Document | Document Title |
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US09871388B2 |
Voltage equalization apparatus and electricity storage apparatus
A voltage equalization apparatus includes a switch controller controlling a first switch that is configured to provide a first voltage to a first rectifier element group corresponding to a first electricity storage member and controlling a second switch that is configured to provide a second voltage to a second rectifier element group corresponding to a second electricity storage member, and the switch controller is configured to individually control the first switch and the second switch based on voltage measurement signals of the first electricity storage member and the second electricity storage member. |
US09871387B1 |
Systems and methods of object detection using one or more video cameras in wireless power charging systems
Embodiments disclosed herein disclose a wireless charging system configured to generate and transmit power waves that, due to physical waveform characteristics converge at a predetermined location in a transmission field to generate a pocket of energy. Receivers, associated with an electronic device being powered by the wireless charging system, can extract energy from these pocket of energy and then convert the extracted energy into usable electric power for the electronic device associated with a receiver. The pocket of energy may manifest as a three-dimensional field (e.g., transmission field) where energy can be harvested by a receiver positioned within or nearby the pocket of energy. Video sensors capture actual video images of fields of view within the transmission field, and a processor identifies selected objects, selected events, and/or selected locations within the captured actual video images. |
US09871384B2 |
Wireless charging of metal backed electronic devices
A method and system for providing wireless power transfer through a metal object by forming a loop conductor from the metal object through a feature or component embedded within the metal object and by replacing portions of the metal object with insulating components. The method and system utilize a recessed channel to install and isolate conductors that are connected to transmitter or receiver circuits and enable wireless power transfer and other communications. The recessed channel creates a loop around at least a portion of the metal object such that the conductor installed therein may form a loop conductor, which may be connected to a source or sink. In some implementations, a logo embedded within the metal object may create a loop formed by the metal object with a current path around the logo, wherein the metal object itself may be configured to operate as the conductor. |
US09871381B2 |
Regenerative power supply system and method
A regenerative power supply system and method comprises a dynamo-electric generator, an electric drive motor coupled to the generator, a transmission device coupling the generator to the electric drive motor, and an energy storage device configured to provide a backup power supply to the regenerative power supply system. An electronic control device is configured to control a flow of electricity to the electric drive motor. An energy storage management device is configured to control a flow of electricity between the electronic control device and the energy storage device. |
US09871375B2 |
Secure body of memory card reader
A body of a memory card reader, which has an overall rectangular parallelepiped shape including a slot for inserting a memory card. The reader body includes, on a rear surface thereof, a recess for receiving a memory card connector, the receiving recess being of a predetermined volume shape and including at least one conductive track. |
US09871374B2 |
Protecting circuit and integrated circuit
A protecting circuit includes: a discharge switch configured to connect to a first terminal and a second terminal; a trigger circuit comprising load devices configured to be connected in series between the first terminal and the second terminal, each of the load devices being configured to consume power; and a shunt circuit comprising, between the trigger circuit and the first terminal or the second terminal, at least one shunt pathway configured to be capable of bypassing at least one of the load devices. The trigger circuit is configured to turn on the discharge switch when a voltage between the first terminal and the second terminal is higher than a first voltage value, and the shunt circuit is configured to electrically connect the shunt pathway when the voltage is higher than a second voltage value that is greater than the first voltage value. |
US09871372B2 |
Voltage bus protection and isolation device
A voltage bus protection/isolation device includes voltage input and output terminals, a disconnect circuit connected between the voltage input and output terminals, a voltage monitoring circuit connected to the voltage input terminal, a resistive circuit connected between a first and second return terminals, a current squared time monitoring circuit connected to the resistive circuit, a control circuit connected, and a fault latch circuit connected to the monitoring circuits, the disconnect circuit and the control circuit. The fault latch circuit: turns the disconnect circuit “OFF” thereby isolating the voltage input terminal from the voltage output terminal whenever the monitoring circuits detect an over voltage condition, an under voltage condition or an overload condition, or an “OFF” signal is received from the control circuit; and turns the disconnect circuit “ON” thereby connecting the voltage input terminal to the voltage output terminal whenever an “ON” signal is received from the control circuit. |
US09871369B2 |
Load driver circuit and load short-circuit detection circuit
A load driver circuit includes a detection circuit periodically detecting an inrush current that flows to the detection capacitor from the first terminal through the first switch element and outputting a detection signal responsive to a result of the detection at the first node; a peak hold circuit holding a peak voltage of the detection signal and outputting the held peak voltage as a detection voltage; a comparison circuit comparing the detection voltage with a threshold voltage and outputting a comparison result signal responsive to a result of the comparison; a control circuit controlling the first switch element to switch on and off, controlling a current detection operation of the detection circuit, and outputting a load control signal that controls the operation of the load; and a logic circuit controlling the load switch element based on the comparison result signal and the load control signal. |
US09871365B2 |
Protective relay system and protective relay device
A protective relay system includes plural protective relay devices protecting a power system based on electrical quantity data from the power system, and a communication between the protective power devices is performed via a network. The protective relay device includes a clock unit periodically clocking a timing at which sampling is performed on an electrical quantity of the power system, a relay computing unit performing a relay computation based on the electrical quantity data having undergone the sampling and electrical quantity data received via the network, a random-number creating unit creating a random number, and a synchronization-frame processing unit setting a timing of sending a synchronization frame to another protective relay device via the network based on the random number created by the random-number creating unit. |
US09871359B1 |
Split backshell for wire bundles
A backshell, the backshell including a first shell member having a first end, a second end and a first channel, a second shell member having a first end, a second end and a second channel, the second shell member being configured to interface with the first shell member so that, when interfaced, the first ends of the first and second shell members are adjacent each other and defines a backshell first end, the second ends of the first and second shell members are adjacent each other and defines a backshell second end, and the channels of the first and the second shell members form a wire bundle passage extending between the backshell first end and the backshell second end, and a coupling ring configured to engage both the first shell member and the second shell member at the backshell first end to couple the first shell member to the second shell member. |
US09871357B2 |
Systems and methods for cooling power transmission systems
A cooling system for cooling a power transmission system that includes a cable configured to carry a current corresponding to a transported electric power may include: a cooling device configured to remove heat from the power transmission system; a power supply system configured to extract a power fraction from the cable and configured to supply the cooling device with the power fraction; and a control unit configured to control an amount of the extracted power fraction in response to a parameter of the electric power. When the parameter is higher than a threshold, the extracted power fraction is equal to a first value that depends on the electric power carried in the cable through a first function. When the parameter is lower than the threshold, the extracted power fraction is equal to a second value that depends on the electric power carried in the cable through a second function. |
US09871356B2 |
Method and apparatus for translating coupling features of a plug-in unit
Embodiments of a plug-in unit for an electrical enclosure are disclosed. The plug-in unit includes at least one stab configured to engage a bus, a stab shaft coupled with a base of the at least one stab, and a stab translation mechanism configured to translate the stab shaft such that the at least one stab translates from a retracted position to an extended position. |
US09871354B2 |
Enclosure with lid counterweight assembly
An enclosure includes a body portion, a top portion having a lid component configured to rotate with respect to the body portion to provide access to an interior compartment of the enclosure, and a counterweight assembly coupled between the lid component and the body portion. The counterweight assembly is configured such that the force required to rotate the lid component from the enclosure's closed position to its full-open position is substantially constant. |
US09871353B2 |
Bottom assembly for the frame of a switch cabinet
A base assembly for the rack of a switchgear cabinet, comprising horizontal frame profiles which have the height h and which surround a base section of the rack, wherein at the height h, the frame profiles have a first horizontal mounting plane, is characterized in that, spaced from the first horizontal mounting plane, at least one additional mounting plane is provided, on or adjoining a fixed support which is formed at least sectionally on one or more of the frame profiles and projects into the base section. |
US09871351B2 |
Wire ground electrode spark plug for super flow
The present teachings provide for a spark plug for an internal combustion engine and a method of constructing the spark plug. The spark plug can include a housing, insulator, first electrode, and ground electrode. The housing can be configured to be coupled to the engine. The insulator can be received in the housing. The first electrode can be received in the housing and can be spaced apart from the housing by the insulator. The ground electrode can have a first end, second end, and base portion. The first and second ends can be coupled to the housing for thermal conduction with the housing. At least one of the first and second ends can be coupled to the housing for electrical conduction with the housing. The base portion can be spaced apart from the first electrode to define a spark plug gap between the first electrode and the base portion. |
US09871344B2 |
Tunable laser and method for tuning a lasing mode
A tunable laser for tuning a lasing mode based on light beams travelling through at least one block of channel waveguides with at least two tunable combs, includes: a frequency selective optical multiplexer comprising a first terminal for receiving/transmitting light, at least one block of channel waveguides, each channel waveguide having a reflectively coated first tail and a second tail, and an optical coupling element optically coupling the first terminal with the second tails of the channel waveguides of the at least one block of channel waveguides, each of the channel waveguides having a different length; a gain element generating a broad spectrum of light, the gain element coupling the first terminal of the frequency selective optical multiplexer with a reflective element. |
US09871339B1 |
Laser transmitter for generating a coherent laser output signal with reduced self-phase modulation and method
A laser transmitter is provided that includes a seed signal generator, an amplitude modulator and a power amplifier. The seed signal generator is configured to generate a seed signal that has a continuous waveform. The amplitude modulator is configured to generate a flat-top pulse signal based on the seed signal. The power amplifier is configured to generate a laser output signal based on the flat-top pulse signal. |
US09871337B2 |
FEL system with homogeneous average output
A method of varying the output of a free electron laser (FEL) on very short time scales to produce a slightly broader, but smooth, time-averaged wavelength spectrum. The method includes injecting into an accelerator a sequence of bunch trains at phase offsets from crest. Accelerating the particles to full energy to result in distinct and independently controlled, by the choice of phase offset, phase-energy correlations or chirps on each bunch train. The earlier trains will be more strongly chirped, the later trains less chirped. For an energy recovered linac (ERL), the beam may be recirculated using a transport system with linear and nonlinear momentum compactions M56, which are selected to compress all three bunch trains at the FEL with higher order terms managed. |
US09871335B2 |
Termination system with communication device
A termination system includes an applicator and a communication device mounted to the applicator. The application has a ram that is movable towards and away from a stationary anvil along a crimp stroke. The anvil receives a terminal thereon. The ram is coupled to crimp tooling that is configured to apply the terminal to a wire along the crimp stroke. The communication device includes a storage system, a wireless communication system, and a microcontroller. The storage system stores data relating to the applicator. The wireless communication system wirelessly communicates the data relating to the applicator with an external device accessed by an operator. The microcontroller controls at least one of storage of or access to the data relating to the applicator in the storage system. The microcontroller also controls wireless communication of the data relating to the applicator with the external device via the wireless communication system. |
US09871334B2 |
Slip ring having a liquid metal contact between a stationary element and a rotatable element
A slip ring assembly includes a stationary element, a rotatable element rotatable relative to the stationary element, and a liquid metal contact electrically coupling the rotatable element to the stationary element. The liquid metal contact includes a metallic material having a melting temperature that is less than zero degrees Celsius and a boiling temperature that is greater than four-hundred degrees Celsius to electrically couple an electrical device fixed relative to the rotatable element to an electrical device fixed relative to the stationary element through the liquid metal contact. |
US09871333B2 |
AC generator slip ring device
An AC generator slip ring device including a shaft supported by a front and rear bracket, and a rotor on the inner circumferential side of a stator; a sleeve fixed to an end portion on the rear bracket side of the shaft; and a conductive ring retained on the outer circumferential side of the sleeve. The device also includes a partition ring on the outer circumferential side of the sleeve having one end portion fixed to the rear bracket and the other end portion has a first flange projected in the outer diameter direction; a second flange provided on the side opposite to the rear bracket of the sleeve, having an annular wall with a concave portion, the end surface of the annular wall opposing the first flange of the partition ring; and a flat portion formed on an outer circumferential portion of the annular wall of the second flange. |
US09871331B2 |
Modular switchgear connection and method of electrically connecting a modular compartment to a switchgear assembly
A modular switchgear electrical connection for use with a modular compartment includes a branch busbar having a busbar aperture defined by the branch busbar. Also included is a connection arrangement for establishing an electrical connection with the branch busbar. The connection arrangement includes a fastener extending through the busbar aperture toward the modular compartment. The connection arrangement also includes a spout including a base wall and a cavity defined by at least one wall extending from the base wall, wherein the base wall includes a spout aperture for receiving the fastener. The connection arrangement further includes a contact component including a base portion a cylindrical portion extending from the base portion, the contact component defining an aperture for receiving the fastener, the contact component secured to the spout and the fastener with a nut for engaging the fastener. |
US09871325B2 |
Circuit board having selective vias filled with lossy plugs
An interconnect system includes a circuit board including a substrate having a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface, a plurality of signal conductors and a plurality of ground conductors including respective contact pads in a mating area of the substrate for engaging corresponding contacts of an electrical connector, and a plurality of ground vias extending at least partially through the substrate between the first and second surfaces. The ground vias are coupled to corresponding ground conductors. The ground vias include lossy plugs at least partially filling the ground vias. The lossy plugs are manufactured from lossy material capable of absorbing electrical resonance propagating through the substrate. |
US09871324B2 |
Active cover plates
Various embodiments of active cover plates are disclosed. Active cover plates may include a face plate, an electrical load, at least one clip extending rearward from the faceplate. The clip may include a contact, a resilient strip supporting the contact, wherein the contact is joined to the resilient strip and passes through the resilient strip, and a rear insulator covering a rear side of the contact. An electrical connection may be formed between the clip and the electrical load. |
US09871320B2 |
Connector and corresponding connector assembly
The application relates to a connector that is connectable to a complementary connector on a plugging-in axis to produce an electrical connection. In particular, the connector includes an actuation device mounted to move on said connector between a connection position and a disconnection position, the actuation device comprising a first part configured to cooperate with the complementary connector to fix the connector to the complementary connector in the connection position, and an ejection device translationally mobile along the plugging-in axis into a position protruding toward the complementary connector, the actuation device comprising a second part configured to cooperate in the disconnection position with the ejection device to drive the translational displacement of the ejection device into the protruding position. Further, the actuation device and the ejection device are formed by at least two distinct elements of the connector. |
US09871318B2 |
Waterproof electrical connector having a sealer between conatct module and outer shell
An electrical connector includes: a contact module having an insulative housing, two rows of terminals affixed to the insulative housing, and a metal shielding plate, the insulative housing comprising an annular receiving groove, a base portion located behind the annular receiving groove, and a tongue portion extending forwardly from the annular receiving groove, each terminal having a contacting portion exposed to a surface of the tongue portion, a soldering portion, and a connecting portion; an inner metal shell attached to the contact module; and an outer shell enclosing the inner metal shell; the connecting portion has an exposed portion located at a rear end of the connecting portion and suspended in the annular receiving groove, the annular receiving groove receives glue to form a sealer sealing between the contact module and the outer shell, and the exposed portion is embedded in the glue. |
US09871313B2 |
Receptacle connector
A receptacle connector includes: a shielding case; an insulator accommodated in the shielding case; and a first contact arranged on a terminal supporting part of the insulator. A clearance is provided between a tip of the terminal supporting part of the insulator and a tip of the first contact. The tip of the terminal supporting part has an inclined surface to provide the clearance. |
US09871312B2 |
Foldable plug and electronic device thereof
A foldable plug and electronic device utilizing same are disclosed. The foldable plug includes a pair of socket sets, a connecting portion connecting the pair of socket sets, a pair of pins fitting into the pair of socket sets, and a pair of protrusions. Each pin is partly received in a socket set and partly exposed. The socket set has a surface facing away from the connecting portion, and the protrusion extends from the surface facing away from the connecting portion. Each protrusion includes a first surface, a second surface, and a third surface, all adjacent. The first surface, the second surface, and the third surface are connected with each other. The foldable plug and electronic device can utilize space within electronic device effectively. |
US09871310B2 |
Low resistance, low-inductance power connectors
An electrical connector includes an anode assembly for conducting an electrical supply current from a source to a destination, the anode assembly includes an anode formed into a first shape from sheet metal or other sheet-like conducting material. A cathode assembly conducts an electrical return current from the destination to the source, the cathode assembly includes a cathode formed into a second shape from sheet metal or other sheet-like conducting material. An insulator prevents electrical conduction between the anode and the cathode. The first and second shapes are such as to provide a conformity of one to the other, with the insulator therebetween having a predetermined relatively thin thickness. A predetermined low-resistance path for the supply current is provided by the anode, a predetermined low-resistance path for the return current is provided by the cathode, and the proximity of the anode to the cathode along these paths provides a predetermined low self-inductance of the connector, where the proximity is afforded by the conformity of the first and second shapes. |
US09871308B2 |
Thread to compress connector
A cable connector connects a coaxial cable to an interface port by an outer conductor engager, a body and a coupler. The coupler draws the body over a plurality of resilient fingers of the outer conductor engager to urge the fingers into electrical contact with a peripheral outer surface of a stripped/prepared end of a coaxial cable. |
US09871305B2 |
Mantle terminal for establishing electric contact
Aspects of the disclosure relate to a mantle terminal for establishing conducting contact, including a threaded stud for inserting a cable; a cap nut to be screwed onto the threaded stud; an insulating element inside which the cap nut is rotatably mounted and which includes a lateral plug portion; and a base plate on which the threaded stud is mounted and which includes a lateral receptacle for securely accommodating the lateral plug portion of the insulating element. |
US09871304B2 |
Antenna device and electronic device including the same
An antenna device and an electronic device including the same are provided. The antenna device includes a first radiator in which a slot is formed, a second radiator, at least a portion of which is disposed in the slot, and a feeder configured to feed the same electricity to the first radiator and the second radiator. The antenna device may have many resonance frequencies in the same installation space, allowing efficient use of the internal space of the electronic device. Moreover, the antenna device and the electronic device including the same may be implemented variously according to various embodiments. |
US09871303B2 |
Multi-frequency, multi-radiation angle, multi-polarization and multi-pattern communication antenna
An antenna is provided and includes a base antenna component, a loop antenna component, a first coupling by which the loop antenna component is pivotally attached to and selectively electrically communicative with the base antenna component, a whip antenna component, a second coupling by which the whip antenna component is pivotally attached to and selectively electrically communicative with the loop antenna component; and a transmission/reception (T/R) module. The T/R module is disposable in signal communication with at least one or more of the base, loop and whip antenna components. |
US09871301B2 |
Integrated miniature PIFA with artificial magnetic conductor metamaterials
Integrated antenna structures described herein may include planar inverted-F antennas (PIFAs) integrated with artificial magnetic conductor (AMC) metamaterials. The integrated metamaterial operatively coupled with the PIFA may function as an artificial magnetic reflector, sending all the energy radiated upwards, and thereby changing the original omnidirectional radiation pattern of the PIFA to a directional radiation pattern. The integrated antenna structures that include PIFAs and metamaterials may maintain a smaller form factor as compared to similar directional antennas, while exhibiting a suitable performance in terms of radiation efficiency, radiation pattern and impedance bandwidth. |
US09871287B2 |
Integrated radio and solar panels
A solar panel array structure is used in network communications that comprises at least one support structure configured to support a solar panel array, wherein the at least one support structure comprises a metal portion. The metal portion comprises antenna connections that are configured to allow the metal portion to be used as a radio antenna. In some cases, a radio transceiver is connected to the antenna connections. A separate radio antenna may also be connected to the support structure or to the solar panel array. The radio transceiver may be used to transmit data through a wireless communication network. |
US09871286B2 |
Mobile terminal
