in particular for cleaning solar installation surfaces or photovoltaic installation surfaces, comprising a carrier, at least one cleaning roller rotatably supported at the carrier, and a rotary drive for the cleaning roller, wherein the rotary drive is designed as a fluid drive, wherein the flow of a cleaning fluid supplied to the cleaning roller for cleaning purposes is converted into a drive movement for the cleaning roller.
US09559632B2 Solar propelled aircraft structure
A solar propelled aircraft which has a wing having solar cell modules mounted therein includes: first solar cell modules which are positioned in a wing or a tail wing of the aircraft and receive solar energy directly from the sun; second solar cell modules which are positioned in a main wing or a tail wing of the aircraft and supplied with directed energy from the earth; and rotating shafts which rotate the first solar cell modules and the second solar cell modules so that the first solar cell modules and the second solar cell modules correspond to each other in both directions. The first solar cell module at the upper surface obtains solar energy from the sun, and the second solar cell module at the lower surface obtains directed energy transferred from the earth.
US09559631B2 Clamp assembly for solar panels
A clamp assembly for solar panels comprising a base and a clamp. The base has a baseplate and first and second spaced-apart struts connected to the baseplate to form a channel. Surfaces of the struts define slots adjacent to the channel. Beams are connected to the struts. The clamp includes a plate with fingers extending from the plate into the channel. The clamp further includes angled surfaces and cylindrical surfaces defining holes through the clamp plate. The clamp assembly is preferably made from a nonconductive material to inhibit arcing and the risk of electrical fire from incorrect or failed wiring.
US09559630B2 System and method for controlling modulation of an inverter
A current measurement module is adapted to measure an observed current level for the inverter. A data processor or mode controller accesses a stored representation of first current level versus rotor speed output at which a total harmonic distortion level is less than threshold total harmonic distortion level. The data processor or mode controller enables the inverter to use SVPWM (space vector pulse width modulation) if the observed current level is less than the first current level for the measured or determined rotor speed. Further, the data processor or mode controller enables the inverter to use DPWM (discontinuous pulse width modulation) if the observed current level is greater than or equal to the first current level for the measured or determined rotor speed.
US09559628B2 Handheld power tool with compact AC switch
A power tool is disclosed having a compact AC switch assembly. An electric motor driving the power tool is contained within a housing that includes a handle. A trigger is slidingly received in the handle and moves in an axis of trigger travel along a trigger travel distance extending between an extended position of the trigger and a depressed position. A trigger switch including a printed circuit board is disposed in mechanical communication with the trigger and controls the electric motor in accordance with trigger position. The printed circuit board has a plurality of conductive traces that are sequentially arranged and linearly aligned adjacent the trigger in a direction that is transverse to the axis of trigger travel to reduce the width of the printed circuit board to a value that is less than or equal to three times the trigger travel distance.
US09559619B2 Electronically controlled switch for an electric motor
A system in which the operation of an electric motor is controlled by electronically controlled switches. The system includes the motor having a run winding and a start winding, a heating component, and a motor control subsystem. A control unit closes a first switch to energize the run winding, closes a second switch to energize the start winding, determines based on an amplitude and a lag time of a current flowing through the motor whether the motor has started and is running normally, and if so, opens the second switch to de-energize the start winding and closes a third switch to activate the heating component. The control unit determines whether the motor has started and is running normally by comparing the real time amplitude and lag time of the current to a plurality of stored amplitudes and lag times associated with different operating conditions.
US09559618B2 Controller for a seatbelt positioning device and seatbelt positioning device
A control (18) for a seat belt positioning device (10) includes a motor (12) for positioning a seat belt component (16). A locking tongue sensor (20) generates a locking tongue signal (S) depending on whether a locking tongue is inserted in a belt buckle (16). A trigger circuit (22) connected to the locking tongue sensor (20) generates a trigger signal (TR, TR1, TR2, VT, TM) in response to the locking tongue signal (S) A timer (32) or a motor load circuit (33) connected to the trigger circuit (22) generates a motor signal (M) having a predetermined period or depending on a motor load in response to the trigger signal (TR, TR1, TR2, VT, TM). A motor control circuit (34) connected to the timer (32) and the trigger circuit (22) turns the motor on and off in response to the motor signal (M). The direction of motion of the motor (12) is selected depending on the trigger signal (TR, TR1, TR2, VT, TM).
