| Document | Document Title |
|---|---|
| US09608499B2 |
Rotary electric machine with a pair of interfitting portions, rotary electric machine stator, and rotary electric machine stator manufacturing method
An insulator includes: a trunk portion that is interposed between a tooth and a stator coil; and a first flange portion that is disposed on the trunk portion so as to be adjacent to the stator coil in a radial direction of a stator core. A notch portion is disposed on a flange protruding portion of the first flange portion that protrudes from the stator core in the axial direction of the stator core from an outer circumferential portion of the flange protruding portion toward the trunk portion. A holder that has a holder main body that is disposed on the notch portion is mounted onto the flange protruding portion. A temperature sensor is held between the holder main body and the stator coil. |
| US09608494B2 |
Rotating electrical machine with brush holder
An opening of a yoke provided to an electric motor is closed by a brush holder of an electricity supply unit. A pair of electricity supply terminals connected to respective brushes is fixed on the brush holder by outsert molding. A brush-side fixing pillar is inserted into a caulking hole piercing through a pigtail connecting portion of each electricity supply terminal, an input-side fixing pillar is inserted into a fixing hole piercing through an input-side connecting portion, and then the brush-side fixing pillar and the input-side fixing pillar are thermally caulked, whereby each electricity supply terminal is fixed on the brush holder. Each input-side fixing pillar and the corresponding brush-side fixing pillar, provided on the brush holder, are spaced away from each other by a predetermined distance so that a first terminal, a second terminal and a choke coil connected therebetween is attachable in place of the electricity supply terminal. |
| US09608492B2 |
Rotating electrical machine
A relay conductor of a rotating electrical machine is provided with: a coil connector that is connected to a coil on one side of a rotating shaft and further to the outside in the radial direction than the coil; a power line connector that is connected to an external power line on the other side of the rotating shaft; and relays that extend in the axial direction of the rotating shaft, and link the coil connector and the power line connector. At least a portion of the power line connector is positioned closer to the inner diameter side of the rotating electrical machine than the outer peripheral surface of a stator. |
| US09608491B2 |
Stator, motor, blower, and stator manufacturing method
A stator includes a first teeth unit including a first insulator having an annular first crossover wire guide and a plurality of first winding units radially provided at regular intervals on an outer circumference of the first crossover wire guide to cover teeth of one phase group of an alternating current, the teeth of the one phase group having upper halves fitted to the first winding units, a third insulator that covers lower halves of the teeth, and a winding wire of one phase wound around the teeth of the one phase group, a second teeth unit having an identical configuration to that of the first teeth unit in which a winding wire of the other phase is wound in a concentrated manner, with second winding units inserted between adjacent ones of the first winding units, and an annular yoke including a plurality of recesses at regular intervals. |
| US09608490B2 |
Compressor
A compressor includes a casing, a compression mechanism arranged inside the casing, a motor arranged inside the casing, and an insulation sheet. The motor drives the compression mechanism. The motor is a concentrated-winding motor having a stator that has a plurality of teeth, and an insulator adjacent to the stator, with windings wound about the teeth with the insulator interposed between the windings and the teeth. The insulation sheet is arranged between the casing and crossover wires of the windings. |
| US09608487B2 |
Electric motor and method for winding electric motor winding wire
A winding wire (14) includes a first coil (15) formed by being wound N/2+α times between two predetermined slots (13) present in positions which are point-symmetrical with respect to a rotating shaft, and a second coil (16) formed by being wound N/2−α times between the two predetermined slots (13) which are the same as those between which the first coil (15) is formed, when a predetermined number of turns of the winding wire (14) between the predetermined slots is N. |
| US09608483B2 |
Electrical machine with magnetic flux intensifier
An electrical machine has a stator-rotor configuration in which the rotor has at least two poles. The poles are configured to rotate in an angle and to electromagnetically interact with one or more teeth that is a part of a stator adjoined in a fixed position to the electrical machine. The configuration forms a gap in the lateral direction between the poles and the teeth. At least one of the poles is formed of a permanent magnet material and a magnetic flux intensifier is arranged relative to at least one of the poles and one of the teeth. The magnetic flux intensifier is configured to concentrate the magnetic field lines between a pole and the teeth. |
| US09608477B1 |
Enhancing collection of electrical power in an energy collection system including radially connected transformation units
There is provided an energy collection system comprising a first switching station electrically connected to a first set of one or more transformation units for receiving a first electrical power generated thereby; a second switching station electrically connected to a second set of one or more transformation units for receiving a second electrical power generated thereby; a sub-transmission station having a first primary electrical connection with the first switching station and a second primary electrical connection with the second switching station for receiving the first and second electrical powers; and a secondary electrical connection between the first and second switching stations; wherein the secondary electrical connection and the first and second primary electrical connections form, alone or using further connections, a closed-loop electrical circuit between the first switching station, the second switching station and the sub-transmission station. There is also provided a method of enhancing collection of electrical power in an energy collection system. |
| US09608467B2 |
System and method for charging a capacitor used to power measurement-while-drilling equipment
A system for charging a capacitor used to power measurement-while-drilling equipment includes a power bus, which is electrically connected to the capacitor; a first pair of battery terminals; switching circuitry for electrically connecting the power bus to and disconnecting the power bus from the first pair of battery terminals; and a controller, for controlling the switching circuitry, which is configured to charge the capacitor by applying a first pulse width modulated control signal to control the switching circuitry. The first pulse width modulated control signal has a duty cycle selected such that the voltage of the first battery remains above a first minimum operating voltage while the capacitor is being charged. |
| US09608461B2 |
Battery pack cooling and charging device and method
A battery pack cooling and charging device includes a charging module for a battery pack, a cooling fan, a power source module and a cooling fan control module. The cooling fan control module is capable of controlling the cooling fan for cooling and is connected with the cooling fan. During the charging operation, a rotational speed of the cooling fan for cooling the battery pack and a charging module is changed by detecting parameters such as fan operation time, a battery pack internal resistance, a charging module temperature, and a battery pack voltage. The rotational speed of the cooling fan is reasonably adjusted, thus noise of the cooling fan is reduced and energy consumption is reduced according to different phases of the charging process by regarding one parameter or combinations of parameters as conditions for changing the rotational speed of the fan. |
| US09608460B2 |
Remote rechargeable monitoring system and method
A system including a remote server connected over a network to a battery charger is configured to track usage of rechargeable batteries. Values of various sensed parameters of a battery, such as temperature, charge, current, and water level are stored with the battery and uploaded to the remote server, either wirelessly or through the network, and either directly from the battery or by way of the battery charger when the battery is coupled to the battery charger. The remote server operates to determine the condition, value and warranty of the battery based on the sensed parameters and on the user history of the battery. Alerts and warnings can be forwarded to the user and/or an enterprise manager or shop manager in the case of enterprise vehicles such as warehouses operating multiple electric forklifts, or rental car agencies, so that multiple rechargeable batteries can be readily tracked, monitored and maintained. |
| US09608458B2 |
Buck pre-charger for series-connected battery modules
Systems and methods of pre-charging battery cells that can reliably pre-charge battery cells included in a plurality of series-connected battery modules. The systems and methods can monitor a value of a pre-charge current provided to the plurality of series-connected battery modules, as well as monitor a voltage level of the battery cells within each battery module. The systems and methods can further switchingly interrupt the pre-charge current within each battery module once it has reached a predetermined threshold current value or the battery cells within the battery module have been charged to a UVP level, causing a flyback current to flow into the battery cells of each battery module that have not yet been charged to the UVP level. Once the battery cells within each battery module have been charged to the UVP level, the systems and methods can provide a full-charge current to the plurality of series-connected battery modules. |
| US09608457B2 |
Charging device and method for commonly charging multiple digital electronic devices
A charging device for commonly charging multiple digital electronic devices has a housing, a charge control unit and multiple outlet strips. The charge control unit is mounted inside the housing and has multiple relays. The outlet strips are electrically connected to the charge control unit with each outlet strip electrically connected to one of the relays. A charging method corresponding to the charging device is performed by the charge control unit without the need of users' configuration during a charge cycle. The charge method automatically determines if the outlet strips can simultaneously supply power to charge during each charge schedule of the charge cycle. At least one outlet strip supplies power to charge during each charge schedule, and each outlet strip supplies power to charge once, thereby achieving optimization for the charging process with automatic determination and enhancing charging efficiency and users' operational convenience. |
| US09608456B2 |
Method for estimating the self-discharge of a lithium battery
A method for determining the self-discharge current of a lithium-ion battery provided with a positive electrode, a negative electrode, and an electrolyte arranged between the positive and negative electrodes includes charging the battery until a metal lithium layer is formed between the electrolyte and the negative electrode, measuring the open-circuit voltage of the battery at two moments, and determining the self-discharge current from the variation of the voltage measured between the two moments. |
| US09608452B2 |
Wireless power transmission system, and method and apparatus for controlling power in wireless power transmission system
A wireless power transmission system, and an apparatus and method for controlling power in the wireless power transmission system are provided. The method includes determining a resonance frequency of the wireless power transmission system in which a wireless power transmission efficiency is greater than or equal to a predetermined value. The method further includes generating an operation power based on the wireless power transmission efficiency, the operation power being used to operate a target device. The method further includes transmitting the operation power to the target device. The method further includes controlling an amount of the operation power received by the target device to be within a predetermined range. |
| US09608448B2 |
Distributed energy conversion systems
A distributed energy conversion system may include one or more DC power sources and two or more inverters to convert DC power from the power sources to AC power. The AC power from the two or more inverters may be combined to provide a single AC output. A module may include one or more photovoltaic cells and two or more inverters. An integrated circuit may include power electronics to convert DC input power to AC output power and processing circuitry to control the power electronics. The AC output power may be synchronized with an AC power distribution system. |
| US09608443B2 |
Energy storage system of uninterruptible power supply equipped with battery and method of driving the same
Disclosed herein are the energy storage system of an Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) equipped with the battery and a method of driving the same. The energy storage system includes a commercial power source unit configured to supply a first power source to a load, and the battery configured to supply a second power source to the load. And the system monitors a power failure state in the commercial power source unit, determines a charging state of the battery, and controls the commercial power source unit and the battery in response to output of monitoring or determination, so that the first power source or the second power source is supplied to the load. A power reservation ratio for the use of power can be increased by reducing power used during daytime. |
| US09608437B2 |
Electro-static discharge protection for integrated circuits
Techniques for improving electro-static discharge (ESD) performance in integrated circuits (IC's). In an aspect, one or more protective diodes are provided between various nodes of the IC. For example, protective diode(s) may be provided between the drain and gate of an amplifier input transistor, and/or between the drain and ground, etc. In certain exemplary embodiments, the amplifier may be a cascode amplifier. Further aspects for effectively dealing with ESD phenomena are described. |
| US09608436B2 |
Method of fault clearance
There is a method of fault clearance for a voltage source converter that interconnects a DC network and an AC network. The voltage source converter is connected to the DC network via one or more DC circuit interruption devices. The method comprises the steps of: (a) detecting a fault in the DC network; (b) carrying out a primary protection sequence, wherein the step of carrying out the primary protection sequence involves carrying out a first sub-sequence that includes the steps of: i. opening the or each DC circuit interruption device, ii. setting a DC power order of the voltage source converter to zero, iii. controlling the voltage source converter to exchange re-circuit breaker active power with the AC network. |
| US09608428B2 |
Distinguishing between overload and open load in off conditions
Techniques are described for determining whether a switch circuit experienced one of a latched overload condition and an open load with no input voltage condition. In the techniques, a first diagnostic signal is output if the switch circuit experienced the latched overload condition. Also, in the techniques, a second, different diagnostic signal is output if the switch circuit experienced the open load with no input voltage condition. |
| US09608426B2 |
Cable and cable pulling method
The cable (1) includes a cable outer sheath (12) surrounding a cable core (11) and at least a ring (21, 23, 25, 28, 30) surrounding partly the cable outer sheath (12) so that the ring (21, 23, 25, 28, 30) presses the cable outer sheath (12) on the cable core (11) in a way adapted to increase a transfer, on the cable core (11), of a pulling effort exerted on the cable outer sheath (12). |
| US09608425B2 |
Spacer and/or spacer damper
Among other things, a spacer unit for spacing apart a bundle of cables is provided. The spacer unit comprises two or more spacer assemblies which are adjustable to provide for various sized bundle configurations and/or to provide for various degrees of spacing. Respective spacer assemblies comprise a housing apparatus and a modular frame. The housing apparatus couples to a clamping arm that clamps to a cable. The modular frame allows the spacer assembly to be coupled to other spacer assemblies to vary a configuration of a spacing unit, and is configured for selective rotation relative to the housing apparatus to facilitate altering a shape of the spacer assembly. |
| US09608423B1 |
Electrical wiring device assembly with wall plate
A wall plate is disclosed that includes a plate portion having a finish surface bounded by a perimeter. The finish surface has a latitudinal profile characterized by a latitudinal arc and a longitudinal profile characterized by a longitudinal arc. The latitudinal arc is defined as a section of a first circle having a first radius and a first chord substantially equal to a latitudinal dimension of the plate portion. The first radius is a function of the number of gangs covered by the wall plate. The longitudinal arc is defined as a portion of a second circle having a second radius and a second chord substantially equal to a longitudinal dimension of the plate portion. The wall plate also includes a wall member disposed around the perimeter to form an interior volume. |
| US09608422B1 |
Electrical box replacement cover method and apparatus
The present invention is an electrical box cover system and method of installation that covers and protects existing electrical boxes and their electrical components. This invention prevents corrosion and the resulting damage to the mechanical and electrical components of the electrical box while ensuring the electrical box is safe to open and allowing access to the inside of the electrical box. The electrical box cover system includes a cover, fasteners, and a gasket. Generally, to install the cover, the fasteners are drilled through the cover and onto the sides of the damaged electrical box with the gasket, which is placed in the cover. |
| US09608418B1 |
Decorative covers and keys for electrical wiring devices
A flat decorative frame made of rectangular crystal or glass or molded transparent or tinted plastic materials for providing assembly of right angle architectural decorative cover with right angle rectangular or square opening access for power outlet and push keys operating electrical hybrid or manual switches by tactile action of a tactile spring including a matching decorative touch icons panel with the panels and the keys including indicators indicating the load status and the keying position for the manual and hybrid switches. |
| US09608416B2 |
Wire stripper with clamping device
An insulated wire clamp device as disclosed for a wire stripper machine comprises a first beveled rotary collar on a first side of a shank and a second beveled rotary collar on a second side of the shank having a cutting blade there between. The collars comprise a first clamp and a second clamp of an insulated wire in a complementary V-shaped wire drive wheel. The wire drive wheel comprises a third and a fourth clamp of the wire on inner sides of the V-shaped wire drive wheel and the cutting blade comprises a fifth clamp of the wire in a cutting plane thereof. Shank spacers between the first collar and the rotary cutting blade and between the second collar and the rotary cutting blade add predetermined and incremental spacing options between three of the five clamps in the cutting plane of the insulated wire in the wire stripping machine. |
| US09608410B2 |
Surface-emitting light source and laser apparatus
A surface-emitting light source includes a substrate including a light emitting region where plural light emitting points are disposed and a non-light emitting region located around the light emitting region; and a lens array including plural lenses and a non-lens region around the plural lenses. The substrate and the lens array are directly bonded with each other at the non-light emitting region and the non-lens region such that the plural light emitting points and the plural lenses face each other, and the lens array has a linear expansion coefficient not greater than a linear expansion coefficient of the substrate. |
| US09608407B1 |
Laser diodes with an etched facet and surface treatment
A gallium- and nitrogen-containing laser device including an etched facet with surface treatment to improve an optical beam is disclosed. |
| US09608405B2 |
Laser driver with maintaining average optical power constant
The laser driver including a difference amplifier, a target potential circuit, an adjusting circuit, and bypass circuit is disclosed. The differential amplifier outputs a driving signal and a reverse driving signal having a phase opposite to a phase of the driving signal. The bypass circuit outputs an output current in response to the driving signal for generating a driving current for a semiconductor laser element that emits an optical signal in response to the driving signal. The adjusting circuit controls average potential of the driving signal and the reverse driving signal, so that the average potential becomes substantially equal to a target potential provided by the target potential circuit. The target potential corresponds to average optical power of the optical signal. When amplitude of the driving signal is changed for adjusting an extinction ratio of the optical signal, the adjusting circuit maintains the average optical power in a constant value. |
| US09608400B2 |
Laser device, and exposure device and inspection device provided with laser device
A laser device, includes: a laser light generating unit generates laser lights with first and second wavelengths; an amplifying unit amplifies the lights with first and second wavelengths the first and the second amplified lights; a wavelength converting unit that generates a light output, either of first converted light wavelength conversion of the first amplified light and the second amplified light, or of the first converted light and the second converted light wavelength conversion of the second amplified light; and a control unit that controls operation of the laser light generating unit, wherein: the control unit controls an output condition of the light output by adjusting a temporal overlap, of the first converted light and the second amplified light, or the first and second converted lights, through control of relative timings of the laser light with the first and second wavelengths. |
| US09608398B2 |
Apparatus for protecting powered optical amplifiers
The present application is directed to an optical apparatus including an optical waveguide configured to receive an optical signal at an input wavelength. The apparatus also includes one or more optical pump sources connected to transmit pump light to the optical gain medium for the optical gain medium to amplify the optical signal. The apparatus also includes an optical feedback loop for a protection wavelength that includes the optical gain medium and at least a portion of the optical waveguide. A round-trip optical gain of the optical feedback loop is higher at an optical wavelength of the pump light than at the input wavelength less than unity in the presence of the optical signal. In addition, the round-trip gain of the optical feedback loop is greater than or equal to unity in the absence of the optical signal. |
| US09608395B2 |
Slip ring assembly
A medical apparatus (600) including: a magnetic resonance imaging system (602), a medical device (634), and a slip ring assembly (400, 500) for supplying electrical power to the medical device. The slip ring assembly includes: a cylindrical body (100), a rotating member (402) for rotating the medical device, a first cylindrical conductor attached to the cylindrical body, a second cylindrical conductor (108), a first set of conductive elements (112, 712) connected to the second cylindrical conductor; and a brush assembly (406) comprising a first brush (302) and a second brush (304). The first brush is operable to contact the first cylindrical conductor. The second brush is operable to contact the set of conductive elements. The first and second cylindrical conductive elements overlap at least partially. The second cylindrical conductor is connected to the cylindrical body. The first cylindrical conductor and the second cylindrical conductors are electrically isolated. |
| US09608394B2 |
Light bulb socket assembly
A light bulb socket assembly including an inner socket member having an interior chamber sized to receive a threaded end of a light bulb, and having a threaded member configured to screw into a conventional light bulb socket, a spring positioned between the inner socket member and an outer sleeve, locking tabs positioned extending through openings in an outer wall surrounding the interior chamber, where in a first secured position the locking tabs are in engagement with the threaded end of light bulb, and in a second unsecured position when the outer sleeve is refracted, the locking tabs are no longer in secured engagement with the threaded end of the light bulb, such that the light bulb may be removed by pulling the light bulb out of the inner socket member. |
| US09608392B1 |
Arrangement for energized rail for movable sockets
Arrangement introduced on rail for movable sockets susceptible to receive several sockets by the fitting and turn on the rail's body. It comprises an electrical energy conductor rail with a body that internally has a rectangular gap that prolongs for the whole extension of the rail configuring an access and housing for movable sockets to be inserted on the rail. Once chosen the assembly local of the movable sockets along the rail longitudinal profile, each socket has its metallic contacts inserted in the rail's gap from the frontal aperture and turned to 90 degrees, making the convex saliences, with interference, to meet the metallic plates, closing electric contact and energizing said socket. The removal of a socket occurs by a new 90 degrees turn in relation to the rail, resulting on the separation of the metallic contacts of the plates and the consequent desenergization of the socket. |
| US09608390B1 |
Connector
A connector includes an insulating base, a plurality of pins and a metal enhancing plate. The insulating base has a first surface, a second surface and a side surface, wherein the first surface is opposite to the second surface, and the side surface is connected between the first surface and the second surface. The pins are disposed on the first surface and include a power pin, wherein a section of the side surface is aligned with the power pin. The metal enhancing plate is disposed on the second surface, wherein the metal enhancing plate does not extend to the section of the side surface. |
| US09608389B2 |
Audio jack with included microphone
A connector for receiving a cylindrical plug includes a body defining a plug aperture and a cavity for receiving the cylindrical plug. A plurality of electrical contacts in communication with the cavity make electrical connections with the cylindrical plug and retain the cylindrical plug. A microphone is coupled to the body such that the plug aperture and the cavity provide an acoustic path to the microphone. The microphone may be at an end of the connector opposite the plug aperture or on a side of the connector adjacent the plug aperture. The connector allows a microphone to be added to a device, such as a mobile telephone, without the need for an additional external aperture. The microphone in the connector may operate with a second microphone and processing electronics in the device to provide audio processing functions such as noise cancellation or audio beamforming. |
| US09608384B2 |
Low profile connector
An electrical connector includes a housing, a cage and a switch unit. The housing has a base and a side wall connected to a side edge of the base. The cage and the housing together define a slot, and an entrance of the slot is on an end face. The switch unit is provided to the side wall. The side wall further has a mounting space that can receive the switch unit and a through-hole extending from the end face of the side wall into the mounting space along the card insertion direction so that a pin-like element can be inserted into the through-hole to enable the switch unit. |
| US09608382B2 |
Header transition connector for an electrical connector system
A header transition connector includes a header housing having a separating wall separating a first cavity from a second cavity. Header signal contacts are held by the header housing. The header signal contacts are arranged in pairs carrying differential signals. The header signal contacts have first mating ends in the first cavity for mating with a first receptacle connector. The header signal contacts have second mating ends in the second cavity for mating with a second receptacle connector. Header ground shields are held by the header housing. The header ground shields have first mating ends in the first cavity for mating with the first receptacle connector. The header ground shields have second mating ends in the second cavity for mating with the second receptacle connector. At least a group of the header ground shields are electrically commoned with each other within the header housing. |
| US09608379B1 |
Communication connector
A communication connector including elongated contacts, and an optional flexible compensation circuit. The elongated contacts include a plurality of contact pairs. Each pair includes first and second contacts configured to transmit a differential signal. The elongated contacts may each have first and second portions with first and second heights, respectively. The first height is greater than the second height. The first portion of the first contact is positioned alongside the first portion of the second contact to capacitively couple the first and second contacts together. The optional flexible compensation circuit includes compensation circuity configured to at least partially reduce crosstalk between the elongated contacts. |
| US09608377B1 |
Caged electrical connector assemblies having indicator lights
An electrical connector assembly includes a cage member having a plurality of walls defining a port configured to receive a pluggable module therein through a front end of the cage member. The port extends to a rear end of the cage member. The walls are manufactured from a conductive material and provide electrical shielding. A communication connector is disposed within the cage member and is positioned at the rear end of the cage member to mate with the pluggable module when the pluggable module is inserted into the port. The communication connector has a mating face being forward facing. A communication connector light pipe is mounted to the communication connector and provided at the mating face. The communication connector light pipe has an emitting face emitting light into the pluggable module. |
| US09608376B1 |
Electrical connection device
An electrical connection device includes a plug connector and a positioning module. The plug connector has a plug body with first and second side surfaces respectively provided with first and second fixing holes. The positioning module includes a mounting member having a main body provided with a through hole, and a first fixing member. The through hole in the mounting member can be selectively disposed to align with the first or second fixing hole so as to fix the first fixing member in the first or second fixing hole and to connect together the positioning module and the plug connector to form a first or second assembly state of the electrical connection device. |
| US09608371B2 |
Interconnection apparatus and assembly comprising same
An interconnection apparatus including: a rigid substrate having a first side and a second side; at least one first connector arranged on the first side; and at least one second connector arranged on the second side. The apparatus can compensate an alignment error of complementary connectors configured to be mated with the at least one first connector and the at least one second connector. |
| US09608370B1 |
Connector terminal
A connector terminal includes a holding portion, an elastic arm portion connected to a front end of the holding portion. The holding portion and the elastic arm portion as a whole show an outward arc shape, a front end of the elastic arm portion protrudes inward to form a contact portion, a rear end of the holding portion is bent and extended inward and then extended rearward to form an abutting portion, the thickness of the holding portion and the elastic arm portion becomes gradually smaller from the holding portion to the front end of the elastic arm portion. |
| US09608359B2 |
Waterproof connector with integrated shell and contact into housing
A waterproof connector is configured in such a manner that the waterproof properties between a housing and electrically conductive members, such as a shell and contacts, are improved. This waterproof connector includes a housing having an insulating resin and at least one electrically conductive member formed integrally with the housing. The electrically conductive member has a connection section which is exposed from the housing and connected to a mating connector, a mounting section which is exposed from the housing and mounted to a circuit board, and a holding section which connects the connection section and the mounting section, and which is embedded in the housing. A waterproof shaped section for blocking the entry of water along the interfaces between the holding section and the housing is formed on the surface of the holding section. |
| US09608358B2 |
Electronic device including opening
An electronic device may include a housing that may include an opening formed on an outer surface and a space fluidly communicating with the opening, at least one electronic element which is disposed in the space, and at least one terminal which is disposed on the outer surface of the housing and is electrically connected with the at least one electronic element. |
| US09608354B2 |
Joint connector for connecting electronic devices in vehicle
A joint connector includes: a connector housing formed with a plurality of terminals that receive a plurality of sockets to which wirings are connected; and a holder that is fitted into the connector housing and electrically connects the sockets which are inserted into the terminals, respectively. Also, a plurality of fitting pieces are inserted into connection portions of the sockets, respectively, which are arranged inside the terminals so as to protrude in a length direction on an inner side of the holder. |
| US09608350B2 |
Electronic equipment unit and manufacturing mold assembly thereof
An electronic equipment unit includes a multi-layer circuit board. A part arrangement region on which circuit parts are mounted and a terminal region are provided on the multi-layer circuit board. The part arrangement region is encapsulated with resin. An outline region is formed from a solder resist film surrounding the part arrangement region to prevent the resin from flowing into the terminal region. A non-solder resist region is provided so as to surround the outline region and formation of the solder resist film is inhibited in the non-solder resist region. A clamp abutting surface which is pressed by a mold and surrounds the terminal region and thereby prevents the resin from flowing into the terminal region is a partial region of the multi-layer circuit board where a surface layer circuit pattern is absent. |
| US09608348B2 |
High speed bypass cable for use with backplanes
A cable bypass assembly is disclosed for use in providing a high speed transmission line that connect a chip, processor or circuitry mounted on a circuit board to other similar components. The bypass cable assembly has a structure that allows for low loss between a first body and a connector that includes a second body. The connector includes a plurality of conductive terminals arranged in a manner that allows the impedance and other electrical characteristics of the cable to be maintained in a desirable manner through the cable bypass assembly. |
| US09608347B2 |
Right-angle electrical connector
In a housing 10 are formed holding grooves 17A to 17D that permit arm-use blades 20A-1 to 20D-1 of various types of blades 20A to 20D to be inserted from the rear, connection components 33A-1 to 33D-1 provided to the lower ends of legs 33A to 33D of conductive bar members 30A to 30D of the various types of blades 20A to 20D are located outside the housing, the arm-use blades 20A-1 to 20D-1 of the various types of blades 20A to 20D are able to move in the vertical direction over a specific range within the corresponding holding grooves 17A to 17D, and the various types of blades 20A to 20D are able to move within a holding space 17. |
| US09608345B2 |
Continuity maintaining biasing member
A post having a first end, a second end, and a flange proximate the second end, wherein the post is configured to receive a center conductor surrounded by a dielectric of a coaxial cable, a connector body attached to the post, a coupling element attached to the post, the coupling element having a first end a second end, and a biasing member disposed within a cavity formed between the first end of the coupling element and the connector body to bias the coupling element against the post is provided. Moreover, a connector body having a biasing element, wherein the biasing element biases the coupling element against the post, is further provided. Furthermore, associated methods are also provided. |
| US09608344B2 |
Assembly comprising coaxial cable and right-angled coaxial connector and manufacturing method thereof
An assembly includes a right-angled coaxial connector, a first coaxial cable and a second coaxial cable. The right-angled coaxial connector includes a first component and a second component connected to a first coaxial cable and a second coaxial cable respectively. The inner conductor and the outer conductor of the first coaxial cable and the first inner conductor and the first outer conductor of the first component, the inner conductor and the outer conductor of the second coaxial cable and the second inner conductor and the second outer conductor of the second component, as well as the first inner conductor and the first outer conductor of the first component and the second inner conductor and the second outer conductor of the second component are permanently connected in a single welding procedure through a first soldering element, a second soldering element and a third soldering element, respectively. |
| US09608341B2 |
High-current plug-in connection with multi-arm contact lamellae
A socket for a high-current plug-in connection is provided, which includes a contact sleeve and a hollow cylindrical contacting system. The contacting system includes a plurality of elongated contact lamellae, is situated in an inner area of the contact sleeve, and is supported with at least a portion of its outer wall on the inner wall. The contact lamellae extend between a first collar and a second collar of the contacting system. The socket includes a contact lamella, in an area between the first collar and second collar, having an arm, via which the contact lamella is additionally connected to a collar of the contacting system in a supporting manner. |
| US09608340B2 |
Method for connecting an electrical component to a component support, and device
The invention relates to a method for connecting an electric component to an electrical component support and an electrical component for an electrical component support, in particular for a motor vehicle. According to the invention, an electric component is connected to an electrical component support which comprises a base part and an electrical conductor paths arranged therein. At least one electric contact connected to the electrical component is moved in the base part such that the electric contact is electrically connected to the conductor path. The invention also relates to two electric contacts which are connected to the electric components and which are connected, according to the claims, to two different conductor paths in the base part. Said electric components can comprise more than two electric contacts, which according to the claimed method, are connected to the conductor paths of the base part. |
| US09608337B2 |
Built-in antenna for electronic device
A built-in antenna for an electronic device is provided. The built-in antenna includes a substrate, a 1st antenna radiator with at least two radiating portions, a 2nd antenna radiator, and a switching means. The substrate has a conductive area and a non-conductive area. The 2nd antenna radiator is arranged within the non-conductive area of the substrate and fed by a Radio Frequency (RF) end of the substrate. The 2nd antenna radiator is configured to operate at a band different from at least one operating band of the 1st antenna radiator, and is fed by the RF end in a position adjacent the 1st antenna radiator. The switching means switches to selectively feed the 1st antenna radiator and the 2nd antenna radiator. |
| US09608330B2 |
Superluminal antenna
A superluminal antenna element integrates a balun element to better impedance match an input cable or waveguide to a dielectric radiator element, thus preventing stray reflections and consequent undesirable radiation. For example, a dielectric housing material can be used that has a cutout area. A cable can extend into the cutout area. A triangular conductor can function as an impedance transition. An additional cylindrical element functions as a sleeve balun to better impedance match the radiator element to the cable. |
| US09608328B2 |
System and method for printing tunable antennas
The present invention is a method and system for using a 3D printer for printing various tunable antennas. In one embodiment, and exponent antenna is created by printing a board using a 3D printer in combination with vacuum metallization to create the antenna and provide engineered break points for adjusting the printed antenna for the most effective gain. In another embodiment, a spiral cavity backed antenna is printed using a combination of a 3D printer and vacuum metallization. In a third embodiment, a horn antenna is printed using a combination of a 3D printer engineered break points for adjustment and a hinged version with an actuator creating a new antenna. |
| US09608327B1 |
Magnetically boosted NFC antenna
The range of a Near Field Communications (NFC) in an electronic device is boosted by positioning a magnet near the center of a spiral loop NFC antenna. The magnet interacts with a modulated magnetic field generated by the antenna, concentrating the power of the modulated field. The magnet may be part of another component of the device, such as a magnet in the zoom mechanism of a camera. If the electronic device has a metal case, performance of the NFC antenna is further enhanced by including an opening through the metal over an axis of the magnet and a segment of the antenna's spiral loop, and by extending the opening to eliminate a parasitic current pathway around the antenna. The extended opening in the metal case significantly reduces the effect of eddy currents generated in the housing that counter the NFC magnetic field. |
| US09608325B2 |
Dynamic resource allocation in a multi-role or multi-function system
A multi-role or multi-function system operable to perform a multi-role or a multi-function and configured to dynamically allocate requisite resources for performing antenna functions during a frame interval of the multi-role or the multi-function by determining whether the antenna functions are completely performable in the frame interval, based on a time-sharing resource allocation procedure; and if not, allocating the requisite resources for performing the antenna functions during the frame interval, based on a time-sharing resource allocation procedure and an antenna-sharing resource allocation procedure. |
| US09608324B2 |
Antenna apparatus and method for controlling antenna array
An antenna apparatus and a method for controlling an antenna array are provided. The method includes the following steps. A plurality of selectable antenna configurations is provided for a directional service. One of the antenna configurations is selected for an antenna element of the antenna array according to a service criterion. The antenna apparatus includes an antenna array, a controller, and a switching unit. The antenna array includes a plurality of antenna elements. The controller is adapted to generate a control signal based on selecting one of a plurality of antenna configurations according to a service criterion for an antenna element to provide a directional service. The switching unit is adapted to configure each of the antenna elements according to the control signal. |
| US09608323B1 |
Omni-directional antenna with extended frequency range
An omni-directional antenna can include a feed disk, which can terminate at a feed disk apex, and a top element, which can include a nipple that terminates a top element apex. The feed disk and top element can be positioned so that the feed disk apex and the top element apex can be spaced-apart by a distance “d”, which can be chosen according to the desired frequency range and cable feed impedance. The feed disk and top element can also have respective bottom conical and top conical surfaces. When the feed disk and top element are positioned, the top and bottom conical surfaces can establish a respective first predefined angle relative to a horizontal plane and a second predefined angle relative to the horizontal plane, thereby extending the antenna frequency range. The predefined angles can be chosen according to the desired frequency range of operation and cable feed impedance. |
| US09608320B2 |
Method of opening a protective dome, in particular a radome, and radome equipped with a pantograph for implementation thereof
A method for opening a dome for the protection of a device to be protected, fitted in a part described as fixed, in which, in the initial position before opening, a generally plane interface separates the dome from the fixed part, is provided. The method includes connecting the dome to the fixed part by at least two independent double-link connections that are movable in rotation between the dome and the fixed part. The links in a single connection being fitted in common to the dome and to the fixed part to form overall a pantograph in the shape of an isosceles trapezium which, during opening, opens out by pivoting until maximum opening is achieved, so that the dome moves away from the fixed part via a combination of movements in translation and in rotation. |
| US09608316B2 |
Dual band PCB antenna for vehicle
A printed circuit board (PCB) is disposed to stand vertically on a main board and having a first surface and a second surface opposite to the first surface. A main antenna pattern is formed on the first surface of the PCB to operate in dual band including a low frequency band and a high frequency band. A bandwidth extension pattern is formed on the second surface of the PCB and formed to operate in the high frequency band, the bandwidth extension pattern having a coupling stub which forms an overlapping portion with a portion of the main antenna pattern, with the PCB interposed therebetween, to implement an antenna having an extended bandwidth, which operates together with the portion of the main antenna pattern in the high frequency band. |
