Document Document Title
US09711808B2 Method for optimized execution of heating tasks in fuel cell vehicles
A heating system for optimizing execution of heating tasks in a fuel cell vehicle is disclosed, the system including a stack coolant loop with a fuel cell stack, a primary pump, and a radiator module. A bypass coolant loop is disposed parallel with and is connected to the stack coolant loop between the fuel cell stack and the radiator module. The bypass loop including a cabin heat exchanger and a coolant heater, along with a secondary pump for pumping coolant through the heaters when desired.
US09711800B2 Cable-type secondary battery
Disclosed is a cable-type secondary battery including an inner electrode including an inner current collector and an inner electrode active material layer formed surrounding an outer surface of the inner current collector, a separation layer formed surrounding an outer surface of the inner electrode to insert the inner electrode inside, an outer electrode active material structure formed surrounding an outer surface of the separation layer to insert the separation layer inside, the outer electrode active material structure including a porous polymer support and an outer electrode active material layer formed on at least one of an upper surface and a lower surface of the porous polymer support, and an outer electrode including an outer current collector formed surrounding the outer electrode active material structure to insert the outer electrode active material structure inside.
US09711792B2 Positive electrode active material for secondary batteries and lithium ion secondary battery using the same
Provided is a positive electrode active material for lithium ion secondary batteries, having a crystal structure containing a layered Li2MnO2 structure with a high theoretical electrical capacity as a basic skeleton, and having both a high theoretical electrical capacity and a high open-circuit voltage by increasing an open-circuit voltage to a value of more than 2 V by replacing a part of manganese ions with calcium ions by adding the calcium ions. That is, a positive electrode active material for secondary batteries mainly containing a compound represented by a chemical composition formula Li2−xMn1−yCayO2, and an electrode and a battery including the same are realized. In the formula, x satisfies 0
US09711786B2 Fine particle-exfoliated graphite composite, negative electrode material for lithium ion secondary battery, and methods for producing the same, and lithium ion secondary battery
There is provided a method for producing a negative electrode material for lithium ion secondary batteries that is easily produced and is less likely to cause deterioration in charge and discharge cycle characteristics. A method for producing a negative electrode material for lithium ion secondary batteries, comprises steps of heating a raw material composition comprising resin-retained partially exfoliated graphite having a structure in which graphene is partially exfoliated and Si particles to dope the partially exfoliated graphite with the Si particles, the partially exfoliated graphite being obtained by pyrolyzing a resin in a composition in which the resin is fixed to graphite or primary exfoliated graphite, thereby exfoliating the graphite or primary exfoliated graphite while allowing part of the above resin to remain; providing a composition comprising the above partially exfoliated graphite doped with the Si particles, a binder resin, and a solvent; and shaping the above composition.
US09711783B2 Negative electrode for nonaqueous electrolyte secondary battery and nonaqueous electrolyte secondary battery
A negative electrode for a nonaqueous electrolyte secondary battery according to one aspect of the present invention includes a negative electrode mixture layer that contains a binder and a negative electrode active material particle that forms an alloy with lithium and is formed on a current collector. The negative electrode mixture layer includes a base portion near the current collector and pillar-shaped portions formed on the base portion. A negative electrode for a nonaqueous electrolyte secondary battery according to another aspect of the present invention includes a negative electrode mixture layer that contains a binder and a negative electrode active material particle that forms an alloy with lithium and is formed on a current collector. The negative electrode mixture layer includes pillar-shaped portions and the particle diameter of the negative electrode active material particle is 20% or less of the maximum diameter of the pillar-shaped portions.
US09711781B2 Apparatus for preventing battery overcharge
An apparatus for preventing battery overcharge is provided and includes a plurality of holders interposed between cells stacked within a battery to enclose the cells in a stacking direction. An installation space is formed between outer parts of at least two holders that enclose the cells. In addition, a fluid pouch is disposed within the installation space and adjacent to the cells inside the installation space, and contains a fluid therein. A cutting part is disposed within the installation space and has a first end disposed adjacent to the fluid pouch, and has a cutter edge heading between a lead tab and a bus bar at a second end of the cutting part.
US09711779B2 Battery
Before an insulation insertion part and/or an insulating contact part is compressed with a compression force, a first insulating member, a second insulating member, a case lid, and/or an insert-through part create a receiving space which allows the insulation insertion part to deform in a shape that reduces a compression stress acting on the insulation insertion part when the insulation insertion part is compressed and receive a deformed portion thereof, and/or a receiving space which allows an insulating member having the insulating contact part to deform in a shape that reduces a compression stress acting on the insulating contact part when the insulating contact part is compressed and receives the deformed portion thereof.
US09711777B2 Rechargeable battery
A rechargeable battery includes a plurality of electrode assemblies including a first electrode assembly and a second electrode assembly; a case housing the plurality of electrode assemblies; a first conductive plate between the first electrode assembly and the case; and a first contact electrically coupling the first conductive plate to the second electrode assembly.
US09711774B2 Lithium ion battery with thermal sensitive layer
The present application provides a lithium ion battery including a thermal sensitive layer comprising polymer particles. The thermal sensitive layer may be disposed between the electrodes and the separator. When the lithium ion battery is under thermal runaway condition and the internal temperature rises to a critical temperature, the polymer particles undergo a thermal transition process (melting) to form an insulating barrier on the electrodes, which blocks lithium ion transfer between the electrodes and shuts down the internal current of the battery.
US09711773B2 Separator and lithium-ion secondary battery
The present disclosure provides a separator and a lithium-ion secondary battery. The separator comprises: a microporous membrane having micropores; and a coating provided on a surface of the microporous membrane. The coating comprises polymer particles and binder particles. The polymer particle is a hollow shell structure which comprises a shell and a cavity positioned in the shell, an outer surface of the shell is distributed with nanopores which are communicated with the cavity, a particle diameter of the polymer particle is larger than a pore size of the micropore of the microporous membrane; a particle diameter of the binder particle is larger than the pore size of the micropore of the microporous membrane. The lithium-ion secondary battery comprises: a positive electrode plate; a negative electrode plate; the aforementioned separator interposed between the positive electrode plate and the negative electrode plate; and an electrolyte.
US09711770B2 Laminar battery system
A battery system comprises a plurality of substantially planar layers extending over transverse areas. The plurality of layers comprises at least one cathode layer, at least one anode layer, and at least one separator layer therebetween.
US09711769B2 Separator for nonaqueous cell and nonaqueous cell
Provided are a separator for a nonaqueous cell that has air permeability and is small in thickness while maintaining strength properties; and a nonaqueous cell having this separator. The separator includes a fiber sheet in which a polyvinyl alcohol fiber is incorporated in a proportion of 30% or more by mass (based on the fiber sheet). The fiber has a fiber breaking temperature in heated water of lower than 100° C. and higher than 85° C.
US09711768B2 Electricity storage device
An electricity storage device includes an electrode assembly, a case, a safety valve, and a cover member. The case accommodates the electrode assembly. The safety valve is arranged in the case and opens to discharge gas out of the case when an inner pressure of the case exceeds a release pressure. The cover member is arranged in the case opposing the safety valve and includes a flow passage for the gas.
US09711764B2 Electric storage apparatus
An electric storage apparatus of the present invention includes: a plurality of electric storage devices aligned in a first direction; and a frame configured to hold the plurality of electric storage devices, the frame including: a first frame element that is arranged so as to face the plurality of electric storage devices from one side in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction and to directly or indirectly abut the plurality of electric storage devices; and a second frame element that is arranged so as to face the plurality of electric storage devices from the other side in the second direction, wherein the second frame element includes, between the second frame element and the plurality of electric storage devices, a holding part having projections that are respectively in contact with the plurality of electric storage devices.
US09711761B2 Electro luminescence panel and method for manufacturing electro luminescence panel
The present invention provides an organic EL panel and a manufacturing method of the organic EL layer which can slow the reduction in the light emission lifetime of an organic layer and allow a short-circuit defect to be repaired. Organic EL elements include: an organic EL element including a short-circuit portion, and an altered portion formed to be highly resistive by irradiating a cathode with a laser beam; and an organic EL element which does not include the short-circuit portion. In the organic EL element, an organic EL layer emits light when a voltage higher than or equal to a first voltage is applied. In the organic EL element, the organic EL layer emits light when a voltage higher than equal to a second voltage that is higher than the first voltage is applied.
US09711760B2 Light-emitting device, method of forming and operating the same
In various embodiments, a light-emitting device may be provided including an active structure including a halide perovskite layer. The light-emitting device may further include a first injection electrode and a second injection electrode electrically coupled to the active structure. The light-emitting device may additionally include a control electrode, and an insulator layer between the control electrode and the active structure. The first injection electrode may be configured to inject electrons into the active structure and the second injection electrode may be configured to inject holes into the active structure upon application of a potential difference between the first injection electrode and the second injection electrode. The control electrode may be configured to generate an electric field upon application of a voltage, thereby causing accumulation of the electrons and the holes in a region of the halide perovskite layer so that the electrons and the holes recombine, thereby emitting light.
US09711759B2 Organic light emitting diode display
An organic light emitting diode (OLED) display is provided. The OLED display has a plurality of pixel regions and comprises a substrate, a first electrode layer formed on the substrate, a second electrode layer formed on the first electrode layer, a pixel defining layer, and a light absorption composite layer. The pixel regions are separated by the pixel defining layer. The light absorption composite layer is formed on the substrate, and absorbs a light with wavelength of 380˜780 nm. The light absorption composite layer comprises a first light absorption layer and a second light absorption layer stacked together. The first light absorption layer absorbs a light with shorter wavelength. The second light absorption layer absorbs a light with longer wavelength different from that of the light absorbed by the first light absorption layer in the region of 380˜780 nm.
US09711758B2 Organic light-emitting diode light source comprising a polyester film and a method of improving light extraction from said light source
An organic light-emitting diode (OLED) light source includes, in order: (i) a biaxially oriented polyester film substrate including light-scattering particles (P1); (ii) optionally an organic planarising coating layer (OPC1); (iii) optionally a barrier layer (B1); (iv) an organic planarising coating layer (OPC2) including light-scattering particles (P2); (v) optionally a barrier layer (B2); and (vi) a multi-layer light-emitting assembly including a first electrode, a light-emitting organic layer and a second electrode; wherein the OLED light source includes at least one of barrier layers (B1) and (B2).
US09711755B2 Display panels
A display panel is provided. The display panel includes a first substrate having a display area and a non-display area. A sealant is disposed on the first substrate and on the non-display area. A planarization layer is disposed on the first substrate. The planarization layer has a first trench formed therein on the non-display area. The first trench has a bottom and a side adjacent to the bottom. The bottom has a roughness that is greater than the roughness of the side.
US09711754B2 Manufacturing method of display device
An exemplary embodiment provides a manufacturing method of a display device, including: preparing a first panel and a second panel that are respectively provided with one or more pattern layers formed on a substrate; bonding the first panel and the second panel; cutting the bonded panel into division panels of a cell unit; chamfering the division panels; and chemical reinforcing the chamfered division panels.
US09711753B2 Packaging device and method for manufacturing the OLED display screen
A packaging device for manufacturing the OLED display screen comprises a filling chamber, a transition chamber and a glove box, the glove box is mounted in the filling chamber, a filling pipe is placed in the transition chamber, an isolated cover is provided for separated the transition chamber and the filling chamber, wherein a safe protective cover is further located inside the transition chamber and under the isolated cover, the filling pipe is placed under the safe protective cover in the transition chamber. The touch sensor on the safe protective cover is provided for sensing the position of the filling pipe. If the filling pipe is champed by the safe protective cover, then position of the filling pipe will be readjusted with alarming. The safe protective cover will act a double-protective effect. Then the filling pipe will not be champed by the isolated cover when the filling pipe is replacing.
US09711752B2 Display apparatus
Provided is a display apparatus. The display apparatus includes a display panel, a back cover disposed on a rear side of the display panel, the back cover having a curved shape of which both ends protrude forward, and a fixing part fixing the back cover to maintain the curved shape of the back cover. The display panel is curved in a shape corresponding to that of the back cover.
US09711751B2 Organic light emitting display device
An organic light emitting display device includes a substrate extending along a first direction, the substrate comprising a pixel region having a plurality of pixels and a transparent region that is located adjacent to the pixel region, a lower electrode disposed on the substrate in the pixel region, the lower electrode extending along the first direction, a light emitting layer disposed on the lower electrode, the light emitting layer extending along the first direction, and an upper electrode disposed on the light emitting layer in the pixel region, the upper electrode extending along the first direction. The upper electrode exposes the transparent region.
US09711748B2 OLED devices with internal outcoupling
Optoelectronic devices with enhanced internal outcoupling include a substrate, an anode, a cathode, an electroluminescent layer, and electron transporting layer comprising a fluoro compound of formula I (Ar2)n—Ar1—(Ar2)n  I wherein Ar1 is C5-C40 aryl, C5-C40 substituted aryl, C5-C40 heteroaryl, or C5-C40 substituted heteroaryl; Ar2 is, independently at each occurrence, fluoro- or fluoroalkyl-substituted C5-40 heteroaryl; and n is 1, 2, or 3.
US09711745B2 Light emitting element and light emitting device
A high efficient white emission light emitting element having peak intensity in each wavelength region of red, green, and blue is provided. Specifically, a white emission light emitting element having an emission spectrum that is independent of current density is provided. A first light emitting layer 312 exhibiting blue emission and a second light emitting layer 313 containing a phosphorescent material that generates simultaneously phosphorescent emission and excimer emission are combined. In order to derive excimer emission from the phosphorescent material, it is effective to disperse a phosphorescent material 323 having a high planarity structure such as platinum complex at a high concentration of at least 10 wt % to a host material 322. Further, the first light emitting layer 312 is provided to be in contact with the second light emitting layer 313 at the side of an anode. Ionization potential of the second light emitting layer 313 is preferably larger by 0.4 eV than that of the first light emitting layer 312.
US09711744B2 Patterned structured transfer tape
A transfer tape is disclosed that includes a carrier, a template layer having a first surface applied to the carrier and having a second surface opposite the first surface, wherein the second surface comprises a non-planar structured surface, a release coating disposed upon the non-planar structured surface of the template layer, and a backfill layer disposed upon and conforming to the non-planar structured surface of the release coating. In some embodiments, the backfill layer includes a silsesquioxane such as polyvinyl silsesquioxane. The disclosed transfer tape can be used to transfer replicated structures to a receptor substrate.
US09711740B2 Organometallic complex, light-emitting element, light-emitting device, electronic device, and lighting device
A novel organometallic complex which can emit phosphorescence is provided. A light-emitting element, a light-emitting device, an electronic device, or a lighting device with high emission efficiency is provided. The organometallic complex having an aryl triazine derivative as a ligand is represented by General Formula (G1) below as a representative of the organometallic complex of the present invention.
US09711736B2 Condensed cyclic compound and organic light-emitting device comprising the same
A condensed cyclic compound is represented by Formula 1. The components of Formula 1 are described herein. An organic light-emitting device includes the condensed cyclic compound. The organic light-emitting device has improved driving voltage, improved luminance, improved efficiency, and improved half-lifetime, as compared to those of an organic light-emitting device that does not include the condensed cyclic compound.
US09711733B2 Organic thin film transistor, organic semiconductor thin film, and organic semiconductor material
An organic thin film transistor containing a compound represented by one of the following formulae in a semiconductor active layer has a high carrier mobility and a small change in the threshold voltage after repeated driving. X represents S or O, and at least one of R1 to R6 represents -L-R wherein L represents alkylene, etc., and R represents alkyl, etc.
US09711732B2 Organic electroluminescent element and material for organic electroluminescent elements
An organic electroluminescence device includes: a cathode; an anode; and an organic thin-film layer having one or more layers and provided between the anode and the cathode, in which the organic layer includes an emitting layer. The emitting layer includes a first host material, a second host material and a phosphorescent dopant material. The first host material is a compound represented by a formula (1A). The second host material is a compound represented by a formula (2A).
US09711730B2 Organic electroluminescent materials and devices
This invention discloses novel light-emitting materials. These materials comprise a side chain which contains at least two Si or Ge atoms, such as bis(trimethylsilyl)methyl, or a side chain that includes Si—F bond, or a side chain that includes a fluorine-containing alkyl chain. This new side chain could fine tune emission color, reduce the stacking of the light-emitting materials, maintain good lifetime, and result in high PLQY.
US09711728B1 Fused thiophene-based conjugated polymers and their use in optoelectronic devices
The present teachings relate to polymeric compounds and their use as organic semiconductors in organic and hybrid optical, optoelectronic, and/or electronic devices such as photovoltaic cells, light emitting diodes, light emitting transistors, and field effect transistors. The disclosed compounds generally include as repeating units at least one annulated thienyl-vinylene-thienyl (TVT) unit and at least one other pi-conjugated unit. The annulated TVT unit can be represented by the formula: where Cy1 and Cy2 can be a five- or six-membered carbocyclic ring. The annulated TVT unit can be optionally substituted at any available ring atom(s), and can be covalently linked to the other pi-conjugated unit via either the thiophene rings or the carbocyclic rings Cy1 and Cy2. The other pi-conjugated unit can be a conjugated linear linker including one or more unsaturated bonds, or a conjugated cyclic linker including one or more carbocyclic and/or heterocyclic rings.
US09711726B2 Mask plate, method for processing organic layer and method for fabricating display substrate
The present invention provides a mask plate, a method for processing an organic layer and a method for fabricating an organic light-emitting diode display substrate. The mask plate comprises a light transmitting region and a light shading region. The light transmitting region corresponds to a region of an organic layer to be removed. The light transmitting region is provided with a photothermal conversion material for converting light energy into heat energy. The light shading region is provided with a light blocking layer for blocking transmission of light. The mask plate is suitable for processing an organic layer and particularly suitable for forming an auxiliary via hole in an organic light-emitting layer of an organic light-emitting diode display substrate.
US09711721B2 Nonvolatile memory device and method of manufacturing the same
According to one embodiment, a plurality of first wirings are disposed in a first direction and a second direction which intersect with each other, and extended in a third direction. A second wiring stack is configured to include second wirings and interlayer insulating films which are extended and alternately stacked in the second direction. A memory cell includes, in the first direction, a first variable resistive layer which is disposed on a side near the first wiring and a second variable resistive layer which is disposed on a side near the second wiring. The second variable resistive layer is disposed between the interlayer insulating films in the third direction, and made of a material which is obtained by oxidizing the second wiring.
US09711720B2 Resistive random access memory having stable forming voltage
A resistive random access memory including a first electrode, a separating medium, a resistance changing layer and a second electrode is disclosed. The first electrode has a mounting face. The separating medium is arranged on the first electrode and forms a through hole. A part of the first electrode is not covered by the separating medium. The separating medium has a first dielectric. The resistance changing layer extends along the part of the first electrode as well as along an inner face and the second face of the separating medium. The resistance changing layer has a second dielectric having a dielectric constant larger than a dielectric constant of the first dielectric by 2 or less. The second electrode is arranged on the resistance changing layer. In this arrangement, the problem of unstable forming voltage of the conventional resistive random access memory can be solved.
US09711719B2 Nonvolatile memory elements having conductive structures with semimetals and/or semiconductors
A memory element programmable between different impedance states can include a first electrode layer comprising a semimetal or semiconductor (semimetal/semiconductor); a second electrode; and a switch layer formed between the first and second electrodes and comprising an insulating material; wherein atoms of the semimetal/semiconductor provide a reversible change in conductivity of the insulating material by application of electric fields.
US09711718B1 Nonvolatile bipolar junction memory cell
The present disclosure generally relates to an apparatus for a three terminal nonvolatile memory cell. Specifically, a three terminal nonvolatile bipolar junction transistor. The bipolar junction memory device includes a collector layer, a base layer disposed on the collector layer, an emitter layer disposed on the base layer, and a conductive anodic filament extending from the collector layer to the base layer. As current is applied to the transistor and a voltage is applied between P-N junction of the collector layer and the base layer, a conductive anodic filament (CAF) forms. The CAF is non-volatile and short circuits the reverse-biased P-N junction barrier thus keeping the device in a low-resistive state. Removing the CAF switches the device back to a high resistive state. Thus, a new type of semiconductor device advantageously combines computation and memory to form a flux-linkage modulated memory cell.
US09711716B2 Magnetic memory device and method for manufacturing the same
A magnetic memory device and a method for manufacturing the magnetic memory device are disclosed. The method includes forming a first interlayer insulating layer on a substrate, forming a first conductive pattern that penetrates the first interlayer insulating layer, forming a mold insulating layer that includes first and second mold insulating layers on the first interlayer insulating layer, forming a second conductive pattern that penetrates the first and second mold insulating layers and the first interlayer insulating layer, and forming a magnetic tunnel junction pattern on the second conductive pattern. The first mold insulating layer is in contact with the first conductive pattern, and the second mold insulating layer is disposed on the first mold insulating layer.
US09711715B2 Method of manufacturing a dual mode ferroelectric random access memory (FRAM) having imprinted read-only (RO) data
Read-only (“RO”) data to be permanently imprinted in storage cells of a memory array are written to the memory array. One or more over-stress conditions such as heat, over-voltage, over-current and/or mechanical stress are then applied to the memory array or to individual storage cells within the memory array. The over-stress condition(s) act upon one or more state-determining elements of the storage cells to imprint the RO data. The over-stress condition permanently alters a value of a state-determining property of the state-determining element without incapacitating normal operation of the storage cell. The altered value of the state-determining property biases the cell according to the state of the RO data bit. The bias is detectable in the cell read-out signal. A pre-written ferroelectric random-access memory (“FRAM”) array is baked. Baking traps electric dipoles oriented in a direction corresponding to a state of the pre-written data and forms am RO data imprint.
US09711712B2 Vertical hall device comprising a slot in the hall effect region
A vertical Hall device includes a Hall effect region, a separator, a first plurality of contacts, and a second plurality of contacts. The Hall effect region includes a first straight section, a second straight section that is offset parallel to the first straight section, and a connecting section that connects the first straight section and the second straight section. The separator separates a portion of the first straight section from a portion of the second straight section. The first and second plurality of contacts are arranged in or at the surface of the first and second straight sections, respectively. With respect to a first clock phase of a spinning current scheme, the first plurality of contacts comprises a first supply contact and a first sense contact. The second plurality of contacts comprises a second supply contact and a second sense contact.
US09711711B2 Piecewise piezoelectric energy harvester
A piezoelectric energy harvester device has a cantilevered structure with a rectangular proof mass portion defined by holes through a substrate along three sides of a proof mass portion and supported by a thinned hinge portion for free pivotal movement relative to an anchor portion. Elongated strips of piezoelectric energy harvesting units are formed in side-by-side spaced positions on the hinge portion and aligned parallel or perpendicular to a stress direction. Multiplexing electronics coupled to contact pads on the anchor portion selectively connects different strip combinations to power management circuitry, responsive to variations in vibration magnitude or modes.
US09711708B2 Electronic component having a reinforced hollowed structure
Provide an electronic component that has a hollowed structure and is capable of suppressing the deformation of the hollowed structure due to the pressure during the module resin molding. The electronic component includes a device substrate 2, a driver portion 3 formed on one of the principle surfaces of the device substrate 2, a protection portion 4 configured to cover the driver portion 3 so as to form a hollowed space 8 around the driver portion 3, an adhesion layer 10 that is made of a resin and arranged above the protection portion 4, and a reinforcing plate 11 arranged on the adhesion layer 10, wherein the reinforcing plate 11 is a silicon substrate.
US09711704B2 Package support, fabrication method and LED package
A light-emitting diode (LED) package, including: a substrate with front and back surfaces, including: at least two metal blocks; an insulation portion, wherein the metal blocks are disposed in the insulation portion and have at least portions of upper and lower surfaces exposed; and an electrical insulation region between the at least two metal blocks; an LED chip disposed over, and forming one or more electrical connections with, the at least two metal blocks; and a package encapsulant disposed over the LED chip surface and covering at least a portion of the substrate; wherein the at least two metal blocks have protrusion connection portions that extend to an edge of the substrate.
US09711703B2 Apparatus, system and method for use in mounting electronic elements
The present invention provides various embodiments for apparatuses, systems, and methods of manufacturing surface mountable devices. Some embodiments provide surface mount devices comprising a casing with a first and second surface and at least one side surface. A recess is formed in the first surface and extends into the casing. plurality of leads is partially encased by the casing, and one or more electronic devices are coupled with at least one of the plurality of leads and are at least partially exposed through the recess. A heat sink may be included for heat dissipation.
US09711699B2 Optoelectronic semiconductor chip
An optoelectronic semiconductor chip includes a semiconductor layer sequence having at least one active layer. Furthermore, the semiconductor chip has a top-side contact structure on a radiation main side of the semiconductor layer sequence and an underside contact structure on an underside situated opposite to the radiation main side. Furthermore, the semiconductor chip includes at last two trenches that extend from the radiation main side towards the underside. As seen in a plan view of the radiation main side, the top-side contact structure and the underside contact structure are arranged in a manner spaced apart from one another. Likewise as seen in a plan view of the radiation main side, the trenches are located between the top-side contact structure and the underside contact structure.
US09711698B2 Light-emitting device
The present invention provides a solution increasing illuminance of the irradiation surface in a vicinity of the optical axis and suppressing the generation of the yellow ring phenomenon. The present invention is for a light emitting device 1 having a light emitting element 2 and a light control member 3, the light control member has a light incident surface 31 and light emitting surface 32, when the intersection point of the optical axis and a light emitting surface of the light emitting element 2 is defined as a base point, an angle formed by the optical axis and a line connecting the base point and an optional point is defined as α1, and distance between the optional point of the light incident surface and the base point is defined as D1, for the light incident surface, the distance D1 is increasing as increasing the angle α1 if the angle α1 is 0≦α1<β1 (radian), and the distance D1 is decreasing as increasing the angle α1 if β1β2α1<(p/2) (radian). when an angle formed by the optical axis and a line connecting the base point and an optional point of the light emitting surface is defined as α1α2 and distance between the optional point of the light emitting surface and the base point is defined as D2, for the light emitting surface, the distance D2 is decreased in range of 0≦a2
US09711694B2 Optoelectronic device with light-emitting diodes
An optoelectronic device including an array of light-emitting diodes and photoluminescent blocks opposite at least part of the light-emitting diodes, each light-emitting diode having a lateral dimension smaller than 30 μm, each photoluminescent block including semiconductor crystals having an average size smaller than 1 μm, dispersed in a binding matrix.
US09711689B2 Optical unit and electronic apparatus
A purpose of the present invention is to provide an optical unit that is capable of effectively sealing one or a plurality of optical devices even without a special material, a special structure, etc.In an optical unit of the present invention, the sealing section (50) includes: a circular seal section (51) surrounding one or a plurality of optical devices (40) on a wiring substrate from an in-plane direction of the wiring substrate; and an inside filling section (52) with which inside of the seal section (51) is filled and that seals the one or plurality of optical devices (40). The optical devices (40) are each a light emitting unit, a light receiving device, an image sensor, an X-ray sensor, or a power generating device. The seal section (51) and the inside filling section (52) are each configured of a cured thermosetting resin. The inside filling section (52) has light transmittance that is higher than light transmittance of the seal section (51). The inside filling section (52) has a modulus of elasticity that is smaller than a modulus of elasticity of the seal section (51).
US09711688B2 Controlling LED emission pattern using optically active materials
A light emission device comprising a light emitting element, a wavelength conversion (e.g. phosphor) element, and a filter that reduces Color over Angle (CoA) effects by at least partially reflecting light from the light emitting element that strike the filter at near-normal angles of incidence. In some embodiments, a combined phosphor and filter layer is formed over the LED die. The filter may comprise a dispersion of self-aligning moieties, such as dielectric platelets in a film that is vacuum laminated to the LED structure. Xirallic® Galaxy Blue pigment, comprising an aluminum oxide core coated on both sides with thin films of SnO2, and TiO2, and Ronastar® Blue, comprising Calcium Aluminum Borosilicate and TiO2 may provide the dielectric platelets.
US09711686B2 Lighting device with plural fluorescent materials
Provided is a light-emitting device that has a high emission efficiency, excellent stability and temperature properties, and that generates light having a high color rendering property sufficient for practical use. This semiconductor light-emitting device comprises a semiconductor light-emitting element that emits blue light, a green phosphor that absorbs the blue light and emits green light, and an orange phosphor that absorbs the blue light and emits orange light, and is characterized in that the orange phosphor is an Eu-activated α-SiAlON phosphor having an emission spectrum peak wavelength within a range of 595 to 620 nm.
US09711684B2 Group III nitride semiconductor light-emitting device and production method therefor
There is provided a Group III nitride semiconductor light-emitting device in which electrons and holes are suppressed to be captured by threading dislocation, and a production method therefor. The light-emitting device comprises an n-type semiconductor layer, a light-emitting layer on the n-type semiconductor layer, a p-type semiconductor layer on the light-emitting layer. The light-emitting device has a plurality of pits extending from the n-type semiconductor layer to the p-type semiconductor layer. The n-type semiconductor layer includes an n-side electrostatic breakdown preventing layer. The n-side electrostatic breakdown preventing layer comprises an n-type GaN layer containing starting point of the pits, and an ud-GaN layer disposed adjacent to the n-type GaN layer and containing a part of the pits. At least one of the n-type GaN layer and the ud-GaN layer has an In-doped layer. The In composition ratio of the In-doped layer is more than 0 and not more than 0.0035.
US09711682B2 Multiple quantum well light emitting device with multi-layer barrier structure
The light emitting device includes a first conductive semiconductor layer; a second conductive semiconductor layer on the first conductive semiconductor layer; and an active layer between the first and second conductive semiconductor layers. The active layer includes a plurality of well layers and a plurality of barrier layers, wherein the well layers include a first well layer and a second well layer adjacent to the first well layer. The barrier layers include a first barrier layer disposed between the first and second well layers, and the first barrier layer includes a plurality of semiconductor layers having an energy bandgap wider than an energy bandgap of the first well layer. At least two layers of the plurality of semiconductor layers are adjacent to the first and second well layers, and have aluminum contents greater than that of the other layer.
US09711681B2 Nitride semiconductor
To provide a high-quality nitride semiconductor ensuring high emission efficiency of a light-emitting element fabricated. In the present invention, when obtaining a nitride semiconductor by sequentially stacking a one conductivity type nitride semiconductor part, a quantum well active layer structure part, and a another conductivity type nitride semiconductor part opposite the one conductivity type, the crystal is grown on a base having a nonpolar principal nitride surface, the one conductivity type nitride semiconductor part is formed by sequentially stacking a first nitride semiconductor layer and a second nitride semiconductor layer, and the second nitride semiconductor layer has a thickness of 400 nm to 20 μm and has a nonpolar outermost surface. By virtue of selecting the above-described base for crystal growth, an electron and a hole, which are contributing to light emission, can be prevented from spatial separation based on the QCSE effect and efficient radiation is realized. Also, by setting the thickness of the second nitride semiconductor layer to an appropriate range, the nitride semiconductor surface can avoid having extremely severe unevenness.
US09711680B2 Integrated multi-color light emitting device made with hybrid crystal structure
An integrated hybrid crystal Light Emitting Diode (“LED”) display device that may emit red, green, and blue colors on a single wafer. The various embodiments may provide double-sided hetero crystal growth with hexagonal wurtzite III-Nitride compound semiconductor on one side of (0001) c-plane sapphire media and cubic zinc-blended III-V or II-VI compound semiconductor on the opposite side of c-plane sapphire media. The c-plane sapphire media may be a bulk single crystalline c-plane sapphire wafer, a thin free standing c-plane sapphire layer, or crack-and-bonded c-plane sapphire layer on any substrate. The bandgap energies and lattice constants of the compound semiconductor alloys may be changed by mixing different amounts of ingredients of the same group into the compound semiconductor. The bandgap energy and lattice constant may be engineered by changing the alloy composition within the cubic group IV, group III-V, and group II-VI semiconductors and within the hexagonal III-Nitrides.
US09711677B2 Assembly method of a photovoltaic panel of the back-contact type with pre-fixing of the cells, and combined loading and pre-fixing station
Automatic assembly method of a photovoltaic panel with cells of the back-contact type provided with a conductive backsheet with a thermoplastic encapsulating layer; the loading of the cells occurs in combination with their pre-fixing in a combined station sequentially placed before the superimposition of the upper encapsulating layer and after the laying of the conductive adhesive. The loading is carried out with a first device of the automatic mechanical hand type which takes a group of cells, aligns them with the back contacts in correspondence of the holes and lays them vertically from above. Furthermore, a second device of the presser-heater type carries out the pre-fixing of the cells holding them in the final position also with localized heating on at least one portion of each cell in such a way as to activate the adhesive function of the underlying thermoplastic encapsulating layer. A combined loading and pre-fixing station is also disclosed.
US09711675B2 Sensing pixel and image sensor including the same
Disclosed are a sensing pixel and an image sensor including the same. The sensing pixel includes a determination region, which includes one or more floating body transistors, and an integration region that is adjacent to a floating body region of one of the one or more floating body transistors, absorbs light to generate an electron-hole pair including an electron and a positive hole, and transfers the electron or the positive hole to the floating body region of the one floating body transistor.
US09711668B2 Photovoltaic cell
A photovoltaic cell is provided that enables cost reduction and stable operation with a simple configuration and enhances conversion efficiency by a new technology of forming an energy level in a band gap. In the photovoltaic cell, a substrate, a conductive first electrode, an electromotive force layer, a p-type semiconductor layer, and a conductive second electrode are laminated, electromotive force is generated by photoexciting the electron in the band gap of the electromotive force layer by light irradiation, the electromotive force layer is filled with an n-type metal oxide semiconductor of fine particles coated by an insulating coat, a new energy level is formed in a band gap by photoexcited structural change caused by ultraviolet irradiation, and efficient and stable operation can be performed by providing a layer of an n-type metal oxide semiconductor between the first electrode and the electromotive force layer.
US09711667B2 Solar cell and method of manufacturing the same
Discussed is a solar cell including a single crystalline semiconductor substrate having a first transparent conductive oxide layer positioned on a non-single crystalline emitter layer; a second transparent conductive oxide layer positioned over a rear surface of the single crystalline semiconductor substrate; a first electrode part including a first seed layer directly positioned on the first transparent conductive oxide layer; and a second electrode part including a second seed layer directly positioned on the second transparent conductive oxide layer, wherein the first transparent conductive oxide layer and the first seed layer have different conductivities, and wherein the second transparent conductive oxide layer and the second seed layer have different conductivities.
