Document Document Title
US09704501B2 Signal codec device and method in communication system
The present invention relates to a codec device and method for encoding/decoding voice and audio signals in a communication system, wherein: a fixed codebook excited signal is generated by using a pulse index for a voice signal; a first adaptive codebook excited signal is generated by using a pitch index for the voice signal; a fixed codebook signal is generated by multiplying the fixed codebook excited signal by a fixed codebook gain; a first adaptive codebook signal is generated by multiplying the first adaptive codebook excited signal by a first adaptive codebook gain; and a synthesized filter excited signal is generated by adding the fixed codebook signal and the first adaptive codebook signal.
US09704500B2 Method for predicting high frequency band signal, encoding device, and decoding device
A method includes obtaining a signal type of an audio signal and a low frequency band signal of the audio signal, where the audio signal includes the low frequency band signal and a high frequency band signal; obtaining a frequency envelope of the high frequency band signal according to the signal type; predicting an excitation signal of the high frequency band signal according to the low frequency band signal; and restoring the high frequency band signal according to the frequency envelope of the high frequency band signal and the excitation signal of the high frequency band signal. By using the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention, an error existing between a high frequency band signal obtained by prediction and an actual high frequency band signal can be effectively reduced, and an accuracy rate of the predicted high frequency band signal can be increased.
US09704493B2 Audio encoder and decoder
The present disclosure provides methods, devices and computer program products for encoding and decoding of a vector of parameters in an audio coding system. The disclosure further relates to a method and apparatus for reconstructing an audio object in an audio decoding system. According to the disclosure, a modulo differential approach for coding and encoding a vector of a non-periodic quantity may improve the coding efficiency and provide encoders and decoders with less memory requirements. Moreover, an efficient method for encoding and decoding a sparse matrix is provided.
US09704492B2 Error concealment method and apparatus for audio signal and decoding method and apparatus for audio signal using the same
An error concealment method and apparatus for an audio signal and a decoding method and apparatus for an audio signal using the error concealment method and apparatus. The error concealment method includes selecting one of an error concealment in a frequency domain and an error concealment in a time domain as an error concealment scheme for a current frame based on a predetermined criteria when an error occurs in the current frame, selecting one of a repetition scheme and an interpolation scheme in the frequency domain as the error concealment scheme for the current frame based on a predetermined criteria when the error concealment in the frequency domain is selected, and concealing the error of the current frame using the selected scheme.
US09704491B2 Storytelling environment: distributed immersive audio soundscape
Systems, methods and articles of manufacture for outputting an audio effect on a remote device are disclosed. Embodiments select a device from a plurality of devices within a physical environment for use in outputting an audio effect. Upon determining that transmitting the audio effect as uncompressed data to the selected device would violate a predefined performance criteria, the audio effect is modified by determining, for each of a plurality of portions of the audio effect, a respective priority. Additionally, upon determining that a first portion of the plurality of portions of the audio effect is a lower priority, relative to a second portion of the audio effect, embodiments compress the first portion of the audio effect, while the second portion of the audio effect remains uncompressed. The modified audio effect is then transmitted to the selected device for playback.
US09704490B2 Method for distributing voice channels and a voice system
Provided is a method for distributing voice channels, including: randomly selecting a preset quantity of voice servers at a preset time interval, and distributing at least one token to each of the voice servers selected herein; and said voice servers receiving said tokens, and when receiving uplink voice by any of the voice servers carrying at least one token, the voice server carrying the token processing said uplink voice as a priority. In this way, the channel is preempted by the uplink voice through the token, so that users corresponding to every voice servers have equal probability of acquiring channels; and voice servers will not suffer from channels taken up for a long time due to data being forwarded by other voice servers, thereby saving resources of voice channels. Also provided is a voice system.
US09704486B2 Speech recognition power management
Power consumption for a computing device may be managed by one or more keywords. For example, if an audio input obtained by the computing device includes a keyword, a network interface module and/or an application processing module of the computing device may be activated. The audio input may then be transmitted via the network interface module to a remote computing device, such as a speech recognition server. Alternately, the computing device may be provided with a speech recognition engine configured to process the audio input for on-device speech recognition.
US09704485B2 Multimedia information retrieval method and electronic device
The present invention relates to a multimedia information retrieval method and electronic device, the multimedia information retrieval method comprising the steps of: extracting from a to-be-retrieved multimedia the voice of the to-be-retrieved multimedia; recognizing the voice of the to-be-retrieved multimedia to obtain a recognized text; and retrieving a multimedia database according to the recognized text to obtain the multimedia information of the to-be-retrieved multimedia. The present invention also relates to an electronic device. The multimedia information retrieval method and electronic device of the present invention can automatically, quickly, and comprehensively present to a user the multimedia information the user wants to know, thus greatly improving user retrieval efficiency and retrieval success rate.
US09704483B2 Collaborative language model biasing
Methods, including computer programs encoded on a computer storage medium, for collaborative language model biasing. In one aspect, a method includes receiving (i) data including a set of terms associated with a target user, and, (ii) from each of multiple other users, data including a set of terms associated with the other user, selecting a particular other user based at least on comparing the set of terms associated with the target user to the sets of terms associated with the other users, selecting one or more terms from the set of terms that is associated with the particular other user, obtaining, based on the selected terms that are associated with the particular other user, a biased language model, and providing the biased language model to an automated speech recognizer.
US09704481B1 Identifying underserved command inputs
A language processing system identifies first command input sentences that do not successfully parse by any parsing rule in a set of parsing rules. Each of the parsing rules is associated with an action, and a user device performs the action associated with a parsing rule in response to an input sentence being successfully parsed by the parsing rule. For each of these identified first sentences, the system determines whether the first input sentence has an underserving signal that is indicative of one or more actions being underserved. If the first sentence has the underserving signal, then the first sentence is selected as a candidate input sentence. Each candidate input sentence is provided to an action analysis processes that determines whether a candidate input sentence is to be associated with one action, and upon a positive determination generates a parsing rule for the candidate input sentence.
US09704477B2 Text-to-speech processing based on network quality
A method is disclosed that provides text-to-speech (TTS) functionality to a telematics unit of a telematics-equipped vehicle. The method includes: receiving text content to be played back by an audio system of the telematics-equipped vehicle; determining, by a processor, a TTS rendering process to be used for the text content from a plurality of TTS rendering processes, wherein the plurality of TTS rendering processes include local TTS rendering using a local TTS engine at the telematics-equipped vehicle and remote TTS rendering using a remote TTS engine at a communications center; and causing, by the processor, the text content to be rendered as an audio signal for playback by the telematics-equipped vehicle using the determined TTS rendering process.
US09704476B1 Adjustable TTS devices
In a distributed text-to-speech (TTS) system, a remote TTS device, such as a TTS server, may experience increased loads of TTS requests, which may result in delayed processing of TTS requests. To avoid such delays, upon indication or prediction of an increased load, a TTS server may adjust unit selection TTS processing by altering unit selection techniques to speed processing, at the expense of potential result quality. Such techniques may include use of a reduced size unit database, a narrow Viterbi beam search, and/or a reduced size candidate unit graph.
US09704473B2 Variable acoustic grating based on changing acoustic impedances
An embodiment is a variable acoustic grating. Each of the local grating structures in an array of local grating structures has a variable impedance such that the impedance is modified, steering an ultrasonic signal impinging on the array in a reflection or transmission mode through a medium.
US09704472B2 Systems and methods for sharing secondary path information between audio channels in an adaptive noise cancellation system
Systems and methods of the present disclosure include analyzing and comparing transfer functions associated with a plurality of electro-acoustic paths for transducers of a personal audio device to determine proximity of the transducers to respective ears of a listener of the personal audio device, quality of acoustic seals associated with the transducers, and for one or more other purposes.
US09704471B1 Adaptive modeling of secondary path in an active noise control system
The technology described herein can be embodied in a computer implemented method that includes detecting, by one or more processing devices, onset of an unstable condition in an active noise control system. The method also includes obtaining, responsive to detecting the onset of the unstable condition, updated filter coefficients for a system-identification filter configured to represent a transfer function of a secondary path of the active noise control system. The updated filter coefficients are generated using a set of multiple subband adaptive filters, wherein filter coefficients of each subband adaptive filter in the set are configured to adapt to changes in a corresponding portion of a frequency range associated with potential unstable conditions in the active noise control system. The method also includes programming the system identification filter with the updated coefficients to affect operation of the active noise control system.
US09704467B1 Acoustic panel with corrugated baffles and septums
A panel for attenuating noise includes a core, which forms a plurality of cavities vertically between a perforated first skin and a second skin. The core includes an array of corrugations that include a first baffle, a second baffle and a first septum. The cavities include a first cavity that is formed longitudinally between the first baffle and the second baffle and is fluidly coupled with perforations in the first skin. The first septum extends from the first skin and the first baffle to the second skin and the second baffle, and divides the first cavity into fluidly coupled sub-cavities. The first baffle includes a lateral array of baffle ribs. The first septum includes a lateral array of septum ribs that are laterally offset from the baffle ribs.
US09704465B2 System and method for sound augmentation of acoustic musical instruments
A sound capture device is affixed to an acoustic instrument to capture the natural sound output of the instrument. The captured sound signal is routed to an electronic sound augmentation system that is configured to augment the captured sound with spatial sound effects such as reverb, echo, delay, etc. The processed and augmented sound is then reproduced via a vibrating driver that has been affixed to the body of the acoustic instrument. This creates a situation where the body of the musical instrument, responding to a series of vibrations produced by the vibrating driver, acts as a speaker component, reproducing a rich augmented sound output that comprises the sum of the sound produced by the original sound production capabilities of the acoustical instrument plus the added augmented or enhanced sound effects.
US09704464B1 Apparatus for enhancing output of a stringed musical instrument
An apparatus for enhancing the output of a stringed musical instrument having a plurality of offset substantially parallel strings, the apparatus comprising a pickup assembly having tapered poles so as to incrementally vary the relative volume of adjacent strings.
US09704461B2 Stand for stringed instrument
A stand for a stringed instrument includes a base, a post, a lower support, and an upper support. The post extends between a lower end portion and an upper end portion, the lower end portion is proximally located relative to the base, and the upper end portion is distally located relative to the base. The lower support is disposed relative to the lower end portion of the post. The upper support is disposed relative to the upper end portion of the post. The lower support is selectively moveable relative to the upper support, between a receiving position and a locking position. The lower support is biased toward the locking position.
US09704459B1 Pick holder
A musical instrument accessory for optimizing the comfort and ease with which musicians can play instruments. The accessory can be manufactured as a high end accessory made with gems and/or can be customized to provide a unique aesthetic appearance. In a preferred embodiment, the accessory allows for multiple picks to be detachably stored which may have different sizes and shapes.
US09704453B2 Picture display method and apparatus
The present disclosure provides a picture display method and apparatus that relate to the field of image processing and are increase flexibility of picture display and reducing a memory occupation rate of a terminal on the premise of not modifying an attribute of an original picture. The method and apparatus include receiving an instruction for displaying a picture; obtaining, according to an identifier of a to-be-displayed picture included in the instruction, an original bitmap of the to-be-displayed picture and searching, a database of a current device for a pre-stored first rotation angle corresponding to the to-be-displayed picture; adjusting, according to a resolution of a current screen and/or a current window size, a display size of the original bitmap of the to-be-displayed picture, so as to obtain a compressed bitmap of the original bitmap; and displaying, according to the first rotation angle, a compressed bitmap of the original bitmap.
US09704444B2 Liquid crystal display device
An object of the present invention is to provide a small-sized active matrix type liquid crystal display device that may achieve large-sized display, high precision, high resolution and multi-gray scales. According to the present invention, gray scale display is performed by combining time ratio gray scale and voltage gray scale in a liquid crystal display device which performs display in OCB mode. In doing so, one frame is divided into subframes corresponding to the number of bit for the time ratio gray scale. Initialize voltage is applied onto the liquid crystal upon display of a subframe.
US09704441B2 System and method to adjust displayed primary colors based on illumination
Systems, methods and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on computer storage media, for displaying images with consistent color performance on display devices including display elements that have multiple primary colors under different illumination conditions are described. The systems, methods and apparatus described herein can be configured to select between different sets of primary colors for different illumination conditions.
US09704440B2 Field-sequential color liquid crystal display and driving method thereof
The present invention provides a field sequential color LCD, which includes a LCD panel and a backlight module. The LCD panel includes a color filter of a first color subpixel and a color filter of a second color subpixel, a field sequential cycle of the LCD panel includes a first sub-frame period and a second sub-frame period. The backlight module provides backlight, including red, cyan, blue and green backlights, to the LCD panel. The backlight module provides two of the four backlights in the first sub-fame period, and provides another two of the four backlights in the second sub-frame period. The above LCD can cover the pointer's gamut entirely in the natural world, only color filters of subpixels of two colors are required to achieve tetra-color (RGBC) display, no additional subpixel is required, the manufacturing process of color filter of LCD panel is simplified, and the cost is reduced.
US09704438B2 Organic light-emitting diode display including a pixel circuit having a compensation unit
A pixel circuit and organic light-emitting diode (OLED) display including the same are disclosed. In one aspect, a pixel circuit comprises an OLED electrically connected between a first node and a low power supply voltage, a driver electrically connected to the OLED at the first node and configured to drive the OLED with a voltage corresponding to a data signal based at least in part on a scan signal, a read-out unit configured to measure an anode current of the OLED based at least in part on a read control signal, and a compensation unit electrically connected to the OLED at the first node and configured to provide the OLED with a compensation current corresponding to a compensation data signal based at least in part on the measured anode current and a compensation control signal.
US09704437B2 Gate driving circuit, array substrate, and display device
A gate driving circuit, an array substrate, and a display device are disclosed. The present disclosure relates to the technical field of display, and the technical problem of poor quality of the waveform of the gate driving signal that is output by the traditional circuit manufactured through GOA technology can be solved. The gate driving circuit is used for outputting the gate driving signal to Gn and comprises a pull-up circuit, a download transistor, and a pull-down circuit. The pull-up circuit is used for outputting a high-level signal to a reference point of said gate driving circuit, a first input end of said pull-up circuit is connected with Gn−1, a second input end thereof is connected with Gn−2, and an output end thereof is connected with said reference point.
US09704435B2 Organic light emitting diode pixel compensation circuit, and display panel and display device containing the same
An Organic Light Emitting Diode pixel compensation circuit is disclosed. The circuit includes first through fifth transistors, and a storage capacitor. The first transistor is coupled to a first scan signal, a power supply voltage, and a first electrode of the storage capacitor. In addition, the second transistor is coupled to the first scan signal, a data signal, and the third transistor. The third transistor is coupled to the power supply voltage, and the fifth transistor. Furthermore, the fourth transistor is coupled to a second scan signal, the third transistor, and the storage capacitor, and fifth transistor is coupled to a light emitting signal, and the OLED. In addition, the storage capacitor is coupled to the fifth transistor, and a low-level signal and emits light based on a drive current generated by the third transistor.
US09704431B2 Display device
Disclosed is a display device and a method of driving the display device. The display device includes a display panel, a scan driving unit, and a timing control unit. The display panel displays an image. The scan driving unit supplies a scan signal to the display panel. The timing control unit controls the scan driving unit. The scan driving unit includes a correction circuit unit that detects whether a clock signal output by the timing control unit is normal or abnormal, and corrects the detected abnormality.
US09704430B2 LED display device and method for operating the same
This disclosure describes an LED display device. The LED display device includes a transmitter, a plurality of first receivers coupled to the transmitter, a plurality of second receiver modules, wherein each of the second receiver modules is coupled to at least one of the first receivers and comprises a plurality of second receivers, a plurality of LED driver groups, each of the LED driver groups coupled to at least one of the second receivers and having a plurality of LED drivers, and a transformerless wire link connecting the plurality of first receivers to the plurality of second receiver modules, or the transformerless wire link connecting adjacent receivers of the plurality of second receivers therebetween.
US09704423B2 Driving circuit
A driving circuit is disclosed. The driving circuit includes at least four drivers. Each of the drivers includes a scan direction control unit, a driving signal output unit, a first, second, and third control units, and a signal output interface. The scan direction control unit is utilized for controlling the driving signal output unit to output the driving signal. The first control unit, the second control unit, and the third control unit are commonly utilized for controlling the driving signal output unit. The present invention can scan in two directions including a forward direction and a reverse direction.
US09704420B2 Numerical display apparatus
A numerical display apparatus comprises a frame structure means and a numeric display means. The frame structure means may be comprised mainly of a base frame member and a display securing member. The display securing member is coupled to the base frame member so that it may be moved towards and away from the base frame member in a controlled manner. The numeric display means has multiple component members which are pivotally mounted to the frame structure means, and secured in place by the display securing member. Each component has at least two sides, with one side having a different feature, such as color, to distinguish between the two sides. Preferably, the non-distinguishing side should be have the same feature, such as color, of the display securing member. Some of the component members are mounted in a generally horizontal position upon the frame structure means, while others are mounted in a generally vertical position.
US09704415B1 Dynamic auto-advance feature for refreshable braille displays
A method of dynamically establishing an auto-advance interval of a refreshable braille display. The method involves the step of establishing a default auto-advance value, during which a full line of braille characters remains displayed on the braille display prior to being replaced by the next line. The method further involves determining whether a current line of braille characters ends with a blank cell or a used cell and calculating the current auto-advance interval based on the number of used cells in the current line. The next line of braille characters is output after the current auto-advance interval has lapsed.
US09704414B2 Blind aid device
A blind aid device designed for non-verbal communication between a blind person and a companion includes a body-worn sensor system to be worn by the companion, a body-worn actuation system to be worn by the blind person and a wireless communication link between the body-worn sensor system and the wearable body-worn actuation system. The body-worn sensor system includes a gyroscope configured to detect and record a velocity of tilting and turning head movements of the companion, an accelerometer configured to detect and record an extent of the tilting head movements of the companion, and a magnetic compass sensor configured to detect and record an extent of the turning head movement of the companion. The wearable body-worn actuation system includes an array of control electronics and actuators configured to translate electronic signals transmitted from the body-worn sensor system into physical movements, in real time.
US09704412B2 Biometric data gathering
A universal 6-DOF mems sensor combined with six degree of motion algorithms and human motion parameters permits individualized real time motion analysis of a user to enable accurate measurements. Data derived thereby is wirelessly sent for viewing to a Bluetooth® enabled smartphone or combination smartphone and eyeglass device, marketed as the Google Glass® headset. The sensor is worn on a wrist or ankle band or in combination with a chest mounted cardio heart rate monitor dependent on the biometric parameters measured. Typical physical exercise data gathered includes reps, sets, 10-100 yard dash times, vertical, horizontal and broad jump distances, a range of shuttle times, RAST, steps taken, distance traveled, velocity, acceleration, and calories burned. The heart rate monitor provides cardio assessment and the 6-DOF sensor measures a runner's pace and cadence data.
US09704405B2 Aircraft display systems and methods for providing an aircraft display for use with airport departure and arrival procedures
A method for generating a flight display in an aircraft includes the steps of receiving an indication of an arrival or a departure procedure for the aircraft to follow, receiving an indication of a current position and altitude of the aircraft, and receiving a voice communication or information by digital data link regarding the arrival or departure procedure. The method further includes the steps of recognizing speech in the voice communication and transforming the speech to a restriction regarding the arrival or departure procedure and providing a flight display comprising a visual depiction of the arrival or departure procedure, the current position and altitude of the aircraft, and the restriction regarding the arrival or departure procedure. The method also provides improved situational awareness to pilots by providing appropriate alerts and indications in the context of these restrictions and the implications that these may have on the ownship with reference to the surrounding traffic and the emergent conditions.
US09704404B2 Lane detection apparatus and operating method for the same
Disclosed are a lane detection apparatus and an operating method for the same, and the operating method for the lane detection apparatus includes: detecting a plurality of edges in a driving image of a vehicle expressed by Cartesian coordinates; detecting a pattern of the plurality of edges; estimating a horizontal location of the vehicle in a driving lane based on the detected pattern; setting two regions of interest in the driving image based on the horizontal location; generating two Hough spaces corresponding two regions of interest, respectively, including a plurality of counting regions, and expressed by polar coordinates; calculating a polar coordinate value of each pixel included in the edge shown in each of two regions of interest among the plurality of edges by using Hough transform that transforms the Cartesian coordinates into the polar coordinates; accumulating the count of the counting region to which the polar coordinate value belongs, with respect to two respective Hough spaces; selecting a counting region having the highest count number among the plurality of counting regions with respect to two respective Hough spaces; transforming the counting region having the highest count number into two straight lines expressed by the Cartesian coordinates, with respect to two respective Hough spaces; and detecting two transformed straight lines as a left lane and a right lane of the driving lane.
US09704403B2 System and method for collision avoidance for vehicle
The disclosure is related to a system and a method for collision avoidance for vehicle. In the method, the system predicts multiple routes of an abnormal vehicle in a period of time according to historical data when a nearby vehicle receives an alert from the abnormal vehicle. A route potential pattern can be created when the system gets the historical data. The system also computes one or more available routes for the nearby vehicle based on its vehicle information. Every available route has its collision risk value. The system finally provides a recommended route with lower collision risk value when it considers a time of the abnormal vehicle reaches its great change, a time of predicting the nearby vehicle meets the range of route potential pattern, and a safe distance there-between.
US09704400B1 Vehicle presence detection system
A vehicle presence detection system for effectively detecting the presence of a vehicle in a location based upon a measured radio wave signal strength by a receiver. The vehicle presence detection system generally includes a main receiver adapted for receiving a radio wave signal from a transmitter and a control unit in communication with the main receiver that determines a signal strength of the radio wave signal received by the main receiver. The control unit determines that a vehicle is near the transmitter or the main receiver when the signal strength of the radio wave signal is reduced by a threshold loss.
US09704397B1 Apparatus for use in a warning system to notify a land vehicle or a motorist of the vehicle of an approaching or nearby emergency vehicle or train
Apparatus for use in a warning system to notify a land vehicle or a motorist of the vehicle of an approaching or nearby emergency vehicle or train is provided. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a docking station and a communication device which has a first receiver which receives RF warning signals transmitted from outside the land vehicle and a second receiver which receives perceptible warning signals transmitted by the emergency vehicle or train. The docking station supports the device within the passenger compartment so that the first and second receivers are capable of receiving the RF and perceptible warning signals, respectively. Control logic is coupled to the device to generate a notification signal based on the warning signals. The notification signal provides an advance warning to the motorist or land vehicle.
US09704396B1 Roadside reporter system
Systems and methods are provided for processing notifications regarding issues with nearby vehicles. A roadside reporter receives notifications from individuals or computing devices reporting problems or violations associated with nearby vehicles, and the notification for uniqueness and authenticity. Upon determining that the notification is unique and authentic, the roadside reporter system notifies the driver of the nearby vehicle and other relevant parties about the problem or violation. The roadside reporter may issue rewards to the reporting user. The roadside reporter system further allows the driver of the nearby vehicle to respond to the notification, and subsequently provides the driver with incentives to address the problem or violation.
US09704393B2 Integrated intelligent server based system and method/systems adapted to facilitate fail-safe integration and/or optimized utilization of various sensory inputs
Integrated intelligent system adapted for any operating system and/or multi-OS computing environment seamlessly having sensory input/data acquisition cum recording server group and/or analytics server group enabling fail-safe integration and/or optimized utilization of various sensory inputs for various utility applications. Also disclosed as added advancements include intelligent method/system for cost-effective and efficient band adaptive transferring/recording sensory data from single or multiple data sources to network accessible storage devices, fail safe and self sufficient server group based method for sensory input recording and live streaming in a multi-server environment, intelligent and unified method of color coherent object analysis, face detection in video images and the like, resource allocation for analytical processing involving multi channel environment, multi channel join-split mechanism adapted for low and/or variable bandwidth network link, enhanced multi-color and/or mono-color object tracking and also an intelligent automated traffic enforcement system.
US09704390B2 Remote control system for pointing robot
There is provided a remote control system including a controlled device and a remote device. The controlled device has a light source and moves according to a control signal from the remote device. The remote device is adapted to be operated by a user and includes an image sensor. The remote device determines a moving direction of the controlled device according to an imaging position of the light source in the image captured by the image sensor and a pointing position of the user, and outputs the control signal.
US09704388B2 Remote control device, server, method, and computer program
A mobile terminal 1A is configured to communicate with a remote control server 4A that transmits a remote control signal to operate an operation object apparatus via a particular local area network NW2 or a wide area communication network NW1. A permission/rejection information storage part 102 stores whether execution of remote control operation based on the operation instruction information is permitted or rejected when each operation instruction information has gone through any communication network. When receiving the input of operation instruction information, a communication network discrimination part 106 discriminates with which communication network communication has established. An operation permission/rejection decision part 107 decides permission/rejection of execution of the operation instruction information according to the results. When remote control operation based on operation instruction information is permitted as a result of decision, operation instruction information is transmitted to the remote control server 4A.
US09704384B2 Battery management systems with thermally integrated fire suppression
A thermal management system is integral to a battery pack and/or individual cells. It relies on passive liquid-vapor phase change heat removal to provide enhanced thermal protection via rapid expulsion of inert high pressure refrigerant during abnormal abuse events and can be integrated with a cooling system that operates during normal operation. When a thermal runaway event occurs and sensed by either active or passive sensors, the high pressure refrigerant is preferentially ejected through strategically placed passages within the pack to rapidly quench the battery.
US09704380B2 Methods for using state machines
Systems and methods for using multi-criteria state machines to manage alarming states and pre-alarming states of a hazard detection system are described herein. The multi-criteria state machines can include one or more sensor state machines that can control the alarming states and one or more system state machines that can control the pre-alarming states. Each state machine can transition among any one of its states based on sensor data values, hush events, and transition conditions. The transition conditions can define how a state machine transitions from one state to another. The hazard detection system can use a dual processor arrangement to execute the multi-criteria state machines according to various embodiments. The dual processor arrangement can enable the hazard detection system to manage the alarming and pre-alarming states in a manner that promotes minimal power usage while simultaneously promoting reliability in hazard detection and alarming functionality.
US09704378B2 Rescuer locator using bidirectional signal transmitter
A rescuer locator using a bidirectional signal transmitter wherein each rescuer who is dispatched to a disaster spot so as instantly recognize a dangerous state of other rescuers who had been dispatched for rescue or fire suppression, carries a signal transmitter which may be taken by another rescuer when in emergency and may be configured to ask help in such a way to transmit an emergency signal to a base unit installed at a control vehicle, and the signal transmitter equips with a motion detection sensor so as to automatically transmit signals to the base unit depending on the movements of a rescuer who is dispatched to a disaster spot, thus checking in real time a dangerous state of each rescuer.
US09704377B2 Systems and methods for managing an emergency situation
Systems and methods for managing an emergency situation are provided herein. According to some embodiments, the present technology may related to a security system and method for monitoring, detecting, and providing notification and/or response measures in response to an emergency situation regarding a user.
US09704376B2 Smart stay day
In some embodiments, security and/or automation systems, collectively referred to as automation systems, may offer a user the peace of mind of having an automation system active while the user is present in a residence. False alarms may become costly to both the user of the automation system and to emergency responders using resources to respond to the false alarms. The automation system may provide the benefit of an armed automation system without the risk of frequent false alarms. An automation system may provide additional or alternative security to a residence when a person is detected in the home with a reduction in the false alarms that may be present in a strict alarm state. This may provide security to a person in the home during the day and provide unique daytime features.
US09704375B2 Multi-channel public announcement and voice alarm system architecture to support addressable devices, wireless expansion and intercom
An apparatus is provided that includes a security system that protects a secured geographic area, an audio annunciator of the security system, a pair of conductors that connects the audio annunciator to a control panel of the security system, wherein the pair of conductors supplies power to the audio annunciator, and a transceiver of the audio annunciator that exchanges messages with the control panel under a time division multiple access (TDMA) format through the pair of conductors, wherein the audio annunciator receives streaming audio messages from the control panel through the pair of conductors.
US09704374B1 Cellular phone case having location identification
A cellular phone case configured to be communicably coupled to a key fob wherein the key fob provides the ability to transmit signals to the cellular phone case in order to activate an audio and visual signal to locate the cellular phone case. The cellular phone case includes a body having a rear wall and four sidewalls formed to receive a cellular phone. The body includes a first light and second light mounted to the rear wall and one of the four sidewalls respectively. A speaker is mounted to the body. Secured to opposing sides of the body are emergency activation buttons. The key fob includes a controller disposed within a housing that is communicably coupled to a central processing unit disposed within the body of the cellular phone case. A visual activation button and audio activation button are located on the housing of the key fob.
US09704366B2 Method to detect an alarm situation and to send silent alerts to external systems using voice input to mobile devices
Disclosed is an apparatus that embodies a method including a panic alert mobile application of a security system that protects a secured geographic area executing on a portable electronic device of an authorized user, the panic alert mobile application retrieving a predetermined word sequence associated with the authorized user, the panic alert mobile application continuously monitoring spoken words of the authorized user, the panic alert mobile application detecting the predetermined word sequence in the spoken words of the authorized user and the panic alert mobile application reporting a panic alert to a central monitoring station of the security system.
US09704365B2 Heat detector
A heat alarm apparatus includes a housing defining a body, a sensor mounting panel located on the body and a heat sensor extending from the sensor mounting panel. A control circuit is configured to detect a temperature rise at the heat sensor and output an alarm signal in response thereto. At least the surface of the sensor mounting panel from which the heat sensor extends is a dark color.
US09704360B2 Occupancy-sensor wireless-security and lighting-control
Integrating a direct current (DC) voltage motion sensing alarm with an alternating current (AC) voltage light source is presented herein. An apparatus can include a voltage conversion component that generates, within a wall switch box, a DC voltage from an AC voltage that is higher in magnitude than the DC voltage, and a motion sensing component that detects, from the wall switch box using the DC voltage, a motion of an object. The motion sensing component can detect the motion using an infrared and/or ultrasonic based DC sensor. The apparatus can further include a security component that generates, from the wall switch box using the DC voltage, an alarm signal and/or wireless alarm signal based on the motion, and a power component that switches, from the wall switch box using the DC voltage based on the motion, the AC voltage from a first contact to a second contact.
US09704358B2 Three dimensional haptics hybrid modeling
A method and apparatus for producing a haptic sensation is disclosed. An acoustic transducer at a first cellular communication device is used to determine a gesture of a user object with respect to a first cellular communication device. The gesture is generally performed in a three-dimensional space of the first cellular communication device. A haptic signal is created that corresponds to the determined gesture and is sent from the first cellular communication device to a second cellular communication device. An actuator at the second cellular communication device is actuated according to the haptic signal to produce a haptic sensation at the second cellular communication device.
US09704355B2 Secure point of sale terminal and associated methods
Methods and systems for processing secure information are disclosed. One method includes receiving secure data from a user via an input device. The method also includes routing the secure data to a secure processor using a hardware multiplexer. The method also includes processing the secure data using the secure processor. The method also includes receiving non-secure data from the user via the input device. The method also includes routing the non-secure data to a second processor using the hardware multiplexer. The method also includes processing the non-secure data using the second processor. The method also includes altering a routing state of the hardware multiplexer using the secure processor. The routing state of the hardware multiplexer is only controlled by the secure processor.
US09704354B2 Medium handling apparatus and method, financial device
Provided are medium handling apparatus and method. The medium handling apparatus comprises an identification number recognition module recognizing an identification number of a medium, a memory in which a condition with respect to a management target medium is stored, and a controller determining whether the identification number of the medium recognized by the identification number recognition module satisfies the condition with respect to the management target medium stored in the memory to determine whether the medium is the management target medium.
US09704351B2 Method of gaming, a game controller and a gaming system
A gaming system comprises a display, a symbol determiner for determining, for each of a plurality of game instances corresponding to respective ones of a plurality of display areas on a display, a set of symbols for display at a plurality of display positions arranged in an array in the respective display area, wherein determining the set of symbols comprises a symbol selector selecting one or more of the symbols and wherein selecting one or more of the symbols by the symbol selector can result in the selection of a replicating symbol, a symbol replicator for, upon a replicating symbol being selected at a display position of at least one game instance that satisfies one or more adjacency criteria with respect to a corresponding display position of another game instance, replicating the replicating symbol at the corresponding display position of the other game instance, and a symbol evaluator for evaluating symbols, including the replicated replicating symbol, displayed at the display positions of the other game instance to determine whether to make an award.
US09704349B1 Networked randomized exchanges with adjustment for non-optimal transactions
A method, apparatus, and computer readable storage to implement a networked entertainment system. A game such as blackjack can be offered to multiple (e.g. 10 or more) simultaneous players. The game has decision points in which each player makes a strategic decision. For those situations where players make the mathematically incorrect decision, the significance of the error can be computed as a decrease in expected value of the award that the player would have won. This error can then be returned back to the player immediately or accumulated and returned at a later time.
US09704340B2 Method, apparatus, and computer-readable media for enabling real-time competition having an entertaining experience based on commodities or currencies
The disclosed embodiment relates to methods, apparatus, and computer-readable media for enabling real-time competition. An exemplary computer-implemented method executed by one or more computing devices for enabling real-time competition between users according to the disclosed embodiment includes, for example, receiving information from a first user computing device associated with a first user corresponding to the first user's competitive position regarding a real-time event, transmitting information to a second user computing device associated with a second user identifying the real-time event, receiving information from the second user computing device corresponding to the second user's competitive position regarding the real-time event, and transmitting information to the first user computing device and the second user computing device regarding an outcome of the real-time event relative to the first user's competitive position and the second user's competitive position.
US09704337B2 Wagering game method, gaming machine, gaming system, and program product providing progressive prize control
A progressive gaming method may be conducted in a distributed fashion without a progressive controller. In such a method game play inputs are received through a respective player input system of each of two or more gaming machines. Each game play input defines a wager for a respective play of a wagering game. A progressive contribution value for each respective wager is calculated and a local progressive register value is incremented by that calculated amount. Calculating the progressive contribution value and incrementing the local progressive register value may each be performed at the gaming machine at which the respective wager is defined, and these calculated progressive contribution values are then communicated to each other gaming machine of the two or more gaming machines. Each gaming machine maintains a total progressive value based on the locally calculated progressive contribution values and the values communicated from other gaming machines.