A mobile terminal comprises: a terminal body; and a first antenna device and a second antenna device disposed at one side of the terminal body in an adjacent manner, and formed to operate at different frequency bands, wherein the first antenna device and the second antenna device are provided with conductive members each having a slit at one side thereof, and wherein the conductive members form part of an appearance of the terminal body. |
US09871285B2 |
Antenna configurations for wireless speakers
Antenna configurations for wireless speakers are disclosed. An example playback device includes a housing having a first base on which the playback device rests when oriented in a first direction, a second base on which the playback device rests when oriented in a second direction, and a side of the playback device. A first antenna may be affixed to the side of the playback device, oriented perpendicular to the second base, and arranged to produce a first electric field in a first direction extending through the first base of the playback device. A second antenna of a second type may be positioned above the second base and below a speaker of the playback device when the playback device is oriented in the second direction. The second antenna may produce a second electric field in a second direction substantially orthogonal to the first direction. |
US09871284B2 |
Systems and methods for selecting reconfigurable antennas in MIMO systems
A method allows reconfigurable multi-element antennas to select the antenna configuration in MIMO, SIMO and MISO communication system. This selection scheme uses spatial correlation, channel reciprocal condition number, delay spread and average Signal to Noise Ratio (SNR) information to select the antenna radiation pattern at the receiver. Using this approach, it is possible to achieve capacity gains in a multi-element reconfigurable antenna system without modifying the data frame of a conventional wireless communication system. The capacity gain achievable with this configuration selection approach is calculated through numerical simulations using reconfigurable circular patch antennas at the receiver of a MIMO system that employs minimum mean square error receivers for channel estimation. Channel capacity and Bit Error Rate (BER) results show the improvement offered relative to a conventional antenna selection technique for reconfigurable MIMO systems. |
US09871280B2 |
Dielectric resonator, dielectric filter, and communication apparatus
A dielectric resonator which has a simple structure and is easy to manufacture, and a dielectric filter and a communication apparatus using the same are provided. In a dielectric resonator, a dielectric body includes a first portion having surfaces and a second portion having surfaces. A conductor surrounding the dielectric body includes inner surfaces facing the surfaces. A conductor is disposed between the surface and the inner surface. A conductor is disposed between the surface and the inner surface. The dielectric body includes a third portion which is not interposed between the conductors and a fourth portion which is not interposed between conductors. |
US09871276B2 |
Battery cell cooling plate
A cooling plate design for cooling a battery cell is provided that employs a plastic plate having cutouts for coolant flow paths. The plastic plate has a layer of adhesive film on each side to maintain coolant in the channels. Compression within an alternating battery cell and coolant plate stack provides pressure that minimizes coolant load on the film. Methods to manufacture the cooling plate are also provided. |
US09871273B2 |
Surface mount battery and portable electronic device with integrated battery cell
Systems and methods are provided for battery cells including solid electrolytes. Solid electrolyte cells may be integrated with electronic devices. For example, a solid electrolyte cell may be integrated with a metal surface of a circuit board or an electrically conductive surface of a chassis. Surface-mountable solid electrolyte cells may be electrically coupled to circuit traces using, for example, a reflow soldering process. |
US09871272B2 |
Secondary battery
The present invention relates to an electrolyte solution for a lithium secondary battery, which contains a sulfonate compound represented by a specific formula and carboxylic anhydride having one or more C═C double bonds, and a lithium secondary battery using the same. |
US09871271B2 |
Non-aqueous electrolyte and lithium secondary battery using the same
The present invention provides non-aqueous electrolyte solution for a lithium secondary battery, comprising a pyrimidine-based compound, a non-fluorinated solvent and a fluorinated solvent; and a lithium secondary battery using the same. |
US09871270B2 |
Functionalized ionic liquids and their applications
Disclosure of functionalized ionic liquids. Use of disclosed ionic liquids as solvent for carbon dioxide. Use of disclosed ionic liquids as flame retardant. Use of disclosed ionic liquids for coating fabric to obtain flame retardant fabric. |
US09871269B2 |
Electrolyte and rechargeable lithium battery including same
Disclosed are an electrolyte for a rechargeable lithium battery including a lithium salt, a non-aqueous organic solvent, and an additive represented by the following Chemical Formula 1, and a rechargeable lithium battery including the same. Definition of Chemical Formula 1 is the same as described in the detailed description. |
US09871268B2 |
Secondary battery manufacturing method and manufacturing apparatus
A secondary battery manufacturing method enables smooth pulling of a separator by guide members by inhibiting a phenomenon in which, when the separator is being pulled by the guide members, the separator moves in the width direction and rattles. The method includes pulling in a separator by guide bars to zigzag-fold the separator; and suspending the separator between the guide bars via a suspension roller while locating buffer rollers at a predetermined descending position, the buffer rollers being disposed between support rollers for supporting the separator at midpoints upstream, in the transport direction of the separator, of the suspension roller, the buffer rollers being ascendable and descendable in contact with an upper surface of the separator to be adjustable vertically, and allowing the buffer rollers to ascend in accordance with movement of the guide bars, thereby supplying the separator of a length pulled in by the guide bars. |
US09871266B2 |
Device for winding electrode plate
A device for winding an electrode plate includes a feed roller configured to guide a first electrode plate or a second electrode plate, each of the first electrode plate and the second electrode plate including a plurality of electrode tabs protruding from one side, a deformation reducing member spaced apart from an outer circumferential surface of one end of the feed roller and configured to guide the electrode tabs fed to the feed roller to be brought into close contact with the outer circumferential surface of the one end of the feed roller to reduce deformation of the electrode tabs, and a winding unit configured to wind together the first electrode plate or the second electrode plate transferred by the feed roller and a separator interposed between the first electrode plate and the second electrode plate. |
US09871265B2 |
Method for manufacturing a solid oxide fuel cell device
To provide a method for manufacturing SOFC, capable of preventing breakage of fuel cell electrodes, and of securing an electrical connection between fuel cells and a current collector. Step for forming electrode protective layers 152 on electrodes formed on fuel cells 16, modularization step for forming a cell array, and attaching step for attaching a current collector 82 to the cell array, wherein current collector 82 is a metal plate on which attaching holes 84 are formed for the insertion of fuel cells 16, elastic pieces 84a are formed at each attaching hole 84, fuel cells 16 are inserted into attaching holes 84, and current collector 82 is attached to the cell array by the elastic force; and protective layer 152 is constituted to prevent damage to electrodes caused by contact with elastic pieces. |
US09871257B2 |
Porous electrode substrate, method for manufacturing same, membrane electrode assembly, polymer electrolyte fuel cell, precursor sheet, and fibrillar fibers
Provided is a porous electrode substrate having excellent thickness precision, gas permeability and conductivity, handling efficiency, low production costs and a high carbonization rate during carbonization. Also provided are a method for manufacturing such a substrate, a precursor sheet and fibrillar fiber used for forming such a substrate, along with a membrane electrode assembly and a polymer electrolyte fuel cell that contain such a substrate. The method for manufacturing a porous electrode substrate includes step (1) for manufacturing a precursor sheet in which short carbon fibers (A) and carbon fiber precursor (b) are dispersed, and step (2) for carbonizing the precursor sheet, and the volume contraction rate of carbon fiber precursor (b) in step (2) is 83% or lower. The present invention also relates to a porous electrode substrate obtained by such a manufacturing method, a precursor sheet and fibrillar fiber used for forming the substrate, along with a membrane electrode assembly and a polymer electrolyte fuel cell containing the substrate. |
US09871256B2 |
Fuel cell electrode having non-ionomer proton-conducting material
An active material layers for a fuel cell membrane electrode assembly includes metal oxide particles, a non-ionomer proton conductor and active catalyst particles supported on the metal oxide particles. |
US09871255B2 |
Modular electrochemical cells
A gas diffusion electrode for an electro-synthetic or electro-energy cell, for example a fuel cell, including one or more gas permeable layers, a first conductive layer provided on a first side of the gas diffusion electrode, and a second layer, which may be a second conductive layer, provided on a second side of the gas diffusion electrode. The one or more gas permeable layers are positioned between the first conductive layer and the second layer, which may be a second conductive layer, and the one or more gas permeable layers provide a gas channel. The one or more gas permeable layers are gas permeable and substantially impermeable to the liquid electrolyte. The porous conductive material is gas permeable and liquid electrolyte permeable. The gas diffusion electrode can be one of a plurality of alternating anode/cathode sets. |
US09871253B2 |
Ion-conductive fused-ring quinone polymer, electrode active material and secondary battery
A ion-conductive fused-ring quinone polymer includes recurring units of formula (1) and/or (2) below wherein each X is independently a single bond or a divalent group, and A1 and A2 are each independently an aromatic hydrocarbon ring or an oxygen atom or sulfur atom-containing aromatic heterocycle that forms together with two carbon atoms on a benzoquinone skeleton. This polymer is a material having charge-storing properties which, when used as an electrode active material, is capable of providing a high-performance battery possessing high capacity, high rate characteristics and high cycle characteristics. |
US09871252B2 |
Method for producing lithium metal phosphate
Method for the production of lithium metal phosphate, wherein a dry mixture containing a lithium compound, a metal compound, wherein the metal is selected from Fe, Mn and mixtures thereof, and a phosphate is provided, the dry mixture is converted to LiMPO4 and the LiMPO4 is wet ground by adding water and lithium polyacrylate and dried. |
US09871246B2 |
Cathode active material including lithium transition metal phosphate particles, preparation method thereof, and lithium secondary battery including the same
Provided are a cathode active material including lithium transition metal phosphate particles, wherein the lithium transition metal phosphate particles include a first secondary particle formed by agglomeration of two or more first primary particles, and a second secondary particle formed by agglomeration of two or more second primary particles in the first secondary particle, and a method of preparing the same. Since the cathode active material according to an embodiment of the present invention may include first primary particles and second primary particles having different average particle diameters, the exfoliation of the cathode active material from a cathode collector may be minimized and performance characteristics, such as high output characteristics and an increase in available capacity, of a secondary battery may be further improved. In addition, since the first secondary particles are porous, the secondary particles are collapsed and fractured due to rolling when used in a cathode. |
US09871239B2 |
Separators for electrochemical cells
Provided are separators for use in an electrochemical cell comprising (a) an inorganic oxide and (b) an organic polymer, wherein the inorganic oxide comprises organic substituents. Also provided are electrochemical cells comprising such separators. |
US09871227B2 |
Light scattering layer having particles for an organic EL light emitting device
An organic EL light-emitting device including: a light-emitting layer capable of generating light; a light-scattering structure capable of scattering the light; a first light-scattering layer containing first light-scattering particles having an average particle diameter of 0.1 μm to 2 μm and a first binder; and a concavo-convex structure in a streak array pattern, the light emitting layer, the light-scattering structure, the first light-scattering layer, and the concavo-convex structure being disposed in this order, wherein a mean free path L1 of light scattering in the first light-scattering layer and a thickness D1 of the first light-scattering layer satisfy D1/L1<15. |
US09871224B2 |
Encapsulation film
Provided are an encapsulation film, an organic electronic device including the same, and a method of manufacturing the organic electronic device. Particularly, the encapsulation film, which effectively blocks moisture or oxygen entering the organic electronic device from the outside, and has excellent mechanical properties such as handleability and processability, and the organic electronic device including the same are provided. |
US09871223B2 |
Organic light emitting display device having multiple films
An organic light emitting display device and a method of manufacturing the same are proposed. The organic light emitting display device includes: a first film formed of an organic material, and having first and second surfaces facing each other and a third surface perpendicular to the first and second surfaces; a second film formed on the first film to cover the second and third surfaces of the first film; an organic light emitting unit disposed on the second film; a third film disposed on the second film to cover the organic light emitting unit; and a fourth film disposed on the third film, formed of an organic material, and having fourth and fifth surfaces facing each other, wherein the fifth surface faces the third film. |
US09871220B2 |
Transparent electrode, and electronic device
A transparent electrode is configured which is provided with: a nitrogen-containing layer; a conductive layer which is provided abutting the nitrogen-containing layer, and which has silver as a main component thereof; a high refractive index layer having a refractive index higher than that of the nitrogen-containing layer; and a low refractive index layer having a refractive index lower than that of the high refractive index layer. In the nitrogen-containing layer, a compound is used which includes nitrogen atoms, and which has, in cases when n represents the number of unshared electron pairs which are not involved in aromaticity and which are not coordinated to metal, from among the unshared electron pairs of the nitrogen atoms, and M represents molecular weight, an effective unshared-electron-pair content [n/M] that satisfies 2.0×10−3≦[n/M]. |
US09871218B2 |
Organic light emitting display including color-adjusting layer and manufacturing method thereof
Provided are organic light emitting display and manufacturing method of the organic light emitting display. According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a organic light emitting display comprising a substrate, a first electrode and a second electrode disposed on the substrate and opposed to each other, at least one organic light emitting layer positioned between the first electrode and the second electrode, and at least one color adjusting layer positioned between the organic light emitting layer and the second electrode. |
US09871217B1 |
Transparent conductive film and electro-optical device having the same
Compared to traditional ITO transparent substrate showing drawbacks of high sheet resistance, poor flexibility and high manufacturing cost, the present invention mainly discloses a transparent conductive film fabricated by sequentially forming a wetting layer and an ultra-thin metal layer onto a transparent substrate, wherein the transparent conductive film includes advantages of low sheet resistance, high transmittance, great flexibility, and low manufacturing cost. Moreover, a variety of experiment data have proved that, this novel transparent conductive film can not only be applied in the fabrication of some electro-optical devices such as organic solar cell and OLED, but also helpful to the enhancement of the fundamental and essential characteristics of the electro-optical devices. |
US09871213B2 |
Organic electroluminescent device
The present invention relates to the use of aromatic boronic acid or borinic acid derivatives in organic electronic devices, in particular electroluminescent devices. |
US09871209B2 |
Transparent electrode, electronic device, and organic electroluminescent device
Provided is a transparent electrode including a nitrogen-containing layer and an electrode layer provided adjacent thereto. The nitrogen-containing layer includes a compound that contains a nitrogen atom or atoms and has an effective lone pair content n/M of 2.0×10−3 or more, wherein n represents the number of unshared electron pairs that neither contribute to aromaticity nor are coordinated to metal among the unshared electron pairs of the nitrogen atom or atoms, and M represents the molecular weight of the compound. The electrode layer includes silver as a main component and at least one additive element selected from aluminum, gold, indium, copper, palladium, and platinum. |
US09871207B2 |
Compound for organic electric element, organic electric element comprising the same and electronic device thereof
The present invention provides a novel compound capable of improving light emitting efficiency, stability, and lifespan of the element, an organic element using the same, and an electric device for the same. |
US09871204B2 |
Material for organic electroluminescence device and organic electroluminescence device using the same
A material for an organic electroluminescence device is represented by the following Formula 1, where X1 to X7, E, L, Ar1 and Ar2 are as defined in the specification. |
US09871202B2 |
Organic electroluminescent device
The present invention discloses an “organic light-emitting device (OLED)”, comprising an anode, a cathode, and one or more organic layers, wherein the said organic layer contains at least one compound having the formula (I), and the said OLED has the advantages of excellent light-emitting efficiency, excellent color purity and long lifetime. |
US09871201B2 |
Electronic devices
The application relates to an electronic device comprising anode, cathode, at least one emitting layer between anode and cathode, at least one p-doped layer A which comprises a monotriarylamine as host, and at least one layer B comprising a monotriarylamine. The invention furthermore relates to a p-doped mixture comprising a monotriarylamine of the formula (II), (III) or (IV) as host and an electron-acceptor compound as dopant and to the use of the mixture in an electronic device. |
US09871200B2 |
Salts of cyclopentadiene as n-dopants for organic electronics
An organic electron transport layer has at least one dopant for increasing the n-conductivity of the organic layer. The dopant is selected from the group of salts of cyclopentadiene compounds according to formula 1, wherein the substituents R1 to R2 are independently selected from the group containing —H, -D, halogen, —CN, —NO2, —OH, amine, ether, thioether, alkyl, cycloalkyl, acrylic, vinyl, allyl, aromatics, fused aromatics and heteroaromatics. |
US09871190B2 |
Magnetic random access memory with ultrathin reference layer
The present invention is directed to an MRAM device comprising a plurality of MTJ memory elements. Each of the memory elements includes a magnetic free layer and a first magnetic reference layer with an insulating tunnel junction layer interposed therebetween; a second magnetic reference layer formed adjacent to the first magnetic reference layer opposite the insulating tunnel junction layer; an anti-ferromagnetic coupling layer formed adjacent to the second magnetic reference layer opposite the first magnetic reference layer; and a magnetic fixed layer formed adjacent to the anti-ferromagnetic coupling layer. The magnetic free layer has a variable magnetization direction substantially perpendicular to the layer plane thereof. The first and second magnetic reference layers have a first fixed magnetization direction substantially perpendicular to the layer planes thereof. The magnetic fixed layer has a second fixed magnetization direction that is substantially perpendicular to the layer plane thereof and is substantially opposite to the first fixed magnetization direction. |
US09871188B2 |
Piezoelectric ceramic, method for manufacturing the same, piezoelectric element, and electronic apparatus
A piezoelectric ceramic includes a perovskite-type metal oxide containing barium titanate, and Mn. When a surface thereof along the remanent polarization direction is subjected to X-ray diffraction analysis at room temperature, the ratio of the diffraction intensity of the (002) plane to the diffraction intensity of the (200) plane is 1.0 or more, the diffraction peak of the (002) plane has a half width of 1.2° or less, and the lattice constant of the c-axis thereof and the lattice constant of the a-axis thereof satisfy the relationship 1.004≦c/a≦1.010. |
US09871186B1 |
Magnetostrictive alternator
A magnetostrictive alternator configured to convert pressure waves into electrical energy is provided. It should be appreciated that the magnetostrictive alternator may be combined in some embodiments with a Stirling engine to produce electrical power. The Stirling engine creates the oscillating pressure wave and the magnetostrictive alternator converts the pressure wave into electricity. In some embodiments, the magnetostrictive alternator may include aerogel material and magnetostrictive material. The aerogel material may be configured to convert a higher amplitude pressure wave into a lower amplitude pressure wave. The magnetostrictive material may be configured to generate an oscillating magnetic field when the magnetostrictive material is compressed by the lower amplitude pressure wave. |
US09871183B2 |
Electrostrictive element
The present invention provides an electrostrictive element capable of preventing breakdown of a dielectric film. An electrostrictive element 1 includes a dielectric film 2 composed of an elastomer, a film electrode 3 formed inside a peripheral edge on at least one surface of the dielectric film 2 and capable of expanding and contracting so as to follow expansion and contraction of the dielectric film 2, and a frame 4 to keep the dielectric film 2 in an expansion state. The film electrode 3 includes portions 6, 7, 8 having a lower conductivity or a portion 9 having a higher rigidity than the other portion on a portion to be subjected to a greater total stress of a mechanical stress and an electrical stress than the other portion of the dielectric film 2. |
US09871182B2 |
Frequency tracking piezoelectric transformer power converter with simultaneous two-parameter control
The present invention is directed to a piezoelectric transformer based power converter that exhibits efficient operating point tracking ability while providing output regulation by means of simultaneous two-parameter control of the converter power stage. A regulation control stage provides the power stage a regulation control signal indicative of the difference between the measured output parameter and a set-point reference, therefore continuously controlling the gain of the converter to result in a stabilized, regulated output. Additionally, a frequency control stage simultaneously provides the power stage with a frequency control signal correlative to the difference between the current and desired operating points of the piezoelectric transformer. The power stage then translates the frequency control signal into an adjustment to the operational frequency of the input signal to the piezoelectric transformer, as to continuously drive the operating point to the desired position. |
US09871180B2 |
Thermoelectric material and thermoelectric device including the same
A thermoelectric material includes a stack structure including alternately stacked first and second material layers. The first material layer may include a carbon nano-material. The second material layer may include a thermoelectric inorganic material. The first material layer may include a thermoelectric inorganic material in addition to the carbon nano-material. The carbon nano-material may include, for example, graphene. At least one of the first and second material layers may include a plurality of nanoparticles. The thermoelectric material may further include at least one conductor extending in an out-of-plane direction of the stack structure. |
US09871176B2 |
Glass compositions and glass frit composites for use in optical applications
The glass composites include glass frit, that when sintered produce a phosphor-containing layer, suitable for use in optical applications. The glass composites can include a crystallizing glass frit, such that phosphor crystals precipitate from the frit composite during sintering, or can include a non-crystallizing glass composition, such that phosphor is added to the frit composite before sintering. The sintering temperatures of the glass are relatively low so that fluorescence of the phosphors will not substantially degrade during sintering. The resulting phosphor-containing layer can be used in various optical applications including those for converting blue light into various color temperatures of white light. |
US09871169B2 |
Light emitting diode structure
A light emitting diode structure including a substrate, a semiconductor epitaxial layer and a reflective conductive structure layer is provided. The semiconductor epitaxial layer is disposed on the substrate and exposes a portion of the substrate. The reflective conductive structure layer covers a part of the semiconductor epitaxial layer and the portion of the substrate exposed by the semiconductor epitaxial layer. |
US09871168B2 |
Light emitting diode device having connected light emitting diode elements and method of fabricating the same