| US09608315B2 |
Star-handle system for locking antenna to a vehicle roof
The invention relates to a roof antenna (1) for mounting on a roof (2) of a vehicle, said roof antenna (1) having a base plate (7) and an antenna cover (3) that can be connected to the base plate (7). A printed circuit board (4) with antenna elements and at least one plug connection (5) is arranged under the antenna cover (3). The base plate (7) has detent hooks (11) for pre-attaching on the roof (2) and fixing means for a final assembly, said fixing means being designed as a central dome (6) with a screw thread and a star handle (12) that interacts with the dome (6). |
| US09608308B2 |
Material including signal passing and signal blocking strands
An antenna and a material. The material can include signal blocking strands and signal passing strands. |
| US09608301B2 |
Electrochemical energy store
An electrochemical energy store including at least one anode and at least one cathode in an electrolyte, lithium peroxide being generated at the cathode by the reaction of lithium ions with oxygen. The cathode is connected to an oxygen reservoir. |
| US09608299B2 |
Battery and battery-sensing apparatuses and methods
Apparatuses and methods for determining one or more performance related characteristics (such as state of charge and/or health) of one or more electrochemical cells that store and release electrical energy are disclosed. Embodiments include pressure and/or temperature sensors that sense a change in pressure resulting from the tendency of the electrochemical cell to change volume and/or the temperature of the one or more electrochemical cells as the electrochemical cell(s) are charged or discharged. Alternate embodiments include one or more calculating members that receive pressure and/or temperature information from the pressure and/or temperature sensing members and calculate a performance related characteristic of the electrochemical cell. Still further embodiments include determining one or more performance related characteristics of an electrochemical cell by sensing the tendency of an electrochemical cell to change volume (such as by sensing pressure) and/or by sensing the temperature as the electrochemical cell is charged or discharged. |
| US09608293B2 |
Method of manufacturing lithium-ion secondary battery
A method of manufacturing a lithium-ion secondary battery proposed herein includes the following steps of: preparing a battery in which an electrode assembly is enclosed in a battery case; filling a first electrolyte solution containing a film forming agent into the battery case; charging and discharging the battery filled with the first electrolyte solution; discharging the first electrolyte solution from the battery that has been charged and discharged; and filling a second electrolyte solution containing a film forming agent at a concentration of less than 0.005 mol/L into the battery case from which the first electrolyte solution has been discharged. |
| US09608290B2 |
Electrolyte solution additive for lithium secondary battery, and non-aqueous electrolyte solution and lithium secondary battery including the additive
Provided is an electrolyte solution additive including lithium difluorophosphate (LiDFP), a vinylene carbonate-based compound, and a sultone-based compound. Also, a non-aqueous electrolyte solution including the electrolyte solution additive and a lithium secondary battery including the non-aqueous electrolyte solution are provided. The lithium secondary battery including the electrolyte solution additive of the present invention may improve low-temperature output characteristics, high-temperature cycle characteristics, output characteristics after high-temperature storage, and swelling characteristics. |
| US09608287B2 |
Non-aqueous electrolytic solution, electrical storage device utilizing same, and cyclic sulfonic acid ester compound
An object of the present invention is to provide a nonaqueous electrolytic solution capable of improving electrochemical characteristics in a broad temperature range, an energy storage device using it.A nonaqueous electrolytic solution of an electrolyte salt dissolved in a nonaqueous solvent, which comprises at least one cyclic sulfonic acid ester compound represented by the following general formula (I), and an energy storage device. (wherein R1 and R2 may be the same or different, each representing a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group in which at least one hydrogen atom may be substituted with a halogen atom, orahalogenatom; L represents a divalent hydrocarbon group of an alkylene group in which at least one hydrogen atom is substituted with OR3, or a divalent hydrocarbon group of an alkylene group in which at least one methylene (CH2) is substituted with C(═O); R3 represents a formyl group, an alkylcarbonyl group, an alkenylcarbonyl group, an alkynylcarbonyl group, an arylcarbonyl group, an alkoxycarbonyl group, an alkenyloxycarbonyl group, an alkynyloxycarbonyl group, an aryloxycarbonyl group, a 2,2-dioxide-1,2-oxathiolan-4-yloxycarbonyl group, a 2,2-dioxide-1,2-oxathian-4-yloxycarbonyl group, an alkanesulfonyl group, an arylsulfonyl group, a dialkylphosphoryl group, an alkoxy(alkyl)phosphoryl group, a dialkoxyphosphoryl group, —S(O)—OR4, or —C(O)CH2P(O)(OR5)2; R4 represents an alkyl group, a 2,2-dioxide-1,2-oxathiolan-4-yl group, or a 2,2-dioxide-1,2-oxathian-4-yl group; R5 represents an alkyl group; further, in R3, at least one hydrogen atom may be substituted with a halogen atom, and L may be further substituted with any of an alkyl group, a haloalkyl group or a halogen atom). |
| US09608284B2 |
Dynamically controlled heat exchange for cascading startup of fuel cell grids
A “Cascading Startup Controller” provides various techniques for quickly and efficiently initializing grids of interconnected fuel cells. In general, the Cascading Startup Controller dynamically controls heat exchange between fuel cells in the grid to produce a cascading startup of the fuel cell grid via an expanding pattern of excess thermal energy routing from hotter fuel cell stacks to cooler fuel cell stacks. This expanding pattern of excess thermal energy routing is dynamically controlled via automated valves of a heat exchange grid coupled to the fuel cell grid to decrease a total startup time for fuel cell stacks in the grid. Additional excess heat beyond that used to heat fuel cells to operational temperatures is then made available for a variety of purposes, including, but not limited to, preheating gas or other fuel for use by the fuel cells, local or community-based heating systems, heat-based energy cogeneration systems, etc. |
| US09608280B2 |
Battery temperature control device
Provided is a battery temperature control device configured to automatically heat a battery with a battery-driven heater so that the battery does not freeze at a minimum electric power consumption when the battery is out of use. The battery temperature control device predicts, based on a combination of a battery temperature and an outside air temperature, a predictive time that the battery temperature is likely to be less than a first set temperature, while the battery temperature is higher than or equal to the first set temperature at which there is no risk of freezing, and sets the predictive time as the next controller startup time, and determines whether or not the battery temperature has fallen to below the first set temperature with a control program wakeup when the predictive time has expired, and battery-drives the heater when the battery temperature fall has occurred, to heat the battery. |
| US09608278B2 |
Mixed metal oxide material of tin and titanium
A mixed metal oxide material of tin and titanium is provided for use in a fuel cell. The mixed metal oxide may form the core of a core-shell composite material, used as a catalyst support, in which a catalyst such as platinum forms the shell. The catalyst may be applied as a single monolayer, or up to 20 monolayers. |
| US09608275B2 |
Electrically conductive layer coated aluminum material and method for manufacturing the same
Provided are an electrically conductive layer coated aluminum material having properties which can withstand long term use; and a method for manufacturing the electrically conductive layer coated aluminum material. The electrically conductive layer coated aluminum material includes: an aluminum material (1); a first electrically conductive layer (2); an interposing layer (3); and a second electrically conductive layer (4). The first electrically conductive layer (2) is formed on a surface of the aluminum material (1) and includes an organic substance having electrical conductivity. The interposing layer (3) is formed between the aluminum material (1) and the first electrically conductive layer (2) and includes a carbide of aluminum. The second electrically conductive layer (4) is formed on a surface of the first electrically conductive layer (2) and includes carbon-containing particles (41). A resin is attached onto the surface of the aluminum material (1) and is dried, a carbon-containing substance is attached thereonto, and thereafter, the aluminum material (1) is placed in a space including a hydrocarbon-containing substance and is heated, thereby forming the first electrically conductive layer (2), the interposing layer (3), and the second electrically conductive layer (4). |
| US09608271B2 |
Positive electrode active material for non-aqueous electrolyte secondary battery
The present invention provides a positive electrode active material for nonaqueous electrolyte secondary battery including a lithium transition metal composite oxide represented by the following formula: LiaNixMn2-xFeyBzO4 wherein 1.00≦a≦1.30, 0.30≦x≦0.60, 0.003≦y≦0.200, and 0.003≦z≦0.200. |
| US09608270B2 |
Method for preparing lithium iron phosphate nanopowder
The present invention relates to a method for preparing a lithium iron phosphate nanopowder, including the steps of (a) preparing a mixture solution by adding a lithium precursor, an iron precursor and a phosphorus precursor in a reaction solvent, and (b) putting the mixture solution into a reactor and heating to prepare the lithium iron phosphate nanopowder under pressure conditions of 1 to 10 bar, and a lithium iron phosphate nanopowder prepared by the method. When compared to a common hydrothermal synthesis method, a supercritical hydrothermal synthesis method and a glycothermal synthesis method, a reaction may be performed under a relatively lower pressure. Thus, a high temperature/high pressure reactor is not necessary and process safety and economic feasibility may be secured. In addition, a lithium iron phosphate nanopowder having uniform particle size and effectively controlled particle size distribution may be easily prepared. |
| US09608267B2 |
Precursor for preparing of lithium composite transition metal oxide
Disclosed is a precursor for preparing a lithium composite transition metal oxide. More particularly, a transition metal precursor, including a composite transition metal compound represented by Formula 1 below, used to prepare a lithium transition metal oxide: NiaMbMn1−(a+b)(O1−x)2 (1) wherein M is at least one selected form the group consisting of Ti, Co, Al, Cu, Fe, Mg, B, Cr, Zr, Zn and Period II transition metals; and 0.2≦a≦0.25, 0≦b≦0.1, and 0 |
| US09608260B2 |
Anode active material having high density and preparation method thereof
Provided is an anode active material including lithium metal oxide particles having an internal porosity ranging from 3% to 8% and an average particle diameter (D50) ranging from 5 μm to 12 μm. According to the present invention, since the high-density lithium metal oxide particles are included, the adhesion to an anode may be significantly improved even by using the same or smaller amount of a binder that is required during the preparation of an anode slurry, and high rate characteristics of a secondary battery may be improved by decreasing the average particle diameter of the lithium metal oxide particles. |
| US09608259B2 |
Positive electrode for secondary battery
Disclosed herein are a cathode for a secondary battery, which includes a combination of one or more selected from compounds represented by Formula 1 and or more selected from compounds represented by Formula 2, as illustrated below, and a secondary battery having the same, xLi2MO3*(1−x)LiM′O2 (1) (1−u)LiFePO4*uC (2). |
| US09608257B2 |
Rechargeable battery having upper cover
A rechargeable battery including an electrode assembly including a first electrode and a second electrode, a case that receives the electrode assembly therein, a first terminal electrically connected to the first electrode, a second terminal electrically connected to the second electrode, a cap plate coupled with an opening of the case and electrically connected to the first electrode, the cap plate including a short circuit hole, a short circuit member located in the short circuit hole, the short circuit member being deformable to electrically connect the cap plate to the second terminal, and an upper cover that covers the short circuit hole. The second terminal includes a positioning groove into which a lateral end of the upper cover is insertable, the upper cover being slidably installed with respect to the second terminal. |
| US09608256B2 |
Rechargeable battery
The described technology has been made in an effort to provide a rechargeable battery having advantages of protecting an electrode assembly and a case from arc debris generated from a cell fuse. A rechargeable battery in accordance with exemplary embodiment includes: an electrode assembly configured to perform charging and discharging operations; a case configured to accommodate the electrode assembly therein; a cap plate coupled to an opening of the case; an electrode terminal installed on the cap plate; a lead tab configured to connect the electrode assembly to the electrode terminal, and including a fuse; and a side retainer supported in an inner surface of the case to be coupled to the lead tab. The side retainer includes an exhaust guide member that is opened toward the cell fuse and a sidewall of the case. |
| US09608255B2 |
Nonaqueous electrolyte secondary battery and battery module
A nonaqueous electrolyte secondary battery, having an internal resistance of 10 mΩ or less as an alternating-current impedance value of 1 kHz, comprises a metal outer container, a nonaqueous electrolyte contained in the container, a positive electrode contained in the container, a negative electrode contained in the container, a separator interposed between the negative electrode and the positive electrode, a negative electrode lead having one end connected to the negative electrode, and a negative electrode terminal attached to the outer container so as to be connected electrically to the other end of the negative electrode lead, at least the surface of the negative electrode terminal which is connected to the negative electrode lead being formed of aluminum alloy with an aluminum purity of less than 99 wt. % containing at least one metal selected from the group consisting of Mg, Cr, Mn, Cu, Si, Fe and Ni. |
| US09608251B2 |
Battery module with electrode identifier
A battery module includes a plurality of rechargeable batteries, each rechargeable battery including a first electrode end and a second electrode end protruding outside a case of the rechargeable battery, a first top insulation member at a bottom of the first electrode end, and an identifier on the first top insulation member, a bus bar electrically connecting ends of neighboring rechargeable batteries, a bottom housing including a space, the rechargeable batteries being arranged in the space of the bottom housing, and a top cover attached to the bottom housing, the top cover including a recognizer the fits with the identifier. |
| US09608250B2 |
Wire arrangement body, busbar module and power-supply unit
A wire arrangement body includes: a wire arrangement groove portion of a groove shape that receives one or more wires; a lid portion that is rotatably connected to the wire arrangement groove portion about a first hinge and covers the wire arrangement groove portion so as to seal a groove opening of the wire arrangement groove portion; and a wire drawing piece that is rotatably connected to the lid portion about a second hinge. The wire arrangement body is provided so that a rotation axis of the second hinge crosses at a right angle to a rotation axis of the first hinge. |
| US09608248B2 |
Assembled battery and power consumption apparatus
An assembled battery includes a plurality of secondary battery cell series modules each having a plurality of secondary battery cells connected in series, wherein in each secondary battery cell series module, the secondary battery cells are connected in series by a first connection member, the secondary battery cell constituting the secondary battery cell series module and the secondary battery cell constituting the secondary battery cell series module adjacent to the above secondary battery cell series module are connected in parallel by a second connection member, the electrical resistance value of the second connection member is higher than the electrical resistance value of the first connection member, and the melting point of a material constituting the second connection member is lower than the melting point of a material constituting the first connection member. |
| US09608245B2 |
System for providing structural integrity of a battery module
A battery module includes a housing configured to receive a plurality of electrochemical cells, a skeletal frame coupled with the housing, and a framework disposed proximate to the skeletal frame. Moreover, the framework is substantially aligned with the skeletal frame and configured to transfer a force applied to the framework to the skeletal frame. |
| US09608244B2 |
Battery module having novel structure
Disclosed herein is a battery module including (a) a battery cell stack including two or more battery cells or unit modules electrically connected to each other in a state in which the battery cells or unit modules are vertically stacked, (b) a first housing to cover the entirety of the end of one side of the battery cell stack and portions of the top and bottom of the battery cell stack and (c) a second housing to cover the entirety of the end of the other side of the battery cell stack and the remainder of the top and bottom of the battery cell stack, wherein the first housing and the second housing are provided with coupling holes formed to couple the first housing and the second housing to each other, the coupling holes being horizontal coupling holes, through which coupling members can be inserted in the lateral direction. |
| US09608240B2 |
Rechargeable battery
A battery includes a case accommodating an electrode assembly, the case including an opening at one end and including at least one sidewall, the sidewall having a coupling portion adjacent to the opening, a cap plate that closes the opening, the cap plate having an upper surface, the coupling portion of the sidewall connecting the cap plate to the case, the coupling portion including a top surface of the sidewall, the cap plate overlying a first portion of the top surface of the sidewall, such that the upper surface of the cap plate is entirely above top surface of the sidewall, and a welding bead contacting the cap plate and a second portion of the top surface of the sidewall, the second portion of the top surface being between the first portion and an outer surface of the sidewall. |
| US09608238B2 |
Display panel including multilayer diffusion barrier
Disclosed is a display panel including: a flexible substrate; a buffer layer disposed on the flexible substrate; a pixel disposed on the buffer layer and comprising a thin film transistor and an image device connected to the thin film transistor; a barrier layer disposed on the flexible substrate to protect the pixel from a substance from the flexible substrate; and a diffusion prevention layer disposed between the barrier layer and the buffer layer and configured to prevent hydrogen generated from the barrier layer from being diffused into the thin film transistor. |
| US09608231B2 |
Display apparatus
Provided is a display apparatus. The display apparatus includes a display panel, a back cover disposed on a rear side of the display panel, the back cover having a curved shape of which both ends protrude forward, and a fixing part fixing the back cover to maintain the curved shape of the back cover. The display panel is curved in a shape corresponding to that of the back cover. |
| US09608229B2 |
Organic EL lighting panel substrate, organic EL lighting panel, and organic EL lighting device
Disclosed is an organic EL lighting panel substrate that can improve the uniformity in luminance and chromaticity in an organic EL lighting panel plane and can suppress deterioration in reliability due to disconnection and the like caused by an auxiliary electrode. The organic EL lighting panel substrate (10) includes: a light-transmitting substrate (11); and a transparent electrode (12). The transparent electrode (12) is arranged on one surface of the light-transmitting substrate (11). The organic EL lighting panel substrate (10) further includes an auxiliary electrode (13) electrically connected to the transparent electrode (12). The light-transmitting substrate (11) has a groove (11c), and the auxiliary electrode (13) is arranged in the groove (11c) of the light-transmitting substrate (11). The auxiliary electrode (13) is formed of a material having a volume resistivity at 20° C. in the range from 1.59×10−8 to 13×10−8 Ω·m. |
| US09608228B2 |
Organic light-emitting device with transparent electrode having both conductivity and optical transparency
An organic light-emitting device includes an internal light extraction layer including a scattering layer and a smooth layer; and a transparent electrode including an underlying layer and an electrode layer, wherein the transparent electrode is provided on the smooth layer side of the internal light extraction layer, the internal light extraction layer has a refractive index in the range of 1.7 to less than 2.5, and the electrode layer includes silver or an alloy including silver as a main component. |
| US09608227B2 |
Organic light emitting diode display
An organic light emitting diode (OLED) display includes: a thin film transistor on the substrate; a first electrode electrically connected to the thin film transistor; a hole injection layer on the first electrode; an emission layer on the hole injection layer; an electron injection layer on the emission layer; a first intermediate layer on the electron injection layer; and a second electrode on the first intermediate layer. |
| US09608226B2 |
Method for manufacturing transparent electrode
A method for forming a transparent electrode includes a step of forming a thin metal wire on a transparent substrate; and a step of forming a transparent conductive layer on the transparent substrate and the thin metal wire. The step of forming the transparent conductive layer is a step of forming the transparent conductive layer by applying an application liquid onto the transparent substrate and the thin metal wire by printing. The application liquid is composed of a conductive polymer, a water-soluble binder having a structural unit represented by the following general formula (I), a polar solvent having a log P value of −1.50 to −0.45, and 5.0 to 25 mass % of a glycol ether. |
| US09608219B2 |
Semiconductor structure and method for its production
The present invention relates to a semiconductor structure and a method for its production, the semiconductor structure comprising at least one conductor region and at least two semiconductor regions, which semiconductor regions are partly separated by the at least one conductor region. The at least one conductor region comprises openings extending between the semiconductor regions which are partly separated by the respective conductor region. The semiconductor regions comprise at least one organic semiconductor material having a specific HOMO energy level, in particular a DPP polymer. The conductor region comprises a conductive material having a specific work function, said combination of specific energy level and work function allowing for a simple preparation of the conductive region. The invention further relates to a method for providing such a semiconductor structure. |
| US09608218B2 |
N-type thin film transistor
An N-type thin film transistor includes an insulating substrate, a semiconductor carbon nanotube layer, an MgO layer, a functional dielectric layer, a source electrode, a drain electrode, and a gate electrode. The semiconductor carbon nanotube layer is located on the insulating substrate. The source electrode and the drain electrode electrically connect the semiconductor carbon nanotube layer, wherein the source electrode and the drain electrode are spaced from each other, and a channel is defined in the semiconductor carbon nanotube layer between the source electrode and the drain electrode. The MgO layer is located on the semiconductor carbon nanotube layer. The functional dielectric layer covers the MgO layer. The gate electrode is located on the functional dielectric layer. |
| US09608214B2 |
Integrated conductive substrate, and electronic device employing same
Provided are an integrated conductive substrate simultaneously serving as a substrate and an electrode, and an electronic device using the same. The integrated conductive substrate includes a metal layer composed of a non-ferrous metal, which has a first surface having a first root mean square roughness, and a semiconductor layer containing a semiconductor material, which has a second surface having a second root mean square roughness and is formed on the first surface. Here, the semiconductor layer includes a semiconductor-type planarization layer formed by a solution process using at least one of the semiconductor material and a precursor of the semiconductor material to planarize the first surface of the metal layer, and the second root mean square roughness is smaller than the first root mean square roughness. |
| US09608211B2 |
Heterocyclic compound and organic light-emitting diode including the same
A heterocyclic compound and an organic light-emitting diode including the same, the heterocyclic compound being represented by Formula 1 below: |
| US09608209B2 |
Organic electroluminescent element
An organic EL device includes a pair of electrodes and an organic compound layer between pair of electrodes. The organic compound layer includes an emitting layer including a first material, a second material and a third material, in which singlet energy EgS(H) of the first material, singlet energy EgS(H2) of the second material, and singlet energy EgS(D) of the third material satisfy a specific relationship. |
| US09608208B2 |
Compounds for electronic devices
The present invention relates to a compound of a formula (I), (II) or (III), to the use of this compound in an electronic device, and to an electronic device comprising one or more compounds of the formula (I), (II) or (III). The invention furthermore relates to a process for the preparation of a compound of the formula (I), (II) or (III) and to a formulation comprising one or more compounds of the formula (I), (II) or (III). |
| US09608203B2 |
Method for manufacturing memory device and method for manufacturing metal wiring
A method for manufacturing a memory device of an embodiment includes: forming on a substrate a block copolymer layer which contains a first polymer and a second polymer having lower surface energy than that of the first polymer; performing thermal treatment on the block copolymer layer, to separate the block copolymer layer such that a first phase containing the first polymer and extending in the first direction and a second phase containing the second polymer and extending in the first direction are alternately arrayed; selectively forming on the first phase a first metal wiring layer extending in the first direction; forming on the first metal wiring layer a memory layer where resistance changes by application of a voltage; and forming on the memory layer a second metal wiring layer which extends in a second direction intersecting in the first direction. |
| US09608202B1 |
Provision of structural integrity in memory device
Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed towards techniques to provide structural integrity for a memory device comprising a memory array. In one embodiment, the device may comprise a memory array having at least a plurality of wordlines disposed in a memory region of a die, and a first fill layer deposited between adjacent wordlines of the plurality of wordlines in the memory region, to provide structural integrity for the memory array. At least a portion of a periphery region of the die adjacent to the memory region may be substantially filled with a second fill layer that is different than the first fill layer. Other embodiments may be described and/or claimed. |
| US09608199B1 |
Magnetic memory device
According to one embodiment, a magnetic memory device includes a stack structure including a first magnetic layer variable in magnetization direction, a second magnetic layer fixed in magnetization direction, and a nonmagnetic layer between the first magnetic layer and the second magnetic layer, the first magnetic layer including a first layer, a second layer, and a third layer between the first layer and the second layer and containing magnesium (Mg), iron (Fe), and oxygen (O), the second layer being between the nonmagnetic layer and the third layer, wherein a thickness of the second layer is greater than that of the first layer, and the thickness of the first layer is greater than that of the third layer. |
| US09608198B2 |
Magnetic tunnel junction device
The output voltage of an MRAM is increased by means of an Fe(001)/MgO(001)/Fe(001) MTJ device, which is formed by microfabrication of a sample prepared as follows: A single-crystalline MgO (001) substrate is prepared. An epitaxial Fe(001) lower electrode (a first electrode) is grown on a MgO(001) seed layer at room temperature, followed by annealing under ultrahigh vacuum. A MgO(001) barrier layer is epitaxially formed on the Fe(001) lower electrode (the first electrode) at room temperature, using a MgO electron-beam evaporation. A Fe(001) upper electrode (a second electrode) is then formed on the MgO(001) barrier layer at room temperature. This is successively followed by the deposition of a Co layer on the Fe(001) upper electrode (the second electrode). The Co layer is provided so as to increase the coercive force of the upper electrode in order to realize an antiparallel magnetization alignment. |
| US09608197B2 |
Memory cells, methods of fabrication, and semiconductor devices
A magnetic cell includes an attracter material proximate to a magnetic region (e.g., a free region). The attracter material is formulated to have a higher chemical affinity for a diffusible species of a magnetic material, from which the magnetic region is formed, compared to a chemical affinity between the diffusible species and at least another species of the magnetic material. Thus, the diffusible species is removed from the magnetic material to the attracter material. The removal accommodates crystallization of the depleted magnetic material. The crystallized, depleted magnetic material enables a high tunnel magnetoresistance, high energy barrier, and high energy barrier ratio. The magnetic region may be formed as a continuous magnetic material, thus enabling a high exchange stiffness, and positioning the magnetic region between two magnetic anisotropy-inducing oxide regions enables a high magnetic anisotropy strength. Methods of fabrication and semiconductor devices are also disclosed. |
| US09608196B2 |
Storage element and storage device
Provided is an information storage element comprising a first layer, an insulation layer coupled to the first layer, and a second layer coupled to the insulation layer opposite the first layer. The first layer is capable of storing information according to a magnetization state of a magnetic material. The insulation layer includes a non-magnetic material. The second layer includes a fixed magnetization. In an embodiment, the first layer has a transverse length that is approximately 45 nm or less and a volume that is approximately 2,390 nm3 or less. In a further embodiment, the second layer includes MgO and is capable of allowing electrons passing through the second layer reach the first layer before the electrons enter a non-polarized state. |
| US09608194B2 |
Piezoelectric device and production method for green compact being molded body of piezoelectric device prior to sintering
A plurality of piezoelectric device corresponding parts including a green main body part and a green top surface electrode formed on a top surface of the green main body part are placed on a tabular substrate at intervals. Next, a tabular elastic body is pressed from above to the plurality of piezoelectric device corresponding parts, so as to form an inclined part declined toward an outer side in an edge of a top surface of each piezoelectric device corresponding part, and to form a circular arc part at an intersection between the inclined part and a side surface of the piezoelectric device corresponding part. Next, a green side surface electrode is formed on the side surface of each piezoelectric device corresponding part so that the green side surface electrode is connected to the green top surface electrode. Next, this molded body is sintered so that a piezoelectric device is obtained. |
| US09608192B2 |
Temperature compensated acoustic resonator device
An acoustic resonator device comprises: a substrate comprising a cavity or an acoustic mirror; a first electrode disposed over the substrate; a piezoelectric layer disposed over the first electrode; and a second electrode disposed over the piezoelectric layer. The first electrode or the second electrode, or both, are made of an electrically conductive material having a positive temperature coefficient. |
| US09608190B2 |
Thermoelectric conversion material, method for producing same, and thermoelectric conversion module
The invention provides a thermoelectric conversion material having a low thermal conductivity and an improved figure of merit and a production method for the material, and also provides a thermoelectric conversion module. The thermoelectric conversion material has, on a porous substrate having microscopic pores, a thermoelectric semiconductor layer formed of a thermoelectric semiconductor material, wherein the porous substrate has a polymer layer (B) on a plastic film (A) and the microscopic pores are formed in the polymer layer (B) and in a part of the plastic film (A). The production method for the thermoelectric conversion material comprises a substrate formation step of forming a porous substrate including a step 1, a step 2 and a step 3, and comprises a film formation step of forming a thermoelectric semiconductor layer through film formation of a thermoelectric semiconductor material on the porous substrate. The thermoelectric conversion module uses the thermoelectric conversion material. |
| US09608189B2 |
Thermoelectric generator unit and method of testing the thermoelectric generator unit
A thermoelectric generator unit according to this disclosure includes a plurality of tubular thermoelectric generators, each of which generates electromotive force based on a difference in temperature between the inner and outer peripheral surfaces. The unit further includes a plurality of electrically conductive members providing electrical connection for the generators and a container housing the generators inside. The container includes a shell surrounding the generators and a pair of plates, at least one of which has a plurality of openings and channels. Each channel houses an electrically conductive member. The generators are electrically connected together in series via the electrically conductive member. At least one of the channels has an interconnection which connects at least two of the openings together and a testing hole portion. The testing hole portion runs from the interconnection through an outer edge of the at least one plate. |
| US09608179B2 |
SMD type LED package device, method for manufacturing the same, and light-emitting apparatus
Disclosed is a SMD type LED package device, a method for manufacturing the same, and a light-emitting apparatus, wherein the surface-mount-device (SMD) type light-emitting diode (LED) package device comprises an assembly of an LED chip, two metal supporting frames, and a packaging body. The two metal supporting frames of the assembly are spaced apart from each other and disposed in parallel along the first axis. Each metal supporting frame has a first end electrically connected to the LED chip and a second end opposite to the first end. The packaging body has a lens portion and a supporting portion, which is integrally formed with the packaging body and covers the LED chip and the first ends of the metal supporting frames. |
| US09608172B2 |
Optoelectronic semiconductor component
In at least one embodiment, the optoelectronic semiconductor component contains at least one chip support having electrical contact devices and also at least one optoelectronic semiconductor chip that is set up to produce radiation and that is mechanically and electrically mounted on the chip support. A component support is attached to the chip support. The semiconductor chip is situated in a recess in the component support. The component support is electrically insulated from the chip support and from the semiconductor chip. The component support is formed from a metal or from a metal alloy. On a top that is remote from the chip support, the component support is provided with a reflective coating. |
| US09608169B2 |
Semiconductor light-emitting device and method for fabricating the same
A semiconductor light-emitting device is provided. The semiconductor light-emitting device may include a light-emitting structure, an electrode, an ohmic layer, an electrode layer, an adhesion layer, and a channel layer. The light-emitting structure may include a compound semiconductor layer. The electrode may be disposed on the light-emitting structure. The ohmic layer may be disposed under the light-emitting structure. The electrode layer may include a reflective metal under the ohmic layer. The adhesion layer may be disposed under the electrode layer. The channel layer may be disposed along a bottom edge of the light-emitting structure. |
| US09608166B2 |
Localized annealing of metal-silicon carbide ohmic contacts and devices so formed
A method of forming an ohmic contact for a semiconductor device can be provided by thinning a substrate to provide a reduced thickness substrate and providing a metal on the reduced thickness substrate. Laser annealing can be performed at a location of the metal and the reduced thickness substrate at an energy level to form a metal-substrate material to provide the ohmic contact thereat. |
| US09608163B2 |
Nano-structure semiconductor light emitting device
A nano-structure semiconductor light emitting device includes a base layer formed of a first conductivity type semiconductor, and a first insulating layer disposed on the base layer and having a plurality of first openings exposing partial regions of the base layer. A plurality of nanocores is disposed in the exposed regions of the base layer and formed of the first conductivity-type semiconductor. An active layer is disposed on surfaces of the plurality of nanocores and positioned above the first insulating layer. A second insulating layer is disposed on the first insulating layer and has a plurality of second openings surrounding the plurality of nanocores and the active layer disposed on the surfaces of the plurality of nanocores. A second conductivity-type semiconductor layer is disposed on the surface of the active layer positioned to be above the second insulating layer. |
| US09608158B2 |
Proximity sensor having light-blocking structure in leadframe and method of making same
A method for fabricating a semiconductor proximity sensor includes providing a flat leadframe with a first and a second surface. The second surface is solderable. The leadframe includes a first and a second pad, a plurality of leads, and fingers framing the first pad. The fingers are spaced from the first pad by a gap which is filled with a clear molding compound. A light-emitting diode (LED) chip is assembled on the first pad and encapsulated by a first volume of the clear compound. The first volume outlined as a first lens. A sensor chip is assembled on the second pad and encapsulated by a second volume of the clear compound. The second volume outlined as a second lens. Opaque molding compound fills the space between the first and second volumes of clear compound and forms walls rising from the frame of fingers to create an enclosed cavity for the LED. The pads, leads, and fingers connected to a board using a layer of solder for attaching the proximity sensor. |
| US09608157B2 |
Photon counting semiconductor detectors
A radiation detector (10) includes a semiconductor element (1) for generating positive holes and electrons, a cathode (2) formed on a first surface of the semiconductor element (1) and a plurality of segmented anodes (3) formed on a second surface of the semiconductor element (1), the second surface being in opposed relation to the first surface. Additionally, a plurality of segmented steering electrodes (5a) are positioned adjacent the plurality of segmented anodes (3). Moreover, a plurality of doping atoms are located above at least a portion of the plurality of segmented anodes (3) for reducing the voltage difference between the plurality of segmented anodes (3) and the plurality of segmented steering electrodes (5a). |
| US09608156B2 |
Assembly and mounting of solar cells on space panels
The present disclosure provides a method of fabricating a solar cell panel in an automated process by applying an adhesive pattern to a support, positioning a solar cell assembly over the pattern, and applying pressure to adhere the assembly to the support. |
| US09608151B2 |
Solar shield
A solar shield can include a body and at least one fastening feature. The body can have a length and a width, where each of the length and the width is at least large enough to cover a top surface of at least one of a number of PV solar panels. The at least one fastening feature can be mechanically coupled to the body. The at least one fastening feature, when enabled, secures the body to the top surface of the at least one of the plurality of PV solar panels. The body can be rigid or flexible. The at least one fastening feature can be, at least, a clip, a clamp, or a strap. |
| US09608149B2 |
Solar cell module and method for producing the same
This solar cell module (1) comprises a plurality of solar cell arrays (11). Each solar cell array (11) includes a plurality of spherical semiconductor elements (20) arranged in a row, at least a pair of bypass diodes (40), and a pair of lead members (14) that connect the plurality of spherical semiconductor elements (20) and the plurality of bypass diodes (40) in parallel. Each of the lead members (14) includes one or plural lead strings (15) to which the plurality of spherical semiconductor elements (20) are electrically connected and having a width less than or equal to the radius of the spherical semiconductor element (20), and plural lead pieces (16) formed integrally with the lead strings (15) at least at both end portions of the lead member (14), on which the bypass diodes (40) are electrically connected in reverse parallel to the spherical semiconductor elements (20), and having width larger than or equal to the width of the bypass diodes (40). |
| US09608147B2 |
Photoconductor and image sensor using the same
A photoconductor includes a first semiconductor layer, a second semiconductor layer disposed on the first semiconductor layer, a first electrode connected to a first lateral side of the first semiconductor layer and the second semiconductor layer, and a second electrode connected to a second lateral side of the first semiconductor layer and the second semiconductor layer, where the first semiconductor layer and the second semiconductor layer form a type II junction or a quasi-type-II junction. |
| US09608146B2 |
Method for fabrication of copper-indium gallium oxide and chalcogenide thin films
A composition of matter and method of forming copper indium gallium sulfide (CIGS), copper indium gallium selenide (CIGSe), or copper indium gallium telluride thin film via conversion of layer-by-layer (LbL) assembled Cu—In—Ga oxide (CIGO) nanoparticles and polyelectrolytes. CIGO nanoparticles are created via a flame-spray pyrolysis method using metal nitrate precursors, subsequently coated with polyallylamine (PAH), and dispersed in aqueous solution. Multilayer films are assembled by alternately dipping a substrate into a solution of either polydopamine (PDA) or polystyrenesulfonate (PSS) and then in the CIGO-PAH dispersion to fabricate films as thick as 1-2 microns. After LbL deposition, films are oxidized to remove polymer and sulfurized, selenized, or tellurinized to convert CIGO to CIGS, CIGSe, or copper indium gallium telluride. |
| US09608143B2 |
Composition for forming N-type diffusion layer, method of forming N-type diffusion layer, and method of producing photovoltaic cell
The composition for forming an n-type diffusion layer in accordance with the present invention contains a glass powder and a dispersion medium, in which the glass powder includes an donor element and a total amount of the life time killer element in the glass powder is 1000 ppm or less. An n-type diffusion layer and a photovoltaic cell having an n-type diffusion layer are prepared by applying the composition for forming an n-type diffusion layer, followed by a thermal diffusion treatment. |
| US09608138B2 |
Solar cell module
In the solar cell module including a plurality of solar cells interconnected with wiring members, each of the solar cells includes a plurality of front-side finger electrodes that are disposed on a light-receiving surface of the solar cell and connected with tabs and a plurality of rear-side finger electrodes that are disposed on a rear surface of the solar cell and connected with tabs. Rear-side auxiliary electrode sections are arranged in regions, which is wider than the front-side finger electrodes, on the rear surface opposite to regions where the front-side finger electrodes are present. |
| US09608129B1 |
Semiconductor device and Zener diode having branch impurity regions
A semiconductor device includes a substrate, a well region of a first-conductivity type disposed in the substrate, a first impurity region of a second-conductivity type and having a plurality of branches disposed in the well region, a second impurity region of the first-conductivity type and having a plurality of branches, and a third impurity region of the first-conductivity type disposed in the well region. The second-conductivity type is opposite to the first-conductivity type. A portion of the first impurity region overlaps a portion of the third impurity region. The plurality of branches of the second impurity region are disposed in the third impurity region, and a portion of the third impurity region is disposed between the first impurity region and the second impurity region. |
| US09608125B2 |
Display substrate, its testing method and its manufacturing method