US09711665B2 Color converters
A color converter comprising at least one layer comprising at least one organic fluorescent colorant and at least one barrier layer having a low permeability to oxygen.
US09711663B2 Power generating system and method of designing power generating system
A power generating system comprising: a plurality of power generating units coupled in parallel; a power collecting device for collecting electric power output from the plurality of power generating units; and wirings for coupling the plurality of power generating units and the power collecting device. A ratio of a conductor diameter to a predetermined length of each of the wirings is defined as a reference ratio. A value obtained by multiplying the reference ratio, a number of the wirings, and a loss generated by a specific wiring together is subtracted from a value obtained by multiplying a predetermined number of wirings for adjustment by a ratio of a conductor diameter to a length of the specific wiring. A total of the ratios of the conductor diameters to the lengths of the predetermined number of the wirings for adjustment is determined as a value less than the subtracted value.
US09711658B2 Semiconductor device
A semiconductor device includes a first pillar-shaped semiconductor layer, a first selection gate insulating film, a first selection gate, a first gate insulating film, a first contact electrode, a first bit line connected to an upper portion of the first pillar-shaped semiconductor layer and an upper portion of the first contact electrode, a second pillar-shaped semiconductor layer, a layer including a first charge storage layer, a first control gate, a layer including a second charge storage layer and formed above the first control gate, a second control gate, a second gate insulating film, a second contact electrode having an upper portion connected to an upper portion of the second pillar-shaped semiconductor layer, and a first lower internal line that connects a lower portion of the first pillar-shaped semiconductor layer and a lower portion of the second pillar-shaped semiconductor layer.
US09711655B2 Oxide semiconductor film and semiconductor device
A semiconductor device comprising a first metal oxide film, an oxide semiconductor film, a second metal oxide film, a gate insulating film, and a gate electrode is provided. The oxide semiconductor film comprises an In—Ga—Zn—O-based metal oxide. The second metal oxide film comprises a Ga—Zn—O-based metal oxide. An amount of substance of zinc oxide with respect to gallium oxide is lower than 50% in the Ga—Zn—O-based metal oxide.
US09711653B2 Thin film transistor, method for fabricating the same and display apparatus
Embodiments of the present invention provide a thin film transistor, method for fabricating the thin film transistor and display apparatus. The method includes steps of: forming an active layer pattern which has a mobility greater than a predetermined threshold from an active layer material; and performing ion implantation on the active layer pattern. The energy of a compound bond formed from the implanted ions is greater than that of a compound bond formed from ions in the active layer material, thereby reducing the chance of vacancy formation and reducing the carrier concentration. Therefore, the mobility of the active layer surface is reduced, the leakage current is reduced, the threshold voltage is adjusted to shift toward positive direction and performance of the thin film transistor is improved.
US09711650B2 Vertical thin film transistor selection devices and methods of fabrication
Three-dimensional (3D) non-volatile memory arrays having a vertically-oriented thin film transistor (TFT) select device and method of fabricating such a memory are described. The vertically-oriented TFT may be used as a vertical bit line selection device to couple a global bit line to a vertical bit line. A select device pillar includes a body and upper and lower source/drain regions. At least one gate is separated horizontally from the select device pillar by a gate dielectric. Beneath each gate, a single gap fill dielectric layer extends vertically from a lower surface of the gate, at least partially separating the gate from the underlying global bit line. Between horizontally adjacent pillars, this same dielectric layer extends from its same lower level beneath the gates vertically to a level of the upper source/drain region.
US09711646B2 Semiconductor structure and manufacturing method for the same
A semiconductor structure and a manufacturing method for the same are disclosed. The semiconductor structure includes a first gate structure, a second gate structure and a second dielectric spacer. Each of the first gate structure and the second gate structure adjacent to each other includes a first dielectric spacer. The second dielectric spacer is on one of opposing sidewalls of the first gate structure and without being disposed on the dielectric spacer of the second gate structure.
US09711641B2 Semiconductor device with cell trench structures and a contact structure
A semiconductor device includes first and second cell trench structures extending from a first surface into a semiconductor body, a first semiconductor mesa separating the cell trench structures. The first cell trench structure includes a first buried electrode and a first insulator layer. A first vertical section of the first insulator layer separates the first buried electrode from the first semiconductor mesa. The first semiconductor mesa includes a source zone of a first conductivity type directly adjoining the first surface. The semiconductor device further includes a capping layer on the first surface and a contact structure having a first section in an opening of the capping layer and a second section in the first semiconductor mesa or between the first semiconductor mesa and the first buried electrode. A lateral net impurity concentration of the source zone parallel to the first surface increases in the direction of the contact structure.
US09711638B2 Semiconductor device using diamond
A semiconductor device includes a MISFET having: a diamond substrate; a drift layer having a first layer with a first density for providing a hopping conduction and a second layer with a second density lower than the first density, and having a δ dope structure; a body layer on the drift layer; a source region in an upper portion of the body layer; a gate insulation film on a surface of the body layer; a gate electrode on a surface of the gate insulation film; a first electrode electrically connected to the source region and a channel region; and a second electrode electrically connected to the diamond substrate. The MISFET flows current in the drift layer in a vertical direction, and the current flows between the first electrode and the second electrode.
US09711635B1 Semiconductor device
A semiconductor device includes: a first semiconductor layer formed at a surface of a semiconductor substrate; an insulating layer formed on the surface of the semiconductor substrate; a first electrode that is electrically connected to the first semiconductor layer; a second semiconductor layer formed to a surface of a region, which is adjacent to the first semiconductor layer; a second electrode formed above a part of the second semiconductor layer; a third semiconductor layer adjacent to the second semiconductor layer in the one direction; a fourth semiconductor layer formed to a surface of a region, which is adjacent to the third semiconductor layer in the one direction; a third electrode that is electrically connected to the fourth semiconductor layer; and a conductor that is separated from the second electrode in the one direction and is kept at the same potential as the first electrode.
US09711633B2 Methods of forming group III-nitride semiconductor devices including implanting ions directly into source and drain regions and annealing to activate the implanted ions
Methods of forming a semiconductor device include forming a dielectric layer on a Group III-nitride semiconductor layer, selectively removing portions of the dielectric layer over spaced apart source and drain regions of the semiconductor layer, implanting ions having a first conductivity type directly into the source and drain regions of the semiconductor layer, annealing the semiconductor layer and the dielectric layer to activate the implanted ions, and forming metal contacts on the source and drain regions of the semiconductor layer.
US09711628B2 Semiconductor device
A semiconductor device has a reduced an on-voltage and uses a gate resistance to improve the trade-off relationship between turn-on loss Eon and dV/dt, and turn-on dV/dt controllability. A floating p+-type region is provided in an n−-type drift layer so as to be spaced from a p-type base region configuring a MOS gate structure. An emitter electrode and the floating p+-type region are electrically connected by an n+-type region provided in the surface layer of a substrate front surface. The n+-type region is covered with a second insulating film which film is covered with an emitter electrode. By an electric field being generated in the n+-type region by the emitter electrode provided on the top of the n+-type region via the second interlayer insulating film, the n+-type region forms a current path which causes holes accumulated in the floating p+-type region to flow to the emitter electrode when turning on.
US09711626B2 Reverse-conducting IGBT
A reverse-conducting IGBT includes a semiconductor body having a drift region arranged between first and second surfaces. The semiconductor body further includes first collector regions arranged at the second surface and in Ohmic contact with a second electrode, backside emitter regions and in Ohmic contact with the second electrode. In a horizontal direction substantially parallel to the first surface, the first collector regions and backside emitter regions define an rc-IGBT area. The semiconductor body further includes a second collector region of the second conductivity type arranged at the second surface and in Ohmic contact with the second electrode. The second collector region defines in the horizontal direction a pilot-IGBT area. The rc-IGBT area includes first semiconductor regions in Ohmic contact with the first electrode and arranged between the drift region and first electrode. The pilot-IGBT area includes second semiconductor regions of the same conductivity type as the first semiconductor regions.
US09711618B1 Fabrication of vertical field effect transistor structure with controlled gate length
A method of forming a gate structure, including forming one or more vertical fins on a substrate; forming a bottom spacer on the substrate surface adjacent to the one or more vertical fins; forming a gate structure on at least a portion of the sidewalls of the one or more vertical fins; forming a gauge layer on at least a portion of the bottom spacer, wherein the gauge layer covers at least a portion of the gate structure on the sidewalls of the one or more vertical fins; and removing a portion of the gauge layer on the bottom spacer.
US09711617B2 Dual isolation fin and method of making
A method of making a dual isolation fin comprises applying a mask to a substrate and etching the exposed areas of the substrate to form a mandrel; forming a dielectric layer on the surface of the substrate and adjacent to the mandrel; forming a first epitaxially formed material on the exposed portions of the mandrel; forming a second epitaxially formed material on the first epitaxially formed material; forming a first isolation layer on the dielectric layer and adjacent to the second epitaxially formed material; removing the mask and mandrel after forming the first isolation layer; removing the first epitaxially formed material after removing the mask and mandrel; and forming a second isolation layer.
US09711610B2 Semiconductor device having oxide semiconductor layer
The reliability of a semiconductor device is increased by suppression of a variation in electric characteristics of a transistor as much as possible. As a cause of a variation in electric characteristics of a transistor including an oxide semiconductor, the concentration of hydrogen in the oxide semiconductor, the density of oxygen vacancies in the oxide semiconductor, or the like can be given. A source electrode and a drain electrode are formed using a conductive material which is easily bonded to oxygen. A channel formation region is formed using an oxide layer formed by a sputtering method or the like under an atmosphere containing oxygen. Thus, the concentration of hydrogen in a stack, in particular, the concentration of hydrogen in a channel formation region can be reduced.
US09711605B2 Contact for high-k metal gate device
An integrated circuit having an improved gate contact and a method of making the circuit are provided. In an exemplary embodiment, the method includes receiving a substrate. The substrate includes a gate stack disposed on the substrate and an interlayer dielectric disposed on the gate stack. The interlayer dielectric is first etched to expose a portion of the gate electrode, and then the exposed portion of the gate electrode is etched to form a cavity. The cavity is shaped such that a portion of the gate electrode overhangs the electrode. A conductive material is deposited within the cavity and in electrical contact with the gate electrode. In some such embodiments, the etching of the gate electrode forms a curvilinear surface of the gate electrode that defines the cavity.
US09711604B1 Loading effect reduction through multiple coat-etch processes
First, second, and third trenches are formed in a layer over a substrate. The third trench is substantially wider than the first and second trenches. The first, second, and third trenches are partially filled with a first conductive material. A first anti-reflective material is coated over the first, second, and third trenches. The first anti-reflective material has a first surface topography variation. A first etch-back process is performed to partially remove the first anti-reflective material. Thereafter, a second anti-reflective material is coated over the first anti-reflective material. The second anti-reflective material has a second surface topography variation that is smaller than the first surface topography variation. A second etch-back process is performed to at least partially remove the second anti-reflective material in the first and second trenches. Thereafter, the first conductive material is partially removed in the first and second trenches.
US09711602B2 Method of making thin film transistor array and source/drain contact via-interconnect structures formed thereby
The present application discloses a thin film transistor comprising active layer on a base substrate; an insulating layer over the active layer, the insulating layer comprising a source via and a drain via, each of which extending through the insulating layer; a source electrode within the source via in contact with the active layer; and a drain electrode within the drain via in contact with the active layer.
US09711600B2 Semiconductor device and method of manufacturing the same, power conversion device, three-phase motor system, automobile, and railway vehicle
In a semiconductor device having a silicon carbide device, a technique capable of suppressing variation in a breakdown voltage and achieving reduction in an area of a termination structure is provided. In order to solve the above-described problem, in the present invention, in a semiconductor device having a silicon carbide device, a p-type first region and a p-type second region provided to be closer to an outer peripheral side than the first region are provided in a junction termination portion, a first concentration gradient is provided in the first region, and a second concentration gradient larger than the first concentration gradient is provided in the second region.
US09711595B2 Semiconductor device including a semiconductor sheet unit interconnecting a source and a drain
A semiconductor device includes a substrate, a pair of source/drain units, and a semiconductor sheet unit. The substrate includes a well region. The source/drain units are disposed above the well region. The semiconductor sheet unit is disposed substantially vertically, interconnects the source/drain units, and defines a cross-sectional shape unit in a top view. The cross-sectional shape unit includes a plurality of cross-sections that have substantially the same shape and different sizes.
US09711587B2 Organic light emitting display device
Provided is an organic light emitting display device. The organic light emitting display device includes: a plurality of sub-pixels including an anode and a cathode; an anode line configured to supply an anode voltage to the anode; and a cathode line configured to supply a cathode voltage to the cathode, and in each of the plurality of sub-pixels, a direction of an anode voltage input of the anode line and a direction of a cathode voltage input of the cathode line are different from each other and face each other in order to reduce a deviation in a potential difference between the anode and the cathode. Thus, it is possible to improve uniformity in the potential difference between the anode and the cathode caused by a line resistance.
US09711583B2 Display device
Discussed is a display device, that may include a substrate divided into a display area and a non-display area except the display area, a first light shielding film formed in the display area, a second light shielding film formed in the non-display area, and oxide thin film transistors and organic light emitting diodes, which are formed on the first light shielding film, wherein the first light shielding film and the second light shielding film are spaced apart from each other.
US09711580B2 Thin film transistor, array substrate, display device and manufacturing method of the thin film transistor and array substrate
A thin film transistor, an array substrate and manufacturing method thereof, and a display device are provided. The thin film transistor includes an active layer, a source electrode, a drain electrode, and a first gate electrode, the first gate electrode is shaped in a ring. The active layer includes a first portion, a second portion and a third portion for connecting the first portion and the second portion. The first portion and the second portion are disposed horizontally, and connected to the source electrode and the drain electrode, respectively. The third portion is disposed obliquely, and has a channel provided thereon. At least one part of the channel is located on an inner side of the first gate electrode. The thin film transistor can be used in a display device.
US09711579B2 Organic light emitting diode display
An organic light emitting diode (OLED) display includes a substrate, a thin film transistor disposed on the substrate, a first electrode disposed on the thin film transistor and electrically connected to the thin film transistor, a first auxiliary layer disposed on the first electrode, an emission layer disposed on the first auxiliary layer, an electron transport layer disposed on the emission layer, a first buffer layer disposed on the electron transport layer, and a second electrode disposed on the first buffer layer.
US09711578B2 Thin film transistor array panel and organic light-emitting display apparatus including the same
A thin film transistor (TFT) circuit panel comprises a substrate and first and second patterned multi-layer structures formed over the substrate. The first patterned multi-layer structure is to provide a driving TFT and a storage capacitor, and comprises: a semiconductor layer, a first electrode over the semiconductor layer, a second electrode disposed over the first electrode and insulated from the first electrode, a storage insulating layer disposed between the first electrode and the second electrode, and a driving gate insulating layer disposed between the semiconductor layer and the first electrode. The second patterned multi-layer structure is spaced from the first multi-layer structure, and comprises: a lower patterned insulating layer, a patterned conductive layer and a top patterned insulating layer. An organic insulating material is filled between the first and second patterned multi-layer structures.
US09711577B2 OLED display device and fabrication method thereof
An organic light emitting diode (OLED) display device (01) and a fabrication method thereof are provided. The OLED display device (01) comprises a plurality of sub-pixel units, and each of the sub-pixel units includes a first electrode (20), an organic material functional layer (30) and a second electrode (40) which are sequentially disposed on a base substrate (10). The sub-pixel unit further includes: a first buffer layer (50) disposed between the base substrate (10) and the first electrode (20). A surface of a part, corresponding to the first electrode (20), of the first buffer layer (50) on a side away from the base substrate (10) is in a concave shape; the first electrode (20) is a transparent electrode, and the second electrode (40) is a non-transparent metal electrode.
US09711574B2 Organic light emitting display panel and method of manufacturing the same
Embodiments relate to an organic light emitting display device and a method of manufacturing the same. The organic light emitting display device includes a pixel area that includes at least a first sub pixel area. The first sub pixel area includes a color filter, a first overcoat element on the color filter, wherein a portion of the color filter at an edge portion of the first sub pixel area is not covered by the first overcoat element, and an electrode disposed on the pixel area, wherein the electrode is on the portion of the color filter not covered by the first overcoat element.
US09711571B2 Smart window comprising electrochromic device and organic light-emitting device
A smart window is provided. The smart window includes an organic light-emitting device including first and second electrodes corresponding to each other, and a light-emitting layer disposed between the first and second electrodes and containing an organic light-emitting material; an electrochromic device including an electrochromic layer containing an electrochromic material and disposed over the organic light-emitting device, wherein the organic light-emitting device is disposed under the electrochromic device to form a light transmission portion in a predetermined region, and wherein the first electrode is formed of a transparent electrode or a high-reflection translucent electrode, and the second electrode is formed of a high-reflection electrode.
US09711570B1 Touch sensible organic light emitting device
Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to a touch sensible organic light emitting device. The organic light emitting device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention comprises: a substrate; a thin film transistor disposed on the substrate; an organic light emitting element connected to the thin film transistor and receiving a data voltage; a plurality of encapsulation thin films disposed on the organic light emitting element, and encapsulating the thin film transistor and the organic light emitting element; a planarization layer disposed on the encapsulation thin film; and a touch sensor disposed on the planarization layer.
US09711569B2 Image sensor and method for driving same
An image sensor and an operating method thereof are disclosed. The image sensor includes a first photoelectric conversion portion configured to receive plural lights, except for a light of first wavelength, to generate an electric charge; and a second photoelectric conversion portion configured to receive the light of the first wavelength to generate an electric charge, wherein at least a portion of the first photoelectric conversion portion and the second photoelectric conversion portion is spaced apart from each other in a vertical direction.
US09711568B2 Organic optoelectronic component and method for operating the organic optoelectronic component
An organic optoelectronic component and a method for operating the organic optoelectronic component are disclosed. In an embodiment an organic optoelectronic component includes at least one organic light emitting element, at least one first organic light detecting element including at least one first organic light detecting layer, and at least one second organic light detecting element including at least one second organic light detecting layer, wherein the at least one organic light emitting element, the at least one first organic light detecting element and the at least one second light detecting element are arranged laterally on a common substrate, wherein the at least one first organic light detecting element is configured to detect ambient light, and wherein the at least one second organic light detecting layer of the at least one second organic light detecting element is arranged between two non-transparent layers.
US09711566B1 Magnetoresistive device design and process integration with surrounding circuitry
Magnetoresistive device architectures and methods for manufacturing are presented that facilitate integration of process steps associated with forming such devices into standard process flows used for surrounding logic/circuitry. In some embodiments, the magnetoresistive device structures are designed such that the devices are able to fit within the vertical dimensions of the integrated circuit associated with a single metal layer and a single layer of interlayer dielectric material. Integrating the processing for the magnetoresistive devices can include using the same standard interlayer dielectric material as used in the surrounding circuits on the integrated circuit as well as using standard vias to interconnect to at least one of the electrodes of the magnetoresistive devices.
US09711562B2 Apparatus and method for reducing optical cross-talk in image sensors
A method includes forming a plurality of pixels formed on a front surface of a semiconductor substrate, forming an array of color filters over the plurality of pixels, each color filter being adapted for allowing a wavelength of light radiation to reach at least one of the plurality of pixels, forming a plurality of micro-lenses over the array of color filters, and forming a second layer between the pixels and the color filters. The second layer further includes a structure adapted for blocking light radiation that is traveling towards a region between adjacent micro-lens, further wherein the plurality of micro-lenses are in contact with the array of color filters, and wherein the structure and the transparent material are coplanar at respective top surfaces thereof, and further wherein the structure directly contacts a bottom surface of at least one of the color filters.
US09711555B2 Dual facing BSI image sensors with wafer level stacking
A device includes two BSI image sensor elements and a third element. The third element is bonded in between the two BSI image sensor elements using element level stacking methods. Each of the BSI image sensor elements includes a substrate and a metal stack disposed over a first side of the substrate. The substrate of the BSI image sensor element includes a photodiode region for accumulating an image charge in response to radiation incident upon a second side of the substrate. The third element also includes a substrate and a metal stack disposed over a first side of the substrate. The metal stacks of the two BSI image sensor elements and the third element are electrically coupled.
US09711554B2 Image sensor
An image sensor includes a pixel array chip, a logic chip, and an interposed layer. The interposed layer is disposed on the pixel array chip. The logic chip is disposed on the interposed layer. The interposed layer includes a connecting part, a shielding part, and a metal-diffusion barrier layer. The connecting part electrically connects a first interconnection wire of the pixel array chip and a second interconnection wire of the logic chip. The connecting part includes a first metallic element. The shielding part is disposed spatially apart from the connecting part and electrically grounded to suppress an electrical coupling between the pixel array chip and the logic chip. The shielding part includes a second metallic element. The metal-diffusion barrier layer is disposed on top and bottom surfaces of the interposed layer to limit diffusion of electrical charges to the pixel array chip and the logic chip.
US09711552B2 Optoelectronic modules having a silicon substrate, and fabrication methods for such modules
Optoelectronic modules include a silicon substrate in which or on which there is an optoelectronic device. An optics assembly is disposed over the optoelectronic device, and a spacer separates the silicon substrate from the optics assembly. Methods of fabricating such modules also are described.
US09711550B2 Pinned photodiode with a low dark current
A method of manufacturing a pinned photodiode, including: forming a region of photon conversion into electric charges of a first conductivity type on a substrate of the second conductivity type; coating said region with a layer of a heavily-doped insulator of the second conductivity type; and annealing to ensure a dopant diffusion from the heavily-doped insulator layer.
US09711546B2 Image sensor pixel for high dynamic range image sensor
An image sensor pixel includes a first photodiode and a second photodiode disposed in a semiconductor material. The first photodiode has a first doped region, a first lightly doped region, and a first highly doped region. The second photodiode has a second full well capacity substantially equal to a first full well capacity of the first photodiode, and includes a second doped region, a second lightly doped region, and a second highly doped region. The image sensor pixel also includes a first microlens optically coupled to direct a first amount of image light to the first photodiode, and a second microlens optically coupled to direct a second amount of image light to the second photodiode. The first amount of image light is larger than the second amount of image light.
US09711545B2 Method of fabricating display device
A method of fabricating a display device includes forming a thin-film transistor including a gate electrode, a source electrode and a drain electrode on a substrate, forming a first insulating layer and a second insulating layer on the thin-film transistor, forming a common electrode on the second insulating layer by depositing a common electrode material on the second insulating layer, plasma-treating a photoresist pattern on the common electrode material, and etching the common electrode material using the plasma-treated photoresist pattern as a mask, defining a contact hole in the second insulating layer which corresponds to the drain electrode using the plasma-treated photoresist pattern and the common electrode as a mask, forming a third insulating layer on the second insulating layer and the common electrode to expose the contact hole and the drain electrode and forming a pixel electrode connected to the drain electrode on the third insulating layer.
US09711544B2 Thin film transistor and manufacturing method thereof, array substrate and manufacturing method thereof, display device
Embodiments of the disclosure provide a thin film transistor and a manufacturing method thereof, an array substrate and a manufacturing method thereof, and a display device. The thin film transistor comprises a substrate (1), and a gate electrode (2), a source electrode (41) and a drain electrode (42) provided on the substrate. A projection of a gap between the source electrode (41) and the drain electrode (42) on the substrate (1) coincides with a projection of the gate electrode (2) on the substrate (1).
US09711543B2 Liquid crystal display and method for manufacturing the same
A liquid crystal display device includes a gate line and a data line disposed on a substrate; a thin film transistor (TFT) provided between the gate line and the data line; a pixel electrode positioned on the entire surface of a pixel region of the substrate; an insulating layer positioned on the entire surface of the substrate and exposing the TFT and the pixel electrode; a pixel electrode connection pattern electrically connecting the pixel electrode and the TFT on the insulating layer; and a plurality of common electrodes overlapping the pixel electrode and spaced apart from one another; and metal layer patterns provided on the common electrode overlapping at least one of the data line and the gate line.
US09711542B2 Method for fabricating display panel
A method for fabricating a display panel includes forming a first patterned conductive layer, a gate insulation layer, a semiconductor channel layer, a first passivation layer, a second patterned conductive layer and a pixel electrode on a first substrate. The first patterned conductive layer includes a gate electrode, and the second patterned conductive layer includes a source electrode, a drain electrode and a data line. The patterns of the gate insulation layer, the first passivation layer and the second patterned conductive layer are defined by an etching process and a lift-off process with the same photomask.
US09711541B2 Display panel and method for forming an array substrate of a display panel
The present disclosure provides a display panel and a method for forming an array substrate of a display panel. The display panel includes an array substrate which includes a display region and a frame region. The frame region includes a wire region in which first signal wires are formed. Each of the first signal wires includes a first conductive layer and a second conductive layer which are stacked with each other and electrically connected. As such, to obtain the same resistance value as that in prior art, the first signal wires in the present disclosure can be formed with a reduced width. Therefore, the wire region of the array substrate can have a smaller size, and thus the whole frame region of the display panel can be smaller.
US09711540B2 LTPS array substrate
An LTPS array substrate includes a plurality of LTPS thin-film transistors and a bottom transparent conductive layer, a protective layer, and a top transparent conductive layer. Each LTPS thin-film transistor includes a substrate, a patternized light shield layer, a buffering layer, a patternized poly-silicon layer, a gate insulation layer, a gate electrode line and a common electrode line, an insulation layer, a drain electrode and a source electrode, and a planarization layer that are formed to sequentially stack on each other. The light shield layer covers the scan line and the source/drain. The bottom transparent conductive layer, the protection layer, and the top transparent conductive layer are sequentially stacked on the planarization layer. The patternized poly-silicon layer includes a first portion and a second portion. The drain electrode includes an extension section extending therefrom and opposite to the second portion.
US09711537B2 Display device and electronic appliance
A display device with low manufacturing cost, a display device with low power consumption, a display device capable of being formed over a large substrate, a display device with a high aperture ratio of a pixel, and a display device with high reliability are provided. The display device includes a transistor electrically connected to a light-transmitting pixel electrode and a capacitor. The transistor includes a gate electrode, a gate insulating film, and a first multilayer film including an oxide semiconductor layer. The capacitor includes the pixel electrode and a second multilayer film overlapping with the pixel electrode, positioned at a predetermined distance from the pixel electrode, and having the same layer structure as the first multilayer film. A channel formation region of the transistor is at least one layer, which is not in contact with the gate insulating film, of the first multilayer film.
US09711535B2 Method of forming FinFET channel
A method for fabricating a semiconductor device having a substantially undoped channel region includes performing an ion implantation into a substrate, depositing a first epitaxial layer over the substrate, and depositing a second epitaxial layer over the first epitaxial layer. In various examples, a plurality of fins is formed extending from the substrate. Each of the plurality of fins includes a portion of the ion implanted substrate, a portion of the first epitaxial layer, and a portion of the second epitaxial layer. In some embodiments, the portion of the second epitaxial layer of each of the plurality of fins includes an undoped channel region. In various embodiments, the portion of the first epitaxial layer of each of the plurality of fins is oxidized.
US09711534B2 Devices including a diamond layer
A device includes a substrate layer, a diamond layer, and a device layer. The device layer is patterned. The diamond layer is to conform to a pattern associated with the device layer.
US09711532B2 Three dimensional NAND memory having improved connection between source line and in-hole channel material as well as reduced damage to in-hole layers
A fabrication process is provided for a 3D stacked non-volatile memory device which provides a source contact to a bottom of a memory hole in a stack without exposing a programmable material lining of an interior sidewall of the memory hole and without exposing a channel forming region also lining an interior of the memory hole to an energetic and potentially damaging etch environment. The stack includes alternating control gate layers and dielectric layers on a substrate, and the memory hole is etched through the stack before lining an interior sidewall thereof with the programmable material and then with the channel forming material. The process avoids a need to energetically etch down through the memory hole to open up a source contact hole near the bottom of the channel forming material by instead etching upwardly from beneath the memory hole.
US09711529B2 3D NAND device and fabrication method thereof
A method for forming a 3D NAND structure includes providing a semiconductor substrate; forming a control gate structure having a plurality of staircase-stacked layers, each layer has a first end and a second end; forming a dielectric layer covering the semiconductor substrate, and the control gate structure; forming a hard mask layer on the dielectric layer; patterning the hard mask layer to form a plurality of openings above corresponding second ends of the layers of the control gate structure; forming a photoresist layer on the hard mask layer; repeating a photoresist trimming process and a first etching process to sequentially expose the openings, and to form a plurality of holes with predetermined depths in the dielectric layer; performing a second etching process to etch the plurality of holes until surfaces of the second ends are exposed to form through holes; and forming metal vias in the through holes.
US09711526B2 Semiconductor memory device
According to one embodiment, a semiconductor memory device includes a substrate, a stacked body, and a columnar part. The stacked body is provided on the substrate. The stacked body includes a plurality of first insulating films and a plurality of electrode films alternately stacked one layer by one layer. The columnar part includes a semiconductor pillar provided in the stacked body and extending in a stacking direction of the stacked body, and a memory film provided between the semiconductor pillar and the stacked body. The electrode films include a first portion provided on a side part of the columnar part, a second part contacting the first portion and provided further outside the columnar part, and a first conductive layer covering an upper surface and a lower surface of the first portion.
US09711524B2 Three-dimensional memory device containing plural select gate transistors having different characteristics and method of making thereof
A stack of material layers includes first material layers, second material layers located between a respective pair of an overlying first material layer and an underlying first material layer, and at least one temporary material layer located between a respective pair of an overlying first material layer and an underlying first material layer. After formation of a memory opening and a memory stack structure, at least one first backside recess is formed by removing the at least one temporary material layer and adjoining portions of a memory film. A physically exposed portion of a semiconductor channel is doped with electrical dopants to form a doped semiconductor channel portion. Second backside cavities are formed by removal of the second material layers. The backside cavities are then filled with a dielectric liner and electrically conductive layers, such as select and control gate electrodes of a memory device.
US09711523B2 Semiconductor devices
Provided is a semiconductor device, including gate structures on a substrate, the gate structures extending parallel to a first direction and being spaced apart from each other by a separation trench interposed therebetween, each of the gate structures including insulating patterns stacked on the substrate and a gate electrode interposed therebetween; vertical pillars connected to the substrate through the gate structures; an insulating spacer in the separation trench covering a sidewall of each of the gate structures; and a diffusion barrier structure between the gate electrode and the insulating spacer.
US09711517B2 Memory device having a pipe transistor and sub-pipe gate materials with different oxidation rates
The semiconductor device may include a first sub-pipe gate having a pipe hole formed therein; a second sub-pipe gate disposed on the first sub-pipe gate and passed-through by vertical holes being coupled to the pipe hole, wherein a material of the second sub-pipe gate has a lower oxidation rate than that of a material of the first sub-pipe gate; a first oxidized layer formed within a portion of the first sub-pipe gate to conform to a contour of the pipe hole; and a second oxidized layer formed within a portion of the second sub-pipe gate to conform to a contour of the vertical holes and the contour of the pipe hole.
US09711515B1 Method of manufacturing semiconductor memory device
A method of manufacturing a semiconductor memory device according to an embodiment comprises: alternately stacking first inter-layer insulating layers and first layers above a substrate; forming a first opening penetrating the layers stacked above the substrate; and forming a gate insulating layer and a semiconductor layer in the first opening. In addition, the method comprises: forming a second opening penetrating the layers stacked above the substrate; and forming a second inter-layer insulating layer on an inner wall of the second opening. Moreover, the method comprises: forming a first silicide layer and a barrier metal layer on the bottom surface of the second opening; and forming a silicon layer in the second opening such that a crevice is formed in an upper surface of the silicon layer along the second opening. Furthermore, the method comprises: removing part of the silicon layer; and siliciding the silicon layer via the crevice.
US09711513B2 Semiconductor structure including a nonvolatile memory cell and method for the formation thereof
A semiconductor structure includes a nonvolatile memory cell including a source region, a channel region and a drain region that are provided in a semiconductor material. The channel region includes a first portion adjacent the source region and a second portion between the first portion of the channel region and the drain region. An electrically insulating floating gate is provided over the first portion of the channel region. The nonvolatile memory cell further includes a select gate and a control gate. The first portion of the select gate is provided over the second portion of the channel region. The second portion of the select gate is provided over a portion of the floating gate that is adjacent to the first portion of the select gate. The control gate is provided over the floating gate and adjacent to the second portion of the select gate.
US09711508B2 Capacitor structure and method of manufacturing the same
A capacitor structure includes a deep trench, a contact plug, a spacer and a metal-insulator-metal film. The deep trench extends into a crown oxide substrate, and the contact plug is disposed entirely below the crown oxide substrate. The spacer lines the deep trench, and the metal-insulator-metal film is disposed in the deep trench.
US09711503B2 Gate structures with protected end surfaces to eliminate or reduce unwanted EPI material growth
One method disclosed herein includes, among other things, forming a line-end protection layer in an opening on an entirety of each opposing, spaced-apart first and second end face surfaces of first and second spaced-apart gate electrode structures, respectively, and forming a sidewall spacer adjacent opposing sidewall surfaces of each of the gate electrode structures but not adjacent the opposing first and second end face surfaces having the line-end protection layer positioned thereon.
US09711501B1 Interlayer via
A semiconductor device is provided. The semiconductor device includes a lower layer, an upper layer and an interlayer via. The lower layer includes a lower substrate, lower electronic devices, metallization elements and contact elements. One of the lower electronic devices includes a field effect transistor (FET), lower contacts and spacers interposed between the FET and the lower contacts. At least one of the contact elements is electrically coupled between a metallization element and one of the lower contacts to form a stack. The upper layer includes an upper substrate and upper electronic devices. One of the upper electronic devices includes an FET, upper contacts and spacers interposed between the FET and the upper contacts. The upper substrate and one of the upper contacts define a through-hole aligned with the stack. The interlayer via extends through the through-hole to electrically couple the stack and the one of the upper contacts.