Disclosed is a light emitting diode including a plurality of light emitting diode elements and a method of fabricating the same. The light emitting diode includes: a substrate; a plurality of light emitting diode elements disposed on the substrate; interconnection lines connecting the light emitting diode elements to each other, wherein the plurality of light emitting diode elements comprise outer light emitting diode elements aligned along an edge of the substrate, each of the outer light emitting diode elements comprises an inner face directed towards an adjacent light emitting diode element and an outer face disposed adjacent the edge of the substrate and directed towards an outside of the substrate, and the inner face of at least one of the outer light emitting diode elements comprises a more gently slanted side surface than the outer face thereof. |
US09871161B2 |
Method for making crystalline silicon-based solar cell, and method for making solar cell module
A manufacturing method includes steps of forming a texture on a surface of a single-crystalline silicon substrate, cleaning the surface of the single-crystalline silicon substrate using ozone, depositing an intrinsic silicon-based layer on the texture on the single-crystalline silicon substrate, and depositing a conductive silicon-based layer on the intrinsic silicon-based layer, in this order. The single-crystalline silicon substrate before deposition of the intrinsic silicon-based layer has a texture size of less than 5 μm. A recess portion of the texture has a curvature radius of less than 5 nm. After deposition of at least a part of the intrinsic silicon-based layer and before deposition of the conductive silicon-based layer, the intrinsic silicon-based layer is subjected to a plasma treatment in an atmosphere of a gas mainly composed of hydrogen. |
US09871153B2 |
Photodetector with integrated temperature control element formed at least in part in a semiconductor layer
A temperature-controlled photodetector sub-system is described. The temperature control element allows the operation of the photodetector at a desired temperature. The temperature control element can be a heater or a cooler. In some cases, the photodetector is a germanium photodetector. In some cases a temperature measuring device is provided. In some cases, a control circuit is used to control the temperature of the germanium photodetector within a temperature range, or at a temperature of interest. An advantage provided by the apparatus described is the operation of the photodetector so that the responsivity of the germanium detector can be held at essentially a constant value. |
US09871146B2 |
Solar cell and method for manufacturing the same
A solar cell includes a substrate formed of n-type single crystal silicon, an emitter region of a p-type which is positioned at a first surface of the substrate and includes a first emitter region having a first sheet resistance and a second emitter region having a second sheet resistance less than the first sheet resistance, a plurality of surface field regions of the n-type locally positioned at a second surface opposite the first surface of the substrate, a plurality of first electrodes which are positioned only on the second emitter region to be separated from one another and are connected to the second emitter region, and a plurality of second electrodes which are positioned on the plurality of surface field regions to be separated from one another and are connected to the plurality of surface field regions. |
US09871141B2 |
Thermally tuning strain in semiconductor devices
A method includes performing a first epitaxy to grow a silicon germanium layer over a semiconductor substrate, performing a second epitaxy to grow a silicon layer over the silicon germanium layer, and performing a first oxidation to oxidize the silicon germanium layer, wherein first silicon germanium oxide regions are generated. A strain releasing operation is performed to release a strain caused by the first silicon germanium oxide regions. A gate dielectric is formed on a top surface and a sidewall of the silicon layer. A gate electrode is formed over the gate dielectric. |
US09871137B2 |
Method for forming semiconductor device structure
The semiconductor device structures are provided. The semiconductor device structure includes a gate stack structure formed on a substrate and an isolation structure formed in the substrate. The semiconductor device structure further includes a source/drain stressor structure formed between the gate stack structure and the isolation structure and a metal silicide layer formed on the source/drain stressor structure. A portion of the metal silicide layer is below a top surface of the isolation structure. |
US09871135B2 |
Semiconductor device and method of making
A semiconductor device is disclosed that includes a first region of a first conductivity type that includes a drain, a region of a second conductivity type abutting the first region in a lateral direction and a vertical direction to form an interface between the first conductivity type and the second conductivity type, wherein the drain region is spaced apart from the interface. A source region of the first conductivity type abuts the second region in the lateral direction and vertical directions. A control gate structure includes a conductive layer that is spaced apart from the drain region by a first dimension in the lateral direction. A shallow trench isolation (STI) region having a second dimension in the lateral direction is disposed at a location of the first region between the source and drain regions, wherein the second dimension is less than one-half of the first dimension. |
US09871132B1 |
Extended drain metal-oxide-semiconductor transistor
Devices and methods for forming a device are disclosed. A transistor is formed on the substrate. The transistor includes a gate, a source and a drain. An insulation layer is formed on the substrate. The insulation layer is partially disposed on the gate and a sidewall of the gate. The drain is offset from the gate by the insulation layer. An overlayer is formed on the substrate covering the transistor and insulation layer. A field plate in the form of a field plate contact is formed in the overlayer. The field plate contact is disposed on and coupled to the insulation layer for mitigating the formation of electric field adjacent to drain side of the gate. |
US09871130B2 |
Nitride semiconductor device and manufacturing method thereof
A nitride semiconductor device includes: a first nitride semiconductor layer serving as an electron transit layer; a second nitride semiconductor layer formed on the first nitride semiconductor layer, the second nitride semiconductor layer having a band gap greater than that of the first nitride semiconductor layer and serving as an electron supply layer; a third nitride semiconductor layer formed on the second nitride semiconductor layer, the third nitride semiconductor layer having a band gap greater than that of the first nitride semiconductor layer and smaller than that of the second nitride semiconductor layer; and a gate part formed on the third nitride semiconductor layer, wherein the gate part has a fourth nitride semiconductor layer formed on the third nitride semiconductor layer and includes an acceptor type impurity, and a gate electrode formed on the fourth nitride semiconductor layer. |
US09871124B2 |
Method of IGZO and ZnO TFT fabrication with PECVD SiO2 passivation
The present invention generally relates to a method of manufacturing a TFT. The TFT has an active channel that comprises IGZO or zinc oxide. After the source and drain electrodes are formed, but before the passivation layers or etch stop layers are deposited thereover, the active channel is exposed to an N2O or O2 plasma. The interface between the active channel and the passivation layers or etch stop layers are either altered or damaged during formation of the source and drain electrodes. The N2O or O2 plasma alters and repairs the interface between the active channel and the passivation or etch stop layers. |
US09871120B2 |
Fin field-effect transistor and fabrication method thereof
A method is provided for fabricating fin field-effect transistors. The method includes providing a substrate. The method also includes forming a plurality of fins on a surface of the substrate. Further the method includes forming a transitional layer having atoms identical to atoms of the fins on side and top surfaces of the plurality of fins by a deposition process. Further, the method also includes performing an oxidation process to convert the transitional layer and a surface portion of the fins into a dielectric material to form a gate dielectric layer on the plurality of fins. |
US09871115B1 |
Doped poly-silicon for polyCMP planarity improvement
A method includes forming a polysilicon layer with an uneven upper surface over a first region and a second region of a substrate, doping a top portion of the polysilicon layer to change its removal rate, thereby forming a doped layer, and removing the doped layer in the first region to expose the polysilicon layer in the first region and leaving at least a portion of the doped layer in the second region. The method also includes removing the exposed polysilicon layer in the first region at a first removal rate and the doped layer in the second region at a second removal rate, the polysilicon layer in the second region being exposed after the doped layer in the second region is removed, and removing the polysilicon layer in the first region and the second region at a third removal rate and a fourth removal rate, respectively. |
US09871114B2 |
Metal gate scheme for device and methods of forming
Gate structures and methods of forming the gate structures are described. In some embodiments, a method includes forming source/drain regions in a substrate, and forming a gate structure between the source/drain regions. The gate structure includes a gate dielectric layer over the substrate, a work function tuning layer over the gate dielectric layer, a metal-containing compound over the work function tuning layer, and a metal over the metal-containing compound, wherein the metal-containing compound comprises the metal as an element of the compound. |
US09871112B1 |
Semiconductor device and method of manufacturing the same
A semiconductor device includes a substrate, a channel layer, a barrier layer, a source and a drain, a p-type nitride layer and a strain gate. The channel layer is disposed on the substrate. The barrier layer is disposed on the channel layer. The source and the drain are respectively disposed at two sides of the barrier layer. The p-type nitride layer is disposed on the barrier layer. The strain gate is disposed over the p-type nitride layer for tuning a first strain of the channel layer and a second strain of the barrier layer. |
US09871111B2 |
Semiconductor device and method
A vertical gate all around (VGAA) is provided. In embodiments, the VGAA has a nanowire with a first contact pad and a second contact pad. A gate electrode is utilized to help define a channel region within the nanowire. In additional embodiments multiple nanowires, multiple bottom contacts, multiple top contacts, and multiple gate contacts are utilized. |
US09871105B2 |
Method of forming an isolation structure in a well of a substrate
A method includes forming an isolation structure in a well of a substrate. A portion of the isolation structure protrudes from a top surface of the well. The isolation structure is partially removed, thereby forming a modified isolation structure. An upper surface of the modified isolation structure is lower than the upper surface of the substrate. |
US09871104B2 |
Nanowire semiconductor device structure and method of manufacturing
A nanowire comprises a source region, a drain region and a channel region. The source region is modified to reduce the lifetime of minority carriers within the source region. In an embodiment the modification may be performed by implanting either amorphizing dopants or lifetime reducing dopants. Alternatively, the source may be epitaxially grown with a different materials or process conditions to reduce the lifetime of minority carriers within the source region. |
US09871100B2 |
Trench structure of semiconductor device having uneven nitrogen distribution liner
A trench structure of a semiconductor device includes a substrate, an isolation structure, and a liner layer. The substrate has a trench therein. The isolation structure is disposed in the trench. The liner layer is disposed between the substrate and the isolation structure. The liner layer includes nitrogen, and the liner layer has spatially various nitrogen concentration. |
US09871097B2 |
Thin film transistor, method for manufacturing thin film transistor, and organic EL display device
A thin film transistor includes: a gate electrode; a gate insulating layer above the gate electrode; an oxide semiconductor layer disposed above the gate insulating layer; and a source electrode and a drain electrode disposed above the oxide semiconductor layer and electrically connected to the oxide semiconductor layer, wherein metallic elements included in the oxide semiconductor layer include at least indium (In), fluorine is included in a region which is an internal region in the oxide semiconductor layer and is close to the gate insulating layer, and a fluorine concentration of the region close to the gate insulating layer in the oxide semiconductor layer is higher than a fluorine of a contact region for the source electrode or the drain electrode in the oxide semiconductor layer. |
US09871094B2 |
Organic light emitting diode display and method for manufacturing organic light emitting diode display
An organic light emitting device includes: a substrate; a first thin film transistor including a first active pattern positioned on the substrate and a first gate electrode positioned on the first active pattern; an organic light emitting element connected to the first active pattern; and a capacitor electrode overlapping the first gate electrode on the first gate electrode and having the same edge as the first gate electrode. |
US09871091B2 |
Electro-optical device and electronic apparatus
Subpixels of R, G, and B corresponding to a scanning line extended in a row direction and a data transfer line extended in a column direction are provided. A plurality of transistors in the subpixel of each of the colors is disposed along the column direction, and a reflective layer in the subpixel of at least one color is disposed along the row direction so as to overlap any transistor of subpixels of each display color. A power source wiring is disposed between the reflective layer and the transistor along the row direction, so as to overlap the transistor. Relay electrodes which connects the reflective layer and any transistor of subpixels of each display color are formed on a layer between a layer on which the power source wiring is formed, and the reflective layer. |
US09871090B2 |
Organic light emitting display
An organic light emitting display includes a driving transistor, an organic light emitting diode, an interlayer insulating layer, and a connection electrode. The interlayer insulating layer covers the driving transistor, and first and second via holes are formed in the interlayer insulating layer. The organic light emitting diode is on the interlayer insulating layer and connected to the driving transistor. The connection electrode is on the interlayer insulating layer and connected to an auxiliary line through the second via hole. The connection electrode surrounds a portion of the interlayer insulating layer together with the auxiliary line. The organic light emitting diode includes an anode connected to the driving transistor through the first via hole, an organic light emitting layer on the anode, and a cathode on the organic light emitting layer and connected to the auxiliary line through the connection electrode. |
US09871089B2 |
Display device
A display device is disclosed. In one aspect, the display device includes a first power wire is disposed in a non-display area of a substrate and includes a first wiring extending in a first direction and a second wiring spaced apart from the first wiring. A second power wire is disposed in the non-display area and includes an extension portion extending in a second direction crossing the first direction, the extension portion located between the first and second wirings. A protective layer covers the first and second power wires, and a bridge wire is disposed on the protective layer and configured to electrically connect the first wiring to the second wiring. A vertical gap between the bridge wire and the extension portion is greater than a vertical gap between the bridge wire and the first wiring or a vertical gap between the bridge wire and the second wiring. |
US09871082B2 |
Organic light emitting display integrated with touch screen panel
An organic light emitting display integrated with a touch screen panel includes a first substrate, the first substrate having pixels and having signal lines coupled to the pixels, and a second substrate, the second substrate being on the first substrate to seal the first substrate, the second substrate having sensing electrodes of the touch screen panel on a surface thereof. The signal lines include first and second signal lines, the first and second signal lines being arranged in a direction that intersects the sensing electrodes, the first and second signal lines receiving different signals, respectively, and functioning as first and second driving electrodes of the touch screen panel. |
US09871076B2 |
Domain wall magnetic memory
Devices and methods of forming a device are disclosed. The method includes providing a substrate with a cell region. Selector units and storage units are formed within the substrate. The selector unit includes first and second bipolar junction transistors (BJTs). The selector unit includes first and second bipolar junction transistors (BJTs). A BJT includes first, second and third BJT terminals. The second BJT terminals of the first and second BJTs are coupled to or serve as a common wordline terminal. The third BJT terminal of the first BJT serves as a first bitline terminal, and the third BJT terminal of the second BJT serves as a second bitline terminal. A storage unit is disposed over the selector unit. The storage unit includes a first pinning layer which is coupled to the first BJT terminal of the first BJT, a second pinning layer which is coupled to the first BJT terminal of the second BJT, a free layer which includes an elongated member with first and second major surfaces and first and second end regions separated by a free region. The first pinning layer is coupled to the second major surface of the free layer in the first end region and the second pinning layer is coupled to the second major surface of the free layer in the second end region. A reference stack is disposed on the first major surface of the free layer in the free region. The reference stack serves as a read bitline terminal. |
US09871075B2 |
Optoelectronic semiconductor component
An optoelectronic semiconductor component includes a first functional region having an active zone provided for generating radiation or for receiving radiation, and a second functional region, which is suitable for contributing to the driving of the first functional region. The first functional region and the second functional region are integrated on the same carrier substrate. |
US09871073B1 |
Scintillator sealing for solid state X-ray detector
An x-ray detector may comprise: a moisture-impermeable substrate including a non-monolithic conductive portion integrated with a monolithic dielectric portion; a scintillator and an array of CMOS tiles positioned between the scintillator and the substrate; a cover positioned on the substrate and forming a seal therebetween that semi-hermetically encloses the scintillator and the array of CMOS tiles in a covered sealed region; and analog-to-digital electronics conductively coupled to the array of CMOS tiles and to the conductive portion, wherein the conductive portion transmits signals from the covered sealed region to beyond the seal without disrupting a semi-hermeticity of the seal. In this way, sealing of multiply-tiled CMOS image array detectors within a single x-ray detector can be more simply and reliably achieved. |
US09871067B2 |
Infrared image sensor component
An infrared image sensor component includes at least one III-V compound layer on the semiconductor substrate, in which the portion of the III-V compound layer(s) uncovered by the patterns is utilized as active pixel region for detecting the incident infrared ray. The infrared image sensor component includes at least one transistor coupled to the active pixel region, and charge generated by the active pixel region is transmitted to the transistor. |
US09871057B2 |
Field-effect transistors with a non-relaxed strained channel
Device structures for a field-effect transistor and methods of forming such device structures using a device layer of a silicon-on-insulator substrate. A channel and an isolation region are formed in the device layer. The channel is located beneath a gate structure is formed on the device layer and is comprised of a semiconductor material under strain. A portion of the device layer is located between the first isolation region and the channel. The portion of the device layer is under a strain that is less than the strain in the semiconductor material of the channel. |
US09871046B2 |
SRAM circuits with aligned gate electrodes
A device includes a Static Random Access Memory (SRAM) array, and an SRAM cell edge region abutting the SRAM array. The SRAM array and the SRAM cell edge region in combination include first gate electrodes having a uniform pitch. A word line driver abuts the SRAM cell edge region. The word line driver includes second gate electrodes, and the first gate electrodes have lengthwise directions aligned to lengthwise directions of respective ones of the second gate electrodes. |
US09871043B2 |
4F2 SCR memory device
A memory-array is disclosed in which an array of threshold switching devices is constructed having an area per transistor of 2F2. This array of threshold switching devices is suitable for a variety of memory or other applications including PRAM, MRAM, RRAM, FRAM, OPT-RAM and 3-D memory. |
US09871042B2 |
Semiconductor device having fin-type patterns
A semiconductor device is provided. The semiconductor device includes a substrate comprising first and second regions, in the first region, first and second gate electrodes formed parallel to each other on the substrate, and being spaced apart from each other by a first distance, in the second region, third and fourth gate electrodes formed parallel to each other on the substrate, and being spaced apart from each other by a second distance which is greater than the first distance, in the first region, a first recess formed on the substrate between the first and second gate electrodes, in the second region, a second recess formed on the substrate between the third and fourth gate electrodes, a first epitaxial source/drain filling the first recess and a second epitaxial source/drain filling the second recess, wherein an uppermost portion of an upper surface of the first epitaxial source/drain is higher than an uppermost portion of an upper surface of the second epitaxial source/drain. |
US09871035B2 |
Semiconductor device with metal silicide blocking region and method of manufacturing the same
Embodiments of mechanisms for forming a semiconductor device are provided. The semiconductor device includes a gate stack on a semiconductor substrate. In some embodiments, the semiconductor device further includes a semiconductor element, such as for example, a resistor, on the semiconductor substrate. The semiconductor device includes a metal silicide layer on at least one of the gate stack, the source region, and the drain region. The semiconductor device also includes a blocking region in a portion of the semiconductor element. In some embodiments, the blocking region includes first dopants and second dopants with an atomic radius smaller than that of the first dopants. |
US09871029B2 |
Bus driver / line driver
A bus driver is provided that can withstand over voltages being applied to its output terminal without the protection circuit detracting from the voltage swing that can be provided by the driver. The circuit arrangement also allows transistors having good on state resistance and large tolerance of drain-to-source voltages to be used. |
US09871023B2 |
Method for transfer of semiconductor devices
A method of transferring semiconductor devices to a product substrate includes positioning a surface of the product substrate to face a first surface of a semiconductor wafer having the semiconductor devices thereon, and actuating a transfer mechanism to cause the transfer mechanism to engage a second surface of the semiconductor wafer. The second surface of the semiconductor wafer is opposite the first surface of the semiconductor wafer. Actuating the transfer mechanism includes causing a pin to thrust against a position on the second surface of the semiconductor wafer corresponding to a position of a particular semiconductor device located on the first surface of the semiconductor wafer, and retracting the pin to a rest position. The method further includes detaching the particular semiconductor device from the second surface of the semiconductor wafer, and attaching a particular semiconductor device to the product substrate. |
US09871022B2 |
Light emitting lamp
Disclosed is a light emitting lamp including a light source module including at least one light source and a light guide layer disposed on a substrate burying the at least one light source, and a housing accommodating the light source module, and the at least one light source includes a body having a cavity, a first lead frame including one end exposed to the cavity and the other end passing through the body and exposed to one surface of the body, a second lead frame including one end exposed to one portion of the surface of the body, the other end exposed to the another portion of the surface of the body, and an intermediate part exposed to the cavity, and at least one light emitting chip including a first semiconductor layer, an active layer and a second semiconductor layer, and disposed on the first lead frame. |
US09871013B2 |
Contact area design for solder bonding
A package component includes a dielectric layer and a metal pad over the dielectric layer. A plurality of openings is disposed in the metal pad. The first plurality of openings is separated from each other by portions of the metal pad, with the portions of the metal pad interconnected to form a continuous metal region. |
US09871011B2 |
Semiconductor package using a contact in a pleated sidewall encapsulant opening
A semiconductor package, and a method of manufacturing thereof, comprising a contact in a plated sidewall encapsulant opening, substantially as shown in and/or described in connection with at least one of the figures, as set forth more completely in the claims. |
US09871007B2 |
Packaged integrated circuit device with cantilever structure