The present disclosure provides a display substrate, its testing method and its manufacturing method. A first testing terminal is connected to a gate electrode of a first TFT, a second testing terminal is connected to a source electrode of the first TFT and a drain electrode of a second TFT, a third testing terminal is connected to a gate electrode of the second TFT, and a fourth testing terminal is connected to a drain electrode of the first TFT and a source electrode of the second TFT. |
| US09608124B2 |
Semiconductor device
Provided is a transistor which has favorable transistor characteristics and includes an oxide semiconductor, and a highly reliable semiconductor device which includes the transistor including the oxide semiconductor. In the semiconductor device including the transistor in which an oxide semiconductor film, a gate insulating film, and a gate electrode are stacked in this order, a sidewall insulating film is formed along side surfaces and a top surface of the gate electrode, and the oxide semiconductor film is subjected to etching treatment so as to have a cross shape having different lengths in the channel length direction or to have a larger length than a source electrode and a drain electrode in the channel width direction. Further, the source electrode and the drain electrode are formed in contact with the oxide semiconductor film. |
| US09608123B2 |
Method for manufacturing semiconductor device
In a semiconductor device including a transistor in which an oxide semiconductor layer, a gate insulating layer, and a gate electrode layer on side surfaces of which sidewall insulating layers are provided are stacked in this order, a source electrode layer and a drain electrode layer are provided in contact with the oxide semiconductor layer and the sidewall insulating layers. In a process for manufacturing the semiconductor device, a conductive layer and an interlayer insulating layer are stacked to cover the oxide semiconductor layer, the sidewall insulating layers, and the gate electrode layer. Then, parts of the interlayer insulating layer and the conductive layer over the gate electrode layer are removed by a chemical mechanical polishing method, so that a source electrode layer and a drain electrode layer are formed. Before formation of the gate insulating layer, cleaning treatment is performed on the oxide semiconductor layer. |
| US09608117B2 |
Semiconductor devices including a finFET
A semiconductor device includes an active fin structure extending in a first direction, the active fin structure including protruding portions divided by a recess, a plurality of gate structures extending in a second direction crossing the first direction and covering the protruding portions of the active fin structure, a first epitaxial pattern in a lower portion of the recess between the gate structures, a second epitaxial pattern on a portion of the first epitaxial pattern, the second epitaxial pattern contacting a sidewall of the recess, and a third epitaxial pattern on the first and second epitaxial patterns, the third epitaxial pattern filling the recess. The first epitaxial pattern includes a first impurity region having a first doping concentration, the second epitaxial pattern includes a second impurity region having a second doping concentration lower than the a first doping concentration, and the third epitaxial pattern includes a third impurity region having a third doping concentration higher than the second doping concentration. The semiconductor device may have good electrical characteristics. |
| US09608115B2 |
FinFET having buffer layer between channel and substrate
FinFET and fabrication method thereof. The FinFET fabrication method includes providing a semiconductor substrate; forming a plurality of trenches in the semiconductor substrate, forming a buffer layer on the semiconductor substrate by filling the trenches and covering the semiconductor substrate, and forming a fin body by etching the buffer layer. The FinFET fabrication method may further includes forming a insulation layer on the buffer layer around the fin body; forming a channel layer on the surface of the fin body; forming a gate structure across the fin body; forming source/drain regions in the channel layer on two sides of the gate structure; and forming an electrode layer on the source/drain regions. |
| US09608110B2 |
Methods of forming a semiconductor circuit element and semiconductor circuit element
The present disclosure provides methods of forming a semiconductor circuit element and a semiconductor circuit element, wherein the semiconductor circuit element includes a first semiconductor device with a first gate structure disposed over a first active region of a semiconductor substrate and a second semiconductor device with a second gate structure disposed over a second active region of the semiconductor substrate, the first gate structure comprising a ferroelectric material buried into the first active region before a gate electrode material is formed on the ferroelectric material and the second gate structure comprising a high-k material different from the ferroelectric material. |
| US09608108B2 |
Semiconductor device and method for manufacturing the same
A semiconductor substrate has a main surface with an n type offset region having a trench portion formed of a plurality of trenches extending in a direction from an n+ drain region toward an n+ source region. The plurality of trenches each have a conducting layer therein extending in the main surface in the direction from the n+ drain region toward the n+ source region. |
| US09608107B2 |
Method and apparatus for MOS device with doped region
A semiconductor device is provided. The device may include a semiconductor layer; and a doped well disposed in the semiconductor layer and having a first conductivity type. The device may also include a drain region, a source region, and a body region, where the source and body regions may operate in different voltages. Further, the device may include a first doped region having a second conductivity type, the first doped region disposed between the source region and the doped well; and a second doped region having the first conductivity type and disposed under the source region. The device may include a third doped region having the second conductivity type and disposed in the doped well; and a fourth doped region disposed above the third doped region, the fourth doped region having the first conductivity type. Additionally, the device may include a gate and a field plate. |
| US09608106B2 |
Semiconductor device and method for forming the same
A semiconductor device and a method for forming the same are disclosed. The semiconductor device includes a first junction region formed at the bottom of a vertical pillar, a bit line formed below the first junction region, and an insulation film formed below the bit line. As a result, the 4F2-sized semiconductor device is provided and the bit line is configured in the form of a laminated structure of a conductive layer and a polysilicon layer, so that bit line resistance is reduced. In addition, the semiconductor device reduces ohmic contact resistance by forming silicide between the conductive layer and the polysilicon layer, and includes an insulation film at a position between the semiconductor substrate and the bit line, resulting in reduction of bit line capacitance. Therefore, the sensing margin of the semiconductor device is increased and the data retention time is also increased. |
| US09608098B2 |
Tunable FIN-SCR for robust ESD protection
One embodiment of the present invention relates to a silicon-controlled-rectifier (SCR). The SCR includes a longitudinal silicon fin extending between an anode and a cathode and including a junction region there between. One or more first transverse fins traverses the longitudinal fin at one or more respective tapping points positioned between the anode and the junction region. Other devices and methods are also disclosed. |
| US09608095B2 |
Thermoelectric conversion element and manufacturing method for the same
Concerning a thermoelectric conversion element, it is desired to provide a new spin current to charge current conversion material. A thermoelectric conversion element includes a magnetic layer possessing in-plane magnetization, and an electromotive layer magnetically coupled to the magnetic layer. The electromotive layer is formed of a carbon material, possesses anisotropy of electric conductivity, and further includes an additive. |
| US09608092B2 |
Method of manufacturing a semiconductor device having a rectifying junction at the side wall of a trench
A method for forming a field-effect semiconductor device includes: providing a wafer having a main surface and a first semiconductor layer of a first conductivity type; forming at least two trenches from the main surface partly into the first semiconductor layer so that each of the at least two trenches includes, in a vertical cross-section substantially orthogonal to the main surface, a side wall and a bottom wall, and that a semiconductor mesa is formed between the side walls of the at least two trenches; forming at least two second semiconductor regions of a second conductivity type in the first semiconductor layer so that the bottom wall of each of the at least two trenches adjoins one of the at least two second semiconductor regions; and forming a rectifying junction at the side wall of at least one of the at least two trenches. |
| US09608090B2 |
Method for fabricating semiconductor device having fin structure that includes dummy fins
A method for fabricating semiconductor device is disclosed. First, a substrate, and a sacrificial mandrel is formed on the substrate, in which the sacrificial mandrel includes a first side and a second side with the indentation. Next, a spacer is formed adjacent to the first side and the second side of the sacrificial mandrel, the sacrificial mandrel is removed, and the spacer is used to remove part of the substrate for forming a fin-shaped structure and a dummy fin-shaped structure. |
| US09608088B2 |
Hybrid active-field gap extended drain MOS transistor
An integrated circuit includes an extended drain MOS transistor with parallel alternating active gap drift regions and field gap drift regions. The extended drain MOS transistor includes a gate having field plates over the field gap drift regions. The extended drain MOS transistor may be formed in a symmetric nested configuration. A process for forming an integrated circuit containing an extended drain MOS transistor provides parallel alternating active gap drift regions and field gap drift regions with a gate having field plates over the field gap drift regions. |
| US09608087B2 |
Integrated circuits with spacer chamfering and methods of spacer chamfering
Semiconductor devices and methods for forming the devices with spacer chamfering. One method includes, for instance: obtaining a wafer with at least one source, at least one drain, and at least one fin; forming at least one sacrificial gate with at least one barrier layer; forming a first set of spacers adjacent to the at least one sacrificial gate; forming at least one second set of spacers adjacent to the first set of spacers; and etching to remove a portion of the first set of spacers above the at least one barrier layer to form a widened opening. An intermediate semiconductor device is also disclosed. |
| US09608086B2 |
Metal gate structure and method of formation
Embodiments of the present invention provide a metal gate structure and method of formation. In the replacement metal gate (RMG) process flow, the gate cut process is performed after the metal gate is formed. This allows for a reduced margin between the end of the gate and an adjacent fin. It enables a thinner sacrificial layer on top of the dummy gate, since the gate cut step is deferred. The thinner sacrificial layer improves device quality by reducing the adverse effect of shadowing during implantation. Furthermore, in this process flow, the work function metal layer is terminated along the semiconductor substrate by a capping layer, which reduces undesirable shifts in threshold voltage that occurred in prior methods and structures. |
| US09608085B2 |
Predisposed high electron mobility transistor
A predisposed high electron mobility transistor (HEMT) is disclosed. The predisposed HEMT includes a buffer layer, a HEMT channel layer on the buffer layer, a first HEMT barrier layer over the HEMT channel layer, and a HEMT cap layer on the first HEMT barrier layer. The HEMT cap layer has a drain region, a source region, and a gate region. Further, the HEMT cap layer has a continuous surface on the drain region, the source region, and the gate region. When no external voltage is applied between the source region and the gate region, the gate region either depletes carriers from the HEMT channel layer or provides carriers to the HEMT channel layer, thereby selecting a predisposed state of the predisposed HEMT. |
| US09608084B2 |
Emitter contact epitaxial structure and ohmic contact formation for heterojunction bipolar transistor
Embodiments of the present disclosure describe apparatuses, methods, and systems of an integrated circuit (IC) device. The IC device includes a diffusion control layer as part of an emitter epitaxial structure. The IC device may utilize a common metallization scheme to simultaneously form an emitter contact and a base contact. Other embodiments may also be described and/or claimed. |
| US09608080B2 |
Method and structure to reduce parasitic capacitance in raised source/drain silicon-on-insulator devices
An aspect of the invention is directed to a silicon-on-insulator device including a silicon layer on an insulating layer on a substrate; a raised source and a raised drain on the silicon layer; a gate between the raised source and the raised drain; a first spacer separating the gate from the raised source and substantially covering a first sidewall of the gate; a second spacer separating the gate from the raised drain and substantially covering a second sidewall of the gate; and a low-k layer over the raised source, the raised drain, the gate and each of the first spacer and the second spacer; and a dielectric layer over the low-k layer. |
| US09608075B1 |
III-nitride semiconductor device with doped epi structures
A compound semiconductor device includes a first III-nitride buffer layer doped with carbon and/or iron, a second III-nitride buffer layer above the first III-nitride buffer layer and doped with carbon and/or iron, a first III-nitride device layer above the second III-nitride buffer layer, and a second III-nitride device layer above the first III-nitride device layer and having a different band gap than the first III-nitride device layer. A two-dimensional charge carrier gas arises along an interface between the first and second III-nitride device layers. The first III-nitride buffer layer has an average doping concentration of carbon and/or iron which is greater than that of the second III-nitride buffer layer. The second III-nitride buffer layer has an average doping concentration of carbon and/or iron which is comparable to or greater than that of the first III-nitride device layer. A method of manufacturing the compound semiconductor device is described. |
| US09608068B2 |
Substrate with strained and relaxed silicon regions
A method is provided for forming an integrated circuit. A trench is formed in a substrate. Subsequently, a silicon-germanium feature is formed in the trench, and an etch stop layer is formed on the substrate and on the silicon-germanium feature. Lastly, a silicon device layer is formed on the etch stop layer. The silicon device layer has a tensily-strained region overlying the silicon-germanium feature. Regions of the silicon device layer not overlying the silicon-germanium feature are less strained than the tensily-strained region. The tensily-strained region of the silicon device layer may be further processed into channel features in n-type field effect transistors with improved charge carrier mobilities and device drive currents. |
| US09608067B2 |
Hybrid aspect ratio trapping
A semiconductor structure includes a material stack located on a surface of a semiconductor substrate. The material stack includes, from bottom to top, a silicon germanium alloy portion that is substantially relaxed and defect-free and a semiconductor material pillar that is defect-free. A dielectric material structure surrounds sidewalls of the material stack and is present on exposed portions of the semiconductor substrate. |
| US09608065B1 |
Air gap spacer for metal gates
A method of forming a semiconductor device that includes forming a trench adjacent to a gate structure to expose a contact surface of one of a source region and a drain region. A sacrificial spacer may be formed on a sidewall of the trench and on a sidewall of the gate structure. A metal contact may then be formed in the trench to at least one of the source region and the drain region. The metal contact has a base width that is less than an upper surface width of the metal contact. The sacrificial spacer may be removed, and a substantially conformal dielectric material layer can be formed on sidewalls of the metal contact and the gate structure. Portions of the conformally dielectric material layer contact one another at a pinch off region to form an air gap between the metal contact and the gate structure. |
| US09608061B2 |
Fin field-effct transistors
A method for fabricating fin field-effect transistors includes providing a semiconductor substrate; and forming a plurality of fins on a surface of the semiconductor substrate. The method also includes forming dummy gates formed over side and top surfaces of the fins; forming a precursor material layer with a surface higher than top surfaces of the fins to cover the dummy gates and the semiconductor substrate; performing a thermal annealing process to convert the precursor material layer into a dielectric layer having a plurality of voids; and planarizing the dielectric layer to expose the top surfaces of the dummy gates. Further, the method also includes performing a post-treatment process using oxygen-contained de-ionized water on the planarized dielectric layer to eliminate the plurality of voids formed in the dielectric layer; removing the dummy gates to form trenches; and forming a high-K metal gate structure in each of the trenches. |
| US09608058B1 |
Semiconductor device
A semiconductor device includes a SiC layer that has a first surface and a second surface, a first electrode in contact with the first surface, a first SiC region of a first conductivity type in the SiC layer, a second SiC region of a second conductivity type in the SiC layer and surrounding a portion of the first SiC region, a third SiC region of the second conductivity type in the SiC layer and surrounding the second SiC region, the third SiC region having an impurity concentration of the second conductivity type lower than that of the second SiC region, and a fourth SiC region of the second conductivity type in the SiC layer between the second SiC region and the third Sic region, the fourth SiC region having an impurity concentration of the second conductivity type higher than that of the second SiC region. |
| US09608054B2 |
Semiconductor device and method for fabricating the same
A semiconductor device and a method of fabricating the same include a semiconductor substrate, a high-k dielectric pattern and a metal-containing pattern sequentially being stacked on the semiconductor substrate, a gate pattern including poly semiconductor and disposed on the metal-containing pattern, and a protective layer disposed on the gate pattern, wherein the protective layer includes oxide, nitride and/or oxynitride of the poly semiconductor. |
| US09608053B2 |
EL display panel, power supply line drive apparatus, and electronic device
Disclosed herein is an electroluminescence display panel including a pixel circuit, a signal line, a scan line, a drive power supply line, a common power supply line, a power supply line drive circuit, a high-potential power supply line, and a low-potential power supply line. |
| US09608050B2 |
Organic light emitting diode display utilizing a curved semiconductor layer
An organic light emitting diode (OLED) display including: a substrate; a semiconductor layer disposed on the substrate and including a switching semiconductor layer and a driving semiconductor layer connected to the switching semiconductor layer; a first gate insulating layer disposed on the semiconductor layer; a switching gate electrode and a driving gate electrode disposed on the first gate insulating layer and respectively overlapping with the switching semiconductor layer and the driving semiconductor layer; a second gate insulating layer disposed on the switching gate electrode and the driving gate electrode; a driving voltage line configured to transmit a driving voltage and disposed on the second gate insulating layer; an interlayer insulating layer disposed on the driving voltage line and the second gate insulating layer; and a data line configured to transmit a data signal and disposed on the interlayer insulating layer. |
| US09608049B2 |
Organic light emitting diode display
An organic light emitting diode (OLED) display includes a flexible substrate, a barrier layer disposed on the flexible substrate, and an organic light emitting diode disposed on the barrier layer. The barrier layer includes a plurality of metal layers and a plurality of insulation layers in which the metal layers and the insulation layers are alternatively stacked with each other on the flexible substrate. |
| US09608048B2 |
Touch display device and method for manufacturing the same
A touch display device and a method for manufacturing the same are provided. The touch display device includes a first substrate, a second substrate disposed opposite to the first substrate, and at least one touch signal transmission unit. The touch signal transmission unit includes: a first conductive layer located above a side of the first substrate facing the second substrate; a second conductive layer located above a side of the second substrate facing the first substrate; a touch signal transmission layer, located between the second conductive layer and the second substrate and electrically connected to the first conductive layer via the second conductive layer; and a spacer located between the first substrate and the second substrate, where a vertical projection of the spacer onto the first substrate at least partially overlaps vertical projections of the first conductive layer and the second conductive layer onto the first substrate. |
| US09608044B2 |
OLED display panel, method for manufacturing the same, display device and electronic product
The present disclosure provides an OLED display panel, which sequentially includes: a first light emitting layer covering at least two adjacent sub-pixels including the first sub-pixel; a charge blocking layer covering the second sub-pixel and the third sub-pixel; a second light emitting layer covering the first sub-pixel and the second sub-pixel; a third light emitting layer covering at least two adjacent sub-pixels including the third sub-pixel. LUMO energy levels of a main material of the charge blocking layer, a main light emitting material of the third light emitting layer, a main light emitting material of the second light emitting layer and a main light emitting material of the first light emitting layer are sequentially decreased; or, HOMO energy levels of the main light emitting materials of the first light emitting layer, the second light emitting layer, the third light emitting layer and the charge blocking layer are sequentially decreased. |
| US09608043B2 |
Method of operating memory array having divided apart bit lines and partially divided bit line selector switches
A non-volatile data storage device comprises pairs of immediately adjacent and isolated-from-one-another local bit lines that are independently driven by respective and vertically oriented bit line selector devices. The isolation between the immediately adjacent and isolated-from-one-another local bit lines also isolates from one another respective memory cells of the non-volatile data storage device such that leakage currents cannot flow from memory cells connected to a first of the immediately adjacent and isolated-from-one-another local bit lines to memory cells connected to the second of the pair of immediately adjacent and isolated-from-one-another local bit lines. A method programming a desire one of the memory cells includes applying boosting voltages to word lines adjacent to the bit line of the desired memory cell while not applying boosting voltages to word lines adjacent to the other bit line of the pair. |
| US09608040B2 |
Memory device and method of fabricating the same
A memory device including a substrate, an insulating layer on the substrate, the insulating layer including a first region having a first top surface and a second region having a second top surface, the second top surface being lower than the first top surface with respect to the substrate, the first region including a first through hole penetrating therethrough, the second region including a second through hole penetrating therethrough, a first conductive pattern filling the first through hole, a second conductive pattern at least partially filling the second through hole, a magnetic tunnel junction pattern on the first conductive pattern, and a contact plug coupled to the second conductive pattern may be provided. Further, a method of fabricating the memory device also may be provided. |
| US09608039B1 |
Magnetic junctions programmable using spin-orbit interaction torque in the absence of an external magnetic field
A magnetic memory including a plurality of magnetic junctions and at least one spin-orbit interaction (SO) active layer is described. Each of the magnetic junctions includes a reference layer, a free layer and a nonmagnetic spacer layer between reference and free layers. The magnetic junction includes a biasing structure for providing a magnetic bias in a first direction and/or the free layer has a length in the first direction and a width in a second direction. The width is less than the length. The SO active layer(s) are adjacent to the free layer and carry a current in a third direction. The third direction is at a nonzero acute angle from the first direction. The SO active layer(s) exerts a SO torque on the free layer due to the current passing through the at least one SO active layer. The free layer is switchable using the SO torque. |
| US09608038B2 |
Magnetic tunnel junction (MTJ) memory element having tri-layer perpendicular reference layer
The present invention is directed to an STT-MRAM device comprising a plurality of memory elements. Each of the memory elements includes an MTJ structure in between a seed layer and a cap layer. The MTJ structure includes a magnetic free layer structure and a magnetic reference layer structure with an insulating tunnel junction layer interposed therebetween; and a magnetic fixed layer separated from the magnetic reference layer structure by an anti-ferromagnetic coupling layer. The magnetic reference layer structure includes a first magnetic reference layer formed adjacent to the insulating tunnel junction layer and a second magnetic reference layer separated from the first magnetic reference layer by an intermediate magnetic reference layer. The first, second, and intermediate magnetic reference layers have a first invariable magnetization direction substantially perpendicular to layer planes thereof. The magnetic fixed layer has a second invariable magnetization direction that is opposite to the first invariable magnetization direction. |
| US09608034B2 |
Manufacturing method of back illumination CMOS image sensor device using wafer bonding
Disclosed is a manufacturing method of a semiconductor device including a step of attaching semiconductor wafers together, in which it is prevented that the bonding strength between the attached semiconductor wafers may be decreased due to a void caused between the two semiconductor wafers. Moisture, etc., adsorbed to the surfaces of the semiconductor wafers is desorbed by performing a heat treatment on the semiconductor wafers after cleaning the surfaces thereof with pure water. Subsequently, after a plasma treatment is performed on the semiconductor wafers, the two semiconductor wafers are attached together. The wafers are firmly bonded together by subjecting to a high-temperature heat treatment. |
| US09608031B2 |
Method for manufacturing solid-state image sensor
A method for manufacturing a solid-state image sensor, the method comprising preparing a substrate including a photoelectric conversion portion, forming, on the substrate, a structure which includes a first member made of a material containing silicon oxide and a second member arranged on the first member and made of a material containing silicon carbide, forming an opening in a position above the photoelectric conversion portion in the structure by removing a part of the first and the second members, and forming a transparent member in the opening, wherein the second member is formed at a first temperature and the transparent member is formed at a second temperature lower than the first temperature. |
| US09608030B2 |
Solid-state imaging apparatus, method of manufacturing the same, and electronic apparatus
A solid-state imaging apparatus includes an imaging region in which pixels are arranged, a connection region that surrounds the imaging region and includes an electrode pad, and an in-layer lens that is formed in the imaging region for each of the pixels. The in-layer lens is formed of a coating-type high-refractive-index material. The connection region includes an opening that is formed such that an upper surface of the electrode pad is exposed from the high-refractive-index material applied to the electrode pad. |
| US09608029B2 |
Optical package with recess in transparent cover
Embodiments of the present invention are directed to optical packages having a cover made of transparent material with a recess formed therein and methods of forming same. The recess may be formed in a periphery portion of the transparent material and may have various shapes and configurations. Adhesive is provided in at least a portion of the recess of the transparent material, which secures the transparent material to an image sensor. |
| US09608028B2 |
Image sensor and method for manufacturing same
Disclosed is an image sensor, which is characterized by increased strength of adhesion between a photoconductive layer and a front electrode made of aluminum, and which includes a first electrode composed of aluminum, copper or an aluminum-copper alloy on a substrate, a buffer layer formed on the first electrode, a photoconductive layer formed on the buffer layer, and a second electrode formed on the photoconductive layer, wherein the buffer layer includes a material having higher strength of adhesion than the photoconductive layer to the first electrode. |
| US09608027B2 |
Stacked embedded SPAD image sensor for attached 3D information
A pixel array includes a plurality of visible light pixels arranged in the pixel array. Each one of the plurality of visible light pixels includes a photosensitive element arranged in a first semiconductor die to detect visible light. Each one of the plurality of visible light pixels is coupled to provide color image data to visible light readout circuitry disposed in a second semiconductor die stacked with and coupled to the first semiconductor die in a stacked chip scheme. A plurality of infrared (IR) pixels arranged in the pixel array. Each one of the plurality of IR pixels includes a single photon avalanche photodiode (SPAD) arranged in the first semiconductor die to detect IR light. Each one of the plurality of visible light pixels is coupled to provide IR image data to IR light readout circuitry disposed in the second semiconductor die. |
| US09608025B2 |
Imaging apparatus and imaging system
Provided is an imaging apparatus includes: a substrate; a photoelectric conversion unit configured to generate a signal charge by photoelectric conversion; a contact wiring of a conductor electrically connected to the photoelectric conversion unit; a transistor including a control electrode, a first main electrode electrically connected to the contact wiring, and a second main electrode; a charge accumulating unit provided in the substrate and electrically connected to the second main electrode of the transistor; and a first switching unit configured to switch connection and disconnection between the control electrode and the first main electrode of the transistor. |
| US09608024B2 |
CMOS image sensor for reducing dead zone
An image sensor such as a complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) image sensor and a method of manufacturing the same are provided. The CMOS image sensor includes: a semiconductor substrate including a first surface and a third surface formed by removing a part of the semiconductor substrate from a second surface opposite to the first surface; a plurality of active regions which are formed between the first surface and the third surface and each of which includes a photoelectric conversion element generating charges in response to light input through the third surface; and an isolation region vertically formed from either of the first and third surfaces to isolate the active regions from one another. When the CMOS image sensor is viewed from the above of the third surface, each of the active regions may have round corners and concave sides. |
| US09608023B1 |
Edge reflection reduction
An image sensor package includes an image sensor with a pixel array disposed in a semiconductor material, and a transparent shield adhered to the semiconductor material. The pixel array is disposed between the semiconductor material and the transparent shield. A light blocking layer is disposed in recessed regions of the transparent shield, and the recessed regions are disposed on an illuminated side of the transparent shield. The light blocking layer is disposed to prevent light from reflecting off edges of the transparent shield into the image sensor. |
| US09608021B2 |
Image sensor and method for manufacturing thereof
An image sensor is provided including a substrate, an array of photosensitive units, a grid, a light-tight layer and a plurality of color filters. In the image sensor, the grid has a top surface, and the light-tight layer is disposed on the top surface of the grid. Due to the light-tight layer on the grid, an incident light entering into the grid can be blocked by the light-tight layer, so that the crosstalk effect is reduced significantly. Further, a method for manufacturing the image sensor also provides herein. |
| US09608020B2 |
Imaging element mounting substrate and imaging device
An imaging element mounting substrate includes: an insulating base comprising insulating layers, the insulating base surface comprising an opening which is located at a center thereof; a connection electrode disposed at a lower surface of the insulating base around the opening; and light-transmission control layers between the insulating layers, and comprising inner edges located on an outside of the opening. An inner edge of one light-transmission control layer lies closer to the opening than an inner edge of another light-transmission control layer as seen in a transparent plan view, and the insulating base has, in an inner periphery of the opening of an insulating layer constituting a lower surface of the insulating base, an inclined portion which is inclined such that the opening becomes smaller in size from the lower surface as approaching an upper surface of the insulating base. |
| US09608016B2 |
Method of separating a wafer of semiconductor devices
A method according to embodiments of the invention includes providing a wafer comprising a semiconductor structure grown on a growth substrate. The semiconductor structure includes a light emitting layer disposed between an n-type region and a p-type region. The wafer includes trenches defining individual semiconductor devices. The trenches extend through an entire thickness of the semiconductor structure to reveal the growth substrate. The method further includes forming a thick conductive layer on the semiconductor structure. The thick conductive layer is configured to support the semiconductor structure when the growth substrate is removed. The method further includes removing the growth substrate. |
| US09608011B2 |
Thin-film transistor and fabricating method thereof, array substrate and display apparatus
The present invention discloses a thin-film transistor and a fabricating method thereof, an array substrate and a display apparatus. An active layer in the thin-film transistor comprises a first active layer and a second active layer which are stacked; wherein, an orthographic projection of the first active layer on the substrate covers orthographic projections of the source electrode, the drain electrode as well as a gap located between the source electrode and the drain electrode on the substrate, and covers an orthographic projection of the gate electrode on the substrate; the second active layer is located at the gap between the source electrode and the drain electrode, and an orthographic projection of the second active layer on the substrate is located in a region where the orthographic projection of the gate electrode on the substrate is located. |
| US09608009B2 |
Display device and method of fabricating the same
A disclosed display device includes a first oxide semiconductor layer and an oxide semiconductor connection wire both formed from an oxide semiconductor material layer over a substrate. The oxide semiconductor connection wire is integrally connected to the first oxide semiconductor layer and has a lower sheet resistance than the first oxide semiconductor layer. The display device also includes a first gate electrode either over the first oxide semiconductor layer or between the first oxide semiconductor layer and the substrate. The display device further includes a first gate insulation layer between the first oxide semiconductor layer and the first gate electrode. |
| US09608006B2 |
Semiconductor device and touch panel
A touch panel whose power consumption can be reduced is provided, and an increase in the manufacturing cost of the touch panel is prevented. A photosensor which includes a light-receiving element including a non-single-crystal semiconductor layer between a pair of electrodes and a transistor including an oxide semiconductor layer in a channel formation region is provided. A touch panel which includes a plurality of pixels and the photosensor adjacent to at least one of the plurality of pixels is provided. Each of the plurality of pixels includes a pair of terminals. One of the pair of terminals is a reflective conductive film. Alternatively, each of the pair of terminals is a light-transmitting conductive film. |
| US09608002B2 |
Semiconductor memory device and method for manufacturing same
According to one embodiment, the stacked body includes a plurality of stacked units and a first intermediate layer. Each of the stacked units includes a plurality of electrode layers and a plurality of insulating layers. Each of the insulating layers is provided between the electrode layers. The first intermediate layer is provided between the stacked units. The first intermediate layer is made of a material different from the electrode layers and the insulating layers. The plurality of columnar portions includes a channel body extending in a stacking direction of the stacked body to pierce the stacked body, and a charge storage film provided between the channel body and the electrode layers. |
| US09607996B2 |
Semiconductor device
A semiconductor device includes a memory transistor (10A) which is capable of being irreversibly changed from a semiconductor state where drain current Ids depends on gate voltage Vg to a resistor state where drain current Ids does not depend on gate voltage Vg. The memory transistor (10A) includes a gate electrode (3), a metal oxide layer (7), a gate insulating film (5), and source and drain electrodes. The drain electrode (9d) has a multilayer structure which includes a first drain metal layer (9d1) and a second drain metal layer (9d2), the first drain metal layer (9d1) being made of a first metal whose melting point is not less than 1200° C., the second drain metal layer (9d2) being made of a second metal whose melting point is lower than that of the first metal. Part P of the drain electrode 9d extends over both the metal oxide layer (7) and the gate electrode (3) when viewed in a direction normal to a surface of the substrate. The part (P) of the drain electrode (9d) includes the first drain metal layer (9d1) and does not include the second drain metal layer (9d2). |
| US09607983B2 |
Semiconductor device
A semiconductor device is formed, the semiconductor device including: an SOI substrate; field insulating films that are formed on the SOI substrate and that separate a plurality of element formation regions; first and second HV pMOSs, and first and second LV pMOSs that are formed in the plurality of element formation regions; a first interlayer insulating film and a second interlayer insulating film formed on the SOI substrate; a mold resin formed on the second interlayer insulating film; and conductive films that are formed on the first interlayer insulating film and that are interposed between the plurality of element formation regions, and the field insulating films and mold resin. |
| US09607977B1 |
Electrostatic discharge protection device and method for producing an electrostatic discharge protection device
An electrostatic discharge protection device includes an anode, a cathode, a negative voltage holding transistor and a positive voltage holding transistor. The anode is coupled to an input terminal, and the cathode is coupled to a ground. The negative voltage holding transistor includes an N-well. The positive voltage holding transistor includes an N-well. The N-well of the positive voltage holding transistor and the N-well of the negative voltage holding transistor are coupled together and are float. The negative voltage holding transistor and the positive voltage holding transistor are coupled between the anode and the cathode in a manner of back-to-back. |
| US09607975B2 |
Semiconductor device and wireless tag using the same
In a wireless tag with which a wireless communication system whose electric power of a carrier wave from a R/W is high, an overvoltage protection circuit is provided to prevent from generating excessive electric power in the wireless tag when the wireless tag receives excessive electric power. However, as noise is generated by operation of the overvoltage protection circuit, an error of reception occurs in receiving a signal whose modulation factor is small. To solve the problem, the maximum value of generated voltage in the wireless tag is held in a memory circuit after the overvoltage protection circuit operates, then the overvoltage protection circuit is controlled in accordance with the maximum value of generated voltage. The voltages at which the overvoltage protection circuit starts and stops operating are different from each other, and hysteresis occurs between the timing when the overvoltage protection circuit starts and stops operating. |
| US09607961B2 |
Semiconductor device
A semiconductor device includes a semiconductor substrate, a front surface electrode provided on a front surface of the semiconductor substrate, a solder layer, and a metal member fixed to a front surface of the front surface electrode via the solder layer. The solder layer includes an inner solder portion positioned inner than an end portion of the metal member and an outer solder portion positioned outer than the end portion of the metal member, relative to a direction along the front surface of the semiconductor substrate. The semiconductor substrate includes an inner substrate portion positioned below the inner solder portion and an outer substrate portion positioned below the outer solder portion. A density of carriers that flow from the outer substrate portion to the front surface electrode is lower than a density of carriers that flow from the inner substrate portion to the front surface electrode. |
| US09607955B2 |
Contact pad
The present disclosure relates to forming multi-layered contact pads for a semiconductor device, wherein the various layers of the contact pad are formed using one or more thin-film deposition processes, such as an evaporation process. Each contact pad includes an adhesion layer, which is formed over the device structure for the semiconductor device; a titanium nitride (TiN) barrier layer, which is formed over the adhesion layer; and an overlay layer, which is formed over the barrier layer. At least the titanium nitride (TiN) barrier layer is formed using an evaporation process. |
| US09607946B2 |
Reverse damascene process
The present disclosure relates to a method of forming a back-end-of-the-line metallization layer. The method is performed by forming a plurality of freestanding metal layer structures (i.e., metal layer structures not surrounded by a dielectric material) on a semiconductor substrate within an area defined by a patterned photoresist layer. A diffusion barrier layer is deposited onto the metal layer structure in a manner such that the diffusion barrier layer conforms to the top and sides of the metal layer structure. A dielectric material is formed on the surface of the substrate to fill areas between metal layer structures. The substrate is planarized to remove excess metal and dielectric material and to expose the top of the metal layer structure. |
| US09607942B2 |
Semiconductor device with patterned ground shielding
Semiconductor devices and methods of formation are provided herein. A semiconductor device includes a first inductor, a patterned ground shielding (PGS) proximate the first inductor comprising one or more portions and a first switch configured to couple a first portion of the PGS to a second portion of the PGS. The semiconductor device also has a configuration including a first inductor on a first side of the PGS, a second inductor on a second side of the PGS and a first switch configured to couple a first portion of the PGS to a second portion of the PGS. Selective coupling of portions of the PGS by activating or deactivating switches alters the behavior of the first inductor, or the behavior and interaction between the first inductor and the second inductor. A mechanism is thus provided for selectively configuring a PGS to control inductive or other properties of a circuit. |
| US09607938B2 |
Integrated circuit packaging system with embedded pad on layered substrate and method of manufacture thereof
An integrated circuit packaging system and method of manufacture thereof includes: a dielectric core having an embedded pad; a top solder resist layer on the dielectric core, a pad top surface of the embedded pad below the top solder resist layer; a device interconnect attached to the embedded pad; and an integrated circuit device having an interconnect pillar, the interconnect pillar attached to the device interconnect for mounting the integrated circuit device to the dielectric core. |
| US09607932B2 |
Semiconductor device
A semiconductor device is disclosed. The semiconductor device has a semiconductor chip, an island having an upper surface to which the semiconductor chip is bonded, a lead disposed around the island, a bonding wire extended between the surface of the semiconductor chip and the upper surface of the lead, and a resin package sealing the semiconductor chip, the island, the lead, and the bonding wire, while the lower surface of the island and the lower surface of the lead are exposed on the rear surface of the resin package, and the lead is provided with a recess concaved from the lower surface side and opened on a side surface thereof. |
| US09607926B2 |
Probe pad design to reduce saw defects
An integrated circuit wafer and fabrication method includes a probe pad structure in saw lanes between integrated circuits. The probe pad structure includes a probe pad with a plurality of pad segments. The pad segments are elements of an interconnect level of the wafer. |