US09704336B2 Managing a theme of a virtual space based on characters made accessible responsive to corresponding tokens being detected
Objectives, an environment, and/or a theme associated with a virtual space may be managed based on characters made accessible responsive to corresponding tokens being detected. Tokens, including a first token associated with a first character or a second token associated with a second character, may be detected based on signals received from one or more token readers. The first character may be made accessible in the virtual space responsive to the first token being detected and the second character may be made accessible in the virtual space responsive to the second token being detected. Responsive to one or both of the first token being detected or the second token being detected, a given objective associated with the virtual space may be effectuated in the virtual space, an environment of the virtual space may be modified, and/or a theme of the virtual space being modified.
US09704335B2 Interactive gaming among a plurality of players systems and methods
A system for interactive gaming among a plurality of players includes a host computer system and a plurality of player terminals communicably coupled to the host computer system or gaming platform via a network. The plurality of player terminals may be located at a plurality of licensed gaming locations. The plurality of player terminals may be configured to engage the plurality of players in a common interactive game operated by the host computer system. The plurality of player terminals can include means for dispensing player winnings from the player terminal.
US09704327B2 Multi-function transaction device
A mobile communication device may include one or more devices configured to: receive, from a server, identity information corresponding to transaction information stored on the server, the transaction information being associated with at least one transaction completed between the mobile communication device and a user device; send, to a transaction device, the identity information to establish a communication session to conduct a transaction between the transaction device and the mobile communication device; and receive, from the transaction device, a payment request associated with the transaction between the transaction device and the mobile communication device, and generated using the transaction information provided by the server.
US09704324B2 Document handling device
A money handling device for accepting, storing and dispensing valuable documents in exchange for goods or services includes a validation module (100), a recycler module (200) and a note storage module (300). The validation module determines acceptable and non-acceptable valuable documents, and the storage module stores acceptable valuable documents. The recycler is arranged to dispense a temporarily stored valuable document to the validation module for dispensing as change or to dispense a temporarily stored valuable document to the note storage module.
US09704318B2 System and method for accurately sensing user location in an IoT system
A system and method are described for implementing a wireless IoT lock. For example, one embodiment of a system comprises: an IoT lock configured to unlock a door in response to a wireless signal; a system calibration module to collect signal strength data indicating signal strength between a wireless device and the IoT lock and signal strength between the wireless device and one or more Internet of Things (IoT) devices and/or IoT hubs when the user is known to be outside of the door, the system calibration module to associate the signal strength data with the user location outside of the door in a location database; and a signal strength analysis module to determine whether the user is outside of the door by comparing the signal strength data in the location database with current signal strength data indicating signal strength between the wireless device and the IoT lock and the one or more of the plurality of IoT devices and/or IoT hubs; wherein the IoT lock is to be unlocked responsive to determining that the user is located outside of the door.
US09704316B2 Contactless electronic access control system
An embodiment of an electronic access control system includes an electronic access apparatus, an electronic lock, and an access control administration program. The electronic access apparatus provides a wireless power signal and a wireless digital data signal to the electronic lock. The wireless power signal can be the only source of power used by the electronic lock to actuate an electronic lock mechanism. In some embodiments, the lock mechanism includes a piezoelectric latch.
US09704313B2 Systems and methods for interacting with access control devices
Described herein are systems and methods for interacting with access control devices. In overview, a human user physically identifies an access control device with which he/she wishes to interact, for example in the context of providing commissioning and/or configuration data. The user then makes a physical local interaction with the device, for example by way of a smartcard having predefined characteristics. This causes the access control device to enable a wireless communications protocol, thereby to allow the user to discover the device using a portable device which implements a complementary wireless communications protocol. Commissioning information is then provided by way of the portable device to the access control device in a wireless manner. Once this is complete, the access control device disables the wireless communications protocol.
US09704308B2 Instant detection system of vehicle
An instant detection system of a vehicle is provided. The vehicle has wheel assemblies and a brake system, and the wheel assemblies are coupled with the brake system. The instant detection system includes temperature detectors, rotational speed detectors, acoustic detectors, an analysis host and an alarm device. The temperature detectors are disposed on the brake system, and the acoustic detectors and the rotational detectors are disposed adjacent to the wheel assemblies for respectively detecting temperature information and sound information of the wheel assemblies and the brake system, and speed information of the vehicle. The analysis host is coupled with the above-mentioned detectors to receive and analyze the temperature, the sound and the speed information, so as to generate alarm information. The alarm device generates breakdown information according to the alarm information.
US09704303B2 Systems and methods for utilizing telematics data to improve fleet management operations
According to various embodiments, a fleet management system is provided for capturing, storing, and analyzing telematics data to improve fleet management operations. The fleet management system may be used, for example, by a shipping entity (e.g., a common carrier) to capture telematics data from a plurality of vehicle sensors located on various delivery vehicles and to analyze the captured telematics data. In particular, various embodiments of the fleet management system are configured to analyze engine idle data in relation to other telematics data in order to identify inefficiencies, safety hazards, and theft hazards in a driver's delivery process. The fleet management system may also be configured to assess various aspects of vehicle performance, such as vehicle travel delays and vehicle speeds. These analytical capabilities allow the fleet management system to assist fleet managing entities, or other entities, in analyzing driver performance, reducing fuel and maintenance costs, and improving route planning.
US09704300B2 Detection of anatomy orientation using learning-based regression
A framework for anatomy orientation detection is described herein. In accordance with one aspect, a pre-trained regressor is applied to appearance features of the image volume to predict a colatitude of the structure of interest. An optimal longitude corresponding to the predicted colatitude is then determined. In response to the colatitude being more than a pre-determined threshold, the image volume is re-oriented based on the predicted colatitude and the optimal longitude, and the predicted colatitude and optimal longitude determination is repeated for the re-oriented image volume.
US09704295B2 Construction of synthetic augmented reality environment
Embodiments are disclosed that relate to producing a synthetic environmental model derived from a three dimensional representation of an environment, and rendering images from the model. For example, one disclosed embodiment provides a method including detecting a trigger to build the synthetic environmental model utilizing the three dimensional representation of the environment, and, in response to the trigger, obtaining a set of synthetic image elements for use in constructing the synthetic environmental model. The method further includes fitting one or more elements from the set of synthetic image elements to the three dimensional representation of the environment according to a set of rules to produce the synthetic environmental model, and rendering an image from the synthetic environmental model for display, the image showing the one or more elements from the set of synthetic image elements replacing real-world topography in the environment.
US09704294B2 Image processing apparatus and image processing method
A curved slice is obtained from a three-dimensional tomographic image of an object based on a reference position in the three-dimensional tomographic image. A two-dimensional tomographic image corresponding to the curved slice is generated from the three-dimensional tomographic image.
US09704291B2 Structure model creation from a three dimensional surface
Constructing a three dimensional (3D) model of a structure may involve receiving a 3D surface representing a geographic area, the surface having elevation values associated with points of the surface and the geographic area comprises a structure having a geographic footprint smaller than the geographic area. Constructing a 3D model may also involve projecting the elevation values into a two dimensional (2D) plane. Further, a 3D model may be constructed of the structure by assigning model heights based on the elevation values projected into points of the 2D plane.
US09704290B2 Deep image identifiers
A method may include receiving a plurality of objects from a 3-D virtual scene. The plurality of objects may be arranged in a hierarchy. The method may also include generating a plurality of identifiers for the plurality of objects. The plurality of identifiers may include a first identifier for a first object in the plurality of objects, and the identifier may be generated based on a position of the first object in the hierarchy. The method may additionally include performing a rendering operation on the plurality of objects to generate a deep image. The deep image may include a plurality of samples that correspond to the first object. The method may further include propagating the plurality of identifiers through the rendering operation such that each of the plurality of samples in the deep image that correspond to the first object are associated with the identifier.
US09704288B2 Stable spaces for rendering character garments in real-time
Techniques are disclosed for providing a learning-based clothing model that enables the simultaneous animation of multiple detailed garments in real-time. A simple conditional model learns and preserves key dynamic properties of cloth motions and folding details. Such a conditional model may be generated for each garment worn by a given character. Once generated, the conditional model may be used to determine complex body/cloth interactions in order to render the character and garment from frame-to-frame. The clothing model may be used for a variety of garments worn by male and female human characters (as well as non-human characters) while performing a varied set of motions typically used in video games (e.g., walking, running, jumping, turning, etc.).
US09704287B2 Method and apparatus for achieving transformation of a virtual view into a three-dimensional view
A method and an apparatus for achieving transformation of a virtual view into a 3D view are provided. The method comprises: S1. capturing position coordinates of a human eye by a human-eye tracking module; S2. determining a rotation angle of a virtual scene and rotating the virtual scene according to the rotation angle to obtain a virtual holographic 3D view matrix by a first image processing module; S3. determining a shearing angle for each of viewpoints to generate a shearing matrix for the viewpoint in one-to-one correspondence, and post-multiplying the shearing matrix with a corresponding viewpoint model matrix to generate a left view and a right view by a second image processing module; and S4. projecting the left view and the right view of each of the viewpoints by the projection displaying module.
US09704283B2 Rendering with point sampling and pre-computed light transport information
Rendering system combines point sampling and volume sampling operations to produce rendering outputs. For example, to determine color information for a surface location in a 3-D scene, one or more point sampling operations are conducted in a volume around the surface location, and one or more sampling operations of volumetric light transport data are performed farther from the surface location. A transition zone between point sampling and volume sampling can be provided, in which both point and volume sampling operations are conducted. Data obtained from point and volume sampling operations can be blended in determining color information for the surface location. For example, point samples are obtained by tracing a ray for each point sample, to identify an intersection between another surface and the ray, to be shaded, and volume samples are obtained from a nested 3-D grids of volume elements expressing light transport data at different levels of granularity.
US09704280B2 Portable globe creation for geographical information system
Portable globes may be provided for viewing regions of interest in a Geographical Information System (GIS). A method for providing a portable globe for a GIS may include determining one or more selected regions corresponding to a geographical region of a master globe. The method may further include organizing geospatial data from the master globe based on the selected region and creating the portable globe based on the geospatial data. The portable globe may be smaller in data size than the master globe. The method may include transmitting the portable globe to a local device that may render the selected region at a higher resolution than the remainder of the portable globe in the GIS. A system for providing a portable globe may include a selection module, a fusion module and a transmitter. A system for updating a portable globe may include a packet bundler and a globe cutter.
US09704278B2 Visualization device for displaying a rendered virtual object
A visualization device is provided that includes an actual light box that includes an illumination array for illuminating an actual object (OR) placed in the actual light box; and a rear limiting wall which functions as a screen. The device also includes a computer programmed to spatially display a virtual light box on the screen, such that the virtual light box displayed on the screen appears to form a continuous rearward extension of the actual light box. In addition, a virtual object (OV) may be displayed on the screen, such that the virtual object (OV) is situated in the virtual light box. The combination of an actual light box and a virtual light box allows an observer to realistically assess appearance data rendered onto a virtual object, in a direct comparison with an actual object.
US09704270B1 Method and apparatus for rasterizing and encoding vector graphics
The present invention describes exemplary embodiments of a method and apparatus for rasterizing and encoding vector graphics. The method comprises determining, by an image encoder, a difference between a transmission frame rate of an image encoder and a raster sequence frame rate of a raster sequence of images rasterized by a graphics processing unit (GPU); and adjusting, by the GPU, image detail of the raster sequence according to the difference.
US09704266B2 Non-contacting monitor for bridges and civil structures
A method for monitoring the condition of a bridge includes: stably positioning a video camera at a selected location with an unobstructed view of a selected portion of the bridge structure; collecting a video file of the structure over a selected total time interval; using a data processing system to analyze the video and calculate a physical parameter related to movement of the selected portion as a function of time, wherein the data processing system is controlled through a graphical user interface (GUI) having the following features: a display of a single video frame corresponding to a selected time; a movable area selector in the video frame to indicate the selection of an area of the structure for analysis; and, a display of displacement versus time for the selected area over the total time interval. The processor may perform some tasks, e.g., area selection, autonomously or via predetermined rules.
US09704255B2 Three-dimensional shape measurement device, three-dimensional shape measurement method, and three-dimensional shape measurement program
A device for measuring a three-dimensional shape includes an imaging unit which sequentially outputs a first two-dimensional image being captured and outputs a second two-dimensional image according to an output instruction, the second two-dimensional image having a setting different from a setting of the first two-dimensional image, an output instruction generation unit which generates the output instruction based on a shape defect ratio obtained by generating a three-dimensional model based on the second two-dimensional image outputted by the imaging unit and viewing a three-dimensional model from a viewpoint at which the first two-dimensional image is captured, and a storage unit which stores the second two-dimensional image outputted by the imaging unit.
US09704254B2 Stereo image matching by shape preserving filtering of a cost volume in a phase domain
Techniques related to stereo image correspondence are discussed. Such techniques may include determining a filtered cost volume for stereo images using phase domain based costs and selecting disparity values for pixel locations based on the filtered cost volume. The filtered cost volume may be generated based on phase matching costs in single or multi-resolution.
US09704241B2 Radiation image processing device, radiation image processing method and program
It is possible to allow image processing on a radiation image such that the same effect of scattered radiation elimination as when imaging is actually performed using a grid is obtained. When performing processing for eliminating scattered radiation included in radiation transmitted through a subject M on a radiation image imaged by irradiating the subject M with radiation, a characteristic acquisition unit 32 acquires a virtual grid characteristic as a characteristic of a virtual grid assumed to be used to eliminate scattered radiation at the time of imaging of the radiation image. A scattered radiation elimination unit 36 performs scattered radiation elimination processing of the radiation image based on the virtual grid characteristic.
US09704240B2 Signal processing for intravascular imaging
An intravascular imaging system includes a transducer capable of generating raw data representative of the structure of a patient's vasculature. The system includes an imaging engine for receiving the raw data and generating enhanced data for presentation to a user. The imaging engine includes a coherence filter, an envelope detection module having one or more envelope detectors, and a spatial filter for processing data in various stages. Such stages of processing in the imaging engine act to reduce high frequency noise, generate low frequency data, reduce low frequency noise, and display low frequency data with an improved signal-to-noise ratio. The system can include an image generator for generating an image based on enhanced data and a display for displaying the generated image.
US09704230B2 Feedback to user for indicating augmentability of an image
Methods and systems for determining augmentability information associated with an image frame captured by a digital imaging part of a user device. The determined augmentability score may then be used in the generation of feedback to the user. For example, a graphical user interface may be generated and rendered having a substantially continuous visual output corresponding to the augmentability information.
US09704227B2 Method and apparatus for image enhancement
Embodiments of the present invention relate to a method and apparatus for image enhancement. In particular, there is provided a method for image enhancement, the method comprising: estimating unsharpness of the image (S201-S204); determining a protection level of at least one pixel in the image based on the unsharpness (S205); and modifying a value of the at least one pixel to enhance the image, an amount of the modifying being determined at least in part based on the protection level (S206-S210). A corresponding apparatus and user device are disclosed. The invention may be applied to fog or haze removal from images or video without producing over-removal artifacts. In some embodiments, the invention may also be used to remove noise from low-light images.
US09704222B2 Image processing apparatus
An image processing apparatus of the present invention includes: a structure index calculation unit that calculates a structure index that is an index of magnitude of variation of a pixel value in a predetermined range around a target pixel of an input image, with respect to each target pixel; a high frequency component extraction unit that extracts a high frequency structure index that is a high frequency component of the structure index; a smoothing unit that calculates a smoothed structure index obtained by smoothing the structure index, with respect to the each target pixel; a flatness index calculation unit that calculates a synthesis index obtained by synthesizing the smoothed structure index and the high frequency structure index, as a flatness index of the target pixel; and a noise reduction unit that performs a noise reduction process of the target pixel in accordance with the flatness index.
US09704214B2 Rendering video data in an information handling system by converting the video data to bulk video data
A method, video processing system, and information handling system (IHS) provides rendering of video data. The method includes triggering a management controller to generate a virtual monitor that is accessible by a host. The method further includes, in response to the processor writing video data to the video driver, the video data is converted to bulk video data. The bulk video data is transmitted to the management controller, and the management controller causes a virtual monitor driver corresponding to the virtual monitor to convert the bulk video data to a re-converted video data.
US09704213B2 Texture element streaming
In one example, a method for transmitting video data includes outputting, by a source device to a sink device, graphical commands and one or more texture elements that are renderable into video data. In this example, outputting a particular texture element of the one or more texture elements includes streaming, by the source device and to the sink device, a plurality of stages that each respectively correspond to a respective subset of pixels of the particular texture element.
US09704212B2 System and method for image processing
A system and method for image processing are provided. The system comprises a main computing device and a secondary computing device. The main computing device comprises a main graphics card and a main central processing unit, and the secondary computing device comprises a secondary graphics card and a secondary central processing unit. The main computing device is configured to detect the secondary computing device. The main central processing unit is configured to send a request to process raw image data together to the secondary central processing unit and allocate the raw image data to the main graphics card and the secondary graphics card after receiving a response from the secondary central processing unit. The main graphics card and the secondary graphics card are configured to process images based on the allocation of the main central processing unit. The system and method for image processing provided by the present invention can take full advantage of graphics cards located in different computing devices and enable these graphics cards to work together to accelerate image processing.
US09704211B2 Signal continuity assessment using embedded watermarks
Methods, apparatus, and systems use embedded watermarks to determine whether the segments of a multimedia content has been rearranged. The embedded watermarks are recovered from the content and one or more attributes associated with the recovered watermarks are identified. A continuity of the content can then be assessed in accordance with the one or more attributes. The continuity assessment may be based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to a determined heartbeat of the recovered watermarks, a density, separation, location, or extent, of the recovered watermarks, as well as information associated with the watermarks, such as a stego key, channel bits, packet numbers, a fingerprint, or the like.
US09704210B2 Normalized mark data
In one example, a system including an isolation engine, a normalization engine, and a channel engine is described. In the example, the isolation engine generates mark data using a mark technique based on a first input color channel and a second input color channel, the normalization engine scales intensity values of a set of pixels of the mark data to a greater range, and the channel engine generates output channel data for a plurality of output color channels from normalized mark data based on the scaled intensity values.
US09704205B2 Device for implementing body fluid analysis and social networking event planning
Event planning using social networking enables an efficient implementation of planning an event, as well as minimizing network traffic and optimizing other technological aspects of life. Additional information acquired by sensors and other technology is able to improve the quality of the event planning. Social network information as well as the additional information is able to be used to select aspects of the event such as time, location, and/or many other aspects of the event.
US09704198B2 Method and system for facilitating a context-based electronic communication regarding a financial transaction
A computer communication system includes a database, a display application and a communication application. The database is configured to store data pertaining to a financial transaction. The display application is configured to execute on a processor to create a display for displaying a user-selectable communication item corresponding to the financial transaction. The communication application is configured to execute on a processor to create a communication interface. The communication interface enables a first user to initiate, by selecting the user-selectable communication item, a communication with a second user regarding the financial transaction, where the communication is an e-mail communication or an instant messaging communication. The communication interface also automatically embeds one or more transaction parameters corresponding to the financial transaction in the communication to be displayed to the second user. The one or more transaction parameters are based on the data pertaining to the financial transaction stored in the database.
US09704196B2 System and method for regulating order entry in an electronic trading environment
A system and method are provided for defining slop parameters to an individual spread order or a customized group of orders. The system and method may be used to, for example, define inside slop, outside slop, and/or adjustable range parameters to one or more orders. The inside slop, outside slop, and/or adjustable range parameters may be input by a trader, and, among other things, allow a trader to prioritize orders, set parameters so that some orders are re-priced more aggressively than other spread orders. Alternatively, slop parameters associated with a spread order may also apply more restrictive slop parameters to orders within the same adjustable range. Slop parameters associated with a spread order can also be configured and modified by a trader based on the trader's preferences. Other features and advantages are described herein.
US09704187B2 Collaborative activities in on-line commerce
Computer based systems and methods allow collaborative shopping for and/or designing of (e.g., customization) consumer products, such as articles of footwear, apparel, athletic equipment, etc., by plural users using different computing devices. The users' computing devices may be in communication with one another in various manners, such as over networked connections (e.g., a local area network (LAN), a wide area network (WAN), an internet connection, etc.); via peer-to-peer communications; through a common server or combination of servers that establish a communications link; etc.). The various parties may participate in an on-line or other computer communicative session to create and buy customized products. Additionally, user interfaces for providing these collaborative sessions are described.
US09704184B2 Email payment gateway for donations
An email payment gateway may be configured to send emails to potential donors. The emails may include mailto hyperlinks. Each mailto hyperlink may be associated with one or more fundraising campaigns, and each mailto hyperlink describes an email message that may be generated when that hyperlink is selected. When a mailto hyperlink is selected, the generated email message may include one or more parameters related to the fundraising campaign associated with the hyperlink, such as an identifier of the fundraising campaign, donor identity or donation amount. The generated email message may then be transmitted to the email payment gateway. The email payment gateway may receive the message and, based on the parameters in the received message, process the donation on behalf of the donor.
US09704182B2 Systems and methods to provide connections via callback acceptance
Systems and methods to selectively block calls from reaching destinations based on an input received from a callback connection. One embodiment includes a web server to receive a selection of an advertisement from an customer and to obtain a communication reference from the customer in response to the selection; a session border controller to interface with a packet switched network; and one or more telecommunication servers coupled to the session border controller and the web server, the one or more telecommunication servers to establish a connection for real time communications using the communication reference, to initiate a connection for real time communications with an advertiser of the advertisement after receiving an indication of acceptance of the connection established using the communication reference; where the advertiser is charged an advertisement fee in response to establishing a connection for real time communications between the advertiser and the customer.
US09704181B2 Real-time social group based bidding system
There are provided a system, a method and a computer program product for creating the social group whose participants are involved in an online conversation. The system aggregates data associated with the online conversation and a group profile, of the social group. The system determines, based on the online conversation data and the group profile, a context of the online conversation and a goal of the social group. The system receives, based on the determined context and the goal, a first bidding from each provider, the first bidding associated with the determined context and the goal, the each provider providing one or more of: goods, services or discounts associated with the context and the goal.
US09704170B2 Method for tracking items using a fund processing device
Tools for forecasting financial instrument transfers are provided. The tools may include a funds processing system. The funds processing system may be established at a client location. The funds processing system may receive a plurality of items. The items may include one or more financial instruments. The items may include one or more attachments. The items may be processed using the funds processing system. Data corresponding to the items may be transmitted to a financial institution. The data may be used to compute a forecast. The forecast may be based at least on part on data received via the funds processing system. Data analytical models may forecast future requirements. The requirements may be pickup requirements. The pickup requirements may be financial instrument pickup requirements. The forecast may be a time forecast. The time may be an estimated arrival time. The estimated arrival time may be at the financial institution.
US09704167B2 Electronic devices and service management methods for providing services corresponding to different situations
Service management methods for use in an electronic device are provided, including the steps of: providing a record including at least one first event and possible probability parameters corresponding thereto, each having a weight; collecting device status information regarding information of current status of the electronic device, user operation behavior information and event triggering information using a data collector; evaluating a first evaluation value according to the device status information regarding information of current status of the electronic device, user operation behavior information and event triggering information, the possible probability parameters and respective weights of the record; and inferring that the first event reoccurs and performing a service corresponding to the first event when the first evaluation value has exceeded a threshold value.
US09704161B1 Providing information without authentication
Techniques for providing information to a user without requiring the user to authenticate are described herein. In some instances, a user enters a payment identifier for the purpose of determining a fully-landed cost of one or more items. In response, a transaction processing service compares item details with information associated with the payment identifier and/or information about the owner of the identifier. The service may then provide this identifier-specific fully-landed cost to the user without requiring the user to authenticate or prove that she is the owner of the payment identifier.
US09704155B2 Passing payment tokens through an hop/sop
Embodiments of the invention are directed to methods, a computer-readable medium, servers and systems for enabling merchants to pass payment tokens, instead of actual payment information, to third party HOPs and SOPs. This, for example, enables a merchant to charge a consumer, such as on a recurring basis or for a one-off purchase, without having the consumer enter payment information each time and without the merchant actually having to handle payment information. As such, merchants can avoid costs and responsibilities associated with handling and storing consumer payment data, while at the same time it also gives merchants the benefit of engaging in purchase transactions with consumers without requiring that the consumers reenter payment data each time they want to make a purchase.
US09704154B2 Wearable personal digital device for facilitating mobile device payments and personal use
Provided are a wearable personal digital device and related methods. The wearable personal digital device may comprise a processor, a display, biometric sensors, activity tracking sensors, a memory unit, a communication circuit, a housing, an input unit, a projector, a timepiece unit, a haptic touch control actuator, and a band. The processor may be operable to receive data from an external device, provide a notification to a user based on the data, receive a user input, and perform a command selected based on the user input. The communication circuit may be communicatively coupled to the processor and operable to connect to a wireless network and communicate with the external device. The housing may be adapted to enclose the components of the wearable personal digital device. The band may be adapted to attach to the housing and secure the wearable personal digital device on a user body.
US09704153B2 System and method for enabling transactions on an associated network
A method and system are disclosed for wireless payment and information collection. A central system generates a personalized application including unique application and transaction identifiers, security keys, and signatures for a user device. The user device implements the personalized application in order to access the services of the associated network. Tags, capable of short-range communication with the user devices, are deployed to service access points of the associated network. The tags and user device mutually authenticate and share identifiers. Validation of the user device results in the tag updating an irreversible counter, generating transaction certificate, and logging this transaction information. The transaction certificate and a portion of the log are communicated to the user device, and service is granted. The user device transmits the transaction information and log to the central system for billing when a network connection is available.
US09704152B1 Mobile payment systems and methods
A method includes providing a first payment account that is issued by a first financial institution and enables an accountholder thereof to make payments at merchants via a closed-loop payments network corresponding to the first financial institution and mobile person-to-person payments using the payment account. The method includes enabling a second payment account that is issued by a second financial institution to be electronically linked to the first payment account and used as a source of funds. The method includes providing a mobile operating system and enabling a plurality of merchant-specific payment accounts to be associated with a mobile communications device having the operating system. The method includes determining whether a merchant-specific payment account that is accepted only by a particular merchant is available to the accountholder via the mobile communications device and receiving a fee when the first payment account is used for a purchase.
US09704142B2 System and kiosk apparatus for collecting end-of-life mobile phones
A system for collecting end-of-life mobile phones includes a kiosk apparatus for performing an authentication procedure in which an authentication request is made using registration information including registrant information and end-of-life mobile phone information and a barcode label is issued when an authentication number is input according to the authentication request, and an identifying procedure for storing or discharging the end-of-life mobile phone by checking the presence of the barcode label attached thereto and identifying whether the mobile terminal is a normal mobile phone when the end-of-life mobile phone is put therein; and an integrated operation system having an operating system program to communicate with a plurality of kiosk apparatuses through a network, issue the authentication number corresponding to the authentication request of the kiosk apparatus, and check and statistically analyze an individual or integrated collection amount of kiosk apparatuses.
US09704141B2 Post-repair data comparison
Methods and apparatus are provided for repairing vehicles. A computing device can receive post-repair data regarding a first vehicle. The computing device can compare the post-repair data to a post-repair dataset regarding at least one vehicle other than the first vehicle. The post-repair dataset can include at least one of an instance of successful post-repair data and an instance of unsuccessful post-repair data. The computing device can determine that a repair to the first vehicle is successful if the post-repair dataset matches an instance of successful post-repair data of the post-repair dataset. The computing device can determine that the repair to the first vehicle is unsuccessful if the post-repair dataset matches an instance of unsuccessful post-repair data within the post-repair dataset. The computing device can indicate whether the repair is successful or unsuccessful.
US09704140B2 Welding system parameter comparison system and method
A metal fabrication resource performance monitoring method, includes accessing data representative of a parameter sampled during a metal fabrication operation of a metal fabrication resource, the resource being selectable by a user from a listing of individual and groups of resources. Via at least one computer processor, the accessed parameter is processed to determine an analyzed system parameter, and a user viewable dashboard page is populated with graphical indicia representative of the analyzed system parameter, and transmitted the user viewable dashboard page to a user.
US09704139B2 Techniques for requesting web conference recordings automatically via a conference invitation response
Techniques are presented for recording and delivering content associated with a teleconference meeting. At a server device, a message is sent to a first endpoint device. The message comprises an invitation to join a teleconference meeting. The message also comprises an option for a user at the first endpoint device to respond to the message with a request to record the teleconference meeting. A response message is received from the first endpoint device. The response message contains an indication of whether or not the user will join the teleconference meeting and a request to record the teleconference meeting. A host at a second endpoint device is presented with the request from the user to record the teleconference meeting.
US09704132B2 Method, system and apparatus for adapting the functionalities of a connected object associated with a user ID
In accordance with one example embodiment of the present invention a method is provided for adapting and customizing the attributes and the functionalities of a connected object according to preferences, settings and permissions associated with a user paired with said connected object. In some implementations, at least part of the inputs and adjustments imparted by said user to said connected object via an input/output user interface could seamlessly translate into other connected objects that belong to the same class and are paired with said user. In other implementations, the pairing of connected target objects with user IDs provides novel functionalities.
US09704129B2 Method and system for integrated professional continuing education related services
The present invention provides a computer-implemented integrated professional services research, resource, and education delivery and management system. The invention integrates the professional services delivery aspect with the professional education, training and requirements aspect associated with professional services firms and concerns. The invention provides electronic filing and reporting of requirements related documents to maintain state certifications. By providing a more efficient learning environment that is more fully integrated in the practice of a given profession, the present invention promotes an environment that more quickly advances and cultivates the skills of professionals, especially those with little experience, and more closely relates such development with the particular areas in which the individual is engaged in the practice and delivery of professional services, thereby enhancing value delivered to the client.
US09704127B2 System and method for reproducing works of authorship
In a method for reproducing an original copy of a work of authorship, processing information received from a data input device relating to authentication of the original copy of the work of authorship, identifying information in a database corresponding to the information received from the data input device, determining whether an authorization for reproduction of the work of authorship should be granted, and if authorization is granted, reproducing the work of authorship.
US09704124B2 Method and apparatus pertaining to monitoring item source locations
One maintains a first historical record that correlates each of a plurality of items that each have a unique identifier with one of a plurality of locations with a facility. Upon then determining that a given one of those items is leaving the facility (for example, by detecting that the item is literally exiting a building that comprises the facility and/or that the item is being purchased), that item's unique identifier and that first historical record are used to update a second historical record with respect to which locations within the facility are moving which items. By one approach the aforementioned unique identifier can comprise an electronic product code as comprises a part of a corresponding RFID tag.
US09704123B2 Automated listing management
A system and method that manages listings is provided. In example embodiments, a first listing for offering an item is created. A second listing that is an adjustment to the first listing that includes a different attribute is then created. A result of the first listing and a result of the second listing are evaluated. An optimal listing based on the result of the first listing and the result of the second listing is determined.
US09704119B2 System and method of a requirement, compliance and resource management
A system and/or a method based on a scalable requirement, compliance and resource management methodology for designing a product/service, optimizing relevant processes and enhancing real time and/or near real time collaboration between many users is disclosed. The requirement, compliance and resource management methodology is further integrated with a fuzzy/neuro-fuzzy logic algorithm module and/or statistical algorithm module and/or weighting logic algorithm module and enhanced with a graphical user interface.
US09704118B2 Predictive analytics in determining key performance indicators
Disclosed are a system, computer readable medium and method for predicting key performance indicators. The method includes receiving one or more data pairs, the one or more data pairs indicating a performance parameter and reason indicator associated with the performance parameter, deriving a formulaic relationship, utilizing a regression formula, between the reason indicator and the performance parameter, predicting at least one key performance indicator (KPI), utilizing a regression formula, for each of the one or more data pairs, associating a cost with each of the one or more data pairs, and varying a parameter based on the KPI and the associated cost.
US09704116B2 Manufacturing optimizer based on production and consumption targets
An optimizer is used to help manage a process that has multiple consumption inputs with differing costs, multiple production outputs with differing sale prices and intermediates. The process may have storage capabilities for some consumption inputs, production outputs and intermediates. Further, there may be multiple production and consumption targets for the total amount of consumption inputs/production outputs, consumed/produced over a fixed period of time. The optimizer finds the most economical solution while staying in a region from which the contract target is reachable for any combination of uncertain fixed trajectories from pre-selected intervals.
US09704108B2 System and method for network visualization and plan review
A computer-implemented system, a method thereof, and a computer-readable medium comprising a supply chain visualizer providing a plurality of graphical elements in a multi-dimensional supply chain network view and a plan display providing a plurality of graphical elements in a multi-dimensional tabular view, a multi-directional capability for traversing between the supply chain visualizer and the plan display operable to receive input from a planner during a planning session specifying a plan problem, reflecting changes to data associated with the plan display back to data associated with the supply chain visualizer, reflecting changes to data associated with the supply chain visualizer back to data associated with the plan display, traversing the multi-dimensional supply chain network via a real-time interaction between the multi-dimensional tabular view of the plan display and the visual representation of the graphical view of the supply chain visualizer, and providing the planner the ability to generate a plan.
US09704107B1 Premise generation based on both analytical processes and statistical processes
Among other things, data is received representing a case for which an output premise is to be generated. The received data is processed to generate the output premise for the case. The processing includes both analytical processing and statistical processing. The analytical processing in the statistical processing are managed so that the output premise depends on results of the analytical processing that have been affected by the statistical processing, or on results of the statistical processing that have been affected by the analytical processing, or on both.
US09704104B2 Confidence weighting of complex relationships in unstructured data
For confidence weighting relationships between complex entities in unstructured data an expressed relationship between a subset of a set of tokens is extracted from a knowledge graph corresponding to the unstructured data. The knowledge graph includes the set of tokens. The tokens in the subset of tokens are related in the expressed relationship by a set of predicates. A number of occurrences of the set of predicates in the unstructured data is determined. A number of occurrences of the expressed relationship in the unstructured data is determined. Using the number of occurrences of the set of predicates and the number of occurrences of the expressed relationship, a confidence value is computed and assigned to the expressed relationship.
US09704103B2 Digital companions for human users
A succession of conversations are facilitated between a user of a device and a non-human companion portrayed on the device, to develop a relationship between the user and the non-human companion over a time period that spans the successive conversations. The relationship is developed between the user and the non-human companion to cause a change in a state of the user over the time period. A conversation is facilitated by presenting a segment of speech of the non-human companion to the user and detecting a segment of speech of the user, the segments including a portion of the conversation. At the device, information is received from an intelligent agent about a next segment of speech to be presented to the user, as determined by the intelligent agent based on intelligent processes applied to the segment of speech of the user and to the change in state to be caused.