Techniques and mechanisms to facilitate connection with one or more integrated circuit (IC) dies of a packaged device. In an embodiment, the packaged device includes a first substrate coupled to a first side of a package, and a second substrate coupled to a second side of the package opposite the first side. Circuitry, coupled via the first substrate to one or more IC dies disposed in the package, includes a circuit structure disposed at a cantilever portion of the first substrate. The cantilever portion extends past one or both of an edge of the first side and an edge of the second side. In another embodiment, a hardware interface disposed on the second substrate enables coupling of the packaged device to another device. |
US09871004B2 |
Laminates of integrated electromagnetically shieldable thin inductors, capacitors, and semiconductor chips
Semiconductor chip laminates and inductive, capacitive, and electromagnetic shielding laminate structures that can be integrated together to form electronic circuits for use in systems and devices such as smartphones, tablet computers, notebook computers, wearable electronic devices, portable medical devices, servers, networking equipment, industrial equipment, etc. Fabrications of such integrated laminate structures can be modularized into four (4) types of laminates, namely, inductive laminates, capacitive laminates, electromagnetic shielding laminates, and semiconductor chip laminates, which can be vertically laminated together and/or integrated side-by-side with high density to produce the desired electronic circuits, systems, and devices. |
US09870999B2 |
Device and method for alignment of vertically stacked wafers and die
A device is provided that includes a first die having a first alignment structure that includes a plurality of first transmission columns arranged in a pattern and a second die positioned on the first die, the second die having a second alignment structure that includes a plurality of second transmission columns arranged in the same pattern as the first transmission columns. The first and second transmission columns are each coplanar with a first surface and a second surface of the first and second die, respectively. |
US09870997B2 |
Integrated fan-out package and method of fabricating the same
A method for fabricating an integrated fan-out package is provided. The method includes the following steps. A plurality of conductive posts are placed in apertures of a substrate. A carrier having an adhesive thereon is provided. The conductive posts are transferred to the carrier in a standing orientation by adhering the conductive posts in the apertures to the adhesive. An integrated circuit component is mounted onto the adhesive having the conductive posts adhered thereon. An insulating encapsulation is formed to encapsulate the integrated circuit component and the conductive posts. A redistribution circuit structure is formed on the insulating encapsulation, the integrated circuit component, and the conductive posts, wherein the redistribution circuit structure is electrically connected to the integrated circuit component and the conductive posts. The carrier is removed. At least parts of the adhesive are removed (e.g. patterned or entirely removed) to expose surfaces of the conductive posts. A plurality of conductive terminals are formed on the surfaces of the conductive posts exposed by the openings. |
US09870993B1 |
Simultaneous formation of liner and metal conductor
An advanced metal conductor structure and a method for constructing the structure are described. A method for fabricating an advanced metal conductor structure provides a conductive line pattern including a set of conductive line trenches in a dielectric layer. Each conductive line trench of the conductive line pattern has parallel vertical sidewalls and a horizontal bottom. A surface treatment of the dielectric layer is performed. The surface treatment produces an element enriched surface layer in which a concentration of a selected element in a surface portion of the parallel sidewalls and horizontal bottoms of the conductive line trenches is increased. A metal layer is deposited on the element enriched surface layer. A thermal anneal process is then performed which simultaneously reflows the metal layer to fill the conductive line trenches and causes a chemical change at interfaces of the metal layer and the element enriched surface layer creating a liner which is an alloy of the metal and selected element. Another aspect of the invention is a device which is created by the method. |
US09870988B2 |
Method of producing a semiconductor device with through-substrate via covered by a solder ball
A semiconductor substrate is provided with an annular cavity extending from a front side of the substrate to an opposite rear side. A metallization is applied in the annular cavity, thereby forming a through-substrate via and leaving an opening of the annular cavity at the front side. A solder ball is placed above the opening and a reflow of the solder ball is effected, thereby forming a void of the through-substrate via, the void being covered by the solder ball. |
US09870982B2 |
Distributed on-chip decoupling apparatus and method using package interconnect
An integrated circuit device is disclosed. The integrated circuit device includes a semiconductor die fabricated by a front-end semiconductor process and having oppositely disposed planar surfaces. The semiconductor die is formed with semiconductor devices, power supply circuitry coupled to the semiconductor devices, decoupling capacitance circuitry, and through-vias. The through-vias include a first group of vias coupled to the power supply circuitry and a second group of vias coupled to the decoupling capacitance circuitry. Conductors are formed in a first metal layer disposed on the semiconductor die in accordance with a back-end semiconductor process. The conductors are configured to couple to the first and second groups of through-vias to establish conductive paths from the power supply circuitry to the decoupling capacitance circuitry. |
US09870980B2 |
Semiconductor package with through silicon via interconnect
The invention provides a semiconductor package with a through silicon via (TSV) interconnect. An exemplary embodiment of the semiconductor package with a TSV interconnect includes a semiconductor substrate, having a front side and a back side. A contact array is disposed on the front side of the semiconductor substrate. An isolation structure is disposed in the semiconductor substrate, underlying the contact array. The TSV interconnect is formed through the semiconductor substrate, overlapping with the contact array and the isolation structure. |
US09870975B1 |
Chip package with thermal dissipation structure and method for forming the same
Structures and formation methods of a chip package are provided. The chip package includes a first package structure including a first semiconductor die that has a first side and a second side opposite thereto. The chip package also includes a package layer partially or completely encapsulating the first semiconductor die, and a conductive feature in the package layer. The chip package further includes a first heat-spreading layer over the first side of the first semiconductor die and a first cap layer on the first heat-spreading layer. |
US09870974B2 |
Power conversion apparatus including wedge inserts
A power conversion apparatus includes: a circuit body including a switching device; a base member forming a first concave portion and a cooling surface; and a wedge inserted in the first concave portion of the base member. The first concave portion of the base member is formed by a substrate portion forming the cooling surface, a first wall disposed on the opposite side of the substrate portion from the cooling surface, and an intermediate portion interconnecting the first wall and the substrate portion. The first wall forms an insertion space for insertion of the wedge, and a heat transfer plane forming a heat dissipating surface and a heat transfer path of the circuit body. The intermediate portion is plastically deformed by inserting the wedge into the insertion space, thus causing the first wall to be displaced toward the location of the circuit body. |
US09870971B2 |
Epoxy resin composition for encapsulating a semiconductor device and semiconductor device prepared using the same
An epoxy resin composition and a semiconductor device, the composition including an epoxy resin; a curing agent; an inorganic filler; a curing catalyst; and a silicon compound, wherein the curing catalyst includes a phosphonium compound represented by the following Formula 4 and the silicon compound comprises a silicon compound represented by the following Formula 7: |
US09870966B1 |
Process for making semiconductor dies, chips and wafers using non-contact measurements obtained from DOEs of NCEM-enabled fill cells on test wafers that include multiple means/steps for enabling NC detection of AACNT-TS via opens
Improved processes for manufacturing semiconductor wafers, chips, or dies utilize in-line data obtained from non-contact electrical measurements (“NCEM”) of fill cells that contain structures configured to target/expose a variety of open-circuit, short-circuit, leakage, and/or excessive resistance failure modes. Such processes include evaluating one or more Designs of Experiments (“DOEs”), each comprised of multiple NCEM-enabled fill cells, in at least two variants, targeted to the same failure mode. Such DOEs include multiple means/steps for enabling non-contact (NC) detection of AACNT-TS via opens. |
US09870961B2 |
Wafer processing method
Disclosed herein is a wafer processing method including a processed position measuring step of imaging an area including a beam plasma generated by applying a pulsed laser beam to a wafer, by using an imaging unit during the formation of a laser processed groove on the wafer, and next measuring the positional relation between the position of the beam plasma and a preset processing position. Accordingly, it is possible to check whether or not the laser processed groove is formed at a desired position, in real time during laser processing. If the position of the laser processed groove is deviated, the processed position can be immediately corrected. |
US09870954B2 |
Simultaneous formation of source/drain openings with different profiles
A method includes forming a first gate stack and a second gate stack over a first portion and a second portion, respectively, of a semiconductor substrate, masking the first portion of the semiconductor substrate, and with the first portion of the semiconductor substrate being masked, implanting the second portion of the semiconductor substrate with an etch-tuning element. The first portion and the second portion of the semiconductor substrate are etched simultaneously to form a first opening and a second opening, respectively, in the semiconductor substrate. The method further includes epitaxially growing a first semiconductor region in the first opening, and epitaxially growing a second semiconductor region in the second opening. |
US09870953B2 |
System on chip material co-integration
A method, and the resulting structure, of a semiconductor device where a first and second gate structure is formed above a Semiconductor-on-Insulator (SOI) material. Following any detrimental processes used to form the first gate structure, the base semiconductor material is exposed and the semiconductor material beneath the second gate structure is removed. A new semiconductor material is grown from the exposed base semiconductor material, and through the second gate structure, creating a device having FET and FinFET devices containing 2 different semiconductor materials. |
US09870952B1 |
Formation of VFET and finFET
An embodiment may include a method of forming a semiconductor device. The method may include forming a first fin in a VFET region, and a second fin in a finFET region, having a first and second hard cap respectively. The method may include removing the second hard cap. The method may include depositing a gate electrode and a gate dielectric. The method may include removing the gate metal and gate dielectric above the first hard cap in the VFET region, exposing a vertical surface of the first hard cap. The method may include forming a protective spacer adjacent to the vertical surface of the first hard cap that is thicker than the gate dielectric. The method may include forming gates in the VFET and finFET regions. The method may include removing the protective spacer and the first hard cap. The method may include forming a source/drain on the first fin. |
US09870948B2 |
Forming insulator fin structure in isolation region to support gate structures
A method for forming the semiconductor device that includes forming a plurality of composite fin structures across a semiconductor substrate including an active device region and an isolation region. The composite fin structures may include a semiconductor portion over the active device region and a dielectric portion over the isolation region. A gate structure can be formed on the channel region of the fin structures that are present on the active regions of the substrate, and the gate structure is also formed on the dielectric fin structures on the isolation regions of the substrate. Epitaxial source and drain regions are formed on source and drain portions of the fin structures present on the active region, wherein the dielectric fin structures support the gate structure over the isolation regions. |
US09870947B1 |
Method for collective (wafer-scale) fabrication of electronic devices and electronic device
Electronic devices are manufactured using a collective (wafer-scale) fabrication process. Electronic chips are mounted onto one face of a collective substrate wafer. A collective flexible sheet made of a heat-conductive material comprising a layer containing pyrolytic graphite is fixed to extend over a collective region extending over the electronic chips and over the collective substrate wafer between the electronic chips. The collective flexible sheet is then compressed. A dicing operation is then carried out in order to obtain electronic devices each including an electronic chip, a portion of the collective plate and a portion of the collective flexible sheet. |
US09870945B2 |
Crystalline layer stack for forming conductive layers in a three-dimensional memory structure
A stack of alternating layers comprising first epitaxial semiconductor layers and second epitaxial semiconductor layers is formed over a single crystalline substrate. The first and second epitaxial semiconductor layers are in epitaxial alignment with a crystal structure of the single crystalline substrate. The first epitaxial semiconductor layers include a first single crystalline semiconductor material, and the second epitaxial semiconductor layers include a second single crystalline semiconductor material that is different from the first single crystalline semiconductor material. A backside contact opening is formed through the stack, and backside cavities are formed by removing the first epitaxial semiconductor layers selective to the second epitaxial semiconductor layers. A stack of alternating layers including insulating layers and electrically conductive layers is formed. Each insulating layer contains a dielectric material portion deposited within a respective backside cavity. Each electrically conductive layer contains a material from a portion of a respective second epitaxial semiconductor layer. |
US09870944B2 |
Back-end-of-line (BEOL) interconnect structure
A method of fabricating an interconnect structure on a wafer and an interconnect structure are provided. A dielectric layer is provided on the wafer, with the dielectric layer having a recess therein. A silicon (Si) layer is deposited in the recess. An interconnect is formed by providing a barrier layer and a conductive layer in the recess over the Si layer. The Si layer has a density that prevents or substantially prevents the barrier layer from moving away from the conductive layer and towards the dielectric layer during subsequent processing of the interconnect structure. |
US09870943B2 |
Contact process and contact structure for semiconductor device
A contact process for a semiconductor device is described. A substrate having a doped region and a dielectric layer over the doped region is provided. A contact hole is formed through the dielectric layer and exposing the doped region. An insulating liner layer is formed a in the contact hole. A portion of the insulating liner layer at a bottom of the contact hole is etch-removed and over-etching is performed. A conductive epitaxial layer is formed from the doped region in the contact hole, and then the contact hole is filled with a conductive material. |
US09870941B2 |
Stair step formation using at least two masks
Apparatuses and methods for stair step formation using at least two masks, such as in a memory device, are provided. One example method can include forming a first mask over a conductive material to define a first exposed area, and forming a second mask over a portion of the first exposed area to define a second exposed area, the second exposed area is less than the first exposed area. Conductive material is removed from the second exposed area. An initial first dimension of the second mask is less than a first dimension of the first exposed area and an initial second dimension of the second mask is at least a second dimension of the first exposed area plus a distance equal to a difference between the initial first dimension of the second mask and a final first dimension of the second mask after a stair step structure is formed. |
US09870933B2 |
Process and apparatus for treating surfaces of wafer-shaped articles
An apparatus and method for processing wafer-shaped articles utilizes at least first and second liquid-dispensing nozzles, wherein a first liquid-dispensing nozzle is positioned closer to an axis of rotation than the second liquid-dispensing nozzle. A liquid supply system supplies heated process liquid to the nozzles such that process liquid dispensed from the first nozzle has a temperature that differs by an amount within a predetermined range from a temperature of process liquid dispensed from the second liquid-dispensing nozzle. |
US09870928B2 |
System and method for updating an arm scan profile through a graphical user interface
A system and method for performing a wet etching process is disclosed. The system includes multiple processing stations accessible by a transfer device, including a measuring station to optically measure the thickness of a wafer before and after each etching steps in the process. The system also includes a controller to analyze the thickness measurements in view of a target wafer profile and generate an etch recipe, dynamically and in real time, for each etching step. In addition, the process controller can cause a single wafer wet etching station to etch the wafer according to the generated etching recipes. In addition, the system can, based on the pre and post-etch thickness measurements and target etch profile, generate and/or refine the etch recipes. |
US09870927B2 |
Free-edge semiconductor chip bending
Techniques for fabricating a semiconductor chip having a curved surface may include placing a substantially flat semiconductor chip in a recess surface of a concave mold such that corners or edges of the semiconductor chip are unconstrained or are the only portions of the semiconductor chip in physical contact with the concave mold; and bending the substantially flat semiconductor chip to form a concave shaped semiconductor chip by applying a force on the semiconductor chip toward the bottom of the recessed surface. The corners or edges of the semiconductor chip move or slide relative to the recess surface during the bending. |
US09870924B2 |
Diffusion agent composition, method of forming impurity diffusion layer, and solar cell
A diffusion agent composition used in forming an impurity diffusion agent layer on a semiconductor substrate, and containing an impurity diffusion component, a silicon compound, and a solvent containing a solvent having a boiling point of 100° C. or less, a solvent having a boiling point of 120-180° C., and a solvent having a boiling point of 300° C. |
US09870917B2 |
Variable temperature hardware and methods for reduction of wafer backside deposition
A process tuning kit for use in a chemical deposition apparatus wherein the process tuning kit includes a carrier ring, horseshoes and shims. The horseshoes have the same dimensions and the shims are provided in sets with different thicknesses to control the height of the horseshoes with respect to an upper surface of a pedestal assembly on which the horseshoes and shims are mounted. A semiconductor substrate is transported into a vacuum chamber of the chemical deposition apparatus by the carrier ring which is placed on the horseshoes such that minimum contact area supports lift the substrate from the carrier ring and support the substrate at a predetermined offset with respect to an upper surface of the pedestal assembly. During processing of the substrate, backside deposition can be reduced by using shims of desired thickness to control the predetermined offset. |
US09870915B1 |
Chemical modification of hardmask films for enhanced etching and selective removal
Embodiments include a method of processing a hardmask that includes forming an alloyed carbon hardmask over an underlying layer. In an embodiment, the alloyed carbon hardmask is alloyed with metallic-carbon fillers. The embodiment further includes patterning the alloyed carbon hardmask and transferring the pattern of the alloyed carbon hardmask into the underlying layer. According to an embodiment, the method may further include removing the metallic component of the metallic-carbon fillers from the alloyed carbon hardmask to form a porous carbon hardmask. Thereafter, the porous hardmask may be removed. In an embodiment, the metallic component of the metallic-carbon fillers may include flowing a processing gas into a chamber that volatizes the metallic component of the metallic-carbon fillers. |
US09870914B2 |
Substrate processing apparatus and substrate processing method
In order to remove from a substrate having a concavo-convex pattern formed on a surface of the substrate, a solid material with which a concave portion of the concavo-convex pattern is filled and which is formed by evaporating a solvent in a sublimable substance solution containing a sublimable substance that sublimates at a temperature equal to or higher than a first temperature, and an impurity that evaporates at a temperature equal to or higher than a second temperature that is higher than the first temperature, the prevent invention provides a substrate processing apparatus and a substrate processing method which heat the substrate to a temperature equal to or higher than the second temperature. |
US09870913B2 |
Flash discharge tube and light-emitting device equipped with the flash discharge tube
A flash discharge tube includes tungsten pins configuring a pair of discharge electrodes, and an envelope. The envelope includes a central region, serving as an alkali-free region, which is configured with an alkali-free glass except for quartz glass. The central region becomes in a high temperature state during a firing operation of the flash discharge tube. The central region is smaller than a maximum region enclosing a gas-tight space formed by hermetically sealing the pair of the discharge electrodes and is not smaller than a minimum region enclosing an arc-discharge space formed between the tungsten pins of the pair of the discharge electrodes. The alkali-free region contains either no alkali metal component or not larger than a predetermined amount of an alkali metal component. Then, a trigger electrode is disposed in the alkali-free region. This provides the flash discharge tube featuring a stable short-interval continuous-firing operation. |
US09870911B2 |
Method and apparatus for processing ions
Methods and apparatus for operating a mass spectrometer are described. In various aspects, ions of a mass range of interest may be mass-selectively ejected from an accumulation ion trap into a multi-ion trap structure. Each ion trap of the multi-ion trap structure may be configured to confine ions within a portion of the mass range of interest. The ions may be simultaneously scanned from the ion traps of the multi-ion trap structure for concurrent detection at a detector component. |
US09870906B1 |
Multipole PCB with small robotically installed rod segments
A radio frequency multipole assembly includes first and second printed circuit boards. Each printed circuit board includes a substrate, at least two rows of conductive pads, and a plurality of tiles affixed to the conductive pads to form at least two radio frequency rods of a radio frequency multipole. The first and second printed circuit boards are arranged with the radio frequency rods towards each other and aligned to for the radio frequency multipole. |
US09870904B2 |
Ion source for mass spectrometry
Systems and methods for delivering a sample to a mass spectrometer are provided. In one aspect, the systems and methods can provide efficient cooling of an ion source probe to prevent overheating and the resulting degradation in ion sampling. In some aspects, such cooling can result in improved consistency and/or efficiency of ion formation. Moreover, ion source cooling in accordance with various aspects of the present teachings can allow for the use of higher temperatures in the ionization chamber (thereby improving desolvation) and/or can enable the use of lower flow rate sample sources than with conventional techniques. |
US09870901B2 |
Method of producing processing condition of plasma processing apparatus, and plasma processing apparatus
Disclosed is a method of producing a processing condition of a plasma processing apparatus. The method includes producing a plurality of processing conditions having different processing parameters, which are applied to an intermediate process performed between an ignition process that ignites plasma of a processing gas using a high frequency wave and a processing process that processes a workpiece by the plasma; sequentially performing the ignition process, the intermediate process applied with each of the processing conditions, and the processing process; measuring, when the intermediated process is changed to the processing process, a power of a reflected wave of the high frequency wave during the processing process in association with each of the processing conditions; and selecting, among the plurality of processing conditions, a processing condition in which the power of the reflected wave of the high frequency wave is minimized. |
US09870900B2 |
Methods and systems for managing semiconductor manufacturing equipment
Provided are methods and systems for managing semiconductor manufacturing equipment. A method may include preventive maintenance involving steps of disassembling, cleaning, and assembling parts of a chamber. The assembling of the parts may include checking whether the parts are correctly assembled, using reflectance and absorptivity of a high-frequency voltage applied to the parts. |
US09870898B2 |
Plasma processing method and plasma processing apparatus
