| Document | Document Title |
|---|---|
| US09848874B2 |
Small diameter endoscopic stapler
A surgical stapler is described herein which includes a shaft portion and a tool assembly supported on a distal end of the shaft portion. The too assembly includes an anvil and a cartridge body which rotatably supports a plurality of staples within notches. At least one firing cam is provided to sequentially to engage and rotate each of the staples to fire the staples from the cartridge body. In embodiments, the cartridge body includes two spaced legs which support two linear rows of staples. Each of the spaced legs of the cartridge body is supported within one of a first and a second cartridge channel. The cartridge channels are fixed to opposite sides of a pivot member which is pivotally supported at a distal end of the shaft portion between the shaft portion and the tool assembly such that translation of the first and second cartridge channels in opposite directions effects articulation of the tool assembly in relation to the shaft portion. |
| US09848872B2 |
Surgical stapling and cutting device
A medical device includes a laparoscopic shaft having proximal and distal ends and defining a shaft axis. A surgical end effector is at the distal end of the shaft. A surgical procedure actuator carries out a surgical procedure on tissue at the end effector when actuated. A rotating knob is at the proximal end of the shaft. The rotating knob rotates the end effector with respect to the shaft about the shaft axis when rotated and actuates the procedure actuator when slid in a proximal direction. |
| US09848870B2 |
Coupling system, applicator tool, attachment ring and method for connecting a conduit to biological tissue
A coupling system includes an applicator tool and an attachment ring mounted on the applicator tool. Clips are contained within the applicator tool and are deployed through the attachment ring in order to anchor the attachment ring to biological tissue. When deployed, tips of the clips follow a curved trajectory through an annular cuff of the attachment ring and through the underlying tissue. The tips loop back out of the tissue and to a location where they are later trapped or clamped by the attachment ring. While the tips are trapped or clamped, the applicator tool cinches the clips by pulling rear segments of the clips. Thereafter, the applicator tool disconnects from the attachment ring which remains anchored to the tissue and serves as a coupling for a cannula. The cannula can have movable lock members that secure it to the attachment ring. |
| US09848868B2 |
Suture methods for forming locking loops stitches
Methods for suturing tissue by forming a locking loop of suture material. In particular, method of using a suture passer to arthroscopically create a locking loop of suture in difficult to access tissues. As used herein a locking loop of suture is a loop of suture that is passed through a tissue from a first side to a second side of the tissue; one or more of the legs of the loop extending from the first side are passed through the tissue to the second side of the tissue and are then passed through the loop, and the loop is cinched to tighten closed over the one or more legs. The resulting locking loops stitches are extremely strong and distribute the stresses across the tissue in a desirable manner. |
| US09848863B2 |
Surgical retractor systems and methods
Embodiments herein are generally directed to surgical retractor systems. In some embodiments, these retractor systems may be used in spinal fusion or other procedures that utilize a transforaminal approach. |
| US09848860B2 |
Self-closing devices and methods for making and using them
A self-closing device for implantation within a patient's body includes base material including an inner surface area for securing the base material to a tissue structure, and a plurality of support elements surrounding or embedded in the base material. The support elements are separable laterally within a plane of the base material to accommodate creating an opening through the base material for receiving one or more instruments through the base material, and biased to return laterally towards a relaxed state for self-closing the opening after removing the one or more instruments. The device may be provided as a patch or integrally attached to a tubular graft or in various shapes. |
| US09848858B2 |
Instrument for endoscopic applications or the like
An instrument for endoscopic applications, including a tubular member having a handling end portion having a flexible portion and actuating devices located at the other end portion, and longitudinal elements for transferring the movement of the actuating devices to the handling end portion resulting in a change of orientation thereof, whereby the handling end portion includes at least two independent flexible portions, whereby the actuating end portion has a corresponding number of actuating devices, and whereby each actuating device is connected by its own set of longitudinal elements to a part of the handling end portion for effecting a change of orientation of one of the flexible portions. |
| US09848855B2 |
Filter for fine needle biopsy
A biopsy needle comprises a first lumen open to a tissue penetrating distal tip of the needle for receiving a tissue sample therein and a second lumen in combination with a filter separating the first and second lumens from one another, the filter being configured to permit fluids to pass therethrough while preventing the sampled tissue from passing therethrough. |
| US09848851B2 |
Ultrasound imaging system apparatus and method with ADC saturation monitor
An ultrasound imaging system and method employs hardware and/or software to monitor values indicative of analog-to-digital converter (ADC) saturation for each channel as a function of depth. Any of a number of actions may be performed based on the monitored values. For example, analog amplification or TGC may be adjusted to enhance the use of a dynamic range of ADCs while reducing or eliminating ADC saturation. A TGC profile may be adjusted. An alert may be provided. A power consumption may be adjusted. |
| US09848848B2 |
Lung sound denoising stethoscope, algorithm, and related methods
An electronic stethoscope includes an acoustic sensor assembly having a first microphone to detect biological sounds within a body, a detection system in communication with the first microphone to receive an auscultation signal from the first microphone, the auscultation signal including information of the biological sounds detected by the first microphone. The stethoscope also includes a second microphone in communication with the detection system to detect noise from an environment of the body. The detection system receives a noise signal from the second microphone, and provides a resultant signal based on the auscultation signal and the noise signal. The detection system subtracts information from the auscultation signal to produce the resultant signal, where the subtracted information is based on the noise signal such that the subtracted information is based more on higher frequency ranges of the noise signal compared to a lower frequency range corresponding to the biological sounds. |
| US09848846B2 |
Systems and methods for determining radiation dose in computed tomography scans
Systems and methods are described for determining a minimum radiation dose for a computed tomography (CT) scanning device. The method includes receiving a first input indicative of a selected minimum detectable contrast and a second input indicative of an estimate of a size of a subject to be exposed to the radiation dose. A minimum radiation dose to be applied via a radiation source is determined. The minimum radiation dose is determined at least in part by a power law model relating the size of the subject, a lesion size, and a minimum detectable contrast. The power law model is defined as MDC=A(L) dB(L) DoseC(L), wherein (i) MDC is the selected minimum detectable contrast, (ii) d is lesion size, (iii) Dose is radiation dose, (iv) A(L), B(L), and C(L) are pre-determined fitted parameters, and (v) L is the estimate of the size of the subject. |
| US09848843B2 |
Dynamic perfusion imaging
A method includes scanning a region of interest, during a contrast agent based perfusion scan, at a predetermined temporal sampling rate during contrast agent uptake in the region of interest, and generating time frame data indicative of the scanned region of interest. The method further includes identifying a predetermined change in an amount of the contrast agent in the region of interest from the time frame data. The method further includes scanning the region of interest at a lower temporal sampling rate, which is lower than the temporal sampling rate during the contrast agent uptake, in response to identifying the predetermined change in the amount of the contrast agent in the region of interest. |
| US09848840B2 |
X-ray diagnostic apparatus comprising an X-ray filter movable along an imaging axis of X-rays
According to one embodiment, an X-ray diagnostic apparatus includes an X-ray tube, an X-ray detection unit, an X-ray filter, an input unit, and an X-ray filter support unit. The X-ray tube generates X-rays. The X-ray detection unit detects the X-rays transmitted through a subject. The X-ray filter is arranged between the X-ray tube and the object and has an opening. The X-ray filter support unit supports the X-ray filter so as to make the X-ray filter movable in an imaging axis direction of the X-rays. |
| US09848836B2 |
Method of creating an accurate bone and soft-tissue digital dental model
A method of creating a 3-D anatomic digital model for determining a desired location for placing at least one dental implant in a patient's mouth. The method comprises the act of obtaining a first dataset associated with hard tissue of the patient's mouth. The method further comprises the act of obtaining a second dataset associated with soft tissue of the patient's mouth. The method further comprises the act of combining the first dataset and the second dataset to create a detailed structure of hard tissue and soft tissue having variable dimensions over the hard tissue. |
| US09848834B2 |
Method for detecting positions of tissues and apparatus using the same
Disclosed is a method for detecting positions of body tissues and an apparatus using the method. The apparatus according to the present invention comprises a surgery information storage unit storing an examined first image associated with a target bone of surgery, a position measuring unit measuring position values of multiple points on a surface of the target bone of surgery before and after cutting, and a registration control unit for acquiring a second image regarding the remained bone after cutting by applying the shape of the bone changed according to the progression of bone cutting to the first image, and for performing position registration with respect to the second image by using the position values of multiple points on surface of the target bone of surgery after cutting, which is measured by the position measuring unit. |
| US09848832B2 |
Representative emulation of organ behavior
A method for emulating prerecorded images may comprise acquiring at least one organ timing signal reading representing an activity state of an organ with at least one organ timing signal detector, acquiring a plurality of images with a medical imaging system, associating each of the plurality of images with an organ timing signal reading, removing any of the organ timing signal readings and associated images that are not representative of a normal organ configuration, and outputting a sequence of the representative images for a display. |
| US09848829B2 |
Systems, methods, and computer readable media for using descriptors to identify when a subject is likely to have a dysmorphic feature
Systems, methods, and computer-readable media are disclosed for identifying when a subject is likely to be affected by a medical condition. For example, at least one processor may be configured to receive information reflective of an external soft tissue image of the subject. The processor may also be configured to perform an evaluation of the external soft tissue image information and to generate evaluation result information based, at least in part, on the evaluation. The processor may also be configured to predict a likelihood that the subject is affected by the medical condition based, at least in part, on the evaluation result information. |
| US09848827B1 |
System, medical item including RFID chip, data collection engine, server and method for capturing medical data
A system includes a plurality of RFID chips affixed to a catheter, a data collection engine device, and a server device. The data collection engine wirelessly transmits power to a first one of the RFID chips and receives first medical data from the first RFID chip while the first RFID chip is activated by the power receiver. The data collection engine generates a first message indicative of the first medical data to be sent to the server device. The server device can determine aspects of the catheter such as position and risk states based upon the first medical data. |
| US09848826B2 |
Wearable monitoring and treatment device
A wearable medical device is provided. The wearable medical device includes a garment that includes a sensing electrode, at least one of an inductive element and a capacitive element included in at least part of the garment, and a controller. The controller may be configured to determine a confidence level of information received from the sensing electrode based on at least one of an inductance of the inductive element and a capacitance of the capacitive element. |
| US09848821B2 |
Systems and methods to reduce fluid contamination
Methods and systems for determining the concentration of one or more analytes from a sample such as blood or plasma are described. The systems described herein can be configured to withdraw a certain volume of sample from a source of bodily fluid, direct a first portion of the withdrawn sample to an analyte monitoring system and return a second portion of the sample to the patient. The analyte monitoring system can include an automated blood withdrawal system that is configured to withdraw blood from the patient's vasculature at low pressure and/or withdrawal rates so as to reduce or prevent contamination of the withdrawn fluid from the infusion fluids. |
| US09848818B1 |
Clinical assessment of fragile bone strength
A system and method for the use of the results from a structural analysis of a patient's bone from a clinical scan, to be used clinically to manage patients in a widespread and consistent fashion. |
| US09848817B2 |
Gas supply apparatus
A gas supply apparatus includes: a gas supply conduit for supplying a gas to a digestive tract; a pressure detecting device which detects a pressure in the digestive tract; a flow regulating device which regulates a gas amount supplied from the gas supply source to the digestive tract via the gas supply conduit; a first control device which controls the flow regulating device according to a result detected by the pressure detecting device to supply the gas into the digestive tract so that the pressure inside the digestive tract becomes a set pressure; a second control device which controls the flow regulating device to supply a fixed gas amount into the digestive tract; and a gas supply mode switching device which switches between gas supply modes including a mode for executing control by the first control device and a mode for executing control by the second control device. |
| US09848809B2 |
Advanced analyte sensor calibration and error detection
Systems and methods for processing sensor data and self-calibration are provided. In some embodiments, systems and methods are provided which are capable of calibrating a continuous analyte sensor based on an initial sensitivity, and then continuously performing self-calibration without using, or with reduced use of, reference measurements. In certain embodiments, a sensitivity of the analyte sensor is determined by applying an estimative algorithm that is a function of certain parameters. Also described herein are systems and methods for determining a property of an analyte sensor using a stimulus signal. The sensor property can be used to compensate sensor data for sensitivity drift, or determine another property associated with the sensor, such as temperature, sensor membrane damage, moisture ingress in sensor electronics, and scaling factors. |
| US09848807B2 |
Tissue profile wellness monitor
A tissue profile wellness monitor measures a physiological parameter, generates a tissue profile, defines limits and indicates when the tissue profile exceeds the defined limits. The physiological parameter is responsive to multiple wavelengths of optical radiation after attenuation by constituents of pulsatile blood flowing within a tissue site. The tissue profile is responsive to the physiological parameter. The limits are defined for at least a portion of the tissue profile. |
| US09848806B2 |
Low power pulse oximeter
A pulse oximeter may reduce power consumption in the absence of overriding conditions. Various sampling mechanisms may be used individually or in combination. Various parameters may be monitored to trigger or override a reduced power consumption state. In this manner, a pulse oximeter can lower power consumption without sacrificing performance during, for example, high noise conditions or oxygen desaturations. |
| US09848799B2 |
Real-time generation of MRI slices
A method includes displaying a position of a distal end of a medical probe that is being navigated in an organ of a patient on a three-dimensional (3D) map of the organ. In response to an event, a plane of interest including the distal end is selected, a real-time Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) slice of the organ is acquired at the selected plane, and the MRI slice is displayed overlaid on the 3D map. |
| US09848796B2 |
Method and apparatus for controlling media play device
The present disclosure is related to a play control method, apparatus and terminal. The method comprises: acquiring brain wave information of a user; and controlling an electronic device based on the brain wave information. When the embodiments of this disclosure are applied, by acquiring brain wave information of a user and controlling an electronic device based on the brain wave information, the state of the user can be reflected through the brain wave information; accordingly, effective control of the user's needs can be realized through the brain wave information without any triggering operation by the user, thereby enhancing the user experience and improving the intelligence level of electronic device. |
| US09848794B2 |
Catheter with improved safety line for distal tip and related method
A catheter includes a tip electrode with a shell and a support member to provide a plenum chamber. The support member is formed with a U-shaped passage for a safety line to wrap around and secure the support member (with the shell affixed thereto) to the catheter. Additional passages are formed in the support member to accommodate components such as irrigation tubing, lead wires and a thermocouple wire pair. A method of manufacture provides distal installation and/or anchoring of the safety line, lead wire and thermocouple wire pair in the support member prior to sealing the support member and mounting the shell. |
| US09848792B2 |
Intracortical-detection device and corresponding control method
An intracortical-detection device including: at least one electrode that contacts a group of neurons; a first body, forming a surface that contacts a portion of a cerebral region; a first motor that moves the electrode with respect to the first body; a second motor; and a second body, operatively connected to the second motor, the first and second bodies being able to slide with respect to one another in a first direction, under the action of the second motor. The detection device moreover includes a sensor generating an electrical signal indicating a pressure exerted by the portion of cerebral region on the surface. |
| US09848791B2 |
Neural analysis system
A neural analysis system, including: a neural event extractor for generating Sp/Ap curve data and field potential data for background and initial response segments obtained from a person; a correlator for correlating the Sp/Ap curve data and field potential data with pathology data for a condition, and generating biomarker data points for axes of a biomarker display; and a display module for providing display data to generate the display with the points for use in assessing the person relative to the condition. |
| US09848790B2 |
Method for monitoring pressure exerted along the length of a biological channel
The present invention provides a method for monitoring the actual pressure exerted by the interior wall of a biological channel at different locations along the length of said biological channel. The method comprises: i) introducing into the lumen of the biological channel a device comprising an elongated tube and at least two expandable means located at a predetermined distance on said elongated tube; ii) inflating each of the expandable means to its contact pressure (Pc); and iii) measuring the internal pressure in each expandable means, wherein when said internal pressure is greater than Pc, the actual pressure exerted by the interior wall of the biological channel is equal to the difference between said internal pressure and Pc. |
| US09848786B2 |
Infant monitoring system and methods
One variation of a method for changing a state of a wearable device includes: in response to detected motion of the wearable device, transitioning from a low-power mode into a test mode; in the test mode, detecting a proximity of a surface to the wearable device, detecting a temperature of the surface, and based on a temperature of the surface correlated to a human skin temperature, transitioning from the test mode into an active mode; and, in the active mode sampling a heart rate sensor arranged within the wearable device and wirelessly broadcasting a value corresponding to an output of the heart rate sensor. |
| US09848785B2 |
Analysis and characterization of patient signals
Disclosed herein is a framework for facilitating patient signal analysis. In accordance with one aspect, first and second patient signal data are received from a patient monitor. The first and second patient signal data may then be segmented into respective first and second regions of interest, from which respective first and second waveform parameters may be extracted. One or more morphology indices may then be generated based on the first and second waveform parameters to compare shapes of the first and second regions of interest. |
| US09848784B2 |
Method for determining the physical and/or psychological state of a subject
The invention relates to a method for determining the physical and/or psychological state of a subject. The heart rate variability (HRV) of the subject is analyzed in the time domain, wherein at least one frequency distribution of interbeat intervals (IBI) which are detected in at least one examination time period (1) is examined in the analysis. In order to obtain particularly significant and quickly interpretable information for this purpose, the frequency distribution is examined for a multimodal distribution. |
| US09848781B2 |
Equipment and method for continually measuring the blood pressure for monitoring purposes
The equipment has at least one pressure sensor (28) disposed for being placed onto the surface of the body of the user and being held attached thereto by means of a band. The attachment force is selected such that the pressure signal from the pressure sensor (28) contains variations caused by the pulse. An attachment pressure sensor (52) or a band tension sensor (18′) generates an electrical signal depending on the attachment pressure. The microprocessor (36) determines the diastolic and systolic blood pressure values from the pressure signal, taking into account the signal from the attachment pressure sensor (52) or the band tension sensor (18′). |
| US09848779B2 |
Separable monitoring device and method
A patient monitoring device includes reusable and disposable portions. The disposable portion includes two or more electrodes for coupling to the skin of the patient, a battery, and a first set of electrical contacts. The reusable portion includes a processor, memory, a second set of electrical contacts, and sensing circuitry coupled to the at least two electrodes, wherein the reusable portion is mechanically coupleable to the disposable portion and wherein the reusable portion is electrically coupleable to the disposable portion through the first and second electrical contacts. The sensing circuitry and the processor are powered from the battery through the coupled first and second electrical contacts, and wherein when the reusable portion and the disposable portion are mechanically uncoupled after having been mechanically coupled, the disposable portion is rendered unusable by the process of mechanically uncoupling the reusable portion and the disposable portion. |
| US09848774B2 |
System and methods for improved diabetes data management and use employing wireless connectivity between patients and healthcare providers and repository of diabetes management information
Methods, devices and a system for disease management are provided that employ diagnostic testing devices (e.g., blood glucose meters) and medication delivery devices (e.g., insulin delivery devices) for providing data to a repository in real-time and automatically. Repository data can be analyzed to determine such information as actual test strip use, patient health parameters to outside prescribed ranges, testing and medication delivery compliance, patient profiles or stakeholders to receive promotional items or incentives, and so on. Connected meters and medication delivery devices and repository data analysis are also employed to associate a diagnostic test to a mealtime based on timing of a therapeutic intervention performed by an individual. |
| US09848767B2 |
Ophthalmological apparatus
An ophthalmological apparatus includes a photographing mode selection processor that selects any one of a plurality of photographing modes including a color photographing mode and a fluorescent photographing mode, a photographic optical system that photographs a subject's eye in a photographing mode selected by the photographing mode selection processor, a vision fixation optical system including a vision fixation target display that displays a vision fixation target, the vision fixation optical system projecting an image of the vision fixation target displayed in the vision fixation target display on the subject's eye, and a control processor that changes an amount of light of the vision fixation target in accordance with the photographing mode selected by the photographing mode selection processor. |
| US09848766B2 |
Anterior eye three-dimensional image processing apparatus and method of anterior eye three-dimensional image processing
An anterior eye three-dimensional (3D) image processing apparatus performs: identifying first temporary SS positions in each of at least two representative images selected from a plurality of 2D tomographic images constituting an anterior eye 3D image, each first temporary SS position indicating a space coordinate position of a scleral spur of the subjected eye; calculating a reference circle passing through at least three of the first temporary SS positions; identifying second temporary SS positions in each of at least one non-representative image on the calculated reference circle; extracting regions in a predetermined range in each 2D tomographic image, each region being centered at a corresponding one of the identified first or second temporary SS positions; identifying edge lines each of which indicating a tissue boundary that exists in each extracted region; and correcting the identified first or the second temporary SS positions based on the identified edge lines. |
| US09848757B2 |
Endoscope and endoscope system
An endoscope having an insertion portion to be inserted into an object to be observed, includes: a substantially tubular holder member mounted to the insertion portion and having an open front end portion including a shoulder surface surrounded by an axial wall; a lens barrel holding an objective lens system and received in the holder member; and a light-transmissive closure member fitted into a front opening defined by the axial wall, and fixed to the front opening by a bonding agent interposed between an outer circumferential surface of the closure member and an opposing inner circumferential surface of the open front end portion of the holder member, wherein a space axially adjoining the shoulder surface is defined between an outer circumferential surface of a front end portion of the lens barrel and an opposing inner circumferential surface of the holder member. |
| US09848753B2 |
Dishwasher basket with adjustable tray
A dishwasher basket having a container, an interior frame, at least one height adjustable rack, a lid and a connection assembly that hingedly couples the container, the interior frame and the lid together. The height adjustable rack may be fastened and moved vertically via a tray securing assembly to vary a volume of an upper compartment and a lower compartment. The lid may have at least one slot for securely holding a portion of a nipple or pacifier, at least one of which slots may be spaced to receive the nipple while the lid remains in a closed position. |
| US09848748B2 |
Cyclonic separating apparatus
A cyclonic separating apparatus comprising a first cyclonic separating unit and, downstream from the first cyclonic separating unit, a second cyclonic separating unit comprising a plurality of cyclones arranged fluidly in parallel about a first axis and a dust collector arranged to receive dust from each of the plurality of cyclones. Each of the plurality of cyclones in the second cyclonic separation unit comprise a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet, the plurality of cyclones being divided into at least a first set of cyclones and a second set of cyclones, the fluid inlets of the first set of cyclones arranged in a first group and the fluid inlets of the second set of cyclones arranged in a second group spaced along said axis from the first group. Each outlet of the plurality of cyclones in the second cyclonic separation unit is provided by a common plate-like vortex finder member. |
| US09848747B2 |
Floor cleaning device
A floor cleaning device includes a floor covering compartment having a cleaning opening, a vacuum generating device, a suction pipe that connects the floor covering compartment to the vacuum generating device so that suction force is applied on the surface covered by the cleaning opening, a cleaning head body that holds the floor covering compartment, and a vibrating device that causes vibration of the floor covering compartment relative to the cleaning head body. The periphery of the cleaning opening is adapted to contact a surface to be cleaned so that a sealed cleaning space is formed inside the floor covering compartment and over the portion of the surface covered by the cleaning opening. Strong negative pressure is built up in the sealed cleaning space to enhance suction efficiency. Vibration temporarily breaks the sealed state to facilitate moving of the floor covering compartment. |
| US09848746B2 |
Vacuum cleaner and suction nozzle thereof
A vacuum cleaner and suction nozzle thereof. The vacuum cleaner has a housing, dust collecting unit, filter assembly, motor assembly and roller brush. The suction nozzle has a bottom housing, front cover and roller brush. The housing includes a concave cavity; the bottom housing and the front cover latch together to form a chamber; the roller brush assembly and the separation piece fit into this chamber; the separation piece corresponds to a transmission component of the roller brush. When rotating at high speed, the roller brush forms a seamless and closed separation face with the separation piece, preventing foreign matter from entering the transmission component, thus avoiding reduced suction and damage due to a tangled synchronous belt or a shaft jamming a roller brush bearing. |
| US09848745B2 |
Compressor flow path
A product that includes a compressor, a housing and a vibration isolation mount located between the compressor and the housing. The compressor includes an impeller, a first inlet located upstream of the impeller, a first outlet located downstream of the impeller, a second inlet located downstream of the first outlet, and a second outlet located downstream of the second inlet. During operation, fluid enters the compressor via the first inlet and exits the compressor via the first outlet. The mount creates a restriction between the compressor and the housing that causes fluid exiting the first outlet to re-enter the compressor via the second inlet. |
| US09848743B1 |
Toilet maintenance devices and system
In some embodiments, an improved system for toilet maintenance may include a lavatory accessory holding device which may include a storage container and a vertical support pole may be coupled to the storage container. A hanger bracket may be pivotally coupled to the vertical support pole which may be configured to hold a lavatory accessory or a toilet maintenance brush. The system may also include a toilet maintenance brush which may include an elongate handle having a guard end. A brush wand may be coupled to the guard end of the handle with the brush wand terminating with a brush head which may be used to clean a toilet bowl. A power supply may be in electrical communication with a light unit and with a fan unit having a fan blade. The fan blade may be rotatably driven by a motor and configured to circulate air onto the brush head. |
| US09848741B2 |
Shower enclosure system
A shower enclosure comprises a plurality of prefabricated panels that are arranged to at least partially surround a space for bathing. At least one of the panels is a layered structure having a first layer, a second layer, and a third layer. The first layer forms an interior surface of the shower enclosure exposed to the space for bathing. The third layer is arranged between the first layer and the second layer, and is coupled to the first layer and the second layer. The layered structure is a sandwich structured composite comprising the first layer, second layer, and third layer. |
| US09848736B2 |
Multiple-compartment coffee mill hopper for a coffee mill
Coffee mill hopper assembly (1), comprising a hopper (10) with multiple compartments (18a, 18b) for storing coffee beans and at least one outlet (22) through which coffee beans may be released from the respective compartments, and a compartment selector (30) comprising a rotatable control knob for adjusting the position of a closure member (36) that cooperates with the at least one outlet (22) to provide for at least one outflow aperture that, depending on the rotational position of the closure member, selectively enables a release of coffee beans. The compartment selector (30) further comprises two toothed members that are rotationally locked to the control knob (34) and the hopper (10), respectively, wherein at least one of said toothed members (50a, 50b) is movably arranged and spring-biased to force the teeth (54a, 54b) of the toothed members towards each other in a meshing relationship. |
| US09848733B2 |
Charcoal starter with a consumable fire ignition system and method of use
A method for igniting a fuel source utilizing a fuel ignition system, the method comprising the steps of providing a housing having an outer lateral surface, an inner lateral surface, a top opening and a bottom opening, and a plurality of vent holes and a plurality of stops on a bottom portion of the housing; positioning a flammable support over the plurality of stops through the top opening of the housing; adding the fuel source on the flammable support through the top opening; igniting the flammable support utilizing an igniting means; facilitating a rapid and uniform ignition of the fuel source utilizing the heat generated during the ignition of the flammable support inside the housing; and wherein the flammable support is the only flammable component of the system. |
| US09848731B2 |
System, device, and method for baking a food product
Devices, systems, and methods are provided for baking a food product in a portable baking oven. The baking oven includes a main body, lower and upper stones, a heat shield suspending the upper stone above the lower stone, and a heat element emanating heat upward to a rotating flat panel having the lower stone thereon. Convection heat from the heat element moves upward from below the rotating flat panel and past a periphery of the flat panel, channeled by the heat shield to the upper stone, to move along the upper stone, and then down along the heat shield, on the opposite side. With this arrangement, the heat element heats the upper and lower stones with convection heat moving between the lower and upper stones in a side-to-side manner. |
| US09848725B1 |
Wishing card binding structure
A wishing card binding structure includes: a lighting seat, including a card seat main body, control circuit module and a plurality of light emitting diodes (LEDs), the card seat main body being configured with at least one positioning groove; and a plurality of wishing cards, each being constituted by a card body and second binding element, and said first binding element and second binding element being a magnetic attraction pair capable of attracting each other. Whereby, the wishing card is attracted to and positioned on any position of the first binding element through the second binding element. With the use of the wishing cards, the lighting seat can be modeled more flexibly such that more people can use the wishing cards at the same time, and the appearance of present invention is much more eye-appealing. |
| US09848723B1 |
Reversible makeup brush holder
A reversible makeup brush holder includes a base body for receiving water. The middle of the base body is connected with a support part. The insertion seat includes a disc body having an accommodation hole. Upper and lower surfaces of the disc body are provided with a rotary shaft, respectively. The rotary shaft is pivoted to the support part. Through the aforesaid design, a makeup brush can be inserted into the insertion hole. The insertion seat can be lifted and overturned, so that the water remaining in the bristles of the makeup brush can drip down rapidly on the base body. The user can clean the makeup brush holder conveniently. |
| US09848715B2 |
Rocker
A rocker includes a frame and a seat coupled to the frame for receiving an infant therein. The frame includes a front and a rear frame portion generally oppositely extending along a longitudinal axis. The first and second frame portions are pivotally coupled together to move between an upright configuration and a collapsed configuration. The front and rear frame portions include rocking surfaces that are configured to rock on a support surface in a side-to-side motion transverse to the longitudinal axis, with the infant positioned in the seat in a head-to-foot longitudinal orientation. |
| US09848710B2 |
Foldable bed frame with vertical and crossed bars and bed having same
Disclosed are foldable bed frames and beds. A foldable bed frame includes longitudinal bars, supporting assemblies to support the longitudinal bars, and links to couple one or more supporting assemblies with the longitudinal bars. Each supporting assembly includes vertical and crossed bars. When the beds are unfolded and in use, the vertical bars support the longitudinal bars and bear majority of the load. As such, the bed frames and beds are stable and safe to use. |
| US09848707B1 |
Telescoping mechanism
In an aspect, provided is an adjustable telescoping assembly. The adjustable telescoping assembly comprises a first support member and a second support member that is slidable upon the first support member and which defines an interior volume. At least one damping element is provided that extends from outside the second support member, through a corresponding damping element aperture on the second support member into the interior volume and engages the first support member. |
| US09848706B2 |
Inflatable product and sofa
An inflatable product includes a plurality of inflatable bodies, each of which includes an upper edge and an outer periphery, wherein the inflatable bodies are disposed together, an angle X1 between the upper edges of two adjacent inflatable bodies and a contact line of the outer peripheries of the two adjacent inflatable bodies ranges from 0 to 50°, 0≦X1≦50°; and another angle X2 of at least one concave portion formed on the outer periphery by pulling the outer periphery inward ranges from 120° to 180°, 120°≦X2≦180°. |
| US09848702B2 |
Slide rail assembly
A slide rail assembly includes a first rail, a supporting member, and a second rail movably coupled to the first rail. The first rail defines a first channel. The supporting member includes a pair of supporting portions and a supporting wall that jointly define a supporting channel. The second rail corresponds to the first channel and the supporting channel. The supporting member is movable relative to the first rail from a first position to a second position, such that the second rail is supported by the supporting portions of the supporting member in the course of moving relative to the first rail. |
| US09848695B1 |
Spring table
A folding portable table having a planar table top with a first half and a hingedly connected second half. A hinge fixedly connected to each table top half along adjoining side portions to allow the planar table top to fold along the hinge. A leg assembly bracket fixedly carried on a bottom surface of each table top half, each leg assembly bracket defining a first concave notch and a second concave notch, each concave notch configured to engage with and positionally maintain a leg assembly. Two leg assemblies for releasable engagement with the leg assembly brackets to support the folding portable table above a supporting surface and for storage adjacent a bottom surface of each table top half when folded. |
| US09848694B2 |
Protected transport of an applicator
A method for transporting cosmetic applicator units, which are not assembled with their cosmetic receptacles, in bulk form to a destination at which they are assembled with the associated cosmetic receptacles so that the respective wiper associated with the cosmetic applicator, before the stowing of the cosmetic applicator unit, is slid at least partially over the bristle set of the applicator part so that it at least partially contains the bristle set and remains there for the duration of the transport and/or remains in this position during storage; a plurality of cosmetic applicator units that are protected in this way are stowed together in a container and then transported to their destination and/or are stored until ready for further use. |
| US09848693B2 |
Oral care implement
An oral care implement and a method of forming the same. In one aspect, the invention can be an oral care implement having a handle and a head. The head has a basin cavity formed therein which includes a basin floor and a basin sidewall and which has an open top end. An aperture is formed into the basin floor or the basin sidewall. An applicator is positioned within the basin cavity so that a delivery portion of the applicator protrudes through the aperture. The oral care implement also includes a head plate with a plurality of tooth cleaning elements mounted thereon. The head plate is coupled to the head and encloses the open top end of the basin cavity. |
| US09848685B2 |
Tubular case for cosmetics
The present invention relates to a tubular case for cosmetics that includes: a case (10) made of a material that can be pressed by a hand and capable of keeping make-up; a cosmetic discharge member (20) thread-fastened to an inlet (11) to the top of the case (10); a cylindrical brush cap (40) fitted on the cosmetic discharge member (20), moved up/down by elastic force of a spring (30) therein, and keeping a brush (41) on the top; and an upper cap (50) covering the top of the cylindrical brush cap (40) and thread-fastened to the lowermost stepped side (21) of the cosmetic discharge member (20). According to the tubular case for cosmetics of the present invention, since an opening/closing protrusion is inserted in close contact in a discharge hole and an O-ring is fitted on an upper stepped portion of a cosmetic discharge member to seal the inner side of a lower cylindrical protrusion, make-up is prevented from leaking. |
| US09848675B2 |
Apparatus for positioning cleats on cyclist shoes
An apparatus for effecting the positioning of cleats on shoes includes a baseplate to apply the arch of the foot, a gauge provided with a stop that can slide freely on the baseplate to be in contact with the calcaneum of the foot, and a wall for wedging the front part of the foot at the metatarsophalangeal joint of the big toe. The stop is fixed on a plate that slides parallel to the baseplate and a support for a shoe corresponding to the foot is fixed to the sliding plate. The support includes a stop to be placed in contact with the shoe counter. A marker is secured to the apparatus base and designed to indicate, on the shoe sole, the location for placing the cleat. The apparatus enables the distance recorded between the metatarsophalangeal joint of the big toe and calcaneum to be transferred onto the shoe. |
| US09848674B2 |
Article of footwear with weight-activated cinching apparatus
An article of footwear is disclosed that includes a cinching apparatus that is configured to move the upper between an open position and a closed position. The cinching apparatus includes a spring pad with a first, second, and third portion. The third portion is elastic and configured to deform elastically from a first position toward a second position. The third portion is configured to move the first portion relative to the second portion generally in the longitudinal direction as the third portion deforms between the first position and the second position. Also, the cinching apparatus is configured to move the upper from the open position toward the closed position as the third portion of the spring pad moves from the first position toward the second position. |
| US09848673B2 |
Vacuum formed knit sole system for an article of footwear incorporating a knitted component
A vacuum formed knit sole system for an article of footwear incorporating a knitted component is described. The article of footwear includes a knitted component including a lower portion forming the knit sole system and an upper portion forming a portion of the upper of the article of footwear. A method of vacuum forming the knitted component using an insert member to form the knit sole system is also described. The insert member can be used to form the shape of the knit outsole, including the shape of cleat members, as well as remain within the interior of the upper to reinforce the knit sole system. |
| US09848672B2 |
Article of footwear incorporating a knitted component with integrally knit contoured portion
An upper for an article of footwear includes a knitted component having unitary knit construction. The knitted component has a base portion configured to be disposed adjacent the sole structure. The knitted component also includes one or more side portions that extend from the base portion. Furthermore, the knitted component can have at least a first edge and a second edge that are joined at a seam to define a void that receives a foot. Additionally, the upper can include a tensile strand that extends through a passage defined between an exterior surface and an interior surface of the base portion. |
| US09848669B2 |
Bicycle cleat positioining device
A bicycle cleat positioning device includes a shoe holder, a cleat holder, and an attachment portion. A bicycle shoe is mounted to the shoe holder. The cleat holder is adjustably arranged relative to the shoe holder. The attachment portion supports the cleat holder relative to the shoe holder. The cleat holder is detachably and rotatable mounted to the attachment portion. |
| US09848668B2 |
Footwear, footwear components, and methods of making and using same