US09711500B1 Package including a plurality of stacked semiconductor devices having area efficient ESD protection
A package may include a plurality of stacked semiconductor devices (chips) is disclosed. Each chip may include through vias (through silicon vias—TSV) that can provide an electrical connection between chips and between chips and external connections, such as solder connections or solder balls. Electro static discharge (ESD) protection circuitry may be placed on a bottom chip in the stack even when through vias connect circuitry on a top chip in the stack exclusive of the bottom chip. In this way, ESD protection circuitry may be placed in close proximity to the ESD event occurring at an external connection. In particular, every chip in the stack of semiconductor chips may have circuitry electrically connected to the external connection and by placing ESD protection circuitry on the bottom chip closest to the electrical connection, instead of on all chips ESD protection may be more area efficient. Furthermore, by only placing ESD protection circuitry on a bottom chip in a stack of semiconductor chips, ESD protection circuitry may not be included on other chips, so that total area may be reduced and more chips may be produced on a single silicon wafer.
US09711497B2 Semiconductor unit with proection circuit and electronic apparatus
A semiconductor unit includes: a transistor configured to provide electrical conduction between a first terminal and a second terminal, based on a trigger signal; and a trigger device formed in a transistor region where the transistor is formed, and configured to generate the trigger signal, based on a voltage applied to the first terminal.
US09711494B2 Methods of fabricating semiconductor die assemblies
Methods of fabricating multi-die assemblies including a base semiconductor die bearing a peripherally encapsulated stack of semiconductor dice of lesser lateral dimensions, the dice vertically connected by conductive elements between the dice, resulting assemblies, and semiconductor devices comprising such assemblies.
US09711493B2 Integrated optical sensor and methods for manufacturing and using the same
An integrated optical sensor and methods for forming and using the same is provided. The integrated optical sensor comprising: a light source; a transparent substrate, having a first surface and a second surface opposite to each other; a first pixel cell array region, located on the first surface and adapted to receiving lights emitted from the light source and reflected by an external object; a second pixel cell array region, located on the first surface and adapted to receiving lights emitted from the light source and reflected by the fingerprint; and a third pixel cell array region, located on the first surface and adapted to receiving visible lights from outside. The integrated optical sensor has simplified structures, the forming method thereof has improved processes, and the using method thereof has more applications. Besides, production costs may be reduced.
US09711491B2 Light-emitting device and method of manufacturing the same
A light-emitting device may comprise a substrate, an electric wire fixed to the substrate, and a plurality of light-emitting diodes mounted to the electric wire. According to one embodiment, each of the plurality of light-emitting diodes is an LED chip, and the light-emitting diodes on the substrate are sealed individually or collectively by one or more sealing members. According to another embodiment, the substrate has a plurality of through holes, wherein a plurality of portions of the electric wire provided on a rear surface side of the substrate communicates with a front surface side of the substrate at the plurality of through holes of the substrate, and wherein the plurality of light-emitting diodes is respectively mounted to the respective portions of the electric wire that communicate with the front surface side of the substrate. Other embodiments relate to methods of manufacturing a light-emitting device.
US09711490B2 Illumination device
An illumination device includes a supporting base, at least two supports and at least two semiconductor light emitting elements. The supports are disposed on the supporting base and coupled to each other. The semiconductor light emitting elements are respectively coupled to the supports. The semiconductor light emitting element includes a transparent substrate and a light emitting diode (LED) structure. The transparent substrate has a support surface and a second main surface disposed opposite to each other. The LED structure is disposed on the support surface. At least a part of the light emitted from the LED structure may pass through the transparent substrate and emerge from the second main surface.
US09711488B2 Semiconductor package assembly
The invention provides a semiconductor package assembly. The semiconductor package assembly includes a semiconductor die. A first molding compound covers a back surface of the semiconductor die. A redistribution layer (RDL) structure is disposed on a front surface of the semiconductor die. The semiconductor die is coupled to the RDL structure. A second molding compound is disposed on the front surface of the semiconductor die and embedded in the RDL structure. A passive device is disposed on the second molding compound and coupled to the semiconductor die.
US09711485B1 Thin bonded interposer package
Methods and systems for a thin bonded interposer package are disclosed and may, for example, include bonding a semiconductor die to a first surface of a substrate, forming contacts on the first surface of the substrate, encapsulating the semiconductor die, formed contacts, and first surface of the substrate using a mold material while leaving a top surface of the semiconductor die not encapsulated by mold material, forming vias through the mold material to expose the formed contacts. A bond line may be dispensed on the mold material and the semiconductor die for bonding the substrate to an interposer. A thickness of the bond line may be defined by standoffs formed on the top surface of the semiconductor die.
US09711483B2 Bonding apparatus
A bonding apparatus bonds a plurality of device chips on a plurality of electrode pads that are provided to a surface of a substrate. The bonding apparatus includes a stage, a head unit, a head lifting mechanism, a head vibrator, a heater, and a bonding region observation component. The substrate is placed and supported on the stage. The head unit holds the device chips. The head lifting mechanism raises and lowers the head unit in an up and down direction relative to the stage. The head vibrator vibrate the head unit in the up and down direction. The heater heats a bonding paste that bonds the device chips and the electrode pads. The bonding region observation component observes a region that includes at least a peripheral part of the electrode pads.
US09711481B2 Semiconductor device and semiconductor device mounting structure
A semiconductor device includes a plurality of functional element chips, an electric connection member joined to two of the functional element chips, a first wire and a resin configured to cover the functional element chips, the electric connection member and the first wire. One of the two functional element chips may be a first semiconductor chip having first and second major surface electrodes facing toward the same direction and a first rear surface electrode facing in a direction opposite to a direction in which the first major surface electrode faces. The electric connection member may be joined to the first major surface electrode. The first wire may be joined to the second major surface electrode. The first wire may include a portion overlapping with the electric connection member in a thickness direction of the first semiconductor chip.
US09711479B2 Substrate less die package having wires with dielectric and metal coatings and the method of manufacturing the same
A die package having a plurality of connection pads, a plurality of wire leads having metal cores with a defined core diameter, and a dielectric layer surrounding the metal cores having a defined dielectric thickness, at least one first connection pad held in a mold compound covering the die and the plurality of leads connected to at least one metal core, and at least one second connection pad held in the mold compound covering the die and the plurality of leads connected to at least one metal core. Further, the present invention relates to a method for manufacturing a substrate less die package.
US09711475B2 Bump structural designs to minimize package defects
A method of forming a chip package includes providing a chip with a plurality of first bumps, wherein the plurality of first bumps has a first height. The method further includes providing a substrate with a plurality of second bumps, wherein the plurality of second bumps has a second height. The method further includes bonding the plurality of first bumps to the plurality of second bumps to form a first bump structure of the chip package, wherein the first bump structure has a standoff, wherein a ratio of a sum of the first height and the second height to the standoff is equal to or greater than about 0.6 and less than 1.
US09711467B2 Method for manufacturing a semiconductor component having a common mode filter monolithically integrated with a protection device
In accordance with an embodiment, a semiconductor component, includes a common mode filter monolithically integrated with a protection device. The common mode filter includes a plurality of coils and the protection device has a terminal coupled to a first coil and another terminal coupled to a second coil.
US09711466B2 Electronic apparatus operable in high frequencies
An electronic apparatus that includes a semiconductor device mounted on an assembly base is disclosed. The semiconductor device includes a transmission line, whose impedance is matched to characteristic impedance, and a pad connected to the transmission line, through which a high frequency signal is supplied to or extracted from the semiconductor device. The pad accompanies a stub line that is concurrently formed with the transmission line and grounded within the semiconductor device. The stub line operates as a short stub that may compensate parasitic capacitance attributed to the pad.
US09711465B2 Antenna cavity structure for integrated patch antenna in integrated fan-out packaging
An integrated fan-out package having a top-side redistribution wiring structure, a back-side redistribution wiring layer, a ground plane provided in the back-side redistribution wiring layer, and a molding compound layer having a thickness and provided between the back-side redistribution wiring layer and the top-side redistribution wiring structure is disclosed. The package has an RF IC die embedded within the molding compound layer and one or more integrated patch antenna structure provided in the top-side redistribution wiring structure. The one or more integrated patch antenna structure is coupled to the RF IC die and an antenna cavity is provided within the molding compound layer under each of the one or more integrated patch antenna.
US09711455B2 Method of forming an air gap semiconductor structure with selective cap bilayer
A semiconductor substrate including one or more conductors is provided. A first layer and a second layer are deposited on the top surface of the conductors. A dielectric cap layer is formed over the semiconductor substrate and air gaps are etched into the dielectric layer. The result is a bilayer cap air gap structure with effective electrical performance.
US09711452B2 Optimized wires for resistance or electromigration
Optimized metal wires for resistance or electromigration, methods of manufacturing thereof and design methodologies are disclosed. The method includes depositing metal material within openings and on a surface of dielectric material resulting in metal filled openings and a topography of recessed areas aligned with the metal filled openings. The method further includes depositing an alloying material over the metal material, including within the recessed areas. The method further includes planarizing the metal material, leaving the alloying material within the recessed areas. The method further includes diffusing the alloying material into the metal material forming alloyed regions self-aligned with the metal filled openings.
US09711450B1 Interconnect structures with enhanced electromigration resistance
Interconnect structures are provided that include an intermetallic compound as either a cap or liner material. The intermetallic compound is a thermal reaction product of a metal or metal alloy of an interconnect metallic region with a metal of either a metal cap or a metal layer. In some embodiments, the metal cap may include a metal nitride and thus a nitride-containing intermetallic compound can be formed. The formation of the intermetallic compound can improve the electromigration resistance of the interconnect structures and widen the process window for fabricating interconnect structures.
US09711444B2 Packaging module and substrate structure thereof
A substrate structure is provided, including: a circuit board having a plurality of wiring layers; a first circuit layer; a plurality of conductive posts disposed on the first circuit layer; a first insulating layer encapsulating the circuit board, the first circuit layer and the conductive posts; and a second circuit layer formed on the first insulating layer and electrically connected to the wiring layers with the second circuit layer electrically connected to the first circuit layer through the conductive posts. According to the present disclosure, fine-pitch circuits are formed in the circuit board, and thus only the circuit board needs a high-cost insulating material, thereby allowing the first insulating layer to be made of a low-cost material to reduce the fabrication cost.
US09711432B2 Electronic power device with improved cooling
An electronic device comprising at least one electronic component mounted on a support and surrounded by a deformable casing containing a heat-conducting and electrically-insulating liquid, the device comprising a heat dissipation plate that is substantially parallel to the support and spaced apart therefrom, and heat exchange means for heat exchange by conduction between the casing and the plate, the heat-conducting and electrically-insulating liquid being selected and the casing being arranged so that thermal expansion of the oil leads to the casing applying force against the means for heat exchange by conduction.
US09711430B2 Semiconductor device, method for installing heat dissipation member to semiconductor device, and a method for producing semiconductor device
A semiconductor device is fastened to a heat dissipation member such that a force directed downward acts from a metal substrate onto the heat dissipation member, with a rim portion of a storage region as a fulcrum with respect to the heat dissipation member. As a result, a heat conductive material can be spread into a thinner layer between the metal substrate and the heat dissipation member, improving the heat dissipation between the metal substrate and the heat dissipation member.
US09711427B2 Thermal dissipation through seal rings in 3DIC structure
A package includes a die, which includes a semiconductor substrate, a plurality of through-vias penetrating through the semiconductor substrate, a seal ring overlapping and connected to the plurality of through-vias, and a plurality of electrical connectors underlying the semiconductor substrate and connected to the seal ring. An interposer is underlying and bonded to the die. The interposer includes a substrate, and a plurality of metal lines over the substrate. The plurality of metal lines is electrically coupled to the plurality of electrical connectors. Each of the plurality metal lines has a first portion overlapped by the first die, and a second portion misaligned with the die. A thermal conductive block encircles the die, and is mounted on the plurality of metal lines of the interposer.
US09711426B2 Fan-out wafer level packaging structure
A semiconductor device includes a first die including a first pad and a first passivation layer, a second die including a second pad and a second passivation layer, and an encapsulant surrounding the first die and the second die. Surfaces of the first die are not coplanar with corresponding surfaces of the second die. A dielectric layer covers at least portions of the first passivation layer and the second passivation layer, and further covers the encapsulant between the first die and the second die. The encapsulant has a first surface. The dielectric layer has a second surface adjacent to the first passivation layer, the second passivation layer and the encapsulant, and further has a third surface opposite the second surface. The semiconductor device further includes a redistribution layer electrically connected to the first pad and the second pad and disposed above the third surface of the dielectric layer.
US09711425B2 Sensing module and method for forming the same
A sensing module is provided. The sensing module includes a sensing device. The sensing device includes a first substrate having a first surface and a second surface opposite thereto. The sensing device also includes a sensing region adjacent to the first surface and a conducting pad on the first surface. The sensing device further includes a redistribution layer on the second surface and electrically connected to the conducting pad. The sensing module also includes a second substrate and a cover plate bonded to the sensing device so that the sensing device is between the second substrate and the cover plate. The conducting pad is electrically connected to the second substrate through the redistribution layer. The sensing module further includes an encapsulating layer filled between the second substrate and the cover plate to surround the sensing device.
US09711422B2 Visually detecting electrostatic discharge events
Methods and structures provide an electrostatic discharge (ESD) indicator including an electric field sensitive material configured to undergo a specific color change in response to an electric field. An exposure of the structure to an ESD can be visually determined via the specific color change of the ESD indicator.
US09711416B2 Fin field effect transistor including a strained epitaxial semiconductor shell
A semiconductor fin including a single crystalline semiconductor material is formed on a dielectric layer. A semiconductor shell including an epitaxial semiconductor material is formed on all physically exposed surfaces of the semiconductor fin by selective epitaxy, which deposits the semiconductor material only on semiconductor surfaces and not on dielectric surfaces. The epitaxial semiconductor material can be different from the single crystalline semiconductor material, and the semiconductor shell can be bilaterally strained due to lattice mismatch. A fin field effect transistor including a strained channel can be formed. Further, the semiconductor shell can advantageously alter properties of the source and drain regions, for example, by allowing incorporation of more dopants or by facilitating a metallization process.
US09711412B2 FinFETs with different fin heights
An integrated circuit structure includes a semiconductor substrate including a first portion in a first device region, and a second portion in a second device region. A first semiconductor fin is over the semiconductor substrate and has a first fin height. A second semiconductor fin is over the semiconductor substrate and has a second fin height. The first fin height is greater than the second fin height.
US09711410B2 Semiconductor device having a necked semiconductor body and method of forming semiconductor bodies of varying width
Semiconductor devices having necked semiconductor bodies and methods of forming semiconductor bodies of varying width are described. For example, a semiconductor device includes a semiconductor body disposed above a substrate. A gate electrode stack is disposed over a portion of the semiconductor body to define a channel region in the semiconductor body under the gate electrode stack. Source and drain regions are defined in the semiconductor body on either side of the gate electrode stack. Sidewall spacers are disposed adjacent to the gate electrode stack and over only a portion of the source and drain regions. The portion of the source and drain regions under the sidewall spacers has a height and a width greater than a height and a width of the channel region of the semiconductor body.
US09711405B2 Substrate dividing method
A substrate dividing method which can thin and divide a substrate while preventing chipping and cracking from occurring. This substrate dividing method comprises the steps of irradiating a semiconductor substrate 1 having a front face 3 formed with functional devices 19 with laser light while positioning a light-converging point within the substrate, so as to form a modified region including a molten processed region due to multiphoton absorption within the semiconductor substrate 1, and causing the modified region including the molten processed region to form a starting point region for cutting; and grinding a rear face 21 of the semiconductor substrate 1 after the step of forming the starting point region for cutting such that the semiconductor substrate 1 attains a predetermined thickness.
US09711404B2 Semiconductor device and manufacturing method thereof
A semiconductor device includes a substrate that includes a first region and a second region adjacent to the first region. The first region has a thickness that is smaller than a thickness of the second region, and a nitride semiconductor layer is provided on the first region of the substrate.
US09711401B2 Reliable packaging and interconnect structures
Methods and apparatus for forming a semiconductor device are provided which may include any number of features. One feature is a method of forming an interconnect structure that results in the interconnect structure having a top surface and portions of the side walls of the interconnect structure covered in a dissimilar material. In some embodiments, the dissimilar material can be a conductive material or a nano-alloy. The interconnect structure can be formed by removing a portion of the interconnect structure, and covering the interconnect structure with the dissimilar material. The interconnect structure can comprise a damascene structure, such as a single or dual damascene structure, or alternatively, can comprise a silicon-through via (TSV) structure.
US09711398B2 Global dielectric and barrier layer
Methods of fabricating a semiconductor device are described. The method includes forming a patterned oxide layer having a plurality of openings over a substrate, depositing a metal layer in the openings to form metal plugs, depositing a global transformable (GT) layer on the oxide layer and the metal plugs, and depositing a capping layer directly on the GT layer without exposing the GT layer to ambient air. The GT layer on the oxide layer transforms into a dielectric oxide and the GT layer on the metal plugs remains conductive during deposition of the capping layer.
US09711397B1 Cobalt resistance recovery by hydrogen anneal
Resistance increase in Cobalt interconnects due to nitridation occurring during removal of surface oxide from Cobalt interconnects and deposition of Nitrogen-containing film on Cobalt interconnects is solved by a Hydrogen thermal anneal or plasma treatment. Removal of the Nitrogen is through a thin overlying layer which may be a dielectric barrier layer or an etch stop layer.
US09711394B1 Method for cleaning the surface of an epitaxial layer in openings of semiconductor device
A method for fabricating a semiconductor device includes the following steps: providing a substrate having an epitaxial layer, a gate structure and an interlayer dielectric thereon, where the epitaxial structure is disposed at sides of the gate structure and the interlayer dielectric covering the epitaxial structure; forming an opening in the interlayer dielectric so that the surface of the epitaxial layer is exposed from the bottom of the opening; performing a rapid thermal process in an inert environment until non-conductive material is generated on the surface of the epitaxial layer; and removing the non-conductive material.
US09711386B2 Electrostatic chuck for high temperature process applications
Embodiments of the present invention provide a substrate support assembly including an electrostatic chuck with enhanced heat resistance. In one embodiment, an electrostatic chuck includes a support base, an electrode assembly having interleaved electrode fingers formed therein, and an encapsulating member disposed on the electrode assembly, wherein the encapsulating member is fabricated from one of a ceramic material or glass.
US09711384B2 Pattern coating device and pattern coating method thereof
A coating device for coating a coating liquid onto a substrate includes: a coating head having a coating-liquid outlet, adapted to move with respect to the substrate along a first axial direction and capable of coating the substrate with coating liquid through the coating-liquid outlet; and adjustment unit connected to the coating head and including a movable pad disposed proximal to the coating-liquid outlet and adapted to move along a second axial direction for adjusting the size of the opening of the coating-liquid outlet; and a drive assembly connected to the adjustment unit for controlling the adjustment unit to move along the second axial direction. Additionally a coating method is provided.
US09711382B2 Dome cooling using compliant material
Embodiments described herein generally relate to apparatus for processing substrates. The apparatus generally include a process chamber including a lamp housing containing lamps positioned adjacent to an optically transparent window. Lamps within the lamp housing provide radiant energy to a substrate positioned on the substrate support. Temperature control of the optically transparent window is facilitated using cooling channels within the lamp housing. The lamp housing is thermally coupled to the optically transparent window using compliant conductors. The compliant conductors maintain a uniform conduction length irrespective of machining tolerances of the optically transparent window and the lamp housing. The uniform conduction length promotes accurate temperature control. Because the length of the compliant conductors is uniform irrespective of machining tolerances of chamber components, the conduction length is the same for different process chambers. Thus, temperature control amongst multiple process chambers is uniform, reducing chamber-to-chamber variation.
US09711380B2 Liquid processing apparatus, liquid processing method and storage medium
Disclosed are a liquid processing apparatus and a liquid processing method. The liquid processing apparatus includes an ejection port ejecting a first liquid to a wafer, a first liquid supply mechanism supplying sulphuric acid to the ejection port, and a second liquid supply mechanism supplying hydrogen peroxide solution to the ejection port. The first liquid supply mechanism includes a first temperature adjustment mechanism maintaining the first liquid heated to a first temperature, a second temperature adjustment mechanism connected to the first temperature adjustment mechanism, and an ejection line connecting the second temperature adjustment mechanism with the ejection port. The second temperature adjustment mechanism includes a second circulation line and a second heater. The ejection line connects the second circulation line through a switching valve at a location further downstream than the second heater.
US09711378B2 Liquid epoxy resin composition for semiconductor sealing and resin-sealed semiconductor device
The present invention relates to a liquid epoxy resin composition for semiconductor sealing, which contains: (A) a liquid epoxy resin that does not contain a siloxane bond in each molecule; (B) an acid anhydride-based curing agent; (C) a surface-treated spherical inorganic filler which is a spherical inorganic filler having an average particle diameter of 0.1-10 μm as determined by a laser diffraction method and serving as an inorganic filler, and wherein the surface of the spherical inorganic filler is surface-treated with 0.5-2.0 parts by weight of a (meth)acrylic functional silane coupling agent per 100 parts by weight of the spherical inorganic filler of the component (C); and (D) a curing accelerator. The present invention is able to provide a semiconductor device which has excellent heat resistance and moisture resistance.
US09711376B2 System and method for manufacturing a fabricated carrier
A method and apparatus for fabricating a carrier having a top surface and a bottom surface, the method comprising combining a conductive portion at the top surface and a dielectric at the bottom surface, wherein the dielectric includes contact island cavities, filling one or more of the contact island cavities with solder metal to form solder islands, selectively metal plating the conductive portion, selectively etching a portion of the conductive portion, and applying solder resist to the selectively plated and etched top surface of said conductive portion.
US09711375B2 Plasma processing apparatus and plasma processing method
A plasma processing apparatus is provided including a processing chamber disposed within a vacuum vessel to form plasma therein, a processing stage disposed in the processing chamber to mount a wafer thereon, a first power supply for outputting an electric field supplied to form the plasma and forming an electric field of a first frequency supplied with repetition of a high output and a low output during processing of the wafer, a second power supply for supplying power of a second frequency to an electrode disposed within the processing stage, and a control device for causing a first value between load impedance at time of the high output of the electric field and load impedance at time of the low output of the electric field to match with impedance of the first power supply.
US09711372B2 Double patterning method
In some embodiments, the disclosure relates to a method of forming an integrated circuit device. The method is performed by forming a first mask layer over a substrate and a second mask layer over the first mask layer. The second mask layer is patterned to form cut regions. A mandrel is formed over the first mask layer and the cut regions, and the first mask layer is etched using the mandrel form a patterned first mask. The substrate is etched according to the patterned first mask and the cut regions to form trenches in the substrate, and the trenches are filled with conductive metal to form conductive lines.
US09711368B2 Sidewall image transfer process
A sidewall image transfer (SIT) process is provided. First, a substrate is provided. A sacrificial layer having a pattern is formed on the substrate. A first measuring step is performed to measure a width of the pattern of the sacrificial layer. A material layer is formed conformally on the sacrificial layer, wherein a thickness of the material layer is adjusted according to the result of the first measuring step. Then, the material layer is removed anisotropically, so the material layer becomes a spacer on a sidewall of the sacrificial layer. Lastly, the sacrificial layer is removed.
US09711367B1 Semiconductor method with wafer edge modification
The present disclosure provides a semiconductor fabrication method. The method includes modifying an edge portion of a wafer such that the edge portion are prevented from resist coating; coating a resist layer on the front surface of the wafer, wherein the resist layer is free from the edge portion of the wafer; and performing an exposing process to the resist layer.
US09711365B2 Etch rate enhancement for a silicon etch process through etch chamber pretreatment
Pretreatment of an etch chamber for performing a silicon etch process and Bosch process can be effected by running a deposition process employing C5HF7, or by running an alternating deposition and etch process employing C5H2F6 and SF6. It has been discovered that the pretreatment of the etch chamber for the silicon etch process can enhance the etch rate of silicon by at least 50% without adverse effect on etch profile during a first each process following the pretreatment, while the etch rate enhancement factor decreases over time. By periodically performing the pretreatment in the etch chamber, the throughput of the etch chamber can be increased without adversely impacting the etch profile of the processed substrates.
US09711363B2 Plating method, recording medium and plating system
A plating method includes forming a catalyst layer 118 on a surface of a substrate including an inner surface of a recess 112; drying the substrate having the catalyst layer formed thereon such that an inside of the recess is dried as well; removing the catalyst layer at least on the surface of the substrate at the outside of the recess by supplying a processing liquid, which is configured to dissolve a material of the surface of the substrate, onto the surface of the substrate while rotating the dried substrate and while preventing or suppressing the processing liquid from being introduced into the dried inside of the recess; and forming a plating layer 119 on the inside of the recess, at which the catalyst layer is not removed, by an electroless plating process.
US09711360B2 Methods to improve in-film particle performance of amorphous boron-carbon hardmask process in PECVD system
Implementations of the present disclosure generally relate to the fabrication of integrated circuits. More particularly, the implementations described herein provide techniques for deposition of boron-containing amorphous carbon films on a substrate with reduced particle contamination. In one implementation, the method comprises flowing a hydrocarbon-containing gas mixture into a processing volume having a substrate positioned therein, flowing a boron-containing gas mixture into the processing volume, stabilizing the pressure in the processing volume for a predefined RF-on delay time period, generating an RF plasma in the processing volume after the predefined RF-on delay time period expires to deposit a boron-containing amorphous film on the substrate, exposing the processing volume of the process chamber to a dry cleaning process and depositing an amorphous boron season layer over at least one surface in the processing volume of the process chamber.
US09711355B2 Method of manufacturing semiconductor device
In accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure, a method of manufacturing a semiconductor device may include forming an opening passing-through a multi-layer stack, forming a channel layer on and along a sidewall of the opening, forming a conductive layer on and along a sidewall of the channel layer, and applying a laser to the conductive layer to transfer a heat from the conductive layer to the channel layer to heat-treat the channel layer using the heat.
US09711354B2 Method of fabricating light emitting device through forming a template for growing semiconductor and separating growth substrate
A template for growing a semiconductor, a method of separating a growth substrate and a method of fabricating a light emitting device using the same are disclosed. The template for growing a semiconductor includes a growth substrate including a nitride substrate; a seed layer disposed on the growth substrate and including at least one trench; and a growth stop layer disposed on a bottom surface of the trench, wherein the trench includes an upper trench and a lower trench, and the upper trench has a smaller width than the lower trench.
US09711352B2 Large-area, laterally-grown epitaxial semiconductor layers
Structures and methods for confined lateral-guided growth of a large-area semiconductor layer on an insulating layer are described. The semiconductor layer may be formed by heteroepitaxial growth from a selective growth area in a vertically-confined, lateral-growth guiding structure. Lateral-growth guiding structures may be formed in arrays over a region of a substrate, so as to cover a majority of the substrate region with laterally-grown epitaxial semiconductor tiles. Quality regions of low-defect, stress-free GaN may be grown on silicon.
US09711351B2 Process for densifying nitride film
In some embodiments, a nitride film is provided over a semiconductor substrate and densified. The nitride film may be a flowable nitride, which may be deposited to at least partially fill openings in the substrate. Densifying the film is accomplished without exposing the nitride film to plasma by exposing the nitride film to a non-plasma densifying agent in the process chamber. The non-plasma densifying agent may be a nitriding gas, a hydrogen scavenging gas, a silicon precursor, or a combination thereof.
US09711348B2 Method of manufacturing semiconductor device, substrate processing apparatus and non-transitory computer-readable recording medium
The present invention increases controllability of a composition ratio of a multi-element film that contains a predetermined element and at least one element selected from the group consisting of boron, oxygen, carbon and nitrogen. There is provided a method of manufacturing a semiconductor device, including: forming a laminated film where a first film and a second film are laminated on a substrate by performing a cycle a predetermined number of times, the cycle including: (a) forming the first film being free of borazine ring structure and including a predetermined element and at least one element selected from the group consisting of oxygen, carbon and nitrogen; and (b) forming the second film having a borazine ring structure and including at least boron and nitrogen.
US09711341B2 Mass spectrometry systems with convective flow of buffer gas for enhanced signals and related methods
Mass spectrometry systems include an ionizer, mass analyzer and the detector, with a high pressure chamber holding the mass analyzer and a separate chamber holding the detector to allow for differential background pressures where P2
US09711340B1 Photo-dissociation beam alignment method
A method of aligning a light beam within a mass spectrometer includes providing precursor ions along a longitudinal axis of the mass spectrometer at two or more precursor ion locations, the precursor ion locations being spatially separated along the longitudinal axis of the mass spectrometer, the precursor ions forming in-vacuum targets. The method then includes directing a light beam from a light source in a direction along the longitudinal axis of the mass spectrometer, the light beam photo-dissociating the precursor ions, and monitoring a mass spectrometer ion signal from each of the two or more precursor ion locations while adjusting the direction of the light beam, thereby aligning the light beam within the mass spectrometer.
US09711339B2 Method to generate data acquisition method of mass spectrometry
A process for automatically creating a measurement method suitable for plasma ion source mass spectrometry, including: semi-quantitatively measuring all elements in the sample that affect the measurement; determining a plasma condition based on the total concentration of the semi-quantitatively measured elements; for each of the semi-quantitatively measured elements, estimating signal strengths of the element and an interference component in the sample to be measured and based on the resultant estimates, estimating the concentration of the element; and, based on the estimated signal strengths of the elements and the interference components and the estimated concentrations of the elements, creating at least one mass spectrometry method including at least one of: (1) a plasma condition; (2) an internal standard to be added to the sample; (3) a tuning condition for the collision/reaction cell; (4) a mass-to-charge ratio used in the mass spectrometer; and (5) an integration time used in the mass spectrometer.
US09711337B2 Data dependent control of the intensity of ions separated in multiple dimensions
A method of mass spectrometry is disclosed comprising setting an attenuation factor of an attenuation device to a first value and then separating or filtering ions according to a first physico-chemical property and separating or filtering ions according to a second physico-chemical property and obtaining a multi-dimensional array of data. The most intense ion peak within one or more subsets of the multi-dimensional array of data is determined. If it is determined that the most intense ion peak would cause saturation of an ion detector or ion detection system then the method further comprises adjusting the attenuation factor of the attenuation device to a second value and obtaining mass spectral data wherein the adjustment of the attenuation factor substantially alters the intensity of all ions which are detected by the ion detector or ion detection system equally and irrespective of the mass to charge ratio of the ions. The intensity of the mass spectral data is then scaled based upon the degree to which the attenuation factor of the attenuation device was increased or reduced.
US09711336B2 Backing plate-integrated metal sputtering target and method of producing same
Provided is a backing plate-integrated metal sputtering target comprising a flange part that is formed integrally with a target of which periphery becomes a backing plate, wherein the flange part comprises a structure obtained by repeating partial forging. By increasing the mechanical strength of only the flange part of the target in a backing plate-integrated sputtering target as described above, it is possible to inhibit the deformation of the target during sputtering and a change in the conventional sputtering properties; thereby the formation of thin films having superior uniformity can be realized, and the yield and reliability of semiconductor products, which are being subject to further miniaturization and higher integration, can be improved.
US09711333B2 Non-planar radial-flow plasma treatment system
An atmospheric-pressure plasma treatment system includes a plasma source including at least one electrode, a gas in a gas chamber, and an AC power supply that supplies power to the at least one electrode to form a plasma in the gas. A radial-flow surface has a jet nozzle through which the gas flows and the radial-flow surface has a surface profile that conforms to a nonplanar treatment surface of an object. The radial-flow surface is separated from the nonplanar treatment surface by a gap that is less than 2 times a diameter of the jet nozzle so that the gas flows radially outward from the nozzle and between the radial-flow surface and the nonplanar treatment surface.
US09711328B2 Method of measuring vertical beam profile in an ion implantation system having a vertical beam angle device
An ion implantation system measurement system has a scan arm that rotates about an axis and a workpiece support to translate a workpiece through the ion beam. A first measurement component downstream of the scan arm provides a first signal from the ion beam. A second measurement component with a mask is coupled to the scan arm to provide a second signal from the ion beam with the rotation of the scan arm. The mask permits varying amounts of the ion radiation from the ion beam to enter a Faraday cup based on an angular orientation between the mask and the ion beam. A blocking plate selectively blocks the ion beam to the first faraday based on the rotation of the scan arm. A controller determines an angle and vertical size of the ion beam based on the first signal, second signal, and orientation between the mask and ion beam as the second measurement component rotates.
US09711326B1 Test structure for electron beam inspection and method for defect determination using electron beam inspection
A test structure for electron beam inspection and a method for defect determination using electron beam inspection are provided. The test structure for electron beam inspection includes a semiconductor substrate, at least two conductive regions disposed on the semiconductor substrate, a connection structure disposed on the two conductive regions, and a cap dielectric layer disposed on the connection structure. The method for defect determination using the electron beam inspection includes the following steps. An electron beam inspection is preformed to a test structure with an instant detector and a lock-in amplifier. Signals received by the detector within a period of time are amplified by the lock-in amplifier. A defect in the test structure is determined by monitoring the signals received by the detector and amplified by the lock-in amplifier. The inspection accuracy is improved by the test structure and the method for defect determination in the present invention.
US09711322B2 X-ray tube device
An X-ray tube device in one embodiment has an X-ray tube and a container storing the X-ray tube, filled with insulating oil, and having an X-ray emission window. The X-ray tube includes a cylindrical glass envelope holding an anode and a cathode opposite to each other and keeping them in vacuum, and an insulating tube fit over the glass envelope and having an X-ray transmission section. The insulating tube has a base section attached to the container. The base section defines a space communicating between the X-ray transmission section of the insulating tube and the X-ray emission window of the container, and has a container-side end fixed to the container in a liquid-tight manner.
US09711320B2 Emitter devices for use in X-ray tubes
An emitter device having an emission surface includes a plurality of ligaments configured to emit electrons in response to an applied electric field resulting from an applied electrical voltage. Further, the emitter device includes a plurality of slots configured to provide physical separation between two or more adjacently disposed ligaments of the plurality of ligaments, where one or more slots of the plurality of slots define an electrical path. Moreover, the emitter device includes a low work function layer disposed on at least a portion of a ligament of the plurality of ligaments.