A plasma processing method includes applying a pulse wave of high frequency electric power for plasma generation and a pulse wave of high frequency electric power for bias whose frequency is lower than that of the high frequency electric power for plasma generation on the mounting table; and controlling the pulse wave of the high frequency electric power for plasma generation and the pulse wave of the high frequency electric power for bias such that a predetermined phase difference is generated between the pulse wave of the high frequency electric power for plasma generation and the pulse wave of the high frequency electric power for bias, and a duty ratio of the high frequency electric power for plasma generation becomes greater than or equal to a duty ratio of the high frequency electric power for bias. |
US09870896B2 |
System and method for controlling ion implanter
A system, a method, and a non-transitory computer readable storage medium for controlling an ion implanter are disclosed herein. The system includes a sample module and a control module. The sample module is configured to generate a summarized value from process data of the ion implanter, and the process data correspond to a control parameter. The control module is configured to tune a control parameter, and the control module performs an ion implantation by releasing tools of the ion implanter in accordance with the control parameter when the summarized value meets a predetermined stability requirement. |
US09870893B2 |
Multi-piece electrode aperture
An optics plate for an ion implantation system, the optics plate comprising a pair of aperture assemblies. Each pair of aperture assemblies respectively comprises a first aperture member, a second aperture member; and an aperture fastener, wherein the aperture fastener fastens the first aperture member to the second aperture member. An aperture tip may be also fastened to the second aperture member. One or more of the first aperture member, second aperture member, aperture tip, and aperture fastener is made of one or more of a refractory metal, tungsten, lanthanated tungsten alloy, yttrium tungsten alloy, and/or graphite and silicon carbide. The aperture assemblies may define an extraction electrode assembly, a ground electrode assembly, or other electrode assembly in the ion implantation system. The aperture fastener may be a screw and a bevel washer. The first aperture member may be operably coupled to a base plate via an aperture assembly fastener. |
US09870890B2 |
Load center with plug-in neutral
A load center includes an arc fault circuit interrupter comprising a plurality of contacts, an operating mechanism for separating the contacts, and an arc fault trip mechanism to generate a trip signal in the event of an arc fault detection. The load center also includes a neutral link electrically connected to the arc fault trip mechanism and the plurality of contacts. The load center further includes a mounting rail operatively coupled to the arc fault circuit interrupter, the arc fault circuit interrupter directly supported by the mounting rail. The load center yet further includes a neutral busbar and a plug-in neutral conductor electrically connecting the mounting rail to the neutral busbar. |
US09870887B2 |
Drive circuit for DC latching devices
A drive circuit for a DC latching device includes a battery, a storage element, and a plurality of switches connecting the battery to the storage element for charging the storage element from the battery and discharging the storage element into the coil of a DC latching device. The drive circuit further includes components for determining a state of the DC latching device. The drive circuit may include components for terminating the discharge of the storage element into the coil of the DC latching device in response to determining that the DC latching device has changed states to add reliability to the system and reduce energy consumption. |
US09870886B2 |
Protective element and protective circuit substrate using the same
A protective element includes: a rectangurarly shaped insulating substrate; a heat-generating element formed on the insulating substrate; first and second electrodes laminated on a surface of the insulating substrate; first and second connecting terminals provided on a back surface of the insulating substrate and being continuous with the first and second electrodes; a heat-generating element extracting electrode provided on a current path between the first and the second electrodes and electrically connected to the heat-generating element; and a meltable conductor laminated on a region extending from the heat-generating element extracting electrode to the first and second electrodes and to be melted by heat to interrupt the current path between the first electrode and the second electrodes; wherein at least one of the corner portions of the insulating substrate is chamfered. |
US09870881B2 |
Keyboard device
A keyboard device includes: a key top; a pair of link members coupled with the key top; and a support panel that is located below the key top, and includes first holes each housing a part of the link members. |
US09870880B2 |
Dome switch and switch housing for keyboard assembly
A dome switch utilized in a keyboard assembly is disclosed. The keyboard assembly may include a printed circuit board having a first electrical connector formed in the printed circuit board, and a second electrical connector formed in the printed circuit board adjacent the first electrical connector. The keyboard assembly may also include an inner contact component contacting the second electrical connector of the printed circuit board. The inner contact component may be in electrical communication with the second electrical connector of the printed circuit board. Additionally, the keyboard assembly can include a dome switch surrounding the inner contact component. The dome switch may contact and may be in electrical communication with the first electrical connector of the printed circuit board. |
US09870877B2 |
Switch seat body structure and manufacturing method thereof
A switch seat body structure and a manufacturing method thereof. The switch seat body structure is simplified and can be easily manufactured to enhance the resistance of the switch seat body against the external damaging force. The switch seat body structure includes a main body for assembling with an internal component of the switch. The main body is an assembly of a metal head section and a nonmetal belly section. The metal head section has a shoulder section, a skirt section connected with the shoulder section and a subsidiary shoulder section formed on the skirt section. The nonmetal belly section is overlaid and connected on at least a part of the skirt section or the entire skirt section, whereby the nonmetal belly section is connected with subsidiary shoulder section to form an integrated structure. |
US09870874B2 |
Electrolyte solute, electrolyte, and high-voltage supercapacitor
The present invention relates to the electrochemical field, particularly to an electrolyte solute and an electrolyte that are used for a high-voltage supercapacitor, and a high-voltage supercapacitor using the electrolyte. The anion of the electrolyte solute may be one or more selected from tetrafluoroborate, hexafluorophosphate, bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl) imide, tris (trifluoromethylsulfonyl) methyl and perfluoroalkyl sulfonate, and the cation may be N-methyl-1,4-diazabicyclo[2.2.2]octane ammonium, N,N-dimethyl-1,4-diazabicyclo[2.2.2]octane ammonium, N-methyl-1-azabicyclo[2.2.2]octane ammonium. The high-voltage supercapacitor fabricated by using the electrolyte formulated by the electrolyte solute of the present invention can work stably for a long period of time at a voltage of 2.7 V to 3.2 V, the energy density is greatly increased, the property of high power density is maintained, and the working life is prolonged. |
US09870873B2 |
Particles containing a non-conducting or semi-conducting nucleus covered with a hybrid conducting layer, their processes of preparation and uses in electrochemical devices
Mixture of particles comprising a non-conducting or semi-conducting nucleus covered with a hybrid conductor coating and hybrid conductor chains located between the particles of the mixture to constitute a conductivity network, that is prepared by mechanical crushing. Due to a very good conductivity of the network, a low resistivity, a very good capacity under elevated current and/or a good density of energy, these mixtures of particles are advantageously incorporated in anodes and cathodes of electrochemical generators, resulting in highly performing electrochemical systems. |
US09870871B1 |
Graphene macro-assembly-fullerene composite for electrical energy storage
Disclosed here is a method for producing a graphene macro-assembly (GMA)-fullerene composite, comprising providing a GMA comprising a three-dimensional network of graphene sheets crosslinked by covalent carbon bonds, and incorporating at least 20 wt. % of at least one fullerene compound into the GMA based on the initial weight of the GMA to obtain a GMA-fullerene composite. Also described are a GMA-fullerene composite produced, an electrode comprising the GMA-fullerene composite, and a supercapacitor comprising the electrode and optionally an organic or ionic liquid electrolyte in contact with the electrode. |
US09870866B2 |
Multilayer electronic component
A multilayer electronic component includes an element body having an internal electrode layer and a dielectric layer. These are substantially parallel to a plane including a first axis and a second axis and are alternately laminated along a third axis direction. Side surfaces facing each other in the first axis direction are respectively equipped with an insulating layer. End surfaces facing each other in the second axis direction are respectively equipped with an external electrode. The insulating layer integrally has an insulating layer extension portion covering part of the end surfaces facing each other in the second axis direction. W1/W0 is 1/30 to less than ⅜, where W0 denotes a width along the first axis, and W1 denotes a width along the first axis of the insulating layer extension portion. The external electrode covers at least part of the insulating layer extension portion. |
US09870862B2 |
Method of making non-rectangular magnets
A number of variations may include a method including providing a first powder comprising iron; compacting the first powder into a compacted powder product having a non-planar surface, wherein the compacting includes dynamic magnetic compaction or combustion driven compaction; and increasing the magnetic coercivity of at least one of the first powder or compact powder product. |
US09870861B2 |
Multiple step shifted-magnetizing method to improve performance of multi-pole array magnet
An efficient magnetic assembly having magnetic regions is formed by applying a magnetic field from a magnetizer to predefined portions of a monolithic substrate corresponding to the magnetized regions. In the described embodiment, the magnetic field is of sufficient strength and is applied for a sufficient amount of time to magnetize the corresponding portions of the monolithic substrate. A distance between at least two adjacent magnetized regions corresponding to a neutral zone is determined and based upon the determination, the monolithic substrate is shifted an amount less than the distance corresponding to the neutral zone and the magnetic field is re-applied to at least the shifted portion of the monolithic substrate. |
US09870855B2 |
Multiplexers using weakly-coupled networks in RF front end circuitry
Multiplexing circuitry is disclosed that includes filtering circuitry, which provides a first transfer function between a common port and a first port and a second transfer function between the common port and a second port. The first transfer function and second transfer function provide a first passband and a second passband, respectively. The first transfer function also has a stopband provided within the second passband of the second transfer function because the filtering circuitry includes a first filter path and a second filter path, wherein the second filter path has a first and second parallel resonant circuit provided in shunt with respect to the second filter path and weakly coupled to one another. The weak coupling between the first parallel resonant circuit and the second parallel resonant circuit naturally provides the stopband in the first transfer function within the second passband of the second transfer function. |
US09870854B1 |
Methods of assembling and using an adjustable inductor
Embodiments of the invention disclose methods of assembling and using an adjustable inductor to vary inductance. An adjustable inductor, according to embodiments of the invention, includes a wire coil configured to mount on a first side of a conductive plate. The wire coil is conductive and is a plurality of windings. A core has a first portion and a second portion. The first and second portions are configured with a plurality of grooves for threading engagement with the plurality of windings of the wire coil. The threading engagement attaches the core to the plurality of windings of the wire coil. Rotating the core results in varied inductance. |
US09870853B1 |
Adjustable inductor
An adjustable inductor, according to embodiments of the invention, includes a wire coil configured to mount on a first side of a conductive plate. The wire coil is conductive and is a plurality of windings. A core has a first portion and a second portion. The first and second portions are configured with a plurality of grooves for threading engagement with the plurality of windings of the wire coil. The threading engagement attaches the core to the plurality of windings of the wire coil, which results in varied inductance. |
US09870851B2 |
Low temperature fabrication of lateral thin film varistor
A structure and method for fabricating a laterally configured thin film varistor surge protection device using low temperature sputtering techniques which do not damage IC device components contiguous to the varistor being fabricated. The lateral thin film varistor may include a continuous layer of alternating regions of a first metal oxide layer and a second metal oxide layer formed between two laterally spaced electrodes using a low temperature sputtering process followed by a low temperature annealing process. |
US09870849B2 |
Chip resistor and mounting structure thereof
A chip resistor includes a resistor board, a first electrode, a second electrode and an insulating layer. The second electrode is offset from the first electrode in a lateral direction perpendicular to the thickness direction of the resistor board. The obverse surface of the resistor board includes a first region in contact with the first electrode, a second region in contact with the second electrode and an intermediate region in contact with the insulating layer. The intermediate region is disposed between the first region and the second region in the lateral direction. The first electrode includes a first underlying layer and a first plating layer. The first underlying layer is disposed between the first plating layer and the insulating layer in the thickness direction of the resistor board. |
US09870845B2 |
Multi-layer coaxial cable
A multilayer coaxial cable includes high-voltage circuits that are coaxially disposed with each other. The high-voltage circuits include high-voltage conductors and high-voltage insulators that are disposed on the outside of the high-voltage conductors. In addition, the multilayer coaxial cable includes a conductive shield member that is coaxially disposed on the outside of the high-voltage circuits, and an insulating coating member that is coaxially disposed on the outside of the shield member. |
US09870842B2 |
Rapidly curable electrically conductive clear coatings
Rapidly curable electrically conductive clear coatings are applied to substrates. The electrically conductive clear coating includes to clear layer having a resinous binder with ultrafine non-stoichiometric tungsten oxide particles dispersed therein. The clear coating may be rapidly cured by subjecting the coating to infrared radiation that heats the tungsten oxide particles and surrounding resinous binder. Localized heating increases the temperature of the coating to thereby thermally cure the coating, while avoiding unwanted heating of the underlying substrate. |
US09870830B1 |
Optimal multilevel sensing for reading data from a storage medium
Systems, methods and/or devices that enhance the reliability with which data can be stored in and read from a memory utilize an error indicator, obtained from using one reading threshold voltage for decoding, to adaptively determine the reading threshold voltage(s) used for subsequent decoding attempts. For example, in some implementations, the method includes initiating performance of a first read operation, using a first reading threshold voltage, to obtain a first error indicator, and further includes initiating performance of a second set of additional read operations using two or more second reading threshold voltages, the second reading threshold voltages determined in accordance with the first error indicator, to obtain a second error indicator. In some embodiments, when the first error indicator is greater than a first threshold, a difference between two of the second reading threshold voltages is greater than when the first error indicator is less than a first threshold. |
US09870829B2 |
Flash memory apparatus for physical unclonable function and embodying method of the same
A flash memory apparatus having a physical unclonable function (PUF) and an embodying method of the same are provided. To elaborate, the flash memory apparatus includes a flash memory unit that comprises a main memory area and a peripheral memory area; a challenge input unit that receives input of a challenge value; a read voltage setting unit that sets a read voltage based on the input challenge value; a data reading unit that reads data by applying the read voltage to a memory cell included in a pre-set memory area in the peripheral memory area each time the challenge value is input; and a response output unit that outputs the read data as a response value corresponding to the challenge value, wherein the pre-set memory area consists of a plurality of memory cells comprising two or more memory cells having different threshold voltage values. |
US09870810B2 |
Method and system for power signature suppression in memory devices
A method and system for suppressing power signature in a memory device during read operations. A memory array stores data in an even number of cells per bit, such as 2 cells per bit, where complementary data states are stored in each pair of cells. Differential read out of the memory array via the bitlines suppresses power signature because the same power consumption occurs regardless of the data being accessed from the memory array. Data output buffers that provide complementary data to a downstream circuit system are reset to the same logic state prior to every read operation such that only one output buffer (in the complementary output buffer pair) is ever driven to the opposite logic state in each read cycle. Hence the power consumption remains the same regardless of the data states being read out from the memory array and provided by the output buffers. |
US09870809B2 |
Circuits and techniques to compensate memory access signals for variations of parameters in multiple layers of memory
Embodiments of the invention relate generally to semiconductors and memory technology, and more particularly, to systems, integrated circuits, and methods to implement circuits configured to compensate for parameter variations in layers of memory by adjusting access signals during memory operations. In some embodiments, memory cells are based on third dimensional memory technology. In at least some embodiments, an integrated circuit includes multiple layers of memory, a layer including sub-layers of semiconductor material. The integrated circuit also includes an access signal generator configured to generate an access signal to facilitate an access operation, and a characteristic adjuster configured to adjust the access signal for each layer in the multiple layers of memory. |
US09870808B2 |
Memory device for performing calibration operation
Provided is a memory device configured to perform a calibration operation without having a ZQ pin. The memory device includes a calibration circuit configured to generate a pull-up calibration code and a pull-down calibration code which termination of a data input/output pad for impedance matching in the data input/output pad is controlled. The calibration circuit performs a first calibration operation for trimming first and second reference resistors based on an external resistor to be connected to a pad, and a second calibration operation for generating the pull-up calibration code and the pull-down calibration code based on the trimmed second reference resistor. |
US09870804B2 |
Retractable guide features for data storage device carriers
Data storage device mounting systems to provide alignment and mounting of data storage devices are provided herein. A carrier is configured to couple to a data storage device and hang the data storage device in a vertical orientation in a data storage assembly from retractable mounting pins coupled to the carrier. The carrier also includes retractable alignment features to guide the data storage device and carrier into the mounting system. Finger grips are coupled to retractable alignment features and mounting pins and configured to extend retractable alignment features beyond the carrier concurrent with retracting the mounting pins when actuated by a user squeezing the finger grips. The finger grips are configured to extend the mounting pins when de-actuated by the user. |
US09870803B2 |
Adhesive cover seal for hermetically-sealed data storage device
A data storage device involves a plurality of continuous sidewalls and corner portions of a tub cover overlapping with and hermetically sealed with a corresponding plurality of sidewalls and corners of an enclosure base using an epoxy adhesive. Base protrusions and/or cover dimples may be used to set a suitable gap between the parts. A robust hermetic seal provides for filling the HDD with a lighter-than-air gas. A tub cover may include corners having a tapered radius that decreases from the top to the bottom edge, and a base may include corners having a constant-radius outer surface and sidewalls having a sloped upper surface, whereby an assembly interference fit between the base and the tub cover is formed by forcing outward each sidewall of the tub cover while forcing inward at least a portion of each corner of the tub cover. |
US09870801B2 |
Systems and methods for encoding multimedia content
An interactive video/multimedia application (IVM application) may specify one or more media assets for playback. The IVM application may define the rendering, composition, and interactivity of one or more the assets, such as video. Video multimedia application data (IVMA data may) be used to define the behavior of the IVM application. The IVMA data may be embodied as a standalone file in a text or binary, compressed format. Alternatively, the IVMA data may be embedded within other media content. A video asset used in the IVM application may include embedded, content-aware metadata that is tightly coupled to the asset. The IVM application may reference the content-aware metadata embedded within the asset to define the rendering and composition of application display elements and user-interactivity features. The interactive video/multimedia application (defined by the video and multimedia application data) may be presented to a viewer in a player application. |
US09870798B2 |
Interactive real-time video editor and recorder
Embodiments of a video management system and related methods for are disclosed. The video management system analyzes the user's movement while recording video to delimit video shots. For example, it interprets a “Shake to Cut” gesture, which would have the same effect as a movie director shouting “Cut!” on a movie set. The video management system also allows continuous interaction between a video shooter and other users while recording video. The video montages created with the video management system can be seen as integrating qualitative human judgment relating to meaning, storyline, emotion, etc. Video metadata collected with the video management system can also be used to facilitate interactions on scalable crowd-sourced social video-editing platforms. For example, any video montage created with the video management system could be modified and used as a video template, where other users keep all the video editing information but replace the video footage. |
US09870797B1 |
Generating and providing different length versions of a video
Systems and methods for generating and presenting different length versions of a video are presented. In one or more aspects, a system is provided that includes an analysis component configured to analyze a video and generate summaries of content included in respective segments of the video, and a summary component configured to generate shortened versions of the video having durations less than the duration of the video based in part on the summaries of the content included in the respective segments of the video, wherein the video is made available for streaming in association with an option to select the video or one of the shortened versions. |
US09870796B2 |
Editing video using a corresponding synchronized written transcript by selection from a text viewer
A network-based method and system for working with transcripts and corresponding video allows a media editor to rapidly edit video based on its corresponding written transcript, rapidly create amalgamated video from segments of multiple videos working from the corresponding transcripts, as well as assign attributes to video and audio and their corresponding written transcripts. The user can quickly find and access portions of transcripts and the corresponding video segments within a single, multi-video project and across multiple projects. A network-based workspace application allows the user to access several workspace panels on his/her Internet browser. Workspace panels can slide into view, be hidden from view, and expand/collapse in size so that the user can work with combinations of workspace panels to best meet the needs of the tasks he/she is performing. Each panel represents a step in a multi-step process that begins with a collection of videos and corresponding transcripts. |
US09870795B2 |
Localized dispersed storage memory system
A method includes a processing module receiving data to store and determining error coding dispersal storage function parameters based on an error profile of one or more hard drives. The method continues with the processing module encoding at least a portion of the data in accordance with the error coding dispersal storage function parameters to produce a set of data slices. The method continues with the processing module defining addressable storage sectors within the one or more hard drives based on a number of data slices within the set of data slices to produce a set of addressable storage sectors. The method continues with the processing module storing data slices of the set of data slices in corresponding addressable storage sectors of the set of addressable storage sectors. |