Lighted footwear having a sole member; an illumination system positioned in the sole; and, an upper member providing an illumination path for receiving the light from the illumination system to illuminate at least a first portion of the upper. |
| US09848667B2 |
Lens seal for headgear
An article of headgear that has a head-covering article, a lens moveably attached to the head-covering article, and a seal attached to the lens, the seal comprising a first polymeric material and a second polymeric material, the first polymeric material having a greater tensile modulus than the second material. In an exemplary embodiment, the lens is moveable from a first, lowered position to a second, raised position, and when in the first, lowered position, the seal sealingly engages the head-covering article. In some embodiments, the tensile modulus of the first polymeric material is at least about 5× greater or even about 10× greater than the tensile modulus of the second material. |
| US09848657B2 |
Socks with pairing and holding feature
A pair of socks is provided. The first sock defines a first toe end and a first upper end. The first sock includes an elastically deformable first aperture formed through the first sock proximate the first upper end. The second sock defines a second toe end and a second upper end. The second sock includes an elastically deformable second aperture formed through the second sock proximate the second upper end. When the first toe end of the first sock is drawn through the second aperture of the second sock and the second toe end of the second sock is drawn through the first aperture of the first sock the first and second socks are secured together. |
| US09848655B2 |
Electrically heated aerosol generating system and method
An electrically heated aerosol generating system for receiving an aerosol-forming substrate includes at least one heating element for heating the substrate to form the aerosol and a power supply for supplying power to the at least one heating element. The power supply includes a voltage source, two or more supercapacitors, and switches between the voltage source and the two or more supercapacitors. The switches are arranged so that, during a charging mode, the supercapacitors are connected so as to be charged by the voltage source and, during a heating mode, the supercapacitors are connected so as to discharge through the at least one heating element. |
| US09848652B2 |
Cotton-free electronic cigarette preventing liquid spill
Disclosed is a cotton-free electronic cigarette preventing liquid spill, comprising a vaporizer assembly, a mouthpiece assembly and a battery control assembly. The vaporizer assembly comprises an outer sleeve, a liquid storage cup, a vaporizer unit and a heat insulation sleeve. An air passage is formed between an exterior longitudinal flat surface of the liquid storage cup and the heat insulation sleeve. The liquid storage cup is sheathed with the outer sleeve, an inner wall of the outer sleeve and an exterior arc surface of the liquid storage cup forms an arc-shaped slit. An inner wall of the outer sleeve and the exterior longitudinal flat surface of the liquid storage cup forms a vapor flow passage. The vapor flow passage is interconnected to the arc-shaped slit. The mouthpiece assembly is fixed to one end of the outer sleeve to seal an outlet of the arc-shaped slit. |
| US09848649B2 |
Atomizer and electronic cigarette having same
An exemplary atomizer includes a liquid supply component, an atomizing assembly, and a pricking means. The liquid supply component is configured for storing tobacco liquid. The liquid supply component has a sealing means for sealing the tobacco liquid therein. The pricking means for pricking the sealing structure so that the tobacco liquid flows to the atomizing assembly. The atomizing assembly is configured for heating the tobacco liquid to form aerosol. |
| US09848648B2 |
E-cigarette personal vaporizer
A portable, personal storage and carrying case for an e-liquid e-cigarette PV in which the case includes a movable holder or chassis into which the PV can be inserted to bring electrical charging contacts on the PV into direct or indirect engagement with electrical charging contacts in the case that are connected to a power source in the case. |
| US09848647B2 |
E-cigarette personal vaporizer
A re-fillable and re-chargeable e-cigarette PV in which the PV is locked securely in a heating position by a locking system in a portable case, during which time the PV is heating its atomizer while connected to a power source in the case and, after the PV has been sufficiently heated, is released from the locking system. |
| US09848643B2 |
Electronic cigarette
An electronic cigarette, in which an atomizer assembly protective cartridge is provided outside of the atomizer assembly, and a battery assembly protective cartridge is provided outside of the battery assembly. An atomizing seat fitted with the holder is provided at an inner end of the atomizer assembly. At least a coating layer is provided outside of the atomizer assembly protective cartridge, the holder and the battery assembly protective cartridge, and enables connection between the atomizer assembly protective cartridge, the holder and the battery assembly protective cartridge. In the overall process of assembling the electronic cigarette, since there is no pushing or squeezing action between the atomizer assembly and the battery assembly, it is possible to effectively avoid oil leakage caused by an inclination and a deformation of the atomizing seat under uneven force is effectively avoided. |
| US09848640B2 |
Easy-opening reclose systems for cigarette packaging
The present invention discloses a reclosable pack (1) of smoking articles, said pack comprising a sealed enclosure having a front wall, a back wall, two side walls (7), a top-end wall (8) and a bottom-end wall (6), said enclosure comprising a flexible packaging laminate around a bundle of smoking articles (2), the laminate comprising a built-in easy-opening access, said laminate comprising a permanently tacky adhesive layer (3) sandwiched between an inner layer structure (9) and an outer layer structure (12) comprising an outer score line (13) formed through the thickness of the outer layer structure (12) and an inner score line (14) formed through the thickness of the inner layer structure (9), both delimiting separable opening portions, in which a region of the outer opening portion between the outer and inner score lines (13, 14) is attached to an underlying surface of the inner layer structure (9) via a permanently tacky adhesive (3), the outer opening portion being peelable from the underlying surface of the inner layer structure (9) to build an opening flap (4), and the outer opening portion being re-attachable to the underlying surface of the inner layer structure (9) via said permanently tacky adhesive (3) for reclosing, in use, the opening access, wherein said opening access is exclusively located at the top-end wall (8) of the sealed enclosure. |
| US09848637B2 |
Smoking assembly
A smoking assembly includes a pipe that has an elongated section and an elbow section. The elbow section forms an angle with respect to the elongated section. Each of the elongated section and the elbow section is substantially hollow to have air drawn therethrough. The pipe is comprised of a rigid material. The rigid material is copper. A plurality of inserts is each removably positionable within the elbow section to retain a smoking article within the elbow section. The smoking article extends upwardly from the elbow section. Each of the plurality of inserts has a unique size with respect to each other to retain smoking articles of various sizes. A cap is removably coupled to the elbow section to retain the insert within the elbow section. A lid is positionable over the smoking article to extinguish the smoking article. |
| US09848636B2 |
Filter components, filters, smoking articles, and related methods, all for the controlled delivery of aerosols
A filter for a smoking article comprises a mouth end filter segment and a rod end filter segment. The rod end filter segment has a passage extending longitudinally therethrough. The passage has a diameter of about 1.0 mm or greater. In one embodiment, the rod end filter segment is comprised of an infinite pressure drop material. In another embodiment, the rod end filter segment is comprised of a low pressure drop material having a hollow tubular element disposed within to define the passage with an inner diameter greater than about 1.55 mm. Air dilution means are disposed in one of said filter segments to admit ventilating air into the filter. |
| US09848632B2 |
Steviol glycoside
Nobel Stevia Sweetening components are provided. Through the analysis of the components of the nobel Steviol Glycoside included in the stevia extract and/or crystals, not only the quality control of sweeteners, but judgment on the correctness of indication of origin or infringement of right are facilitated since the raw material of the sweetener can be identified. |
| US09848629B1 |
Product drying apparatus and methods
The present invention provides improved apparatus and methods for the monitoring and control of apparatus designed to remove moisture from an initially wet product, such as a continuous dryer (14). The net rate of water removal from the wet product (16) is determined during drying thereof, preferably on a real-time basis. A control assembly (20) is operatively coupled with the dryer (14) and includes sensors (24, 26, 28, 34), which are operatively coupled with a digital controller (38). The controller (38) has a PID controller operable to continuously determine the average net rate of water removal from the product (16). |
| US09848624B2 |
Use of rubusoside for reducing or suppressing certain unpleasant taste impressions
The invention relates to the use of rubusoside and certain mixtures containing rubusoside, preferably the use of certain rubusoside-containing mixtures, in particular Rubus suavissimus extracts, for masking, reducing or suppressing a bitter, sour and/or astringent taste impression. The invention further relates to orally consumable preparations, comprising at least one bitter, sour and/or astringent-tasting substance and rubusoside or certain rubusoside-containing mixtures, preferably certain Rubus suavissimus extracts, a corresponding method of producing said preparations and a method for reducing or suppressing the bitter, sour and/or astringent effect of a bitter, sour and/or astringent-tasting substance. The invention further relates to certain flavoring compositions that are particularly effective for masking, reducing or suppressing a bitter, sour and/or astringent taste impression. |
| US09848620B2 |
Frozen food dispensing machine and method of operation
A frozen food dispensing machine includes a refrigerated first zone including a product storage chamber. A second zone is operably connected to the first zone for flowing product from the first zone. A third zone is configured to receive a flow of product from the second zone, freeze the flow of product and dispense the flow of product. The first zone, the second zone and the third zone are isolatable from each other. |
| US09848619B2 |
Chewing gums and gum bases comprising block copolymers having crystallizable hard blocks
Chewing gums and chewing gum bases which are cud-forming and chewable at mouth temperature contains a block copolymer having at least two hard crystallizable polymeric blocks and at least one soft polymeric block. At least one hard polymeric block is a hard crystallizable polymeric block has a melting point greater than 20° C. The hard, crystallizable polymeric blocks and the soft blocks each have a degree of polymerization of at least 15 Characteristics of the block copolymers can be selected to produce gum bases and chewing gums having desired properties. In some cases, chewed cuds formed from the gum bases may exhibit improved removability from environmental surfaces to which they may become undesirably attached. |
| US09848618B2 |
Method and machine for producing a confectionary product
A method for producing a confectionary product (1), comprises the steps of extruding a confectionary substance to form a confectionary string, shearing an end portion (5) from a remaining part (7) of the confectionary string (2), resting the end portion (5) on a conveying surface (8) already before the separation of the end portion (5) and completing the separation of the end portion (5) from the remaining part (7) of the confectionary string (2) while the end portion (5) is resting on the conveying surface (8). |
| US09848615B2 |
Storage stable frozen lactic acid bacteria culture
A storage stable frozen lactic acid bacteria (LAB) culture that comprises LAB that are that are able to utilize sucrose, has a weight of at least 50 g frozen material and a content of viable bacteria of at least 109 colony forming units (CFU) per g frozen material. |
| US09848614B2 |
Method for producing lactase-containing composition
A method for producing a lactase-containing composition which is purified by selectively removing protease contaminating the lactase using simple and easy means; a lactase-containing composition; and a dairy product containing the lactase-containing composition.A method for producing a lactase-containing composition having a reduced protease content includes: dissolving a composition containing lactase and protease in an aqueous salt solution having an electric conductivity of from 2 to 45 mS/cm; bringing the resultant solution into contact with an ion exchange resin; and collecting a fraction which is not adsorbed onto the ion exchange resin. |
| US09848613B2 |
Ingredients for delaying milk fat oxidation
A method of protecting a dairy product, including fresh milk and milk powder from oxidation by adding an efficacious amount of a composition including rosmarinic acid. |
| US09848600B2 |
Biofilm disruptive compositions
In certain embodiments, the present invention relates to compounds, compositions, and methods for disrupting biofilms. In some embodiments, the compounds and compositions comprise unsaturated long chain alcohols and/or aldehydes, or combinations of such compounds. In further embodiments, the present invention contains therapeutic actives to help reduce and/or eradicate the bacteria in the biofilm once the film is disrupted. |
| US09848599B2 |
Co-crystals of 3-iodopropynyl butylcarbamate
The present invention relates to biocidal agents designed to protect industrial products against microbial, bacterial, fungal and algal infections. In particular, the present invention relates to co-crystals containing 3-iodopropynyl butylcarbamate (IPBC) and to compositions containing said co-crystals which possess improved physical, chemical and workability properties compared with the use of IPBC. |
| US09848597B1 |
Deer hunting decoy
A deer hunting decoy has a central post within a flexible cover having front and rear faces with coloration simulating the hind quarters of a deer, with each including a lighter colored central portion surrounded by a darker colored border. The lighter colored central portions are covered by tail flaps. The tail flaps are joined for rotational movement to an axle that extends across the central post and through holes in the flexible cover. A pull cord is directly or indirectly joined to the axle. Tugging the pull cord causes rotation of the axle and movement of the tail flaps to simulate tail movement of a deer. The central post is staked to a ground. Different decoy deer heads are interchangeably attachable. A buck head silhouette terminates in a tube connector that releasable fits within a proximal end of the central post. A grazing doe silhouette has a hook portion at one end and a doe head at the opposite end. The hook portion is inserted over an edge of an opening in the flexible cover and the head portion is pinned to the ground. |
| US09848594B1 |
Animal trap stabilizer
The animal trap stabilizer is adapted for use in bedding coil spring or long spring traps. The animal trap stabilizer is a structure formed in the shape of a rectangular shell that provides a non-compressible surface upon which the coil spring or long spring trap can be set. The animal trap stabilizer has formed in the surface a recessed structure that is shaped to allow the coil spring or long spring trap to be placed within the animal trap stabilizer such that the coil spring or long spring trap will be flush to the surface of the animal trap stabilizers. The animal trap stabilizer further comprises a mounting platform and a recessed structure. |
| US09848593B2 |
Method of fumigation of burrowing vermin tunnels
A method for the extermination of burrowing vermin is disclosed. The method employs a smoke generating fluid formed of castor oil or castor oil in a mix with secondary components. The fluid is heated to a smoking temperature and the smoke is mixed with a pressurized airflow to communicate the smoke to the tunnels occupied by the burrowing vermin to remove them, and to leave a residue from the smoke which exudes an order deterring the re-occupancy of the tunnels. |
| US09848592B2 |
Agricultural spray boom
An improved agricultural spray boom having a primary section, a secondary section and a break away section is provided. The primary section has a top extrusion having a web and two tubes, each tube having a heat sink and a wing. No welds are located above the centerline of the tubes where stress would be the greatest. The secondary section is pivotally attached to the primary section. Weight of the second section and break away section cause a twisting force to be applied to the primary section. The primary section has specially oriented side braces which act in compression to resist the twisting force. The primary section further has a steel connector connected to the underside of the extrusions (and not welded to top of extrusions). The secondary section also has a top extrusion with a web and two tubes. |
| US09848588B2 |
Convertible fishing lure assembly
A convertible fishing lure assembly includes a lure body having at least one body section and a channel extending longitudinally therethrough and terminating in oppositely disposed open ends. A securing member, and in at least some embodiments a sleeve, is removably disposable within the channel. The securing member is dimensioned and disposed to include opposite ends being simultaneously disposed through the open ends of the channel for connection to fishing tackle components disposed exteriorly of the body section. Both the channel and the securing member have corresponding cross-sectional configurations to restrict rotation of the securing member within the channel. The lure body may include a plurality of body sections each having a channel extending therethrough with a securing member removably disposed therein, wherein the body sections are movably interconnected to one another through interconnection of corresponding ends of the different securing members. |
| US09848584B1 |
Pet leash booster adapter
A leash booster adapter is descripted which is attach to each end of a section of pet leash, and comprises an elastic member between shorter than the pet leash section to which it attached. In use, the device applies progressive resistance to the pet proportional to the stretching force provided by the pet pulling on the leash: the harder the pet pulls, the more resistance is felt. Rather that a hard jerk felt by the pet when it pulls, a gentle resistance is first felt, increasing in force as the pet pulls harder. |
| US09848577B1 |
Animal tag system
Apparatus for managing animals such as but not limited to livestock. In some embodiments, an ear tag assembly has a tag, a backing member and an elongated shaft assembly configured to pierce and extend through an outer ear (auricle) of the animal. A first temperature sensor is disposed within the shaft assembly to obtain an ear temperature measurement of the animal. A second temperature sensor obtains an ambient temperature measurement adjacent the animal. A control circuit accumulates temperature data from the first and second temperature sensors in a tag memory for subsequent transfer, via a wireless communication network, to a data collection unit. Additional sensors may be utilized. In some cases, the backing member may house a battery to power the control circuit. The backing member may be removably attachable to the shaft to allow replacement of the battery. |
| US09848575B2 |
Human assisted milking robot and method
A human operated control device for assisting a plurality of milking robots includes a controller adapted for controlling communication with a plurality of milking robots operated substantially simultaneously, graphical user interface (GUI) adapted for displaying information received from at least one milking robot and for receiving input from a human supervisor for operating the at least one milking robot based on the displayed information, and a processor adapted to convert the input received from the human supervisor into a command for operating the at least one milking robot from which the information was received. A milking robot for operating milking equipment is adapted to operate in one of an automated mode of operation and a human assisted mode of operation. |
| US09848573B1 |
Maize inbred PH2RM7
A novel maize variety designated PH2RM7 and seed, plants and plant parts thereof are provided. Methods for producing a maize plant comprise crossing maize variety PH2RM7 with another maize plant are provided. Methods for producing a maize plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into PH2RM7 through backcross conversion and/or transformation, and to the maize seed, plant and plant part produced thereby are provided. Hybrid maize seed, plants or plant parts are produced by crossing the variety PH2RM7 or a locus conversion of PH2RM7 with another maize variety. |
| US09848571B1 |
Maize inbred PH2RK6
A novel maize variety designated PH2RK6 and seed, plants and plant parts thereof are provided. Methods for producing a maize plant comprise crossing maize variety PH2RK6 with another maize plant are provided. Methods for producing a maize plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into PH2RK6 through backcross conversion and/or transformation, and to the maize seed, plant and plant part produced thereby are provided. Hybrid maize seed, plants or plant parts are produced by crossing the variety PH2RK6 or a locus conversion of PH2RK6 with another maize variety. |
| US09848569B2 |
Soybean variety 01057209
The invention relates to the soybean variety designated 01057209. Provided by the invention are the seeds, plants and derivatives of the soybean variety 01057209. Also provided by the invention are tissue cultures of the soybean variety 01057209 and the plants regenerated therefrom. Still further provided by the invention are methods for producing soybean plants by crossing the soybean variety 01057209 with itself or another soybean variety and plants produced by such methods. |
| US09848568B1 |
Soybean variety 01064130
The invention relates to the soybean variety designated 01064130. Provided by the invention are the seeds, plants and derivatives of the soybean variety 01064130. Also provided by the invention are tissue cultures of the soybean variety 01064130 and the plants regenerated therefrom. Still further provided by the invention are methods for producing soybean plants by crossing the soybean variety 01064130 with itself or another soybean variety and plants produced by such methods. |
| US09848566B1 |
Soybean variety 01064124
The invention relates to the soybean variety designated 01064124. Provided by the invention are the seeds, plants and derivatives of the soybean variety 01064124. Also provided by the invention are tissue cultures of the soybean variety 01064124 and the plants regenerated therefrom. Still further provided by the invention are methods for producing soybean plants by crossing the soybean variety 01064124 with itself or another soybean variety and plants produced by such methods. |
| US09848559B2 |
Plants and seeds of hybrid corn variety CH550968
According to the invention, there is provided seed and plants of the hybrid corn variety designated CH550968. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of the variety CH550968, and to methods for producing a corn plant produced by crossing a corn plant of variety CH550968 with itself or with another corn plant, such as a plant of another variety. The invention further relates to genetic complements of plants of variety CH550968. |
| US09848557B2 |
Plants and seeds of hybrid corn variety CH370204
According to the invention, there is provided seed and plants of the hybrid corn variety designated CH370204. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of the variety CH370204, and to methods for producing a corn plant produced by crossing a corn plant of variety CH370204 with itself or with another corn plant, such as a plant of another variety. The invention further relates to genetic complements of plants of variety CH370204. |
| US09848556B2 |
Plants and seeds of corn variety CV507905
According to the invention, there is provided seed and plants of the corn variety designated CV507905. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of the variety CV507905, and to methods for producing a corn plant produced by crossing a corn plant of variety CV507905 with itself or with another corn plant, such as a plant of another variety. The invention further relates to corn seeds and plants produced by crossing plants of variety CV507905 with plants of another variety, such as another inbred line. The invention further relates to the inbred and hybrid genetic complements of plants of variety CV507905. |
| US09848548B1 |
Watermelon line TCSEJ12-2622
The invention provides seed and plants of the watermelon line designated TCSEJ12-2622. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of watermelon line TCSEJ12-2622, and to methods for producing a watermelon plant produced by crossing a plant of watermelon line TCSEJ12-2622 with itself or with another watermelon plant, such as a plant of another line. The invention further relates to seeds and plants produced by such crossing. The invention further relates to parts of a plant of watermelon line TCSEJ12-2622, including the fruits and gametes of such plants. |
| US09848546B2 |
Marigold male inbred line denominated KI4662
A new and distinct inbred plant of Tagentes erecta named KI4662 and characterized by elevated levels of zeaxanthin and little or no lutein. |
| US09848545B2 |
Growing systems and methods
Growing systems may include a number of modular growing chambers adapted to be configured in a stacked arrangement with each growing chamber surrounding a corresponding portion of the plant. The grow chambers may be selectively added or removed during plant growth, such that different sections of the growing plant may be influenced differently using aeroponic, hydroponic or other growing techniques. The grow chamber stack may be portable and provided with integrated or independent lifting devices to assist an operator in adding or removing chambers from the stack. Three growing processes may be facilitated using such systems. These include a process for producing assorted product from a single plant for simultaneous harvest, a process for producing an extended harvest of a desired size product from a single plant, and a process for extending the productive life of a plant and provide for multiple, continued, and perpetual harvest. |
| US09848542B2 |
Compositions and methods for the treatment of soil
The instant invention relates to methods for increasing or promoting microbial activity in soil selected for treatment. |
| US09848541B2 |
Apparatus for tapping trees
An apparatus for tapping trees has a vertical support structure of posts that support upper and lower horizontal members extending from the vertical structure. The upper horizontal member provides a support for bearing against a tree trunk, and the lower horizontal member supports a combination of a drill block with a drill and a tap press. Forward and rearward movement of the drill block is operated by a motor, shafts and gears to drive a suspension member toward the tree trunk along travel rods and then reverse. A drive chain engaged with the gears is attached to the suspension member and incorporated in the front and rear blocks that support the travel rods and sprockets for the chain. The tap press is attached to the drill block and rotates from vertical to horizontal position and holds a tap cylinder for insertion into a tree trunk. |
| US09848538B2 |
Top surface mover and method of use
An illustrative embodiment of a top surface mover generally comprises a vertical portion engaged with a horizontal portion and an engagement pad. The horizontal portion may include a mounting member to engage the top surface mover with a prime mover. The vertical portion and horizontal portion may be of variable length so that the position of the engagement pad with respect to the prime mover may be variable in at least two dimensions. The illustrative embodiment of a top surface mover is complimentary to an illustrative embodiment of a method of use wherein the top surface mover is configured to position top surface pieces accurately. |
| US09848537B2 |
Drive system for combine harvester processor
A combine harvester with an axial flow crop processor with a rotor mounted for rotation inside a rotor housing arranged longitudinally with respect to the harvester. A feed beater is mounted for rotation on a substantially transverse axis and serves to tangentially impel crop material into the crop processor. A drive system drives the rotor and feed beater, wherein the drive system includes a rotor drive device for transmitting torque from a drive stage to the rotor, and a drive connection between the rotor drive device and the beater. |
| US09848536B2 |
Grain cart with folding auger
A grain cart and foldable auger assembly having an upper auger assembly portion with a discharge portion, a lower auger assembly portion with an intake portion, and a compound angle joint that allows the upper auger assembly portion to be moved between operating and transport positions. When in an operating position, the upper auger portion and the lower auger portion are offset from each other by an operating offset angle. When in a transport position, the upper auger assembly portion is offset from the lower auger assembly portion by a transport offset angle such that the upper auger assembly portions folded across the front of the grain cart in a non-obstructive and non-protruding manner. |
| US09848535B2 |
High-security and low-noise agricultural machine
An agricultural machine includes an engine for power delivery, at least one axle provided with two wheels, a handlebar and a power take-off. The agricultural machine further includes a hydromechanical clutch group interposed between the engine and the at least one axle and a first and a second lever associated with the handlebar controlling the hydromechanical clutch group. The hydromechanical clutch group includes a actuation piston hydraulically controlled by the first and second lever movable between a first raised position, in which the actuation piston imposes to the hydromechanical clutch group the transmission of the motion from the engine to the wheels and to the tool, and a second lowered position in which the actuation piston frees the hydromechanical clutch group by kinematically disconnecting the engine from the wheels and the tool. |
| US09848531B2 |
Vertical storage grounds maintenance apparatus
A grounds maintenance apparatus such as a lawn mower adapted for movement from a horizontal operating orientation to a vertical storage orientation. Embodiments of the apparatus provide supplemental storage wheels adapted to permit rolling of the apparatus over a ground surface while in the vertical storage orientation. |
| US09848529B2 |
Autonomous lawn mower, module for an autonomous lawn mower and system comprising such autonomous lawn mower and module
The invention relates to an autonomous lawn mower comprising a control unit in electrical connection with electrical connection means, and at least one replaceable part. The electrical connection means is located such that connection and disconnection of the electrical connection means and its counterpart of the replaceable part can be performed when replacing the replaceable part. The module for such autonomous lawn mower can replace the replaceable part of the lawn mower and comprises a signal generation unit and a counterpart for the electrical connection means of the lawn mower for transmitting electrical signals to a control unit of the autonomous lawn mower. The autonomous lawn mower forms an autonomous lawn mower system together with the module. |
| US09848527B2 |
Furrow following device
A furrow following device includes an attachment bracket having a portion provided for attachment to a row unit of a planting machine. An arm is provided with a ground-facing surface for engagement with the soil during planting. A mount of the furrow following device has a first portion coupled to the attachment bracket, and a second portion at least partially defining a pivot connection with the arm. The pivot connection provides relative rotation between the arm and the mount. The mount is a compliant mount provided with a spring that exhibits an elastic bias force as the arm is raised toward the attachment bracket. |
| US09848526B2 |
Adjustable clamp on head bracket
The selective positioning of row units along a planter tool bar is facilitated by introducing an elongated channel of generally C-shaped cross-sectional configuration intermediate the tool bar and a plurality of row unit head brackets. The channel is welded or otherwise fixed to the tool bar with the open edge of the “C” facing away from the tool bar and the head brackets are fixed to the channel by clamping nut and bolt assemblies. The bolts extend through the clamping brackets and engage corresponding clamping nuts. The clamping nuts are positioned within the “C” and may be slid along the inner edge of the channel to any preferred position. The bolts are then and tightened fixing the head bracket at the selected at location. |
| US09848525B2 |
Seed inductor for an agricultural implement having an adjustable air bypass
A particulate material delivery system for an agricultural implement including, an inductor box configured to receive particulate material from a tank, the inductor box including, an inductor segment comprising an air bypass channel extending through a particulate material supply chamber, wherein the particulate material supply chamber is configured to receive the particulate material for distribution to at least one row unit, and the air bypass channel is configured to guide airflow through the particulate material supply chamber without interacting with a flow of the particulate material through the particulate material supply chamber, and an airflow control device in communication with the inductor segment and configured to control the airflow through the air bypass channel. |
| US09854718B2 |
Systems and methods for cooling of power electronic devices
The invention provides systems and methods for cooling of power electronic devices with an optimized electromechanical structure. A power electronic device may comprise one or more power transistor components, one or more capacitor components, one or more power interconnect components that may be in electrical communication with the one or more power transistor components and the one or more capacitor components, and one or more heat sink components. The one or more power transistor components and the one or more capacitor components may be in thermal communication with the one or more heat sink components, and each may be located on substantially opposite sides of the one or more heat sink components, such that heat may be transferred from the one or more power transistor components and the one or more capacitor components to the same one or more heat sink components. |
| US09854715B2 |
Flexible two-phase cooling system
A flexible two-phase cooling apparatus for cooling microprocessors in servers can include a primary cooling loop, a first bypass, and a second bypass. The primary cooling loop can include a reservoir, a pump, an inlet manifold, an outlet manifold, and flexible cooling lines extending from the inlet manifold to the outlet manifold. The flexible cooling lines can be routable within server housings and can be fluidly connected to two or more series-connected heat sink modules that are mountable on microprocessors of the servers. The flexible cooling lines can be configured to transport low-pressure, two-phase dielectric coolant. The first bypass can include a first pressure regulator configured to regulate a first bypass flow of coolant through the first bypass. The second bypass can include a second pressure regulator configured to regulate a second bypass flow of coolant through the second bypass. |
| US09854714B2 |
Method of absorbing sensible and latent heat with series-connected heat sinks
A method of absorbing heat from two or more devices can employ a two-phase cooling apparatus that pumps low-pressure coolant through two or more fluidly-connected and series-connected heat sink modules. A flow of subcooled single-phase liquid coolant can be provided to an inlet of a first heat sink module in thermal communication with a first device. Within the first heat sink module, the flow of subcooled single-phase liquid coolant can absorb a first amount of heat from the first device as sensible heat. The flow of subcooled single-phase liquid coolant can be transported from an outlet of the first heat sink module to an inlet of a second heat sink module. Within the second heat sink module, the flow of subcooled single-phase liquid coolant can absorb a second amount of heat from the second device partially as sensible heat and partially as latent heat and thereby transform to two-phase bubbly flow. |
| US09854712B1 |
Self-contained power and cooling domains
A method for providing for conditioning of a computer data center includes supplying a working fluid from a common fluid plane to a plurality of power/cooling units distributed across a data center facility in proximity to electronic equipment that is distributed across the data center facility; converting the working fluid into electric power and cooling capacity at each of the plurality of power/cooling units; and supplying the electric power to a common electric power plane serving a plurality of racks of the electronic equipment in the data center facility and being served by a plurality of the power/cooling units in the data center facility, wherein the common fluid plane serves at least 10 percent of the power/cooling units in the data center facility and the common electric power plane serves at most 5 percent of the electronic equipment in the data center facility. |
| US09854710B2 |
Information processing device and container for data center
An information processing device includes: one or more information processing device main bodies; a first heat exchanger configured to cool air to be introduced into the one or more information processing device main bodies; an air blower configured to introduce the air into the one or more information processing device main bodies; an evaporator through which discharged air discharged from the one or more information processing device main bodies passes; a receiving pan configured to receive water generated by dew condensation in the first heat exchanger; and a water supply member configured to supply the water in the receiving pan to the evaporator. |
| US09854694B2 |
Components of an electronic device and methods for their assembly
Various components of an electronic device housing and methods for their assembly are disclosed. The housing can be formed by assembling and connecting two or more different sections together. The sections of the housing may be coupled together using one or more coupling members. The coupling members may be formed using a two-shot molding process in which the first shot forms a structural portion of the coupling members, and the second shot forms cosmetic portions of the coupling members. |
| US09854692B2 |
Protective cover for electronic device
A protective cover is provided that protects an electronic device. The protective cover includes a front cover having a front surface and a rear surface. The rear surface of the front cover is disposed over a front surface of the electronic device when the protective cover is closed. The protective cover also includes a rear cover connected with the front cover and having a front surface and a rear surface. The rear surface of the rear cover is disposed on a rear surface of the electronic device. The protective cover further includes a plurality of foldable segments disposed on the rear surface of the front cover. The plurality of foldable segments are unfolded for use as a stand of the protective cover and are folded for storage within the rear surface of the front cover. |
| US09854688B2 |
Display apparatus
A display apparatus includes a frame, a panel module and an adjusting pad. The frame has a supporting surface, and the panel module includes a substrate and a plurality of chips. The substrate is disposed on the supporting surface and has a bonding region at a side of the substrate. The chips are disposed on the bonding region, wherein the chips and the supporting surface are located at two opposite surfaces of the substrate. The adjusting pad is disposed between the supporting surface and the bonding region, and the thickness of the adjusting pad is gradually reduced from a center portion of the adjusting pad toward two sides of the adjusting pad. Another display apparatus, in which a frame and an adjusting pad are integrated into one piece, is provided. |
| US09854686B2 |
Preparation method of a thin power device
A preparation method of a thin power device comprising the steps of steps S1, S2 and S3. In step S1, a substrate is provided. The substrate comprises a first set of first contact pads and a second set of second contact pads arranged at a front surface and a back surface of the substrate respectively. Each first contact pad of the first set of contact pads is electrically connected with a respective second contact pad of the second set of contact pads via a respective interconnecting structure formed inside the substrate. A through opening is formed in the substrate aligning with a third contact pad attached to the back surface of the substrate. The third contact pad is not electrically connected with the first set of contact pads. In step S2, a semiconductor chip is embedded into the through opening. A back metal layer at a back surface of the semiconductor chip is attached to the third contact pad. In step S3, a respective electrode of a plurality of electrodes at a front surface of the semiconductor chip is electrically connected with said each first contact pad of the first set of contact pads via a respective conductive structure of a plurality of conductive structures. |
| US09854683B2 |
Lightweight electronic device for automotive applications and method
A lightweight radio/CD player for vehicular application is virtually “fastenerless” and includes a case and frontal interface formed of polymer based material that is molded to provide details to accept audio devices such as playback mechanisms (if desired) and radio receivers, as well as the circuit boards required for electrical control and display. The case and frontal interface are of composite structure, including an insert molded electrically conductive wire mesh screen that has been pre-formed to contour with the molding operation. The wire mesh provides EMC, RFI, BCI and ESD shielding and grounding of the circuit boards via exposed wire mesh pads and adjacent ground clips. The major components and subassemblies self-interconnect by integral guide and connection features effecting “slide lock” and “snap lock” self-interconnection. The major components and subassemblies self-ground by establishing an interference fit with exposed, resilient, embossed portions of wire mesh. |
| US09854680B2 |
Multilayer substrate
A multilayer substrate comprises: a stack having a plurality of insulating base materials; a first component arranged within the stack at a first level in a thickness direction of the stack; a second component arranged within the stack at a second level different from the first level and arranged so that, in a plan view, at least a portion of the second component overlaps with a portion of the first component; and a supplementary member arranged to at least partly exist in a range, in a thickness direction, as high as or higher than a lower end of the second component and as high as or lower than an upper end of the second component, and in a plan view, within a region of a projected area of the first component not overlapped with the second component, the supplementary member having a rigidness higher than the insulating base materials. |
| US09854678B2 |
Electronic device including cable supporting structure
An electronic device is provided which includes a printed circuit board (PCB) including a non-conductive layer that forms at least a portion of a first surface, and a conductive layer arranged between the first surface and a second surface, an electronic component arranged on a first area of the first surface of the PCB, a conductive shield structure arranged on the PCB to cover the first area and the electronic component on the PCB, a support structure connected to the PCB and including a first part that faces a portion of one side of the conductive shield structure, and a cable extending along the one side of the conductive shield structure, inserted between the support structure and the portion of the one side of the conductive shield structure, and including at least one conductive line and an insulation layer that covers the at least one conductive line. |
| US09854675B2 |
Electronic circuit laid flat and corresponding three-dimensional electronic circuit
This electronic circuit, includes a set of electronic boards intended to support components and linked together by joining elements. The joining elements include curved flexible printed circuits linking two opposing ends of two electronic boards running side by side, the said curved flexible printed circuits being foldable for erecting the electronic circuit into a volume so that the electronic circuit comprises electronic boards placed opposite one another. |
| US09854670B2 |
Transparent electrode and method for producing same
Provided are a transparent electrode and a production method thereof, the transparent electrode using metal nanowires and/or metal nanotubes as conductive components, and showing favorable surface flatness, conductivity, and light transmittance. A transparent conductive ink is prepared by dispersing metal nanowires and/or metal nanotubes in a solution formed by dissolving a thermoset or thermoplastic binder resin having no fluidity within the range of 5 to 40° C. to a solvent, the content of the binder resin being 100 to 2500 parts by mass relative to 100 parts by mass of the metal nanowires and/or metal nanotubes. An electrode pattern having a desired shape is printed on a substrate with the transparent conductive ink, and pulsed light is irradiated to the printed electrode pattern, to thereby obtain a transparent electrode having a surface resistance of 0.1 to 500Ω/□ and a surface arithmetic average roughness Ra satisfying Ra≦5 nm. |
| US09854667B2 |
Display unit and electronic apparatus
A display unit includes: a display section (11) having flexibility; and a bending control section (12a, 12b) configured to limit a movable shaft in bending the display section (11) to one direction in a display surface and allowed to maintain the display section (11) in an arbitrary bending state. |
| US09854665B2 |
Ultra-wideband assembly system and method
An ultra-wideband assembly is provided. The assembly includes a non-conductive tapered core having a conductive wire wound on an outer surface of the non-conductive tapered core, a low-frequency inductor coupled to the non-conductive tapered core via the distal end of the conductive wire and configured to allow mounting of the non-conductive tapered core at an angle with respect to the circuit board. The low frequency inductor is being disposed on a dielectric board configured to be coupled to the circuit board. The assembly includes an ultra-wideband capacitor coupled to the non-conductive tapered core via the proximate end of the conductive wire, the ultra-wideband capacitor being also coupled to the transmission line on the dielectric board. |