US09711318B2 Ribbon beam ion source of arbitrary length
The invention is a unique and substantive improvement in ion source assemblies which is able to produce a ribbon-shaped ion beam having an arbitrarily chosen breadth dimension which is at least ten times greater [and often more than thirty times greater] than its thickness dimension, the breadth and thickness dimensions of the beam being normal (i.e., perpendicular) to the Z-axis direction of travel for the ion beam. In all its embodiments, the improved ion source will comprise not less than two discrete component parts: (i) A closed, solid wall, prism-shaped arc discharge chamber having limited width and depth dimensions, and which concurrently has an arbitrarily chosen and predetermined length dimension which can be as small as 80 millimeters and alternatively exceed 3,000 millimeters in size; and (ii) A primary electron trap assembly which comprises at least an adjacently located magnetic field generating yoke subassembly able to provide a discernible quadrupole magnetic field internally within a confined cavity volume existing within the measurable dimensions of the arc discharge chamber walls.
US09711313B2 Instant trip apparatus of molded case circuit breaker
The instant trip apparatus of the molded case circuit breaker includes a case, a magnet part disposed in the case to generate magnetic attractive force when accident current flows therethrough, an armature disposed to face the magnet part, the armature rotating to the magnet part by the magnetic attractive force, an armature spring for allowing the armature to elastically return to its original position when the magnetic attractive force is removed, and a gap maintenance part restricting the rotation of the armature so that a gap defined between the armature and the magnet part is maintained when the accident current occurs. The gap maintenance part includes a rotation restriction member that is disposed to be exposed to an armature rotation path between the armature and the magnet part. Thus, fusion between the armature and the magnet part due to the accident current occurs may be prevented.
US09711312B2 Method for controlling an electromagnetic contactor and electromagnetic contactor implementing such a method
The present invention relates to a control method for an electromagnetic contactor and an electromagnetic contactor implementing such a method, where the method includes supplying an electromagnet of the contactor with a pulse width modulation supply signal and having a nominal frequency, the method also including varying the period over at least part of the pulses of the modulation so as to reduce the conducted electromagnetic disruptions, the variation of the period being chosen such that the frequency of the supply signal remains comprised in a given frequency band including the nominal frequency.
US09711310B2 Electromagnetic relay
An electromagnetic relay includes a contact including a movable spring having a base end fixed to a bottom of a housing and a tip end provided with a movable contact, and a fixed spring having a base end fixed to the bottom of the housing and a tip end provided with a fixed contact. The movable contact is provided opposite to the fixed contact so as to come in contact with the fixed contact or move away therefrom. The housing has a protrusion protruding toward a side of the fixed contact opposite to a side facing the movable contact.
US09711308B2 Handheld deactivator with integrated thermal sensor
Systems (100) and methods (600) for controlling operations of a Handheld Scanning and Deactivation (“HSD”) device. The methods comprise: determining whether a human is located within a defined distance range of the HSD device; preventing first operations from being performed by the HSD device which cause a magnetic field to be generated, if it is determined that said human is located within the defined distance range of said HSD device; and initiating the first operations if it is determined that the human is not located within the defined distance range of the HSD device. The first operations comprise (1) interrogation operations for detecting a presence of an electronic article surveillance security tag and/or (2) deactivation operations for deactivating an electronic article surveillance security tag.
US09711307B2 Magnetically driven trip mechanism for an overload relay
In an overload relay, a tripping actuator 12 has a first magnet 18 and a moveable contact carrier 20 has a second magnet 28 mounted opposed to the first magnet. A moveable contact 22 on the moveable contact carrier is urged by repulsion between the magnets, to make a normally closed connection with a stationary contact 24, when the tripping actuator is in an ON position 15 and the contact carrier in a first stable position 26′. The magnets pass through an over-center tripping position (T) when the tripping actuator is moved to an OFF position 23 in response to an overcurrent condition sensed by a bimetallic thermal overload sensor 16. The magnets repel each other after passing through the over-center tripping position, to thereby urge the moveable contact into a second stable position 26, away from the stationary contact, to break the normally closed connection with the stationary contact.
US09711305B2 Multidirectional switch device
A multidirectional switch device includes an assembled structure of a plurality of members, which include a user-operable button, and a holder that supports the assembled structure. The multidirectional switch device also includes a set of axial recesses and a set of axial projections that define a pivot axis about which the button pivots relative to the holder. The pivot axis is arranged to allow the holder to cooperate with the assembled structure for operation of the button in multiple directions. The holder includes one of the set of axial recesses and the set of axial projections. One of the members of the assembled structure other than the button includes the other one of the set of axial recesses and the set of axial projections.
US09711302B2 Operating member with switching mat
An operating member including an actuating part movably mounted between a rest position and a switching position, a circuit board with an open contacting portion, a switching mat made of an elastic material disposed adjacent to the circuit board, and at least one contact pill formed on a side of the switching mat facing towards the circuit board, which cooperate in such a way that, in the switching position of the actuating part at the latest, the open contacting portion of the circuit board is closed by the contact pill, and where the switching mat moreover forms at least one tactile-feel dome which is associated with the contact pill, is elastically compressible by actuation of the actuating part in the direction of the switching position and which, in its initial position, defines a unilaterally open hollow volume in the switching mat, in order to cause a tactile feedback on the actuating part, where the contact pill is disposed outside the hollow volume defined by the tactile-feel dome.
US09711301B2 Keyboard illuminated switch circuit
Embodiments of the present invention provide a circuit structure that allows the use of a single sided Printed Circuit Board (PCB) with a mechanical key structure that has a light emitting element in the middle of the key structure. An LED with pins for protruding through a printed circuit board allows a layout only on the bottom side of the PCB. In one embodiment, the PCB includes at least one low ohm resister forming a bridge for a switch matrix conductor over a perpendicular switch matrix conductor.
US09711295B2 Dye-sensitized solar cell module and method of manufacturing the same
Disclosed is a dye-sensitized solar cell module and a method of manufacturing the same. More specifically a counter electrode has connection parts formed within the side surfaces of the transparent conductive substrates. Edges of the working electrode and the counter electrode are bonded with each other by a sealant along the outer peripheral except for at one or more portions of the edges to form an electrolyte injection port. An electrolyte is then injected through the electrolyte injection hole into a space between the working electrode and the counter electrode. The electrolyte injection hole is then sealed by a sealant.
US09711294B2 Tantalum capacitor and method of manufacturing the same
There are provided a tantalum capacitor having groove parts extended from a lower surface of a positive electrode terminal to an inner part of a wire connection part; and a method of manufacturing a tantalum capacitor, the method including: forming a wire connection part of a positive electrode terminal by applying pressure to a portion of a conductive metal plate upwardly from a bottom surface thereof.
US09711288B2 Composite electronic component and board for mounting the same
A composite electronic component may include: a composite body including a combination of a capacitor formed of a ceramic body including a plurality of dielectric layers and first and second internal electrodes disposed to face one another with the dielectric layers interposed therebetween, and an inductor formed of a magnetic body including a coil unit; a first external electrode formed on the first lateral surface of the ceramic body and electrically connected to the first internal electrodes and a second external electrode formed on the second lateral surface of the ceramic body and electrically connected to the second internal electrodes; third and fourth external electrodes formed on first and second end surfaces of the magnetic body and connected to the coil unit, and first and second dummy electrodes formed on first and second end surfaces of the magnetic body.
US09711286B2 Polymeric monolithic capacitor
Prismatic polymer monolithic capacitor structure operating at temperatures exceeding 140° C. and including multiple interleaving radiation-cured polymer dielectric layers and metal layers. Method for fabrication of same. The geometry of structure is judiciously chosen to increase sheet resistance of metal electrodes while reducing the capacitor's equivalent series resistance. Metal electrode layers are provided with a thickened peripheral portion to increase strength of terminating connections and are passivated to increase corrosion resistance. Materials for polymer dielectric layers are devised to ensure that the capacitor's dissipation factor remains substantially unchanged across the whole range of operating temperatures, to procure glass transition temperature that is no less than the desired operating temperature, and to optimize the absorption of ambient moisture by the polymeric layers.
US09711285B2 Capacitor with a center outer electrode disposed between first and second outer electrodes
A three terminal capacitor includes a capacitor element including first through sixth surfaces, first-side and second-side outer electrodes, a center outer electrode between the first-side and second-side outer electrodes, and conductor layers. The conductor layers include a pair of outermost conductor layers that are respectively nearest to the fifth and sixth surfaces, and thicknesses of the pair of outermost conductor layers are greater than a thickness of a center conductor layer nearest to a center of the capacitor element in a width direction.
US09711283B2 Thin film capacitor
A thin film capacitor includes: a laminated body in which a dielectric layer and an upper electrode layer are successively laminated on a base electrode; a protective layer that covers a part of the base electrode, the dielectric layer and the upper electrode layer and includes a through-hole respectively on the base electrode and on the upper electrode layer; and terminal electrodes that are electrically connected with the base electrode and the upper electrode layer through the through-holes of the protective layer. A modulus of longitudinal elasticity (Young's modulus) of the protective layer is 0.1 GPa to 2.0 GPa.
US09711280B2 Method for preparing rare earth sintered magnet
A rare earth sintered magnet is prepared from a corresponding alloy powder, using a mold comprising a die, an upper punch, and a lower punch which is divided into a plurality of punch segments which are independently movable within the die. The method comprises the steps of filling the mold cavity with the alloy powder when one or more selected punch segments are moved to a higher position than the remaining punch segments; moving the selected punch segments down to the position where the selected and remaining punch segments assume the normal shape of the lower punch during the compression step; compressing the alloy powder between the upper and lower punches under a magnetic field while the normal shape of the lower punch is maintained, for thereby molding a compact; and heat treating the compact.
US09711279B2 DC-DC converter assembly with an output inductor accommodating a power stage attached to a circuit board
A DC-DC converter assembly includes a board having a first side and a second side opposite the first side, a power stage die of a DC-DC converter attached to the first side of the board, and an output inductor electrically connected to an output of the power stage die and disposed over the power stage die on the first side of the board. The output inductor includes a magnetic core and an electrical conductor having first and second terminals attached to the first side of the board. The output inductor accommodates the power stage die under the magnetic core so that the power stage die is interposed between the magnetic core and the board. A corresponding method of manufacturing the DC-DC converter assembly and method of manufacturing the output inductor are also disclosed.
US09711278B2 Wireless power transmission system for free-position wireless charging of multiple devices
The present invention relates to a near-field wireless power transfer system capable of having a constant efficiency regardless of a charging position of a receiver by only using a simple impedance matching circuit without using a separate existing complex adaptive impedance matching circuit or control circuit, and simultaneously transmitting power without having difficulty with impedance matching even for wireless power transmission to a plurality of electronic devices by applying a wireless power transmitter with a transmitting coil having a structure to generate a uniform mutual inductance between the transmitting coil of the wireless power transmitter and a receiver coil of each of the plurality of electronic devices.
US09711276B2 Resonant transformer
Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to resonant transformers (or reactors) and coil arrangements associated with resonant transformers. The coil arrangements can include a grounding coil configured to generate a net-zero induced voltage between a first end of the grounding coil and a second end of the grounding coil layer, and one or more step-up coil layers formed by one or more layers of pressure tape, insulating materials, and wire wrapped to form coils about a portions of a split magnetic core. The split magnetic core can include a first core segment and a second core segment, where one of the core segments is disposed within a main housing and one of the core segments is disposed external to the main housing. A gap between the first and second core segments can be manipulated to control an inductance of the resonant transformer.
US09711274B2 Stationary induction apparatus
The invention provides a stationary induction apparatus excellent in core vibration damping, being capable of realizing reduction in core excitation-noise. The stationary induction apparatus according to the invention includes a core made up of plural of core-legs formed by lamination of electromagnetic steel sheets, and a core-yoke formed by lamination of electromagnetic steel sheets to join the plural core-legs together; a core-tightening clasp for tightening a joint between the core-yoke and the core-legs, in the direction of the lamination of the electromagnetic steel sheets, to be secured, a winding, a tank, and an insulating sheet disposed between the core-tightening clasp and the core-yoke. Further, a concave hollowed-out part or a notched part is provided on the insulating sheet, positioned at a joint between the core-yoke and the core-leg, and a vibration insulator is disposed in the concave hollowed-out part or the notched part.
US09711272B2 Printed circuit for wireless power transfer
Printed circuit includes a substrate body having a plurality of substrate layers stacked along a Z-axis. Each substrate layer is substantially planar and extends along an XY plane. The X-, Y-, and Z-axes are mutually perpendicular. The printed circuit also includes a Z-field coil that is coupled to the substrate body and has a conductive trace that is parallel to the XY plane. The printed circuit also includes an X-field coil having conductive trace segments that are coupled to the substrate body and parallel to the XY plane. The X-field coil includes conductive paths that extend substantially parallel to the Z-axis. The conductive paths interconnect the trace segments. The Z-field coil and the X-field coil are configured to generate respective vector components of a magnetic field or have a voltage induced therein by a magnetic field.
US09711271B2 Planar transformer
A planar transformer is provided, which comprises a plate-shaped conductor substrate with integrated primary winding, secondary winding and coupling winding. The conductor substrate has pairs of recesses, and a respective two-part ferromagnetic core having yoke legs is inserted through each pair of recesses. One leg of each core is surrounded by the primary winding or the secondary winding, while the coupling winding is looped around the remaining legs of the cores. At least a minimum total isolation separation distance made up of partial isolation separation distances between the coupling winding and adjacent yoke legs or adjacent windings is maintained for electrical isolation between the primary winding and the secondary winding.
US09711268B2 System and method for tailoring magnetic forces
A magnetic system described herein includes first and second magnetic structures that simultaneously produce repel forces and attract forces that combine to produce a composite force that can be an attract force, a repel force, or a force that transitions from an attract force to a repel force.
US09711266B2 Low density, highly porous nano structure
The present invention relates to nanostructures having low-density and porous coatings that surround or are associated with at least one core nanoparticles. The structures are capable of carrying or associating with at least one payload within or on the surface of the nanostructures so that the structures can be used in applications such as medical diagnosis or therapeutic treatment.
US09711265B2 Chip resistor and method for making the same
A chip resistor includes first and second electrodes spaced apart from each other, a resistor element arranged on the first and the second electrodes, a bonding layer provided between the resistor element and the two electrodes, and a plating layer electrically connected to the resistor element. The first electrode includes a flat outer side surface, and the resistor element includes a side surface facing in the direction in which the thirst and the second electrodes are spaced. The outer side surface of the first electrode is flush with the side surface of the resistor element. The plating layer covers at least a part of the outer side surface of the first electrode in a manner such that the covering portion of the plating layer extends from one vertical edge of the outer side surface to the other vertical edge.
US09711261B2 Compositions, methods, and devices providing shielding in communications cables
Compositions, devices, and methods for providing shielding communications cables are provided. In some embodiments, compositions including electrically conductive elements are disclosed. In other embodiments, cable separators, tapes, and nonwoven materials including various electrically conductive elements are disclosed.
US09711260B2 Heat shield for cables
A heat shield for use with cables in a nuclear environment can include a thermal insulator. The thermal insulator can have a low thermal conductivity and can be formed of a silica glass fiber material, an aerogel, or an aerogel-derived material. The heat shield can mitigate a 650° C. temperature spike caused by a severe accident condition. Cables including such heat shields can operate through a nuclear accident that causes an initial 650° C. temperature spike.
US09711259B2 Cable for medical instruments
The invention relates to an electrical cable (100) for exchanging communication signals between two devices, particularly a cable (100) that can be integrated into a catheter or a guidewire (5). The cable (100) comprises at least one pair (120, 130) of differential wires (D1+, D1−, D2+, D2−) that are, during operation, supplied with opposite voltages, thus defining a voltage-neutral plane (VNP) between them. Moreover, the cable (100) comprises at least one set (140) of single-ended wires (S11, S12; S21, S22; S31, S32) that is arranged symmetrically with respect to said voltage-neutral plane (VNP). Optionally a core wire (110) may be used for providing mechanical stability and additional electrical functionality. Electromagnetic disturbances from the differential wires to the single-ended wires (and vice versa) are minimized due to the particular arrangement of wires.
US09711257B2 Fluorinated elastomer composition and method for its production, molded product, cross-linked product, and covered electric wire
To provide a fluorinated elastomer composition which is excellent in flexibility, heat resistance and flame retardance, and a molded product, cross-linked product and covered electric wire, using such a fluorinated elastomer composition.A fluorinated elastomer composition comprising a tetrafluoroethylene/propylene copolymer (a), an ethylene/tetrafluoroethylene copolymer (b), an ethylene copolymer (c) containing epoxy groups and a flame retardant (d), wherein the mass ratio [(a)/(b)] of (a) to (b) is from 70/30 to 40/60, the mass ratio [(b)/(c)] of (b) to (c) is from 100/0.1 to 100/10, and the content of (d) is from 0.1 to 30 parts by mass per 100 parts by mass of the total content of (a), (b) and (c).
US09711254B2 Toroidal bending magnets for hadron therapy gantries
Toroidal superconducting magnets can be used as lightweight rotating bending magnets in hadron therapy gantries. The toroidal bending magnets are self-shielded and do not require ferromagnetic material for field modification or shielding, decreasing both the magnet system weight, as well as overall gantry weight. Achromatic magnet can be made by combining two of these bending magnets. The simple geometry may allow the use of higher fields, making it attractive for carbon, as well as proton.
US09711251B2 Apparatus and method for variable angle slant hole collimator
A variable angle slant hole (VASH) collimator for providing collimation of high energy photons such as gamma rays during radiological imaging of humans. The VASH collimator includes a stack of multiple collimator leaves and a means of quickly aligning each leaf to provide various projection angles. Rather than rotate the detector around the subject, the VASH collimator enables the detector to remain stationary while the projection angle of the collimator is varied for tomographic acquisition. High collimator efficiency is achieved by maintaining the leaves in accurate alignment through the various projection angles. Individual leaves include unique angled cuts to maintain a precise target collimation angle. Matching wedge blocks driven by two actuators with twin-lead screws accurately position each leaf in the stack resulting in the precise target collimation angle. A computer interface with the actuators enables precise control of the projection angle of the collimator.
US09711249B2 Method of immobilizing nuclear waste
Method of immobilizing nuclear waste comprising: a mixing step during which nuclear waste is mixed with a mineral composition and water, a drying step during which the mixture obtained in the mixing step is dried so as to form an immobilizing matrix, characterized in that the mineral composition is obtained by a manufacturing process that comprises the steps consisting of: preparation of a base comprising a predetermined quantity of a mineral material synthesized by at least one part of a living structure selected from the vegetable kingdom, animal kingdom and/or microorganisms; and treatment of said base so as to convert it into an inactivated material with a predefined texture.
US09711248B2 Binder and the use thereof for conditioning waste containing aluminium metal
The present invention relates to a binder composition comprising (i) a phospho-magnesium cement; (ii) a boron source; (iii) a lithium salt; and (iv) water and to its preparation method. The present invention also relates to the use of such a binder for confining wastes and notably nuclear wastes containing aluminum metal.
US09711242B2 Repair device
A repair device may be provided. The repair device may include a selection controller configured to control an upper select signal and a lower select signal in correspondence to a fail address and an upper signal and a lower signal which represent a failed region of each mat. The repair device may include a driving controller configured to selectively control a selection control signal in correspondence to the upper select signal and the lower select signal. The repair device may include a bank configured to selectively couple local input/output lines and a sensing circuit of a corresponding mat in correspondence to the selection control signal, and may replace and repair a failed cell of a normal mat with a dummy cell of an upper mat or a lower mat in correspondence to a column select signal.
US09711240B2 Memory system
According to one embodiment, a memory system includes a semiconductor memory and a memory controller. The memory controller writes a first data group in the semiconductor memory and then reads the first data group from the semiconductor memory. The memory controller counts a number of first data and a number of second data based on a comparison of a second data group with a third data group. The memory controller changes a first charge threshold based on the number of first data and the number of second data. The second data group is the first data group at the time of writing to the semiconductor memory. The third data group is the first data group read from the semiconductor memory. The first data is data changed from a first code to a second code. The second data is data changed from the second code to the first code.
US09711239B2 Data independent periodic calibration using per-pin VREF correction technique for single-ended signaling
A single-ended receiver includes an internal voltage generation circuit to set a first internal reference voltage (Vref). A model voltage generation circuit is configurable to receive an external reference voltage to be calibrated during an initial calibration. The model voltage generation circuit is configurable to track an offset value for voltage-temperature (VT) drift and the offset value is applied to the internal voltage generation circuit to calibrate the internal Vref during a periodic calibration of the single-ended receiver.
US09711238B2 Shift register, scan signal line driver circuit, display panel and display device
The purpose of the present invention is to reduce a circuit size of a shift register. A shift register of the present invention includes stages each including a holding circuit (11) and a clock output circuit (12). The clock output circuit (12) includes an output terminal (O) that outputs a signal having a high electric potential or a low electric potential, depending on at least one of outputs (Q) from the holding circuit (11) and on a second clock signal. The holding circuit (11) carries out a reset operation in accordance with a first clock signal supplied to a transistor (N1).
US09711237B2 Method and structure for reliable electrical fuse programming
A method of programming electrical fuses reliably is disclosed. If a programming current exceeds a critical current, disruptive mechanisms such as rupture, thermal runaway, decomposition, or melt, can be a dominant programming mechanism such that programming is not be very reliable. Advantageously, by controlled programming where programming current is maintained below the critical current, electromigration can be the sole programming mechanism and, as a result, programming can be deterministic and very reliable. In this method, fuses can be programmed in multiple shots with progressive resistance changes to determine a lower bound that all fuses can be programmed satisfactorily and an upper bound that at least one fuse can be determined failed. If programming within the lower and upper bounds, defects due to programming can be almost zero and, therefore, defects are essentially determined by pre-program defects.
US09711234B1 Non-volatile memory read/write disturb monitoring
A non-volatile memory has multi-level arrays of write-in place memory cells that are subject to change over time because of read and write disturbs. Disturb count counters of each read cell and each cell surrounding a written target cell are incremented by different scaling factors that reflect the effect of the disturbs on each such cell. Upon a counter reaching a predetermined threshold, a refresh of the cell is initiated.
US09711229B1 3D NAND with partial block erase
Systems and methods for performing a partial block erase operation on a portion of a memory array are described. The memory array may include a plurality of vertical NAND strings in which a first set of the plurality of vertical NAND strings are connected to a first drain-side select line, a second set of the plurality of vertical NAND strings are connected to a second drain-side select line, and both the first set and the second set of vertical NAND strings are connected to one or more shared word lines. In cases where a first vertical NAND string of the first set and a second vertical NAND string of the second set are both connected to selected bit lines and the same shared word line, selectivity of memory cells may be provided by applying different voltages to the first drain-side select line and the second drain-side select line.
US09711227B1 Non-volatile memory with in field failure prediction using leakage detection
To prevent data loss due to latent defects, a non-volatile memory system will use a leakage detection circuit to test for small amounts of leakage that indicate that the memory is susceptible to failure.
US09711224B2 Devices including memory arrays, row decoder circuitries and column decoder circuitries
Some embodiments include a device having an array of memory cells, a memory control unit at least partially under the array, row decoder circuitry in data communication with the memory control unit, and column decoder circuitry in data communication with the memory control unit. Some embodiments include a device having an array of memory cells, row decoder circuitry and column decoder circuitry. One of the row and column decoder circuitries is within a unit that extends at least partially under the array of memory cells and the other within a unit that is laterally outward of the array of memory cells.
US09711220B2 Duo content addressable memory (CAM) using a single CAM
Disclosed is a content addressable memory (CAM). The content addressable memory array includes a memory array and a data match module. The memory array includes multiple memory rows. Each memory row is configured to store a first data word and a second data word. The data match module includes a first match circuitry configured to compare a first match word to the first data word of a memory row, and to generate a first match output based on the comparison between the first match word and the first data word of the memory row. The data match module further includes a second match circuitry configured to compare a second match word to the second data word of the memory row, and to generate a second match output based on the comparison between the second match word and the second data word of the memory row.
US09711219B2 Storage device including magnetic elements
A storage device according to an embodiment includes: first and second magnetic elements each including: a reference layer connected to a third terminal; a first magnetic layer including first through third magnetic regions; a nonmagnetic layer; a second magnetic layer connected to a first terminal and the first magnetic region; and a third magnetic layer connected to a second terminal and the third magnetic region; a first inverter including a p-channel first transistor, an n-channel second transistor, a first input terminal connected to the second terminal of the second magnetic element, and a first output terminal connected to the first terminal of the first magnetic element; and a second inverter including a p-channel third transistor, an n-channel fourth transistor, a second input terminal connected to the second terminal of the first magnetic element, and a second output terminal connected to the first terminal of the second magnetic element.
US09711216B2 Semiconductor storage device
When writing ReRAM cells, it is pursued to set the cells in a sufficiently high or low resistance state, while preventing excessive writing. Disclosed is a semiconductor storage device including memory cells, each including a variable resistance element, and control circuitry that executes an Off writing process of applying Off writing pulse to a memory cell to turn it into high resistance state and an On writing process of applying On writing pulse to turn it into low resistance state. The control circuitry, when the memory cell is placed in low resistance state, after applying Off writing pulse, applies a reading pulse for a verify process of reading whether it is placed in high or low resistance state. If the memory cell is not placed in high resistance state as a result of the verify process, the control circuitry applies a reset pulse comprising On writing pulse, applies Off writing pulse with extended pulse width and executes the verify process in mentioned order.
US09711214B2 Methods, articles and devices for pulse adjustments to program a memory cell
Embodiments disclosed herein may relate to adjusting an aspect of a programming pulse for one or more memory cells, such as based at least in part on one or more detected programmed resistance values for the one or more memory cells.
US09711209B2 Three-dimensional wordline sharing memory
A semiconductor memory includes a first layer including at least a first memory cell, a second layer including at least a second memory cell, and a wordline shared by the first memory cell and the second memory cell. The first and second memory cells can be above or below the wordline and be coupled to different bit lines.
US09711198B1 Semiconductor device for control read or write operation using a bank address and system including the same
In accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure, a semiconductor device may be provided. The semiconductor device may semiconductor device may be configured to store a bank address applied to an active signal from among command signals, and may perform a read or a write operation using the stored bank address based on activation of a command signal.
US09711195B1 Semiconductor device
A semiconductor device may be provided. The semiconductor device may include a first chip and a second chip. The second chip may be configured to receive signals from the first chip to generate a latch address based on the received signals from the first chip.
US09711194B2 Circuits for and methods of controlling the operation of a hybrid memory system
A circuit for controlling the operation of a memory system having different types of memory is described. The circuit comprises a first memory having a first type of memory element and having a first access time; a second memory having a second type of memory element and having a second access time, wherein the second type of memory element is different than the first type of memory element; a memory control circuit enabling access to the first memory and the second memory; a delay buffer coupled to the second memory to compensate for a difference in the first access time and the second access time; and a circuit for merging outputs of the first memory and delayed outputs of the second memory to generate ordered output data. A method of controlling the operation of a memory system is also disclosed.
US09711192B2 Memory device having different data-size access modes for different power modes
A memory device that operates in a low-power operation mode includes a memory cell array, a page size changing circuit, and an encoding and decoding changing circuit. The page size changing circuit changes the number of data items prefetched in the memory cell array according to a power mode during a read operation. The encoding and decoding changing circuit changes a level of data written in the memory cell array according to the power mode during a read operation.
US09711191B2 Apparatus and methods to provide power management for memory devices
An apparatus, such as a nonvolatile solid-state memory device, may, in some implementations, include access line bias circuitry to set a bias level associated with a deselected access line(s) of a memory core in response to mode information. In one approach, access line bias circuitry may use linear down regulation to change a voltage level on deselected access lines of a memory core. A memory access device, such as a host processor, may be provided that is capable of dynamically setting a mode of operation of a memory core of a memory device in order to manage power consumption of the memory. Other apparatuses and methods are also provided.
US09711188B2 Vertical non-volatile memory device including plural word line stacks
A vertical non-volatile memory device includes a substrate, and a first stack of word lines and a second stack of word lines extending in a first direction on the substrate and separated from each other in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. The device further includes first array lines extending in the second direction on the first and the second stack, and connected to word lines of the first and the second stack through at least two of first via contacts in a same level. The device further include first word select lines being in a same level and extending in the first direction, and connected to each of the first array lines through at least one of second via contacts. Ends of each of the first and the second stack have a form of stairs on the substrate.
US09711187B1 Disk device and method of manufacturing disk device enclosure including laser welding a peripheral edge portion of a cover to a base of the enclosure
According to one embodiment, a disk device includes a rotatable disk-shaped recording medium, an actuator supporting a head to be movable with respect to the recording medium, and an enclosure includes a base accommodating the recording medium and the actuator, and a cover fixed to the base and includes a peripheral edge portion including a welded portion laser-welded to the base. The welded portion includes weld beads arranged along the entire peripheral edge portion of the cover, and the weld beads include at least two circular weld beads in the peripheral edge portion of the cover.
US09711185B2 System and method for creating and utilizing metadata regarding the structure of program content
Metadata is created in connection with an editing of a copy of a digital media for the purpose of generating a sample of the digital media, such as a ringtone generated from a song. The metadata is published and is retrievable for use in editing another copy of the digital media to automatically recreate the media sample.
US09711182B2 System and method for identifying and altering images in a digital video
A method of identifying distinctive objects or images within a digital video comprises the use of one or more pixel (pel) based “pattern” or “feature” recognition protocols.
US09711180B2 Systems, methods, and computer program products for automated real-time execution of live inserts of repurposed stored content distribution
A system, method, and computer program product for producing a show. In an embodiment, the invention is directed to a production system having a first production path, a second production path, and a control system that causes the first production path to generate a show in a first aspect ratio (4:3), and that causes the second production path to generate the same show in a second aspect ratio (16:9). In another embodiment, the invention is directed to producing a show from live material and from archived material. This aspect of the invention operates by producing a first show comprising a plurality of stories, segmenting the first show, and storing the show segments in an archive. Then, the invention produces a second show using live portions as well as show segments retrieved from the archive. The invention is also directed to a media manager that interacts with a server. In some cases, the server is integrated with the production system. The media manager automatically assigns channels/ports of the server when accessing material stored in the server.
US09711178B2 Local timeline editing for online content editing
Local timeline editing for online content editing is disclosed. Various systems and methods described herein provide for online content editing, wherein user-created content is created or modified at an online content editor server in accordance with a timeline (associated with the user-created content) that is modified at a remote content editor client and subsequently received by the online content editor server. In a specific implementation, the creation and modification operations performed on the user-created content are performed at the online content editor server in accordance with the timeline received from the remote content editor client. The timeline can comprise information defining content within the user-created content, and define a temporal property of the content within the user-created content. The remote content editor client can be a thin client instance utilizing limited resources during operation and requiring very limited network bandwidth when transferred to the client.
US09711177B1 Forward corrupted track detection and by-pass for shingled magnetic recording drives
Systems and methods for forward corrupted track detection and by-pass are described. In one embodiment, a storage system comprising a storage controller performs a read operation for a target track of a shingled magnetic recording (SMR) disk drive and detects a read operation failure of the read operation for the target track. The storage controller also performs a boundary track read operation on one or more tracks including or adjacent to the target track and detect a forward corruption area based on the boundary track read operation. In another embodiment, a method is provided that includes detecting a read operation failure of a read operation for a track of a disk drive and performing a boundary track read operation on one or more tracks including or adjacent to the target track. The method also includes detecting a forward corruption area based on the boundary track read operation.
US09711176B2 Multilayer optical information recording disk and method for manufacturing same
A multilayer optical information recording disk comprising a plurality of recording layers and intermediate layers provided between the plurality of recording layers, and a method for manufacturing the same are provided. At least one of two intermediate layers disposed adjacent to respective sides of one recording layer is made of adhesive. Each of the recording layers includes a polymer binder and a dye dispersed in the polymer binder or includes a polymer to which a dye is bonded. Each recording layer is configured such that the dye absorbs a recording beam and generates heat which deforms the recording layer, causing an interface between the recording layer and the intermediate layer made of adhesive to have a protrusive shape protruding into the intermediate layer, thereby recording information thereat. The interface between the recording layer and the recording layer made of adhesive has a groove for track-following servo control.
US09711175B2 Magnetic-disk substrate having a small waviness, for use as a magnetic disk, and a magnetic-disk drive device for use with the magnetic disk
When waviness having a wavelength component of 10 to 500 μm in the circumferential direction of a main surface of a disk-shaped substrate is acquired and slopes are acquired from the waviness at an interval of 50 to 100 μm, the substrate being used in a magnetic disk on which recording or reading is performed using a DFH head, an average value of absolute values of the slopes is 0.45×10−4 or less. This magnetic-disk substrate is used in a magnetic disk and a magnetic-disk drive device.
US09711168B1 Method for providing a magnetic recording write apparatus by predefining side shields
A method provides magnetic write apparatus. A side shield location layer having a location corresponding to the side shield(s) and back and side surfaces is provided. Part of the back surface corresponds to the back surface of the side shield. A nonmagnetic layer adjoining the back and side surface(s) of the side shield location layer is provided. A pole trench is formed in the layers using a first etch process. The nonmagnetic and side shield location layers have an etch selectivity of at least 0.9 and not more than 1.1 for the first etch. A pole is provided in the pole trench. A remaining portion of the side shield location layer is removed using a wet etch. The nonmagnetic layer is nonremovable by the wet etch. Side shield(s) having a back surface substantially the same as the back surface of the side shield location layer are provided.
US09711164B2 Noise cancellation method
An embodiment of the invention provides a noise cancellation method for an electronic device. The method comprises: receiving an audio signal; applying a Fast Fourier Transform operation on the audio signal to generate a sound spectrum; acquiring a first spectrum corresponding to a noise and a second spectrum corresponding to a human voice signal from the sound spectrum; estimating a center frequency according to the first spectrum and the second spectrum; and applying a high pass filtering operation to the sound spectrum according to the center frequency.
US09711163B2 Bi-directional in-line active audio filter
An audio filter for a breathing apparatus uses active filtering in a multi-wire system where one or more electrical conductors contain bi-directional signals using multiple stages of active isolation to separate direct current (DC) power, which is then used to bias an active filtering element. Using active signal conditioning or processing elements, the audio filter directionally separates the power and audio components to allow active conditioning or processing of the audio signal.
US09711161B2 Voice processing apparatus, voice processing method, and program
A voice processing apparatus includes a voice quality determining unit configured to determine a target speaker determining method used for a voice quality conversion in accordance with a determining method control value for instructing the target speaker determining method of determining a target speaker whose voice quality is targeted to the voice quality conversion, and determine the target speaker in accordance with the target speaker determining method.