US09870794B2 |
Magnetic tape device and magnetic tape maintenance method
A magnetic tape device includes a magnetic tape as a storage medium; a travel unit that moves the magnetic tape along a travel route; a magnetic head that is arranged at the travel route and performs data reading and writing for the magnetic tape that moves on the travel route; and a lifter unit that is arranged at the travel route and contacts the magnetic tape which is stopped on the travel route, where the lifter unit is able to reciprocate in a direction that intersects the travel route so as to separate the magnetic tape from the magnetic head. |
US09870778B2 |
Obtaining sparseness information for higher order ambisonic audio renderers
In general, techniques are described for obtaining audio rendering information in a bitstream. A device configured to render higher order ambisonic coefficients comprising a processor and a memory may perform the techniques. The processor may be configured to obtain sparseness information indicative of a sparseness of a matrix used to render the higher order ambisonic coefficients to a plurality of speaker feeds. The memory may be configured to store the sparseness information. |
US09870773B2 |
Multi-tier intelligent infrastructure management systems for communications systems and related equipment and methods
Methods of identifying available connector ports on rack mounted equipment use an image capture device to capture an image of a front face of an equipment rack. The captured image is compared to at least one stored image. A patch cord insertion status of at least one connector port included on an item of equipment that is mounted on the equipment rack is then determined based at least in part on the comparison of the captured image to the at least one stored image. |
US09870771B2 |
Environment adaptive speech recognition method and device
A speech recognition method, a speech recognition device, and an electronic device. In this method, first determining is performed by using a sample environment corresponding to a detection speech and a previous environment type, so as to output a corresponding speech correction instruction to a speech engine; then, a to-be-recognized speech is input to the speech engine and a noise type detection engine at the same time, and the speech engine corrects the to-be-recognized speech by using the speech correction instruction, so that quality of an original speech is not impaired by noise processing, and a corresponding initial recognition result is output; the noise type detection engine determines a current environment type by using the to-be-recognized speech and a speech training sample under a different environment; finally, confidence of the initial recognition result is adjusted by using the current environment type. |
US09870768B2 |
Subject estimation system for estimating subject of dialog
A subject estimation system includes a convolutional neural network to estimate a subject label of a dialog. The convolution neural network includes: one or more topic-dependent convolutional layers and one topic-independent convolutional layer, each of the one or more topic-dependent convolutional layers performing, on an input of a word-string vector sequence corresponding to dialog text transcribed from a dialog, a convolution operation dependent on a topic, and the topic-independent convolutional layer performing, on the input of the word-string vector sequence, a convolution operation not dependent on the topic; a pooling layer performing pooling process on outputs of the convolutional layer; and a fully connected layer performing full connection process on outputs of the pooling layer. |
US09870760B2 |
Musical instrument
A musical instrument is disclosed which has a first tubular member having an inlet end and an outlet end, an interior surface, and an exterior surface, a second tubular member having an inlet end and a closed end having a one-way valve, the second tubular member adapted for receiving the first tubular member for moving the first tubular member relative to the second tubular member, and the second tubular member for receiving a liquid through the one-way valve, and a stopper having an opening, the stopper for being inserted in the inlet end of the second tubular member and the opening for receiving the first tubular member there through. |
US09870758B2 |
Apparatus for simulating a door light installed in a door
An apparatus for simulating a door light includes a door defining a first opening therethrough, a frame unit engaging the door about the first opening, wherein the frame unit defines a second opening therethrough sized such that an overlay section of the frame unit, defined between the periphery of the first opening and a periphery of the second opening, partially overlays the first opening, and a display monitor received within the first opening and having a front surface engaging the overlay section about the second opening and defining a display screen surrounded by the frame unit with a periphery of the display screen terminating at or spaced-apart from the periphery of the second opening, the monitor further including an integral memory having instructions stored therein executable by an integral processor to control the display screen to display thereon an image or video of a door light. |
US09870752B2 |
Display dimming in response to user
In some embodiments a detector is to detect a body of a user. A controller is to determine an area of focus of the user in response to the detector, and to dim a portion of a display that is not in the area of focus. Other embodiments are described and claimed. |
US09870751B2 |
Power supplying module and related driving module and electronic device
A power supplying module for an electronic device with a display function includes a first power supplying unit, for charging an output end according to a first clock signal, wherein the output end is coupled to a driving module of the electronic device; and a clock generating unit, for adjusting the first clock signal when an event occurs to make the first power supplying unit charge the output end when the event occurs. |
US09870745B2 |
Display device and driving circuit
Provided is a display device, including: a driving circuit including a first output terminal group including at least one gate signal output terminal, and a second output terminal group including at least one source signal output terminal; and a plurality of gate lead-out lines configured to transmit a gate signal to a plurality of gate lines, in which each or the plurality of gate lines is electrically connected to at least one of the gate lead-out lines, and the first output terminal group is arranged between two adjacent second output terminal groups. |
US09870744B2 |
Active matrix substrate and display device
An active matrix substrate includes a plurality of signal lines, each of which includes first and second line portions and an inner connection portion (connection portion) that connects the first and second line portions. The first and second line portions of one of two adjacent signal lines are made of first and second conductive layers, respectively, and the first and second line portions of the other of the two adjacent signal lines are made of second and first conductive layers, respectively. The position of the connection portion of each of the signal lines is determined in accordance with the layout position of that signal line in the line region. |
US09870743B2 |
Display apparatus
A display apparatus including: a plurality of pixels receiving data voltages in response to gate signals; a drive circuit generating a power voltage and a control signal; a gate driver operating with the power voltage, generating the gate signals and a dummy gate signal in response to the control signal, and supplying the dummy gate signal to the drive circuit; and a data driver operating with the power voltage and generating the data voltages in response to the control signal. The drive circuit measures a temperature of the drive circuit, and a voltage and a current at an output node of the drive circuit generating the power voltage. The measured temperature, voltage and current, and the dummy gate signal are stored in the drive circuit in a predetermined order. This information can be used to detect error states that the display can indicate and use to protect itself from damage. |
US09870740B2 |
Liquid crystal display device and driving method thereof
A liquid crystal display panel comprises a backlight unit including an optical assembly and configured to differentiate the liquid crystal display panel into a plurality of blocks and to illuminate light to each of the plurality of blocks; a location sensor configured to sense a location of a user watching the liquid crystal display panel; a backlight controller configured to output a dimming value corresponding to a brightness of each of the plurality of blocks according to a result of sensing by the location sensor; and a backlight driver configured to generate a driving current corresponding to the dimming value of each block and to provide the generated driving current to the backlight unit corresponding to each of the plurality of blocks. |
US09870739B2 |
Display with backlight and temperature color compensation
An electronic device may have a display such as a liquid crystal display. The display may have an array of pixels that display images to a user. Backlight structures may provide the array of pixels with backlight illumination at a backlight illumination level. The backlight structures may have a light source with an array of light-emitting diodes and photoluminescent material that is pumped by pump light from the light-emitting diodes. The backlight illumination may experience color variations as a function of the backlight illumination level. Circuitry in the electronic device may be used to implement a backlight level color compensator. The backlight level color compensator may apply color correction factors to the image data of the displayed images to compensate for variations in color of the image data due to variations in backlight illumination level and operating temperature. |
US09870738B2 |
Display device, method of driving display device, and electronic apparatus
A display device includes: a display section that has pixels; and a driving section that drives the display section on the basis of luminance information including a plurality of sub-luminance information pieces. The driving section drives the pixels in a time-division manner on the basis of each sub-luminance information piece during a single display period or a plurality of display periods which is set in each sub-luminance information piece. One or both of a timing of start of each display period and the number of the display periods are changeable. |
US09870736B2 |
Display device and electronic equipment
A display device is disclosed. The display device includes: a pixel array unit and a driving unit which drives the pixel array unit. The pixel array unit includes rows of first scanning lines and second scanning lines, columns of signals, pixels in a matrix state arranged at portions where the scanning lines and the signal lines cross each other and power supply lines and ground lines supplying power to respective pixels. The driving unit includes a first scanner performing line-sequential scanning to pixels by each row by supplying a first control signal to each first scanning line sequentially, a second scanner supplying a second control signal to each second scanning line sequentially so as to correspond to the line-sequential scanning and a signal selector supplying a video signal to rows of signal lines so as to correspond to the line-sequential scanning. |
US09870733B2 |
Data signal processing device and display device having the same
A data signal processing device includes a load calculator and a compensation processor. The load calculator calculates an on-pixel rate (OPR) based on image data signals and positional weight values. The positional weight values are determined based on locations of pixels in a display panel. The OPR is proportional to a frame luminance load, which corresponds to a sum of driving currents for the pixels to emit light in each of a plurality of frames. The compensation processor compensates distorted luminance caused by the frame luminance load based on the OPR. |
US09870728B2 |
White organic light-emitting diode display device, its display control method, and display control device
The present disclosure provides a white organic light-emitting diode (WOLED) display device, its display control method, and a display control device. The method includes: receiving red (R), green (G) and blue (B) source data, and determining a minimum value of the R, G and B source data; determining white (W) data in accordance with the minimum value; determining chromaticity coordinates of a WOLED in accordance with the W data; acquiring a brightness value of the WOLED desired for compensating for the chromaticity coordinates of the WOLED to a target value, and a gain value of a subpixel participating in chromatic aberration compensation; and determining output values of R, G, B and W data in accordance with the brightness value of the WOLED, the gain value of the subpixel participating in the chromatic aberration compensation and the W data. |
US09870723B2 |
Band and method for winding band
A wristband configured adhering rear surface portions of band base material to each other. The present wristband is characterized in that, when winding the wristband on a portion on which the wristband is to be wound. The rear surface of a first winding region (6) having an exposed adhesive layer (3), and the rear surface of a second winding region are adhered to each other such that a first adhesion position guide (18, 19A) and a second adhesion position guide (19) are aligned with each other while a (second adhesion region (23)) of the adhesive layer (3) is left so that the portion can be exposed, whereby the wristband can be formed in a ring shape and wound on the portion on which the wristband is to be wound. The first winding region (6), which has the adhesive layer (3) having the portion so that the portion can be exposed, can be adhered to the front surface of the second winding region (7). A strip of the wristbands separated by base material separation lines and a mount over the adhesive layer with mount separation lines not at the base separation lines, allowing parts of the mount to be removed. |
US09870721B2 |
System and method for teaching basic ultrasound skills
A system and method that improves the speed and efficiency through which ultrasound practitioners acquire and develop essential basic ultrasound skills in a simulated environment without the need of actual patients or subjects. The system utilizes a simulator with an input device that manipulate a virtual transducer probe in a simulated 3D space to cut a slice through a basic shape. A 2D section of the cut plane is also displayed so that the practitioner can learn to relate 2D section with their 3D objects cut in cross-section. |
US09870716B1 |
Smart glasses and smart watches for real time connectivity and health
A system for wearable devices including intelligent electronic devices, smart glasses, smart watches, and smart devices. A variety of sensors may be integrated into a wearable smart watch device for health management, voice commands, and lifestyle management. The glasses may continuously screen the food consumed by an individual and analyze the food content based on the size of the morsel, consistency, transparency, and other factors. This may further enable an individual to keep track of daily calorie intake and nutritional value will help in healthy diet and glasses will help in maintaining a healthy weight management. The device may image various people and assess health factors including hydration rate, skin health such as skin rashes, and pulse rates. This may be determined using image recognition and shining a light source on the skin to determine the rate of blood flow and refractory of the light. |
US09870710B2 |
Drone control apparatus and method
A drone control apparatus and method are disclosed. The drone control apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure includes a communication unit that communicates with a drone operation system and a drone over a wireless communication network, a storage unit that stores radio wave environment information of the wireless communication network according to a spatial position, and flight restriction information, and a determination unit that determines a flight path and a flight altitude of the drone based on a radio map, the flight restriction information, and a departure and a destination of the drone received from the drone operation system, and transmits the flight path and the flight altitude to at least one of the drone and the drone operation system via the communication unit. |
US09870707B2 |
Method and system for locating vacant parking places
Disclosed are methods and systems for determining a route for a vehicle where the probability for locating a vacant parking place is greatest. In response to a user's request for a vacant parking place, the system of the invention generates a route map and/or a heat map of the route with the highest probability of locating a vacant parking place. |
US09870706B2 |
Mobile alert system
An alert system has a processing and communication unit located in a vehicle with a processor executing software and a coupled data repository, sensor interfaces to the processor from sensors located in the vehicle, a communication module enabled to send communications to an Internet network, and a global positioning system (GPS) coupled to the processor, determining geographic location of the vehicle. The processor monitors data from the plurality of sensors, consults preprogrammed status information based on one or both of one or more sensor readings or combinations of sensor readings, and selects and sends according to the one or more sensor readings or combinations of sensor readings, by the communications module, a preprogrammed communication addressed to a particular Internet destination. |
US09870698B2 |
Security system re-arming
Systems and techniques are provided for security system re-arming. Input invoking restricted credentials may be received. The security system of an environment may be changed from a first mode to a second mode based on the restricted credentials. The restricted credentials used to change the security system to the second mode may be determined to be near expiration based on an expiration condition of the restricted credentials. A notification may be sent to a person associated with the restricted credentials including a reminder to use the restricted credentials to change the security system to the first mode before the restricted credentials expire. |
US09870697B2 |
Method, computer-readable storage device and apparatus for providing a collaborative standalone area monitor
A method, computer-readable storage device and apparatus for providing collaborative area monitoring are disclosed. For example, the method monitors the area via a plurality of sensors, wherein the plurality of sensors comprises an optical sensor and a positioning sensor, detects an alarm condition, activates one of the plurality of sensors to capture information associated with the alarm condition, and sends a request for assistance to a neighboring standalone area monitor using a wireless communications protocol. |
US09870691B2 |
Apparatus for operating a door of an aircraft, an aircraft having such an apparatus and method for operating a door of an aircraft
A system for operating an aircraft door includes an operating handle having a lever and a grip, a slide arming means movable between a first position representing an armed state and a second position representing a disarmed state, a control unit coupled with the slide arming means, warning means arranged in the vicinity of the slide arming means and a sensor. The sensor is adapted for detecting the proximity of a hand of a user in a field around the grip, which field covers a distance of at least 10 cm and not exceeding 50 cm to the grip, and for producing a proximity signal representing the proximity of a hand of a person. The control unit is adapted for operating the warning means on receiving the proximity signal of the sensor to attention to the slide arming means when the slide arming means is in the first position. |
US09870689B1 |
Codependent alarm device
Aspects optimize an alarm time as a function of biometric sleep data. Biometric sleep data is generated from monitoring a sleeping person. A readiness period of time is determined as required for a selected caregiver to complete a task prior to tending to the sleeping person. A probability that the sleeping person will wake within the readiness time period from a current time is determined from the biometric sleep data of the sleeping person. Accordingly, an alarm is initialized (given, broadcast, etc.) to the selected caregiver in response to determining that the wake probability meets a threshold certainty value. |
US09870688B2 |
Protection support system, protection support server and protection terminal
A protection support system allows for protecting efficiently a target such as an elderly person who is wandering around. In the protection support system, a protection terminal includes an identification information receiving unit that receives identification information from a transmitter and a discovery information transmitting unit that transmits discovery information including the identification information that has been received. The protection support server includes a discovery information receiving unit that receives the discovery information, a request-side information storage unit that stores request-side information in which information on the person to be protected is associated with the identification information, a disclosure range determination unit that determines a disclosure range of the request-side information, and a protection request demand transmitting unit that transmits a protection request demand including the request-side information within the disclosure range. The protection terminal includes a protection request demand receiving unit that receives the protection request demand and a protection request demand output unit that outputs the protection request demand that has been received to a requested party. |
US09870684B2 |
Information processing apparatus, information processing method, program, and information processing system for achieving a surveillance camera system
There is provided an information processing apparatus including an obtaining unit configured to obtain a plurality of segments compiled from at least one media source, wherein each segment of the plurality of segments contains at least one image frame within which a specific target object is found to be captured, and a providing unit configured to provide image frames of the obtained plurality of segments for display along a timeline and in conjunction with a tracking status indicator that indicates a presence of the specific target object within the plurality of segments in relation to time. |
US09870674B2 |
System and method for providing a wagering game during a live sporting event
The present invention relates to a method for providing a computer based wagering game during a live sporting event, the wagering game based on events occurring during said live sporting event, a principal objective of the game being to acquire the largest number of wins by the end of the sporting event, comprising: a) generating a plurality of betting events by a game administrator at a game server, wherein each of said betting event based on a bettable event occurring during said sporting event; b) allowing one or more players to participant in said wagering game and to selectively bet on possible outcomes of said betting event; c) closing said betting event after a selected interval such that no further bets can be added to said betting event; d) terminating said betting event; and e) upon termination of said betting event, crediting winners of each of said betting event. |
US09870673B2 |
System and methods of managing and using information in a lottery system
Interactions with the lottery system may be stored to a central database or data store. The transactions stored in the lottery system may represent interactions with the lottery system, such as purchasing of tickets and validating tickets. The lottery system may link a current transaction with a previous transaction, allowing a transaction profile of a ticket to be generated. The transaction profile information may be used for various purposes including supporting an investigation. |
US09870660B1 |
Tag identification systems and methods
In a tag identification system, active tags are configured to emulate at least one passive tag so that existing passive identifications systems, such as passive radio-frequency (RFID) systems or near field communication (NFC) systems, can be retrofitted to operate with the active tag without having to make expensive hardware updates to the readers within the system. The active tag permits continuous monitoring of its movement or status, as may be desired, regardless of its proximity relative to the readers thereby allowing a system to capture more data regarding the tag's location and use. In addition, the active tag may be compatible with different passive identification systems thereby permitting it to operate with disparate passive identification systems and obviating the need of the user to carry multiple passive tags. |
US09870656B2 |
System and method for processing vehicle requests
A method and system for processing requests for vehicular data, including receiving a vehicle request for a vehicle parameter from a client system (e.g., third party application); verifying client access to the vehicle parameter; determining one or more parameter values for the requested vehicle parameter; and transmitting the one or more parameter values to the client system. |
US09870654B2 |
Ground work vehicle, ground work vehicle management system, and ground work information display method
A work device that performs work using a work unit while traveling, or a management system in which the work device is incorporated includes: a travel information generation unit that, over time, generates travel information indicating a travel state; a work information generation unit that, over time, generates work information indicating a work state for the work unit; a travel evaluation unit that, based on the travel information and the work information, divides the traveling of the work device into non-work traveling and actual work traveling; and a data visualization unit that generates visual data according to which the result of the division performed by the travel evaluation unit is made visible. |
US09870652B2 |
Vehicle battery data analysis service