| US09854663B2 |
Radio frequency module
A radio frequency module includes a plurality of insulating base material layers made of a thermoplastic resin defining a multilayer circuit board and including a cavity inside thereof, an IC chip disposed in the cavity and including a noise generation source, and planar ground conductive bodies provided in the multilayer circuit board. The planar ground conductive bodies are disposed on a layer not exposed to the inner surface of the cavity, and include inter-layer connection conductive bodies protruding in the direction of the noise generation source from the planar ground conductive bodies. |
| US09854662B2 |
Hybrid linear accelerator with a broad range of regulated electron and X-ray beam parameters includes both standing wave and traveling wave linear sections for providing a multiple-energy high-efficiency electron beam or X-ray beam useful for security inspection, non-destructive testing, radiation therapy, and other applications
A Hybrid (SW+TW) Linear Accelerator is disclosed having high beam efficiency and broad energy regulation that is useful for security inspection, non-destructive testing, radiotherapy, and electron beam irradiation of objects. The Hybrid Linear Accelerator (LINAC) provides superior energy regulation, and includes a reversed RF power distribution which substantially improves RF power utilization, thereby eliminating need for an output RF load, and ensuring broad electron beam energy regulation operating in a broad range of input RF power, thereby efficiently running at a variety of input electron beam current intensities at high efficiency. The Hybrid LINAC may be equipped with a fast and/or slow phase shifter and/or a power regulator having a phase shifter and a current regulator, while operating much more efficiently than known LINACS. The Hybrid LINAC permits efficient operation without an external magnetic field, thereby avoiding use of a power-consuming solenoid, consequently reducing cost of production, operation, and maintenance. |
| US09854658B2 |
Extreme ultraviolet light generation apparatus
An extreme ultraviolet light generation apparatus may include: a chamber in which extreme ultraviolet light is generated when a target is irradiated with a laser beam inside the chamber; a target supply part configured to supply the target into the chamber; and a target collector configured to collect the target which is supplied by the target supply part but is not irradiated with the laser beam in a collection container, by receiving the target on a receiving surface having a contact angle of equal to or smaller than 90 degrees with the target. |
| US09854657B2 |
X-ray generator device
An x-ray generator device includes a housing at least partially holding a specific fluid pressure, with an arm positioned to be able to strike a strike plate within the housing. The housing contains an x-ray window. The arm is magnetically actuated in at least one direction by a magnetic field generator outside of the housing. A striking portion of the lever arm and/or the strike plate may be a polymeric material with embedded metal or metal alloys. |
| US09854656B2 |
Detection of X-ray radiation
An X-ray detector is disclosed, including a detection unit to generate a detection signal for incident X-ray radiation; a signal analysis module to determine a set of count rates for incident X-ray radiation based upon the detection signal and signal analysis parameters for X-ray radiation; and a switchover control unit for switching between first signal analysis parameters and second signal analysis parameters. When an amount of X-ray radiation is incident on the detection module, a first set of count rates is generated for a first time interval based upon first signal analysis parameters and a second set of count rates is generated for a second time interval based upon second signal analysis parameters, different from the first signal analysis parameters. An X-ray imaging system including the detector; a method for determining count rates for X-ray radiation; and a method for calibrating signal analysis parameters are also disclosed. |
| US09854650B2 |
Lighting system, lighting device, and control method thereof
A lighting system includes a plurality of lighting devices including a controller transmitting and receiving data by using near field communications (NFC) The lighting system further includes a control device that collects identification information for the plurality of respective lighting devices through the NFC communications before the plurality of lighting devices are installed. The control device also generates settings data to control the plurality of lighting devices, based on the identification information, and then transmits the generated settings data to the plurality of respective lighting devices. |
| US09854649B2 |
Operating device for lamps for transmitting information
The invention relates to a method for transmitting information from an operating device (K) for lamps (L), in particular a converter for LEDs, to a control unit (ST) connected to the operating device (K) via voltage supply lines (8, 9) thereof, having the following steps: the control unit (ST) preferably periodically temporarily interrupts an AC supply voltage (Vin) of the operating device (K), and the operating device (K) applies a voltage signal (V2) to the voltage supply lines (8, 9) during the interruption of the AC supply voltage (Vin) which is evaluated by the control units (ST) as information. |
| US09854647B2 |
Methods and apparatus for lighting control based on detected lighting change
Methods, apparatus and computer-readable media for controlling a lighting unit are disclosed herein. In some embodiments, a controller may be operably coupled with one or more light sensors. The controller may, in some embodiments, be configured to receive, from the one or more light sensors, one or more signals indicative of light detected by the one or more light sensors. The controller may facilitate transition of one or more light sources of a lighting unit between first and second lighting states responsive to a determination, based on the one or more signals, that a change in a property of the light detected by the one or more light sensors satisfies a predetermined criterion, such as a threshold rate of change of the property of the detected light. |
| US09854644B2 |
Lighting control analyzer
The present invention relates to a lighting control analyzer (170), and a corresponding method (600), for determining occupancy behavior in an area (110, 200) illuminated by at least one lighting device (120a-c) controllable by a lighting controller (160). The lighting control analyzer is adapted to receive light settings (d) for control of the at least one lighting device, the light settings being determined by the lighting controller using a lighting control strategy for the area. The lighting control strategy represents a desired illumination of the area, based on presence information associated with the area. The lighting control analyzer is further adapted to determine the occupancy behavior, based on the light settings and the lighting control strategy. The occupancy behavior may comprise normal locations of occupants (401-417), how often occupants are normally located at different locations, and entrance points of the area. |
| US09854642B2 |
Daylight harvesting light fixture and control system for same
A daylight harvesting light fixture has a housing defining a light aperture, a light emitting diode (LED) in the housing for providing illumination through the aperture, a power supply for supplying drive current to the LED; a photosensor for sensing ambient illumination through the housing aperture, and a control circuit programmed and connected for a) turning off current to the LED for a dark interval imperceptible to the human eye; b) deriving an ambient illumination level signal based on the photosensor output while the LED is turned off; c) calculating an LED light output complementary to measured ambient illumination to achieve a target ambient illumination; and d) restoring drive current to the LED at a level adjusted to produce the calculated complementary LED light output. This sequence may be repeated periodically to maintain a target ambient illumination. |
| US09854641B2 |
Smart home-care lighting system
A smart home-care lighting system includes a lighting device having a portion that is light transmittable. The lighting device receives therein an illumination module for purpose of illumination, a detection module for detecting an outside environment, an alarm module and a sound effect module operable in combination with the detection module for indication and alarming, and an image pickup module for capturing and recording images. The lighting device also includes, arranged therein, a microprocessor and a main control module for transmitting and storing personal habits and health information. The device is arranged such that image can be captured in ranges that does not overlap to provide a surveillance range of 360-degree full view and operation can be made with the main control module for determination for proper action to be taken and may be used in combination with household appliances to construct a smart home-care system that benefit home members. |
| US09854639B1 |
Power supply circuit for LED lighting
An angle adjustment mechanism for LED bar lighting includes a lamp body, two end covers arranged two ends of the lamp body along an axial direction thereof, two lamp frames respectively mounted on the two threading pipes, two wheel gears respectively fixed on the two lamp frames, two outer end caps fixed and covered on the two end covers, respectively, and at least two stopping plates respectively received in the two lamp frames. Each of the two end covers includes a threading pipe extending along the axial direction of the lamp body. Each of the two wheel gears includes a plurality of gear teeth taken along a radial direction thereof and rotating around the threading pipe. Each of the stopping plates provides at least one stopping tooth which is coupling to the gear teeth. |
| US09854636B2 |
Lighting device and method for operating a lighting device
The present invention refers to a lighting device (10) and a method of operating this lighting device (10). A lighting module (13) having a light element series connection (15) of several semiconductor light elements (14) is connected to the output (12) of a drive circuit (11). The control means (20) is provided which is configured to adapt a heating condition if a heating requirement is fulfilled. In the heating condition a heating means (26) is activated by the control means (20) to heat the lighting module. The heating requirement is fulfilled when the temperature (T) of the lighting module (13) drops down to a minimum temperature value (Tmin). In so doing an undesired increase of the forward voltage (Vf) of the light element series connection (15) can be avoided. |
| US09854633B1 |
Light emitting device array and light source device using the same
A light emitting device array comprises a plurality of light emitting diode (LED) strings connected in parallel to each other, each of which includes a plurality of light emitting devices connected in series. A sum of forward voltages (Vf) of a plurality of light emitting devices included in at least one LED string among the plurality of LED strings is less than that of forward voltages of a plurality of light emitting devices included in a different LED string. The at least one LED string includes a voltage compensation unit, to compensate for a difference in forward voltage levels between the at least one LED string and the different LED string. |
| US09854631B2 |
LED illumination device
An LED illuminator configured to further reduce total harmonic distortion is provided. The LED illuminator has: a first LED string including a first partial LED string and a second partial LED string; a second LED string including a third partial LED string and a fourth partial LED string; a first switching circuit configured to switch between a state where only the first partial LED string is connected to a rectifier and a state where the first partial LED string and the second partial LED string connected in series are connected to the rectifier as a full-wave rectified voltage waveform that is output from the rectifier increases/decreases; and a second switching circuit configured to switch between a state where only the third partial LED string is connected to the rectifier and a state where the third partial LED string and the fourth partial LED string connected in series are connected to the rectifier, and the switching timing by the first switching circuit and the switching timing by the second switching circuit are set so as to differ from each other. |
| US09854629B2 |
Display device
A display device suitable for increasing in size, a display device where display unevenness is suppressed, or a display device that can display an image on a curved surface is provided. The display device includes a first display panel, a second display panel, a first adhesive layer, and a substrate. The first and second display panels each include a first region, a second region, and a barrier layer. The barrier layer includes a portion overlapping with the first region and a portion overlapping with the second region. The first region includes a region transmitting visible light. The second region can display an image. The barrier layer contains an inorganic insulating material and includes a region in contact with the first adhesive layer and a region with a thickness of 10 nm to 2 μm. The display device includes a region where the substrate, the first adhesive layer, the first region of the second display panel, and the second region of the first display panel overlap each other. |
| US09854628B2 |
Over-the-range microwave oven and method of using the same
An over-the-range microwave oven including a duct unit configured to direct air from the back of the oven to the front and further includes an integrated duct module. The duct unit includes: a first panel at the bottom, a pair of second panels forming both lateral side surfaces of the duct unit. Water vapor generated from food being cooked flows along an enclosed flow path and thus is unaffected by the exhaust air flow. A humidity sensor is disposed on the first panel and operable to detect water vapor in the cooking unit. |
| US09854618B2 |
Mobile communication system and user terminal
A first user terminal according to an embodiment comprises: at least one processor and at least one memory coupled to the processor. The processor is configured to perform processes of: determining first radio resources to be used for transmitting control information, the control information indicating location of second radio resources to be used for transmitting data by direct Device-to-Device communication; and directly transmitting the same control information repeatedly to a second user terminal in each resource block included in the first control resources. |
| US09854613B2 |
Display device and method of setting the same
A display device configured to communicate with at least one other display device connected to a network is disclosed. The display device includes communication circuitry configured to receive unique information and a service set identifier (SSID) from each of the at least one other display device, the unique information for use in identification of each of the at least one other display device, and a controller configured to change an SSID based on a comparison between unique information of the display device and at least one piece of the received unique information. |
| US09854610B2 |
Management apparatus, managing method, and wireless communication system
A management apparatus for managing a wireless network includes a storage storing unset communication links other than previously set communication links for a wireless communication via the wireless network among previously prepared communication links and a manager configured to divide each communication link stored in the storage into a plurality of communication links and to set the plurality of communication links in accordance with a setting request of communication links. |
| US09854609B2 |
Method for transmitting signal for MTC and apparatus for same
The present invention relates to a method for performing a random access procedure in a wireless communication system supporting repeated transmission of a same signal, and an apparatus for same, and more specifically, to a method and an apparatus for same, the method comprising the steps of: repeatedly transmitting a physical random access channel (PRACH) signal by using a PRACH resource; and receiving a random access response signal from a specific time section, as a response to the PRACH signal, wherein the random access response signal includes information related to the number of repeated transmissions of the PRACH signal. |
| US09854607B1 |
Method and apparatus for performing dynamic clear channel assessent (CCA), and distinguishing wireless communications among different basic service sets
An access point including a receiving module to receive first information indicating whether a first device supports a dynamic clear channel assessment (CCA) capability, which includes an ability to dynamically change a CCA threshold in a frequency channel to detect whether a medium is idle or busy. A CCA module generates second information in response to receiving the first information about the first device. The second information is based on the first information and indicates a CCA method used by the access point in response to receiving the first information. A transmitting module transmits the second information in response to receiving the first information about the first device. The second information is usable by one or more devices associated with the access point in a basic service set of the access point to select respective CCA procedures to detect whether the medium is idle or busy. |
| US09854605B2 |
Method and apparatus for transmitting uplink frame in wireless LAN
Disclosed are a method and an apparatus for transmitting an uplink frame in a wireless LAN. The method for transmitting an uplink frame in a wireless LAN may comprise: a step in which an STA receives a downlink PPDU from an AP through a downlink dedicated channel; a step in which the STA performs a first channel switching from the downlink dedicated channel to a general channel on the basis of information about TXOP duration for transmitting the downlink PPDU if STA indication information included in the received downlink PPDU does not indicate the STA and a pending uplink frame is present in the STA; a step in which the STA performs a channel access for transmitting the uplink frame via the general channel on a time resource corresponding to the TXOP duration; and a step in which the STA performs a second channel switching from the general channel to the downlink dedicated channel on the basis of the information about TXOP duration. |
| US09854601B2 |
Deliberating retransmissions to avoid new hybrid automatic repeat requests (HARQ)
A method, device and system provide improved throughput for network subscriptions in multi-SIM, multi-standby wireless devices by triggering false or fake NAK/Tx messages prior to the tune-away. The technique includes receiving and decoding communications from a node at a user equipment during a first subscription communication mode; in response to a communication from the node to the user equipment after a certain time period prior to a tune away period in which the user equipment communicates in a second subscription communication mode, communicating a fake NACK message from the user equipment to the node; and after the tune away period ends, receiving communications at the user equipment from the node and responding with an ACK message. |
| US09854592B2 |
Methods of channel allocation for devices using different communication protocols
Various examples describe systems and methods for dynamically and simultaneously assigned channels among multiple nodes in a network that communicates using multiple communication protocols. Aspects of the exemplary examples may include a wireless hub comprising an RF front end receiver that can capture, demodulate and decode a pre-defined band in its entirety. The wireless hub can include one or more medium access control algorithms for assigning channels for multiple nodes to access the predefined band while reduces contention between the nodes that are communicating with the wireless hub. |
| US09854591B2 |
Device, system and method of cell specific probability load balancing
An eNodeB (eNB), user equipment (UE) and method of cell reselection are generally described. While in Radio Resource Control (RRC) Idle mode, the UE may receive via a system information broadcast a cell reselection probability and a cell-specific priority list including a list of neighboring eNBs and their priorities for both macro and small cells operating on at least one frequency different from that of the serving eNB. The UE may generate a random number and compare the random number to the cell reselection probability to determine whether the UE is to reselect. The UE may randomly select among eNBs that have the same, highest priority. The UE may receive a predetermined set of cell reselection criteria from the eNB via a system information broadcast to determine whether or not to perform reselection. |
| US09854585B2 |
Dynamic medium access control switching
Methods, systems, and devices are describe for dynamic medium access control (MAC) algorithm selection in a wireless communication system. A device, e.g., a user equipment or base station, may identify a channel parameter associated with a first channel used for communications in the wireless communication system. The device may dynamically select, based at least in part on the channel parameter, a first MAC algorithm from a plurality of MAC algorithms available for communications using the first channel. The wireless communication system may be a millimeter wave wireless communication system and may, in some examples, use directional or beamformed transmissions. |
| US09854578B2 |
Method for reconfiguring a PDCP reordering timer in a wireless communication system and device therefor
A method for a User Equipment (UE) operating in a wireless communication system, the method includes stopping a Packet Data Convergence Protocol (PDCP) reordering timer, while the PDCP reordering timer is running, when a value of the PDCP reordering timer is reconfigured by upper layers; restarting the PDCP reordering timer; and setting a value of reordering_PDCP_RX_COUNT of a reordering function corresponding to the restarted PDCP reordering timer to a COUNT value associated to RX_HFN and Next_PDCP_RX_SN. |
| US09854575B2 |
Method for transmitting and receiving control information and apparatus for the same
The present invention relates to a wireless communication and, more specifically, to a method for transmitting an HARQ) response by a UE in a wireless communication system, and an apparatus for the same. The method includes receiving an E-PDCCH signal on at least one of a plurality of enhanced physical downlink control channel (E-PDCCH) sets, each E-PDCCH set including a plurality of resources units indexed per E-PDCCH set; and transmitting the HARQ response using a physical uplink control channel (PUCCH) resource determined using the index of the first resource unit among one or more resource units carrying the E-PDCCH signal, wherein the index of the first resource unit is determined on the basis of the E-PDCCH set having the lowest index among the plurality of E-PDCCH sets when specific conditions are satisfied. |
| US09854570B2 |
Signaling of virtual cell ID
The present disclosure provides techniques for signaling sets of virtual cell IDs available for use in communicating with UEs. Such knowledge may allow a UE to enhance processing its own downlink channels when similar downlink channels for other UEs are multiplexed within the same physical resource block (PRB). |
| US09854569B2 |
Uplink control channel configuration for unlicensed carriers
A physical uplink control channel (PUCCH) format for transmission of uplink control information (UCI) in unlicensed spectrum is either short PUCCH or long PUCCH. The short PUCCH occupies less than 1 subframe in the time domain and spans an entire system bandwidth in the frequency domain with interlacing on a resource block level. The long PUCCH occupies one subframe in the time domain and spans the entire system bandwidth in the frequency domain with interlacing on a resource block level. |
| US09854568B2 |
Techniques for transmitting a control channel and a data channel over multiple component carriers
Certain aspects of the present disclosure relate to transmitting control and data channels over multiple carriers in wireless communications. Configuration information can be obtained for a plurality of component carriers configured by one or more cells. An indication to perform parallel transmission of a control channel and a data channel with the one or more cells can be received. It can be determined whether the parallel transmission is supported over at least one component carrier of the plurality of component carriers. At least one of the control channel, the data channel, or a combination thereof, can be transmitted over the at least one component carrier based at least in part on the indication to perform the parallel transmission and based at least in part on determining whether the parallel transmission is supported over the at least one component carrier. |
| US09854567B2 |
Communication method using a carrier aggregation and apparatus therefore
A method and a user equipment for controlling an uplink transmission at in a wireless communications system are discussed, the user equipment being configured with multiple component carriers. The method according to an embodiment includes receiving, from a base station, Radio Resource Control (RRC) configuration information for a channel status information report; and performing a procedure for periodically transmitting channel status information to the base station. If the corresponding downlink component carrier is in an active state at a time for transmitting the channel status information, a transmission of the channel status information report is performed at the time. If the corresponding downlink component carrier is in a non-active state at a time for transmitting the channel status information report, the transmission of the channel status information report is skipped at the time. Signal reception is limited by the user equipment on a downlink component carrier in the non-active state. |
| US09854566B2 |
Method and apparatus for using resources for device-to-device operation in wireless communication system
A method and apparatus for using resources for a device-to-device (D2D) operation in a wireless communication system is provided. A user equipment (UE) receives D2D resources used for transmission of D2D signals in radio resource control (RRC) idle mode, and transmits the D2D signals by using the D2D resources in the RRC idle mode. The D2D resources may be used in the RRC idle mode only, or may be used after entering the RRC connected mode. Alternatively, the UE receives D2D resources used for transmission of D2D signals in RRC connected mode, and transmits the D2D signals by using the D2D resources in the RRC idle mode. |
| US09854564B2 |
Method for controlling radio resource allocation in mobile communication system
In a wireless mobile communications system, a method for controlling a radio resource allocation is provided. A network transmits access control information to a terminal such that a request for the radio resource allocation which will be transmitted from the terminal can be controlled. The terminal selectively transmits the request for the radio resource allocation based on the received information, thus a transmission of an unnecessary request for the radio resource can be minimized, thereby preventing a waste of the radio resource. |
| US09854560B2 |
Optimized mechanism for paging transmission and reception
Methods and apparatus are provided for paging transmission and reception for UEs requiring repeatedly paging. In one novel aspect, the UE reports the status to the MME. UE status information and the corresponding cell ID are provided from eNB to MME. MME sends paging information including the repetition number to all eNBs in the corresponding tracking area when paging the UE. In another novel aspect, a paging area is used for UEs requiring repeatedly paging. The UE receives paging area information, notifies the network, and updates the stored paging area information upon detecting changes between the received and the stored paging areas. In another embodiment, the UE reports its status upon detecting status changes. The eNB stores UE information and forwards it to neighboring eNBs in the same paging area. The eNB pages UEs on its UE list with repetition while paging other UEs normally. |
| US09854559B2 |
Method and device for pushing user information
The disclosure relates to a method, device, and non-transitory computer-readable medium for pushing user information. The method includes obtaining a first identity (ID) of a first user equipment (UE) through short distance communication; searching a first database to obtain first user information corresponding to the first ID, the first database including user information corresponding to respective ones of a plurality of UE IDs; and outputting a push notification including the first user information. |
| US09854552B2 |
Method and apparatus for improved Schmidl-Cox-based signal detection
Techniques are disclosed relating to detection of wireless signals. In some embodiments, a method includes generating an autocorrelation result for a training field in a received wireless message, generating differentiation information based on the autocorrelation result, and determining that one or more signal recognition criteria are met. In some embodiments, the signal recognition criteria include a first criterion that a first peak in the differentiation information satisfies a first threshold for at least a first time interval. In some embodiments, the signal recognition criteria include one or more additional criteria, including a second criterion that a second peak in the differentiation information satisfies a second threshold for at least a second time interval, wherein the first and second peaks have different polarities and/or a third criterion that the first peak corresponds to an autocorrelation result value that is below a particular autocorrelation threshold. |
| US09854551B2 |
Wireless network for sensor array
A linear wireless sensor network includes network nodes having monotonically varying network node identifiers along each branch of the network. The network identifiers enable the nodes to forward network packets without use of routing tables. Low duty cycle wireless communication protocols enable network packets to be routed to all nodes of very large networks while consuming very little electrical power. Broadcast, rather than unicast, transmissions between nodes take advantage of favorable signal propagation conditions to forward messages using largest possible hops, skipping over nodes when possible, as well as automatically adapting to time- or spatially-varying conditions. A group of network packets is broadcast and forwarded by a most distant receiving node that received all packets of the group. A receiving node's clock is automatically adjusted, based on which packet(s) of a group of packets was received. A sending node synchronizes near-by receiving nodes. Nodes are provisioned over-the-air, with built-in scheduling. Health and welfare information piggybacks on other network traffic. |
| US09854547B2 |
Method and apparatus for synchronizing timing among devices in a wireless local area network (WLAN)
A wireless communication device including a first media access control device and a first transceiver. The first media access control device is configured to selectively generate a first timestamp having a first length and a second timestamp having a second length. The first timestamp indicates a first synchronization time of the wireless communication device, the second timestamp indicates only a first portion of the first synchronization time, and the first synchronization time is used by a client station to synchronize timing between the wireless communication device and the client station. The first media access control device is further configured to generate a beacon including either the first timestamp or the second timestamp, and an indication of whether the beacon includes the first timestamp or the second timestamp. The first transceiver is configured to transmit the beacon from the wireless communication device to the client station. |
| US09854545B2 |
Apparatus and method for establishing uplink synchronization in a wireless communication system
Uplink synchronization establishment in a base station which operates a plurality of component carriers according to one embodiment of the present description, is performed in that the base station is connected to a user equipment, sets component carrier aggregation information, generates an uplink timing groups in the set component carrier aggregation, and transmits information on the thus-generated uplink timing groups to the user equipment. |
| US09854541B2 |
Communication device and method for controlling power thereof
A communication device for power saving and a method for controlling power thereof are provided. The communication device includes a power amplifying unit and a control unit. The power amplifying unit generates an output signal obtained by amplifying a downlink signal, using a supply voltage, and outputs the output signal. The control unit determines a current state by comparing predetermined downlink reference information with output signal information on the output signal, and, if the current state is an active state as a comparison result, controls the supply voltage to correspond to the output signal information. Accordingly, power for amplifying a signal can be controlled according to communication traffic, thereby preventing consumption of unnecessary power. |
| US09854538B2 |
Base station, user terminals and wireless communication method
The objective of the invention is to suppress, in a case of applying the RRH system in an environment having a plurality of cells (multi-cellular environment), the reduction of the throughput of the whole system. A base station, in the RRH system in which a plurality of antenna ports are dispersively placed in each of a plurality of cells, comprises: a selection unit that selects antenna ports, to which user terminals are to connect, from among the antenna ports of the cells in which the user terminals are existent; and a power setting unit that controls the transmission powers of the antenna ports. The selection unit and power setting unit set predetermined conditions for the target SINRs(t) of the user terminals and the transmission powers of the antenna ports, and select the antenna ports for the user terminals and control the transmission powers of the antenna ports such that the smallest one of the values of the SINRs of the user terminals of the plurality of cells is maximized. |
| US09854535B2 |
Determining fractional frequency reuse power levels for downlink transmissions
An example method is provided in one example embodiment and includes receiving at least one relative interference statistic from each of a plurality of cells, the at least one relative interference statistic associated with a relative interference of downlink transmission from the cell to a plurality of user equipment devices associated with the cell. The method further includes determining a power level for each of one or more resources within a fractional frequency reuse portion of a frequency spectrum based upon the at least one relative interference statistic received from each of the plurality of cells, and determining a power level for a reuse one portion of the frequency spectrum based upon the determined power level for each of the one or more resources within the fractional frequency reuse portion of the frequency spectrum. |
| US09854529B2 |
Power sensitive wireless communication radio management
In one example, a wearable device includes one or more processors, a plurality of communication components, one or more motion sensors configured to detect motion of the wearable device and generate, based on the detected motion, motion data, and a storage device configured to store at least one module. The at least one module may be operable by the one or more processors to: responsive to determining that the wearable device is not connected to the computing device using the first communication technology, determine, based on the motion data, whether the wearable device is currently being worn, and responsive to determining that the wearable device is currently being worn, establish the wireless connection to the computing device using the second communication component. |
| US09854526B2 |
Sensor activated power reduction in voice activated mobile platform
A method of controlling power consumption of a voice activation system in a mobile platform includes monitoring one or more sensors of the mobile platform. Next, it is determined whether a microphone of the mobile platform is concealed or obstructed in response to the monitoring of the one or more sensors. If so, the mobile platform transitions one or more components of the voice activation system from a normal power consumption power state to a low power consumption state. |
| US09854525B2 |
Method and apparatus for performing a handover in an evolved universal terrestrial radio access network
A method and an apparatus for performing a handover in an evolved universal terrestrial radio access network (E-UTRAN) are disclosed. A wireless transmit/receive unit (WTRU) sends a measurement report to a source evolved Node B (eNB), and receives a handover command from the source eNB. The WTRU initiates reception and processing of a primary broadcast channel (P-BCH) at the target cell after receiving the handover command. The WTRU then sends a random access preamble to the target eNB, receives a random access response from the target eNB, and sends a handover complete message to the target eNB. The reception and processing of the P-BCH may be initiated immediately after receiving the handover command or after sending the handover complete message. The WTRU may apply default configuration or source cell configuration in the target cell until a target cell SFN and/or P-BCH information are acquired. |
| US09854524B2 |
Geographically isolated antennas
Briefly, in accordance with one or more embodiments, a base transceiver station having a first set of antennas and a second set of antennas geographically separated from the first set of antennas transmits a reference signal to a first device, and receives feedback from the first device. The feedback represents information that can be used to construct a weight adjustment vector. The base transceiver station selects a precoding vector from a codebook based at least in part on the feedback received from the first device, calculates the weight adjustment vector based at least in part on the feedback, and applies the weight adjustment vector to the selected precoding vector to provide an adjusted precoding vector. The base transceiver station then may transmit data to the first device using the adjusted precoding vector. |
| US09854523B2 |
Optimization of network signaling load and/or user equipment power consumption in a packet mobile system
In an embodiment, there is provided a method for optimization of network signalling load and/or User Equipment power consumption in a packet mobile system wherein an User Equipment UE has access to a network comprising a Core Network CN accessed by a Radio Access Network RAN, a method wherein CN assistance information is provided by said CN to said RAN for an UE, said CN assistance information including information determined in said CN based on a learning by said CN of a traffic pattern and/or a mobility pattern of said UE, and said CN assistance information is used in said RAN to adjust RAN parameters enabling to control transitions between idle and connected state and/or power consumption in connected state for said UE. |
| US09854521B2 |
Apparatus and method for cancelling interference in communication system supporting multi-user multiple-input multiple-output scheme
A method of canceling interference by a signal receiving apparatus in a communication system supporting a multi-user Multiple-Input Multiple-Output (MIMO) scheme and a signal receiving apparatus is provided. The method includes determining whether there is a need for using an interference cancellation scheme while performing a signal detecting operation; and performing the signal detecting operation using the interference cancellation scheme, or performing the signal detecting operation without using the interference cancellation scheme based on determining whether there is the need for using the interference cancellation scheme. |
| US09854517B2 |
Scheduling data in background services on mobile devices
Systems and methods of scheduling data in background services on mobile devices are disclosed. An example method includes identifying data consumption patterns on a mobile device. The method also includes determining sensitivity of data arriving at the mobile device based on the data consumption patterns. The method also includes aggregating network access by background services on the mobile device according to a schedule based on the sensitivity of the data arriving at the mobile device. |
| US09854516B2 |
Slot skipping techniques for reduced power consumption in time slotted channel hopping MAC protocol
A device may be coupled to a time slot based communication system and receive a timing beacon packet that is broadcast in a time slot of the communication system at a periodic rate, in which the network uses a time slotted channel hopping protocol of sequential frames each having a plurality of time slots. The device may synchronize its time base to the timing beacon. The device may calculate a sleep time corresponding to a number of time slots until a next time slot that is scheduled for use by the device and then place the device in a sleep mode. The device may be awakened after the sleep time and operate during the next time slot. The device may repeat the process of calculating a sleep time, going into sleep mode, and waking for operation after the sleep time in order to reduce power consumption. |
| US09854515B2 |
Energy saving operations for wireless networks
A network controlling entity in a heterogeneous or local area network (such as a macro eNB) selects a set of network access nodes that share a common wake-up area code WUAC. The network controlling entity selects a transmission entity such as a motile terminal/UE and directs it to wirelessly transmit a signal on a given radio resource. The network controlling entity also informs each network access node within the set of the given radio resource on which they should listen for the signal. In various embodiments the network access nodes within the set can choose whether or not to listen for the signal and thus choose whether they will wakeup, or they can reply to the signal with a request for wakeup confirmation. In this manner WUAC-specific sets of small cells can be awakened only when needed for traffic offloading and thereby saving energy. |
| US09854514B2 |
User equipment, small cell and operation method thereof
A user equipment, a small cell and an operation method thereof are provided. The small cell includes a processor and a transceiver. The processor is configured to generate a maintaining downlink signal when the small cell is in an off-state. The maintaining downlink signal utilizes fewer radio resources compared to a normal downlink signal which is generated when the small cell is in an on-state. The transceiver is electrically connected to the processor and configured to continuously transmit the maintaining downlink signal when the small cell is in the off-state and receive an uplink signal from the user equipment. The processor further switches the small cell from the off-state to the on-state according to the uplink signal. |
| US09854513B2 |
Method and network node for determining a recommended cell for a user equipment
A cell is recommended to a first user equipment for selection during its cell selection process, wherein the recommendation is based on a performance parameter between the cell and a second user equipment, wherein the recommendation is based on a determined degree of similarity between the first user equipment and the second user equipment. |
| US09854511B2 |
Cell search and connection procedures in a cellular communication device
A cell-search method for a cellular communication device capable of communicating via a first radio-access technology, RAT, in a first frequency band, and via a second RAT in a second frequency band, which is in a higher frequency region than the first frequency band is disclosed. The method comprises performing a first cell search in the first frequency band in order to detect a first cell of the first RAT. The method further comprises, if such a first cell is detected, synchronizing to the first cell, without registering to the first cell, determining a reference frequency error estimate between a local reference frequency of the cellular communication device and reference frequency of the first cell, and thereafter performing a second cell search, based on the reference frequency error estimate, in the second frequency band to detect a second cell of the second RAT. A corresponding cellular communication device, computer program product, and computer-readable medium are also disclosed. |
| US09854509B2 |
Motion-based kinetic fingerprint radio selection
Motion adaptive wireless user equipment (UE) in a wireless network are provided. Kinetic information is leveraged to select a preferred radio (or radio technology) or adapt a reselection scanning interval. This can serve to improve the performance of a UE by reducing the amount of power expended in maintaining an adequate level of connectedness to the wireless network components in the face of UE movement. In a further aspect, kinetic power generators can be employed as a source of UE transit data. Kinetic fingerprints can be compared to UE transit data, e.g., that acquired from a kinetic generator of the UE, to facilitate selection of preferred radios and reselection intervals. In this aspect, radio selection schema and reselection scanning schema can effectively be selected with little to no drain on a UE power source. |
| US09854506B2 |
Timing synchronization for device-to-device discovery for asynchronous LTE deployments
Methods and devices are described for forwarding, managing, and/or detecting timing information for device-to-device discovery. Timing information may be received from a base station. A timing signal including the timing information may be transmitted. The timing signal may be transmitted during a sub-frame reserved for device-to-device discovery. Timing information for a base station may be transmitted to a user equipment (UE). Instructions to transmit a timing signal including the timing information during a sub-frame reserved for device-to-device discovery are also transmitted to the UE. Information indicating a timing of sub-frames reserved for device-to-device discovery by a neighboring base station may be received from a serving base station. A timing signal may be detected during at least one of the sub-frames reserved for device-to-device discovery. The timing signal may include timing information for the neighboring base station. |
| US09854504B2 |
Customization of data session retry mechanism in a wireless packet data service network