US09559616B2 Quasi-static electric field generator
A generator for producing an electric field for with an inspection technology system is provided. The generator provides the required variable magnitude quasi-static electric fields for the “illumination” of objects, areas and volumes to be inspected by the system, and produces human-safe electric fields that are only visible to the system. The generator includes a casing, a driven, non-conducting and triboelectrically neutral rotation shaft mounted therein, an ungrounded electrostatic dipole element which works in the quasi-static range, and a non-conducting support for mounting the dipole element to the shaft. The dipole element has a wireless motor system and a charging system which are wholly contained within the dipole element and the support that uses an electrostatic approach to charge the dipole element.
US09559614B2 Grid-connected inverter, inverter arrangement and method for operating an inverter arrangement
A grid-connected inverter for feeding current via a transformer into an electric power grid includes an output bridge arrangement that is actuated via a pulse width modulator, wherein a periodic auxiliary signal is used to determine switching times of the output bridge arrangement. The inverter also includes a synchronization unit for phase synchronization of the auxiliary signal with the electric power grid, wherein the synchronization unit is configured to set a predetermined phase offset (ΔΦ0) of the periodic auxiliary signal with respect to a phase of the electric power grid.
US09559613B2 System and method for a switch driver
In accordance with an embodiment, switch driver includes a first switch driver configured to be coupled to a control node of a first switch, a second driver configured to be coupled to a control node of a second switch, and a first terminal and a second terminal configured to be couple to a boot capacitor. The first terminal is coupled between a boot input of the first switch driver and the second terminal is configured to be coupled to outputs of the first switch and the second switch. The switch driver further includes a voltage measurement circuit coupled to the first terminal and the second terminal, and a control circuit configured to activate the second switch driver when the voltage measurement circuit indicates that a voltage across boot capacitor is below a first threshold.
US09559609B2 Integrated power-converting module
An integrated power-converting module includes a bobbin, a primary coil, a magnetic core assembly, and a plurality of power-converting units. The bobbin includes a main body, a plurality of winding portions and a plurality of receiving portions, and the winding portions and the and the receiving portion are arranged in a staggered manner. The primary coil is wound on the winding portions and the magnetic core assembly is assembled with the bobbin. Each power-converting unit includes a circuit board, a rectifier, and a filter, the rectifier and the filter are placed on a base portion of the circuit board and electrically connected thereto. An extending portion of the circuit board connect to the base portion is inserted into a slot formed within the receiving portion, and a penetrating hole formed on the extending portion is aligned with and communicated with a first channel formed on the main body.
US09559605B2 System for ambient energy harvesting
A method and apparatus is disclosed herein for harvesting ambient energy. In one embodiment, an energy harvester comprises: a first RF rectifier to output a first voltage determined by rectified RF energy in response to received RF energy; a first energy reservoir coupled to the first RF rectifier to store energy at the first voltage; a DC/DC converter coupled to the first energy reservoir to convert the first voltage to a second voltage; a second reservoir coupled to the DC/DC converter to store energy at the second voltage, the second voltage being greater than the first voltage; and a third reservoir coupled to the second reservoir to receive energy transferred from the second reservoir periodically.