US09711157B2 Audio encoder, audio decoder, methods for encoding and decoding an audio signal, and a computer program
An encoder for providing an audio stream on the basis of a transform-domain representation of an input audio signal includes a quantization error calculator configured to determine a multi-band quantization error over a plurality of frequency bands of the input audio signal for which separate band gain information is available. The encoder also includes an audio stream provider for providing the audio stream such that the audio stream includes information describing an audio content of the frequency bands and information describing the multi-band quantization error.A decoder for providing a decoded representation of an audio signal on the basis of an encoded audio stream representing spectral components of frequency bands of the audio signal includes a noise filler for introducing noise into spectral components of a plurality of frequency bands to which separate frequency band gain information is associated on the basis of a common multi-band noise intensity value.
US09711154B2 Adaptive transition frequency between noise fill and bandwidth extension
A method for spectrum recovery in spectral decoding of an audio signal, comprises obtaining of an initial set of spectral coefficients representing the audio signal, and determining a transition frequency. The transition frequency is adapted to a spectral content of the audio signal. Spectral holes in the initial set of spectral coefficients below the transition frequency are noise filled and the initial set of spectral coefficients are bandwidth extended above the transition frequency. Decoders and encoders being arranged for performing part of or the entire method are also illustrated.
US09711148B1 Dual model speaker identification
A processing system receives an audio signal encoding an utterance and determines that a first portion of the audio signal corresponds to a predefined phrase. The processing system accesses one or more text-dependent models associated with the predefined phrase and determines a first confidence based on the one or more text-dependent models associated with the predefined phrase, the first confidence corresponding to a first likelihood that a particular speaker spoke the utterance. The processing system determines a second confidence for a second portion of the audio signal using one or more text-independent models, the second confidence corresponding to a second likelihood that the particular speaker spoke the utterance. The processing system then determines that the particular speaker spoke the utterance based at least in part on the first confidence and the second confidence.
US09711146B1 Wireless system for social media management
A user may speak an audio input into a microphone of a recorder device (e.g., a sport helmet). The user device then transmits the audio input to a receiver. The receiver, upon receiving the audio input, routes the audio to a processor that processes the audio input to detect a spoken activation code. The processor then parses a subset of the audio input (e.g., the subset including one or more words) following the activation code and generates textual data based the parsed audio subset. The textual data may optionally be edited to replace one or more pre-identified catchphrases (e.g., swearwords or product names) with replacement phrases (e.g., swear censors) or hyperlinks (e.g., leading to product websites). The textual data is then transmitted to reader devices via transmitters, which may optionally transmit the textual data to a selective group of reader devices (e.g., stadium attendees).
US09711143B2 System and method for an integrated, multi-modal, multi-device natural language voice services environment
A system and method for an integrated, multi-modal, multi-device natural language voice services environment may be provided. In particular, the environment may include a plurality of voice-enabled devices each having intent determination capabilities for processing multi-modal natural language inputs in addition to knowledge of the intent determination capabilities of other devices in the environment. Further, the environment may be arranged in a centralized manner, a distributed peer-to-peer manner, or various combinations thereof. As such, the various devices may cooperate to determine intent of multi-modal natural language inputs, and commands, queries, or other requests may be routed to one or more of the devices best suited to take action in response thereto.
US09711142B2 Mobile terminal and controlling method thereof
A mobile terminal including a display; a proximity sensor configured to sense a predetermined action of a user; an audio output unit; and a controller configured to deactivate the display and enter the mobile terminal into a standby mode while maintaining the proximity sensor in an activated state, and in response to the proximity sensor sensing the predetermined action by the user, output audio data through the audio output unit while the display is deactivated corresponding to information collected about a previous event that occurred on the mobile terminal.
US09711141B2 Disambiguating heteronyms in speech synthesis
Systems and processes for disambiguating heteronyms in speech synthesis are provided. In one example process, a speech input containing a heteronym can be received from a user. The speech input can be processed using an automatic speech recognition system to determine a phonemic string corresponding to the heteronym as pronounced by the user in the speech input. A correct pronunciation of the heteronym can be determined based on at least one of the phonemic string or using an n-gram language model of the automatic speech recognition system. A dialogue response to the speech input can be generated where the dialogue response can include the heteronym. The dialogue response can be outputted as a speech output. The heteronym in the dialogue response can be pronounced in the speech output according to the correct pronunciation.
US09711139B2 Method for building language model, speech recognition method and electronic apparatus
A method for building a language model, a speech recognition method and an electronic apparatus are provided. The speech recognition method includes the following steps. Phonetic transcriptions of a speech signal are obtained from an acoustic model. Phonetic spellings matching the phonetic transcriptions are obtained according to the phonetic transcriptions and a syllable acoustic lexicon. According to the phonetic spellings, a plurality of text sequences and a plurality of text sequence probabilities are obtained from a language model. Each phonetic spelling is matched to a candidate sentence table; a word probability of each phonetic spelling matching a word in a sentence of the sentence table are obtained; and the word probabilities of the phonetic spellings are calculated so as to obtain the text sequence probabilities. The text sequence corresponding to a largest one of the sequence probabilities is selected as a recognition result of the speech signal.
US09711138B2 Method for building language model, speech recognition method and electronic apparatus
A method for building a language model, a speech recognition method and an electronic apparatus are provided. The speech recognition method includes the following steps. Phonetic transcriptions of a speech signal are obtained from an acoustic model. Phonetic spellings matching the phonetic transcriptions are obtained according to the phonetic transcriptions and a syllable acoustic lexicon. According to the phonetic spellings, a plurality of text sequences and a plurality of text sequence probabilities are obtained from a language model. Each phonetic spelling is matched to a candidate sentence table; a word probability of each phonetic spelling matching a word in a sentence of the sentence table are obtained; and the word probabilities of the phonetic spellings are calculated so as to obtain the text sequence probabilities. The text sequence corresponding to a largest one of the sequence probabilities is selected as a recognition result of the speech signal.
US09711137B2 Network-based background expert
A system and methodology that provides a network-based, e.g., cloud-based, background expert for predicting and/or accomplishing a user's goals is disclosed herein. Moreover, the system monitors, in the background, user generated data and/or publicly available data to determine and/or infer a user's goal, with or without an active indication/request from the user. Typically, the user-generated data can include user conversations, such as, but not limited to, speech data in a voice call, text messages, chat dialogs, etc. Further, the system identifies an action or task that facilitates accomplishment of the user goal in real-time. Moreover, the system can automatically perform the action/task and/or request user authorization prior to performing the action/task.
US09711134B2 Audio interface
Methods, systems, and apparatus are generally described for providing an audio interface. In some examples, first voice data of a first narrator and a second voice data of a second narrator are received and the second voice data is transformed by a voice transformation function. At least a part of a first text data is converted into a first synthesized voice data based, at least in part, on the first voice data and at least a part of a second text data is converted into a second synthesized voice data based, at least in part, on the transformed second voice data by applying a voice transformation function which maximizes a feature difference between the first voice data and the transformed second voice data. The first synthesized voice data and the second synthesized voice data are provided in parallel on a temporal axis via the voice interface system.
US09711123B2 Voice synthesis device, voice synthesis method, and recording medium having a voice synthesis program recorded thereon
Provided is a voice synthesis device, including: a voice synthesis information acquisition unit configured to acquire voice synthesis information for specifying a sound generating character; a replacement unit configured to replace at least a part of sound generating characters specified by the voice synthesis information with an alternative sound generating character different from the sound generating character; and a voice synthesis unit configured to execute a second synthesis process for generating a voice signal of an utterance sound obtained by the replacing.
US09711122B1 Acoustic stomp box percussion device
An acoustic stomp box percussion device includes a first chamber having a first area enclosed by a first frame constructed from four frame pieces, a first top plate coupled to the top of the first frame, and a first bottom plate coupled to the bottom of the first frame. Additionally, the acoustic stomp box percussion device includes a second chamber having a second area enclosed by a second frame constructed from four frame pieces, a second top plate coupled to the top of the second frame, and a second bottom plate coupled to the bottom of the second frame. Further, the first chamber and the second chamber are coupled together to form a chamber assembly, and the chamber assembly includes at least one sound modification hardware component and at least one electronic amplification component.
US09711119B2 Audio processing device, method of audio processing, storage medium, and electronic musical instrument
A delay time counter in a DSP cyclically counts a sampling clock from zero to a delay time sampling count and issues a delay time interrupt to a CPU each time the sampling clock count reaches the delay time sampling count. The CPU measures a time difference between each time the DSP issues the delay time interrupt and each time sequence clock interrupts occur a number of times corresponding to the delay time. Then, in order to reduce this time difference, the CPU increases or decreases a maximum count that is set to the sequence clock counter. Therefore, in the next delay process, the shift between the time by which the automatic performance is advanced by the CPU (which is equal to the delay time) and the timing of the delay process executed by the DSP (which is also equal in length to the delay time) will be corrected.
US09711117B2 Method and apparatus for recognising music symbols
Disclosed are music symbol recognition apparatuses and methods that recognise music symbols from handwritten music notations. Various implementations may process handwritten music notations by segmenting the handwritten music notations into a plurality of elementary ink segments and then grouping the segments into graphical objects based on spatial relationships between the segments. One or more candidate music symbols may be determined for each graphical object, along with a symbol cost for each symbol, which represents a likelihood that the graphical object belongs to a predetermined class of symbols. The music symbol candidates may be parsed to form graphs based on grammar rules, and the graph most likely to represent the handwritten music notations may be selected for display or other use. The selection may be based on the symbol costs associated with each candidate and on spatial costs associated with the grammar rules that are applied to the candidates.
US09711116B2 Expressive damper for a percussive instrument
The invention is a sound modification device used for a percussion instrument. It is comprised of a rigid clip that is spring-based to a closed position and an integrated dampening material, leather or plastic etc., that comes in contact with the vibrating surface. Once the clip is pulled apart it can be released to firmly attach over the hoop of any drum. The musician can choose the size or material of the dampening component to eliminate unwanted ring and or change the resonant note of the drum. The thickness of the dampening component can also be chosen by the drummer to increase or decrease the dampening characteristics.
US09711115B2 Capo with replaceable neck pads
The present invention is directed to a capo for use with a stringed musical instrument and which is engaged from the bottom portion of the neck of the musical instrument. The capo has a generally L-shaped frame connected to a lever and a pincher configured so that pressure applied to the lever causes the pincher to move toward the lever, allowing the space between the pincher and free end portion of the frame to receive the neck of the musical instrument. The exterior of the frame is configured to received interchangeable inlays, and the free end portion of the frame is configured to receive changeable neck pads.
US09711101B2 Analogy voltage source circuit and display apparatus
An analogy voltage source circuit and a display apparatus. The circuit comprises: a voltage input terminal, a DC-DC converting circuit, a voltage output terminal, a duty ratio control circuit and an output voltage sampling circuit, wherein the output voltage sampling circuit is configured to feed back magnitude of an output voltage to the duty ratio control circuit, and the duty ratio control circuit is configured to control the magnitude of the output voltage of the DC-DC converting circuit according to the feedback of the output voltage sampling circuit. The circuit further comprises: a voltage regulating circuit having an input terminal for inputting a voltage regulating signal and an output terminal connected to the output voltage sampling circuit. The voltage regulating circuit controls to increase or decrease the feedback of the output voltage sampling circuit according to the voltage regulating signal, such that the output voltage from the voltage output terminal increases or decreases. The analogy voltage source circuit and the display apparatus of the present disclosure are capable of regulating the voltage output from the analogy voltage source on a liquid crystal panel, so as to reduce the power consumption of the liquid crystal panel.
US09711097B2 Semiconductor integrated circuit configured to drive a liquid crystal display
An input buffer chooses, in accordance with first control clocks, to output an input data signal or output a high-impedance signal. A master flip-flop chooses, in accordance with second control clocks, to output a data signal received from the input buffer or retain a currently output data signal. A master-slave switch chooses, in accordance with the second control clocks, to output a high-impedance signal or output a data signal received from the master flip-flop. A slave flip-flop chooses, in accordance with the second control clocks, to retain a currently output data signal or output a data signal received from the master-slave switch. A clock buffer inputs the second control clocks, and generates and outputs the first control clocks.
US09711096B2 Systems and methods of managing metameric effects in narrowband primary display systems
Several embodiments of display systems that use narrowband emitters are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a display system comprises, for at least one primary color, a plurality of narrowband emitters distributed around the primary color point. The plurality of narrowband emitters provides a more regular power vs. spectral distribution in a desired band of frequencies.
US09711093B2 Light emitting device for image display, and image display device
The light emitting device is divided into a plurality of areas, and has, as main configuration elements, an area drive circuit (2), which generates LED data and LCD data, an LED controller (4), and a backlight unit (5), which is provided with a plurality of LEDs (52) corresponding to each of the areas. The power calculating unit of the LED controller (4) is mainly configured of a power calculating circuit (42), a power limiter circuit (43), and a limit value updating circuit (45), and the emission power to be supplied to each of the LEDs (52) is calculated for each are on the basis of image data. The power calculating unit performs the calculation such that the sum (Psum) of the emission power does not exceed a power limit value (Plimit) currently set, and updates the power limit value (Plimit) by following a previously set pattern.
US09711092B2 Display device and method for driving same
Provided is a driving method whereby it is possible to simultaneously compensate for both degradation of a drive transistor and degradation of a light-emitting element without causing special light emission at the time of detecting characteristics in a display device. In a display device which includes a pixel circuit including an electro-optic element and a drive transistor, a driving method includes: a first characteristic detection step for detecting a characteristic of the drive transistor; a second characteristic detection step for detecting a characteristic of the electro-optic element; a correction data storage step for storing characteristic data obtained based on detection results in the first and second characteristic detection steps as correction data; and a video signal correction step for correcting the video signal based on the correction data. The second characteristic detection step is performed in a light emission period.
US09711091B2 3D display method and display device
The present disclosure discloses a 3D display method and a display device, relates to the field of display technologies, and can improve the 3D display effects of a Vertical Alignment (VA) liquid crystal display. The 3D display method comprises the steps of: acquiring effective grayscale of an image to be displayed; acquiring compensation data for brightness of the image to be displayed based on the effective grayscale thereof; and driving, during display of the image, a backlight source based on the compensation data for brightness, so as to compensate for brightness of the image to be displayed. The 3D display method is especially suitable for a VA display device. The present disclosure can be used in a display device, such as a liquid crystal television, a liquid crystal display, a mobile phone, a tablet personal computer, etc.
US09711088B2 Display device
A display device includes a display panel and a scan driver including transistors formed in a non-display area of the display panel. A compensation voltage is supplied to the scan driver through a compensation gate electrode included in at least one transistor of the scan driver. Namely, the at least one transistor includes a gate electrode, to which a signal or a voltage for activating a channel is supplied, and the compensation gate electrode, to which the compensation voltage for recovering a threshold voltage is supplied.
US09711085B2 Pixel circuit having a testing module, organic light emitting display panel and display apparatus
Disclosed are a pixel circuit, an organic light emitting display panel and a display apparatus. The pixel circuit comprises a light emitting device (01), a charging module (02), a driving module (03), and a testing module (04) having a control terminal connected to a test signal terminal (TEST) for providing a test signal switching between a displaying period of time and a testing period of time, a second input terminal (a2) connected to an output terminal of the light emitting device (01), and a third output terminal (b3) connected to a second reference signal terminal (Ref2). Through the pixel circuit, a current signal for driving the light emitting device (01) to emit light can reach the uniformity standard so that display luminance of pixels is uniform and quality of a display picture is ensured.
US09711083B2 Organic light-emitting display apparatus
A display apparatus includes a plurality of sub-pixel groups. At least one of the sub-pixel groups includes a plurality of first sub-pixels to emit a first color of light, a plurality of second sub-pixels to emit a second color of light, and a dummy pixel between the first sub-pixels and the second sub-pixels. A first dummy driving transistor is connectable to one of the first sub-pixels and a second dummy driving transistor is connectable to one of the second sub-pixels.
US09711079B2 Shift register pulling control signals according to display mode
A shift register includes a first voltage stabilizing unit, a second voltage stabilizing unit, a main pull-down unit and a main pull-up unit. The first voltage stabilizing unit is used to pull a first driving control signal to a low voltage terminal when a first stabilizing control signal is high. The second voltage stabilizing unit is used to pull the first driving control signal to the low voltage terminal when a second stabilizing control signal is high. The main pull-down unit includes a first sub-pull-down unit controlled by a second gate-terminal signal for pulling down the first driving control signal to the low voltage terminal during a first display mode, and a second sub-pull-down unit controlled by a third gate-terminal signal for pulling down the first driving control signal to the low voltage terminal during a second display mode. The main pull-up unit is used for pulling up a first gate-terminal signal.
US09711076B2 Display device
A display device can include a display panel having first and second panel blocks, a switching element that selectively connects a first data line formed in the first panel block and a second data line formed in the second panel block, a gate driver that feeds a gate pulse to gate lines formed in the first and second panel blocks, a first data driver that feeds a data voltage to the first data line, a second data driver that feeds a data voltage to the second data line, and a dimming-proof part that controls the operation timing of the switching element.
US09711074B2 Apparatus and method for preventing image display defects in a display device
An apparatus and a method that quickly detect an error that may occur due to an external noise occurrence during display of image data on a screen of an image display device, and that control a strobe signal output to prevent a screen defect from being displayed on the display device screen.
US09711073B2 Display panel and method and system for correcting defects on the display panel
A system for correcting defects on a display panel includes: a signal supplier configured to supply a test signal corresponding to each of a first reference gray level, a second reference gray level, and a third reference gray level to the display panel; a luminance calculator configured to capture an image for each reference gray level displayed on the display panel in response to the test signal and to calculate luminance distribution data of the display panel for each reference gray level; and a correction data calculator configured to calculate correction data based on the luminance distribution data for each reference gray level, wherein the first, second, and third reference gray levels have different gray values, the third reference gray level corresponds to a maximum gray value of gray data input to the display panel, and the correction data increases the maximum gray value of the input gray data.
US09711072B1 Display apparatus and method of displaying using focus and context displays
Disclosed is a display apparatus comprising at least one context display for rendering a context image, at least one focus display for rendering a focus image, and at least one optical combiner for combining the projection of the rendered context image with the projection of the rendered focus image to create a visual scene. An angular width of a projection of the rendered context image ranges from 40 degrees to 220 degrees. An angular width of a projection of the rendered focus image ranges from 5 degrees to 60 degrees.
US09711070B2 Illuminated signage
An illuminated signage includes a light source, a first light transmissive element having first facial features on it and being in a fixed position to convey a fixed message, and a second light transmissive element having second facial features and being in a moveable position relative to the fixed position of the first light transmissive element, to convey a variable message.
US09711069B2 Freestanding display
A freestanding display system includes a weighted base removably and replaceably coupled to a relatively lightweight top portion bearing display surfaces. Because of the shape of the freestanding display and the significant weight differential between the weighted base and the top display portion, the center of mass for the freestanding display may be disposed within its volume such that the freestanding display resists tipping over when subjected to substantial tilt angles, while advantageously facilitating easy disassembly and transportation for deployment at tradeshows or similar temporary venues.
US09711068B2 Warning sign
A warning sign for attachment to a load bearing wall in a building, the wall having an inner supporting structure covered with an outer layer. The sign is mountable on the supporting structure of the wall before the structure is covered with the outer layer of material so that the sign is not normally visible. The sign becomes visible only on removal of the outer layer such as during renovation. The sign has a message on its side facing outwardly from the structure, when the sign is attached to the structure, to warn a person viewing the sign when the sign is visible. The message warns the viewer that the wall is a load bearing wall and that the removal of the wall could have dangerous consequences.The invention is also directed toward a load bearing wall incorporating the sign and the use of the sign in a load bearing wall.
US09711064B2 Systems and methods for calculating text difficulty
Disclosed are systems, methods, and products for language learning that automatically extracts keywords from resources using various natural-language processing product features, which can be combined with custom-designed learning activities to offer a needs-based, adaptive learning methodology. The system may receive resources having text and then determine a text difficulty score that predicts how difficult the resource is for language learners based on any number of factors, including any number of semantic and syntactic features of the text. Training resources labeled with metadata may be used to train a statistical model for determining difficulty scores of newly received text. Resources may be grouped based on difficulty score, and groups of resources may correspond to language learners' proficiency levels.
US09711063B2 Methods and devices for intraoral tactile feedback
The present invention is directed to methods and devices for teaching the proper configuration of the oral articulators, particularly the tongue, corresponding to particular speech sounds by providing intraoral tactile feedback. Intraoral tactile feedback is achieved by placing nodes in the oral cavity of the patient in locations corresponding to the proper lingual position required to produce a target sound. These nodes facilitate identification of the appropriate lingual position corresponding to a target speech sound by providing tactile differentiation when the target sound is properly produced.
US09711061B2 Multi-purpose exercise apparatus for improving sports coordination
Provided herein is a multi-purpose exercise apparatus for improving sports coordination with which a user may sense stimuli from inside and outside one's body and at the same time operate one's body functions so as to adapt to the given circumstances using body muscles when playing a football, volleyball, handball, tennis, table tennis game and the like, thereby improving abilities of adjusting one's body parts such as the user's correct posture, balance, timing, flexibility, agility and the like, especially, significantly improving the ball control technique, body senses, and judgment ability of ball game players or sports participants.
US09711060B1 Biometric sensor ring for continuous wear mobile data applications
A biometric sensing apparatus for estimating the emotional state of a user. A self-contained biometric sensing ring is worn on the finger (or fingers) of the user during their normal activities. Biometric information is collected and sent wirelessly to the user's mobile device configured with application programming for analyzing and displaying the biometric information. The biometric ring is configured with sensors that the structure of the ring retains at a proper pressure against the finger of the user. The sensors comprise at least electrodermal response (EDR), photoplethysmograph (PPG), temperature, and acceleration. The ring has a self-contained power source, and is configured for adjustably fitting a wide range of users.
US09711059B2 Motion platform device for flight simulation
A motion platform device for flight simulation comprises: a base frame, a moving platform, which is spaced apart from said base frame and which has a user position surface opposing to the base frame, and a number of mounts connected to the base frame and connected with the moving platform, wherein the mounts are adapted to allow a relative movement of the user position surface, especially pivoting around a central point in three directions. The user is lying on the surface and actuates the flying movement through lateral inner wings and/or lateral outer wings.
US09711057B2 Question setting apparatus and method
A question setting apparatus is disclosed, including a processor and a storage part. The storage stores problem information which maintains problem data including a problem and a correct answer of the problem included in a test sent to students, and student answer information which maintains answer data and a correct/incorrect answer determination result for each of the students. The processor processes test operations of referring to the problem information, sending the problem data to the student terminals, receiving the answer data from the student terminals in a given time for the test, and recording the answer data in the student answer information. The processor processes a progress display. A progress state is displayed in the given time and indicates an answer state of the problem data based on the correct/incorrect answer determination result. A display instruction is sent to the student terminals to stop the test.
US09711056B1 Apparatus, method, and system of building and processing personal emotion-based computer readable cognitive sensory memory and cognitive insights for enhancing memorization and decision making skills
A personal emotion-based cognitive assistant system includes one or more components which may be worn by a user as a headset, one or more sensors that capture an emotional state of the user, a processor that identifies personal meaning of an environment of the user based on the captured emotional state, and a memory that stores the identified personalized meaning with data about the environment in different areas of the memory based on the identified personal meaning.
US09711055B2 Flight management mode transitioning for aircraft trajectory management
This disclosure is directed to systems and methods for smart transitioning between aircraft trajectory management modes. In one example, a system is configured to track a speed of a target aircraft in flight ahead of an own aircraft on which the system is positioned. The system is further configured to determine whether the target aircraft has maintained a rate of change in speed within a selected range of variation in change of speed, for a selected period of time. The system is further configured to enable an activation of a merging trajectory management mode of the own aircraft in response to determining that the own aircraft is in a trajectory management mode transition airspace and that the target aircraft has maintained the rate of change in speed within the selected range of variation in change of speed, for the selected period of time.
US09711050B2 Smart vehicle
A smart vehicle can be operated by generating a 3D model of a sensor's field of view; receiving information from neighboring vehicles to compensate for blindspots in the sensor's field of view and in a driver's field of view; receiving traffic information, weather information; adjusting one or more characteristics of the plurality of 3D models based on the received traffic and weather information and blindspot information; aggregating the plurality of 3D models to generate a comprehensive 3D model; and combining the comprehensive 3D model with detailed map information; and using the combined comprehensive 3D model with detailed map information to maneuver the vehicle.
US09711049B2 Collision probability determination apparatus and program
A collision probability determination apparatus includes a specifying means for specifying target positions on an X-Y plane, a calculation means for calculating a target path and calculating a predicted arrival position of the target on an X-axis, a determination means for determining probability of a collision between the vehicle and the target based on the predicted arrival position; and a calculation origin changing means for defining the target position specified last time as a last specified value, and defining the target position specified this time as a current specified value, and for, when detecting that the target path, whose end point is the last specified value, is a straight line and then if a difference value between X-coordinates of the last specified value and the current specified value exceeds a predetermined threshold, changing a calculation origin of the target path to the last specified value or the current specified value.
US09711043B2 Infra-red wireless communication
An infrared signal generator with an interface for receiving an encoded infrared command; and protocol generation circuitry for generating a bitstream that comprises one or more data words that comprise data to be transmitted and one or more protocol words that describe symbols of an infrared protocol is presented. Optionally, the protocol generation circuitry comprises a first circuit for generating a data word and a second circuit for generating a protocol word. Optionally, the infrared signal generator comprises a carrier frequency generator which is selectively combined with the output of either the first circuit or the second circuit to provide a drive signal for an infrared transmitter.
US09711040B2 Wireless control terminal, wireless control apparatus for controlling control target, and emergency stop control program
In a wireless control terminal configured to control a control target connected to a control apparatus by working in cooperation with a wireless assistant terminal capable of transmitting a predetermined control instruction for controlling the control target to the control apparatus by using a predetermined control wireless scheme with supply of power from a battery included in the wireless assistant terminal, a wireless control terminal-side battery is provided within the wireless control terminal so as to supply driving power required for control regarding emergency stop of the control target performed with a predetermined wireless scheme of the wireless control terminal. At least remaining storage power information regarding a remaining amount of storage power in the wireless control terminal-side battery is output to a notification apparatus provided in the wireless control terminal or the wireless assistant terminal.
US09711039B2 Increasing radio frequency power of activation messages by adding dead time
A trainable transceiver for controlling a remote device includes a transceiver circuit, a user input device, and a control circuit. The transceiver circuit is configured to receive a first activation signal from an original transmitter and configured to transmit a second activation signal. The control circuit is coupled to the transceiver circuit and the user input device. The control circuit is configured to format and transmit the second activation signal, based on the first activation signal, in response to a user input received at the user input device. The control circuit is configured to reduce a duty cycle of the second activation signal relative to the first activation signal and increase a radio frequency power of the second activation signal relative to the first activation signal, while maintaining, for the second activation signal, an average radio frequency power over a predetermined amount of time below a predetermined limit.
US09711038B1 System and method for field monitoring of stationary assets
A wireless sensor network including a number of wireless modules for monitoring sensors associated with stationary assets. A wireless module includes a wireless transceiver, a processor, a location acquisition unit, configured to acquire a location item identifying a location of the wireless module, and a memory.
US09711036B2 Leveraging neighborhood to handle potential visitor at a smart-home
This patent specification relates to apparatus, systems, methods, and related computer program products for providing home security/smart home objectives. More particularly, this patent specification relates to a plurality of devices, including intelligent, multi-sensing, network-connected devices, that communicate with each other and/or with a central server or a cloud-computing system to provide any of a variety of useful home security/smart home objectives.
US09711035B2 Systems and methods for reporting visibility to ground based imaging
A user's vulnerability to ground based imaging may be reported to the user. A positioning subsystem may determine a location of the user. A camera detection subsystem may determine a location of an imaging system able to view the user. A visibility determination subsystem may determine a visibility vulnerability of the user to imaging by the imaging system based on the location of the user and the location of the imaging system. The vulnerability may be determined based on an image quality capturable by the imaging system of the user, such as a spatial resolution. An output subsystem may report the visibility vulnerability to the user. The subsystems may be included in a mobile communication device or a server or may be split among the device and/or server. The output subsystem may deliver the report over a communication network and/or may display a visual representation of the report.
US09711032B1 Electrical device and methods of making and using the device
An electrical device, processes for using and making the device, and products produced thereby. There can be an alarm device and an extension which includes a protrusion. The extension can have wiring, and the alarm device can detect for a change in electricity running through the wiring, such as a change that would occur when the electricity is interrupted when the wiring is cut. The protrusion is located adjacent to the extension, distant from the alarm device, and can include a key, switch, connector, or the like. The protrusion, in some cases, can be releasably connectable to a housing that is in turn connected to the extension, so as to form a loop in which an item can be secured for protection, e.g., from theft.
US09711030B2 Electronic device for providing content according to user's posture and content providing method thereof
An electronic device includes a camera configured to capture an image of a user which is watching the electronic device; a controller configured to obtain information regarding a posture of the user based on the captured image, determine whether the posture of the user is acceptable based on the obtained information regarding the posture of the user; and a display configured to display posture correcting content based on a result of the determination.
US09711028B1 Electrical warning system for a step ladder
A warning circuit for use on ladders includes a first sensor responsive to the placement of a first of a user's feet thereon and a second sensor responsive to the placement of a second of the user's feet thereon. The second sensor is electrically connected in series to the first sensor, and a relay is electrically connected in series to one of the first and second sensors. A power source has a power output terminal electrically connected in series to the other of the sensors connected in series. A sound device is electrically connected to a load output of the relay and to the power source. The load output of the relay is energized only when the first sensor is activated prior to activation of the second sensor whereupon the load output then energizes the sound device.
US09711027B2 Suggesting adjustments to a helmet based on analysis of play
Embodiments include method, systems and computer program products for suggesting adjustments to an adjustable helmet based on analysis of play. Aspects include monitoring a plurality of sensors in the adjustable helmet and performing an analysis of play for a user of the adjustable helmet based on data received from the plurality of sensors. Aspects also include determining if an adjustment to the adjustable helmet should be made based on the analysis of play and creating an alert indicating that an adjustment to the helmet is needed.
US09711026B2 Footwear arrangement with battery and anti-theft protection
A footwear arrangement including a wireless interface device capable of sending input signals and receiving output signals to a first shoe having a primary controller. The primary controller sends signals to the second shoe, which has a slave controller that is controller that is controlled by signals from the primary controller.
US09711023B2 Lockdown apparatus for initiation of lockdown procedures at a facility during an emergency with an override actuator to override lockdown communication to facility occupants
Some embodiments are directed to a lockdown apparatus for facilitating initiation of lockdown procedures at a facility. The lockdown apparatus can include an actuator configured to transmit a lockdown initiation signal upon being actuated. The actuator can be configured to be recognizably distinguishable from a fire alarm actuator. The lockdown apparatus can also include a lockdown communicator configured to produce a lockdown communication for communicating initiation of lockdown procedures to the facility occupants and individuals not disposed proximate the facility upon transmission of the lockdown initiation signal, the lockdown communication being recognizably distinguishable from the fire alarm communication.
US09711022B2 Lockdown apparatus for initiation of lockdown procedures at a facility during an emergency having a display for still or video images
Some embodiments are directed to a lockdown apparatus for facilitating initiation of lockdown procedures at a facility. The lockdown apparatus can include an actuator configured to transmit a lockdown initiation signal upon being actuated. The actuator can be configured to be recognizably distinguishable from a fire alarm actuator. The lockdown apparatus can also include a lockdown communicator configured to produce a lockdown communication for communicating initiation of lockdown procedures to the facility occupants and individuals not disposed proximate the facility upon transmission of the lockdown initiation signal, the lockdown communication being recognizably distinguishable from the fire alarm communication.
US09711021B2 Article management system
In conventional article management systems, a problem has been presented in that the degree of control over how articles are managed has not been adequate. An article management system having: a line constituted by an open-type transfer line; a distribution area in which articles to be managed are placed, the articles to be managed being placed in the distribution area; an RF tag provided with a tag transmission unit for electromagnetic coupling with the line of the distribution area for the articles to be managed; a signal communication unit provided to the line; an antenna for electromagnetic coupling with the signal communication unit; and an RFID reader for sending out the transmission signal to the line via the antenna, and receiving a response signal output by the tag transmission unit via the line. Any variations in the operating characteristics of the tag transmission unit caused by the articles to be managed are detected as a result of variations in the intensity or phase of the signal reflected from the RF tag, whereby the presence of an article to be managed is detected.
US09711018B2 Passive infra red detector
A passive infra red detector comprises a plurality of passive infra red sensors (4, 5) and a lens member (2) arranged to direct radiation from a target area onto the sensors. The lens member (2) forms a substantially hemispherical dome about the infra red sensors (4, 5). The dome has a central axis and a plurality of contiguous facets (2a-2g) distributed about the central axis. Each facet has a flat outer surface and an inner surface that forms a lens to direct radiation onto the sensors. The detector further comprises a first passive infra red sensor (4) aligned with the central axis of the dome and having a sensitive surface substantially normal to the central axis, and a plurality of second passive infra red sensors (5) distributed about the central axis of the dome. The second passive infra red sensors (5) are inclined such that the outward normal from the sensitive surface of each second passive infra red sensor (5) makes an acute angle with the outward direction of the central axis. The detector is capable of detecting movement of people within a wide region from a significant height above that region.
US09711016B2 Hazard detection assembly
A hazard detection assembly includes a lamp that may be positioned on a support surface. A smoke alert is movably coupled to the lamp. The smoke alert is selectively extended from the lamp such that the smoke alert may detect smoke. The smoke alert issues an audible alarm when the smoke alert detects the smoke. A security alert is coupled to the lamp and the security alert detects motion. The security alert issues an audible alarm when the security alert detects the motion. A control is coupled to the lamp and the control may be manipulated. The control is electrically coupled to the smoke alert and the security alert such that the control controls operational parameters of the smoke alert and the security alert. A remote control is in electrical communication with security alert such that the remote control controls operational parameters of the security alert.