In one embodiment, a method is provided for customization of a mobile communications device's data session retry mechanism in a wireless packet data service network. The mobile communication device requests activation of a data session with a node via the wireless network and receives a reject message via the wireless network in response to the request for activation of the data session, the reject message including a cause code. If the cause code corresponds to a no-retry behavior of the data session retry mechanism of the mobile communication device, the mobile communications device no longer requesting activation of a data session with the node. |
| US09854500B2 |
Method and apparatus for routing data in wireless communication system
A method and apparatus for routing data in a wireless communication system is provided. In trusted non-3rd generation partnership project (3GPP) access, a wireless local area network (WLAN) access gateway receives parameters, which includes 3GPP core network load information and a core network routing rule, from an entity of a 3GPP system, and routes received UL data based on the received parameters through at least one of the 3GPP system and a non-3GPP system. In un-trusted non-3GPP access, an evolved packet data gateway (ePDG) receives parameters, which includes 3GPP core network load information and a core network routing rule, from an entity of a 3GPP system, and routes received UL data based on the received parameters through at least one of the 3GPP system and a non-3GPP system. |
| US09854497B2 |
Method and apparatus for self configuration of LTE e-Node Bs
The present invention is a procedure for a self configuring eNB/E-UTRAN. The eNB/E-UTRAN interacts with the Enhanced Packet Core (EPC) of the LTE network in order to complete the mutual authentication task between the eNB and the EPC and other operating procedures in the eNB self configuration phase. |
| US09854492B2 |
Handover enhancement for user equipment application layer traffic carried over a mobile network
In an embodiment, there is provided a method for handover enhancement for User Equipment UE application layer traffic carried over a mobile network, said method comprising at least one step based on informing said UE of a traffic path change in said mobile network due to said handover, requiring action at application layer level. |
| US09854491B2 |
Method and apparatus for controlling inter-PLMN handover to CSG cell
A method and apparatus for controlling inter-PLMN handover based on CSG lists of equivalent PLMNs is provided. A method for receiving subscriber information of a terminal at a Mobility Management Entity (MME) includes transmitting an update location request message for the terminal to a Home Subscriber Server (HSS), and receiving an update location acknowledgement message with the subscriber information of the terminal from the HSS, wherein the update location request message comprises a list of equivalent Public Land Mobile Networks (PLMNs) among which the MME supports inter-PLMN handover of the terminal. The method and apparatus for controlling inter-plan handover to a CSG cell according to the present invention is characterized in that a control apparatus of a core network acquires the allowed CSG lists for determining a User Equipments (UEs) capability of access to a CSG cell and determines whether to permit inter-PLMN handover based on the allowed CSG lists. |
| US09854490B2 |
Rank indicator inheritance for subframe restricted channel state information reporting
Generally, this disclosure provides devices, systems and methods for subframe restricted Channel State Information (CSI) reporting with Rank Indicator (RI) inheritance. A User Equipment (UE) device may include an RI generation module to generate RIs based on a received CSI configuration from an evolved Node B (eNB) of a serving cell of the UE. The UE may also include an RI Reference Process CSI generation module to generate a first Reference CSI including a first selected RI of the generated RIs, the first selection based on a first subframe set of the received CSI configuration, and to generate a second Reference CSI including a second selected RI of the generated RIs, the second selection based on a second subframe set of the received CSI configuration. The UE may further include a Linked Process CSI generation module to generate a linked CSI including an inherited RI from the first Reference CSI. |
| US09854485B2 |
Mobile communication method and radio base station
A mobile communication method according to the present invention includes a step of notifying, by a radio base station DeNB, a radio base station eNB of identification information (PCI or ECGI) of cells #1 to #3 subordinate to a plurality of relay nodes RN#1 to #3 as identification information of a cell subordinate to the radio base station DeNB when the plurality of relay nodes RN#1 to #3 are connected to the radio base station DeNB. |
| US09854484B2 |
Mobile station, base station, and method for managing synchronization state
A synchronization state is efficiently managed in a mobile station to which cells are allocated. A base station notifies the mobile station of information about whether or not a transmission timing before a handover for each of cell groups of the mobile station is to be applied after the handover. The mobile station sets whether or not the transmission timing adjusted for each cell group is to be applied after the handover, on the basis of the received information. |
| US09854481B2 |
Method and apparatus for maintaining service continuity of user equipment after tracking area is updated
Provided are a method and an apparatus for maintaining service continuity of a UE after a tracking area is updated. In the method, after a UE initiates a TAU request, an MME judges whether an updated target SGW is the same as a source SGW (S302); in a case where a judgment result is that the updated target SGW is not the same as the source SGW, the MME further judges whether an eNodeB currently accessed by the UE is changed (S304); and in a case where the eNodeB is not changed, the MME selects the target SGW to serve the UE and sends the eNodeB a notification message indicating that the UE is switched over to a serving area of the target SGW, or the MME stops selecting an SGW for the UE but directly instructs the UE to continue to be served by the source SGW (S306). |
| US09854478B2 |
Techniques for switching bearers between radio access technologies (RATS)
A method, an apparatus, and a computer program product for wireless communication are provided. The apparatus serves data to a UE or receives data from the UE via a first communication link that uses a first RAT, transmits a configuration message to the UE indicating that data will be served or received via a second communication link that uses a second RAT, and initiates a configuration procedure to switch service or reception of data from the first communication link that uses the first RAT to the second communication link that uses the second RAT. |
| US09854477B2 |
System and method for handoffs between technologies
Systems and methods for providing a handoff between technologies are disclosed. An intra-technology handoff occurs where the same integrated chassis handles the session for the different access technologies. In an intra-technology handoff, the same IP address and the session can be maintained through the handoff. The mobile node can undergo a handoff without issuing a registration request in some embodiments. An inter-technology handoff occurs from one integrated chassis to another integrated chassis. The integrated chassis can preserve session and context information in a session manager and in a handoff from one access technology to another the same session manager can be chosen with the session and context information remaining intact even though the access technology has changed. The integrated chassis can provide an access technology handoff where the core network does not notice any change and applications running on or delivered to the mobile node are not effected. |
| US09854472B2 |
Cooperative communication method, cloud server, and core network server
A cooperative communication method includes determining bandwidth of a first wireless network that user equipment (UE) currently accesses, determining bandwidth required by data to be sent to the UE, and when the bandwidth of the first wireless network cannot meet the bandwidth required by the to-be-sent data, sending a first part of data packets to the first wireless network, and sending a second part of the data packets to at least one core network, so that the at least one core network sends the second part of the data packets to the UE using at least one wireless network, where a communications protocol of the first wireless network is different from that of the at least one wireless network. Bandwidth resources can be integrated on wireless networks with different communications protocols, so that fluent transmission of data can be implemented. |
| US09854471B2 |
Wireless communication apparatus, wireless communication system, and wireless communication method
A wireless communication apparatus, a wireless communication system and a wireless communication method that can suppress the occurrence of differences in transmission delays in a plurality of wireless lines are provided. The wireless communication apparatus (1) includes a division means (12) and a transmission means (14). The transmission means (14) transmits radio waves through a plurality of wireless lines. The division means (12) divides data into data pieces having sizes each of which correspond to the transmission capacity of a respective one of the plurality of the wireless lines and generates a plurality of fragments. Further, the transmission means (14) transmits each of the plurality of the fragments to another wireless communication apparatus through the wireless line having the transmission capacity corresponding to the size of the fragment. |
| US09854463B2 |
Method and apparatus for transmitting split availability of cell in wireless communication system
A method and apparatus for transmitting split availability of a cell in a wireless communication system is provided. A first eNodeB (eNB) may transmit a split availability of a first cell, managed by the first eNB, to neighbor eNBs. The split availability of the first cell may indicate whether the first cell supports cell split operation or not. Alternatively, the split availability of the first cell may indicate whether the first eNB supports an active antenna system (AAS). |
| US09854456B2 |
Method and apparatus for managing multi-hop relay networks
Various aspects of an approach for managing multi-hop networks are described herein for an apparatus associated with a network that includes detecting, by the apparatus, an event corresponding to a state of association of a first device with the network; updating at least one network parameter based on the detection of the event; and generating a notification based on the update of the at least one network parameter. Another aspect of the disclosed approach includes receiving, by the apparatus, a first notification corresponding to a state of association of a first device with the network, wherein the first notification comprises a first timestamp corresponding to the state of association of the first device; comparing the first timestamp with a second timestamp corresponding to a table stored by the apparatus; and, updating the table with the first timestamp if the first timestamp is more recent than the second timestamp. |
| US09854455B2 |
Apparatus and method for providing cooperative communication service between macro base station and small cell base station in mobile communication system
A method for providing a cooperative communication service by a macro Base Station (BS) in a mobile communication system is provided. The method includes generating at least one small cell BS group by grouping small cell BSs if there are small cell BSs of which a number is equal to or larger than a threshold small cell BS number within a service coverage of the macro BS, establishing a cooperative interface with a representative small cell BS among small cell BSs included in the at least one small cell BS group, and providing a cooperative communication service with the at least one small cell BS group using the cooperative interface. |
| US09854451B2 |
Methods of optimizing tilt angle of an antenna
Disclosed is a method of optimizing tilt angle of antennas of a plurality of cells in a wireless cellular system. The method comprising the steps of autonomously determining focal point of each cell of the plurality of cells whose angle of tilt is to be optimized; determining jointly optimal tilt values of the antennas of the plurality of cells based on the determined focal points; and configuring the tilt angle of the antennas of the plurality of cells based on said optimal tilt values. |
| US09854449B2 |
Wireless communication method, access point, and station
A method includes determining, by a first access point, a working mode of a second access point, where a coverage area of the first access point overlaps a coverage area of the second access point, and where the working mode includes a non-coordinated scheduling mode, a coordinated scheduling mode, a contention mode, or an in-slot contention ISC mode. The method further includes initiating, by the first access point, a working mode switching procedure when it is determined that the working mode of the second access point is the non-coordinated scheduling mode, where the working mode switching procedure is used to switch the working mode of the second access point to the contention mode or the ISC mode. |
| US09854448B2 |
Device and method for performing communication via a plurality of component carriers
A device enabling a frequency band shared between wireless communication of a cellular system and other wireless communication to be more appropriately used in the cellular system. The device includes a control unit configured to occupy a frequency band shared between wireless communication of a cellular system and other wireless communication for the wireless communication of the cellular system during a first period and release the frequency band from the wireless communication of the cellular system during at least a second period corresponding to the first period. |
| US09854446B2 |
Method and apparatus for transmitting a signal in a wireless communication system
One embodiment of the present invention relates to a method for transmitting a signal to an unlicensed band of a base station in a wireless communication system. The method comprises the steps of: transmitting at least one of a preamble and a reservation signal, if it is determined through carrier sensing that the unlicensed band is available; and transmitting a PDSCH on the unlicensed band immediately after the transmission of at least one of the preamble and the reservation signal. the preamble enables a terminal to acquire reception synchronization for at least one of the reservation signal and the PDSCH. |
| US09854437B1 |
Apparatus, system and method for exchanging encrypted communications with an eye-mountable device
Techniques and mechanisms for exchanging encrypted communications wirelessly with an accommodation-capable eye-mountable device (EMD). In an embodiment, a controller of the EMD is configured to encrypt data to be sent from the EMD to an auxiliary device or to decrypt data received by the EMD from the auxiliary device. Cryptographic operations to securely exchange the communications are based on a key value and a vector determined at the EMD. In another embodiment, the auxiliary device operates as a master, and the EMD operates as a slave, at least with respect to enablement of a functionality of the EMD to change an association of a cryptographic key value with a vector. |
| US09854435B2 |
Methods and systems of using SIM cards inserted at another device
A circuitry and a wireless communication system for carrying SIM card data over a distance. The wireless communication system comprises a first network node and a second network node. A SIM card can be placed in the first network node. SIM card data can be retrieved from or written to the SIM card by a second node via a cable. Other data communications between the first network node and the second network node is carried by another cable. In one variant, the other capable also carry electricity from one of the network node to the other network node. In one variant, the circuitry for carrying SIM card data comprises a plurality of buffers, resistors, capacitors and bi-directional level shifters. |
| US09854430B1 |
Digital transmission system to collect in real time a plurality of disparate time/date related substantiation events to confirm the identity of a signatory in conjunction with the affixing of an electronic signature on a mobile device
A real time digital transmission system that, in order to substantiate the identity of a signatory that has affixed an electronic signature to a device carried by the signatory to a plurality of disparate remote geographical locations, (1) transmits data defining time/date related events immediately on the occurrence of the events, the events including article events, location-derived events, visual events, audio events, optical machine-readable data events, and signature events, and (2) creates an evidentiary record of each event including the time and date of occurrence of each event. |
| US09854429B2 |
Mobile terminal configuration method and system
A method for configuring a mobile terminal and system are provided. The method includes: a mobile terminal sending local information to a server, wherein the local information comprises MSID, MDN and NAI information and expected target customer brand information predefined by the mobile terminal; the mobile terminal acquiring configuration information sent by the server, wherein the configuration information is brand information in the server, which is matched with the local information sent by the mobile terminal; and the mobile terminal acquiring a configuration parameter corresponding to the brand information according to the brand information, and completing configuration according to the configuration parameter. |
| US09854426B1 |
Assisted cellular device activation
A user device installs a third-party companion application with a primary software development kit (SDK) for cellular service activation on a wearable device, the wearable device including a third-party device application having an embedded SDK for the cellular service activation. The user device receives user input to initiate the cellular service activation for the wearable device and solicits, via the primary SDK, user input for account settings associated with the cellular service activation. The user device obtains, via the primary SDK and from a network device, activation parameters, associated with the wearable device, for the cellular service activation. The user device forwards, via the primary SDK and to the embedded SDK of the wearable device, the activation parameters, which the embedded SDK uses to request cellular activation. |
| US09854417B2 |
Provision of additional network addressable numbers on single mobile device with no calling number identifier
A method and system are described for servicing a second line service (“SLS”) based communication request originating from a subscriber's telecommunications device (“TD”) even if the call signal does not include sufficient information to identify the phone number from which the subscriber initiated the call. The method involves associating the SLS phone number of the subscriber, the primary number of the subscriber and the primary number of a third party via a special relationship number. |
| US09854415B2 |
Call center A2P-to-P2P message routing conversion
A method and system enables converting Application-to-Person (A2P) messaging to Person-to-Person (P2P) messaging. Customer replies to short code A2P messages are diverted to alternate destinations in an enterprise. Enterprise destinations include call center operations and data enabled devices in various departments in an enterprise. Information collected from the reply messages can be used to determine the appropriate destination and can be used to analyze support and marketing statistics. |
| US09854412B2 |
Apparatus for transmitting broadcast signals, apparatus for receiving broadcast signals, method for transmitting broadcast signals and method for receiving broadcast signals
A method and an apparatus for transmitting broadcast signals thereof are disclosed. The apparatus for transmitting broadcast signals, the apparatus comprises an encoder to encode service data, a mapper to map the encoded service data into constellations, a MIMO (Multi Input Multi Output) processor to process a pair of symbols of the mapped service data based on a rotation matrix with a rotation angle, a frame builder to build signal frames including the MIMO processed service data, a modulator to modulate data in the signal frames by an OFDM (Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplex) scheme and a transmitter to transmit the broadcast signals having the modulated data. |
| US09854411B2 |
Initiating live presentation content sharing via radio frequency beacons
Systems, methods, and modes are disclosed for sharing presentation content displayed on a meeting room display during a meeting. The system comprises one or more presentation gateways each associated with a network address and configured for receiving and transmitting presentation content to a meeting room display during a meeting. The system further comprises one or more RF beacons each associated with a presentation gateway and configured for broadcasting information. The system also comprises a portable electronic device that pairs with the presentation gateway to share presentation content by: receiving from at least one of the one or more RF beacons the broadcasted information, estimating a distance to the at least one of the one or more RF beacons according to a detected signal strength of the RF beacon broadcast, determining a location of the portable electronic device based on the distance to the at least one of the one or more RF beacons, identifying a presentation gateway network address based on the determined location, and pairing with a presentation gateway using the identified presentation gateway network address. |
| US09854406B2 |
Control method and controller
A control method and a controller are provided. The method includes: controlling an electronic device to connect to a wireless access point corresponding to a first channel based on a first preset rule; controlling the electronic device to connect to a wireless access point corresponding to the first channel or a wireless access point corresponding to a second channel based on a second preset rule; where the first preset rule is different from the second preset rule, and the frequency of the first channel is higher than the frequency of the second channel. |
| US09854403B2 |
Guiding system for positioning target object
A guiding system for positioning a target object, which is capable of guiding a user of a mobile device to the position of the target object comprises an wireless positioning device configured on the target object, a plurality of base stations configured around the target object, a positioning server, and an application software built in the mobile device. The wireless positioning device sends wireless broadcasting signal to the base stations. The base stations measure the intensities of broadcasting signal and then send the broadcasting signal and the intensities to the positioning server. The positioning server calculates a locating area of the target object according to the broadcasting signal and the intensities, and then sends the locating area to the mobile device. The application software displays the locating area of the target object to guide the user of the mobile device to the locating area. |
| US09854399B2 |
Prose information transmission method, terminal, and communications device
Embodiments of the present invention provide a ProSe information transmission method, a terminal, and a communications device, where the method includes: acquiring, by a second terminal, a fourth code word broadcast by a first terminal, where the fourth code word is a code word that is allocated to the first terminal by a first ProSe entity; sending, by the second terminal, a first message to a second ProSe entity when the fourth code word matches a prestored code word, where the first message carries the fourth code word and a first application identity; receiving, by the second terminal, a second message sent by the second ProSe entity, where the second message carries a second identity; and discovering, by the second terminal, a first application user according to the second identity. The present invention is applicable to the communications field. |
| US09854397B1 |
Systems and user interfaces for dynamic and interactive person and event data access and analysis
An interactive information map system is disclosed that enables a user to efficiently search through, and determine matches within, large amounts of data including event-location data and person-location data. The interactive information map system may include an interactive user interface in which event-location data, person-location data, and/or matches between event-location data and person-location data may be displayed on a map. Further, a user of the interactive information map system may input search queries to the interactive information map system, including selections of subsets of event-location data and person-location data, for determining matches. The user may limit the search query based on a time or timeframe of interest. Advantageously, according to various embodiments, the interactive information map system may enable a user to identify matches between records of events occurring at particular locations and records of persons being at particular locations. |
| US09854395B2 |
Methods and systems for notifying user of destination by route guide
A method of providing destination information to a user through a location-based service includes: determining whether the user has approached a destination along a guided route for the user based on mapped location information for the user, the destination being designated by the user; and activating a visual notification function associated with the destination when the user is determined to have approached the destination. |
| US09854388B2 |
Method and apparatus for pairing a mobile device to an output device
Methods and systems for associating or pairing a mobile device with a local output device via a central or mobile connect server system are provided. Pairing is performed by initiating a pairing request from an output device that is passed to the mobile connect server for processing. The mobile connect server responds to the request with a pairing code that is displayed by the output device. A user of the mobile device then enters the displayed pairing code in the mobile device. The mobile device transmits the entered pairing code to the mobile connect server and, in response to a match, the mobile device is paired to the output device. Pairing can enable various functions, including an ability to apply stored user preference data to control programming or other information displayed by the output device in response to commands entered in the mobile device. |
| US09854386B2 |
Methods and apparatus for using smart environment devices via application program interfaces
Systems and Methods disclosed herein relate to provisioning vendor information to associate vendor data access rights, vendor data writing rights, or both, of a data model comprising information related to one or more smart-devices, one or more smart-device environment structures comprising the one or more smart-devices, or any combination thereof with the vendor; provisioning a particular electronic device type of the vendor by providing information about the particular electronic device type to a service that interprets this information to understand subsequent data submissions of the particular electronic device, wherein the provisioning of the particular electronic device is associated with the vendor; pairing the particular electronic device with a system hosting the data model by registering the particular electronic device with the system hosting the data model; and sending the subsequent data submissions from the one or more smart-devices to the service. |
| US09854383B2 |
Method and system for managing multiple applications in near field communication
Apparatus and method for managing connections of a plurality of devices by a Near Field Communication (NFC) Controller (NFCC) through NFC. The method includes setting identification information of an entity, the entity being requested from an NFC device for a connection with the NFC device; and setting a logical link between the NFC device and the entity based on the identification information. |
| US09854378B2 |
Audio spatial rendering apparatus and method
An audio spatial rendering apparatus and method are disclosed. In one embodiment, The audio spatial rendering apparatus includes a rendering unit for spatially rendering an audio stream so that the reproduced far-end sound is perceived by a listener as originating from at least one virtual spatial position, a real position obtaining unit for obtaining a real spatial position of a real sound source, a comparator for comparing the real spatial position with the at least one virtual spatial position; and an adjusting unit for, where the real spatial position is within a predetermined range around at least one virtual spatial position, or vice versa, adjusting the parameters of the rendering unit so that the at least one virtual spatial position is changed. |
| US09854377B2 |
Interpolation for decomposed representations of a sound field
In general, techniques are described for performing an interpolation with respect to decomposed versions of a sound field. A device comprising one or more processors may be configured to perform the techniques. The processors may be configured to obtain decomposed interpolated spherical harmonic coefficients for a time segment by, at least in part, performing an interpolation with respect to a first decomposition of a first plurality of spherical harmonic coefficients and a second decomposition of a second plurality of spherical harmonic coefficients. |
| US09854376B2 |
Simulating acoustic output at a location corresponding to source position data
Systems and methods of simulating acoustic output at a location corresponding to source position data are disclosed. A particular method includes receiving an audio signal and source position data associated with the audio signal. A set of speaker signals are applied to a plurality of speakers, where the set of speaker driver signals causes the plurality of speakers to generate acoustic output that simulates output of the audio signal by an audio source at a location corresponding to the source position data. |
| US09854374B2 |
Systems and methods for equalizing audio for playback on an electronic device
Embodiments are provided for equalizing audio data for output by a speaker of an electronic device based on a local position or orientation of the electronic device. According to certain aspects, the electronic device can determine (858, 868) its local position based on various sensor data, and identify (870, 872) an appropriate equalization setting. In some cases, the electronic device can modify (876, 880) the equalization setting based on acoustic and/or optical data. The electronic device can apply (882) the modified or unmodified equalization setting to an audio signal and cause the speaker to output (886) the audio signal with the applied equalization setting. |
| US09854372B2 |
Production line PCB serial programming and testing method and system
A system and method for testing a wireless earpiece which provides improved efficiencies in manufacturing. Automated testing of one or more printed circuit boards of the wireless earpiece is initiated. The semi-assembled wireless earpiece is tested. End-of-line functional testing is performed. Final acoustic testing of the wireless earpiece is performed. |
| US09854368B2 |
Method of operating a hearing aid system and a hearing aid system
A method of operating a hearing aid system using adaptive time-frequency analysis in order to provide improved noise reduction and enhanced speech intelligibility, and a hearing aid system (100, 200) comprising an adaptive filter bank. |
| US09854362B1 |
Networked speaker system with LED-based wireless communication and object detection
A networked speaker system communicates using Li-Fi. The LEDs implementing the Li-Fi may also have modes in which they are used to map the walls of a room in which the speakers are located, detect the locations of speakers in the room, and detect and classify listeners in the room. Based on this, waveform analysis may be applied to input audio to establish equalization and delays that are optimal for the room geometry, speaker locations, and listener locations. |
| US09854361B2 |
Multiple receiver assembly and a method for assembly thereof
A receiver assembly comprising a first and a second receiver housing and a spout. The second receiver housing is positioned over a first sound outlet port of the first receiver housing and the spout is positioned over a second outlet port of the second receiver housing. An acoustic duct is located between the first and second receiver housing acoustically connecting the first sound outlet port to the spout and is provided with an acoustic mass. |
| US09854359B1 |
Pop-free headset detection circuit
A pop-free headset detection circuit includes a socket unit, a first operational amplifier, a second operational amplifier and a detection and control circuit. An inverting input end of the first operational amplifier is connected to a left-channel audio source. A non-inverting input end of the first operational amplifier receives a first reference voltage. An inverting input end of the second operational amplifier is connected to a right-channel audio source. A non-inverting input end of the second operational amplifier receives a second reference voltage. When there is a headset plug of a headset plugged into the socket unit, the detection and control circuit controls the first operational amplifier and the second operational amplifier to be in a Hi-Z state, disconnects the first operational amplifier and the second operational amplifier and their feedback resistors, and then determines the type of the headset. |
| US09854353B2 |
Omni-directional ported speaker
An omni-directional ported speaker including a cabinet which has a space, a first opening, and a second opening, and a first cover member connected to the cabinet, where the space of the cabinet is for disposing a driver that includes a diaphragm portion disposed within and closing the second opening of the cabinet, where the first cover member has a first duct and a plurality of second ducts, and the first duct and each of the second ducts has two openings, one of the two openings of the first duct is coupled to one of the openings of the second ducts, and the other opening of the first duct is disposed proximate to the driving portion of the driver and the first duct is arranged along the direction from the first opening toward the second opening of the cabinet, and the other openings of the second ducts are arranged in the cover member, where the first duct and the second ducts delimit a first angle, and each of the second ducts delimit a second angle between adjacent second ducts. |
| US09854352B2 |
Acoustic tunable speaker device
A speaker device with an acoustic tuning assembly can adjust sound in variety. The acoustic tuning assembly includes a main body and a housing receiving the main body. The main body receives an acoustic unit, and includes a first sound chamber and an upper peripheral wall. The housing defines a plurality of through holes. The upper peripheral wall defines a plurality of match holes. The housing can be rotated relatively to the main body to make the through holes of the housing overlapped partially or completely with the match holes to form a plurality of overlap holes, or make the through holes of the housing non-overlapping with the match holes. Therefore, sound from the acoustic unit can be transmitted through the first sound chamber and selectively through the overlap holes. |
| US09854351B2 |
Speaker device comprising structure inside housing
A speaker device includes a housing, first speaker unit disposed at a front surface of the housing, a second speaker unit disposed at the front surface, a first passive radiator disposed at the front surface, a second passive radiator disposed at a rear surface of the housing, and at least one structure disposed inside the housing, where the one of the at least one structure is disposed between the first passive radiator and the second passive radiator and disposed to form a gap, through which air flows, between the structure and at least one of the housing, the first speaker unit, the second speaker unit, and another of the at least one structure. |
| US09854350B2 |
Microphone having increased rear volume, and method for production thereof
For a microphone having an increased rear volume, a cavity housing is proposed, comprising at least a base plate and a covering, which define and enclose the cavity. On the base plate, a microphone transducer, usually an MEMS component, is mounted alongside a sound guiding element. The microphone transducer and the sound guiding element are sealed off with respect to the base plate by a partition and separate the front volume from a rear volume under the covering. The sound guiding element provides a sound channel, which connects an opening in the covering to the front volume. The sound guiding element finishes right up against the covering and thus seals off the sound channel with respect to the rear volume. |
| US09854346B2 |
Protective, sound absorbing, and/or decorative device for covering earpiece of headphones and/or earphones
In some embodiments, a protective, sound absorbing, and/or decorative device and/or a plurality thereof can be attached and/or coupled to one or more earpiece portions of a headphone and/or earphone device. For example, in certain embodiments, one or more caps can be configured to be attached and/or coupled to one or more earpieces of headphones and/or earphones to provide additional protection for the earpiece portion from damage, such as scratches, to provide an additional layer of sound absorbing, and/or to provide means for displaying one or more graphics as determined by a user. |
| US09854343B2 |
Headset connector
Headset assemblies and headset connectors are provided. Headset connectors can include a magnetic mating face and a plurality of electrical contacts disposed within the mating face. Engaging assemblies and engaging connectors are also provided. The engaging connectors can include a housing having a mating side, a magnetic array structure, and a plurality of spring biased contact members. The magnetic array structure can be fixed within the housing and house a plurality of spring biased contact members. The spring biased contact members can include tips that extend out of the mating side. The tips can electrically couple with electrical contacts in a headset connector. |
| US09854341B2 |
Microphone head device
A microphone head device includes a microphone head, a mount and a vibration-absorbing unit. The mount includes amount ring surrounding the microphone head, and a plurality of annularly spaced-apart support rods projecting axially from the mount ring. The vibration-absorbing unit includes a surrounding body sleeved fittingly on the microphone head and having one end inserted between the microphone head and the mount ring, and a plurality of annularly spaced-apart hollow posts connected to the surrounding body and sleeved respectively on the hollow posts. |
| US09854340B2 |
Detachable audio system for head-mounted displays
A detachable coupling structure for an audio system is disclosed. The detachable coupling structure includes a base and a plurality of posts, extending from the base, to couple to a strap. The detachable coupling structure also includes a spring, contacting the base, to detach the plurality of posts from the strap when the plurality of posts decouple from the strap. The detachable coupling structure further includes a spacer through which the plurality of posts extends. The spring contacts the spacer. |
| US09854339B2 |
Speaker system
A speaker system including a speaker device and a cabinet. The cabinet is composed of; a front wall having a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape and is provided with a speaker device affixed thereto; a rear wall opposing to the front wall; and two pairs of side walls arranged between the front wall and the rear wall. A first duct communicating with the interior space of the cabinet is provided through the side wall of the cabinet. A first opening that makes the interior space of the cabinet communicated with a first opening is provided at an area that encompasses a center portion of the one side wall in the one pair of the side walls having the shorter mutual distance therebetween in the two pairs of the side walls. |
| US09854338B2 |
Timeslot management method, a related network terminator, a related line terminator and an upstream signal frame structure for a time division multiple access system
A time slot management method for use in a time division multiple access system that couples a line terminator via a tree-like network to a plurality of network terminations is provided. At least one grant is transmitted by the line terminator towards a network terminator in order to allocate at least one adjacent subsequent corresponding upstream time-slot to the network terminator. The grant is received by the network terminator from the line termination, and it is recognized if the at least one grant is associated to the network termination. Upon recognition of the at least one grant being associated to the network termination by the network terminator, overhead data in the first time slot of the at least one time slot and payload data in each potential adjacent subsequent time slot of at least one time-slot allocated to said network terminator is transmitted. |
| US09854337B1 |
Method for constructing an AWG based N×N non-blocking optical multicast switching network
A method for constructing an AWG based non-blocking optical multicast switching network, comprising constructing a non-blocking optical copy network via a wavelength replication module and an arrayed waveguide grating recursively and constructing a non-blocking optical multicast switching network via cascading a data copy network with a point-to-point switching network. The number of active optical devices required for constructing an N×N optical switching network with r input/output ports and with each port carrying m wavelengths is just O(N logm N), realizing system scalability and saving hardware cost and power consumption. By splitting the routing path of the multicast network into a routing path with O(1) complexity in the copy network and a routing path in a point-to-point unicast switching network, the routing complexity of the multicast switching network is equivalent to that of a unicast switching network. |
| US09854331B2 |
Interactive content acquisition using embedded codes
Methods and devices are provided to embed a watermark message in a multimedia content to facilitate acquisition of associated information. One such method includes obtaining a server code that is assigned by a registrar entity and identifying a particular domain name that is registered to a registrant entity. Such a server code provides a mapping to an Internet address of a metadata server that includes information associated with the content. After obtaining one or more interval code, a watermark payload is formed that includes the server code and an interval code and embedded in the content. The identifies a particular segment of the content and upon distribution of such embedded content, a query based on the server code and one interval code allows metadata associated with the content to be acquired. |
| US09854329B2 |
Use of a program schedule to modify an electronic dictionary of a closed-captioning generator
In one aspect, an example method involves accessing data representing a program schedule of a media program, wherein the program schedule comprises first text. The method also includes selecting second text from among the first text. The method further includes transmitting, via a communication network, an instruction configured to cause the selected second-text to be added to an electronic dictionary of a closed-captioning generator. |
| US09854328B2 |
Augmentation of multimedia consumption
Disclosed are methods and apparatus for augmenting a user's multimedia consumption experience. The methods comprise while the user is consuming the multimedia presentation using a first device, that device provides (to one or more remote processors) information that may be used to identify a relevant location. The one or more processors use this information to identify the location and acquire a virtual environment. This virtual environment may be a virtual representation the location. The virtual environment is presented to the user on a second (companion) device. Using the second device, the user may explore the virtual environment and interact with virtual objects therein. |
| US09854325B2 |
Limp-home operation of audio video bridging networks
Electronic modules in a vehicle may communicate over an Audio/Video Bridging (AVB) network. The modules normally cooperate to send and receive streams of data with a specified quality of service as AVB streams. When conditions are present in which an AVB-quality stream cannot be sent over the network, the modules can communicate with certain limp-home functionality. Sending modules may send streams of data without a stream reservation as multicast messages. Receiving modules may be configured to receive the multicast messages. Network bridge modules may be configured to enable a Talker Pruning feature to facilitate handling of the multicast messages. |
| US09854322B2 |
Interactive television systems with digital video recording and adjustable reminders
An interactive television system is provided in which an interactive television application is used to support network-based or local personal video recorder capabilities. A user may use this application to view lists of program listings. The user may select a program listing of interest. The interactive television application may allow the user to set a reminder for the selected program at the scheduled broadcast time. This application may also allow the user to set a reminder for the selected program at a later time at which the program is not scheduled to be broadcast. The user may be provided with a reminder at this later time. In response, the user may direct the network-based or local personal video recorder to play back the program or may defer the reminder again. The interactive television application may collect information on program usage and popularity to determine how long to retain certain programming. |
| US09854318B2 |
Systems and methods for sharing interactive media guidance information
Systems and methods for sharing interactive media guidance application information are provided. First interactive media guidance application information that is associated with media available on a first media equipment device is provided. Second interactive media guidance application information is received at the first media equipment device. The second interactive media guidance application information is associated with media available to a second media equipment device. The first interactive media guidance application information is compared with the second interactive media guidance application information to identify at least one of a similarity and a difference between the first interactive media guidance application information and the second interactive media guidance application information. A media guidance application display is generated that includes a visual indication of the at least one of the similarity and the difference between the first interactive media guidance application information and the second interactive media guidance application information. |
| US09854311B2 |
Systems and methods for requesting electronic programming content through internet content or advertising