US09704102B2 Sparse factor analysis for analysis of user content preferences
A mechanism for discerning user preferences for categories of provided content. A computer receives response data including a set of preference values that have been assigned to content items by content users. Output data is computed based on the response data using a latent factor model. The output data includes at least: an association matrix that defines K concepts associated with the content items, wherein K is smaller than the number of the content items, wherein, for each of the K concepts, the association matrix defines the concept by specifying strengths of association between the concept and the content items; and a concept-preference matrix including, for each content user and each of the K concepts, an extent to which the content user prefers the concept. The computer may display a visual representation of the association strengths in the association matrix and/or the extents in the concept-preference matrix.
US09704100B2 Authentication method, authentication device, and recording medium
An information conversion method includes: first moving positions of a plurality of particles on a unit sphere according to a value of a probability density function, defining a positional vector of a particle on the unit sphere in a multidimensional space, as a normal vector of a hyperplane configured to divide a feature vector space, defining a predetermined evaluation function configured to evaluate the hyperplane, as the probability density function configured to indicate a probability of existence of a particle on the unit sphere, by a processor; and converting the feature vector to a binary string, considering a positional vector of the moved particle as a normal vector of the hyperplane, by the processor.
US09704095B2 Method for transcribing an odor or an aroma into color information, and method for transcribing color information into a list of molecules
A method for transcribing an odor or an aroma into a colorimetric description comprises: physico-chemical analysis of said odor or of said aroma in order to associate with it a physico-chemical description comprising a physico-chemical vector, comprising proportions associated with a predetermined set of respective volatile molecules; physico-chemical analysis of a set of so-called test odors and/or aromas in order to assign to each test odor or aroma of said set a so-called test physico-chemical description comprising a so-called test physico-chemical vector comprising test proportions associated with said predetermined set of respective volatile molecules; assigning to the test odors and/or aromas respective test colorimetric descriptions comprising so-called test proportions associated with a set of respective colors; assigning to the odor or to the aroma a colorimetric description comprising proportions associated with said respective colors.
US09704093B2 Asymmetrical memristor
Embodiments of the present invention provide a memristor having a first electrode, a second electrode and a memristive layer arranged between the first electrode and the second electrode. Thereby, the memristor is adapted to obtain an asymmetrical current density distribution in the memristive layer.
US09704092B2 Security sealing device comprising a RFID tag
The invention concerns a security sealing device including a sealing element, an integrated circuit and an antenna connected to the integrated circuit, the integrated circuit and the antenna forming a RFID circuit. The security sealing device is characterized by the fact that said sealing element is conductive and is forming a part of said antenna.
US09704086B2 Asset tracking system for rack-based enclosures
A system includes a beacon device including a communication strip having a plurality of directed light emitters distributed along the communication strip. The beacon device can transmit a directed light signal via the directed light emitters. The system further includes a tag including a processor, a radio frequency transmitter coupled to the processor, a directed light receiver coupled to the processor, and a lens having first and second major surfaces and a side surface, the tag to receive the directed light signal via the side surface and to transmit a radio frequency tag message via the radio frequency transmitter. The system also includes a radio frequency reader to receive the radio frequency tag message.
US09704082B2 Marker generation apparatus, marker recognition apparatus, marker generation method, marker recognition method, and program
A marker generation apparatus includes code acquisition means for acquiring N-bit code information (N is a natural number no less than two) for superimposing the code information on a marker defined in a plurality of areas, multiplication means for multiplying each bit value of the code information acquired by the code acquisition means by an M-sequence matrix respectively, color information calculation means for calculating color information by adding up multiplication results obtained by the multiplication means, the color information being used for performing a color arrangement for each area of the marker, and color arrangement means for performing a color arrangement for each area of the marker based on the color information calculated by the color information calculation means.
US09704078B2 Information processing apparatus, method, and non-transitory computer readable medium storing program for displaying an image formed on roll paper
An information processing apparatus including an acquisition portion that acquires a diameter of roll paper on which images are formed by an image forming apparatus and which is rolled by a roll apparatus; and a first display controller that causes, when image formation of an image group is instructed to the image forming apparatus, a roll paper image indicating a position where the image group is formed in the rolled roll paper to be displayed on a display portion, on a basis of a first diameter acquired when image formation of the image group is started and a second diameter acquired when image formation of the image group is completed.
US09704077B2 Image processing device having voltage generating unit outputting control voltage
In the image processing device, a power supply unit outputs a drive voltage. The control unit is driven by the drive voltage and control the image processing unit. The monitoring unit performs a monitoring operation to determine whether the receiving unit receives the operation instruction. A monitoring unit outputs an activation instruction to the voltage conversion unit when the monitoring unit determines that the receiving unit receives the operation instruction. In response to the activation instruction from the monitoring unit, a voltage conversion unit performs a voltage conversion operation for converting a voltage applied by an external power source to the drive voltage. The voltage generating unit generates a control voltage based on a voltage applied by the external power source and applies the control voltage to both the monitoring unit and the voltage conversion unit.
US09704074B2 Image processing apparatus and method for quantizing first and second multi-valued data
An image processing apparatus has an acquisition unit configured to acquire first multi-valued data corresponding to a first colored ink to be precedently applied to a same area of the print medium, and second multi-valued data corresponding to a second colored ink to be applied to the print medium succeedingly to the first colored ink; and a quantization unit configured to convert the first multi-valued data to first quantized data designating printing or non-printing of dot using the first colored ink, and converts the second multi-valued data to second quantized data designating printing or non-printing of dot using the second colored data. The quantization unit quantizes the first multi-valued data and the second multi-valued data so as to, on the print medium, make dispersibility of dots to be printed based on the first quantized data higher than dispersibility of dots to be printed based on the second quantized data.
US09704073B2 Color conversion apparatus, look-up table generating method, and look-up table generating apparatus
A color conversion apparatus includes a storage section configured to store a look-up table specifying a correspondence relationship between an used amount of a first color material used for a formation of a printing material in a printing device and an used amount of a second color material used for a formation of a color reproduction image in an image-forming apparatus, with the look-up table further specifying the correspondence relationship indicating a first output characteristic for a first region included in an input color space represented by a color of the first color material, and further specifying the correspondence relationship indicating a second output characteristic, which is different from the first output characteristic, for a second region, which is different from the first region, included in the input color space, and a color conversion section configured to perform a color conversion in reference to the look-up table.
US09704072B2 Printer, method, and program for printing Arabic characters
A printer according to an embodiment includes an interface that receives Arabic character data. A control portion includes an image buffer that stores the Arabic character data and a character generator that stores font data corresponding to the Arabic character data. The control portion retrieves font data from the character generator corresponding to the Arabic character data. The control portion generates at least one Arabic character string corresponding to a line or a word unit by rearranging the Arabic character data. The control portion generates image data of the Arabic character string based on the font data. A printer engine prints the generated image data.
US09704071B2 Printing device, control method of a printing device, and storage medium for managing font printouts
Based on characteristics of the font type, the results of printing by a previous printer and the results of printing by a replacement printer are made the same or nearly the same. The control unit 15 of the printer 10 receives control data including font type information specifying a font type, and character identification information specifying a character or string. When the font type specified by the font type information is a specific type of font, the control unit 15 adjusts the size of the font data of the character specified by the character identification information based on an adjustment value read from adjustment information data KY stored by a storage unit 16, and controls a print unit 17 to print the character based on the adjusted font data.
US09704067B2 Non-volatile computer-readable storage media, system and method for automatically generating image description
A method for automatically generating an image description includes following steps of: obtaining a first image data; analyzing a text file corresponding to the first image data; calculating occurrences and distribution ratios of terms, each of which contains a target word, from the text file, so as to obtain a plurality of the terms having the distribution ratios greater than a threshold; comparing the distribution ratios of the terms so as to find out at least one key term; finding out one of a plurality of lexical chains containing the key term with a greatest distribution ratio so as to generate a narrative language chain; and setting the narrative language chain as a description of the first image data. A system for automatically generating an image description and a non-volatile computer-readable storage media are also disclosed.
US09704063B2 Method of sampling feature points, image matching method using the same, and image matching apparatus
A method of sampling feature points, an image matching method using the same, and an image matching processor are disclosed. The method of sampling feature points for image matching includes: dividing a first image into a plurality of regions corresponding to a number of feature points to be sampled; extracting a sampled feature point from each of the regions such that a distance between a sampled feature point of one region and a sampled feature point of another region satisfies a predetermined condition; and estimating a homography on the basis of the extracted sampled feature points and corresponding sampled feature points of a second image to be matched with the first image.
US09704056B2 Computing hierarchical computations for computer vision calculations
Methods, systems, computer-readable storage media, and apparatuses for efficiently computing a computer vision operation are presented. In certain aspects, techniques are disclosed for receiving values from one or more pixels from a pixel array and representing those values for facilitating computer vision operations, such as Haar-like feature computations. In one implementation, the pixel values are represented as a hierarchy of computations; each level above the lower level of the hierarchy of computations comprises one or more values representing a computation of the values from a lower level of the hierarchy. The computation can include a simple sum of the values for the lower level of the hierarchy, a weighted sum of the values for the lower level of the hierarchy, an average of the values for the lower level of the hierarchy, a local binary pattern based on the values for the lower level of the hierarchy, a histogram of oriented gradients based on the values for the lower level of the hierarchy, or other computer vision feature computation based on the values for the lower level of the hierarchy. In such an implementation, the computer vision operations, such as Haar-like feature computations, may be performed using the hierarchy of averages.
US09704055B2 Occlusion render mechanism for point clouds
A method, apparatus, system, article of manufacture, and computer readable storage medium provide the ability to render point cloud data. After obtaining point cloud data, polygons are fit to the point cloud data. A texture atlas is created for each of the polygons. A lookup table is generated from the texture atlases and maps each pixel to a corresponding texture location. When a scene is loaded for rendering/processing, the polygons and texture atlas are loaded and projected into an off-screen buffer that defines a depth map of the scene with approximations of a depth per pixel in screen space. The off-screen buffer is used as a lookup table to determine texture data to be rendered for the scene.
US09704054B1 Cluster-trained machine learning for image processing
Image classification and related imaging tasks performed using machine learning tools may be accelerated by using one or more of such tools to associate an image with a cluster of such labels or categories, and then to select one of the labels or categories of the cluster as associated with the image. The clusters of labels or categories may comprise labels that are mutually confused for one another, e.g., two or more labels or categories that have been identified as associated with a single image. By defining clusters of labels or categories, and configuring a machine learning tool to associate an image with one of the clusters, processes for identifying labels or categories associated with images may be accelerated because computations associated with labels or categories not included in the cluster may be omitted.
US09704050B2 Speckle-based authentication apparatus, authentication system comprising the same, and speckle-based authentication method
Provided are a speckle-based authentication apparatus, an authentication system that includes the speckle-based authentication apparatus, and an authentication method using the speckle-based authentication apparatus. The speckle-based authentication apparatus includes an optical source configured to radiate light onto an object that is placed apart from the optical source; and a detector configured to detect a speckle pattern generated from the object in response to the light being radiated onto the object and detect location information of the object. Thus, the object is authenticated by comparing the speckle pattern detected by the detector with a speckle pattern stored in advance.
US09704049B2 Driver assist system utilizing an inertial sensor
The present disclosure relates to an apparatus configured to adjust a processing function for image data for a vehicle control system. The apparatus comprises an image sensor configured to capture the image data corresponding to a field of view. The image sensor is in communication with a controller which is further in communication with an accelerometer. The controller is operable to receive the image data from the image sensor and receive an acceleration signal from the accelerometer. The accelerometer signal may be utilized to identify a direction of gravity relative to the image sensor.
US09704041B2 Method and system for classifying a terrain type in an area
A method for classifying a terrain type in an area is provided, which comprises the steps of obtaining a plurality of overlapping aerial images of the area, calculating at least one terrain type index for each part of each of the aerial images which lies in the area, where the at least one terrain type index represents the terrain type, determining at least one terrain type index for each part of the area based on the calculated at least one terrain type index for each part of each of the aerial images, and classifying the parts of the area for which at least one pre-determined conditions is met as containing the terrain type, wherein at least one of the at least one predetermined condition relates to a value of the determined at least one terrain type index. Also provided is a system and a computer program product.
US09704039B2 Biometric authentication using the eye
This invention concerns apparatus and a method for authenticating a subject using their eye as an identifying biometric, in particular the shape of their cornea. The apparatus comprises an image projection device to generate and project an image of a pattern, made up of plural discrete points, onto at least a part of the cornea of an eye of the person. An image capture device to capture an image of the pattern of plural discrete points, after reflection in at least a part of the cornea of an eye of the person. And, a computer processor to extract a data set defining the locations of the discrete points in the captured image. The method comprises capturing an image of an illuminated pattern, made up of plural discrete points, after reflection in at least a part of the cornea of an eye of the subject. Comparing the locations of the discrete points in the pattern of the captured image against the locations of the discrete points in the pattern of a reference image. And, authenticating the identity of the subject depending on the similarity of comparison. In a further aspect the invention is software for performing the method.
US09704038B2 Eye tracking
Examples are disclosed herein that relate to eye tracking based on two-dimensional image data. One example provides, on a computing device, a method of tracking an eye. The method includes receiving image data from an image sensor, detecting a face of the user in the image data, locating the eye in a region of the face in the image data to obtain an eye image, normalizing one or more of a scale and an illumination of the eye image, fitting an ellipse to an iris of the eye in the eye image, and outputting a determination of an eye gaze direction based upon the ellipse fitted.
US09704036B2 Eyetracker mounts for use with handheld devices
A device for performing eyetracking on a handheld device includes and eyetracking camera and an eyetracking camera boom mount. The eyetracking camera boom mount physically and electrically connects a handheld device and the eyetracking camera. The eyetracking camera boom mount includes an extension boom that positions the eyetracking camera behind the user's hands. The extension boom provides the eyetracking camera with a view of the user's eyes that is unobstructed by the user's hands. The device can further include an operating scene camera for monitoring a person's hand operations on the handheld device. The operating scene camera can be mounted on the same extension boom as the eyetracking camera or on a separate extension boom.
US09704029B2 Systems and methods for identifying users in media content based on poselets and neural networks
Systems, methods, and non-transitory computer-readable media can receive a first image including a representation of a first user. A second image including a representation of a second user can be received. A first set of poselets associated with the first user can be detected in the first image. A second set of poselets associated with the second user can be detected in the second image. The first image including the first set of poselets can be inputted into a first instance of a neural network to generate a first multi-dimensional vector. The second image including the second set of poselets can be inputted into a second instance of the neural network to generate a second multi-dimensional vector. A first distance metric between the first multi-dimensional vector and the second multi-dimensional vector can be determined.
US09704028B2 Image processing apparatus and program
An information processing system that acquires image data corresponding to a target object that is a target for gesture recognition captured by an imaging device; determines whether a distance between the target object and the imaging device is inadequate for recognition of a gesture made by the target object; and outputs a notification when the determining determines that the distance between the target object and the imaging device is inadequate for recognition of a gesture made by the target object.
US09704026B1 Systems and methods for building and using social networks in image analysis
Computer-implemented systems and methods for identifying an object in an image are provided. In one example, the method includes identifying a first object related to an electronic image. The image includes at least a second object. Based at least in part on the identity of the first object, social networking information related to the first object is used to programmatically identify the second object. The first object and/or the second object may be a person. In some embodiments, metadata associated with the image may be used to identify the second object. Based at least in part on the identifications, social networking information may be associated between the first object and the second object.
US09704020B2 Automatic recognition of entities in media-captured events
Architecture that enables the identification of entities such as people and content in live broadcasts (e.g., streaming content (e.g., video) of live events) and non-live presentations (e.g., movies), in realtime, using recognition processes. This can be accomplished by extracting live data related to a live event. With respect to people entities, filtering can be performed to identify the named (people) entities from the extracted live data, and trending topics discovered as relate to the named entities, as associated with the live event. Multiple images of the named entities that capture the named entities under different conditions are captured for the named entities. The images are then processed to extract and learn facial features (train one or more models), and facial recognition is then performed on faces in the video using the trained model(s).
US09704019B2 Apparatus, method and program for 3D data analysis, and microparticle analysis system
In an example embodiment, may be embodied in a a data analysis apparatus comprises a control unit configured to provide data representative of a three dimensional image, the three dimensional image including at least a three dimensional coordinate space which includes at least one plane that divides the three dimensional coordinate space into at least two regions, a display unit configured to produce the three dimensional image based on the data representative of the three dimensional image, and an input unit configured to provide data representative of at least one of a movement and a position of the at least one plane. In other example embodiments, the present disclosure may be embodied in a data analysis server, a data analysis system, and/or a computer readable medium.
US09704008B2 Remote management of a barcode reader
A computer includes an application that expects to receive data via a unidirectional communication interface. The computer also includes a background service having a first thread and a second thread. The computer additionally includes device management client software. A barcode reader scans one or more barcodes to generate scanned data. The scanned data is sent to the computer via the unidirectional interface. The first thread of the background service reads the scanned data from the unidirectional interface and sends the scanned data to the application. The second thread of the background service enables the device management client software to perform management operations on the barcode reader via a bidirectional communication interface.
US09704006B2 Image processing apparatus
An image processing apparatus includes a 2D code detecting unit, a 2D code decoding unit, and an invalidation processing unit. The 2D code detecting unit is configured to detect a 2D code in a document image. The 2D code decoding unit is configured to try to decode the detected 2D code. The invalidation processing unit is configured to perform invalidation of the 2D code so as to make this 2D code undetectable by the 2D code detecting unit if the 2D code decoding unit failed to decode the 2D code.
US09703994B2 Check of a security element furnished with magnetic materials
Checking of security elements for value documents, which have a plurality of magnetic regions, includes at least a high-coercivity magnetic region having a high-coercivity magnetic material, a low-coercivity magnetic region having a low-coercivity magnetic material, and, where applicable, a combined magnetic region containing both the high-coercivity and the low-coercivity magnetic material. After magnetization of all magnetic materials or the magnetic regions formed therefrom in one direction with a first magnetic field region, only the low-coercivity magnetic material is remagnetized in another direction in a subsequent second magnetic field region. Magnetic signals of the magnetic regions are captured while the security element is still subjected to the second magnetic field region. On the basis of the signals all three types of magnetic region can be reliably distinguished.
US09703987B2 Identity based connected services
Embodiments of the disclosure are directed towards a system and method for enabling an identity based connected service employing a “bound to identity” application usage model. The identity based connected service supports network access for the computing devices based on network connectivity associated with a device application. The system and method use the network access associated with the device application to communicate application state changes in a manner such that any instance of the device application executing on any of the computing devices associated with the same end-user identity remain coherent and consistent. The system and method authenticates an instance of the device application with a single authentication of the device application to an associated resource server.
US09703986B1 Decentralized reputation service for synthetic identities
A machine has a processor and a memory connected to the processor. The memory stores instructions executed by the processor to collect synthetic identity activity information characterizing computer network activity associated with a synthetic identity. A synthetic identity reputation score is computed based upon a current synthetic identity reputation score, a synthetic identity activity value and an activity provider weighting.
US09703984B2 One way and two way data flow systems and methods
A system may include a database, a processor coupled to the database, and a user module executed by the processor. The user module may be configured to receive a value for an attribute of a user and determine whether the value is derived from an assessment sponsored by an organization associated with the user. When the value is derived from the assessment sponsored by the organization associated with the user, the user module may store the received value in the database in a record associated with the user only and in a record associated with the organization and the user. When the value is derived from the assessment not sponsored by an organization associated with the user, the user module may store the received value in the database in the record associated with the user only.
US09703982B2 Document distribution and interaction
An electronic signature comprises an authenticated audio and/or visual recording of a spoken assent that conforms to a pre-established phrase. Alternatively, an electronic signature comprises an authenticated visual recording of a series of physical gestures that conforms to a pre-established sequence. Rules are established with respect to how the assent is to be recorded and authenticated. These rules, as well as the document itself, are provided to a document recipient. If the document recipient assents to the document, an audio and/or visual recording of the assent is generated. Location information that defines or approximates the geographical location where the document recipient recorded the assent is also optionally recorded as well. Once recorded, the assent can be authenticated using any of a variety of suitable authentication processes. An authenticated assent can be considered a legally binding electronic signature that forms a part of, or is otherwise associated with, the document.
US09703981B1 Mobile device data encryption
Mobile device data encryption is disclosed. A file is divided into a plurality of data blocks. The data blocks are encrypted. An authentication value is generated for each encrypted data block. The encrypted data blocks are stored in a tree data structure including the encrypted data blocks and a header block. The header block includes a set of authentication values and an aggregate authentication value. Each authentication value in the set of authentication values is derived from one or more of the encrypted data blocks. The aggregate authentication value is generated based at least in part on the set of authentication values. In various embodiments, the tree data structure may include one or more levels of internal nodes including authentication blocks.
US09703979B1 Methods and computer program products for encryption key generation and management
The described embodiments relate to encryption methods and computer program products. An encryption application is used to determine a keystore seed with a seed bit set having seed bits in an ordered sequence. A plurality of key derivation sets are determined and a selected key derivation set is selected randomly. A key bit sequence is generated from the seed bit set using the selected key derivation set. An encryption key is generated using the key bit sequence, and corresponding keying information is determined from the selected key derivation set such that the latter is also derivable from the former. The keying information discloses zero information about the encryption key absent knowledge of the keystore seed. Plaintext data is encrypted using the encryption key to generate ciphertext data, and the keying information is stored with the ciphertext data. The encryption key may then be deleted.
US09703975B2 Industrial equipment management system, industrial equipment management server, industrial equipment management method, and information storage medium
An individual area controller of an industrial equipment management system controls access to an individual area which is a storage area that is associated with an individual ID on a server, based on the individual ID. A group area controller controls access to a group area which is a storage area that is associated with a group ID on a server, based on the individual ID that belongs to the group ID. A copy restrictor restricts copying of equipment information about an industrial equipment that is stored in the group area to the individual area.
US09703973B2 Customer load of field programmable gate arrays
Customer content is securely loaded on a field programmable gate array (FPGA) located on a secure cryptography card. The customer content is loaded such that it may not be extracted. A customer obtains a secure cryptography card that includes a field programmable gate array and a master key generated by the secure cryptography card. The customer loads customer specific content on the field programmable gate array, wherein, based on the loading, the customer specific content is secure from extraction via the master key by at least entities other than the customer.
US09703972B2 Implementing and processing extent granularity authorization mechanism in CAPI adapters
A method, system and computer program product are provided for implementing and processing a block extent granularity authorization mechanism for a Coherent Accelerator Processor Interface (CAPI) adapter. The CAPI adapter generates an authorization table with multiple authorization entries, each authorization entry including an Authorization Handle with CAPI server registers identification (ID) including a start Logical Block Address of the extent and range of Logical Block Addresses for each extent. When a command is received an authentication process uses the Authorization Handle contained in the received command and an Authorization Entry in the Authorization Table indexed by the Authorization Handle to authenticate the received command to prevent unauthorized data access.
US09703971B2 Sensitive operation verification method, terminal device, server, and verification system
The present disclosure discloses a sensitive operation verification method, a terminal device, a server, and a verification system. The method includes: scanning, by a first terminal device, a two-dimensional code for initiating a sensitive operation, and obtaining information in the two-dimensional code, the information in the two-dimensional code being at least used to uniquely determine the sensitive operation; and sending, by the first terminal device, a first verification request to a verification server, the first verification request carrying verification information of the first terminal device and the information in the two-dimensional code.
US09703970B2 System and methods thereof for detection of content servers, caching popular content therein, and providing support for proper authentication
An apparatus and methods thereof provide for efficient usage of network bandwidth and ability to identify whether a client is authorized to receive such bandwidth. Content provided by a content source for a first content consumer is stored in the apparatus located in between the content source and the content consumer allowing delivery of such content to another content consumer from the apparatus thereby reducing the overall network load. For protected content, the apparatus identifies the need for authorization and provides a random identification to the target content consumer and storing that random identification as well as at least another parameter associated thereto such that when revalidation is necessary the content consumer can be validated by the apparatus.
US09703967B1 System and method to anonymize data transmitted to a destination computing device
A method and system for anonymizing data to be transmitted to a destination computing device is disclosed. Anonymization strategy for data anonymization is provided. Data to be transmitted is received from a user computer. The data includes a plurality of numbers and defines a clear data in a first base encoding scheme, with one or more predefined characteristics. The clear data is converted to a modified clear data in a second base encoding scheme. The modified clear data is anonymized using an anonymization module, to derive an interim anonymized data in the second base encoding scheme. A converted interim anoymized data in the first base encoding scheme is designated as the anonymized data, if the converted interim anonymized data meets the predefined characteristics of the clear data. The anonymized data is transmitted to the destination computer over a network.
US09703959B2 Dynamic verification of a computer software application execution path
Dynamic verification of a computer software application execution path by detecting execution of a target instruction of a computer software application, wherein the computer software application is configured to generate a token at an instruction near a waypoint instruction of the computer software application, and wherein the waypoint instruction lies along an execution path that leads to the target instruction. Determining, responsive to detecting execution of the target instruction, whether a token exists. Performing a computer-security-related remediation action responsive to determining that the token does not exist.
US09703958B2 Rollback feature
A file stored in a first portion of a computer memory of a computer is determined to be a malicious file. A duplicate of the file is stored in a quarantine area in the computer memory, the quarantine area being in a second portion of the computer memory that is different from the first portion of the computer memory. One or more protection processes are performed on the file. The determination that the file is a malicious file is determined to be a false positive and the file is restored, during a boot sequence, to a state prior to the one or more protection processes being performed on the file.
US09703955B2 System and method for detecting OBD-II CAN BUS message attacks
The present application discloses method and system for detecting potential security attacks against a vehicle networking through an OBD-II port. The system establishes an inbound OBD-II CAN message whitelist and an outbound OBD-II CAN message blacklist, respectively. Upon receipt of a CAN message command, the system updates statistics for the command and determines whether the command is inbound or outbound. In response to an inbound command from a device external to the vehicle, the system compares the inbound command with the whitelist and forwards the inbound CAN message command to the vehicle via the vehicle's OBD-II port when inbound command appears in the whitelist. In response to an outbound CAN message command from the vehicle, the system compares the outbound command with the blacklist and prevents the outbound command from being sent to an external vehicle via the vehicle's OBD-II port when the outbound command appears in the blacklist.
US09703954B2 Method and system for protecting computerized systems from malicious code
The invention relates to a method for providing a computerized system which is protected from malicious programs coming from an external source, the method comprises the steps of (a) secretly, and in a manner unknown to authors of external programs, modifying one or more essential elements at the protected system in a manner which causes all running programs to fail, unless they are subjected to a compatible modification which enables them to run properly; and (b) modifying each program at the computerized system which is known to be benign in order to comply with said modification of one or more essential elements, thereby to enable it to be executed properly.
US09703953B2 Method, device, and system of differentiating among users based on user classification
Devices, systems, and methods of detecting user identity, differentiating between users of a computerized service, and detecting a cyber-attacker. An end-user device interacts and communicates with a server of a computerized server (a banking website, an electronic commerce website, or the like). The interactions are monitored, tracked and logged. User Interface (UI) interferences or irregularities are introduced; and the server tracks the response or the reaction of the end-user to such interferences. The system determines whether the user is a legitimate user, or a cyber-attacker or automated script posing as the legitimate user. The system utilizes classification of users into classes or groups, to deduce or predict how a group-member would behave when accessing the service through a different type of device. The system identifies user-specific traits that are platform-independent and thus can be further monitored when the user switches from a first platform to a second platform.
US09703952B2 Device and method for providing intent-based access control
Embodiments relate generally to access control, and more particularly to systems and methods for providing access control based on user intent. An intent-based access control method is provided comprising: receiving, from a user, a request to gain access to a protected resource; presenting stimuli to the user to evoke a physiological or behavioral response at one or more time points or time periods; receiving a signal of the physiological or behavioral response, the one or more physiological signals associated with one or more time codes that correspond to the one or more time points or time periods for the presenting of the stimuli; processing the received signal to assess an intention of the user; and in response to the processing, selectively granting the user access to the protected resource. Various systems, methods, and non-transitory computer-readable media are also described.
US09703951B2 Allocation of shared system resources
Techniques are described for allocating resources to a task from a shared hardware structure. A plurality of tasks may execute on a processor, wherein the processor may include one or more processing cores and each task may include a plurality of computer executable instructions. In accordance with one technique for allocating resources to a task from a shared hardware structure amongst multiple tasks, aspects of the disclosure describe assigning a first identifier to a first task from the plurality of tasks, associating a portion of the shared hardware resource with the first identifier, and restricting access and/or observability for computer executable instructions executed from any other task than the first task to the portion of the hardware resource associated with the first identifier.
US09703949B2 Time-based configuration profile toggling
Time-based configuration profile toggling of a client device can be provided. A computing device in data communication with a client device over a network can be configured to identify an enterprise configuration profile associated with a client device stored in a memory. Further, the computing device can determine whether a current time associated with the client device complies with a compliance rule that specifies at least one time period during which the client device is authorized to enable the enterprise configuration profile. In response to the current time associated with the client device complying with the compliance rule, the computing device can remotely enable the enterprise configuration profile on the client device.
US09703945B2 Secured computing system with asynchronous authentication
A computing device includes an input bridge, an output bridge, a processing core, and authentication logic. The input bridge is coupled to receive a sequence of data items for use by the device in execution of a program. The processing core is coupled to receive the data items from the input bridge and execute the program so as to cause the output bridge to output a signal in response to a given data item in the sequence, and the authentication logic is coupled to receive and authenticate the data items while the processing core executes the program, and to inhibit output of the signal by the output bridge until the given data item has been authenticated.
US09703944B2 Debug architecture
Roughly described, a method of restricting access of a debug controller to debug architecture on an integrated circuit chip, the debug architecture comprising an access controller, a plurality of peripheral circuits, and a shared hub, the shared hub being accessible by the access controller and the plurality of peripheral circuits, the method comprising: at the access controller, authenticating the debug controller; at the access controller, following authentication, assigning to the debug controller a set of access rights, the set of access rights granting the debug controller partial access to the debug architecture; and after assigning the set of access rights, allowing the debug controller access to the debug architecture as allowed by the set of access rights.
US09703942B2 Multi-factor authentication system and method
A system and method of multi-factor authentication are described. In some embodiments, a first device provides an initial authentication data to a second device. The second device is different from the first device. The first device obtains a first response data from the second device. The first device generates a first subsequent authentication data using the first response data. The first subsequent authentication data is different from the initial authentication data. The first device provides the first subsequent authentication data to the second device. In some embodiments, obtaining the first response data comprises capturing the first response data from the second device using a camera on the mobile device, where the first response data is displayed on the second device.
US09703939B2 Mobile terminal and control method thereof
A mobile terminal having a face recognition function and a control method thereof are provided. A mobile terminal includes a display unit, a memory, a photographing unit and a controller. The memory stores first photographing distance information mapped to a plurality of coordinates in a previously obtained first face image, as reference information for releasing a lock mode in which a touch input applied to the display unit is restricted. The photographing unit obtains a second face image by photographing a subject, when a face recognition function is performed in the lock mode. The controller computes second photographing distance information mapped to the plurality of coordinates in the second face image, and releases the lock mode, based on a result obtained by comparing the first photographing distance information and the second photographing distance information.
US09703929B2 Method and system for microbiome-derived diagnostics and therapeutics
A method for diagnosing and treating an immune microbial dysfunction in a subject, the method comprising: receiving an aggregate set of biological samples from a population of subjects; generating at least one of a microbiome composition dataset and a microbiome functional diversity dataset for the population of subjects; generating a characterization of the immune microbial dysfunction based upon features extracted from at least one of the microbiome composition dataset and the microbiome functional diversity dataset, wherein the characterization is diagnostic of at least one of Crohn's disease, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), ulcerative colitis, and celiac disease; based upon the characterization, generating a therapy model configured to correct the immune microbial dysfunction; and at an output device associated with the subject, promoting a therapy to the subject based upon the characterization and the therapy model.
US09703925B1 Rapid processing of biological sequence data
In general, one aspect of the subject matter described in this specification is embodied in operations of processing sequence data by selecting a distribution key according to a type of one or more tasks to be performed on the data. The key is one or more data fields of a sequence data file, e.g., a sequence alignment/map (SAM) format or binary sequence alignment/map (BAM) format file, or derived from one or more data fields of a sequence data file. The sequence data is then distributed to multiple nodes of a parallel processing relational database system. The system performs the tasks of processing the sequence data by executing database queries. The system executes the database queries on multiple nodes in parallel. The system can use query optimization functions built into the database to expedite performance of each task.
US09703923B2 Timing constraints formulation for highly replicated design modules
Embodiments of the present invention provide efficient systems and methods for creating an optimal set of partitions across replica blocks using two checkpoints during the design process. The two checkpoints group a set of macros according to a timing constraint and a location proximity to the other macros. Clustering of the macros is iteratively performed until a distance parameter exceeds a pre-defined threshold.
US09703921B1 Naturally connecting mixed-signal power networks in mixed-signal simulations
A system, method, and computer program product for determining whether a design for a circuit meets design specifications, to facilitate the provision of a manufacturable description of the circuit. A computer-operated circuit simulation tool reads the design for the circuit and a power specification, and selectively internally creates a network connection and inserts a corresponding connect module in the design, for at least one circuit block having an unsupported signal declared in the power specification. Typically such a circuit block will be an analog block, whether an original analog block or an analog representation of a digital block, and may involve electrical or wreal signal interactions. The simulation tool performs a mixed-signal simulation of the design. Embodiments tangibly output a verification determination from a comparison of the simulated design performance results and the design specifications in order to provide the manufacturable description of the circuit.
US09703917B2 Identification of high impedance nodes in a circuit design
Various aspects of the disclosed techniques relate to techniques for identifying high-impedance nodes in a circuit design. Noise sources are added to nodes of interest in the circuit design. Voltage values at the nodes of interest are then computed in parallel. Based on the voltage values, high impedance nodes in the nodes of interest are identified.
US09703912B2 Mask set, fabrication method of mask set, manufacturing method of semiconductor device, and recording medium
According to one embodiment, there is provided a mask set including a first mask and a second mask. The first mask includes a first device pattern and a first mark pattern. The first mark pattern is used for an inspection of a position of the first device pattern on a surface of the first mask. The second mask is used to perform multiple exposure on a substrate together with the first mask. The second mask includes a second device pattern and a second mark pattern. The second mark pattern is used for an inspection of a position of the second device pattern on a surface of the second mask. The second mark pattern includes a pattern corresponding to a pattern obtained by inverting the first mark pattern.
