Document Document Title
US09666030B2 Gaming system, a method of gaming and an additional game controller
A method of gaming comprising: determining which of a plurality of gaming devices, each operable for independent play of one or more games, are eligible for an additional game; initiating an additional game; and determining in response to initiation of the additional game, which eligible gaming devices will participate in the initiated additional game, the determination including a random determination in respect of at least one of the eligible gaming devices to determine whether the respective eligible gaming device will participate in the additional game.
US09666025B2 Method and apparatus for directing a game in accordance with speed of play
In accordance with the present invention, a gaming device such as a slot machine calculates a speed of game play, and in turn determines a pay schedule based on the speed of game play. The pay schedule for higher speeds of game play typically provides a higher payout percentage, which attracts players and provides an incentive to play faster and for longer periods of time. The greater speed of play and time period of playing may actually increase revenues derived from the gaming device, even though the payout percentage is higher. Speed of game play may be calculated by measuring the number of games played in a predetermined time period, or the time elapsed between games. The gaming device may select a payout table from a plurality of payout tables based on this speed.
US09666022B2 Overlapping antenna arrays for gaming
A system and method of locating gaming tokens on a gaming table. Two sets of overlapping antennas are arranged in intersecting directions. The system uses the data from intersecting antennas to determine the positions of the gaming tokens. Having overlapping antennas reduces dead spots.
US09666017B2 Electronic gaming and/or gambling machine
The present invention relates to an electronic gaming and/or gambling machine, in particular to a slot machine which is coin operable or is operable by monetary equivalents, comprising a display apparatus for the display of at least one game and optionally additional information, with the display apparatus having at least a first and a second screen on which at least one screen display, preferably a main game, and one second screen display, preferably a bonus game and/or additional information, can be displayed as well as a control panel for the actuation of the gaming and/or gambling machine. In accordance with the invention, the electronic gaming and/or gambling machine is characterized in that a switching device is provided which is actuable by a machine user by an input device for the switching of the first screen representation from the first screen to the second screen and of the second screen representation from the second screen to the first screen or to a further screen and/or vice versa.
US09666014B2 Character nameplate kiosk and method for making a personalized nameplate
A computer-implemented kiosk for making a personalized nameplate includes a transaction device to receive payment for the personalized nameplate to be made, and a controller is coupled to the transaction device and operates in response to the received payment. The controller includes a memory for storing at least one animated character set. An input device is coupled to the controller to be operated by a user to enter a name as it is to appear on the personalized nameplate, and a display is coupled to the controller to display the entered name using the at least one animated character set. A printer is coupled to the controller for printing the personalized nameplate with the entered name using the at least one animated character set.
US09666012B2 Apparatus for mixing, cooling, and dispensing a containerized beverage
A smoothie dispenser (20, 20S, 20A) comprises a frame (22); a smoothie receptacle storage section (24); and a receptacle conformed chiller section (26). The smoothie receptacle storage section (24) is provided within the frame (22) and configured to house plural smoothie receptacles (30) at a first temperature. The chiller section (26) is arranged to receive a selected smoothie receptacle released from the smoothie receptacle storage section and configured to crystallize contents of the selected smoothie receptacle. The receptacle conformed chiller section (26) is “receptacle conformed” in the sense that a surface of the chiller section is configured to conform to (e.g., have a surface of shape to mate with or to form substantially greater than linear contact with) at least a portion an exterior profile or periphery of the selected smoothie receptacle.
US09666011B2 Cash processing apparatus
Provided is a money processing device whereby it is possible to alleviate a deterioration in security when a storage unit is extracted. A money processing device comprises: a deposit/withdrawal part which is disposed upon one end side of a device main body in the longitudinal direction which faces a customer, and whereby money is either deposited or withdrawn; and storage units which are disposed to be removable with respect to the device main body and which store money. The storage units are extracted from the device main body at a location which is removed from the customer. The storage units are disposed to be removable with respect to the device main body from the other end side in the longitudinal direction.
US09666009B2 Authentication apparatus and method
The present invention provides an authentication apparatus operative to determine the authenticity of a polymer film, comprising: an optical response modifier operative to modify a first effect influenced by said birefringence characteristic of said to a modified first effect; and an optically-based birefringence measuring arrangement operative to measure said modified first effect; and wherein said apparatus is operative to: compare a value, or range of values, representative of said modified first effect as measured with a value, or range of values representative of a specified first effect as modified by a same optical response modifier and corresponding to a predetermined birefringence characteristic of an authentic polymer film; and output an authenticity signal indicative of authenticity or otherwise of said film based upon said comparison. There are also provided one or more methods of determining the authenticity of a polymer film.
US09666008B2 Optically variable security device, and article employing same and method for verifying the authenticity of an article
A security device and method are provided for verifying the authenticity of articles, tracking articles, detecting the diversion of articles, and detecting the production of unauthorized articles. The security device includes a substrate and an optically variable security code. The security device may further include a machine-readable representation of the security code. The security device may still further include a unique serial number, which may be machine-readable. The substrate may be an article or, alternatively, the security device may be affixed to an article. An article including at least one of the security devices is also disclosed.
US09666007B2 Method and apparatus for handling value documents
A method for processing value documents includes employing a storage device for data which has a storage area of pre-specified storage-area size, wherein value documents are transported in singled form to a sensor device. Respective value document measuring data are captured by means of the sensor device. A storage priority is established for the respective value document as a pre-specified function of at least a portion of the measuring data that is necessary for establishing the storage priority in dependence on the established storage priority processing data for the respective value document stored in a storage block in the storage area. The storage priority influences the duration of the storage of the respective processing data.
US09666005B2 System and method for communicating with a vehicle
A system and method for using a portable device to communicate with a vehicle to authorize one or more vehicle operations. The portable device may authorize the vehicle to unlock/lock doors, start the vehicle engine, or mobilize the vehicle, or a combination thereof. The vehicle may include a vehicle transmitter system with one or more transmitters disposed at various locations on the vehicle, and the portable device may be configured to monitor a communication strength between the portable device and the one or more transmitters of the transmitter system. Based on the monitored signal strength, the portable device may determine location information about itself.
US09666003B2 Object detection system
An object detection system 1 includes a sensor section 10 configured to detect an object within a detection area A; and an adjuster (remote controller) 20 configured to interactively communicate with the sensor section 10. The adjuster 20 includes; a transmission unit 13 configured to transmit a setting signal for setting an operating condition of the sensor section 10 to the sensor section 10; an adjustment notification unit 23 configured to receive a completion signal of operating condition setting from the sensor section 10 and give notification of the operating condition, setting of which has been completed; and a target selection unit 25 configured to arbitrarily select a target sensor section 10 intended for the operating condition setting.
US09665998B1 System for providing relevant and timely information associated with a travel itinerary to a portable user device using a push notification associated with a push message received from an application server
A system and method for providing relevant and timely information associated with a travel itinerary, such as an airline travel itinerary. In an exemplary embodiment, one of a plurality of home screens is displayed on a portable user device when an application is opened on the portable user device.
US09665996B2 Negative pressure abnormality detection apparatus and control apparatus for internal combustion engine
A negative pressure detection part detects a negative pressure from a signal of a negative pressure sensor detecting a negative pressure generated due to rotation of an internal combustion engine. The negative pressure is used to assist a vehicle driver's braking operation. An abnormality determination part determines, during continuation of the internal combustion engine stopped state, that the negative pressure sensor is in an abnormal condition if the detected negative pressure is out of a normal range near an atmospheric pressure to a vacuum pressure side when an operation of decreasing the negative pressure is performed on a brake pedal greater than or equal to a predetermined number of times or greater than or equal to a predetermined period of time or when a total operation amount of the decreasing operation is greater than or equal to a predetermined amount.
US09665994B1 Methods and systems for providing a vehicle repair tip
A method performed by a first computing system includes receiving, from a second computing system, a message identifying a symptom of a first vehicle; and sending a repair tip to the second computing system. The repair tip includes a first phrase describing a first procedure performed on a second vehicle that exhibited the symptom, wherein the first procedure performed on the second vehicle yielded a result insufficient to determine that a component of the second vehicle associated with the symptom is defective. The repair tip also includes a second phrase describing a second procedure performed on a given vehicle, wherein the given vehicle is either (i) the second vehicle or (ii) a third vehicle that also exhibited the symptom, wherein the second procedure performed on the given vehicle yielded a result sufficient to determine that a component of the given vehicle associated with the symptom is defective.
US09665992B2 Automated service management
A computer-implemented method for automated service management includes identifying a period of time to perform a service on a transporter, wherein the transporter is one of: a vehicle, an aircraft, a watercraft, or a rail based transportation. A first location within a vicinity of the transporter is identified, wherein the vicinity is based at least in part on a known location of the transporter. The transporter is instructed to relocate to the first location and responsive to the computer determining the service of the transporter is complete, the transporter is instructed to relocate to the known location.
US09665989B1 Feature agnostic geometric alignment
Methods and apparatus for aligning objects are provided. A computing device can receive first and second object representations that are respectively associated with first and second surface representations. The computing device can apply an object transformation to the respective first and second object representations to modify geometric features of the respective first and second object representations based on one or more values of one or more characteristics of the respective first and second surface representation. The computing device can align the first object representation and the second object representation using an alignment of the transformed first object representation and the transformed second object representation. The computing device can provide an output based on the aligned first object representation and second object representation.
US09665988B2 Systems and methods for data visualization using three-dimensional displays
Data visualization systems and methods for generating 3D visualizations of a multidimensional data space are described. In one embodiment a 3D data visualization application directs a processing system to: load a set of multidimensional data points into a visualization table; create representations of a set of 3D objects corresponding to the set of data points; receive mappings of data dimensions to visualization attributes; determine the visualization attributes of the set of 3D objects based upon the selected mappings of data dimensions to 3D object attributes; update a visibility dimension in the visualization table for each of the plurality of 3D object to reflect the visibility of each 3D object based upon the selected mappings of data dimensions to visualization attributes; and interactively render 3D data visualizations of the 3D objects within the virtual space from viewpoints determined based upon received user input.
US09665983B2 Method, medium, and system for facilitating electronic commercial transactions in an augmented reality environment
Techniques are disclosed for facilitating electronic commerce in an augmented reality environment. In some embodiments, a method comprises detecting, by a mobile device, presence of the physical product or the real life service; and presenting, on the mobile device, information to conduct the transaction of a physical product or a real life service via the augmented reality environment. In some embodiments, a method comprises detecting one or more targets in the augmented reality platform using a select area in a perspective of a user, the perspective being captured by a mobile device; and prompting the user to choose an object of interest from the one or more detected targets. Among other advantages, embodiments disclosed herein provide an intuitive and integrated user experience in shopping using augmented reality devices, thereby reducing the consumer user's effort in conducting such activities, reducing necessary sales personnel and their working hours, and increasing sales.
US09665977B2 Apparatus and method for controlling rendering quality
Provided is an apparatus and method for controlling rendering quality. The method for controlling rendering quality includes a thermal sensor sensing a temperature of a chip, a hull shader determining a level of detail (LOD) based on the temperature; and a tessellator tessellating segments that are divided according to the level of detail.
US09665971B2 Techniques for multiple pass rendering
Techniques for multiple pass rendering include receiving vertex data for one or more objects to be enhanced. Parameters in a display list may be determined using the vertex data. Multiple pixel rendering passes may be run using the parameters in the display list. An enhanced depiction of the one or more objects may be rendered based on the multiple pixel rendering passes. Other embodiments are described and claimed.
US09665966B2 Simulation object connections
Representing a connection between objects in a simulation includes identifying, on a source object to be used in a simulation process, a source point that is available for creating a connection to another object. On a target object, a target point is identified for use in creating the connection. At least one of the source object and the target object is a rigid object. A spring element having respective ends at the source point and the target point is created, and at least one property thereof is set. A system includes an animation module, and a simulation module that performs a simulation process involving creating, and setting a property of, a spring element having respective ends at a source point on the source object and a target point on the target object.
US09665963B1 Dynamic collage layout generation
A system for dynamic collage layout generation comprises a processor and a memory storing instructions that, when executed, cause the system to: receive a plurality of pictures to arrange into a collage, calculate pairwise distances between the plurality of pictures, arrange the plurality of pictures into one or more groups based on the pairwise distances between the plurality of pictures, calculate a group arrangement cost based on an aspect ratio of the one or more groups, determine an arrangement of the one or more groups based on the group arrangement cost, and place the pictures in a collage layout based on the arrangement of the one or more groups. The disclosure also includes similar methods and computer program products.
US09665959B2 Composite image creation assist apparatus using images of users other than target user, and non-transitory computer readable recording medium
There are provided a composite image creation assist apparatus and a composite image creation assist method capable of easily assisting the creation of a composite image using not only an image group that a user himself or herself holds but also images that other users hold. An other user image group extraction section extracts image groups of other users belonging to the same group as a target user based on the registration information of an SNS. A second candidate image selection section selects at least one second candidate image suitable for the composite image from the extracted image groups of other users. A use image determination section determines use images, which are to be used for the composite image, from the plurality of first candidate images and the second candidate image.
US09665958B2 System, method, and computer program product for redistributing a multi-sample processing workload between threads
A system, method, and computer program product are provided for redistributing multi-sample processing workloads between threads. A workload for a plurality of multi-sample pixels is received and each thread in a parallel thread group is associated with a corresponding multi-sample pixel of the plurality of pixels. The workload is redistributed between the threads in the parallel thread group based on a characteristic of the workload and the workload is processed by the parallel thread group. In one embodiment, the characteristic is rasterized coverage information for the plurality of multi-sample pixels.
US09665957B1 System and method for rapidly assessing system components with trend charts
A method includes determining utilization metrics and trend data for each of a plurality of system components. The method also includes formatting for display a list comprising the plurality of system components and respective component attributes of the system components. The component attributes include the respective utilization metrics over a selected time range. The method also includes determining, using a processor, a selected system component based on a cursor position with respect to the list of system components. The method further includes, in response to determining the selected system component, formatting for display a graph indicative of the selected system component. The graph includes the trend data of the selected system component over the selected time range. The graph and the list of system components are formatted to be displayed simultaneously.
US09665952B2 Information processing method and electronic device
An information processing method and an electronic device are provided in the present disclosure. The method includes: acquiring an adjustment instruction to an icon object in a display content, where the adjustment instruction includes parameter information, a display mode of at least one of the icon object of a first type and the icon object of a second type is determined according to the parameter information, the icon object of a first type is configured to carry the icon object of a second type; adjusting the icon object in the display content based on the parameter information in response to the adjustment instruction to make the icon object present an adjusted display effect via the display unit.
US09665949B2 Skin dullness evaluation apparatus and skin dullness evaluation method
A skin dullness evaluation apparatus includes a frequency analyzing unit that decomposes a skin image into color heterogeneity of a predetermined size; a color heterogeneity index obtaining unit that obtains color data of skin from each of the color heterogeneity decomposed by the frequency analyzing unit, and obtains a color heterogeneity index of the color heterogeneity from the obtained color data of skin; and a dullness evaluation unit that evaluates skin dullness corresponding to the skin image based on the color heterogeneity index obtained by the color heterogeneity index obtaining unit.
US09665947B2 Method and apparatus for registration of multimodal imaging data by using a center line to optimize quality of alignment
In a method for improving alignment between representations of a same elongate feature in first and second images, the images are provided to a processor and the processor derives a centerline from image data representing an elongate anatomical feature in the first image, and derives a value of a metric indicating a present quality of alignment of the centerline with image data of the second image representing the same anatomic feature. The processor optimizes the metric to provide a rigid transform, and applies the rigid transform to the centerline or the second image to improve the alignment between the first and the second image with respect to the elongate feature.
US09665946B2 Article conveyor system
An article conveyor system comprising a conveyor device which conveys a conveyance article in accordance with a command to convey the conveyance article to a target position on a workpiece, a visual detection device which has a camera device which is attached to the conveyor device so as to acquire an image which includes both of the conveyance article and the workpiece after conveyance by the conveyor device and analyzes the image acquired by the camera device to detect the respective positions of the conveyance article and the workpiece, and a judgment device which judges if a position of the conveyance article which has been detected by the visual detection device is located within a permission area which is set for the position of the workpiece.
US09665939B2 Image processing apparatus, control method, and recording medium
An image processing apparatus obtains an input image acquired by image capturing, and classifies the input image into a main subject region and a background region. The image processing apparatus determines virtual image capturing conditions corresponding to an output image to be generated, based on the positional relationship between a main subject and a background subject in an image capturing environment when the input image was captured. The image processing apparatus deforms, of the input image, an image classified into the background region, and generates a background image of the output image that corresponds to the determined virtual image capturing conditions. The image processing apparatus composes, of the input image, an image classified into the main subject region and the background image, thereby generating the output image.
US09665931B2 Air pocket detection methods and systems
Methods and systems for use in detecting an air pocket in a single crystal material are described. One example method includes providing a matrix including a plurality of data units, the plurality of data units including image data related to a region of interest of the single crystal material; determining, by a processor, a difference between data units of the matrix and a corresponding data unit of the matrix, wherein the corresponding data unit is defined by a first operation of the matrix; calculating, by the processor, a first index value based on the differences of the corresponding data units; and identifying an air pocket within the single crystal material based on the first index value and a predetermined threshold.
US09665929B2 Image processing apparatus, image processing method, and image processing program
An image processing device includes a generation unit and a smoothing processor. The generation unit calculates an edge strength on the basis of a stairs tone strength indicative of differences between a first parameter and a second parameter. The first parameter is a first gradient based on pixel values of a pixel of interest in an input image and adjacent pixels included in a first range with respect to the pixel of interest. The second parameter is one of a variance based on pixel values of the pixel of interest and the adjacent pixels, and a second gradient based on the pixel value of the pixel of interest and adjacent pixels included in a second range. The smoothing processor performs a nonlinear smoothing operation on the pixel value of the pixel of interest and the adjacent pixels included in the first range on the basis of the calculated edge strength.
US09665926B2 Method for object displaying and electronic device thereof
An electronic device that uses a method of displaying an object by the electronic device is provided. The method includes identifying one or more objects for displaying in a display area of the electronic device and, when at least one of the one or more objects cannot be displayed in the display area, changing display attributes of the one or more objects and displaying the objects in the display area.
US09665923B2 System, method and computer program product for remote graphics processing
A system, method, and computer program product are provided for remote rendering of computer graphics. The system includes a graphics application program resident at a remote server. The graphics application is invoked by a user or process located at a client. The invoked graphics application proceeds to issue graphics instructions. The graphics instructions are received by a remote rendering control system. Given that the client and server differ with respect to graphics context and image processing capability, the remote rendering control system modifies the graphics instructions in order to accommodate these differences. The modified graphics instructions are sent to graphics rendering resources, which produce one or more rendered images. Data representing the rendered images is written to one or more frame buffers. The remote rendering control system then reads this image data from the frame buffers. The image data is transmitted to the client for display or processing. In an embodiment of the system, the image data is compressed before being transmitted to the client. In such an embodiment, the steps of rendering, compression, and transmission can be performed asynchronously in a pipelined manner.
US09665922B2 Picture display device, and setting modification method and setting modification program therefor
Provided is a picture display device having greater ease of use even when shared by a plurality of users. A picture display device comprising: an individual information storage unit for correlating and storing individual setting information and operator information; an operator identification unit for identifying an operator operating the picture display device; an operation confirmation unit for confirming whether the information of the operator identified by the operator identification device and who will operate the picture display device matches the operator information stored in the individual information storage unit; and a control unit for reading out the individual setting information correlated and stored with the operator information in the individual information storage unit and applying to the picture display device the setting modification based on the individual setting information thus read out.
US09665921B2 Adaptive OpenGL 3D graphics in virtual desktop infrastructure
System and method embodiments are provided for enabling OpenGL graphics rendering on VM architecture. In an embodiment, a method implemented in a system comprising multiple virtual machines (VMs) includes intercepting, at a first VM that does not have direct access to a graphics processing unit (GPU), a command from an application to render graphics. The method further includes processing the command using hardware based GPU rendering at a second VM that has direct access to a GPU upon determining that the GPU is free or has capacity to handle workload of the command or processing the command using CPU based software rendering at the first VM upon determining that the GPU of the second VM is busy or does not have capacity to handle workload of the command and the graphics data.
US09665917B2 Electric power information management apparatus, electric power information management system, and electric power information management method
An electric power information management apparatus includes a power meter that measures electric power data on electric power to be supplied from a storage battery of a vehicle to an electric power facility; a security module that associates and encrypts identification information corresponding to the vehicle and the measured electric power data; a communication device that transmits to an electric power management database the identification information corresponding to the vehicle and the electric power data encrypted by the security module to store the electric power data associated with the identification information in the electric power management database; and an electric power control device that extracts necessary electric power from the electric power facility and supplies the electric power to the storage battery of the vehicle corresponding to the identification information, based on the electric power data stored in the electric power management database, being associated with the identification information.
US09665916B2 System and method for analyzing data
A computer-implemented method, computer program product, and computing system for defining one or more failure conditions. Two of more executions are selected from a plurality of available executions based upon a simulation modeling file, thus defining two or more selected executions. A first of the two or more selected executions is executed while monitoring for the occurrence of the one or more failure conditions.
US09665915B1 System and method for facilitating virtual goods gifting
Gifting of virtual items between users of a virtual space may be facilitated. A purchase interface may be presented to a first user. The purchase interface may be configured to receive selection from the first user of (i) a virtual item for purchase, and (ii) one or more users with which the first user has established a virtual space relationship. Responsive to selection by the first user through the purchase interface of a first virtual item and a second user with which the first user has established a virtual space relationship, the first virtual item may be distributed to the second user in the virtual space.
US09665909B2 Transaction classification rule generation
A method, executed by a processor, for generating a transaction classification rule that can be applied to unclassified transactions. The method includes receiving an identification of an existing unclassified transaction upon which the classification rule will be based; generating identification rules to identify subsequent unclassified transactions as similar to the existing unclassified transaction; generating the classification rule using the identified transaction; and storing the classification rule for application to the subsequent unclassified transactions. Application of the generated classification rule to the subsequent unclassified transactions produces transactions classified according to the classification rule.
US09665905B2 Three dimensional shopping cart
The present invention generally relates to web based electronic commerce systems. In particular, embodiments of the invention are directed to systems and methods configured to provide a three dimensional shopping cart for the display of items to be ordered by a user or group of users.
US09665902B2 Personalized recommendation method and system, and computer-readable record medium
Provided is a method, system, and a computer-readable recording medium for providing a personalized recommendation of products. The method may include extracting product recommendations corresponding to a prescribed recommendation time period using two or more purchase cycle algorithms, the purchase cycle algorithms configured to calculate purchase cycles of products for a customer. The method may further include performing performance evaluation, using a processor, with respect to the product recommendations extracted using each of the purchase cycle algorithms, and recommending to the customer the product recommendation extracted from the purchase cycle algorithm having a highest ranking based on the performance evaluation.
US09665901B2 Mobile information gateway for private customer interaction
A system and method for facilitating private user interaction is disclosed. The method comprises capturing information with a first mobile information gateway device; processing the captured information to determine an identity of a first user; processing the captured information to authenticate the first user; processing the identity of the first user to retrieve information of the first user; and presenting the retrieved information of the first user overlaid upon a first field of view by the first mobile information gateway device; and presenting the retrieved information to a second user overlaid upon a second field of view by the second mobile information gateway device.
US09665896B2 System and method for age verification over mobile app for purchasing age-restricted items
A system and method for forecasting sales is presented. A transmission by a customer is received indicating an intention for a customer to purchase an item from a retailer via a mobile device. An embodiment determines if the item is subject to an age-restriction. This can be accomplished by using location data of a retailer. Biometric data is received from the customer intending to purchase the item. The biometric data is compared to verified biometric data to confirm the identity of the customer. The age of the customer is determined. Thereafter, the transaction is allowed to proceed if the age of the customer satisfies the age-restriction for the item. Other embodiments are also disclosed herein.
US09665894B2 Method, medium, and system for recommending associated products
A retrieval support system includes a database which stores commodity image data; a retrieval unit which acquires commodity image data having image characteristic information which is the same as or similar to image characteristic information indicating a characteristic in an image of input image data, from the database, with respect to the input image data; and a condition setting unit which sets a retrieval condition including at least one of time information relating to time, place information relating to places and occasion information relating to occasions. The retrieval unit performs retrieval of the commodity image data based on the retrieval condition set by the condition setting unit. The commodity image data acquired by the retrieval unit and information relating to a commodity different from a commodity corresponding to the commodity image data are output together.
US09665889B1 Systems, methods and articles for providing personalized web content based on portable personas
Systems, methods and articles of manufacture for delivering website content to an internet user which is personalized to the user based on a persona associated with the user. A persona database system accesses personal and financial data for the user from any suitable source, such as from a tax return of the user or personal finance management application or even a questionnaire. The persona database system matches the user's data to a persona for the user from a predetermined, discrete set of personas, wherein each persona identifies a generalized profile of personal and financial characteristics of the user. Then, when a user access a website hosted by a website server, the website server accesses the persona for the user from the persona database system and the website server personalizes the website content delivered to the user based on the persona for the user.
US09665887B2 Gift messaging based customer acquisition
In accordance with some of the gift messaging based customer acquisition methods, apparatus, and computer-readable media that are described herein, a message for a gift recipient is determined in connection with a gift based on input from a first network node associated with a gift giver. A message notification that includes access information for accessing the gift message is generated. The access information is associated with the message. A request that includes the access information is received from a second network node associated with the gift recipient. Responsive to the request, the message is transmitted to the second network node based on the association between the access information and the message, and auxiliary customer acquisition information is transmitted to the second network node.
US09665874B2 Systems and methods for tailoring marketing
The systems and methods may be used to recommend an item to a consumer. The methods may comprise determining, based on a collaborative filtering algorithm, a consumer relevance value associated with an item, and transmitting, based on the consumer relevance value, information associated with the item to a consumer. A collaborative filtering algorithm may receive as an input a transaction history associated with the consumer, a demographic of the consumer, a consumer profile, a type of transaction account, a transaction account associated with the consumer, a period of time that the consumer has held a transaction account, a size of wallet, and/or a share of wallet. The method may further comprise generating a ranked list of items based upon consumer relevance values, transmitting a ranked list of items to a consumer, and/or re-ranking a ranked list of items based upon a merchant goal.
US09665873B2 Automated physical activity classification
The invention relates to a system and method for analyzing an activity session. Data from a monitoring device worn by a user of the system for example is received over a period of time or distance and a classification system of the invention is utilized in real time or post session to determine the activities performed by the user during the session. The data collected relates to multiple parameters monitored during the activity session. The classification system defines an activity using a set of threshold criteria for a combination of parameters and therefore identifies a particular activity performed during the activity session when a combination of monitored parameters satisfies the threshold criteria for a particular activity. Determining the activities performed in this way allows for more useful interpretation of the data which in turn leads to more effective coaching advice and feedback for the user.
US09665871B2 System and method for generating media-related notifications
A method of generating notifications related to availability of media content is provided. The method includes receiving a watchlist subscription including a request to monitor for availability of media content. The method also includes detecting a change in the availability of media content based on the subscription, and if a change is detected, determining an access right and transmitting a notification of the change in the availability of the media content. The metadata of the media content is used in the subscriptions to determine when to generate notifications. The media content may include a media article, media selection, live content, or a theatrical media release.
US09665869B2 Systems and methods for enhanced authorization fraud mitigation
A consumer uses a web client to transmit purchase information associated with a transaction to a merchant server. The purchase information is transmitted via a web acceleration server. The web acceleration server identifies enhanced authorization data associated with the transaction. The web acceleration server creates a pseudo authorization message. The web acceleration server transmits the pseudo authorization message to a transaction account issuer. The merchant server transmits an authorization request to the transaction account issuer. The transaction account issuer determines that the authorization request and the pseudo authorization message are associated with the same transaction. The transaction account issuer merges the authorization request and the pseudo authorization message and performs a fraud analysis. The transaction account issuer transmits an authorization response to the merchant.
US09665861B2 Multi-mode point-of-sale device
In an embodiment, a point of sale (POS) device is provided. The POS device includes a memory and at least one processor. The processor is configured to perform an authorized set of functions established by an external management module. The authorized set of functions include purchase transaction processing of inventory identified as available to the POS device by the external management module.
US09665855B2 Machine, methods, and program product for electronic inventory tracking
Machine, methods, and program product for facilitating electronic inventory tracking and management of products through messaging over a payment network, are provided. An example includes an inventory management computer in communication with a merchant POS apparatus or terminal over an existing financial services payment network and configured to receive and process purchase transaction data associated with a product being purchased, for use by a product provider. The computer can include electronic inventory management program product configured to perform various operations including receiving a purchase transaction message sent through the payment network, storing purchase transaction data, and notifying a product provider of the purchase transaction data. The purchase transaction message can include a financial services electronic payment network compatible universal product-transaction identifier, which can be received through the POS terminal in response to a consumer or merchant interfacing the product's container, or an associated purchase ticket or slip storing the transaction identifier, with the POS terminal.
US09665854B1 Authentication alerts
Methods and systems are provided for generating alerts in association with a request to open an account for an individual. For example, information identifying an individual may be received from a financial entity in association with the financial entity receiving a request to open an account for the individual from a requesting entity. The requesting entity may be a vendor or service provider associated with the financial entity. An electronic notification may then be sent to the individual, which may include a selectable option to indicate that the individual does not authorize opening of the account. In response to receiving an indication that the individual does not authorize opening of the account, notifications may be sent to both the financial entity and the requesting entity indicating that the individual has not authorized opening of the account.
US09665846B2 Arranging for shipment of a package without generating a shipping label
Methods, systems, apparatuses, and computer program products are provided for arranging for shipping a package without the customer needing to generate or apply a shipping label, or any other information, to the package. In one embodiment, a system may comprise a carrier server and a carrier device. The carrier server may receive and store a smart code and shipping information associated with the package, which it may link together. The carrier device may capture the smart code from the package and send a request, including the smart code, to the carrier server for related shipping information. The carrier server may receive the request from the carrier device, retrieve the shipping information based on the smart code, and send the shipping information to the carrier device. The carrier device may receive the shipping information and generate a shipping label for the package based on the shipping information.
US09665843B2 Industrial asset health profile
Among other things, one or more techniques and/or systems are provided for developing a health profile of an industrial asset based upon data pertaining to such an industrial asset. At least some of the data is transformed into primary state indicators, respectively representative of the status or condition of an aspect of the industrial asset. Using the primary state indicators, one or more events that are likely to occur to the industrial asset are identified and a health profile is developed based upon such events. The health profile may describe maintenance actions that will reduce a likelihood of an event(s) occurring, may describe a business impact on an entity associated with the industrial asset if an event(s) occurs, and/or may describe a performance impact on the industrial asset if an event(s) occurs, for example.
US09665840B2 High performance ERP system ensuring desired delivery sequencing of output messages
An embodiment of the present disclosure receives a respective set of input messages from a corresponding source system, with the messages of each set of input messages being received in a corresponding chronological (time) order. The input messages are processed using parallel processing approaches to generate corresponding output messages, with each output message being generated for delivery to a corresponding destination system. The destination system for each output message is identified only during such processing of the input messages. The output messages are queued and an output message to a destination system is transmitted only after output messages of all prior input messages from the same source system to the destination system are transmitted, while permitting output messages generated by processing of input messages from different source systems being permitted to be transmitted out-of-sequence.
US09665839B2 Networked electronic media distribution system
Generating and presenting electronic media content to employees of a subscriber are provided. An aspect includes a service provider computer having a network connection, a service provider storage accessible by the service provider computer, and software executing on the service provider computer providing a web page allowing a subscriber to log in to the service provider computer. The software provides a plurality of electronic media to the subscriber. The subscriber selects from among the electronic media to generate an electronic media collection that is saved on the service provider storage. The software allows the subscriber to set access to the electronic media collection by a user via the web page, and the software executing on the service provider computer provides a web page allowing a user to log in to the service provider computer. The software identifies the user and presents the electronic media collection to the user.
US09665837B2 Charging resource usage in a distributed computing environment
A method of allocating costs for resource usage in a distributed computing environment includes creating a standardized template for deploying a desired functionality within the distributed computing environment; the standardized template defining computing resources of the distributed computing environment needed to support the desired functionality, associating fixed costs with the computing resources, and calculating a total allocated cost associated with the standardized template by referencing the fixed costs. A system of allocating costs for resource usage in a distributed computing environment includes a standardized template for deploying a desired functionality within the distributed computing environment, the standardized template defining a plurality of interconnected computing resources, a fixed cost associated with each of the plurality of interconnected computing resources, and a software application configured to sum the fixed costs to produce a total cost for deploying the desired functionality.
US09665836B2 System and method for analyzing data
A computer-implemented method, computer program product, and computing system for identifying one or more variables included within at least a portion of a simulation modeling file. Comment data is inserted into the at least a portion of the simulation modeling file to define one or more values for each of one or more variables.
US09665835B2 Social distribution of emergency status
A social networking system distributes information related to emergency events. The social networking system provides an interface for users to view information about the users' connections related to the emergency event. The interface allows users to filter the users' connections to search for connections affected by the emergency event. The interface also includes a status indicator for the users and provides a method for providing input to the connections' status.
US09665829B1 Optimizing testing of a partially symmetric quantum-logic circuit by using wreath products and invariance groups
Systems and methods for optimized testing of partially symmetric quantum-logic circuits. A test system receives information that describes the architecture of a quantum-logic circuit to be tested. The system uses this information to organize the circuit's inputs into two or more mutually exclusive blocks of inputs. The system computes a wreath product of a set of groups associated with the blocks in order to generate an invariance group that contains one or more invariant permutations of the circuit's inputs. These invariant permutations can be used to reduce the number of tests required to fully verify the circuit for all possible input vectors. Once one specific input vector has been verified, there is no need to test other vectors that can be generated by performing any one of the invariant permutations upon the previously verified vector.