| US09607925B2 |
Semiconductor device for verifying operation of through silicon vias
A semiconductor device may include: a plurality of output paths, which include a plurality of through silicon vias (TSVs), respectively, and suitable for transmission of test confirmation information; an information provider suitable for providing the test confirmation information to the plurality of TSVs; and an output controller suitable for selectively blocking one of the output paths including a failed one among the plurality of TSVs. |
| US09607924B2 |
Power semiconductor module and method for cooling power semiconductor module
The present disclosure relates to a power semiconductor module comprising a printed circuit board (PCB), and to method of cooling such a power semiconductor module. The module comprises a power semiconductor device and an island of thermally conducting foam embedded into the printed circuit board. The power semiconductor device and the island of thermally conducting foam are positioned on top of each other, and the island is arranged to form a path for a flowing coolant cooling the power semiconductor device. |
| US09607923B2 |
Electronic device having a thermal conductor made of silver between a heat sink and an electronic element, and fabrication method thereof
An electronic device is provided, which includes an electronic element and a heat dissipating element disposed on the electronic element through a thermal conductor, wherein a width of the thermal conductor is smaller than a width of the electronic element. The thermal conductor includes silver to thereby greatly increase the thermal conductivity of the thermal conductor and hence improve the thermal conduction efficiency of the electronic device. |
| US09607918B2 |
Fan-out wafer level packages containing embedded ground plane interconnect structures and methods for the fabrication thereof
Fan-Out Wafer Level Packages (FO-WLPs) and methods for fabricating FO-WLPs containing Embedded Ground Planes (EGPs) and backside EGP interconnect structures are provided. In one embodiment, the method includes electrically coupling an EGP to a backside terminal of a first microelectronic device through a backside EGP interconnect structure. A molded package body is formed around the first microelectronic device, the EGP, and the EGP interconnect structure. The molded package body has a frontside at which the EGP is exposed. One or more Redistribution Layers are formed over the frontside of the molded packaged body and contain at least one interconnect line electrically coupled to the backside contact through the EGP and the backside EGP interconnect structure. |
| US09607915B2 |
Through substrate vias and device
Method of making through-substrate-vias in glass substrates includes providing a first substrate on which a plurality of needles protruding vertically from the substrate are made; providing a second substrate made of glass; locating the substrates adjacent each other such that the needles on the first substrate face the second substrate; applying heat to a temperature where the glass softens, by heating the glass or the needle substrate or both; applying a force such that the needles on the first substrate penetrate into the glass to provide impressions in the glass; and finally, removing the first substrate and providing material filling the impressions in the second substrate made of glass. A device includes a silicon substrate having a cavity in which a MEMS component is accommodated, and a cap wafer made of a material having a low dielectric constant, and through substrate vias of metal, is bonded to the silicon substrate. |
| US09607912B2 |
Integrated circuit comprising at least an integrated antenna
An integrated circuit on a substrate includes a peripheral portion that surrounds an active area and is positioned close to a scribe line providing separation with other integrated circuits realized on a same wafer. The integrated circuit includes at least one conductive structure that extends in the peripheral portion on different planes of metallizations starting from the substrate and forms an integrated antenna. Magnetic trench structures are provided adjacent the integrated antenna. |
| US09607906B2 |
Integrated circuit chip with corrected temperature drift
An integrated circuit chip includes trenches at least partially surrounding a critical portion of a circuit that is sensitive to temperature variations. The trenches are locally interrupted in order to permit circuit connections to pass between the critical portion and an outer portion containing a remainder of the circuit. The critical portion includes heating resistors and a temperature sensor. |
| US09607904B2 |
Atomic layer deposition of HfAlC as a metal gate workfunction material in MOS devices
ALD of HfxAlyCz films using hafnium chloride (HfCl4) and Trimethylaluminum (TMA) precursors can be combined with post-deposition anneal processes and ALD liners to control the device characteristics in high-k metal-gate devices. Variation of the HfCl4 pulse time allows for control of the Al % incorporation in the HfxAlyCz film in the range of 10-13%. Combinatorial process tools can be employed for rapid electrical and materials characterization of various materials stacks. The effective work function (EWF) in metal oxide semiconductor capacitor (MOSCAP) devices with the HfxAlyCz work function layer coupled with ALD deposited HfO2 high-k gate dielectric layers was quantified to be mid-gap at ˜4.6 eV. Thus, HfxAlyCz is a promising metal gate work function material allowing for the tuning of device threshold voltages (Vth) for anticipated multi-Vth integrated circuit (IC) devices. |
| US09607899B1 |
Integration of vertical transistors with 3D long channel transistors
A method for integrating a vertical transistor and a three-dimensional channel transistor includes forming narrow fins and wide fins in a substrate; forming a first source/drain (S/D) region at a base of the narrow fin and forming a gate dielectric layer and a gate conductor layer over the narrow fin and the wide fin. The gate conductor layer and the gate dielectric layer are patterned to form a vertical gate structure and a three-dimensional (3D) gate structure. Gate spacers are formed over sidewalls of the gate structures. A planarizing layer is deposited over the vertical gate structure and the 3D gate structure. A top portion of the narrow fin is exposed. S/D regions are formed on opposite sides of the 3D gate structure to form a 3D transistor, and a second S/D region is formed on the top portion of the narrow fin to form a vertical transistor. |
| US09607895B2 |
Silicon via with amorphous silicon layer and fabrication method thereof
A method is provided for fabricating a semiconductor structure. The method includes providing a substrate having an upper surface and a bottom surface; and forming a deep hole in the substrate from the upper surface. The method also includes forming an amorphous silicon layer on a side surface and a bottom surface of the deep hole to promote a preferred crystal orientation in subsequently formed layers. Further, the method includes forming a barrier layer having a preferred orientation along the (111) crystal face on the barrier layer. Further, the method also includes forming a metal layer having a preferred orientation along the (111) crystal face on the barrier layer to fill the through hole. |
| US09607888B2 |
Integration of ALD barrier layer and CVD Ru liner for void-free Cu filling
Methods for integration of atomic layer deposition (ALD) of barrier layers and chemical vapor deposition (CVD) of Ru liners for Cu filling of narrow recessed features for semiconductor devices are disclosed in several embodiments. According to one embodiment, the method includes providing a substrate containing a recessed feature, depositing a conformal barrier layer by ALD in the recessed feature, where the barrier layer contains TaN or TaAlN, depositing a conformal Ru liner by CVD on the barrier layer, and filling the recessed feature with Cu metal. |
| US09607884B2 |
Semiconductor device and method of manufacturing the same
Manufacturing stability of a semiconductor device is improved. A method of manufacturing a semiconductor device includes the steps of: forming an etching stopper film over a first interlayer insulating film; forming an inorganic insulating film over the etching stopper film; forming a resist film over the inorganic insulating film; selectively etching the etching stopper film and the inorganic insulating film by using the resist film as a mask to form a first opening in the etching stopper film and to form a second opening in the inorganic insulating film; removing the resist film by O2 plasma ashing; forming a second interlayer insulating film over the inorganic insulating film; and etching the second interlayer insulating film to form a wiring groove that is coupled to the second opening, and etching a portion located under the first opening of the first interlayer insulating film to form a via hole. |
| US09607871B2 |
EFEM system and lid opening/closing method
An object is to prevent down flow gas from entering into a pod in an open state in an EFEM system. An upper canopy is provided along the upper edge of an opening portion on the mini-environment side to block down flow along the opening portion. The upper canopy provides a space in which inert gas supplied through a supply port provided in the pod flows into the mini-environment through the opening of the pod after circulating inside the pod. The down flow has no effect in this space, and the entrance of down flow into the pod can be prevented. |
| US09607870B2 |
Heat treatment apparatus and heat treatment method for heating substrate by irradiating substrate with flash of light
A flash heating part in a heat treatment apparatus includes 30 built-in flash lamps, and irradiates a semiconductor wafer held by a holder in a chamber with a flash of light. Thirty switching elements are provided in a one-to-one correspondence with the 30 flash lamps. Each of the switching elements defines the waveform of current flowing through a corresponding one of the flash lamps by intermittently supplying electrical charge thereto. Radiation thermometers measure an in-plane temperature distribution of the semiconductor wafer during flash irradiation. Based on the results of measurement with the radiation thermometers, a controller individually controls the operations of the 30 switching elements to individually define the light emission patterns of the 30 flash lamps. |
| US09607866B2 |
Capacitive coupling plasma processing apparatus and method for using the same
A plasma processing apparatus includes a process container configured to accommodate a target substrate and to be vacuum-exhausted. A first electrode and a second electrode are disposed opposite each other within the process container. The first electrode includes an outer portion and an inner portion both facing the second electrode such that the outer portion surrounds the inner portion. An RF power supply is configured to apply an RF power to the outer portion of the first electrode. A DC power supply is configured to apply a DC voltage to the inner portion of the first electrode. A process gas supply unit is configured to supply a process gas into the process container, wherein plasma of the process gas is generated between the first electrode and the second electrode. |
| US09607865B2 |
Substrate processing device and substrate processing method
A substrate processing device 100 includes a cleaning liquid supply unit 114 supplying a cleaning liquid to a surface of a substrate W, a solvent supply unit 115 supplying a volatile solvent to the surface of the substrate W supplied with the cleaning liquid to replace the cleaning liquid on the surface of the substrate W with the volatile solvent, a heating unit 117 heating the substrate W supplied with the volatile solvent, and a drying unit 118 drying the surface of the substrate W by removing a droplet of the volatile solvent produced on the surface of the substrate W by a heating operation of the heating unit 117, and the heating unit 117 and the drying unit 118 are arranged in a course of transportation of the substrate W transported from the solvent supply unit 115. |
| US09607862B2 |
Extrusion-resistant solder interconnect structures and methods of forming
Various embodiments include methods of forming interconnect structures, and the structures formed by such methods. In one embodiment, a method can include: providing a precursor interconnect structure having: a photosensitive polyimide (PSPI) layer; a controlled collapse chip connection (C4) bump overlying the PSPI layer; and a solder overlying the C4 bump and contacting a side of the C4 bump. The method can further include recessing a portion of the PSPI layer adjacent to the C4 bump to form a PSPI pedestal under the C4 bump. The method can additionally include forming an underfill abutting the PSPI pedestal and the C4 bump, wherein the underfill and the solder form an interface separated from the PSPI pedestal. |
| US09607858B2 |
Low resistance contacts for semiconductor devices
The invention provides a method of forming at least one Metal Germanide contact on a substrate for providing a semiconducting device (100) by providing a first layer (120) of Germanium (Ge) and a second layer of metal. The invention provides a step of reacting the second layer with the first layer with high energy density pulses for obtaining a Germanide metal layer (160A) having a substantially planar interface with the underlying first (Ge) layer. |
| US09607854B2 |
Methods to reduce debonding forces on flexible semiconductor films disposed on vapor-releasing adhesives
A method comprises providing a handle substrate having a front surface and a back surface; providing a layer of flexible semiconductor material having a front surface and a back surface and an at least partially sacrificial backing layer stack on the back surface of the layer of flexible semiconductor material; bonding the front surface of the layer of flexible semiconductor material to the front surface of the handle substrate; removing at least a portion of the at least partially sacrificial backing layer stack from the back surface of the layer of flexible semiconductor material; opening outgassing paths through the layer of flexible semiconductor material; and processing the layer of flexible semiconductor material. |
| US09607853B2 |
Patterning method using metal mask and method of fabricating semiconductor device including the same patterning method
A patterning method using a metal mask includes sequentially forming a lower metal layer and an upper metal layer on an etching object layer, forming an upper metal mask, forming the upper metal mask including patterning the upper metal layer, forming a lower metal mask, forming the lower metal mask including patterning the lower metal layer using the upper metal mask, and patterning the etching object layer using the upper metal mask. |
| US09607851B2 |
Method for removing polysilicon protection layer on a back face of an IGBT having a field stop structure
Disclosed is a method for removing a polysilicon protection layer (12) on a back face of an IGBT having a field stop structure (10). The method comprises thermally oxidizing the polysilicon protection layer (12) on the back face of the IGBT until the oxidation is terminated on a gate oxide layer (11) located above the polysilicon protection layer (12) to form a silicon dioxide layer (13), and removing the formed silicon dioxide layer (13) and the gate oxide layer (11) by a dry etching process. The method for removing the protection layer is easier to control. |
| US09607844B2 |
Substrate processing method and substrate processing apparatus
The method includes holding a substrate horizontally with a holding and rotating mechanism; introducing processing liquid from a fluid introduction portion of, in a processing liquid pipe in which a processing liquid nozzle having a discharge port at a tip end is provided at one end, the other end of the processing liquid pipe into the processing liquid pipe so as to discharge the processing liquid from the discharge port toward the substrate; introducing, after stopping the processing liquid discharge step, a gas from the fluid introduction portion into the processing liquid pipe so as to extrude the processing liquid within the processing liquid pipe and within the processing liquid nozzle outwardly; and stopping, after starting the introduction of the gas, the introduction of the gas into the processing liquid pipe with the processing liquid being left within the processing liquid pipe and/or the processing liquid nozzle. |
| US09607842B1 |
Methods of forming metal silicides
A method of forming a metal silicide can include depositing an interface layer on exposed silicon regions of a substrate, where the interface layer includes a silicide forming metal and a non-silicide forming element. The method can include depositing a metal oxide layer over the interface layer, where the metal oxide layer includes a second silicide forming metal. The substrate can be subsequently heated to form the metal silicide beneath the interface layer, using silicon from the exposed silicon regions, the first silicide forming metal of the interface layer and the second silicide forming metal of the metal oxide layer. |
| US09607837B1 |
Method for forming silicon oxide cap layer for solid state diffusion process
A method for protecting a doped silicate glass layer includes: forming a doped silicate glass layer on a substrate in a reaction chamber by plasma-enhanced atomic layer deposition (PEALD) using a first RF power; and forming a non-doped silicate glass layer having a thickness of less than 4 nm on the doped silicate glass layer in the reaction chamber, without breaking vacuum, by plasma-enhanced atomic layer deposition (PEALD) using a second RF power, wherein the second RF power is at least twice the first RF power. |
| US09607835B2 |
Semiconductor device with biased feature
A transistor including a gate structure with a first portion and a second portion; the first and second portions each have a first edge and an opposing second edge that are substantially collinear. The gate structure also includes an offset portion interposing the first portion and the second portion. The offset portion has a third edge and an opposing fourth edge. The third edge and the fourth edge are non-collinear with the first and second edges of the first and second portions of the gate structure. For example, the offset portion is offset or shifted from the first and second portions. |
| US09607833B2 |
System and method for photomask particle detection
The method includes performing a photolithography process which includes using a photomask to pattern a radiation beam. The photolithography process also includes exposing a target substrate to the patterned radiation beam. During the exposing of the target surface, there is a real-time monitoring for particles incident or approximate the photomask. |
| US09607832B2 |
Epitaxial wafer manufacturing device and manufacturing method
Provided is an epitaxial wafer manufacturing device (1) that deposits and grows epitaxial layers on the surfaces of wafers W while supplying a raw material gas to a chamber, wherein a shield (12), arranged in close proximity to the lower surface of a top plate (3) so as to prevent deposits from being deposited on the lower surface of the top plate (3), is removably attached inside the chamber, has an opening (13) in the central portion thereof that forces a gas inlet (9) to face the inside of a reaction space K, and has a structure in which it is concentrically divided into a plurality of ring plates (16), (17) and (18) around the opening (13). |
| US09607831B2 |
Method for depositing an aluminium nitride layer
A method for depositing an aluminium nitride layer on a substrate is provided that comprises: providing a silicon substrate; placing the substrate in a vacuum chamber; conditioning a surface of the substrate by etching and providing a conditioned surface; depositing an aluminum film onto the conditioned surface of the substrate by a sputtering method under an atmosphere of Argon and depositing an epitaxial aluminium nitride layer on the aluminum film by a sputtering method under an atmosphere of Nitrogen and Argon. |
| US09607829B2 |
Method of surface functionalization for high-K deposition
A method of surface functionalization for high-k deposition is provided in several embodiments. The method provides interface layer growth with low effective oxide thickness and good nucleation behavior for high-k deposition. The method includes providing a substrate that is at least substantially free of oxygen on a surface of the substrate, forming an interface layer on the surface of the substrate by exposing the surface of the substrate to one or more pulses of ozone gas, modifying the interface layer by exposing the interface layer to one or more pulses of a treatment gas containing a functional group to form a functionalized interface layer terminated with the functional group, and depositing a high-k film on the functionalized interface layer. |
| US09607823B2 |
Protection method for protecting a silicide layer
The method includes the steps of: a) providing a stack including, successively, a substrate, a silicide layer formed on the substrate, and a silicon nitride layer covering at least the silicide layer, b) etching predefined regions of the silicon nitride layer in such a way as to expose at least areas of the silicide layer intended to form the electrical contacts, and c) depositing a protective layer on at least the areas of the silicide layer exposed in step b), the method not including a step of exposing the stack to moisture between step b) and step c), in particular moisture from the ambient air. |
| US09607818B2 |
Multimode ionization device
A multimode ionization device includes an electrospray unit, a charge generating unit, and a plasma supplying unit. The electrospray unit is configured to form an electrospray plume which travels along a traveling path. The charge generating unit is configured to permit a liquid electrospray medium to leave the electrospray unit as the electrospray plume. The plasma supplying unit can generate and guide a plasma plume to mix with the electrospray plume so as to obtain a plume combination in a confluent zone, and is oriented to permit at least one of analytes carried in the plume combination to travel to the receiving unit along a linearly-extending end zone of the traveling path. |
| US09607815B2 |
Low work-function, mechanically and thermally robust emitter for thermionic energy converters
Improved thermionic energy converters are provided by electrodes that include a silicon carbide support structure, a tungsten adhesion layer disposed on the silicon carbide support structure, and an activation layer disposed on the tungsten adhesion layer. The activation layer is a material that lowers the electrode work function, such as BaO, SrO and/or CaO. |
| US09607814B2 |
Photodetection unit and method for manufacturing same
In a photodetection unit 100 according to one aspect of the present invention, a photomultiplier 1 and a voltage divider board 132 are electrically connected to each other through a flexible wiring board 120, whereby the photomultiplier 1 can freely set its orientation and achieve a high degree of freedom of installation. In addition, in a voltage divider 130, an insulating resin 136 within a resin case 134 covers around the voltage divider board 132, thereby improving a voltage withstand performance of the voltage divider board 132. This eases restrictions on conditions under which the voltage divider board 132 is installed, whereby the degree of freedom of installation of the photodetection unit 100 is further improved as a whole, which makes it applicable to wider uses. |
| US09607813B2 |
Magnetic field generation apparatus and sputtering apparatus
Provided is a magnetic field generation apparatus including: two or more main magnetic pole portions configured to generate a main magnetic field; one or more secondary magnetic pole portions including a plurality of first divisional magnets obtained by a division, that generate a secondary magnetic field for adjusting the generated main magnetic field; and a yoke portion including one or more first yokes opposing the plurality of first divisional magnets in correspondence with the one or more secondary magnetic pole portions. |
| US09607810B2 |
Impedance-based adjustment of power and frequency
Systems and methods for impedance-based adjustment of power and frequency are described. A system includes a plasma chamber for containing plasma. The plasma chamber includes an electrode. The system includes a driver and amplifier coupled to the plasma chamber for providing a radio frequency (RF) signal to the electrode. The driver and amplifier is coupled to the plasma chamber via a transmission line. The system further includes a selector coupled to the driver and amplifier, a first auto frequency control (AFC) coupled to the selector, and a second AFC coupled to the selector. The selector is configured to select the first AFC or the second AFC based on values of current and voltage sensed on the transmission line. |
| US09607805B2 |
Apparatus of plural charged-particle beams
One modified source-conversion unit and one method to reduce the Coulomb Effect in a multi-beam apparatus are proposed. In the modified source-conversion unit, the aberration-compensation function is carried out after the image-forming function has changed each beamlet to be on-axis locally, and therefore avoids undesired aberrations due to the beamlet tilting/shifting. A Coulomb-effect-reduction means with plural Coulomb-effect-reduction openings is placed close to the single electron source of the apparatus and therefore the electrons not in use can be cut off as early as possible. |
| US09607802B2 |
Apparatus and methods for aberration correction in electron beam based system
One embodiment relates to an apparatus for aberration correction in an electron beam lithography system. An inner electrode surrounds a pattern generating device, and there is at least one outer electrode around the inner electrode. Each of the inner and outer electrodes has a planar surface in a plane of the pattern generating device. Circuitry is configured to apply an inner voltage level to the inner electrode and at least one outer voltage level to the at least one outer electrode. The voltage levels may be set to correct a curvature of field in the electron beam lithography system. Another embodiment relates to an apparatus for aberration correction used in an electron based system, such as an electron beam inspection, or review, or metrology system. Other embodiments, aspects and features are also disclosed. |
| US09607800B1 |
High brightness electron impact ion source
An electron impact ion beam source is provided with a pressure chamber to confine a specific high pressure area within excited gas to a small enough volume that the source can be operated at relatively high pressure and still achieve substantial brightness of the extracted ion beam. In particular, the area is configured such that the overall linear dimension along the beam path is less than the mean free path of the ions and the electrons within the chamber. If pressure is increased, the linear dimension must be correspondingly decreased to maximized brightness. By keeping linear dimensions sufficiently small, both incident electrons and extracted ions are enabled to transit the source region without significant energy loss. The new source design allows operation at pressures at least an order of magnitude higher than other known ion sources and thus produces an order of magnitude higher brightness. |
| US09607797B2 |
Low movement trip and integrated signal flag for miniature circuit breakers
A circuit breaker includes a trip mechanism having reduced trip movement and an integrated signal flag. The trip mechanism includes a spring-biased trip lever and a latching member for keeping the trip lever in an on or latched position. Upon occurrence of an abnormal current condition, the latching member is moved away from the trip lever to trip the trip mechanism. The latching member also has a catch mechanism designed to catch the trip lever after it is released, thereby halting further progress of both the trip lever and the latching member. As a result, less space is needed within the circuit breaker for trip movement compared to existing solutions. Moreover, the location of the catch mechanism on the latching member is selected such that the halting of the latching member places the integrated signal flag in an optimal viewing position within a viewing window. |
| US09607793B2 |
Switch
A switch includes a fixed contact part including a fixed contact, a movable contact part including a movable contact, a control button, an operation part including a first end and a second end, and a lock. When the first end is pressed, the control button is pressed by the operation part, the movable contact touches the fixed contact, and the switch becomes an ON state. While the movable contact and the fixed contact are in contact with each other, a first protrusion of the lock touches an engaging part of the control button to limit movement of the control button and maintain the ON state. When the second end is pressed, the operation part touches a second protrusion of the lock and moves the lock in such a direction that the first protrusion moves away from the engaging part, and the switch becomes the OFF state. |
| US09607791B2 |
Operating device and electronic device using the same
An operating device and an electronic device using the same are provided. The operating device includes a base, an electronic circuit board, a lever and a slider. The base includes a bearer. The electronic circuit board is disposed on the base. The lever is disposed on the electronic circuit board. The slider is movably disposed on the sliding portion for triggering the lever. |
| US09607788B2 |
Compact contamination resistant push button switch
An appliance switch provides contacts protected within a housing that may fit coaxially within and behind a pushbutton of the switch. The pushbutton includes a rearwardly extending arm that actuates an operator extending from a rear edge of the switch as installed avoiding a water path into the contact assembly. |
| US09607787B2 |
Tactile feedback button for a hazard detector and fabrication method thereof
According to one embodiment, a casing of a hazard detector includes a body portion and a button portion. The button portion is coupled with the body portion via a plurality of arms. The arms allow the button portion to be axially movable relative to the body portion and also couple the button portion with the body portion so that tabs that extend radially outward from the button portion are positioned under and contact an inwardly facing surface of the body portion. The arms bias the button portion axially outward relative to the body portion so as maintain contact between the tabs and the inwardly facing surface. In this configuration, when the button portion is pressed at a position off-axis from a central axis of the button portion, the button portion pivots about one or more contact points between one or more tabs and the inwardly facing surface. |
| US09607786B2 |
Electronic switching device and system
The present invention is directed to an electronic switch device that includes a front cover assembly having a user interface, a back body assembly, and a plurality of terminals configured to be coupled to an AC power source and the load. A circuit assembly is coupled to the plurality of terminals. The circuit assembly includes a relay switch having a commutator and a set of contacts. The relay switch is characterized by a predetermined commutator period, the predetermined commutator period being substantially the commutator travel time between the set of contacts during a relay switch actuation. The circuit assembly further includes an actuation circuit configured to provide a constant current actuation signal that energizes the relay switch in response to an input stimulus via the user interface such that an end of the predetermined commutator period substantially coincides with a predetermined point in an AC power cycle. |
| US09607785B1 |
Temporary restriction of access to circuit breakers
A circuit breaker can actuate to a closed condition and to an open condition. An assembly for the circuit breaker can include an obstacle that can be positioned to obstruct one form of actuation while permitting another form of actuation. The obstacle can be moved from the obstructing position to allow multiple forms of actuation. The obstacle may permit manual actuation of the circuit to an open state in any position. |
| US09607781B2 |
Tap changer and vacuum interrupter for a tap changer of this kind
A tap changer for uninterrupted switching between winding taps of a tapped transformer has first and second load branches for each phase to be switched. Each load branch has a main vacuum switch and in parallel thereto a series connection of a switch-over resistance and a respective auxiliary vacuum switch. First and second vacuum switching tubes each contain the main vacuum switch of the respective first and second load branches and the auxiliary vacuum switch of the other of the load branches. |
| US09607780B2 |
Electrical contactor
An electrical contactor for switching a load current having an AC waveform, has a fixed electrical contact, a movable electrical contact, an actuator arrangement having a drive coil drivable for opening and closing the movable and fixed electrical contacts, and a power supply having a controller for outputting truncated-waveform drive pulses to the electrical actuator arrangement, so as to prevent contact separation prior to peak load current. |
| US09607777B2 |
Separator and electrochemical device
The present disclosure provides a separator and an electrochemical device, the separator is provided with a folded structure unit across a widthwise direction of the separator, and an overlapping part of the folded structure unit is filled with an adhesive. When the separator is applied into a production of the electrochemical device, a winding process can be performed as usual. After an electrolyte injection or high temperature aging of the electrochemical device, the adhesive filled in the folded structure unit of the separator may be dissolved into the electrolyte, the folded structure unit can be unfolded to a flat position again, so as to effectively eliminate deformation of the electrochemical device, which may be caused by thermal contraction of the separator, over stress in the separator wound in a cell, or the separator's binding on expansion of negative and positive electrodes, during operation and production of the electrochemical device. |
| US09607772B2 |
Porous electrode, dye-sensitized solar cell, and dye-sensitized solar cell module
A porous electrode of the present invention is a porous electrode in which at least a first porous layer, an intermediate layer and a second porous layer are stacked on a substrate in this order, characterized in that the first porous layer and the second porous layer are formed of particles of the same material, and the first porous layer and the intermediate layer are formed of particles of different materials from each other. Preferably, the average particle diameter of the particles constituting the first porous layer differ in average particle diameter from the particles constituting the second porous layer. |
| US09607765B2 |
Composition for ceramic substrates and ceramic circuit component
A composition for ceramic substrates that includes a mixture of borosilicate glass powder and ceramic powder. The borosilicate glass powder contains 4% to 8% by weight B2O3, 38% to 44% by weight SiO2, 3% to 10% by weight Al2O3, and 40% to 48% by weight MO, where MO is at least one selected from CaO, MgO, and BaO. The mixing proportions of the borosilicate glass powder and the ceramic powder are 50% to 56% by weight the borosilicate glass powder and 50% to 44% by weight the ceramic powder. The ceramic powder has an average particle diameter D50 of 0.4 to 1.5 μm. |
| US09607762B2 |
Multilayer ceramic electronic part to be embedded in board and printed circuit board having multilayer ceramic electronic part embedded therein
There is provided a multilayer ceramic electronic part to be embedded in a board including: a ceramic body including dielectric layers; an active layer including a plurality of first and second internal electrodes; upper and lower cover layers disposed on and below the active layer, respectively; and first and second external electrodes formed on both end portions of the ceramic body, wherein a first internal electrode positioned at an outermost position among the first electrodes is connected to the first external electrode by at least one first via extended to at least one of first and second main surfaces of the ceramic body, and a second internal electrode positioned at an outermost position among the second internal electrodes is connected to the second external electrode by at least one second via extended to at least one of first and second main surfaces of the ceramic body. |
| US09607757B2 |
Non-contact wireless communication coil, transmission coil, and portable wireless terminal
A chargeable communication module is provided, which includes: a wireless power charging coil; a wireless communication coil being electrically isolated from the wireless power charging coil; and a magnetic body. The wireless power charging coil is disposed on a surface of the magnetic body. The wireless communication coil is arranged peripheral to the wireless power charging coil on the surface of the magnetic body. |
| US09607749B2 |
Split core current transformer
A sensing transformer includes a first transformer segment including a first magnetically permeable core having a sector having a planar cross-section bounded by a closed curve and having a first end and a second end. The first core includes a winding including at least one turn substantially encircling the cross-section of the core and a first segment housing enclosing the winding and a portion of the first core. A second transformer segment separable from the first transformer segment including a second magnetically permeable core having another sector having a third end and a fourth end. |
| US09607746B2 |
Electromagnetic actuator device
An electromagnetic actuator device has a coil unit (28, 58) enclosing a first yoke section (16, 56) of a stationary yoke unit (10, 54), an armature unit (14, 64) movably guided relative to the yoke unit (10, 54), by energization to interact with a positioning partner on the output side of the armature unit (14, 64) and permanent magnetic agents (22, 36, 68) coupled into a magnetic flux circuit of the yoke unit (10, 54) wherein de-energization of the coil unit (28, 58) a permanent magnetic flux circuit through the yoke unit (10, 54) and a section of the armature unit (14, 64) that is free of permanent magnetic flux and energization displaces the permanent magnetic flux, out of the section, wherein the armature unit (14), by spring force is pre-loaded in a direction opposed to permanent magnetic retaining force of the armature unit (14, 64) and the positioning partner is a combustion engine unit. |
| US09607745B2 |
Compact undulator system and methods
An undulator with a compact construction is provided that reduces weight, complexity and cost. The compact undulator system and methods provides mechanical integrity without compromising magnetic field quality. |
| US09607738B1 |
Cable having improved wires arrangement
A USB Type-C cable includes: a number of first wires and second wires, the first wires including a power wire for transmitting a power signal and plural coaxial wires for transmitting high speed signal, the second wires including at least one detective wire for transmitting detective signal, at least one power return wire for grounding, at least one twisted pair of wires for transmitting USB 2.0 signal, and at least one subsidiary wire for transmitting subsidiary signal; a jacket made of insulative material and receiving the first wires and the second wires; and a metal shield layer coating around the twisted pair of wires; wherein the first wires are arranged along an inner wall of the jacket in a circle and forms a cavity without a metal shield layer to receive the second wires, and the detective wire and the subsidiary wire are separated by the power return wire. |
| US09607737B2 |
Semiconductive polyolefin composition
A semiconductive polyolefin composition comprising (i) up to 80 wt. % of a polyolefin (I), (ii) carbon black, and (iii) up to 60 wt. % of a polymer (II) having a melting point of not less than 100° C., wherein the polyolefin (I) comprises two different ethylene copolymers: a first ethylene copolymer and second ethylene copolymer; wherein the first ethylene copolymer comprises polar group containing co-monomers in the amount of 3.5 mol % or less; and wherein the second ethylene copolymer comprises silane group containing co-monomers in the amount of 0.7 mol % or less. |
| US09607734B2 |
Shielded electrical ribbon cable with dielectric spacing
An electrical ribbon cable includes at least one conductor set having at least two elongated conductors extending from end-to-end of the cable. Each of the conductors are encompassed along a length of the cable by respective first dielectrics. A first and second film extend from end-to-end of the cable and are disposed on opposite sides of the cable The conductors are fixably coupled to the first and second films such that a consistent spacing is maintained between the first dielectrics of the conductors of each conductor set along the length of the cable. A second dielectric disposed within the spacing between the first dielectrics of the wires of each conductor set. |
| US09607733B2 |
Double-sided transparent conductive film and touch panel
A double-sided transparent conductive film including a base material film, having an anti-blocking layer, an optical adjusting layer and a transparent conductive layer formed in this order on each of both sides of the base material film, wherein an anti-blocking layer containing particles is formed at least one of: a location between the base material film and one optical adjusting layer; and a location between the base material film and the other optical adjusting layer, the anti-blocking layer has a flat portion and protrusion portions caused by the particles, and a value obtained by subtracting a thickness of the flat portion of the anti-blocking layer from a mode diameter of the particles is larger than a thickness of the optical adjusting layer. |
| US09607728B2 |
Electrically conductive, mesophase-separated olefin multiblock copolymer compositions
Free radically crosslinked, electrically conductive compositions exhibiting a highly stable volume resistivity comprise an olefin multiblock copolymer (OBC) having a high, e.g., greater than 20 mole percent comonomer content, e.g., butylene or octene, and carbon black. These compositions exhibit a highly stable volume resistivity relative to a composition similar in essentially all aspects save that the high comonomer OBC is replaced with a low comonomer OBC of similar density and melt index. |
| US09607726B2 |
Composition comprising silver nanowires
A composition for forming a conductive film. The composition comprises a plurality of nanowires comprising silver; a latex comprising polymer particles; and an aqueous-based carrier. |
| US09607721B2 |
Method of separating amorphous iron oxides
A method for separating amorphous iron oxides is provided. The method includes steps of sampling, filtering, dissolving and separating, analyzing the solution containing amorphous radioactive iron oxides and analyzing granules containing crystalline radioactive iron oxides. Characteristics of the radioactive iron oxides during various periods are acquired to solve the radiation buildup problem. Parameters for improving water quality and chemistry performance indicator are thus provided. Crystalline deposits are separated while the dissolving rate of radioactive iron oxides reaches more than 90%. The present invention does not use complex utilities, is easy to use and has a low operation cost for fast analysis. |
| US09607720B2 |
Long life high efficiency neutron generator
The design of a compact, high-efficiency, high-flux capable compact-accelerator fusion neutron generator (FNG) is discussed. FNG's can be used in a variety of industrial analysis applications to replace the use of radioisotopes which pose higher risks to both the end user and national security. High efficiency, long lifetime, and high power-handling capability are achieved though innovative target materials and ion source technology. The device can be scaled up for neutron radiography applications, or down for borehole analysis or other compact applications. Advanced technologies such as custom neutron output energy spectrum, pulsing, and associated particle imaging can be incorporated. |
| US09607717B2 |
Reliability screening of ferroelectric memories in integrated circuits
A data retention reliability screen of integrated circuits including ferroelectric random access memory (FRAM) arrays. A reference voltage level is determined for each integrated circuit being tested, corresponding to the read of a high polarization capacitance data state. A number of FRAM cells in the integrated circuit are programmed to that data state, and then read at an elevated temperature, with the number of failing cells compared against a pass/fail threshold to determine whether the integrated circuit is vulnerable to long-term data retention failure. |
| US09607715B1 |
Memory internal comparator testing system
In some embodiments, a system includes a memory testing circuit configured to perform a test of an internal comparator of a memory circuit by performing operations. The operations may include causing a first value to be stored at the memory circuit as a current data value. The operations may further include subsequently causing the first value to be sent to the memory circuit as a current comparison data value. The operations may further include causing the internal comparator to compare the current data value to the current comparison data value. The operations may further include receiving a current match value that indicates whether the current data value matches the current comparison data value. In some embodiments, the memory testing circuit may be configured to enable a self-test circuit to detect errors regarding functions of the memory circuit that the self-test circuit is not designed to test. |
| US09607709B2 |
Voltage generator, semiconductor memory device having the same, and method of operating semiconductor memory device
A voltage generator that includes an operation mode determination circuit suitable for determining an active mode or a standby mode based on a chip enable signal to activate an active mode signal or a standby mode signal according to a result of the determination; and a bulk voltage generation circuit outputting a bulk voltage having an internal power voltage when the active mode signal is activated, and outputting the bulk voltage having an external power voltage when the standby mode signal is activated. |
| US09607708B2 |
Voltage mode sensing for low power flash memory
Electrically erasable flash memory and method. The memory has a data storage element and a voltage sensing circuit. The data storage element is configured to store data bits, each of the data bits having a data state. The voltage sensing circuit is selectively coupled to individual ones of data bits and is configured to bias the data bits with at least one of a bias current and a bias resistance and to read the data state of the individual ones of the plurality of data bits. |