Concepts and technologies are disclosed herein for a vehicle battery data analysis service. A processor can execute a vehicle battery data analysis service. The processor can generate a request to execute a load test at a vehicle and transmit the load request to a vehicle diagnostic system located at the vehicle. The processor can obtain diagnostic data generated by the vehicle diagnostic system. The diagnostic data can include test data that indicates a load of a battery of the vehicle and vehicle data that identifies the vehicle. The processor can update fleet data based upon the diagnostic data. |
US09870645B2 |
Augmented reality method and system for measuring and/or manufacturing
An assembling method, an augmented reality system and a computer program product for measuring and/or manufacturing are provided. A targeting object may be placed in a working space. A distance is measured from the measurement device to the targeting object. The distance measurement is transmitted to the augmented reality system, and the augmented reality system determines whether the distance measurement corresponds to a target distance. |
US09870644B2 |
Apparatus and method for image processing
Image processing apparatus and method. A modeling unit may generate a three-dimensional (3D) model corresponding to an actual object from an input color image and an input depth image corresponding to the input color image. A calculator may perform photon-based rendering with respect to an input virtual object and the 3D model based on input light environment information, and may generate a difference image comprising color distortion information occurring by inserting the virtual object into the 3D model. A rendering unit may generate a result image comprising the virtual object by synthesizing the difference image and the input color image. |
US09870643B2 |
Development view generation system and non-transitory computer readable medium storing program
Provided is a development view generation system including a storage unit that stores information on a three-dimensional shape of an article, a development surface determination unit in which when there is a second surface adjacent to a first surface, the first surface being a determination target, and there is a third surface adjacent to the first surface and the second surface, if an angle between the first surface and the second surface and an angle between the first surface and the third surface are a pre-set threshold or less, the development surface determination unit determines the first surface as a development surface, and if any one of the respective angles is greater than the threshold, the development surface determination unit determines the first surface as a non-development surface, and a development view generation unit that generates a development view, for a surface which is determined as a development surface. |
US09870641B2 |
Using an MM-principle to achieve fast image data estimation from large image data sets
A majorize-minimize (MM) mathematical principle is applied to least squares regularization estimation problems to effect efficient processing of image data sets to provide good quality images. In a ground penetrating radar application, these approaches can reduce processing time and memory use by accounting for a symmetric nature of a given radar pulse, accounting for similar discrete time delays between transmission of a given radar pulse and reception of reflections from the given radar pulse, and accounting for a short duration of the given radar pulse. |
US09870639B2 |
Graphic processing unit and method of performing, by graphic processing unit, tile-based graphics pipeline
Computing apparatus and methods are provided for performing a tile-based graphics pipeline. The graphics pipeline includes a binning pipeline configured to generate a tile list of objects indicating which tile vertices, primitives, or patches the objects belong to; and a rendering pipeline configured to render an object, per tile, based on the tile list generated in the binning pipeline. Each of the binning pipeline and the rendering pipeline is configured to implement a tessellation pipeline. The graphics pipeline may be configured to operate in an efficiency mode to defer or lower tessellation by performing tessellation in one of the binning and rendering pipelines or by setting a new lower tessellation factor. |
US09870637B2 |
Frame removal and replacement for stop-action animation
Various systems and methods for frame removal and replacement for stop-action animation are described herein. A system for creating a stop-motion video includes an access module to access a series of frames of an input video, and a processing module to determine whether each frame of the series of frames includes a portion of a hand and composite frames from the series of frames that do not include the portion of the hand to render an output video. A system for creating a video includes an access module to access an input video, and a video processing module to identify a physical object in the input video, track movement of the physical object in the input video to identify a path, identify a three-dimensional model of the physical object, and create an output video with the three-dimensional model in place of the physical object, the three-dimensional model following the path. |
US09870632B2 |
Information processing apparatus and non-transitory computer readable medium
An information processing apparatus includes a selecting unit, a degree-of-association calculating unit, and a display. The selecting unit selects at least one of multiple components constituting electronic information. The degree-of-association calculating unit calculates the degree of association representing a strength of association between a different component associated with the component selected by the selecting unit and the selected component. The display displays associated-component information regarding the different component which is associated with the selected component, in a form based on the degree of association which is calculated by the degree-of-association calculating unit. When at least one of the components has a description indicating a conjunctive relation with the different component, the degree-of-association calculating unit associates the component with the different component. |
US09870623B2 |
Segmenting content displayed on a computing device into regions based on pixels of a screenshot image that captures the content
Methods and apparatus directed to segmenting content displayed on a computing device into regions. The segmenting of content displayed on the computing device into regions is accomplished via analysis of pixels of a “screenshot image” that captures at least a portion of (e.g., all of) the displayed content. Individual pixels of the screenshot image may be analyzed to determine one or more regions of the screenshot image and to optionally assign a corresponding semantic type to each of the regions. Some implementations are further directed to generating, based on one or more of the regions, interactive content to provide for presentation to the user via the computing device. |
US09870622B1 |
Systems and methods for analyzing a motion based on images
A method for determining posture-related information of a subject using the subject's image is provided. The method comprises: determining, from a first image, first positions of a first pair of joints and a first body segment length of a first body segment associated with the first pair of joints; determining, from a second image, second positions of a second pair of joints and a second body segment length of a second body segment associated with the second pair of joints; determining, based on an algorithm that reduces a difference between the first and second body segment lengths, whether the first and second pairs of joints correspond to a pair of joints; If the first and second pairs of joints are determined to correspond to a pair of joints, determining, based on the second positions, information of a posture of the subject; and providing an indication regarding the information. |
US09870619B2 |
Electronic device and method for synthesizing continuously taken images
An operation method of an electronic device is provided. The method includes detecting motion objects in each of two or more continuously captured images, determining whether the detected motion objects are synthesizable for use as wallpaper, and providing feedback according to whether the detected motion objects are synthesizable for use as wallpaper. |
US09870614B1 |
Automatic 3D brain tumor segmentation and classification
A fully automatic brain tumor segmentation and classification method and system improve the healthcare experience with machine intelligence. The automatic brain tumor segmentation and classification method and system utilize whole tumor segmentation and multi-class tumor segmentation to provide accurate analysis. |
US09870605B2 |
Accelerated lens distortion correction with near-continuous warping optimization
A digital image processing technique, such as an image warping operation, is stored in a pre-computed lookup table (LUT) prior to image processing. The LUT represents a pixel-to-pixel mapping of pixel coordinates in a source image to pixel coordinates in a destination image. For vectors containing only inlier pixels, a fast remap table is generated based on the original LUT. Each SIMD vector listed in the fast remap is indexed to the coordinates of one of the source pixels that maps to one of the destination pixels in the vector. Other SIMD vectors that contain at least one outlier pixel are listed in an outlier index. For each vector indexed in the fast remap, linear vector I/O operations are used to load the corresponding source pixels instead of using scatter/gather vector I/O load operations via the LUT. The remaining outlier pixels are processed using scatter/gather I/O operations via the LUT. |
US09870604B2 |
Method for sliced inpainting
A method for replacing image data in a destination region that is divided into sub-pieces along one or more cutting paths, which start and end at two different points on the border, and finding replacement data for the sub-pieces. The cutting paths may be determined as a function of the type of image structured at the start and the end points. The cutting paths may also be determined as a function of the area of the sub-pieces and the lengths of the cutting paths. Optionally, the destination region may be determined by a spot detection algorithm. Further optionally, the spot detection algorithm may comprise calculation of a high pass filter, or detection of areas of luminosity and border-to-volume ratios. A method for moving an image element within an image is also provided. |
US09870603B1 |
Image integrity monitor system and method
Systems and methods for monitoring integrity of image sensing devices are disclosed. The method may include: obtaining a characterized noise pattern of an image sensing device; determining whether an image generated by the image sensing device is misaligned with an actual scene based on the characterized noise pattern of the image sensing device; in response to the image being determined to be misaligned with the actual scene, discarding or re-aligning the image; and in response to the image being determined to be aligned with the actual scene, presenting the image to a user. |
US09870602B2 |
Method and apparatus for fusing a first image and a second image
The present invention provides a method to resolve a technical problem of a “ghost”. The method is applied to a terminal that includes a first camera lens and a second camera lens, where the both lenses are located on a same side of the terminal. The method includes: obtaining a first image that is captured by the first camera lens and is about a first area, and a second image that is captured at a same moment by the second camera lens and is about a second area; performing translation compensation on the second image by using the first image as a reference image; and fusing the first image and the second image that is obtained after translation compensation is performed, to generate a third image, where a resolution of the third image is higher than a resolution of the first image and a resolution of the second image. |
US09870601B2 |
System and method for displaying panoramic image using single look-up table
An apparatus and a method for displaying a panoramic image using a look-up table (LUT) are disclosed, including generating an LUT may include determining first geometric correction information to transform an input domain pixel coordinate system of an input image to a panorama domain pixel coordinate system of a panoramic image, determining second geometric correction information to transform an output domain pixel coordinate system of an output image of the panoramic image to the panorama domain pixel coordinate system of the panoramic image, determining third geometric correction information to transform the output domain pixel coordinate system of the output image to the input domain pixel coordinate system of the input image based on the first geometric correction information and second geometric correction information, and generating an LUT that maps the output domain pixel coordinate system of the output image to the input domain pixel coordinate system of the input image. |
US09870591B2 |
Distributed electronic document review in a blockchain system and computerized scoring based on textual and visual feedback
A blockchain configured system and a method for facilitating an expertise driven review and scoring of electronic documents in a crowdsourced environment. The system includes a server computer, a memory circuit and a processing circuit. The processing circuit is coupled to the memory circuit and includes or is coupled to a credentialing engine. The system further includes an expert scoring module. The system further includes a document reviewing and scoring engine coupled to the processing circuit. The document review and scoring module associates an aggregate score to the electronic document based on aggregation of the review ratings by crowdsourced experts and aggregate scores of each of the crowdsourced experts based on the set of attributes including one or more of the credentialed expertise, reputation of the expert, and the officiality. |
US09870585B2 |
Interactive seat beacon with customization
Event venues include multiple seats for eventgoers, and each seat may be coupled to a seat beacon. The seat beacon may identify the ticket of an eventgoer sitting in them, either by scanning it, interfacing with a user mobile device, or accepting manual input at an interface provided at the seat. A centralized event venue controller may check the ticket identifier against seat identifiers in a ticket purchase information database. If the eventgoer is in the wrong seat, the seat may identify itself locally by lighting a light or remotely by notifying an administrator device. If the eventgoer is in the correct seat, the seat beacon may be used by the eventgoer to order food, drinks, Wi-Fi access, or seat customizations such as a seat heater or a name tag or a cooling cup holder. Such seat customizations can also be provided at the time of ticket purchase. |
US09870583B2 |
One-page checkout
Systems and methods for facilitating a purchase are described. A user logs in to a payment service provider site. The user provides authorization to use a one-page checkout service. The user's information is captured during the session, and a cookie is placed on the user's device. When the user goes on a merchant website and checks out using the payment service provider, the payment service provider detects the cookie on the user device. The payment service provider uses the cookie, and in one embodiment, centrally stored information, to populate the one-page checkout page with the last used payment. In various embodiments, the one-page checkout page also displays a shipping address. |
US09870578B2 |
Scrolling interstitial advertisements
Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on a computer storage medium, for providing advertisements for initial off-screen insertion over publisher resources. In one aspect, a method includes receiving, from a user device, a request for a content item for presentation with a publisher resource; and providing, to the user device, a content item with instructions that cause the content item to be inserted into the publisher resource at a location at which at least a portion of the content item is not presented by the user device upon initial presentation of the publisher resource, the instructions further causing the content item to be inserted as an overlay relative to content of the publisher resource and to scroll at a different rate than the content of the publisher resource in response to user interaction with a resource scroll control. |
US09870577B1 |
Conditional bids in an auction
Methods, systems, and apparatus include computer programs encoded on a computer-readable storage medium for providing content. A method includes: identifying a placement opportunity for content for a user device characterized as being included in a group in which the group is defined by a user having a specific attribute; providing a bid request to content sponsors, the bid request including characteristic information that identifies information known to a serving system about the user without specifying the attribute that is associated with the user; receiving conditional bids conditioned on the user having a specific attribute from the content sponsors that establish a price to be used in an auction for the placement opportunity; evaluating the received bids in view of the attribute associated with the user including using received bids in the auction to determine a content item for the placement opportunity; and providing a content item for the placement opportunity. |
US09870576B2 |
Detecting body language via bone conduction
Concepts and technologies are disclosed herein for detecting body language via bone conduction. According to one aspect, a device can detect body language of a user. The device can generate a signal and send the signal to a sensor network connected to a user. The device can receive a modified signal from the sensor network and compare the modified signal to a body language reference model. The device can determine the body language of the user based upon comparing the modified signal to the body language reference model. |
US09870574B2 |
Systems and methods for using spatial and temporal analysis to associate data sources with mobile devices
Various embodiments of the present technology generally relate to data delivery. More specifically, some embodiments of the present technology relate to systems and methods for using spatial and temporal analysis to associate data sources with mobile devices. The delivery of data to support a wide variety of services for and about mobile devices that are based on data stored in corporate, commercial, and government databases which is not currently linked to individual mobile devices. Some embodiments allow advertisers to better target their ads to relevant target audience with greater accuracy. |
US09870573B1 |
Ad payment for physical presence
A computer-implemented method of determining reaction to promotional items includes providing to a mobile device a promotional item associated with a geographic location, determining whether the mobile device is proximate to the geographic location, and charging an advertising account if the mobile device is proximate to the geographic location. |
US09870570B2 |
Method to negotiate for wireless service
A system and method are disclosed to negotiate for wireless services. A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a method that operates in a communication device for commercially negotiating with a service provider for wireless services offered by way of a wireless access point (WAP) managed by the service provider. Alternatively, the system may include a method that operates in a wireless services management system (WSMS) for commercially negotiating with the communication device operated by the end user for wireless services offered by way of a WAP managed by the WSMS. Additional embodiments are disclosed. |
US09870569B2 |
Flexible energy use offers
A computer-implemented method includes receiving an offer of a flexible demand response event from a customer of a utility company, and determining a price of the offer in context of a load-supply balancing operation of the utility company. |
US09870555B2 |
Customer interaction manager on a restaurant computer
An approach is provided for indirectly connecting a customer's mobile smart device to a point of sale computer located at a business when the customer is making a purchase at the business. The customer's mobile smart device and the POS computer communicate over the Internet with a customer interaction manager executing on an Internet server. This provides an easy to use interface for the customer and allows the customer to receive information and send requests to the business without having to wait for personnel working at the business to be available. |
US09870553B1 |
Individual XML message processing platform
A communications platform having an XML based message-processing platform that enables users to receive electronic messages. The processing platform may include at least one server that receives an electronic message addressed to the platform, wherein the electronic message includes a routing indicator including at least one user identity and one or more message attributes. The one or more message attributes may include “folios” which include information folios that at least one of intelligently store, display and synthesize “incoming” electronic messages. The platform further includes at least one database that stores a user-defined endpoint table, the endpoint table correlating endpoints with sender defined message attributes. In this embodiment, the platform may include a sender stylesheet and an electronic message stylesheet that describes an activity and an event. |
US09870551B2 |
Collaborative space planning for a data center
Collaborative space planning for a data center is provided. Methods include receiving, into a collaboration server that provides a collaborative environment for a plurality of data center personnel to participate in data center design operations, data corresponding to a data center modification operation from one of the plurality of data center personnel, sending the data corresponding to the data center modification operation to other ones of the plurality of data center personnel from the collaboration server, receiving, into the collaboration server, supplemental data corresponding to the data center modification from one of the other ones of plurality of data center personnel and sending the supplemental data to the plurality of data center personnel from the collaboration server responsive to receiving the supplemental data. |
US09870545B2 |
System and method for providing user interface cards
A system and method for providing user interface for user-specified context is disclosed. According to one embodiment, a computer-implemented method for providing a context-based user interface comprises providing a collection of user interface cards based on a user's context and receiving a user's selection of a plurality of user interface cards from the collection of user interface cards. The plurality of user interface cards is saved on a user's device, and the plurality of user interface cards comprises a user interface card that has a data portion and a form portion. The form portion of the user interface card is updated from a card repository. The data portion of the user interface card is separately received from a remote device or a remote server. The user interface card is displayed on the user's device with an updated form portion and the received data portion. |
US09870542B2 |
Managing information technology solution centers
The present disclosure describes methods, systems, and computer program products for managing an information technology (IT) solution center. One method includes determining a list of priorities about activities based on a set of properties related to the activities, optimizing the activities based on the list of priorities, and assigning the optimized activities with correlated actions. The correlated actions can include at least one of (i) appointing one or more entries of the activities to customer relationship management and (ii) transferring one or more entries of the activities to a notification user interface. The method may further include maintaining a database associated with an industry IT solution center, wherein the database includes the activities and the set of properties related to the activities, and displaying issues, technical incidents, and alerts grouped according to a set of definitions. |
US09870541B2 |
Service level backup using re-cloud network
Embodiments relate to systems and methods for service level backup using a re-cloud network. A set of operating clouds can support many users. The users can accept service based on a service level agreement (SLA), according to which the user is assured a certain level of service or support from the cloud, such as a minimum amount of uptime, a minimum amount of processor cycles or network bandwidth, or other guaranteed parameters of the usage of their virtual machine. The set of operating clouds in which the user's service is supported can be configured to communicate a service level augmentation request to a backup cloud to request additional resources to maintain the delivery of one or more SLA-specified support to users. The backup cloud network can in turn be nested with other backup clouds or resources. |
US09870539B2 |
Establishing communication in a rich media notice board
A rich media notice board enables users to communicate with others in their own and related communities who use the rich media notice board or other rich media notice boards, such as those in related communities, as well as with others who use conventional interfaces via the Internet. The users of the rich media notice board can post notices including text, images, audio, and video to the rich media notice board. The notices may also include usage metaphors that may allow users to relate to the notices. A user interface of the rich media notice board may employ the usage metaphors to provide an interface that may be used by users who may not read or write with sufficient proficiency to otherwise use a computer. The users may access the rich media notice boards from computers, mobile phones, and kiosk systems. |
US09870536B1 |
Integrated drive and readout circuit for superconducting qubits
Embodiments of the present invention are directed to an integrated drive and readout circuit assembly. Directional couplers are configured to connect to qubit-resonator systems. Diplexers are coupled to the directional couplers. A microwave signal combiner is coupled to the diplexers. |
US09870533B2 |
Autonomous decision logic for a wearable device
A wearable apparatus may include a sensor configured to identify a characteristic of the wearable apparatus. The wearable apparatus may also include an activity tracker configured to identify an activity of a tracked individual. The wearable apparatus may further include a memory. The wearable apparatus may include a processor operatively coupled to the memory. The processor may be configured to receive portable autonomous decision logic via a network and execute the portable autonomous decision logic. When executing the autonomous decision logic, the processor is configured to receive the characteristic via the sensor, receive the activity via the activity tracker; determine a state of the tracked individual based on at least one of the characteristic or the activity; and generate an output based on the state of the tracked individual. |