US09665827B2 Apparatus and method for providing a generalized continuous performance indicator
A method includes, using at least one processing device, obtaining multiple diagnostic indicators associated with at least a portion of an industrial process system and combining the diagnostic indicators to form a generalized indicator. Each diagnostic indicator has a value, and the generalized indicator is associated with a position on a continuous scale. The continuous scale could include a color gradient, and the method could include displaying the generalized indicator along the color gradient with a color based on its position. Multiple generalized indicators associated with multiple portions of the process system could be displayed within a torus or circle, and different portions of the torus or circle can be associated with different portions of the process system. Different concentric tori or circles could be associated with different periods of time, and at least one concentric torus or circle could identify a predicted behavior of the process system.
US09665826B2 Automated problem inference from bug repositories
Aspects of the subject disclosure are directed towards automatically inferring the significant parts of bug reports, including by querying a knowledge base built by mining information from a large number of earlier bug reports. Common phrases in the earlier bug reports are filtered to provide a subset of phrases relevant to a bug domain, which are stored in the knowledge base and mapped to an ontology model of the knowledge base. When a new bug report is received for inference/analysis, the phrases therein are tagged based upon the ontology model, and the knowledge base queried with the tagged phrases to determine problems, activities and actions that are likely related to the new bug report.
US09665821B1 Long-range surface-insensitive passive RFID tag
A passive RFID tag that provides long-range reception, even when mounted on a conductive material or a human body. The antenna of the RFID tag is a loop antenna perpendicular to the mounting surface; it may be formed from a tubular sheet of conductive material to reduce conductive losses. An illustrative rectangular loop 1 inch wide by 0.15 inches high by 0.625 inches deep provides a high effective antenna aperture in a compact RFID tag. Multiple mounting positions may be provided for an RFID chip and for a resonating capacitor. Selection of different mounting positions for these components may allow tuning of impedance and resonant frequency without changing components, providing for simpler and more cost-effective manufacturing. The loop antenna may be formed for example from a stamped metal part with a hollow air core, from a double-sided thick PCB, or from an overlay of conductive ink onto a flexible material.
US09665819B2 SIM card and method for producing same
A SIM card in plug-in format with an integrated SIM card in mini format is disclosed which has electrical contacts for an electrical connection to contacts on a mobile device. The SIM card comprises punched cutouts adjacent to the integrated mini SIM card, with the integrated mini SIM card being connected to the rest of the plug-in SIM card only by some connecting points. This means that the mini SIM card is affixed detachably. In this regard, the punched cutouts and the connecting points are arranged such that the integrated mini SIM card can be detached from the rest of the plug-in card. The punched cutouts may be cut out at edges around the integrated mini SIM card at the points at which the electrical contacts of the mobile device can slide over when the SIM card is inserted into the mobile device.
US09665812B2 Printer with paper conveyance control upon paper jam
Upon occurrence of a paper jam at a circulation conveyer with a switching direction being set at a paper discharge guiding direction, a controller performs control of maintaining the switching direction at the paper discharge guiding direction and discharging sheets at a section of the circulation conveyer downstream of a position of the paper jam, the printing conveyer, and the paper discharger. Upon occurrence of the paper jam with the switching direction being set at a circulation guiding direction, the controller performs control of switching the switching direction to the paper discharge guiding direction after a sheet passing a switch exits the switch, and discharging the sheets at the section of the circulation conveyer downstream of the position of the paper jam, the printing conveyer, and the paper discharger.
US09665805B2 Data processing method, data processing apparatus and ink-jet printer
Disclosed are a data processing method, an apparatus and an ink-jet printer. A method comprises a processor sequentially receiving multiple lines of image lattice data; after receiving one line of image lattice data splitting one line of image lattice data to n groups of image lattice data according to number of lines of corresponding nozzles along a paper feeding direction of the one line of image lattice data, wherein n is number of rows of all nozzles; writing corresponding split n groups of image lattice data to an internal buffer; writing n groups of image lattice data in corresponding internal buffer to an external storage; reading data from external storage embodiments of the present invention reduce processing cost of the image lattice data, and improve image lattice processing speed.
US09665803B2 Image processing apparatus and image processing method
A dictionary for detection of an object is created from an image obtained by performing an image process, which depends on a first image process parameter, on the training image of the detection target object. The dictionary created based on the image process depending on the first image process parameter is determined, based on a result of detecting the object from an image obtained by performing an image process, which depends on the first image process parameter, on a photographed image based on the dictionary. A second image process parameter is determined, based on a result of detecting the object from an image obtained by performing an image process, which depends on the second image process parameter, on the photographed image using the determined dictionary.
US09665802B2 Object-centric fine-grained image classification
Systems and methods are disclosed for classifying vehicles by performing scale aware detection; performing detection assisted sampling for convolutional neural network (CNN) training, and performing deep CNN fine-grained image classification to classify the vehicle type.
US09665798B2 Device and method for detecting specified objects in images using metadata
The purpose of the present invention is to provide an image analysis technique enabling a detection subject to be rapidly detected from image data. This image analysis device generates metadata for a query image containing the detection subject, and using the metadata, narrows down the image data serving as the search subject beforehand and then conducts object detection.
US09665797B2 Environmental-based location monitoring
Aspects of the present disclosure are directed towards environmental based location monitoring. Environmental based location monitoring can include collecting, a first set of image data that corresponds to a first set of environmental characteristics existing within a bounded area encompassing a hardware element of the computer and determining an environmental difference based on a difference between a first location corresponding to a geographic position of the hardware element relative to the first set of environmental characteristics and a second location corresponding to an approved geographic position of the hardware element. Environmental based location monitoring can include determining that the environmental difference does not satisfy a threshold and executing a reaction sequence in the computer, in response to determining that the environmental difference does not satisfy the threshold.
US09665793B2 Method for determining parameters of a rotating object within a projected pattern
A method for contactless measurements of a vehicle wheel assembly by acquiring a sequence of images as the vehicle wheel assembly moves within a projected pattern of light. Images of the vehicle wheel assembly are acquired and processed to identify the portions of the images corresponding to the wheel assembly, such as by recognition of the wheel rim edge. The identified portion of each image is cropped and a resulting point cloud of data rotational aligned by an optimization procedure to remove the effect of wheel translation and rotation between each image, as well as to identify a center of rotation and amount of rotation for each image which yields a best-fit result. Superimposing the resulting point clouds produces a generated image with a high density of data points on the optimally fit surfaces of the wheel assembly, which can be used to further refine the axis of rotation determination.
US09665791B2 System and method for extracting dominant orientations from a scene
In one embodiment, a method of identifying the dominant orientations of a scene comprises representing a scene as a plurality of directional vectors. The scene may comprise a three-dimensional representation of a scene, and the plurality of directional vectors may comprise a plurality of surface normals. The method further comprises determining, based on the plurality of directional vectors, a plurality of orientations describing the scene. The determined plurality of orientations explains the directionality of the plurality of directional vectors. In certain embodiments, the plurality of orientations may have independent axes of rotation. The plurality of orientations may be determined by representing the plurality of directional vectors as lying on a mathematical representation of a sphere, and inferring the parameters of a statistical model to adapt the plurality of orientations to explain the positioning of the plurality of directional vectors lying on the mathematical representation of the sphere.
US09665787B2 Method and apparatus of extracting particular information from standard card
A method of extracting particular information in a standard card is disclosed herein. The method includes: acquiring a card image of a standard card having particular information to be extracted; identifying an image region containing the particular information in the card image; and extracting and outputting the image region as an independent image. Thus, an image related to the part of the particular information only can be obtained from the standard card conveniently, quickly and accurately, thereby improving the working efficiency. In addition, the present disclosure further provides an apparatus of extracting particular information in a standard card and a method of inputting particular information of a standard card in a mobile terminal.
US09665786B2 Confirming automatically recognized handwritten answers
An image is received that contains handwritten characters as answers to an inquiry. An automatic character recognition process is performed on the image to generate initially recognized characters from the handwritten characters. The initially recognized characters of an incorrect answer to a question of the inquiry are analyzed to automatically identify alternative recognized characters of the incorrect answer. Then, it can be determined whether one or more of the alternative recognized characters, when substituted in place of the initially recognized characters of the incorrect answer, change the incorrect answer to a correct answer to the question. If the alternative recognized characters substituted in place of the initially recognized characters in the correct answer exceed a minimum character recognition confidence value, the incorrect answer is changed to the correct answer to modify the initially scored answers to modified scored answers, and such are output.
US09665783B2 Night parking detection
The present invention discloses a night parking-monitoring device. It monitors the state change of a parking space at night by tracking at least a light of a vehicle.
US09665782B2 Obstacle detecting apparatus and obstacle detecting method
The present invention relates to an obstacle detecting apparatus and an obstacle detecting method and an exemplary embodiment of the present invention provides an obstacle detecting apparatus, including: a stereo camera which photographs a front of a vehicle to generate a left image and a right image; an image matching unit which applies a block matching algorithm to the left image and the right image to extract a plurality of feature points having a similarity which is equal to or larger than a reference value and calculate a coordinate and a depth of the plurality of extracted feature points; a plane calculating unit which connects every three feature points of the plurality of feature points to calculate a plurality of triangles, based on the coordinate and the depth of the plurality of feature points; a normal calculating unit which calculates directions of normal of the plurality of triangles, based on the coordinate and the depth of three feature points corresponding to vertexes of the plurality of triangles; and an obstacle detecting unit which detects an obstacle in front of the vehicle based on a result of comparing a photographing direction of the stereo camera with the normal directions of the plurality of triangles.
US09665778B1 Virtual sensors
Virtual sensor technology, in which a camera is controlled to capture at least one configuration image of an area monitored by a monitoring system and input is received that defines one or more characteristics of the at least one configuration image that enable sensing of an event in the area. Based on the received input, configuration data used in sensing the event is generated and stored. After storage of the configuration data, the camera is controlled to capture one or more images of the area, the one or more images are analyzed based on the configuration data, and occurrence of the event is detected based on the analysis of the one or more images. Based on detecting occurrence of the event, a transmitting device is controlled to send, to a controller of the monitoring system, a signal that indicates the detection of the occurrence of the event.
US09665776B2 System and method for 2D occupancy sensing
A 2D occupancy system for determining a position of a user (e.g. a human, an object or an animal) in an environment includes a host device and a plurality of motion detection devices. The host device and the plurality of motion detection devices are connected through a network. Each motion detection device has a viewing angle and the viewing angle of any motion detection device overlaps with the viewing angle of at least one other motion detection device. The host device comprises an input port for receiving motion information from the plurality of motion detection devices, and a processing unit for determining the position of the user in the environment from the motion information from particular motion detection devices at a same time-stamp.
US09665771B2 Method and apparatus for measuring aberrations of an ocular optical system
The present invention refers in general to the measurement of aberrations of the optical system (E) of a living being, in particular human. More specifically, the invention refers to methods and systems for reconstructing a wavefront (W(z,p)) and/or for constructing a refracting error map.
US09665768B2 Process of handwriting recognition and related apparatus
Process, and related apparatus, that exploits psycho-physiological aspects involved in generation and perception of handwriting for directly inferring from the trace on the paper (or any other means on which the author writes by hand) the interpretation of writing, i.e. the sequence of characters that the trace is intended to represent.
US09665765B2 Tag suggestions for images on online social networks
In one embodiment, a method includes accessing an image portraying at least a first person, accessing a social graph, determining a social-graph affinity for a first set of users, determining a facial-recognition scores for the first set of users based on the social-graph affinity for each user and a facial-representation associated with each user, where the facial-representation for each user is compared with the image, and generating one or more tag suggestions for the first person portrayed in the image based on the facial-recognition scores.
US09665764B2 Mobile terminal and controlling method thereof
A mobile terminal and controlling method thereof are disclosed, which facilitates a terminal to be used in further consideration of user's convenience. The present invention includes a display, a memory configured to store at least one image fragment, a 1st camera, and a controller, if the 1st camera is activated, displaying a preview screen of an image received from the 1st camera, the controller controlling the display to display a prescribed one of the stored at least one image fragment on a prescribed region of the preview screen. Accordingly, when a photo is taken using a terminal, a photo-taker can be included in the taken photo in a manner of being synthesized with the corresponding photo.
US09665763B2 Finger/non-finger determination for biometric sensors
Some methods may involve determining whether an object is positioned on or near a portion of a fingerprint sensor system. If an object is positioned on or near the portion of the fingerprint sensor system, an acoustic impedance of at least a portion of the object may be determined. Based at least in part on the acoustic impedance, it may be determined whether the object is a finger.
US09665757B2 Indicia reader for size-limited applications
An indicia-reading module is capable of integration into the smallest face of thin-profile smart device. The module employs chip-on-board packaging and a customized sensor enclosure to eliminate the stack-up height found in conventional packaging. The module also employs a customized frame to reduce volume by integrating circuit subassembly circuit boards into a unique architecture and by serving as the lenses for the illuminator and the aimer, thereby eliminating the need for any extra lenses or holders.
US09665755B2 Systems and methods of object detection and management
Systems and devices for determining the presence of and managing objects contained within a container. The container includes at least one compartment that can house at least one object. In response to receiving a signal, the container is configured to transmit a signal regarding a determination of the presence of an object within a compartment. A first and second proximity sensor are used to cause a status check of the presence of an object within a compartment, such that the status check is initiated when the first and second proximity sensors are within a predetermined distance of each other. The determination of the presence of an object within a container may be transmitted to a connected wireless device. The connected wireless device may also remotely cause a status check of a compartment within a container.
US09665752B2 Image plate readout device
The invention relates to an image plate readout device, the readout device comprising receiver elements for the reception of an image plate and/or a transfer element intended for an image plate. In connection with the readout device is provided, for detecting an object, at least one sensing element, which is in turn set in data communication with the readout device in such a way that, upon detecting an object, the sensing element delivers a signal to the readout device. In response to being triggered by a signal delivered by the sensing element, the readout device executes some function.
US09665751B2 Method for managing a set of communicating objects allowing the propagation of a signal, notably a wake instruction, between said objects
The method for managing a set (100) of communicating objects (101), which are distributed such that each object (101) in the set (100) is neighboring at least one other object (101) in said set (100) so as to form a pair of neighboring objects that are capable of communicating with one another, has the following steps: activation (E1) of an initial object (101a) chosen among the objects (101) in the set (100); propagation (E2), from the activated initial object (101a), of a signal to each of the other objects in the set, said propagation being configured such that each of said other objects in the set has received, at the end of the step of propagation (E2), said signal from at least one neighboring object belonging to said set at least once.
US09665750B2 RFID system with location capability
Provided are RFID systems, methods and RFID tags according to various aspects. An infrared (IR) beam, from an IR transmitter, is outputted in a first direction so that an RFID tag with an IR sensor adds a flag to stored data in the RFID tag in response to the RFID tag's IR sensor detecting the IR beam. An RF interrogation signal is outputted by an RFID reader, and a response is received from the RFID tag to the RF interrogation signal. It is determined whether the flag is contained in the RFID tag's response to the RF interrogation signal, and if so, the RFID tag is determined to be in the first direction relative to the IR transmitter.
US09665749B2 Passive transponder with a charging circuit
In one embodiment, a passive transponder comprising a first circuit comprising a first attenuator, the first circuit configured to receive a first signal from at least one base station and coupled to a first node, a first rectifier coupled to the first node, the first rectifier configured in a forward direction to charge a first capacitor, and the first capacitor coupled to the first rectifier, the first capacitor configured to receive a charge from the attenuator sufficient for powering the passive transponder.
US09665748B1 Magnetic helical physical unclonable function measured adjacent to flight
A helical physical unclonable function is disclosed. The helical physical unclonable function may be used to authenticate a supply item for an imaging device. Measurements of the magnetic field adjacent a helical flight are stored in a non-volatile memory to be used by an imaging device to authenticate the supply item. Other systems and methods are disclosed.
US09665740B1 Method and system for cryptographically securing a graphics system
A system and method for cryptographically securing a graphics system connectable via an external bus to a computing system, the graphics system including a graphics processor, a video memory and a memory controller for controlling the flow of data to and from the video memory. The graphics system further includes a copy engine for copying data between a system memory of the computing system and the video memory, where this copy engine acts independently of the graphics processor of the graphics system. The present invention enables the copy engine of the graphics system to decrypt encrypted data in the course of copying data from the system memory to the video memory and to encrypt unencrypted data in the course of copying data from the video memory to the system memory. Thus, cryptographic protection of secure content may be assured by the graphics system without the excessive usage of its primary resources for this non-graphical purpose.
US09665737B2 Web-based method and system for applying a legally enforceable signature on an electronic document
A web-based method and system for applying a legally enforceable signature of a user on an electronic document. The user accesses a web environment from a secure electronic system having verified his identity. Once in this web environment, the user is presented with a web-based representation of the document, and with legal disclosure and consent information related to the signing process. The user must agree with all of the information presented to him before his signature is applied to the document. A process log of the signing is kept for future reference.
US09665733B1 Setting access controls for a content item
A system and method are provided for setting access controls for a content item, the method comprising receiving a content item generated in association with a first online profile, determining contextual information associated with the content item, identifying, based on the determined contextual information, a second online profile associated with the content item, obtaining a first access control policy of the first online profile and a second access control policy of the second online profile, wherein each of the first access control policy and the second access control policy is associated with controlling access to the content item, determining, based on the obtained first access control policy and the second access control policy, a third access control policy for controlling access to the content item, and controlling access to the content item based on the determined third access control policy.
US09665730B2 Method for protecting java program
A method for protecting java program is provided, which relates the field of software protection. The method includes: java virtual machine loading class file; transplanting java instruction corresponding java class method into preset buffer when java instruction corresponding to java class method in class file meets preset condition of portable instruction; obtaining the deepest stack level and the maximum number of local variable of java class method, java class method for obtaining stack and local variable, java method executing the virtual machine in encryption lock and java class method for modifying stack and local variable are filled into position of the transplanted java instruction in class file. By the technical solution, a part of java instructions are transplanted into the encryption lock, the java programs protected are modified, the logic of which is incomplete, and the original code cannot be restored, the security of the which are improved.
US09665729B2 Revocation of application on mobile device
Embodiments related to the revocation of applications on mobile devices are disclosed. For example, one disclosed embodiment provides a method of revoking an application stored on a mobile device, wherein the method comprises receiving an application revocation request, the application revocation request comprising an instruction to revoke a selected application saved on one or more mobile devices, sending to a mobile device an application revocation instruction configured to revoke the selected application on the mobile device, and sending to another entity a request to roll back a previously-made transaction related to the selected application.
US09665727B2 Information processing system, method of processing information, program, and recording medium
An information processing system including at least one computer and connected to an apparatus through a network includes a receiving unit that receives a request in which address information related to data is designated to a predetermined destination; a generating unit that generates authority identifying information for identifying operation authority of the apparatus in response to the request; a first memory unit that stores the authority identifying information and the address information by associating the authority identifying information with the address information; and a sending unit that sends the authority identifying information to a transmission source of the request, wherein the apparatus performs a process using the data related to the address information stored in the first memory unit in association with the authority identifying information when the authority identifying information is input.
US09665726B2 Printing of encrypted print content
Encrypted print content is to be decrypted to produce decrypted print content. The decrypted print content is then printed.
US09665725B2 Gesture based access control method and system
Gesturing is used to enter a unique combination of hand positions and/or movements for accessing a secured device having a security entry system requiring that a correct code be entered before allowing access thereto. An authorized user places his/her hand(s) over a gesture sensing structure and executes a series of movement/gestures to unlock and gain access to the secured device. The gesture sensing structure may be placed inside of a visual shield so that visually intercepting the coded positions/movements may be prevented. Left and right gestures may be used to allow using traditional tumbler lock combinations to unlock and gain access to the secured device. A combination of gestures may be used to create a plurality of security combinations.
US09665714B1 System and method of detecting malicious files on virtual machines in a distributed network
A method and system is provided for detecting malicious files on a virtual machine in a distributed network. An example method includes, receiving, by a thin client operating on the virtual machine, data relating to characteristics of computing resources of servers in the distributed network with each server being able to scan files to detect malicious files. The method for includes obtaining a on the virtual machine, identifying and selecting, using the data relating to characteristics of the computing resources, one of the servers to perform the scan of the file on the virtual machine, and transmitting to the selected server the file for scanning.
US09665702B2 Restricted execution modes
In embodiments of restricted execution modes, a mobile device can display a device lock screen on an integrated display device, and transition from the device lock screen to display a shared space user interface of a shared space. The transition to display the shared space user interface is without receiving a PIN code entered on the device lock screen. The mobile device implements a restricted execution service that is implemented to activate a restricted execution mode of the mobile device, and restrict access of a device application to device content while the restricted execution mode is activated. The restricted execution service can also allow a shared device application that is included in the shared space access to the device content while the restricted execution mode is activated.
US09665700B2 Systems and methods of managing access to remote resources
A method and system are provided for managing access to resources available remotely from at least one computing device. The resources include at least one software application and at least one hardware component. The method and system involve storing access level indicators for indicating different types of access; storing identifiers for identifying different users with access to the at least one computing device and possible access to the resources; for each resource and each identifier, storing an access level indicator for that resource and that user; and before granting access to a resource for a user seeking access to the resource, operating a processor to: determine an identifier identifying the user; determine the access level indicator stored in the storage module for the identifier and the resource; and if access is consistent with the determined access level indicator, grant access to the resource, otherwise, deny access to the resource.
US09665699B2 Implementing padding in a white-box implementation
A non-transitory machine-readable storage medium encoded with instructions for execution by a keyed encryption operation by a cryptographic system mapping an input message having an encoded portion and a padding portion to an output message, including: instructions for receiving a padding value k; instructions for receiving the input message, wherein the padding portion has a size indicated by the padding value k; instructions for computing a first portion of the encryption operation to produce a first portion output; instructions for computing a compensation factor corresponding to the padding portion of the input message; and instructions for compensating the first portion output based upon the compensation factor.
US09665695B2 Systems and methods for ranking rules that identify potentially illegitimate activities
Systems, methods, and non-transitory computer-readable media can acquire information associated with a set of rules and a set of activities identified by the set of rules as being potentially illegitimate. A priority order for a set of properties associated with the set of rules can be acquired. The set of rules can be ranked based on the priority order. A highest ranked rule can be stored into a record. The highest ranked rule can be removed from consideration out of the set of rules. At least one activity, identified by the highest ranked rule, can be removed from consideration out of the set of activities. In some instances, the record can be provided.
US09665692B2 System for enabling test data from a clinical analytic device to be communicated to an electronic patient information management system
A system for enabling test data resulting from an analytic determination carried out on a clinical analytic device (20-1) to be communicated to an electronic patient information management system (80), the system comprising: a computer module (120-1) communicatively connectable to the clinical analytic device (20-1), a user operable control unit (140) communicatively connectable to the computer module (120-1), and an instrument tag (22-1) readable by the user operable control unit (140) and associated with the clinical analytic device (20-1).
US09665691B2 Method, system and apparatus for controlling patient access to medicaments
Systems and methods for detecting a likely misuse of a medicament by a user. The system includes a computer communicatively coupled with a dispensing device. The computer receives a usage pattern of a medicament by the user as indicated by the dispensing device and a result of a test correlating with an actual consumption of the medicament by the user. Based on the usage pattern, the computer computes an estimated result of a test corresponding to the at least one predetermined test. Based on a comparison between the estimated result and the test result, a determination is made as to whether the user has likely misused the medicament.
US09665689B2 Medication assurance system and method
A medication assurance system for verification of both the medication and the patient is disclosed. A portable spectrometer is used to obtain a light spectrum of the medication. A subject identification or biometric device is used to identify the patient. A controller coupled to the portable spectrometer and the subject identification device identifies the medication by performing a chemometric analysis of the light spectrum. Based on the medication identified and the patient identified, the controller can determine if the medication is to be taken by the patient.
US09665683B1 Designing a system for a programmable system-on-chip using performance characterization techniques
An example method of implementing a system design for a programmable system-on-chip (SOC) having a processing system and programmable logic includes receiving a description of performance objectives for the system design. The method further includes accessing a characterization database that relates parameter settings of the processing system to performance under different traffic profiles as generated by an emulation system comprising the processing system and one or more circuit blocks implemented in the programmable logic. The method further includes obtaining a parameter set from the characterization database based on the description of the performance objectives. The method further includes generating a parameter image for setting registers of the processing system based on the parameter set.
US09665682B1 Methods, systems, and articles of manufacture for enhancing formal verification with counter acceleration for electronic designs
Disclosed are techniques for enhancing formal verification with counter acceleration for electronic designs. These techniques identify at least a portion of an electronic design including a counter having a current counter value and intercept next counter values transmitted to the counter with a counter abstraction module. These techniques further determine whether to accelerate the counter from the current counter value to an engine synthesized next counter value, rather than to an original next counter value based at least in part on a set of critical values. The counter is accelerated from the current counter value to the engine synthesized next counter value when the counter abstraction module determines to accelerate the counter.
US09665678B2 Method and program for designing integrated circuit
A method of designing an integrated circuit includes a processor receiving input data initially-defining the integrated circuit using a plurality of first standard cells designed to optimize a performance or yield characteristic. The processor substitutes at least one second standard cell designed to optimize a different performance or yield characteristic from that for which the first standard cells were optimized for a corresponding one of the first standard cells. The processor generates output data defining the integrated circuit including the second standard cell. The substituted second standard cell has the same function as the corresponding first standard cell for which it was substituted.
US09665677B2 Memory controller for heterogeneous configurable integrated circuit
A system including a configurable memory controller, a memory interface, and a configurable high speed communications fabric comprising a plurality of interconnect stations arranged in an array and operable to implement a plurality of pipelined buses, where the configurable memory controller is operably coupled to the configurable high speed communications fabric using a first interconnect station of the plurality of interconnect stations, where the memory interface is operably coupled to the configurable high speed communications fabric using a second interconnect station of the plurality of interconnect stations, where the plurality of interconnect stations are configured to satisfy a timing requirement of the memory interface, and where the configurable memory controller, the memory interface, and the configurable high speed communications fabric are associated with a configurable integrated circuit.
US09665676B2 Integrated circuit design system
An integrated circuit (IC) design system includes a processor; and a non-transitory computer readable medium connected to the processor. The non-transitory computer readable medium is configured to store a configuration file containing a custom IC design parameter, to store a process design kit (PDK) containing a default IC design parameter, and to store instructions for execution by the processor. The instructions for execution by the process include instructions for extracting the custom IC design parameter from the configuration file. The instructions for execution by the process further include instructions for overwriting the default IC design parameter in the PDK with the custom IC design parameter. The instructions for execution by the process further include instructions for creating an IC design file using a module in the PDK using the custom IC design parameter in place of the default IC design parameter.
US09665675B2 Method to improve transistor matching
A method to adjust transistor gate geometries in a design data base to compensate for transistor-to-transistor active overlap of gate differences and to form a reticle. A method to adjust transistor geometries in a design data base to compensate for transistor-to-transistor active overlap of gate differences and to compensate for transistor turn on voltage drop off where the transistor gate crosses the isolation/active interface.
US09665672B2 Method and system for reducing power losses and state-overshoots in simulators for switched power electronic circuit
A simulator for a switched electronic power converter circuit feeding a load/device uses a modified FAMNM solver. Provided is a method/system for reducing/eliminating spurious power losses and transients inherently caused by the FAMNM solver using an L/C element approach, wherein a switching device in the ‘on’ state is featured as an inductor L, and a switching device that is in the ‘off’ state is featured as either a capacitance C or series-connected resistance and capacitance R-C. The invention uses cross-initialization of the L/C switching elements to their final state of current and voltage when they change their conduction state. The correct cross-initialization is enabled from optional pre-stored tables of events and the system-states at the time of the cross-initialization. The inventive method is an enhancement over known Dommel and Pejovic type FAMNM solvers. The simulator applies to real-time or non-real time simulators and is suitable for all power converter topologies.
US09665667B1 Methods and systems for converting select features of a computer-aided design (CAD) model to direct-edit features
Editing features of a history-based computer-aided design (CAD) model may be difficult and may require redesigning much of the CAD model modify features. The solutions described herein allow a design engineer to modify an existing history-based CAD model by automatically determining history-based features that need to be converted to direct-edit features, creating a body of direct-edit features from the determined features, and creating a model containing both the direct-edit feature body and remaining history-based features. Such a CAD model containing both kinds of features may be referred to as a hybrid model.
US09665662B1 Methods and system for providing real-time business intelligence using natural language queries
The methods and systems for providing real-time business intelligence using natural language queries facilitate a user to search within a data warehouse using a natural language question. Such business intelligence platform may receive a natural language based question, extract one or more key words from the natural language based question, determine a first dependency graph of the one or more key words based on a relationship among the one or more key words, determine a second dependency graph of the one or more key words based on previously stored search indices, merge the first and the second dependency graphs to generate an integrated dependency graph, and generate a formatted search string based on the integrated dependency graph.
US09665661B2 Systems and methods for dynamic construction of entity graphs
The present disclosure includes a system, method, and article of manufacture for generating an entity graph. The method may comprise determining a relationship between a first entity and a second entity based upon internal data, external data, and/or online data associated with the first entity, and generating the entity graph comprising at least two nodes and an edge connecting the at least two nodes. The method may further comprise, in various embodiments, tailoring marketing to the first entity based upon the entity graph, detecting fraud against the first entity based upon the entity graph, periodically updating the entity graph based upon new internal data and new online data, and/or adjusting the edge based upon a change in the relationship between the first entity and the second entity.
US09665656B2 Automated service solution delivery
A group of software update uniform resource locators (URLs) that each reference software support information related to one of a group of initial logical components of a deployed software package are hosted at a software update server. The group of initial logical components represent problem reporting domains of the deployed software package. A request, initiated by a selection at a computing device of one of the software update URLs, for the software support information referenced by the selected software update URL for the one of the group of initial logical components of the software package is detected. The software support information referenced by the selected software update URL for the one of the group of initial logical components is downloaded.
US09665652B2 Providing results to parameterless search queries
In one implementation, a computer-implemented method includes receiving a parameterless search request, which was provided to a mobile computing device, for information that is relevant to a user of the mobile computing device. The method also includes, in response to the received parameterless search request, identifying with a digital computer system one or more results that are determined to be relevant to the user of the mobile computing device based upon a current context of the mobile computing device. The method further includes providing the results for display to a user of the mobile computing device.
US09665648B2 Method and apparatus for a user interest topology based on seeded user interest modeling
Methods and apparatuses are provided for user interest modeling. A method may include receiving an input from a user for specifying one or more topics from among a predetermined hierarchy of topics and subtopics. The method may additionally include retrieving one or more documents associated with the user and extracting language tokens from the documents based, at least in part, on the specified topics. Corresponding apparatuses are also provided.
US09665644B1 Perceptual characteristic similarity for item replacement in media content
Systems and techniques for employing perceptual characteristic similarity for item replacement in media content are presented. The system can include an identification component, a matching component and a replacement component. The identification component identifies at least a portion of an item in a media file. The matching component determines a replacement item from a set of candidate items based on a comparison between perceptual characteristics associated with the item and corresponding perceptual characteristics associated with the set of candidate items. The replacement component replaces the item in the media file with at least a portion of the replacement item.
US09665642B2 Automatic identification of digital content related to a block of text, such as a blog entry
A system for identifying digital content related to a portion of a block of text receives, automatically or via input by a user, an indication of one or more words included in the block of text. The system searches a database of digital content based on the one or more words and retrieves from the database one or more digital content items or identifiers of digital content items that are related to the one or more words. The system provides the retrieved digital content items or identifiers to the user, and receives a selection of one or more of the provided items or identifiers from the user. The system associates for display or replay the one or more selected digital content items with the one or more words in the block of text. Other embodiments of the system are also disclosed.
US09665637B2 Method and apparatus for creating binary attribute data relations
Advances to the techniques used to generate menu data for the content menu (5) are disclosed. All of these advances center on an improved format of meta-query data that is based on Binary Attribute Relations or BAR (120). When the BAR is applied to a BAR query (121) it exposes Binary Attribute Data Relations or BADR (250) that have been hidden from view until now. All three of these new constructs: the BAR (120), BAR query (121) and BADR (250), complement one another and streamline the production of menu data files (24) used by the content menu (5). These advances improve the overall efficiency in generating menu data for the content menu by enabling a single algorithm fetchBADR (200) to fetch binary attribute data relations for one algorithm that compiles menu data (160) and for another that generates this menu data for the content menu at runtime (200). This approach makes all three of these algorithms easier to maintain and to deploy.
US09665636B2 Data partioning based on end user behavior
End user data partitioning can include receiving a number of data queries for a data source from a user, developing a dimension relation graph based on attributes of the number of data queries, and partitioning the data source based on the dimension relation graph.
US09665635B2 Managing replication configuration availability
A computer program product for managing replication configurations includes program instructions to receive a replication configuration for replicating data, wherein the replication configuration defines at least a target table in a target database based on a source table in a source database. The program instructions initialize a federated view, wherein the federated view is based on at least the source table in the source database as defined in the replication configuration. The program instructions utilize the federated view to satisfy requesting applications, where requesting applications obtain data from the federated view. The program instructions to, responsive to determining the replication of data is in spec, utilize the target table in the target database to satisfy requesting applications.
US09665633B2 Data management systems and methods
Example data management systems and methods are described. In one implementation, a method identifies multiple files to process based on a received query and identifies multiple execution nodes available to process the multiple files. The method initially creates multiple scansets, each including a portion of the multiple files, and assigns each scanset to one of the execution nodes based on a file assignment model. The multiple scansets are processed by the multiple execution nodes. If the method determines that a particular execution node has finished processing all files in its assigned scanset, an unprocessed file is reassigned from another execution node to the particular execution node.
US09665631B2 Pre-processing of geo-spatial sensor data
Data is received that is derived from a plurality of geo-spatial sensors that respectively generate data characterizing a plurality of sources within a zone of interest. The data includes series time-stamped frames for each of the sensors and at least one of the sources has two or more associated sensors. The received data can be sorted and processed, for each sensor on a sensor-by-sensor basis, using a sliding window. The sorted and processed data can then be correlated and written into a data storage application. Related apparatus, systems, techniques and articles are also described.
US09665627B2 Method and device for multimedia data retrieval
The invention concerns a device for multimedia data retrieval. The multimedia data is associated with an active component. The device for multimedia retrieval being characterized in that, depending on an external event, some of the active components trigger an action that make the user aware of the multimedia data associated with said active components.