| US09607707B1 |
Weak erase prior to read
Techniques are disclosed for accurately sensing memory cells without having to wait for a voltage that creeps up on word line after a sensing operation to die down. The word line creep up could cause electrons to trap in shallow interface traps of a memory cell, hence impacting its threshold voltage. In one aspect, trapped electrons are removed (e.g., de-trapped) from shallow interface traps of a memory cell using a weak erase operation. Therefore, problems associated with word line voltage creep up are reduced or prevented. Thus, the memory cell can be sensed without waiting, while still providing an accurate result. The weak erase could be part of a sensing operation, but that is not required. For example, the weak erase could be incorporated into the beginning part of a read operation, which provides for a very efficient solution. |
| US09607701B2 |
Systems and methods for dynamically programming a flash memory device
The present inventions are related to systems and methods for storing data, and more particularly to systems and methods for writing data to a storage device. |
| US09607698B2 |
Semiconductor memory device and operating method thereof
A semiconductor memory device may include a plurality of memory cells programmed to have one of first to Nth program states differentiated according to threshold voltages of the memory cells, the method including determining whether there exists over program cells from among memory cells programmed to a N−1th program state, by using a first verify voltage of a Nth program state from among the first to Nth program states; when there exists over program cells, determining whether the number of the over program cells exceeds a reference value; and when the number of over program cells exceeds the reference value, outputting a program fall signal to a controller. |
| US09607694B1 |
Semiconductor memory device and method of controlling the same
A semiconductor memory device according to the embodiments includes a first wiring, a second wiring that extends to intersect with the first wiring, a memory cell that is disposed on each intersection portion of the first wiring and the second wiring, and includes a variable resistive element, and a control circuit to control a voltage applied to the memory cell. The control circuit applies a read voltage with respect to the memory cell for a plurality of times to determine a resistive state of the memory cell for a plurality of times, so as to obtain a first determination result or a second determination result. The control circuit compares the number of the first determination result with the number of the second determination result, terminates a reading operation when the comparison result satisfies a certain condition, and starts the reading operation again when the condition is not satisfied. |
| US09607692B2 |
Threshold voltage distribution determination
Apparatuses and methods for threshold voltage (Vt) distribution determination are described. A number of apparatuses can include sense circuitry configured to determine a first current on a source line of an array of memory cells, the first current corresponding to a first quantity of memory cells of a group of memory cells that conducts in response to a first sensing voltage applied to an access line and determine a second current on the source line, the second current corresponding to a second quantity of memory cells of the group that conducts in response to a second sensing voltage applied to the access line. The number of apparatuses can include a controller configured to determine at least a portion of a Vt distribution corresponding to the group of memory cells based, at least in part, on the first current and the second current. |
| US09607689B2 |
Solid hard disk and charging/discharging control method for flash chip
A method comprises steps of mapping a same physical page to two mutually coupled logic pages, one logic page being formed by mapping the least significant bit on the physical page, and the other logic page being formed by mapping the most significant bit on the physical page; buffering write data in a buffer memory, and merging the data, which is corresponding to the two mutually coupled logic pages, in the buffer memory into a piece of data corresponding to the physical page according to the mapping relationship between the physical page and the two mutually coupled logic pages; and performing charging/discharging control for the multi-layer memory cell of the physical page according to the merged data, so that a voltage state of the multi-layer memory cell is expressed as a numerical value of the merged data. |
| US09607688B2 |
Memory system including nonvolatile memory and memory controller and programming method for programming data into nonvolatile memory
According to example embodiments, a nonvolatile memory includes a plurality of memory cells and a plurality of bit lines respectively connected to the plurality of memory cells, and a method of programming the nonvolatile memory includes loading data to the nonvolatile memory for a first program operation, starting the first program operation on the plurality of memory cells, based on the loaded data, and loading at least two page data to the nonvolatile memory before the first program operation is completed. The at least two page data include first page data and second page data for a second program operation following the first program operation. The first page data and the second page data respectively correspond to a first bit and a second bit to be programmed at a memory cell among the plurality of memory cells. |
| US09607687B2 |
Dual-port static random access memory (SRAM)
In one embodiment, a memory cell circuit for storing data includes a pair of cross-coupled inverters for storing states of the memory cell circuit. Access devices provide access to the pair of cross-coupled inverters. The memory cell circuit also includes a set of electrically inactive p-type metal oxide semiconductor (PMOS) devices that are coupled to the pair of cross-coupled inverters. The set of electrically inactive PMOS devices in combination with a portion (e.g., PMOS devices) of the pair of cross-coupled inverters enables a continuous p-type diffusion layer for the memory cell circuit. |
| US09607678B2 |
Semiconductor memory device and memory system including same
A method of operating a semiconductor memory device is provided as follows. The semiconductor memory device receive a bank address for a first bank including a first word line, a second word line and a third word line. The semiconductor memory device receive a first row address to activate the first world line for a read operation or a write operation. The semiconductor memory device generates a second row address to refresh a plurality of memory cells associated with the second word line. |
| US09607674B1 |
Pulse latch reset tracking at high differential voltage
A method and an apparatus for generating an internal memory clock are provided. The apparatus includes a pulse generator configured to receive a first clock signal in a first power domain and initiate a second clock signal in a second power domain in response to the first clock signal. The first power domain provides a first voltage for logic operations and the second power domain provides a second voltage for memory operations. The apparatus includes a tracking circuit configured to generate a reset signal based on a voltage level of the first power domain. The reset signal may be configured to reset the pulse generator in the first power domain. The apparatus may further include a latch configured to receive the second clock signal in the second power domain. |
| US09607671B1 |
Programmable integrated circuits with in-operation reconfiguration capability
Integrated circuits may include partial reconfiguration (PR) circuitry for reconfiguring only a portion of a memory array. In some applications, partial reconfiguration may be performed during user mode. During partial reconfiguration, write assist techniques such as varying the power supply voltage may be applied to help increase write margin, but doing so can potentially affect the performance of in-operation pass gates that are being controlled by the memory array during user mode. In one suitable arrangement, ground power supply voltage write assist techniques may be implemented on memory cells that include p-channel access transistors and that are used to control n-channel pass transistors. In another suitable arrangement, positive power supply voltage write assist techniques may be implemented on memory cells that include n-channel access transistors and that are used to control p-channel pass transistors. |
| US09607669B2 |
Semiconductor memory device including precharge circuit
According to one embodiment, a semiconductor memory device includes first, second, third and fourth MOS transistors, and first and second precharge circuits. A memory cell includes the first, second, third and fourth MOS transistors. Source and drain of the third MOS transistor are connected to between the source or the drain of the first MOS transistor and a first bit line. Source and drain of the fourth MOS transistor are connected to between the source or the drain of the second MOS transistor and a second bit line. The first precharge circuit supplies a voltage to the first and second bit lines in a precharge period during a read operation or a write operation. The second precharge circuit supplies the voltage to the first and second bit lines while in a data holding state. |
| US09607666B2 |
Input/output circuit and input/output device including the same
An input/output circuit according to an embodiment includes a plurality of memory cell units configured to independently perform output operations, each of the memory cell units including an input/output line, a selection circuit including a plurality of selection units, each selection unit setting a path to a global input/output line connected to each of the selection units, the number of the selection units being the same as the number of the memory cell units, the selection circuit selecting one of the plurality of memory cell units based on a path control signal and electrically connecting the input/output line of the selected memory cell unit to the global input/output lines of the plurality of selection units, and a plurality of input/output pad groups coupled to the global input/output lines. |
| US09607664B2 |
Leveraging portable system power to enhance memory management and enable application level features
A memory device and techniques for its operation are presented. After operating on power received from a host, the memory device determines that it is no longer receiving host power and, in response, activates a power source on the memory device itself. Using this reserve power, the memory device can then perform data management operations. The techniques can also be applied to a digital appliance having a non-volatile memory. The memory device or digital appliance can prioritize its memory management operation during the host/user operating window based on the ability to perform these operations outside of the host/user operating window. Additionally, in a data write operations, where the memory device receives data from a host, stores the data in volatile memory, and then writes the data into the non-volatile memory, the memory device sends the host an acknowledgment of the data having been written into the non-volatile memory after it has been store in the volatile memory, but before the write into the non-volatile memory is complete. |
| US09607661B2 |
Storage case
The invention relates to a storage case comprising two parts, each with an outer side and an inner side, where a side area on each part may comprise a connecting element for hinged connection with the other part, where at least one of the two parts on the outer side comprises a circumferential frame connectable with the part and with a central aperture and where further a display element is positioned on the outer side of the at least one part and interlocked between the outer side and the frame connectable to the part. |
| US09607659B2 |
Detection system using heating element temperature oscillations
A data storage system includes a recording head and a compensating resistor. The recording head has a heating element. The compensating resistor is in electrical series with the heating element and is external to the recording head. A method includes applying an alternating current at a first angular frequency to a recording head. A voltage drop across the recording head heating element is measured. A component of the voltage drop is extracted. The component has a frequency that is three times the frequency of the first angular frequency. |
| US09607658B2 |
System and methods for generating scene stabilized metadata
Methods and systems for generating and applying scene-stable metadata for a video data stream are disclosed herein. A video data stream is divided or partitioned into scenes and a first set of metadata may be generated for a given scene of video data. The first set of metadata may be any known metadata as a desired function of video content (e.g., luminance). The first set of metadata may be generated on a frame-by-frame basis. In one example, scene-stable metadata may be generated that may be different from the first set of metadata for the scene. The scene-stable metadata may be generated by monitoring a desired feature with the scene and may be used to keep the desired feature within an acceptable range of values. This may help to avoid noticeable and possibly objectionably visual artifacts upon rendering the video data. |
| US09607657B2 |
Media playback component comprising playback queue and queue bypass
A media playback component includes a demultiplexer for receiving a data stream and for demultiplexing media content items provided at a first demultiplexer output and at least one type of non-media content items provided at a second demultiplexer output. The media playback component includes playback queue, a queue input of which is connected to the first demultiplexer output. A bypass input of a queue bypass is connected to the second demultiplexer output. The media playback component includes a decoder including a first decoder input connected to a queue output of the playback queue and a second decoder input connected to a bypass output of the queue bypass. The decoder is configured for decoding the media content items in accordance with commands contained within the at least one type of non-media content items. Further embodiments relate to a method for (distributed) media playback, and to a server component for distributed playback architecture for media data. |
| US09607654B2 |
Video editing
A method, an apparatus and a computer program are provided. The method comprises: causing a computing device to enter a video editing mode in which first video content, captured by a first camera in a location, is played back on a display of the computing device and included in a video edit; and causing the display to overlay at least one visual indicator on the first video content, the at least one visual indicator indicating that second video content, captured by a second camera at the location, is available for inclusion in the video edit. |
| US09607652B2 |
Multi-sensor event detection and tagging system
A sensor event detection and tagging system that analyzes data from multiple sensors to detect an event and to automatically select or generate tags for the event. Sensors may include for example a motion capture sensor and one or more additional sensors that measure values such as temperature, humidity, wind or elevation. Tags and event detection may be performed by a microprocessor associated with or integrated with the sensors, or by a computer that receives data from the microprocessor. Tags may represent for example activity types, players, performance levels, or scoring results. The system may analyze social media postings to confirm or augment event tags. Users may filter and analyze saved events based on the assigned tags. The system may create highlight and fail reels filtered by metrics and by tags. |
| US09607650B2 |
Systems and methods for reducing audio distortion during playback of phonograph records using multiple tonearm geometries
Systems and methods are disclosed relating to electro-mechanical devices and related computer control and audio processing systems intended to optimize playback fidelity of phonograph records. Said recordings are manufactured by a process that employs a cutting head assembly driven in a straight path from the outer to the inner-most radius of the recordable surface. However, most record turntables device that are used to play back phonograph records rely on a stylus transducer attached to the end of a pivoting arm. Instead of the linear path followed by the original cutting head, said tonearm traces an arc across the surface of the recorded disk resulting in playback distortion proportional to error in alignment of said stylus relative to the tangent of the groove. This invention addresses this deficiency and produces an optimal audio quality of playback of phonograph records. |
| US09607647B2 |
Magnetic-disk glass substrate and magnetic disk
A magnetic-disk glass substrate of the present invention has a pair of main surfaces, and an arithmetic mean roughness (Ra) for wavelength components of 10 to 50 nm of the surface of the main surfaces is 0.15 nm or less. |
| US09607646B2 |
Hard disk double lubrication layer
Systems and methods are illustrated for manufacturing hard disks with double lubrication layers that allow minimization of a HDD head DFH touchdown point while maintaining good tribology performance for HDD reliability. An exemplary hard disk includes a magnetic recording layer, a carbon overcoat, and a double lubrication layer: a bonded lubrication layer and a mobile lubrication layer. The bonded lubrication layer includes a high conformity and high density first lubricant. The mobile layer include a high lubricity lubricant that promotes HDI reliability. |
| US09607640B2 |
Bond pad sharing for powering a multiplicity of electrical components of a recording head
An apparatus includes a slider of a recording head comprising a plurality of electrical bond pads coupled to bias sources and a ground pad. Each of a plurality of electrical components of the slider is coupled to at least one of the electrical bond pads. At least one of the electrical bond pads is a shared electrical bond pad coupled to at least two of the electrical components. At least one diode is coupled to at least one of the electrical bond pads and at least one of the electrical components. |
| US09607636B1 |
Monitoring head wear
A computer program product for monitoring head wear includes reading from a cartridge a high frequency pattern and a low frequency pattern, determining a first read amplitude corresponding to the high frequency pattern and a second read amplitude corresponding to the low frequency pattern, and determining a head wear metric according to the first read amplitude and the second read amplitude. |
| US09607635B1 |
Current perpendicular-to-plane sensors having hard spacers
An apparatus according to one embodiment includes a transducer structure having a lower shield and an upper shield above the lower shield, the upper and lower shields providing magnetic shielding. A current-perpendicular-to-plane sensor is positioned between the upper and lower shields. An electrical lead layer is positioned between the sensor and one of the shields. The electrical lead layer is in electrical communication with the sensor. A spacer layer is positioned between the electrical lead layer and the one of the shields. A conductivity of the electrical lead layer is higher than a conductivity of the spacer layer. |
| US09607634B2 |
Magnetic stack including cooling element
Various embodiments of a magnetic stack are disclosed. In one or more embodiments, the magnetic stack includes first and second shield layers, and a magnetically responsive lamination disposed between the first and second shield layers. The magnetically responsive lamination can be configured to receive a sense current IS therethrough. The magnetic stack also includes a cooling element disposed between the first and second shield layers and thermally coupled to the magnetically responsive lamination. The cooling element can be configured to receive a bias current IB therethrough. And the cooling element can be configured to cool the magnetically responsive lamination during a read function. |
| US09607631B2 |
Enhanced capacity recording
A storage device includes a storage controller configured to write a band of data tracks using a first recording method until criterion is met. The first method may be a conventional recording method. After the criterion is met, the storage controller is configured to write data to the band using a second recording method. The second recording method may be an enhanced capacity recording method such as interlaced magnetic recording (IMR) or shingled magnetic recording (SMR). |
| US09607630B2 |
Prevention of unintended distribution of audio information
Preventing unintended distribution of audio information may comprise analyzing audio data of a speaker's speech received by a microphone; determining automatically by a processor, from the analyzing whether the speaker's speech is intended to be distributed to an audience via the microphone; and in response to determining that the speaker's speech is not intended to be distributed to the audience via the microphone, performing one or more actions. |
| US09607629B2 |
Frequency response display
A system and method are provided for displaying a frequency response for a sound system design. Coverage map data is processed for a listening area. The coverage map data comprises a plurality of samples. Frequency response data is computed for each sample. The frequency response data is accumulated into a plurality of distributions. A statistical frequency response display is generated based on the distributions. |
| US09607628B2 |
Audio system
An audio system is described including an audio processor, an amplifier and a speaker and a distortion estimator. The distortion estimator calculates at least one of an expected response of the amplifier to an audio signal and an expected response of the loudspeaker to an audio signal. The distortion estimator is operable to generate a distortion prediction signal determined by a difference between an expected non-linear response of at least one of the loudspeaker and the amplifier and an expected linear response of at least one of the loudspeaker and the amplifier. A controller coupled to the audio processor and a control input of the audio processor may vary the operating parameters of the audio processor depending on the estimated distortion. |
| US09607625B2 |
Systems and methods for audio encoding and decoding
Systems and methods are provided for audio encoding. For example, first quantization encoding is performed on audio data associated with a current frame of an audio data stream to obtain first quantization-encoded data; second quantization encoding is performed on the audio data to obtain second quantization-encoded data; the first quantization-encoded data is coupled to the current frame of the audio data stream; and the second quantization-encoded data is coupled to a next frame of the audio data stream. |
| US09607624B2 |
Metadata driven dynamic range control
A system for encoding and applying Dynamic Range Control/Compression (DRC) gain values to a piece of sound program content is described. In particular, a set of DRC gain values representing a DRC gain curve for the piece of content may be divided into frames corresponding to frames of the piece of content. A set of fields may be included with an audio signal representing the piece of content. The additional fields may represent the DRC gain values using linear or spline interpolation. The additional fields may include 1) an initial gain value for each DRC frame, 2) a set of slope values at particular points in the DRC curve, 3) a set of time delta values for each consecutive pair of slope values, and/or 4) one or more gain delta values representing changes of DRC gain values in the DRC gain curve between points of the slope values. |
| US09607621B2 |
Customer identification through voice biometrics
Systems and methods for determining an identity of an individual are provided. Audio may be received that includes a key phrase spoken by the individual, and the key phrase may include an identifier spoken by the individual. A key phrase voice print and key phrase text corresponding to the audio may be obtained. The key phrase text may include text corresponding to the identifier spoken by the individual. Voice prints may be retrieved based on the text corresponding to the identifier, and the voice prints may be provided to a voice biometric engine for comparison to the key phrase voice print. The individual may be authenticated based on a comparison of the key phrase voice print to the voice prints. The identifier may include a first name and a last name of the individual. |
| US09607620B2 |
Fraud detection
Embodiments of techniques or systems for fraud detection are provided herein. A communication may be received where the communication includes one or more voice signals from an individual. Frequency responses associated with these voice signals may be determined and analyzed and utilized to determine whether or not potential fraudulent activity is occurring. For example, if a frequency response is greater than a frequency threshold, potential fraudulent activity may be determined. Further, frequency responses may be cross referenced with voice biometrics, voice printing, or fraud pathway detection results. In this way, voice stress or frequency responses may be utilized to build other databases related to other types of fraud detection, thereby enhancing one or more aspects of fraud detection. For example, a database may include a voice library, a pathway library, or a frequency library which include characteristics associated with fraudulent activity, thereby facilitating identification of such activity. |
| US09607617B2 |
Concept cloud in smart phone applications
An automated arrangement is described for conducting natural language interactions with a human user. A user interface is provided for user communication in a given active natural language interaction with a natural language application during an automated dialog session. An automatic speech recognition (ASR) engine processes unknown user speech inputs from the user interface to produce corresponding speech recognition results. A natural language concept module processes the speech recognition results to develop corresponding natural language concept items. A concept item storage holds selected concept items for reuse in a subsequent natural language interaction with the user during the automated dialog session. |
| US09607612B2 |
Natural human-computer interaction for virtual personal assistant systems
Technologies for natural language interactions with virtual personal assistant systems include a computing device configured to capture audio input, distort the audio input to produce a number of distorted audio variations, and perform speech recognition on the audio input and the distorted audio variants. The computing device selects a result from a large number of potential speech recognition results based on contextual information. The computing device may measure a user's engagement level by using an eye tracking sensor to determine whether the user is visually focused on an avatar rendered by the virtual personal assistant. The avatar may be rendered in a disengaged state, a ready state, or an engaged state based on the user engagement level. The avatar may be rendered as semitransparent in the disengaged state, and the transparency may be reduced in the ready state or the engaged state. Other embodiments are described and claimed. |
| US09607611B2 |
Method for automatically transforming text into video
According to the present invention there is provided a method for automatically converting text-based information and content to video form. In one embodiment of the invention the method creates a video which preserves the main idea of a given input text, and is adapted to convey the essence of the text. According to the invention data is extracted from the input text and from other sources of information relevant to it, so that the text can be analyzed as a whole and with respect to its main content. After extracting all the possible data, the text is semantically analyzed, summarized and converted to a video as a configuration file. |
| US09607606B2 |
Capacitive micro-machined transducer and method of manufacturing the same
The present invention relates to a method of manufacturing a capacitive micro-machined transducer (100), in particular a CMUT, the method comprising depositing a first electrode layer (10) on a substrate (1), depositing a first dielectric film (20) on the first electrode layer (10), depositing a sacrificial layer (30) on the first dielectric film (20), the sacrificial layer (30) being removable for forming a cavity (35) of the transducer, depositing a second dielectric film (40) on the sacrificial layer (30), depositing a second electrode layer (50) on the second dielectric film (40), and patterning at least one of the deposited layers and films (10, 20, 30, 40, 50), wherein the depositing steps are performed by Atomic Layer Deposition. The present invention further relates to a capacitive micro-machined transducer (100), in particular a CMUT, manufactured by such method. |
| US09607604B2 |
Active noise control apparatus for vehicle
An active noise control apparatus for a vehicle including: a plurality of microphones each configured to receive noise generated in the vehicle and generate an electrical signal corresponding to the noise; an external amplifier configured to supply power required for operations of the plurality of microphones; and a head unit configured to control the external amplifier to output a signal for removing the noise, based on the electrical signals generated from the plurality of microphones. |
| US09607601B2 |
Underwater noise abatement panel and resonator structure
A system for reducing noise emissions in underwater environments is presented. The system can be extended to applications in any two-fluid environments where one fluid (gas) is contained in an enclosed resonator volume connected to the outside environment at an open end of the resonator body. The resonators act as gas-containing (e.g., air) Helmholtz resonators constructed into solid panels that are submerged in the fluid medium (e.g., sea water) in the vicinity of a noise generating source. The oscillations of the trapped air volume in the resonators causes reduction of certain noise energy and a general reduction in the transmitted noise in the environment of the system. |
| US09607599B2 |
Particulate sound barrier and sound absorption/insulation board thereof
A particulate sound absorption board used for sound absorption surface layer of sound absorption/insulation board is a micropore particle board formed by splicing skeleton particles and filling particles which are covered with binding agent on the surface and have small angularity coefficient. The particulate sound insulation board used for sound insulation surface layer of sound absorption/insulation board is a compressed board formed by closely splicing skeleton particles, filling particles, binding agent and coupling agent, and there is a resonance sound absorption cavity that functions together with sound absorption surface layer in the board body. The particulate sound barrier consists of column and more than two overlapped sound absorption/insulation boards fixed between adjacent columns. A convex-concave joint end face is set on the sound absorption/insulation board, and the sealing cushion is bound between adjacent end faces. |
| US09607593B2 |
Automatic composition apparatus, automatic composition method and storage medium
An automatic composition apparatus includes a processing unit. The processing unit performs a note pitch shift process, a matching-level calculating process and a melody generating process. The note pitch shift process performs pitch shift on pitches of individual note data items included in an input phrase. The matching-level calculating process calculates a matching level between a phrase including note data items subjected to the pitch shift and a designated chord progression data item, with reference to a plurality of note connection rules each of which defines a connection relation of consecutive note types, if the pitch shift is performed. The melody generating process generates a melody based on the phrase which includes the note data items subjected to the pitch shift and which is selected based on the calculated matching level. |
| US09607592B2 |
Guitar hanger apparatus
The present invention discloses a guitar hanger apparatus, including a fixed base and a hanger body fixedly connects to the fixed base; the fixed hanger body further includes a fixing holder, applied to support the guitar and move down following the weight of the guitar, a self-locking mechanism connecting to and driven by the fixing holder; the self-locking mechanism comprises rotating shaft assemblies, built in the main body of the hanger, and swing arms connecting to the rotating shaft assemblies; the fixed holder comprises positioning casts, applied to fix the guitar, while a driving unit is arranged in the positioning cast, applied to drive the rotating shaft assemblies. The present invention achieves fixation and protection to a guitar by the weight of the guitar, which has a simple structure, and enables mass production thus brings benefits to the manufacturer. |
| US09607586B2 |
Asymmetric circuitry
Techniques are disclosed relating to asymmetric circuits. In some embodiments, a storage element is configured to maintain a first input value as an input to an asymmetric circuit during a time interval. For example, in one embodiment, the time interval may correspond to a frame of video data and the storage element may be configured to store a filter coefficient for the frame of video data. In some embodiments, the storage element may be configured to store the value as a constant for multiple operations by the asymmetric circuit. In some embodiments, the asymmetric circuit is configured to generate a plurality of output values based on the first input value and respective ones of a set of second input values. In some embodiments, the asymmetric circuit is leakage power asymmetric and/or critical path asymmetric. This may increase performance and/or reduce power consumption. |
| US09607582B2 |
Dynamic update of display pixels
A system and method of driving images on displays includes receiving image content in a processing unit. When a peak data condition is identified, pixel rows of at least one display are updated in a non-sequential order in response to identifying the peak data condition. |
| US09607580B2 |
Driving method to improve stereoscopic image display visibility
The stereoscopic image display includes a control voltage generator and a control voltage compensator. The control voltage generator generates a discharge control voltage to be applied to a discharge control line at a slight-on level, which is higher than a gate low voltage and is lower than a gate high voltage, and periodically reduces the discharge control voltage to a level of the gate low voltage in the 3D mode. The control voltage compensator receives the discharge control voltage from the control voltage generator, amplifies a feedback discharge control voltage supplied from a first part of a display panel based on the received discharge control voltage, and applies the amplified feedback discharge control voltage, as a compensated discharge control voltage, to a second part opposite the first part of the display panel. |
| US09607578B2 |
Output of video content
Technologies are generally described for systems and methods effective to output video content. In some examples, a content output device may be effective to receive a first request for first video content including a first identifier and a first category. The device may receive a zoom selection for the first video content including a first zoom level assigned to the first video content. The selection may be based on the first identifier or the first category. The device may store the zoom selection in a memory and receive a second request for second video content including a second identifier and a second category. The device may analyze the memory to determine a second zoom level for the second video content based on the first zoom level and the first identifier or the first category. The device may output the second video content at the second zoom level. |
| US09607575B2 |
Display mode adjusting method of display device and display mode adjusting module thereof
A display mode adjusting method and a display mode adjusting module executing the adjusting method are provided. The method includes the following steps: generating a saturation adjusting output color according to an input color to adjust the saturation; obtaining a relative color temperature adjusting parameter according to a target color temperature and an original optical characteristic of a display device; generating a color temperature adjusting output color according to the saturation adjusting output color and the relative color temperature adjusting parameter to adjust the color temperature; obtaining a brightness adjustment value according to the brightness of ambient light to adjust the brightness. Therefore, the display mode of the display device is adjusted to suitable for reading, which avoids the eyestrain when the users read for a long time. |
| US09607574B2 |
Video data compression format
A method and device for data compression are presented, in which a data processor may receive a packet of image data which includes four groups of N bits, where N is an integer greater than 2. The data processor may compress the received packet of data, such that a total number of bits for the converted packet is less than four times N. The data processor may compress the received packet of image data by reducing the resolution of three of the values while maintaining the resolution of the fourth value. To reduce the resolution of the three values, the data processor may apply a dithering formula to the values. The data processor may then send the converted packet via an interface. |
| US09607573B2 |
Avatar motion modification
A method, system and computer program for modifying avatar motion. The method includes receiving an input motion, determining an input motion model for the input motion sequence, and modifying an avatar motion model associated with the stored avatar to approximate the input motion model for the input motion sequence when the avatar motion model does not approximate the input motion model. The stored avatar is presented after the avatar motion model associated with the stored avatar is modified to approximate the input motion model for the input motion sequence. |
| US09607564B2 |
Clock generator circuit of liquid crystal display device and operation method thereof
A clock generator circuit of a liquid display panel includes a charge sharing switch unit, a first capacitor, a first switch, a second switch, a third switch and a fourth switch. The charge sharing switch unit is configured to receive control signals and accordingly output a first-polarity voltage to the first capacitor. The clock generator circuit is configured to turn on the first switch, the second switch, the third switch and the fourth switch according to a specific sequence thereby outputting a clock signal. An operation method for the aforementioned clock generator circuit is also provided. |
| US09607554B2 |
Image pickup device and image pickup method
An image pickup device, having first, second and third imaging modes, includes: a camera; a display that displays a video image obtained by the camera in the first, second and third imaging modes; and a touch panel that overlaps the display, and detects a flick operation in at least left and right directions. Switching to the second imaging mode occurs by a first flick operation in the right direction in the first imaging mode. Switching to the third imaging mode occurs by a second flick operation in the right direction in the second imaging mode. Switching to the second imaging mode occurs by a third flick operation in the left direction in the third imaging mode. Switching to the first imaging mode occurs by a fourth flick operation in the left direction in the second imaging mode. |
| US09607551B2 |
Organic light-emitting display device and driving method thereof
An organic light-emitting display device is provided. An organic light-emitting display device, comprising: a first transistor including a gate electrode connected to a scan line, a first electrode connected to a data line and a second electrode connected to a first node; a second transistor including a gate electrode connected to the first node, a first electrode connected to a first power supply voltage and a second electrode connected to a second node; a third transistor including a gate electrode connected to a sensing control line, a first electrode connected to the scan line and a second electrode connected to the second node; and an organic light-emitting element including an anode electrode connected to the second node and a cathode electrode connected to a second power supply voltage. |
| US09607540B2 |
Display panel
A display panel is disclosed, which comprises: a first substrate with plural pixel units formed thereon, wherein the pixel units at least comprise a first subpixel unit being a blue pixel unit and a second subpixel unit being a green pixel unit, wherein the first subpixel unit comprises a first subpixel electrode comprising a first trunk electrode, and the second subpixel unit comprises a second subpixel electrode comprising a second trunk electrode; and a second substrate opposite to the first substrate. When light passes through the display panel, a width of a first dark line corresponding to the first trunk electrode is larger than that of a second dark line corresponding to the second trunk electrode. |
| US09607536B2 |
Testing apparatus for electronic device
A testing apparatus to establish a fault by a process of elimination includes an input unit, a signal converting unit, a switch unit, and a display unit. The input unit receives an input signal and outputs a switch signal. The signal converting unit receives the switch signal and outputs a control signal. The switch unit receives the control signal and outputs a test signal. The display unit receives the test signal and runs a built in self test (BIST) program to test the proper functioning of the display unit. The signal converting unit outputs a data signal and a clock signal to the display unit when the display unit works normally. The signal converting unit not output the data signal and the clock signal to the display unit when the input signal and resulting control signal are repeated. |
| US09607535B2 |
Display device and method for driving the same
In a method of driving an organic light emitting display device, the organic light emitting display device includes: a plurality of data lines; a plurality of scan lines; and a plurality of pixels coupled to the data lines and the scan lines, the method includes: applying dummy-data signals and pre-data signals to the pixels from respective ones of the scan lines during a non-emission period; and non-sequentially applying scan signals and data signals to the pixels from the respective ones of the scan lines during an emission period, wherein the data signals include data information corresponding to respective subfields in a unit time. |
| US09607534B2 |
Illuminating prismatic badge for a vehicle
A badge mounted on a vehicle is provided herein. The badge includes a housing having a viewable portion. A light source is disposed inside the housing and is configured to direct light toward the viewable portion. Light emitted from the light source illuminates in a plurality of colors which may create a prismatic appearance. |
| US09607530B2 |
Label form including concealable label
A label form that includes a sheet material and a substrate piece is disclosed. The sheet material has a covering section and a concealable section connected to the covering section. The reinforcing piece is attached to a surface of the sheet material. When the concealable section is folded under the covering section, at least a portion of the undersurface of the reinforcing piece is revealed. |
| US09607528B2 |
Combined soft tissue and bone surgical simulator
A surgery simulator includes a physical surrogate surgical interface that represents an interface between a user and a simulated patient in a simulated surgical scenario that involves manipulation of both simulated hard and soft tissue. Sensor(s) sense the user's manipulation of the surrogate surgical interface. A surgical simulation generator generates a real time 3D surgical simulation of the surgical scenario based on the manipulation sensed by the sensor(s). The real time 3D surgical simulation comprises real time simulation state data. The surgical simulation generator renders the real time simulation state data into a real time computer graphics generated video representation of the surgical simulation and provides the real time video representation to a display for real time viewing by the user. The surgical simulation generator simulates effects of the manipulation on both simulated hard tissue and simulated soft tissue of the simulated patient. |
| US09607526B1 |
Pre-license development tool
Methods, computer-readable media, software, and apparatuses provide a tool for use by drivers and/or coaches throughout the pre-license stage of obtaining a driver's license. A pre-license program may control a computing device to collect drive data while a driver is driving a vehicle. This drive data may be used to detect a drive event. Then, the computing device may present coaching information associated with the detected drive event. The coaching information may provide a passenger, such as a coach or parent, with real-time advice for instructing the driver how to improve his/her driving skills. Moreover, the drive data collected may be used to prepare reports providing feedback to the drivers and coaches. |
| US09607523B2 |
Systems and methods for weather information management
Systems and methods for weather information management are provided. In one embodiment, a method for weather information management comprises: determining at a ground based weather collection station when a first set of aircraft collected weather data is available for transfer from a first aircraft based on a new weather data disclosure message received from the first aircraft; determining whether the first set is cumulative to a second set of aircraft collected weather data based on the new weather data disclosure message; evaluating at least a first communication datalink for suitability for transferring the first set based on a data size indicated in the new weather data disclosure message; and when the first set is not cumulative and the first datalink is suitable: selecting the first communication datalink; and transmitting a weather data request in response to the new weather data disclosure message, the request indicating the first datalink. |
| US09607519B2 |
Vehicle driving control system