US09559601B2 Forward-flyback topology switched mode power supply
A switched mode power supply (400), comprising a transformer (410) having a primary winding (410-1), a transformer core (410-3) configured to store energy transferred thereto from the primary winding (410-1) during operation, and a secondary winding (410-2) having a first terminal (T1) and a second terminal (T2). The switched mode power supply also has a primary side circuit (Q1, Q2, C1) arranged to generate voltage pulses and thereby to drive the primary winding (410-1) of the transformer (410), and a secondary side circuit comprising a rectification circuit connected to the secondary winding (410-2) at the first and second terminals (T1, T2). The rectification circuit is arranged such that during a forward phase of operation of the switched mode power supply, in which the primary winding (410-1) is driven by the primary side circuit to magnetize, and store energy in, the transformer core (410-3), a current induced to flow in the secondary winding (410-2) from the second terminal (T2) to the first terminal (T1) is output by the rectification circuit. The rectification circuit is further arranged such that during a fly-back phase of operation of the switched mode power supply, in which the magnetization of the transformer core (410-3) is reset, a current induced to flow in the secondary winding from the first terminal (T1) to the second terminal (T2) of the secondary winding (410-2) is output by the rectification circuit so that energy stored in the transformer (410) during the forward phase of operation is output by the rectification circuit.
US09559596B2 Ultra-low power converter
An AC to DC converter system is disclosed in which a conversion circuit for converting an AC input signal to a DC output signal is operably coupled with a communication circuit designed for sensing output indicative of the presence or absence of a load at the DC output. The system is designed so that the conversion circuit operates in an inactive standby state when there is no load, and in an active state for supplying DC power when a load is present. The system is configured to operate using ultra-low power.
US09559594B2 Dead-time optimization of resonant inverters
The present disclosure is directed to an electrosurgical generator including a resonant inverter having an H-bridge and a tank. A sensor array measures at least one property of the tank. A pulse width modulation (PWM) controller outputs a first PWM timing signal and a second PWM timing signal to the H-bridge. The PWM controller controls a dead-time between the first PWM timing signal and the second PWM timing signal based on the at least one property measured by the sensor array.
US09559593B2 Synchronous rectification converter and control method of synchronous rectification converter
A synchronous rectification converter includes: a first switching element coupled between a inductor and an input terminal; a second switching element coupled between the inductor and the input terminal; a capacitive element coupled between the other end of the inductor and the other end of the input terminal; a control circuit detects voltages of the inductor and the capacitive element; a current inversion detection circuit detects inversion of a direction in which a current supplied from the second switching element to the inductor flows and outputs an inversion signal; a delay circuit delays the inversion signal and outputs a delay inversion signal; a synchronous rectification reset circuit that changes the control signal; a load detector detects reduction of an output current supplied from a connection node of the inductor and the capacitive element; and a delay control circuit generates a delay control signal.
US09559592B2 Synchronous rectifier timer for discontinuous mode DC/DC converter
A DC-DC converter (100) includes a switching transistor (M0) connecting an input power terminal (VIN) to an inductor (114) that is also connected to an output power terminal (VOUT), a synchronous rectification transistor (M1) connected to a junction node (113) between the inductor (114) and the switching transistor (M0), and a synchronous rectifier control circuit (200) with an integration capacitor (226) having a voltage that is charged and discharged by first and second current sources (210, 220) to track the charging and discharging of the inductor current, thereby generating a synchronous rectifier control signal (SR) that is applied to the synchronous rectification transistor to discharge the inductor current to zero.
US09559590B2 Methods and apparatus for a power supply
Methods and apparatus for a power supply according various aspects of the present invention operate in conjunction with a voltage converter for converting an input voltage to an output voltage. For example, the converter may comprise an output controller configured to generate a control signal, a power mode controller, and an integrated power stage. The power stage may include a multiple switch segments coupled in parallel between the input voltage and the output, and a driver circuit responsive to the output controller and the power mode controller and connected to the switch segments. The driver circuit controls the switch segments according to the control signal to activate the switch segments in the switch circuit. The driver circuit also disables one or more of the switch segments according to the power mode signal to permit reduced power delivery and demand states.