US09665625B2 Maximizing the information content of system logs
In a method for maximizing information content of logs, a log message from an executing software program is received. The log message includes a timestamp, a source code location ID, a session ID, and a log message text. The timestamp, the source code location ID, and the session ID of the log message are stored in a lossless buffer. A hash function value of the session ID is determined. It is determined that the hash function value of the session ID is less than a hash value threshold. The log message text is stored in a session buffer in response to determining that the hash function value of the session ID is less than the hash value threshold, wherein the session buffer contains log message texts of log messages with corresponding hash function values less than the hash value threshold.
US09665624B2 Join operation partitioning
Partitioned join operations are performed between a first database object and a second database object by determining an agent group for an agent in response to the agent receiving rows of the second database object to process; partitioning the rows to determine a target hash table for each row and adding the partitioned rows to work performed by the agent group; and distributing the work for the group to agents of the group by assigning to a single agent all the rows associated with a particular hash table to perform a join operation on the assigned rows. Each partition is assigned a first counter value indicating an upper bound of a task id range that is most recently assigned to an agent in the agent group for processing, and a second counter value indicating the highest task id that has been processed for that partition.
US09665623B1 Key-value store utilizing ranged keys in skip list data structure
A processing platform of an information processing system comprises one or more processing devices and implements a key-value store that utilizes a skip list data structure having a plurality of layers each having two or more nodes, with each of at least a subset of the nodes of the skip list data structure storing a corresponding ranged key having a range of keys associated therewith. A given one of the ranged keys corresponds to a single value stored in the key-value store and comprises a lower key and an upper key of the range of keys but does not explicitly include intermediate keys in the range of keys. A burst buffer appliance may be associated with the key-value store and configured to process ranged keys of one or more skip list data structures for storage in or retrieval from the key-value store.
US09665617B1 Methods and systems for generating a stable identifier for nodes likely including primary content within an information resource
Systems and methods of generating a stable identifier for nodes likely to include primary content of an information resource are disclosed. A processor identifies, on an information resource, a plurality of content-related Document Object Model (DOM) nodes based on a primary content detection policy including one or more rules. The processor determines one or more container nodes containing one or more of the identified content-related DOM nodes. The processor generates, for each of the container nodes, one or more identifiers corresponding to the container node. The processor then determines, for each of the generated identifiers, one or more container nodes to which the identifier corresponds. The processor identifies, from the generated identifiers, a subset of the generated identifiers that correspond only to container nodes that contain the content-related DOM nodes and selects one of the identifiers of the subset as a stable identifier.
US09665614B2 Preventing abuse in content sharing system
The subject matter of this specification can be implemented in, among other things, a method that includes receiving, by a processing device, one or more first content items for one or more first user accounts of a content sharing system. The method further includes storing the first content items at the content sharing system. The method further includes receiving, by the processing device, a second content item for a second user account of the content sharing system. The method further includes comparing, by the processing device, the received second content item to the stored first content items to determine that the second content item is not exclusive to the second user account. The method further includes restricting a privilege of the second user account for the second content item in response to the determination that the second content item is not exclusive to the second user account.
US09665612B2 Run-time decision of bulk insert for massive data loading
A method can include initiating execution of a database command, the database command associated with a base table with at least one row to copy to a target table, the database command associated with a non-bulk insert mode; making a run-time decision on whether to automatically convert the insert mode from the non-bulk insert mode to a BULK insert mode based on the number of row buffers filled with rows from the base table during execution of the database command; and inserting at least one row into the target table using an insert mode based on the run-time decision.
US09665604B2 Modeling and manipulation of seismic reference datum (SRD) in a collaborative petro-technical application environment
A method, apparatus, and program product facilitate the management of time domain data in a collaborative petro-technical application environment by associating time domain data in a shared project or repository with a data-specific SRD value. By doing so, when the time domain data is retrieved into a local project or client application for a particular user, the SRD for the time domain data and the SRD for the local project or client application may be used to facilitate conversion of the time domain data for use with the SRD for the local project or client application.
US09665603B2 Row-based data filtering at a database level
A database management system provides row based filtering of data at a database level by evaluating content of at least one record of a write data request received from an application for a particular table from among at least one table of a database, against at least one filter rule specified for the particular table. The database management system selects, for the at least one record, whether to store the at least one record of the write data request as a separate row in the particular table based on a separate action triggered for the at least one record when evaluated against the at least one filter rule specified for the particular table, each record not selected for storage being silently discarded.
US09665600B2 Method for implementing database
The present invention provides a method for implementing a database, comprising: encoding, uniquely and respectively, tables, fields, and data relationships between the tables provided according to a predefined rule; storing codes of the tables, codes of the fields, and codes of the data relationships obtained in a created code structure table of node cluster to form code nodes; forming subordination mappings between the codes of the tables, the codes of the fields, and the codes of the data relationships in the code structure table of node cluster, according to subordination relationships between the tables, the fields and the data relationships; and mapping a name corresponding to each of the codes in a created comparison table of node cluster value; wherein code sub-nodes having unique codes are created under a code node corresponding to the fields, and data elements are stored in a storage space corresponding to the code sub-node. Accordingly, when addressing any table, field and data element, only one addressing and acquisition is made through the unique code of the table, the field and the data element to be addressed, thus the addressing efficiency of database can be improved.
US09665595B2 Image processing client
An image recognition approach employs both computer generated and manual image reviews to generate image tags characterizing an image. The computer generated and manual image reviews can be performed sequentially or in parallel. The generated image tags may be provided to a requester in real-time, be used to select an advertisement, and/or be used as the basis of an internet search. In some embodiments generated image tags are used as a basis for an upgraded image review. A confidence of a computer generated image review may be used to determine whether or not to perform a manual image review.
US09665593B2 Dynamically synching elements in file
An approach is provided for synchronizing elements in files across a technical environment. In one embodiment, a processor obtains a first change to a first file. The processor also obtains data identifying a second file. The processor determines if the change is supported by a data library in a pre-defined list of data sources. The processor analyzes the data library to determine a type of the change. The processor applies the type of the change to the second file.
US09665590B2 Bitmap compression for fast searches and updates
Bitmap compression for fast searches and updates is provided. Compressing a bitmap includes receiving a bitmap to compress, and reading the bitmap to determine a value of a bit location for all bits in the bitmap. In one embodiment, a compressed bitmap is created by encoding a variable number of bytes to represent a distance between adjacent 1s in the uncompressed bitmap. In another embodiment, a compressed bitmap is created by representing a distance between adjacent 1s in the uncompressed bitmap using a plurality of bits, and encoding a marker word to indicate the number of bits used to represent the distance.
US09665589B1 Techniques for reducing resource property files
Described are techniques for generating a combined property file. A plurality of individual property files may be provided which specify a plurality of property values for properties of user interface elements for an application. The plurality of property values may include a first value for a first property of a user interface element for the application. A combination property file generator may be executed to perform first processing that includes combining at least a first portion of the plurality of individual property files into the combined property file.
US09665587B2 Selective fragmentation repair
Selective repair of fragmentation in a synthetic backup, based at least in part on a dynamically-determined repair criteria, is disclosed. In various embodiments, a locality measure is computed with respect to a group of segments comprising a portion of a file. The computed locality measure is compared to an at least partly dynamically determined fragmentation repair criteria, and a repair decision is made based at least in part on the comparison.
US09665585B2 Preserving high value entries in an event log
A first entry is received at an event log interface. The event log interface is configured to store received entries in an event log. It is determined that there is not enough storage space to store the first entry in the event log. A second entry is identified. The second entry is the oldest entry in the event log based on when the second entry was written to the event log. It is determined that the second entry contains an indicator to preserve. A copy of the second entry is sent to the event log interface to be written to the event log. One or more entries are deleted from the event log. The one or more entries includes the second entry. The first entry is written to the event log. The copy of the second entry is written to the event log.
US09665584B2 System and method for recommending actions on a social network
A device, system, and method may include an electronic data storage configured to store social network data related to use of the social network by users. A processor, coupled to the electronic data storage, may be configured to determine a recommended action that a member of the social network may take to increase a likelihood of at least one of the uses of the social network to access a social network content item related to the member and determine an estimated statistical change in a rate at which the users may access the social network content item if the recommended action were implemented by the member based, at least in part, on the social network data stored in the electronic data storage.
US09665582B2 Software, systems, and methods for enhanced replication within virtual machine environments
Software, systems, and methods are disclosed herein for enhanced updating of replica storage volumes within virtual machine environments. A first group of data blocks of a plurality of data blocks on an underlying storage volume that have changed are identified. A second group of data blocks of the first group of data blocks that are live are identified. Changed data items associated with the second group of data blocks are identified. An ancillary process is initiated on the changed data items. An update of the replica of the target storage volume with the second group of data blocks is also initiated.
US09665576B2 Controlling enterprise data on mobile device via the use of a tag index
A method, system and computer program product for controlling enterprise data on mobile devices. Data on a mobile device is tagged as being associated with either enterprise data or with personal data. Upon identifying the storage location of the tagged data and the identifier of the application that generated the tagged data, the tag, the storage location of the tagged data and the identifier of the application are stored in an index. A mobile agent residing on the mobile device may be directed by a mobile device management server of the enterprise to perform various actions (e.g., deleting, encrypting, backing-up) on the enterprise data using the index. In this manner, the enterprise has the ability to control their applications and data that resides on employees' mobile devices to ensure that such data is not lost or used in a manner that is contrary to the wishes of the employer.
US09665574B1 Automatically scraping and adding contact information
Methods and systems that add contact information to personal contacts database are provided. One or more contact indicators are identified within a document. The contact indicators at least partially represent contact identification information of an individual or place. One or more contact identification profiles which match the one or more contact indicators are identified. Each of the one or more identified contact identification profiles are displayed with an option of adding each contact identification profile to a personal contacts database.
US09665572B2 Optimal data representation and auxiliary structures for in-memory database query processing
A method for providing optimized data representation of relations for in-memory database query processing is disclosed. The method seeks to optimize the use of the available memory by encoding relations on which the in-memory database query processing is performed and by employing auxiliary structures to maintain performance. Relations are encoded based on data patterns in one or more attribute-columns of the relation and the encoding that is selected is suited to a particular type of data in the column. Members of a set of auxiliary structures are selected based on the benefit the structure can provide and the cost of the structure in terms of the amount of memory used. Encoding of the relations is performed in real-time while query processing occurs, using locks to eliminate conflicts between the query processing and encoding.
US09665570B2 Computer-based analysis of virtual discussions for products and services
A method for analyzing a virtual discussion is provided. The method may include identifying, with a processing device, a first concept relevant to a first subdiscussion associated with an online discussion. The method may also include identifying a second concept relevant to the first subdiscussion, and determining a relation between the first concept and the second concept.
US09665567B2 Suggesting emoji characters based on current contextual emotional state of user
A current perceived emotional state of a user is determined. A semantic content of text inputted by the user can also be determined, as can an ongoing context in which the text inputted by the user pertains. A current contextual emotional state of the user is determined based on the text inputted by the user (such as based on the semantic content thereof) and based on the current perceived emotional state of the user. The current contextual emotional state can also be determined based on the ongoing context in which the text inputted by the user pertains. From emoji characters mapped to different contextual emotional states, one or more selected emoji characters are determined that are mapped to the current contextual emotional state of the user. The selected emoji characters are suggested to the user to add to the text inputted by the user.
US09665565B2 Semantic similarity evaluation method, apparatus, and system
A semantic similarity evaluation method includes performing word vectorization processing separately on words in a first sentence and a word in a second sentence to obtain a first word vector and a second word vector; performing, in a preset word vector compression order, compression coding processing on the first word vector according to a first compression coding parameter to obtain a first statement vector; performing, in the preset word vector compression order, compression coding processing on the second word vector according to a second compression coding parameter to obtain a second statement vector; and determining a vector distance between the first statement vector and the second statement vector, and evaluating a semantic similarity between the first sentence and the second sentence according to the vector distance. The method is used to evaluate a semantic similarity.
US09665561B2 System and method for performing analysis on information, such as social media
A system for analyzing text-based information is presented. Each datum of information includes an author, a description and a timestamp. A fetcher fetches the raw information according to keywords. A parser parses the raw information to refine the results. A lexicon management module extracts lemmas from the raw information, and creates an edited lexicon containing the raw data and the lemmas for each datum. A data manager correlates lemmas in the edited lexicon and identifies clusters of lemmas that are correlated between each other. The results can be visually displayed to a user, and clusters of lemma that are less correlated than the other clusters can be visually identified. In one aspect, the user is able to excise the less correlated clusters, in order to further refine the results of the keyword search.
US09665560B2 Information retrieval system based on a unified language model
Embodiments of the invention provide systems and methods for representing a plurality of languages in a lexicon based on a unified language model. More specifically, embodiments of the present invention utilize a language model that focuses on commonalities within a particular language and between languages. Such commonalities may be based on rhyming of the words, other patterns within the words, and more generally, prosody of the words, phrases, and/or language overall. Prosody is commonly defined as the rhythm, stress, and intonation of the language when spoken. Using a language model defining such characteristics for one or more languages, embodiments of the present invention can define a lexicon for those one or more languages. In this lexicon, words and phrases of the one or more languages can be represented and classified into groups based on the commonalities between them.
US09665559B2 Word checking tool for selectively filtering text documents for undesirable or inappropriate content as a function of target audience
A word processing tool is disclosed for checking the substance and not merely the spelling of words provided by a user. The word checker is capable of identifying potentially inappropriate word choices so that unintentional errors are not introduced into electronic text documents. The word checker can be implemented as a stand-alone procedure, or integrated into a conventional spell-checking program.
US09665556B1 Assigning slots to user interface elements
Disclosed are various embodiments for assigning user interface widgets to page slots associated with a page template. In response to a request to generate a content page, content placement requests are then received from user interface widgets. The page slots are associated with a placement value indicating a value of the page slot relative to other page slots in the page template. The highest ranked user interface widgets according to an effectiveness metric or placement score are scheduled for placement in the content page.
US09665554B2 Value-driven visualization primitives for tabular data of spreadsheets
A method comprising obtaining a plurality of values from tabular data, computing a plurality of visual parameters, responsive to an associated data value, each visual parameter determined according to one or more of a user-specified selection of cells, a user-specified color visual effect, a user-specified range of color variation, and a corresponding user-specified range of data values, automatically calculating one or more variations of the color visual effect, controlling the color visual effect rendered on at least a portion of the tabular data responsive to the at least one visual parameter, and rendering the color effect within the cells of the portion of the tabular data to visually supplement the display of the portion of the tabular data responsive to at least one data value comprised by the user specified selection of cells.
US09665550B2 Expert based integrated annotation software interface and database using e-book technology
A software interface to increase the efficiency of reading, learning, and accessing information about passages in a selected electronic text document is provided. Passages are “marked” by a selected expert. Marked passages may be used as part of a touch screen menu to access specific and edited resources. The menu may present options related to the marked passages including comments, web video (edited), website (edited) or other resources for study and research purposes.Text Reduction (with) Annotation & Commentary (TRAC) provides a study/research tool that does not alter the text, allowing an e-book user to stay on one screen of an electronic reading device, and examine targeted and edited internet resources. Information generated in a structured way is saved in a database, which in turn will be capable of word and subject searches across e-book documents, or expanded searches related to critical and important materials in the TRAC document.
US09665549B2 Systems and methods for customizing appearance and behavior of electronic documents based on a multidimensional vector of use patterns
Systems and methods for customizing electronic documents based on use patterns are provided. A computer implemented method for customizing an electronic document, comprises automatically monitoring an interaction of a user with the document on an electronic device for reading the document to determine an area of interest of the document, determining the area of interest based on the user interaction, and altering cumulatively at least one of the appearance or behavior of the document on the electronic device at the area of interest, wherein the cumulative alteration is a function of a variable measure of the user interaction over a range.
US09665548B2 Website creation system
[Problem] To provide a website creation system wherein a plurality of websites can be set up and web pages created therefor, using mobile phones. [Solution] A website creation system that has: a first email-address registration means that registers the email addresses of intermediate-user mobile phones (12) belonging respectively to a plurality of intermediate users; a website setup means that uses intermediate-user mobile phones (12) that logged in to the system to set up a plurality of websites corresponding respectively to preregistered domain names; a first web-page creation means that uses mobile emails, sent from the intermediate-user mobile phones (12) that logged in to the system, to create web pages for the websites corresponding respectively to the aforementioned domain names; and a first website output means that outputs, via the internet, the websites containing the web pages created by the first web-page creation means.
US09665545B2 Information processing apparatus, information processing method, and non-transitory computer readable medium
An information processing apparatus includes the following units. A first accepting unit accepts specified document data. A second accepting unit accepts a specified processing function to be executed on the document data. A process performing unit performs, on the document data, a process corresponding to the accepted processing function. A memory stores information about processing function groups each constituted by plural processing functions, and stores, in association with one another, the accepted document data, a processing function group to which the accepted processing function belongs, and a processing function that has been executed on the document data. A display controller performs control to display, in a case where the first accepting unit accepts again the specified document data, the processing function group stored in the memory in association with the specified document data in such a manner that the executed processing function is identifiable.
US09665543B2 System and method for reference validation in word processor documents
Systems and methods are provided for supporting the use of hypertext links in documents such as word processor documents. A given word processor document is scanned for link representations to sources that are external to the word processor document. These identified link representations are then checked for validity and functionality, and the external sources are also checked for content and accessibility. In order to facilitate checking the content of the external sources, the word processor document is appended to include all or part of the content of each linked external source. The appended information is then used for subsequent content comparisons. Checking of the link representations and external sources is used to produce a current validity status for each link representations. The validity status of the links within a given document are indicated to an author or reader using visual queues by modifying non-link aspects of the word processor document, by modifying the appearance of a file name or file folder associated with the word processor document or by modifying the appearance of a cursor used in conjunction with the word processor document.
US09665540B2 Video decoder with a programmable inverse transform unit
A data processing apparatus is provided for performing video decoding operations on blocks of video data, the data processing apparatus comprising: a programmable inverse transform unit configured to perform an inverse transform operation on a set of input values in response to a sequence of instructions, the programmable inverse transform unit comprising a first execution path and a second execution path arranged to perform data operations to implement the inverse transform operation, wherein the data operations performed by the first and second execution path are configured in dependence on the sequence of instructions, wherein the programmable inverse transform unit is configured to operate in a first mode in which each instruction in the sequence of instructions is interpreted using a first instruction length and causes the first execution path and the second execution path to be configured independently of each other, and the programmable inverse transform unit is configured to operate in a second mode in which each instruction in the sequence of instructions is interpreted using a second instruction length, the second instruction length being shorter than the first instruction length, and causes the second execution path to be configured in dependence on a configuration of the first execution path.
US09665539B1 Systems and methods for solving computational problems
Solving computational problems may include generating a logic circuit representation of the computational problem, encoding the logic circuit representation as a discrete optimization problem, and solving the discrete optimization problem using a quantum processor. Output(s) of the logic circuit representation may be clamped such that the solving involves effectively executing the logic circuit representation in reverse to determine input(s) that corresponds to the clamped output(s). The representation may be of a Boolean logic circuit. The discrete optimization problem may be composed of a set of miniature optimization problems, where each miniature optimization problem encodes a respective logic gate from the logic circuit representation. A quantum processor may include multiple sets of qubits, each set coupled to respective annealing signal lines such that dynamic evolution of each set of qubits is controlled independently from the dynamic evolutions of the other sets of qubits.
US09665536B2 Systems and methods for providing a cloud flowmeter
Systems and methods for providing a cloud flowmeter are provided by certain embodiments of the disclosure. According to one embodiment of the disclosure, there is disclosed a method, which can include receiving, from a meter device, at least one flow signal via at least one network; determining, based in part on the at least one flow signal, at least one flow characteristic, data characteristic, or meter characteristic; and storing the at least one flow characteristic, data characteristic, or meter characteristic in a data storage device remote from the meter device.
US09665534B2 Memory deduplication support for remote direct memory access (RDMA)
An example method of providing deduplication support for remote direct memory access (RDMA) memory includes detecting that a first memory page and a second memory page are identical. A first mapping maps a first virtual memory address (VMA) to a first physical memory address (PMA) of the first memory page. A second mapping maps a second VMA to a second PMA of the second memory page. An RDMA memory region includes the first memory page. The method also includes updating the first mapping to map from the first VMA to the second PMA. The method further includes re-registering the RDMA memory region for RDMA.
US09665531B2 Performing synchronized collective operations over multiple process groups
Methods and arrangements for performing synchronized collective operations. Communication calls are accepted from at least two distinct processor groups. Edge disjoint spanning paths are created over a collective comprising the processor groups, and the spanning paths are assigned to the processor groups to facilitate communication within each processor group.
US09665530B2 Method and system for implementing elastic network interface and interconnection
The disclosure provides a method and system for implementing a resilient network interface and interconnection. The method includes: aggregating one or multiple aggregation ports on one or multiple nodes into one DLAG; and implementing a distributed resilient network interface by the DLAG. Through the disclosure, the problem that the existing ring network and other protection technologies cannot ensure normal transmission of traffic in an arbitrary network is solved, thereby effectively ensuring normal operation of a service in the network and improving the reliability of the network interface and the utilization rate of the link.
US09665526B2 Implementing IO expansion cards
Methods and systems may provide for an expansion card including one or more peripheral ports, a connection edge having a first bus interface and a second bus interface, and an input output (IO) controller coupled to the first bus interface and at least one of the one or more peripheral ports. The expansion card can also include an embedded controller coupled to the IO controller and the second bus interface, wherein the embedded controller has logic to receive a general purpose input output (GPIO) signal from the IO controller. The logic may also notify an off-card host device of the GPIO signal via the second bus interface. In one example, the IO controller is a Thunderbolt controller, the first bus is a PCI-e bus, and the second bus is an SMBus.
US09665525B2 Multi-host docking device
A serial protocol based Docking device having a single set of user peripherals supports multiple removable host computers having different video output types and different operating systems. The device provides mouse tracking function that switches the keyboard and mouse to the different host computers when the cursor is moved by the user across the respective display boundary. The docking device provides file-sharing and cut-and-paste functions across the different docked host computers. Laptops, tabletops as well as Smartphones, tablets and other forms of portable platforms are supported. Dragging an item from a display designated to a first host computer to a display designated to a second host computer performs moving or copying the item from the first host to the second host.
US09665514B2 Integrated circuit having a bus network, and method for the integrated circuit
A bus network passes pending messages from bus interface to bus interface until they are downloaded at a target bus interface by a target device connected to the target bus interface. The messages are tagged with at least one download control bit. The download control bit has a priority state indicating that a message has already passed the target bus interface at least once without being downloaded. When controlling selection of messages for downloading by the target device, the target bus interface selects messages with the download control bit in the priority state with a greater probability than messages not having a download control bit in the priority state.
US09665513B2 Systems and methods for automatic root port to non-transparent bridge switching for a PCI express interconnect architecture
Systems and methods consistent with the present disclosure include techniques for automatically switching a non-transparent bridge enabled root port (NeRP) device from a non-transparent bridge configuration state and a root port configuration state. A NeRP agent consistent with the present consistent includes a root port agent within a computing fabric network coupled to a first multiplexer and to a second multiplexer. The root port agent includes training circuitry to initiate a root port configuration state upon detection of a root port. Furthermore, the training circuitry also initiates a device configuration state upon detection of an endpoint port. A non-transparent bridge device is coupled to the first multiplexer and second multiplexer. In addition, an input/output (I/O) connector is coupled to the root port agent during the root port configuration state and coupled to the local NTB device and root port agent during the device configuration state.
US09665508B2 Method and an apparatus for converting interrupts into scheduled events
A method and an apparatus embodying the method for converting interrupts into scheduled events, comprising receiving an interrupt at an interrupt controller; determining a vector number for the interrupt; determining properties of an interrupt work in accordance with the vector number; and scheduling the interrupt work in accordance with the properties of the interrupt work, is disclosed.
US09665502B1 Virtual I/O hardware
Emulating a Fiber Channel connection to a workstation includes providing a first Fiber Channel emulator that exchanges data between the workstation and a data storage device using a connection mechanism between the workstation and the data storage device, wherein the connection mechanism is incompatible with a Fiber Channel connection and handling emulator events received at the emulator, wherein the events include message events, state events, and driver events. The first Fiber Channel emulator may act as an I/O subsystem providing FICON communication capability. The connection mechanism may be an Ethernet connection. The first Fiber Channel emulator may send a message to a link layer which sends a message to an SLI driver which builds a ring queue message and passes the message to an emulated hardware layer which packages up the message indicating status. The message may be sent using the connection mechanism.
US09665491B2 Adaptive mechanism to tune the degree of pre-fetches streams
According to one general aspect, a method may include monitoring a plurality of pre-fetch cache requests associated with a data stream. The method may also include evaluating an accuracy of the pre-fetch cache requests. The method may further include, based at least in part upon the accuracy of the pre-fetch cache requests, adjusting a maximum amount of data that is allowably pre-fetched in excess of a data stream's current actual demand for data.
US09665490B2 Apparatus and method for repairing cache arrays in a multi-core microprocessor
An apparatus includes a fuse array, a stores, and a plurality of cores. The fuse array is programmed with compressed configuration data. The stores is for storage and access of decompressed configuration data sets. One of the plurality of cores accesses the fuse array upon power-up/reset to read and decompress the compressed configuration data, and to store the decompressed configuration data sets for one or more cache memories in the stores. Each of the plurality of cores includes reset logic and sleep logic. The reset logic is configured to employ the decompressed configuration data sets to initialize the one or more cache memories upon power-up/reset. The sleep logic is configured to determine that power is restored following a power gating event, and is configured to subsequently access the stores to retrieve and employ the decompressed configuration data sets to initialize the one or more caches following the power gating event.
US09665482B2 System and method for selecting victim memory block for garbage collection
Embodiments of present disclosure disclose method and system for selecting victim memory block for garbage collection. A memory block having minimum valid unit count is identified. Wear count bit of memory block to be null wear count or non-null wear count is determined. Memory block is selected as victim memory block for garbage collection upon determining memory block having null wear count. A plurality of memory blocks are divided into first set of memory blocks and second set of memory blocks upon determining memory block having non-null wear count. Minimum valid unit count and wear count bit are identified for each memory block in each set. Division is iterated until a first target memory block having minimum valid unit count and null wear count from one of first set of memory blocks and second set of memory blocks is identified. Final target memory block is selected as victim memory block for garbage collection.
US09665480B2 Memory management method, memory storage device and memory control circuit unit
A memory management method, a memory storage device and a memory control circuit unit are provided. The memory management method includes: grouping a plurality of non-spare physical erasing units into a first physical erasing unit and a second physical erasing unit, and a data updating frequency of the first physical erasing unit is lower than the data updating frequency of the second physical erasing unit; selecting a third physical erasing unit from the physical erasing units belonging to the first physical erasing unit; selecting a fourth physical erasing unit from spare physical erasing units, and copying valid data stored in the third physical erasing unit to the fourth physical erasing unit.
US09665479B2 Managing response time
Implementations disclosed herein provide for a method comprising receiving a read request to read data from a target die of a storage device, and rebuilding the data stored on the target die using data stored on other dies of the storage device, if a current operation to the target die of the storage device prevents the servicing of the read request until completion of the current operation.
US09665474B2 Relationships derived from trace data
An analysis system may perform network analysis on data gathered from an executing application. The analysis system may identify relationships between code elements and use tracer data to quantify and classify various code elements. In some cases, the analysis system may operate with only data gathered while tracing an application, while other cases may combine static analysis data with tracing data. The network analysis may identify groups of related code elements through cluster analysis, as well as identify bottlenecks from one to many and many to one relationships. The analysis system may generate visualizations showing the interconnections or relationships within the executing code, along with highlighted elements that may be limiting performance.
US09665469B2 System and method of runtime downloading of debug code and diagnostics tools in an already deployed baseboard management controller (BMC) devices
A system includes a baseboard management controller (BMC) and a remote computing device communicatively connected to the BMC via a network. The BMC includes a processor, a volatile memory, and a non-volatile memory storing a firmware. The remote computing device includes first and second computer executable code. The firmware, when executed at the processor, is configured to: in response to a debug command, request, receive, and execute the first computer executable code. The first computer executable code, when executed at the processor, is configured to mount a remote file system to the BMC corresponding to the second computer executable code, such that the second computer executable code is accessible to the BMC, retrieve the second computer executable code, and execute the second computer executable code at the BMC to perform an on-site debug process without interrupting operation of the firmware.
US09665463B2 In-process wrapped execution engine(s) for tooling a dynamic program across a process boundary
Techniques are described herein that are capable of instantiating and executing in-process wrapped execution engine(s) for tooling a dynamic program across a process boundary. For instance, a dynamic language execution engine may be instantiated in a wrapper object that is hosted in a host process to provide a wrapped execution engine while the host process is running. The wrapped execution engine may be configured to provide information regarding execution of a targeted application of the host process to a requesting application. The wrapped execution engine may be isolated from other execution engine(s) that are included in the host process such that the targeted application does not have access to code that defines the wrapped execution engine. The targeted application may include one or more of the other execution engines.
US09665461B2 Obtaining application performance data for different performance events via a unified channel
A system for obtaining performance data for different performance events includes a first application monitoring performance of a second application executing on a computing system. The first application identifies the type of event to be measured with respect to the second application, issues a first system call identifying the type of event, receives an identifier corresponding to the event type, and causes the second application to begin execution. After the execution of the second application is completed, the first application issues a second system call including the identifier corresponding to the event type, and receives a value of a hardware counter corresponding to the event type from an operating system.
US09665454B2 Extracting test model from textual test suite
Computer-implemented method, computerized apparatus and computer program product for extracting test model from a textual test suite. The method comprises obtaining a test suite comprising test descriptions. The test descriptions are analyzed to extract attributes and values of a test model modeling a test space. Using the extracted attributes and values, the test model may be created. In some cases, the test model may be partial test model that a user can use as a starting point for manually modeling the textual test suite.
US09665453B2 Launch vehicle testing system
A system for testing a launch vehicle comprises a flight control section including flight electronics, and a non-flight test section coupled to the flight control section. The non-flight test section comprises a first control module in communication with the flight electronics, and a second control module that provides redundancy in communication with the flight electronics. A first network serial interface is coupled to the first control module and configured to provide communication to ground support equipment, and a second network serial interface is coupled to the second control module and configured to provide communication to the ground support equipment. Only one of the first and second control modules is selected at a given point in time to send data to the flight control section. When a non-flight hardware error occurs in the selected control module, the other control module is automatically selected to send data to the flight control section.
US09665452B2 Systems and methods for smart diagnoses and triage of failures with identity continuity
Systems and methods for smart diagnoses and triage of failures with identity continuity. In some embodiments, an Information Handling System (IHS) includes a processor and a memory coupled to the processor, the memory having program instructions stored thereon that, upon execution by the processor, cause the IHS to: execute a Power-On Self Test (POST) routine; in response to a determination that the POST routine has failed, execute a firmware-based diagnostics routine; in response to a determination that the firmware-based diagnostics routine has failed, execute, via a service Operating System (OS), a service OS-based diagnostics routine configured to identify whether the firmware-based diagnostics failure is due to a hardware or software fault; and in response to the service OS-based diagnostics routine identifying a hardware fault or failing to remediate a software fault, obtain a user's account information and report the hardware fault or the software remediation failure.
US09665450B2 Controlling access of clients to service in cluster environment
First, second, and third sets of addresses are created. The first set includes addresses registered in a name server; both the second and third sets include addresses not registered in the name server and that are disjoint. A first address of a first server that has failed and to which access is to be prohibited is moved from the first to the third set, is removed from the first server, assigned to a second server, and removed from the name server. Usage parameter values of the first address are monitored to determine whether at least one is below a value. If so, the first address is removed from the second server and moved from the third to the second set. Upon access to the first server no longer being prohibited, a second address of the second set is assigned to the first server and added to the name server.
US09665448B2 Semiconductor integrated circuit
A semiconductor integrated circuit pertaining to the present invention comprises a plurality of storage elements for storing and holding an input signal, a majority circuit that outputs a result of a majority decision of outputs from the plurality of storage elements; an error detector circuit that detects a mismatch among the outputs of the plurality of storage elements and outputs error signals; and a monitor circuit that monitors the error signals from the error detector circuit, wherein the monitor circuit, based on the error signals, orders a refresh action that rewrites data for rectification to a storage element in which an output mismatch occurs out of the plurality of storage elements and, if rewrite and rectification by the refresh action are unsuccessful, sends a notification to an external unit or process.
US09665447B2 Fault-tolerant failsafe computer system using COTS components
A system includes a safety relevant component that generates a data packet in response to receiving a request to perform a task and that communicates the data packet. The system further includes a first fail-safe chassis (FSC) that continuously generates a first chassis health signal, that determines whether the data packet is valid, and that selectively determines whether to de-assert the first chassis health signal based on the determination. The system also includes a second FSC that continuously generates a second chassis health signal, that determines whether a copy of the data packet is valid, and that selectively determines whether to de-assert the second chassis health signal based on the determination. The system further includes a safety relay box module that determines whether to instruct the first FSC to operate in a predetermined mode based on the first chassis health signal and the second chassis health signal.
US09665444B2 Multimedia file repair methods and apparatus
Improved methods, systems and apparatus for storing and repairing multimedia files are provided that overcome the limitations of existing multimedia file repair technologies. Backup copies of the multimedia container information associated with given multimedia content data are stored, along with the multimedia content data, on an external storage detachably coupled to a recording device. A primary copy of the multimedia container information is stored on an internal storage associated with the recording device. The recording of the primary container information and the content data is performed in real-time or nearly real-time as the content data is captured by the recording device. In the case of an abnormal event (e.g., battery failure, disconnect of storage media), container information may be selected from the primary copy or the backup copies of the container information, thereby increasing the likelihood that the container file can be successfully repaired or regenerated.