A driving control system has a position/speed information detecting section for detecting the position and speed of a host vehicle, a communication unit for acquiring the position and speed information of another vehicle, a proximity position estimating section that estimates a proximity position at which the host vehicle and the other vehicle approach each other and a proximity position changing unit that, when the host vehicle and the other vehicle are travelling on the same lane at the same time, changes the proximity position to a changed proximity position outside of a waiting time generation area. A travelling plan generation section generates a travelling plan while the other one of the host-vehicle and the other vehicle enters the waiting time generation area. A communication unit transmits the travelling plan to the other vehicle, and a travel driving unit executes the driving of the host vehicle according to the travelling plan. |
| US09607518B2 |
Vehicle accident recorder and method for generating accident information thereof
Disclosed herein are vehicle accident recorders and methods for generating accident information thereof. A method may include receiving an accident message transmitted from an accident vehicle; confirming a distance between a vehicle and an accident point and whether or not a view confirming the accident point is secured, based on accident data included in the accident message; and generating witness data for the accident point depending on results of the confirming of the distance between the vehicle and the accident point and whether or not the view is secured. |
| US09607503B1 |
Apparatus and methods for distributing and displaying emergency communications
Methods and systems are disclosed for event management, allowing authorized users or authorities to distribute and display communications on digital displays. In one aspect, an event management communications system receives event data sent from a detection system comprised of a network of sensors. The event management communications system processes the event data to determine an event perimeter, and then selects one or more digital displays based upon the event data or the determined event perimeter. Next, the event management communications system authors one or more contextual communications corresponding to the one or more digital displays and sends said one or more authored communications to said one or more digital displays, thereby allowing the one or more digital displays to display the corresponding one or more communications to a relevant, identified audience. |
| US09607501B2 |
Systems and methods for providing emergency resources
A personal security system for use with a personal communication device is disclosed that is capable of sending position information regarding the location of the device to a remote computer-aided dispatch system. The computer-aided dispatch system is coupled to a plurality of security resources within a defined geographic area, and includes a dynamic resource database that includes security resource location information regarding each of a plurality of security resources; and a processing unit for receiving triggering event location data from the personal communication device and for identifying, responsive to the triggering event location data, at least one security resource that is proximate the triggering event. |
| US09607499B2 |
Satellite aided location tracking with user interface
A satellite aided location tracking and data services with user interface. A graphical user interface is provided that enables users to monitor the status of movable assets. Detailed information in a position history enables the user to obtain status information (e.g., starts and stops) at each position report. This status information promotes visibility into the journey of each movable asset. |
| US09607497B1 |
Wireless communication security system
An event venue, such as a sports stadium, can use a security system to wireless communicate about security issues. The event venue may have one or more wireless transmitters with transmission zones within the event venue. When a central security office system receives a security alert from a device belonging to a security guard or an eventgoer, or from a law enforcement or first responder network, or from security cameras or emergency beacons (e.g., a fire alarms), information detailing the security issue can be composed into an electronic message, which may include camera footage. The electronic message can then be sent out to at least a subset of the devices in the event venue using the wireless transmitters, for example to summon security guards to deal with a brawl, or to warn eventgoers of a fire. |
| US09607496B2 |
Methods and apparatus to detect and warn proximate entities of interest
Systems and methods to detect and warn proximate entities of interest are described herein. An example hazard warning system for a forktruck includes a controllable light source to project light onto a floor adjacent the forktruck. A hazard discriminator determines when the forktruck poses a hazard to an entity of interest in a vicinity of the forktruck, and responsively generates a hazard output. A controller receives the hazard output and controls the light source such that the light source is in a first state when the hazard output is not received and a second state when the hazard output is received, where the first state is different than the second state. |
| US09607495B2 |
Device for controlling the alarm limit of an alarm device
A controlling device (110) is configured for controlling a state of an alarm limit of an alarm device (108). The alarm device (108) is configured for generating an alarm signal in association with a monitored physiological parameter of a patient. The alarm limit triggers the generation of the alarm signal. In order to automatically control the state of the alarm limit, the controlling device (110) comprises a receiving unit (146) configured for receiving information indicating an administration of a treatment to the patient, a determining unit (148) configured for determining whether the treatment is administered to the patient based on the received information, and a controlling unit (150) configured for controlling the state of the alarm limit based on a result of the determination of the determining unit (148). |
| US09607494B2 |
Supervised interconnect smoke alarm system and method of using same
A smoke alarm system for providing interconnect supervision between detectors includes smoke detectors configured so that an interconnect line extends between each of the smoke detectors. In one embodiment using a wired connection, each of the smoke detectors includes an interconnect input and an interconnect output for connecting the smoke detectors into a loop configuration. Similarly, the system may also operate to provide interconnect supervision in a wireless manner such that each of the smoke detectors is polled on a periodic basis. Thus, the smoke alarm system uses interconnect supervision for alerting other detectors of a smoke and/or carbon monoxide alarm as well as altering other detectors to a fault condition. |
| US09607487B2 |
Methods, systems, and media for projecting light to indicate a device status
Systems, methods, and media for projecting light to indicate a device status are provided. In accordance with some implementations of the disclosed subject matter, systems for projecting light to indicate a device status are provided, the systems comprising: a hardware processor that: determines a light status; determines whether to turn a light source on; selects a light format corresponding to the light status; projects light of a light source according to the light format; and determines whether to turn the light source off. |
| US09607484B2 |
Methods of operating a self-service check depositing terminal to provide a check deposit transaction receipt
A method is provided of operating a self-service check depositing terminal to provide a check deposit transaction receipt. The method comprises receiving a check from a depositor, capturing original check image data which is representative of an image of the check, embedding at least some alphanumeric text data which is representative of alphanumeric text into at least some of the original check image data to provide modified check image data which is representative of a composite image of the check and the alphanumeric text, and printing the composite image of the check and the alphanumeric text onto a check deposit transaction receipt. |
| US09607482B2 |
Gaming machine with upper and lower symbol matrices and shared center reel
On a display screen in a gaming device is displayed an upper set of reels, a lower set of reels, and a larger shared reel that extends between the upper set of reels and the lower set of reels, the shared reel containing special symbols, wherein symbols on an upper section of the shared reel are combinable with symbols on the upper set of reels; and wherein symbols on a lower section of the shared reel are combinable with symbols on the lower set of reels. The special symbols may include wild symbols, free spin symbols, instant awards, mystery wild symbols, and secondary game play symbols. Since the player can focus on only one reel, the shared reel, which frequently determines whether the player wins, the player becomes more involved in the game and enjoys it more. |
| US09607481B2 |
Electronic gaming device with platform gaming functionality
Examples disclosed herein relate to systems and methods, which may receive wagers on one or more paylines. The systems and methods may utilize one or more objects in a platform based game. The systems and methods may determine one or more payouts based on the one or more objects in a platform based game. The systems and methods may display one or more presentations based on the one or more platform results. |
| US09607480B2 |
Interactive game elements as lottery ticket in enriched game play environment (single and/or multiplayer) for casino applications
Systems for providing a lottery ticket to a player of a hybrid game are provided. Systems include an entertainment software engine that provides an entertainment game, the entertainment game including a first type of enabling element and a second type of enabling element; a real world engine that provides a gambling game, and generates random gambling outcomes for a gambling bet in real world credits; and a game world engine coupled to the entertainment software engine and the real world engine via a network, that: receives a lottery ticket; monitors, via the network, the player's skillful play of the entertainment game; pays out game world credit to the player; triggers the gambling bet in the gambling game; receives a gambling outcome; determines to award the lottery ticket to the player on the basis of attendant rules; and issues the lottery ticket to the player via the network. |
| US09607472B2 |
Method of gaming, a game controller and a gaming system
A method of gaming comprising: conducting a game requiring a player to make a choice between at least one optimal action and at least one sub-optimal action having a lower return to player than the optimal action such that the difference between the sub-optimal action and the optimal action represents a lost return to player; receiving a player choice of an action; and conducting a trial for an award in which the probability of success is controlled to provide an expected return to player from the trial that compensates the player for the lost return to player in response to determining that the choice is a sub-optimal action. |
| US09607469B2 |
Beat synchronization in a game
Systems and methods for synchronizing beats in a game include predicting when beats of the music currently playing in the game will occur. The playing of sound effects, music transitions, or the like that are triggered by in-game events may be synchronized with the predicted beats of the currently playing music. |
| US09607465B2 |
Bulk vending apparatus, system and method
A vending machine is provided. The vending machine includes a number of bins, with each bin sized to contain a consumable product. The vending machine also includes a consumable product collection area, with the consumable product collection area accessible by a vending machine user. A conveyor communicates at least a portion of each of the bins, with the conveyor positioned to receive the consumable product from the bin and transport the consumable product to the consumable product collection area. The vending machine also includes an interface structured to receive a currency from the vending machine user to purchase at least one of the consumable products and a controller that activates the conveyor to transport the consumable product to the consumable product collection area. |
| US09607464B2 |
Method and apparatus for fuel island authorization for trucking industry using proximity sensors
A fuel authorization program based on equipping fuel station, fuel pumps, and vehicles with components to enable automatic fuel authorization for enrolled vehicles. The program includes fuel pumps including a pump transmitting sensor that automatically emits a pump ID. As a vehicle pulls in next to the pump a vehicle coupling receiving sensor detects the pump ID signal and a proximity link is created. The vehicle sensor passes the pump ID via hardwire or Bluetooth to vehicle fuel authorization processor (which can be part of a telematics device). The vehicle processor transmits the pump ID (and any fuel authorization credentials needed, such as a PIN or VIN) via WI-FI to a Station processor for fuel vendor authorization. If approved, the pump is enabled. As the vehicle moves away the coupling sensor link is broken and the vehicle transmits a “disconnect” message via Wi-Fi and the pump is disabled. |
| US09607463B2 |
Bill recycling mechanism
The invention discloses a bill recycling mechanism, which includes a box body, provided with a bill outlet; a bill tray, including a first door and a second door, which are oppositely arranged, and used for receiving and guiding bills to the bill outlet; and a double door driving assembly, used for driving the first door and the second door to be opened or closed, wherein the first door and the second door are pivotally opened and pivoted into a bill storage space below the first door and the second door. According to the bill recycling mechanism, the bills directly fall into the bill storage space below the double doors when the first door and the second door are opened, so that a bill recycling speed is increased. |
| US09607454B1 |
System for distinguishing between traffic jam and parked vehicles
A system for identifying the status of a group of secondary vehicles. The system determines whether the group of secondary vehicles are parked or part of a traffic jam. |
| US09607451B2 |
Method and a system for merging health indicators of a device
A method and system for merging health indicators of a device. During the method, health indicators Indi are firstly distributed in at least one indicator group G, each health indicator Indi being associated with a respective detection threshold Sdi, it being possible to determine a characteristic operating point of the device by using the health indicators Indi of an indicator group G. An alarm threshold Sa is determined using training health indicators. Then, a merged health indicator MHI is determined by taking into account both of the alarm threshold Sa and also of the detection thresholds Sdi of the health indicators Indi of the group G. Finally, the merged health indicator MHI is compared to the alarm threshold Sa and it is deduced whether or not the device presents a fault or a risk of such a fault appearing. |
| US09607450B1 |
Systems and methods for updating a driving tip model using telematics data
Methods and systems for improving vehicular safety by utilizing a driving tip model are provided. According to embodiments, an analysis server can analyze telematics data associated with operation of one or more vehicles to identify driving tips that may be aimed to mitigate certain risks or warn of various conditions. The analysis server can provide the driving tips to the vehicles and, in response, receive updated telematics data from the vehicles that reflects operation data for the vehicles subsequent to receiving the driving tips. The analysis server can analyze the updated telematics data to associate certain driving tips with certain telematics data and identify effective driving tips and delivery techniques. The analysis server can update the driving tip model accordingly. |
| US09607446B2 |
System and method for identifying damaged sections of a route
A method and system for determining rail defects. The method and system receive route performance measurements from a vehicle system traveling along a route and normalize the route performance measurements based on one or more characteristics of the vehicle system. The method and a system also determine a defect for a segment of the route based at least in part on the normalized route performance measurements with respect to a threshold bandwidth corresponding to the segment. The method and system also examine velocity differences in a vehicle speed of a vehicle and the angular speed of the axles and/or wheels of the vehicle system traveling along a route to determine if the route is damaged and/or to identify the location of the potentially damaged section of the route. The differences may represent wheel creeps of the vehicle system. |
| US09607444B2 |
VIN based accelerometer threshold
A method and apparatus in a vehicular telemetry system for determining accelerometer thresholds based upon decoding a vehicle identification number (VIN). |
| US09607442B2 |
Differential resource application in virtual worlds based on payment and account options
A system and method for enhancing the rendering of one or more objects based on payment and account options. The system includes a computer infrastructure configured to control enhancement rendering of an object in a virtual universe by providing at least one augmentation attribute to a tag of the object. The method includes providing enhancement rendering of an object in a virtual universe by augmenting the object based on a status of a user viewing the object. |
| US09607433B2 |
Geometric structure analyzing method, geometric structure analyzing system, and computer program product
A geometric structure analyzing method, a geometric structure analyzing system, and a computer program product are provided, to analyze a two-dimensional geometric structure of a model composed of at least one magnetic building block. A magnetic field intensity image of the model is obtained, and a shape of the magnetic field intensity image is used as a contour of the model. The contour of the model is skeletonized to obtain the two-dimensional geometric structure of the model, and the two-dimensional geometric structure is displayed on a display panel. Therefore, a user is allowed to control the two-dimensional geometric structure on the display panel by manipulating the model, to achieve interactive effects including visual and tactile feedbacks. |
| US09607428B2 |
Variable resolution virtual reality display system
A virtual reality display system that renders images at different resolutions in different parts of a display. Reduces rendering latency by rendering at a lower resolution in selected regions, for example on the sides of a display where human vision has lower resolution than in the center. Pixels in low resolution regions are combined into grid elements, and rendering may generate grid element values rather than individual pixel values. Rendering may use ray casting, rasterization, or both. Variable resolution rendering may be combined with variable level of detail geometry models to further reduce rendering time. Selected objects may be designed as high resolution objects that are rendered at a high resolution even in low resolution display regions. |
| US09607424B2 |
Depth-assigned content for depth-enhanced pictures
According to various embodiments of the invention, a system and method are provided for enabling interaction with, manipulation of, and control of depth-assigned content in depth-enhanced pictures. Depth-assigned content can be assigned to a specified depth value. When a depth-enhanced picture is refocused at a focus depth substantially different from the specified assigned depth value, the depth-assigned content may be omitted, grayed out, blurred, or otherwise visually distinguished. In this manner, content associated with an in-focus image element can be visually distinguished from content associated with an out-of-focus image element. For example, in at least one embodiment, depth-assigned content is visible only when an image element associated with the content is in focus (or nearly in focus). According to various embodiments of the invention, many different types of interactions are facilitated among depth-assigned content, depth-enhanced pictures, and other content. |
| US09607420B2 |
Animations for scroll and zoom
Smooth animation effects during zooming are provided by retaining content displayed at a previous zoom level. If the zoom operation is a zoom out operation, new content is stretched to a current zoom level, aligned with the retained content, and placed underneath it. If the zoom operation is a zoom in operation, new content is scaled down to the current zoom level, aligned with the retained content, and displayed on top of the retained content. The new content is then zoomed with the retained content. The retained content is then deleted. When zooming out, the retained content fades out. When zooming in, the new content fades in. Smooth scrolling animation is also provided by pre-rendering a portion of content and teleporting to a final viewport position and thereby skipping over blank content. |
| US09607419B2 |
Method of fitting virtual item using human body model and system for providing fitting service of virtual item
A method of fitting a virtual item using a human body model and a system for providing a fitting service of a virtual item are provided, the method including determining whether a user is located in an experience area, loading a three-dimensional (3D) standard avatar corresponding to setting information input by the user when the user is located in the trial area, obtaining a depth image of the user corresponding to a preset posture, transforming the 3D standard avatar into a user avatar reflecting body characteristics of the user, using a depth image of the user, fitting a virtual item selected by the user to the user avatar, and applying a motion of the user changing in real time to the user avatar to which the virtual item is fitted. |
| US09607418B1 |
Method of transaction card recognition and interaction
A system and method are provided for recognition and interaction with transaction cards. A computing device collects images of a card via an image sensor, and implements facial recognition techniques to identify the card. An augmented reality program module causes the device to display a virtual object overlaid with the underlying video images. Upon identifying a dynamic trigger action by a user with respect to the virtual object, the program module enables an exchange of data associated with a card account between the device and a remote server. The dynamic trigger action may involve user manipulation of the displayed object via a pointing device with respect to the display, or of a virtual position in space of the object as viewed through the display. |
| US09607411B2 |
Specular highlights on photos of objects
Systems and methods are presented for recording and viewing images of objects with specular highlights. In some embodiments, a computer-implemented method may include accessing a first plurality of images, each of the images in the first plurality of images including an object recorded from a first position, and a reflection of light on the object from a light source located at a different location than in each of the other images in the first plurality of images. The method may also include generating a first composite image of the object, the first composite image comprising a superposition of the first plurality of images, and wherein each of the images in the first plurality of images is configured to change in a degree of transparency within the first composite image and in accordance with a first input based on a degree of tilt. |
| US09607409B2 |
Suppression of real features in see-through display
Technologies are described for display of a merged image on a display. A processor may receive first data that relates to a first image of a real object and second data that relates to a second image of a virtual object. The second image, if displayed, may overlap, in an overlap region, at least part of the first image if the first image were displayed. The processor may identify an overlap part in the first data that corresponds to the overlap region, clip the overlap part from the first data to produce clipped data, and blur the clipped data to produce blurred data. The processor may subtract the clipped data from the blurred data to produce an additive blur component, add the additive blur component to the second data to produce merged data, and generate the merged image to be displayed on the display based on the merged data. |
| US09607408B2 |
Rendering semi-transparent user interface elements
A computer-implemented method includes: determining an intensity of a visual effect to be applied to a user interface element; adjusting the intensity of the visual effect based on a characteristic feature of a background area; and rendering the user interface element based on the adjusted intensity of the visual effect. |
| US09607404B2 |
System for normalizing, codifying and categorizing color-based product and data based on a universal digital color system
A system for normalizing, codifying and categorizing divergent color systems into a universal color system. A server connected to a communications network receives, processes, codifies and categorizes divergent color data from a merchant system. A middleware engine of the server receives a data feed comprising a plurality of color swatches or images from the merchant system, and normalizes the data feed into a common format. A server processor extracts image data comprising a plurality of product images from the normalized data feed, identifies and converts at least one dominant product color in each product image to a digital value, and assigns a hexadecimal code of the universal color system to each product image that is closest to the digital value of each product image based on color component intensity values of at least one dominant product color in each product image. A product categorization engine categorizes each product image into one of a plurality of product categories. |
| US09607401B2 |
Constrained key frame localization and mapping for vision-aided inertial navigation
Estimation techniques for vision-aided inertial navigation are described. In one example, a vision-aided inertial navigation system (VINS) comprises an image source to produce image data for a keyframe and one or more non-keyframes along a trajectory, the one or more non-keyframes preceding the keyframe along the trajectory. The VINS comprises an inertial measurement unit (IMU) to produce IMU data indicative of a motion of the VINS along the trajectory for the keyframe and the one or more non-keyframes, and a processing unit comprising an estimator that processes the IMU data and the image data to compute state estimates of the VINS. The estimator computes the state estimates of the VINS for the keyframe by constraining the state estimates based on the IMU data and the image data for the one or more non-keyframes of the VINS without computing state estimates of the VINS for the one or more non-keyframes. |
| US09607400B2 |
Moving object recognizer
A moving object recognizer includes an image input to receive stereo image signals from a stereo camera consecutively and output a stereo image, a brightness image generator to consecutively store frames of at least one of images of the output stereo image and generate a brightness image frame, a disparity image generator to calculate a disparity between the images of the stereo image output to the brightness image generator and generate a disparity image frame, an object recognizer to recognize an object at least from the brightness image frame, a tracking processor to track an object recognized at a certain time from an image frame through brightness image frames obtained from image frames subsequent to the image frame recognized at the certain time, and a change detector to detect a change in the state of the tracked object from the disparity image frame synchronized with the brightness image frame. |
| US09607398B2 |
Image processing apparatus and method of controlling the same
To improve a total throughput of graph generation processing. For doing so an inputted image is divided into a plurality of areas by clustering, based on a plurality of representative points, a plurality of pixels in the image. A set of representative points that are close is generated based on positions of the representative points. A plurality of the areas corresponding to the plurality of representative points included in the set based on respective feature amounts is unified. |
| US09607393B2 |
Multiple panel luminaires for light-based communication
Multiple panel luminaires for light-based communication (LCom) and related techniques of use are disclosed. Each luminaire panel may comprise at least one solid-state light source, where the light sources are configured to output light. The luminaire may also include at least one modulator configured to modulate the light output of the light sources to allow for emission of LCom signals. The luminaire may also include a controller configured to synchronize timing of the LCom signals. In some cases, one panel may be configured to emit an LCom signal that is the inverse or duplicate of the LCom signal emitted from another panel. Panel signal inversion may be used to maintain a relatively constant level of light output from the luminaire and/or to create a virtual fiducial to provide orientation information. Using a multiple panel luminaire to transmit data may also result in improved data transmission rates and transmission reliability. |
| US09607388B2 |
System and method of pose estimation
A method includes receiving, from an image capture device, a first image frame of a sequence of image frames. The method also includes estimating, at a processor, a camera pose corresponding to the first image frame by comparing the first image frame to a second image frame. The second image frame precedes the first image frame in the sequence of image frames. The method further includes estimating, at the processor, a refined camera pose corresponding to the first image frame by comparing the first image frame to a keyframe. The keyframe corresponds to a particular image frame that precedes the second image frame in the sequence of image frames. |
| US09607386B2 |
Systems and methods for correction of artificial deformation in anatomic modeling
Systems and methods are disclosed for correcting for artificial deformations in anatomical modeling. One method includes obtaining an anatomic model; obtaining information indicating a presence of an artificial deformation of the anatomic model; identifying a portion of the anatomic model associated with the artificial deformation; estimating a non-deformed local area corresponding to the portion of the anatomic model; and modifying the portion of the anatomic model associated with the artificial deformation, based on the estimated non-deformed local area. |
| US09607384B2 |
Optimal patch ranking for coordinate transform estimation of microscope images from sparse patch shift estimates
A method of determining a coordinate transform between a first image and a second image, said method comprising the steps of: determining a rate of change of pixel values for locations on the first image to identify candidate alignment patches in the first image; specifying subsets of patches from the set of candidate alignment patches based on an error metric, selecting a subset of candidate alignment patches from said plurality of subsets of candidate alignment patches based upon a predetermined criterion; estimating, for each patch in the selected subset, a shift between the patch and a corresponding patch in the second image, the location of the corresponding patch in the second image being determined from the location of the patch in the first image; and determining the coordinate transform between the first image and second image based on the estimated shifts. |
| US09607383B2 |
Method for recording individual three-dimensional optical images of a dental object
The invention relates to a method for recording individual three-dimensional optical images (2) to form a global image of a dental object (1) which is to be measured. After each individual image (2) is taken by means of a dental camera (3), a computer (8) automatically checks whether an overlapping area (5, 12) between the images which are to be combined meet the recording requirements determined for a correct recording. If the overlapping area (5) meets the recording requirements, the recording is carried out between the images (6, 7) to be combined and a first image sequence (9) is set in motion. Said images of the first image sequence (9) are subsequently combined to form a first cluster (23). If the overlapping area (12) of an image (13) does not meet the recording requirements, the first image sequence (9) is interrupted, an additional second image sequence (14) is automatically started with said image (13). Subsequently, the images of the second image sequence (14) are combined to form a second cluster (24). |
| US09607381B2 |
Accurate and rapid mapping of points from ultrasound images to tracking systems
A method for mapping coordinates between images and tracking systems includes providing a calibration tool having a fixed geometric shape. The calibration tool includes first sensors associated with an imaging mode and second sensors associated with a tracking mode. The first and second sensors are distributed and mounted at known locations on the fixed geometric shape. The first sensors are located in a field of view of an imaging system to determine a position of the calibration tool in image space. The second sensors are tracked to determine a same position of the calibration tool in tracking space. The image space and the tracking space are mapped in a common coordinate system based on artifacts of the calibration tool. |
| US09607376B2 |
Method and apparatus for image scoring and analysis
Methods and systems for image scoring and analysis are provided. Scored and analyzed images may include digital pathology images. Image scoring and analysis methods may include techniques to identify nuclei and determine membrane staining extent through the use of a priori models. Image scoring and analysis methods may include techniques for membrane intensity determination. Images may be scored based on an extent of membrane staining and membrane intensity. |
| US09607373B2 |
Detection of anatomical landmarks
A method includes accessing image data representing tissue and identifying one or more features of the tissue indicated by the image data. A model is selected for the tissue based on the one or more identified features. The image data is segmented and, using the model, one or more anatomical landmarks of the tissue indicated by the segmented image data are identified. |
| US09607371B2 |
Mesoscopic defect detection for reticle inspection
In some embodiments, a method and/or system may include detecting defects in photomasks. The method may include acquiring a first image of a first die. The method may include acquiring a second image of a second die. In some embodiments, the method may include dividing the first and the second image into a number of first and second portions respectively. The method may include reducing one or more differences in sizing of the first and the second portions. In some embodiments, the method may include determining a difference in a function derived from an image intensity between the corresponding first and second portions. The method may include summing the differences in the function between the corresponding first and second portions. The method may include detecting mesoscopic scale defects in the second die. |
| US09607367B2 |
Adaptive pattern generation
Embodiments of the present invention provide systems and method for adaptively generating a pattern for fabricating semiconductor devices, the method comprising obtaining image data of a surface, and dynamically modifying a pattern to be applied to the surface based on the obtained image data. |
| US09607364B2 |
Methods and systems for inverse tone mapping
Novel methods and systems for inverse tone mapping are disclosed. A scene can be analyzed to obtain highlight detection from bright light sources and specular reflections. An inverse tone mapping curve can be calculated based on the lower dynamic range and higher dynamic range displays. Multi-scale filtering can be applied to reduce noise or artifacts. |
| US09607356B2 |
Graphics processing systems
A tile-based graphics processing pipeline comprising a rasteriser 3, a renderer 6, a tile buffer 10 configured to store rendered fragment data locally to the graphics processing pipeline prior to that data being written out to an external memory, a write out stage 13 configured to write data stored in the tile buffer to an external memory, and a programmable processing stage 14. The programmable processing stage 14 is operable under the control of graphics program instructions to read fragment data stored in the tile buffer 10 on a random access basis, perform a processing operation using the read fragment data, and write the result of the processing operation into the tile buffer 10 or to an external memory. |
| US09607355B2 |
Model parallel processing method and apparatus based on multiple graphic processing units
A parallel data processing method based on multiple graphic processing units (GPUs) is provided, including: creating, in a central processing unit (CPU), a plurality of worker threads for controlling a plurality of worker groups respectively, the worker groups including a plurality of GPUs; binding each worker thread to a corresponding GPU; loading one batch of training data from a nonvolatile memory to a GPU video memory corresponding to one worker group; transmitting, between a plurality of GPUs corresponding to one worker group, data required by data processing performed by the GPUs through peer to peer; and controlling the plurality of GPUs to perform data processing in parallel through the worker threads. |
| US09607347B1 |
Systems and methods of 3D scanning and robotic application of cosmetics to human
Systems and methods for applying cosmetics are provided using an incoherent light projector shining light on the face, capturing the reflected light using a camera and the projector, communicating with the camera and the projector and a structured light depth processor to generate a depth image output. A control device communicates with the structure light depth sensor to receive the output, to receive the face profiles and generate motion trajectory commands, and a robot communicates with the control device to receive the commands to apply the cosmetics to the face in accordance with the face profiles. Methods for applying the cosmetics include receiving a face profile, receiving a depth sensor input representing a face, extracting face features, matching the face profile to the face features, and generating a guide or outputting robot trajectory to apply the cosmetics. |
| US09607345B1 |
Systems and methods for conducting transactions with a customer using text messages
The illustrative embodiments described herein provide systems and methods for conducting transactions with a customer using text messages. In one embodiment, a method includes receiving a first text message from a mobile communication device associated with a customer. The first text message includes a request from the customer to receive one or more text messages from a vendor. The method also includes adding the customer to a set of consenting customers in a customer database in response to receiving the first text message. The set of consenting customer including customers that consent to receiving text messages from the vendor. The method also includes sending a second text message to the mobile communication device. The second text message is associated with a service offered by the vendor. |
| US09607340B2 |
Method and system for implementing author profiling
Disclosed is an improved method, system, and computer program product for analyzing interests of consumers, where semantic analysis is performed on writings by authors on social media sites. The results of the semantic analysis provide a profile of the authors. These author profiles can be used to identify and correlate topical interests by consumers. An enterprise or business can more effectively market to the consumers based upon this knowledge of the consumers' interests. |
| US09607339B1 |
System and method for facilitating transportation of a vehicle involved in a crash
A system, method, and computer-readable medium to facilitate treatment of a damaged vehicle by gathering crash information, estimating an extent of vehicle damage, and requesting transport of the damaged vehicle from the crash site to a treatment facility. |
| US09607335B1 |
Method and system for allocating deposits over a plurality of depository institutions
A method, system, and program product, the method comprising: (1) aggregated account information FDIC aggregated deposit accounts held in a plurality of banks; (2) client account information: (1) obtaining a client available deposit amount, Di; (2) determining, a bank number tier, Ti, for the client account, from among a plurality of tiers based, at least in part, on a level of funds associated with the respective client or relative to tier ranges, wherein each tier has a number of banks associated therewith or a function for computing the number of banks associated therewith; (3) allocating the client available deposit amount, Di, across a number of banks, NT, equal to the number associated electronically with the tier, Ti; and generating data to transfer funds to or from one or more of the banks. |
| US09607327B2 |
Object search and navigation method and system
A computer implemented method of presenting visual content items, comprising: grouping the visual content items according to predefined similarity rules relating to visual characteristics of the visual content items such that each group has a range for the number of its members; selecting a representative visual content item for each group; presenting the representative visual content item of each group that has a minimal number of members above a predefined threshold; and optionally presenting the visual content items alongside the representative visual content items. The grouping may be carried out by using predefined color groups; by using predefined shape groups; or using Keypoints of the visual content items, and relate to groups of human faces, product images and landscape images. |
| US09607324B1 |
Topical trust network
Methods, systems, devices and/or apparatus related to type of network-based social network in which network “connections” are include a topical trust factor between users, so that reputable information available over the network my be provided. In an example embodiment, a social rank score for available items of information is provided that allows the system to rank available information based upon topical factors associated with such information. |
| US09607323B2 |
Goods information providing system, apparatus, method and information storage medium
Provided is a goods information providing system, including: a first position acquisition section (4) for acquiring from a position information DB (31) position information on goods specified by a shelf ID read by a reading unit (22); a related goods extraction section (5) for extracting from a related goods information DB (33) a related goods related to the goods specified by the shelf ID; a second position acquisition section (6) for acquiring from the position information DB (31) position information on the extracted related goods; a recommended goods determination section (8) for determining, as recommended goods, from among the extracted related goods, the related goods selected based on a position of the goods acquired by the first position acquisition section (4) and a position of the related goods acquired by the second position acquisition section (6); and an informing unit (23) for informing of information on the determined recommended goods. |
| US09607322B1 |
Conditional promotion in content delivery
Techniques are described for promoting content items in a page to load in a different order than the order in which they were initially designated to load in the page source. A page may include critical content items designated to load earlier than non-critical content items. In instances where there is a delay due to latency in generating or retrieving the critical content items, one or more non-critical content items may be promoted to load earlier than initially designated. By promoting non-critical content items to load during the period in which the loading of the page may otherwise be stalled, overall page load times may be reduced. |
| US09607317B2 |
Keyword-based content suggestions
A system and related methods suggest content based on user input and another metric. In one implementation, web-sites are suggested to advertisers in response to keyword input and by factoring in how often such web-sites were selected or “clicked on” as a result of corresponding search queries. Search logs are processed to determine how often certain query terms led to web-sites being selected. Web-sites are ranked accordingly. Keywords from advertisers are matched to the web-site rankings to present the top web-sites. |
| US09607316B2 |
Method, medium, and system for customizing content based on social network information
Systems and methods are disclosed that use social networking profiles of users to generate personalized content of display pages. The personalized content may be generated using profile data retrieved via an application program interface of a social networking system, and may be presented on the display pages of a distinct system, such as a site that hosts an electronic catalog of items. The personalized content may include features that allow a user to indicate a like or preference for an item and that can be customized based on, e.g., the extent of the user's social network or the influence the user has over other potential users of the catalog system. Systems and methods are also disclosed that use the social networking profiles to generate personalized messages that can be posted to social network contacts of the user to provide information about items for which the contacts may be interested. |
| US09607314B1 |
Expansion of high performing placement criteria
Systems and methods of evaluating information in a computer network environment are provided. A data processing system can obtain or receive a content placement criterion, such as a keyword, associated with a content item and can determine a quality metric of the content placement criterion. The data processing system can identify a candidate content placement criterion and expand placement criteria associated with the content item to include the content placement criterion and the candidate content placement criterion based at least in part on an evaluation of the quality metric of the content placement criterion. The data processing system can expand placement criteria based in part on a throttling parameter. The data processing system can identify a correlation between a document and the placement criteria to identify appropriate content items for the document. |
| US09607310B2 |
System, method and computer program for forecasting residual values of a durable good over time