US09559589B2 High efficiency switching boost converter with reduced inductor current ripple
A voltage or current regulated power converter is presented. The power converter is configured to derive electrical power at an output voltage Vout at an output of the power converter from electrical power at an input voltage Vin at an input of the power converter, wherein the output voltage Vout is greater than or equal to the input voltage Vin. The power converter comprises an inductor, a plurality of capacitors and a plurality of switches. The input and output unit are coupled via an intermediate point, wherein the output unit comprises a first output or second output arrangement, and wherein the input unit comprises a first input or a second input arrangement. The power converter comprises a controller configured to control the plurality of switches such that a commutation cycle of the power converter comprises a plurality of different operation phases.
US09559587B2 High voltage DC/DC converter with master/slave output stage
The present document relates to DC/DC converters with a modular structure for providing different levels of output currents. A power converter configured to convert electrical power at an input voltage into electrical power at an output voltage is described. The power converter comprises inverter stages with half bridges comprising a high side switches and low side switches which are arranged in series between the input voltage and a reference voltage; and with high side drivers for providing drive signals for the high side switches, subject to a high side control signals at a drive voltage level. In addition, the power converter comprises a level shifting unit configured to convert a high side control signal at a logic voltage level into the high side control signal at the drive voltage level for driving the high side switches.
US09559584B2 Electric circuit of a switchable current source
An electric circuit of a switchable current source (10) comprises an input path (IP) comprising a first resistor (R1) and a controllable current source (CS) to provide a changeable current (Itrim) and an output current path (OP) including a controllable output driver (MN), a second resistor (R2) and an output terminal (LDR_PIN). A sensing voltage (VSENSE) is tapped at the output current path (OP) and is fed back to a regulator circuit (RC) by a feedback path (FP). The regulator circuit (RC) is connectable to the input path (IP) and the output path (OP) and provides an output signal (Vout2) to control the output current driver (MN). The switchable current source (10) enables to provide an output current (ILDR) at the output terminal (LDR_PIN) in dependence on the first and second resistor (R1, R2) and the changeable current (Itrim).
US09559582B2 Switching power supply circuit
According to an embodiment, a switching power supply circuit includes a comparison circuit and an operation control circuit. The comparison circuit operates intermittently in response to an operation control signal. The comparison circuit compares a feedback voltage based on the output voltage with a reference voltage to generate a comparison result signal representing a result of comparison. The operation control circuit generates the operation control signal based on the clock signal and the comparison result signal. The operation control circuit generates an operation control signal synchronous with the clock signal, if the comparison result signal is at the first level.
US09559581B2 Single phase bi-directional AC-DC converter with reduced passive components size and common mode electro-magnetic interference
A bidirectional AC-DC converter is presented with reduced passive component size and common mode electro-magnetic interference. The converter includes an improved input stage formed by two coupled differential inductors, two coupled common and differential inductors, one differential capacitor and two common mode capacitors. With this input structure, the volume, weight and cost of the input stage can be reduced greatly. Additionally, the input current ripple and common mode electro-magnetic interference can be greatly attenuated, so lower switching frequency can be adopted to achieve higher efficiency.
US09559580B2 Electric motor drive apparatus having function for detecting welding of electromagnetic contactor
An electric motor drive apparatus includes: an AC/DC converter converting AC into DC by the switching of multiple power devices; a control circuit performing PWM switching control of the multiple power devices; a current detecting circuit that detects input current from the AC power supply to the AC/DC converter; an electromagnetic contactor connecting or cutting off power from the AC power supply to the AC converter; and a DC link unit including a smoothing capacitor for smoothing DC voltage, and is constructed such that the control circuit determines that the electromagnetic contactor has been welded when input current is detected in a condition where with the DC link unit having been charged, the electromagnetic contactor is turned off to cut off the power from the AC power supply to the AC/DC converter and the multiple power devices are controlled by PWM switching in accordance with the switching commands.