US09711013B1 Automated teller machine for processing debit card transactions and method therefor
An automated teller machine is provided for processing a cash withdrawal request from a person having a payment card. The automated teller machine includes a microprocessor, a display connected to the microprocessor for displaying information thereon, an input device connected to the microprocessor for receiving an input from the person, and a card reader connected to the microprocessor for reading at least a card number, including a bank identifier, of the payment card presented by the person. The automated teller machine also includes a dispenser connected to the microprocessor for dispensing cash therefrom, at least one memory connected to the microprocessor for access by the microprocessor, and a plurality of bank identification numbers stored in the at least one memory. Each of the bank identification numbers is different from every other one of the bank identification numbers. The microprocessor is configured to receive the card number from the card reader, to compare the bank identifier of the card number to at least one of the plurality of bank identification numbers stored in the at least one memory, and to process the cash withdrawal request made by the person depending on whether there is a match between the bank identifier of the payment card and one of the plurality of bank identification numbers.
US09711008B2 Game system, control method for game system, game control device, control method for game control device, and information storage medium
A game system executes a game for a plurality of users to participate in. A role assigning unit assigns a role in a game to a user. An evaluation unit evaluates a game play of the user in the game, based on an evaluation criterion that is set based on a role assigned to the user by the assigning unit. A limiting unit limits a number of users, other than the user, who are able to participate in the game, based on an evaluation result by the evaluation unit on a game play of the user in a game in the past.
US09711004B1 Credit wagering system and method of use
A managed credit system and method for managing and processing various types of credits is disclosed. The managed credit system can provide various options for processing cashable credits, restricted credits, and managed credits. Wager account balances can be paid down automatically prior to the disbursement of cash in exchange for managed credits. Cash submissions during wager account sessions can be detected and processed by converting the cash submission to managed credits. Wager account advance requests can be detected during cash game sessions. Managed credits can be converted to cashable credits. Different types of casino credit can be tracked using different meters. Varying disbursement and conversion rules can be applied to different types of credit. Game credit accounts with mixed credit types that include managed credits can be wagered in a fixed order while accommodating cash submissions.
US09711003B2 User-initiated location determination for a location-based gaming system
A system for providing access to casino gaming and sports booking is provided which permits a gambler to place wagers using a location based mobile gaming unit. The gambler may access the system through a wireless network. Further, the gambler may be positioned anywhere there is an established local gaming server. A gambler profile may be provided wireless access to the local server along with the games available in the local server jurisdiction based on a global positioning of the mobile gaming unit.
US09711000B2 Method of gaming, a gaming system and a game controller
A gaming system, game controller and method of gaming implementing a game wherein one or more symbols are selected to be retained from a previous game outcome based on symbols which contribute to a winning symbol combination in the game outcome. One or more subsequent game outcomes can be generated including the retained symbols. The retained symbols from a previous game outcome can be selected from symbols which contribute to a winning symbols combination in the previous game outcome. In the subsequent game outcome, the retained symbols can contribute to further winning symbol combinations.
US09710998B2 Gaming system and method providing a slot game including a partial reel re-spin feature
The present disclosure provides a gaming system and method providing a slot game including a partial reel re-spin feature. Generally, for a play of the slot game in various embodiments, the gaming system displays a randomly determined plurality of symbols of a first set of symbols at a plurality of symbol display areas and makes an award determination based on the displayed symbols. Upon an occurrence of a triggering event, such as the display of a triggering symbol, the gaming system selects a designated set of a plurality of the symbol display areas and replaces the symbols of the first set of symbols displayed at the symbol display areas of the designated set with symbols from a second set of symbols, which may be the same as or different than the first set of symbols. The gaming system makes another award determination based on the displayed symbols.
US09710995B2 Methods and systems for playing Sic Bo jackpot
A method with the steps of: playing a Sic Bo felt table game according to a set of conventional rules, allowing at least a first player to place a bet on the Sic Bo felt table game, allowing at least a second player to place a bet on the jackpot at a betting terminal where the second player can be the same as or different from the first player, determining the outcome of the Sic Bo felt table game according to a set of conventional casino game rules including a Sic Bo payout, and determining, by the betting terminal, the outcome of the jackpot according to a combination of dice thrown in the Sic Bo felt table game, and a separate jackpot wager bet that is only accepted at at least one live table game contributing to one jackpot pool having a jackpot pool payout.
US09710994B2 Tablet cassette for tablet feeder
A tablet cassette is conveniently available for irregularly shaped or halved tablets as with regularly shaped tablets. The tablet cassette includes a fall prevention mechanism configured to prevent extra tablets from falling down into an outlet port. The fall prevention mechanism has a round belt disposed upwardly of the outlet port and at a position higher than partition portions. The fall prevention mechanism is configured to prevent extra tablets from falling such that the extra tablets locating on or above or protruding from one of the tablet receiving portions, which comes closest to the outlet port by rotation of the rotor, are pushed toward the rotor by a repulsive force generated by deformation of the round belt as caused when the extra tablets abut on the round belt.
US09710989B2 Automatic teller machine
An automatic teller machine includes a guide, shafts and rollers. The guide extends in a conveyance direction along which papers are conveyed and includes a conveyance surface on which the papers are conveyed. The shafts are retained in the guide, and the rollers are turnably supported by the shafts. The guide includes a roller slot in which the rollers are disposed, and pairs of shaft slots that are opposingly formed to sandwich the roller slot. Each pair of shaft slots retains two ends of one of the shafts. The guide may include protrusion portions in the shaft slots that protrude in a direction orthogonal to the conveyance surface, and the shafts may include holes through which the protrusion portions are inserted when the shafts are retained in the shaft slots. Projection portions may be formed at the guide, projecting from predetermined positions of inner faces of the shaft slots, and the projection portions may abut against the shafts when the shafts are retained in the shaft slots.
US09710986B2 Vehicle door handle device
A vehicle door handle device includes: a detection member including an antenna and a DC driving detection member capable of detecting approach or touch of a person, electrically connected to a driving controller through first and second connection wires and are connected in parallel, wherein the antenna is driven by an AC voltage supplied from the driving controller, the detection member is driven by a DC voltage supplied from the driving controller by respectively connecting the first connection wire and the second connection wire to a positive DC power supply and a ground, the detection member includes a power terminal and a ground terminal, a detection output terminal, an antenna driving detection terminal, and an antenna driving detection unit, and the vehicle door handle device further comprises a DC cut capacitor, and a passive element.
US09710979B2 System and method for ticket validation
A method and system is provided for facilitating ticket exchange by validating ticket authenticity. Images of the barcodes of tickets are captured and decoded so that the encoded ticket information may be analyzed. Encoded ticket information is compared to event ticket information stored in a ticketing database, and the result is transmitted to prospective buyers to ensure authenticity and establish confidence in the sale. Tickets may also be pre-validated by ticket holders or designated sellers of ticketing companies, who are located near the event venue. Buyers interested in purchasing tickets may locate pre-validated tickets using GPS.
US09710977B2 Vehicle data collection and verification
Disclosed are various embodiments for a data aggregation application. Operational data and image data may be captured from a client device. Odometer readings can be extracted from the image data. The operational data and image data can be verified by comparing an instrument panel depicted in the image data to a known instrument panel depiction.
US09710976B2 System and method for transmitting data of a vehicle
A system and a method are provided for transmitting data of a vehicle for efficiently managing a server or a communications network by at least a communications network infrastructure by determining a first list of priorities of vehicle information by a second server, transmitting the first list of priorities to a first server, comparing the transmitted first list of priorities of the vehicle information with traffic data to generate a second list of priority information, and informing the second server and a computing device of the vehicle of the generated second list of priority information.
US09710973B2 Low-latency fusing of virtual and real content
A system that includes a head mounted display device and a processing unit connected to the head mounted display device is used to fuse virtual content into real content. In one embodiment, the processing unit is in communication with a hub computing device. The processing unit and hub may collaboratively determine a map of the mixed reality environment. Further, state data may be extrapolated to predict a field of view for a user in the future at a time when the mixed reality is to be displayed to the user. This extrapolation can remove latency from the system.
US09710966B2 Styling of computer graphics hair through volumetric flow dynamics
Methods are disclosed for the computer generation of data for images that include hair, fur, or other strand-like material. A volume for the hair is specified, having a plurality of surfaces. A fluid flow simulation is performed within the volume, with a first surface of the volume being a source area through which fluid is simulated to enter the volume, and a second surface being an exit surface through which fluid is simulated as exiting the volume. The fluid flow simulation may be used to produce fluid flow lines, such as from a velocity vector field for the fluid. Fluid flow lines are selected, and image data of hairs that follow the fluid flow lines are generated. Other embodiments include generating animation sequences by generating images wherein the volume and surfaces vary between frames.
US09710965B2 Capturing and stylizing hair for 3D fabrication
A process, computer program product, and apparatus provide color and shape stylization for a captured hairstyle. The process, computer program product, and apparatus receive a plurality of images of a hairstyle in an n dimensional space at a plurality of different angles. Further, the process, computer program product, and apparatus generate a mesh surface in an n−1 dimensional space. In addition, the process, computer program product, and apparatus combine color data from the plurality of images at the plurality of different angles with mesh geometry data of the mesh surface. The process, computer program product, and apparatus also stylize the color data with an n dimensional filter that projects the color data to the n−1 dimensional space of the mesh surface. The process, computer program product, and apparatus may also stylize the geometric shape details in a coherent manner with the color.
US09710964B2 Method for providing a three dimensional body model
A method for providing a three-dimensional body model which may be applied for an animation, based on a moving body, wherein the method comprises providing a parametric three-dimensional body model, which allows shape and pose variations; applying a standard set of body markers; optimizing the set of body markers by generating an additional set of body markers and applying the same for providing 3D coordinate marker signals for capturing shape and pose of the body and dynamics of soft tissue; and automatically providing an animation by processing the 3D coordinate marker signals in order to provide a personalized three-dimensional body model, based on estimated shape and an estimated pose of the body by means of predicted marker locations.
US09710962B2 Methods of and apparatus for displaying map information
In a system that uses tile-based road network rendering for displaying map information to a user, a tile is rendered for display by rendering a tile 10 by using a first texture comprising one or more map features to be displayed for the tile of the map in combination with a second texture to apply a texture to a graphics primitive or primitives representing the tile such that at least one map feature 11, such as a water feature, being displayed on the tile 10 is bordered by a border region 24 that represents a border to that map feature. In this way, a more visually appealing depiction of the map feature 11 can be achieved.
US09710958B2 Image processing apparatus and method
An image processing apparatus may include a light capturing unit to generate light environment information by photographing or capturing a light environment of an object, and an object capturing unit to generate object information by photographing or capturing the object. The image processing apparatus may further include a modeling unit to generate a 3-dimensional (3D) model by reflecting or combining the light environment information and the object information, and a rendering unit to render a resultant image with respect to at least one view using the 3D model.
US09710957B2 Graphics processing enhancement by tracking object and/or primitive identifiers
Graphics processing includes setting up a plurality of objects in a scene in virtual space, each object being defined by a set of vertices. A unique object identifier is assigned to each object and written to an ID buffer. Draw calls are issued to draw the objects associated with the object identifiers. Parameter values of the vertices are manipulated to output vertex parameter values. Primitives are set up from the vertices, each primitive being defined by one or more of the vertices. Each primitive belongs to one or more of the objects. Each primitive is rasterized at a plurality of pixels. Processing the pixels includes spatial or temporal anti-aliasing that utilizes the one or more object identifiers of the plurality of object identifiers. The pixels are processed for each rasterized primitive to generate an output frame.
US09710955B2 Image processing device, image processing method, and program for correcting depth image based on positional information
This technology relates to an image processing device, an image processing method, and a program capable of realizing motion parallax closely related to that of the real world. An image processing unit corrects a depth image formed of a depth value indicating a position in a depth direction of each pixel of a color image of a predetermined viewpoint externally input as an input image based on positional information indicating a position of a viewer and the like. This technology is applicable to an image processing device, which performs a process to correct the depth image based on the positional information as an image process, for example.
US09710954B2 Processor with ray test instructions performed by special purpose units
A processor supports special-purpose instructions relating to testing rays for intersection with geometry and acceleration structure elements. The processor can be a full-featured processor; the special-purpose instructions can be differentiated from other supported instructions. The processor can have an instruction generator coupled with an instruction decoder, a data cache, a fetch unit, and a set of test cells for performing computations indicated by special-purpose instructions. Separate test cells can test rays with scene geometry and with acceleration structure elements; different instructions can be provided for each type of testing. The data cache is coupled to the test cells; the instruction decoder also provides input to the test cells while the test cells are coupled to a write back unit that is coupled to the data cache and to the instruction generator. In an example, the instruction decoder supplies ray references from an instruction as functional addresses to the data cache.
US09710951B2 Techniques for processing image data generated from three-dimensional graphic models
Techniques are disclosed for creating animated video frames which include both computer generated elements and hand drawn elements. For example, a software tool may allows an artist to draw line work (or supply other 2D image data) to composite with an animation frame rendered from a three dimensional (3D) graphical model of an object. The software tool may be configured to determine how to animate such 2D image data provided for one frame in order to appear in subsequent (or prior) frames in a manner consistent with changes in rendering the underlying 3D geometry.
US09710946B2 Method and apparatus for displaying point of interest
A method and apparatus for displaying a point of interest. In the embodiments of the present invention, by means of acquiring a location of a target object and then determining a visible point of interest at the location as a target point of interest, the target point of interest can be displayed. Since an invisible point of interest which cannot be seen at the location of the target object is no longer displayed, but a visible point of interest which can be seen at the location of the target object is displayed, the displayed point of interest can essentially satisfy the true locating intention of a user. Therefore, the problem in the prior art of the increase in data interaction between an application and a query engine caused by the user repeatedly querying via the application can be avoided, thereby reducing the processing burden of the query engine.
US09710941B2 Biological information displaying apparatus and biological information displaying method
A biological information displaying apparatus includes: a calculator which is configured to calculate measurement values of parameters based on a plurality of biological signals obtained by an acquiring unit, the parameters including: sclerosis parameters relating to arterial sclerosis; and stenosis and/or occlusion parameters relating to arterial stenosis and/or occlusion; a display which is configured to display information; and a display controller which is configured to produce different radar charts of the sclerosis parameters and the stenosis and/or occlusion parameters, and which is configured to display the measurement values of the parameters on the display, on respective one of line segments that radially extend from a center in each of the radar charts, while plotting each of the measurement values of corresponding parameters at a position that is remoter from the center as a clinical value is worse.
US09710940B2 Methods, systems and apparatus for summarizing a meeting
Aspects of the present invention are related to systems, methods and apparatus for providing a compact, yet informative, representation of meeting content.
US09710939B2 Video output device, video output method, and non-transitory computer readable recording medium
A storage unit (12) stores first drawing data shared in common by at least two video frames among a plurality of video frames. A control unit (13) generates second drawing data based on second drawing instruction data (122) for drawing a portion that differs in drawing data pertaining to the plurality of video frames and generates the drawing data pertaining to the plurality of video frames by combining the first drawing data and the second drawing data. An output unit (14) outputs video based on the drawing data pertaining to the plurality of video frames.
US09710933B2 Method and apparatus for processing texture
Provided is a method of processing a texture. The method includes acquiring texture position information in a texture image corresponding to pixel position information of pixels constituting a frame, acquiring texture classification information (TCI) representing a similarity between respective texture factors of two or more classified regions in the texture image based on the texture position information, determining an amount of texture data requested from a memory according to the TCI, and reading texture data corresponding to the determined amount of texture data based on the texture position information.
US09710932B2 Display apparatus and control method thereof
A display apparatus includes: a display configured to display an image; an image processor configured to process the displayed image; and a controller configured to control the image processor to adjust a blue (B) value of red (R), green (G), and B values constituting the image based on at least one of information about a user and information about a viewing habits of the user.
US09710927B2 Method and apparatus for determining data enabling generation of a user profile
A method for determining data enabling generation of a user profile and an apparatus configured to perform the method are described. The apparatus comprises an analyzer for analyzing one or more available images to determine image metadata related to at least one of colorimetric data and data about image capturing conditions. The determined image metadata are then made available to a user profile generator via a data interface.
US09710926B2 Image processing of a retail shelf area
A system and method for processing an image of a retail shelf area. According to one aspect, a portion of an image that depicts the retail shelf area at an angled and depthwise perspective is determined to depict shelves. The image can be modified so that the portion of the image determined to depict shelves is substantially parallel to a predefined horizontal reference frame. Products can then be detected in the remainder portion of the image, separate from the portion of the image determined to depict shelves. An applicable planogram can be used to generate compliance information based on the detected products and the determined portion of the image depicting shelves.
US09710923B2 Information processing system, information processing device, imaging device, and information processing method
An imaging device 12 includes a first camera 22 and a second camera 24. Each of the cameras captures a subject from left and right positions that are apart by a known width at the same timing and frame rate. Each of the captured frame images is converted into image data with a plurality of predetermined resolutions. An input information acquisition section 26 of an information processor 14 acquires an instruction input from the user. A position information generation section 28 roughly estimates, as a target area, a subject area or an area with motion using low-resolution and wide-range images of pieces of stereo image data and performs stereo matching using high-resolution images only for the area, thus identifying the three-dimensional position of the subject. An output information generation section 32 performs a necessary process based on the position of the subject, thus generating output information. A communication section 30 requests image data to the imaging device 12 and acquires such image data.
US09710916B2 Kernel sparse models for automated tumor segmentation
A robust method to automatically segment and identify tumor regions in medical images is extremely valuable for clinical diagnosis and disease modeling. In various embodiments, an efficient algorithm uses sparse models in feature spaces to identify pixels belonging to tumorous regions. By fusing both intensity and spatial location information of the pixels, this technique can automatically localize tumor regions without user intervention. Using a few expert-segmented training images, a sparse coding-based classifier is learned. For a new test image, the sparse code obtained from every pixel is tested with the classifier to determine if it belongs to a tumor region. Particular embodiments also provide a highly accurate, low-complexity procedure for cases when the user can provide an initial estimate of the tumor in a test image.
US09710914B2 Method, system and computer program product for improving the quality of an image
A method for correcting one or more images of an object (107) from a plurality of images of the object (107), for providing one or more corrected images of the object (107) for further use in a process for generating a representation of the surface of the object, each image of the plurality of images comprising one or more pixels and each pixel comprising a pixel value, wherein one or more illumination sources (104, 105, 106) illuminate the object with different directions of illumination, and each image is associated with a determined direction of illumination, the method comprising the steps of: for each pixel of the plurality of a first image of said plurality of images: a) selecting a pixel in the first image for obtaining the pixel value of the selected pixel; b) selecting at least one corresponding pixel in at least one image of the remaining images of the plurality of images for obtaining the pixel value of the at least one selected corresponding pixel; c) calculating at least one ratio of the pixel value of the selected pixel in the first image to each pixel value of the at least one selected corresponding pixel; d) determining a requirement for pixel value correction of the selected pixel on the basis of the at least one calculated ratio; e) calculating a value (W) based on the at least one calculated ratio to determine a corrected pixel value of the selected pixel; f) replacing the pixel value of the selected pixel with the corrected pixel value in the first image to provide a corrected first image.
US09710913B2 Image processing apparatus that forms distance image and control method thereof, as well as storage medium
An image processing apparatus capable of correcting an error during computation of a correlation degree without storing data for correcting distance information in advance in a recording medium, to highly accurately form a distance image. The image processing apparatus has a distance estimation unit that estimates a subject distance in each area, from a correlation degree of a plurality of images, a distance reliability calculation unit that calculates the reliability of the subject distance estimated by the distance estimation unit, and a distance image forming unit that corrects the subject distance estimated by the distance estimation unit based on the reliability calculated by the distance reliability calculation unit and to form a distance image based on the corrected subject distance.
US09710912B2 Method and apparatus for obtaining 3D face model using portable camera
An apparatus for obtaining a three-dimensional (3D) face model using a portable camera, comprising: a face image capturing unit; a face image processing unit; a 3D face mesh creating unit configured to analyze relationships of the face images to create a 3D user face mesh; a standard face model matching unit configured to match a 3D face standard model to the 3D face mesh created by the mesh creating unit to create a final high-quality user face model; a face skin texture synthesizing unit configured to create a face skin texture from the captured images; and a realistic face rendering unit configured to perform realistic rendering by using the user's high-quality 3D face model and the skin texture.
US09710911B2 System and method for generating a background reference image from a series of images to facilitate moving object identification
A system for identifying pixels associated with moving objects in a series of image frames establishes a stationary pixel value for the portion of the image that is stationary, that is, the background. As the stationary background is generally visible more often than the moving objects, each of the pixel values in a sequence of frames is placed into one of three groups or bins, each bin having a respective range of values. The bin with the most pixel values placed therein represents the stationary background and the average of the pixel values in that bin is set as the background pixel value against which pixel values in subsequent frames are compared to identify the moving objects in the image.
US09710909B2 Method for producing embryos by in vitro culture, and method, apparatus, and system for selecting embryos
An object of the present invention is to provide a method for efficiently obtaining mammalian embryos having high conception rates. A first aspect of the present invention is a method for selecting a mammalian embryo prepared by in vitro culture from a fertilized egg, comprising a step of selecting an embryo using two or more of the following indicators: the time from fertilization to the completion of first cleavage; the morphology at a stage after first cleavage and before second cleavage; the morphology at a stage after third cleavage and before fourth cleavage; and the amount of oxygen consumed at the early blastocyst stage, the blastocyst stage, or the expanded blastocyst stage.
US09710907B2 Diagnosis support system using panoramic radiograph and diagnosis support program using panoramic radiograph
A diagnosis support system includes a diagnosis support computer that includes a model data acquisition unit configured to obtain a plurality of mandible model data, a contour model creation unit configured to create contour model data from the mandible model data, a contour database storage unit configured to construct a contour model database from the contour model data, a diagnosis image data receiving unit configured to receive an input of diagnosis image data of an examinee, an edge extraction unit configured to extract edge data from the diagnosis image data, a similar model searching unit configured to search contour model data based on the edge data, a position judgment unit and an image quality judgment unit configured to judge an imaging position and an image quality based on imaging information, respectively, and a diagnosis support information provision unit configured to provide diagnosis support information based on provider information.
US09710904B2 Tire appearance inspection apparatus
An inspection apparatus capable of preventing a conforming article from being judged as nonconforming when inspecting a molded object for acceptability by performing image processing on an image captured of the inspection object. The apparatus includes a means for positioning a model pattern in a position with a highest degree of agreement by matching the model pattern against the image captured of the inspection object, a model pattern dividing means for dividing the model pattern into a plurality of elements in such a manner as to have mutually overlapping regions, and a shape recognition means for recognizing a shape corresponding to the model pattern by positioning each of the elements divided by the model pattern dividing means in a position with a highest degree of agreement by performing pattern matching within a predetermined range with reference to the position where the model pattern has been positioned on the image.
US09710903B2 System and method for detecting design and process defects on a wafer using process monitoring features
Various systems and methods for detecting design and process defects on a wafer, reviewing defects on a wafer, selecting one or more features within a design for use as process monitoring features, or some combination thereof are provided. One system is configured to detect design defects and process defects at locations on a wafer at which images are acquired by an electron beam review subsystem based on defects in a design, additional defects in the design, which are detected by comparing an image of a die in the design printed on the wafer acquired by the electron beam review subsystem to an image of the die stored in a database, and defects detected on the wafer by a wafer inspection system.
US09710899B2 Image processing device, inspection device, image processing method, and non-transitory recording medium
An image processing device includes an acquisitor and a processor. The acquisitor acquires information including a first image of an object and a first relationship. The first image includes first and second image areas. The first image area corresponds to a first position of a first part of the object and has a first pixel value. The second image area corresponds to a second position of a second part of the object and has a second pixel value. The processor performs generating a first generated image including a third and a fourth image areas corresponding to the first and the second positions, determining a third pixel value of the third image area and a fourth pixel value of the fourth image area, and calculating a first distance corresponding to a length of the third image area and a second distance corresponding to a length of the fourth image area.
US09710896B2 Systems and methods for chroma noise reduction
Systems and methods for reducing chrominance (chroma) noise in image data are provided. In one example of such a method, image data in YCC format may be received into logic of an image signal processor. Using the logic, noise may be filtered from a first chrominance component or a second chrominance component, or both, of the image data, using a sparse filter and a noise threshold. The noise threshold may be determined based at least in part on two of the components of the YCC image data.
US09710886B2 Displaying representative images in a visual mapping system
Embodiments provide systems and methods for generating a street map that includes a position identifier that identifies a location on the street map. The method and system may also generate and display a plurality of images representative of the location of the position identifier. A user may interact with a position identifier or one of several scroll icons to view images of other locations on the street map and/or to obtain driving directions between two locations.
US09710885B2 Image processing apparatus, image processing method, and image processing system for performing sub-pixel interpolation
An image processing apparatus includes a region determiner configured to receive image data and perform a region determination by determining whether each of a plurality of sub-pixels included in the image data is included in an in-focusing region that is focused or an out-focusing region that is not focused; and an interpolator configured to perform demosaicing with respect to a sub-pixel included in the in-focusing region by using a first algorithm and perform the demosaicing with respect to a sub-pixel included in the out-focusing region by using a second algorithm, according to a result of the region determination, wherein, when the demosaicing with respect to the sub-pixel included in the in-focusing region is performed, one or more peripheral sub-pixels having phases that are different from a phase of the sub-pixel, on which the demosaicing is performed, are used.
US09710884B2 Flexible control in resizing of visual displays
A computer processor circuit can be used to receive a resizing request that includes parameters for resizing a user interface containing a plurality of visual elements. In response to the request, the computer processor circuit can access a set of one or more data files specifying: links to binary image data files for the plurality of visual elements; a set of nodes forming a plurality of vector paths for at least one of the plurality of visual elements; and a set of rules defining different image resizing properties for different vector paths of the plurality of vector paths. The computer processor circuit can then create a resized version of the user interface by modifying the plurality of visual elements according to the set of rules and to the parameters for resizing.
US09710882B2 Data overlay for animated map weather display and method of rapidly loading animated raster data
A data visualization technique rapidly loads images to decrease data transfer time and associated bandwidth cost for animation effects in displays of data, and includes initially loading raster imagery at a coarser zoom level than a current view on the display, and then manipulating the imagery using general-purpose image manipulation algorithms to interpolate data points as a user adjusts the zoom level. In this manner, the data visualization technique intentionally displays a coarser view than that selected, rather than transferring entirely new imagery or datasets, and manipulates the imagery as necessary to avoid loading more data from a remote server to the local client each time the user adjusts the view.
US09710881B2 Varying effective resolution by screen location by altering rasterization parameters
In graphics processing data is received representing one or more vertices for a scene in a virtual space. Primitive assembly is performed on the vertices to compute projections of the vertices from virtual space onto a viewport of the scene in a screen space of a display device containing a plurality of pixels, the plurality of pixels being subdivided into a plurality of subsections. Scan conversion determines which pixels of the plurality of pixels are part of each primitive that has been converted to screen space coordinates. Coarse rasterization for each primitive determines which subsection or subsections the primitive overlaps. Metadata associated with the subsection a primitive overlaps determines a pixel resolution for the subsection. The metadata is used in processing pixels for the subsection to generate final pixel values for the viewport of the scene that is displayed on the display device in such a way that parts of the scene in two different subsections have different pixel resolution.
US09710878B2 Low power DMA labeling
Methods for preprocessing pixel data using a Direct Memory Access (DMA) engine during a data transfer of the pixel data from a first memory (e.g., a DRAM) to a second memory (e.g., a local cache) are described. The pixel data may derive from an image capturing device (e.g., a color camera or a depth camera) in which individual pixel values are not a multiple of eight bits. In some embodiments, the DMA engine may perform a variety of image processing operations on the pixel data prior to the pixel data being written into the second memory. In one example, the DMA engine may be configured to identify and label one or more pixels as being within a particular range of pixel values and/or the DMA engine may be configured to label pixels as belonging to one or more pixel groups based on their pixel values.
US09710876B2 Graph-based application programming interface architectures with equivalency classes for enhanced image processing parallelism
A flexible representation of library function equivalency is included in an image graph implementation API to provide a mechanism for a graph node developer to identify functions that may be executed on heterogeneous devices to arrive at sufficiently equivalent results. An image graph executor may employ an equivalency class object or function defined through the image graph implementation API to schedule work subtasks to heterogeneous hardware resources in parallel for greater implementation efficiency.
US09710873B1 Point of interest mapping
Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to, among other things, providing point of interest item recommendations and/or map information. In some examples, a profile for a first user may be determined based at least in part on point of interest information. Additionally, point of interest associations may be received from one or more of a group of users, where at least one of the group is not the first user. Based at least in part on the determined profile of the first user and the received point of interest associations, a map route and/or map information associated with a route from a first location to at least a second location may be generated.
US09710871B2 Geometric enumerated watermark embedding for spot colors
The present disclosure relate generally to digital watermarking and signal encoding. Various colors can be evaluated and modified to carry an encoded or auxiliary signal.
US09710869B2 Method, system and apparatus for rendering a graphical object
A method of rendering a graphic object is disclosed. An expanded polygon is formed based on the plurality of polygons generated by tessellating the graphic object. The expanded polygon encompasses sampling points of pixels touched by edges of the graphic object. The expanded polygon is rendered in accordance with a center-intersect pixel placement rule to render the graphic object. Pixels of the expanded polygon violating an area-intersect pixel placement rule are excluded.
US09710867B2 Computer implemented system and method for determining geospatial fire hazard rating of an entity
A computer implemented system and method for determining geospatial fire hazard rating of an entity is envisaged. The entity represents any object, structure, or any physical article that is susceptible to fire due to its properties, placement and surrounding environment. The system of the present disclosure takes into consideration an inherent fire hazard rating value of the entity and calculates a final fire hazard rating by considering various factors based on entity's geospatial information. These factors may increase the probability of susceptibility to fire for the entity or they may be safety factors decreasing the total fire hazard rating thereby providing a safety measurement for the entity in a particular environment.
US09710864B2 Automated license management
Licenses to software services are assigned automatically to users as a function of one or more user attributes. An attribute can include membership in a group such as a license group or a security group, among other things such as location. License assignments can also be retracted automatically upon changes in one or more user attributes.
US09710862B2 Energy conservation analysis system
A terminal device sets a beneficial use time slot for regarding the electrical consumption in the beneficial use time slot as the beneficial, a waste use time slot for regarding the electrical consumption in the waste use time slot as the waste, and an efficiency improvement time slot for regarding the electrical consumption in the efficiency improvement time slot as the electrical consumption to be reduced. On the basis of the data of an amount of the electrical consumption of the device to be monitored, calculating an amount of the electrical consumption in each the time slot and displaying an amount of the electrical consumption in each time slot are preformed.
US09710857B2 Detecting anomalous user activity
Systems, methods and articles for determining anomalous user activity are disclosed. Data representing a transaction activity corresponding to a plurality of user transactions can be received and user transactions can be grouped according to types of user transactions. The transaction activity can be determined to be anomalous in relation to the grouped user transactions based on a predetermined parameter.
US09710856B2 System and method for adapting market data and evaluating unequal offers
A system includes at least one server that implements a metric server adapter and a metrics application. The metric server adapter includes governing logic that manages an evaluation service and predefined instructions and/or data used to provide the evaluation service. The metrics application executes the evaluation service in coordination with the metric server adapter. The server receives or retrieves price data sets, at least one of which represents an unequal offer. The metrics application obtains time-dependent metric data including market reference price data for one or more responsive items, dynamically discovers a difference in the attribute data, and defines offer-specific instructions for adapting the metric data. One or more adjustment values applied to the market reference price data transforms the market reference price data. A comparative metric comprising a differential ratio or index value compares the price data in the offer with the offer-specific market reference price data values.
US09710851B2 System and method for generating graphical user interface
An automated method for generating Graphical User Interfaces (GUI's) is illustrated in the context of a system for processing financial applications. In one embodiment, the GUI generator converts domain data representing over one thousand application types into an equal number of corresponding user screens. The interface may also be bi-directional, operating on user inputs to validate data or check for double keying.
US09710849B2 System and method for displaying items for bid
A system and method for displaying items for bid at a silent auction including, a display device, having at least one display face, for exhibiting a panel having advertising indicia relating to an item offered for bid at the silent auction, and a code on the panel that corresponds to the item offered for bid, such that the code may be entered by a bidder at a remote location relative to the display device for bidding on the item. The system further including a support member for suspending the display device at a first distance from the support member, and at a second distance from a flooring surface of a venue at which the silent auction is being held; and means for removably and rotatably suspending the display device from the support member.
US09710848B2 Order processing for remotely ordered goods
A computer-implemented method for processing of an order for goods received at an order processing system from a location-triggered communication through a networked mobile wireless telecommunication computing device. Responsive to the location-triggered communication, a signal is transmitted to commence processing the order for goods. If the mobile wireless telecommunication computing device requests, an item list of available items and corresponding processing times for each request could also be transmitted. The item list may form part of an application program installable on the mobile wireless telecommunication computing device. The location-triggered communication may include payment information. The method may also process payment information and transmit an order receipt to the mobile wireless telecommunication computing device.
US09710846B2 Method, terminal, and server for submitting and processing order
A method for submitting an order for use in a terminal, includes: scanning a pre-generated near field communication (NFC) tag to obtain tag data, wherein the tag data includes at least an identification code of a third-party service provider and transaction information; generating an order according to the identification code, the transaction information, and user information; and sending the order for a server to process to obtain the identification code, the transaction information, and the user information, and to further send the transaction information and the user information to the third-party service provider corresponding to the identification code.
US09710844B2 Object driven newsfeed
Object driven newsfeeds supporting interest-based social networks aid in the formation of relationships based on similar domains of user interest. A space efficient graphical user interface (GUI) enables access to an object driven newsfeed of contextual and relevant information to aid a consumer/user in making buying decisions in an e-commerce environment.
US09710843B2 Systems, methods, and devices for measuring similarity of and generating recommendations for unique items
The disclosure herein provides methods, systems, and devices for measuring similarity of and generating recommendations for unique items. A recommendation system for generating recommendations of alternative unique items comprises an items information database, a penalty computation engine, a recommendation compilation engine, and one or more computers, wherein the penalty computation engine comprises a customizations filter, a condition filter, and a dissimilarity penalty calculator.