US09665443B1 Filtered incremental backups
Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on computer storage media, for providing filtered backups of a distributed database. One of the methods includes receiving a user request to generate an incremental backup to be added to a user specified backup sequence for a distributed database, wherein the user specified backup sequence specifies a subset of one or more database tables to be included in backups in the user specified backup sequence. Dirty partitions of the one or more tables covered by the user specified backup sequence are identified, wherein a dirty partition is a table partition that was created or modified after generation of a most recent backup in the user specified backup sequence. An incremental backup to be added to the user specified backup sequence is generated, the incremental backup comprising contents of the dirty partitions of the tables covered by the user specified backup sequence.
US09665441B2 Method and system for packet redundancy removal
A method/system for removing redundancy in packets is disclosed. In one embodiment, for each of the sets of one or more consecutive bytes within the packet, the method divides the one or more consecutive bytes into a plurality of non-overlapping, consecutive segments; generates a segment feature for each of the plurality of non-overlapping, consecutive segments through application of a plurality of cryptographic hash functions with different random seeds; generates a single duplication feature based on a combination of the segment features for the plurality of non-overlapping, consecutive segments; and generates a single compressed string when a predetermined condition is met, based on a comparison of the single duplication feature and a set of stored duplication features. The method continues with sending the resulting strings in place of the packet toward the packet's destination.
US09665440B2 Methods and systems for removing virtual machine snapshots
Techniques are described herein which minimize the impact of virtual machine snapshots on the performance virtual machines and hypervisors. In the context of a volume snapshot which may involve (i) taking virtual machine snapshots of all virtual machines associated with the volume, (ii) taking the volume snapshot, and (iii) removing all the virtual machine snapshots, the virtual machine snapshots may be created in a first order and removed in a second order. Specifically, snapshots for busy virtual machines (i.e., virtual machines with higher disk write activity) may be created last and removed first. Consequently, snapshots of busy virtual machines are retained for shorter periods of time, thereby minimizing the effect of virtual machine snapshots on those virtual machines (and their associated hypervisors) that would be most negatively impacted by virtual machine snapshots.
US09665435B2 Storage control apparatus, computer readable medium and method including creating snapshots and difference storage areas for respective volumes in a consistency group
A storage control apparatus controls storage units in a storage apparatus and includes a memory unit that stores group information identifying a copy-source volume group belonging to a consistency group; and a control unit that creates based on the group information, snapshots of respective volumes of the volume group for a given time point; creates respective difference storage areas to store, as difference data, update data for the respective volumes after the given time point; and transfers to a copy-destination storage apparatus, data of the snapshots of the respective volumes. The control unit further creates snapshots of the respective volumes at an arbitrary time point after the given time point; creates respective difference storage areas to store, as difference data, update data for the respective volumes after the arbitrary time point; and transfers to the copy-destination storage apparatus, the difference data of the respective volumes for the arbitrary time point.
US09665432B2 Safe data access following storage failure
A request identifier is employed with various systems and methods in order to enable an application to pause execution during a failure and subsequently resume execution and communication with a storage system once the failure is resolved. An application residing on a node may attempt to access target data on a storage system. The application sends a request to access the target data. The request may be associated with a request identifier that identifies the application. When the storage system experiences a failure, the application receives a failure notification. The application pauses execution as a result of the notification. When the node reestablishes a connection to the storage system, the application resumes execution using the same request identifier. If the resume request is granted, the application is guaranteed that the target data was not modified during the failure.
US09665430B2 Memory system with error detection and retry modes of operation
A memory system includes a link having at least one signal line and a controller. The controller includes at least one transmitter coupled to the link to transmit first data, and a first error protection generator coupled to the transmitter. The first error protection generator dynamically adds an error detection code to at least a portion of the first data. At least one receiver is coupled to the link to receive second data. A first error detection logic determines if the second data received by the controller contains at least one error and, if an error is detected, asserts a first error condition. The system includes a memory device having at least one memory device transmitter coupled to the link to transmit the second data. A second error protection generator coupled to the memory device transmitter dynamically adds an error detection code to at least a portion of the second data.
US09665427B2 Hierarchical data storage architecture
Technology is disclosed for a data storage architecture for providing enhanced storage resiliency for a data object. The data storage architecture can be implemented in a single-tier configuration and/or a multi-tier configuration. In the single-tier configuration, a data object is encoded, e.g., based on an erasure coding method, to generate many data fragments, which are stored across many storage devices. In the multi-tier configuration, a data object is encoded, e.g., based on an erasure coding method, to generate many data segments, which are sent to one or more tiers of storage nodes. Each of the storage nodes further encodes the data segment to generate many data fragments representing the data segment, which are stored across many storage devices associated with the storage node. The I/O operations for rebuilding the data in case of device failures is spread across many storage devices, which minimizes the wear of a given storage device.
US09665426B2 Semiconductor device and reading method
According to an embodiment, a semiconductor device includes an error corrector, a read controller, and a majority processor. The error corrector is configured to perform error correction on data read from a storage, and output the number of errors contained in the data when errors cannot be corrected by the error correction. The read controller is configured to read pieces of data from a first address in the storage according to respective read conditions, select, from the read conditions, a read condition corresponding to a smallest of the numbers of errors obtained by the error correction performed on the pieces of data corresponding to the respective read conditions, and perform reading from the first address multiple times according to the selected read condition. The majority processor is configured to perform a majority process between a plurality of pieces of data obtained by the multiple times of reading.
US09665421B2 Safe secure bit storage with validation
A bit storage device, integrated circuit, and method are provided. The bit storage device comprises registers to store an actual value, an inverse value, a differential actual value, and a differential inverse value, a validation circuit including validation inputs coupled to outputs of the registers and including a validity output to provide a validity indication, and a write circuit including write circuit inputs coupled to the registers, the write circuit configured to cause, at a first clock edge, the first register to store the actual value and either the second register to store the inverse value or the fourth register to store the differential inverse value, and, at a second clock edge, the third register to store the differential actual value and the other of the second register and the fourth register to store to store the inverse value or the differential inverse value, respectively.
US09665418B2 Vehicle suspension augmentation devices, systems and methods
Devices, systems and methods for replacing a factory installed or similar air suspension controller in a vehicle with an augmentor, which sends correct status messages to the vehicle main computer when the air suspension is replaced with coil springs or shocks. The augmentor can includes a voltage regulator, an indicator and bus interface. At power on, the program initializes the microcontroller registers, timer registers, and control registers, then loop until an inquiry or command is received, then responds with status messages that are the same as the status messages sent by the original factory installed air suspension controller until power is removed.
US09665417B2 Device and method for controlling remote procedure call
Controlling a remote procedure call from a client computer to a server computer, the client computer extracts a periodic remote procedure call from among a plurality of remote procedure calls from the client computer and extracts a non-periodic remote procedure call from among the plurality of remote procedure calls from the client computer. The client computer identifies a first information associated with the extracted periodic remote procedure call that is an item whose value is determined to represent data targeted by the periodic remote procedure call. The client computer identifies a second information associated with the extracted non-periodic remote procedure call that is a targeted data value of the item, and sets a priority level, used to select for execution the periodic procedure call, based on the first information and the second information.
US09665416B1 Asynchronous execution of computer operations
An operation execution request is created by an operation requester at an operations service module. The operation execution request is stored by the operations service module. A polling message for the operation execution request is received. The polling message includes a name of an operation. A response including the operation execution request and corresponding operation data is returned. An execution service schedules internally the operation for execution. The execution service sends an acknowledgement message to acknowledge the operation execution request. The operation data and corresponding operation execution request is locked for execution by other execution services. The execution service executes the operation with the operation data and provides result of the operation execution. The operations service module updates status of the operation execution request. The updated status is provided to the operation requester upon polling for status of the operation execution request.
US09665411B2 Communication between a server orchestration system and a messaging system
A mechanism for an interface between a server orchestration system and a messaging system is disclosed. In one embodiment a message being broadcast from a server orchestration system to a plurality of nodes that comprise a node layer of a platform as a service (PaaS) application hosting infrastructure is intercepted and introspected to extract an identifier of the first node of a plurality of nodes. Then, a targeted message compatible with a messaging system is generated, the targeted message including the identifier of the first node. The targeted message is then sent to the messaging system to be routed to the first node.
US09665400B2 Method and system for distributed task dispatch in a multi-application environment based on consensus
A method and system for distributing tasks from an external application among concurrent database application server instances in a database system for optimum load balancing, based on consensus among the instances. Each application instance identifies a task partition ownership by those in a membership group based on a time window and generates a new membership group and partition ownership based on the current partition ownership. The instance makes the new membership group and partition ownership known to other members by recoding them in the membership table and partition map. Each participation by an instance in the membership group is identified by a random number. The new membership group and partition ownership are generated and adjusted based on an average partition allocation to achieve consensus among the instances.
US09665396B2 Controlling tasks performed by a computing system using instructions generated to control initiation of subroutine execution
Controlling tasks includes: receiving ordering information that specifies at least a partial ordering among a plurality of tasks; and generating instructions for performing at least some of the tasks based at least in part on the ordering information. Instructions are stored for executing a first subroutine corresponding to a first task, including a first control section that controls execution of at least a second subroutine corresponding to a second task, the first control section including a function configured to change state information associated with the second task, and to determine whether or not to initiate execution of the second subroutine based on the changed state information. Instructions are stored for executing the second subroutine, including a task section for performing the second task and a second control section that controls execution of a third subroutine corresponding to a third task.
US09665391B2 Automated transaction tuning in application servers
The transaction timeout values for applications deployed in an enterprise application server are dynamically adjusted for each application request made by each of multiple applications. Transaction timeout values are dynamically determined based upon known load and status of database and enterprise network connection conditions and historical data related to the application database requests. Time increments are appended to timeout values as needed and when a transaction timeout event occurs.
US09665390B2 Deployment of instances amid configuration changes
In one embodiment, a method includes a processor deploying one or more scripts in a first deployment instance, where the first deployment instance is deployed from a first shared computing environment. The processor determines a difference between the first deployment instance at deployment and the first deployment instance at runtime and based on this determination, selects a first script from the one or more scripts. The processor captures a representation of the first deployment instance and selects a second script, where second script sets up relationships between resources of the first deployment instance in a subsequently deployed deployment instance. The processor utilizes the representation, the first script, and the second script to deploy a second deployment instance from a second shared computing environment.
US09665386B2 Method for leveraging hypervisor functionality for maintaining application consistent snapshots in a virtualization environment
A method for leveraging hypervisor functionality for maintaining application consistent snapshots in a virtualization environment deployed by the hypervisor includes utilizing the hypervisor to generate a hypervisor-specific application consistent snapshot of a virtual machine running in the virtualization environment, taking a storage controller specific application consistent snapshot of the hypervisor-specific application consistent snapshot of the virtual machine, and logically deleting the hypervisor-specific application consistent snapshot.
US09665385B1 Method and apparatus for simulation storage shelves
A storage system for simulation virtual shelves with physical storage shelves is disclosed. The storage system contains a management daemon configured to perform tasks relating to one or more virtual shelves in response to a request for a simulation test, where each physical storage shelf having one or more physical disks. It contains a simulation daemon providing a virtual shelf configuration information to the management daemon when the management daemon interacts with the one or more virtual shelves in response to the request. The storage system also contains a disk driver configured to interface the physical storage shelves with the management daemon. It further contains a simulation driver configured to, in response to the request for a simulation test, process instructions to and from the disk driver and the simulation daemon to simulate access to the one or more virtual shelves, without having to utilize multiple physical storage shelves.
US09665384B2 Aggregation of computing device settings
Aggregation of computing device settings is disclosed. In embodiments, at least one tile is generated for display. The tile represents a system setting and a status of the system setting. The tile also includes one or more user-selectable elements that are selectable to adjust an aspect of the system setting. In addition, the tile is displayed and is presentable in different user interfaces with one or more aspects of the tile differing between two or more of the different user interfaces.
US09665379B2 System and method for booting a computer system using preboot data
Exemplary embodiments of the present invention disclosed herein relate to a method of booting a computer system using preboot data. A method in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention comprises transmitting a boot request and receiving, in response to the boot request, a boot loader that is adapted to read preboot data. The exemplary method may additionally comprise transmitting a request for boot data corresponding to the preboot data, receiving boot data corresponding to the preboot data, and booting the computer system using the boot data.
US09665377B2 Processing apparatus and method of synchronizing a first processing unit and a second processing unit
A processing apparatus, comprising at least a first processing unit and a second processing unit, is proposed. The first processing unit comprises a set of first stateful elements, the second processing unit comprises a set of second stateful elements. A set of synchronization data lines may connect the first stateful elements to the second stateful elements in a pairwise manner. A control unit may control the first processing unit, the second processing unit and the synchronization data lines so as to copy the states of the first stateful elements in parallel via the synchronization data lines to the second stateful elements in response to a synchronization request. A method of synchronizing the processing units is also proposed.
US09665373B2 Protecting confidential data with transactional processing in execute-only memory
Generally, this disclosure provides systems, devices, methods and computer readable media for protecting confidential data with transactional processing in execute-only memory. The system may include a memory module configured to store an execute-only code page. The system may also include a transaction processor configured to enforce a transaction region associated with at least a portion of the code page. The system may further include a processor configured to execute a load instruction fetched from the code page, the load instruction configured to load at least a portion of the confidential data from an immediate operand of the load instruction if a transaction mode of the transaction region is enabled.
US09665372B2 Parallel slice processor with dynamic instruction stream mapping
A processor core having multiple parallel instruction execution slices and coupled to multiple dispatch queues by a dispatch routing network provides flexible and efficient use of internal resources. The dispatch routing network is controlled to dynamically vary the relationship between the slices and instruction streams according to execution requirements for the instruction streams and the availability of resources in the instruction execution slices. The instruction execution slices may be dynamically reconfigured as between single-instruction-multiple-data (SIMD) instruction execution and ordinary instruction execution on a per-instruction basis, permitting the mixture of those instruction types. Instructions having an operand width greater than the width of a single instruction execution slice may be processed by multiple instruction execution slices configured to act in concert for the particular instructions. When an instruction execution slice is busy processing a current instruction for one of the streams, another slice can be selected to proceed with execution.
US09665368B2 Systems, apparatuses, and methods for performing conflict detection and broadcasting contents of a register to data element positions of another register
Systems, apparatuses, and methods of performing in a computer processor broadcasting data in response to a single vector packed broadcasting instruction that includes a source writemask register operand, a destination vector register operand, and an opcode. In some embodiments, the data of the source writemask register is zero extended prior to broadcasting.
US09665367B2 Uniform references
Embodiments of the present invention provide a novel and non-obvious method, system and computer program product for uniform references to artifacts in a software configuration management tool. In one embodiment, a data processing system configured to resolve artifact references can include a software configuration management tool and uniform reference resolution logic coupled to the tool. In this regard, the uniform reference logic can be programmed to resolve a path name to a referenced artifact by processing a uniform reference specifying the referenced artifact.
US09665362B2 Remote management of electronic products
A remote server may receive a data log with information regarding the status and/or a setting of an electronic product. The remote server may store information in the data log in a database. The remote server may process information in the database to determine whether a newer version of firmware is available for the electronic product.
US09665354B2 Apparatus and method for translating multithread program code
A method and apparatus for translating a multithread program code are provided. The method includes: dividing a multithread program code into a plurality of statements according to a synchronization point; generating at least one loop group by combining one or more adjacent statements based on a number of instructions included in the plurality of statements; expanding or renaming variables in each of the plurality of statements so that each statement included in the at least one loop group is executed with respect to a work item of a different work group; and enclosing each of the generated at least one loop group respectively with a work item coalescing loop.
US09665351B2 Generating in-memory database application
Various embodiments of systems and methods for generating a light weight in-memory database application are described herein. Application modules included in an application modules repository may be displayed on a user interface of the IDE tool. The application modules includes an in-memory database specific application module operable to communicate with the in-memory database and operation specific application modules operable to execute operations related to the in-memory database. A user may select application modules from the displayed application modules. A build operation may be executed on the selected application modules to generate the light weight in-memory database application. The in-memory database application may include the in-memory database specific application module and at least one of the operation specific application modules.
US09665347B2 Apparatus and method for performing conversion operation
An apparatus comprises processing circuitry to perform a conversion operation to convert a vector comprising a plurality of data elements representing respective bit significance portions of a binary value to a scalar value comprising an alternative representation of said binary value.
US09665345B2 Flight deck multifunction control display unit with voice commands
Systems and methods for controlling a flight deck multifunction control display unit are disclosed. In various embodiments, the systems may comprise a flight management system or other MCDU driven devices, a command database that stores a plurality of voice commands and a plurality of multifunction control display unit commands. In various embodiments, each voice command is associated with one of the plurality of multifunction control display unit commands. The systems may further comprise a pilot voice interface configured to receive a voice command from a pilot and transmit the voice command to the multifunction control display unit. The multifunction control display unit can receive the voice command from the pilot voice interface and, in response, access the command database to identify a multifunction control display unit command in the command database that is associated with the voice command.
US09665342B2 Radio client terminal and radio system
Provided is a radio client terminal such that a license for music distribution in a radio system is not required and such that music matching the preferences of the user can be played back at the appropriate times while audio content from a radio broadcast is being received and played back. The radio client terminal is configured so that music stored in advance in the storage unit of the radio client terminal according to the preferences of the user is played back after introductory audio from introductory audio content is output during the interval between playback of audio content and audio content.
US09665340B2 Systems and methods for temporarily sharing audio over a network
Systems and methods presented herein may allow a sending user to stream audio to recipients without providing a permanent audio file, facilitating sharing of audio while retaining control over the audio file and reducing the chances of users copying the file. The sending user may specify number of plays, duration of time audio will be available for streaming, and the number of times the audio can be re-shared in one embodiment. The sending user and recipients may all execute a common client software on their computing devices that causes the computing devices to delete the audio when the streaming is complete and detect attempts to copy the audio at the device.
US09665338B2 Display apparatus, video system, display method and projector
A display method is applicable for a display apparatus. The display method includes transmitting preview data outputted by a client terminal to a host terminal such that the host terminal displays a preview image corresponding to the preview data. After the host terminal displays the preview image, if the host terminal outputs a first display permission signal, the display apparatus is utilized to display an image corresponding to an image signal outputted by the client terminal. A display apparatus, a video system and a projector are disclosed herein as well.
US09665337B2 Feedback mechanism for screen updates
A feedback application may be executing on a data processing system to transmit a screen update to at least two computers. The feedback application receives an indication of completion from a first computer, in response to transmitting the screen update. The feedback application updates a completion gauge to indicate a partial completion among participants, in response to receiving the indication of completion from the first computer. The feedback application receives a second indication of completion from a second computer, in response to transmitting the screen update. The feedback application updates the completion gauge to indicate a completion among participants, in response to receiving the indication of completion from the second computer.
US09665333B2 Unified desktop docking behavior for visible-to-visible extension
Methods and devices for selectively presenting a user interface or “desktop” across two devices are provided. More particularly, a unified desktop is presented across a device and a computer system that comprise a unified system. The unified desktop acts as a single user interface that presents data and receives user interaction in a seamless environment that emulates a personal computing environment. To function within the personal computing environment, the unified desktop includes a process for docking and undocking the device with the computer system. The unified desktop presents desktops or windows based on a set of pre-determined rules.
US09665326B2 Image display control device for displaying a print preview for borderless printing
An image display control device includes a display unit that displays a print result of an image to be printed on a paper by a printing device as a pre-display image before the printing is performed and a PC that controls the pre-display image displayed on the display unit. The PC causes the display unit to display the pre-display image, which is displayed when the printing device prints the image on an area to be printed on the paper without margins, by dividing the pre-display image into a print area which is set so as to correspond to the area to be printed, a protrusion area which is outside the print area and where a printing operation of the image is performed by the printing device, and a cutoff area which is outside the protrusion area and where the printing operation of the image is not performed.
US09665324B2 Simulation of preprinted forms
In one embodiment, a method for the simulation of preprinted forms is disclosed. The method includes receiving a first image as a back drop of a form, the image including a plurality of printable features corresponding to positions of the image. A second image is received as data to be filled in to the form, the second image including a second plurality of printable features corresponding to positions of the image, wherein the second plurality of printable features each have an assigned ink transparency. A feature of the first image is blended with a corresponding feature of the second image based on the assigned ink transparencies to form a blended feature. The blended features are combined to form a blended image that blends the first and the second images and is suitable for printing.
US09665322B2 Image forming apparatus for executing print job and method for controlling the same
An image forming apparatus includes an obtaining unit configured to obtain attribute information of a print job that has been input to the image forming apparatus, a registration unit configured to register user identification information in which user information indicating a user who has input the print job and group information indicating a group where the user belongs are associated with each other, the user information and the group information being included in the obtained attribute information, a generation unit configured to generate on an operation screen an operation object for receiving an operation request for executing a print job, based on the registered user identification information, and a display control unit configured to display, in response to receiving selection of the generated operation object, a list screen with a list of print jobs input by a user identified from the user identification information corresponding to the selected operation object.
US09665317B2 Image forming system for exchanging location and processing information of a job using short-range communication
A user touches an information processing apparatus with a contactless IC card, thereby storing information required for handing over a process in the card, and then touches, with the card, an information processing apparatus to which the process is to be handed over.
US09665316B2 Information processing apparatus, information processing method, and non-transitory computer readable medium
An information processing apparatus includes a first accepting unit, a second accepting unit, a process performing unit, a memory, and a display controller. The first accepting unit accepts specified document data. The second accepting unit accepts a specified processing function to be executed on the document data. The process performing unit performs, on the document data, a process corresponding to the accepted processing function. The memory stores information about processing function groups each constituted by plural processing functions indicating processes to be performed on document data, and stores, in association with each other, the accepted document data and a processing function group to which the accepted processing function belongs. The display controller performs control to display, in a case where the first accepting unit accepts again the specified document data, the processing function group that is stored in the memory in association with the specified document data.
US09665313B2 Production printing system with document management interface
A production printing system includes a generic interface to communicate with a plurality of document management systems.
US09665312B2 Managing printing devices by displaying model groups based on model types
Example systems and methods are disclosed for organizing and displaying printing devices based on model types. An example method may include determining, from a data source, accessible printing devices and their corresponding identifiers, model types, and display names. The method may also include determining, from a different data source, model group identifiers for the model types of the accessible printing devices. The method may further include grouping the accessible printing devices based on their model types into model groups having unique model group identifiers. The method may even further include generating, for display, the display names of the accessible printing devices organized by the model groups. The method may also include generating configuration parameters for one or more of the accessible printing devices based on a selected model group.
US09665311B2 Process and apparatus to reduce declared capacity of a storage device by making specific logical addresses unavailable
Systems, methods and/or devices are used to reduce declared capacity of non-volatile memory of a storage device in a storage system. In one aspect, the method includes, detecting an amelioration trigger for reducing declared capacity of non-volatile memory of a storage device of the storage system, and in accordance with the detected amelioration trigger, performing an amelioration process to reduce declared capacity of the non-volatile memory of the storage device, the performing including making specific logical addresses of a logical address space unavailable to a host. In some embodiments, the storage device includes one or more flash memory devices. In some embodiments, the detecting, the performing, or both are performed by the storage device, or by one or more subsystems of the storage system distinct from the storage device, or by the host.
US09665309B2 Extending existing storage devices in virtualized environments
A method, system and computer program product for providing a guest with access to a virtual storage on a physical storage using a peripheral component interface hub. In one embodiment, the method comprises the guest sending to the peripheral component interface hub a request to access the physical storage, the request including physical addresses of the physical storage, and the peripheral component interface hub sending specified information about the request to a hypervisor. This method further comprises the hypervisor determining whether to grant or to reject the request; and when the hypervisor grants the request, the hypervisor sending a configuration command to the peripheral component interface hub. This command includes a mapping of addresses from the physical storage to addresses from the virtual storage. In an embodiment, the peripheral component interface hub uses this mapping to replace the addresses in the request with translated virtual addresses.
US09665308B2 Optimization of the copying of change recorded data by using spare flash capacity
A command is received to copy a first extent in a source volume to a second extent in a target volume, wherein the source volume and the target volume are in a copy relationship. In response to determining that it takes longer to copy all changed data of the first extent to the second extent than to copy all of the changed data of the first extent to a third extent and to copy all other data from the second extent to the third extent, operations are performed to copy all of the changed data of from the first extent to the third extent and to copy all of the other data from the second extent to the third extent. Operations are also performed to assign the third extent to replace the second extent in the target volume.
US09665297B1 Injection of at least a partial cache line in a private multilevel cache hierarchy
A processor core is supported by an upper level cache and a lower level cache that receives, from an interconnect fabric, a write injection request requesting injection of a partial cache line of data into a target cache line identified by a target real address. In response to receipt of the write injection request, a determination is made that the upper level cache is a highest point of coherency for the target real address. In response to the determination, the upper level cache and lower level cache collaborate to transfer the target cache line from the upper level cache to the lower level cache. The lower level cache updates the target cache line by merging the partial cache of data into the target cache line and storing the updated target cache line in the lower level cache.
US09665286B2 Storage device
A storage device comprises plural memory units and a storage controller that controls the memory units as a RAID group. Each memory unit is provided with a nonvolatile semiconductor memory (e.g. flash memory) chip and a memory controller that compresses data and stores the compressed data into the nonvolatile semiconductor memory chips. The memory controller makes a logical memory area available to the storage controller. The storage controller divides the logical memory area into plural entries each of which is a logical memory area of a prescribed size, acquires from respective memory unit capacity information on the data capacity stored into the nonvolatile semiconductor memory, and exchanges data of entries between the semiconductor memory units on the basis of the capacity information.
US09665285B2 Disk device and method for storing data and associated headers
According to one embodiment, a magnetic disk device includes a memory including a first storage area and a second storage area different from the first storage area, and a controller configured to generate a compressed data compressing input data, generate a header data related to a compressed data group including a plurality of compressed data, generate a packet data including the compressed data group and the header data, store the packet data in the first storage area, and store the header data in the second storage area.
US09665283B2 System and method of creating layered resources
A method of creating a new layer for an information handling system is disclosed. A layering client mounts a new layer at a layer storage medium accessible to the information handling system. A layering file system filter driver redirects a request to create a new file at a target file path to the layer storage medium and updates the file metadata to associate the target file path with the path to file created on the layer storage medium.
US09665282B2 Facilitation of simultaneous storage initialization and data destage
Various embodiments for storage initialization and data destage in a computing storage environment are provided. At least a portion of data on a storage device is initialized using a background process, while one of simultaneously and subsequently destaging the at least the portion of the data to the storage device using a foreground process is performed. A persistent metadata bitmap, adapted to indicate whether the at least the portion of the data has been initialized, is staged to cache, the cache operable in the computing storage environment. The background process maintains a volatile bitmap indicating a status of the initialization of the at least the portion of the data in direct correspondence to the metadata bitmap. As the background process initializes the at least the portion of the data, an applicable bit on the persistent metadata bitmap is cleared and a corresponding bit is set on the volatile bitmap.
US09665278B2 Assisting input from a keyboard
Assisting input from a keyboard is described. In an embodiment, a processor receives a plurality of key-presses from the keyboard comprising alphanumeric data for input to application software executed at the processor. The processor analyzes the plurality of key-presses to detect at least one predefined typing pattern, and, in response, controls a display device to display a representation of at least a portion of the keyboard in association with a user interface of the application software. In another embodiment, a computer device has a keyboard and at least one sensor arranged to monitor at least a subset of keys on the keyboard, and detect an object within a predefined distance of a selected key prior to activation of the selected key. The processor then controls the display device to display a representation of a portion of the keyboard comprising the selected key.
US09665276B2 Character deletion during keyboard gesture
Techniques are described for character deletion on a computing device that utilizes a gesture-based keyboard. The computing device includes a processor and at least one module operable by the processor to output, for display at a presence-sensitive display, a graphical keyboard comprising a plurality of keys and a text editor field. In response to receiving an indication of a gesture that comprises a first path, the module outputs a first character, based at least in part on the first path, associated with a first key and a second character associated with a second key. In response to determining that the gesture further comprises a second path that retraces at least a portion of the first path, the module removes the second character from the text editor field of the presence-sensitive display.
US09665272B2 Touch gesture for connection of streams in a flowsheet simulator
A system for iteratively connecting flowsheet model components. Software instructions stored on a memory device and executable by a processor provide for the connection of flowsheet model components by, in response to a received connection indication from a user, suggesting potential connections in response to the connection indication. After further receiving a response from the user confirming the suggested potential connection, an output is rendered on the flowsheet workspace.
US09665269B2 Touch input apparatus and vehicle having the same
A touch input apparatus installed on a mounting surface includes an outer surface that rises from the mounting surface; an edge part provided at a top of the outer surface; and an inner surface that declines from the edge part, wherein the edge part is provided to receive a touch signal of a user.
US09665265B2 Application programming interfaces for gesture operations
At least certain embodiments of the present disclosure include an environment with user interface software interacting with a software application to provide gesture operations for a display of a device. A method for operating through an application programming interface (API) in this environment includes transferring a scaling transform call. The gesture operations include performing a scaling transform such as a zoom in or zoom out in response to a user input having two or more input points. The gesture operations also include performing a rotation transform to rotate an image or view in response to a user input having two or more input points.
US09665257B2 Interactive modification of spacing constraints of genealogical charts with live feedback
Methods, devices and systems are described for implementing interactive modification of spacing constraints of genealogical charts. The method includes displaying, on a display device of a computer system, a user interface for displaying one or more genealogical charts including one or more nodes. The user interface includes a horizontal slider and a vertical slider for manipulating the one or more geological charts' size. The one or more geological charts include page breaks representing a number of pages. The method further includes receiving, from an input device of the computer system, manipulation input for one or more of the vertical slider or the horizontal slider. Then, in response to receiving the manipulation input, providing real-time graphical feedback representing the manipulation in the display of the one or more genealogical charts. The real-time graphical feedback includes expanding and/or contracting the one or more genealogical charts such that the number of page for the one or more geological charts is automatically increased or decreased to accommodate the size of the one or more geological charts.
US09665255B2 Deterministic visual indication of user data context
A VCI (visual context indicator) color is assigned deterministically and proactively at runtime to user data contexts, and is not stored in the database, spreadsheet, or other context. VCI colors can be high contrast friendly colors. The same color is assigned to a given context each time the application runs unless the context's identifying property has changed. Color assignments are not made by users or by the application's designer, but are done instead by hashing from a context's identifying property into a VCI color palette containing, e.g., eight to sixteen colors. Unlike text-selection coloring, VCI coloring is based on the user data context's identifying property. The color assignment visually indicates context by displaying the context's name in the VCI color, or by displaying a graphical element in the VCI color near the context name. VCI color assignment also shows the occurrence and result of changes in user data context.
US09665251B2 Presenting content items and performing actions with respect to content items
Mechanisms for presenting content items and performing actions with respect to content items are disclosed. A content sharing platform receives a first content item from a first user of a user device and identifies a set of actions performed by the first user on the first user device. Each action from the set of actions is associated with a corresponding additional content item from set of additional content items and each additional content item from the set of additional content items is associated with a corresponding portion of the first content item. The content sharing platform provides data indicative of the set of content items to a second user device of a second user. The content sharing platform causes one or more actions from the set of actions to be performed in a GUI on the second user device.
US09665250B2 Portable electronic device and method of controlling same
A method of selecting text when an indicator is in a text field includes: receiving a scrolling input at a navigation device; and selecting the text field when the scrolling input moves beyond a boundary of the text field at a location where a tab function is unavailable.
US09665245B2 Book combining physical and digital media
A book which simultaneously displays physical content and related digital media. The content and coordination of the digital and physical media will be established by the end user of the book. The book may display specific digital media via an electronic device in response to the selection of specific physical page.
US09665241B2 Media content search systems and methods
An exemplary method includes a media content search system providing a media content search creation tool in a graphical user interface, detecting a user-submission of one or more user-selectable graphical objects representing one or more media programs to the media content search creation tool in the graphical user interface, and generating a set of media content search parameters based on the one or more media programs represented by the one or more user-selectable graphical objects submitted to the media content search creation tool. Corresponding systems and methods are also described.
US09665236B2 User customizable views of multiple information services
A user configurable interface view can be generated for a media device or other information handling system that is independent of any interface views defined by media content providers. Generating the user configurable interface view includes identifying content data streams that are included in user interface views defined by the media content providers and then selecting a desired subset of the data content streams. The selected data content streams are then aggregated and the user configurable interface view is generated. The resulting user interface view will be independent of any interface views defined by the media content providers.
US09665234B2 Community enhanced tutorials: improving tutorials with multiple demonstrations
Techniques are disclosed for presenting an online tutorial. A method for presenting an online tutorial may generally include providing an interactive tutorial to a user. The interactive tutorial may include both tutorial content specifying steps to perform a task with an application and an application interface associated with the application used to perform the task. This method may also include recording the user interacting with the application interface to perform the task according to the steps specified by the interactive tutorial and augmenting the tutorial content with the recorded user interaction.
US09665226B2 Touch display substrate
A touch display substrate, including: a substrate including a display region and a non-display region; a plurality of common electrode blocks spaced apart from each other; a plurality of wirings; a vertical shift circuit including a plurality of cascaded vertical shift circuit units, and each of the plurality of vertical shift circuit units is connected with wirings corresponding to a column of common electrode blocks, and is configured to sequentially output touch driving signals to the column of common electrode blocks; and a controlling IC configured to output a touch driving signal to the vertical shift circuit; wherein, the plurality of common electrode blocks are divided into n groups of common electrode blocks by columns, and the controlling IC is configured to apply scan pulse signals with different frequencies to the groups of common electrode blocks in different touch scanning time periods.
US09665225B2 Touch display device
A touch display device comprises a display module, a polarizer, a first patterned electrode layer and a first transparent adhesive layer. The first patterned electrode layer is disposed between the polarizer and the display module and includes a patterned portion and a non-patterned portion. The first transparent adhesive layer is disposed on the first patterned electrode layer. The refractive index of the first transparent adhesive layer is greater than or equal to 1.65 and less than or equal to 1.72, wherein reflectivity of the patterned portion is substantially the same as reflectivity of the non-patterned portion.