US09559577B2 Flux focusing magnetic gear assembly using ferrite magnets or the like
The present invention relates generally to a flux focusing magnetic gear assembly using ferrite magnets or the like. The present invention also relates generally to a flux focusing magnetic gear assembly using ferrite magnets or the like that incorporates an outer stator assembly that converts a variable input to a constant output. The present invention further relates generally to an axially aligned flux focusing magnetic gear assembly using ferrite magnets or the like. The improved flux focusing magnetic gear assemblies of the present invention find applicability in traction, wind, and ocean power generation, among other applications.
US09559571B2 Methods and system for disassembling a machine
A system and methods for disassembling a rotary machine are provided. The rotary machine includes a casing having a plurality of arcuate channels. The system includes a reaction bridge that is configured to couple to the casing of the rotary machine such that the reaction bridge is moveable along a length of the casing. The reaction bridge includes a front support and a rear support that is substantially parallel to the front support. Each of the supports includes a first leg, a second leg, and a support beam extending therebetween. A force device including an actuator and an engaging rod extending therefrom is coupled to the reaction bridge. The force device is configured to apply a force substantially tangentially to a segment positioned in one of the casing arcuate channels.
US09559570B2 Electrical machine
An integrated starter generator device comprising a housing, a stator and a rotor contained within the housing, the device further comprising control electronics operable to configure the device as either a starter or generator and contained entirely within the housing. The device may include a high current terminal having brass and rubber bonded together. The rubber forms both a sealing and an insulating function.
US09559569B2 Arrangement for cooling an electric machine with a layer of thermally conducting and electrically insulating material
An assembly for a gas turbine engine includes a S/G having a rotatable shaft, a main machine, a PMG, and an exciter wherein at least one of the main machine, PMG, and exciter includes a rotor mounted to the shaft and having multiple rotor poles, a stator having multiple stator poles and at least one of the rotor poles and stator poles being formed by a core with a post and wire wound about the post to form a winding, with the winding having at least one end turn, and a layer to increase cooling capabilities of a portion of at least one of the stator and the rotor.
US09559568B2 Apparatus for road vehicles
An apparatus for road vehicles includes a sealed housing (07) which mounts the shafts (11 & 12) in bearings (10). Closed chain or belt loops (13) are driven by sprockets or pulleys (29) which are supported on the shafts (11 & 12) by one direction clutch bearings (09) such that the shafts (11 & 12) can only transmit power in a single direction (15). A multiple array of active elements (14) are activated by the vehicle wheels and have suitable means or geometry such that they transmit force to cause displacement of the chains or belts (13) and drive a generator (06) when activated but slip in the opposite return direction independently and without further effect to the chains or belts (13). A gearbox (28) may be used to change the shafts orientations. A multiple of chain or belt loops (13) are mounted to the shafts (11 & 12) at a suitable spacing in a direction perpendicular to the vehicle travel direction (04). The active elements (14) have means to bias them to return to their non-activated position after activation. The active elements (14) may operate further active elements having a means of one direction transmission of force to cause the chains or belts (13) to displace.
US09559561B2 Mounting base for motor/generator
A motor or generator assembly including a motor or generator machine and mounting structure supporting the machine on an appliance is provided. The machine presents an axially extending, radially outermost circumferential face and a pair of axially spaced apart, radially projecting axial margins. The mounting structure includes a pair of at least substantially radially extending plates and a base configured for connection to the appliance. The plates extend at least in part adjacent respective ones of the axial margins and at least in part define a machine-receiving space therebetween. The machine is mounted on the brackets so as to be positioned at least in part in the machine-receiving space. The base is positioned at least substantially radially outside the circumferential face of the machine and presents a pair of axially spaced apart side faces, with each of the plates being secured against a respective one of the side faces.
US09559560B2 Transverse flux electrical machine stator phases assembly
A modular stator adapted to be used in a transverse flux electrical machine (TFEM) includes a plurality of phase modules comprising respective halves sized and designed to receive therein a plurality of cores about a rotational axis. The phase modules are adapted to be assembled together to produce a multi-phase stator and disassembled to replace or maintain a phase module. The phase modules are configured to be angularly shifted from one another to produce a multi-phase TFEM. A TFEM phase assembly and a kit of phases components sized and designed to assemble a multi-phase stator are also encompassed by the present application.