US09703906B2 Circuit simulation device, circuit simulation method, and circuit simulation program
A circuit simulation device includes a measurement unit, a calculation unit, and a processing unit. The measurement unit measures first spaces between adjacent contacts of a plurality of first contacts provided on a source diffusion layer in a line in a direction along which a gate electrode of a transistor extends and also a space between adjacent contacts of a plurality of second contacts provided on a drain diffusion layer in a line in the direction, based on layout design data, and second spaces between the first contacts and the gate electrode and spaces between the second contacts and the gate electrode. The calculation unit calculates a fringe capacitance between the gate electrode, the source diffusion layer, and the drain diffusion layer of the transistor, based on the first and second spaces. The processing unit executes layout simulation based on the fringe capacitance of the transistor.
US09703905B2 Method and system for simulating multiple processors in parallel and scheduler
The present invention provides a method and a system for simulating multiple processors in parallel, and a scheduler. In this embodiment, the scheduler maps debug interface information of a to-be-simulated processor requiring debugging onto the scheduler during parallel simulation of multiple processors, so that the scheduler is capable of debugging, by using a master thread, the to-be-simulated processor requiring debugging via a debug interface of the to-be-simulated processor requiring debugging pointed by the debug interface information, thereby implementing debugging during parallel simulation of multiple processors.
US09703901B2 Iterative system and process with non-linear correction factors
A processor connected to a process module executes processor executable instructions stored on the process module according to process input data received by a process definition interface, according to variables input data received by a variables interface. A non-linear correction factor as defined by a non-linear correction factor module is applied to provide a solution to an iterative process. A processor implemented process solves a process problem and comprises processor executable instructions stored on a tangible storage device.
US09703899B1 IoT product synthesis apparatus and method
A product synthesizer has a core CPU, power distribution, and a plurality of selectable interfaces, each interface having an associated schematic symbol, PCB symbol, mechanical model, power dissipation, and power requirement. A set of constraints identifies performance metrics including low power, high performance, battery or mains power, battery life, and other constraints. The product synthesizer receives as inputs the interfaces and constraints, and generates as outputs a schematic diagram, a bill of materials, a routed printed circuit board, and a solid model of an enclosure, all of which satisfy the constraints and include the identified interfaces.
US09703894B2 Stored data with temporal proximity analysis for very large scale data with very low built in latency
A system comprises a hashing logic, which executes instructions to convert raw data into a first logical address and payload data, where the first logical address describes metadata about the payload data. A hardware translation unit executes instructions to translate the first logical address into a first physical address on a storage device. A hardware load/storage unit stores the first logical address and the payload data at the first physical address on the storage device. A content addressable store is associated with a reference to the logical addressed data in this location addressable high dimensional store, where the content addressable store is searched for the desired content word using at least one temporal attribute to retrieve the corresponding references with low latency. A hardware exclusive OR (XOR) unit compares two logical address vectors to derive a Hamming distance between the two logical address vectors.
US09703891B2 Hybrid and iterative keyword and category search technique
Provided are techniques for providing recommendations to improve a query. A query with query keywords and selected categories is received. In response to determining that the selected categories are ranked high with reference to query relevance indicator values for each of the selected categories, a query relevance indicator of the query is calculated with each subcategory using keyword relevance indicators, each subcategory is ranked based on the query relevance indicators, and the ranked subcategories are provided for use in selecting new categories to be submitted with the query.
US09703890B2 Method and system that determine whether or not two graph-like representations of two systems describe equivalent systems
The current document is directed to methods and systems that determine whether or not two graph-like representations of two physically or temporally distinct computer systems or computer-system configurations are equivalent. The currently described methods and systems extract a first and second ordered set of subgraphs from each of a first and second graph-like representation of a first and a second computer system. The ordered sets of subgraphs are logically aligned, forming a set of subgraph pairs. The currently described methods and systems transform the first and second subgraph of each subgraph pair into a corresponding first and second set of trees, label the trees, and then compare labels at each level of the trees to determine whether or not an isomorphic tree can be found in the second set of trees for each tree in the first set of trees.
US09703885B2 Systems and methods for managing content variations in content delivery cache
Embodiments disclosed herein provide a high performance content delivery system in which versions of content are cached for servicing web site requests containing the same uniform resource locator (URL). When a page is cached, certain metadata is also stored along with the page. That metadata includes a description of what extra attributes, if any, must be consulted to determine what version of content to serve in response to a request. When a request is fielded, a cache reader consults this metadata at a primary cache address, then extracts the values of attributes, if any are specified, and uses them in conjunction with the URL to search for an appropriate response at a secondary cache address. These attributes may include HTTP request headers, cookies, query string, and session variables. If no entry exists at the secondary address, the request is forwarded to a page generator at the back-end.
US09703884B2 Plane media product supporting interactive interconnected system
A plane media product supporting an interactive interconnected system supports transmit-receive of a multimedia information signal. The interactive interconnected system comprises an electronic reading device and an electronic transmitter-receiver. An external surface of the plane media product may be attached with information content. The multimedia information signal is synthesized by media information data and associated data, which is a preset Uniform Resource Identifier. The electronic transmitter-receiver is provided with an associated data reception circuit, an associated data transmission circuit and a central processing unit (with memory). The associated data reception circuit is equipped with a short-distance signal transmission-reception circuit. The electronic transmitter-receiver is configured to control transmit-receive of the associated data of the decomposed multimedia information signal, receive the associated data decomposed by the transmission circuit of the electronic reading device, transmit the associated data to external via a remote wireless technology, and quickly call out an associated electronic file.
US09703881B2 System, apparatus and method for generation of content for distributed heterogenous computers
A system, apparatus and method for generation of content for distributed heterogeneous computers is provided. A server can connect to a network, which in turn is connected to a plurality of client computing devices, a plurality of fixed display computers and a plurality of administration computers. The server is configured to receive content form the administration computers, and to adjust the received content for one or more of the respective fixed display computing and to also adjust the received content for one or more of the client computing devices.
US09703880B2 Method for recommending short-cuts in order to ease and fasten navigating within navigation topology
Embodiments of the present invention provide a method and system for designing a Web Portal comprising a hierarchical structure of portal pages and portlets for accessing Web contents accessible via the Portal.The method of the invention tracks the paths across which a user traverses a corresponding navigation topology of a portal in order to learn from the behavior of the user. Subsequently during future sessions in the portal when navigating at the same node of the web portal recommendations can be provided that allow the user to access links to an expected final destination page.
US09703868B2 Reconciling query results associated with multiple indices
Systems, methods, and computer-readable storage media are provided for reconciling query results associated with multiple indices. A search query having a first spelling is received. A plurality of query results is determined, each query result being derived from one of a plurality of indices. At least a first index is associated with a lexicon that is specific to a user computing device and at least a second index is associated with a lexicon that is specific to web-based content. Each query result may be a query result determined based upon the first spelling for the search query, a suggested alternate spelling for the received search query, a query result determined based upon the suggested alternate spelling for the received search query, or a null result. One or more of the query results then is selected as responsive to the received search query.
US09703864B2 Directional location of sound sources
Directional sound location is used to determine security events of a security system. A sound sensor reports a vector direction to a sound source of an acoustic signal. If the vector direction is historically observed at similar times, then perhaps the sound source is not considered a security event. However, if the vector direction is unknown or unfamiliar, the security system may infer the security event and notify emergency services.
US09703859B2 Keyword search queries on online social networks
In one embodiment, a method includes receiving from a client system of a first user an unstructured text query. The method includes parsing the text query to identify one or more n-grams. At least one of the n-grams is an ambiguous n-gram. The method includes searching a plurality of keyword generators to identify one or more keyword suggestions matching the ambiguous n-gram. The method further includes calculating a keyword score for each identified keyword suggestions and generating one or more suggested queries including one or more n-grams identified from the text query. The one or more identified keyword suggestions having a keyword score greater than a threshold keyword score. The method includes sending one or more of the suggested queries to the client system of the first user for display.
US09703854B2 Determining criticality of a SQL statement
The present invention discloses a mechanism for determining criticality of a SQL statement. A plurality of elements in the SQL statement is extracted. A score of the SQL statement is calculated based on a correlation relation among respective elements in the plurality of elements and base scores of the respective elements. The criticality of the SQL statement is determined based on the score of the SQL statement. In this way, a database administrator only needs to define a small number of rules according his own needs. In the meantime, the mechanism automatically analyzes a received simple or complex SQL statement according to the small number of rules defined by the user to determine its criticality, without missing any critical SQL statement, and thereby protect security of data in the database.
US09703852B2 Systems and methods for quantile determination in a distributed data system using sampling
In accordance with the teachings described herein, systems and methods are provided for estimating or determining quantiles for data stored in a distributed system. In one embodiment, an instruction is received to estimate or determine a specified quantile for a variate in a set of data stored at a plurality of nodes in the distributed system. A plurality of data bins for the variate are defined that are each associated with a different range of data values in the set of data. Lower and upper quantile bounds for each of the plurality of data bins are determined based on the total number of data values that fall within each of the plurality of data bins. The specified quantile is estimated or determined based on an identified one of the plurality of data bins that includes the specified quantile based on the lower and upper quantile bounds.
US09703849B2 Integrating data transform test with data transform tool
Embodiments relate to integrating data transform test with a data transform tool. A method and system are described for creating a data transform test for a data transform job having a data transform script, the method includes determining all data transform units available in the data transform job, determining a subset of the available data transform units for a new test, and generating a subset test execution script for the subset of data transform units from the data transform script. The method further includes determining boundary test data at each boundary of the subset of data transform units, defining a data transform test, and saving the data transform test for later testing. The data transform test includes the subset of data transform units with subset test execution script and with boundary test data.
US09703846B1 Methods, systems, and media for presenting content based on a generic rating
Methods, systems, and media for presenting content based on a generic rating are provided. In some implementations, the method comprises: receiving search results; determining country-specific content ratings associated with the search results; converting the country-specific content ratings to generic content ratings associated with the search results; determining that at least one search result is to be blocked based on the generic content ratings and a user-selected generic content rating restriction; in response to determining that a search result is to be blocked, removing the search result from the search results to create modified search results; causing the modified search results to be presented; receiving a selection of content from the presented search results; determining a country-specific content rating associated with the selected content; converting the country-specific content rating to a generic content rating; determining that the selected content is not to be blocked based on the generic content rating and the user-selected generic content rating restriction; and causing the selected content to be presented.
US09703842B2 User interface for search method and system
A user interface for searching records in a database is provided. Each record may contain information regarding one or more categories. The user interface may receive search criteria of one or more categories and provide search results comprising exact and/or inexact matching records. An inexact matching record may have a relevance value representing the relevance of the record to the search query, and inexact matching records may be displayed in an ordering based on the relevance values. The user interface may provide slider tools for receiving changes in a weight value or search criterion of an associated category. A new ordering of the inexact matching records may be displayed in real-time based on newly received weight values or search criterion. The user interface may also provide a mapping tool, a search-result selection function, and/or one or more drill down tools. The user interface may provide any tool or function alone or in any combination.
US09703840B2 Handling information source ingestion in a question answering system
A question-answering (QA) system first receives input questions. Each question is then assigned to a first question category of a plurality of question categories. The QA system then identifies a set of candidate answers to each question using a core information source. A set of confidence scores, including a confidence score for each candidate answer, is then calculated. The QA system then determines that the first set of confidence scores fails to satisfy confidence criteria. In response to this determination, an updated information source is ingested.
US09703833B2 Unification of search and analytics
A system includes reception of a request conforming to a modeled query and join filter criteria, the request comprising a first subrequest associated with a search attribute view and a second subrequest associated with an analytical view, definition of a join between the search attribute view and the analytical view based on one or more view attributes of the search attribute view, and filtering of a result set associated with the first subrequest based on the join and on the join filter criteria.
US09703829B2 Database system and database management method
A database system comprises an interface for a storage device, and a control device for accessing the storage device through the interface. The storage device stores a table that manages a plurality of rows comprising a plurality of item values, and an index configured in a tree structure based on a plurality of nodes enabling to identify the rows by using one or more item values. The control device identifies an item value condition included in a search condition of a search query, determines whether or not the node of the index corresponding to the item value condition is reference-disabled, and when the node is reference-disabled, identifies a range of item values managed by the reference-disabled node, and searches for a row that satisfies the search condition for the identified range.
US09703828B2 System and method for idempotent interactive disparate object discovery, retrieval and display
The present invention is a system that performs a real time on-demand searching for items such as goods or services with specific search criteria, and returns a set of search results that are deduped and can be updated when modifications to the search results occur. The functionality is provided by a idempotence search system having a user agent that asynchronously receives search results from user's remote computing devices, a set of fetchers for retrieving search results from associated external site and organizing the results in a results queue, a plurality of parser operating in parallel, a broadcaster wherein the user agent includes retrieving the difference from the delta queue, retrieving the results associated with the difference and displaying the results for the user.
US09703826B2 Method and system for providing in-line scheduling in an on-demand service
In accordance with embodiments, there are provided mechanisms and methods for providing in-line scheduling in an on-demand service in a database system. These mechanisms and methods for providing in-line scheduling can enable embodiments to provide a multi-tenant database that stores client scheduling information, client customer contact information, and enables drag and drop event scheduling. In a multi-tenant database, a system for managing client customer contact information and event scheduling is established, which may be useful for a tenant that is a salesperson or that employs salespersons. The multi-tenant database may include a combined view application that provides for the simultaneous display of a calendar view and list view of contact information. The multi-tenant database may further include drag and drop functionality, allowing list view information to be dragged and dropped onto the calendar view for event scheduling. The ability of embodiments to provide drag and drop inline event scheduling can enable efficient calendaring of events by rapidly transferring relevant information onto a calendar.
US09703824B2 Managing a distributed database
Concepts and technologies are disclosed herein for managing a distributed database. A data management application can obtain a query. The data management application can analyze the query to determine a number of data structures relevant to the query. The data management application also can analyze data stores storing the data structures and move or assign data structures to other data stores within a distributed database. The movement of the data structures within the distributed database can be based upon greedy algorithms for moving data and/or executing queries.
US09703823B2 Automated dynamic data quality assessment
In general, embodiments of the present invention provide systems, methods and computer readable media for automated dynamic data quality assessment. One aspect of the subject matter described in this specification includes the actions of receiving a data quality job including a new data sample; and, if the new data sample is determined to be added to a reservoir of data samples, sending a quality verification request to an oracle; receiving a new data sample quality estimate from the oracle; and adding the new data sample and estimate to the reservoir. A second aspect of the subject matter includes the actions of receiving, from a predictive model, a judgment associated with a new data sample; analyzing the new data sample based in part on the judgment to determine whether to send a new data sample quality verification request to an oracle; and, if a new data sample quality estimate is received from the oracle, determining whether to add the new data sample and the judgment to the reservoir.
US09703821B2 Database auditing for bulk operations
A method facilitates auditing of database transactions by maintaining logical consistency between a source database table and a shadow database table. A bulk command is received that specifies edits to a plurality of rows in the source database table. The bulk command is executed on the source database table. The shadow database table is queried to obtain an indication of the plurality of rows edited by the bulk command. The indication is stored as part of an audit trail for the source database table.
US09703819B2 Generation and use of delta index
According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, it is determined whether a delta index is beneficial based on the difference between a first version and a second version of a document, wherein the first version is associated with a first index comprising a plurality of keywords appeared in the first version. The delta index is generated for the difference between the first and second versions if the delta index is beneficial, wherein the delta index comprises a first section including information about one or more keywords affected by the difference and the information about the positions of the affected keywords.
US09703812B2 Rebuilding slices of a set of encoded data slices
A method begins with a processing module initiating a rebuilding process for an encoded data slice of a set of encoded data slices and generating rebuilding information from one or more other encoded data slices of the set of encoded data slices. The method continues with the processing module creating a rebuilt encoded data slice for the encoded data slice based on the rebuilding information. The method continues with the processing module determining whether another encoded data slice of the set of encoded data slices requires rebuilding and when the other encoded data slice requires rebuilding, the method continues with the processing module creating another rebuilt encoded data slice for the other encoded data slice based on the rebuilding information without initiating another rebuilding process for the other encoded data slice.
US09703805B2 Individual verification apparatus, individual verification method and computer-readable recording medium
Certain embodiments provide an individual verification apparatus, comprising: a database configured to associate a face image having the brightness and the light reception direction of an image region with the personal information of an individual; a correction section configured to carry out a correction operation using a correction amount pre-stored for image data for verification having another brightness and another light reception direction; and a verification section configured to verify the individual using the face part in the image data for verification which is corrected in at least one of brightness and light reception direction and the face image in the database.
US09703803B2 Replica identification and collision avoidance in file system replication
A unique file-system node identification (ID) is created for each newly created node in a file system repository by combining a grid identification (ID), a repository identification (ID), and a node identification (ID) to form the unique file-system node ID. The unique file-system node ID is associated with a unique association identification (ID) thereby linking the node from a source repository to a target repository to form an association when performing a replication operation between the source repository and the target repository. Upon removing the association, the unique association ID is unlinked from a replication policy in a source repository, where an initiated replication operation is disabled.
US09703802B1 Web-native maintained media file format
Methods and systems for managing media objects by maintaining one unique location that the media object is stored to and accessible from. A media object is received by a computing system and a unique uniform resource identifier is determined based at least in part on identification information corresponding to the media object. The identification information is requested from a remote identification information maintenance service. The media object is provided to a storage location corresponding to the determined unique uniform resource identifier.
US09703795B2 Reducing fragmentation in compressed journal storage
While discharging a data chunk the chunk is compressed into a storage block. If the chunk is found to be too large to be able to be completely compressed into the storage block certain characteristics of the data chunk are examined to determine whether or not the data chunk should be split. If the data chunk should be split, a remaining portion of the data chunk is compressed to a storage block that is next in chronological order to the original storage block. If the data chunk should not be split, all of the data chunk is moved to the next chronological storage block while leaving any remaining space in the storage block as unused.
US09703792B2 Online binders
Technology is disclosed for organizing, managing and sharing data files as pages of an online binder (“the technology”). In various embodiments, the technology stores multiple data files received in multiple formats from multiple sources as pages of the online binder. The pages of the online binder are of a common format. The common format allows the pages, that is, the data files corresponding to the pages, to be accessed using a variety of devices regardless of a platform of the devices. The online binder is platform agnostic. The technology provides tools to create notes for the pages of the online binder. The notes can include text annotations, drawings, or audio visual annotations, including a recording of the user actions as presented on the device of the user. The technology provides a collaboration service for sharing the online binder with multiple users asynchronously or in real-time.
US09703788B1 Distributed metadata in a high performance computing environment
A computer-executable method, system, and computer program product for managing meta-data in a distributed storage system, wherein the distributed storage system includes one or more burst buffers enabled to operate with a distributed key-value store, the co computer-executable method, system, and computer program product comprising receiving a request for meta-data associated with a block of data stored in a first burst buffer of the one or more burst buffers in the distributed storage system, wherein the meta data is associated with a key-value, determining which of the one or more burst buffers stores the requested metadata, and upon determination that a first burst buffer of the one or more burst buffers stores the requested metadata, locating the key-value in a portion of the distributed key-value store accessible from the first burst buffer.
US09703785B2 Dynamically updating content in a live presentation
A method for dynamically updating content in a live presentation. The method includes a computer processor determining a first content of a live presentation. The computer processor monitors a plurality of data sources and determines at least one of the plurality of data sources includes the first content and a second content. The computer processor retrieves information related to the second content. The computer processor then updates the live presentation with the information related to the second content.
US09703784B2 Mobile device and method for concurrently processing content according to multiple playlists
A mobile device, such as a media player, a telephone, or a gaming console, concurrently produces multiple content streams based on differing playlists. The mobile device includes a memory, a controller, and at least two output interfaces. The controller processes concurrently the content stored in the memory to produce a first content stream according to a first playlist and a second content stream according to a second playlist. More content streams may be produced based on additional playlist, all of which playlist differ from each other. The content streams may include audio content, video content, or a combination thereof. For each content stream, an output interface is available to convey the content stream. Also disclosed is a method of processing content to produce and send content streams to output interfaces.
US09703782B2 Associating media with metadata of near-duplicates
Techniques for identifying near-duplicates of a media object and associating metadata of the near-duplicates with the media object are described herein. One or more devices implementing the techniques are configured to identify the near duplicates based at least on similarity attributes included in the media object. Metadata is then extracted from the near-duplicates and is associated with the media object as descriptors of the media object to enable discovery of the media object based on the descriptors.
US09703781B2 Managing related digital content
Aspects of the present disclosure relate to one or more configured computing systems identifying companion content and supplemental content for a base content. Companion content may include, for example, video adaptations of the base content. Supplemental content may include content referenced or related in subject matter to the base content. Information regarding companion content may be utilized to enable a user to interchangeably or synchronously present either a base content (e.g., an eBook or audio book) with the companion content (e.g., a movie adaptation). Information regarding supplemental content may be utilized to present the supplemental content during consumption of a base content, or to save supplemental content for later viewing.
US09703780B2 XDM system and method for forwarding a document
Disclosed are a system and a method for implementing an XDM forward function described in [XDM2_RD] and [XDM2 AD]. The method includes the steps of: transmitting, by the XDM forward requesting user a forward request message for forwarding a desired XML document to the XDMS; receiving, by the XDMS the forward request message, determining if the XDM forward requesting user has been granted a forward authority for a forward-requested target XML document forwarding the requested XML document to the XDM forward receiving user when the XDM forward requesting user has been granted an authority to forward the target XML document, performing receiver authorization for determining if an XDM forward receiving user can accept the forwarded XML document, and confirming that the XDM forward receiving user owns the forwarded XML document and storing the possessed XML document in a user directory when the receiver authorization has been successfully performed.
US09703778B2 Method of remotely controlling external services and selectively sharing control of the same
A method of controlling an external service among a plurality of external services, by receiving an input command at a mobile device, translating the input command into a common language sharable between the external services so that such input commands are understood between the plurality of devices and services and functions are performed at the devices and or services in response to the input command. This control of the services is also sharable as instructed by an input command.
US09703776B2 Automatic training of a syntactic and semantic parser using a genetic algorithm
Disclosed are methods, systems, and computer-readable mediums for automatic training of a syntactic and semantic parser using a genetic algorithm. An initial population is created, where the initial population comprises a vector of parameters for elements of syntactic and semantic descriptions of a source sentence. A natural language compiler (NLC) system is used to translate the sentence from the source language into a target language based on the syntactic and semantic descriptions of the source sentence. A vector of quality ratings is generated where each quality rating in the vector of quality ratings is of a corresponding parameter in the vector of parameters. Quality ratings are evaluated according to specific criterion, which comprise parameters such as a BLEU score and a number of emergency sentences. A number of parameters in the vector of parameters are replaced with adjusted parameters.
US09703775B1 Crowdsourcing translations on online social networks
In one embodiment, a method includes selecting a first text string from a set of text strings to be translated, wherein each text string of the set of text strings is associated with a priority value that is based on a previously-calculated reliability-values of one or more translations for the first text string, and wherein the first text string is selected based on its priority value; sending, to a client system of the user, instructions configured to present a translation prompt comprising the first text string and a translation-input field, wherein the user is associated with a credibility-score based on prior translation activity; receiving, from the client system, an input by the user corresponding to a translation for the first text string; and calculating a reliability-value for the translation based on the input and the credibility-score of the first user.
US09703774B1 Smart terminology marker system for a language translation system
A terminology marker system integrates a terminology analytical component for quantifying the amount of linguistic noise found in the translation output as measured against a dictionary; further, correlating the noise measured on a continuous basis enables the analytical component to build terminology predictive models used in a feedback loop to upstream components of the supply chain to improve future translation of new content. The system also provides a smart terminology assessment component for assessing linguistic assets and improving the quality of those assets to assist in translation. The system also provides a smart terminology evaluation component that is able to analyze MT output to make smart decisions on reducing the amount of post editing corrections needed for delivering a persistent level of translation quality. The integration and configuration of the system component within a translation supply chain assists in delivering a reliable level of translation quality by reducing the linguistic noise across all components of the supply chain.
US09703772B2 System and method for automated alerts in anticipation of inappropriate communication
A method for providing a sensitive text alert includes monitoring a key selected on a keyboard of a computer system. The key selected is reported to a key-logger application executing on the computer system. The reported key selected is appended to a string file. At least one portion of the string file is compared to a database of sensitive words/phrases. An alert is generated when it is determined that the compared at least one portion of the string file matches an entry in the database of sensitive words/phrases. The generated alert is superimposed on a display device of the computer system.
US09703767B2 Spreadsheet cell dependency management
A spreadsheet file and a dashboard structure file characterizing a dashboard are received. These files are then analyzed to determine dependencies. Subsequently, for each determined dependency, an event listener is registered for a dependent component that corresponds to the determined dependency. These event listeners are notified of an event from an event source when a corresponding dependee is changed. Dependent components are then updated using data from a corresponding dependee in response to event notifications so that each updated dependent component can be rendered within the dashboard. Related apparatus, systems, techniques and articles are also described.
US09703766B1 Systems and methods for generating tables from print-ready digital source documents
Systems and methods are provided for generating tables from print-ready digital source documents. A document is received and one or more text fragments are identified on a rendered page of the document. A wrapping region collection is generated, comprising one or more wrapping regions. A tabular, narrative and label score is generated for each wrapping region. A block type is assigned to each wrapping region based on the scores. A wrapping region group and a block set are generated. One or more tables are generated based on text fragments corresponding to one of the one or more blocks. The text fragments are organized into corresponding fields of the one or more tables.
US09703765B2 Data display apparatus and method for energy management system
The present disclosure relates to a data display method and a data display apparatus for an energy management system. The data display method according to the present disclosure comprises receiving a table generation request signal for data received from a data acquisition and management system, receiving a table display form and selection information of sorting, receiving at least one layer according to a selected table display form, sorting and displaying the received data according to the input table display form and the input layer, sensing a sorting request signal for the displayed data, and re-sorting and displaying the displayed data based on the received sorting request signal.
US09703764B2 Smarter electronic reader
Embodiments of the present invention provide methods, computer program products, and systems for enriching and customizing one or more portions of textual content. Embodiments of the present invention analyze one or more portions of the textual content and customize the textual content based on preferences of a user interacting with the textual content. Embodiments of the present invention can present customized or original textual content to users requesting textual content.
US09703753B2 Apparatus and method for updating a device
An apparatus for updating a device, includes: a card configured to include a first device; a controller configured to acquire first circuit data from the card and to update a second device by using the first circuit data; and a storage unit configured to store, from the card, second circuit data for updating the first device, wherein the controller acquires the second circuit data stored in the storage unit and updates the first device by using the second circuit data.
US09703750B2 Computer system including CPU or peripheral bridge directly connected to a low voltage differential signal channel that communicates serial bits of a peripheral component interconnect bus transaction in opposite directions
A computer system for multi-processing purposes. The computer system has a console comprising a first coupling site and a second coupling site. Each coupling site comprises a connector. The console is an enclosure that is capable of housing each coupling site. The system also has a plurality of computer modules, where each of the computer modules is coupled to a connector. Each of the computer modules has a processing unit, a main memory coupled to the processing unit, a graphics controller coupled to the processing unit, and a mass storage device coupled to the processing unit. Each of the computer modules is substantially similar in design to each other to provide independent processing of each of the computer modules in the computer system.
US09703749B2 Method and device for synchronizing a control unit and at least one assigned peripheral unit
In a method for synchronizing a control unit and at least one peripheral unit having actuators and/or sensors, the control unit and the peripheral unit exchange data with each other via a serial interface. The control unit transmits data to the at least one peripheral unit which is processed in the peripheral unit for the operation of the actuators and/or sensors, and at least one synchronization character is transmitted from the control unit to the peripheral unit for the synchronization. In this context, the synchronization character is appended by the control unit to a first data sequence of a data stream to be transmitted from the control unit to the peripheral unit, and the transmission of a second data sequence to be transmitted after the first data sequence is delayed in time on the part of the control unit, so that the second data sequence is transmitted by the control unit to the peripheral unit following the synchronization character.
US09703746B2 Headend with redundancy, and an associated method
A head station including at least two identical processing units supplied respectively with at least one identical input datastream in order to generate an output datastream, and an output bus system connected to the processing units for the exchange of output datastreams and status data generated in each of the processing units is provided. Additionally, within the head station, several decision circuits connected to the output bus system are provided for the selection of the output datastream to be transmitted in each processing unit in each case to a transmitter system.
US09703741B2 Connector with a termination module
A communication device is provided. The communication device can include a processing device for communicating data via a data connection or receiving power via an electrical connection and a connector for providing the data connection or electrical connection. The connector can include at least one terminal and a sensing module. The terminal can be communicatively coupled to the processing device. The terminal can form the data connection or electrical connection with at least one external terminal of a mating connector. The sensing module can detect a movement associated with removing the mating connector. The sensing module can provide a termination signal to the processing device to terminate the data connection or electrical connection. The processing device can terminate data communication via the data connection or current flow via the electrical connection in response to the termination signal.
US09703731B2 Data transfer apparatus and data transfer method
In a data transfer apparatus, a data coupling unit includes a command transfer unit that outputs a write address based on transfer requests input from a bus master, a judgment result indicating whether data corresponding to the input transfer requests are continues, and a judgment result indicating whether a size after coupling exceeds an arbitrary burst length. The data coupling unit includes a buffer unit that retains the data input from the bus master according to the write address, a buffer management unit that retains information used by the data coupling unit to couple the transfer requests, and a coupled command transfer unit that generates a transfer request after coupling, having a data size less than or equal to the arbitrary burst length and a start address based on the arbitrary burst length.
US09703730B2 Arbitration circuit and processing method of arbitration circuit
In an arbitration circuit, transactions output from a plurality of master circuits are stored in a first-in-first-out type first buffer, and when a high-priority transaction higher in priority than one of the stored transactions is output from one of the plural master circuits, a cancel request of a low-priority transaction lower in priority than the high-priority transaction, out of the stored transactions, is output to a second buffer in a slave circuit, and when the cancel request is successful, the high-priority transaction is output to the slave circuit, and after the high-priority transaction is output to the slave circuit, the low-priority transaction whose cancel request is successful is output to the slave circuit.
US09703729B2 Detecting the orientation of a multimedia link connected to a device
Embodiments of the present disclosure are related to identifying the orientation of a multimedia link connected between a source device and a sink device. A sink device includes a plurality of pins that are configured to interface with a plurality of pins of the multimedia link. The sink device identifies based on the values of one or more pins of the plurality of pins of the sink device whether the multimedia link is connected to the sink device. Further, the sink device determines an orientation of the multimedia link connected to the sink device. The multimedia link can be in one of two orientations, straight or flipped. The sink device may communicate the orientation of the multimedia link to the source device. The source device may perform lane mapping based on whether the multimedia link is in the straight or flipped orientation.
US09703723B2 Method and apparatus for performing mapping within a data processing system having virtual machines
In an environment in which a processor operates a hypervisor and multiple guest partitions operating under the hypervisor's control, it is desirable to allow a guest partition access to a physical memory device without decreasing system performance. Accordingly, a conversion instruction for converting a logical address to a real address, i.e., an LTOR instruction, executable from a guest partition, is added to the processor. Upon the guest partition's execution of the conversion instruction with the logical address specified, the processor converts the logical address to an encrypted real address, and returns it to the guest partition. The guest partition is then able to pass the encrypted real address to an accelerator that converts the encrypted real address to a real address in order to access the memory device using the real address.
US09703719B2 Fast read for non-volatile storage
Sensing techniques and associated circuitry are provided for use with a memory device. The techniques are suited for sensing operations involving even-numbered or odd-numbered bit lines. In one approach, the sensing circuitry includes left and right hand portions which have separate cache access lines, but are connected to a common output bus. A full data word can be output at a time by using a half word from the left hand portion and a half word from the right hand portion. Or, the sensing circuitry can be configured so that a full data word is output at a time from the left or right hand portion. One implementation provides an N-bit bus and N input paths for each of the left and right hand portions. Another implementation provides an N-bit bus and N/2 input paths for each of the left and right hand portions.
US09703718B2 Managing read tags in a transactional memory
Managing cache evictions during transactional execution of a process. Based on initiating transactional execution of a memory data accessing instruction, memory data is fetched from a memory location, the memory data to be loaded as a new line into a cache entry of the cache. Based on determining that a threshold number of cache entries have been marked as read-set cache lines, determining whether a cache entry that is a read-set cache line can be replaced by identifying a cache entry that is a read-set cache line for the transaction that contains memory data from a memory address within a predetermined non-conflict address range. Then invalidating the identified cache entry of the transaction. Then loading the fetched memory data into the identified cache entry, and then marking the identified cache entry as a read-set cache line of the transaction.
US09703711B2 Managing cache coherence for memory caches
A computer system has a plurality of processors with non-blocking memory caches. A controller sets an upper limit of allowed snoop commands for the computer system. The controller adjusts, using real-time bandwidth data of the computing system, the limit of snoop commands to a new numerical value. The controller detects that the snoop limit is being adjusted between snoop rates more than a threshold number of times. The controller designates an overriding limit of snoop commands in response to detecting the snoop limit being adjusted more than the threshold number of times. The overriding limit of snoop commands is fixed for a period of time. The controller delays snoop commands which exceed the overriding limit of snoop commands during the period of time.
US09703704B2 Semiconductor device
To provide a semiconductor device with less power consumption. In a semiconductor device including a CPU, the frequency of access to a cache memory is monitored. In the case where the access frequency is uniform, supply of a power supply voltage to the CPU is stopped. In the case where the access frequency is not uniform, stop of supplying the power supply voltage is performed on memories with a time interval, and eventually, supply of the power supply voltage to the CPU is stopped. Further, write back processing is efficiently performed in accordance with determination of a dirty bit, so that power consumption of the semiconductor device can be further achieved.
US09703702B2 Addressing auto address assignment and auto-routing in NAND memory network
A topology for memory circuits of a non-volatile memory system reduces capacitive loading. For a given channel, a single memory chip can be connected to the controller, but is in turn connected to multiple other memory devices that fan out in a tree-like structure, which can also fan back in to a single memory device. In addition to the usual circuitry, such as a memory arrays and associated peripheral circuitry, the memory chip also includes a flip-flop circuit and can function in several modes, including pass-through and active modes. Techniques are presented for the addressing of memory chips within such a topology, including an address assignment scheme.