Systems and methods are disclosed for enabling Internet users to schedule recordings of electronic programming content. One method includes displaying on a web page, over the Internet, a user interface element associated with an advertisement for electronic programming content; wherein selection of the user interface element, by a user of a web browsing device, initiates a recording device of the user, separate from the web browsing device, to schedule a recording of the electronic programming content. Another method for enabling Internet users to request television content includes displaying on a web page, over the Internet, a user interface element associated with an advertisement for television content; wherein a user's selection of the user interface element initiates a request for the advertised television content from a carrier that provides television service to the user. |
| US09854309B2 |
Multi source and destination media discovery and management platform
A platform allows viewing and sorting digital media from multiple content sources across multiple devices by title, category, series, or other sorting desired. Available content from providers may be co-mixed to display as if from a single provider. Listings may be restricted to specific providers or sets of providers, such as removing providers with paid content which the user will not access. Alternatively, listings may be prioritized based on business rules programmed into the system. Listings may be limited to those available on the current device, on another set of devices, or on all devices. Control of access to content, including playback and queuing, may be done through the interface regardless of the consumption device. This allows access to all content across all devices in a fashion desirable to the user, merging providers and devices into a seamless interface tailored for the user instead of the content or device manufacturer. |
| US09854305B2 |
Method, system, apparatus, and non-transitory computer readable recording medium for extracting and providing highlight image of video content
Provided are a method, system, apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable medium for extracting a highlight image of video content. A method configured as a computer includes providing video content to a client electronic device; receiving a selection on a partial section of the video content from the client electronic device; storing the selected partial section in association with the video content; and providing the stored partial section in a form of a comment on the video content. |
| US09854303B2 |
Sharing television and video programming through social networking
In particular embodiments, one or more computer systems query a social graph for social content associated with particular media content, present a content visualization graph for display on a display device, determine a plurality of interesting points of the particular media content based on an amount of social content generated, and provide indications on the content visualization graph of at least some of the determined plurality of interesting points. The content visualization graph provides a visual indication of particular points within the particular media content that the social content was generated. Determining the plurality of interesting points includes determining a respective amount of social content generated for each of a plurality of time periods and selecting, as the plurality of interesting points, a pre-determined number of the plurality of time periods that have the largest amount of generated social content. |
| US09854302B1 |
Multimedia servers that broadcast a channel listing and packet-switched audio
An apparatus, system, or method wirelessly sends an audio component of a multimedia channel to one or more wireless computing devices while a visual component of the multimedia channel is playing on a video monitor. The audio component may be packetized into data packets and broadcast via a network such that the data packets can be received and played by the wireless computing devices in synchronization with the visual component playing on the video monitor. A channel listing may inform the wireless computing devices what channels are available. A user of the wireless computing device may request that the visual component playing on a video monitor be set to a user-selected component. |
| US09854301B2 |
Video transmission system and video receiver
Provided are a video-signal switching method and a video receiver having two functions: a switching function between video signals in a currently-active system and in a backup system; and a switching function between two different videos. The present invention provides a video transmission system including video transmitters, a network connected to the video transmitters, and a video receiver connected to the network and configured to receive video streams of two IP-packetized video contents from the video transmitters. The video receiver has: a function of switching from an outputting video stream, which is continuously received but no longer receivable, to the other video stream of the same video content; and functions of stopping receiving one of the two video streams from the video transmitters, receiving the other video stream having a different video content, and switching the outputting video stream to the other video stream thus received. |
| US09854297B2 |
Service entry device
A system is described in which, in some embodiments, a centralized service entry device may be used to coordinate communications going into and out of a home or premises. The service entry device may be physically connected to a plurality of external access networks, such as a cable television coaxial or fiber connection and a twisted-pair wire connection, and may coordinate access to those networks by a plurality of in-home devices. Within the home, the system may include a plurality of client devices to assist in the coordination of communications with devices in different rooms within the home. |
| US09854295B2 |
Content output device and program
A data processing device, includes a bus, a demultiplexer which receives content including video data and audio data. A memory interface is coupled to the bus, and is connectable to a memory for temporarily accumulating the video data and the audio data output from the demultiplexer. |
| US09854294B2 |
Localized audio source extraction from video recordings
Technologies are generally described for a system to process a collection of video recordings of a scene to extract and localize audio sources for the audio data. According to some examples, video recordings captured by mobile devices from different perspectives may be uploaded to a central database. Video segments capturing an overlapping portion of the scene at an overlapping time may be identified, and a relative location of each of the video capturing devices may be determined. Audio data for the video segments may be indexed with a sub-frame time reference and relative locations as a function of overlapping time. Using the indices that include the sub-frame time references and relative locations, audio sources for the audio data may be extracted and localized. The extracted audio sources may be transcribed and indexed to enable searching, and may be added back to each video recording as a separate audio channel. |
| US09854286B1 |
Systems and methods for optimizing the broadcast of multimedia
A method for optimizing the broadcast of multimedia is described. Multimedia is broadcast to at least one multimedia user device. User information is received from the at least one multimedia user device. The user information relates to user behavior from the at least one multimedia user device. The user information is processed to select future multimedia to broadcast. The future multimedia is broadcast. |
| US09854284B2 |
Synchronizing program presentation
Systems and methods that may facilitate synchronizing the presentation of a program on multiple devices are disclosed. Synchronization information related to a program may be exchanged via a two-way communications channel. Amounts by which each device may delay its presentation of a program may be calculated and/or exchanged. |
| US09854282B2 |
System and method for enabling network based rate determination for adaptive video streaming
In one example embodiment, a method of adaptive video streaming includes receiving, by a server, a request for a video segment from an end user device and determining, by the server, a plurality of variables, the plurality of variables including at least one of a download time of a previously requested video segment by the end user device, a fullness of a buffer at the end user device and a size of the buffer. The method further includes determining, by the server, a rate of the requested video segment based on one or more of the determined plurality of variables and sending, by the server, the requested video segment at the determined rate to the end user device. |
| US09854279B2 |
Transport stream packet header compression
A demultiplexer 630 routes only one or more transport stream packets with a single packet identifier value to each physical layer pipe. A header compression unit 620 replaces the packet identifier of the transport stream packet with a short packet identifier of one bit length indicating at least whether the transport stream packet is a NULL packet. |
| US09854276B2 |
Information processing device, information processing method, and program
The present technology relates to an information processing device, an information processing method, and a program, which enable processing to be performed by absorbing a protocol difference when data is exchanged using different protocols. A first processing unit that processes data with a first device that performs identification of content; and a second processing unit that processes data with a second device that performs reproduction of content, and processes data with the first processing unit, are provided. Identification of content is performed based on ACR (Automatic Content Recognition), for example, the first device is an ACR server, and the first processing unit is able to work as an ACR client that communicates with each of a plurality of ACR servers that performs ACR using a different protocol. The present technology is applicable to a protocol conversion gateway. |
| US09854275B2 |
Quantization in video coding
In an example, aspects of this disclosure relate to a method of coding video data that includes determining a quantization parameter (QP) for coding residual video data, where the QP is indexed to a quantizer step size. The method also includes determining a quantization scaling value for scaling the quantizer step size, and applying the quantization scaling value scaling to the quantizer step size. The method also includes coding the residual video data using the scaled quantizer step size. |
| US09854269B2 |
Method and apparatus for processing multiview video signal with part of non-reference view
The method for processing a multiview video signal according to the present invention acquires motion information generated by predictively coding a picture of a reference point, acquires motion information on a part of a block of the picture from among the motion information generated by predictively coding the picture of a non-reference point, and compresses the motion information acquired for every picture of the reference point and non-reference point and stores the compressed motion information. |
| US09854268B2 |
Method and apparatus of motion data buffer reduction for three-dimensional video coding
A method and apparatus for three-dimensional video coding, multi-view video coding and scalable video coding are disclosed. Embodiments of the present invention use two stage motion data compression to reduce motion data buffer requirement. A first-stage motion data compression is applied after each texture picture or depth map is coded to reduce motion data buffer requirement. Accordingly, first compressed motion data is stored in reduced resolution in the buffer to reduce storage requirement and the first compressed motion data is used for coding process of other texture pictures or depth maps in the same access unit. After all pictures in an access unit are coded, motion data associated with the access unit is further compressed and the second compressed motion data is used during coding process of pictures in other access unit. |
| US09854265B2 |
Video encoding method and video decoding method
Provided is a video encoding/decoding technique for improving the compression efficiency by reducing the motion vector code amount. In a video decoding process, the prediction vector calculation method is switched from one to another in accordance with a difference between predetermined motion vectors among a plurality of motion vectors of a peripheral block of a block to be decoded and already decoded. The calculated prediction vector is added to a difference vector decoded from an encoded stream so as to calculate a motion vector. By using the calculated motion vector, the inter-image prediction process is executed. |
| US09854264B2 |
Image coding method and image decoding method
An image coding method for improving coding efficiency by using more appropriate probability information is provided. The image coding method includes: a first coding step of coding a first set of blocks included in a first region sequentially based on first probability information; and a second coding step of coding a second set of blocks included in a second region sequentially based on second probability information. In the first coding step, the first probability information is updated depending on data of a target block to be coded, after coding the target block and before coding a next target block. In the second coding step, the second probability information is updated depending on the first probability information updated in the first coding step, before coding the first target block. |
| US09854260B2 |
Key frame aligned transcoding using key frame list file
Systems and methods are provided for transcoding a set of key frame aligned output files from a source file. A key frame list file is generated while transcoding a first output file of the set. Subsequent output files of the set may be created non-sequentially and in parallel using the key frame list file. |
| US09854259B2 |
Smoothing of difference reference picture
An apparatus for coding video information according to certain aspects includes a memory unit and a processor in communication with the memory unit. The memory unit stores difference video information associated with a difference video layer of pixel information derived from a difference between an enhancement layer and a corresponding base layer of the video information. The processor determines a value of a video unit based on a reference video unit or spatial neighboring video unit within the difference video layer and applies a smoothing filter to the reference video unit or spatial neighboring video unit. |
| US09854258B2 |
Video quality through compression-aware graphics layout
An embodiment provides a method, including: identifying a first type of media and a second type of media; determining a compression technique to be used to compress a combined media created from the first type of media and the second type of media; and aligning using a processor, based on the compression technique determined, the first type of media and the second type of media to create the combined media. Other aspects are described and claimed. |
| US09854257B2 |
Image decoding method, image coding method, image decoding apparatus, image coding apparatus, and image coding and decoding apparatus
The image decoding method includes determining a context for use in a current block to be processed, from among a plurality of contexts, wherein in the determining: the context is determined under a condition that control parameters of a left block and an upper block are used, when the signal type is a first type; and the context is determined under a third condition that the control parameter of the upper block is not used and a hierarchical depth of a data unit to which the control parameter of the current block belongs is used, when the signal type is a third type, and the third type is one or more of (i) “merge_flag”, (ii) “ref_idx_I0” or “ref_idx_I1”, (iii) “inter_pred_flag”, (iv) “mvd_I0” or “mvd_I1”, (v) “intra_chroma_pred_mode”, (vi) “cbf_luma”, and (vii) “cbf_cb” or “cbf_cr”. |
| US09854253B2 |
Method for motion vector difference (MVD) and intra block copy vector difference (BVD) coding of screen content video data
A method for motion vector difference (MVD) coding of screen content video data is disclosed. In one aspect, the method includes determining an MVD between a predicted motion vector and a current motion vector and generating a binary string comprising n bins via binarizing the MVD. The method further includes determining whether an absolute value of the MVD is greater than a threshold value and encoding a subset of the n bins via an exponential Golomb code having an order that is greater than one in response to the absolute value of the MVD being greater than the threshold value. |
| US09854250B2 |
Video encoding and decoding method using an intra prediction
A method performed by an apparatus for intra-predicting a current block in the unit of subblocks, comprises: determining an intra prediction mode of the current block among a plurality of intra prediction modes; identifying the subblocks split from the current block; and sequentially reconstructing the identified subblocks using an intra prediction mode identical to the determined intra prediction mode of the current block, wherein a subblock to be reconstructed is predicted using at least one pre-reconstructed neighboring subblock in the current block. |
| US09854249B2 |
Method and device for sharing a candidate list
The present invention relates to a method and device for sharing a candidate list. A method of generating a merging candidate list for a predictive block may include: producing, on the basis of a coding block including a predictive block on which a parallel merging process is performed, at least one of a spatial merging candidate and a temporal merging candidate of the predictive block; and generating a single merging candidate list for the coding block on the basis of the produced merging candidate. Thus, it is possible to increase processing speeds for coding and decoding by performing inter-picture prediction in parallel on a plurality of predictive blocks. |
| US09854247B2 |
Moving image compression device, moving image decoding device, image compression device, image decoding device, imaging device, and non-transitory medium storing program
A moving image compression device has an obtaining unit, an image conversion unit, and a compression processing unit. The obtaining unit obtains a RAW moving image having plural frames associated in an order of imaging, the frames having pixels of three different color components which are disposed periodically according to a color array with two rows and two columns. The image conversion unit separates, in a target frame, a first pixel group corresponding to a first color component of odd rows and a second pixel group corresponding to the first color component of even rows, and alternately arrays, in a time base direction, a first image including the first pixel group and a second image including the second pixel group. The compression processing unit performs inter-frame prediction coding compression on the first image and the second image. |
| US09854246B2 |
Video encoding optimization with extended spaces
Embodiments of the present invention may provide a video coder. The video coder may include an encoder to perform coding operations on a video signal in a first format to generate coded video data, and a decoder to decode the coded video data. The video coder may also include an inverse format converter to convert the decoded video data to second format that is different than the first format and an estimator to generate a distortion metric using the decoded video data in the second format and the video signal in the second format. The encoder may adjust the coding operations based on the distortion metric. |
| US09854243B2 |
Image processing apparatus and method
An image processing apparatus and a method for improving the coding efficiency for a quantization parameter are provided. The method includes steps of setting a predicted quantization parameter for a current coding unit by using multiple quantization parameters which are set for multiple surrounding coding units located around the current coding unit which is target of coding processing, and setting a difference quantization parameter indicating a difference value between the quantization parameter which is set for the current coding unit and the predicted quantization parameter. |
| US09854242B2 |
Video decoder with reduced dynamic range transform with inverse transform clipping
A method for decoding video includes receiving quantized coefficients representative of a block of video representative of a plurality of pixels. The quantized coefficients are dequantized based upon a function of a remainder. The dequantized coefficients are inverse transformed to determine a decoded residue. |
| US09854241B2 |
Method, apparatus and system for encoding and decoding the transform units of a coding unit
Disclosed is method of decoding, from a video bitstream, a transform unit containing at least one chroma residual coefficient array associated with a single chroma channel. The method determines a size of the transform unit related to a hierarchical level of the transform unit in a corresponding coding unit, and identifies a maximum number of inverse transforms according to the determined size. The method decodes from the video bitstream the at least one chroma residual coefficient array using the identified maximum number of transforms, selects an inverse transform for the decoded chroma residual coefficient arrays, the inverse transform being selected from a predetermined set of inverse transforms, and applies the selected inverse transform to each of the chroma residual coefficient arrays to decode chroma residual samples for the chroma channel of the transform unit. A similar encoding method is also disclosed. |
| US09854239B2 |
Intra prediction mode mapping method and device using the method
The present invention relates to an intra prediction mode mapping method and a device using the method. The intra prediction mode includes: decoding flag information providing information regarding whether an intra prediction mode of a plurality of candidate intra prediction modes for the current block is the same as the intra prediction mode for the current block, and decoding a syntax component including information regarding the intra prediction mode for the current block in order to induce the intra prediction mode for the current block if the intra prediction mode from among the plurality of candidate intra prediction modes for the current block is not the same as the intra prediction mode for the current block. Thus, it is possible to increase the efficiency with which are images are decoded. |
| US09854232B2 |
Systems and methods for picture quality monitoring
A receiving device performs an action that results in a corrective measure being taken to address a picture quality issue detected in real time in the frames currently being displayed on a television or other device. The receiving device or a remote system compares indications of video frames currently being displayed to stored video frames for that program to detect macroblocking or a frozen video frame. The macroblocking or a frozen video frame may also or instead be detected by image analysis of the frames currently being displayed. If macroblocking or a frozen video frame is detected in the frames currently being displayed, the set-top box may switch to an alternative video source, change to a standard definition channel broadcasting the same video program or perform other corrective actions. |
| US09854231B2 |
Silicon photomultipliers with internal calibration circuitry
A silicon photomultiplier includes a plurality of microcells providing a pulse output in response to an incident radiation, each microcell including circuitry configured to enable and disable the pulse output. Each microcell includes a cell disable switch. The control logic circuit controls the cell disable switch and a self-test circuit. A microcell's pulse output is disabled when the cell disable switch is in a first state. A method for self-test calibration of microcells includes providing a test enable signal to the microcells, integrating dark current for a predetermined time period, comparing the integrated dark current to a predetermined threshold level, and providing a signal if above the predetermined threshold level. |
| US09854228B2 |
Projector for displaying a three-dimensional picture
A projector includes a lamp that emits projection light to project 3D picture, in which a right eye image and a left eye image are represented in a time division manner, to an object, a synchronization signal transmission section which transmits shutter synchronization signal to glasses having a right eye shutter and a left eye shutter to control the opened state or the closed state of the right eye shutter and the left eye shutter, based on the signal indicating a displaying period of the right eye image and the left eye image of 3D picture, and a lamp drive section that supplies AC current having peak overlapping with a period when the right eye shutter of the glasses is in the opened state and peak overlapping with a period when the left eye shutter of the glasses is in the opened state to the lamp, based on the signal. |
| US09854227B2 |
Depth sensor
A depth sensor comprises at least one imaging sensor, at least one multifocal lens, and a focus analyzer. The depth sensor analyzes the in-focus status of electromagnetic radiation, directed by the multifocal lens(es) onto sensing zone(s) of the imaging sensor(s) from spatial zone(s) in a measurement field, to detect the presence of object(s) in the spatial zone(s). |
| US09854226B2 |
Illuminator for camera system having three dimensional time-of-flight capture with movable mirror element
An apparatus is described that includes a camera system having a time-of-flight illuminator. The time of flight illuminator has a light source and one or more tiltable mirror elements. The one or more tiltable mirror elements are to direct the illuminator's light to only a region within the illuminator's field of view. |
| US09854224B2 |
Image processing apparatus, image capturing apparatus, and image processing program
Images can be processed using an image processing apparatus including: an image data obtaining section that obtains at least two pieces of parallax image data from an image capturing element that includes color filters and opening masks so that one color filter and one opening mask correspond to one of at least a part of photoelectric conversion elements and outputs the at least two pieces of parallax image data; and a correcting section that corrects color imbalance of a corresponding pixel caused between the at least two pieces of parallax image data, based on at least one of a position of the at least a part of photoelectric conversion elements in the image capturing element and an opening displacement of the opening mask. |
| US09854222B2 |
Determination of the image depth map of a scene
A method for estimating the image depth map of a scene, includes the following steps: providing (E1) an image, the focus of which depends on the depth and wavelength of the considered object points of the scene, using a longitudinal chromatic optical system; determining (E2) a set of spectral images from the image provided by the longitudinal chromatic optical system; deconvoluting (E3) the spectral images to provide estimated spectral images with field depth extension; and analyzing (E4) a cost criterion depending on the estimated spectral images with field depth extension to provide an estimated depth map. |
| US09854219B2 |
Gallery of videos set to an audio time line
A machine includes a processor and a memory connected to the processor. The memory stores instructions executed by the processor to receive a message with audio content and video content. Audio fingerprints within the audio content are evaluated. The audio fingerprints are matched to known audio fingerprints to establish matched audio fingerprints. A determination is made whether the matched audio fingerprints correspond to a designated gallery constructed to receive a sequence of videos set to an audio time line. The matched audio fingerprints and corresponding video content are added to the audio time line. The operations are repeated until the audio time line is populated with corresponding video content to form a completed gallery with video segments set to audio segments that constitute a complete audio time line. The completed gallery is supplied in response to a request. |
| US09854217B2 |
Mobile terminal equipped with a camera and controlling method thereof
A mobile terminal configured to process images, the mobile terminal comprising: a camera configured to capture images; an image sensor configured to acquire an image signal of an object in an image captured via the camera; an infrared sensor configured to detect an infrared signal reflected from the object; a controller configured to utilize the image sensor to: determine whether flicker is generated; and detect information related to a light source contributing to the generated flicker based on the detected infrared signal; and an image processor configured to perform white balance of the acquired image, the white balance performed based on the detected information if flicker is generated, and provides an effective white balancing method according to types of peripheral light sources through flicker analysis based on the image sensor and the infrared sensor. |
| US09854212B2 |
High dynamic range projection with multiple numerical aperture illumination
A projection system includes first and second illumination sources and a homogenizer component. The first illumination source has a first numerical aperture value. The second illumination source has a second numerical aperture value lower than the first numerical aperture value. The homogenizer component on the illumination path is configured to receive light from both the first and second illumination sources. A projection lens in the imagining path is configured to receive an image data stream that includes a sequence of image frames having an image frame period. The first and second illumination sources are configured for modulation at a rate equivalent to the image frame period. One or more active irises may perform the modulation. |
| US09854211B2 |
Wearable camera system, and video recording control method for wearable camera system
A wearable camera system includes a wearable camera, an in-car recorder, and an in-car camera. One of the in-car recorder and the wearable camera transmits video recording starting information including information indicating that video recording has been started to the other of the in-car recorder and the wearable camera when one of the in-car recorder and the wearable camera starts the video recording. The other of the in-car recorder and the wearable camera starts video recording after the video recording starting information is received. |
| US09854210B2 |
Method and device for monitoring a monitoring region
A method and a device for monitoring a monitoring region with at least two image sensors. A sub-region of the monitoring region is monitored by each of the image sensors, wherein each image sensor detects objects to be monitored that are located within the sub-region monitored by said image sensor, and each image sensor outputs data relating to the detected objects and are disposed and oriented in such a way that the monitored sub-regions overlap and that each object to be monitored that is located in the monitoring region is always detected by at least one image sensor. |
| US09854205B2 |
Communication terminal, communication system, communication method, and recording medium
A communication terminal receives, from a mobile terminal, first terminal identification information for identifying a first communication terminal that is located remotely from the communication terminal, the mobile terminal being a mobile terminal that has obtained the first terminal identification information from the first communication terminal, determines the first communication terminal identified with the first terminal identification information as a communication destination, and starts communicating with the first communication terminal. |
| US09854202B2 |
Processing segments of closed-caption text using external sources
Particular embodiments provide supplemental content that may be related to video content that a user is watching. A segment of closed-caption text from closed-captions for the video content is determined. A first set of information from the segment of closed-caption text, such as terms may be extracted. Particular embodiments use an external source that can be determined from a set of external sources. To determine the supplemental content, particular embodiments may extract a second set of information from the external source. Because the external source may be more robust and include more text than the segment of closed-caption text, the second set of information may include terms that better represent the segment of closed-caption text. Particular embodiments thus use the second set of information to determine supplemental content for the video content, and can provide the supplemental content to a user watching the video content. |
| US09854198B2 |
Memory card device
Provided is a method capable of performing bi-directional communication by only a memory card device and without depending on the environment of the connecting device and the like. This memory card device has a housing in which a wireless communication module and memory module are mounted, and in the this memory module are provided a system area that cannot be access by a digital device in which the memory card device is mounted, and a user area that can be accessed by the digital device; wherein an operation system (OS), a file server program that operates together with the operation system to control data that is stored in the user area, and a communication module that connects the server program to a virtual network by way of a relay server on the Internet, and makes it possible to control the data that is stored in the user area from the Internet side by way of the server program are installed in the system area. |
| US09854188B2 |
Calibration of defective image sensor elements
The present disclosure relates to methods and systems that may reduce pixel noise due to defective sensor elements in optical imaging systems. Namely, a camera may capture a burst of images with an image sensor while adjusting a focus distance setting of an optical element. For example, the image burst may be captured during an autofocus process. The plurality of images may be averaged or otherwise merged to provide a single, aggregate image frame. Such an aggregate image frame may appear blurry. In such a scenario, “hot” pixels, “dead” pixels, or otherwise defective pixels may be more easily recognized and/or corrected. As an example, a defective pixel may be removed from a target image or otherwise corrected by replacing a value of the defective pixel with an average value of neighboring pixels. |
| US09854187B2 |
Image processing apparatus, filter acquisition apparatus, image processing method, filter acquisition method, program, and recording medium
There are provided an image processing apparatus, an image processing method, and a program capable of realizing a desired image filtering process specified based on an optical characteristic of an individual optical system with high accuracy using a simple computation process. Further, there are provided a filter acquisition apparatus, a filter acquisition method, program, and a recording medium capable of acquiring a filter which is suitably usable in an image filtering process. A filtering process unit 41 (image processing apparatus 35) applies a filter to processing target data to acquire filter application process data, applies a gain to the filter application process data to acquire gain application process data, in each filtering process. In each filtering process, the gain applied to the filter application process data is acquired based on a target frequency characteristic of the image filtering process. |
| US09854185B2 |
Stereo assist with rolling shutters
An imaging system for a vehicle may include a first image capture device having a first field of view and configured to acquire a first image relative to a scene associated with the vehicle, the first image being acquired as a first series of image scan lines captured using a rolling shutter. The imaging system may also include a second image capture device having a second field of view different from the first field of view and that at least partially overlaps the first field of view, the second image capture device being configured to acquire a second image relative to the scene associated with the vehicle, the second image being acquired as a second series of image scan lines captured using a rolling shutter. As a result of overlap between the first field of view and the second field of view, a first overlap portion of the first image corresponds with a second overlap portion of the second image. The first image capture device has a first scan rate associated with acquisition of the first series of image scan lines that is different from a second scan rate associated with acquisition of the second series of image scan lines, such that the first image capture device acquires the first overlap portion of the first image over a period of time during which the second overlap portion of the second image is acquired. |
| US09854184B2 |
Imaging pixels with a fully depleted charge transfer path
An imaging pixel may have a fully depleted charge transfer path between a pinned photodiode and a floating diffusion region. A pinned transfer diode may be coupled between the pinned photodiode and the floating diffusion region. The imaging pixel may be formed in upper and lower substrates with an interconnect layer coupling the upper substrate to the lower substrate. The imaging pixel may include one or more storage diodes coupled between the transfer diode and the floating diffusion region. The imaging pixel may be used to capture high dynamic range images with flicker mitigation, images synchronized with light sources, or for high frame rate operation. |
| US09854183B2 |
Solid state imaging device, method of controlling solid state imaging device, and program for controlling solid state imaging device
A solid state imaging device includes: a pixel array unit that has a plurality of pixels 2-dimensionally arranged in a matrix and a plurality of signal lines arranged along a column direction; A/D conversion units that are provided corresponding to the respective signal lines and convert an analog signal output from a pixel through the signal line into a digital signal; and a switching unit that switches or converts the analog signal output through each signal line into a digital signal using any of an A/D conversion unit provided corresponding to the signal line through which the analog signal is transmitted, and an A/D conversion unit provided corresponding to a signal line other than the signal line through which the analog signal is transmitted. |
| US09854181B2 |
Image processing method and apparatus and terminal device to obtain a group photo including photographer
A method is disclosed, for performing image processing at a client device, including taking a first photograph comprising a first subject and a first background. The method further includes processing the first photograph to generate a first processed photograph comprising a modified first subject and a modified first background, and aligning the first processed photograph through the display of the client device until a second background shown on the display matches the modified first background. The method further includes taking a second photograph with the first processed photograph aligned in the display of the client device, wherein the second photograph comprises a second subject and the second background, and combining the first photograph and the second photograph to create a third photograph, wherein the third photograph comprises the first subject, the second subject and the first background. |
| US09854179B2 |
Imaging apparatus
In a case where a second operation is not performed even if a predetermined amount of time elapses after a first operation has been performed, a control unit drives a motor in a second direction, whereby a cam member is driven by biasing force of a biasing member and driving force of the motor until the charge of the biasing member is disengaged, the driving of the motor by the control unit is stopped, and the control unit drives the motor in the second direction based on the second operation, whereby the cam member is driven by the driving force of the motor, the engaging portion follows through a first zone, and thereafter the control unit drives the motor in the second direction, whereby the engaging member follows through the second zone. |
| US09854178B2 |
Image pickup apparatus with flicker detection and having plurality of unit pixel areas, control method therefor, and storage medium
An image pickup apparatus which is capable of calculating light amount changing characteristics of an object with high accuracy and enlarging a dynamic range during photometric measurement. An image pickup device of the image pickup apparatus has a plurality of unit pixel areas arranged in a two-dimensional matrix, and a first pixel and a second pixel are included in each of the unit pixel areas. When a flicker detection mode in which an image signal for use in calculating the light amount changing characteristics of the object is obtained is selected, a first accumulation period and a second accumulation period for the first pixels and the second pixels, respectively, are set such that a first barycentric position which is a barycentric position of the first accumulation period and a second barycentric position which is a barycentric position of the second accumulation period correspond to each other. |
| US09854177B2 |
Imaging apparatus
An imaging apparatus combines images output from imaging units, and reduces such scenes that an image of a displaced subject is captured. The apparatus includes a driving unit that drives at least one imaging unit serving as a driving target among the imaging units, in predetermined driving modes, and a combining unit that combines pieces of image data acquired by the imaging units. The imaging units each include an imaging sensor in which photoelectric converters for converting light into an electrical signal are arranged in rows and columns. The driving unit divides a region for acquiring the image data into a plurality of regions each corresponding to a unit formed of one or more rows of the imaging sensor. The driving modes include a first driving mode in which the imaging unit serving as the driving target is sequentially switched for each exposure or readout of the unit. |
| US09854175B2 |
System optical magnification change without image quality deterioration of reduction
In an implementation, a computer-implemented method includes receiving a digital signal from an image acquisition sensor, the digital signal encoded with an initial resolution. A video image is constructed from the digital signal to display on a micro display of an optical system, an initial linear dimension of the video image smaller than a linear dimension of an active area of the micro display. A display of the video image is initiated on the micro display using monochrome sub-pixels configured to act as independent pixels for display of the video image. A magnification request is received for the video image on the micro display, and the video image is adjusted on the micro display by increasing a linear dimension of the video image on the micro display by combining groups of monochrome sub-pixels to collectively represent a single pixel of the video image at the initial resolution. |
| US09854174B2 |
Shot image processing method and apparatus
The embodiment of the present invention discloses a shot image processing method comprising: obtaining composition target information in initial image data captured by a lens; obtaining a corresponding target composition area according to the composition target information; and obtaining the initial image data in the target composition area so as to obtain target image data. The embodiment of the present invention also discloses a shot image processing apparatus. By adopting the present invention, for the obtained initial image data captured by the lens, the composition target information in the initial image data can be automatically obtained, the corresponding target composition area can be obtained according to the composition target information, and then the initial image data in the target composition area can be obtained so as to obtain target image data, thereby improving the intelligence of the shooting terminal. |
| US09854165B2 |
UAV panoramic imaging
The present invention provides methods, systems, and apparatus for generating panoramic aerial images. An image capturing device is coupled to an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAVs) via a carrier configured to allow the image capturing device to rotate around one, two, or three axes relative to the UAV. To generate a panoramic image, the UAV is brought to hover or remain substantially stationary near a predetermined location. While the UAV is hovering over the predetermined position, the carrier causes the image capturing device to rotate around a first axis while stabilizing the image capturing device with respect to at least a second axis. As the image capturing device rotates, it captures a plurality of overlapping images. The plurality of images can be processed entirely onboard the UAV to generate a panoramic image without transmitting the plurality of images to a remote device. |
| US09854161B2 |
Photographing device and method of controlling the same
A photographing device may include two or more lenses having different view angles, and a processor configured to detect a first subject using images acquired from the lenses and to generate a notification signal based on whether or not a second subject approaches the view angle of a first image including the first subject among the acquired images. |
| US09854159B2 |
Image system with eye protection
An image system including a display device, an image sensor, a face detection engine, an eye detection engine and an eye protection engine is provided. The image sensor captures an image. The face detection engine recognizes a user face in the image. The eye detection engine recognizes user eyes in the image. The eye protection engine turns off the display device when the user eyes are recognized in the image but the user face is not recognized in the image. |
| US09854158B2 |
Image adjusting apparatus
A display control unit 110 that displays an image adjustment window in which saturation of a specified hue is set by a two-dimensional coordinate in which a hue is made to correspond to an angular direction and levels of saturation of respective hues are made to correspond to distances in a radial direction and a CPU 140 that specifies the hue through first manipulation input, and sets saturation of the specified hue through second manipulation input are included, and the display control unit displays a polygon representing a relative relationship between levels of saturation of respective hues set by the CPU in the image adjustment window. |
| US09854156B1 |
User interface for camera effects
The present disclosure generally relates to user interfaces. In some examples, the electronic device transitions between user interfaces for capturing photos based on data received from a first camera and a second camera. In some examples, the electronic device provides enhanced zooming capabilities that result in visual pleasing results for a displayed digital viewfinder and for captured videos. In some examples, the electronic device provides user interfaces for transitioning a digital viewfinder between a first camera with an applied digital zoom to a second camera with no digital zoom. In some examples, the electronic device prepares to capture media at various magnification levels. In some examples, the electronic device enhanced capabilities for navigating through a plurality of values. |