US09559559B2 Transverse flux electrical machine stator with stator skew and assembly thereof
A stator adapted to be used in a transverse flux electrical machine (TFEM) includes a plurality of phases comprising respective halves sized and designed to receive therein a plurality of cores about a rotational axis. The halves can be separated in angular portions sized and designed to be assembled together and further locate cores therein in respective predetermined positions. A TFEM phase assembly and a kit of phases components sized and designed to assemble a stator are also encompassed by the present application.
US09559555B2 Rotor and motor
A rotor includes: a circular rotor core; and a plurality of θ magnets. The θ magnets are contained in a magnet holding sections such that the same magnetic pole of one magnet as that of another magnet adjacent to said one magnet faces the same magnet pole of the adjacent magnet in circumferential directions of the rotor core. Given that the number of magnetic poles of the rotor is denoted by P, the maximum outside diameter of the rotor core is denoted by Dr [mm], and the thickness of the plate-like magnet in a circumferential direction of the rotor core is denoted by Lm [mm], the following inequality (2) is satisfied: 0.665×10−4×P2−0.28×10−2×P+0.577×10−1<(Lm/Dr)<3.38×10−4×P2−1.86×10−2×P+3.36×10−1  (2).
US09559552B2 Coaxial cable and connector with capacitive coupling
A connector for a plurality of coaxial cables includes: a conductive common base with a contact surface; a plurality of conductive contact pads embedded in the common base, each of the plurality of contact pads having a contact surface; and a plurality of dielectric pads embedded in the common base, each of the dielectric pads surrounding a respective contact pad to isolate the respective contact pad from the common base.
US09559547B2 User indication of compatible wireless charging area
In some example embodiments, there may be provided a method, which may include detecting a presence of an object at least proximate to a first wireless power transmitter; determining whether the object is compatible with a first wireless power protocol of the first wireless power transmitter; and providing an indication representative of a location of a second wireless power transmitter, when the determining indicates the object is incompatible with the first wireless power protocol of the first wireless power transmitter. Related systems, methods, and articles of manufacture are also disclosed.
US09559545B2 Automated charging
An automated charging device detects a presence of a power-consuming device. The automated charging device may determine whether the power-consuming device is in need of recharging by determining a status of a power level of the power-consuming device. In response to determining that the power-consuming device is due for recharging, the automated charging device may direct a wireless power source to the power-consuming device without user intervention and/or instruction. The automated charging device may detect a location of the power-consuming device and use the detected location to appropriately direct the wireless power source to the power-consuming device.
US09559540B2 Mobile terminal with a rechargeable battery and method for discharging the rechargeable battery
A method for discharging a rechargeable battery of a mobile terminal is described, wherein the terminal has a processor system. The method comprises the steps of determining a charge status of the rechargeable battery, comparing the charge status with a threshold value and, if the charge status exceeds the threshold value, discharging the rechargeable battery by increasing the energy consumption of the processor system. A computer program product for executing the process, a mobile terminal and a motor vehicle which comprises the described mobile terminal, are moreover described.
US09559537B2 Guidance light for mobile device
The invention is directed to activating a guidance light for a mobile device. The guidance light is located proximate to connector, such that activation of the guidance light serves to help a user guide a charging wire into the connector, especially during less than ideal lighting conditions. Specific embodiments of the invention provide for determining, at the mobile occurrence of a trigger and, in response to determining the trigger event activating the guidance light.
US09559534B2 Data cable for fast charging
A data cable for fast charging comprises: a cable for transmitting data and charging; a first connection unit which is disposed on one end of the cable so as to be connected to a power source; a second connection unit which is disposed on the other end of the cable so as to be connected to a mobile terminal; and a mode switching circuit which enables mode switching between a data transmission mode and a fast charging mode, wherein the mode switching circuit comprises: a terminal switching logic which applies an input voltage of the first connection unit; divided resistances; a switch for the mode switching between the data transmission mode and the fast charging mode; and an analog switching logic which responds to the switch for the mode switching.