US09703696B1 Guided memory buffer allocation
Systems and methods for explicit organization of memory allocation on an integrated circuit (IC) are provided. In particular, a programmable logic designer may incorporate specific mapping requests into programmable logic designs. The mapping requests may specify particular mappings between one or more data blocks (e.g., memory buffers) of a host program to one or more physical memory banks.
US09703679B2 Probationary software tests
A method, computer program product, and system is described. A continuous integration environment is identified. A first software test associated with the continuous integration environment is identified. A probationary status for the first software test is determined, the probationary status indicating, at least in part, a potential lack of reliability for the first software test.
US09703674B1 Stack pattern breakpoint in COBOL
Examples of techniques for setting a stack pattern breakpoint for a COBOL program are disclosed. In one example implementation according to aspects of the present disclosure, a computer-implemented method may include providing a static program control flow view of a plurality of COBOL paragraphs of the COBOL program. The method may further include enabling a user to select the stack pattern using the static program control flow view of the plurality of COBOL paragraphs of the COBOL program. The method may also include setting, by a processing device, the stack pattern breakpoint in source code of the COBOL program using information from a compiler compiling the COBOL program to create a pseudo-stack that can be operated on by a debugger to evaluate stack pattern conditions for the plurality of COBOL paragraphs.
US09703673B1 Stack pattern breakpoint in COBOL
Examples of techniques for setting a stack pattern breakpoint for a COBOL program are disclosed. In one example implementation according to aspects of the present disclosure, a computer-implemented method may include providing a static program control flow view of a plurality of COBOL paragraphs of the COBOL program. The method may further include enabling a user to select the stack pattern using the static program control flow view of the plurality of COBOL paragraphs of the COBOL program. The method may also include setting, by a processing device, the stack pattern breakpoint in source code of the COBOL program using information from a compiler compiling the COBOL program to create a pseudo-stack that can be operated on by a debugger to evaluate stack pattern conditions for the plurality of COBOL paragraphs.
US09703663B2 Reminding apparatus in data processing device, reminding method and storage medium
A reminding apparatus includes: a reminding module, configured to determine reminding time of the reminding apparatus and a reminding event corresponding to the reminding time, and trigger the reminding event when the reminding time is up; a background miming module, configured to indicate an operation system of the data processing device to trigger the reminding apparatus to enter a background running state after detecting a switch instruction; a battery level checking module, configured to check battery level of the data processing device when the reminding apparatus runs in the background; and a battery level protecting module, configured to write a local notification into the operation system when the battery level is lower than a predefined threshold, set triggering time of the local notification as the reminding time, and trigger the reminding apparatus to enter a pending state. The local notification can be triggered automatically by the operation system.
US09703662B2 Method for controlling plug-in by a router and the router thereof
The present disclosure relates to a method for controlling a plug-in by a router and the router thereof. The method includes: receiving a plug-in state request querying an operational state of a plug-in sent from a terminal device; obtaining the operational state of the plug-in according to the plug-in state request; and sending the operational state of the plug-in to the terminal device.
US09703658B2 Identifying failure mechanisms based on a population of scan diagnostic reports
Systems and techniques for identifying failure mechanisms based on a population of scan diagnostic reports is described. Given a population of scan diagnostic reports, a mixed membership model can be used for computing a topic distribution for each portion of each scan diagnostic report and a feature distribution for each topic. The failure mechanisms can be identified based on the topic distributions for the portions of the scan diagnostic reports and the feature distributions for the topics.
US09703654B2 Method, system, and apparatus for cloud application redundancy
A redundancy method, system, and apparatus, which can acquire first description information of a cloud application needing redundancy, where the first description information includes information about a source virtual machine and a source network which are used at a production site by the cloud application needing redundancy; and can generate second description information of the cloud application needing redundancy at a redundancy site based on the first description information that gives an overall description about the cloud application needing redundancy, where the second description information gives an overall description about the deployment of the cloud application needing redundancy at the redundancy site; and the redundancy site is capable of acquiring the second description information, to recover the cloud application needing redundancy at the redundancy site, thereby implementing redundancy based on a cloud application.
US09703648B2 Logically partitioning remote virtual library extensions for use in disaster recovery of production data
Systems and methods that make use of logical partitions of a second tier of disk storage at a disaster recovery (DR) site remote from a production site as part of a DR setup to advantageously reduce disruption to production site data production operations during DR procedures while providing for the substantially immediate recall or retrieval of data previously migrated to the remote second tier of disk storage.
US09703646B2 Centralized database system
A centralized database system is provided. The centralized database system may include a centralized database, a plurality of database server, a plurality of backup storage devices and a plurality of CPUs. The centralized database system may include interaction between components of the centralized database system. The centralized database may receive data from the database server, the plurality of backup storage devices and a plurality of CPUs. The centralized database may also transmit instructions to the components of the centralized database system. The instructions may be associated with conflicts, CPU configurations, missing back-ups, communication channel throughputs and any other suitable instructions.
US09703643B2 Calculation of representative values for similarity units in deduplication of snapshots data
Embodiments for calculating a representative value for an input similarity unit in data deduplication of snapshots data by a processor. A corresponding similarity unit of a previous snapshot is identified. A calculation based on digests of the input similarity unit and digests of the corresponding similarity unit is performed. A representative value is produced for the input similarity unit.
US09703640B2 Method and system of performing incremental SQL server database backups
A system, method, and medium for performing incremental backups of a Microsoft SQL server database. A snapshot of the database is created, and then a map identifying the changed extents is retrieved from the snapshot. The changed extents are then retrieved from the snapshot and stored in a backup storage device. For a restore operation, a full database backup file is written to a storage device and then the changed extents from a stored incremental backup file may be merged with the full backup file. Next, the database server is notified of the reconstructed file and then the reconstructed file is mounted by the database server as a live instance of the database.
US09703639B1 Journaling tool
Journaling technology, in which a tool, that is separate from a journaling process executed by a server system, causes display of an interface that enables user selection of information derivable from journaling data collected by the journaling process. The tool receives, through the displayed interface, user input selecting desired information derivable from the journaling data collected by the journaling process. Based on the user input, the tool determines one or more commands that are understood by the journaling process and that control the journaling process to retrieve journaling data needed to derive the desired information. The tool controls the journaling process to execute the one or more commands, accesses journaling data retrieved through execution of the one or more commands, and reformats the accessed journaling data into a presentable format of the desired information.
US09703634B2 Data recovery for a compute node in a heterogeneous database system
Data recovery for a compute node in a heterogeneous database system is provided. A failure is detected of a particular compute node of a compute cluster comprising a plurality of compute nodes. The compute cluster is configured to store, in memory, data stored by a RDBMS. Particular data of the data stored by the RDBMS is identified that is assigned to the particular compute node. The particular compute node is restored. After restoring the particular compute node, the particular data assigned to the particular compute node is reloaded without taking the particular data offline. During reloading, the particular compute node receives pending modified data comprising data of the particular data that was modified during said reloading.
US09703631B2 Storage emulation in a storage controller
A method of operating a storage controller is provided. The method includes receiving first host data traffic from a host, for storage in a first partition within a storage system, the first host data traffic formatted for storage in a first type of data storage, and translating the first host data traffic into storage data, the storage data formatted for storage in a second type of data storage. The method further includes storing the storage data in the first partition, receiving a read request from the host through the host interface, and retrieving some or all of the storage data from the first partition. The method also includes formatting the some or all of the storage data into a format compatible with the first host data traffic, and transferring the formatted data to the host in a configuration corresponding to the first type of data storage.
US09703625B1 Method and apparatus for detecting or correcting multi-bit errors in computer memory systems
A method for detecting a data bit inversion (DBI) error in a memory system is disclosed. The method and system comprise calculating an error correcting code (ECC) from each of the 8 beats of a burst of data such that no more than one bit per byte is included in each ECC calculation. The method and system further include determining if there is an inversion of one byte in the burst.
US09703620B1 Locating lane fault in multiple-lane bus
A starting logical lane of a logical bus is set to the first or last physical lane of a physical bus. A width of a logical bus is set to half the number of physical lanes. If a fault is absent in the logical bus, the starting logical lane is set to the other of the first and last physical lanes. The width is repeatingly divided by two until it is equal to one lane or the fault is not present in the logical bus. When the fault is absent in the logical bus and the width is greater than one lane, the fault is present within a range of the physical lanes encompassing a contiguous number of the physical lanes and the first or last physical lane.
US09703615B2 Stepped sizing of code execution
In one embodiment, a method includes receiving a request to execute first program code that is configured to perform a step of a computation, wherein the request includes a current state of the computation, determining whether the first program code is to be invoked based on an execution condition, when the execution condition is true, executing the first program code based on the current state of the computation, and returning a response that includes a result of executing the first program code, and when the execution condition is false, returning a response indicating that the result of the executing is invalid. The execution condition may be false when an amount of time that has passed since a previous execution of the first program code is greater than a threshold time limit.
US09703609B2 Matching resources associated with a virtual machine to offered resources
A marketplace system can provide an interface to cloud management systems that allows the cloud management systems to specify desired computing resources and a value for providing those resources. The marketplace engine can provide the interface to third-party controlled systems to specify computing resources being offer to cloud computing systems. The marketplace engine can match the desired resources to the offers to provide computing resources and notify the cloud management systems and third-party controlled systems of the match. Additionally, the cloud management systems can utilize the marketplace to aid in valuing computing resources to be added to the cloud.
US09703596B2 Service platform for in-context results
Various embodiments provide a service platform that integrates services, such as web services and/or local services, across a variety of applications. In at least some embodiments, services can be integrated with legacy applications that are “unaware” of such services, as well as applications that are aware of such services.
US09703595B2 Multi-core system with central transaction control
There is provided a multi-core system that includes a lower-subsystem including a first processor and a number of slave processing cores. Each of the slave processing cores can be a coprocessor or a digital signal processor. The first processor is configured to control processing on the slave processing cores and includes a system dispatcher configured to control transactions for execution on the slave processing cores. The system dispatcher is configured to generate the transactions to be executed on the slave processing cores. The first processor can include a number of hardware drivers for receiving the transactions from the system dispatcher and providing the transactions to the slave processing cores for execution. The multi-core system can further include an upper sub-system in communication with the lower-subsystem and including a second processor configured to provide protocol processing.
US09703594B1 Processing of long running processes
A system adapted to process long-running processes is disclosed. A request to upload data is received at a server. The server divides the data into multiple parts and launches a separate process to upload each of the divided parts. The server records for each process the processing time or duration that the particular process used to upload its corresponding data item. The server maintains an average processing duration that is calculated from the processing durations of the completed processes. The server identifies that one process is continuing to run and compares a processing duration for the particular process to a threshold derived from the average processing duration. If the processing duration for the particular process exceeds the threshold, the server initiates a new process to upload the same data item. When one of either the new process or the still running process has completed processing, the server terminates the other process.
US09703592B2 Virtual machine migration management
Disclosed aspects manage virtual machine migration on a shared pool of configurable computing resources. A virtual machine is monitored in order to identify a set of migration data with respect to the virtual machine. A set of migration events is detected with respect to the virtual machine. Based on the set of migration events, the set of migration data is collected. In response to a triggering event, a determination is made whether to migrate the virtual machine from a current host based on the set of migration data. In accordance with the determination, a selection can be made whether to migrate the virtual machine from the current host.
US09703589B2 Networking stack of virtualization software configured to support latency sensitive virtual machines
A host computer has a plurality of containers including a first container executing therein, where the host also includes a physical network interface controller (NIC). A packet handling interrupt is detected upon receipt of a first data packet associated with the first container If the first virtual machine is latency sensitive, then the packet handling interrupt is processed. If the first virtual machine is not latency sensitive, then the first data packet is queued and processing of the packet handling interrupt is delayed.
US09703588B2 Deployment of web client plugins in a virtualized computing environment
An example method to deploy a web client plugin in a virtualized computing environment may include obtaining information identifying a virtual machine at a management entity and generating configuration information that includes the information identifying the virtual machine. The method may further include registering, with the management entity, the configuration information to deploy the web client plugin as a web client extension. The registration is performed such that, in response to an access to the virtual machine via the web client plugin, the web client plugin is able to automatically identify the virtual machine based on the configuration information.
US09703584B2 Virtual server agent load balancing
Virtual machine (VM) proliferation may be reduced through the use of Virtual Server Agents (VSAs) assigned to a group of VM hosts that may determine the availability of a VM to perform a task. Tasks may be assigned to existing VMs instead of creating a new VM to perform the task. Furthermore, a VSA coordinator may determine a grouping of VMs or VM hosts based on one or more factors associated with the VMs or the VM hosts, such as VM type or geographical location of the VM hosts. The VSA coordinator may also assign one or more VSAs to facilitate managing the group of VM hosts. In some embodiments, the VSA coordinators may facilitate load balancing of VSAs during operation, such as during a backup operation, a restore operation, or any other operation between a primary storage system and a secondary storage system.
US09703576B2 Aspect scoping in a modularity runtime
A method and system are provided for aspect scoping in a modularity runtime. The method includes declaring a set of aspects of a bundle as public aspects in a first aspect configuration file, and filtering the aspect configuration files imported by a bundle to the files from bundles on which the importing bundle has a dependency. The method includes declaring a set of aspects of a bundle as private aspects in a second aspect configuration file. At weaving of aspects at a bundle, the weaving includes: any aspects defined as private aspects; any aspects defined as public aspects; any imported aspects; and any first configuration files from exporting bundles are declared.
US09703575B2 Media file playing method and device, medium and browser
A media file playing method and device. The method comprises: submitting information about a media file to a first window; judging whether the first window is a browser top window; if so, creating a sub-window in the browser top window, setting the sub-window as the first window, loading player logic in the browser top window, and playing the media file by using the player logic in the browser top window; otherwise, transmitting, by the first window, the information about the media file to the browser top window to which the first window belongs, and playing the media file by using the player logic in the browser top window. By means of the present invention, it can be achieved that a webpage player window can play a new media file without refreshing when playing requests of other webpage browser windows are received.
US09703573B1 Interposer for dynamic mapping of API calls
Embodiments are directed to a heterogeneous system for dynamically mapping library calls to one of a plurality of processing platforms. The plurality of processing platforms include a central processing unit (CPU) and one or more acceleration units as co-processing units. The system includes an interposer configured to intercept the library calls from an application programming interface (API) and to map the library calls to one of the plurality of processing platforms according to a classification scheme based on an affinity table. The affinity table includes call signatures representing input parameters of sample library calls. Furthermore, the affinity table includes one or more performance parameters of the sample library calls for each of the processing platforms. The performance parameters indicate the performance of the sample library calls on the respective processing platform. Also included are a related method and a related computer program product.
US09703572B2 Managed application detection logic
The detection of whether a local application is managed by a management service is described. In one example, depending upon whether an installation token includes a unique token value, detection logic can determine whether an application is managed or unmanaged based on additional factors. The additional factors include whether a keychain installation token includes a unique token value, the value of the keychain installation token, and a value of a launched flag for the application. Various combinations of those factors and the identification of either a managed or unmanaged status for the application are described. Using the concepts described herein, an unmanaged application can proceed to execute with limited functionality, present a notification that it should be reinstalled by the management service, stop executing, or take other measures.
US09703569B1 Hardware independent imaging method
A new and useful method is provided, for harvesting drivers for deployment in an operating systems environment.
US09703567B2 Control transfer termination instructions of an instruction set architecture (ISA)
In an embodiment, the present invention includes a processor having an execution logic to execute instructions and a control transfer termination (CTT) logic coupled to the execution logic. This logic is to cause a CTT fault to be raised if a target instruction of a control transfer instruction is not a CTT instruction. Other embodiments are described and claimed.
US09703562B2 Instruction emulation processors, methods, and systems
A processor of an aspect includes decode logic to receive a first instruction and to determine that the first instruction is to be emulated. The processor also includes emulation mode aware post-decode instruction processor logic coupled with the decode logic. The emulation mode aware post-decode instruction processor logic is to process one or more control signals decoded from an instruction. The instruction is one of a set of one or more instructions used to emulate the first instruction. The one or more control signals are to be processed differently by the emulation mode aware post-decode instruction processor logic when in an emulation mode than when not in the emulation mode. Other apparatus are also disclosed as well as methods and systems.
US09703560B2 Collecting transactional execution characteristics during transactional execution
Execution of a transaction may be initiated by a CPU in a transactional execution (TX) environment. A set of TX performance characteristics of the transaction during the transactional execution may be collected and stored in a location specified by an instruction of the transaction when the transactional execution ends or aborts.
US09703556B2 Method for controlling an integrated circuit, integrated circuit and computer including an integrated circuit
The present invention relates to a method (50) for controlling an integrated circuit (20) comprising a microprocessor, in which the integrated circuit (20) is configured to execute by default a general program, said integrated circuit being controlled by activation of a mode of operation of the integrated circuit, called “bootstrap mode”, in which said integrated circuit (20) executes a program for loading a specific program to be executed. The method (50) comprises: i) a step (51) of sending at least one bootstrap mode activation message to a test module (200) of the integrated circuit (20) via a test bus (310), ii) a step (52) of activating the bootstrap mode of the integrated circuit (20), executed by the test module (200) of the integrated circuit (20), and iii) a step (53) of loading the specific program via a communication bus (320) different from the test bus (310). The present invention also relates to an integrated circuit (20) and a computer (30) including such an integrated circuit (20).
US09703554B2 Custom code migration suggestion system based on actual change references
The present disclosure involves systems, software, and computer implemented methods for generating an example database, including sample code, to provide custom code migration suggestion. In one example, a method may include identifying a set of modified objects at a platform system with which code in a first development system is associated, determining at least one development artifact in the code of the first development system dependent upon at least one of the modified objects, monitoring changes to the code of the first development system for changes to development artifacts dependent upon the at least one modified object, and in response to determining that a change to a particular development artifact dependent upon the at least one modified object, automatically storing information associated with the change to the particular development artifact into the example database which stores examples of changes to code associated with the set of modified objects.
US09703553B2 Assertions based on recently changed code
The present disclosure relates to managing assertions in program source code in an integrated development environment (IDE) tool. According to one embodiment, the IDE tool receives a request to execute an application built from source code of a development project from a user interacting with an integrated development environment (IDE) tool. The IDE tool identifies changes to one or more of the source code of the development project from a previous version of the one or more source code. Based on the changes to the source code, the IDE tool selectively identifies one or more assertions to insert in the source code based on the identified changes.
US09703551B2 Modifying mobile application binaries to call external libraries
A method includes determining a system library method based on a configuration file in an application library. The method also includes generating a wrapper method for the system library method, wherein the wrapper method includes a first instruction to invoke the system library method, and a second instruction to invoke a method in an external library. The method further includes replacing a third instruction that invokes the system library method with a fourth instruction that invokes the wrapper method. A binary class in a plurality of binary classes in the application library comprises the third instruction.
US09703545B2 Method and system for updating in-vehicle navigation map, in-vehicle navigation device and mobile terminal
The present disclosure provides a method and a system for updating an in-vehicle navigation map, an in-vehicle navigation device, and a mobile terminal. The method includes: establishing a connection with a mobile terminal; sending a configuration file of the in-vehicle navigation map to the mobile terminal via the connection, in which the configuration file includes regions and versions of map data corresponding to the regions; receiving latest map data sent by the mobile terminal, and updating the map data of regions corresponding to the latest map data, in which the latest map data is obtained by the mobile terminal according to the configuration file.
US09703544B1 Workstation uptime, maintenance, and reboot service
Managing updates to executable programming code on a computer system in a computer network. A maintenance service utility is configured to launch a maintenance procedure at a specified time during operation of the computer system. Operation of a maintenance timer utility is activated during startup of the computer system to track and monitor the amount of time the computer system has been operating since startup. The maintenance service utility determines if there any updates to the executable programming code that require installation. The maintenance procedure is launched after a specified time if there are updates to the executable programming code. The computer system is automatically rebooted to install the updates to the executable programming code. A maintenance service editor utility enables the maintenance service utility to be configured to launch the maintenance procedure after a specified time if there are updates to the executable programming code.
US09703543B2 Update installer with process impact analysis
An update installer generates an update display for a user that displays available updates. The user can select updates, and the update installer accesses the business processes corresponding to the user's project and displays an impact analysis indicating the impact that the selected updates will have on the processes in the system.
US09703542B2 Preinstalled application management method for mobile terminal and mobile terminal
An embodiment of the present invention discloses a preinstalled application management method for a mobile terminal, where storage space of the mobile terminal includes at least one directory, and an installation package of at least one preinstalled application is stored in the at least one directory. The method includes: starting the mobile terminal; scanning the at least one directory; and installing the installation package of the at least one preinstalled application in the at least one directory to generate a preinstalled application having user-level permission. Besides, an embodiment of the present invention further provides a mobile terminal. By using the method and the mobile terminal, the preinstalled application can be uninstalled.
US09703526B2 Self-stuffing multi-clock FIFO requiring no synchronizers
An asynchronous first in first out memory device eliminates the need for synchronizers. The device includes pipeline of data registers. The data registers include a first register to accept data writes of data and a last register data reads. Each register has an enable input to indicate a full condition allowing a read and an empty condition allowing a write. A bubble inserter circuit inserts a bubble in the first register to prevent a completely empty condition for all registers. Controllers are associated with each register to allow the bubble or written data to be passed from the first register to the last register. A near empty detect circuit is coupled to the registers to determine a nearly empty condition of the pipeline. An arbiter determines whether a data write proceeds or a bubble insertion proceeds for the first register when the plurality of registers is near empty.
US09703523B1 Adjusting audio volume based on a size of a display area
Embodiments herein adjust speaker volume according to a predefined volume level assigned to a display device that displays an application generating audio output. In one example, the display device is assigned a volume level that is a function of the size of its display area. When an application displayed on the monitor begins to output audio, the audio is outputted using the volume level assigned to the monitor. If a computing system includes multiple display devices, the computing system automatically changes the volume setting of a speaker as the application outputting the audio is moved from one display device to another. Once the application moves from a first display device to a second display device, the computing system automatically adjusts the speaker volume to the volume level assigned to the second display device.
US09703518B2 Mobile terminal, display control method, and program
A mobile terminal provided with a plurality of display devices arranged such that frame parts surrounding display screens come in contact with each other and an image control section which switchably executes (i) a normal display mode where one display image is divided into display images according to the respective sizes of the display screens of the plurality of display devices and displayed on the plurality of display devices, and (ii) a complementary display mode where one display image is divided into display images according to the respective sizes of the display screens of the plurality of display devices with an image corresponding to a non-display portion formed by skipping the frame parts and displayed on the plurality of display devices. Accordingly, a sense of incongruity due to discontinuity of a displayed image by frame parts can be reduced and a lack of display information can be prevented.
US09703516B2 Configurable interface controller
A flexible input/output controller logic interfaces with existing input/output controllers (IOC's) in order to configure the amount of data sent to and received from the IOC's. The flexible I/O interface receives data from a component at a rate determined by the particular component. The flexible I/O interface then feeds the received data to a traditional I/O controller at a rate suitable for the I/O controller. Thus, the interface to the individual I/O controllers is maintained. The flexible I/O logic balances bandwidth between a plurality of individual I/O controllers in order to better utilize the overall system I/O bandwidth. In one embodiment, the I/O configuration managed by the flexible I/O logic is determined during system-build, while in another embodiment, the I/O configuration is set during system initialization.
US09703515B1 System and method for presenting output from concurrent computing units
A graphical user interface for a concurrent computing environment that presents the output generated by multiple concurrent computing units during and upon completion of their portions of a concurrent computing computation is discussed. The output from each concurrent computing unit may be directed to a single display where it is portioned into different regions of the display. The output from all of the concurrent computing units or a subset of the concurrent computing units may be shown in different arrangements. Blocks or lines of output from different concurrent computing units may appear in order of arrival at the display, or if precise timing references are available, in order of generation by the concurrent computing units. In either case the relative ordering of the outputs may be used to interpret the progress, performance and results of a concurrent computing computation.
US09703508B2 Managing apparatus, managing method, and storage medium storing program
A managing apparatus controls the power status of an image forming apparatus in accordance with a notification of event occurrence from the image forming apparatus. Upon receiving the notification, it is determined whether the first power status of the image forming apparatus according to a schedule and the second power status of the image forming apparatus controlled based on the notification match each other. Upon determining that the power statuses do not match, the first power status or the second power status is selected based on priority information. When the first power status is selected, the managing apparatus prohibits control of the power status of the image forming apparatus. When the second power status is selected, the managing apparatus invalidates control of the power status of the image forming apparatus according to the schedule.
US09703507B2 Job processing apparatus for printing a report, control method for job processing apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable storage medium
Job information being information concerning a processed job is managed together with an attribute that indicates whether the job information is printed or unprinted. Out of the managed pieces of job information of jobs, job information having an attribute indicating unprinted state is printed and the attribute of the printed job information is updated so as to indicate printed state. Out of the managed pieces of job information of jobs, when an instruction to print job information of a job corresponding to a logged-in user is received, the job information corresponding to the user is printed and the attribute of the printed job information is not updated.
US09703503B2 Reconfigurable memory system data strobes
In a reconfigurable data strobe-based memory system, data strobes may be re-tasked in different modes of operation. For example, in one mode of operation a differential data strobe may be used as a timing reference for a given set of data signals. In a second mode of operation, one of the components of the differential data strobe may be used as a timing reference for a first portion of the set of data signals and the other component used as a timing reference for a second portion of the set of data signals. Different data mask-related schemes also may be invoked for different modes of operation. For example, in a first mode of operation a memory controller may generate a data mask signal to prevent a portion of a set of data from being written to a memory array. Then, in a second mode of operation the memory controller may invoke a coded value replacement scheme or a data strobe transition inhibition scheme to prevent a portion of a set of data from being written to a memory array.
US09703501B2 Virtual storage instrumentation for real time analytics
Technical solutions for providing real time analytics of a private area of a virtual address space are described. One general aspect includes a method that includes determining, by a processor, a start address and a size of the private area of the virtual address space. The method also includes determining, by the processor, a highest address corresponding to a user region of the private area. The method also includes determining, by the processor, a lowest address corresponding to a high-end region of the private area. The method also includes storing, by the processor, the determined information in a common area outside the virtual address space.
US09703495B2 Memory controller, memory system, and memory control method
The memory controller comprises a storage unit in which the Registered-System-Max-NOE is registered per logical area and a processor which registers, in the storage unit, the System-Max-NOE (the maximum value of multiple erasures respectively corresponded to multiple physical areas) at the time when allocating a spare physical area in one of the logical areas as the Registered-System-Max-NOE to be associated with the allocation destination logical area. The processor performs a wear leveling processing based on the Registered-System-Max-NOE per logical area.
US09703492B2 Page replacement algorithms for use with solid-state drives
A page replacement algorithm is provided. An idle range of memory pages is determined based, at least in part, on indications of references to memory pages in the idle range of memory pages, wherein the idle range of memory pages is a set of one or more memory pages. A first memory page is identified in the idle range of memory page for paging out of memory. The first memory page is identified based, at least in part, on indications of modifications to the memory pages. The first memory page is paged out of memory.
US09703490B2 Coordinated upgrade of a cluster storage system
A distributed storage system has at least one host and at least one storage node. Hosts write data to and read data from storage devices within the storage nodes. A host upgrade manager (HUM) is installed in at least one of the hosts; a secondary upgrade manager (SUM) is installed in at least one of the nodes; and a primary upgrade manager (PUM) is installed within the distributed storage system itself, for example, in one of the nodes or hosts. Host and node storage system software is upgraded by transferring, via the respective HUM and SUM, upgraded versions of the software from the PUM to at least one host or node detected to be running an outdated version. The host and node storage system software components comprise different, cooperating portions of overall storage management software.
US09703485B2 Storage management in hybrid drives
Methods for deciding whether to store data in a non-volatile memory (NVM) storage portion of a hybrid drive including the NVM storage portion and a disk storage portion are provided. One such method involves generating a queue for storing candidate addresses and a priority level for each of the candidate addresses, receiving a read command and a range of addresses for the disk storage portion, determining a relative distance between reads of a first address corresponding with a second address within the range of addresses, storing, when the relative distance is less than a relative distance threshold, a first candidate address, corresponding to the second address, and a respective priority level in the queue, and storing, when the priority level of the first candidate address is greater than a priority level threshold, data corresponding to the first candidate address in the NVM storage portion.
US09703478B2 Category-based keyboard
Apparatuses, systems, media, and/or methods may involve a keyboard and/or a selection of an element thereof. The keyboard may include a keyboard configuration, which may have one or more elements such as a character, a key, and/or functionality for the key. The key may include no characters, one or more characters, and/or one or more sets of characters. The architecture of the keyboard configuration may be based on one or more categories, such as a hand category and/or a finger category. In addition, a touch area may be recognized, which may be formed between a user digit and the key of the keyboard configuration. The category associated with the touch area may be determined, wherein the character, the key, and/or the functionality for the key may be selected based on the category.
US09703477B2 Handling overloaded gestures
In one embodiment, a method includes receiving a touch input within a particular region of a display area of the computing device. The display area presents a user interface (UI) including a number of views and an outside view. Each of the views corresponds to one or more regions of the display area. One or more of the views has a gesture recognizer configured to process a touch input detected within the regions of the display area associated with each of the views. The outside view has a gesture recognizer configured to process the touch input detected within the display area. The views are organized in a hierarchy. The method also includes determining whether a particular one of the views from among the views is set as a modal view.
US09703476B1 Multi-touch cockpit interface for controlling aircraft systems
A system and method for controlling an aircraft system. An operator interaction with a control is received. The control comprises an image representing a hardware control for controlling the aircraft system. The image representing the hardware control is changed to represent a change in a state of the control in response to receiving the operator interaction. The aircraft system is operated in the manner indicated by the state of the control as represented in the image.
US09703474B2 Gesture based document editor
A method for editing objects on a device comprising forming a first path on a touch screen with a pointing device. The first path at least partially encloses an object. The at least partially enclosed object is automatically selected. A second path is formed at a predetermined area on the touch screen with the pointing device. The second path activates an editing operation.
US09703467B2 Moving an image displayed on a touchscreen of a device having a motion sensor
A method and associated device for moving an image of displayable content displayed on a touchscreen of the device. Movement of an object along the touchscreen of the device toward an outer edge of the touchscreen is detected, and in response, the displayed image is moved toward the outer edge in synchronization with the detected movement of the object. It is determined that the object has traversed the outer edge of the touchscreen so as to no longer be touching the touchscreen, and in response, one or more motion sensors are activated to monitor the object for continuing movement of the object. The one or more motion sensors ascertain the continuing movement of the object away from the outer edge, and in response, the displayed image is moved toward the outer edge in synchronization with the ascertained continuing movement of the object.
US09703464B2 Method of controlling user input using pressure sensor unit for flexible display device
There is provided a method of controlling a user input using a pressure sensor unit for a flexible display device in which the pressure sensor unit for sensing a touch position through pressure transmitted when a touch is made is formed on one surface of a substrate, by which a user may zoom in/out a displayed image by only one hand using the intensity and pattern of input touch pressure.
US09703463B2 System and methods for providing user generated video reviews
Methods and systems for content aggregation and distribution are described. Video content may be received from a plurality of sources. The video content may be associated with metadata identifying items included within the video content. A video player may be provided which enables video content to be displayed on a user terminal, and a control may be provided enabling the user to quickly navigate to specific portions of the video content. The video player may be embeddable. Tags associated with a given item of video content may be stored and accessed remotely from the system hosting the item of video content.
US09703456B2 Mobile terminal
A mobile terminal is disclosed. The mobile terminal, if a memo-writing function is activated during video play, assigns at least one part of a touchscreen as an area for handwriting inputs while displaying a video on the touchscreen and obtains a first play timing corresponding to a memo-start time; and if a memo-saving function is carried out, obtains a second play timing which corresponds to the memo-saving time and stores a memo generated based on handwriting inputs received through the handwriting input area in association with the video by reflecting at least one of the first and the second play timing.
US09703452B2 Mobile communications device user interface
A mobile communications device user interface is described. In an implementation, a method is implemented by a computing device that includes displaying content in conjunction with a first level of a hierarchical menu in a user interface on a display device of the computing device. Responsive to receipt of an input to navigate to a second level of the hierarchical menu that is a sublevel of the first level, the second level in displayed conjunction with the content on the display device, the content having a reduced display richness when displayed in conjunction with the second level than when displayed in conjunction with the first level.
US09703448B2 Systems, devices, and methods for distributed processing for preauthorized payment
Provided herein are methodologies, systems, apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable media for configuring a graphical user interface of an electronic display device for enabling preauthorized payment of products or services using distributed processing. A customer may interact with a kiosk or terminal to identify themselves and initiate the process for dynamically computing an active preauthorization limit. Items may then be added to the customer's balance at various point of sale terminals or scanning locations within the facility. Total cost of the items is compared to the active preauthorization limit. Once the customer is finished shopping, a GUI can present them with an authorization screen showing their shopping balance and requesting authorization. The user can interact with the GUI to approve the total via the GUI without the need to produce their card or payment method at checkout.
US09703447B2 Internet interface and integration language system and method
A system for generating, on a user terminal, a user interface having at least two interface items, where the system is configured to store at least two sets of data each corresponding to the interface items. A first set of data includes data for generating and controlling the performance of an operation associated with a first of interface items, and a second said set of data includes data for generating and controlling the performance of an operation associated with a second of the interface items. When a user interacts with the first interface item, the system is configured to perform the action associated with the first interface item, independent of the second interface item and without performing any other action corresponding to the user interface.
US09703442B2 Position detection device
A position detection device capable of sensing with high resolution and high precision is provided.In a position detection device comprising: a signal electrode layer in which a plurality of elongated signal electrodes each having a total length longer than the width are arranged in a direction intersecting the longitudinal direction at a predetermined interval; a detection electrode layer in which a plurality of elongated detection electrodes each having a total length longer than the width are arranged in a direction intersecting the longitudinal direction at a predetermined interval so as to intersect the signal electrodes respectively; an insulating layer arranged between the signal electrode layer and the detection electrode layer; a position input panel layered over the signal electrode layer or the detection electrode layer; and a detection part detecting a change in capacitance between the signal electrode and the detection electrode, the position detection device detects an indicated position on the position input panel indicated by an indicator based on a change in the capacitance detected by the detection part, and each of the signal electrode layer and the detection electrode layer is formed by layering two element electrode layers.