Systems, methods and computer program products for forecasting future values of an item, where an initial value for the item is determined, and then a baseline forecast for a future reference period is computed based on factors that include microeconomic data which is specific to an industry of the item and macroeconomic data which is non-specific to the industry of the item. The forecast may also be adjusted based on data for a set of competitive items. The forecast for the item is stored and is then made available to clients that can access the forecast to determine the expected future value of the item at some point in the future. |
| US09607309B2 |
Methods and systems for facilitating communications between providers of on-line services and potential customers
Systems and methods are provided that can include monitoring of activities of potential customer users, for example, on an e-commerce Web site. Based at least in part on the monitored activities, a notification or alert may be provided to a merchant or a merchant administrator, regarding a potential customer, such as by being sent to a mobile device of the merchant or merchant administrator. Real-time communications may be facilitated or initiated between the merchant or the merchant administrator and the potential customer, such as with regard to a potential purchase, which communications can include the use of mobile devices. |
| US09607302B2 |
Remotely configuring content
A system is presented that comprises a third-party ad provider that serves advertisements to different websites being viewed at a plurality of display devices. The advertisements may be from different advertisers, and may include advertisements from a content service provider. The advertisements from the service provider may include a promotion for a video program presented by the service provider and may provide a selectable option for a viewer of the website to have that viewer's DVR service automatically programmed to record the promoted video program. The selectable option may be selected with a single action by the viewer, and all communications, associations between the display device and the DVR service, and programming of the DVR service may occur automatically without intervention by the viewer. |
| US09607298B2 |
System and method for providing secure data communication functionality to a variety of applications on a portable communication device
A system for providing an application associated with a portable communication device the ability to communicate via a secure element. The system has a digital identifier and digital token operably associated with the application; a card services module that provides an application programming interface to the secure element; and a secure data table associated with the card services module. The secure data table includes a list of trusted applications each identifiable by paired digital identifier and token. The card services module [includes] compares the identifier and the token with each of the identifier-token pairs in the table until a match indicates the application is trusted. The card services module issues commands to the secure element based on an action requested by a trusted application in conjunction with the presentation of the digital token. A method of providing an application with the ability to communicate via secure element is also disclosed. |
| US09607297B2 |
Mobile payment via a virtual peripheral device
During a financial transaction, a customer provides a token that identifies the customer to a peripheral device (which is other than a credit-authorization terminal or a magnetic-stripe reader) coupled to the point-of-sale terminal. Then, a unified point-of-sale service object executing on the point-of-sale terminal, which is a driver for a virtual peripheral device, performs one or more operations based on at least the token to obtain financial information associated with the customer. After providing the financial information and transaction information associated with the financial transaction to a financial institution specified in the financial information, the point-of-sale terminal receives a confirmation from the financial institution that the financial transaction has been completed. For example, the confirmation may be received via a credit-authorization-terminal service object that is a driver for the credit-authorization terminal. |
| US09607296B2 |
System for automation and efficient execution of tasks related to mobile POS in retail business
Method for managing mobile point of sale (mPOS) operations using a wireless network to detect location data includes capturing video data of one or more customers within a retail store premises. The video data is analyzed to determine one or more customer behavior indicators potentially indicating a need for mPOS services. The location data is used to correlate the customer behavior indicators with the one or more customers. The method also involves determining a probability that at least one of the customers will be requesting mPOS services within a predetermined interval of time. |
| US09607286B1 |
RFID tags with brand protection and loss prevention
Brand-protection codes may be used to maintain authenticity chains for items or tags across a number of different entities. A first entity, such as a tag or item manufacturer, may generate a first brand-protection code (BPC) based on a first key and a tag or item identifier and store the first BPC on a tag associated with an item. A second entity that receives the tag and/or item may attempt to authenticate the first BPC. If the second entity authenticates the first BPC, the second entity may generate an authentication code based on a second key and the first BPC and/or the tag/item identifier, and may write the authentication code to the tag. In some embodiments, the authentication code may be a second brand-protection code, or an exit code that allows the item to exit a facility such as a retail store. |
| US09607280B2 |
Methods for shipping element processing
Methods useful for processing shipping elements such as boxes, envelopes, and transport devices during transfer. In one embodiment, the shipping element contains an item being shipped by a user, and the method includes providing the user access to a computerized user interface by which at least information relating to the shipping element can be remotely obtained by the user. During at least one point during shipping, the shipping element is evaluated with respect to at least one physical parameter, and the user is informed via the user interface as to a status or condition of the at least one physical parameter. In another embodiment, a radio-frequency device is inserted into the shipping element along with a user item to be shipped, and the device is used as a basis for the remote provision of information relating to the shipping element during at least a portion of the shipping. |
| US09607279B2 |
Automatic disclosure detection
A method of detecting pre-determined phrases to determine compliance quality includes determining whether a precursor event has occurred based on a comparison between stored pre-determined phrases and a received communication, and determining a compliance rating based on a presence of a pre-determined phrase associated with the precursor event in the communication. |
| US09607271B2 |
Isothermal quantum computing apparatus and materials
The subject matter relates to multiple parallel ensembles of early stage spherical pulses radiated through engineered arrays forming the foundation for quantized computer processors taking advantage of integer thermodynamics. The materials, architecture and methods for constructing micro- and/or nano-scale three-dimensional cellular arrays, cellular series logic gates, and signature logic form the basis of small- and large-scale apparatuses used to execute logic, data bases, memory, mathematics, artificial intelligence, prime factorization, optical routing and artificial thought tasks not otherwise replicated in electron-based circuits. Unlike prior art electric-current based computational devices—that by definition dissipate heat and consume significant power to achieve computational output—the types of logic gates described do not shed waste heat and minimally consume power, which is desirable for embedded computers, ultra high-throughput computation, low-power consumption data centers and extended battery life devices. |
| US09607270B2 |
Systems, methods and apparatus for active compensation of quantum processor elements
Apparatus and methods enable active compensation for unwanted discrepancies in the superconducting elements of a quantum processor. A qubit may include a primary compound Josephson junction (CJJ) structure, which may include at least a first secondary CJJ structure to enable compensation for Josephson junction asymmetry in the primary CJJ structure. A qubit may include a series LC-circuit coupled in parallel with a first CJJ structure to provide a tunable capacitance. A qubit control system may include means for tuning inductance of a qubit loop, for instance a tunable coupler inductively coupled to the qubit loop and controlled by a programming interface, or a CJJ structure coupled in series with the qubit loop and controlled by a programming interface. |
| US09607269B2 |
Intelligent subscriber notification based on a confidence level of viewing messages
A network device may receive a subscriber's activity data for a plurality of network resources associated with the subscriber. The subscriber's activity data may be analyzed and a tailored notification instruction may be provided for alerting the subscriber. |
| US09607266B2 |
Systems and methods for signal detection in pharmacovigilance using distributed processing, analysis and representing of the signals in multiple forms
Systems and methods for signal detection are described. The method comprises obtaining, by a data processing module, data from one or more data sources. The method further comprises standardizing the data, by the data processing module, based on at least one template to obtain standardized data. The standardized data have data properties depicting a format and a size of the data. Further, the method comprises determining, by an analysis module, one or more detection rules based on at least one of recommendation data and the data properties of the standardized data. The method further comprises detecting, by the analysis module, at least one signal present in the standardized data based on the one or more detection rules. |
| US09607264B2 |
Providing recommendations using information determined for domains of interest
Techniques are described for determining and using information related to domains of interest, such as by automatically analyzing documents and other information related to a domain in order to automatically determine relationships between particular terms within the domain. Such automatically determined information may then be used to assist users in obtaining information from the domain that is of interest (e.g., documents with contents that are relevant to user-specified terms and/or to other terms that are determined to be sufficiently related to the user-specified terms). For example, recommendations may be automatically generated for a user by using information about specified preferences or other interests of the user with respect to one or more terms and identifying other particular terms that are sufficiently probable to be of interest to that user, such as based on a generated probabilistic representation of relationships between particular terms for the domain. |
| US09607263B2 |
System and method for a recursive cortical network
A system includes: a recursively architected network of sub-networks organized into a hierarchical layers; the sub-networks including at least a parent feature node, a pool node, a parent-specific child feature (PSCF) node, and a child feature node; the parent feature node of at least one sub-network configured with a selection function actionable on at least two pool nodes connected to the parent feature node of the at least one sub-network; the pool node of the at least one sub-network configured with a selection function actionable on at least two PSCF nodes connected to the pool node of the at least one sub-network; the PSCF node of the at least one sub-network configured to activate a connected child feature node; the child feature node connectable to at least a parent feature node of a sub-network at a lower hierarchical layer. |
| US09607260B2 |
Antenna device and communication apparatus
An antenna device is configured as a jacket of a communication terminal, such as a mobile terminal, and a communication apparatus includes the antenna device attached to the communication terminal. The antenna device uses an HF-band high frequency signal as a carrier frequency, and is configured as a reader/writer antenna device for a near field communication system. The base body of the antenna device is a plate-shaped base member made of a resin. An antenna coil and a feeding coil are provided integrally with the plate-shaped base member. High-frequency signals are transmitted between the feeding coil and the antenna coil through magnetic coupling in a non-contact manner. |
| US09607250B2 |
Information processing apparatus, method for controlling the same, and information processing program
Provided is an information processing apparatus that includes a first display unit configured to display the name of registered print setting information; a determination unit configured to determine whether or not print setting information set for output data and print setting information of the name are identical when the output data is generated based on the print setting information set via a setting screen; and a second display unit configured to display the name of the registered print setting information as the name of the print setting information set for the output data when the determination unit determines that the print setting information set for the output data and the print setting information of the name are identical. |
| US09607248B2 |
Item recommendations using image feature data
An apparatus and method to facilitate finding recommendations for a query image are disclosed herein. A color histogram is determined corresponding to the query image. Determining at least one of a visual pattern included in the query image, a dominant color of the query image, or an orientation histogram corresponding to the query image. Performing comparison of a first image attribute of the query image to a second image attribute of an inventory image corresponding to an inventory item, wherein the first image attribute used in the comparison is selected from among the color histogram, the dominant color, and the orientation histogram. The selection of the first image attribute is based on a confidence score associated with the visual pattern, the dominant color, or a directionality present in the query image. |
| US09607245B2 |
Adapted vocabularies for matching image signatures with fisher vectors
A method includes adapting the universal generative model of local descriptors to a first camera to obtain a first camera-dependent generative model. The same universal generative model is also adapted to a second camera to obtain a second camera-dependent generative model. From a first image captured by the first camera, a first image-level descriptor is extracted, using the first camera-dependent generative model. From a second image captured by the second camera, a second image-level descriptor is extracted using the second camera-dependent generative model. A similarity is computed between the first image-level descriptor and the second image-level descriptor. Information is output, based on the computed similarity. The adaptation allows differences between the image-level descriptors to be shifted towards deviations in image content, rather than the imaging conditions. |
| US09607241B2 |
Concurrent active contour segmentation
A system and method for active contour segmentation. An image of a first and at least a second structure, a first position for the first structure, and at least a second position for the at least second structure are received, the first and the at least second positions are set as a first and an at least second initial contour, and the first and the at least second initial contours are concurrently and iteratively deformed to respectively expand into a first and at least a second expanded contour matching a shape of the first and the at least second structure by applying constraints to each point of the first and the at least second initial contour, comprising a constraint for preventing the first and at least one of the at least second initial contour from intersecting one another upon being deformed, and the constraints are updated after each iteration. |
| US09607238B2 |
Image noise level detection and removal system and method
An image processing system and method is provided. The image processing system includes extracting a first local statistical characteristics from an observed image, generating a low-pass filter according to the first local statistical characteristics to generate a predicted noise image, and extracting second local statistical characteristics from the predicted noise image, extracting a third local statistical characteristics from a predicted original image using the first local statistical characteristics of the observed image and the second local statistical characteristics of the predicted noise image, and setting a flag level indicating a noise level for each pixel of the observed image according to the third local statistical characteristics of the predicted original image to detect noise, and setting a filter coefficient according to the flag level of the detected noise to remove the noise, and restoring the observed image. |
| US09607237B2 |
Image processing apparatus and image processing method
When there is a possibility that a third character region is redundantly selected in both a case where the line extraction process is performed starting from a first character region and a case where the line extraction process is performed starting from a second character region located in a line different from a line containing the first character region, the line recognition unit determines which line to incorporate the third character region in, by comparing a case of incorporating the third character region into the line starting with the first character region, with a case of incorporating the third character region into the line starting with the second character region. |
| US09607235B2 |
Image cropping according to points of interest
In one embodiment, a computing device determines one or more points of interest in an image. The computing device selects a viewport position including a pre-determined number of the points of interest. The computing device crops the image based at least in part on the viewport position. |
| US09607230B2 |
Mobile object control apparatus and target object detecting apparatus
A mobile object control apparatus includes a movement predictor and a mobile object controller. If a specific object having at least one tire is detected, the movement predictor starts to predict a movement of the specific object. The mobile object controller controls the behavior of a mobile object in view of the movement of the specific object that is predicted by the movement predictor. |
| US09607229B2 |
Method for representing the surroundings of a vehicle
A method for represents the surroundings of a vehicle with at least two levels of resolution in a surroundings model, preferably for a vehicle having a sensor system for monitoring the surroundings and at least one driver assistance system. The surroundings model preferably represents a probability grid having a plurality of grid cells. Data from at least two grid cells at a higher level of resolution are combined and stored in a grid cell at a lower level of resolution. |
| US09607227B2 |
Boundary detection apparatus and boundary detection method
A boundary detection apparatus includes an acquisition unit, an extraction unit and a detection unit. The acquisition unit acquires a disparity image based on information obtained by capturing an image of a peripheral environment of a vehicle. The extraction unit extracts predetermined pixel regions from first and second pixel regions of the disparity image based on a disparity gradient direction of the first pixel region and a disparity gradient direction of the second pixel region. The detection unit detects a boundary of a step surface existing alongside a road by joining together at least some of the predetermined pixel regions extracted by the extraction unit. The first and second pixel regions sandwich the predetermined pixel region. An angle formed by the disparity gradient direction of the first pixel region and the disparity gradient direction of the second pixel region is within a predetermined angular range of a right angle. |
| US09607224B2 |
Entity based temporal segmentation of video streams
A solution is provided for temporally segmenting a video based on analysis of entities identified in the video frames of the video. The video is decoded into multiple video frames and multiple video frames are selected for annotation. The annotation process identifies entities present in a sample video frame and each identified entity has a timestamp and confidence score indicating the likelihood that the entity is accurately identified. For each identified entity, a time series comprising of timestamps and corresponding confidence scores is generated and smoothed to reduce annotation noise. One or more segments containing an entity over the length of the video are obtained by detecting boundaries of the segments in the time series of the entity. From the individual temporal segmentation for each identified entity in the video, an overall temporal segmentation for the video is generated, where the overall temporal segmentation reflects the semantics of the video. |
| US09607219B2 |
Determination of position from images and associated camera positions
The absolute position of a target object point is determined using a series of images of the scene with overlapping fields of view captured by a camera in positions arranged in at least two dimensions across the scene and position data representing the absolute positions of the camera on capture of the respective images. The images are analyzed to identify sets of image points corresponding to common object points in the scene. A bundle adjustment is performed on the sets of image points that estimates parameters representing the positions of the object points relative to the positions of the camera associated with each image, but without using input orientation data representing the orientation of the camera. The absolute position of the target object point is derived on the basis of the results of the bundle adjustment and the absolute positions of the camera represented by the position data. |
| US09607217B2 |
Generating preference indices for image content
Briefly, embodiments of methods and/or systems of generating preference indices for contiguous portions of digital images are disclosed. For one embodiment, as an example, parameters of a neural network may be developed to generate object labels for digital images. The developed parameters may be transferred to a neural network utilized to generate signal sample value levels corresponding to preference indices for contiguous portions of digital images. |
| US09607210B2 |
Video surveillance system and method for fraud detection
Disclosed is a method and video surveillance system for detecting fraud. The system may receive images. The system may convert the images into binary images. Subsequently, the system may identify a reference frame amongst the binary images. The system may trigger face detection upon detecting motion within the binary images. The system may detect the motion based on a relative white pixel count of the binary image with respect to a reference image. The system may reduce a Region of Interest (RoI) window within the binary images based on a highest density of white pixel count. The system may determine whether a face is detected within the reduced RoI window. The system may determine whether mouth is detected within a lower half of the face when the face is detected. The system may detect the fraud when the face is not detected or the mouth is not detected. |
| US09607200B2 |
Decoding barcodes
Systems and methods are provided for decoding barcodes. A scan signal is acquired along a scan through a barcode. A first character unit grid for a unit width pattern within the barcode along the scan is determined. At least one set of sampling coefficients relating the unit width pattern to a portion of the scan signal is determined based on the first character unit grid. The element width pattern for the unit width pattern is determined based on the at least one set of sampling coefficients and the portion of the scan signal. |
| US09607199B2 |
Decoding machine-readable optical codes with aesthetic component
Techniques are provided for decoding machine-readable optical codes that have an aesthetic component that is integrated into the codes themselves. In this manner, the machine-readable optical codes can be designed to be aesthetically pleasing and/or can convey information to human viewers, and can even be disguised so that they do not appear to be machine-readable optical codes at all. Such information can be (but need not be) distinct from the information encoded for reading by a machine, even when the information is integrated into the code itself. The techniques described herein can be applied to any type of machine-readable optical code. |
| US09607197B2 |
Method for performing optimization process on two-dimension code picture and mobile terminal
A method for performing an optimization process on a two-dimension code picture may include the follows. A color filtering process is performed on an obtained two-dimension code picture, and a color-filtered two-dimension code picture is obtained. A median filtering process is performed on the color-filtered two-dimension code picture, and a median-filtered two-dimension code picture is obtained. A binarization process is performed on the median-filtered two-dimension code picture, and a binary image is obtained, such that a two-dimension code in the two-dimension code picture may be effectively identified by utilizing the binary image, and accuracy for identifying the two-dimension code may also be improved. |
| US09607193B2 |
Enhanced identification system
A method and an identification system used for communicating between a reader and a plurality of transponders are disclosed. The reader has a transmitter for transmitting a signal and each transponder includes a receiver for receiving the reader signal and a transmitter for generating a transponder signal. When the reader recognises a transponder signal from one of the transponders it immediately issues a mute instruction, muting all other active transponders and passing control to the said transponder, without the need for a specifically timed acknowledgement to the said controlling transponder. The reader may issue a single disable/wakeup instruction which disables the controlling transponder returning control to the reader and reactivated all muted (but not disabled) transponders. |
| US09607192B2 |
MIFARE push
In an NFC mobile communication device (3) an operating system, such as a JAVA operating system (J2ME), is able to start software applications (6) identifiable by application identifications (AID). The mobile communication device (3) is equipped with a secure memory device (2), e.g. configured as a SmartMX card, which comprises a first memory portion (2a) configured as a MIFARE memory. The mobile communication device (3) comprises NFC means (5) adapted to trigger a hardware interruption (INT), when the first memory portion (2a) has been accessed by an external RFID reader (1). The hardware interruption (INT) is detected by the operating system (J2ME) and causes it to access a pre-defined sector (S) of the first memory portion (2a), to read information from said sector (S) which is representative for an application identification (AID) and to start the software applications (6) associated to it. |
| US09607190B2 |
Automatic mode detection in a dual operating mode RFID tag
A multi-mode, preferably dual mode, radio frequency identification (RFID) tag is adapted for automatic detection of whether a RFID reader located within communication range of the RFID tag is transmitting a continuous wave (CW) or modulated wave types of RF signal, and accordingly, mandating a response from the tag in read-only (RO) mode or read/write (R/W) mode, respectively. The tag includes means for designating one of the RO and R/W operating modes as a default mode of the tag, and for switching the tag from its default mode to its other operating mode, and vice versa, according to a rule for determining the frequency of occurrence of a selected event related to signal type of the reader. A device-implemented method of this automatic detection, and a method of fabricating the tag, are also disclosed. |
| US09607187B2 |
Systems and methods for interference mitigation in passive wireless sensors
Systems and methods are disclosed that reduce or eliminate interference from non-target sensors in a wireless network. In some embodiments, the sensors contain a blocking device, such as a diode or a transistor, connected between the antenna and the transducer that blocks the cross-correlation response from being transmitted from non-target sensors while permitting an autocorrelation response from a target sensor to be transmitted. |
| US09607179B2 |
Providing display content according to confidential information
A method, system, and program to prevent leakage of confidential information included in a display content. A terminal device controls the displays of an internal display and an external display provided separately from the internal display. The terminal device includes a display control section which, when confidential information is included in an image to be displayed on the external display, causes the external display to display a substitute content instead of this image, and the internal display to display the image including the confidential information, and a confidential information processing section for performing processing on the confidential information included in the image displayed on the internal display by the display control section. |
| US09607177B2 |
Method for securing content in dynamically allocated memory using different domain-specific keys
A method operational within a memory controller is provided for securing content stored in memory. The memory controller may allocate logical memory regions within a memory device to different domains. A different domain-specific key is obtained for each of the different domains, where each domain-specific key is a function of at least a master key and domain-specific information. During write operations, content/data is encrypted, at the memory controller, as it is written into each logical memory region using a domain-specific key corresponding to a domain providing the content and to which the logical memory region is allocated. Similarly, during read operations, content/data is decrypted, at the memory controller, as it is read from each memory region using a domain-specific key corresponding to a domain requesting the content and to which the logical memory region, where the content is stored, is allocated. |
| US09607176B2 |
Secure copy and paste of mobile app data
Secure transfer of mobile application content is disclosed. A state-related event associated with a managed application in a managed set of applications may be detected. It may be determined that content from the managed application is stored at a public storage location on a mobile device. At least a portion of the content may be transferred to a secure storage location accessible to the managed set. |
| US09607173B2 |
Information processing apparatus, information processing method, and recording medium
There is provided an information processing apparatus including a first computation protocol generation unit configured to generate a first computation protocol that does not include a confidentiality securing protocol that is executed in order to maintain confidentiality of a plurality of input values on the basis of a secure computation protocol in which a plurality of operation processing apparatuses compute an output value on the basis of the input values, and a second computation protocol generation unit configured to generate a second computation protocol by arranging the confidentiality securing protocol to a position at which the confidentiality is secured in the first computation protocol. |
| US09607171B2 |
Preventing sharing of sensitive information through code repositories
Methods, systems, and computer program products for preventing sharing of sensitive information through code repositories are provided herein. A method includes detecting one or more items of sensitive information in a check-in associated with a given user in a shared version management system; automatically refactoring the one or more items of sensitive information in the check-in by externalizing the one or more items of sensitive information as an encrypted file; and upon acceptance by the user of one or more changes to the check-in, automatically (i) decrypting the encrypted file using one or more code repository credentials associated with the given user, and (ii) incorporating the one or more items of sensitive information into the check-in. |
| US09607165B2 |
Watchdog code for virtual machine functions
Methods, systems, and computer program products for initializing a page with watchdog code, by: positioning a first set of instructions in a first address range on the page; determining that there is a second address range that is unused by the first set of instructions; and initializing the second address range with a second set of instructions, the second set of instructions being watchdog instructions. |
| US09607163B2 |
Information processing apparatus, control method, and storage medium storing program
An information processing apparatus determines, in response to acceptance of an edit of a file including a plurality of setting items, whether or not the information processing apparatus supports a version corresponding to the plurality of setting items included in the file. In the case of determining that the information processing apparatus supports the version, the information processing apparatus displays an edit screen of the file on a display unit of the information processing apparatus. In the case of determining that the information processing apparatus does not support the version, the information processing apparatus displays the edit screen of the file on the display unit of the information processing apparatus, using edit screen data for a display process by a network device that supports the version. |
| US09607160B2 |
Method and apparatus for providing string encryption and decryption in program files
A method of providing encryption and decryption of plaintext strings in a program file, includes: at a device having one or more processors and memory: marking each of a plurality of plaintext strings in a source file with a respective marking macro (e.g., Decrypt); scanning (e.g., using a reflection tool) for the respective marking macros to identify the plurality of plaintext strings in the source code; generating a respective ciphertext string for each of the plurality plaintext strings that have been identified; and storing the plurality of plaintext strings in a dictionary file, where each plaintext string is indexed by a respective hash value computed from the plaintext string, and where the respective hash value for each of the plaintext strings is used to retrieve the respective ciphertext string of the plaintext string from the dictionary during program execution. |
| US09607156B2 |
System and method for patching a device through exploitation
A system and method that includes identifying a vulnerability in a computing device; accessing a vulnerability exploitation mapped to the identified vulnerability; at the computing device, executing the vulnerability exploitation and entering an operating mode of escalated privileges; and while in the operating mode of escalated privileges, updating the system with a vulnerability resolution. |
| US09607155B2 |
Method and system for analyzing an environment
A system for analyzing an environment to identify a security risk in a process, comprising a model engine to generate a model of the environment using multiple components defining adjustable elements of the model and including components representing a patching process for the environment, a risk analyzer to calculate multiple randomized instances of an outcome for the environment using multiple values for parameters of the elements of the model selected from within respective predefined ranges for the parameters, and to use a results plan to provide data for identifying a security risk in the patching process using the multiple instances. |
| US09607154B2 |
System, method and apparatus for simultaneous definition and enforcement of access-control and integrity policies
Access-control and information-flow integrity policies are enforced in a computing system by detecting security-sensitive sinks in software code for an application running on the computing system and retrieving an access-control policy from a database accessible to the computing system. The access-control policy maps a set of access permissions within the computing system to each one of a plurality of principals. For each detected security-sensitive sink, all principals that influence that security-sensitive sink are detected and an overall access permission is assigned to each security-sensitive sink by taking the intersection of the access permission sets for all influencing principals of that security-sensitive sink. If this permission set is inadequate, an integrity violation is reported. In addition, permission labels are assigned to each value of variables used in the security-sensitive sinks. Each permission label is a set of permissions. |
| US09607147B2 |
Method and device for detecting software-tampering
A method and system for detecting software tampering includes: at a device having one or more processors and memory: receiving a software verification instruction from a server, the software verification instruction comprising a verification parameter dynamically selected by the server for verifying whether particular software stored at the device contains unauthorized modifications; executing a respective verification procedure corresponding to the verification parameter to obtain a first verification data value; and returning the first verification data value to the server, wherein the server compares the first verification data value to a second verification data value to determine whether the particular software stored at the device contains unauthorized modifications. |
| US09607145B2 |
Automated vulnerability and error scanner for mobile applications
In an embodiment, a method comprises downloading an application program to a first storage coupled to a first device, wherein the application program comprises an encrypted portion based on a set of personally identifying data stored on the first storage; configuring the application program to load and execute a pre-compiled library when the application program is launched and which when executed by the first device, causes storing an unencrypted version of the application program on the first storage; launching the application program. |
| US09607144B1 |
User activity modelling, monitoring, and reporting framework
A method, system and computer-usable medium are disclosed for identifying risk within an information technology (IT) environment, comprising: analyzing characteristics of a user accessing a system within an IT environment; associating a risk profile with the user based upon the characteristics of the user; determining when the user accesses a system within the IT environment; maintaining a user risk profile record of all systems within the IT environment accessed by the user, the user risk profile record continuing to be associated with the system after access by the user ceases; and, identifying a risk level for all systems within the IT environment based upon the user risk profile record. |
| US09607142B2 |
Context aware recertification
Mechanisms are provided for facilitating recertification of a user access entitlement. These mechanisms collect, from a system resource of the data processing system, access information representative of accesses of the system resource by a user access entitlement. These mechanisms determine that recertification of the user access entitlement, with regard to the system resource, is to be performed and a pattern of access is determined based on the access information for the user access entitlement. A recertification request graphical user interface is output to a user based on the pattern of access. The graphical user interface includes the pattern of access and one or more graphical user interface elements for receiving a user input specifying acceptance or denial of the recertification of the user access entitlement. |
| US09607140B2 |
Authenticating a user of a system via an authentication image mechanism
In an embodiment, the present invention includes a method for receiving a request for user authentication of a system, displaying an authentication image on a display of the system using a set of random coordinates, receiving a plurality of gesture input values from the user, and determining whether to authenticate the user based at least in part on the plurality of gesture input values. Other embodiments are described and claimed. |
| US09607136B2 |
Secure attention for mobile devices
For a secure attention indicator at a mobile device, a method is disclosed for detecting a secure attention indicator at a mobile computing device, the secure attention indicator comprising input from one or more of a microphone, a touch sensor, an accelerometer, a photoreceptor, and an orientation sensor, notifying the mobile computing device in response to detecting the secure attention indicator, and executing secure trusted executable code in response to the notification, the secure trusted executable code not modifiable by a user. |
| US09607135B2 |
Asset protection based on redundantly associated trusted entitlement verification
A system and method of managing a plurality of assets by associating a smart card with a compute subsystem by installing a database on the smart card and embedding an identifier of the compute subsystem. The system and method, in turn, may receive a request to access an asset of a compute subsystem; verify that a feature of the database is enabled in response to the request, the feature corresponding to the asset; and grant the access to access the asset upon the verifying of the feature. |
| US09607130B2 |
Systems and methods for vessel reactivity to guide diagnosis or treatment of cardiovascular disease
Systems and methods are disclosed for using vessel reactivity to guide diagnosis or treatment for cardiovascular disease. One method includes receiving a patient-specific vascular model of a patient's anatomy, including at least one vessel of the patient; determining, by measurement or estimation, a first vessel size at one or more locations of a vessel of the patient-specific vascular model at a first physiological state; determining a second vessel size at the one or more locations of the vessel of the patient-specific vascular model at a second physiological state using a simulation or learned information; comparing the first vessel size to the corresponding second vessel size; and estimating a characteristic of the vessel of the patient-specific vascular model based on the comparison. |
| US09607126B2 |
Information processing system using nucleotide sequence-related information
The present invention provides a highly-safe information processing system that is capable of effectively using nucleotide sequence information differences between individual organisms to offer semantic information useful for each individual organism while properly preventing leakage and illegal use of nucleotide sequence information.Further, the present invention includes steps a and b. Step a is performed to acquire either encrypted nucleotide sequence-related information or cryptographic key that corresponds to positional information indicating a position within a nucleotide sequence. Step b is performed to acquire the encrypted nucleotide sequence-related information or cryptographic key, whichever is not acquired in said step a, decrypt, with the cryptographic key, the encrypted nucleotide sequence-related information corresponding to the positional information compliant at least with a request for an object and/or a service, and acquire the nucleotide sequence-related information corresponding to the positional information compliant at least with the request for an object and/or a service. |
| US09607120B2 |
Implementing system irritator accelerator FPGA unit (AFU) residing behind a coherent attached processors interface (CAPI) unit
A method and apparatus are provided for implementing system irritator accelerator field programmable gate array (FPGA) Units (AFUs) residing behind a Coherent Attached Processors Interface (CAPI) unit in a computer system. An AFU is implemented in an FPGA residing behind the CAPI unit, the AFU includes a system irritator accelerator. A processor configures the AFU and enables the AFU system irritator to execute. The AFU system irritator is replicated to create additional irritation and is re-programmable. |
| US09607113B1 |
Linking of model elements to spatial elements
A device may include a processor and a memory. The processor may receive a request to link a model element, of a model, and a spatial element. The model, when executed, simulates behavior of a system, and the spatial element is a physical object or an object that is rendered for display in two or more dimensions. The processor may further receive information identifying the model element, receive information identifying the spatial element, and create a link between the identified model element and the identified spatial element based on the received request. The link may allow at least one of the model element to be identified based on identification of the spatial element, or the spatial element to be identified based on identification of the model element. The memory may store the link. |
| US09607111B2 |
Spatial information modeling of buildings using non-manifold topology via a 3D geometric modeling kernel and designscript
A method, apparatus, system, and computer program product provide the ability to utilize a spatial model. A first input body and a second input body are obtained. A non-regular Boolean operation is performed that combines the first input body and the second input body to create and output an output body. The output body is a spatial model represented by a non-manifold solid body. A topological property of the non-manifold solid body is exposed to select and control an attribute of a building component represented by the non-manifold solid body. |
| US09607110B2 |
System and method for realizing a building system
A system and method for realizing a building system is disclosed. In an embodiment, a holistic approach to a complex building system involves using high-productivity high-performance computing resources, such as cloud services, to manage a complex building system from building inception through to building operation. Because high-productivity high-performance computing resources are used, modeling, optimization, simulation, and verification can be performed from a single platform on a scale which heretofore has not been applied to complex building systems. Additionally, the holistic approach to complex building systems involves using a centralized database to manage all of the information related to a building system. |