| US09854155B1 |
Determining camera auto-focus settings
A system and method of determining a tilt angle of a portable computing device using a sensor indicating gravitational pull on the device; determining the tilt angle of a camera of the device; identifying a tilt angle range from a plurality of predetermined tilt angle ranges; determining a first focal length setting using a first array that associates the tilt angle range with the first focal length setting; determining an adjustment increment using a second array that associates the adjustment increment with the tilt angle range; and determining a second focal length setting of the camera using the adjustment increment according to an autofocus scan range algorithm. A portable computing device including a processor; a camera; and a memory device including instructions operable to be executed by the processor to perform a set of actions, enabling the portable computing device to perform the method. |
| US09854148B2 |
Micro-location of devices within a wireless network using room boundary images
In a system for detecting location of an object inside of a building, an image capture device of a mobile electronic device captures an image of a boundary of a room in which the portable electronic device is positioned. The system extracts features of a boundary (ceiling, wall or floor) in the image to determine whether the mobile device is in a known location. When the system identifies a known location, it will take an action that provides the portable electronic device with additional functionality at the identified known location. Such functionality may include connecting to a wireless network or communicating with a stationary device at the known location. |
| US09854147B2 |
Method and system for performing adaptive image acquisition
An adaptive image acquisition system and method that generates virtual view of a surveillance scene to a user (operator), in which, the user operates the system. Through viewing the virtual view, the user controls sensors that create the virtual view. The sensors comprise at least one first sensor having a higher resolution than at least one second sensor. Images from the second sensor are processed to create an image mosaic that is overlaid with images from the higher resolution first sensor. In one embodiment of the invention, the first sensor is moved using Saccade motion. In another embodiment of the invention, a user's intent is used to control the Saccade motion. |
| US09854138B2 |
Fixed pattern noise reduction
A method, including receiving signals, from a rectangular array of sensor elements arranged in rows and columns, corresponding to an image captured by the array. The method also includes analyzing the signals along a row or a column to identify one or more local turning points, and processing the signals at the identified local turning points to recognize fixed pattern noise in the captured image. The method further includes correcting values of the signals from the sensor elements at the identified local turning points so as to reduce the fixed pattern noise in the image. |
| US09854137B1 |
Image processing apparatus, image forming apparatus, image processing method, and non-transitory computer readable medium
An image processing apparatus includes a setting unit that sets a first threshold value serving as a determination criterion as to whether a color difference between a target value of a color and a value indicating a corresponding color of an image formed on a recording medium falls within a permissible range, a deriving unit that derives, using conversion information related to converting a color of an input image into a color of an output image, a second threshold value that serves as a limit of the color difference, an acquisition unit that acquires the color difference when the image is formed on the recording medium using the conversion information, and a notifying unit that, with the color difference acquired by the acquisition unit falling outside the permissible range, changes and then notifies contents of notification depending on whether the first threshold value is higher than the second threshold value. |
| US09854136B2 |
Methods and systems for displays with chromatic correction with differing chromatic ranges
There are provided a method and system for color correcting displays with different color gamuts. The method includes performing color correction on source picture content, using at least one of a non-reference type display having a non-reference color gamut and a reference type display having a reference color gamut. The performing step includes mastering the source picture content to provide mastered color corrected picture content for display on the reference type displays having a reference color gamut. The performing step further includes generating metadata for a subsequent inverse color gamut mapping that color transforms the mastered color corrected picture content for display on non-reference type displays having a non-reference color gamut. The subsequent inverse color gamut mapping is an inverse operation of a color gamut mapping applied during the color correction to obtain the mastered color corrected picture content for display on the reference type displays having the reference color gamut. The source picture content is mastered only for the reference type displays having the reference color gamut. |
| US09854133B2 |
Test chart used for calibration in image forming apparatus
Multiple measurement images are formed in a test chart. Reflected light from the test patterns is received by light receiving elements of a color sensor for an accumulation time that is determined for the respective test patterns. The lengths of the test patterns in the conveyance direction of the test chart are determined according to the lengths of the accumulation times for the respective test patterns. |
| US09854131B2 |
Image forming apparatus with personal setting synchronization and method for controlling same
Personal settings for each user and each application are stored in personal setting holding units 311 and 310. When a personal setting is to be exported, synchronous control information indicating whether or not synchronization is to be performed for each personal setting is exported. In the case where the firmware version of an apparatus that is to import the information indicates synchronization of the personal setting, the personal setting is rewritten in accordance with the synchronous control information. |
| US09854127B2 |
Method for protecting the authenticity of an object, item, document, packaging and/or a label from imitation, forgery and theft
The invention describes a method for protecting the authenticity of an object, item, document, packaging and/or a label from imitation, forgery and theft, whereas during such marking by means of graphic halftone visually encoded image keeping qualitative-quantitative data of an subject and containing a hidden verification hash code in the form of a digital watermark (DWM), square data cells of the cross-linked structure of the graphic halftone image with identical brightness values are revealed in the entire area inside the revealed square data cell, thereafter a square-cross-linked mask is formed to store the base of the revealed readable data cells, the applied digital watermark (DWM) is read and opposed by means of comparison of the brightness of color components of the central of the revealed readable data cell against the arithmetic mean value of the brightness of the components of the eight neighbor squares surrounding the revealed readable data cell. |
| US09854126B2 |
System and method for handling blank pages during document printing or copying
A system is provided for marking intentionally blank pages in a document. The system includes a processor that processes a document in an electronic form; a blank page detection routine that is run by the processor, the blank page detection routine being configured to detect a blank plank page in the document; and a blank page indicating routine that is run by the processor, the blank page indicating routine being configured to indicate with an indication that the blank page is an intentionally blank page. The indication is configured to be read by a marking device such that the marking device marks the blank page as intentionally blank. |
| US09854114B2 |
Display device for displaying character information, information processing apparatus including display device, and character information display method
A display device includes a display portion, a display processing portion, a detection processing portion, and a replacement processing portion. The display processing portion displays a plurality of pieces of character information as a list in a display area set in the display portion. The detection processing portion detects specific character information from among the plurality of pieces of character information displayed by the display processing portion, the specific character information being character information whose display size exceeds a size of the display area. The replacement processing portion, when the detection processing portion detects the specific character information, replaces each instance of a specific word among words included in the plurality of pieces of character information displayed by the display processing portion, with an abbreviation of the specific word, the specific word being a word included in the specific character information detected by the detection processing portion. |
| US09854113B1 |
Support device of contact image sensor of image capture apparatus
A support device is applied to support a contact image sensor of an image capture apparatus, which includes a guide rod. The support device includes a slide sleeve and an elastic rod. The slide sleeve, which has a groove, is movably disposed on the guide rod, and a portion of the guide rod is accommodated within the groove. The elastic rod is disposed on the slide sleeve to directly support the contact image sensor. The elastic rod abuts against the contact image sensor, so that the contact image sensor is pushed upwardly, and the contact image sensor is stably kept in the same direction while the slide sleeve is slid on the guide rod. Therefore, the entirety of the support device can achieve the advantages of stably supporting the contact image sensor in balance without using any sliding bracket. |
| US09854109B2 |
Document output processing
The invention relates to printing and other output of documents using data processors, and particularly to methods, apparatus, and computer programming useful for controlling output processes. In various aspects the invention provides systems, methods, and computer programming useful for minimizing the number of command inputs required from a user to complete printing or other output of multiple documents. In other aspects, the invention provides systems, methods, and computer programming useful for printing documents using content data received from users or other sources, together with previously-provided form data, according to predetermined formats. |
| US09854108B2 |
Printing management server, printing system, and printing management method
A printing management server includes an identification information management unit that manages identification information uniquely associated with an email address assigned to a printer, a print request receiving unit that receives a print request that is a request to print content and that accompanies the identification information, and a print instructing unit that designates an email address, corresponding to the identification information accompanying the print request specified by the identification information management unit, to an email printing server that causes a printer corresponding to a designated email address to execute a print, and instructs the email printing server to cause the printer corresponding to the designated email address to print content included in the print request. |
| US09854103B2 |
Service control point functionality implemented at communication endpoints
A system for managing customer-to-business voice communication has a network-connected communications device and instructions executable on the communications device from a non-transitory physical medium, the instructions providing a first function for determining if a destination asserted requires treatment, a second function for sending data from the communications device to a network-connected server, a third function for receiving alternative destination information from the server, and a fourth function for establishing communication with the business based on the returned destination information. |
| US09854102B2 |
Systems and methods of providing communications services
An IP telephony system allows a user to register a telephony device that receives its native telephony service from a different telephony service provider as an extension telephone. The user can then place calls through the IP telephony system using the extension telephone. Such calls may or may not be established using the extension telephone's native telephony service provider. |
| US09854099B1 |
Call center call-back push notifications
A method for creating a push notification at a call center includes: receiving a call from a caller device; receiving, from the caller device, caller identification information; receiving, from the caller device, an inquiry; generating an encrypted token including the caller identification information and the inquiry; and when an agent is available, sending a push notification to the caller device for connecting the caller to the agent, the push notification being associated with the encrypted token, and wherein the agent uses the caller identification information from the encrypted token when the agent is addressing the inquiry. |
| US09854098B2 |
Electronic communication routing based data accuracy
An electronic communication is received from a first communication device by a multi-tasking operating system. For example, a customer has entered a service request at a web site, which is received by the multi-tasking operating system. The electronic communication comprises a plurality of items of information associated with a service request. An accuracy level for the plurality of items of information is determined. The accuracy level for the plurality of items is based on a history of prior electronic communications. In response to determining the accuracy level for the plurality of items of information associated with the service request, a communication system associated with a contact center and/or a contact center agent is identified. In response to identifying the communication system associated with the contact center and/or contact center agent, the electronic communication is routed to the communication system associated with the contact center and/or contact center agent. |
| US09854096B2 |
Using secondary channel information to provide for gateway recording
Systems and methods for using secondary communication channel information, such as RTCP information to facilitate correlating business information to allow gateway recording. Using information in this secondary communication channel the recording system can correlate the business metadata either directly (e.g., using a phone extension) or through one or more indirect operations (e.g., a call ID-to-universal call id-to-phone extension). Additionally, information in the primary communication channel may be used to perform an indirect operation to correlate auxiliary business information (e.g., using the CALLID or UCID in SIP signaling to resolve the agent's phone extension and thereby access auxiliary business information.) |
| US09854094B2 |
System to deploy a disaster-proof geographically-distributed call center
A redundant Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) call center system has two data centers each having a first and a second SIP server cooperating as a first SIP-server high availability (HA) pair, a set of SW applications executable at each data center, and a plurality of agent stations each comprising a SIP telephone and a computerized appliance executing a desktop application at each agent station. The HA pairs operate as SIP server peers, the agent SIP phones are configured to maintain simultaneous registration with both SIP server peers, and Agent Desktop applications log in to only one SIP server peer, wherein the SIP Server peers collaborate to deliver calls to individual agent SIP phones via the SIP server peer where the agent is logged in, and wherein, upon failure of either data center agent's desktop applications log in to the other data center, allowing the associated agent to continue working. |
| US09854093B2 |
Hospitality private branch exchange (PBX) system with dynamic rules for complementing mobile phones of currently checked in guests
A PBX system complements the mobile phones of users. Custom incoming and outgoing call rules are dynamically activated for users when the users begin utilizing a facility having at least one phone number and a number of internal phones. A custom rule causes outgoing calls made from an internal phone used by a user to have a caller ID phone number of the user's personal mobile phone rather than the facility's phone number. Another custom rule causes incoming calls made to the facility's phone number that have a source caller ID phone number matching a phone number in the user's mobile phone address book to be automatically forwarded directly to an internal phone currently utilized by the user. The user may install an application on their mobile phone, and another custom rule causes incoming calls at the user's mobile phone to be twinned while the user is at the facility. |
| US09854082B2 |
System and method for controlling equipment installed within a building upon receiving disaster notification
An equipment control system includes a disaster notification apparatus configured to transmit a disaster notification, and a wireless communication apparatus provided in a building. The wireless communication apparatus receives the disaster notification, and determines whether a user of a portable terminal is present in the building, based on a communication situation between the wireless communication apparatus and one or more portable terminals. Upon receiving the disaster notification, the wireless communication apparatus controls one or more pieces of equipment installed within the building, differently depending on whether the user of the portable terminal is present in the building. |
| US09854069B2 |
Network security agent
A network apparatus comprising: a packet payload compressor (PPC) operable to: receive a packet copied from a network, the packet comprising a source, destination, and a payload; extract a value of a field comprised in the payload; provide a computed value of the field based on the source and destination of the packet; compare the extracted value and the computed value; and compress the field if the extracted value is the same as the computed value, and a traffic shaper operable to transmit a compressed packet comprising the compressed field. |
| US09854061B2 |
Method and apparatus for handling application triggering events
A system comprises a processor configured to subscribe to a broadcast of vehicle-related state changes. The processor is also configured to detect at least one vehicle-related state change in the broadcast that triggers an application launch and launch an application corresponding to the detected vehicle related state change. |
| US09854059B2 |
Local-area network (LAN)-based location determination
In one embodiment, a method includes receiving a request for the client device to access a communication network. The request includes data identifying the client device based on an intermediate device certificate signed by one or more of the computing devices. The method also includes associating the request with a user profile of a social-networking system; and granting the client device access to the communication network based at least in part on the association of the request to the user profile. |
| US09854054B2 |
MSS headend caching strategies
Systems and methods for caching data and generating responses to data requests are disclosed. A content delivery system for sending requested data to a client based on a client request in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention comprises a server for compiling data into a data cache, and a headend, coupled to the server, for obtaining the data, categorizing and storing the data in groups in an object cache, receiving a client request, picking data from the object cache and generating a response, and returning the response while caching the response in a response cache that is used to directly respond to future client requests. |
| US09854052B2 |
Business object attachments and expiring URLs
A computer implemented method may include requesting details of an object and attachments associated with the object. The attachment details for each attachment may include an attachment name and an attachment ID. In response to a selection of an attachment associated with the object, a determination may be made as to whether a cache already includes the selected attachment. If the cache includes the selected attachment, the selected attachment may be retrieved from the attachment cache. If the cache does not include the selected attachment, the attachment may be downloaded using an attachment URL. The attachment URL may be requested and generated based on the attachment ID. The downloaded attachment may also be stored in the attachment cache. |
| US09854049B2 |
Systems and methods for resolving ambiguous terms in social chatter based on a user profile
Systems and methods are disclosed herein to provide information to a user based on a symbol with a plurality of interpretations. Each candidate interpretation for the symbol is identified and compared to an attribute of a user profile. The meaning of the symbol is determined and the user profile is updated with the meaning of the symbol. This meaning may be used to provide relevant information to the user. |
| US09854046B2 |
Method for registering at least one public address in an IMS network, and corresponding application
The invention relates, in particular, to a method for registering at least one public address in an IMS network including a terminal that interacts with a security element. According to the invention, the security element includes an application that invites the user of the terminal, upon the occurrence of an event, to enter a public address, selected by the user, via the man/machine interface of the terminal, the application transmitting the public address, accompanied by at least one identifier of the security element, to a remote network via the terminal such that the remote network associates the public address with the identifier. |
| US09854045B2 |
Generic cloud enabling of stateful applications
A session transfer request is received from a cloud operating system, the session transfer request identifying a first active session and a second enhanced application server of a plurality of enhanced application servers. Then it is verified that cross user data containing information used by a plurality of sessions, including the first active session, is mapped to a first work process in a process pool of the cloud computing environment. Then a central dispatcher on the second enhanced application server is triggered to create a virtual context and a virtual machine corresponding to the first client device. When a subsequent user request is received from a first client device, the subsequent user request is sent to the central dispatcher of the second enhanced application server and the central dispatcher of the second enhanced application server is caused to roll-in the virtual context by attaching it to a free work process. |
| US09854043B2 |
Merging human machine interfaces of segregated domains
A data processing device comprises a graphics processing component configured to obtain first graphic data being related to a first graphical human machine interface for control of a first network domain; one or more second graphic data, the one or more second graphic data being related to one or more second graphical human machine interfaces for control of one or more second network domains; and a display unit configured to display a human machine interface, wherein the main human machine interface comprises the first graphical human machine interface and at least one of the one or more second graphical human machine interfaces. |
| US09854042B2 |
Automated assessment report generation
A method of characterizing a storage area network (SAN) includes collecting information associated with the SAN, analyzing the collected information, generating an assessment of one or more aspects of the SAN based on the analyzing, and reporting the assessment. The information collected may include one or more of host information, storage information and network information. The analyzing may further include evaluating information from two or more subsystems that constitute the SAN, and the assessment may be based on technical knowledge associated with the two or more subsystems. |
| US09854034B2 |
Workload deployment density management for a multi-stage computing architecture implemented within a multi-tenant computing environment
Embodiments of the present invention provide a method, system and computer program product for workload deployment density management for a multi-stage architecture implemented within a multi-tenant computing environment. The method includes receiving different requests from different tenants of a multi-tenant computing environment to deploy respectively different application instances of respectively different computer programs into different nodes of the host computing system. The method also includes determining from each request an associated stage of a software lifecycle for a corresponding one of the application instances. Finally, the method includes deploying each of the application instances into a particular one of the nodes depending upon an associated stage of each of the application instances so that each of the nodes hosts different application instances for different tenants of a common stage of the software lifecycle. |
| US09854029B1 |
Systems for determining improper assignments in statistical hypothesis testing
Described are techniques for performing statistical hypothesis experiments and determining user responses that do not match an assigned treatment. One of multiple experiment states may be assigned to a set of client devices. Response data that includes indications of the experiment state that was executed may be compared to the assigned experiment state to determine allocation matches and allocation mismatches. The allocation mismatches may be separated based on the assigned and executed experiment states to determine mismatches caused by preexisting content stored on a client device and mismatches caused by other experiment parameters. |
| US09854028B2 |
Apparatus and method for efficient, coordinated, distributed execution
The present disclosure describes a system and method for efficient, coordinated, distributed execution. Processes are registered into a process registry which includes a table or list of processes. Processes which are determined to be no longer running are removed from the registry. Each process is configured to send a broadcast when it starts or stops. Each process periodically reads the registry, sorts the list, and uses it to determine the current master process based on an algorithm. |
| US09854027B2 |
Providing clients access to a server service using an OPC unified architecture (OPC-UA)
A method for providing clients with access to a service of a server in a network using an OPC-UA, the server service making available varying values of at least one variable to the clients, wherein a client registers for the server service by sending a subscription request for the server service to the server which sets up a subscription structure including a unique subscription ID as well as a TCP/IP multicast group associated with the subscription structure and including a unique multicast address, and there server communicates the multicast address and the subscription ID to every client submitting a subscription request to register for the server service, the server additionally sends each change in value of each variable of the server service to the multicast address over a network via a multicast message so that all clients registered for the server service receive the same multicast message. |
| US09854022B2 |
Server-side path reference systems and methods
Various embodiments herein each include at least one of systems, methods, and software for server-side path reference. One server-side path reference embodiment in the form of a method includes receiving a request for a specific content item, such as a user interface or document, via a network interface device from a requestor. This method may then retrieve, from a navigation history data store, path reference recommendation data with regard to the specific content item. The retrieved path reference recommendation data typically identifies at least one destination most commonly navigated to from the specific content item within web application sessions. The method then transmits the retrieved path reference recommendation data with data of the specific content item to the requestor. |
| US09854020B1 |
Bitrate selection for video streaming
A plurality of videos associated with a plurality of video resolutions may be received. A minimum bitrate may be identified for each of the video resolutions based on a first bitrate point associated with the videos where a quality of the videos at a first video resolution that is upscaled to a second video resolution is better than a quality of the videos at the second video resolution at bitrates below the first bitrate point. Furthermore, a maximum bitrate may be identified for each of the video resolutions based on a second bitrate point where the rate of change of the quality of the videos is below a threshold value. The identified minimum bitrates and the maximum bitrates may be assigned to the video resolutions. |
| US09854011B2 |
Analyzing reading metrics to generate action information
Data reports are received from a plurality of clients including action reports and timing reports. Action reports describe actions performed by users of the clients at location within an eBook. Timing reports describe reading speeds of users of the clients. The data reports are analyzed to identify an action that is performed by the users of the clients at a location within the eBook frequently relative to other actions. Action information is generated for automatically performing the identified action at the location within the eBook. The action information is transmitted to a client. The client is configured to automatically perform the action at the location within the eBook. The reading location of a user of the client is determined based on the timing reports. |
| US09854008B2 |
Real time communication method, terminal device, real time communication server and real time communication system
The present invention provides a real time communication method, a terminal device, an RTC server and an RTC system. The method includes: receiving, by a first terminal, call request information that is sent by another terminal to the first terminal and forwarded by an RTC server and, where the call request information carries a unique identifier of a WEB-based RTC application of a terminal sending the call request information; and determining, by the first terminal, whether to accept a call request according to the unique identifier of the WEB RTC of the terminal sending the call request information, if yes, sending request information for opening the WEB-based RTC application to the RTC server, and after receiving information of the WEB-based RTC application returned by the RTC server, communicating, by using the WEB-based RTC application, with the terminal sending the call request information. |
| US09854007B2 |
Method of controlling packet switched data transmission and related communication device
A method of controlling packet switched data transmission functionality for a mobile device in a wireless communication system is disclosed. The method comprises disabling the packet switched data transmission functionality, and being allowed to initiate a telephony service via a circuit switched fallback functionality or via an internet protocol multimedia subsystem signaling even when the packet switched data transmission functionality is disabled. |
| US09854004B2 |
Systems and methods for managing different types of registrations for IMS services on SIMs of a wireless communication device
Methods and devices are disclosed for managing Internet Protocol Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) service registration on a wireless communication device having at least one SIM that supports IMS services. The wireless communication device may access network operator policies stored in the SIM(s), and identify enabled IMS services for each SIM. The wireless communication device may also identify, based on the accessed network operator policies, a registration type for each enabled IMS service on each SIM, determine whether to perform a single registration or a dual IMS registration for each of the at least one SIM, perform the determined registration using the accessed network operator policies, and maintain registration of the enabled IMS services for each SIM. |
| US09854002B1 |
Application centric compliance management system and method for a multi-level computing environment
An application centric compliance management system includes a computing system that executes a tool to identify a subset of a the resources of a multi-tier computing environment that are used to execute an application, and for each identified resource, obtain one or more application-based compliance policies associated with the application. The tool may then determine whether the resource meets each application-based compliance policy, and when the resource does not meet the application-based compliance policy, generate an alarm that includes information associated with the one unmet application-based compliance policy. |
| US09854000B2 |
Method and apparatus for detecting malicious software using handshake information
In one embodiment, a method includes identifying unusual behavior with respect to a handshake between a first endpoint and a second endpoint that are included in a network, and determining whether the unusual behavior with respect to the handshake indicates presence of malicious software. The method also includes identifying at least one of the first endpoint and the second endpoint as potentially being infected by the malicious software if it is determined that the unusual behavior with respect to the handshake indicates the presence of malicious software. |
| US09853999B2 |
Context-aware knowledge system and methods for deploying deception mechanisms
Methods, systems, and computer-readable mediums are described herein to provide context-aware knowledge systems and methods for deploying deception mechanisms. In some examples, a deception profiler can be used to intelligently deploy the deception mechanisms for a network. For example, a method can include identifying a network for which to deploy one or more deception mechanisms. In such an example, a deception mechanism can emulate one or more characteristics of a machine on the network. The method can further include determining one or more asset densities and a summary statistic. An asset density can be associated with a number of assets connected to the network. The summary statistic can be associated with a number of historical attacks on the network. Using at least one or more of the one or more asset densities, the summary statistic, other information associated with the network, or a combination thereof, the method can further include determining a number of deception mechanisms to deploy, and deploying the number of deception mechanisms. |
| US09853998B2 |
Mitigation of computer network attacks
Various techniques for mitigating computer network attacks are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a method includes receiving indications of denial of service attacks from multiple target computing systems and determining one or more sources from which the denial of service attacks are deemed to originate in response to the received indications of denial of service attacks from the target computing systems. The method also includes negotiating with the network aggregation point for permission to divert network traffic originated from the one or more of the determined sources and destined to the target computing systems to the gateway. |
| US09853986B2 |
Clustering event data by multiple time dimensions
Systems and methods for processing log data are provided. A set of data chunks is determined. Each data chunk is associated with a set of events, which are grouped according to a primary time dimension field of each event of the set of events. A metadata structure is determined for each of the data chunks. The metadata structure includes comprises a range of the primary time dimension field of all of the events in the data chunk and a range of a secondary time dimension field of all of the events in the data chunk. A subset of the data chunks is selected. A data chunk associated with at least one event of the plurality of events is generated according to the secondary time dimension field of the at least one event. |
| US09853985B2 |
Device time accumulation
A method, system and computer-usable medium are disclosed for performing a device time accumulation operation. With a device time accumulation operation systems within a security intelligence platform which accumulate events within the IT environment associate an event ingest time with the event. When the events are provided for analysis, the device time accumulation operation analyzes the ingest times as well as the emit time to take into account historical time data associated with the accumulated events. |
| US09853983B2 |
Preventing phishing attacks based on reputation of user locations
User sessions are authenticated based on locations associated with a user account used for sending a request for creating a session. Examples of locations of a source of a request include a geographical location, a network address, or a machine cookie associated with a device sending the request. Locations of the request are compared with stored safe locations associated with the user account and a suspiciousness index is determined for the session. The level of authentication required for the session is determined based on the suspiciousness index. Locations are associated with a reputation based on past history of sessions originating from the locations. A location associated with a history of creating suspicious session is considered an unsafe location. Reputation of the location originating the session is used to determine the level of authentication required for the session. |
| US09853982B2 |
Image-based group profiles
An image of users of an application may be received from a computing device on a home network. The image may comprise representations of a group of users. Recognition techniques may be applied to the image. Unclaimed profiles may be created for users who are not recognized. The unclaimed profiles may be utilized by applications prior to being claimed by a user or group. Access to the unclaimed profiles may be controlled based on the identity of the network gateway used in the transmission of the image used as the basis for forming the profile. |
| US09853978B2 |
Domain join and managed directory support for virtual computing environments
A virtual computing environment service may receive a request from a customer to provision a virtual computing environment and join the virtual computing environment to a managed directory. The virtual computing environment service may provision the virtual computing environment and uses a set of administrator credentials from the customer and a set of credentials corresponding to the environment to access the managed directory and request joining of the environment to the managed directory. In response, the managed directory may create a computer account corresponding to the environment and which enables the environment to be used to access the managed directory. The virtual computing environment service may then enable the customer to specify one or more users that may utilize the virtual computing environment to access the managed directory. |
| US09853977B1 |
System, method, and program product for processing secure transactions within a cloud computing system
Particular systems, methods, and program products for web-based security systems for user authentication and processing in a distributed computing environment are disclosed. A computing sub-system may receive an electronic processing request and a first signed data packet having a first payload that was hashed and encrypted using a first private key. The first payload may comprise first processing output and a first timestamp. The sub-system may verify the first signed data packet by decrypting it using a first public key. The sub-system may execute computing operations to satisfy the electronic processing request, producing second processing output. The sub-system may configure a data packet with a second payload comprising at least the second processing output and a second timestamp. The sub-system may encrypt the second payload using a second private key producing a second signed data packet. The sub-system may transmit to a second sub-system the second signed data packet. |
| US09853976B2 |
Data encryption/decryption using neurological fingerprints
In accordance with one embodiment, a method for securing data is disclosed. The method includes sensing multi-dimensional motion of a body part of a user to generate a multi-dimensional signal; in response to the multi-dimensional signal and user calibration parameters, generating a neuro-mechanical fingerprint; and encrypting data with an encryption algorithm using the neuro-mechanical fingerprint as a key. |
| US09853975B2 |
Restricting access to content based on measurements of user terminal operational performance
A processor of a user terminal performs operations that include obtaining a user identifier for a user operating the user terminal, measuring an initial operational performance metric of the user terminal, generating an initial terminal metric identifier from the initial operational performance metric, and communicating with a content server to register a combination of the initial terminal metric identifier and the user identifier for authorized access to content identified by a content identifier through the content server. Responsive to a request to access the content, a present operational performance metric of the user terminal is measured. A present terminal metric identifier is generated based on the present operational performance metric, and a combination of the user identifier and the present terminal metric identifier are communicated to the content server to request that the user using the user terminal be granted access through the content server to the content. |
| US09853972B2 |
Pharmacy authentication methods and systems
An electronic image that includes information identifying a user of a client device is received, as is another electronic image that captures the face of the user. A first account (e.g., a store account) is linked to a second account (e.g., a pharmacy account) if an image of the user extracted from the first electronic image matches the face of the user. |
| US09853971B2 |
Proximity based authentication using bluetooth
Techniques for securing communications between fixed devices and mobile devices. A mobile device management server mediates communications between the fixed device and mobile device. The mobile device management server enrolls mobile devices and then assists with pairing the mobile devices to fixed devices in an out-of-band manner. This enrollment, coupled with out-of-band pairing, improves the speed and security of authenticating communication between fixed and mobile devices. If the mobile device has appropriate capabilities, the mobile device management server may request that the mobile device obtain and verify biometric data from a user prior to enrollment and performing authentication procedures. |
| US09853963B2 |
Authorization server, authentication cooperation system, and storage medium storing program
An authorization token verification request including the authorization token is received from an application server having received a processing request along with the authorization token from the client, and, in a case where the authorization token is verified successfully on basis of the received authorization token and the authorization token information, the local user information included in the authorization token information is transmitted to the application server. |
| US09853962B2 |
Flexible authentication framework
A flexible and extensible architecture allows for secure searching across an enterprise. Such an architecture can provide a simple Internet-like search experience to users searching secure content inside (and outside) the enterprise. The architecture allows for the crawling and searching of a variety of sources across an enterprise, regardless of whether any of these sources conform to a conventional user role model. The architecture further allows for security attributes to be received at query time, for example, in order to provide real-time secure access to enterprise resources. The user query also can be transformed to provide for dynamic querying that provides for a more current result list than can be obtained for static queries. |
| US09853957B2 |
DRM protected video streaming on game console with secret-less application
Techniques are disclosed for secure playback of protected multimedia content on a game console using a secret-less application. An SSO model can be used for client authentication at a key server, which eliminates the need of storing or using any secret information in the client application. Further, an encrypted content key generated by a content packager using a public key can be deployed in the key URI of a playlist file, which is sent to the key server. The key server can be configured to decrypt the content key using a corresponding private key. Further, the content key and unencrypted samples are protected in the game console client application from debugging and replay attacks by using additional security checks at both the client and key server. By storing secret information remotely from the game console and using the SSO model, DRM policies can be enforced on an untrusted client application. |
| US09853956B2 |
JSON encryption and hashing with indication added to key-value
Methods and apparatus to provide extended object notation data are disclosed. An example apparatus includes a data handler having a first input to receive object data and a first output to output an object notation key-value pair for the object data; a string processor having a second input coupled to the first output and a second output to convey the object notation key-value pair without string literals; and a hashing and encryption handler having a third input coupled to the second output and a third output to convey the key-value pair signed with a private key, to convey the key-value pair encrypted with a public key, and to convey an indication that the encrypted key-value pair is encrypted in a key of the encrypted key-value pair. |
| US09853951B2 |
Tracking and analyses of data consumption
Systems and methods for providing services are disclosed. One aspect comprises authenticating a user associated with a first service, receiving a selection of a second service, generating an opaque identifier associated with the user and the first service, wherein the opaque identifier facilitates the anonymous collection of data relating to the second service. Another aspect can comprise transmitting the opaque identifier to the second service, and receiving data relating to the second service. |