US09665223B2 Capacitive dongle for visualization devices including a capacitive touch-sensitive surface
The general field of the invention is that of capacitive dongles used with visualization devices including a capacitive touch-sensitive surface comprising a matrix of conductive rows and columns, the dongle being arranged on said touch-sensitive surface in operational use, the dongle operating in send mode and in receive mode, The dongle according to the invention includes: means for sending periodic analogue signals sent at a specific frequency known as the dangle frequency; a ring-shaped flat conductive metal part connected to said sending means, said part intended to be placed on said touch-sensitive surface; means for receiving the received signals output by said conductive metal part; means for analyzing said digitized received signals; means for storing the sent and analyzed signals; a digital communication interface.
US09665221B2 Touch sensing system
A touch sensing system includes a touch screen including touch sensors and sensing lines, the touch sensors and the sensing lines being divided into first and second sensing areas, a first touch sensing integrated circuit (IC) sensing a touch input of the first sensing area using a signal received through receiving channels, a second touch sensing IC sensing a touch input of the second sensing area using a signal received through receiving channels separated from the receiving channels of the first touch sensing IC, differential amplifiers between the sensing lines and the receiving channels of the first and second touch sensing ICs, and a switch connecting a sensing line, which is closest to the first sensing area among the sensing lines of the second sensing area, to an Nth differential amplifier connected to a last receiving channel of the first touch sensing IC.
US09665219B2 Single layer solution touch panel
A single layer solution touch panel includes a substrate, sensing patterns, conductive circuit patterns and a controller. The substrate includes a touch area and a peripheral area. The sensing patterns are disposed on the touch area. The conductive circuit patterns are disposed at the touch area and the peripheral area, in which the sensing patterns and the conductive circuit patterns are arranged alternately. At least a part of material of the sensing patterns is different from at least a part of material of the conductive circuit patterns. The controller is electrically connected to the sensing patterns via the conductive circuit patterns respectively.
US09665215B2 Method and circuit for parasitic capacitance cancellation for self capacitance sensing
Apparatus and methods to measure capacitance changes for a touch-sensitive capacitive matrix are described. Charge-removal circuits and measurement techniques may be employed to cancel deleterious effects of parasitic capacitances in the touch-sensitive capacitive matrix. Capacitively switching a supply during timed charge removal may be used to cancel unwanted effects due to clock jitter. The apparatus and methods can improve signal-to-noise characteristics, sensitivity, and/or dynamic range for capacitive measurements relating to touch-sensitive capacitive devices.
US09665214B2 System and methods for determining object information using selectively floated electrodes
The embodiments described herein provide devices and methods that facilitate improved sensor devices. In one embodiment, a capacitive input device is provided that includes a processing system, a plurality of sensing electrodes configured to sense objects in a sensing region, a conductor, and a shield layer comprising at least one shield electrode, where the at least one shield electrode is disposed between the plurality of sensing electrodes and the conductor. The processing system is configured to operate in a first mode and a second mode. When operating in the first mode the processing system is configured to determine position information for objects in the sensing region using the plurality of sensing electrodes. When operating in a second mode the processing system is configured to electrically float the at least one shield electrode and to determine force information for objects in the sensing region using the plurality of sensing electrodes.
US09665209B2 Pointing device for interacting with touch-sensitive devices and method thereof
The present application is directed to a pointing device and a method for interacting with touch-sensitive devices. The pointing device includes a supporting member, first and second contact points fixed on the supporting member and adapted to be in contact with a touch-sensitive layer in a default state, and at least one movable contact point mounted on the supporting member and movable from the default state to a fully depressed state adjacent to the second contact point to form a combined touch area on the touch-sensitive layer having an offset center that is offset from a center of the second contact point so that the second touch point is shifted to an offset position in alignment with the offset center.
US09665205B1 Programmable touch emulating device
A touch emulator includes a transparent surface portion conformable to a touch screen of a device, the surface portion providing signals to the touch screen to emulate an input signal to the touch screen and includes a programmable controller that causes the surface portion to automatically provide specific signals at particular times to the touch screen to emulate user interaction with the device. The device may be a mobile device, such as a tablet with a touch enabled screen. The surface portion may provide signals that disrupt the capacitive electrical field of the touch screen. The programmable controller may be detachable from the surface portion. No signals may be provided from the programmable controller to the surface portion when the programmable controller is detached from the surface portion. The surface portion may provide screen protection for the touch screen. The touch emulator may receive touch input from a user.
US09665191B2 Architecture for variable pressure mouse
User input devices with variable pressure buttons are configured. A user may specify a range of pressure to be associated with a pressure level. In some embodiments, a user may also associate a command or other instruction to an application with an identity of a variable pressure button and a pressure level of the button. In some embodiments, the associations may be represented in a configuration profile. In further embodiments, a microcontroller for a mouse may translate signals from variable pressure buttons into pressure levels based upon the configuration file. In many embodiments, a user may associate a reporting rate with a variable pressure button. A legacy application may receive reports of the state of the variable pressure button at the associated reporting rate.
US09665190B2 Position indicator and manufacturing method thereof
A position indicator includes: a chassis; a substrate disposed inside the chassis; a coil; capacitors disposed on the substrate; interconnects disposed on the substrate such that each at least partially connects a respective one of the capacitors to the coil in parallel; and pairs of land patterns. Each pair of land patterns includes a first land pattern and a second land pattern. Each of the interconnects has a first end connected to a first end of the coil and a second end connected to a second end of the coil, and is connected to one of the capacitors. The pairs of land patterns are disposed such that each of the interconnects is at least partially interposed between the first land pattern and the second land pattern of one of the pairs of land patterns.
US09665187B2 Color input device and its application kit
A color input device includes a stylus, a color input unit installed in the stylus. The color input unit includes a circuit board, an MCU, a color sensor, a color display device, a Bluetooth module, a memory, a control interface and a power supply device respectively connected to the MCU. Through the control interface, the color sensor can be activated to capture nature colors and to store intake colors in the memory, and the colors stored in the memory can be displayed on the full color LED display and selected and transmitted to a computing device via the Bluetooth module, enabling the APP of the computing device to temporarily store the inputted colors and synchronously display them on the display device of the computing device. Furthermore, the color input device can receive colors or patterns from the computing device for establishing a diversified color database.
US09665175B2 Input device having haptic feedback
An input device, especially for a motor vehicle, has a display for the visual representation of information, a touch screen arranged above the display for the input of commands by touching an operating surface of the touch screen, and a layer having adjustable transparency arranged between the display and the touchscreen.
US09665174B2 Magnetic tracking of glove fingertips with peripheral devices
A method is provided, including: activating a plurality of glove emitters positioned on a glove interface object; using a plurality of proximity sensors positioned at fingertip portions of the glove interface object to determine a proximity of the fingertip portions to the glove emitters; in response to determining a location of the glove interface object within a predefined distance of a peripheral device, activating a plurality of peripheral emitters positioned at the peripheral device, and transitioning, from using the proximity sensors to determine the proximity of the fingertip portions to the glove emitters, to using the proximity sensors to determine a proximity of the fingertip portions to the peripheral emitters.
US09665167B2 Imaging display apparatus and method
An imaging display apparatus, includes: display means for image display; first image signal generation means for generating a display image signal based on a captured image signal captured by an imaging section with a field of view direction of a user being a direction of an object; second image signal generation means for generating a display image signal of an image different from an image of the display image signal generated by the first image signal generation means; and control means for allowing, simultaneously on the display means, display of the image of the display image signal generated by the first image signal generation means and display of the image of the display image signal generated by the second image signal generation means.
US09665165B2 System and methods for preventing interruptions due to battery drain during streaming media sessions between devices
A cloud server intermediates in a streaming media session from a source to a receiving device for a media content. Upon determining that time remaining to complete the streaming media session for the media content is greater than time of remaining battery power for the source, the cloud server redirects the streaming media session to the receiving device. The cloud server may detect that the remaining source battery power is below a threshold and obtain a compressed data file, compressing at least a remaining portion of the media content in response to determining that time remaining to complete the streaming media session is greater than time of remaining battery power for the source. The cloud server may send or receive a pointer along with the compressed data file that indicates a position within the media content at which to resume the streaming media session.
US09665163B2 Distributed power management with partial suspend mode for distributed storage systems
An example method is provided to perform distributed power management for a distributed storage system accessible by a cluster in a virtualized computing environment. The method may comprise a first host from the cluster determining to initiate entry into a partial suspend mode and sending a request message to the cluster to take control of a storage controller of the first host. The method may comprise the first host receiving a response message from a second host from the cluster indicating availability to take control of the storage controller, and transferring control of the storage controller to allow the second host to control the storage controller via a network controller of the first host. The method may further comprise the first host entering into the partial suspend mode to suspend operations of one or more components while the storage controller remains controllable by the second host via the network controller.
US09665161B2 Method and computer-readable medium for dynamically managing power of multi-core processor
A method and a computer-readable medium for dynamically managing power of a multi-core processor of a computing system are provided. The multi-core processor generates a dynamic voltage and frequency scaling (DVFS) table, determines a first index by alternatively selecting either a power budget or a required performance thereof, determines a current thread level parallelism (TLP) of the computing system, selects one of entries according to the current TLP and the first index, and configure first cores and second cores thereof according to a first settings and a second settings of the selected entry.
US09665157B2 System and method for deferring power consumption by post-processing sensor data
Systems and methods for determining a battery-level of an electronic device and conserving the battery charge of the electronic device are disclosed. The battery consumption of an electronic device may be reduced when the user or the device learns via user input or determines via prediction that the battery will be depleted before the next possible charge cycle. Reducing battery consumption could be accomplished by accessing an application requiring less power consumption and/or delaying post-processing of sensor data related to that application, for example a camera application. Prediction of battery life could include determining the time to the next expected battery charge and delaying the processing of sensor data until the electronic device is plugged in and charging or has reached a predetermined charge level.
US09665153B2 Selecting a low power state based on cache flush latency determination
In an embodiment, a processor includes a plurality of cores to independently execute instructions, a shared cache coupled to the cores and including a plurality of lines to store data, and a power controller including a low power control logic to calculate a flush latency to flush the shared cache based on a state of the plurality of lines. Other embodiments are described and claimed.
US09665148B2 PoE power distribution system for PoE-powered port extender having multiple data and power inputs
A port extender includes a chassis with uplink ports that are operable to receive power and data from a power sourcing device, and user device ports that are operable to connect to user devices. A power management processor is coupled to each of the uplink ports and the user device ports. The power management processor is operable to determine a power budget using power received by the uplink ports. The power management processor is also operable to detect a port configuration event such as the removal of a connection of a user device to a user device port, the inactivity of a user device port, or the addition of a connection of a user device to a user device port, and in response, selectively provide power to one or more of the plurality of user device ports based on the power budget and the port configuration event.
US09665147B1 Devices and methods for minimizing input capacitance in computer design
In some implementations, a computing device may include a plurality of voltage regulators including a first voltage regulator and a second voltage regulator, and a multi-phase oscillator, connected to the first voltage regulator and the second voltage regulator, configured to synchronize the first voltage regulator and the second voltage regulator.
US09665140B2 Electrical device having thermal isolation function
An electrical device having thermal isolation function includes a housing, a heat-generating source, a heat-conductive member, and a thermal isolation plate. The housing includes an accommodation space therein, an inner surface and an outer surface which is opposite to the inner surface. The heat-generating source is disposed in the accommodation space. The heat-conductive member is disposed in the accommodation space, and is in contact with the heat-generating source. The thermal isolation plate is disposed between the heat-conductive member and the inner surface of the housing, and the thermal isolation plate is formed with a vacuum chamber therein.
US09665138B2 Micro-hole vents for device ventilation systems
Micro-hole vents for device ventilation systems are described herein that may be formed as a plurality of micro-holes that are invisible to unaided human eyes. The micro-holes are configured to blend into the housing for a computing device such that the holes are substantially concealed from users of the computing device. A micro-hole vent may be aligned with a blower for a ventilation system to enable air intake through the corresponding micro-holes for cooling of components within the housing. In addition or alternatively, one or more exhaust vents for the ventilation system may also be configured as micro-hole vents. Each micro-hole vent may have many, very small holes for sufficient air flow. For example, micro-holes having diameters of about fifty to two hundred microns may be arranged in a pattern with a coverage in a range of about twelve thousand to fifty thousand holes per square inch.
US09665136B2 Cover for electronic device and method for manufacturing the same
A cover for an electronic device includes a transparent portion and a non-transparent portion beside the transparent portion. The transparent portion defines a display area of the electronic device. The non-transparent portion defines a non-display area of the electronic device beside the display area. The non-transparent portion includes a transparent substrate integrated with the transparent portion. A plurality of through holes are defined on the transparent substrate.
US09665135B2 Device storage cabinet
In one example, a cabinet is described for storing at least one electronic device. The cabinet includes a frame, a power supply system for charging the at least one device, and a shelving assembly. The shelving assembly can include a stationary member engaged to the frame, and a pivoting member engaged to the stationary member. The pivoting member can be adapted to hold the at least one device.
US09665130B2 Hinge module and electronic device using the same
A hinge module including a first part, a pushing element, a second part and an elastic element is provided. The first part has a containing slot, and the pushing part is located in the containing slot and being able to move along a direction. The second part has a hinge shaft, which rotatably passes through the containing slot along an axis, so as to make the first part and the second part rotate about the axis. The elastic element is disposed in the containing slot and pushes the pushing element, and the elastic element always drives the pushing part to move along the direction, so as to make the hinge shaft to rotatably abut between the pushing part and the first part. The direction is perpendicular to the axis. An electronic device is also provided.
US09665124B2 Wearable device and method of controlling the same
Disclosed are a wearable device and method of controlling the same, which output more suitable image information on the basis of a state in which the wearable device is covered. The wearable device includes a wearable device body, a display unit provided in the wearable device body, a sensing unit included in the wearable device body, and configured to sense a region, in which the display unit is covered by an object, and a region in which the display unit is not covered, and a control unit configured to display first image information in a predetermined first region when the region in which the display unit is not covered corresponds to the predetermined first region, and display second image information in a predetermined second region when the region in which the display unit is not covered corresponds to the predetermined second region, as a result in which a portion of the display unit is covered by the object.
US09665113B2 High-speed multiphase precision clamping circuit
The circuit of the present disclosure is a high-speed precision clamp (voltage limiter) for overvoltage or undervoltage protection. One aspect of the circuit includes using a peak detector in the feedback path of a clamp having a super-diode architecture. The resulting circuit performs well for high-speed applications. The peak detector can be replicated (at least in part) to accommodate a multiplicity of phase-shifted input voltages by using only one common peak detection capacitor and ensuring area savings in integrated-circuit implementations.
US09665111B2 Low dropout voltage regulator and method
In accordance with an embodiment, a low dropout voltage regulator includes an error amplifier connected to an output driver. The error amplifier has an output connected to an input of the output driver and an input connected to an input of the output driver. The output driver has an input coupled for receiving an input signal. In accordance with another embodiment, a method for regulating a voltage is provided that includes operating a voltage regulator under control of an output voltage regulation loop in response to the voltage regulator not being in a low dropout region. The voltage regulator is operated under control of a quiescent current regulation loop in response to the voltage regulator being in a low dropout region.
US09665110B2 Parallel current-sharing device and control method without current-sharing bus
The present invention provides a parallel current-sharing device and control method without a current-sharing bus, for implementing parallel current sharing of direct-current outputs of a plurality of power conversion submodules. The parallel current-sharing device comprises a voltage control module and a plurality of power conversion submodules. The voltage control module and the plurality of power conversion submodules having parallel outputs form an outer voltage loop. The power conversion submodules comprise respective inner current loops and sample respective current feedback signals to generate inner current loop control signals, and the inner current loop control signals are superposed with an outer voltage loop control signal to control output of the power conversion submodules. An independent current bus is not required, and only one unidirectional outer control voltage loop is required. Functions the same as those of a conventional device are realized; the design, production and debugging of circuits of the parallel current-sharing device are simpler; a rapid multi-parallel dynamic response is realized; a ground wire loop current is eliminated, improving the anti-interference capability of the device; and multi-module parallel current sharing of a switching power supply or a linear power supply under analog control or digital control is realized very easily.
US09665109B2 Soliciting user input for thermostat control
A device or arrangement may be configured to receive a temperature limit such as an acceptable maximum temperature as well as a tolerance measure such as a number of acceptable events, the events causing the temperature to be outside of the temperature limit. An air comfort device may be operated based on the received temperature limit and the tolerance measure. A potential cost value may be provided based on a temperature limit and tolerance measure. A temperature limit and tolerance measure may be calculated based on a target cost value such that the arrangement may modify a temperature limit and/or tolerance measure to achieve the target cost value.
US09665104B2 Store separation autopilot
A method and apparatus are presented for guiding a store, represented by a dynamic system having transitory nonlinear characteristics, between release from a platform and an activation of a mission autopilot along an optimal path. A nominal reference trajectory is determined that optimizes a desired performance index for the dynamic system using optimal control theory. A feedback control system is implemented that optimizes an original performance index to second order in a presence of disturbances along the optimal path using neighboring optimal control. The feedback control system converges to a linear time invariant regulator approaching the desired operating condition along the optimal path. Finally, control of the store is transitioned to the mission autopilot.
US09665103B1 Efficient aerostat navigation by moving between atmospheric layers
An example computer-implemented method involves determining that an aerostat is located within a first atmospheric layer. A first wind-velocity measure is indicative of wind velocity in the first atmospheric layer. The method also involves determining an altitude of an atmospheric layer boundary between the first atmospheric layer and a second atmospheric layer. A second wind-velocity measure is indicative of wind velocity in the second atmospheric layer, and the second wind-velocity measure differs from the first wind-velocity measure by at least a threshold amount. The method further involves determining a desired location for the aerostat, and during at least a portion of a flight towards the desired location, causing the aerostat to traverse back and forth across the atmospheric layer boundary while remaining within a predetermined vertical distance from the atmospheric layer boundary in order to achieve a desired horizontal trajectory.
US09665102B2 Systems and methods for semi-autonomous vehicular convoys
The present invention relates to systems and methods for vehicles to safely closely follow one another through partial automation. Following closely behind another vehicle has significant fuel savings benefits, but is unsafe when done manually by the driver. On the opposite end of the spectrum, fully autonomous solutions require inordinate amounts of technology, and a level of robustness that is currently not cost effective.
US09665101B1 Methods and systems for transportation to destinations by a self-driving vehicle
A vehicle configured to operate in an autonomous mode is provided. The vehicle is configured to obtain an indication of a final destination, and, if the final destination is not on a pre-approved road for travel by the vehicle, the vehicle is configured to determine a route from the vehicle's current location to an intermediary destination. The vehicle is further configured to determine a means for the vehicle user to reach the final destination from the intermediate destination.
US09665100B2 Sparse map for autonomous vehicle navigation
A non-transitory computer-readable medium is provided. The computer-readable medium includes a sparse map for autonomous vehicle navigation along a road segment. The sparse map includes a polynomial representation of a target trajectory for the autonomous vehicle along the road segment, and a plurality of predetermined landmarks associated with the road segment. The plurality of predetermined landmarks are spaced apart by at least 50 meters, and the sparse map has a data density of no more than 1 megabyte per kilometer.
US09665098B1 Systems and methods for determining preferences for flight control settings of an unmanned aerial vehicle
Consumption information associated with a user consuming video segments may be obtained. The consumption information may define user engagement during a video segment and/or user response to the video segment. Sets of flight control settings associated with capture of the video segments may be obtained. The flight control settings may define aspects of a flight control subsystem for the unmanned aerial vehicle and/or a sensor control subsystem for the unmanned aerial vehicle. The preferences for the flight control settings of the unmanned aerial vehicle may be determined based upon the first set and the second set of flight control settings. Instructions may be transmitted to the unmanned aerial vehicle. The instructions may include the determined preferences for the flight control settings and being configured to cause the unmanned aerial vehicle to adjust the flight control settings to the determined preferences.
US09665096B2 Mobile robot and method of operating thereof
A method of operating a mobile robot includes driving the robot according to a drive command issued by a remote operator control unit in communication with the robot, determining a driven path from an origin, and after experiencing a loss of communications with the operator control unit, determining an orientation of the robot. The method further includes executing a self-righting maneuver when the robot is oriented upside down. The self-righting maneuver includes rotating an appendage of the robot from a stowed position alongside a main body of the robot downward and away from the main body, raising and supporting the main body on the appendage, and then further rotating the appendage to drive the upright main body past a vertical position, causing the robot to fall over and thereby invert the main body.
US09665094B1 Automatically deployed UAVs for disaster response
Embodiments relate to a container that can be installed at a remote location, detect a disaster event, and automatically deploy a UAV. In response to detection of the disaster event, such a container may be configured to: (i) determine whether or not one or more weather conditions affecting operation of an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) are conducive to deployment of the UAV to fly to the first geographic area, (ii) if the one or more conditions are conducive to deployment of the UAV, then deploy the UAV to fly to the first geographic area, and (iii) if the one or more conditions are not conducive to deployment of the UAV, then monitor the second data until it is determined that the one or more conditions are conducive to deployment of the UAV, and then deploy the UAV to fly to the first geographic area.
US09665088B2 Managing big data in process control systems
A big data network or system for a process control system or plant includes a data storage device configured to receive process control data from control system devices and store the process control data. The big data network or system identifies various parameters or attributes from the process control data, and creates and uses rowkeys to store the parameters according to various combinations, such as combinations using timestamps. The big data network or system may also store certain aggregate data analyses associated with time periods specified by the timestamps. Accordingly, the big data network or system efficiently stores real-time data having measurements within a database schema, and users or administrators can leverage the aggregate data to analyze certain data associated with certain time periods.
US09665085B2 Cutting condition and tool life display device for a numerical controller
A numerical controller controls a spindle and/or a movable axis of a finishing machine based on a machining program. A cutting condition display device configured to display a cutting condition for the numerical controller calculates cutting conditions including a cutting speed, a feed per spindle revolution per cutting edge of a tool, and a depth of cut for each fixed time during an operation of the finishing machine, based on any or a combination of data on the spindle, the movable axis, a cutting tool, and an object to be cut, which are held by the numerical controller. The calculated cutting condition is stored for each tool and displayed in a graph.
US09665083B2 Counter operation in a state machine lattice
Disclosed are methods and devices, among which is a device that includes a finite state machine lattice. The lattice may include a counter suitable for counting a number of times a programmable element in the lattice detects a condition. The counter may be configured to output in response to counting the condition was detected a certain number of times. For example, the counter may be configured to output in response to determining a condition was detected at least (or no more than) the certain number of times, determining the condition was detected exactly the certain number of times, or determining the condition was detected within a certain range of times. The counter may be coupled to other counters in the device for determining high-count operations and/or certain quantifiers.
US09665082B2 Method for configuring a home automation installation and tool for implementing same
Method of configuring equipment in a home automation installation, each item of equipment being identified thanks to an identifier recorded in memory and duplicated on an accessible medium so as to be visible, the configuring method using a configuring tool comprising an inputting means, a signal transmission means and at least a first memory and a second memory, the method comprising several iterations of the following steps: the step of generating, in the configuring tool, a message comprising the content of the first memory intended for receiving, after an input, the identifier of an item of equipment and the content of the second memory intended for receiving, after an input, information of a first type; the step of transmitting, by the radio signal transmission means, the message in the form of an electromagnetic signal; and the step of carrying out, in the item of equipment, an action at least partially determined by the information of the first type.
US09665080B2 Method for communicating data between a control system of a power tool and a computing device
Arrangement and methods for communicating data between a control system (100) of a power tool (10) and a computing device (20). The arrangement (1) comprises a control system (100) with a plurality of electronic control units, ECUs (110, 120), a computing device (20), and a connecting unit (30) comprising a data connection (32). The plurality of ECUs (110, 120) are connected to a common bus of the control system (100). Each of the plurality of ECUs (110, 120) has a passive service mode (201) and an active service mode (202). The computing device is operable of transmitting a wake-up communication signal to the plurality of ECUs (110, 120), which wake-up communication signal comprises an ID of a selected ECU (110, 120) out of the plurality of ECUs (110, 120). The selected ECU (110, 120) is operable to switch from the passive service mode (201) to the active service mode (202) as a response to detecting its ID in the wake-up communication signal, so as to allow communication of data between the selected ECU (110, 120) and the computing device (20) via the data connection.
US09665072B2 Method for determining a safety step and safety manager
For determining a safety step in an automation network with subscribers the data and process-specific links between the subscribers in the automation network are automatically determined by means of a configuration-detecting module. Further the subscriber-specific safety parameters are determined. The safety step in the automation network is calculated by means of an algorithm which connects the determined data and process-specific links of the subscribers in the automation network and the determined subscriber-specific safety parameters.
US09665066B2 Complex spatial light modulator and method of fabricating the same
Provided are a spatial light modulator (SLM) and a method of fabricating the same. The complex spatial light modulator includes a thin film transistor (TFT) layer provided on a substrate, an amplitude type SLM and a phase type SLM electrically connected to the TFT layer, and a first polarizer provided on the phase type SLM, wherein the TFT layer includes transistors electrically connected to the amplitude type SLM and the phase type SLM, respectively, and the amplitude type SLM and the phase type SLM are commonly and electrically connected to the TFT layer and driven.
US09665065B2 Infrared laser holographic projector
Systems and methods for infrared laser holographic projection. In one example, an optical apparatus includes a first laser source configured to generate a first laser beam having a first wavelength in an infrared spectral range and a holographic medium optically coupled to the laser source and having a transmittance range including the first wavelength. A diffraction pattern formed in the holographic medium encodes an input image and is configured to diffract the first laser beam responsive to being illuminated by the laser beam so as to construct an image in the infrared spectrum, the image being a reconstruction of the input image. The diffraction pattern may further be configured to diffract a second laser beam having a second wavelength in a visible spectral range to construct an image including a first portion in the infrared spectral range and a second portion in the visible spectral range.
US09665064B1 Output apparatus with an external toner supplying device
Disclosed is an output apparatus such as a printer or a copying machine, etc. equipped with an external toner supplying device, and the apparatus comprises a toner storage unit which does not require replacement inside an output main unit and a toner supply unit outside the output main unit in such a way that the output apparatus can continuously output by toner supplied from the external toner supply unit in case of using toner for the output of the main output apparatus.
US09665063B2 Image forming apparatus
To provide an image forming apparatus capable of suppressing an increase in the cost of a process cartridge and capable of reducing image defects caused by replacement of the process cartridge.A process cartridge including a charging roller and a developing unit is attachable to and detachable from an image forming apparatus. A development temperature sensor is disposed in the developing unit. An in-device temperature sensor is disposed outside the process cartridge inside the image forming apparatus. In the case where a temperature detected by the development temperature sensor is lower than a temperature detected by the in-device temperature-humidity sensor, a peak-to-peak voltage of an alternating-current voltage applied to the charging roller is set based on the result of detection by the development temperature sensor.
US09665060B2 Power supply apparatus, image forming apparatus, and noise filter
The noise filter includes a first capacitor that is mounted on a substrate, and includes one end connected to a live side of an AC line of an AC voltage supplied from an AC power supply, a second capacitor including one end connected to a neutral side of the AC line, a first ground pattern to which another end of the first capacitor is connected, and a second ground pattern to which another end of the second capacitor is connected. The first ground pattern and the second ground pattern are not connected electrically on the substrate.
US09665059B2 Crum unit mountable and dismountable in consumable unit of image forming apparatus and image forming apparatus using the same
A CRUM unit which is mountable/dismountable on an image forming apparatus is disclosed. The CRUM unit includes a power extracting circuit configured to, when a clock signal is received from an image forming apparatus, extract power from a high value of the clock signal and store in a capacitive element and a controller configured to operate using the extracted power, wherein the clock signal has a first pulse width in a data section where a data signal is received and transmitted, and has a second pulse width which is different from the first pulse width in an pause section where a data signal is not received.
US09665053B2 Image forming apparatus with an extension for a manual feed tray
An image forming apparatus includes an opening and closing unit attached to an image forming apparatus body. The opening and closing unit includes: an exterior member pivotably attached to the image forming apparatus body via a first shaft; a base member provided inside the exterior member and pivotably attached to the image forming apparatus body via a second shaft so as to be able to move with the exterior member; and an extension member attached to the base member in a manner capable of being pulled out and retracted.
US09665051B2 Image forming apparatus with detachable fixing device, control method therefor, and storage medium storing control program therefor
An image forming apparatus with a detachable fixing device capable of managing a plurality of detachable fixing devices appropriately according to usages etc. A receiving unit receives a character string input through an operation screen. A storage unit stores the input character string in association with identification information about a fixing device. An obtaining unit obtains the identification information about the fixing device attached to the image forming apparatus. A display control unit displays the character string that is stored by the storage unit in association with the identification information obtained by the obtaining unit on a display unit.
US09665048B2 Image forming apparatus having a temperature setting portion to control a target temperature
An image forming apparatus includes: a fixing portion for fixing an image, formed on a recording material, on the recording material, wherein the fixing portion includes a heater for generating heat by electric power supplied from a commercial power source; a power source portion for supplying the electric power to a load except the heater, wherein the power source and the heater are connected with the commercial power source in parallel; a suppliable electric power calculating portion for calculating suppliable electric power suppliable to the heater; and a temperature setting portion for setting, depending on the suppliable electric power calculated by the calculating portion, a control target temperature of the fixing portion in an operation in a stand-by mode in which the image forming apparatus awaits a print instruction.
US09665044B2 Image forming apparatus, image forming method, and transfer voltage control program
An image forming apparatus includes: a latent image bearing body on which a latent image is formed; a lubricant supplying unit configured to supply lubricant to the latent image bearing body; a developing unit configured to develop the latent image as a toner image by supplying the lubricant taken in from the latent image bearing body to the latent image bearing body together with charged toner; a transfer unit configured to transfer the toner image to an image bearing body at a transfer position by applying a transfer voltage to the toner image; and a control unit configured to control application of the transfer voltage, wherein the lubricant is charged to a polarity opposite to a charging polarity of the toner, and based on an area ratio of a transferred image and the number of transferred sheets, the control unit controls the transfer voltage to be applied.
US09665040B2 Developer accommodating unit, process cartridge and electrophotographic image forming apparatus
A developer accommodating unit for accommodating a developer for image formation includes a flexible container provided with an opening 35a for permitting discharge of the developer, a frame for accommodating the flexible container and for accommodating the developer to be discharged from the flexible container, and an urging member 21 for urging a developer accommodating bag toward the frame for accommodating the developer accommodating bag 16. By this, it is possible to satisfactorily effect discharge of the developer from the flexible developer accommodating bag 16.
US09665037B2 Developing device and image forming apparatus including same
A developing device includes a developing roller, a toner supplying roller, a regulation blade, a casing, a toner receiver support member, a toner receiver member, and a vibration generator. The toner receiver member is disposed along a longitudinal direction of the toner receiver support member facing the developing roller, and has a toner receiving surface inclined downward from the image-carrier side toward the toner-supplying-roller side. The toner receiving surface is disposed to be inclined so as to rise from the toner-supplying-roller side toward the image-carrier side. The toner receiving surface has a plurality of grooves formed therein to be inclined to approach a center part of the toner receiving surface from each end side of the toner receiving surface in its longitudinal direction, from an edge of the toner receiving surface on the image-carrier side toward an edge of the toner receiving surface on the toner-supplying-roller side.
US09665036B2 Regulating member and developing device
A regulating member for regulating a layer thickness of a developer includes a base portion, a regulating portion extending along a longitudinal direction of the base portion and projecting from a first surface of the base portion to regulate a layer thickness of a developer, and a rib formed along the longitudinal direction and configured to project from a second surface opposite from the first surface of the base portion. In addition, a through hole structure is provided at each end of the base portion with respect to the longitudinal direction, and configured with a through hole that passes through the base portion. The rib is provided adjacently to each through hole with respect to a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, and the rib stands along each through hole in a cross-section which crosses the through hole and is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the base portion.
US09665025B2 Toner, method for producing the same, toner cartridge, and image forming apparatus
An object to be achieved by embodiments is to provide a toner having excellent color reproducibility, light resistance, coloring power, low-temperature fixability, storage stability, and long life property, a method for producing the same, a toner cartridge, and an image forming apparatus. A toner according to an embodiment includes toner particles containing a coloring agent, a binder resin, and a specific ester wax. The coloring agent contains at least one pigment (X) selected from C.I. Pigment Red 48, C.I. Pigment Red 48:1, C.I. Pigment Red 48:2, C.I. Pigment Red 48:3, C.I. Pigment Red 48:4, and C.I. Pigment Red 48:5, and C.I. Pigment Red 122 (Y), and the mass ratio of the component (X) to the component (Y) is from 30:70 to 60:40.
US09665024B2 Toner, method for producing the same, toner cartridge, and image forming apparatus
According to embodiments, there are provided a toner having excellent color reproducibility, light resistance, coloring power, low-temperature fixability, storage stability, and long life property, a method for producing the same, a toner cartridge, and an image forming apparatus. A toner according to an embodiment includes toner particles containing a coloring agent, a binder resin, and a specific ester wax. The coloring agent contains at least one pigment (X) selected from C.I. Pigment Red 48, C.I. Pigment Red 48:1, C.I. Pigment Red 48:2, C.I. Pigment Red 48:3, C.I. Pigment Red 48:4, and C.I. Pigment Red 48:5, and C.I. Pigment Red 122 (Y), and the mass ratio of the component (X) to the component (Y) is as follows: X:Y=30:70 to 60:40.
US09665021B2 Heat treating apparatus for powder particles and method of producing toner
A heat treating apparatus for powder particles including a cylindrical treating chamber; a powder particle-supplying unit; a hot air-supplying unit that supplies hot air for heat-treating powder particles; a cold air-supplying unit that supplies cold air for cooling the heat-treated powder particles; a regulating unit for regulating a flow of the supplied powder particles; and a recovering unit that recovers the heat-treated powder particles. The regulating unit is a substantially circular columnar member, the hot air-supplying unit has an outlet opposite to the upper end portion of the columnar member, and the regulating unit is equipped with a substantially conic distributing member for distributing the supplied hot air in a circumferential direction and a rotating member for rotating the distributed hot air in a spiral manner, on the center of the upper end portion.