US09559531B2 Universal system for charging at least one portable device
A universal system for recharging at least one portable appliance, the dedication of which is being capable from a device (4) of suiting any portable appliance version with at least one adapter (6) which may be specific in all or part of the relevant portable appliance. The system, in its preferred alternative embodiments, allows simultaneous or sequential recharging of a plurality of portable appliances. With the system it is further possible to save electric energy in a stand-by mode and the risks of fire and electrocution in the case of any dysfunction are reduced as compared with the solutions of the state of the art.
US09559530B2 Fault tolerant wireless battery area network for a smart battery management system
A Wireless battery area network permits the wirelessly monitoring and controlling of individual batteries within large-scale battery applications. The system automatically configures its wireless nodes in the network and provides for the linking of a plurality of batteries (10) to a master battery management unit (M-BMU) (100) by establishing a wireless battery area network within a battery pack that include slave units (S-BMU) (210). The entire system may also be controlled by a top level battery management unit (T-BMU) (510). The system and method allows for the monitoring of voltage, current, temperature, or impedance of individual batteries and for the balancing or bypassing of a battery. A communications controller allows for optimization of wireless communications parameters and beamforming.
US09559527B2 Discharging circuit, image forming apparatus having the discharging circuit, and power supply unit
A discharge circuit, an image forming apparatus having the discharge circuit, and a power-supply unit are disclosed to minimize a standby power generated in a standby mode and improve a discharging speed of a capacitor charged with electricity by the AC power in a power off mode. The discharge circuit connected between AC power input lines receiving an AC power includes a first resistor and a first switch element connected in series between the AC power lines, and a second resistor and a second switch element which are connected in series between the AC power lines, turn off the first switching element upon receiving an electric current during supply of the AC power, and turn on the first switching element in response to cutoff of the AC power to discharge the first capacitor.
US09559525B2 Network monitoring device
A network monitoring device for a supply network and a method for actuating a switch unit are disclosed, wherein the switch unit can control the energy supply of a consumer connected to a supply network. In order to prevent an overload of the supply network or of parts thereof, according to an embodiment of the invention, the network monitoring device includes a communication device, wherein the network monitoring device can receive a switch command for a switch unit via the communication device and transmit same to the switch unit, wherein the network monitoring device is designed to determine a network utilization of the supply network by way of a measurement device and, in dependence on the determined network utilization,; to influence a received switch command for the switch unit, which would lead to increased energy consumption on the supply network.
US09559524B2 Feed system, feed unit, and electronic unit
A feed system has a first electronic unit, a second electronic unit, and a feed unit. The first electronic unit and the feed unit are separated. The feed unit transmits power to a power reception section of the second electronic unit based upon result information of a first authentication between the first electronic unit and the second electronic unit. The feed unit performs a second authentication on the second electronic unit in conjunction with power transmission.
US09559523B2 Multilevel electronic power converter
The invention is a multilevel electronic DC/AC or AC/DC power converter for n output voltage levels with a positive branch (POS) with a positive DC voltage terminal (2), a negative branch (NEG) with a negative DC voltage terminal (1), and an AC voltage terminal (3) connected to the positive branch (POS) and to the negative branch (NEG), DC bus capacitors (4) interconnected between positive (2) and negative (1) DC voltage terminals and an intermediate DC voltage terminal (5) connected between the two DC bus capacitors (4); a plurality of first external controlled semiconductors (6) and second external controlled semiconductors (7) and, at least, one high-current DC capacitor (11), at least two high-frequency and low-current capacitors (12) and one intermediate controlled semiconductor (8) connected between the intermediate DC voltage terminal (5) and an intermediate terminal (10) of an internal branch (INT) connected in parallel with each high-current DC capacitor (11).