US09703440B2 Self-capacitive touch display panel and array substrate thereof
A self-capacitive touch display panel and an array substrate thereof are provided in the disclosure. The array substrate includes a substrate, where gate lines, data lines, and a common electrode layer are provided on the substrate, and the gate lines and the data lines are insulated from each other and cross each other to define a plurality of pixel units arranged in an array; the pixel unit includes a pixel thin film transistor and a pixel electrode; the common electrode layer includes a plurality of touch-control units; a plurality of touch-control-driving thin film transistors are further provided on the substrate; and the touch-control unit is connected to drains of at least two touch-control-driving thin film transistors, the gates of the two touch-control-driving thin film transistors are connected to different gate lines, and the sources of the two touch-control-driving thin film transistors are connected to different data lines.
US09703433B2 System and method of communication between a capacitive touch screen and an active stylus
An active stylus is capacitively coupled to a capacitive touch panel for communication. The active stylus operates in a wait mode to receive initial communications from the panel. In response to such receipt, the active stylus synchronizes to a repeating communications frame implementing time division multiplexing. Communications from the active stylus to the panel include: information communications; synchronization communications and communications specific for columns and/or rows of the panel. Communications from the panel to the active stylus may be addressed uniquely to the stylus or commonly to a group of styluses.
US09703432B2 Head-mounted display
To provide a head-mounted display excellent in portability and operability. A head-mounted display according to the present technology includes a main body and an input operation section. The main body includes a display section configured to present an image to a user and is configured to be mountable on a head of the user. The input operation section includes a first detection element that extends in a first axis direction and is provided in the main body and electrostatically detects an operation position in the first axis direction, and a first guide section that guides an input operation of the user along the first axis direction on the first detection element, and controls the image.
US09703431B2 Noise detection and mitigation for capacitive sensing devices
Techniques, including a method, for detecting an input object. The method includes driving sensing signals onto and receiving resulting signals with a first plurality of sensor electrodes and a second plurality of sensor electrodes to determine first changes of capacitance between the first plurality of sensor electrodes and an input object and the second plurality of sensor electrodes and the input object. The method also includes driving the first plurality of sensor electrodes with transmitter signals and receiving resulting signals with the second plurality of sensor electrodes to determine second changes of capacitance between the first plurality of sensor electrodes and the second plurality of sensor electrodes. The method further includes entering a high noise mode based on a comparison between the first changes of capacitance and the second changes of capacitance.
US09703429B2 Touch detection device, touch detection system and touch detection method
A touch detection device includes: a first sensor having a first capacitance; a monitoring unit configured to monitor the first capacitance of the first sensor at a first period; a determining unit configured to determine whether the first capacitance monitored by the monitoring unit exceeds a first threshold; and a period changing unit configured to change the first period into a second period that is shorter than the first period when the determining unit determines that the first capacitance exceeds the first threshold.
US09703428B2 Touch panel and touch detecting method therefor
The present invention discloses a touch panel having a multitude of driving and sensing electrodes and a touch detecting method therefor. The method includes: driving each driving electrode, and detecting a change in coupling capacitance between each driving electrode and each sensing electrode to determine at least one sensing electrode corresponding to a touch position; multiplexing each one of the at least one sensing electrode corresponding to the touch position to be a generated driving electrode, and multiplexing each driving electrode to be a generated sensing electrode; driving the generated driving electrode, and detecting a change in coupling capacitance between the generated driving electrode and each generated sensing electrode to determine at least one driving electrode corresponding to the touch position; driving each driving electrode corresponding to the touch position, and detecting a change in coupling capacitance between each driving electrode and each sensing electrode corresponding to the touch position to determine the touch position.
US09703427B2 Capacitive touch display panel, display device and control device
A capacitive touch display panel comprises an array substrate, a color filter substrate and a liquid crystal layer disposed between the array substrate and the color filter substrate; the array substrate includes a base substrate, a polarizer sheet, black matrixes (BMs) and a thin-film transistor (TFT) functional unit and is disposed on a light emitting side of the display panel; the color filter substrate is disposed on a light incident side of the display panel; the TFT functional unit includes gate lines, data lines, and TFTs; the BMs correspond to the TFTs; and projections of gate electrodes, source electrodes and drain electrodes of the TFTs all fall into the BMs in a direction vertical to the base substrate.
US09703425B2 Capacitive touch detecting device and method using level shift, and display device using the same
Provided is a touch detecting device that detects occurrence of a level shift phenomenon of a voltage variation to thus acquire a touch signal, when a touch capacitance due to a touch input is added to a common electrode capacitance formed between a common electrode and a sensor pattern. Accordingly, the touch signal may be stably obtained in spite of external noise, and an influence due to a parasitic capacitance may be minimized.
US09703423B2 Electronic device and electronic system
One object is to provide a new electronic device which is configured so that a user can read data regardless of a location, input data by directly touching a keyboard displayed on a screen or indirectly touching the keyboard with a stylus pen or the like, and use the input data. A first transistor electrically connected to a reflective electrode and a photo sensor are included over one substrate. A touch-input button displayed on a first screen region of the display portion is displayed as a still image, and a video signal is output so that a moving image is displayed on a second screen region of the display portion. A video signal processing portion supplying different signals between the case where a still image is displayed on the display portion and the case where a moving image is displayed on the display portion is included.
US09703421B2 Touch positioning method for touch display device, and touch display device
The present disclosure provides a touch positioning method for a touch display device, and the touch display device. When it is detected that a touch operation has been made on a touch panel, whether or not the touch operation is effective is determined. When the touch operation is effective, coordinate information about a touch point are sampled multiple times, so as to acquire a plurality of initial coordinates of the touch point. A grouping calculation is performed on the plurality of initial coordinates of the touch point, so as to determine final coordinates of the touch point.
US09703419B2 Presenting indication of input to a touch-enabled pad on touch-enabled pad
In one aspect, an apparatus includes a housing, a touch-enabled pad coupled to the housing, a processor, and a memory accessible to the processor. The memory bears instructions executable by the processor to receive input to the touch-enabled pad and to present an indication of the input on the touch-enabled pad.
US09703415B2 Touch panel, touch positioning method thereof and display device
A touch panel, a touch positioning method thereof and a display device are provided. In the touch panel, a plurality of self-capacitive electrodes are divided into several self-capacitive electrode groups independent of each other and several independent self-capacitive electrodes; each of the self-capacitive electrode groups includes at least two self-capacitive electrodes not adjacent to each other, and the respective self-capacitive electrodes in a same self-capacitive electrode group are electrically connected with a touch chip through a same wire, and at least the self-capacitive electrodes located on the four adjacent positions of upper, lower, left and right sides of the respective self-capacitive electrodes in the respective self-capacitive electrode groups are independent self-capacitive electrodes. The touch panel has a decreased number of wires for electrically connecting the self-capacitive electrodes with the touch chip, and a decreased number of lead-out wires of the touch panel and a decreased number of wiring terminals of the touch chip.
US09703414B2 Pixel circuit, organic electroluminescent display panel and display apparatus
The present disclosure discloses a pixel circuit, an organic electroluminescent display panel and a display apparatus, and during a reset phase, under a control of a reset signal terminal (Rst), a touch detection unit and a light emitting control unit in the pixel circuit are reset respectively; during a touch read phase, under a control of a scanning signal terminal (Scan), the touch detection unit outputs a touch detection signal to a touch signal read terminal (Read), so as to implement a touch detection function, meanwhile the light emitting control unit is charged; and during a light emitting phase, under a control of a light emitting signal terminal (Em), the light emitting control unit drives a light emitting device to emit light, so as to implement a display driving function.
US09703411B2 Reduction in latency between user input and visual feedback
A system comprising a display screen configured for displaying images, a touch sensor having a sensing region, a host processing system and a touch screen control system. The touch screen control system comprising touch sensor control circuitry configured to operate the touch sensor and display control circuitry configured to operate the display screen. The display circuitry comprising a first memory configured to hold a primary image and a second memory configured to hold a secondary image and display refresh circuitry. The display refresh circuitry configured to update the display screen, and in response to the user input and without requiring intervention by the host processing system, generate a blended image comprising the primary image and the secondary image, and update the display screen with the blended image.
US09703406B2 Reduction of touch-sensor interference from active display
An interference suppression module coordinates devices susceptible to interference such as a touch sensor with potentially interference generating devices such as a display drive matrix, an active haptic device, and so forth. As a result of status signals generated by the interference suppression module, controllers of the susceptible devices may modify the input received to mitigate or avoid interference.
US09703403B2 Image display control apparatus and image display control method
An image display control apparatus and method are used to detect an object that is in proximity to a display. A display controller is used to change the display from a first display state to a second display state after the object is not detected for a predetermined time period. The display state is then restored to the first display state when the detector detects the object being in proximity to the display. In another aspect, the display controller changes the display to the first display state from the second display state when the detector detects the object being in proximity to the display, where the second display state is a lower power state than the first display state.
US09703402B2 Computer peripheral device
A computer peripheral device includes a housing, and at least one multi-directional key-wheel. The multi-directional key-wheel is rotatably arranged along an axis in an abreast manner in the housing, and has a part exposed outside the housing. Each multi-directional key-wheel is polygon-shaped and has a plurality of pressing surfaces. Each pressing surface is equipped with at least one button. At least two pressing surfaces of one multi-directional key-wheel have a different quantity of buttons. Thus, the present invention can provide different button arrangement modes by exposing a different one of the pressing surfaces of the multi-directional key-wheel outside the housing. The button arrangement modes can also have a different quantity and arrangement manner of the keys.
US09703396B2 High resolution and high sensitivity three-dimensional (3D) cursor maneuvering reference plane, and methods of its manufacture
A three dimensional (3D) cursor maneuvering system for use by a computer or electro-mechanical system requiring 3D control, includes a tinted 2D planar or locally planar reference surface and a color sensitive mobile device that moves along the tinted reference surface and generates high sensitivity and high resolution absolute positional and motional data by accurately determining variations in the tint. Color index data (e.g. CIE 1931 RGB, etc.) on the tinted reference plane varies from place to place and methods are disclosed for imprinting the reference plane with that data in the form of dyes and pigments that may be reflective, refractive or emissive. When the mobile device moves on or over the reference surface, it captures a series of images whose data (e.g. CIE 1931 RGB) varies in correspondence with the movement of the device. The color index data measured by the mobile device can be mathematically converted into 3D positional and motional data. Hence, the color index data provides an ideal method for generating 3D positional and motional data as compared with the 2D data provided by the conventional optical mouse and mouse pad system.
US09703395B2 System and method for detecting interpersonal touch using electrical properties of skin
Disclosed herein is an accurate and efficient, yet non-obtrusive system and method (using same) for detecting interpersonal touch, such as a high-five, which is prevalent in people's daily lives, so as to promote everyday interactions at diverse settings. Based on ubiquitous computing technology, one embodiment of the system for detecting interpersonal touch comprises a pre-motion filter for filtering a pre-motion prior to the interpersonal touch, a sensor for sensing electrical properties of skin, an evaluator for analyzing and determining the interpersonal touch based on the pre-motion and the electrical properties of skin, and a communicator for communicating information analyzed by the evaluator. Other embodiments are described and shown.
US09703392B2 Methods and apparatus for receiving, converting into text, and verifying user gesture input from an information input device
An information input device includes: a display unit configured to display a user interface for acknowledging user input information in a content including an input field displayed on a display, by accepting an operation on the display, the user interface being displayed transparently as superimposed in front of the content; and a transcription unit configured to provide, in the input field in the content, the user input information acknowledged in the user interface.
US09703389B2 Computer input device
A computer input device is disclosed which comprised a keyboard having a plurality of keys for entering commands and characters into the computer, a touch sensor for detecting one or more touches by one or more objects on a surface area of the plurality of keys, and an input processor coupled to both the keyboard and the touch sensor, where the input processor is configured to switch the computer input device to a mouse mode when the touch sensor having detected one of the plurality of keys being touched prior to the key being pressed, and the input processor is configured to switch the computer input device to a keyboard mode when the touch sensor having detected one of the plurality of keys being touched and pressed at approximately the same starting time.
US09703388B2 Systems for controlling objects using a motion-based control apparatus
An electrical switch apparatus including a movement sensitive form is disclosed. The apparatus includes a housing, a motion sensor and a processing unit, where motion on, near or about the motion sensor is translated into output commands adapted for list scrolling, where the list can be arranged in a hierarchy such as menus or for changing a value of an attribute of an electrical device under the control of the switch.
US09703387B2 System and method of real-time interactive operation of user interface
A method, a system, and a non-transitory computer readable medium are disclosed for real-time interaction with a user interface recognizing a gesture. The method including capturing three-dimensional (3D) data on a subject; detecting a pointing action by the subject from the 3D data; computing an initial estimate of a target region from the pointing action, the initial estimate of the target region having a defined radius around a center point; and tracking the pointing action of the subject and performing a series of iterations wherein the defined radius of the target region changes based on the detected pointing action.
US09703380B2 Vehicle operation input device
A vehicle operation input device includes an option display unit that displays a plurality of options on a display, an operation input unit having an operation surface, where the operation input unit generates operating information indicating a position in the operation surface at which a finger of the operator touches the operation surface, a finger position detecting unit that detects a position of part of an arm of the operator and obtains the position as the positional information regarding the finger of the operator, and a control unit. The control unit sets a particular option among the plurality of options immediately beneath the finger in accordance with the positional information regarding the finger obtained by the finger position detecting unit. An example of the particular option is at least one of the options located in the middle.
US09703375B2 Operating device that can be operated without keys
A display device uses a display panel to display a graphical object representing a function to initiate on a device for selection by a user. An eye tracker generates a line-of-vision signal that is dependent on a line of vision of the user. A sensor device ascertains, in a predetermined holding region by which the user holds the operator control apparatus with at least one hand, a holding pressure of the at least one hand and generates a pressure signal that is dependent on the holding pressure. A control device uses the line-of-vision signal to check whether the user looks at the object, in which case the selected function is initiated if the pressure signal satisfies a predetermined initiation criterion.
US09703372B2 Display device, in particular for motor vehicle
A display device, in particular for motor vehicle, includes a projection module and an optical path. The optical path has at least one reflection element, which is designed to reflect at least partially an image originating from the projection module in a normal direction of gaze of a user of the display device. A first configuration of the optical path is applied in a first mode of operation of the display device, and a second configuration of the optical path is applied in a second mode of operation of the display device. In the second mode of operation of the display device, at least a part of the image generated by the projection module is visible to the user of the display device in a magnified manner with respect to the first mode of operation of the display device.
US09703367B2 Power supply voltage and load consumption control
Examples of electronic circuits and methods are provided. A power adapter is coupled to load device such that a power node and a signal node and a ground node are common to both entities. A supply voltage is regulated and provided by the power adapter to the load device in accordance with a voltage sensed at the signal node. Electrical current drawn by the load device is limited in accordance with a voltage sensed at the signal node.
US09703365B2 Device capable of presenting startup UI, method of presenting the same, and non-transitory computer readable medium storing presentation program
To provide a startup UI presentation portable device capable of automatically presenting a preset UI highly likely to be used next in the current posture when returned from a sleep mode, the portable device (1), when returned from the sleep mode (S1), determines whether the posture (S2) of the portable device (1) sent from a built-in acceleration sensor is within a specified range of a reference posture predetermined for each of a camera, a projector and a direction indicator (S3). When the posture is within the specified range (YES in S3), the portable device (1) displays a startup UI (icon) previously associated as a startup UI for a function most likely to be used in the reference posture on a display screen (S5). The display of the startup UI is performed automatically subsequent to release of the sleep mode, without requiring an unlock operation or password entry.
US09703364B2 Rotational graphics sub-slice and execution unit power down to improve power performance efficiency
Methods and apparatus relating to rotational graphics sub-slice and Execution Unit (EU) power down to improve power performance efficiency are described. In one embodiment, power-gating is rotated amongst single sub-slices within each slice of a plurality of slices based on an indication to reduce power consumption of a computational logic. The computational logic includes the plurality of slices and each of the plurality of slices includes a plurality of sub-slices to perform one or more computations. Other embodiments are also disclosed and claimed.
US09703354B2 Dynamic voltage and frequency management based on active processors
In an embodiment, a system may include multiple processors and an automatic power state controller (APSC) configured to switch the processors between various operating points. The operating points may be described by data programmed into the APSC, and the APSC may include a register that is programmable with a target operating point request identifying a target operating point for the processors from among the described operating points. The data describing the operating points may also include an indication of whether or not the number of processors that may be concurrently active at the operating point is limited. Based on the indication and the number of active processors, the APSC may override the requested operating point with a reduced operating point. In some embodiments, a digital power estimator (DPE) may monitor operation of the processors and may throttle the processors when high power consumption is detected.
US09703352B2 Method, apparatus, and system for energy efficiency and energy conservation including power and performance balancing between multiple processing elements and/or a communication bus
An apparatus, method and system is described herein for efficiently balancing performance and power between processing elements based on measured workloads. If a workload of a processing element indicates that it is a bottleneck, then its performance may be increased. However, if a platform or integrated circuit including the processing element is already operating at a power or thermal limit, the increase in performance is counterbalanced by a reduction or cap in another processing elements performance to maintain compliance with the power or thermal limit. As a result, bottlenecks are identified and alleviated by balancing power allocation, even when multiple processing elements are operating at a power or thermal limit.
US09703349B2 PC power monitoring
An energy saving device that has an electrical inlet which connects to a general power outlet, and has at least one monitored electrical outlet connecting to a computing device, the energy saving device having at least one switched electrical outlet which connects to, and supplies electrical power to, at least one peripheral device, which in a preferred embodiment is a computer monitor. The energy saving device includes a switch to control electrical connection of the inlet to the switched electrical outlet, and thus to control supply of electric power to the peripheral devices. Other peripherals may include printers, speakers and desk lamps.
US09703344B2 Power consumption control in computer system
A rack-style computer system is provided. The computer system includes a first server, a second server, and a power distribution unit (PDU). The PDU supplies power to the first server and the second server and monitors the power supplied to the first server and the second server and obtains a power sum value. The first server determines whether the power sum value exceeds a predetermined threshold, and if the determination is affirmative, the first server performs a power throttling.
US09703342B2 System and method for configuring plurality of linked power distribution units in which configuration data of the linked power distribution units are accessible by the remote system
Methods, systems, and devices are described for configuration of multiple power distribution units (PDUs) in an efficient manner. Power distribution units may be discovered on a network, and automatically configured according to a configuration defined for a particular location. A location may be, for example, a geographical region, a data center, a zone within a data center, a cabinet, or an individual PDU. All PDUs associated with a particular location may be provided with a common configuration file that defines operating parameters for the PDUs. In such a manner, a user may simply connect the PDU to the network, with the appropriate configuration provided without additional involvement of the user.
US09703339B2 Method and apparatus for managing an energy consuming load
A method for managing an energy consuming load in a group of energy consuming loads. The method includes generating and compiling sets of load state data from the load and other loads, making an enablement state decision for the load using the compiled sets of data, wherein the enablement state decision reflects either a load enabled or load disabled state, and implementing the enablement state decision for the load. An apparatus for managing an energy consuming load in a group of energy consuming loads, including a transmitter for transmitting the set of load state data from the load, a receiver for receiving sets of load state data from other loads, a processor for processing the load state data to make an enablement state decision, and a controller for implementing the decision. A computer readable medium provides computer readable instructions for directing the processor, wherein the instructions perform the method.
US09703332B2 Hard disk assembly
A hard disk assembly includes a tray, a bracket, and a carrier. The tray includes plural protrusions. The bracket is disposed on the tray for fastening a hard disk device. The bracket includes a bracket body having plural slots thereon, and plural pins disposed on opposite sides of the bracket body. The slots are respectively engaged with the protrusions. The pins are disposed between the bracket and the tray. The carrier is pivotally connected to the tray. The carrier includes two ribs. Each rib has a curved surface for touching and pulling the pins. Therefore the bracket can be slidably moved on the tray along the slots.
US09703330B2 Protective case for articulating electronic device
A protective cover for a portable computing device includes a first hardshell component, a second hardshell component, and a hinging element. The first hardshell component removably snaps onto a first portion of the portable computing device to protect the first portion of the portable computing device. The second hardshell component removably snaps onto a second portion of the portable computing device to protect the second portion of the portable computing device. The hinging element comprises a flexible material and is attached to the first hardshell component and the second hardshell component such that the hinging element of the protective cover aligns with the hinging structure of the portable computing device. The hinging element flexes to allow the second portion of the portable computing device to remain articulable relative to the first portion of the portable computing device when the protective cover is installed on the portable computing device.
US09703327B2 Fastenerless hinge which enables thin form factor low cost design
The present disclosure includes a fastenerless hinge system which enables a thin form factor low cost design. A hinge system described herein may include a hinge bracket and a hinge wing. The hinge bracket includes an elevated portion thereby providing a hollow region and one or more spring tabs. The hinge wing is slidably coupled to the hinge bracket through the hollow portion. Advantageously, a hinge system consistent with the present disclosure does not include fasteners such that the “Z” height of the computing device may be minimized in addition to reducing costs.
US09703324B2 RF antenna proximity sensing in a playback device
An example embodiment includes a playback device comprising a wireless communications interface that includes an RF antenna, a capacitive proximity sensor comprising a grounding plane that is coupled to the RF antenna, one or more processors, and a data storage having stored therein instructions executable by the one or more processors to cause the playback device to perform operations. The operations include detecting that an object is in proximity to the capacitive proximity sensor and responsively preparing the playback device to play back audio.
US09703322B2 Wearable device
A wearable device adapted to be worn on a user's wrist is provided. The wearable device includes a first bracket, a second bracket, a shaft structure, and a soft covering material. The shaft structure is connected to the one side of the first bracket, also to the one side of the second bracket for forming a wristband. The other side of the first bracket and the other side of the second bracket are configured to be departed from each other, and the first bracket and the second bracket are pivoted with each other through the shaft structure. Furthermore, the first bracket, the second bracket, and the shaft structure are covered by the soft covering material.
US09703321B2 Snap on wearable module
An electronic device comprises a wearable docking station containing magnets. A releasable module having matching magnets attaches to the docking station and may be programmed to respond to email or other messages arriving over a BLUETOOTH or other wireless connection to a mobile device. User alerts may also be provided as programmed images on the face of the module. The releasable module may be serviced using a direct physical connection between the module and a servicing device, the servicing device provided with a matching set of magnets, possibly embedded in a protective cover of a user's mobile device. As examples, servicing may comprise charging the module, syncing the module with the mobile device, transferring data, or establishing or amending a trusted pair relationship between the mobile device and the module.
US09703319B2 Curved surface adjustment structure for LED display screen and LED display screen
A curved surface adjustment structure for an LED display screen, and an LED display screen. An upper frame and a lower frame of a box body of the LED display screen are both formed by rotatably connecting hinge blocks. Each of the hinge blocks comprises a hinge block body, on which a rotating connecting structure and a locating structure are provided. The rotating connecting structure comprises a lug and a groove body which are respectively arranged on two side edges of each hinge block, and a lateral groove is provided in the groove body; the lug on one hinge block is inserted into the groove of another hinge block which is adjacent thereto, and is movably connected together through a limiting shaft; and an arc-shaped groove hole, which is used as a motion track of the limiting shaft, is provided on the lug.
US09703315B2 Transmission device and time synchronization method
A transmission device includes a control card and a plurality of IF cards. The control card receives first set time from a host PC and calculates second set time by adding add time corresponding to one cycle of a clock signal that is commonly used by the control card and the IF cards to the first set time. The control card distributes the second set time to each of the IF cards. After each of the IF cards receives the second set time and sets the second set time in an internal timer, when a clock signal is detected, each of the IF cards starts a time measuring operation of the internal timer from the second set time.
US09703313B2 Peripheral clock management
A clock generator for use in an electronic system comprising an integrated circuit such as a microcontroller. A plurality of oscillators are selectively enabled to produce a respective plurality of oscillator signals. For each of a plurality of clock outputs, a mux selects a respective one of the oscillator signals in response to a respective select signal provided by a clocked facility. The selected oscillator signal is gated out as the respective clock signal in response to a respective gate signal also provided by the clocked facility.
US09703310B2 Bandgap voltage circuit with low-beta bipolar device
Representative implementations of devices and techniques provide a reduction in the spread of a bandgap voltage of a bandgap reference circuit. The biasing current for a target bipolar device is conditioned by passing it through one or more like bipolar devices prior to biasing the target bipolar device.
US09703306B2 Self-heating trim techniques for improved LDO accuracy over load and temperature
In one example, a method for compensating for a temperature effect during operation of a voltage regulator circuit includes applying a load current at an output of the voltage regulator circuit, measuring a first output voltage at the output, measuring a reference current or voltage, increasing the load current, measuring a change in the reference current or voltage corresponding to the increased load current, measuring a second output voltage when the measured change in the reference current exceeds a threshold, and determining a temperature coefficient (TC) value based on the measured second output voltage.
US09703302B2 Mixed mode compensation circuit
A mixed mode compensation circuit for a power converter generate a digital signal according to a reference signal and a feedback signal which is related to the output voltage of the power converter, convert the digital signal into a first analog signal, offset the first analog signal with a variable offset value to generate a second analog signal, and filter out high-frequency components of the second analog signal to generate a third analog signal for stable output voltage of the power converter. The mixed mode compensation does not require large capacitors, and thus the circuit can be integrated into an integrated circuit.
US09703298B2 Information processing apparatus, method for controlling the same and program
An information processing apparatus according to an aspect of the present invention generates temperature distribution information (updated temperature information) that indicates the current temperature distribution in a memory chip, based on predetermined temperature information generated by an analysis executed in advance and temperature information obtained by a temperature sensor. The predetermined temperature information includes information related to the temperature distribution in the memory chip that corresponds to the operating states of an SoC die and a wide IO memory device. The information processing apparatus sets a thermal offset value to be used in the refresh operation of the memory chip, according to the difference between the temperature at the location of the temperature sensor and the temperature at a hotspot in the memory chip, which are included in the temperature distribution indicated by the updated temperature information.
US09703294B2 Advanced control relationship for a deflectable stabilizer
A method of controlling a deflection angle of pitching stabilizer means for an aircraft. The method includes a preliminary stage for preparing at least one control relationship delivering a setpoint angle that is to be reached by the deflection angle as a function of at least one flight parameter of the aircraft and of an incidence parameter of the pitching stabilizer means. During an operational stage an operational stage (STP2), a “flight” value is determined for each of the flight parameters, a “setpoint” value is determined for the incidence parameter, a setpoint angle is determined by inputting the flight values and setpoint value into the control relationship, and at least one actuator is actuated in order to cause the deflection angle of the pitching stabilizer means to reach the setpoint angle.
US09703289B2 Vehicle control apparatus and vehicle control method
A vehicle control apparatus that switches an operating condition of a vehicle to a manual operation when the vehicle reaches a preset initial switch position while an automatic operation is underway includes: a driver condition determination unit configured to determine whether or not a driver is in a manual operation acceptance condition; an evacuation space identification unit configured to identify an evacuation space provided on a path of the vehicle before the initial switch position on the basis of map information; and a switch position setting unit configured to set a switch position in which the operating condition of the vehicle is to be switched from the automatic operation to the manual operation, in a position between the vehicle and the evacuation space when the driver is not in the manual operation acceptance condition.
US09703287B2 Remote HVAC monitoring and diagnosis
A monitoring system for a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system of a building includes a monitoring device and a server. The monitoring device is installed at the building. The monitoring device(i) measures an aggregate current supplied to a plurality of components of the HVAC system and (ii) transmits current data based on the measured aggregate current. The server is located remotely from the building. The server receives the transmitted current data and, based on the received current, assesses whether a failure has occurred in a first component of the plurality of components of the HVAC system and assesses whether a failure has occurred in a second component of the plurality of components of the HVAC system.
US09703286B2 Device and method for verifying CNC production accuracy
In a production accuracy verification method to verify a production program installed in a computer numerical control (CNC) machine, wherein the production program is used to produce a product, coordinates of points on an ideal processing path of the production program are obtained to fit a first curve. A CAD model of the product is obtained, and outlines of the product are extracted in the CAD model. A normal vector of each of the outlines is computed and to be adjusted, making the normal vectors of the outlines pointing to a same direction. First distances between points in the first curve and corresponding points in the second curve are computed, and whether the production program is accurate can be determined by comparing whether each of the first distances is within a first predetermined tolerance.
US09703285B2 Fair share scheduling for mixed clusters with multiple resources
A technique for determining scheduling priorities of jobs of different types to facilitate workload management in a clustered processing environment having a plurality of managed resource types is provided. The technique includes allocating shares of multiple managed resource types to users and user groups of the clustered processing environment. The technique also includes assigning a job priority for a subsequent job submitted by a user or group, wherein the calculated job priority is based on a type attribute of the subsequent job and the number of the user's or group's remaining shares of at least one managed resource type of the multiple of managed resource types.
US09703284B2 Group management system and recording medium
There is provided a group management system including one or more manufacturing devices and one or more server devices. Each of the manufacturing devices includes a manufacturing device display unit configured to display information on the specified process, an acquiring unit configured to acquire information of respective parts of each of the manufacturing devices and an acquired information transmitting unit configured to transmit the acquired information to the server devices. Each of the server devices includes a storage unit configured to store the information transmitted from the acquired information transmitting unit, an analysis unit configured to analyze the stored information and a server device display unit configured to display the stored information and the analyzed information. Each of the manufacturing devices further includes a remote operation function unit configured to directly operate the server device display unit from the manufacturing device display unit.
US09703281B2 Tool path generation device, tool path calculation method, and tool path generation program
A tool path generation device that calculates a tool path to be used by a machine tool device, and that provides a high machining efficiency with suppressed occurrence of chatter vibration by calculating machining conditions in consideration of a chatter vibration increase and decrease affecting value that affects increase and decrease in chatter vibration.
US09703280B2 Method and apparatus for fabricating semiconductor device
A method for fabricating a semiconductor device includes obtaining first raw data by measuring an overlay of a semiconductor wafer of a first lot and generating a regression equation based on the first raw data. A semiconductor wafer of a second lot is aligned based on a coefficient of the regression equation, second raw data is obtained by measuring an overlay of the aligned semiconductor wafer of the second lot, and the regression equation is corrected based on the second raw data. Correction of the regression equation includes dividing the regression equation into an initial equation and a residual equation excluding the initial equation from the regression equation, correcting a coefficient of the initial equation; and correcting a coefficient of the residual equation.
US09703275B2 Methods and systems for irrigation and climate control
Methods and systems are provided for monitoring and controlling irrigation and climate conditions in landscapes (such as, e.g., municipal parks, gardens, and sports fields) and agricultural environments (such as, e.g., open agricultural fields, greenhouses, and other sites growing crops).
US09703272B2 Apparatus with radiating element isolated from an electrically conductive wearable apparatus carrier device
A wearable apparatus can include a transceiver. The apparatus can include an electrically conductive housing, the transceiver carried in the housing, the housing including at least a first wearable apparatus carrier device connection area. The apparatus can include a radiating element, the radiating element connected to the housing, the radiating element coupled to a feed point that is coupled to the transceiver, and the radiating element configured to radiate radio frequency signals. The apparatus can include a current isolation element. The apparatus can include an electrically conductive wearable apparatus carrier device coupled to the electrically conductive housing via the current isolation element, where the current isolation element provides electrical isolation between the electrically conductive wearable apparatus carrier device and the electrically conductive housing and/or the radiating element.
US09703271B2 Wearable electronic device
Disclosed is a wearable electronic device including a movable connection terminal that is set back from an opening of a body housing when no external device is connected, and moves towards the opening when the external device approaches. The electronic device includes a body; a connection terminal located inside the body and provided to be movable from the inside towards a surface of the body; and a movable part coupled to or integrated with the connection terminal. The movable part may move the connection terminal towards the surface when a magnet of the external device approaches.
US09703257B2 Electrophotographic image forming apparatus, developing apparatus, and coupling member
An image forming apparatus includes a developing cartridge. The developing cartridge includes a casing, a developer roller, and a coupling member. The coupling member is movable between (i) a first position in which an axis L2 of the coupling member is substantially parallel to and offset from an axis L1 of the developer roller so that the axis L2 does not pass through developer roller, (ii) a second position in which the axis L2 is inclined with respect to the position of the axis L2 when the coupling member is in the first position, (iii) and a third position in which the axis L2 is inclined with respect to the position of the axis L2 when the coupling member is in the first position and in a direction opposite to the direction the coupling member is inclined when in the second position.
US09703253B2 Toner conveyance device and image forming apparatus
A toner conveyance device includes a toner conveyance path through which toner is transported. The toner conveyance path includes a flexible portion, a toner conveyor inside the conveyance path to convey the toner, and a restrictor outside the toner conveyance path to restrict deformation of the toner conveyance path.
US09703251B1 Image forming assembly and image forming apparatus
An image forming assembly including a first assembly that includes an image holding member which rotates by receiving a rotational driving force and holds a toner image after an electrostatic latent image is formed thereon by exposure and the toner image is formed by development and a supporting member which supports the image holding member, a second assembly that includes a developing member which is disposed adjacent to the image holding member, rotates by receiving a rotational driving force, and transports a toner to a developing region facing the image holding member and a toner holding member which holds the toner and supplies the toner to the developing member, and a connection member that includes a pressing member in which a first through hole and a second through hole are formed and that is fixed to the supporting member.
US09703242B2 Fixing apparatus
A fixing apparatus includes a first unit which contacts a surface of a fixing roller to heat the fixing roller, and a second unit which forms a fixing nip portion together with the fixing roller. A first opposing portion is provided between a shaft of the fixing roller and the first unit, such that a distance between the first opposing portion and the first unit when a pressure during a fixing processing for an image is applied to a contact region between the fixing roller and the first unit is more than 0 mm and 2 mm or less. A second opposing portion is provided between the shaft of the fixing roller and the second unit, such that a distance between the second opposing portion and the second unit when the pressure is applied to the fixing nip portion is more than 0 mm and 2 mm or less.
US09703241B2 Fixing device provided with nip member capable of preventing outflow of lubricant
A fixing device includes: an endless fusing belt; a heater; a nip member; and a backup member. The endless fusing belt has a width in a widthwise direction. The nip member is disposed spaced apart from the heater. The nip member has a contact surface. The contact surface has widthwise end portions in the widthwise direction. The backup member is configured to nip the fusing belt in cooperation with the nip member. The fusing belt is configured to move in a moving direction at a position where the fusing belt is nipped between the nip member and the backup member. The contact surface has at least two grooves one formed in corresponding one of the widthwise end portions and another formed in the other of the widthwise end portions and extending at an angle equal to or smaller than 10 degrees with respect to the moving direction.