| US09853942B2 |
Load balancing among a cluster of firewall security devices
A method for balancing load among firewall security devices (FSDs) is provided. According to one embodiment, imminent shutdown of a first cluster unit of an HA cluster of FSDs is gracefully handled by a switching device. A load balancing (LB) table, forming associations between hash values output by the LB function and corresponding ports of the switching device to which the cluster units are coupled, is maintained. The first cluster unit is coupled to a first port. Responsive to imminent shutdown of the first cluster unit: (i) a second cluster unit, coupled to a second port, is selected to perform security services on traffic sessions handled by the first cluster unit; and (ii) the LB table is updated by replacing reference(s) to the first port with reference(s) to the second port. Security services for subsequently received network traffic associated with the traffic sessions is performed by the second cluster unit. |
| US09853937B1 |
Internal packet steering within a wireless access gateway
In general, techniques are described for steering data traffic for a subscriber session from a network interface of a wireless access gateway to an anchoring one of a plurality of forwarding units of the wireless access gateway using a layer 2 (L2) address of the data traffic. For example, a wireless access gateway for a wireless local area network (WLAN) access network is described as having a decentralized data plane that includes multiple forwarding units for implementing subscriber sessions. Each forwarding unit may present a network interface for sending and receiving network packets and includes packet processing capabilities to enable subscriber data packet processing to perform the functionality of the wireless access gateway. The techniques enable steering data traffic for a given subscriber session to a particular one of the forwarding units of the wireless access gateway using an L2 address of the data traffic. |
| US09853932B2 |
Process for sending an electronic file to at least one contact of a user
Process for sending an electronic file to at least one contact (1) of a user (2), said process providing for the activation by said user of a sharing function, said process further providing for, upon said activation: parsing said electronic file for detecting information about said contact; checking in at least a contact directory the existence of an electronic address matching with said information; creating an electronic message (5) comprising at least said electronic file and said electronic address; sending said electronic message to said contact through said electronic address. |
| US09853929B2 |
Service compatibility check for messages
Systems, apparatuses, and methods are provided that can reduce problems associated with updates of various applications on various devices, including addition of new services for communicating with another device. A compatibility version (e.g., a minimum compatibility) for a first communication service on a first device can be checked against a compatibility version for communication service on a second device. A comparison of the compatibility versions can determine whether a message can be sent using the first communication service to the second device. |
| US09853922B2 |
Virtual area communications
A virtual area has a spatial visualization and includes zones that are associated with respective geometric boundaries located in relation to the spatial visualization. Realtime data stream connections between sources and sinks of network nodes in the zones of the virtual area are administered to provide a wide variety of virtual area applications, including virtual area applications that implement spatial rules for one or more synchronous conferencing services (e.g., instant messaging, such as text chat, audio conferencing, video conferencing, application sharing, and file sharing). |
| US09853920B2 |
Systems and methods for performing packet reorder processing
A method for performing packet reorder processing is disclosed. The method comprises receiving, at a packet receive buffer, a data packet, the packet receive buffer comprising a plurality of N-sized pages. The method also comprises storing the received data packet across a plurality of pages of the packet receive buffer. The method further comprises writing, at storage of each of the plurality of pages, a pointer to a next page in which a subsequent portion of the data packet is stored. The method also comprises transmitting the pointer to a ring buffer. The method further comprises calculating an offset to the ring based on a sequence number of the corresponding packet, and storing the pointer to a first page in the calculate offset of the ring buffer. |
| US09853915B2 |
Fast fail-over using tunnels
Various systems and methods for performing fast fail-over. For example, one method involves receiving a packet at a node. The packet is received at the node in response to a designated forwarder (DF) detecting loss of communication between the DF and a receiver node. The method also involves determining that the first packet was received via a tunnel. The method also involves forwarding the first packet and initiating a DF election. Forwarding the first packet and initiating the DF election are performed in response to determining that the first packet was received via the tunnel. |
| US09853913B2 |
Multi-cloud network proxy for control and normalization of tagging data
Provisioning resources into the cloud is a constantly increasing technical challenge as more cloud service providers emerge, each offering disparate computing platforms, services, assets, supported technical components, and other features. A multi-cloud network proxy controls and normalizes the tagging data applicable across the multiple cloud service providers. The network proxy provides a central control mechanism for discovering, monitoring, and updating complex tagging data applied to the technical components provisioned with the cloud service providers. The network proxy also dynamically generates technical component request interfaces that include specifically prioritized metadata tags. |
| US09853912B2 |
Stateless services in content management clients
Techniques to provide stateless services in a content management client are disclosed. A session manager is instantiated to service a request to access a content item. The session manager is used to obtain from a global session pool that is not specific to the session manager a session to service the request. The session is used to service the request. Once the request has been completed the session manager may be terminated, but the global session pool and associated object cache remain. |
| US09853911B2 |
System and method for management network activity in a data center environment
An information handling system includes a management switch and a plurality of management controllers coupled to the management switch to form a management network. A first management controller of the plurality of management controllers receives from the management switch a first list of active ports, wherein each particular active port includes an associated second management controller of the plurality of management controllers that is coupled to the particular active port. The first management controller further receives from the management switch, a plurality of second lists, one for each particular active port in the first list, each second list including an identification for the associated second management controller, and determines a map of the management network based upon the first list and the plurality of second lists. |
| US09853910B2 |
Contents reproduction apparatus
A contents reproduction apparatus has a contents buffer, a contents reproduction unit, a navigation function unit that provides guide in a route to a destination, an output switching unit that selects first audio data outputted from the contents reproduction unit or second audio data outputted from the navigation function unit and outputs the selected audio data to outside, and a streaming control unit that sets a buffer size that is a target value of the data amount of contents data to be accumulated in the contents buffer and controls the contents reproduction unit and the output switching unit. When the data amount of contents data accumulated in the contents buffer is less than the buffer size, a reproduction operation of the contents reproduction unit is stopped in a period in which the second audio data are outputted to outside. |
| US09853909B2 |
Methods and apparatus for traffic management in a communication network
A method in a communication network is disclosed. The network comprises first and second transport mediums connected in series. Access to the first and second transport mediums is controlled by first and second MACs, respectively. A traffic client of the second MAC receives traffic on the first transport medium for forwarding to the second transport medium. The method comprises receiving from the first MAC information about traffic demands from traffic clients of the first MAC. The method further comprises using the received information, together with information about traffic demands from traffic clients of the second MAC, as input to making a medium access grant decision for the second MAC, wherein the medium access grant decision for the second MAC implements a coordination between traffic access to the first and second transport media. The method also comprises instructing implementation of the medium access grant decision for the second MAC. |
| US09853908B2 |
Utilizing access control data structures for sharing computing resources
Systems and methods for sharing resources between multiple processing streams. An example method may comprise: maintaining, by a processing device, a first variable identifying a number of processing streams waiting to access a resource; performing an atomic operation on a second variable comprising a first portion and a second portion, the atomic operation comprising incrementing the first portion to reflect a number of available units of the resource and further comprising reading the second portion reflecting a value of the first variable. |
| US09853907B2 |
Information processing system, information processing apparatus, and non-transitory computer readable medium
An information terminal 10 successively receives a plurality of packets that configure distribution data from an information distribution server 20, and requests the information distribution server 20 to change a bit rate of the packets that configure the distribution data, if it is judged that congestion occurs in communication with the information distribution server 20 based on a change in time interval from transmission to reception of each of the successively received packets, and if it is judged that a packet loss rate, which is a rate of a loss packet corresponding to a loss included in the packets transmitted from the information distribution server 20 and calculated based on the successively received packets, is increased as compared with a value obtained by multiplying a packet loss rate before the packets that configure the distribution data are received, by a predetermined weight. |
| US09853904B2 |
Source-based queue selection mechanism in the routing environment
The invention is directed to a method and system for selecting queues for source-based queuing in a packet router, requiring only one flow per destination route. The invention stores source interface information for each packet while it is being processed. The invention applies to packet routers including IP routers, Ethernet routers and Label Switched Routers (LSR). |
| US09853895B2 |
Broadcast signal transmitting method, broadcast signal receiving method, broadcast signal transmitting apparatus, and broadcast signal receiving apparatus
Provided is a method for transmitting a broadcast signal, the method including generating a plurality of input packets including broadcast data, generating at least one link layer packet using the input packets, wherein a header of the link layer packet includes packet type information and first length information, the packet type information indicates a type of an input packet included in a payload of the link layer packet, and the first length information indicates a length of the payload, generating a broadcast signal using the link layer packet, and transmitting the broadcast signal. |
| US09853893B2 |
Packet format of network abstraction layer unit, and algorithm and apparatus for video encoding and decoding using the format, QoS control algorithm and apparatus for IPv6 label switching using the format
The construction method of NALU (Network Abstraction Layer Unit) for IPv6 label switching and its using algorithms of video encoding, QoS control, and decoding are provided. According to an embodiment of the present invention, the NALU format is composed of the NALH (Network Abstraction Layer Header) including the label and the NAL (Network Abstraction Layer) payload. Here, the label is determined based on layer information which is combination of a spatial scalable level, a temporal scalable level, and a quality scalable level of the encoded data. The decoder uses the label to decide which one of multiple decoding modules is used to decode the current NAL payload. Moreover, the label can be included in the packet header so that the MANE (Media Aware Network Element) can use the label to decide whether to forward the packet or drop it. For example, the label in the packet header can be used for QoS control of video service by using the flow label field in IPv6 packet header. The IPv6 router can identify priority of the video packet by using the 20 bit long flow label, into which the label in NALH can be inserted. According to the embodiment, the MANE assumed in the MPEG and JVT (Joint Video Team) can be implemented effectively. |
| US09853892B2 |
Control method, information processing device, and communication system
A control method executed by an information processing device including a memory configured to store information on a plurality of temporary routes set for each kind of service, the control method includes receiving a routing request from a switch among a plurality of switches; extracting, from the memory, a temporary route corresponding to a service related to the routing request when it is determined that processing congestion of the information processing device occurs; setting the extracted temporary route for one or more related switches among the plurality of switches; determining a route corresponding to the service, based on a predetermined condition of the service, when it is determined that the processing congestion of the information processing device has subsided; and setting the determined route for the one or more related switches among the plurality of switches. |
| US09853890B2 |
Efficient implementation of MPLS tables for multi-level and multi-path scenarios
A method for communication includes configuring a router to forward data packets over a network in accordance with Multiprotocol Label Switching (MPLS) labels appended to the data packets. At least first and second entries, corresponding to respective first and second labels, are stored in a Next Hop Label Forwarding Entry (NHLFE) table in the router, such that each of the first entries contains a respective pointer to at least one of the second entries. Upon receiving in the router a data packet from the network, a first entry is selected from among the first entries in the NHLFE table and, responsively to the pointer in the first entry, a second entry is selected. The respective first and second labels from the selected first and second entries are pushed onto an MPLS label stack of the data packet. |
| US09853888B2 |
Method and arrangements for QoS-aware routing in a LI system
A method and arrangements providing QoS-aware routing of received session flows of separate communication sessions comprising Communication Content achieved and received from Lawful Interception of target sessions. The method comprises sorting each separate communication session into one of two groups, a first routing group and a second routing group, according to certain criteria wherein QoS is at least one of the criteria. Further, the method comprises routing communication sessions sorted into the first routing group via a regular handover interface and routing communication sessions sorted into the second routing group via an additional handover interface to a Law Enforcement Agency. |
| US09853885B1 |
Using packet duplication in a packet-switched network to increase reliability
Techniques and solutions for performing packet duplication in a packet-switched network are described. For example, duplicates of a network packet can be created and sent to a destination via different network paths. Packet duplication can be performed by a computer that is creating and sending network packets. Packet duplication can also be performed by another type of computing device such as a router that receives network packets and creates duplicates that are then sent to the destination via different network paths. Network packets can be encapsulated using encapsulation packets that include network path indicators that indicate use of different network paths. Multiple copies of a network packet can be received and processed. |
| US09853884B2 |
Systems and methods for adaptive routing
Systems and methods for performing routing are described. For each of a plurality of messages transmitted over a primary route, a message transmission indication is received by an application. The application further receives, for at least one of the messages, a conversion indication that is based on the transmitted message. The quality of the primary route is determined based on a subset or all of the transmission indications and a subset or all of the conversion indications. Based on this determination, an alternate route is selected to replace the primary route. |
| US09853882B2 |
Dynamic path switchover decision override based on flow characteristics
In one embodiment, a device in a network receives a switchover policy for a particular type of traffic in the network. The device determines a predicted effect of directing a traffic flow of the particular type of traffic from a first path in the network to a second path in the network. The device determines whether the predicted effect of directing the traffic flow to the second path would violate the switchover policy. The device causes the traffic flow to be routed via the second path in the network, based on a determination that the predicted effect of directing the traffic flow to the second path would not violate the switchover policy for the particular type of traffic. |
| US09853875B1 |
Methods, systems, and media for detecting the presence of a digital media device on a network
Methods, systems, and media for detecting the presence of a digital media device on a network are provided. In some embodiments, methods for detecting a presence of a particular type of digital media device is provided, the methods comprising: identifying cached device details for devices previously associated with the network; performing a simple device discovery protocol (SSDP) on the network, and substantially concurrently sending a unicast message to an address associated with the identified cached digital media device using hypertext transfer protocol (HTTP); and indicating the presence of a digital media device on the network in response to either (i) receiving a response to the unicast message, or (ii) determining that a type of a device discovered using SSDP is the same as the particular device type. |
| US09853874B2 |
Flow-specific failure detection in SDN networks
Techniques for performing flow-specific failure detection in SDN networks are provided. In one embodiment, a computer system (e.g., an SDN controller) can determine a flow to be monitored in a network. The computer system can then transmit first and second messages to first and second network devices in the network respectively, where the first network device is an upstream device in the flow, where the second network device is a downstream device in the flow, and where the first and second messages instruct the first and second network devices to collect local data rate information for the flow. |
| US09853873B2 |
Diagnosis and throughput measurement of fibre channel ports in a storage area network environment
An example method for diagnosis and throughput measurement of FC ports in a SAN environment is provided and includes generating, by a control processor at a generator in the SAN, a control packet requesting a link test to be performed with a reflector in the SAN, sending the control packet to the reflector through a media access controller (MAC) of the generator, receiving, at the MAC of the generator, an acknowledgement from the reflector indicating ability to perform the requested link test, generating, at the MAC of the generator, a test data packet for the link test, performing the link test with the reflector, and analyzing, at the generator, network parameters based on results of the link test. |
| US09853872B2 |
System and method for providing communication platform metadata
A system and method that includes executing communication processes in an application platform, which comprises on behalf of outside entities, negotiating communications between a set of internal resources and at least one external resource using at least a first communication protocol and a second protocol; capturing internal log information during execution of the application platform; receiving a request to access log information by an outside entity; synthesizing the internal log information of the first protocol and at least a second protocol into a unified communication report; and transmitting the unified communication report. |
| US09853870B2 |
Controller supported service maps within a federation of forwarding boxes
A controller network device, in a network control layer of a service provider network, receives one or more parameters for providing particular services over a service provider network and provides, to a forwarding network device in a network resources layer of the service provider network, a capabilities query. The capabilities query includes a feature type identifier for a feature required to support the parameters. The controller network device receives, from the forwarding network device, a response to the capabilities query, wherein a format for the response is one of a binary response format, a conditional response format, or a value response format. The controller network device compiles the response with responses from other forwarding network devices to define a network map for supporting the particular services. |
| US09853869B1 |
System, method, and computer program for automatically instructing a virtual network function (VNF) to operate in accordance with one of a plurality of function definitions
A system, method, and computer program product are provided for instructing a virtual network function (VNF) to operate in accordance with one of a plurality of function definitions. In use, a virtual service including a plurality of VNFs is identified, the virtual service being a virtual service in a Network Function Virtualization (NFV-based) communication network, and at least one of the plurality of VNFs being capable of operating based on any one of a plurality of function definitions. Additionally, information associated with a current operation of the virtual service is received. Furthermore, it is determined which one of the plurality of function definitions the at least one of the plurality of VNFs is to operate, based on at least one of a plurality of policies and the information. Moreover, the at least one of the plurality of VNFs is automatically instructed to operate in accordance with the determined one of the plurality of function definitions. |
| US09853861B2 |
Application deployment and management in a cloud computing environment
Methods, devices, and systems for management of a cloud computing environment for use by a software application. The cloud computing environment may be an N-tier environment. Multiple cloud providers may be used to provide the cloud computing environment. |
| US09853858B2 |
Communication device
A communication device including a registration unit that registers an IP address of the communication device and a method information including a first method information indicating a first setting method for setting a dynamic IP address and a second method information indicating a second setting method for setting a static IP address. The registration unit includes a change unit that changes registered contents of a memory in accordance with a user's instruction. When the first method information and a first IP address are registered in the memory, the change unit does not change the method information in the memory from the first method information to the second method information in a case where a method change instruction for changing the first setting method to the second setting method is given by the user under a state where the first IP address has not been changed to another IP address. |
| US09853857B2 |
System, switch device and method of controlling a plurality of switch devices
A switch apparatus includes a first controller, a second controller, and a plurality of switch devices, the plurality of switch devices being configured to receive a packet and store a flow table which indicates a method of handling a process of the received packet, wherein the first controller informs a first content of the flow table to the plurality of switch devices, a first switch device detects a communication error between the first switch device and the first controller, the first switch device informs a second switch device of the communication error, and the second switch device changes a connecting destination from the first controller to the second controller. |
| US09853855B2 |
Stand-by controller assisted failover
Methods and systems for standby controller aided failover are provided. According to one embodiment, an active control channel and an active data channel are established by an active controller with a managed device via a management protocol. A standby control channel and a standby data channel are established by a standby controller with the managed device via the management protocol. A keep-alive message is periodically sent by the standby controller to the active controller. When a response to the keep-alive message is not received by the standby controller within a predefined time, failover from the active controller to the standby controller is initiated by: (i) taking over for the active controller; and (ii) notifying the managed device to direct subsequent management protocol messages to the standby controller via the standby control channel. |
| US09853853B2 |
Facilitating sharing of setting data in binary format for electronic device
An electronic device has setting data in binary format formulated according to a specific format suitable to realize a function in the device. In order to share the setting data in binary format with another device, the electronic device converts the setting data in binary format to setting data in text format and transmits (uploads) a set of text data containing the converted setting data in text format to a network communication service provided on a server through a communication network. The network communication service may be a conventional communication service of a web site capable of handling text data. Another electronic device can access the network communication service through communication network, receive (download) the set of text data, and then reversely convert the setting data in text format contained the received set of text data to the original setting data in binary format. |
| US09853852B2 |
Systems and methods for determining the number of channel estimation symbols based on the channel coherence bandwidth
Various systems and methods are provided for channel estimation. These systems and methods (a) determine a coherence bandwidth for the channel, (b) adapt the channel estimation based on the coherence bandwidth, and (c) perform channel estimation by transmitting a channel estimation symbol over a channel. In some embodiments, the channel estimation is adapted based on the coherence bandwidth. This may include selecting a number of channel estimation symbols to transmit in a packet. Additionally, the number of channel estimation symbols transmitted in a packet can be selected by increasing the number of channel estimation symbols when the coherence bandwidth of the channel is high or decreasing the number of channel estimation symbols when the coherence bandwidth of the channel is low. |
| US09853850B2 |
Apparatus and method for sending and receiving broadcast signals
A broadcast signal transmitter is discussed. A broadcast signal transmitter according to an embodiment of the present invention comprises an input formatting module performing baseband formatting and outputting at least one Physical Layer Pipe (PLP) data; a BICM module error-correction processing the PLP data; a framing & interleaving module interleaving the PLP data and generating a signal frame; and a waveform generating module inserting a preamble into the signal frame and generating a broadcast signal by performing OFDM modulation. |
| US09853848B2 |
Reconfiguration of active component carrier set in multi-carrier wireless systems
In a multi-carrier wireless system, potential problems from reconfiguring mobile station resources to accommodate changes in component-carrier configuration are mitigated by inserting a guard period each time the configuration of component carriers changes, so that transceiver reconfiguration can be carried out without interfering with ongoing transmission. A base station is configured to transmit data to a mobile station according to a first configuration of two or more component carriers, to determine that a change of configuration to a second component-carrier configuration is required, and to signal the change of configuration to the mobile station, using the first configuration of component carriers. The base station then refrains from transmitting data to the mobile station during a pre-determined guard interval of at least one transmission-time interval subsequent to the signaling of the change of configuration. After the guard interval, data is transmitted to the mobile station according to the second component-carrier configuration. |
| US09853842B2 |
Continuous time linear equalization for current-mode logic with transformer
The present invention is directed to data communication systems and methods. More specifically, embodiments of the present invention provide a CML that uses one or more equalization modules to apply equalization via secondary windings of transformers that are coupled, directly or indirectly, to the CML outputs. The equalization modules comprises a DAC component that generates switching signals based on control signals received from an external equalization module. The equalization module also includes switchable resistors and/or capacitors. The switching signals are used to select switchable resistors and/or capacitors. By switching resistors and/or capacitors at the equalization module, the outputs of the CML are equalized. There are other embodiments as well. |
| US09853840B2 |
Receiver unit and receiving method
A receiver unit comprising a signal input configured to receive a receive signal including a plurality of data symbols, a symbol detection circuit configured to detect a subset of data symbols, a reliability measuring circuit configured to determine a reliability value for the data symbols, a feedback loop configured to detect the subset of data symbols and the reliability value iteratively, and a signal output circuitry configured to determine output values of the subset of data symbols on the basis of the detected subset of data symbols and the determined reliability value. |
| US09853837B2 |
High bit-rate magnetic communication
A magnetic communications transmitter includes a magnetic field generator and a controller. The magnetic field generator is configured to generate a magnetic field. The controller is configured to control the magnetic field generator by controlling an electrical current supplied to the magnetic field generator, and causing the magnetic field generator to generate an optimized variable amplitude triangular waveform. |
| US09853836B2 |
Apparatus and method for signal detection in a wireless communication system
An electronic device and method for signal detection in a wireless communication system is provided. The electronic device includes a receiving unit configured to receive a radio frequency (RF) signal, a control unit configured to process the received signal, wherein processing the received signal comprises canceling a signal corresponding to a first stage in the received signal, detecting a signal corresponding to a second stage by applying lattice reduction, and determining a final detected signal by combining the detected signal corresponding to the second stage with candidates of the signal corresponding to the first stage. |
| US09853835B2 |
System and method of dynamic switching of advanced calling feature in LTE networks
A user equipment configured to operate in a Long Term Evolution (LTE) network. The user equipment comprises transceiver circuitry that operates the user equipment in either of two modes, the two modes comprising: i) a first mode in which the transceiver circuitry performs packet data services in the LTE network and performs voice calls in the LTE network using a Voice over LTE (VoLTE) service; and ii) a second mode in which the transceiver circuitry performs packet data services in the LTE network and performs voice calls in a legacy network. The user equipment also comprises a controller that compares a link quality associated with a radio link to the LTE network to at least one threshold value and, in response to the comparison, controls switching the user equipment between the first mode and the second mode. The controller switches the user equipment from the first mode to the second mode if the link quality falls below a first drop threshold value associated with an RSRP value or an SINR value. The controller switches the user equipment from the first mode to the second mode if the link quality falls below the first drop threshold value for more than a drop period of time threshold value. |
| US09853831B2 |
Communication module
A control module for use within a control network, the control module comprising: interface circuitry for enabling communication with an external device; communication means configured to communicate with the external device over the control network by communication with the interface circuitry; coupling means configured to mechanically couple the control module to an adjacent control module and provide a data connection between the communication means and the adjacent module; and an electrical isolation in the data connection between the communication means and the coupling means. |
| US09853829B2 |
Intelligent wireless router and wireless communication system
The disclosure provides an intelligent wireless router and a wireless communication system. The intelligent wireless router comprises a setting unit receiving initial setting information, connection setting information and device control information input from outside; a processing unit conducting initial setting on the intelligent wireless router according to the initial setting information, establishing or disconnecting wireless connection among a plurality of designated WIFI wireless terminals according to connection setting information, and controlling running states of the wireless terminals according to the device control information; a WIFI wireless communication unit establishing or disconnecting the wireless connection among the plurality of designated wireless terminals under the control of the processing unit, sending the device control information to the designated wireless terminals, and forwards a file among a plurality of wireless terminals; and a storage unit storing the setting information and the file to be forwarded. |
| US09853826B2 |
Establishing groups of internet of things (IOT) devices and enabling communication among the groups of IOT devices
The disclosure generally relates to enabling communication among one or more Internet of Things (IoT) device groups. In particular, various heterogeneous IoT devices that may need to interact with one another in different ways may be organized into IoT device groups to support efficient interaction among the IoT devices. For example, pre-defined IoT device groups may be formed organize certain IoT devices that perform similar activities and certain IoT devices may be dynamically allocated to ad-hoc IoT device groups for certain contexts (e.g., the ad-hoc IoT device groups may include IoT devices that can implement a desired function and therefore be dynamically formed to implement the desired function). Furthermore, the IoT groups may communicate hierarchically, wherein messages may be exchanged among IoT group owners or ranking members to support efficient communication between different IoT groups. |
| US09853820B2 |
Intelligent deletion of revoked data
A program on a device communicates with services of an organization and obtains data associated with the organization (also referred to as organization data). The organization data is optionally encrypted using one or more encryption keys, in which case the program has access to one or more decryption keys allowing the organization data to be decrypted and used at the device. Situations can arise in which the organization data stored on the device is to no longer be accessible to a user and/or the device, which is also referred to as the data being revoked. In response to organization data being revoked at the device, various techniques are used to intelligently delete the data, which refers to determining, based on the revocation that occurred and the nature of the data on the device, which data on the device is to be deleted from the device. |
| US09853815B2 |
Password verifying device and method
A password verifying method includes the following steps: providing a plurality of interactive regions in which several known password characters are arranged and shown randomly, at least one interactive region containing at least two characters; accepting selection of one of said plurality of interactive regions by a user, and after selection of one of the interactive regions by the user, randomly re-distributing said several known password characters into said interactive regions for subsequent selection by the user; and comparing characters contained in a predefined password sequence with characters contained in the interactive regions selected by the user, and outputting a signal representing a successful password verification when each character contained in the password sequence is identical to corresponding ones of the characters shown in respective ones of the interactive regions selected by the user. |
| US09853810B1 |
Message padding for bit-oriented and bit-reversed input messages
Systems, methods, and computer-readable media are disclosed for performing message padding of input messages in a manner that preserves the integrity of the input data regardless of whether the input message is in a bit-oriented format or a bit-reversed format. Each byte of a partial input message block of an input message may be converted from a bit-reversed format to a bit-oriented format prior to performing message padding in order to ensure that input data bits are not lost during the message padding. Subsequent to the message padding that generates one or more padded message blocks, the padded message block(s) may be converted from a bit-oriented format to a bit-reversed format to enable further processing of the input message to be performed to obtain a message digest. |
| US09853808B2 |
User equipment, initial cell searching method and apparatus thereof
An initial cell searching method includes: receiving at least one frame data sequence including synchronization channel signals; performing a correlation process between all synchronization sequences stored in user equipment and the received at least one data sequence to obtain correlation sequences, and calculating correlation power sequences corresponding to each of the correlation sequences; searching a highest peak and a secondary peak for each of the correlation power sequences, and recording the highest peak and corresponding position and the secondary peak and corresponding position; and determining a target cell ID based on a first target sequence. which corresponds to a synchronization sequence corresponding to a correlation power sequence of which a relative distance between the corresponding position of the highest peak and the corresponding position of the secondary peak meets a condition, and the highest peak of the correlation power sequence has a maximum peak value among highest peaks of all the correlation power sequences. |
| US09853798B2 |
Communication device, communication method, communication system, and base station for counting a number of frames
A communication device, method, and system generate wireless communication signals that include a subframe within a radio frame. The subframe includes an extension control area in a data area of the subframe. The extension control area is set according to a periodic mapping pattern. |
| US09853797B2 |
Method and apparatus for time division coexistence in unlicensed radio frequency bands for mobile devices
Apparatus and methods for time division multiplexing of radio frequency channels in unlicensed radio frequency bands by a wireless device in communication with a cellular wireless network are disclosed. The wireless device obtains, from an eNodeB, a configuration for carrier aggregation using a primary component carrier (PCC) in a licensed radio frequency band and at least one secondary component carrier (SCC) in an unlicensed radio frequency band. The configuration information specifies an “on” time period and an “off” time period for a repetitive time division cycle to use the at least one SCC in the unlicensed radio frequency band. During an “on” time period, the wireless device can transmit or receive using the PCC and the at least one SCC, as scheduled by the eNodeB. During an “off” time period, the wireless device can transmit or receive using the PCC and not using the at least one SCC. |
| US09853792B2 |
Method and apparatus for transmitting and receiving feedback on channel state information
A method of receiving a channel state information (CSI) report by a base station in a wireless communication system; the BS station (BS) therefore; a method of transmitting a CSI report by a user equipment (UE) in a wireless communication system; and the UE therefore are discussed. The method of receiving a CSI report according to one embodiment includes transmitting, via radio resource control (RRC) signaling, information for configuring at least one secondary cell (SCell) in addition to a primary cell (PCell) and a plurality of periodic CSI feedback configurations for a plurality of serving cells; and receiving, via a subframe of the PCell, a CSI report for only one of the plurality of serving cells. When CSI reports of two or more serving cells collide, CSI reports are dropped. When CSI reports of different serving cells having a same priority collide, CSI reports are dropped. |
| US09853790B2 |
Nodes and methods for allocating reference signal parameters to user equipments
Embodiments described relate to a Resource Partitioning Node (RPN) associated with scheduling nodes and a method performed by the RPN for allocating reference demodulation reference signal (DMRS) parameters to user equipments (UE). The method comprises assigning a first partition of at least one type of DMRS parameters to the at least one UE of the first scheduling node and a second partition of the same type of DMRS parameters to the at least one UE of the second scheduling node, and signaling, to the first and the second scheduling node, the respective partition of the at least one type of DMRS parameter to be used by the respective at least one UE. A scheduling node and a method thereof are also described. |
| US09853788B2 |
Apparatus and methods for wireless channel sounding
A technique of operating a wireless communication device includes receiving an assigned starting point index and an assigned reference signal bandwidth for a reference signal. The reference signal is then transmitted multiple times, beginning at an initial resource block that is associated with the assigned starting point index and in accordance with the assigned reference signal bandwidth, across a shared channel. |
| US09853785B2 |
Method of relay node using reference signal and relay node using the method
A method for transmitting a control signal, performed by a wireless device. The method according to one embodiment includes allocating resource elements (REs) for a control channel; and transmitting the control signal through the Res. Each RE in the REs for the control channel is associated with one out of two antenna ports. The two antenna ports are included in a plurality of antenna ports used for transmitting demodulation reference signals (DM RS). |
| US09853781B2 |
Method and apparatus for resource aggregation in wireless communications
Methods and apparatus for cell aggregation are disclosed. In accordance with one aspect information regarding a predefined maximum number of cells that can be aggregated by a communication device on a single carrier resource is sent by the communication device. Said Information is received by a network node where after control on cell aggregation can be based on the information, and the communication device can support cell aggregation on the single carrier resource up to said maximum number of cells. |
| US09853776B2 |
Method and apparatus for correcting errors in a multiple subcarriers communication system using multiple antennas
A method for correcting errors in a multiple antenna system based on a plurality of sub-carriers and a transmitting/receiving apparatus supporting the same are disclosed. The method includes determining a phase shift based precoding matrix phase shifted at a predetermined phase angle, initially transmitting each sub-carrier symbol to a receiver in a packet unit by using the phase shift based precoding matrix, reconstructing the phase shift based precoding matrix to reduce a spatial multiplexing rate if a negative reception acknowledgement (NACK) is received from the receiver, and retransmitting the initially transmitted sub-carrier symbol by using the reconstructed phase shift based precoding matrix or by changing the phase shift based precoding matrix using offset information fed back from the receiver or random offset information. |
| US09853774B2 |
System and method for restoring a status of an apparatus controlled by multiple commands
A system includes first, second, and third apparatuses. The second apparatus converts a first control-command received from the first apparatus to second control-commands compatible with the third apparatus, requests the third apparatus to perform the second control-commands, and notifies the first apparatus of a normal finish of the first control-command when all the second control-commands have finished normally, so that the first apparatus updates a first status of the third apparatus that is held by the first apparatus. The third processor updates a second status of the third apparatus that is held by the third apparatus, upon finishing each second control-command, generates reverse-commands for restoring a result of having executing the second control-commands to a status prior to executing the second control-commands, and, when all the second control-commands have not been executed, restores the second status to a status prior to having executed the second control-commands by executing the reverse-commands. |
| US09853772B2 |
Intelligent network checksum processing