US09665019B2 Electrophotographic photoconductor, production method thereof, and electrophotographic apparatus
An electrophotographic photoconductor includes a conductive support; a charge generation layer provided on the conductive support; and a charge transport layer containing a charge transport material, a binder resin, and a highly branched polymer having a long-chain alkyl group or an alicyclic group, provided on the charge generation layer as an outermost layer. The electrophotographic photoconductor has excellent contamination resistance against sebum or the like, stable electrical characteristics even upon repeated use, as well as superior transfer resistance and gas resistance. A method for producing the electrophotographic photoconductor is disclosed, as well as an electrophotographic apparatus including the electrophotographic photoconductor.
US09665015B2 Original holding apparatus, exposure apparatus, method of manufacturing article and original holding method
The present invention provides an original holding apparatus which holds an original, comprising a first holding unit configured to hold the original, a second holding unit configured to hold the original, a fixing unit configured to fix the second holding unit, and an adjustment unit configured to perform adjustment of an holding force of at least one of the first holding unit and the second holding unit, wherein the adjustment unit performs the adjustment such that the holding force of the second holding unit before fixing the second holding unit is smaller than the holding force of the first holding unit before fixing the second holding unit, and performs the adjustment such that the holding force of the second holding unit after fixing the second holding unit is larger than that before fixing the second holding unit.
US09665014B2 Charged particle lithography system with alignment sensor and beam measurement sensor
A multi-beamlet charged particle beamlet lithography system for transferring a pattern to a surface of a substrate. The system comprises a projection system (311) for projecting a plurality of charged particle beamlets (7) onto the surface of the substrate; a chuck (313) moveable with respect to the projection system; a beamlet measurement sensor (i.a. 505, 511) for determining one or more characteristics of one or more of the charged particle beamlets, the beamlet measurement sensor having a surface (501) for receiving one or more of the charged particle beamlets; and a position mark measurement system for measuring a position of a position mark (610, 620, 635), the position mark measurement system comprising an alignment sensor (361, 362). The chuck comprises a substrate support portion for supporting the substrate, a beamlet measurement sensor portion (460) for accommodating the surface of the beamlet measurement sensor, and a position mark portion (470) for accommodating the position mark.
US09665013B2 Lithography system, method of clamping and wafer table
The invention relates to a lithography system, for example for projecting an image or an image pattern on to a target (1) such as a wafer, said target being included in said system by means of a target table (2), clamping means being present for clamping said target on said table. Said clamping means comprises a layer of stationary liquid (3), included at such thickness between target and target table that, provided the material of the liquid (C) and of the respective contacting faces (A, B) of the target (1) and target table (2), a pressure drop (PCap) arises.
US09665010B2 Method for operating a microlithographic projection exposure apparatus
In a method for operating a microlithographic projection exposure apparatus, a facet mirror is illuminated with projection light having a center wavelength of between 5 nm and 30 nm. The facet mirror has a plurality of adjustable mirror facets, wherein groups of adjacent mirror facets form regions which are imaged by an optical unit onto an object plane of a projection objective of the projection exposure apparatus. There the images of the regions are superimposed in an object field. An illumination field, which is identical to the object field or a part thereof, is illuminated with the projection light. A mask containing structures to be imaged is moved in the object plane of the projection objective in such a way that the illumination field scans over the mask. According to the invention, during step c) the size of the illumination field is varied by adjusting at least one mirror facet.
US09665004B2 Photosensitive material and method of lithography
Photosensitive materials and method of forming a pattern that include providing a composition of a component of a photosensitive material that is operable to float to a top region of a layer formed from the photosensitive material. In an example, a photosensitive layer includes a first component having a fluorine atom (e.g., alkyl fluoride group). After forming the photosensitive layer, the first component floats to a top surface of the photosensitive layer. Thereafter, the photosensitive layer is patterned.
US09665000B1 Method and system for EUV mask cleaning with non-thermal solution
The present disclosure provides a method of repairing a mask. The method includes inspecting a mask to identify a defect on the mask; performing a cleaning process to the mask using a non-thermal chemical solution to the mask; and repairing the mask to remove the defect from the mask. The non-thermal chemical solution is cooled by a cooling module to a working temperature below room temperature.
US09664999B2 Method of making an extreme ultraviolet pellicle
The present disclosure relates to an extreme ultraviolet (EUV) pellicle having a pellicle film connected to a pellicle frame. In some embodiments, the EUV pellicle has a substrate, and an adhesive material disposed onto the substrate. A pellicle frame is connected to the substrate by way of the adhesive material. The pellicle frame is configured to mount the substrate to an extreme ultraviolet (EUV) reticle.
US09664998B2 Photomask blanks, photomasks fabricated using the same, and methods of fabricating photomask using the same
Photomask blanks are provided. One of the photomask blanks includes a light transmission substrate, a light blocking layer disposed on a top surface of the light transmission substrate, and a heat radiation layer disposed on sidewalls and a bottom surface of the light transmission substrate. Related photomasks and fabrication methods of the photomasks are also provided.
US09664996B2 Photomasks for reducing thermal stress generated by heat
A photomask includes a light transmission substrate having a transfer region and a frame region, a light-transmitting region exposing a portion of the light transmission substrate in the transfer region corresponding to a transfer pattern, and a light-blocking region disposed in the transfer region and surrounding the light-transmitting region, wherein the light-blocking region includes a first light-blocking region surrounding the light-transmitting region, and a second light-blocking region that surrounds the first light-blocking region, and wherein a first light-blocking pattern is disposed on the light transmission substrate in the first light-blocking region, and a plurality of second light-blocking patterns are disposed on the light transmission substrate in the second light-blocking region.
US09664995B2 Method of manufacturing an extreme ultraviolet (EUV) mask and the mask manufactured therefrom
Any defects in the reflective coating or absorber layer of an EUV mask are problematic in transferring a pattern of the EUV mask to a wafer since they produce errors in integrated circuit patterns on the wafer. In this regard, a method of manufacturing an EUV mask is provided according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. According to the method of the present disclosure, the defects in the EUV mask can be detected and repaired with an defect-free multilayer body. A substantially defect-free EUV mask can be made in a cost benefit way accordingly, so as to overcome disadvantages mentioned above.
US09664990B2 Illumination apparatus and projection-type image display apparatus having the same
An illumination apparatus is provided, including a light source unit which includes at least one laser diode emitting light of a single color; a diffuser plate which disperses the light emitted from the light source unit; a fly-eye lens array which transmits light dispersed by the diffuser plate; and a fluorescent unit on which light transmitted by the fly-eye lens array is incident and which emits white light.
US09664989B2 Multi-spatial light modulator image display projector architectures using solid state light sources
A solid state illumination system is provided for image projection. Red, green and blue light is generated using a blue laser light source and phosphor emissions. The red, green and blue light is passed by TIR or TRIR elements of red, green and blue light channels of an X-cube prism structure for separate modulation by different spatial light modulators. The modulated red, green and blue light is passed by the TIR or TRIR elements into the X-cube and combined into a combined modulated RGB image forming light stream for image formation via projection optics onto a target imaging surface.
US09664986B2 Projection-type image display device with single fan
A projection-type image display device includes a light source unit, an image generating unit configured to generate image light according to an image input signal, an illuminating unit configured to guide the light from the light source unit to the image generating unit, a projecting unit configured to project the image light generated by the image generating unit, a housing that houses the light source unit, the image generating unit, the illuminating unit, and the projecting unit, a first radiator plate thermally connected to the light source unit, a second radiator plate thermally connected to the image generating unit, and a single fan disposed at an end of the housing, for taking in external air to the interior of the housing to send the air to the first and the second radiator plates.
US09664982B2 Optical system driving device, lens barrel, and optical device
An optical system driving device includes a movable body that is movable in at least three degrees of freedom, and a light transmissive unit integrally mounted to the movable body. The optical system driving device also includes a driving unit that moves the movable body in at least three degrees of freedom, and a detection unit that detects a position of the movable body in each of at least three degrees of freedom. The detection unit includes a light-emitting unit that emits light toward the light transmissive unit, and an optical detector that receives light emitted from the light-emitting unit and passing through the light transmissive unit and outputs a light-receiving signal based on the received light. The detection unit also detects a position of the movable body in each of at least three degrees of freedom based on the light-receiving signal from the optical detector.
US09664980B2 Optical device and image display device
An optical device includes an optical section, a moving section, a shaft section, and an actuator. The optical section includes a light-incident surface on which light is incident. The moving section supports the optical section and the shaft section swingably supports the moving section. The actuator swings the moving section based on a drive signal having a trapezoidal waveform. A swing waveform representative of a trajectory of the moving section as the moving section is swung has a trapezoidal waveform. A maintenance time of a flat portion of the trapezoidal waveform of the drive signal is shorter than a maintenance time of a flat portion of the trapezoidal waveform of the swing waveform of the moving section.
US09664973B2 Array substrate and manufacturing method thereof, and display device
The present invention discloses an array substrate and a manufacturing method thereof, and a display device, and relates to the field of display technology, in order to reduce the leakage current of the TFT, improve the stability of the TFT, and enhance the display effect of the display device. The array substrate comprises: a transparent substrate, a TFT on the transparent substrate, a first passivation layer covering the TFT, a first transparent electrode on a surface of the first passivation layer, and a light blocking structure for preventing light transmission provided at a position, corresponding to a channel of the TFT, on a side of the TFT away from the transparent substrate.
US09664969B2 TFT-LCD display panel based on HSD structure and manufacturing method
The present disclosure discloses a TFT-LCD display panel based on an HSD structure, including: a sub-pixel unit array; a plurality of pairs of gate lines, with each pair being arranged between two adjacent rows of the sub-pixel units, wherein each gate line includes subsections arranged repeatedly and the subsection is consist of subsection portions with different widths, on the wider subsection portion of which a TFT element connected with a pixel electrode of the sub-pixel unit is placed; a plurality of data lines perpendicular to the gate lines, wherein two or more columns of sub-pixel units are arranged between two adjacent data lines. TFT elements of the present disclosure are placed on the gate lines other than the pixel region, which increases the open rate of the pixel region, and thus improves the penetration rate of the pixels.
US09664965B2 Liquid crystal display device with a shielding electrode
An exemplary embodiment of the present invention provides a liquid crystal display (LCD) device including: a first insulation substrate; gate and data lines positioned on the first insulation substrate and electrically insulated to cross each other; a thin film transistor coupled to the gate line and the data line; a first light blocking member positioned on the data line; a shielding electrode positioned on the first light blocking member; a pixel electrode coupled to the thin film transistor; a second insulation substrate positioned to face the first insulation substrate; a common electrode positioned on the second insulation substrate; and a liquid crystal layer disposed between the pixel electrode and the common electrode.
US09664964B2 Chip on film package and display apparatus having the same
A chip on film package includes a base substrate, an input line, an integrated circuit (IC) chip and an output line. The input line is disposed on the base substrate. The IC Chip is electrically connected to the input line. The output line includes a main output and a sub output line. The main output line is electrically connected to the IC chip and extends in a first direction from the IC chip. The sub output line is electrically connected to the IC chip. The sub output line includes at least six bending parts, and is extended in the first direction.
US09664960B2 Display device with reduced manufacturing cost and method of manufacturing the same
A display device includes a gate line and a data line on a first substrate. A first passivation layer disposed thereon has a first contact hole. A second passivation layer on the first passivation layer has a second contact hole. A common electrode is disposed on the second passivation layer and a residual pattern is disposed on a drain electrode. A third passivation layer, having a third contact hole, is disposed on the common electrode. A pixel electrode, connected to the drain electrode, is disposed on the third passivation layer. A groove is defined between the first and second passivation layers. The common electrode has a open circuit from the residual pattern thereof.
US09664955B2 Method to design the integrated full coverage LCD module cover glass
The described embodiments relate generally to liquid crystal displays (LCDs), and more particularly to methods for extending a glass portion of a display to an edge of a display housing. In one embodiment, a thin cover glass layer is provided between a color filter glass layer and an upper polarizer. The thin cover glass layer is supported along an edge of the display by a filler material that can include a foam dam and a glass spacer or adhesive filler. The filler material allows the cover glass layer to be supported without damaging any drivers or circuits located on an underlying thin film transistor glass layer. In another embodiment, a glass spacer circuit with integrated drivers and circuitry on its lower surface can support the cover glass along the edge of the display.
US09664949B2 Display device
A display device includes a display panel, a rear face housing, a substrate, at least one light source, a reflective sheet, and a fixing member. The display panel is configured to display an image. The rear face housing is disposed rearward with respect to a rear face of the display panel. The substrate is disposed between the display panel and the rear face housing. The at least one light source is mounted on the substrate and configured to emit light toward the rear face of the display panel. The reflective sheet is partially sandwiched between the substrate and the rear face housing. The reflective sheet has an opening at a location where the substrate is disposed. The fixing member fixedly attaches the substrate to the rear face housing through the opening.
US09664947B2 Liquid crystal display device and liquid crystal display
A liquid crystal display device includes: a transparent electrode substrate including a transparent substrate and a transparent electrode, the transparent electrode being formed on one surface of the transparent substrate; a liquid crystal layer; and a pixel electrode substrate including a first layer and a second layer in this order, the first layer including a plurality of pixel electrodes that are located in a region opposed to the transparent electrode with the liquid crystal layer in between, and a first conductive film that is located in a region other than the region opposed to the transparent electrode with the liquid crystal layer in between, the second layer including a second conducive film that is located in a region overlapping the first conductive film. The first conductive film or the second conducive film or both are electrically isolated.
US09664943B2 Display device and driving method of the same
The present invention provides a display device including a first block including a first primary color pixel and a second primary color pixel having substantially a same area, a second block alternatingly disposed with the first block along the first direction, the second block including a third primary color pixel, a fourth primary color pixel and a white pixel. The first block and the second block have substantially a same area and the third primary color pixel has an area wider than the fourth primary color pixel and the white color pixel.
US09664941B2 Color filter substrate and curved liquid crystal display panel comprising same
The present invention provides a CF substrate and a curved liquid crystal display panel including the CF substrate. A black matrix is provided on the CF substrate and includes a plurality of expanded sections respectively corresponding to a plurality of main photo spacers. The expanded sections that are located in an edge area of the CF substrate have an area that is greater than an area of the expanded sections that are located in a central area of the CF substrate in order to ensure the distance of the main photo spacers located in the edge area from the pixel open area is increased to effectively prevent the main photo spacers located in the edge area from being twisted with the panel and shifted into the pixel open area during a curving process of a curved liquid crystal display panel to induce undesired situations of light leakage and poor displaying of the display device. In addition, the light-shielding strips of the black matrix that are located in the edge area is arranged to have a width that is less than that of the light-shielding strips of the black matrix located in the central area in order to provide pixel zones of the edge area and the central area of the CF substrate with the same area, making the aperture ratios of the central area and the edge area of a curved liquid crystal display panel identical to thereby improving the displaying quality of the liquid crystal display panel.
US09664940B2 Display panel comprising a color filter having a depression that is planarized by a black matrix deposited within the depression
A display panel includes a base substrate, a driving circuit, and a roof layer defining a cavity. A color filter is disposed on the base substrate to at least partially cover the driving circuit. The color filter is disposed at least on a pixel area and includes a depression positioned at least partially within a circuit area. A black matrix is disposed upon the depression of the color filter. The black matrix being upon the depression allows an inlet portion of the cavity to remain greater than a certain cross-sectional area.
US09664938B2 Display device
A display device of this disclosure: a display element; a first frame holding the display element; a second frame having an opening and engaged with the first frame to arrange therein the display element, and a transparent member arranged on a front surface of the display element with an adhesive material being interposed therebetween. The transparent member is accommodated in an opening without overlapping with the opening of the second frame.
US09664936B2 Display panel motherboard, display panel, manufacturing method thereof and display device
A display panel motherboard, a display panel, a manufacturing method thereof and a display device are provided. The display panel motherboard includes an array substrate provided with a metal lead layer and an protection layer and an opposing substrate provided with a black matrix layer; alignment rulers are respectively disposed in portions of the metal lead layer and the black matrix layer, corresponding to a sealant region; a protrusion is formed in a portion of the protection layer corresponding to the alignment ruler in the metal lead layer, in a thickness direction; and/or the opposing substrate further comprises a spacer layer, and a protrusion is formed in a portion of the spacer layer corresponding to the alignment ruler in the black matrix layer in the thickness direction.
US09664925B2 Ophthalmic device molds formed from highly amorphous vinyl alcohol polymer, ophthalmic devices molded therein, and related methods
Ophthalmic device molds made from at least one highly amorphous vinyl alcohol polymer, ophthalmic devices such as ocular inserts and contact lenses and including silicone hydrogel devices formed using these molds, and related methods are described. The methods of manufacturing ophthalmic devices can use dry or wet demolding processes, or dry or wet delensing processes.
US09664924B2 Method for processing an unfinished optical lens member for manufacture of an optical lens
A method of processing an unfinished optical lens member having a finished surface with a center reference point, and first and second surfaces, includes providing contour data defining the contour of the first surface in a finished cut state, the maximum distance between two points of the contour defined by Cmax; determining, an optical reference point of the first surface with respect to the contour, the optical reference point corresponding to a user's line of sight in the finished cut state, the maximum distance between the optical reference point and the contour defined by Mmax, providing a first surface dataset defining the second surface with respect to the optical reference point; and providing an unfinished optical lens member having a minimum distance RSF between the center reference point and the boundary of the unfinished lens member such that 2 RSF≧Cmax and RSF
US09664920B2 Optical element
An optical element includes a waveguide and a deflector. The waveguide propagates light incident at a predetermined angle while reflecting the light between the first plane and the second plane. The deflector is formed as a plate having a third plane being opposed to the first plane in the deflector, the first plane and the third plane are spaced apart from each other at a distance smaller than a propagation distance capable of propagating an evanescent wave of first light. The deflector has a plurality of reflecting surfaces arranged on the rear side of the third plane. The reflecting surfaces reflect the first light that has been incident on the first plane to be propagated as an evanescent wave, into a direction substantially perpendicular to the first plane. A medium interposed between the first plane and the third plane has a refractive index lower than that of the waveguide.
US09664915B2 Display device
A display device is provided. The display device includes a display panel generating an image, a phase retarder disposed on the display panel, a first polarizer disposed on the phase retarder, a liquid crystal lens disposed on the first polarizer, and a second polarizer disposed on the liquid crystal lens. The phase retarder has a first optical axis and the first polarizer has a second optical axis crossing the first optical axis. The second polarizer has a third optical axis substantially in parallel to the second optical axis.
US09664914B2 Liquid crystal grating substrate, liquid crystal grating and stereoscopic display device
The present invention provides a liquid crystal grating substrate, a liquid crystal grating and a stereoscopic display device The liquid crystal grating substrate, the liquid crystal grating and the stereoscopic display device provided in the present invention can control the voltages of the electrode strips respectively, thereby not only improving the control precision of the liquid crystal grating, but also ensuring diversified control forms to meet various adjustment requirements for the width of the light transmissive area or non-light transmissive area of the liquid crystal grating; meanwhile, the liquid crystal grating is easy to drive and the sizes of the light transmissive areas can be controlled, thus the circuit design difficulty and the production cost are reduced, and the 3D crosstalk problem can be solved.
US09664912B2 Image display and liquid crystal lens therefor
A three-dimensional (“3D”) image display device includes a display panel, and a liquid crystal lens part disposed on the display panel and which selectively provides a two-dimensional (“2D”) image and a 3D stereoscopic image, where the liquid crystal lens part includes: a lower substrate including a plurality of linear electrodes which are disposed in different layers; an upper substrate including a plate electrode; and a lens liquid crystal layer disposed between the lower substrate and the upper substrate, where the linear electrodes in the different layers are alternately arranged in a unit zone of the liquid crystal lens part, and where two adjacent linear electrodes of the linear electrodes are spaced apart from each other when viewed from a top view.
US09664911B2 Parallax barrier, manufacturing method thereof and display system
A parallax barrier, a manufacturing method thereof and a display system are provided, the parallax barrier including: a first substrate and a second substrate cell-assembled; a peripheral cavity wall, used to form a closed cavity; a transparent hydrophilic fluid and an opaque hydrophobic fluid, filled in the closed cavity; a first electrode and a second electrode; a hydrophobic-hydrophilic switching layer, on the second electrode; and barrier walls, disposed on the hydrophobic-hydrophilic switching layer parallel to each other and spaced apart from each other, wherein at least a part of each barrier wall is transparent, and when not being powered on, a thickness of the hydrophobic fluid is not larger than a height of the barrier wall, and when being powered on, a highest place of each accumulation region of the hydrophobic fluid is not higher than a highest place of the corresponding barrier wall.
US09664897B1 Apparatus with a rotatable MEMS device
Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed toward an apparatus with a rotatable MEMS device. The apparatus may include a magnetic circuit with two magnets disposed opposite each other to produce a magnetic field between the magnets. The MEMS device may be placed in a frame disposed between the magnets. The MEMS device may include a driving coil disposed around the device, and may be rotatable around a first axis of the frame, in response to application of electromagnetic force produced by interaction of electric current to pass through the driving coil, with the magnetic field. The frame may include another driving coil, and may be rotatable around a second axis orthogonal to first axis, in response to application of electromagnetic force produced by interaction of electric current to pass through the second driving coil, with the magnetic field. Other embodiments may be described and/or claimed.
US09664895B2 Light-shielding structure and method for manufacturing the structure, display device and method for displaying with display device
The present invention provides a light-shielding structure, a method for manufacturing the structure, a display device and a method for displaying with the display device. Said light-shielding structure comprises a plurality of micro light-shielding boxes, each of the micro light-shielding boxes comprises a sealed cavity provided with a transparent solvent, a first electrode and a second electrode disposed oppositely, and at least one rotator disposed between said first electrode and said second electrode. Said rotator comprises a light-shielding portion and a transparent portion, and said light-shielding portion has an electrical property different with that of said transparent portion. The light-shielding structure in the embodiments of the present invention comprises at least one rotator, which is controlled to rotate by means of the electrodes at two sides thereof. When the light leakage region in the color film substrate needs light shielding, at least one rotator is controlled to form a light-shielding band to shield the light leakage region of the color film substrate; when it does not need light shielding, the at least one rotator is controlled to rotate such that the formed transparent band is aligned with the light leakage region. This improves the transmittance of the display panel, thereby solving the problem of light leakage at pixel edge without sacrificing the transmittance of the panel.
US09664894B2 Micro optical switch device, image display apparatus including the same, and method of manufacturing the micro optical switch device
A micro optical switch device, an image display apparatus including the same, and a method of manufacturing the micro optical switch device are provided. The micro optical switch device includes a substrate; a first electrode disposed on the substrate and having a plurality of openings; a second electrode disposed above and spaced apart from the first electrode, and having a plurality of openings; and support units disposed on the substrate and configured to support the second electrode, wherein the support units include deformation preventing portions protruding beyond a top surface of the second electrode.
US09664890B2 Variable wavelength interference filter, optical module, and optical analyzer
A variable wavelength interference filter includes: a first reflective film disposed on a face of a first substrate facing a second substrate; a second reflective film disposed on a face of the second substrate facing the first substrate and the first reflective film; a first electrode disposed on the face of the first substrate; and a second electrode disposed on the face of the second substrate. The second substrate includes a movable portion on which the second reflective film is disposed and a connection maintaining portion maintaining the movable portion to be movable in a substrate thickness direction, the connection maintaining portion circumscribes the movable portion and is thinner than the movable portion, and the second electrode is disposed on a portion of the second substrate that is thicker than the connection maintaining portion.
US09664881B2 Imaging optical system
An imaging optical system includes a positive first lens element having a convex surface on the object side, a negative second lens element having a concave surface on the image side, a third lens element, a positive fourth lens element, a fifth lens element, and a negative sixth lens element provided with at least one aspherical surface that has inflection points other than at an optical axis thereof. The following conditions (1) and (2) are satisfied: 0.86
US09664878B2 Optical imaging lens
Present embodiments provide for an optical imaging lens. The optical imaging lens may comprise four lens elements positioned sequentially from an object side to an image side. By controlling the convex or concave shape of the surfaces of the lens elements and designing parameters to satisfy at least three inequalities, the length of the optical imaging lens may be shortened while maintaining improved optical characteristics.
US09664875B2 Lens barrel
The lens barrel includes a first planar portion, a barrier front cover, a vane portion, and a lens group frame. The first planar portion is configured to be substantially perpendicular to an optical axis and includes a first opening portion. The barrier front cover includes a second opening portion. The vane portion is configured to move between a first position and a second position. The vane portion is configured to cover the first opening portion and the second opening portion at the first position, and allow the first opening portion and the second opening portion to open at the second position. The lens group frame is configured to support rotatably the vane portion and includes at least one lens. The first planar portion is disposed closer to a subject than the barrier front cover. The first opening portion is formed smaller than the second opening portion.
US09664874B2 Substrate for mounting imaging element, and imaging device
A substrate for mounting an imaging element is a substrate for mounting an imaging element that includes a base. The base has: a through-hole having an opening in a top surface of the base; a cover mounting region provided on the top surface, in a rim of the opening of the through-hole; a lens-housing mounting region 8 provided on the top surface, on an outer side of the cover mounting region; an intermediate region provided on the top surface, between the cover mounting region and the lens-housing mounting region; a connecting section that enables the intermediate region to communicate with an inside wall of the through-hole; and an imaging element mounting section provided on a bottom surface of the base.
US09664871B1 Fiber optic drawer tray having rotatable spool for deployment of fiber optic cable, and related components, systems, and methods
A fiber optic drawer tray for fiber optic equipment having a rotatable spool for deployment of fiber optic cable comprises a horizontal base and a pair of housing engagement features on opposite sides of the horizontal base, for movably engaging with at least one tray engagement feature of a drawer housing. The fiber optic drawer tray also comprises a rotatable spool disposed on the base, and a fiber optic adapter sub-assembly configured to receive and retain a plurality of fiber optic adapters mounted to the rotatable spool. The spool is further configured to store a length of fiber optic cable wound around the spool. The fiber optic cable can be terminated by a plurality of connectors and can be connected to the plurality of adapters. The spool is continuously rotatable to spool or unspool the fiber optic cable without disconnecting the plurality of connectors.
US09664869B2 Method and apparatus for implementing a rectangular-core laser beam-delivery fiber that provides two orthogonal transverse bending degrees of freedom
In various embodiments, an optical fiber module including an optical fiber having a first end, a second end, and a twisted portion between the first and second ends to enable the optical fiber to provide two orthogonal transverse bending degrees of freedom. The twisted portion induces an optical distortion. The module further includes a distortion compensation arrangement that is configured to at least partially compensate for the optical distortion and a housing that is configured to house at least a portion of the optical fiber including the twisted portion.
US09664861B2 Optical fiber interconnect assembly
An optical fiber interconnect assembly includes a first housing component with deflectable locking arms having a locking section and an engagement section. The locking arms are movable between a first locked position and a second unlocked position. A second housing component is operatively slidable relative to the first housing component between a locking position and an unlocking position. An engagement section moves the locking arm to its second unlocked position upon movement of the second housing component to its second unlocking position. A ferrule is movably mounted between the first housing component and the second housing component. At least one biasing member biases the ferrule for movement.
US09664858B2 Optical photonic circuit coupling
Systems and methods may couple on-chip optical circuits to external fibers. An SOI waveguide structure may include mirror structures and tapered waveguides to optically couple optical circuits to fibers in a vertically oriented external connector. The mirror structure(s) may be angularly disposed at the ends of the silicon waveguide structure. An oxide layer may cover a buried oxide layer and the silicon waveguide structure. The tapered waveguide(s) may have a narrow end and a wide end. The narrow end of the tapered waveguide(s) may be disposed above the mirror structures. The tapered waveguide(s) may extend through the oxide layer from the narrow end in a direction perpendicular to the silicon waveguide structure. An external connector may fit over the tapered waveguide(s) and uses a fiber array traveling through a connector body to optically couple to the external fiber.
US09664854B2 Silicon photonics device and communication system therefor
A silicon photonics device and system therefor. The silicon photonics device can include a 300 nm SOI (silicon-on-insulator with 300 nm top Si) overlying a substrate member. A waveguide structure can be configured from a portion of the SOI layer and disposed overlying the substrate member. This waveguide structure can include an AWG (Arrayed Waveguide Gratings) structure with 300 nm×300 nm symmetric grating waveguides or an Echelle grating structure characterized by a top silicon thickness of 300 nm. The waveguide structure can also include an index compensator material configured to provide at least two material index ratings in the waveguide structure.
US09664853B2 Low-loss waveguide transition
A waveguide device that includes a first waveguide, a second waveguide and a transition region. The first waveguide has a first height and the second waveguide has a second height different from the first height. The transition region is between the first waveguide and the second waveguide and includes an asymmetrical taper of the first waveguide.
US09664852B1 Optical waveguide having several dielectric layers and at least one metal cladding layer
A waveguide including a substrate, a plurality of cladding layers, a first dielectric layer, a second dielectric layer, and a third dielectric layer. The cladding layers are present on the substrate and define at least one tunnel therein, in which at least one of the cladding layers is made of metal. The first dielectric layer is disposed in the tunnel and has a first refractive index N1. The second dielectric layer is disposed in the tunnel and has a second refractive index N2. The third dielectric layer is disposed in the tunnel and has a third refractive index N3, and N2>N1 and N2>N3, in which the second dielectric layer is present between the first and third dielectric layers.
US09664847B2 Lighting device for a motor vehicle headlight
The invention relates to a lighting device (100) for a motor vehicle headlight, comprising a number of light sources (1), at least one attachment optical unit (2), having a light entrance surface (2a) and a light exit surface (2b), wherein the at least one attachment optical unit (2) comprises a plurality of light-guiding bodies (3), and wherein each light-guiding body (3) has a light entrance surface (3a), into which in each case at least one light source (1) feeds light, and wherein the light-guiding bodies (3) lead into the common light exit surface (2b). According to the invention, at least one, preferably exactly one, position holder (4) is provided, by means of which the light entrance surfaces (3a) of the light-guiding bodies (3) of the at least one attachment optical unit (2) are held in position in relation to the light sources (1). Alternatively or additionally, provision can be made for the light exit surface (2b) of the at least one attachment optical unit (2) to be provided with a transparent light plate (5) for the dimensional stabilization of the at least one attachment optical unit (2).
US09664841B2 Display device
Disclosed is a display device. The display device includes a light source; a wavelength conversion member converting a wavelength of light output from the light source; a display panel to which the light is incident; a heat transfer part adjacent to the light source and the wavelength conversion member; and a heat dissipation part connected to the heat transfer part.
US09664840B2 Light emitting module and display device
A light emitting module is provided. A light emitting unit includes a light emitting surface including a middle light emitting area and a peripheral light emitting area. The peripheral light emitting area is disposed on the opposite sides of the middle light emitting area. The light emitting unit emits light from the light emitting surface. A light guide plate includes a light incident surface adjacent to the middle light emitting area. The width of the light incident surface in a direction is smaller than the width of the light emitting surface in the direction, and the light incident surface is configured to receive part of the light that is emitted from the middle light emitting area, and another part of the light that is emitted from the peripheral light emitting area deviates from the light incident surface. A display device is also provided.
US09664833B2 Optically anisotropic sheet for transfer
The present invention relates to an optically anisotropic sheet for transfer, comprising a substrate, and a liquid crystal cured layer laminated together, wherein the liquid crystal cured layer is to be transferred from the substrate to a receiver via an active energy ray-curable adhesive, and when the transmittance of the optically anisotropic sheet for transfer at a wavelength of 800 nm is taken as 100%, the transmittance or the optically anisotropic sheet for transfer at wavelength of 390 nm is more than 35% and less than 45%, the transmittance at a wavelength of 400 nm is more than 75% and less than 85%, and the transmittance at a wavelength of 550 nm is more than 95% and less than 100%.
US09664829B2 Color filter
A color filter including a substrate and a red filter pattern is provided. The red filter pattern is disposed on the substrate, wherein the red filter pattern includes a red dye and a fluorescence quencher.
US09664823B2 Reflective target for surveying instruments
Reflective target for surveying instruments having a plurality of planar reflective sections arranged to form a shape having a target axis. Each reflective section includes a plurality of prisms, each prism constituted by a corner cube having three surfaces oriented perpendicular to one another and forming a base for receiving incident light, and each of the prisms is oriented such that a common edge formed by two of the three surfaces of the prism is oriented such that the common edge and the target axis or a line parallel to the target axis lie in a common plane.
US09664819B2 Optical element, and antireflective structure and process for production thereof
An antireflective structure having a higher antireflective effect compared with those of conventional antireflective structures is produced by a simple process. The antireflective structure (10) includes a plurality of concavities (2a) each having a plurality of convexities (1a) thereon, and a pitch between the plurality of convexities (1a) and a pitch between the plurality of concavities (2a) are smaller than a wavelength of light incident to the antireflective structure (10).
US09664817B1 Flexible metamaterials of visible wavelengths
A contact lens or visual prosthesis that includes at least one array or distribution of optical elements on a flexible substrate, the optical elements in the array or distribution being separated by or having a periodicity of less than 1 micron and each element having a dimension of 1 micron or less.
US09664816B2 Fracture detection and characterization using resistivity images
An example method for fracture identification and characterization may include positioning a magnetic dipole transmitter and a magnetic dipole receiver within a borehole in a subterranean formation. At least one of the magnetic dipole transmitter and the magnetic dipole receiver may be tiled with respect to an axis of the borehole. The magnetic dipole transmitter may generate a time-varying electromagnetic (EM) signal. The magnetic dipole receiver may measure a response of the formation to the time-varying EM signal; the response may include at least two depths of a formation and at least two azimuthal orientations of the formation with respect to the axis of the borehole. An image of the formation may be generated based, at least in part, on the response, and at least one fracture characteristic may be determined based, at least in part, on the first image and a synthetic fracture image.
US09664814B2 Wireless sensor
Systems and methods for wirelessly detecting area changes are provided. Predetermined thresholds may be stored in memory. Each predetermined threshold is associated with a time of day, calendar day, and/or activity. The sensor may detect a change in the in the targeted area. The detected change is evaluated to determine an applicable threshold. Then it may be determined whether the detected change meets a predetermined threshold. If so, information regarding the change is wirelessly transmitted to an associated controller that controls light in the targeted area. The operation of the light may be controlled based on the wirelessly transmitted information.