US09703240B2 Fuser control device and image forming apparatus
A fuser control device includes: a fusing portion having a heater; a chopper portion including a reactor, a free-wheeling element, and a switching element; and a processor portion being configured to implement a first current control during an implementation period, the implementation period including a first time interval and a second time interval, the implementation period being longer than a commercial power period, the first current control for transferring a control signal having a predetermined duty ratio to the switching element during the first time interval and transferring a control signal having a 100% duty ratio to the switching element during the second time interval.
US09703234B1 Toner cartridge having an expandable toner agitator
A toner cartridge for an electrophotographic image forming device according to one example embodiment includes a housing having a reservoir for storing toner. A rotatable drive shaft is positioned within the reservoir. A partition is mounted on the drive shaft and axially movable along the drive shaft when the drive shaft rotates. The partition divides the reservoir into a first compartment for storing fresh toner and a second compartment for storing waste toner. An expandable agitator is positioned within the second compartment and rotatable with the drive shaft. When the drive shaft rotates and the partition moves along the drive shaft expanding a volume of the second compartment, the agitator expands along a length of the drive shaft and rotates with the drive shaft for agitating waste toner in the second compartment.
US09703233B2 Electrophotographic image forming apparatus, toner cartridge for the same, imaging cartridge for the same, and method of controlling toner level in developing chamber of the same
An electrophotographic image forming apparatus may include an imaging cartridge and a toner cartridge that are detachably attached to a main body, a first optical sensor that is mounted in the imaging cartridge and detects a toner level in a development chamber, and a second optical sensor that is mounted in the toner cartridge and detects a toner level in the development chamber.
US09703230B2 Image forming apparatus correcting unevenness of potential distribution due to change of exposure spot shape of light beam on photosensitive member
An incidence angle of laser light with respect to a photosensitive member in a main-scanning direction is different depending on an exposure position. Hence, the spot shape of the laser light on the photosensitive member is different in the main-scanning direction. A filter coefficient is changed in the main-scanning direction, and image data is corrected with the filter coefficient.
US09703228B2 Timing adjustment of multi-beam image forming apparatus
An image forming apparatus includes multiple light emitting elements (LDs) as a light source, controls the light source such that laser beams emitted from LD1 and LDN are sequentially incident on a BD sensor in a non-image-forming period, and measures a time interval between two BD signals output sequentially from the BD sensor. When image formation is performed subsequent to the non-image-forming period, the image forming apparatus controls the light source such that a laser beam from the LD1 is incident on the BD sensor. Furthermore, using a single BD signal output from the BD sensor as a reference, the image forming apparatus controls timings at which the LDs emit laser beams based on the image data, according to the measurement value of the time intervals between the BD signals.
US09703226B2 Charging member
A charging member, one embodiment of which includes a conductive support; a conductive elastomer layer stacked on the conductive support; and a conductive resin layer stacked on the conductive elastomer layer, wherein the conductive resin layer includes: a matrix material; and a plurality of particles dispersed in the matrix material, wherein the particles include first particles, and when a thickness of a portion formed of the matrix material alone of the conductive resin layer is referred to as A [μm], an average particle size of the first particles is referred to as B1 [μm], and an interparticle distance of the particles is referred to as Sm [μm], then A is in a range of 1.0 μm to 7.0 μm, B1/A is in a range of 5.0 to 30.0, and Sm is in a range of 50 μm to 400 μm.
US09703221B2 Toner
A toner according to the present invention includes a plurality of toner particles each including a toner core and a shell layer disposed over a surface of the toner core. The shell layer contains a thermosetting resin. A ratio G*1/G*2 of complex modulus G*1 at 120° C. of a pellet formed using the toner relative to complex modulus G*2 at 120° C. of the toner is at least 2.0 and no greater than 3.0. The pellet is obtained by forming the toner into a size of 0.5 mm in thickness and 10 mm in diameter under forming conditions of 25° C. and 50 kg·f/cm2.
US09703219B1 Electrostatic image developing toner
Provided is an electrostatic image developing toner containing toner particles having a domain-matrix structure formed with a matrix of an amorphous polyester resin and a domain of a crystalline resin, wherein the toner particles contain an releasing agent and alkoxy aniline; and a content of the alkoxy aniline contained in the toner particles is in the range of 0.1 to 15.0 mass ppm.
US09703218B2 Toner for developing electrostatic latent images
A toner for developing electrostatic images contains a first resin and a second resin. The first resin is a crystalline polyester resin composed of a dicarboxylic acid unit and a dialcohol unit. The first resin has a weight average molecular weight of 5000 to 100000. The second resin has a weight average molecular weight of 5000 to 60000. The second resin is a polyester resin composed of a crystalline segment and an amorphous segment. The crystalline segment has a weight average molecular weight of 200 to 3000 and is composed of a dicarboxylic acid unit and a dialcohol unit. In the toner, a specific carbon number relationship is present between each unit.
US09703216B2 Toner using small-particle size magnetic iron oxide
Provided is a magnetic toner which exhibits a high degree of blackness and high tinting strength, and in which scraping of a toner carrying member surface by the magnetic toner is not caused, and image defects such as fogging and tailing are suppressed. A magnetic toner comprising a magnetic toner particle that contains a binder resin and a magnetic iron oxide particle, wherein, the number-average particle diameter of the magnetic iron oxide particle ranges from 0.05 μm to 0.15 μm, and a relationship between the number-average particle diameter (μm) of the magnetic iron oxide particle and the specific surface area (m2/g) of the magnetic iron oxide particle satisfies Expression (1) below. [Number−average particle diameter]×[specific surface area]≦1.10  (1).
US09703213B2 Substrate processing apparatus
The invention relates to a substrate processing apparatus (10) comprising a support frame (60), a radiation projection system (20) for projecting radiation onto a substrate to be processed, a substrate support structure (30) for supporting the substrate, and a fluid transfer system (150). The radiation projection system comprises a cooling arrangement (130) and is supported by and vibrationally decoupled from the support frame such that vibrations of the support frame above a predetermined maximum frequency are substantially decoupled from the radiation projection system. The fluid transfer system comprises at least one tube (140) fixed at two points (151,152), and comprises a flexible portion. A substantial part of the flexible portion extends over a plane substantially parallel to the substrate support structure surface. The stiffness of the flexible portion is adapted to substantially decouple vibrations at the second fixed point which are above the predetermined maximum frequency from the first fixed point.
US09703203B2 Compositions and methods for pattern treatment
Pattern treatment compositions comprise a block copolymer and an organic solvent. The block copolymer comprises a first block and a second block. The first block comprises a unit formed from a first monomer comprising an ethylenically unsaturated polymerizable group and a hydrogen acceptor group, wherein the hydrogen acceptor group is a nitrogen-containing group. The second block comprises a unit formed from a second monomer comprising an ethylenically unsaturated polymerizable group and a cyclic aliphatic group. Wherein: (i) the second block comprises a unit formed from a third monomer comprising an ethylenically unsaturated polymerizable group, and the second monomer and the third monomer are different; and/or (ii) the block copolymer comprises a third block comprising a unit formed from a fourth monomer comprising an ethylenically unsaturated polymerizable group, wherein the fourth monomer is different from the first monomer and the second monomer. Also provided are pattern treatment methods using the described compositions. The pattern treatment compositions and methods find particular applicability in the manufacture of semiconductor devices for providing high resolution patterns.
US09703198B2 Photopolymer imaging from solvent ink film images
Negatives, and laminates containing negatives, for exposing liquid photopolymers in UV flexographic plate making are created by printing opaque images directly onto the protective or release cover films used in plate making processes. Combining negatives and cover films in this way eliminates two layers and two interfaces in the exposure process, reducing cost and improving quality. By bringing the negative images as close as possible to the liquid photopolymer, printed dots of “digital quality” are created.
US09703193B2 Onium salt, resist composition, and patterning process
An onium salt having an anion moiety of a specific structure is an effective photoacid generator. A resist composition comprising the onium salt has the advantages of compatibility and reduced acid diffusion and forms a pattern with a good balance of sensitivity and MEF, rectangularity, and minimal defects.
US09703192B2 Onium compounds and methods of synthesis thereof
New onium salt compounds and methods for synthesis of such compounds are provided. Preferred methods of the invention include (a) providing an onium salt compound comprising a sulfonate component having an electron withdrawing group; and (b) treating the onium salt compound with a halide salt to form a distinct salt of the onium compound. The present onium compounds are useful as an acid generator component of a photoresist composition.
US09703179B2 Display shelf modules with projectors for displaying product information and modular shelving systems comprising the same
Modular shelving systems and display shelves for modular shelving systems are disclosed. In one embodiment, a modular shelving system includes a shelf support frame comprising a back plane portion and a base portion. At least one display shelf module is removably coupled to the back plane portion of the shelf support frame such that the display shelf module is vertically and horizontally positionable on the back plane portion of the shelf support frame. The display shelf module may include a top and bottom panels, and side panels that define an interior volume. A display panel may be affixed to a front of the display shelf module. A projector may be disposed in the interior volume of the display shelf module. The projector projects an optical signal onto a rear surface of the display panel such that image data is visible on a front surface of the display panel.
US09703178B2 Projector having a rod integrator with an entrance plane smaller than an area light source
A projector includes an area light source, a spatial light modulator, an illumination system that receives light from the area light source and illuminates the spatial light modulator, and a projection lens that forms an image by the light from the spatial light modulator. The area light source includes one of a light emitting region of a light emitting device and an image of the light emitting region, and the illumination system includes a rod integrator, the rod integrator is arranged so that an entrance plane of the rod integrator faces the area light source, and a size of the entrance plane of the rod integrator is smaller than a size of the area light source.
US09703175B2 Systems and methods for autofocus trigger
Method and systems for autofocus triggering focusing are disclosed herein. In one example, a system may include a lens, a memory component configured to store lens parameters of the lens and regions of focus corresponding to the lens parameters, and a processor coupled to the memory and the lens. The processor may be configured to focus the lens on a target object at a first instance of time, receive information indicative of distances from an imaging device to the target object over a period of time, obtain lens parameters of the lens, and determine a region of focus, and trigger the lens to re-focus on the target object if the distance to the target object indicates the target object is outside of the region of focus and the distance to the target object is unchanged for a designated time period.
US09703174B2 Optical apparatus equipped with barrier mechanism
A barrier mechanism of an optical apparatus capable of preventing generation of a gap between barrier blades and an opening part in a closed state without complicating a configuration. Barrier blades are arranged overlapping in an optical axis direction, and are driven by a barrier driving ring to rotate in an opening-and-closing direction for opening and closing the opening part. A barrier barrel is arranged at the outer peripheral side of the barrier driving ring, and holds the barrier blades. The barrier blades includes a main barrier blade that is arranged at an image surface side and is rotatably supported by the barrier barrel with a first shaft, and auxiliary barrier blades that are rotatably supported by a second shaft that is provided on the subject side of the main barrier blade. The first shaft and the second shaft are arranged in parallel but are not coaxial.
US09703168B2 Optical module and transmitting apparatus
An optical module includes: a driver; an optical modulator; a connector that is electrically connected to either the driver or the optical modulator and is provided with an input/output terminal; and a flexible substrate that has flexibility, is connected to the connector, and transfers an electrical signal generated by the driver to the optical modulator, wherein in an end part connected to the connector, the flexible substrate has, on a first surface facing the input/output terminal, a signal-purpose wiring pattern used for transferring the electrical signal and a ground-purpose wiring pattern formed along the signal-purpose wiring pattern, and has, on a second surface that is different from the first surface, a ground electrode that partially covers the second surface and has a shorter electrical distance to the signal-purpose wiring pattern than an electrical distance between the signal-purpose wiring pattern and the ground-purpose wiring pattern.
US09703162B2 Display device including auxiliary lines and polarizing films, and manufacturing method thereof
The embodiments of the present invention provide a substrate and a manufacturing method thereof, as well as a display device. The substrate comprises: a base substrate, a plurality of gate lines arranged in parallel, a first insulating layer that covers the gate lines, a plurality of data lines located on the first insulating layer and perpendicular to the gate lines, a second insulating layer that covers the data lines, and pixel electrodes of sub-pixel areas enclosed by the data lines and the gate lines; polarizing films that cover the pixel electrodes; and first auxiliary gate lines arranged on the second insulating layer and parallel to the gate lines, at least two portions on each of the first auxiliary gate lines being electrically connected with at least two corresponding portions on the gate line through via holes that penetrate the first insulating layer and the second insulating layer, the first auxiliary gate lines and the polarizing films are formed by performing a same patterning process to a same layer of transparent conductive material. The embodiments of the present invention can reduce signal delay in a display device, and can be used for manufacture of a display.
US09703160B2 Liquid crystal display panel with hot pixel being repaired and method for repairing hot pixel
The invention discloses a liquid crystal display panel with a hot pixel being repaired and a method for repairing a hot pixel. The liquid crystal display panel includes an array substrate, the array substrate at least includes a pixel after being repaired. The pixel includes: a main pixel unit and a sub pixel unit, which receive data signals driven by a first scan line so as to have the same voltage; a charge-share unit. The sub pixel unit includes hot pixels, in the sub pixel after being repaired, a drain electrode of the thin film transistor is disconnected from an antenna, the antenna is disconnected from the sub pixel electrode, the antenna is connected to the main pixel electrode electrically, the sub pixel electrode is connected to the common line electrically; and the charge-share unit is disconnected from the main pixel unit and the sub pixel unit.
US09703154B2 Semiconductor device
A first polarizing plate having a polarization axis in a first direction, a second polarizing plate having a polarization axis in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction, a plurality of first structure bodies provided for the first substrate, a plurality of second structure bodies provided for the first substrate, a first electrode layer covering top surfaces and side surfaces of the plurality of first structure bodies, a second electrode layer covering top surfaces and side surfaces of the plurality of second structure bodies, and a third electrode layer that is provided for a second substrate and overlaps at least partly with the second electrode layer are provided. The side surfaces of the first structure bodies and the side surfaces of the second structure bodies are parallel to the first direction or the second direction.
US09703136B2 Heat radiation of the liquid crystal module
The present invention provides a heat radiation of the liquid crystal module, which located around the LED source of the liquid crystal module, wherein the heat radiation comprising a plurality of radiating fins which located at the side walls of the LED source and the backlight panel. The radiating fins can be molded by bending, which can be adhered together on the side wall of the backlight panel. With adding the layer of the radiating fins, the radiating fins bonding and adhering to the back of the backlight panel, the radiating area is increasing and the heat radiation efficiency of the liquid crystal module improving in the limiting space of the liquid crystal module. The problem is resolved that lacking of the heat radiating area in the present liquid crystal module.
US09703135B2 Display
A display including a casing, a light guide plate and a display panel is provided. The light guide plate is disposed in the casing and has a light emitting surface and a first back surface opposite to each other, wherein the casing is adhered to the first back surface of the light guide plate. The display panel is disposed in the casing and adhered to the light emitting surface of the light guide plate.
US09703130B2 Luminous flux control member light-emitting unit, and display device
A luminous flux control member may include an incident surface, a first optical surface, and a second optical surface. The first optical surface may be separated from the incident surface in a direction of an optical axis and includes a concave portion recessed toward the incident surface. The second optical surface may form a side surface of the luminous flux control member. The first optical surface may include a connection portion that connects the concave portion to the second optical surface. In at least one embodiment, the connection portion may have a width ranging from 1 μm to 100 μm.
US09703125B2 Silicon-based electro-optic modulator
Provided is a silicon-based electro-optic modulator which is small in size and capable of high speed operation. A first silicon semiconductor layer (120) doped to exhibit a first type of conductivity and a second semiconductor layer (160) doped to exhibit a second type of conductivity are at least partly stacked together, and a relatively thin dielectric (150) is formed at the interface between the stacked first and second silicon semiconductor layers (120, 160). The first silicon semiconductor layer (120) has a rib waveguide shape (130) comprising a rib portion (131) and slab portions (132). A first heavily doped region (140) formed by a high concentration doping process is arranged at a location, in the first silicon semiconductor layer (120), neighboring to each of the slab portions (132). The first heavily doped region (140) has almost the same height as that of the rib portion (131) of the rib waveguide (130).
US09703124B2 Faraday rotator mirror
Methods, systems, and apparatus for optical communications. One of the apparatuses comprises a birefringent crystal configured to separate an incoming light beam input at a first port into component light beams having orthogonal polarization directions and directing the component light beams on respective paths to exit locations on the birefringent crystal; and a Faraday rotator positioned between the birefringent crystal and a beam folding optic assembly, wherein the Faraday rotator is positioned such that light beams exiting the birefringent crystal along a first path from a first exit location pass through the Faraday rotator before being incident on the beam folding optic assembly and that light beams exiting the birefringent crystal along a second path from a second exit location pass directly to the beam folding optic assembly without being incident on the Faraday rotator.
US09703120B2 Methods and apparatus for an ophthalmic lens with functional insert layers
This invention discloses a media substrate for incorporation into ophthalmic lenses that has been formed by the stacking of multiple functionalized layers. Additionally, methods and apparatus for providing a stacked functional layer insert for incorporation into an ophthalmic lens are also provided. In some embodiments, an ophthalmic lens is cast molded from a silicone hydrogel and the lens includes at least one stacked functional layer insert portion.
US09703117B2 Eyeglass frames with temple overlay
Eyeglass frames include a face member with a rim configured to retain a lens. At least one temple frame member is connected to the face member. The temple frame member includes an upper perimeter portion and a lower perimeter portion with a slot formed between the upper and lower perimeter portions. A temple overlay is coupled the temple frame member. The temple overlay includes an upper lip and a lower lip. The upper lip is configured to wrap around the upper perimeter portion of the temple frame member and the lower lip is configured to wrap around the lower perimeter portion of the temple frame member. The temple overlay further includes a panel extending between the upper lip and the lower lip such that the panel is exposed in the slot of the temple frame member when the temple overlay is coupled to the temple frame member.
US09703116B2 Eyeglass frames with flexible temples
Eyeglass frames includes a face member configured to retain at least one lens and two temple members connected to the face member. Each temple member includes a spine made of a first material and an overlay made of a second material positioned on the spine, the first material having a greater hardness than the second material. The spine includes a column and a plurality of transverse ribs. The column extends from a face-end to an ear-end of the temple member and the transverse ribs are connected to the spine. Each of the transverse ribs defines an angle relative to an axis defined by the column of the spine. Slots are formed between the ribs and the ribs are successively narrower moving from the face-end to the ear-end. The overlay is positioned on the spine and fills the slots formed between the ribs.
US09703113B2 Anti-shake correction system for curved optical sensor
The subject disclosure is directed towards a curved image sensor that is rotated in one or more rotational directions to compensate for camera movement, e.g., camera shake. In one aspect, sensors such as gyroscopes output camera movement data, which a controller uses to rotate the curved (e.g., hemispherical) image sensor about its center of curvature, e.g., via signals to electrical and/or magnetic movement mechanisms. Image processing may be used by the controller to rotate the image sensor.
US09703108B2 Eye-glasses for viewing stereoscopic images or a perspective sub-image of same
Eye-glasses for viewing stereoscopic images or a perspective sub-image of a stereoscopic image, comprising at least one interference filter that has at least one photosensitive polymer film and at least two separated filter regions, said filter regions being superimposed along at least one normal line that stands vertically on a first outer surface of the interference filter, between a first point at which the normal line pierces the first outer surface and a second point at which the normal line pierces a second outer surface of the interference filter after having passed through said interference filter proceeding from the first point, and said filter regions being, along said normal line, at least substantially impermeable to a respective predetermined wavelength interval of the electromagnetic spectrum.
US09703103B2 Head-mounted display
There is provided a head-mounted display which allows the lengths of fastening bands to be adjusted easily and can be mounted on the head of the user with increased stability. The head-mounted display has a first fastening band and a second fastening band which extend from the front side toward rear side thereof, for being fastened to the head of the user. At least a portion of the first fastening band is made of an elastically expandable material. The second fastening band is made of a material which is less expandable than the material of the first fastening band and includes a mechanism for adjusting the length thereof.
US09703100B2 Change nature of display according to overall motion
A head mountable display (HMD) is operable to detect the HMD's overall motion relative to its current orientation, and to display extra image material so that the extra image material moves in the same general direction as real objects would be seen by the user to move if the user were not wearing the HMD.
US09703096B2 Asymmetric MEMS mirror assembly
A mirror assembly includes a frame having a central opening and a mirror plate, which is contained within the central opening of the frame and is shaped to define separate first and second mirrors connected by a bridge extending between the first and second mirrors. A pair of hinges are connected between the frame and the mirror plate at locations on the central axis on opposing sides of the frame so as to enable rotation of the mirror plate about the central axis relative to the frame.
US09703094B2 MEMS light modulator for display
Electromechanical light modulators and backlight providing efficient, low cost and high performance displays.
US09703093B2 Electrowetting element with non-switchable color filter
A display apparatus includes an electrowetting element including a non-switchable color filter, a first support plate with a surface having a first part overlapped by the non-switchable color filter and a second part not overlapped by the non-switchable color filter, and a first and second fluid. A control apparatus of the display apparatus is operable to switch the first fluid between at least a first configuration with the first fluid in contact with the first part but not substantially in contact with the second part and a second configuration with the first fluid in contact with the second part and with the first fluid being at least one of: not substantially in contact with the first part or at least partly in contact with the first part.
US09703092B2 Optical filter including a substrate having a groove with a pair of curved surfaces and analytical instrument
An optical filter includes: a lower substrate; a lower mirror provided to the lower substrate; a lower electrode provided to the lower substrate; an upper substrate disposed so as to be opposed to the lower electrode; an upper mirror provided to the upper substrate, and opposed to the lower mirror; and an upper electrode provided to the upper substrate, and opposed to the lower electrode, wherein the upper substrate has a groove surrounding the upper mirror in a plan view, the groove includes a first side surface section, a second side surface section, a bottom surface section, a first end section located between the first side surface section and the bottom surface section, and a second end section located between the second side surface section and the bottom surface section, in a cross-sectional view, and the first end section and the second end section each have a curved surface.
US09703090B2 Boroscope and a method of processing a component within an assembled apparatus using a boroscope
A boroscope has a first end and a second end and the first end of the boroscope has an optical fiber, a light source, a lens, a beam expander and a transmissive diffractive optical element. The optical fiber extends from the first end of the boroscope to the second end of the boroscope. A laser optical fiber extends from the lens at the first end of the boroscope to the second end of the boroscope and a laser source is arranged to direct a laser beam into the laser optical fiber. The beam expander is provided between the laser optical fiber and the lens and the lens is provided between the beam expander and the transmissive diffractive optical element. The transmissive diffractive optical element is arranged to produce a laser beam with a predetermined shape and a focal length probe extends from the first end of the boroscope.
US09703084B2 Off-axial three-mirror optical system with freeform surfaces
An off-axial three-mirror optical system with freeform surfaces includes a primary mirror, a secondary mirror, a tertiary mirror, and an image sensor. The primary mirror is located on an incident light path. The secondary mirror is located on a primary mirror reflecting light path. The tertiary mirror is located on a secondary mirror reflecting light path. The image sensor is located on a tertiary mirror reflecting light path. A primary mirror surface and a tertiary mirror surface are all xy polynomial freeform surfaces up to a fifth order. A secondary mirror surface is a planar surface.
US09703077B2 Optical image capturing system
An optical image capturing system includes, along the optical axis in order from an object side to an image side, a first lens, a second lens, a third lens, a fourth lens, and a fifth lens. At least one lens among the first to the fifth lenses has positive refractive force. The fifth lens can have negative refractive force, wherein both surfaces thereof are aspheric, and at least one surface thereof has an inflection point. The lenses in the optical image capturing system which have refractive power include the first to the fifth lenses. The optical image capturing system can increase aperture value and improve the imaging quality for use in compact cameras.
US09703074B2 Mobile device and optical imaging lens thereof
The present invention provides a camera device and an optical imaging lens thereof. The optical imaging lens comprises six lens elements positioned in an order from an object side to an image side and an aperture stop positioned between the third and fourth lens elements. Through controlling the convex or concave shape of the surfaces of the lens elements, the optical imaging lens shows better optical characteristics and the total length of the optical imaging lens is shortened.
US09703071B2 Optical image capturing system
A five-piece optical lens for capturing image and a five-piece optical module for capturing image, along the optical axis in order from an object side to an image side, include a first lens with positive refractive power, wherein an object-side surface thereof can be convex; a second lens with refractive power; a third lens with refractive power; a fourth lens with refractive power; and a fifth lens, wherein the fifth lens can have negative refractive power, and an image-side surface thereof can be concave; an image-side surface and an object-side surface of each of the five lens elements are both aspheric. At least one surface of the fifth lens has an inflection point. The optical lens can increase aperture value and improve the imagining quality for use in compact cameras.
US09703068B2 Lens moving apparatus
The subject matter disclosed herein relates to an imaging module comprising an electromagnetic actuator to provide focus-related and image stabilization-related functionality.
US09703067B2 Lens barrel and image capturing apparatus
A lens barrel includes a base barrel holding a first guide portion, a movable barrel protrudable/retractable with respect to the base barrel and holding a second guide portion such that when the movable barrel is protruded the second guide portion protrudes with respect to the first guide portion a lens holding member including first and second held portions being respectively held by the first and second guide portions, a lock portion to set a positional relationship between the first and second guide portions, an initial position detector to detect an initial position of the lens holding member, and a controller. The controller controls movements of the movable barrel and the lens holding member so that a movement of the lens holding member toward the initial position detector is started before start of setting of the positional relationship by the lock portion.
US09703066B2 Apparatus for selectively connecting items
An apparatus for selectively connecting an accessory item to a surgical microscope includes a center pivot. An adapter arm includes an adapter support having a substantially planar support body which extends laterally in an outboard direction from the center pivot and has laterally spaced inboard and outboard support regions separated by a laterally oriented centerline. The adapter arm is configured to accept at least a portion of the accessory item in a supporting relationship. An undermount adapter includes a substantially planar undermount body having laterally spaced inboard and outboard body regions separated by a laterally oriented centerline. A plurality of microscope attachment throughholes each throughhole extend through the undermount body. Each throughhole is configured to accept a fastener for securement of the undermount adapter to the surgical microscope. An arm receiver is configured to accept the adapter tongue of the adapter arm in a supporting relationship.
US09703062B2 Aggregator for a switch rack system
An aggregator for interconnecting a hydra with an breakout box, said aggregator comprising: (a) a bottom wall, two sides walls, and at least one faceplate; (b) adapters for multi-conductor connectors arranged in at least one column on said faceplate; and (c) wherein at least two adapters of each column are secure adapters.
US09703061B1 Switch or router optic replacement device
Methods for transferring input/output cables from a switch or router to a replacement switch or router employ a holding fixture for the cables. A holding fixture having a plurality of receptacles is supported such that the plurality of receptacles is disposed adjacent to the switch or router to be replaced. Each of a plurality of cables is decoupled from the switch or router to be replaced. Each of the cables is coupled with the holding fixture such that each of the cables is supported via a respective one of the plurality of receptacles. The switch or router is replaced with the replacement switch or router. Each of the cables is transferred from the respective receptacle of the holding fixture to a respective one of the ports of the replacement switch or router.
US09703057B2 Opto-electric hybrid board, and production method therefor
An inventive opto-electric hybrid board includes: opto-electric module portions respectively provided on opposite end portions of an elongated insulation layer and including a first electric wiring of a first electrically conductive pattern and an optical element provided on a front surface of the insulation layer; and an interconnection portion provided on a portion of the insulation layer extending from the opto-electric module portions, and including an elongated optical waveguide on a back surface of the insulation layer optically coupled with the optical elements, and having a light signal transmission core. Further, an electrically conductive dummy pattern is provided on the front surface of the insulation layer in the interconnection portion for reinforcing the interconnection portion. The electrically conductive dummy pattern reinforces the interconnection portion to protect the waveguide from bending and twisting, while ensuring the flexibility of the interconnection portion. This suppresses increase in light transmission loss.
US09703053B2 Optical transceiver
An optical transceiver is configured to use, as an electric signal, a digital modulation signal having a predetermined bit rate. The optical transceiver includes a case having a space for storing a component therein and a resistor being arranged between upper and lower surfaces of the space and having conductance of from 1 S/m to 1,000 S/m. The space has a height equal to or less than a wavelength in a free space of an electromagnetic wave of a frequency corresponding to the predetermined bit rate. At least a part of the height of the space is larger than a half of the wavelength. The height of the space is smaller than a width of the space. The width of the space is smaller than a depth of the space.
US09703047B2 Spot-size converter for optical mode conversion and coupling between two waveguides
A spot-size converter for coupling light between first and second waveguides respectively supporting first and second propagation modes having substantially different dimensions is provided. The spot-size converter includes a lower and an upper waveguiding structure each characterized by an effective refractive index. The lower waveguiding structure is coupled to the first waveguide to receive light therefrom or transmit light thereto in the first propagation mode. The upper waveguiding structure is coupled to the second waveguide to transmit light thereto or receive light therefrom in the second propagation mode. The upper waveguiding structure includes a plurality of longitudinally extending high-index elements arranged in multiple vertically spaced rows. At least part of the upper waveguiding structure extends at least partially over the lower waveguiding structure so as to define a coupling region wherein an effective refractive index crossing occurs, thereby enabling evanescent coupling of light between the lower and upper waveguiding structures.
US09703046B2 Active optical coupling system and photonic integrated circuit
The active optical coupling system generally has: a photonic die having a photonic integrated circuit (PIC) waveguide element disposed thereon, the PIC waveguide element having an intermediate coupling element disposed on the PIC waveguide element; a liquid crystal refractive element (LCRE) being optically coupled to the PIC waveguide element of the photonic die via the intermediate coupling element, the LCRE having a first face for receiving light, a second face opposite the first face for outputting the received light, a liquid crystal layer between the first and second faces, and an electrode system arranged to act on the liquid crystal layer; and a controller being electrically connected to the electrode system of the LCRE and being operable to actively control the propagation of the outputted light upon action of the electrode system, said active control allowing coupling of the outputted light into the PIC waveguide element.
US09703042B2 Multiplexer/demultiplexer based on diffraction and reflection
Transmissive diffraction grating(s), reflector(s), and multiple optical sources/receivers are arranged such that each one of multiple optical signals at corresponding different wavelengths co-propagating along a multiplexed beam path would: (i) be transmissively, dispersively diffracted at a multiplexed transmission region of a grating; (ii) propagate between the multiplexed transmission region and multiple demultiplexed transmission regions of a grating undergoing reflection(s) from the reflector(s); (iii) be transmissively, dispersively diffracted at the demultiplexed transmission regions; and (iv) propagate between the demultiplexed transmission regions and the sources/receivers along multiple demultiplexed beam paths.
US09703040B2 Field terminable fiber optic connector assembly
A fiber optic connector assembly includes a connector and a carrier. The connector has first and second ends and a terminated fiber. The fiber defines a first end adjacent the first end of the connector and a second end protruding out of the second end of the connector. A carrier having a connector end and an opposite cable end is engaged with the connector. An alignment structure on the carrier includes a first end, a second end, and a throughhole and also a cutaway extending perpendicularly to and communicating with the throughhole. The fiber is positioned within at least a portion of the throughhole with the second end located within the cutaway. A window is within the cutaway over the second end of the fiber for visually inspecting the alignment of the second end of the fiber with an end of another fiber.
US09703038B1 Facet optical coupler
Techniques for forming a facet optical coupler to couple light at an edge of silicon substrate are described. The facet optical coupler includes a silicon substrate, a layer of second material disposed on the silicon substrate and in direct contact with the edge of the silicon substrate, and an undercut region disposed between a portion of the silicon substrate and the layer of second material. The undercut region is offset from the edge to provide mechanical integrity of the facet optical coupler to improve production of photonic integrated circuits having the facet optical coupler from a wafer.
US09703037B2 Resonator optimisation
A device comprising: a substrate; a plurality of resonators on the substrate, each of the resonators of the plurality of resonators being resonant at a predetermined wavelength of electromagnetic radiation and at least some of the resonators being arranged to operate in different resonance orders; a waveguide on the substrate, the waveguide being coupled to the plurality of resonators for guiding the electromagnetic radiation to the plurality of resonators, wherein the resonance order of each resonator along the waveguide is optimized to maximize the coupling of light into the resonators.
US09703028B2 Wire grid polarizer with phosphonate protective coating
A wire grid polarizer (WGP) can have a phosphonate conformal-coating to protect the WGP from at least one of the following: corrosion, dust, and damage due to tensile forces in a liquid on the WGP. The conformal-coating can include a chemical: where R1 can include a hydrophobic group, Z can be a bond to the ribs, and R5 can be any suitable chemical element or group. A method of applying a phosphonate conformal-coating over a WGP can include exposing the WGP to (R1)iPO(R4)j(R5)k, where: i is 1 or 2, j is 1 or 2, k is 0 or 1, and i+j+k=3; each R1 can independently be a hydrophobic group; R4 can be a phosphonate-reactive-group; each R6 can independently be an alkyl group, an aryl group, or combinations thereof; and each R5, if any, can independently be any suitable chemical element or group.
US09703027B2 Wire grid polarizer, liquid crystal display having the same and method of manufacturing the same
A wire grid polarizer includes a substrate, a first layer and a second layer disposed on the first layer, in which a first region and a second region are defined in the first layer, the first layer includes: a first wire grid including a plurality of first wires and disposed in the first region, where the first wires are spaced apart from each other, and no wire grid is disposed in the second region; and a first protection layer which covers the first wire grid, a third region and a fourth region are defined in the second layer, and the second layer includes a second wire grid including a plurality of second wires and disposed in the third region, where the second wires are spaced apart from each other, and no wire grid is disposed in the fourth region.
US09703019B2 Adaptive optic and acoustic devices
According to some aspects, an adaptive lens is provided. One such adaptive lens comprises at least one fluid-filled chamber located within an optical and/or acoustic path of the lens, and at least one elastomeric and substantially optically and/or acoustically transparent membrane, located within an optical and/or acoustic path of the lens and at least partially bounding one or more of the at least one fluid-filled chambers, wherein one or more of the at least one membranes is configured such that a shape of the membrane is altered upon receipt of an electric field. Some aspects provide a method of producing a lens comprising providing at least one chamber bounded at least in part by first and second membranes, and providing a fluid into the at least one chamber such that the fluid is located within an optical and/or acoustic path of the lens.