| US09607109B2 |
Method of production, apparatus and system
There is provided a method of regulating the formulation of a multi-component product comprising a product attribute profile, the method comprising providing a first and second component of the product, each component having a component attribute profile; supplying to a product formulation zone the first component and the second component in a desired ratio and combining the first and second components together to provide the product or a precursor thereof to yield a target product attribute profile; responsive to a change or predicted change in at least one component attribute profile, supplying information concerning the attribute change to a data processing apparatus and calculating with respect to that change an adjustment in the ratio to reduce the deviation of one or more attributes of the product attribute profile from the target product attribute profile. A production system is also provided. |
| US09607108B2 |
Variational modeling with removal features
Systems, methods, and computer readable mediums. A method includes receiving a geometric model including at least one removal feature having at least one face, the removal feature being a feature that is removed prior to variational solving and recreated after a variational solution has been applied into the geometric model. The method includes designating at least one face of the removal feature as a remain variational face that will not be removed during a variational edit. The method includes adding a constraint to the remain variational face of the removal feature and performing the variational edit on the model to produce an edited model, including applying the constraint. The method includes storing the edited model. |
| US09607106B2 |
Method and apparatus for searching pattern in sequence data
A method of searching a pattern in sequence data includes setting a plurality of interest pattern models each including an interest pattern length, an allowed mismatch value, and a minimum support; calculating a support of a candidate pattern that is generable within the interest pattern length based on the allowed mismatch value of at least one of the plurality of interest pattern models; and determining whether the support of the candidate pattern fulfills a condition of the minimum support of at least one of the plurality of interest pattern models. |
| US09607105B1 |
Content searching techniques
Methods and systems of searching for text across platforms are usable to guide users to additional content for consumption. Search queries are based on text found within digital content and results are provided to indicate content from multiple different content items that contain the same or similar text. Cross-platform searches provide extensive breadth when a consumer is searching for similar information among a myriad of different sources. Additionally, search filtering may help provide more relevant results and search result weighting may provide prioritized lists of relevant content. |
| US09607098B2 |
Determination of product attributes and values using a product entity graph
A method of determining structured product information for a product from a product description using a product entity graph. The product graph can include a plurality of nodes. Each of the plurality of nodes can include an entity value key, one or more entity names, and an entity name count for each of the one or more entity names. The method can include determining k-grams of the product description. The method also can include, for each k-gram of the product description, determining a matching node of the plurality of nodes of the product entity graph that corresponds to the k-gram and determining a derived entity name for the product from the one or more entity names of the matching node based at least in part on the entity name counts corresponding to the one or more entity names. Other embodiments of related systems and methods are also disclosed. |
| US09607097B2 |
Method and system for edge server cache
Systems and methods for fault tolerant content delivery. A request is received from a user for customized content on the network, the request for customized content comprising an identifier for the content and identification information. The request is forwarded from the user for the customized content over the network. Generic content corresponding to the customized content is stored in a cache for future use. The generic content is sent to the user if no customized content is received in response to the forwarded request from the user. |
| US09607091B2 |
Methods, systems, and computer program products for implementing intelligent agent services
An aspect includes generating an ontological domain based upon information elements, which elements represent aspects of detectable behaviors of an individual. A portion of the behaviors are captured via input of the individual, and another portion is received from a source that is independent of the computer and absent any user input. The generating includes creating subdomains of contextually organized collections of the information elements by topic, comparing the information elements across the subdomains, determining relationships of the information elements across topics based on common features, and determining relevance of the relationships across the subdomains based on measurable aspects of the information elements, whereby the relationships determined to be relevant are identified as an interest of the individual. The services also include searching sources of information using the information elements having the relationships determined to be relevant, and transmitting a solution to a device associated with the individual. |
| US09607081B2 |
Ontology based categorization of users
Systems and methods are disclosed for categorizing a user. An example method includes marking one or more graphical user interface (GUI) features of an application. The method also includes monitoring a user's usage of the one or more marked GUI features of the application. The method further includes generating one or more user-specific ontologies for the user in accordance with the user's monitored usage. The method also includes comparing the one or more user-specific ontologies with a plurality of defined ontologies. Each defined ontology corresponds to a category of a plurality of categories. The method further includes categorizing the user in accordance with the comparison of the one or more user-specific ontologies and the plurality of defined ontologies. |
| US09607076B2 |
Device and method for determining interest, and computer-readable storage medium for computer program
A device for determining interest includes a storage portion configured to store, on a user-by-user basis, a co-occurrence frequency in correlation with a user, the co-occurrence frequency indicating how many times a pair of words is used in a same cluster of a first document, on a pair-by-pair basis, to which the user gained access previously; a designating portion configured to allow a person who is to conduct a search to designate a second document and any one of the users; and a determination portion configured to determine that, among the pairs, a pair which is used in a same cluster of the designated second document and which also satisfies a predetermined condition of the co-occurrence frequency corresponding to the designated user is a particular pair in the second document which is probably of high interest to the designated user. |
| US09607075B2 |
Situation dashboard system and method from event clustering
A computer-implemented method is provided that is stored on computer readable non-transitory media. One or more data fields are accessed within a file. Accessed data field, are mapped mapping on a display computer system. The accessed one or more data fields are from one or more data sources that relate to situations from clustering messages received from managed infrastructure. The mapping being performed based on a input of the situation summaries using a graphical user interface. Displayed on the display computer system are one or more dashboards of situations relative to summaries from clustering messages received from managed infrastructure. The one or more dashboards include at least one of actions that a user can take relative to clustered messages. |
| US09607072B2 |
System and method for implementing nested relationships within a schemaless database
A system for nested relationships from a schemaless database, comprising a client running an application which generates database access requests over a public or private network, a load balancer running an application which distributes the incoming database access requests from the clients across one or more API servers, and a load balancer running an application which distributes incoming database access requests from the one or more API servers across one or more database servers. The database servers implementing one or more schemaless databases across which one or more database models are distributed and the one or more API servers implementing for accessing the one or more database servers in a manner which implements nested relationships within the one or more schemaless databases in response to the incoming database requests from the load balancer. |
| US09607063B1 |
NoSQL relational database (RDB) data movement
Automatically moving NoSQL data store to a relational database system. Based on discovered data structure schema of a NoSQL file and query plans, attribute usage and association relationships may be determined. Trunk tables may be defined based on trunk part of the data structure schema determined based on the attribute usage. Trunk tables are validated and relational database tables are generated that correspond to the trunk tables. NoSQL trunk template is generated based on the trunk tables. The relational database tables are loaded with data filtered from the NoSQL file according to the NoSQL trunk template. |
| US09607058B1 |
Systems and methods for managing documents associated with one or more patent applications
The present disclosure relates to systems and methods for managing documents such as a prior art documents and documents for submission to government agencies such as an information disclosure statement (IDS) configured for submission to a patent office. In certain aspects, the system and methods include automatic retrieval of relevant documents, for example using a crawler service over a network such as the Internet. In certain aspects, the systems and methods include automatic optical character recognition and template matching to facilitate the extraction of information relating to certain documents. In certain aspects, the system and methods include a generating interface configured to present information to a generating user and to allow the generating user to select options relating to the citation of references in a particular patent family. |
| US09607053B2 |
Methods and systems for searching and displaying a plurality of entities within an interactive user interface
Inventive systems and methods for retrieving and displaying a plurality of entities associated with a plurality of content sources in response to a search query is disclosed. In preferred embodiments of the systems and methods, the present invention addresses the need to search and relate a plurality of entities across a plurality of content sources, and then displaying the search results in an interactive user interface that simultaneously updates and modifies the display of associated entities and related content. Such searching and relationship generation for a plurality of entities across a plurality of content sources is designed to address and handle the continuing increases and growth in searchable content. |
| US09607052B2 |
Query networks evaluation system and method
A query network is disclosed, comprising sets of nodes and edges connecting pairs of nodes. The nodes of the query network are associated with edge-defining queries. A method is taught for fully evaluating such a query network. A language is further disclosed for constructing queries. The query network may be used to model a social network, a professional network or the like. |
| US09607051B2 |
Effect analysis method, and management device
An effect analyzing program causes a management device that manages a plurality of resources to perform an operation to acquire, from a database that is used during an operation, the information on the resource and the information on a user who uses the resource, analyze the effect on a user due to a task during the task on the resource based on the acquired information on the resource and the acquired information on the user, and output the analyzed degree of effect, the acquired information on the resource and the acquired information on the user, whereby it is possible for an operator to efficiently determine the effect on a user due to a task performed on a resource. |
| US09607038B2 |
Determining linkage metadata of content of a target document to source documents
Provided are to a computer program product, system, and method for determining linkage metadata of content of a target document to source documents. In response to a determination that a target fragment in a target document matches a source fragment in a source document, linkage metadata is generated for the target fragment. |
| US09607035B2 |
Extensible validation framework for question and answer systems
Mechanisms are provided for validating a candidate answer to an input question. A candidate answer to an input question is identified using a natural language processing of the input question and a corpus of information from which the candidate answer is identified. A validator is selected to apply to the candidate answer based on a characteristic of a correct answer for the input question. The validator is applied to the candidate answer to evaluate whether or not criteria of the validator are met by the candidate answer. Validation information is generated based the evaluation of whether or not criteria of the validator are met by the candidate answer. The validation information is stored in a validation status object associated with the input question. |
| US09607033B2 |
Supporting linked multi-user decision making in environments with constrained shared resources utilizing durable files
Embodiments of the present invention manage multiple requests to allocate real world resources in a multi-user environment. A set of resource availability information is stored in a first durable data file for each resource in a plurality of resources provided by a database environment. The database environment is shared between a plurality of users. A decision context is associated with a second durable data file. The decision context is associated with a user interacting with the database environment. The decision context exists for a defined duration of time. A least one resource is determined to have been temporarily allocated to the decision context for the defined duration of time. The second durable data file is updated to indicate that the at least one resource has been temporarily allocated to the decision context. The first durable data file is updated to indicate that the at least one resource is currently unavailable. |
| US09607028B2 |
Operation-based content packaging
In embodiments, apparatuses, methods and storage media are described that are associated with packaging of content. In embodiments, a bytemap file may be associated with an output packaging format for output content. The bytemap file may, in various embodiments, contain instructions that, when performed by a transpackager may generate output content based on one or more encoded content files. In order to generate output content starting at a specific requested offset, a bytemap index may contain mappings between offsets and instruction locations within the bytemap file. Thus, in response to a request for output content at an offset, an instruction location may be identified in the bytemap index, and instructions applied to the encoded content files starting at the identified location to generate the requested output content. Other embodiments may be disclosed and claimed. |
| US09607023B1 |
Insight and algorithmic clustering for automated synthesis
A decision support system and method, which receives user inputs comprising: at least one user criterion, and at least one user input tuning parameter representing user tradeoff preferences for producing an output; and selectively produces an output of tagged data from a clustered database in dependence on the at least one user criterion, the at least one user input tuning parameter, and a distance function; receives at least one reference-user input parameter representing the at least one reference-user's analysis of the tagged data and the corresponding user inputs, to adapt the distance function in accordance with the reference-user inputs as a feedback signal; and clusters the database in dependence on at least the distance function, wherein the reference-user acts to optimize the distance function based on the user inputs and the output, and on at least one reference-user inference. |
| US09607021B2 |
Loading data with complex relationships
Data to be loaded into a target system includes entities having corresponding unique primary data value and secondary data values. The secondary data values have associated foreign key relationships, which links the secondary data value to the primary data value of another entity. In loading the data, the entities are split into insertion leaf groups by execution of an iteration process, each iteration involving generation of a respective set of insertion leaf groups containing entities whose secondary data values have no foreign key relationships or only foreign key relationships with the primary data values of entities of the insertion leaf groups generated during any prior iteration. The iteration process is executed until there are no such entities are left. A sequence of generation of the sets of insertion leaf groups is recorded, and the sets of insertion leaf groups are consecutively loaded into the target system according to the sequence. |
| US09607006B2 |
Temporary distributed file persistence
A system includes a first computer hosting a version control system, the version control system providing a version control system repository configured to store one or more temporary files, wherein the version control system repository is configured to allow concurrent access of the temporary files by a plurality of computers or computer processes. Also the version control system repository is deleted by the first computer or by one of the plurality of computers or computer processes when the temporary files are no longer needed. |
| US09607004B2 |
Storage device data migration
A method for migrating files from a source server to a target server are disclosed. The method includes determining file property information for one or more data files on the source server. One or more data file entries are created in a file property table with the file property information for each data file. A data file entry is selected from the file property table. The file property information of the selected data file entry from the file property table is compared to the file property information of the corresponding data file stored in the source server to determine whether there is a match. In response to determining a mismatch, the data file in the source server is copied to the target server. The data file copied to the target server is verified to be the same as the data file of the source server. |
| US09607003B2 |
Network coded storage with multi-resolution codes
Multi-resolution encoded files are stored on a plurality of disk drives using systematic network coded storage. In some embodiments, the stored files are used to provide video streaming services for users. |
| US09606997B2 |
Inferred operations for data analysis
A method may include importing into a memory a set of data into a data structure having a plurality of rows and a plurality of columns, and metadata for the set of data. A rules engine determines one or more operations on particular columns of the set of data according to a set of rules. A rule may include a condition defined in terms of the metadata. Determined operations are input into a data analysis tool, the determined operations are performed, and results of the operations are displayed. The rule can include comparing a metadata attribute of a first column with a metadata attribute of a second column; comparing a metadata attribute of a first column with a metadata attribute associated with the rule; or comparing a first scope of a first column with a second scope of a second column. |
| US09606995B2 |
Cloud based master data management system with remote data store and method therefor
A host enterprise includes a local data store, a data registry, and an interface process module. The data registry establishes storage of a data record at the local data store or at a data store located remotely from the host enterprise. The data registry maintains links identifying a relationship between the data record and a first source record maintained at a first source enterprise between the data record and a second source record maintained at a second source enterprise. The interface process module determines that a value at the data record has been updated and provides the updated value to the first source enterprise using an Internet protocol. |
| US09606993B2 |
Virtual collection of entities in sync process
Apparatus and methods to control selection of media content provide a mechanism to enhance user interaction with multimedia devices. Additional apparatus, systems, and methods are disclosed. |
| US09606992B2 |
Personal audio/visual apparatus providing resource management
Technology is described for resource management based on data including image data of a resource captured by at least one capture device of at least one personal audiovisual (A/V) apparatus including a near-eye, augmented reality (AR) display. A resource is automatically identified from image data captured by at least one capture device of at least one personal A/V apparatus and object reference data. A location in which the resource is situated and a 3D space position or volume of the resource in the location is tracked. A property of the resource is also determined from the image data and tracked. A function of a resource may also be stored for determining whether the resource is usable for a task. Responsive to notification criteria for the resource being satisfied, image data related to the resource is displayed on the near-eye AR display. |
| US09606986B2 |
Integrated word N-gram and class M-gram language models
Systems and processes for discourse input processing are provided. In one example process, a discourse input can be received from a user. An integrated probability of a candidate word in the discourse input and one or more subclasses associated with the candidate word can be determined based on a conditional probability of the candidate word given one or more words in the discourse input, a probability of the candidate word within a corpus, and a conditional probability of the candidate word given one or more classes associated with the one or more words. A text string corresponding to the discourse input can be determined based on the integrated probability. An output based on the text string can be generated. |
| US09606983B1 |
Human readable mechanism for communicating binary data
A mechanism is provided for representing information, such as binary sequence, in a manner that is easier to read and less likely to generate errors when interacted with by human. A dictionary is seeded with two or more set of words, the words being selected from distinct categories. Symbols may be created by combining words from the distinct categories. A mapping of symbols to corresponding values may then be generated. The generated mapping may be used to translate bit values to symbols and symbols to bit values. |
| US09606982B2 |
Email suggestor system
The email suggestor system and method provide an efficient and effective way to capture a user identifier, such as an email address of a consumer in a retail environment. The email suggestor system generates one or more suggested first text portions based on input data, outputs at least one of the suggested first text portions, and receives a selection of a first text portion. The email suggestor system generates one or more suggested second text portions of a user identifier based on the input data, outputs at least one of the suggested second text portions, and receives a selection of a second text portion. The email suggestor system generates a user identifier including the selected first text portion and the selected second text portion. The email suggestor system uses received feedback response to refine and/or train one or more models with which it generates the suggested text portions. |
| US09606981B2 |
Electronic apparatus and method
According to one embodiment, an electronic apparatus includes a display processor. The display processor is configured to display one or more first strokes on a screen. The display processor is configured to display a plurality of candidates each indicative of one or more handwritten characters in a handwritten document, the plurality of candidates retrieved from the handwritten document by using the one or more first strokes, and is configured to arrange the plurality of candidates in an order determined by using number of strokes of each of the plurality of candidates and to display the plurality of arranged candidates. |
| US09606979B2 |
Event visualization
Displaying a preference by a first user of a content contribution submitted by a second user is disclosed. A preference event by the first user is detected. A plurality of detected events is stored. In response to a query from a client, at least a portion of the stored detected events is produced. At least a portion of the received events is caused to be rendered graphically. |
| US09606972B2 |
Document collaboration with collaboration context data
One or more techniques and/or systems provide for an entity to receive collaboration context data regarding activities that have taken place with respect to a document when the entity views a reference to the document comprised within a communication directed to the entity. For example, a hyperlink related to a document may be emailed to an entity when the document is shared with the entity. Subsequently, when the entity views the email comprising the hyperlink, the entity may be provided with contextual information regarding the document (e.g., entities that have viewed the document, edits other entities have made to the document, etc.). In one embodiment, such information may be presented to the entity in the same application (e.g., email client and/or email service) as the email. In this way, the entity may be provided with information that may help the entity assess whether to access a shared document, for example. |
| US09606971B2 |
Rule-based validation of websites
An automated website analysis system includes mechanisms for automatically auditing a website to validate that the scanned web page information conforms to validation rules. In one implementation, an auditing system requests web pages of an identified website pursuant to validating at least a portion of each requested web page. Embodiments include scanning page code of at least one of the web pages to identify scanned web page information, including a page tag. The scanned web page information is validated to determine whether is conforms to at least one validation rule by validating variables of the page tag against validation rules, including a vendor validation rule. Results of the validation are reported. |
| US09606969B1 |
Resizing content in a current view of a web browser based on a minimum font size inputted by a user
A minimum font size to display for a specific user is received, for example as entered through a user interface. The retrieval of webpages by a web browser on a computer system is monitored. For each specific view of a retrieved webpage to be displayed, the text in the specific view is resized based on the minimum font size for the user. Text in the smallest font in the view is resized to the minimum font size for the specific user. Larger text is resized so that the proportionality between different font sizes in the view is maintained. The view of the retrieved webpage with the resized text is displayed to the user. As the user scrolls through a retrieved webpage, the text of each view is resized, and the current view of the retrieved webpage is displayed with the resized text. |
| US09606963B2 |
Evaluating and optimizing a trajectory function
A method for evaluating a trajectory function to be followed by a physical system includes providing the trajectory function; determining a set of sampling points by sampling a trajectory based on the trajectory function in the time domain; associating a cell to each of the sampling points; assessing at least one cell metric for each of the cells; aggregating the at least one cell metric of the cells to obtain an aggregated metric measure; and evaluating the trajectory as determined by the provided trajectory function depending on the one or more aggregated metric measures. |
| US09606959B1 |
Indicating a sending buffer and receiving buffer in a message to use to validate the message in the receiving buffer
Provided are a computer program product, system, and method for indicating a sending buffer and receiving buffer in a message to use to validate the message in the receiving buffer. A receiving node includes a receive buffer for each of a plurality of external adaptors in external nodes. The receive buffers store messages from the external adaptors. Each of the messages includes an indicated receiving adaptor to receive the message and an indicated sending adaptor that sends the message. A determination is made as to whether the sending adaptor that sent the message comprises the indicated sending adaptor and that a receiving adaptor that received the message comprises the indicated receiving adaptor. An error is indicated for the message in response to determining that at least one of the sending and receiving adaptors that sent and received the message, respectively do not comprise the indicated sending and receiving adaptors, respectively. |
| US09606957B2 |
Electronic device and method of linking a task thereof
A method of linking a task of an electronic device and the electronic device are provided. The method includes determining whether generation of an event satisfying a predetermined condition is detected; selecting another electronic device that is linkable to the electronic device when the generation of the event satisfying the predetermined condition is detected; and generating task environment information of an application and transmitting the task environment information to the other selected electronic device. |
| US09606955B2 |
Embedded universal serial bus solutions
Techniques for embedded high speed serial interface methods are described herein. The method includes issuing a single-ended one (SE1) signal on each of a pair of embedded high speed serial interface data lines, the SE1 indicating a register access protocol (RAP) message follows the SE1 signal. The method also includes accessing a register of an embedded high speed serial interface component based on the RAP message. |
| US09606952B2 |
System with speaker, transceiver and related devices
An audio system includes a docking cradle for receiving and supporting a portable device. The docking cradle includes an interface for providing a connection for receiving audio content from the portable device. The docking cradle is configured to be wirelessly coupled to a first speaker package for transmitting wireless signals containing audio content between the docking cradle and the first speaker package. |
| US09606951B2 |
External electronic device and interface controller and external electronic device control method
An interface controller, coupling a device main body of an external electronic device to a host, is disclosed, which transmits a termination-on signal to the host prior to a mechanically stable state of a device main body of the external electronic device. When the device main body has not reached the mechanically stable state yet, the interface controller responds to the host with default link information in a delayed manner. The default link information is contained in the interface controller. When the device main body reaches the mechanically stable state, the interface controller transmits specific link information retrieved from the device main body to the host. |
| US09606942B2 |
Packet processing system, method and device utilizing a port client chain
A packet processing system having each of a plurality of hierarchical clients and a packet memory arbiter serially communicatively coupled together via a plurality of primary interfaces thereby forming a unidirectional client chain. This chain is then able to be utilized by all of the hierarchical clients to write the packet data to or read the packet data from the packet memory. |
| US09606940B2 |
Methods and apparatus to utilize a trusted loader in a trusted computing environment
An embodiment includes at least one machine readable medium on which is stored code that, when executed enables a system to initialize a trusted loader enclave (TL) and a measurement and storage manager enclave (MSM) within a memory of the system, to receive by the MSM a TL measurement of the TL from a trusted processor of the system, to determine whether to establish a secure channel between the MSM and the TL based at least in part on the TL measurement, and responsive to a determination to establish the secure channel, to establish the secure channel and store particular code in the TL. Additional embodiments are described and claimed. |
| US09606925B2 |
Method, apparatus and system for optimizing cache memory transaction handling in a processor
In one embodiment, a processor includes a caching home agent (CHA) coupled to a core and a cache memory and includes a cache controller having a cache pipeline and a home agent having a home agent pipeline. The CHA may: receive, in the home agent pipeline, information from an external agent responsive to a miss for data in the cache memory; issue a global ordering signal from the home agent pipeline to a requester of the data to inform the requester of receipt of the data; and report issuance of the global ordering signal to the cache pipeline, to prevent the cache pipeline from issuance of a global ordering signal to the requester. Other embodiments are described and claimed. |
| US09606922B2 |
Selection of post-request action based on combined response and input from the request source
A data structure includes a plurality of entries each corresponding to a different systemwide combined response of a data processing system. A particular entry includes identifiers of multiple possible actions that can be taken in response to a systemwide combined response. Master logic issues a memory access request on a system fabric of the data processing system. The master logic, responsive to receiving the systemwide combined response and a selection of one of the multiple possible actions from a source of the memory access request prior to receipt of the systemwide combined response, selects the particular entry based on the systemwide combined response and selects one of the multiple possible actions identified in the particular entry based on the received selection. The master logic services the memory access request in accordance with the systemwide combined response by performing the selected one of the multiple possible actions. |
| US09606921B2 |
Granular creation and refresh of columnar data
Techniques are provided for granular load and refresh of columnar data. In an embodiment, a particular data object that contains particular data formatted different from column-major format is maintained, the particular data including first data and second data. First and second data objects contain the first and second data, respectively, organized in the column-major format. In response to changes being committed to the first data in the particular data object, invalidating one or more rows of the first data object. In response to a number of invalidated rows of the first data object exceeding a threshold, automatically performing a refresh operation on the first data object independent of any refresh operation on the second data object. |
| US09606916B2 |
Semiconductor devices including application processor connected to high-bandwidth memory and low-bandwidth memory, and channel interleaving method thereof
A memory system includes a high-bandwidth memory device, the high-bandwidth memory device having a relatively high operation bandwidth, the high-bandwidth memory device having a plurality of access channels. A low-bandwidth memory device has a relatively low operation bandwidth relative to the high-bandwidth memory device, the low-bandwidth memory device having one or more access channels. An interleaving unit performs a memory interleave operation among the plurality of access channels of the high-bandwidth memory device and an access channel of the one or more access channels of the low-bandwidth memory device. |
| US09606912B2 |
Tracking and utilizing second level map index for recycling of solid state drive blocks
A recycling method for a solid state drive is disclosed. The method includes selecting a logical block for recycle wherein the logical block includes a plurality of pages across a plurality of flash dies. The method also includes retrieving an address map index record associated with the logical block selected for recycle. For each particular address map index stored in the address map index record, the recycling method retrieves a set of address map entries referenced by the particular address map index, determines whether any page in the logical block is referenced by the set of address map entries, and if at least one page in the logical block is referenced by the set of address map entries, the method writes the at least one page to a different logical block. The method further includes erasing the plurality of pages in the logical block. |
| US09606911B2 |
Apparatuses for managing and accessing flash memory module
A method for maintaining address mapping for a flash memory module is disclosed including: recording a first set of addresses corresponding to a first set of sequential logical addresses in a first section of a first addressing block; recording a second set of addresses corresponding to a second set of sequential logical addresses in a second section of the first addressing block; recording a third set of addresses corresponding to a third set of sequential logical addresses in a first section of a second addressing block; and recording a fourth set of addresses corresponding to a fourth set of sequential logical addresses in a second section of the second addressing block; wherein the second set of logical addresses is successive to the first set of logical addresses, and the third set of logical addresses is successive to the second set of logical addresses. |
| US09606905B2 |
Systems, methods, and media for testing software patches
Systems, methods, and media for testing software patches are provided. The methods include: injecting a software patch into a program; determining a portion of the program modified by the software patch; concurrently executing a first instance of the portion of the program prior to modification by the software patch and a second instance of the portion of the program that has been modified by the software patch; obtaining a first outcome of the first instance and a second outcome of the second instance; comparing the first outcome and the second outcome with a policy associated with the program; and determining whether the software patch has executed correctly based at least in part on the comparison. |
| US09606898B2 |
Computing apparatus and method for providing a user application to be executed in a media playback apparatus
The present invention relates to a computing apparatus and to a method for providing a user application to be executed in a media playback apparatus. According to the present invention, the computing apparatus executes a developer application, and tests a user application in the media playback apparatus which is connected to the computer apparatus through a network. Thus, applications stored in a plurality of computing apparatuses can be tested using a single media playback apparatus. |
| US09606896B2 |
Creating searchable and global database of user visible process traces
In one example, a controller device includes one or more network interfaces communicatively coupled to one or more devices of a virtual network, and a processor configured to determine, for the virtual network, a set of two or more related processes executed by respective devices in the virtual network, receive via the network interfaces data for the set of two or more related processes, and aggregate the data for the set of two or more related processes to form aggregated data for the set of two or more related processes. |
| US09606894B2 |
Collaborative collection of diagnostics data of software programs
A computing environment includes multiple software programs running on multiple endpoint computing machines. Each software program has associated diagnostics data. Each endpoint machine is running a diagnostics agent. The diagnostics agents are in communication with each other. A monitoring server interacting with the multiple software programs detects a malfunctioning associated with a software program running on a target endpoint, and submits a request to collect the diagnostics data of the malfunctioning software program. This collecting request is submitted to a service software program different from the malfunctioning program. The service software program may be running on a service endpoint different from the target endpoint. The requested diagnostics data is retrieved by the service software program from a diagnostics agent running on the target endpoint. The monitoring server then receives the requested diagnostics data from the service software program. |
| US09606890B2 |
Analysis system, analysis method and program
Analysis system, analysis method and program. The system includes: trace means for acquiring a command issued by software executed in an information processing system and a physical address of a memory used by the command as trace data, and recording the trace data to storage means; event detecting means for detecting an event caused to occur by the software and acquiring event information; conversion means for converting the event information to a memory access pattern configured with a plurality of commands for accessing the memory and a plurality of physical addresses; and memory accessing means for accessing the memory using the converted memory access pattern, causing the trace means to acquire trace data and record the trace data to the storage means. |
| US09606888B1 |
Hierarchical multi-core debugger interface
A hierarchical multi-core debugger interface is described that is configured to enable debugging of a multi-core device. In some implementations, a multi-core debugger renders core-specific user interface components with a core-specific visual characteristic in the hierarchical multi-core debugger interface. In other implementations, the multi-core debugger renders core-specific user interface components in core-specific windows in the hierarchical multi-core debugger interface. In still other implementations, the multi-core debugger renders core-specific user interface components in core-specific windows in the hierarchical multi-core debugger interface, where each core-specific window is displayed with a core-specific visual characteristic. |
| US09606886B2 |
Method and device for measuring system performance in real time
Disclosed are method and device for measuring system performance in real time. The method includes: the foreground receives a real-time measurement task comprising a measurement period parameter constructed by the background according to the concerned service data, with the quantity of the service data being lower than a preset value; the foreground extracts the current data corresponding to the real-time measurement task from a performance measurement cache area according to the measurement period parameter; the foreground acquires the real-time measurement data corresponding to the real-time measurement task according to the current data; and the foreground reports the real-time measurement data to the background. In the present invention, the background sends the concerned service data to the foreground by way of a real-time measurement task, and the foreground merely reports few service data. |
| US09606882B2 |
Methods and systems for die failure testing
The disclosed method includes, at a storage controller of a storage system, receiving host instructions to modify configuration settings corresponding to a first memory portion of a plurality of memory portions. The method includes, in response to receiving the host instructions to modify the configuration settings, identifying the first memory portion from the host instructions and modifying the configuration settings corresponding to the first memory portion, in accordance with the host instructions. The method includes, after modifying the configuration settings corresponding to the first memory portion, sending one or more commands to perform memory operations having one or more physical addresses corresponding to the first memory portion and receiving a failure notification indicating failed performance of at least a first memory operation of the one or more memory operations. The method includes, in response to receiving the failure notification, executing one or more error recovery mechanisms. |
| US09606880B2 |
Information processing apparatus, information processing system, and control method therefor
A first information processing apparatus executes an operation corresponding to a message entered thereto. Upon completion of the operation, the first information processing apparatus sends a notification to a second information processing apparatus. The second information processing apparatus stores such notifications in a memory. The second information processing apparatus also receives a message, and upon expiration of a predetermined time after receipt of the message, the second information processing apparatus determines whether the memory contains a notification relevant to the received message. When the memory contains such a notification, the second information processing apparatus avoids execution of an operation corresponding to the received message. |
| US09606879B2 |
Multi-partition networking device and method therefor
A multi-partition networking device comprising a primary partition running on a first set of hardware resources and a secondary partition running on a further set of hardware resources. The multi-partition networking device is arranged to operate in a first operating state, whereby the first set of hardware resources are in an active state and the primary partition is arranged to process network traffic, and the further set of hardware resources are in a standby state. The multi-partition networking device is further arranged to transition to a second operating state upon detection of a suspicious condition within the primary partition, whereby the further set of hardware resources are transitioned from a standby state to an active state, and to transition to a third operating state upon detection of a failure condition within the primary partition, whereby processing of network traffic is transferred to the secondary partition. |