US09710837B1 System and method enabling ownership, trade, and marketplace for named geographic locations
Embodiments for enabling ownership, trade, and marketplace for named geographic locations are provided. Embodiments provide a marketplace for ownership of named location-specifiers. Each named location-specifier corresponds to a latitude/longitude coordinate of a location. Embodiments provide an ownership registry for the named location-specifiers, provide a registry of named location-specifiers that retrieves data based on a user's request for location data related to the named location-specifiers, provide a location data store that stores current location data corresponding to the named location-specifiers, provide a future location data store that stores updated location data and future location data corresponding to the named location-specifiers, and provide a requesting system that allows the user to request location data corresponding to a named location-specifier or to conduct a search related to one or more of the named location-specifiers.
US09710835B2 Server apparatus that provides e-commerce site, product information display program, product information display method, e-commerce system, terminal device, and recording medium on which product information display program is recorded
The present invention provides, for example, a terminal device which allows users to easily check whether or not predetermined conditions such as free shipping conditions are met in, for example, a net supermarket site, and prevents display of a shopping cart from preventing product information from being enlarged and displayed or a great number of pieces of product information from being displayed. Display control is performed such that, while a shopping cart is displayed in the first display area until predetermined conditions are met, the shopping cart is displayed in the second display area below the first display area after the predetermined conditions are met.
US09710834B2 Pre and post purchase identification of counterfeit products
A method, system, and computer usable program product for pre and post purchase identification of counterfeit products in a supply chain are provided in the illustrative embodiments. A customer reference number (CRN) associated with a unit of product is identified. The unit of product has associated therewith a unique set of identifiers including the CRN, a customer acknowledgment number (CAN), and a merchant acknowledgment number (MAN). The CRN is sent to a second application and a message is received from the second application in response to sending the CRN. If the message includes a second CAN that is not the same as the CAN associated with the unit, the unit is determined to be a counterfeit product.
US09710830B1 Method and system for dynamic web services utilization
A method and system for dynamic pricing of web services utilization. According to one embodiment, a method may include dynamically predicting utilization of a web services computing resource that is expected to occur during a given interval of time, and dependent upon the dynamically predicted utilization, setting a price associated with utilization of the web services computing resource occurring during the given interval of time. The method may further include providing the price to a customer.
US09710828B2 System for creating separate data serving spaces for each mobile carrier in a plurality of mobile carriers
A system is described for creating a separate data serving space for each mobile carrier in a plurality of mobile carriers. The system may include a processor, a memory and an interface. The memory may store a keyword, a plurality of mobile data items corresponding to the keyword and a plurality of mobile carriers, and a search request. The interface may communicate with a user through a mobile device. The processor may be operatively connected to the interface and the memory and may store the plurality of mobile data items in the memory. The processor may receive a mobile search request from a user via the interface, and may determine the mobile carrier in communication with the interface. The processor may then retrieve the mobile data item corresponding to the keyword and the determined mobile carrier and may serve the retrieved mobile data item to the user.
US09710823B2 Authenticated registration of participants for web access at live events
A captive portal technology for registering and authenticating attendees, and for collecting the personal-preferences and social-profile details of individuals participating in a live-event in real-time, is disclosed. Wi-Fi connections within the live-event location are used to register and authenticate the individuals onto a proxy server. Once registered and authenticated, the proxy-server enables a monitoring main server to collect and store the preferences, activities and social profile of the individual in a dedicated database. The authentication provides the individual access to the web for social networking, blogging and other activities at the live-event site. Authorities of live-events are thereby able can identify the individual participants and their habits to provide real time information to improve ticket sales methods, provide incentives, on-site purchase capability and focused advertisements relating to the live-event to improve the live event experience of each individual.
US09710821B2 Systems and methods for mobile and online payment systems for purchases related to mobile and online promotions or offers provided using impressions tracking and analysis, location information, 2D and 3D mapping, mobile mapping, social media, and user behavior and
A method, apparatus, computer readable medium, computer system, network, or system is provided for mobile and online payment systems for mobile and online promotions or offers or daily deal coupons or daily deal coupons aggregation provided using impressions tracking and analysis, location information, 2D and 3D mapping, social media, and user behavior and information for generating mobile and internet posted promotions or offers or daily deal coupons or daily deal coupons aggregation for, and/or sales of, products and/or services in a social network, online or via a mobile device-for mobile and web based promotions or offers that connect information and user behavior data to a user or related demographic location or user specified or predicted demographic location(s) for targeted promotions or offers for products and/or services in a social network, online or via a mobile device.
US09710817B2 Adaptive run-time advertisements
Systems, computer-implemented methods and computer-storage media are provided for presenting customizable advertisements to a user. Advertising is customized through the use of user-specific or user-relevant data. Items such as keywords, profile data, and application data are received and are then used to retrieve customizations. These customizations are stored by a server or group of servers that the vendor makes available to the advertising provider. Items that could further identify adaptations desirable for advertising, such as a user profile, may be sent to the vendor's server as well. The adaptations take forms that include pictures, text, graphics, links, audio, and video files. Systems that comprise an advertising server, a vendor server, and a client application used for completing the above method, as well as computer-readable media necessary at each device to accomplish the customizations, are also described.
US09710813B2 System and method for providing recovery for victims of check fraud
A method for a consumer or business to protect against loss associated with specified forms of check fraud. Upon purchasing checks, a consumer or business can subscribe to a check fraud protection program, for an additional fee. A consumer or business may purchase Check Fraud Protection for an additional fee independent of purchasing checks. The subscription will enable the consumer or business to obtain reimbursement from the service provider for the consumer's losses due to specified causes. The consumer or business reciprocally assigns any right of recovery from the consumer's or business's bank or financial institution to the service provider, which can then seek reimbursement from the bank, or financial institution and institute proceedings against the fraud perpetrator. Protection may be obtained for forged signatures, forged endorsements and altered check. A symbol to indicate such protection is also disclosed.
US09710811B2 Centralized electronic commerce card transactions
A central transaction server in electronic commerce card authorization system enables the electronic commerce card association to manage and monitor the authentication system. The central transaction server acts as an intermediary for all communications between the access control server used for authentication. If any portion of the authentication system fails, the central transaction server compensates by providing appropriate responses to other portions of the system. The centralized transaction server translates all incoming traffic into a format compatible with the intended recipient, enabling portions of the system to be upgraded without breaking compatibility with the non-upgraded portions. The centralized transaction server also enables the integration of formally separate portions of the authentication system into a single unit. The directory and the authentication history servers can be integrated into the central transaction server, and the central transaction server can initiate charges to the electronic commerce card automatically, bypassing the card acquirer.
US09710808B2 Direct digital cash system and method
Methods and systems are provided for the exchange of digital cash employing protocols for various entities to separately certify the validity of the parties, values and transactions while maintaining the anonymity of the buyer or user of the digital cash. Encrypted connections are established allowing various parties to enter into transactions to buy, sell, exchange and recover digital cash using a secure method that protects the personal information and identity of the user. The parties exchange tokens for other value in a transaction of financial settlement between themselves and wherein they are the only parties with knowledge of the amount and description of the transaction and in this way mimics a traditional cash transaction.
US09710804B2 Virtual payment cards issued by banks for mobile and wearable devices
Provided is a method for issuing single-use and multiple-use virtual payment cards via a mobile and wearable device. The method may include receiving a card issuance request from a user, prompting the user to enter a user authentication information, accessing a user account maintained by a card issuer, generating the virtual payment card based on payment data of the user account, and providing the virtual payment card to the mobile and wearable device. The method may continue with receiving a transaction request from a merchant and matching merchant identification data provided by the user in the card issuance request and merchant identification data provide by the merchant. If the match of the merchant identification data is determined, the method may continue with authorizing a payment transaction by transferring a payment amount from the virtual payment card to a merchant account associated with the merchant.
US09710801B2 Systems and methods for charge splitting
A system, method, and article of manufacture for splitting a shared financial obligation is disclosed. The method may comprise receiving, by a bill splitting computer-based system, a single record of charge (ROC) associated with a purchase by one or more members of a group, and splitting, by the bill splitting computer-based system, the ROC between the members of the group.
US09710800B2 Using voice input at a mobile point of sale
A method, system, and computer-readable storage medium for using voice input at a mobile point-of-sale (POS) are disclosed. For example, one method involves receiving a voice input, where the receiving is performed by a mobile POS (MPOS) device. The method also involves determining, based on the voice input, whether to use voice-based processing. In response to a determination to use the voice-based processing, performing voice-based processing, including selecting a first workflow based on the voice input, and performing a first portion of the first workflow based on the voice input. The first portion of the first workflow is performed by the MPOS device. The method also includes determining whether to perform a second portion of the first workflow based on another voice input.
US09710798B1 System and method for usage billing of hosted applications
A system, method, and computer readable medium for usage billing of one or more hosted applications serving one or more clients. The hosted applications are contained within one or more isolated environments or run without isolated environments. The system may include usage billing based on one or more of resources open, amount of data flowing through resources, number of open files, number of transactions, number of concurrent users, number of processes, CPU utilization and memory usage, The system may further include a management interface where administrators may add, remove and configure isolated environments, configure client policies and credentials, and force upgrades. If using isolated environments, the isolated environments may be isolated from other applications and the host operating system on the clients and applications within the isolated environments may run without performing an application-installation on the client.
US09710788B2 Computer mouse system and associated, computer medium and computer-implemented methods for monitoring and improving health and productivity of employees
Provided are embodiments of systems, computer medium and computer-implemented methods for sensing health characteristics of a user using a computer mouse including, a temperature sensor, a blood condition sensor and a blood pressure sensor. A method for sensing health characteristics of a user using a computer mouse including receiving, from the temperature sensor, temperature data corresponding to a sensed body temperature of the user, receiving, from the blood condition sensor, blood condition data corresponding to a sensed blood saturation level of the user, receiving, from the blood pressure sensor, blood pressure data corresponding to a sensed blood pressure of the user, and transmitting, to the computer workstation, health data corresponding to the temperature data, the blood condition data, and the blood pressure data for use in determining the body temperature, the blood saturation level, and the blood pressure of the user.
US09710784B2 Market data-driven simulation of order book mechanics
A system and a method are disclosed for simulating data driven market order exchange mechanics. An event processing engine receives a feed of market data and forwards it to an exchange simulator. The feed of market data may be recorded market data, live relayed market data, or simulated market data. A series of order requests is also received. The order requests are market order or limit orders, and can include new orders, amend orders, or cancel orders. The feed of market data is analyzed and an inference algorithm is applied by making probabilistic inferences to determine what actions may have occurred to produce the received feed of market data. A second series of order requests are produced. The received order requests and the second series of order requests are combined with normal exchange rules to produce a stream of simulated market data and a series of updated order requests.
US09710781B2 Data acquisition apparatus and system
A data acquisition system includes a terminal device and a plurality of data acquisition apparatuses located at multiple layers and communicating with the terminal device. Each of the plurality of data acquisition apparatuses includes a control unit, a data obtaining unit, a data transmission unit, and a detection unit. The data obtaining unit is electronically coupled to the control unit and directed by the control unit to obtain data from articles. The data transmission unit is electronically coupled to the terminal device, and the plurality of data acquisition apparatuses are interconnected via the data transmission unit to send the data to the terminal device. The detection unit detects whether the plurality of data acquisition apparatuses cooperatively form a communication loop, and outputs an indication signal if the communication loop is formed among the plurality of data acquisition apparatuses.
US09710780B2 System and method of coordinating distribution of an item
A system and method for coordinating item delivery is disclosed. The system includes a control hub configured to receive item information, a dynamic routing system configured to provide routing instructions, and a handheld device configured to receive routing instructions. The control hub controls and coordinates receiving and transmitting item information, including pick-up and delivery schedules, and other item information.
US09710779B1 System, method and apparatus for receiving bids from diners for expedited food delivery
An order server operated by a restaurant service communicates with a restaurant server and a driver to retrieve incentive based food preparation and delivery time frames for an order. Using the time frames, the order server formulate a list of incentive based delivery plans, and provides the list to a diner device. From the diner device, the order server receives a selected incentive based delivery plan for the order from the list.
US09710769B2 Methods and systems for crowdsourcing a task
The disclosed embodiments illustrate methods and systems for crowdsourcing a task. The method includes extracting one or more components from at least one task based on a task category associated with the at least one task. Each component corresponds to a part of the at least one task, that requires an input from a crowdworker. Further, the one or more components are categorized in a set of first categories, each of which includes similar components, and a second category that includes dissimilar components. The categorization is based on a comparison between content of each of component, and the task category. Thereafter, a representative component from at least one category from the set of first categories, and at least one component from the second category are combined to create the task. The task, so created, is crowdsourced to one or more crowdworkers.
US09710754B2 Inference electronic shelf life dating system for perishables
A shelf life inference system comprising a container for a plurality of items. The container has coupled to it a tracker operative to read the ID label on each item and to track the exit from and the return to the container of each item separately and to calculate the freshness status of each item upon return to the container.
US09710747B2 Neuromophic system and configuration method thereof
A method of generating neuron spiking pulses in a neuromorphic system is provided which includes floating one or more selected bit lines connected to target cells, having a first state, from among a plurality of memory cells arranged at intersections of a plurality of word lines and a plurality of bit lines; and stepwisely increasing voltages applied to unselected word lines connected to unselected cells, having a second state, from among memory cells connected to the one or more selected bit lines other than the target cells having the first state.
US09710743B2 Barcoded indicators for quality management
A barcoded indicator operative to provide a machine-readable indication of exceedance of at least one threshold by at least one product quality affecting parameter, the barcoded indicator including a first barcode including a first plurality of barcode bars and at least a first colorable area, at least a second barcode including a second plurality of barcode bars and at least a second colorable area, and at least one interposed line extending between the first barcode and the second barcode, the interposed line being capable of preventing a barcode reader from reading parts of the first barcode and of the second barcode as part of a single barcode.
US09710742B2 Copy and paste with scannable code
A scannable code is used to facilitate copy and paste of content, wherein the content is serialized and encoded directly into the scannable code along with context information. When the scannable code is decoded, the content is pasted into a desired location in a manner that is consistent with the content information.
US09710738B2 Cell counting device including a body with a display and an extension to receive a sample
A cell counting device for counting the number of cells in a sample includes: an accommodation portion that accommodates, in a removable manner, at least a part of a holding member for holding the sample; and a display unit configured to display information including a result of counting of the number of cells. The display unit has a screen inclined with respect to a bottom of the cell counting device. The bottom is configured to be in contact with a placement surface on which the cell counting device is placed. The display unit is provided between the accommodation portion and the bottom.
US09710736B2 Rendering apparatus and rendering method
A rendering apparatus of the present invention determines one of a plurality of estimation methods used for estimating a time required to render printing data, on a basis of features of a plurality of rendering objects included in the printing data, and estimates the time required to render the printing data by the determined method.
US09710732B2 Printer for performing printing based on combined object data including two or more object data
A communication portion receives object data corresponding to an object. A processor receives a record including single object data and object names from an external device. The processor first stores the record and object names and first selects the object name having a predetermined configuration. The processor second selects, as at least two selected object data, at least two of the single object data, from the plurality of single object data included in the record, based on the configuration of the object name selected by the first selecting. The processor generates the combined object data that includes the at least two selected object data selected by the second selecting, as at least two setting object data. The processor second stores the generated combined object data. The processor prints a print image on the print medium, using the printing mechanism, based on the combined object data.
US09710731B2 Foreign matter inspection device and foreign matter inspection method
Disclosed are a foreign matter inspection device and a foreign matter inspection method, in which the accurate inspection of foreign matter is performed using captured images by continuous shooting in the state in which a movement locus due to the falling caused by the movement of the foreign matter along the inner wall of a container from the horizontal direction of the container as a result of rotation is formed so as to be long. A rotating device is provided with a rotation control means for executing the rotational motion in which container holding members for holding the container in a horizontal manner or at a constant inclination angle relative to the horizontal axis of the container, and the container are rotated at an angle of 60° or more, and then stopped, wherein a foreign matter detection means detects the foreign matter according to the movement locus of the foreign matter, which is formed using the captured images obtained by the continuous shooting for each rotational motion at constant time.
US09710727B2 Anomaly detection using a kernel-based sparse reconstruction model
A method and system for detecting anomalies in video footage. A training dictionary can be configured to include a number of event classes, wherein events among the event classes can be defined with respect to n-dimensional feature vectors. One or more nonlinear kernel function can be defined, which transform the n-dimensional feature vectors into a higher dimensional feature space. One or more test events can then be received within an input video sequence of the video footage. Thereafter, a determination can be made if the test event(s) is anomalous by applying a sparse reconstruction with respect to the training dictionary in the higher dimensional feature space induced by the nonlinear kernel function.
US09710725B2 Method and system for extracting image salient curve
Provided is a method for extracting an image salient curve. The method comprises the following steps: drawing an approximate curve along a salient edge of an image from which a salient curve is to be extracted; obtaining short edges in the image; calculating a harmonic vector field by using the drawn curve as a boundary condition; filtering the short edges in the image by using the harmonic vector field; updating the vector field by using the short edges left in the image as boundary conditions; and obtaining an optimal salient curve of the image by using the energy of a minimized spline curve in the vector field. Also provided is a system for extracting an image salient curve. The image salient curve can ensure the smoothness and a bending characteristic.
US09710721B2 Method for in-scene compensation using water vapor content
Methods are provided for automatically performing atmospheric compensation of a multi or hyper spectral image. One method comprises transforming at least two endmembers extracted from an image into at-ground reflectance. The transformation may be approximate and/or only in certain spectral bands in order to reduce processing time. A matching component is then located in a spectral library for each of the at least two extracted endmembers. Gain and offset values are then calculated using the at least two matched extracted endmember and spectral library component pairs. At least part of the image is then compensated using the calculated gain and offset values. Another method uses at least one endmember extracted from the image and a black level. Methods for atmospheric compensation using water vapor content of pixels are also provided. In addition, methods for shadow correction of hyper and multi spectral images are provided.
US09710720B2 System and method of image analysis for automated asset identification
A system and method are provided that capture an image of an asset and analyze the captured image to identify an indicium on the asset. The indicium is used, after identification, to identify the asset. The system may also be configured to identify a type of asset, to track the asset, to verify a manifest for a group of assets, or to identify damage to an asset based on comparing the captured image of the asset with a previously captured image of the asset.
US09710717B1 Apparatuses, systems and methods for determining vehicle operator distractions
Apparatuses, systems and methods are provided for generating data representative of vehicle operator distractions. More particularly, apparatuses, systems and methods are provided for generating data representative of vehicle operator distractions based on vehicle interior image data.
US09710716B2 Computer vision pipeline and methods for detection of specified moving objects
A computer vision pipeline detects tracks and classifies people or other specified class of objects in a steam of video. The ability to not only detect motion, but to distinguish people or other specified objects, can improve the systems usefulness in applications like security monitoring. A motion detection module provides a motion bitmap and a background subtraction module provides a foreground bitmap, and an object tracking module uses these bitmaps identify and track the specified classes of objects. From these objects and tracks, categorized object data can then be generated.
US09710708B1 Method and apparatus for autonomously recognizing at least one object in an image
A method and apparatus for autonomously recognizing at least one object in an image is provided. The method includes obtaining an image and providing an image analyzer for autonomously analyzing the image and autonomously identifying at least one item of information regarding at least one object in the image. The at least one item of information regarding the at least one object may be identified without regard to the at least one object's appearance, location, or orientation in the image and without requiring any outside intervention or human input, so that information regarding the at least one object, such as the at least one object's actions, movements, and locations may be obtained from the image.
US09710706B2 Method for classifying a known object in a field of view of a camera
A method for classifying a known object in a field of view of a digital camera includes developing a plurality of classifier feature vectors, each classifier feature vector associated with one of a plurality of facet viewing angles of the known object. The digital camera captures an image in a field of view including the known object and an image feature vector is generated based upon said captured image. The image feature vector is compared with each of the plurality of classifier feature vectors and one of the plurality of classifier feature vectors that most closely corresponds to the image feature vector is selected. A pose of the known object relative to the digital camera is determined based upon the selected classifier feature vector.
US09710705B2 Method for inserting features into a three-dimensional object and method for obtaining features from a three dimensional object
A method for inserting features into a three-dimensional object is disclosed, wherein features correspond to original features of the three-dimensional object. The inserting method comprises determining a reference shape using the original features; determining a set of vertices on the three-dimensional original object at the intersection between the reference shape and the three-dimensional object; modifying the local neighborhood of the set of vertices so that their local neighborhood is close to a set of target shapes. A method for obtaining features from a three-dimensional object is further disclosed. The method comprises obtaining anchor vertices whose local neighborhood is close to a set of target shapes; fitting a reference shape onto the anchor vertices; and obtaining the features using the fitted reference shape. A 3D object carrying anchor vertices and devices for implementing the disclosed methods are further disclosed.
US09710704B2 Method and apparatus for finding differences in documents
Systems and methods for finding and presenting differences between documents are provided. One method includes identifying one or more differences between a first document and at least one second document. The method further includes determining each of the one or more differences to be either a significant difference or an insignificant difference. The determination of whether each of the one or more differences is a significant difference or an insignificant difference may be performed in an automated manner without intervention from a user. The method further includes providing an identification of the significant differences to the user. The method further includes either hiding the insignificant differences from the user or providing an identification of the insignificant differences in a different manner than a manner in which the identification of the significant differences is provided.
US09710703B1 Method and apparatus for detecting texts included in a specific image
A method for detecting texts included in a specific image is disclosed. The method includes steps of: (a) an apparatus detecting or allowing another device to detect one or more text candidates in the specific image by referring to feature values of pixels in the specific image; (b) the apparatus classifying or allowing another device to classify one or more weak texts in the specific image as strong texts by referring to information on at least one text classified as the strong text in another image related to the specific image if more than a certain percentage of the detected text candidates are classified as the weak texts as a result of comparison between at least one threshold value and at least one feature value of at least one pixel selected in a region where the detected text candidates are included or a value converted from the feature value.
US09710702B2 Systems and methods for mobile image capture and content processing of driver's licenses
Systems and methods are provided for processing and extracting content from an image of a driver's license captured using a mobile device. In one embodiment, an image of a driver's license (DL) is captured by a mobile device and corrected to improve the quality of the image. The corrected image is then further processed by cropping the image, identifying the format and layout of the DL, binarizing the image and extracting the content using optical character recognition (OCR). Multiple methods of image cropping may be implemented to accurately assess the borders of the DL, and a secondary layout identification process may be performed to ensure that the content being extracted is properly classified.
US09710699B2 Three dimensional recognition from unscripted sources technology (TRUST)
The invention is a device and method for recognizing individuals of interest by analyzing images taken under real world lighting conditions with imperfect viewing. Recognition attributes are identified by running a plurality of processing algorithms on the image data which a) extract indices of recognition that are markers relating to specific individuals, b) create morphable, three dimensional computer graphics models of candidate individuals based on the indices of recognition, c) apply the viewing conditions from the real world data imagery to the three dimensional models, and d) declare recognition based on a high degree of correlation between the morphed model and the raw data image within a catalog of the indices of recognition of individuals of interest. The invention further encompasses the instantiation of the processing on very high thruput processing elements that may include FPGAs or GPUs.
US09710695B2 Characterizing pathology images with statistical analysis of local neural network responses
For digital pathology imaging, intelligent processing, such as automatic recognition or content-based retrieval, is one significant benefit that drives the wide application of this technology. Before any intelligent processing on pathology images, every image is converted into a feature vector which quantitatively capture its visual characteristics. An algorithm characterizing pathology images with statistical analysis of local responses of neural networks is described herein. The algorithm framework enables extracting sophisticated textural features that are well adapted to the image data of interest.
US09710689B2 Fingerprint sensors for mobile devices
Various embodiments concern fingerprint sensors for mobile devices. By modifying one or more layers of a display assembly, a fingerprint sensor can be positioned directly beneath the display. For example, the air gap within the backlight structure could be replaced by an optically clear adhesive that allows waves emitted by a fingerprint sensor to properly propagate through the display assembly. In some embodiments, a fingerprint sensor is set within a recess in the display assembly. For example, a depression could be created in the protective substrate, and the fingerprint sensor could be set within the depression using an optically clear adhesive. The functionality of a fingerprint sensor could also be replicated by increasing the density of touch-sensing elements in certain areas of a display assembly that utilizes in-cell technology.
US09710685B2 Barcode-reading application for a mobile device with a high resolution color camera
This patent specification describes a barcode reading application for a mobile device. The mobile device comprises a camera, which comprises an image sensor array and an output module coupled to the image sensor array. The image sensor array includes a plurality of pixels and the output module is capable of providing output in both: i) a primary color format wherein each pixel is represented by an intensity of each of three primary colors; and ii) a color space format wherein each pixel is represented by an intensity value and a plurality of chromatic values. The barcode reading application is configured to perform one of: i) confirming that the output module is set to provide output in the color space format; and ii) setting the output module to provide output in the color space format.
US09710683B2 Interrogator and interrogation system employing the same
A control and processing system for use with an interrogator and an interrogation system employing the same. In one embodiment, the control and processing system includes a correlation subsystem having a correlator that correlates a reference code with a reply code from a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag and provides a correlation signal therefrom. The control and processing system also includes a decision subsystem that verifies a presence of the RFID tag as a function of the correlation signal.
US09710681B2 Communications system, relay communications device, relay communications device and electromagnetic induction communications device combination, electromagnetic induction communications device, information storage medium, and information storage medium production method
An object of the present invention is to provide a communication system, a relay communication device, a combination of the relay communication device and the electromagnetic induction communication device, an electromagnetic induction communication device, an information storage medium, and an information storage medium manufacturing method, in which a communication system communicating through electromagnetic induction can be implemented at low cost. A relay automatic ticket gate system provides the following. An IC card 40 includes an IC chip capable of communicating through electromagnetic induction, and a pair of conductive plates. A relay communication device includes a relay loop antenna, and a pair of conductive rails. An electromagnetic induction ticket gate communicates through electromagnetic induction between a ticket gate loop antenna communicating with a relay loop antenna through electromagnetic induction, and a relay communication device. A ticket gate control unit executes processing of communication with the IC chip.
US09710679B2 Anti-data theft structures and electronic devices with the same
An anti-data theft structure in an electronic device includes a second cover, a printed circuit board (PCB), a connector, a plurality of terminals, and an elastic element. The PCB includes a first press piece. The connector is rotatably coupled to the second cover and defines a plurality of slots facing PCB. A number of terminals are received in the slots according to a predetermined order. The elastic element is located between the connector and the second cover. When the first press piece resists against connector, the terminals are electrically coupled to the PCB to allow normal working. When the first press piece is separated from the connector, the connector is rotated away under the elastic force to cause the terminals to fall from the slots. Reassembly of the connector contacts so as not to be in the predetermined order causes lockdown and lockout of the electronic device.
US09710676B2 Data processing apparatus, information processing apparatus, and storage medium
In a case where a processing request corresponding to an instruction transmitted from a data processing apparatus is accepted from an external apparatus, an appropriate processing based on a processing request corresponding to an instruction made by a user who operates the data processing apparatus is performed.
US09710675B2 Providing enhanced replay protection for a memory
In an embodiment, a processor includes: at least one core to execute instructions; a cache memory coupled to the at least one core to store data; and a tracker cache memory coupled to the at least one core. The tracker cache memory includes entries to store an integrity value associated with a data block to be written to a memory coupled to the processor. Other embodiments are described and claimed.
US09710671B1 Data anonymity and separation for user computation
This disclosure includes techniques for using distributed computing over a network to resolve difficult computational problems. Anonymization of the data allows computing devices in the distributed computing system to solve the computational problem without exposing private aspects of the data. Individual computing devices receive instructions and data that correspond to a piece of a larger computational problem. In one implementation, a user may request a webpage from a web server and receive the webpage along with commands in a scripting language that instructs the user's computer to process a piece of the larger computational problem. The web server may assign the piece of the problem to the user's computer based on processing capabilities of the user's computer. Combining solutions received from multiple distributed computing devices and reversing the anonymization process yields a solution to the computational problem.
US09710668B2 User targeted medical imaging and information packaging, compression and distribution system
A computer-based method and system of distributing biological sample data acquired as a digital image of a subject biological sample. The acquired digital image and image capture data are processed according to at least one user. This results in processed image data and capture metadata. The processed image data represents biological sample data of the subject biological sample. A package processing combines the processed image data and capture metadata into a working Package. The method and system enables simultaneous electronic access to the working Package by multiple users, across multiple sectors, in addition to the one user.
US09710667B2 System and method for online key rotation
The system may comprise receiving a data element, and receiving an encryption key and an associated encryption key identifier from an encryption keystore database. The system may further comprise transmitting the data element to an encryption module for encryption using the encryption key to form an encrypted data element. The system may also comprise receiving the encrypted data element from the encryption module and concatenating the encryption key identifier with the encrypted data element to form a protected data field entry.
US09710666B2 Methods and systems for user authentication in a computer system using multi-component log-ins, including image-based log-ins
In computer-based user authentication, a user performs an image-based log-in comprising a set of actions on at least one verification image on a display screen. Users are authenticated by a computer comparing the set of actions against a key definition for the verification image. The set of actions may include selecting a target location on the image, selecting target locations in a selected order and/or with a selected pattern, superimposing a target location with a selected overlay, covering target locations with overlays in a selected superimposing order and/or pattern. The user may define the set of actions and verification image to establish the log-in. The user may also establish or enhance security for a component of a multi-component password, which may be an image-based password; one method is to encrypt the position of at least one target location and to modify the encryption as frequently as desired.
US09710663B2 Applicant screening
Systems and methods for screening applicants are disclosed herein. A method of screening applicants is performed by a screening server. The server begins by receiving a selection of screening services and an applicant profile that identifies an applicant. The screening continues by generating screening results specified by the selection of screening services based on the applicant profile. A property manager is then notified that the screening results are available for the applicant based upon the applicant profile. The screening results are then provided to the property manager based upon the applicant profile. Based on these screening results, the screener or property manager can make a decision about the applicant and communicate a decision action to the applicant.
US09710660B2 System for meetings documentation that enables access to the documentation only by the consent of the participants
A system for audio and visual documenting of personal meetings between two or more persons whereby the documentation is stored in a memory means where the access to the memory means can be done only by consent of said participants and by a positive action made by each of them. The system includes a casing, a memory means, a recording voice means or a video recording means, a locking means and authorized keys. The memory means is saved in the casing and locked by the locking means. Opening the locking means and the casing can be done only by using authorized keys. The locking means is a locking means selected from the group consisting of a mechanical locking, an electronic lock, an electric lock, a lock based on magnetic cards, a biometric lock, a locking means based on finger print, retina or DNA sample.
US09710658B2 Computing entities, platforms and methods operable to perform operations selectively using different cryptographic algorithms
Described herein is a computing platform incorporating a trusted entity, which is controllable to perform cryptographic operations using selected ones of a plurality of cryptographic algorithms and associated parameters, the entity being programmed to record mode of operation information, which is characterized by the algorithms and associated parameters that are selected to perform an operation.
US09710657B1 Methods, systems, and computer program products for secure input and reception of sensitive user data
A computer-implemented method for securely receiving user data includes a computer associating a marker with a sensitive data field in a form. The method also includes the computer using the marker to facilitate secure entry of user data corresponding to the sensitive data field. The method further includes the computer entering the user data in the sensitive data field in the form. The marker is configured to refer to the sensitive data field without revealing additional information regarding the sensitive data field.
US09710656B2 Controlled delivery and assessing of security vulnerabilities
A method for providing security vulnerability information is provided. The method may include checking for the security vulnerability information product supplier servers. The method may further include sending alerts to a security vulnerability administrator associated with a client environment. Additionally, the method may include performing a security check on the security vulnerability administrator to authorize the security vulnerability administrator to receive the security vulnerability information. The method may also include authenticating customers associated with the client environment to authorize the customers to receive the security vulnerability information. The method may further include prompting the authorized security vulnerability administrator to acknowledge an information confidentiality reminder. The method may also include sending an audit record to the product supplier server. The method may further include presenting the security vulnerability information to the authorized security vulnerability administrator and the authorized customers associated with the client environment.
US09710646B1 Malware detection using clustering with malware source information
Techniques for malware detection using clustering with malware source information are disclosed. In some embodiments, malware detection using clustering with malware source information includes generating a first cluster of source information associated with a first malware sample, in which the first malware sample was determined to be malware, and the first malware sample was determined to be downloaded from a first source; and determining that a second source is associated with malware based on the first cluster.
US09710645B2 Systems and methods to detect and neutralize malware infected electronic communications
Systems and methods to detect and neutralize malware infected electronic communications are described. The system may receive a request for interface information from over a network from a client machine. In response to receiving the request the system may generate the interface information to include at least one input mechanism to receive user information from the user and countermeasure information for utilization on the client machine to detect whether the interface information is modified on the client machine to receive user information from the user that is not authorized. Finally, the system may communicate the interface information, over the network, to the client machine.
US09710644B2 Techniques for sharing network security event information
This disclosure provides techniques for pooling and searching network security events reported by multiple sources. As information representing a security event is received from one source, it is searched against a central or distributed database representing events reported from multiple, diverse sources (e.g., different client networks). Either the search or correlated results can be filtered and/or routed according at least one characteristic associated with the networks, for example, to limit correlation to events reported by what are presumed to be similarly situated networks. The disclosed techniques facilitate faster identification of high-relevancy security event information, and thereby help facilitate faster threat identification and mitigation. Various techniques can be implemented as standalone software (e.g., for use by a private network) or for a central pooling and/or query service. This disclosure also provides different examples of actions that can be taken in response to search results.
US09710642B2 Methods, systems, and computer program products for recovering a password using user-selected third party authorization
A password recovery technique for access to a system includes receiving a request from a first party to recover the first party's password to access the system, receiving a selection of a second party from the first party, sending a message to the second party requesting that the second party authorize the request to recover the first party's password, receiving authorization from the second party for the request to recover the first party's password, and resetting the first party's password responsive to receiving authorization from the second party.
US09710640B1 Bootstrapping authentication of second application via confirmation by first application
Disclosed are various embodiments that facilitate bootstrap authentication of a second application by way of a user confirmation via a first application, where the first application is authenticated using trusted credentials. A security credential for a user account is received from a user. A first application is authenticated with an authentication service using the security credential. One or more user actions are received by the first application. The user actions constitute a confirmation of a bootstrap authentication request submitted by a second application. Data encoding the user actions is sent to the authentication service.