US09703016B1 Structured light generation module
A structured light generation module includes a light source, a collimating optical element and a beam-diffusion optical element. The light source provides a source beam with a source beam size. After the source beam is collimated by the collimating optical element, a collimated light beam is generated. After the collimated light beam is diffused by the beam-diffusion optical element, a structured light with a beam diffusion angle relative to the collimated light beam is generated. The beam-diffusion optical element includes plural lenses, and the plural lenses are repeatedly distributed in one dimension. The pitches and the orientations of the lenses are specially designed. Consequently, the structured light generation module is capable of generating diversified structured light patterns.
US09703008B2 Optical film, polarizing plate, and liquid crystal display device
A thin optical film with high hygrothermal durability and high front contrast, includes cellulose acylate whose degree of substitution of acyl group is from 2.0 to 2.6 and at least one optical performance developer, wherein the cellulose acylate has a mannose content of 0.2% by mass or less, and the optical film has a thickness of 40 μm or thinner and satisfies: MA≧MB×1.1  Formula I CA≧CB×1.1  Formula II wherein, A denotes the depthwise region ranging from one surface up to 2 μm depth of the optical film, and B denotes the depthwise region ranging from the other surface up to 2 μm depth, and MA and MB represent the mannose content in regions A and B; CA and CB represent the content of the optical performance developer in regions A and B; and MA, MB, CA and CB are given in % by mass.
US09703005B2 Downhole sensing via swept source lasers
Systems and methods for performing downhole analysis within a well bore employ a swept source laser that can be sent downhole to generate high resolution images of the well bore. Various embodiments can also determine other physical properties of a below ground structure. The swept source lasers can create images using low-coherence interferometry or optical coherence tomography. Systems and methods may also be used to determine fluid flow rates towards the sensor at discrete points, such as individual perforations, by measuring the Doppler effect on the light back-scattered from the fluid. Fluid flow information could also be extracted by measuring the phase shift of the light between subsequent light scans if a phase sensitive detection scheme is utilized.
US09702997B2 Wave-equation migration velocity analysis using image warping
An objective function is disclosed that extracts the velocity error information directly in the image domain without computing common-image gathers. Because of the dimensionality of the problem, gradient-based methods (such as the conjugate-gradient algorithm) are used in the optimization procedure. In order to include the full complexity of the wavefield in the velocity estimation algorithm, a two-way (as opposed to one-way) wave operator is considered, where the imaging operator is not linearized with respect to the model parameters (as in linearized wave-equation migration velocity analysis), and the gradient of the objective function is determined using the adjoint-state method. The velocity estimation methodology is illustrated with a few synthetic examples.
US09702995B2 Domain freezing in joint inversion
Method for estimating geological properties in a subsurface region using multiple types of geophysical data (21). An initial physical properties model 22 is constructed. Some parameters in the model are frozen (23) and optionally portions of the model wave number and spatial domains (24) and the data frequency and data time domains (25), are also frozen. Then, a joint inversion (26) of the multiple data types is performed to calculate an update to the model only for the portions that are not frozen. The converged model (27) for this inversion is used as a new starting model, and the process is repeated (28), possibly several times, unfreezing more parameters and data each time until the desired spatial and parameter resolution (29) has been achieved.
US09702994B2 Waveform inversion by multiple shot-encoding for non-fixed spread geometries
Seismic data processing methods and computing systems are presented. In one embodiment, a method is disclosed that includes simulating a set of simulated seismic data from a set of acquired seismic data; separating the simulated seismic data into a plurality of data sets, wherein one set of data is matched in the acquired seismic data and one set of data is unmatched in the acquired seismic data; conforming the simulated seismic data and the acquired seismic data to one another using separated, simulated seismic data unmatched by a counterpart in the acquired seismic data from the acquired seismic data; and performing an inversion between the acquired seismic data and the separated, simulated seismic data after they are conformed to one another.
US09702993B2 Multi-parameter inversion through offset dependent elastic FWI
Method for multi-parameter inversion using elastic inversion. This method decomposes data into offset/angle groups and performs inversion on them in sequential order. This method can significantly speed up convergence of the iterative inversion process, and is therefore most advantageous when used for full waveform inversion (FWI). The present inventive approach draws upon relationships between reflection energy and reflection angle, or equivalently, offset dependence in elastic FWI. The invention uses recognition that the amplitudes of small angle (near offset) reflections are largely determined by acoustic impedance alone (1), independent for the most part of Vp/Vs. Large angle (middle and far offset) reflections are affected by Ip, Vp/Vs (2) and other earth parameters such as density (3) and anisotropy. Therefore, the present inventive method decomposes data into angle or offset groups in performing multi-parameter FWI to reduce crosstalk between the different model parameters being determined in the inversion.
US09702987B2 Neutron measurement apparatus, neutron calculation apparatus, and neutron measurement method
According to an embodiment, a neutron measurement apparatus has: a neutron detector; a gamma ray detector; a neutron detector signal processing unit which performs Fourier transform on the signals received for a prescribed period, generates neutron detector signal frequency data in a frequency domain, calculates the neutron-detection signal power spectrum and stores it; a gamma-ray detector signal processing unit which performs Fourier transform on the signals received for a prescribed period, generates gamma ray detector signal frequency data in a frequency domain, calculates gamma ray detector signal power spectrum and stores it; and a neutron calculation unit which generates a neutron signal by removing a part contributed by the gamma ray detector signal power spectrum from the neutron detector signal power spectrum.
US09702984B1 Long-distance transmission of light in a scintillator-based radiation detector
Scintillator-based radiation detectors capable of transmitting light indicating the presence of radiation for long distances are disclosed herein. A radiation detector can include a scintillator layer and a light-guide layer. The scintillator layer is configured to produce light upon receiving incident radiation. The light-guide layer is configured to receive light produced by the scintillator layer and either propagate the received light through the radiation detector or absorb the received light and emit light, through fluorescence, that is propagated through the radiation detector. A radiation detector can also include an outer layer partially surrounding the scintillator layer and light-guide layer. The index of refraction of the light-guide layer can be greater than the index of refraction of adjacent layers.
US09702982B2 Control apparatus, radiation imaging apparatus, radiation imaging system and control method
A control apparatus which receives a radiation image from a radiation imaging apparatus determines, at the time of activation, whether any unreceived radiation image to be received from the radiation imaging apparatus exists. Upon determining that an unreceived radiation image exists, the control apparatus requests the radiation imaging apparatus to transmit the radiation image.
US09702981B2 Radiation detector, and method of detecting radiation
There is provided a radiation detector and a method of detecting radiation capable of more accurately correct fluorescence pileup. A table T in which the peak value h and the time course Tc of the intensity of fluorescence are related is previously prepared before radiation detection. The table T is based on actually-measured variation with time of the fluorescence intensity, and therefore faithfully represents the variation with time of fluorescence. When the occurrence of pileup is determined, the time course Tc corresponding to the peak value h immediately before the occurrence of the pileup is read out, and the time course Tc is subtracted from variation with time of the intensity data D to thereby estimate variation with time of the intensity of fluorescence after the occurrence of the pileup.
US09702977B2 Determining positional information of an object in space
The technology disclosed relates to determining positional information of an object in a field of view. In particular, it relates to calculating a distance of the object from a reference such as a sensor including scanning the field of view by selectively illuminating directionally oriented light sources and measuring one or more differences in property of returning light emitted from the light sources and reflected from the object. The property can be intensity or phase difference of the light. It also relates to finding an object in a region of space. In particular, it relates to scanning the region of space with directionally controllable illumination, determining a difference in a property of the illumination received for two or more points in the scanning, and determining positional information of the object based in part upon the points in the scanning corresponding to the difference in the property.
US09702975B2 Lidar measuring system and lidar measuring method
The present invention relates to a lidar measurement system for the detection of the presence and/or motion of particles and/or objects in a space region remote from the lidar measurement system and comprising an interferometer arrangement, as well as to a corresponding method using such a measurement system. The interferometer arrangement comprises a continuous wave laser source (2), a photodetector arrangement (7), and optical components which are adapted to split light (23) emitted by the continuous wave laser source (2), to guide it along a first optical path constituting a measurement branch (4) and along a second optical path, which is separate from the first optical path and constitutes a reference branch (5), and to eventually have it incident in a spatially coherently superimposed manner onto the photodetector arrangement (7). The reference branch (5) has a predetermined optical path length, and the measurement branch (4) comprises a measurement portion (16), in which the light is directed away from the measurement system towards a space region remote from the measurement system and passes through the space region and light backscattered towards the measurement system by particles present in the space region is received again at the measurement system. Further, an evaluation unit (9) is provided which is coupled to the photodetector arrangement (7) and is adapted to receive the detector signal thereof and to determine from the detector signal the presence and/or movement of particles in the remote space region. The continuous wave laser source (2) has a coherence length in the range of 0.1 to 100 m.
US09702972B2 Angle independent velocity spectrum determination
An ultrasound imaging system (100) includes a transducer array (102) that emits an ultrasound beam and produces at least one transverse pulse-echo field that oscillates in a direction transverse to the emitted ultrasound beam and that receive echoes produced in response thereto and a spectral velocity estimator (110) that determines a velocity spectrum for flowing structure, which flows at an angle of 90 degrees and flows at angles less than 90 degrees with respect to the emitted ultrasound beam, based on the received echoes.
US09702970B2 Time of arrival delay cancellations
The invention relates to a ranging system for measuring the distance between an interrogator and a transponder. The transponder includes: a signal receiver for receiving a challenge signal from an interrogator; a signal processor for processing the challenge signal and generating a response signal in response to the challenge signal; a buffer for storing the response signal generated by the signal processor; and a signal transmitter for sending the response signal stored in the buffer when the signal processor receives a ranging signal from the interrogator, wherein a time interval between the challenge signal and the ranging signal is known to both transponder and the interrogator.
US09702968B2 Optimal vibration control for a wellbore logging tool
In accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure, a method for optimal vibration control for a wellbore logging tool is disclosed. The method may include retrieving a plurality of optimal drive signals, each of the optimal drive signals corresponding to at least one of a plurality of wellbore environmental conditions and calculated to minimize vibration of a wellbore logging tool. The method may further include obtaining an initial wellbore environmental condition. The method may include matching the initial wellbore environmental condition to an optimal drive signal stored in the plurality of optimal drive signals. The method may also include generating a drive signal for the wellbore logging tool based on the matching.
US09702967B2 Method for setting a detection threshold for a received signal of a frequency-modulated continuous wave radar sensor of a motor vehicle on the basis of the noise level, radar sensor and motor vehicle
A method for setting a detection threshold for a received signal of a frequency-modulated continuous-wave radar sensor of a motor vehicle is disclosed. In successive measuring cycles of the radar sensor in each case a radar signal is emitted into a capture zone of the radar sensor and a received signal is received, in each measuring cycle a frequency spectrum relating to the respective received signal is determined, wherein individual frequency bins of the frequency spectrum each correspond to a signal level in a range-resolution cell, and the detection threshold is set individually in each case for a subset consisting of at least one frequency bin, and in order to set the detection threshold, a noise level is determined from frequency bins of temporally preceding measuring cycles and/or from frequency bins of adjacent Doppler-resolution cells of the frequency spectrum.
US09702966B2 Synthetic underwater visualization system
A synthetic underwater visualization system (SUVS) comprising a real-time graphics software engine, a sophisticated underwater environmental sensor, a fixed-base database, and a retrieval system designed to accept and assimilate into a common database bathymetric and environmental information acquired from around the world by components of other deployed SUVS sensing systems. SUVS is capable of sensing, modeling, and realistically displaying underwater environments in real-time, and will foster widespread utilization in the areas of homeland security, commercial and recreational maritime navigation, bathymetric data collection, and environmental analysis. The technology will also be readily adaptable and highly desirable in non-marine applications.
US09702963B2 Method, apparatus, and computer program product for high accuracy location determination
Method, apparatus, and computer program product example embodiments provide short-range communication based location finding. According to an example embodiment of the invention, a method comprises receiving, by a first transceiver of an apparatus mounted on a moveable platform, from a remote device, one or more wireless packets including information packets containing angle of arrival information from the remote device, wherein the moveable platform is in motion relative to the remote device; determining in the apparatus, at least a first angle of arrival from the received angle of arrival information; and generating distance estimation data in the apparatus relative to the remote device, based on the determined first angle of arrival.
US09702959B2 Remote sensing to derive calibrated power measurements
Described herein are methods and systems for remote sensing to derive a calibrated power measurement for a power distribution point. Magnetic field sensors of a sensor module sense a magnetic field emitted by the power distribution point. A first processor generates an uncalibrated power measurement for each magnetic field sensor, the uncalibrated power measurement derived from the magnetic field sensed by the magnetic field sensor and a voltage carried by the power distribution point. A second processor determines a response of each magnetic field sensor to a known power load being drawn through the power distribution point. The second processor derives a transfer function using the response of each magnetic field sensor to the known power load. The second processor applies the transfer function to the uncalibrated power measurement for each magnetic field sensor to generate the calibrated power measurement for the power distribution point.
US09702958B2 Magnetic sensors
A governing circuit for a magneto-transistor is disclosed. The magneto-transistor comprising a first and second collector. At least one emitter and at least one base. The governing circuit is configured to measure a first calibration current at the first collector of the magneto-transistor and a second calibration current at the second collector of the magneto-transistor, while a calibration base-emitter voltage is applied to the magneto-transistor. The magneto-transistor is also configured to measure a first measurement current at the first collector of the magneto-transistor and a second measurement current at the second collector of the magneto-transistor, while a measurement base-emitter voltage is applied to the magneto-transistor, wherein the measurement base-emitter voltage is different form the calibration base-emitter voltage and determine an output signal indicative of an applied magnetic field using the measured first and second measurement current and first and second calibration currents.
US09702952B2 Method and device for determination of a magnetic resonance control sequence
In a method and device for the determination of a magnetic resonance control sequence that includes at least one first pulse arrangement that acts in a spatially selective manner in a first selection direction and a subsequent second pulse arrangement that acts in a spatially selective manner in a second selection direction, viewing volume dimension parameter values are registered that define the spatial extent of a viewing volume to be excited. The first selection direction and the second selection direction are established automatically depending on a length ratio of the spatial extent of the viewing volume to be excited in the different selection directions.
US09702947B2 MRI acoustic system, acoustic output device, and electro-acoustic transducer
Provided is magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) acoustic system that includes a magnet that is included in a bore having an image-taking space where an object is able to be accommodated and that forms a magnetic field in the image-taking space to obtain an MR image of the object, an electro-acoustic transducer that is located outside of the bore, and includes coils through which a current for generating an attraction force or a repulsion force with respect to the magnetic field generated by the magnet and a vibrating plate that vibrates in response to the an attraction force or the repulsion force, and a controller that controls the intensity of the current inputted to the electro-acoustic transducer to generate a sound by using the magnetic field that is generated by the magnet.
US09702944B2 Apparatus and method for sensing a magnetic field using arrays of magnetic sensing elements
An apparatus includes circuits and a module configured to determine an external magnetic field based on a parameter of each circuit. Each circuit includes an array of magnetic tunnel junctions partitioned into subarrays. The magnetic tunnel junctions in each subarray are arranged in rows, the magnetic tunnel junctions in each row are connected in series, and the rows are connected in parallel. The subarrays are connected in series. Each magnetic tunnel junction includes a storage layer having a storage magnetization and a sense layer having a sense magnetization. Each magnetic tunnel junction is configured such that the sense magnetization and impedance of each magnetic tunnel junction vary in response to an external magnetic field. The parameter of each circuit varies based on a combined impedance of the multiple magnetic tunnel junctions. The module is implemented in at least one of a memory or a processing device.
US09702934B1 Reducing mask data volume with elastic compression
Systems and methods disclosed herein provide for efficiently loading mask data to the mask register bits from the decompression network outputs of an ATPG system. The systems and methods also provide an elastic interface utilized between a tester and a decompressor network (e.g., sequential and combinational decompressors) in order to expand the number of input variables utilized during the loading of the mask data to the mask register bits.
US09702931B2 Test circuit and method for semiconductor device
A semiconductor device includes a first die, a second die coupled to the first die through a Through-Silicon-Via (TSV), and a test circuit suitable for measuring a resistance of the TSV by controlling an amount of current flowing through the TSV.
US09702928B2 Self-healing array system and method
Failure in a self-healing array may be handled by: detecting a failing element of the self-healing array by monitoring characteristics of the failing element; auto-correcting a failing element of the self-healing array by adjusting characteristics of the failing element to compensate for a portion of the failing element which is failing; or correcting performance of the self-healing array when one or more elements of the self-healing array fail by detecting and modeling an impact of the one or more elements of the self-healing array which failed on the performance of the self-healing array.
US09702926B2 Methods, apparatus and system for screening process splits for technology development
At least one method and system disclosed herein involves performing a time-dependent dielectric breakdown (TDDB) test and a bias temperature instability (BTI) test on a device. A device having at least one transistor and at least one dielectric layer is provided. A test signal is provided for performing a TDDB test and a BTI test on the device. The TDDB test and the BTI test are performed substantially simultaneously on the device based upon the test signal. The data relating to a breakdown of the dielectric layer and at least one characteristic of the transistor based upon the TDDB test and the BTI test is acquired, stored, and/or transmitted.
US09702923B2 Method and apparatus for monitoring electric power transmission, disturbances and forecasts
An apparatus (10) and method for monitoring power transmission, disturbances and forecasts in a power grid is disclosed. The apparatus (10) comprises a plurality of magnetic field sensors (30) or voltage sensors (50) for measuring a change in the magnetic field (35) or voltage over time at the electric power transmission line (20).
US09702921B2 Multi-purpose tool for blade fuses
A multi-purpose tool singularly provides all functions necessary to remove a blade-type fuse, clean the male blades of a fuse, and clean contact points of a female fuse receptacle. The tool also may provide a battery-powered circuit to check the continuity of a fuse. The tool includes a pair of abrasive tabs for cleaning female fuse receptacles, a slot with at least one abrasive surface for cleaning male fuse blades, and a pair of picking arms for grasping a fuse.
US09702916B2 System and method for reducing false positive detection between a human and a moving implement in a power tool
A method for detection of false positive condition that an object is in contact with an implement in a power tool includes sampling an electrical signal received from the implement, identifying in-phase and a quadrature components of the sampled electrical signal, identifying a magnitude of each of the samples with reference to the in-phase component and the quadrature component for the samples, detecting an object approaching the implement with reference to the plurality of samples, identifying a signal-to-noise ratio for the samples, and identifying a false positive condition for the detected object with reference to the identified signal-to-noise ratio for the identified samples.
US09702915B2 Surface potential distribution measuring device and surface potential distribution measuring method
In a surface potential distribution measuring device for an electric field reduction system of a rotating electrical machine, a Pockels crystal is used between a laser and the surface (test location) of the electric field reduction system. Light intensity of a laser beam reflected on a mirror provided between the Pockels crystal and the test location corresponds to an output voltage that is the voltage difference between the first end surface and the second end surface of the Pockels crystal. Even when an inverter voltage is generated, by using a light detector having a frequency band capable of following the high frequency components of the inverter pulse voltage, the light intensity is detected by the light detector. Therefore, from the light intensity (output voltage), the surface potential distribution measuring device can measure the surface potential of the electric field reduction system in which an inverter pulse voltage is generated.
US09702914B2 Capacitance measurement device and electronic device thereof
A capacitance measurement device for measuring the capacitance of a measured capacitor includes a charging control unit for charging the measured capacitor; a discharging control unit for discharging the measured capacitor; a voltage converting circuit coupled to the measured capacitor, for converting a voltage signal on the measured capacitor into a value that represents the capacitance of the measured capacitor; wherein in a first period, one of the charging control unit and the discharge control unit charges/discharges the measured capacitor and in a second period after the first period, the other one of the charging control unit and the discharge control unit discharges/charges the measured capacitor.
US09702907B2 Frequency mask trigger with non-uniform bandwidth segments
Disclosed is a test and measurement instrument having a multiple variable bandwidth frequency mask. The instrument includes an input processor for receiving an input signal and producing a digital signal, as well as a trigger signal generator for generating a trigger signal on the occurrence of a trigger event. A time to frequency converter converts a frame of digital data from the digital signal into a frequency spectrum having at least two frequency bins of dissimilar frequency widths. Each frequency bin has a power amplitude value. The trigger signal is generated when the power amplitude value of any of the at least two frequency bins violates an associated reference power level. In some cases the output may be shown as a density trace, and the trigger signal generated when any point of the density trace violates an associated density threshold.
US09702904B2 Non-linear vertical leaf spring
An electrically conductive contact element can include a first base and a second base with elongate, spaced apart leaves between the bases. A first end of each leaf can be coupled to the first base and an opposite second end of the leaf can be coupled to the second base. A body of the leaf between the first end and the second end can be sufficiently elongate to respond to a force through said contact element substantially parallel with the first axis and the second axis by first compressing axially while said force is less than a buckling force and then bending while said force is greater than the buckling force.
US09702901B2 Test carrier
A test carrier includes a base member that holds a die and a cover member. The base member includes a board having a wiring line that is electrically connected to the die. The wiring line includes a wiring line and a resistive portion having a resistance value that is higher than the resistance value of the wiring line.
US09702900B2 Method and system for magnetic resonance imaging using nitrogen-vacancy centers
A method for performing sub-nanometer three-dimensional magnetic resonance imaging of a sample under ambient conditions using a diamond having at least one shallowly planted nitrogen-vacancy (NV) center. A driving radio-frequency (RF) signal and a microwave signal are applied to provide independent control of the NV spin and the target dark spins. A magnetic-field gradient is applied to the sample with a scanning magnetic tip to provide a narrow spatial volume in which the target dark electronic spins are on resonance with the driving RF field. The sample is controllably scanned by moving the magnetic tip to systematically bring non-resonant target dark spins into resonance with RF signal. The dark spins are measured and mapped by detecting magnetic resonance of said nitrogen-vacancy center at each of said different magnetic tip positions. The dark-spin point-spread-function for imaging the dark spins is directly measured by the NV center.
US09702898B1 Method and system for detecting and correcting quadrature error signals for MEMS device
A quadrature error signal cancellation circuit and technique can detect an undesired quadrature signal component in the output of a MEMS gyroscope and null the quadrature signal component. In one embodiment, the cancellation circuit is configured in a feedback loop with the MEMS gyroscope and includes components to detect and condition the quadrature signal, digitize the conditioned quadrature signal, and generate a quadrature error cancellation signal which is provided back to the MEMS gyroscope.
US09702893B2 In-plane piezoresistive detection sensor
An in-plane MEMS or NEMS detection device for measuring displacements directed along a direction including a seismic mass suspended with respect to a substrate, the seismic mass being pivotable about an axis perpendicular to the plane of the substrate, at least one piezoresistive strain gauge mechanically connected to the seismic mass and the substrate, wherein the piezoresistive gauge has a thickness lower than that of the seismic mass, and wherein the axis of the piezoresistive strain gauge is orthogonal to the plane containing the pivot axis and the center of gravity of the seismic mass and the plane is orthogonal to the direction of the displacements to be measured.
US09702890B2 Mounting board, sensor unit, electronic apparatus, and moving body
A board main body of a board has a sensor mounting area, in which a physical quantity sensor is mounted, disposed on a surface. A non-electrode forming part and a plurality of electrodes are disposed in the sensor mounting area, the electrodes being disposed so as to be isolated from each other, and to correspond to mounting terminals of the physical quantity sensor. A shield electrode is disposed outside the sensor mounting area.
US09702888B2 Sample analyzer, transporting apparatus, and lid placing tray
A sample analyzer capable of preventing the loss of lids of liquid containers used in the sample analyzer is provided. The sample analyzer 1 has liquid suctioning units 11 and 17 which are provided with suction tubes for suctioning liquid, container setting units 13 through 15 for setting a plurality of liquid containers 5 through 8 holding liquid, and lid placing sections 16a through 16c and 32 through 34 for placing lids 5a through 8a of liquid containers 5 through 8.
US09702886B2 Methods and devices for tuberculosis diagnosis using biomarker profiles
The invention relates to tuberculosis diagnostic methods and devices that measure particular biomarker profiles in subjects and identify a subject having tuberculosis based on such profiles.
US09702884B2 Methods for detecting the presence of irritable bowel syndrome and system for diagnosing same
Described herein are methods and systems for the detection of anti-vinculin antibodies, for determining a presence or likely presence of a gastrointestinal motility disorder, bladder motility disorder, or fibromyalgia. Further provided are methods of selecting and/or administering a therapy based on the presence or absence of anti-vinculin antibodies.
US09702879B2 Methods and products for in vitro diagnosis, in vitro prognosis and the development of drugs against invasive carcinomas
The present invention relates to in vitro methods and products for detecting the presence of an invasive carcinoma in an individual, for determining and/or predicting the stage and/or invasiveness of said carcinoma in an individual, or for monitoring the effect of the therapy administered to an individual who has said carcinoma based on col11a1 gene and proCOL11A1 protein expression. The invention also relates to the search for, identification, development and evaluation of the efficacy of compounds for therapy for said carcinoma, for the purpose of developing new medicinal products. The invention also relates to agents inhibiting proCOL11A1 protein expression and/or activity, and/or the effects of this expression.
US09702876B2 Method for predicting the risk of getting cancer or diagnosing cancer in a female subject
Subject matter of the present invention is a method for predicting the risk of getting cancer in a female subject that does not suffer from cancer or alternatively diagnosing cancer in a female subject comprising: determining the level of Pro-Enkephalin or fragments thereof including Leu-Enkephalin and Met-Enkephalin of at least 5 amino acids in a bodily fluid obtained from said female subject; and correlating said level of Pro-Enkephalin or fragments thereof with a risk for getting cancer, wherein a reduced level is predictive for an enhanced risk of getting cancer or alternatively diagnosing cancer wherein an reduced level is correlated with the diagnosis of cancer.
US09702874B2 Systems, methods, and workflows for optogenetics analysis
The invention provides methods for characterizing cellular physiology by incorporating into an electrically excitable cell an optical reporter of, and an optical actuator of, electrical activity. A signal is obtained from the optical reporter in response to a stimulation of the cell. Either or both of the optical reporter and actuator may be based on genetically-encoded rhodopsins incorporated into the cell. The invention provides all optical methods that may be used instead of, or as a complement to, traditional patch clamp technologies and that can provide rapid, accurate, and flexible assays of cellular physiology.
US09702870B2 Fluorescent dyes and related methods
Fluorescent dyes with affinity for nucleic acids and related methods are provided. Dielectric or semiconducting films including fluorescent dyes with affinity for nucleic acids and related methods are also provided. Coumarin-based surfactants conjugated to the fluorescent dyes with affinity for nucleic acids and related methods are provided.
US09702864B2 Means for generating cell-disintegrated blood
A method for analyzing a whole blood sample can include injecting whole blood into a first zone of a dual zone sample loop, applying sufficient heat or energy to the whole blood to disintegrate the cellular components of the whole blood sample to produce cell disintegrated blood, and injecting a sufficient volume of the buffer into the dual zone sample loop to move the cell disintegrated blood into a second zone of the dual zone sample loop. The method can further include switching a multiport value to an inject position, flowing the cell disintegrated blood from the dual zone sample loop into a solid phase extraction column, and eluting components of the cell disintegrated blood from the solid phase extraction column into a liquid chromatography column.
US09702863B2 Method and probe for measuring buoyancy in concrete
The method can determine a density of concrete based on the measured buoyancy of a buoy immersed in fresh concrete contained in a ready mix drum and rotatable therein as the drum is rotated, the method can include obtaining a first measurement of a force applied to the buoy while the buoy is being moved tangentially in the fresh concrete, obtaining a second measurement of a force applied to the buoy while the buoy is being moved tangentially in the fresh concrete by rotation of the cylindrical wall, obtaining an indication of the buoyancy of the buoy in the concrete including factoring out the yield effect based on at least the first measurement and the second measurement.
US09702862B2 Detection of fuel contamination in lubricating oil
A method for measuring fuel contamination in oil that uses a material in contact with oil whereby fuel intrusion into the oil will change the electrical, mechanical, and/or chemical properties of the material as compared to the same electrical, mechanical, and/or chemical properties of the material when in contact only with mineral or synthetic oil only.
US09702859B2 Non-contact egg identification system for determining egg viability, and associated method
An egg identification system for determining viability of an avian egg is provided. Such a system includes an emitter assembly configured to emit electromagnetic radiation toward an egg. A detector assembly is axially aligned with the emitter assembly to detect electromagnetic radiation transmitted through the egg. The detector assembly is spaced-apart from the egg during operation thereof such that the detector assembly does not contact the egg. The detected electromagnetic radiation is used to generate an output signal. The output signal is processed to determine whether there exists a periodic variation or an aperiodic perturbation in an intensity of the electromagnetic radiation transmitted through the egg corresponding to action of a heart or embryo movement, wherein the existence of the periodic variation or aperiodic perturbation indicates that the egg is viable. An associated method is also provided.
US09702846B2 Biosensor device and related method
A device includes a biosensor, a sensing circuit electrically connected to the biosensor, a quantizer electrically connected to the sensing circuit, a digital filter electrically connected to the quantizer, a selective window electrically connected to the digital filter, and a decision unit electrically connected to the selective window.
US09702842B2 Amperometric sensors and devices for measuring concentration of S-nitrosothiols based on photo-induced decomposition of S-nitrosothiols
Provided are an amperometric sensor and device for electrochemically quantifying nitrosothiol (RSNO), which is associated with storage and delivery of nitric oxide (NO) in the human body. The amperometric sensor for measuring a concentration of RSNO includes an electrode configured to measure an electric current generated by an oxidation reaction of NO, and a means configured to start and stop photo-induced decomposition of RSNO. Here, the electric current is measured by the oxidation reaction of NO before and after the photo-induced decomposition of RSNO. The amperometric sensor may measure separate signals of RSNO and NO, which are present in the sample at the same time, using one electrode, thereby preventing an inhibition action caused by NO during the measurement of RSNO. Also, the amperometric sensor is simple in structure and easy to manufacture and may be applied to manufacture of a small electrode, and thus may be developed as a sensor for in vivo measurements.
US09702841B2 Devices and methods using swipe detection
The present invention relates devices and methods using swipe detection. A swipeable computer of the present invention comprises a capacitive detector having an output, a switchable magnetic field sensor having an output, a memory unit, and a logic unit. The memory unit stores a standard capacitance change and a standard magnetic field change. The logic unit is electrically connected to the capacitive detector output, the switchable magnetic field sensor, the switchable magnetic field sensor output, and the memory unit. The logic unit of the swipeable computer is adapted to determine if the capacitive detector output corresponds to the standard capacitance change, to enable the switchable magnetic field sensor if the change in capacitance corresponds to the standard capacitance change, and to determine if the switchable magnetic field sensor output corresponds to the standard magnetic field change.
US09702840B2 Portable electronic device and vapor sensor card
A portable device includes an outer housing including an inlet port and a outer slot adapted to receive a vapor sensor card; an operating circuit disposed at least partially within the outer housing; a sensor holder at least partially disposed within the outer housing. The sensor holder includes: an inner housing including a gas intake chamber in downstream fluid communication with the inlet port. The gas intake chamber has a gas outlet in fluid communication with an inner slot retaining a sensor card socket for engaging the vapor sensor card. The sensor holder further comprises an electrical heater element, a fan, and a turbulent-flow-inducing member. The vapor sensor card comprises a sensor housing and a capacitive sensor element.
US09702836B2 PM detection apparatus
An object of the present invention is to reliably detect clogging in a cover even during a period corresponding to a dead zone of a detection apparatus. A PM sensor includes an element section, an element temperature detection section, a heater, and an element cover. An ECU detects clogging in the element cover based on a difference between an element temperature and an exhaust temperature when the exhaust temperature rises. Furthermore, the ECU detects clogging in the element cover based on temperature rising characteristics of the element section observed when the element section is heated by the heater. Thus, even during the period corresponding to the dead zone of the PM sensor, clogging in the element cover can be reliably detected, thus improving the reliability of the sensor.
US09702830B1 Pavement marking determination
In an approach to determining pavement markings, a computer determines a location of a first computing device based on data received from one or more location devices associated with the first computing device. The computer then retrieves pavement marking data for one or more pavement markings for the location and determines whether one or more existing pavement markings are present at the location. Responsive to determining that one or more existing pavement markings are present at the location, the computer determines whether each of the one or more existing pavement markings meet one or more pre-determined thresholds for an acceptable pavement marking quality. Furthermore, responsive to determining each of the one or more existing pavement markings do not meet the one or more pre-determined thresholds for an acceptable pavement marking quality level, the computer provides pavement marking data to the first computing device.
US09702827B1 Optical mode analysis with design-based care areas
Methods and systems for selecting one or more modes of an inspection subsystem or system for inspection of a specimen are provided. The systems described herein are configured to acquire output for all of the modes to be considered at a location of a known defect on the specimen by aligning output, which is generated at the location with a mode known to generate output in which patterned features on the specimen are resolved to a degree that allows the output to be aligned to design data, with the design data for the specimen to identify the location with substantially high accuracy and then without moving the field of view of the inspection subsystem or system from that location, acquiring the output for all other modes. All of the acquired output can then be used to select mode(s) for inspection of the specimen or another specimen of the same type.
US09702824B2 pH sensors
Provided herein are fluorescent sensor agents, and methods of use and manufacture thereof. In particular, sensor agents are provided that exhibit a detectable change in fluorescence (e.g., fluorescence intensity) upon alteration of the pH of the surrounding environment (e.g., upon moving from one pH environment to another).
US09702821B2 Surface enhanced fluorescence spectroscopy apparatus
According to an example, methods for forming three-dimensional (3-D) nano-particle assemblies may include depositing surface-enhanced spectroscopy (SES) elements onto respective tips of nano-fingers, in which the nano-fingers are arranged in sufficiently close proximities to each other to enable the tips of groups of adjacent ones of the nano-fingers to come into sufficiently close proximities to each other to enable the SES elements on the tips to be bonded together when the nano-fingers are partially collapsed. The methods also include causing the nano-fingers to partially collapse toward adjacent ones of the nano-fingers to cause a plurality of SES elements on respective groups of the nano-fingers to be in relatively close proximities to each other and form respective clusters of SES elements, introducing additional particles that are to attach onto the clusters of SES elements, and causing the clusters of SES elements to detach from the nano-fingers.
US09702820B2 Imaging by attenuated total reflectance (ATR)
An arrangement for attenuated total reflectance (ATR) infrared spectroscopy uses a reflection matrix for location-resolved spectroscopy of aqueous and/or powdery samples with a high signal-to-noise ratio and without previous complex preparation of the samples. The method of using the reflection matrix produces imaging of the sample with a high signal strength.