US09664810B2 Method of locating the position of linear objects
A method of locating a position of a linear object, including arranging a first and a second reactor around a measuring point, the first reactor generating an induced voltage corresponding to an X-direction component of a magnetic field, the X direction perpendicular to a running direction of the object, and the second reactor generating an induced voltage corresponding to a Y-direction component of the field, the Y direction perpendicular to the X-direction and the running direction; obtaining a first reactor induced voltage and a second reactor induced voltage; setting an X-distance as a first distance from the point to the object center, and setting the Y-distance as a second distance; and estimating a direction in which the linear object is located as viewed from the point, by regarding an X-distance to Y-distance ratio as equal to a ratio of the first voltage to the second voltage multiplied by a coefficient.
US09664807B2 Seismic sensor
A seismic sensor cable system is provided. The seismic sensor cable system may include a cable, a first sensor configured to measure motion of the cable, wherein measurement of motion by the first sensor substantially excludes particle motion associated with seismic waves, and a second sensor configured to measure particle motion associated with the seismic waves.
US09664806B2 Method to improve spatial sampling of vertical motion of seismic wavefields on the water bottom by utilizing horizontal rotational motion and vertical motion sensors
A method for spatial sampling of a seismic wavefield at the bottom of a water layer at an effective spatial sampling denser than the physical layout of the sensors. The sensors comprise a sensing element for vertical particle motion and a sensing element for rotational motion around a horizontal axis. Stress and wavefield conditions allow the rotational sensing element to yield the transverse horizontal gradient of the vertical particle motion wavefield, used in ordinate and slope sampling to yield improved transverse spatial sampling of the vertical particle motion wavefield.
US09664805B2 Seismic cable handling system and method
A system and method for handling seismic cable having sensor stations thereon is provided. The seismic cable is positionable about the seismic field for measuring seismic parameters of a subsurface structure. The system includes a mobile unit, a reel and a winch assembly. The mobile unit is positionable about the seismic field, and has a platform. The reel is supportable on the platform with the seismic cable disposable about the reel. The winch assembly is carried by the mobile unit and includes a plurality of cable guides. At least one of the cable guides has a passageway with an adjustable dimension for aligning and guiding the seismic cable and the sensor stations passing therethrough.
US09664803B2 Method for calibrating a counting digital X-ray detector, X-ray system for performing such a method and method for acquiring an X-ray image
A method for calibrating a counting digital X-ray detector includes performing a threshold value scan in at least one defined X-ray spectrum for irradiating the X-ray detector, which includes a matrix composed of pixel elements, storing count rates of the pixel elements as a function of respective applied threshold values, and from results of a measurement of count rates of the pixel elements, determining or calculating individual correction threshold values for the individual pixel elements. The individual correction threshold values correct a threshold value that is to be applied to the pixel elements for the defined X-ray spectrum such that threshold value noise is reduced.
US09664796B2 Method of detecting and outputting radiation dose rate information
A method includes detecting on an ongoing basis the currently existing dose rates while a worker is performing a maintenance or other operation within the RCA, and visually outputting information that pertains to the ionizing radiation to which the worker is being exposed during the operation. The information that is visually output can include information such as the current dose rate and the overall dose to which the worker has been subjected, but can additionally include information such as the time remaining before which the worker will have been exposed to the maximum allowable dose. Furthermore, it is possible for the visual display to output visual indicia that represent a comparison the exposure to ionizing radiation that had been planned as a function of time prior to the operation being commenced with the actual exposure to ionizing radiation as the operation is performed.
US09664791B2 Person-detecting sensor and automatic water faucet
A person-detecting sensor includes: a range-finding unit that decides whether distance to a detection object falls within a predetermined detection distance range; and a specular reflection decision unit that decides whether reflected light is specularly-reflected light. The specular reflection decision unit performs a threshold determination regarding the count of pixels or the proportion of pixels exhibiting a received-light quantity of a predetermined proportion or greater with respect to the maximum received-light quantity among received-light quantities from the reflected light and decides that the reflected light is specularly-reflected light when the count of the pixels or the proportion of the pixels is a predetermined threshold or less.
US09664789B2 Navigation based on radar-cued visual imaging
A navigation system for a vehicle may include at least one image capture device configured to acquire a plurality of images of an environment of a vehicle and a radar sensor to detect an object in the environment of the vehicle and to provide and output including range information indicative of at least one of a range or range rate between the vehicle and the object. The system may also include at least one processing device programmed to: receive the plurality of images from the at least one image capture device; receive the output from the radar sensor; determine, for each of a plurality of image segments in a first image, from among the plurality of images, and corresponding image segments in a second image, from among the plurality of images, an indicator of optical flow; use range information determined based on the output of the radar sensor together with the indicators of optical flow determined for each of the plurality of image segments in the first image and the corresponding image segments in the second image to calculate for each of a plurality of imaged regions at least one value indicative of a focus of expansion; identify a target object region, including at least a subset of the plurality of imaged regions that share a substantially similar focus of expansion; and cause a system response based on the identified target object region.
US09664787B2 Lane estimation apparatus and method
Disclosed herein are a lane estimation apparatus and method. The lane estimation apparatus includes a camera unit which captures an image in front of a vehicle, a radar unit which senses a plurality of stationary objects in front of the vehicle, and a lane estimation unit which detects a lane through the image captured by the camera unit, generates an imaginary lane joining a plurality of stationary objects next to a road among the stationary objects sensed by the radar unit, determines whether the generated imaginary lane is valid based on a distance between the detected lane and the generated imaginary lane, generates, when the imaginary lane is valid according to the determined result, a final lane based on the detected lane and the imaginary lane, and recognizes the generated final lane as a driving lane of the vehicle.
US09664786B2 Method and apparatus for distance measuring equipment (DME/normal) using alternative pulse shapes
A method for measuring distance includes transmitting a first pair of RF pulses from an airborne interrogator, where the first pair of RF pulses are temporally separated from each other by a first time interval and each of the RF pulses in the first pair of RF pulses has a first pulse waveform. The method also includes receiving a second pair of RF pulses transmitted by a ground transponder. The RF pulses in the second pair of RF pulses have a second pulse waveform characterized by a filtered asymmetric Gaussian function or a smoothed trapezoidal function. The method further includes determining an elapsed time between transmitting the first pair of RF pulses and receiving the second pair of RF pulses and determining a distance between the airborne interrogator and the ground transponder based on at least the elapsed time.
US09664785B2 Method and apparatus for distance measuring equipment (DME/normal) using a smoothed concave polygonal pulse shape
A method for measuring distance includes transmitting a first pair of RF pulses from an airborne interrogator, where the first pair of RF pulses are temporally separated from each other by a first time interval and each of the RF pulses in the first pair of RF pulses has a first pulse waveform. The method also includes receiving a second pair of RF pulses transmitted by a ground transponder. The RF pulses in the second pair of RF pulses have a second pulse waveform characterized by a smoothed concave polygonal function and/or a smoothed concave hexagonal function. The method further includes determining an elapsed time between transmitting the first pair of RF pulses and receiving the second pair of RF pulses and determining a distance between the airborne interrogator and the ground transponder based on at least the elapsed time.
US09664781B2 Time-gated image reconstruction using phase conjugation
A method and system are described for illuminating a target with a laser source with a wide-area illuminating beam. A conjugator can receive a reflected, imprinted wavefront from the target that is imprinted with effects from beam distortions and obstructions between the laser source and the target. The conjugator can then generate a hologram. A directed laser beam can then be generated to the target by reading the generated hologram with a second reference beam creating a time-reversed wavefront that can be generated with high gain. The time-reversed wavefront can retrace the path that originated from the laser source to the target, and can reverse the effects of beam distortions and obstructions. Finally, an enhanced return can be received from the target with a receiver, and a time-gating switch can be utilized that selectively selects a particular range of return wavefronts that include wavefronts that reached the target.
US09664780B2 Distance sensor and distance image sensor
A distance sensor includes: a light receiving area including a first longer side and a second longer side; a photo gate electrode arranged on the light receiving area; a plurality of signal charge collection regions along the first longer side; a plurality of signal charge collection regions along the second longer side; a plurality of transfer electrodes along the first longer side provided with charge transfer signals having mutually-differing phases; a plurality of transfer electrodes along the second longer side provided with the charge transfer signals having mutually-differing phases; and a potential adjusting means positioned between the first and second longer sides and raises potential of an area extending in a direction in which the first and second longer sides extend to be higher than potential of side areas of the first and second longer sides.
US09664779B2 Object classification for vehicle radar systems
Methods and systems are provided for object classification for a radar system of a vehicle. The radar system includes a transmitter that transmits radar signals and a receiver that receives return radar signals after the transmitted radar signals are deflected from an object proximate the vehicle. A processor is coupled the receiver, and is configured to: obtain spectrogram data from a plurality of spectrograms pertaining to the object based on the received radar signals; aggregate the spectrogram data from each of the plurality of spectrograms into a computer vision model; and classify the object based on the aggregation of the spectrogram data from each of the plurality of spectrograms into the computer vision model.
US09664777B2 Radar device
Under control of a first transmission code controlling section, a first radar transmitting section periodically transmits a first radar transmission signal with a first transmission period based on a first transmission trigger signal produced after elapse of a first delay time period from reception of a predetermined synchronization establishment signal by a first transmission trigger signal producing section. Under control of a second transmission code controlling section, a second radar transmitting section periodically transmits a second radar transmission signal with a second transmission period similarly. In accordance with the first delay time period and the second delay time period, arrival times of interference signals from the first radar transmitting section and the second radar transmitting section are within transmission zones of the second radar transmission signal and the first radar transmission signal.
US09664771B2 Electromagnetic vector sensors (EMVS) apparatus method and system
An electromagnetic vector sensor (EMVS) system, having a plurality of EMVS devices consisting of a plurality of loop antenna elements spatiatally orthogonally integrated with and electrically isolated from a plurality of dipole antenna elements, mounted on a rotatably adjustable platform having a true north orientation, including active circuitry residing in antenna housings, and external executing software programs causing the active circuitry in cooperation with the EMVS device and receivers to determine angle of arrival and resolution of incoming wave vectors and polarization of incoming signals and to perform accurate high frequency geolocation signal processing; the programs which perform calibration and antenna element placement determination operations, also cause the system to collect data of known transmitted high frequency skywave signals, and estimate direction of arrival of unknown signals by detecting, resolving and measuring components of an electric field and a magnetic field at a single point.
US09664770B2 Method and system for simultaneous receiver calibration and object localisation for multilateration
An apparatus for multilateration of a plurality of P objects, each having a transmitter device, and each transmitter device transmitting a signal, the apparatus including N sensors, a processing unit, each sensor receiving the transmitted signals and determining receive times of each signal. The processing unit performing steps: A. combining receive times for signals into a chronologically ordered series of message sets, wherein each message sets comprises the receive times of one of the transmitted signals, B. collecting all valid message sets that occur within a predetermined time interval, wherein k denotes a time step, and wherein each valid message set contains receive times from at least N sensors, C. estimating a time offset vector Ok comprising time offsets Oki of the receive times of the N sensors at step k and i=1 to N by processing message sets, and D. outputting a position of the objects.
US09664766B2 Recording of calibration data for a magnetic resonance system
A local coil with a plurality of magnetic resonance antenna elements and a plurality of test signal coupling units assigned individually or in groups to the plurality of magnetic resonance antenna elements is provided. In order to transmit a test signal, each test signal coupling unit of the plurality of test signal coupling units is connected via a star connection unit to a joint test signal connector and/or to a transmission cable of a transmit and/or receive chain of an assigned magnetic resonance antenna element of the plurality of magnetic resonance antenna elements.
US09664762B2 System and method for reduced field of view magnetic resonance imaging
A method for reduced field of view magnetic resonance (MR) imaging includes applying a pulse sequence using a plurality of gradient coils and at least one RF coil of a magnetic resonance imaging system. The pulse sequence includes a two dimensional (2D) echo-planar RF excitation pulse with a plurality of side lobes along a slice select axis and a multiband RF refocusing pulse. MR data is acquired in response to the application of the pulse sequence and at least one MR image is reconstructed based on the MR data. The at least one MR image may then be displayed.
US09664759B2 Method for assessing structural spatial frequencies using hybrid sampling with non-zero gradient for enhancement of selective sampling
The disclosed embodiments provide a method for acquiring MR data at resolutions down to tens of microns for application in in-vivo diagnosis and monitoring of pathology for which changes in fine tissue textures can be used as markers of disease onset and progression. Bone diseases, tumors, neurologic diseases, and diseases involving fibrotic growth and/or destruction are all target pathologies. Further the technique can be used in any biologic or physical system for which very high-resolution characterization of fine scale morphology is needed. The method provides rapid acquisition of selected values in k-space, with multiple successive acquisitions of individual k-values taken on a time scale on the order of microseconds, within a defined tissue volume, and subsequent combination of the multiple measurements in such a way as to maximize SNR. The reduced acquisition volume, and acquisition of only select values in k-space along selected directions, enables much higher in-vivo resolution than is obtainable with current MRI techniques.
US09664758B2 Method and magnetic resonance system to generate multiple magnetic resonance images
In a method and magnetic resonance system to determine multiple magnetic resonance images for respective different echo points in time, k-space is scanned on a segment-by-segment basis with at least two rectangular k-space segments, these being scanned line by line with respective k-space lines oriented parallel to one another. A short side of the rectangular k-space segments is oriented parallel to the k-space lines. First and second gradient echoes are respectively produced by a radio-frequency pulse radiated for each k-space line.
US09664753B2 Hall-effect-based magnetic field sensor having an improved output bandwidth
A magnetic field sensor formed by a Hall cell having a first, second, third and fourth conduction nodes electrically coupled together by resistive paths. Flowing between the first and second conduction nodes is a control current. In the presence of a magnetic field, a difference of potential due to the Hall effect is generated between the third and fourth conduction nodes. An operational amplifier has an inverting input terminal coupled to the fourth conduction node, a non-inverting input terminal biased at the voltage at the third conduction node, and an output terminal coupled in feedback mode to the inverting input by a feedback resistor. The current generated in feedback through the feedback resistor generates a voltage indicating unbalancing, due to the Hall effect, between the third and fourth conductive nodes, and consequently indicates the intensity of the magnetic field that acts upon the Hall cell.
US09664745B1 Computer implemented system and method and computer program product for using battery information to automatically charge a battery
A computer implemented system and method and a computer program product for automatically determining a battery charging profile. Historical battery information about a battery from a battery data recorder associated with the battery and battery charging information about the battery from a battery charger associated with the battery may be used to select one of a plurality of battery charging profiles or to create a battery charging profile. Information about the selected or created battery charging profile may be outputted or transmitted to a battery charger via an application programming interface. Battery application information and battery environment information also may be used to select or create a battery charging profile for charging a battery.
US09664744B2 Cell module
A cell module includes a unit cell, a sensor, a calculation device, a storage device, an assessment device and a controller. The sensor is connected to the unit cell. The calculation device is for calculating a value indicating the state of the unit cell on the basis of a value measured by the sensor. The storage device is for recording calculated values calculated by the calculation device. The assessment device is for assessing illegitimate usage of the cell module. The controller is for controlling the calculation device, the storage device, and the assessment device, the control device deleting calculated values recorded in the storage device and prohibiting recording of calculated values to the storage device when the assessment device assesses that illegitimate usage has occurred.
US09664738B2 Method and apparatus for improving efficiency of testing integrated circuits
A circuit, such as an integrated circuit or a die, has a first input pad configured to receive a multiplexed signal including scan data and a clock signal, a scan chain having a scan data input and a clock input and circuitry coupled between said first input pad and said scan chain. The circuitry is configured to extract the scan data and the clock signal from the received multiplexed signal, provide the extracted scan data to the scan data input of the scan chain, and provide the extracted clock signal to the clock input of the scan chain.
US09664733B2 Probe device for testing electrical characteristics of semiconductor element
A probe device of the present invention measures a position of every chip in a wafer to be inspected to acquire the position as actual measurement data. Then, the probe device calculates a variation amount of an actual measurement position of each chip or a variation amount of a position at which a probe is brought into contact with the each chip of the wafer on the basis of the actual measurement data, and allows a monitor to display a range-of-variation display image that visually displays the variation amount. In the image, a quadrangular area corresponding to the each chip is displayed, and a dot is displayed in each the quadrangular area at a position shifted from a center position thereof in accordance with the variation amount.
US09664730B2 System for measuring soft starter current and method of making same
A system for measuring soft starter current includes a current monitoring system having a controller and a current transfer device that includes a first solid state switching device. A first current sensor is coupled to the first solid state switching device and the controller to sense off-state current of the first solid state switching device. The controller is configured to determine an operational status of the first solid state switching device.
US09664728B2 Detection of defective electrical connections
An embodiment relates to an integrated circuit comprising at least two electrical connections and at least one coil arranged adjacent to at least one of the electrical connection, wherein the at least one coil each comprises at least one winding and wherein the at least one coil is arranged on or in the integrated circuit.
US09664727B2 Electric current application method and electric current applying device
An electric current application method for applying electric current to a power semiconductor 100 having a first signal pin contact region 102 that conducts a first electric current, and a contacting body contact region 101 that electrically connects with the first signal pin contact region 102 and conducts a second electric current, includes a Step S1 of contacting a first signal pin 32 of a probe device 1 to the first signal pin contact region 102 so as to eliminate residual electricity remaining in the first signal pin contact region 102 and contacting body contact region 101; and Steps S3 and S4 of contacting a contacting part 21 of the contacting body 2 of the probe device 1 to the contacting body contact region 101, and conducting the first electric current and second electric current, after Step S1.
US09664724B2 Device and method for monitoring and switching a load circuit
In a device for monitoring and switching a load circuit, having an input part and an output part, having switching inputs to connect a controller to the input part, having switching outputs to connect at least one load circuit with at least one load to be switched to the output part, having at least one load switch to switch, in particular to switch on and off, the at least one load, having a first fault detection circuit, connected in parallel with the load circuit, to detect faults in the load circuit, and having a second fault detection circuit, connected in series with the load circuit, to detect faults in the load circuit, the input part has an input circuit which converts switching commands of the controller incoming via the switching inputs into switching processes of the load switches. The first and the second fault detection circuit respectively generate intermediate fault signals which are logically linked in a logic circuit to form an overall fault signal. The overall fault signal is transmitted from the output part to the input part and made available via the switching inputs for evaluation.
US09664723B2 Systems and methods for arc detection
An arc fault detection system includes a first current sensor, a second current sensor, a band-pass filter, and a comparator module. The first current sensor, the second current sensor, and the comparator module are each connected to the comparator module by direct leads for biasing a current differential between the first current sensor and the second current sensor using a bias calculated from a frequency component indicative of arc events received from the frequency selector.
US09664722B2 System for performing electrical tests to electrical wiring harnesses
A system to perform tests quickly and accurately to wiring harnesses. The system comprises a workstation equipped with an electrical test machine with test terminals disposed on the end of extendable hoses, a connection interface between harness connectors and terminals tests, a working board to perform on it the tests to a wiring harness, one or more projection devices arranged to project images onto the working board and a computer system to supply such projection devices with images to assist the operators performing the tests. The connection interface is formed by adapter modules connectable by one side to the wiring harness connectors and by the other to the test terminals. Test terminals and adapter modules comprise electronic circuits and external identification labels holding identification information.
US09664721B1 Solid-state electric-field sensor
An electric-field sensor is provided that includes a voltage-controlled capacitor and generator circuitry. The voltage-controlled capacitor is influenceable by an electric field created by a target located a distance from the solid-state electric-field sensor. The generator circuitry is configured to generate a modulated voltage for driving the voltage-controlled capacitor to produce a modulated capacitance as the voltage-controlled capacitor is influenced by the electric field to enable measurement of the electric field. In this regard, the voltage-controlled capacitor and generator circuitry are configured such that, in operation, an electric field of the target causes a change in the modulated capacitance and a current flow through the voltage-controlled capacitor. An electric potential of the target, then, is measurable as a function of the change in magnitude of the current flow through the voltage-controlled capacitor.
US09664720B2 Device for the contactless determination of an electrical potential of an object, current probe, and method
A device for the contactless determination of an electrical potential of an object, has an electrode and a potential controller which is electrically connected to the electrode. The potential controller changes a reference potential applied to the electrode to a final value in such a way that an electric field between the object and the electrode disappears at the final value if the electrode is located at a distance from the object. The electrical potential is determined from the final value.
US09664719B2 Capacitance detection circuit
A capacitance detection circuit has at least a carrier signal generating circuit that supplies a carrier signal to one of a movable or a fixed electrode of a sensor, an operational amplifier with one of the movable or fixed electrode as an input and ground as another input, and a printed circuit board on which the physical quantity sensor, the carrier signal generating circuit, and the operational amplifier are mounted. An insulation-secured area on the printed circuit board is configured as a moisture absorption reduction area, including at least an electrode connection part of the physical quantity sensor, an input-side connection part of the operational amplifier, and a connection part connected to the input side of the operational amplifier out of connection parts of input-side circuit components connected between the electrode connection part and the input-side connection part.
US09664716B1 Automatic insulation resistance testers
The present invention relates to improvements to automatic permanently installed insulation resistance test equipment. More particularly, the present invention relates to improvements to insulation test equipment for testing low voltage, medium voltage, and high voltage electrical equipment on the order of the rated voltage level while limiting the maximum output current to a safe level. The preferred test output voltage of the insulation test equipment would have a maximum test output of 5000 VDC, due to design considerations, but the AIRT test output could be made to be higher, up to a maximum of 15,000 VDC. After installation of the insulation test equipment in the control cabinet of the electrical equipment there will be no requirement to open the control cabinet to operate the insulation test equipment. The improvements will also allow personnel to perform an insulation test on electrical equipment without having to manually isolate the electrical equipment from the power source to perform the testing.
US09664711B2 Current sensing devices and methods
A low-cost and high-precision current sensing device and methods for use and manufacturing. In one embodiment, the current sensing apparatus comprises a Rogowski-type coil which is manufactured in segments so as to facilitate the manufacturing process. In an exemplary embodiment, the current sensing apparatus segments comprise a number of bobbin elements that are wound and subsequently formed into complex geometric shapes such as torus-like shapes. In an alternative embodiment, bonded windings are utilized which allow the segments to be formed without a bobbin or former. In yet another alternative embodiment, the aforementioned current sensing devices are stacked in groups of two or more. Methods of manufacturing and using the aforementioned current sensing apparatus are also disclosed.
US09664704B2 Drive and compensation circuit for capacitive MEMs structures
A circuit for activating a capacitive MEMS structure is provided, with the capacitive MEMS structure having an oscillator element and an electrostatic excitation unit with a first input connection and a second input connection. The circuit includes a high voltage generator, a first pump capacitor, a second pump capacitor, a control unit, and a low voltage operation amplifier. The high voltage generator generates a high voltage and connects to the first input connection and the second input connection. The first pump capacitor is connected to the high voltage generator and includes a first connection connected to the first input connection. The second pump capacitor connects to the high voltage generator and includes a first connection connected to the second input connection. The control unit connects to a second connection of the first pump capacitor and a second connection of the second pump capacitor. The low voltage operation amplifier connects to the control unit.
US09664701B2 System for handling slides having two coverslipper modules
The present invention relates to a system (10) for handling slides, including a first and at least a second module-receiving area (24 through 28) for receiving at least one module (30, 34) for handling slides each. The first module-receiving area (24) accommodates a coverslipper module (30, 32) for coverslipping thin sections on slides with a mounting medium and a cover slip (48).
US09664697B2 Green-to-red photo-convertible fluorescent calcium indicator
Provided are methods of selectively labeling cells by introduction of circularly permutated GCaMP molecules which exhibit photoconversion from green to red fluorescence when exposed to blue light. The intensity red fluorescence can also be used as a calcium indicator.
US09664695B2 Method for diagnosing or monitoring kidney function or diagnosing kidney dysfunction
A method for (a) diagnosing or monitoring kidney function in subject or (b) diagnosing kidney dysfunction in a subject or (c) predicting or monitoring the risk of an adverse events in a diseased subject or (d) predicting or monitoring the success of a therapy or intervention comprising determining the level of Pro-Enkephalin (PENK) or fragments thereof of at least 5 amino acids in a bodily fluid obtained from said subject; and correlating said level of Pro-Enkephalin or fragments thereof with (a) kidney function in a subject or (b) kidney dysfunction in said subject or (c) enhanced risk of adverse events or (d) success of a therapy or intervention in a diseased subject.
US09664694B2 Neural proteins as biomarkers for nervous system injury and other neural disorders
The present invention identities biomarkers that are diagnostic of nerve cell injury and/or neuronal disorders. Detection of different biomarkers of the invention are also diagnostic of the degree of severity of nerve injury, the cell(s) involved in the injury, and the subcellular localization of the injury.
US09664688B2 Method of identifying risk for thyroid disorder
A method for identifying a patient that is at risk for developing a thyroid disorder that occurs subsequent to treatment with a regimen that depletes lymphocytes, comprising determining whether antibodies directed against thyroid peroxidase or thyroid microsomes are present in the patient, wherein if the antibodies are present in the patient then the patient is at increased risk for developing a thyroid disorder. A particular embodiment is a method for identifying a patient with multiple sclerosis that is at risk for developing a thyroid disorder that occurs subsequent to treatment with a regimen that depletes CD52-positive cells, comprising determining whether antibodies directed against thyroid peroxidase or thyroid microsomes are present in the patient, wherein if the antibodies are present in the patient then the patient is at risk for developing the thyroid disorder.
US09664687B2 Diagnostic autoantibody profiles for the detection and diagnosis of neurodegenerative diseases
The present invention provides methods, compositions, and kits for the detection of neurodegenerative disease specific autoantibodies for the diagnosis of neurodegenerative diseases and risk for developing neurodegenerative diseases, and for the generation of patient-specific neurodegenerative disease diagnostic autoantibody profiles.
US09664684B2 Methods of treating cancer using chemovirotherapy
Described is a diagnostic method for predicting the response of a patient to chemovirotherapy or radiovirotherapy, comprising exposing primary tumor cells from a patient, e.g., tumor cells obtained from a brain tumor or pancreatic cancer, to (i) a parvovirus and/or (ii) a chemotherapeutic agent or radiotherapy, and determining the reduction of the expression or concentration of ISG15.
US09664683B2 Profiling of signal pathway proteins to determine therapeutic efficacy
The present invention provides methods for detecting, measuring and quantitating the activation states of components of the PI3K signaling pathway in cells such as tumor cells. In particular embodiments, the present invention enable the determination of tumor adaptation to anticancer therapy. Accordingly, the present invention provides methods for improved cancer therapy selection/adjustment and disease monitoring.
US09664682B2 Assay to measure midkine or pleiotrophin level for diagnosing a growth
The invention provides methods and kits for diagnosing a growth in a subject by providing a sample of a growth taken from a subject, determining the level of midkine or pleiotrophin in the sample by an immunoassay, and comparing the level of midkine or pleiotrophin determined from the sample with a control. An increased level of midkine or pleiotrophin in the sample as compared to the control is diagnostic of a malignant growth, whereas an equivalent or decreased level of midkine or pleiotrophin in the sample as compared to the control is diagnostic of a benign growth. Growth refers to, for example, papillary thyroid cancer (PTC).
US09664677B2 Polymer-nanostructure composition for selective molecular recognition
A composition can include a complex, where the complex includes a photoluminescent nanostructure and a polymer free from selective binding to an analyte, the polymer adsorbed on the photoluminescent nanostructure, and a selective binding site associated with the complex.
US09664660B2 Air sensor with air flow control
A system and method for providing and/or controlling air flow to an air sensor. As a non-limiting example, an air sensor system may include mechanical and/or electromechanical features (e.g., MEMS features) to control air flow to an air sensor. Various aspects of the disclosure may, for example, be implemented in a personal electronic device.
US09664657B2 Pulsed admission of analyte to detection apparatus
A detecting method using an IMS apparatus with a preconcentrator outside its inlet aperture. Analyte vapor is adsorbed during a first phase when substantially no gas is admitted to the reaction region. The preconcentrator is then energized to desorb the analyte molecules and create a volume of desorbed molecules outside the IMS housing. Next, a pressure pulser is energized momentarily to drop pressure in the housing and draw in a small sip of the analyte molecules from the desorbed volume through the aperture. This is repeated until the concentration of analyte molecules in the desorbed volume is too low for accurate analysis, following which the apparatus enters another adsorption phase.
US09664652B2 Non-destructive ultrasonic inspection apparatus, systems, and methods
As described herein, a system for inspecting a component includes an ultrasonic inspection probe with a component surface interface, and a robotic device with an end effector coupled to the ultrasonic inspection probe. The robotic device is automatably controllable to move the ultrasonic inspection probe across a surface of the component. Additionally, the system includes an angle sensor subsystem coupled between the ultrasonic inspection probe and the end effector. The angle sensor subsystem is configured to operably detect an actual orientation of the end effector relative to a presently inspected portion of the surface of the component. The system includes a controller configured to receive orientation data from the angle sensor subsystem, the orientation data comprising the actual orientation of the end effector, compare the actual orientation to a desired orientation, and control the robotic device to adjust an orientation of the end effector to be in the desired orientation.
US09664649B2 Structural health monitoring system employing electromechanical impedance technology
A method to acquire the structural health state of an aircraft mechanical component performs measurements at each frequency point of interest by using a network of transducers and working each one simultaneously as actuator and sensor. Each transducer is individually excited by a sinusoidal, constant frequency and arbitrary amplitude, voltage waveform for each arbitrary frequency point used to interrogate the structure. A dedicated hardware executes an analogical (analog) quantization to measure electrical current and average electrical power consumed by each transducer. With these two variables, the electromechanical signature of the structure is obtained at different areas of the monitored structure.
US09664646B2 Polyacrylamide electrophoresis gels with protection against oxygen exposure
The detrimental effect of oxygen exposure on the formation of polyacrylamide electrophoresis gels in oxygen-permeable plastic cassettes is reduced or eliminated either by the use of an oxygen barrier material over the surfaces of the plastic walls of the cassette through which oxygen would otherwise pass into the cassette cavity, or by the incorporation of an oxygen scavenger in the plastic from which the cassette walls are made, or both.
US09664645B2 Method of detecting and quantifying perchlorate contamination
A method of detecting and quantifying perchlorate contamination in samples, especially samples with complex background matrices such as food and produce with trace levels of perchlorate. A simple microwave assisted-electromembrane extraction provides simultaneous reduced extraction time, sample clean-up, high recovery and enrichment of perchlorate ions for detection and quantification by ion chromatography. Three parallel EME experiments connected to a single DC power supply improves the precision of the analyses. It also couples well with the multiple microwave digested samples and this reduces the sample preparation time and is hence suitable for routine environmental applications.
US09664640B2 Gas sensor control apparatus
An O2 sensor has a sensor element, which includes a solid electrolyte layer and a pair of electrodes. The solid electrolyte layer is held between the electrodes, which includes an atmosphere side electrode and an exhaust side electrode. A constant current circuit is installed in an electric path, which connects between the atmosphere side electrode and a ground, to induce a flow of a predetermined constant electric current between the electrodes through the solid electrolyte layer. When the sensor element generates an electromotive force, the constant current circuit conducts an electric current, which is generated while using the electromotive force of the sensor element as an electric power source, to induce the flow of the predetermined constant electric current between the electrodes in an electromotive force range, which is equal to or larger than an electromotive force of the sensor element generated at a stoichiometric air-to-fuel ratio.
US09664639B2 Method for measuring temperature of biological sample, measuring device, and biosensor system
The concentration measurement method includes: introducing a predetermined amount of the biological sample into the capillary; measuring a temperature of the biological sample by applying a first voltage to the electrode unit when the temperature of the biological sample is measured, the first voltage allowing the temperature measurement to be less affected by increase and reduction in an amount of the analyte contained in the biological sample; measuring the concentration of the analyte contained in the biological sample by applying a second voltage to the electrode unit; measuring an environmental temperature in a surrounding of the biological sample; and correcting the concentration of the measured analyte based on the measured temperature of the biological sample and the measured environmental temperature.
US09664634B2 Nanostructured sensor architecture and method for enhanced chemical detection
Apparatus for detecting and identifying a chemical species in an environment, the apparatus comprising: a plurality of carbon nanotubes arranged to form a network, the network comprising a plurality of inter-carbon nanotube junctions; a plurality of electrical contacts, each of the plurality of electrical contacts being connected to the network such that the anisotropic electrical characteristics of the network can be measured dynamically while the network is exposed to the environment; wherein the network possesses electrical anisotrophy such that the ratio of the number of inter-carbon nanotube junctions which must be traversed by current per length of the plurality of carbon nanotubes differs for different directions within the network along the path from one of the plurality of electrical contacts to another of the plurality of electrical contacts, and further wherein the electrical anisotrophy of the network changes when a chemical species is present in the environment.
US09664633B2 Resistive hydrogen sensor
A resistive hydrogen sensor has at least two electrical connections and at least one resistance layer containing at least one suitable material for incorporating hydrogen, via which the electrical connections are connected to each other. The resistance layer adjoins at least one interface on a contact layer, which contains at least one chemical element from the fourth subgroup of the periodic table and/or carbon. The contact layer connected in series between the electrical connections to the resistance layer.
US09664632B2 Cell-impedance sensors
Systems, apparatus and methods for designing and operating a cell-electrode impedance sensor to detect chemical and biological samples, including biological cells. In one implementation, a method of designing a cell-electrode impedance sensor includes determining a cell free cell-electrode impedance and a cell covered cell-electrode impedance based on a design model for the cell-electrode impedance sensor, wherein the design model is based on one or more factors, the factors including properties and elements of a cell-electrode impedance measurement system, using the cell free cell-electrode impedance and the cell covered cell-electrode impedance to obtain a sensor sensitivity of the cell-electrode impedance measurement system, and choosing one or more design parameters of the cell-electrode impedance sensor in the cell-electrode impedance measurement system to maximize the sensor sensitivity.
US09664629B2 Industrial machine and method for measuring amount of expansion/contraction of industrial machine
An industrial machine includes a moving mechanism moving one of a probe and a tool relative to a work piece, using three displacement axes parallel to each of three orthogonal axis directions; a low thermal expansion member formed with a material having a smaller thermal expansion coefficient than a material forming a structural element of the moving mechanism; and an expansion/contraction measurer measuring, using the low thermal expansion member as a reference, an amount of expansion/contraction of the structural element in one of the three orthogonal axis directions, the expansion/contraction occurring due to a change in temperature.