US09710633B2 Method and apparatus for authenticating user
The present disclosure provides a method performed by a user authentication apparatus for authenticating a user of an information processing device. The method includes: visually outputting a code image including predetermined information to allow the information processing device to capture the code image; determining whether an authentication request including the code image and authentication identification information is obtained from the information processing device; and performing a user authentication process based on the authentication identification information after the authentication request is obtained.
US09710631B2 Method for enrolling data in a base to protect said data
An enrollment method for enrolling biometric data in a database. Each data item includes an information vector on a biometric feature, and a mask vector, determining those bits of the information vector to be taken into account for data comparison. The method includes the application of permutation to the bits of the vectors. The vectors using an enrollment code, the permutation being applied to the encoded vectors. In the encoded vectors, the mean weight of the representations of all the bits of the mask vector is constant or statistically constant irrespective of the values of the bits of the mask vector; and least one bit is drawn randomly following the same law of distribution as the bits of the information vector.
US09710624B2 Implementing extent granularity authorization initialization processing in CAPI adapters
A method, system and computer program product are provided for implementing block extent granularity authorization initialization processing in Coherent Accelerator Processor Interface (CAPI) adapters. A master owning client and CAPI Server Register space assigned to the Master Owning Client are identified. Address mapping is created for the Master Owning Client to access the assigned CAPI Server Register space. The Master Owning Client is enabled to send commands to the CAPI adapter, other CAPI clients are prevented from sending commands to the CAPI adapter via the CAPI Server Register space assigned to the Master Owning Client.
US09710623B2 Cryptographic system
A cryptographic system comprises a white-box implementation of a function; an implementation of a cryptographic algorithm; and an implementation of a combining operation for establishing cryptographically processed data in dependence on an outcome of the function and in dependence on an outcome of the cryptographic algorithm. The combining operation comprises combining an outcome of the cryptographic algorithm with an outcome of the function. Alternatively, the combining operation comprises combining an outcome of the function with a received data element to obtain a combination outcome and applying the cryptographic algorithm to the combination outcome.
US09710617B2 Method and system for a recursive security protocol for digital copyright control
Systems and methods are described which utilize a recursive security protocol for the protection of digital data. These may include encrypting a bit stream with a first encryption algorithm and associating a first decryption algorithm with the encrypted bit stream. The resulting bit stream may then be encrypted with a second encryption algorithm to yield a second bit stream. This second bit stream is then associated with a second decryption algorithm. This second bit stream can then be decrypted by an intended recipient using associated keys.
US09710613B2 Guided personal companion
The operation of an application on a first device may be guided by a user operating a second device. The application on the first device may present a character on a display of the first device and obtain an audio signal of speech of a user of the first device. Audio data may be transmitted to the second device and corresponding audio may be played from speakers of the second device. The second device may present suggestions of phrases to be spoken by the character displayed on the first device. A user of the second device may select a phrase to be spoken by the character. Phrase data may be transmitted to the first device, and the first device may generate audio of the character speaking the phrase using a text-to-speech voice associated with the character.
US09710612B2 Combining signal information from shoes and sports racket
Methods and apparatus are disclosed for correlating signals from a sports racket with signals from the shoes worn by a player wielding the racket to gain insight into the player's footwork at ball striking moments.
US09710603B2 Dental charting system
A computer-implemented dental charting system includes a computer storing tooth data for at least one patient and a display operable to display the tooth data. The computer is responsive to voice commands, and the display has a periodontal mode and a restorative mode. The display includes an exam overview window illustrating a plurality of tooth images, each tooth image corresponding to a patient tooth location, and an exam focus window. The exam focus window illustrates a magnified view of at least one of the plurality of tooth images, and illustrates data corresponding to the selected tooth location. The exam focus window may be displayed beside the exam overview window, as a floating window on top of the exam overview window, or on a physically separate display from the exam overview window.
US09710602B1 Visual display of room information
An embodiment provides a method of graphically displaying room information, including: displaying, on an electronic device, a matrix having a plurality of cells therein, at least one cell displaying hospital room information regarding room availability and patient occupancy in the room; said matrix displaying the plurality of cells in column form; and displaying, responsive to a user interaction with a cell in the matrix of a patient occupied hospital room, an overlay window having secondary room status information therein comprising patient specific information regarding the status of the hospital room.
US09710600B1 Healthcare gap management system
Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on non-transitory computer readable storage media, for integrating with an electronic health record system to permit healthcare providers, health insurance companies, and healthcare analytics providers to manage healthcare gaps in real-time.
US09710594B2 Variation-aware timing analysis using waveform construction
A method of performing variation aware timing analysis for an integrated circuit, a system, and a computer program product are described. The method includes determining one or more voltage waveforms at an output of a first component of the integrated circuit based on respective one or more first processing conditions, and storing waveform information based on the one or more voltage waveforms. The method also includes obtaining an input voltage waveform at an input of a second component of the integrated circuit for a second processing condition based on processing the waveform information, the output of the first component being the input of the second component, and performing the variation aware timing analysis for the second component based on the input voltage waveform.
US09710588B2 Method of generating modified layout for RC extraction
A method of includes determining a first set of width bias values of an i-th set of layout patterns of an original layout according a first type width variation. The original layout has N sets of layout patterns corresponding to N masks, where the i-th set of layout patterns has an i-th mask assignment corresponding to an i-th mask of the N masks. The order index i is an integer from 1 to N, and N is an integer and greater than 1. A second set of width bias values of the i-th set of layout patterns of the original layout is determined according to a second type width variation. The modified layout is generated based on the first and second sets of width bias values of the i-th set of layout patterns.
US09710582B1 Delivering circuit designs for programmable integrated circuits
Implementing a circuit design may include, responsive to a user input selecting a design, executing an implementation script of the design using the processor. Executing the implementation script may generate instructions for generating a circuit design from the design. Responsive to the instructions and using the processor, cores of the design may be automatically instantiated and connected.
US09710578B2 Configuration of selected modules of a hardware block within a programmable logic device
Various techniques are provided to configure embedded hardware resources of a programmable logic device (PLD). In one example, a method includes receiving configuration information for a plurality of hardware modules of an embedded hardware block of a PLD. The configuration information is received from a user of a computer system external to the PLD. The method also includes generating a plurality of models of the hardware block. The method also includes merging the generated models into a combined model of the hardware block. The combined model includes the configuration information received for the hardware modules of the hardware block. Related systems and additional techniques are also provided.
US09710575B2 Hybrid platform-dependent simulation interface
According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a method and technique for a hybrid platform-dependent simulation interface is disclosed. The method includes: encoding an application with a library having a platform-independent application programming interface (API) for interacting with a simulation engine, the simulation engine providing a simulated environment for hosting the application; and encoding the library with a platform-dependent API providing an interface to the simulation engine using a platform-dependent hardware element, the platform-dependent hardware element unaffecting a non-simulation environment when the application is running in the non-simulation environment.
US09710572B2 Completing application interfaces
Completing an application interface is disclosed, including: segmenting a search query into one or more keywords; determining an application interface based at least in part on the one or more keyword units; determining an attribute for an input field associated with the determined application interface; determining a value corresponding to the attribute based at least in part on the one or more keyword units; and presenting the determined application interface, wherein the determined application interface includes the input field prepopulated with the value.
US09710571B2 Graphical top-down planning system
A system is provided that visually represents a planning structure. The system displays a node that represents an element of the planning structure and a value associated with the element within a user interface. The system further receives a first user interaction that is a movement of a cursor over the node in a direction. The system further generates child elements within the planning structure in response to the first user interaction, where the child elements are children of the element. The system further generates values associated with the child elements, where a combination of the values is equal to the original value. The system further displays child nodes that represent the child elements and the values within the user interface. The system further displays lines between the node and the child nodes, where each line represents a parent-child relationship.
US09710569B2 Service desk data transfer interface
A system and method for managing data transfer operations includes at least one data server including data stored in a plurality of data fields, at least one transaction server operatively coupled to the at least one data server and configured to provide at least one customizable business rule and a customer relationship application, an information server operatively coupled to the at least one transaction server, and at least one workstation operatively coupled to the information server. The least one workstation includes local memory accessible to the customer relationship application and configured to provide web communication and presentation services to a user of the at least one workstation that are deployed on the information server. The at least one customizable business rule specifies a mapping between the plurality of data fields and the local memory, the mapping having been provided by the user interacting with the web communication and presentation services.
US09710562B2 Normalization of confidence thresholds in federated environments
Embodiments of the present invention provides methods, computer program products, and systems for normalizing confidence score thresholds across systems in a federated environment. Embodiments of the present invention can be used to calculate normalization factors for participating hubs in a federated environment to normalize confidence score thresholds applied by those hubs and improve search results obtained therefrom.
US09710553B2 Graphical user interface for management of remotely stored videos, and captions or subtitles thereof
The present invention relates to video provided over one or more networks. Methods and systems for providing, playing, and/or editing video having multiple tracks of timed text are provided in different embodiments of the present invention.
US09710552B2 User driven audio content navigation
Systems and associated methods configured to provide user-driven audio content navigation for the spoken web are described. Embodiments allow users to skim audio for content that seems to be of relevance to the user, similar to visual skimming of standard web pages, and mark point of interest within the audio. Embodiments provide techniques for navigating audio content while interacting with information systems in a client-server environment, where the client device can be a simple, standard telephone.
US09710551B2 Personalized healing sounds database
The invention relates to the field of music therapy. In particular the invention is related to a method for producing a personalized database of sounds and music tracks by filtering and combining personal and hospital databases of sounds which induces variations of the physiological state of a listener.
US09710548B2 Enhanced answers in DeepQA system according to user preferences
A semantic search engine is enhanced to employ user preferences to customize answer output by, for a first user, extracting user preferences and sentiment levels associated with a first question; receiving candidate answer results of a semantic search of the first question; weighting the candidate answer results according to the sentiment levels for each of the user preferences; and producing the selected candidate answers to the first user. Optionally, user preferences and sentiment levels may be accumulated over different questions for the same user, or over different users for similar questions. And, supplemental information may be retrieved relative to a user preference in order to further tune the weighting per the preferences and sentiment levels.
US09710546B2 Explicit signals personalized search
Methods, systems, and computer program products are provided that enable users to provide explicit declarations that are used to generate recommendations for the users. An explicit declaration is received from a user of a user device. The explicit declaration is configured to influence a subsequent recommendation. The words of the explicit declaration are processed to generate a record. A recommendation rule is generated based on the generated record. The recommendation rule is executed to generate a recommendation for the user. The generated recommendation is provided to the user.
US09710545B2 Method and apparatus for conducting context sensitive search with intelligent user interaction from within a media experience
In some embodiments, the invention involves context based search engine using a user selected term within a media experience. A natural language processor module is configured to provide context based keywords related to the search term and from within the media experience. In some embodiments, a proximity based statistical analysis is used to derive the keywords. The keywords are provided to at least one content browser or other search engine(s) to effect the search. In some embodiments, a machine learning module is communicatively coupled to the natural language processer to further refine the context for selecting relevant keywords. The context search engine, natural language processor module, machine learning module and search engine may reside on the same computing device or be distributed among a variety of local, remote and cloud devices for processing. Other embodiments are described and claimed.
US09710539B2 Email analytics
A method for performing email analytics is described. The method includes extracting emails from the configured email repository. The emails are then grouped into mail groups based on identification of content similarity of the emails. A network graph is then constructed for each of the mail group to identify an association of emails in the mail group based on header-level analysis of emails. Thereafter, email analytics is performed on the mail groups by clustering the mail groups into mail clusters based on temporal progression of emails in the mail groups. Key phrases are then determined based on a content analysis of emails in the mail groups in the mail clusters. The key phrases are then associated with the network graphs of the mail groups.
US09710536B2 Method and system for validating data
A method and system for validating data. Warehouse data is generated by transforming source data via an ETL transformation model. A data cube is generated by transforming the warehouse data via an OLAP transformation model. A report dataset (MDS1) is generated from the data cube. A reference dataset (S) is generated from the source data. A data validation is performed, the data validation being based on a matching relationship between MDS1 and S.
US09710535B2 Object storage system with local transaction logs, a distributed namespace, and optimized support for user directories
The present invention relates to object storage systems that support hierarchical directories within a namespace manifest stored as an object. The namespace manifest is stored as namespace manifest shards that are determined based on a partial key derived from the full name of the referenced version manifest in each directory entry. Each storage server maintains a local transaction log that keeps track of changes to the namespace manifest in response to put transactions. The namespace manifest can be updated after each put transaction is acknowledged, which minimizes the number of write operations required for a put transaction. Updates to the namespace manifest are batched, distributed, and processed concurrently and in parallel by the storage servers that store the corresponding shards. This reduces the latency that would otherwise exist in the object storage cluster as a result of a put transaction. Updates to namespace manifest shards optionally occur in a batch process using MapReduce techniques.
US09710529B2 Data construction for extract, transform and load operations for a database
An extract, transform and load (ETL) data construction system provides an extensible, interim platform for transitioning data from a legacy database or other data sources to a target database. The data construction system performs data construction operations which may include creating data that can be used for data transformation in ETL operations. The data construction system provides check-in-check-out procedures for controlling multi-user data access and data editing, and also provides multi-level user access checks.
US09710527B1 Systems and methods of arranging displayed elements in data visualizations and use relationships
A method sorts data in data visualizations. The method is performed at a computing device having one or more processors and memory. The method retrieves a set of tuples from a database according to user selection. Each tuple includes a same set of fields. The method identifies a relation between tuples. The relation is a non-empty set of ordered pairs of tuples from the set of tuples. The method receives user selection of the relation to specify a dimensional position of visual marks corresponding to the tuples. The dimensional position is either the x-position of the y-position. The method generates and displays a data visualization with each tuple represented by a visible mark. The dimensional position of each displayed visual mark is based on a network traversal of the tuples using the relation.
US09710525B2 Adaptive learning of effective troubleshooting patterns
The system may include a troubleshooting activity recorder configured to record troubleshooting sessions. Each troubleshooting session may include a sequence of queries and query results. The troubleshooting activity recorder may include a query transformer configured to transform the queries and the query results into transformed queries and transformed query results before recording the troubleshooting sessions. The troubleshooting activity recorder may be configured to record the transformed queries and the transformed query results as troubleshooting session information in a troubleshooting activity database. The system may include a troubleshooting pattern learning unit including a graph builder configured to generate a troubleshooting pattern graph having query nodes and links between the query nodes based on the troubleshooting session information.
US09710524B2 Image processing apparatus, image processing method, and computer-readable storage medium
An image processing apparatus includes a search unit configured to search for an object, a selection unit configured to select a plurality of objects from among objects searched for by the search unit based on an instruction by a user, a creation unit configured to create a new document using the plurality of objects selected by the selection unit, and a storage unit configured to store the plurality of objects used in creating the new document by the creation unit as a group, associated with information about the group. The search unit searches for an object related to an object searched for based on a keyword, using information about the group.
US09710523B2 System, method and software for providing persistent entity identification and linking entity information in a data repository
The present invention provides a system, method and software for linking persistent and unique business identifiers, associated with business entities, for associating corresponding business records without a loss of historical records, regardless of subsequent changes, updates, and mergers. In the various embodiments, a first business record, of the plurality of business records, is associated with a first business identifier; and a second business record, which does not match the first record, is associated with a second business identifier. Subsequently, when the first business identifier and the second business identifier are determined to correspond to a singular business entity, the first business identifier and the second business identifier are linked, and respective associations of the first business record and the second business record with the linked first business identifier and second business identifier are maintained, with corresponding source references, and collectively utilized in subsequent search and match determinations.
US09710518B2 Method and system for semantic search against a document collection
Disclosed in one example is a method for searching. In some examples, the method includes receiving an unstructured search query, parsing the unstructured search query into a plurality of structured search attributes using a search term attribute dictionary, performing a search of a structured database based upon the plurality of structured search attributes to identify a plurality of search results, populating a plurality of form fields of a search form with the plurality of structured search attributes, and displaying the search form in association with the search results.
US09710517B2 Data record compression with progressive and/or selective decomposition
Disclosed herein are systems and methods for compressing structured or semi-structured data in a horizontal manner achieving compression ratios similar to vertical compression. Collections include structured or semi-structured data include a number of fields and are described using a schema. Fields include information having semantic similarity and are compressed using methods suitable for compressing the type of data. Data of a collection is compressed after fragmentation or may be normalized prior to compression. Data with semantic similarity is compressed using token tables and/or n-gram tables, where higher weighted, consisting of the product of frequency and length, occurring values may be stored in the lower numbered indices of the data table. Records include record descriptor bytes, field descriptor bytes, zero or more array descriptor bytes, zero or more object descriptor bytes, or bytes representing the data associated with the record. Data is indexed or compressed by a suitable module.
US09710515B2 Analysis system, computer system, and analysis method for analyzing behavior of database management system
This analysis system analyzes the behavior of a DBMS in a computer system having a computer which executes tasks in parallel and reads data from a database (DB) when executing a query. This analysis system acquires the number of selected rows corresponding to a key value of an index key used in the query, and calculates a model-based predicted degree of processing parallelism of the processing corresponding to the query. The system acquires, from the storage device, event information on an input-output event with respect to the storage medium when the processing corresponding to the query is executed actually, calculates a measured degree of processing parallelism when the processing corresponding to the query is executed actually, based on the event information, and displays information based on the model-based predicted degree of processing parallelism and the measured degree of processing parallelism.
US09710514B1 Systems and methods for efficient storage access using metadata
Systems and methods are provided for using metadata to efficiently access object data from two or more storage components. Control circuitry receives a request from a host device to perform an operation on a uniquely identified object in a storage system comprising at least a first storage component and a second storage component. Control circuitry retrieves metadata information about the location of the object in store, wherein the metadata information comprises a first indication of a location of the object in the first storage component and a second indication of a location of the object in the second storage component. The objects in one or both of the first and second storage components are located based on the retrieved metadata information, and the requested operation is performed on the requested object.
US09710512B2 Web-based debugging of database sessions
A system includes reception, from a first user, of a first web-protocol request to establish a first database server session, establishment of the first database server session in response to the first request, reception, from a second user, of a second web-protocol request to establish a second database server session and to communicate with the second database server session via a non-transient connection, establishment of the second database server session in response to the second request, reception, from the second user, of a third web-protocol request to attach the second database server session to the first database server session, attachment of the second database server session to the first database server session, and transmission of debugging information of the first database server session to the second user via the non-transient connection.
US09710511B2 Dynamic table index mapping
Described are methods, systems and computer readable media for external table index mapping.
US09710509B2 Image decoding method and apparatus for browser
Apparatuses, methods and storage medium associated with rendering a web page are disclosed herein. In embodiments, a method may include rendering, by a main thread of a browser, one or more non-image objects of the web page; decoding in parallel, by an image decoder of the browser, an image of the web page, while the main thread renders the one or more non-image objects of the web page. On completion of decoding the image, the main thread renders the decoded image. The web page may be part of a web application. Other embodiments may be described and claimed.
US09710507B2 Organization of data within a database
A computer implemented method is provided for processing data representing a data entity having sub entities. The method includes analyzing queries to the data entity for deriving information about sets of the sub entities frequently queried together, and grouping the sub entities to a number of banks, each bank having a maximum width, based on the information about sets of sub entities frequently queried together, in order to reduce an average number of banks to be accessed for data retrieval.
US09710506B2 Method and system for providing statistical data from a data warehouse
Methods, systems, and computer program products for providing statistical data relating to a plurality of input files from a data warehouse. A plurality of bins are associated with a plurality of hierarchically ordered index fields. Each index field is associated with a parameter of the input files and is configured to accept an index field value from a predefined value domain associated with the index field. A lookup table is defined that includes a plurality of hierarchically indexed data structures and data containers storing statistical data for each index within the data structures. For each data structure, a primary key and at least one secondary key are formed by concatenating one or more bins in compliance with a hierarchy of the hierarchically ordered index fields to form a sequence of bins, The lookup table includes only one primary key per data structure.
US09710502B2 Document management
The invention generally relates to document management, including the management of documents and versions of documents within collaboration and document sharing systems. An access tracking version manager according to the invention allows document versions to be stored and managed in situations where various people have access to different document versions within a document chain.
US09710501B2 Enhanced performance for large versioned databases
In accordance with the disclosed subject matter, systems and methods are provided for improving performance of a versioned database. Embodiments include systems and methods for improving performance of versioned databases by selectively loading portions of database files on disk into memory. Embodiments also include systems and methods for capturing and consolidating or condensing transaction logs into database files for loading.
US09710500B2 Accessing data and functionality in database systems
Some embodiments include a method for searching a hierarchical database structure of a database management system. In some embodiments, the method comprises detecting text input in a database search field, wherein the text input defines a search for data in the hierarchical database structure, wherein the hierarchical database structure includes items, and wherein the items include one or more of actions to be performed on data in the hierarchical database structure, indexes for looking up data in the hierarchical database structure, and database schemas defining databases in the hierarchical database structure. The method can also comprise selecting items in the hierarchical database structure based on the text input; presenting selectable options, wherein the selectable options are associated with the items in the hierarchical database structure; detecting selection of one of the selectable options, and presenting data associated with the one of the items.
US09710499B2 Method for detecting the playback of a data packet
A method of detecting whether a packet from a plurality of packets transmitted by at least one transmitting station over a network has been played back is disclosed. Each packet includes a message and an identifier, the packets being successively transmitted over several consecutive time periods. The method includes receiving the packet by at least one receiving station and reading of the identifier of the received packet to obtain a received identifier, and consulting, by the receiving station, a database of identifiers already received to determine whether the received identifier has already been received. If the received identifier has not already been received, the method also includes updating the database to include the received identifier. The identifier includes an indicator of belonging to groups of packets.
US09710497B2 Method of transmitting data including a structured linear database
A method, system and type of database for transmitting data is disclosed in which the data is organized into a structured linear database. The structured linear database includes a routing header portion, a file allocation table, a data portion and a tailbit portion. The structured linear database may be transmitted over any type of network, such as a TM-UWB system or a fiber-optic system. Once the data to be transmitted is identified, a corresponding field is identified in the field allocation table giving the location of the data within the transmission. This field is then referenced by the user to access the specific type of data desired at the given location of the transmission. this process may be repeated enabling data to be stored on transmission lines and accessed at any point at any time providing an always on network.
US09710496B2 Determining the schema of a graph dataset
A schema for a dataset is identified by identifying a dataset comprising data and relationships between data pairs. An original schema is identified for the dataset. This original schema comprises an organizational structure. An initial fit between the dataset and the original schema is determined. The initial fit quantifying a conformity of the data in the dataset to the organizational structure of the original schema. A plurality of additional schemas are identified. Each additional schema is a distinct organizational schema. The dataset is partitioned into a plurality of subsets. Each subset comprises a modified fit quantifying a modified conformity of subset data in each subset to one of the original schema and the additional schemas. The modified fit is greater than the original fit.
US09710494B2 Display control apparatus capable of displaying list of images corresponding to contents, method of controlling the display control apparatus, and storage medium
A display control apparatus capable of promptly displaying a list of images corresponding to respective contents such that a user can quickly identify the images. The display control apparatus acquires data items of the respective contents or reduced images corresponding to the respective contents, and generates a list screen using the acquired data items or reduced images. The display control apparatus generates the list screen using display objects predetermined in association with attributes of the contents, respectively, before the data items or the reduced images are acquired.
US09710492B2 Method and apparatus for representing and identifying feature descriptors utilizing a compressed histogram of gradients
A method, apparatus and computer program product may be provided for generating a plurality of compressed feature descriptors that can be represented by a relatively small number of bits, thereby facilitating transmission and storage of the feature descriptors. A method, apparatus and computer program product may also be provided for permitting a compressed representation of a feature descriptor to be compared with a plurality of compressed representations of feature descriptors of respective predefined features. By permitting the comparison to be performed utilizing compressed representations of feature descriptors, a respective feature descriptor may be identified without having to first decompress the feature descriptor, thereby potentially increasing the efficiency with which feature descriptors may be identified.
US09710484B2 Method and apparatus for associating physical locations to online entities
An approach is provided for associating physical locations to websites. The element platform may determine one or more user interactions by at least one user with at least one user interface element embedded in at least one website of at least one online entity, wherein the at least one user interface element is associated with one or more physical locations of the at least one online entity. Then, the element platform may cause, at least in part, a storage of the one or more physical locations in at least one user collection database based, at least in part, on the one or more interactions.
US09710483B1 Location-conscious social networking apparatuses, methods and systems
The LOCATION-CONSCIOUS SOCIAL NETWORKING APPARATUSES, METHODS, AND SYSTEMS (“LCSN”) transforms user personality and location inputs via LCSN components into match and transaction outputs. LCSN may be a processor-implemented method for location-conscious social networking, involving collecting personality details pertaining to a user, analyzing the personality details and constructing a personality profile for the user. The LCSN may also collect geolocation information from the user and compare it to geolocation data from other users, may use user personality profiles to calculate a compatibility rating between the user and other users, and may send an alert to users if the geolocation data indicates that the user is within a specified distance of another user, and/or if the users are matches for each other. Users may further be able to express anonymous interest in other users by anonymously rating potential matches.
US09710482B2 Enforcement of compliance policies in managed virtual systems
Techniques are disclosed for controlling and managing virtual machines and other such virtual systems. VM execution approval is based on compliance with policies controlling various aspects of VM. The techniques can be employed to benefit all virtual environments, such as virtual machines, virtual appliances, and virtual applications. For ease of discussion herein, assume that a virtual machine (VM) represents each of these environments. In one particular embodiment, a systems management partition (SMP) is created inside the VM to provide a persistent and resilient storage for management information (e.g., logical and physical VM metadata). The SMP can also be used as a staging area for installing additional content or agentry on the VM when the VM is executed. Remote storage of management information can also be used. The VM management information can then be made available for pre-execution processing, including policy-based compliance testing.
US09710481B1 Virtual application installation and storage for digital distribution platforms
A virtual installation module running on a user device determines that at least one application file chunk is to be stored in a memory of the user device prior to being executed, wherein the application file chunk includes a subset of the data of the application and is stored on a remote storage device that correspond to an application to be executed by the processing device. The virtual installation module determines when a request to execute the application on the user device will be received and stores the at least one application file chunk from the remote storage device in the memory of the user device based at least in part on when the at least one application file chunk will be utilized during execution of the application.
US09710476B2 System and method for identifying and mitigating redundancies in stored data
In an example of an embodiment of the invention, a repeating pattern is identified within stored data comprising a plurality of data files, each data file comprising at least a header section and a data section stored in an unknown format. At least one occurrence of the repeating pattern is identified as a header section of a respective data file, and a data section of the respective data file is identified based, at least in part, on a location of the at least one occurrence of the repeating pattern. The identified data section of the respective data file is backed up. Systems are also disclosed.
US09710473B2 Method for managing personalized playing lists of the type comprising a URL template and a list of segment identifiers
A first splicer manages a get-list request coming from a player and parameterized with an identifier of a first content and a group identifier. The first splicer obtains an initial playlist having a first URI template, pointing towards a first server and pre-parameterized with the identifier of the first content, and a first list of segment identifiers. The first splicer builds and transmits a final playlist to the player including a second URI template, pointing to a second splicer and pre-parameterized with the identifier of the first content and the group identifier, and a second list of virtual segment identifiers. Each virtual segment is associated with a segment of the first content or of an alternative content.
US09710468B2 Topic profile query creation
A topic profile may be generated based on several words/phrases. The topic profile may include social media content items such as a social media post from a variety of social media sources. The topic profile may be presented to a user via a user interface that displays the one or more included/excluded words/phrases that may form the basis of a query for the topic profile. The user interface may display one or more representative social media content items and/or a word cloud of words/phrases related to the query. A user may select one or more words/phrases in the word cloud and/or one or more social media content items to be included in and//or excluded from the topic profile. The implementations disclosed herein may allow rapid filtering of a potentially large group of content items from potentially disparate social media sources.
US09710466B2 Computer assisted and implemented process and system for annotating shared multiple-user document while maintaining secure annotations
A system, method, and medium supports analyzing intellectual property documents by linking and annotating patents, copyrights, trademarks, license agreements, and other intellectual property documents. It can be used by intellectual property professionals in memorializing thought processes, work products, and reasoning, in preliminary or final form, and can support development and use of a rich linked set representing complex relationships in an intellectual property portfolio. Optionally, marked up, linked documents are divided into data streams; one contains the original document for mark-up, and one contains annotation data. The marked-up document may be further revised and/or annotated even by multiple users. The same document such as a patent may be centrally stored but independently marked-up by different users (or groups of users). The system extracts from a marked-up document annotation data with any changes, and provides one or more data streams, containing the annotation data for storage and or later use.
US09710465B2 Efficiently restoring execution of a backed up virtual machine based on coordination with virtual-machine-file-relocation operations
The disclosed systems and methods enable a virtual machine, including any applications executing thereon, to quickly start executing and servicing users based on pre-staged data blocks supplied from a backup copy in secondary storage. Substantially concurrently with the ongoing execution of the virtual machine, a virtual-machine-file-relocation operation may move data blocks originating in the backup copy to a primary storage destination that becomes the virtual machine's primary data store after the relocation operation completes. An enhanced data agent, operating in conjunction with an enhanced media agent in a storage management system, coordinates restoring of the virtual machine and the launch of the relocation operation. The enhanced media agent may pre-stage certain backed up data blocks which may be needed to launch the virtual machine, based on predictive analysis pertaining to the virtual machine's operational profile. The enhanced media agent may also pre-stage backed up data blocks for the relocation operation, based on the operation's relocation scheme. Servicing read requests to the virtual machine may take priority over ongoing pre-staging of backed up data. Read requests may be tracked so that the media agent may properly maintain the contents of an associated read cache. Some embodiments of the illustrative storage management system may lack, or may simply not require, the relocation operation, and may operate in a “live mount” configuration.
US09710463B2 Active error detection and resolution for linguistic translation
A two-way speech-to-speech (S2S) translation system actively detects a wide variety of common error types and resolves them through user-friendly dialog with the user(s). Examples include features including one or more of detecting out-of-vocabulary (OOV) named entities and terms, sensing ambiguities, homophones, idioms, ill-formed input, etc. and interactive strategies for recovering from such errors. In some examples, different error types are prioritized and systems implementing the approach can include an extensible architecture for implementing these decisions.
US09710461B2 Real-time natural language processing of datastreams
Systems and methods for identifying and locating related content using natural language processing are generally disclosed herein. One embodiment includes an HTML5/JavaScript user interface configured to execute scripting commands to perform natural language processing and related content searches, and to provide a dynamic interface that enables both user-interactive and automatic methods of obtaining and displaying related content. The natural language processing may extract one or more context-sensitive key terms of text associated with a set of content. Related content may be located and identified using keyword searches that include the context-sensitive key terms. For example, text associated with video of a first content, such as text originating from subtitles or closed captioning, may be used to perform searches and locate related content such as a video of a second content, or text of a third content.
US09710460B2 Open microphone perpetual conversation analysis
A conversation analytics system including multiple microphones that each respectively capture at least a part of a single real world natural language conversation. The natural language data (for example, audio of natural language, or audio of natural language converted to text) from each of the multiple microphones is combined into a single combined piece of natural language data (for example, a combined audio file, or a combined piece of text). This combined piece of natural language data is subject to: (i) machine logic based natural language understanding; and/or (ii) community conversation analysis. The multiple microphones may be respectively built into mobile devices which are always on and which are generally always carried by the device owners on their respective persons.
US09710453B2 Multi-gesture text input prediction
A computing device outputs a keyboard for display, receives an indication of a first gesture to select a first sequence of one or more keys, determines a set of candidate strings based in part on the first sequence of keys, and outputs for display at least one of the set of candidate strings. The computing device receives an indication of a second gesture to select a second sequence of one or more keys, and determines that characters associated with the second sequence of keys are included in a first candidate word based at least in part on the set of candidate strings, or are included in a second candidate word not based on the first sequence of keys. The computing device modifies the set of candidate strings based at least in part on the determination and outputs for display at least one of the modified candidate strings.
US09710451B2 Natural-language processing based on DNA computing
A method and associated systems for using methods of DNA computing to implement an operation of a natural-language processing (NLP) system. A processor translates components of a slot grammar of the NLP system and an input filler vocabulary into listings of sequences of nucleotides. These sequences are encoded into a set of nucleotide chains, which are then allowed to chemically interact with each other such that the chains automatically bond in ways that are analogous to the way that a traditional computerized NLP system would use inferences and contextual information to fill slots of the slot grammar with tokens of the filler vocabulary. The resulting DNA molecules are extracted and information encoded into sequences of nucleotides comprised by the extracted molecules is decoded to yield a set of all possible strings that may generated by filling slots of the slot grammar with tokens of the vocabulary.
US09710450B2 Recombining incorrectly separated tokens in natural language processing
To recombine incorrectly separated tokens in NLP, a determination is made whether a token from an ordered set of tokens is present in a dictionary related to a corpus from which the ordered set is extracted. When the token is not present in the dictionary, and when a compounding threshold has not been reached, the token is agglutinated with a next adjacent token in the ordered set to form the compound token. The compounding threshold limits a number of tokens that can be agglutinated to form a compound token. A determination is made whether the compound token is present in the dictionary. A weight is assigned to the compound token when the compound token is present in the dictionary and a confidence rating of the compound token is computed as a function of the weight. The compound token and the confidence rating are used in NLP of the corpus.
US09710448B2 Managing product configuration
A computer-implemented method, carried out by one or more processors, for managing product configuration files. In an embodiment, the method comprises the steps of receiving, by one or more processors, a document containing one or more annotations, wherein the one or more annotations are associated with one or more files; determining, by one or more processors, an annotation has been selected from the one or more annotations to access a particular file associated with the selected annotation; linking, by one or more processors, a storage location for the particular file associated with the selected annotation to the received document; and displaying, by one or more processors, content of the particular file associated with the selected annotation in the received document.
US09710444B2 Organizing unstructured research within a document
Research items are stored in a research organization space within a document. The research organization space is separate from the document workspace that contains the document, itself. User inputs are provided to modify the research items or the document, by including research items within the document. Research items or document content are modified based on the user inputs.
US09710441B2 Content reproducing apparatus
According to an embodiment, a content reproducing apparatus includes a determination unit, a decision unit, an acquisition unit and a reproducing unit. The determination unit determines a reproduction condition for first content scheduled to be reproduced. The decision unit decides first acquisition information for acquiring the first content based on the reproduction condition. The acquisition unit acquires the first content using the first acquisition information. The reproducing unit reproduces the first content.