Methods and systems for intelligent network checksum processing are disclosed. A method for intelligent network checksum processing may include receiving a data unit at a receiver network element sent from a sender network element, determining a success count of the sender network element, determining whether to perform a checksum validation at the receiver network element, wherein the determining may include skipping the checksum validation if the success count of the sender network element is greater than the predefined threshold success count, and performing the checksum validation if the success count of the sender network element is not greater than a predefined threshold success count, incrementing the success count of the sender network element if the checksum validation is performed and the checksum validation is successful, and resetting the success count of the sender network element if the checksum validation is performed and the checksum validation is unsuccessful. |
| US09853770B2 |
Systems and methods for circular convolution
System and method embodiments are provided for a receiver for circularly convolved signals. In an embodiment, a universal decoder for a circularly convolved signal includes a first decoder configured to decode the circularly convolved signal; a second decoder configured to decode a plurality of symbol lengths signal from a first portion of the circularly convolved signal, wherein the plurality of symbol lengths signal is time aligned with the circularly convolved signal before passing through the second decoder; and an adder component configured to sum a first decoder output coming from the first decoder and a second decoder output coming from the second decoder to produce a symbol value from which a log likelihood ratio (LLR) output is obtained. |
| US09853764B2 |
Optical network unit self-calibration in multi-wavelength passive optical network
A method and an apparatus for self-calibration of an ONU receiver in a multi-wavelength PON system, said method including the initial physical layer scan of the receiver tuning range, distributed estimation of the down-stream wavelength channel drift with respect to the nominal standard-based wavelengths, and reporting the estimated downstream wavelength channel drift in the downstream Channel_Map message. |
| US09853757B2 |
Satellite signal frequency translation and stacking
An outdoor satellite receiving unit (ODU) receives several independent satellite signals, selects two signals with a switch matrix, downconverts the two signals to a bandstacked signal with a high and a low band signal, and outputs the bandstacked signal on the same cable to receiver units. Several satellite signals can be selected in groups of two or more and output to independent receiver units. Signal selecting is performed at the received radio frequency (RF) and bandstacking is performed with a single downconversion step to an intermediate frequency (IF). Channel stacking on the same cable of more than two channels from several satellites can be achieved by using frequency agile downconverters and bandpass filters prior to combining at the IF output. A slow transitioning switch minimizes signal disturbances when switching and maintains input impedance at a constant value. |
| US09853756B2 |
Multicast over wireless network with the assistance of power-efficient peer group discovery
A method, an apparatus, and a computer program product for wireless communication are provided. The apparatus may be a data source determining to send a multicast transmission for a multicast group having a multicast group identifier, wirelessly communicating an expression with at least one node in the multicast group, the expression based on the multicast group identifier, and sending the multicast transmission to the at least one node. The apparatus may a data receiver determining to receive a multicast transmission for a multicast group having a multicast group identifier, wirelessly communicating an expression with a data source in the multicast group, the expression based on the multicast group identifier, and receiving the multicast transmission from the data source. |
| US09853754B1 |
Satellite downlink signal performance monitoring at identified antennas
A satellite monitoring system is disclosed. The system may monitor various downlink signals of various satellites. In response to user queries, the system may provide diagnostic and other data related to the characteristics of the downlink signals. In this manner, an independent verification and validation of downlink signal characteristics may be performed. Moreover, the system may take various actions in response to detected anomalies related to the characteristics of the downlink signals, such as automatically generating alerts for users and/or activating an uplink facility, such as a backup uplink facility and/or providing control signals to user devices, such as antenna controllers, to reorient user antennas in response to the characteristics of the downlink signals. |
| US09853753B2 |
Repair method and device for missing detection of control channel
Embodiments provide a repair method for missing detection of a control channel and relate to the field of communications. The method includes detecting whether a user equipment misses detecting a physical downlink control channel. After it is detected that the user equipment misses detecting the physical downlink control channel, a repair is performed using a repair policy. |
| US09853752B2 |
Method and system for generating a received signal strength indicator (RSSI) value that corresponds to a radio frequency (RF) signal
Embodiments of a method and a system for generating a received signal strength indicator (RSSI) value that corresponds to a radio frequency (RF) signal are disclosed. In an embodiment, a method for generating an RSSI value that corresponds to an RF signal involves obtaining an attenuation factor code in response to applying an automatic gain control (AGC) operation to the RF signal, obtaining an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) code in response to applying an ADC operation to a signal that results from the AGC operation, and combining the attenuation factor code and the ADC code to generate an RSSI value. Other embodiments are also described. |
| US09853746B2 |
Shielded EHF connector assemblies
Shielded extremely high frequency (EHF) connector assemblies are disclosed herein. In some embodiments, a first extremely high frequency (EHF) shielded connector assembly configured to be coupled with a second EHF shielded connector assembly. The first EHF connector assembly can include a first EHF communication unit operative to contactlessly communicate EHF signals with a second EHF communication unit included in the second EHF shielded connector assembly. The first connector can include a connector interface that includes a configuration to interface with a respective connector interface of the second EHF shield connector assembly, and several different material compositions that, in conjunction with the configuration, provide shielding to prevent or substantially reduce EHF signal leakage when the first EHF assembly connector is coupled to the second EHF assembly connector and the first EHF communication unit is contactlessly communicating EHF signals with the second EHF communication unit. |
| US09853743B2 |
Systems and methods for communication between medical devices
Systems and methods for conducted communication are described. In one embodiment, a method of communicating with a medical device implanted within a patient comprises receiving, at a medical device via electrodes connected to the patient, a conducted communication signal, wherein the conducted communication signal comprises a signal component and a noise component. The method may further comprise adjusting, by the medical device, a receive threshold based at least in part on an amplitude of the received conducted communication signal so as to reduce an amplitude of the noise component of the conducted communication signal. |
| US09853742B1 |
Software-defined acoustic communications system
A system includes at least one transducer, connected via a transceiver to a switch, configured to transmit signals into and receive signals from an operating environment, a first and a second amplifier connected to the switch, a first filter connected to the first amplifier and a second filter connected to the second amplifier, a digital-to-analog converter (DAC) connected to the first filter and an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) connected to second filter, a digital system connected to both the DAC and ADC, and a processor connected to the digital system. At least one of the digital system and the processor has a plurality of software modules stored therein. One of the software modules is configured to reconfigure the operating frequency of the digital system based upon the operating frequency of the transducer. |
| US09853741B2 |
Fiber optic encryption
A fiber optic encryption method is provided. The method includes transmitting an initial security key to a laser receiver apparatus over an out of band (OOB) signaling channel of a plurality of channels of a laser transmitter apparatus. The OOB signaling channel is secured based on the initial security key resulting in a secure OOB signaling channel. A secure bundle is generated. The secure bundle includes the secure OOB signaling channel and a group of channels and associated transmission frequencies. Data is transmitted via the secure bundle and it is determined if any channels do not transmit the data. |
| US09853735B1 |
Optical transmitter and method thereof
An apparatus includes: a laser driver configured to output a laser diode current in accordance with a transmit data, a bias control code, and a modulation control code, a laser diode configured to receive the laser diode current and output a light signal, a photodiode configured to receive the light signal and output a photodiode current, a reference driver configured to output a reference current in accordance with the transmit data, the transmit enable signal, a reference bias code, and a reference modulation code, a two-fold comparison circuit configured to compare the photodiode current and the reference current and output a first decision and a second decision, and a DSP configured to adjust the bias control code and the modulation control code in accordance with the first decision and a second decision. A method provides reliable light output using the described apparatus. |
| US09853730B2 |
Lighting based authentication of a mobile electronic device
A Light Emitting Diode (LED) based illumination device authenticates a mobile electronics device on a lighting communications network. The mobile electronic device may request a communications link on the lighting communications network and detect modulated illumination light emitted from the LED based illumination device. The modulated light may include an optical code. The mobile electronic device may determine the optical code from the modulated illumination light and communicate an indication of the optical code to the LED based illumination device. The LED based illumination device may determine if the indication of the optical code is correct and provide, in response, a communication link to the mobile electronics device on the lighting communications network. |
| US09853729B2 |
Inter-vehicle communication system
The present disclosure provides an inter-vehicle communication system configured to detect a vehicle as a communication target of DSRC to properly establish an automatic driving system. In the inter-vehicle communication system configured to perform communication between a plurality of vehicles using DSRC, each of vehicles includes an identification code (ID) of the vehicle in information to be transmitted by a DSRC unit. Each vehicle includes: an individual communication unit (optical communication unit) for optical communication, which is configured to transmit/receive IDs of vehicles through communication between individual vehicles; and a unit configured to detect information having a corresponding ID by collating the ID received by the individual communication unit with the ID included in the information received by the DSRC unit. Through ID collation, a communication counterpart vehicle of DSRC is detected. |
| US09853716B2 |
Multibeam coverage for a high altitude platform
Multibeam coverage for a high altitude platform (“HAP”) is disclosed. An example method to provision a HAP includes determining an altitude range at which the HAP will operate and determining a minimum elevation angle from the ground to the HAP. The method also includes determining a coverage area of the HAP based on the altitude range and the minimum elevation angle and partitioning the coverage area into substantially equal-sized cells. The method further includes assigning an antenna to each of the cells and determining a beamwidth and an elevation angle for each antenna to provide communication coverage to the corresponding cell. The method moreover includes determining an aperture for each of the antennas based on the beamwidth and the elevation angle to provide the substantially equal-sized cells. |
| US09853712B2 |
Broadband access system via drone/UAV platforms
The present disclosure describes the system and methods for providing broadband internet access to homes and enterprises using a network of drones/UAVs. The drone communication system is composed of an antenna sub-system, a radio sub-system and a data switching sub-system. Drones form and point beams toward ground terminals in different areas in a space division multiple access scheme. Ground terminals are composed of an antenna sub-system and a radio sub-system. Ground terminals search for the drone from which they receive the strongest signals. Drone and ground terminals comprise of methods and systems to calibrate receive and transmit antenna elements. Drone radio sub-system keeps track of the drone's position and orientation changes and adjust drone's antenna beam accordingly to point to the same location on the ground as the drone moves. Depending on the changes in drone's position and orientation, the drone radio sub-system may switch the antenna aperture and/or the antenna fixture that is used to form a beam toward a specific ground terminal. Drones communicate with the terminals using a space and time division multiple access scheme. |
| US09853705B2 |
Communication system, base station, mobile station, and reception quality determination method
A communication system includes a base station including a plurality of antennas that separate from each other and a mobile station. The base station maps a plurality of reference signals separable from each other onto the antennas to transmit the mapped reference signals. The mobile station determines, using the received reference signals, reception quality in consideration of gain of beam-forming transmission performed by the base station with the antennas, and notifies the base station of the determined reception quality. |
| US09853698B2 |
CA FDD-FDD and FDD-TDD architecture
Radio frequency (RF) front end circuitry includes RF filtering circuitry with first multiplexer circuitry and second multiplexer circuitry. The first multiplexer circuitry is used to pass primary RF transmit and receive signals within one or more frequency division duplexing (FDD) operating bands and diversity multiple-input-multiple-output (MIMO) receive signals within one or more time division duplexing (TDD) operating bands between transceiver circuitry and one or more antennas. The second multiplexer circuitry is used to pass primary RF transmit and receive signals within the one or more TDD operating bands and diversity MIMO receive signals within the one or more FDD operating bands between the transceiver circuitry and the one or more antennas. |
| US09853690B1 |
Generating high resolution inferences in electrical networks
Methods, systems, and computer program products for generating high resolution inferences in electrical networks are provided herein. A computer-implemented method includes collecting multiple items of data from one or more data sources arising from a power distribution network, wherein the multiple items of data comprise (i) one or more levels of temporal resolution and (ii) one or more levels of spatial resolution; determining a network topology of the power distribution network based on identification of one or more connections between each of multiple components within the power distribution network; and generating a power flow estimate for one or more nodes within the power distribution network at a pre-determined level of spatio-temporal resolution, wherein said generating comprises applying a model to (i) the multiple items of collected data, (ii) the determined network topology, and (iii) one or more relations constraining the power flow estimate at the pre-determined level of spatio-temporal resolution. |
| US09853685B2 |
Tunable duplexer arrangement configured for TDD operation
RF duplexing and methods of operating the same are described herein. In one embodiment, an RF duplexing system may include a control circuit and a duplexer with a first tunable RF filter and second tunable RF filter. The control circuit is operable in a full duplexing transmission mode and a half duplexing transmission mode. The control circuit tunes the first tunable RF filter in the full duplexing transmission mode so that the first tunable RF filter defines a transmission passband and tune the second tunable RF filter so that the second tunable RF filter defines a receive passband. Also, the control circuit tunes one of the tunable RF filters so that the tunable RF filter defines the passband while the other tunable RF filter enhances the passband. In this manner, the tunable RF filters in the duplexer are both utilized to get better performance during the half duplexing mode. |
| US09853679B2 |
MEMS-based regenerative transceiver
A radio frequency (RF) MEMS resonator is embedded in an active positive feedback loop to form a tunable RF channel-selecting radio transceiver employing a super-regenerative reception scheme. This transceiver harnesses the exceptionally high Q (around 100,000) and voltage-controlled frequency tuning of a resonator structure to enable selection of any one of among twenty 1 kHz wide RF channels over an 80 kHz range, while rejecting adjacent channels and consuming <490 μW. Such transceivers are well suited to wireless sensor node applications, where low-power and simplicity trump transmission rate. Electrical stiffness-based frequency tuning also allows this same device to operate as a frequency shift keyed (FSK) transmitter, making a complete transceiver in one simple device. Finally, the geometric flexibility of resonator structure design should permit a large range of usable RF frequencies, from the presently demonstrated 60.6-MHz VHF, all the way up to UHF. |
| US09853668B2 |
Wideband beamformer system
An adaptive phased-array processing solution, referred to as the Wideband Beamformer System (WBS), demonstrates an improvement in the range and quality of air link surveillance downlink wireless cell radio signals. The WBS applies wideband frequency-domain adaptive beamforming to preprocess the dense RF signal environment, minimizing co-channel interference (CCI) from each signal, and then reconstructing a “clean” version of the signal for input to the existing surveillance receiver(s). |
| US09853667B2 |
Noise and interference estimation for colliding neighbor reference signals
This disclosure relates to techniques for estimating noise and interference in a wireless communication system in which neighbor and serving cell reference signals are colliding. A wireless device and a base station may establish a wireless communication link such that the base station acts as a serving cell to the wireless device. It may be determined that one or more neighboring cells have colliding reference signals with the serving cell. Neighbor load conditions may be determined. A neighbor reference signal interference cancellation policy may be selected based at least in part on the determined neighbor load conditions and the one or more neighboring cells having colliding reference signals with the serving cell. |
| US09853665B2 |
Method for selection between VAMOS receiver and non-VAMOS receiver in user equipment
An apparatus and a method are provided for selecting a receiver in a user equipment (UE). The method includes receiving, at the UE, a signal; determining, at the UE, a switch metric based on correlation metrics of a training sequence of the signal; comparing, at the UE, the switch metric with a threshold; and selecting, at the UE, one of a voice services over adaptive multi-user channels on one slot (VAMOS) receiver and a non-VAMOS receiver based on the comparing result. |
| US09853664B2 |
Radio frequency power amplification system, radio frequency power amplification method, transmitter, and base station
A apparatus for radio frequency power amplification, a radio frequency power amplification method, a transmitter, and a base station that can reduce nonlinear signal distortion factors are disclosed. The radio frequency power amplification system includes: a radio frequency signal generation circuit, configured to process a baseband digital signal, to obtain an original radio frequency signal; a radio frequency signal processing circuit, configured to process the original radio frequency signal, to obtain N processed radio frequency signals, where N is greater than or equal to 2; a power amplifier, configured to perform power amplification on each of the N processed radio frequency signals, to obtain N amplified radio frequency signals; and a combiner, configured to combine the N amplified radio frequency signals. |
| US09853663B2 |
Method and apparatus for managing operations of a communication device
A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a communication device having a controller to provision a matching network that controls one or more operational characteristics of one of a receiver portion and a transmitter portion of the communication device according to a profile describing one or more characteristics of a communication system from which the communication device operates. Additional embodiments are disclosed. |
| US09853655B1 |
Testing a capacitor array by delta charge
In some examples, a method includes controlling a first set of switches to deliver a first voltage signal through a first set of capacitors to a common node. The method also includes controlling a second set of switches to deliver a second voltage signal through a second set of capacitors to the common node, wherein the first set of capacitors is electrically connected to the second set of capacitors by the common node. The method further includes measuring a time duration to discharge the common node. The second voltage signal includes an opposing polarity to the first voltage signal. |
| US09853654B2 |
Error-feedback digital-to-analog converter (DAC)
In one embodiment, a method for converting an input digital signal into an analog signal is provided. The method comprises modulating the input digital signal into a modulated digital signal, and converting the modulated digital signal into the analog signal using a digital-to-analog converter (DAC). The modulation shapes quantization noise of the DAC to place a notch at a frequency within an out-of-bound frequency band to reduce the quantization noise within the out-of-bound frequency band. |
| US09853653B2 |
Error cancellation in a current digital-to-analog converter of a continuous-time sigma-delta modulator
Apparatus and methods for reducing noise and distortion in current digital-to-analog converters (IDACs). Compensating capacitors may be connected to current sources in an IDAC. The compensating capacitors may be driven with signals 5 derived from the output of the IDAC to cancel transient current spikes that would otherwise occur on the output of the IDAC. |
| US09853652B2 |
Semiconductor device performing common mode voltage compensation using analog-to-digital converter
A semiconductor device is provided that includes a first chip that generates a single signal by connecting a first signal line and a second signal line, to which differential signals are respectively provided, and outputs the single signal to a third signal line. The first chip is driven by a first power supply voltage. The semiconductor device also includes a second chip comprising an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) that receives the single signal through the third signal line, compares the single signal with a reference voltage, and outputs a digital signal based on the comparison. The semiconductor device also includes a controller that monitors the digital signal and adjusts the reference voltage to be approximately equivalent to the first power supply voltage. |
| US09853649B2 |
Phase domain calculator clock, ALU, memory, register file, sequencer, latches
A novel and useful apparatus for and method of software based phase locked loop (PLL). The software based PLL incorporates a reconfigurable calculation unit (RCU) that is optimized and programmed to sequentially perform all the atomic operations of a PLL or any other desired task in a time sharing manner. An application specific instruction-set processor (ASIP) incorporating the RCU includes an instruction set whose instructions are optimized to perform the atomic operations of a PLL. The RCU is clocked at a fast enough processor clock rate to insure that all PLL atomic operations are performed within a single PLL reference clock cycle. |
| US09853646B2 |
System, method and apparatus for phase hits and microphonics cancellation
A system and method for system, method and apparatus for phase hits and microphonics cancellation. In addition to a first RF synthesizer source, a device also includes a second stable reference signal source that operates at a lower frequency as compared to the RF synthesizer source. The second stable reference signal source is selected with good phase noise characteristics and can be used to correct phase error events. |
| US09853641B2 |
Internal voltage generation circuit
An internal voltage generation circuit may be provided. The internal voltage generation circuit may include a pulse generation circuit configured to generate a first pulse and a second pulse in response to an external voltage. The internal voltage generation circuit may include a pulse synthesis circuit configured for synthesizing the first pulse and the second pulse to generate a synthesis pulse. |
| US09853640B2 |
Continuously charged isolated supply network for secure logic applications
A floating core network for secure isolation of a circuit from an external supply interface is described. Isolation of a core is accomplished through a dynamic current limiting network providing an isolated core voltage to the core; and an isolated supply for the corresponding core that is continuously recharged by the dynamic current limiting network. The dynamic current limiting network can include two control loops, one control loop providing a fixed gate voltage to a p-type transistor supplying current to the isolated supply and another control loop providing a fixed gate voltage to an n-type transistor sinking current from the isolated supply. |
| US09853636B2 |
Semiconductor apparatus
A semiconductor apparatus includes an internal circuit connected to a first power line to which a first power voltage is applied; a transistor including a first terminal, which is connected to a node to which an input voltage is applied, a second terminal connected to the internal circuit, and a control terminal to which a control voltage is applied; and a voltage control circuit, which is connected to the node, generating the control voltage. Further, the voltage control circuit includes a step-down circuit generating an internal voltage by lowering the input voltage applied to the node, and a switching circuit, which is connected to the first power line, generating the control voltage based on the first power voltage and the internal voltage. |
| US09853635B2 |
Double frequency-shift keying modulating device
A double frequency-shift keying modulating device includes a modulation module. The modulation module receives an oscillating signal and a digital signal, and generates a modulation output signal that has a first frequency. The first frequency is associated with a frequency of the oscillating signal and varies periodically at a second frequency. The second frequency is associated with the digital signal and the frequency of the oscillating signal. |
| US09853630B2 |
Skew-tolerant flip-flop
A flip-flop includes a master latch configured to receive a data signal and a scan input signal. The master latch provides one of the data signal or the scan input signal to a slave latch based on a scan enable signal. The flip-flop includes circuitry configured to generate clock signals based on one or both of an input clock signal and the scan enable signal. A first clock signal is provided to the master latch and a second clock signal is provided to the slave latch. The first clock signal does not include edge transitions that occur at same times as edge transitions of the second clock signal when the scan enable signal has a first logic level. The first clock signal includes edge transitions that occur at same times as edge transitions of the second clock signal when the scan enable signal has a second logic level. |
| US09853628B1 |
Structure of an integrated crystal oscillator package
A structure of an integrated crystal oscillator package has a first quartz crystal resonator, a second quartz crystal resonator, and application-specific integrated circuit chip (ASIC) combined in a package. The ASIC has a switch control for receiving audio formats of 44.1 kHz and 48 kHz with different hi-fidelity (hi-fi). The first quartz crystal resonator has a first clock rate corresponding to the 44.1 kHz frequency and the second quartz crystal resonator has a second clock rate corresponding to the 48 kHz frequency to be switched by the present invention in operation. |
| US09853626B2 |
Acoustic resonator comprising acoustic redistribution layers and lateral features
An acoustic resonator device including a piezoelectric layer, a first electrode disposed adjacent to a first surface of the piezoelectric layer, and a second electrode disposed adjacent to a second surface of the piezoelectric layer. At least one of the first electrode and the second electrode includes a first conductive layer disposed adjacent to the piezoelectric layer and having a first acoustic impedance, and a second conductive layer disposed on a side of the first conductive layer opposite the piezoelectric layer and having a second acoustic impedance greater than the first acoustic impedance. The acoustic resonator device further includes at least one lateral feature for increasing quality factor Q of the acoustic resonator structure. The at least one lateral feature includes at least one of an air-ring between the piezoelectric layer and the second electrode, and a frame on at least one of the first electrode and the piezoelectric layer. |
| US09853625B2 |
Acoustic wave device, transceiver device, and mobile communication device
An acoustic wave device includes: an acoustic wave chip including an acoustic wave element formed therein; a multilayered substrate including the acoustic wave chip mounted on an upper surface thereof; a first ground terminal formed on a lower surface of the multilayered substrate and electrically coupled to a ground electrode of the acoustic wave chip; a second ground terminal formed on the lower surface; a signal terminal formed on the lower surface and electrically coupled to a signal electrode of the acoustic wave chip; and a shield layer formed at least on the upper surface, on the lower surface, or between the lower surface and the upper surface of the multilayered substrate so as to overlap with at least a part of the acoustic wave chip, not electrically coupled to the first ground terminal in the multilayered substrate, and electrically coupled to the second ground terminal. |
| US09853624B2 |
SAW resonator with resonant cavities
A surface acoustic wave (SAW) resonator is provided with reduced rattling at frequencies lower than the resonance value. The SAW resonator includes an interdigital transducer (IDT) on a piezoelectric substrate. The IDT includes a first set of interdigital electrodes distributed between and parallel to the first end of the IDT and the second end of the IDT and a second set of interdigital electrodes interleaved with the first plurality of interdigital electrodes. A first resonant cavity is formed a predetermined distance from the first end of the IDT, and a second resonant cavity is formed a predetermined distance from the second end of the IDT. Additionally, a radio frequency (RF) filter is provided that includes multiple SAW resonators that include the resonant cavities formed a predetermined distance from the first and second ends of the IDT. This RF filter may provide increased bandwidth and reduced insertion loss. |
| US09853620B2 |
Coupled-resonator on-die filters for WiFi applications
A radio frequency (RF) filter circuit for rejecting one or more spurious components of an input signal has a first resonator circuit including a first capacitor and a first coupled inductor pair of a first inductor and a second inductor, and a second resonator circuit with a second capacitor and a second coupled inductor pair of a third inductor and a fourth inductor. First and second resonator coupling capacitors are connected to the first resonator circuit and the second resonator circuit. A first port and a second port are connected to the first resonator circuit and the second resonator, with the filtered signal of the input signal passed through both the first resonator circuit and the second resonator circuit being output. |
| US09853616B2 |
Low noise variable gain amplifier utilizing variable feedback techniques with constant input/output impedance
Variable feedback architecture and control techniques for variable gain amplifiers (VGAs) concurrently maintain, across a wide range of VGA gain settings, minimal input and output impedance variations, a low noise figure, low rates of change in noise figure, high signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), high quality of service (QoS), low distortion, high and relatively constant output third order intercept point (i.e., IP3 or TOI). Variable feedback counteracts impedance variations caused by gain variations. Compared to conventional high performance VGAs, noise figure is lower (e.g. 3 dB lower at maximum gain and 12 dB lower at minimum gain) and relatively constant, IP3 is higher and relatively constant, small signal third order intermodulation signal (IM3) tone slope is relatively constant and input and output impedances are relatively constant. As gain decreases, the noise figure advantage is nearly dB per dB compared to conventional high performance VGAs. |
| US09853611B2 |
Instrumentation amplifier with digitally programmable input capacitance cancellation
An instrumentation amplifier that includes input capacitance cancellation is provided. The architecture includes programmable capacitors between the input stage and a current feedback loop of the instrumentation amplifier to cancel input capacitances from electrode cables and a printed circuit board at the front end. An on-chip calibration unit can be employed to calibrate the programmable capacitors and improve the input impedance. |
| US09853606B2 |
Semiconductor integrated circuit and wireless transmitter
A semiconductor integrated circuit includes a first transmission power mode configured to transmit by a first power, and a second transmission power mode configured to transmit by a second power smaller than the first power, the semiconductor integrated circuit. The semiconductor integrated circuit includes a first transistor configured to receive and amplify a transmission signal in the second transmission power mode, and an attenuator including a resistor element and a switching element, provided between an output of the first transistor and an output terminal, configured to control attenuation of an output signal of the first transistor. |
| US09853605B2 |
Transistor package, amplification circuit including the same, and method of forming transistor
A transistor package according to one exemplary embodiment includes main transistors and a sub-transistor placed in the same package as the main transistors and having a smaller size than the main transistors. It is thereby possible to provide a transistor package with more versatility capable of forming various types of Doherty amplification circuits such as a Doherty amplification circuit with auto-biasing function and an extended Doherty amplification circuit with desired operating characteristics, an amplification circuit including the same, and a method of forming a transistor. |
| US09853599B2 |
Simultaneous linearization of multiple power amplifiers with independent power
An antenna array includes a plurality of power amplifiers, each having a signal input, a signal output coupled to a cell of the antenna array, and a power input. The antenna array includes a plurality of power supplies, each power supply individually and separately coupled to a corresponding one of the plurality of power amplifiers at a respective power input. The antenna array further includes single a pre-distortion linearizer with a linearizer input that receives a signal and a linearizer output that is coupled to each signal input of each of the plurality of power amplifiers. Each power amplifier is operated in gain compression by setting its operating voltage according to a power output of the power amplifier. |
| US09853597B2 |
Pivot-fit connection apparatus, system, and method for photovoltaic modules
A system and method are disclosed for quickly and easily assembling PV modules into a PV array in a sturdy and durable manner. In examples of the present technology, the system includes various couplings having a first engaging portion adapted to engage a first PV module and a second engaging portion adapted to engage a second PV module. At least one of the engaging portions allows variable positioning of the engaged PV module along the engaging portion. |
| US09853596B2 |
Low-slope mounted photovoltaic array
A photovoltaic array mounting system for a low-slope roof having interchangeable first and second bases, with a short leg extending from the first base at a non-vertical angle and a long leg extending from the second base at a non-vertical angle, wherein the short and long legs support opposite sides of a photovoltaic module such that the module is held at a non-horizontal angle, and wherein rock-in connectors are provided on top of the short and long legs permitting fast and easy system installation. |
| US09853595B1 |
Fixture for on-roof installation object and fixing structure of on-roof installation object
A fixture includes a substitutive roof member that includes a base part, a base opening, a tubular wall that is erected from a peripheral edge of the base opening, a top face that extends inwardly from a top end of the tubular wall and forms a top face opening, and a pair of guide surfaces that each extend downward from peripheral sides of the top face opening, the substitutive roof member being made of a metal; and a mounting base that includes a pair of planar bottom plates that is provided in such a size as to pass through the top face opening, a pair of rising walls that are each erected from inner sides of the bottom plates, a connection part that connects upper sides of the rising walls, and a fixing member mounting part that is exposed at the connection part for mounting a bolt. |
| US09853587B2 |
System for operating a three-phase variable frequency drive from an unbalanced three-phase or single-phase AC source
A variable frequency motor drive comprises a converter including a rectifier having an input for connection to an AC power source and converting the AC power to DC power. A DC bus is connected to the rectifier circuit. At least one bus capacitor is across the DC bus. An inverter receives DC power from the DC bus and converts the DC power to AC power to drive a motor. A controller is operatively connected to the converter. The controller comprises a speed control controlling the inverter responsive to a speed command to maintain a desired motor speed. A speed foldback control measures DC bus ripple voltage and regulates the speed command responsive to the measured DC bus ripple voltage. |
| US09853586B2 |
Motor driven appliance
A motor driven appliance comprises a battery, a motor, at least one switch, a control unit, an abnormality detection unit, a determination unit, and a processing unit. The at least one switch comprises an operation switch. The control unit controls driving of the motor by controlling power supply from the battery to the motor when the operation switch is turned on. The abnormality detection unit detects abnormality of the appliance. The determination unit determines whether the detected abnormality is a first type abnormality that can be cleared when the operation switch is switched from on to off, or is a second type abnormality that cannot be cleared even if the operation switch is merely switched from on to off. The processing unit is configured to perform a specific process when it is determined that the detected abnormality is the second type abnormality. |
| US09853583B2 |
Motor driving apparatus and controlling method thereof
Disclosed herein are a motor driving apparatus and a controlling method thereof. The motor driving apparatus includes a motor having a rotor including a permanent magnet, and a stator, an inverter to supply a driving power to the motor, and a control unit to estimate a parameter using a startup estimation when a rotation speed of the rotor is less than a preset startup speed, to estimate the parameter using a driving estimation with compensating for a dead time when the rotation speed of the rotor is equal to or greater than the preset startup speed and a torque of the rotor is equal to or less than a preset driving torque, and to estimate the parameter using the driving estimation without the dead time compensation when the rotation speed of the rotor is equal to or greater than the preset startup speed and the torque of the rotor exceeds the preset driving torque. |
| US09853582B2 |
Converter interconnected with a wind power generation farm to enable continuous power transmission and operating method thereof
A converter and an operation method thereof are provided. A converter interconnected with a wind power generation farm includes a power monitor unit configured to detect a direct-current voltage of an entire system interconnected with the converter, a control unit configured to compare the detected direct-current voltage of the entire system with a reference voltage and adjust an alternating-current voltage that is supplied to the wind power generation farm to a preset value, and a switching unit configured to perform a switching operation based on the adjusted preset value to convert alternating-current power into direct-current power. |
| US09853581B2 |
Lifing and performance optimization limit management for turbine engine
A control for a multi-shaft turbine engine system using electrical machines seeks optimal system performance while accommodating hard and soft component limits. To accommodate the component limits, the control may generate a number of possible operating point options reflecting potential trade-offs in performance, lifing, efficiency, or other objectives. |
| US09853580B2 |
Method of controlling start-up noise in BLDC (brushless direct current) fan motors
A method to reduce acoustic noise in a cooling fan motor is disclosed. The method includes reducing the slew rate of a PWM (pulse width modulation) voltage waveform applied to energize a coil of the fan motor. This slew rate reduction results in lower mechanical vibrations and acoustic noise in the fan motor. In one embodiment, the slew rate reduction is performed during startup of the fan motor, when the motor is spinning slowly and there is little air flow noise. In another embodiment, the slew rate reduction is not performed during high speed operation of the fan motor, when the fan motor is spinning very fast and air flow noise masks the motor noise. In one embodiment, there is variable slew rate control depending on the speed of the fan motor. |
| US09853575B2 |
Angular motor shaft with rotational attenuation
A linear actuator assembly has a linear actuator including a motor shaft extending from a base with a piezoelectric component oscillate the shaft. The shaft has a faceted surface. A movable carriage has a notch with at least one flat surface that receives the shaft of the linear actuator. The carriage is in direct and continuous contact with the motor shaft at the notch such that the motor shaft's facet is in contact with the flat surface of the notch, when the carriage moves linearly along a travel axis. A spring is coupled to the carriage to urge the motor shaft into contact with the notch of the carriage so as to maintain contact between the motor shaft facet and the flat surface of the notch to inhibit rotation of the motor shaft. |
| US09853569B2 |
Method for actuating inverters connected in parallel
The invention relates to a method for actuating inverter stages (2) switched in parallel, wherein each inverter stage (2) comprises several switching elements (3) with two switching states each. In accordance with the invention, the actuation of the inverter stages (2) occurs via a central control unit (6) which is connected to each inverter stage (2) via a serial data transmission path (5). Measures are proposed for transmitting the selected switching states from the central control unit (6) to the respective inverter stage (2) in order to ensure secure operation of the inverter stages (2) over a plurality of switching processes on the one hand and to reliably prevent functional impairments of the switching elements (3) by erroneous actuation, but to also carry out the actuation of the switching elements (3) of the inverter stages (2) in a sufficiently rapid way on the other hand in order to avoid impairing the quality of the output current formed by the inverter stage (2). |
| US09853567B2 |
DC source-to-AC grid tie-in power enhancement using multilevel/multiphase inverter topology and resonant matrix tank converter
A high efficiency multi-mode/multi-phase power conversion device has DC-boost receiving input power from a plurality of DC (e.g., solar) sources, power inverters and an AC grid supply. Power conversion switches are arranged in a stacked configuration with controllable inner and outer switches conveying: in an non-inverting switched mode, an AC voltage from power from the AC grid supply; in an inverting outer switched mode, an AC voltage from power from the AC grid supply; and in an inverting outer and inner switched mode, an inverted voltage from power from the DC-boost circuit. At least one input switch and output to the AC grid supply is coupled to an output of the power inverters and a resonant circuit is coupled to the input switch. A rectifier and/or high voltage AC output tap is coupled to the resonant circuit and a controller is coupled to the power conversion switches and the input switch. |
| US09853562B2 |
Converter station with diode rectifier
A converter station for the transmission of electrical power has a diode rectifier with a DC terminal and an AC terminal. At least one transformer is connected to the AC terminal. In order to render the converter station as compact as possible, the diode rectifier is arranged in an insulating material. |
| US09853560B2 |
Congruent power and timing signals for device
Congruent power and timing signals in a single electronic device. In an embodiment, a circuit may include just one isolation transformer operable to generate a power signal and a timing signal. On the secondary side, two branches may extract both a power signal and a clock signal for use in the circuit on the isolated secondary side. The first branch may be coupled to the transformer and operable to manipulate the signal into a power signal, such as a 5V DC signal. Likewise, the second circuit branch is operable to manipulate the signal into a clock signal, such as a 5 V signal with a frequency of 1 MHz. By extracting both a power supply signal and a clock signal from the same isolation transformer on the secondary side, valuable space may be saved on an integrated circuit device with only having a single winding for a single isolation transformer. |