US09664624B2 Device for testing application state of fiber reinforced plastic tape
A device for testing an application state of a plurality of strips of fiber reinforced plastic tape affixed in rows on a surface of a structure, the device includes an illumination component emits observation-use illuminating light beams toward a test region of the fiber reinforced plastic tape, an observation component observes reflected light from the test region, and a testing component tests the application state of the fiber reinforced plastic tape based on an image observed by the observation component. The illumination component includes a plurality of irradiation units that light simultaneously and are disposed such that a pair of the observation-use illuminating light beams are emitted from directions that are mutually symmetrical with respect to a normal line of the test region, and an illumination direction change component that changes the directions of the pair of observation-use illuminating light beams emitted from the illumination component about the normal line.
US09664622B2 Spark sensing device with optical element
The invention relates to the detection of sparks in a channel where material flows. A spark sensing device is positioned in connection with channel where material flows in a flowing direction. The spark sensing device comprises a sensor element and an optical element that transfers a radiation of a spark to the sensor element. The optical element is made of optically transparent material. The optical element is such that it shapes the collection beam of the sensor element to be asymmetrical whereby the viewing angle of the sensor element is wider in a direction transverse to the flowing direction than in the flowing direction.
US09664621B2 Polarization selective surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy
Polarization selective surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) includes a plurality of nanofingers arranged as a SERS multimer to exhibit a polarization-dependent plasmonic mode and one or both of a stimulus source and a Raman detector. The stimulus source is to illuminate the SERS multimer with a stimulus signal and the Raman detector is to detect a Raman scattering signal emitted by an analyte in a vicinity of the SERS multimer. One or both of the Raman scattering signal has a polarization state dictated by or associated with the polarization-dependent plasmonic mode and the stimulus signal has a polarization state corresponding to the polarization-dependent plasmonic mode.
US09664616B2 Methods and systems for non-destructive testing via hybrid spectral sensors
Provided are methods and systems for non-destructive testing of parts while these parts are being fabricated and/or operated. A part has hybrid spectral sensors embedded within and bonded to one or more other components of the part. A hybrid spectral sensor may include two different structures. A first structure of the sensor provides a first spectral response when exposed to an excitation radiation. A second structure forms a Faraday cage around the first structure and blocks the excitation radiation to the first structure and/or blocks the first spectral response emitted by the first structure if the first structures gets exposed to the excitation radiation. The second structure may be bonded to one or more components of the part, such as a matrix resin, and may change its coverage of the first structure during fabrication and/or operation of the part thereby altering its blocking characteristics.
US09664615B2 Imaging system and related techniques
A method and apparatus for imaging using a double-clad fiber is described.
US09664613B2 Assay plates, reader systems and methods for luminescence test measurements
Luminescence test measurements are conducted using an assay module having integrated electrodes with a reader apparatus adapted to receive assay modules, induce luminescence, preferably electrode induced luminescence, in the wells or assay regions of the assay modules and measure the induced luminescence.
US09664612B2 Method and apparatus for generating three-dimensional image information
A method and apparatus for generating three-dimensional image information is disclosed. The apparatus includes a lens having a single imaging path operable to direct light captured within a field of view of the lens to an aperture plane of the lens. The apparatus also includes a polarizer located proximate the aperture plane, the polarizer including a first portion disposed to transmit light having a first polarization state through a first portion of the single imaging path and a second portion disposed to transmit light having a second polarization state through a second portion of the single imaging path, the first and second portions of the single imaging path providing respective first and second perspective viewpoints within the field of view of the lens. The apparatus further includes a modulator disposed in the single imaging path, the modulator being operable to selectively change a polarization state of light passing through the modulator to alternate between forming a first image through the first portion of the single imaging path and forming a second image through the second portion of the single imaging path, the first image representing objects within the field of view from the first perspective viewpoint and the second image representing the objects from the second perspective viewpoint, the first and second images together being operable to represent three dimensional spatial attributes of the objects.
US09664603B2 Method and apparatus for determining the edge strength of plate-shaped elements made of brittle-fracture material
An improved measurement method and a corresponding measurement device are provided that measure the edge strength of plate-shaped elements made of brittle-fracture material. For this purpose, a long sample is drawn apart at the short edges, wherein the force transmission points lie next to the center of gravity of the base surface of the sample.
US09664602B2 Filtering device
A single use filtering device comprises a filter body formed at least in part of a filter medium configured to hold a sample during filtration and a fastening element configured for releasably mounting the filtering device to a holder. The fastening element being adapted to undergo an irreversible structural alteration during the mounting or removal of the filtering device from the holder to prevent remounting of the filtering device to the holder.
US09664601B1 Pre-treatment method for determination of volatile thio-ether compounds in offensive odorous sediment
Method for determining volatile thio-ether compounds in offensive odorous sediment including: pre-treating a sediment sample, extracting volatile thio-ether compounds, separating and purifying the extraction supernatant in a solid phase extraction column, eluting with ethyl acetate, and finally collecting the eluent, which is then concentrated and used for determination by gas chromatography.
US09664599B2 Laser microdissection method and laser microdissection device
Methods and apparatuses for laser microdissection are provided. For example, by a user at least one first system parameter is adjusted, for example varied, and at least one second system parameter of the laser microdissection system is adjusted automatically by the laser microdissection system such that a cut line has a desired cut line parameter.
US09664594B2 Ambient humidity detection transmission shifts
Various method for operating an engine responsive to transmission shifts under non-fueling conditions are provided. In one example, a method of operating an internal combustion engine comprises deactivating at least one engine cylinder, performing a diagnostic while the at least one engine cylinder is deactivated and while the engine is operating under high load, predicting a transmission shift, and responsive to the predicted transmission shift, reducing engine load below the high load and terminating the diagnostic.
US09664591B2 Eyeglass lens evaluation method, eyeglass lens design method, eyeglass lens manufacturing method, eyeglass lens manufacturing system, and eyeglass lens
With respect to the evaluation of custom-made eyeglass lenses using a binocular visual acuity function, a measurement value including essentially at least one of or both of a positive relative convergence or a negative relative convergence of the positive relative convergence, the negative relative convergence, a positive relative accommodation, a negative relative accommodation and a vertical fusional vergence is provided as a factor.
US09664590B2 Process and device for the tightness check of a container
A container has a tube-like or tubular shell, which is sealed against the surrounding atmosphere and has a weld seam at at least one end. For checking the tightness of the container the internal pressure in an interior space of the container is increased by means of external action and the thereby ensuing deformation of the weld seam is detected. Provisions are made in this connection for the weld seam to be clamped between clamping elements before increasing the internal pressure only in a partial area of its surface, which has a distance from the end of the weld seam facing the interior space.
US09664589B2 Fluid flow detection and analysis device and system
A fluid monitoring system has a plurality of sensors, the sensors being acoustically coupled to a pipe system containing interconnected fluid-transporting pipes. The sensors collect sensor data that is analyzed by an analysis system to provide leak identification on the pipe system. Each sensor in the plurality of sensors is configured to be programmed adaptively by the analysis system to improve system performance parameters. A method for analyzing fluid flow is also described in which data from a plurality of acoustic sensing devices is analyzed using learning algorithms.
US09664588B2 Gripper for test and isolation plugs
A gripper for a test or isolation plug is provided. The gripper includes at least one gripper segment having a pipe or tube confronting surface with a plurality of separate rows of gripper teeth longitudinally-spaced apart on the surface. Each of the separate rows of gripper teeth comprising an alternating array of individual tips and gaps such that each row is serrated along its length.
US09664587B2 Method and device for balancing CT gantry
A method and a device for balancing a CT gantry device are provided. The method includes: obtaining a fluctuation chain of pulses generated in one revolution of the CT gantry and obtained when the CT gantry collects data; obtaining an eccentric angle of a center of mass according to the fluctuation chain, and calculating a magnitude of imbalance; and adjusting weight at a weight counterbalancing position according to the eccentric angle and the magnitude of imbalance, to locate the center of mass at the rotation center. The device includes a data collection unit for collecting a fluctuation chain, and a processor for obtaining an eccentric angle of a center of mass, and calculating a magnitude of imbalance; and the processor adjusts weight at the weight counterbalancing position according to the eccentric angle and the magnitude of imbalance, to locate the center of mass at the rotation center.
US09664582B2 Device and method for calibrating and balancing a measuring device of a tablet press
Device for calibrating and balancing a measuring device of a tablet press, in particular a rotary tablet press, comprising at least one reference measuring device and at least one control device, wherein interfaces of the control device are connected with interfaces of the measuring device and the reference measuring device, wherein the control device is designed to generate a plurality of reference measurement results and to record the associated measurement values of the measuring device and the reference measuring device, wherein the control device further comprises a comparing device, with which the recorded measurement values of the measuring device and the reference measuring device can be compared with each other, and wherein the control device is designed to balance the measuring device if an impermissible deviation is present between the compared measurement values. The invention also relates to a corresponding method.
US09664576B2 Load detector and electronic unit using the same
A load detector and an electronic unit using load detectors include a load sensor having a projective pressure receiving part, a case in which the load sensor is placed with the pressure receiving part facing toward the upper surface of the case, and an elastic body placed on the same side as the upper surface of the load sensor, the elastic body configured to receive a load and press the load sensor in its height direction.
US09664573B2 Thermal imaging sensors
A sensor device comprises an array of spaced apart sensor elements disposed in a pattern on a substrate. Each sensor element is connected electrically so that a physical variable measured by each sensor element independently can be recorded and/or displayed by an external instrument. The sensing device may be a temperature sensing device, in which case the sensor elements are temperature sensing elements such as negative temperature coefficient (NTC) thermistors. Alternatively the sensing device may be a strain or pressure sensing device, or an optical imaging device, in which case the sensor elements include piezoresistors or photoresistors. The sensor elements may be connected in a common source or write all-read one configuration, in a common output or write one-read all configuration, or in an array comprising X rows and Y columns, in a write X-read Y configuration.
US09664572B2 Thin films having large temperature coefficient of resistance and methods of fabricating same
An apparatus comprises a head transducer and a resistive temperature sensor provided on the head transducer. The resistive temperature sensor comprises a first layer comprising a conductive material and having a temperature coefficient of resistance (TCR) and a second layer comprising at least one of a specular layer and a seed layer. A method is disclosed to fabricate such sensor with a laminated thin film structure to achieve a large TCR. The thicknesses of various layers in the laminated thin film are in the range of few to a few tens of nanometers. The combinations of the deliberately optimized multilayer thin film structures and the fabrication of such films at the elevated temperatures are disclosed to obtain the large TCR.
US09664571B2 Digital temperature sensor with integrated timer and burst mode
An integrated temperature sensor device has a temperature sensor providing an analog signal corresponding to an ambient temperature, an analog-to-digital converter coupled to the sensor conditioning circuit and receiving the analog temperature signal, and a timer and control circuit which is operable to be configured to control the temperature sensor device to perform a sequence of temperature measurements and shut-down time periods, wherein multiple temperature measurements are taken during the measurement period, wherein the timer and control circuit is further operable to be programmed to set the number of temperature measurements and the length of the shut-down period.
US09664569B2 Circuit board configurations facilitating operation of heat sensitive sensor components
A multilayered circuit board having a metal-free region vertically extending through at least a portion of a conductive layer, which lies generally parallel to a horizontal plane, vertically spaced from an outer surface. Heat-emitting and heat-sensitive components are mounted on the outer surface. The heat-emitting component is vertically and laterally spaced from the metal-free region, whereas the heat-sensitive component is vertically spaced and laterally aligned within the metal-free region such that the metal-free region is a thermal barrier that shields heat-sensitive component from radial heat flowing from the heat-emitting component.
US09664566B2 Photon entanglement router
A photon entanglement router comprises a modified birefringent spectral filter followed by a polarization beam splitter (PBS). Frequency degenerate or non-degenerate entangled photons, generated by a collinear laser source and incident on one input port of the photon entanglement router, are comprised of congruent photons and/or incongruent photons. The invention adds a plurality of additional filter stacks at each output port such that they invert the action of the first birefringent stack at the input port. Intermediate output photons from the invention is input to two ports of an additional PBS where they are spatially projected according to their frequencies and polarizations. Two congruent photons of an entangled photon pair exit as an entangled pair in one direction, while two incongruent photons exit as an entangled pair in the orthogonal direction. If one photon is congruent and the other photon incongruent, the photons remain entangled but are spectrally divided into orthogonal directions. The invention's birefringent spectral filter accepts specific input frequencies from the ITU optical C-band grid for proper operation.
US09664563B2 Fabry-perot fourier transform spectrometer
A spatial Fourier transform spectrometer is disclosed. The Fourier transform spectrometer includes a Fabry-Perot interferometer with first and second optical surfaces. The gap between the first and second optical surfaces spatially varies in a direction that is orthogonal to the optical axis of the Fourier transform spectrometer. The Fabry-Perot interferometer creates an interference pattern from input light. An image of the interference pattern is captured by a detector, which is communicatively coupled to a processor. The processor is configured to process the interference pattern image to determine information about the spectral content of the input light.
US09664559B2 Image capture device and electronic apparatus
There is provided an image capture device including a narrow-band optical irradiation system including a light source, a solid-state imaging element including an array of pixels and sensitive to a predetermined range of wavelengths, and a metal thin-film filter provided in an optical path between the optical irradiation system and the solid-state imaging element, and having a periodic microstructural pattern having a period shorter than a wavelength detected by the solid-state imaging element.
US09664557B2 Method and semiconductor component for identifying ambient light fluctuations
Fluctuation frequency (F) of an ambient light (S) is identified by: A) specifying first frequency (F1) and second frequency (F2), higher than said first frequency; B) measuring an optical power of the ambient light with a signal receiver (2) over a measuring time interval (Ti) during a total measuring time (T), which is shorter than or equal to a first cycle duration (P1) belonging to the first frequency; C) detecting the optical power of the ambient light in a time series over the total measuring time; D) determining at least one detection feature for identifying the fluctuation frequency by evaluating the time series; and E) identifying the fluctuation frequency of the ambient light as the first frequency or as the second frequency using the at least one detection feature.
US09664554B2 Vibration detecting apparatus and vibration detecting method
Provided are a vibration detector and a vibration detecting method, which are power saving, can detect vibration even if the vibration is very weak, and can perform both start-up of the apparatus and collection of data of vibration information by the use of only one sensor. The apparatus includes a vibration detector, a semiconductor switch, a controller and a power supply. The semiconductor switch and the controller are connected to the power supply. The vibration detector detects vibration and consequently generates a vibration voltage. The semiconductor switch includes a voltage divider for generating a bias voltage inside. The semiconductor switch detects a voltage produced by superposing the bias voltage onto the vibration voltage outputted from the vibration detector, and conducts current when the detected voltage is equal to or larger than a certain value. The controller wakes up with the current conducted by the semiconductor switch as a trigger signal.
US09664549B2 Fluid meter device
A gas meter device of the present invention includes an inlet into which a fluid flows, and an outlet from which the fluid flows out, and is configured to derive a flow value of the fluid flowing from the inlet to the outlet. The gas meter device comprises plural measurement fluid passages provided in parallel between the inlet and the outlet; flow value measuring units provided in the plural measurement fluid passages, respectively, and configured to independently measure flow values of fluids flowing through the measurement fluid passages, respectively; an average flow value calculation unit configured to derive an average flow value of the flow values measured by the flow value measuring units, respectively; and a flow value comparison unit configured to obtain index values indicating a relation between the average flow value derived by the average flow value calculation unit and the flow values measured by the flow value measuring units, and determine whether or not each of the index values is equal to or larger than a predetermined value. Thereby, the present invention can determine whether or not there is an erroneous measurement flow value from only the separate flow values independently measured in the measurement fluid passages, respectively.
US09664546B2 Thermal airflow sensor
An object of the present invention is to improve the reliability of a product in which a semiconductor device is partially exposed when sealed with resin. In achieving the above object and according to this invention, there is provided a thermal airflow sensor including: a semiconductor substrate having a thin-wall portion, a heating resistor provided over the thin-wall portion, and resistance temperature detectors installed upstream and downstream of the heating resistor; a protective film provided over the semiconductor substrate; and a resin that seals the semiconductor substrate, the resin further including an exposure portion for partially exposing an area including the thin-wall portion. The protective film is provided in a manner seamlessly enclosing the heating resistor, the protective film having an outer peripheral edge located outside the thin-wall portion and over the exposure portion.
US09664542B2 Systems and methods for additive manufacturing for air data probes
Systems and methods for additive manufacturing for air data probes are provided. In at least one embodiment a probe comprises a support structure comprising one or more ports for receiving one or more fluids, the support structure comprising an endoskeleton mandrel having an opening for receiving a fluid; and a heating cable encircling an external surface of the endoskeleton mandrel. The probe also comprises an additive coating fused to the external surface of the endoskeleton mandrel and an external surface of the heating cable; and an internal assembly inside the support structure for carrying pressures from the one or more ports to one or more instruments that respond to the one or more fluids to provide a measurement.
US09664536B2 Calibration mechanism for proximity switch
A calibration system having an actuator with a rotatable shaft and a switch box housing a proximity switch and a calibration mechanism. The calibration mechanism is coupled to the shaft and includes a base, a target carrier, a driver, and an actuating button having a cam. The base includes a locating magnet, and the target carrier includes a primary magnet and a bias magnet polarized in the same direction as the locating magnet. The driver is shiftable between a first position in which the driver engages the target carrier and a second position disengaged from the target carrier. The cam engages the driver and shifts the driver between the first and second positions. Upon rotation of the shaft, the bias magnet automatically moves to a position aligned with the locating magnet when the driver is in the second position.
US09664535B2 Rotation number detector
A rotation number detector according to an embodiment is a rotation number detector that detects the number of rotations of a magnet attached to a rotating body by using a power generation unit. The power generation unit includes N (N is a natural number equal to or larger than 1) power generation elements, each including a magnetic wire in which magnetization reversal occurs due to a large Barkhausen effect and a pickup coil that is wound around the magnetic wire. The magnetic wire is longer than a wound portion of the pickup coil in an extension direction of the magnetic wire of the power generation elements. The magnetic wire is set above a rotation center of the magnet.
US09664533B2 Magnetic sensor device
A magnetic field generator disposed on one surface side of a sheet-shaped object-to-be-detected contains a magnetic component. The magnetic field generator includes a first magnetic pole part that forms a first magnetic pole, and a second magnetic pole part that forms a second magnetic pole with reverse polarity of the first magnetic pole. The magnetic field generator generates a cross magnetic field that crosses the object-to-be-detected. An MR element is disposed between the first magnetic pole part and the object-to-be-detected. The resistance value of the MR element changes according to a change in a component of the cross magnetic field in a conveying direction. The position of the MR element in the conveying direction is position shifted along the conveying direction from the center position of the first magnetic pole part in the conveying direction, and located between both ends of the first magnetic pole part in the conveying direction.
US09664532B2 Advanced tactical line replaceable unit alignment system
A system and method for mounting a device to a piece of equipment is presented, and may include a handheld inertial measurement unit (IMU), a computer logic and a mounting interface. The piece of equipment may have a line replaceable unit (LRU) mount that allows a new LRU to be mounted thereon. The mounting interface may be mounted to a LRU mount. The handheld IMU may determine position data with respect to the LRU mount and the piece of equipment. The computer logic may be configured to calculate a positional error value based on the position data to indicate to a user whether corrections need to be made regarding how the new LRU is mounted to the LRU mount before the new LRU is mounted to the LRU mount or whether the new LRU can be mounted to the LRU mount without any corrections.
US09664531B2 Utility meter for metering a utility consumption and optimizing upstream communications and method for managing these communications
A utility meter and method for metering consumption of at least one utility including: a metering unit, a communication unit for sending/receiving messages to/from a management center, a memory to store a unique identifier pertaining to the utility meter and a first key, an encryption unit for encrypting the utility consumption as a first cryptogram, a message generator for generating a utility message containing the first cryptogram, a key generator for generating a payload key to be used by the encryption unit for encrypting the utility consumption, a second cryptogram generated by the encryption unit by encrypting the payload key with the first key, the second cryptogram being intended to be included, by the message generator, at least once into the utility message to be sent to the remote management center.
US09664529B2 Determining installation locations for meters
A system and method for determining installation locations for meters are disclosed herein. The method includes generating, via a computing device, a resource map for a site, wherein the resource map includes inflow locations and corresponding outflow locations for a resource. The method also includes identifying a number of tiers within the resource map based on the inflow locations and the corresponding outflow locations for the resource. The method further includes determining a number of recommended installation locations for meters based on the tiers.
US09664527B2 Method and apparatus for providing route information in image media
An approach is provided for recognizing objects in media content. The capture manager determines to detect, at a device, one or more objects in a content stream. Next, the capture manager determines to capture one or more representations of the one or more objects in the content stream. Then, the capture manager associates the one or more representations with one or more instances of the content stream.
US09664520B2 Apparatus and method for generating assistance data with vertical access areas and predicted vertical movement models
Assistance data for indoor positioning is generated with vertical access areas, such as stairs, elevators, and escalators, identified along with predicted vertical movement models for the vertical access area. The predicted vertical movement models provide probabilities of movement to different floors by the vertical access areas. The assistance data may be generated by acquiring a floor plan data for a structure having multiple floors and analyzing the floor plan data to detect vertical access areas. The predicted vertical movement model for the vertical access area may then be generated and included in the assistance data along with the vertical access area. Mobile devices using the assistance data may provide vertical access area feedback information that may be used to modify the assistance data. For example, the probability of movement to different floors by a vertical access area may be modified, or additional vertical access areas identified.
US09664516B2 Inertial sensing device
Improved sensing devices are provided for determining the spatial disposition of a movable object. In one aspect, an apparatus for determining a spatial disposition of a movable object comprises: a support base configured to be carried by a movable object; one or more accelerometers coupled to the support base via a first damping element configured to damp motion of the one or more accelerometers; and one or more gyroscopes coupled to the support base via a second damping element configured to damp motion of the one or more gyroscopes, wherein an amount of motion damping provided by the first damping element is greater than an amount of motion damping provided by the second damping element.
US09664515B2 MEMS sensors and methods for detecting rotation rates
Micro-electro-mechanical-systems (MEMS) sensors and methods for detecting rates of rotation thereof. The MEMS sensor has at least one driving mass that oscillates along the x-axis, and at least one sensing mass coupled to the driving mass so that the sensing and driving masses move relative to each other in the x direction and are coupled for rotation together about the y and/or z axes. At least one anchor spring couples the driving or sensing mass to an anchor secured to a substrate. Rotation of the MEMS sensor is sensed by sensing relative movement between the substrate and sensing mass. During its oscillation, the driving mass generates an imbalance of the driving and sensing masses with respect to the anchor, and Coriolis forces cause the sensing and driving masses to rotate together about the y or z axis when the MEMS sensor rotates about the y or z axis.
US09664512B2 Orientation indication device
An orientation indicating device, the device comprises an enclosure, a plurality of rods fixed together at their one end forming a rod structure. The rod structure is rotatably mounted inside the enclosure. At least one roller provisioned in-between an inner surface of the enclosure and a free end of each of the plurality of rods. Further, at least one rod of the plurality of rods is configured to be heavier than the other rods, and said heavier rod is adapted to point towards gravity.
US09664509B2 Signal sectioning for profiling printed-circuit-bord vias with vertical scanning interferometry
The rough bottom surface of a recessed feature partially obscured by an overlying structure is profiled interferometrically with acceptable precision using an objective with sufficiently large numerical aperture to illuminate the bottom under the obscuring structure. The light scattering produced by the roughness of the surface causes diffused light to return to the objective and yield reliable data fringes. Under such appropriate numerical-aperture and surface roughness conditions, the bottom surface of such recessed features can be profiled correctly simply by segmenting the correlograms produced by the scan and processing all fringes that correspond to the bottom surface elevation.
US09664501B2 Automated re-focusing of interferometric reference mirror
A reference surface is used to develop an empirical plot between a parameter of interest, such as roughness or modulation, and the position of the reference mirror in an interferometer by repeating measurements of the reference surface at different positions of the reference mirror so as to identify the in-focus position of the reference mirror. Serial quality-control measurements of samples of interest are carried out with the reference mirror in such in-focus position until a predetermined quality-control event triggers an automated system re-calibration by re-measuring the reference surface and, if the result does not correspond to the in-focus position of the reference mirror according to the plot, by finding a new in-focus position for the reference mirror using the same plot or, alternatively, a new similarly produced plot. Sample measurements are then resumed with the mirror placed at that new position.
US09664497B2 Magnetic field sensor and method for sensing relative location of the magnetic field sensor and a target object along a movement line
A magnetic field sensor with a magnet is disposed proximate to a ferromagnetic target object having at least one ferromagnetic surface. The magnetic field sensor is operable to sense a relative location between the magnetic field sensor and the ferromagnetic target object along a movement line. In some embodiments, the target object is also spinning about a rotation axis parallel to the movement line. A corresponding method is described.
US09664494B2 Magnetic field sensor with immunity to external magnetic influences
A magnetic field sensor with enhanced immunity to external magnetic interference is presented. Included is a magnetic field signal generator and a demodulator. The magnetic field signal generator produces a magnetic field signal having a modulated signal portion in a first frequency band based on a sensed modulated AC bias magnetic field. The modulated AC bias magnetic field is produced by movement of ferromagnetic target relative to a bias coil when an AC signal is applied to the bias coil. When the magnetic field signal also includes an unwanted signal portion in a second frequency band based on external magnetic interference, demodulation performed by the demodulator results in the modulated signal portion being shifted from the first frequency band to a third frequency band and the unwanted signal portion being shifted to the first frequency band. The bias coil may be provided as part of the magnetic field sensor.
US09664493B2 Bending press having an angle-measuring device and method for determining the bending angle
The invention relates to a production plant (1), in particular for folding workpieces (2) to be produced from sheet metal, comprising a bending press (3), in particular a press brake, having a press beam (13, 16), at least one bending tool (4), such as a bending punch (5) and bending die (6), which is connected to the press beam (13, 16), and at least one angle-measuring device (46) for determining an angular position of at least one limb (35, 36) of the workpiece (2) formed by a bending operation relative to a reference plane (41, 42). The angle-measuring device (46) comprises at least one inclination sensor (39) having a reference surface (40) and the inclination sensor (39) is mounted by the angle-measuring device (46) so that it can be placed with the reference surface (40) lying in contact with a surface portion of at least one of the limbs (35, 36) of the workpiece (2).
US09664485B1 Aircraft, missile, projectile, or underwater vehicle with improved control system and method of using
An aircraft, missile, projectile, or underwater vehicle with an improved control system, an improved control system, or a method of maneuvering an aircraft, missile, projectile, or underwater vehicle uses control surfaces that are movable along a track. The control system on a track (or “tracked control surface”) advantageously enables the aircraft, missile, projectile, or underwater vehicle to have an unlimited number of configurations, each configuration being tailored to the specific stability or maneuverability requirements during a specific portion of the flight by adjusting the center of pressure of the aircraft, missile, projectile, or underwater vehicle relative to its center of gravity.
US09664484B2 Broadhead
Various embodiments of the present disclosure include a mechanical broadhead for use with an archery bow and arrow. In certain arrangements, a broadhead is provided that maintains the cutting blades in a retracted or closed position during flight of the arrow. Upon target contact, the blades expand outwardly from the closed position.
US09664481B2 Hexagonal attachment system
An attachment system can include a plurality of apertures or openings in an attachment platform. The openings can be arranged in a pattern corresponding to a hexagon so that an attachment member for a MOLLE-compatible accessory may be passed through one or more of the openings so as to attach the accessory in a variety of different directions.
US09664478B2 Adjustable firearm stock
A stock for a firearm includes an attachment member shaped to attach the stock to a firearm, a stock member pivotally attached to the attachment member so that the stock member is pivotable between an aligned position and a folded position, and a stock body. One of the stock member and stock body includes a plurality of stock attachment locations so that the stock member and stock body are connected together at one of the plurality of stock attachment locations.
US09664477B1 Handgun brace
A handgun brace for stabilizing a handgun on a user's forearm includes a body adapted to detachably engage a support structure such as a receiver extension extending rearwardly out of the rear end of a handgun, a first arm extending generally downwardly from the body, and a second arm pivotally connected to the first arm. The second arm is selectively moveable between a stowed position wherein and end of the second arm is received against a side of the body, and a deployed position wherein the first arm and the second arm form a downwardly rigid forearm support structure under the body. The forearm support structure includes a continuous support surface upon which a user's forearm is removably receivable to stabilize the handgun when the body is engaged with the support structure of the handgun.
US09664469B2 Shotgun shell magazine
A shotgun shell magazine to be received within a mil-spec magazine of an M16/AR-15 mil-spec firearm is disclosed. The magazine has an open top end defining a cavity configured to receive one or more shotgun shells. The magazine body includes a feed lip which partially occludes the open top end and a rim edge including a vertical edge strip which defines a gap in communication with the cavity. A follower having a ramped upper surface resides within the cavity. The follower is biased to direct the shotgun shells toward the open top end until the primer end of a top most shotgun shell engages the feed lip. The top most shotgun shell is angled with respect to the open top end and at least a portion of the closed end of the top most shotgun shell lies above a plane created by the open top end.
US09664468B1 Control of ejected firearm shells
Shell deflectors or redirectors according to embodiments of the invention block a shell ejected from a firearm after firing, absorb some of its kinetic energy to cause the shell to slow down, and reflect or redirect the shell to a convenient area near the shooter, thus simplifying cleanup and brass-collection after operating the firearm.
US09664463B2 Coil cleaning system
A cleaning apparatus comprising a first fluid delivery system configured to eject a first fluid through a first nozzle toward a surface to be cleaned; a second fluid delivery system configures to eject a second fluid through a second nozzle toward the surface to be cleaned, wherein the second fluid comprises a compressed gas at a pressure greater than 345 kilopascals (50 pounds per square inch); a housing configured to partially surround and mount the first and second nozzles; a connector configured to couple the first fluid delivery system to a first fluid source; and a connector configured to couple the second fluid delivery system to a second fluid source.
US09664461B2 Multi-poise condensate drain pan
A condensate drain pan including an inner front wall, an inner back wall and opposed inner side walls defining an inner perimeter, at least two outer front walls, an outer back wall and opposed outer side walls defining an outer perimeter. The condensate drain pan further includes at least one drain pan panel extending between the inner perimeter and the outer perimeter, and at least one drain opening disposed in the outer front wall.
US09664459B2 Heat exchanger with a porous metal structure having manifolds and tubes
A heat exchanger includes at least two manifolds which are fluidly connected to one another by multiple tubes, and a porous metal structure which at least partially surrounds the tubes. The heat exchanger has a plate-like form with a front side and a rear side. The metal structure is formed by a multiplicity of sheets which are held in each case between two adjacent tubes and, on at least one of the front and rear sides of the heat exchanger, extend across at least one adjacent tube.
US09664458B2 Supporting structure for vapor chamber
A supporting structure for vapor chamber includes a first and a second plate member, a supporting member, and a working fluid. The first and the second plate member together define a chamber between them. The supporting member is located in the chamber, and has at least one base portion and a plurality of supporting portions, such that a plurality of passages is formed on the supporting member. The working fluid is filled in the chamber to flow through the passages. With these arrangements, the supporting structure for vapor chamber can overcome the problems of deformation caused by thermal expansion or pressure and uncontrollable bottom flatness as found in the prior art and can be manufactured at reduced labor and time cost while provides upgraded heat transfer efficiency.
US09664457B2 Total heat exchange element and manufacturing method thereof
The present invention is a total heat exchange element in which a spacing member is provided on both sides of a sheet-like partition member to form a flow path and which performs heat exchange between an airflow that flows in a flow path formed on one side of the partition member and an airflow that flows in a flow path formed on another side of the partition member via the partition member, wherein the spacing member is molded integrally with the partition member by using a resin, and the partition member is configured to include a functional layer that has heat conductivity, moisture permeability, and gas shielding property and a heat shrink layer that shrinks at a predetermined temperature or higher.
US09664456B2 Air conditioner
To increase a heat exchange capacity of an indoor heat exchanger without increasing a pressure loss inside tubes of an outdoor heat exchanger. A heat exchanger is constituted by an indoor machine equipped with an indoor heat exchanger 10 constituted by a plurality of heat transfer tubes 12A, which have a spiral grooves 13A formed with a predetermined lead angle Ra on inner faces of the tubes and are made to pierce a plurality of fins 11, and an outdoor machine equipped with an outdoor heat exchanger 20 constituted by a plurality of heat transfer tubes 22A which have a lead angle Rb of spiral grooves 23A smaller than that of a heat transfer tubes 10A used for the indoor heat exchanger 10 and are made to pierce a plurality of fins 11.
US09664451B2 Co-fired absorption system generator
A co-fired generator for use in a continuous-cycle absorption heating and cooling system may provide heat to the interior of an annulus chamber from a first heat exchanger, such as a firetube heat exchanger, supplemented by heat to the exterior of the annulus chamber from a second heat exchanger containing fluid heated by an external source. Some embodiments may circulate fluid heated in a solar-heated collector through the second heat exchanger. Other embodiments may route exhaust gas from a combustion engine through the second heat exchanger. The second heat exchanger may be provided with a plurality of fins to increase the surface area available for thermal transfer between the heated fluid and the annulus chamber.
US09664450B2 Fin support structures for charge air coolers
A heat exchanger has a core comprising flat tubes with corrugated fins provided in spaces between tubes. An end mounting arrangement includes a mounting bracket for attachment to a housing. A fin support structure comprises a plurality of support walls and a plurality of axial walls, wherein each of the support walls is integrally joined to at least one of the axial walls, each of the support walls is in contact with the endmost corrugation of one of the fins, and each of the axial walls is in contact with one of the plate pairs. The fin support structure may have a corrugated structure, and is mounted at the end of the core at which the mounting bracket is provided, so as to support and minimize damage to the corrugated fins caused by bypass air flowing between the mounting bracket and the core.