US09870531B2 |
Analysis system using brokers that access information sources
Systems, methods, and computer-readable media for generating a data set are provided. One method includes generating a data set based on input data using a plurality of brokers. The method further includes receiving a request from a user and determining whether the request can be fulfilled using data currently in the data set. When the request can be fulfilled using data currently in the data set, the data is accessed using broker(s) configured to provide access to data within the data set. When the request cannot be fulfilled using data currently in the data set, at least one new broker is spawned using existing broker(s) and additional data needed to fulfill the request is added to the data set using the new broker. The method further includes generating a response to the request using one or more of the plurality of brokers. |
US09870530B2 |
Methods and systems for data analysis in a state machine
A device includes a match element that includes a first data input configured to receive a first result, wherein the first result is of an analysis performed on at least a portion of a data stream by an element of a state machine. The match element also includes a second data input configured to receive a second result, wherein the second result is of an analysis performed on at least a portion of the data stream by another element of the state machine. The match element further includes an output configured to selectively provide the first result or the second result. |
US09870523B2 |
Image forming system and image forming apparatus
According to an embodiment, an image forming system comprises a terminal device and an image forming apparatus. The image forming apparatus is provided with an image forming section, a transfer section and a transfer bias applying section. The image forming section forms a toner image on a transfer belt. The transfer section transfers the toner image onto a medium. The transfer bias applying section applies transfer bias voltage to the transfer section. The terminal device is provided with a request receiving section and a bias voltage determination section. The request receiving section receives a print request of printing the image on at least one card arranged on a cardboard as media. The bias voltage determination section determines the transfer bias voltage according to the print request. |
US09870518B2 |
Data processing system
Provided is a data processing system providing various user interfaces to users by analyzing and processing data collected via various routes, by using a parallel and distributive manner based on the assumption that generation, analysis, storage, and consumption of data is performed at various locations. |
US09870510B2 |
Apparatus and method for counting moving objects
An apparatus and method for counting moving objects is disclosed that includes: an establishing unit configured to detect moving objects in each frame of image in a surveillance video, establish a moving object track set according to the detected moving objects, and score a track of the moving object according to the number of times of consecutively detecting a moving object in the moving object track in the moving object track set; a filtering unit configured to remove a moving object track in the moving object track set with a score less than or equal to a predefined threshold value; and a counting unit configured to count moving objects according to the moving object tracks in the moving object track set after the removal. With the apparatus and method, completeness of the established moving object track set may be ensured, and accuracy of the counting may be efficiently improved. |
US09870503B2 |
Visual object and event detection and prediction system using saccades
A method of operating an image detection device includes receiving an image, dividing the image into a plurality of patches, grouping ones of the plurality of patches, generating a set of saccadic paths through the plurality of patches of the image, generating a cluster-direction sequence for each saccadic path, generating a policy function for identifying an object in a new image using a combination of the cluster-direction sequences, and operating the image detection device using the policy function to identify an object in the new image. |
US09870501B2 |
Method and apparatus for processing value documents
A method for processing value documents comprises the following steps: by means of a camera device an action of an operator of a value-document processing apparatus is captured. The captured image data are processed by means of an image processing device and at least one predetermined gesture is extracted from the processed image data. An input information item for the value-document processing apparatus is then allocated to the extracted gesture. The input information is provided in the value-document processing apparatus and processed there. The input information can represent a control information item or a data input information item. |
US09870500B2 |
Sensor enhanced speech recognition
A system for sensor enhanced speech recognition is disclosed. The system may obtain visual content or other content associated with a user and an environment of the user. Additionally, the system may obtain, from the visual content, metadata associated with the user and the environment of the user. The system may also include determining, based on the visual content and metadata, if the user is speaking. If the user is determined to be speaking, the system may obtain audio content associated with the user and the environment. The system may then adapt, based on the visual content, audio content, and metadata, one or more acoustic models that match the user and the environment. Once the one or more acoustic models are adapted and loaded, the system may enhance a speech recognition process or other process associated with the user. |
US09870499B2 |
Biometric collection device
A biometric collection device that includes a housing and a fingerprint sensor. The biometric collection device provides signals to a user by activating a first signal when the biometric collection device is ready to capture a fingerprint image from the fingerprint sensor, activates a second signal when the biometric collection device begins capturing the fingerprint image, and activates a third signal when the biometric collection device successfully captures the fingerprint image. |
US09870497B2 |
Window-retaining, protective cap for scanning device
A protective cap for a scanning device is provided that retains a device exit window in a fixed position relative to a scan engine while reducing the likelihood of a collision between the scan engine and the exit window when the scanning device is subjected to mechanical stress. Also provided are scanning devices having such a protective cap. The protective cap includes first, second and third portions. The first portion is coupled with an outwardly-facing surface of the exit window and operates to retain the exit window against a scan engine support. The second portion is coupled with the scan engine support and operates to keep the scan engine at a fixed distance from the exit window. The third portion is coupled with an enclosure for the scanning device and operates to secure the exit window and the scan engine at a fixed position with respect to the enclosure. |
US09870496B2 |
Authentication systems and methods
A system includes a machine-readable storage medium, a processor in communication with the machine-readable storage medium, communication circuitry in communication with the processor; and a plurality of sensors in communication with the processor. Each of the plurality of sensors is configured to generate an electrical signal in response to receiving wave energy. The processor is configured to control data acquisition for authenticating an object using at least a subset of the plurality of sensors, calculate an authentication value based on signals received from the subset of the plurality of sensors, and cause the communication circuitry to transmit an authentication request including the authentication value to an authentication entity. |
US09870495B2 |
System and method using frequency hopping to identify items tagged with RFID tags in an enclosed space
A system and method comprises a plurality of RF antennas having beams directed to a storage space in which medical items having RFID tags are stored. Each antenna is controlled to inject energy at a different frequency in a frequency-hopping set of frequencies to activate the tags. The return signal strength is monitored and for each tag that responds, the antenna location, frequency of the injected energy, identification response, and signal strength are stored as identification data. If a tag fails to respond in new scans, the antenna at which the tag last responded receives all the frequency-hopping frequencies in an attempt to locate the tag. If new tags are found, they are compared to a list of expected new medical items. |
US09870492B2 |
Method and system for determining information related to a drug reservoir
A method and system for detecting information related to a drug reservoir. The method includes transmitting energy at a coded material disposed on a drug reservoir, where the energy has at least one predefined characteristic. The coded material identifies information related to the drug reservoir. The coded material modifies the energy and emits the modified energy to a receiver. The method further includes receiving at the receiver the modified energy. The method further includes determining information related to the drug reservoir based on the modified energy as the drug reservoir is loaded into a drug delivery device. |
US09870490B2 |
Apparatus and method for an antitheft secure operating system module
An apparatus and method for a secure operating system module are provided. The method includes receiving an activation signal to enable a secure OS module, in response to the activation signal, securing user data and disabling user control to deactivate a communication module of the portable terminal, and transmitting acquired data related to the operation of the portable terminal via the communication module. |
US09870489B2 |
Detection of the authenticity of an electronic circuit or of a product containing such a circuit
A method of authenticating a slave device. The method includes initializing, by a host device, a charge retention circuit of the slave device, and receiving, by the host device, an indication of a discharge time of the charge retention circuit. The host device authenticates the slave device based on the received indication of the discharge time of the charge retention device. |
US09870488B1 |
Method and apparatus for securing programming data of a programmable device
Circuitry and methods prevent unauthorized programming, or reprogramming, of a programmable device, by requiring a signature in the configuration data to match a signature previously stored in the programmable device. A programmable integrated circuit device includes an input for configuration data, and programming control circuitry operable to derive a current signature from the configuration data, examine a first bit stored in the programmable integrated circuit device, and when the first bit is in a first state, compare the current signature to a first predetermined signature stored in the programmable integrated circuit device and configure the programmable integrated circuit device according to the configuration data only when the current signature matches the first predetermined signature, and when the first bit is in a second state, configure the programmable integrated circuit device according to the configuration data without comparing the current signature to the first predetermined signature. |
US09870484B2 |
Document redaction
A method for redacting an electronic document (ED) having a file format, including: obtaining a request to redact a sensitive data item in the ED; identifying a first and a second instance of the sensitive data item in a markup of the ED, where the second instance of the sensitive data item is not visible in a rendered version of the ED; and generating a redacted ED having the file format by replacing the first and the second instance of the sensitive data item with a neutral data item. |
US09870483B2 |
Row-level security in a relational database management system
Access control methods provide multilevel and mandatory access control for a database management system. The access control techniques provide access control at the row level in a relational database table. The database table contains a security label column within which is recorded a security label that is defined within a hierarchical security scheme. A user's security label is encoded with security information concerning the user. When a user requests access to a row, a security mechanism compares the user's security information with the security information in the row. If the user's security dominates the row's security, the user is given access to the row. |
US09870478B1 |
Data protection for storage device
A method for protecting data on a first storage device from unauthorized access is provided. The method includes copying a data map, such as a file allocation table, from the first storage device, on which the data to be protected resides, to a second storage device. A security key is established for the data map. The data map is then deleted from the first storage device, to render unusable the data thereon. The data map is restored to the first storage device upon successful input of the security key. |
US09870473B2 |
System and method for security processor control over CPU power states
The present disclosure presents methods and apparatuses for controlling a power state, which may include a C-state, of one or more processing cores of a processor. In an aspect, an example method of securing a power state change of a processor is presented, the method including the steps of receiving a power state change request from the processor, the processor having a plurality of potential power states each including an operating power profile; determining a power state change request mode associated with the processor; forwarding the power state change request to a security processor where the power state change request mode is a one-time request mode; receiving a power state change request response from the security processor in response to the request; and adjusting the current power state of the processor to the target power state where the power state change request response comprises a power state change approval. |
US09870468B1 |
System and method for segregating data in a dynamic programming language
Systems and methods are for segregating data and code implemented in a dynamic language, where the segregated data and code operate in an environment, where the environment and the segregated data and code are controlled using a common dynamic language. The environment is implemented in the common dynamic language, the environment including a framework, the framework including a plurality of properties. A visible framework property is identified that is visible to applications. An invisible framework property is identified that is not visible to the applications. A first application is implemented in a first sandbox within the environment, wherein the first application is implemented in the common dynamic language, wherein the first application is unable to access the invisible framework property, and wherein the first application is able to access the visible framework property. |
US09870465B1 |
Apparatus, method and article to facilitate automatic detection and removal of fraudulent user information in a network environment
A fraud detection system may obtain a number of known fraudulent end-user profiles and/or otherwise undesirable end-user profiles. Using statistical analysis techniques that include clustering the end-user profiles by attributes and attribute values and/or combinations of attributes and attribute values, the fraud detection system identifies on a continuous, periodic, or aperiodic basis those attribute values and/or attribute value combinations that appear in fraudulent or otherwise undesirable end-user profiles. Using this data, the fraud detection system generates one or more queries to identify those end-user profiles having attribute values or combinations of attribute values that likely indicate a fraudulent or otherwise undesirable end-user profile. The fraud detection system can run these queries against incoming registrations to identify and screen fraudulent end-user profiles from entering the system and can also run these queries against stored end-user profile databases to identify and remove fraudulent or otherwise undesirable end-user profiles from the end-user database. |
US09870462B2 |
Prevention of cable-swap security attack on storage devices
Generally, this disclosure provides systems, devices, methods and computer readable media for prevention of cable swap security attacks on storage devices. A host system may include a provisioning module configured to generate a challenge-response verification key-pair and further to provide the key-pair to the storage device to enable the challenge-response verification. The system may also include a link error detection module to detect a link error between the host system and the storage device. The system may further include a challenge-response protocol module configured to initiate, in response to the link-error detection, a verification challenge from the storage system and to provide a response to the verification challenge based on the key-pair. |
US09870459B2 |
Physical token-less security screening using biometrics
In physical token-less security screening using biometrics, a person provides biometric data to a security computing device as part of a security screening. The biometric data is used by the security computing device to look up an identifier (such as an airline account identifier or a security status identifier) for the person from a security back end. The identifier is used by the security computing device to obtain electronic pass information (such as an electronic boarding pass or a security screening status indicator) from a third party computing system (such as an airline computing system or a clearinghouse), which may be used to clear the person and/or otherwise facilitate the security screening. In some implementations, these techniques may also be used for physical token-less pass processing (such as boarding pass-less airline processing, confirmation of assigned traveling credentials, or determination of security protocols). |
US09870452B1 |
Assigning new passcodes to electronic devices
An electronic book distribution system includes electronic devices that reset their passcodes after specified authentication failures. The passcodes of an individual electronic device is reset to a value that is generated using a predefined function of a randomly generated support code. The support code is displayed to the user, and the user is instructed to contact a support service in order to obtain the new passcode. The support service independently authenticates the user, calculates the new device passcode using the same predefined function used by the electronic device, and provides the new passcode to the user. |
US09870451B1 |
Dynamic management, assembly, and presentation of web-based content
In a method for seamlessly providing health-related information, a patient presentation is identified. Each of at least some presentation nodes is selectively activated or not activated for a particular instance of the presentation, and corresponds to respective content assets to be presented if the node is activated. A first node sequence to be activated for an instance of the presentation is determined. First content to be at least partially presented during a first portion of the instance is identified based on the first node sequence, and sent to a client device. A message indicating when the client device is ready for additional content is received, and a second node sequence to be activated for the instance is determined. Second content that is to be at least partially presented during a second portion of the instance is identified based on the second node sequence, and sent to the client device. |
US09870447B2 |
Medical data transfer component
Diabetes care management system and method for transferring medical data from a handheld medical recording device to a host computer via a data transfer component. The steps of the data transfer component comprising detecting a data upload request and detecting a medical device ready to communicate, verifying a unique ID, receiving patient medical data, including an authentication token with patient medical data, and sending patient medical data along with the authentication token for association with a user account. |
US09870446B2 |
3D-volume viewing by controlling sight depth
A medical image data processing method for determining a set of medical image data to be displayed, the data processing method being constituted to be executed by a computer and comprising the following steps: acquiring medical image data comprising three-dimensional medical image information describing an anatomical structure, and displaying the medical image information; acquiring navigation display feature data comprising navigation display feature information describing at least one graphical navigation feature; displaying the navigation display information simultaneously with the medical image information; acquiring viewing direction data comprising viewing direction information describing a spatial relationship of a viewing direction of a user relative to the position of the at least one graphical navigation feature; determining, based on the viewing direction data, image information subset data comprising image data subset information describing a subset of the medical image information to be selected for display. |
US09870442B2 |
Equivalence checking between two or more circuit designs that include square root circuits
Methods and apparatuses are described for proving equivalence between two or more circuit designs that include one or more division circuits and/or one or more square-root circuits. Some embodiments analyze the circuit designs to determine an input relationship between the inputs of two division (or square-root) circuits. Next, the embodiments determine an output relationship between the outputs of two division (or square-root) circuits based on the input relationship. The embodiments then prove equivalence between the circuit designs by using the input and output relationships. |
US09870437B2 |
Systems and methods for detecting and modeling curb curves in complex urban scenes
Computer-implemented methods and systems of detecting and modeling curbs include receiving a cloud of three-dimensional (3D) data points acquired along street locations. A plurality of vertical scanlines (e.g., arrays of 3D data points obtained at given horizontal locations) are identified within the cloud of 3D data points. One or more curb points indicating the potential presence of a curb in the plurality of vertical scanlines are identified. A synthesized set of non-overlapping curb curves are generated in order to close gaps between certain curb points while removing certain other outlier curb points. Successive curb curves in the synthesized set of non-overlapping curb curves are then identified as belonging to one or more curb segments. A curb model that fits each of the one or more curb segments to one or more curb model shape representations can then be generated. |
US09870433B2 |
Data processing method and system of establishing input recommendation
A data processing method of establishing an input recommendation is provided. The method establishes an inverted index having a variable prefix length based on entry number distribution, thus preventing the established inverted index from generating a number of index entries that are rarely used, and reducing the redundancy of the input recommendation index that is created. |
US09870432B2 |
Persisted enterprise graph queries
A computer search service can receive an enterprise graph query from a client computing device that is remote from the computer search service, with the enterprise graph query identifying an actor object set, a target object set, and a relationship between the actor object set and the target object set. The search service can return results of the enterprise graph query to the client device. The search service can receive from the client device an indication of user input instructing the search service to persist the enterprise graph query, with the indication of user input also instructing the search service to associate the persisted enterprise graph query with an entity. Moreover, in response to receiving the indication of user input, the search service can persist the enterprise graph query as well as associate the persisted enterprise graph query with the entity and/or enter a subscription entry for the query. |
US09870424B2 |
Social network based contextual ranking
A ranked set of users may be calculated from an expertise categorization for each user and a person's trust in the users for specific categories. The ranked set of users may be used for presenting search results, recommendations, social marketing, or other uses. A person's reputation may be determined through various online activities. A person's trust in another person may be related to their proximity and activity in one or more social networks. |
US09870422B2 |
Natural language search
Embodiments are provided for natural language search. In some embodiments, a content search request for content items related to an account with a content management system may be received, at least one filter from the content search query request may be determined to identify content items based on at least one of a management function and a content interaction function performed with a content item for the account, and the at least one filter may be applied to accessible content items for the account to identify content items. |
US09870419B2 |
Application cache profiler
In an embodiment of the invention, a method for data profiling incorporating an enterprise service bus (ESB) coupling the target and source systems following an extraction, transformation, and loading (ETL) process for a target system and a source system is provided. The method includes receiving baseline data profiling results obtained during ETL from a source application to a target application, caching the updates, determining current data profiling results within the ESB for cached updates, and triggering an action if a threshold disparity is detected upon the current data profiling results and the baseline data profiling results. |
US09870417B2 |
Merging business object hierarchies
The present disclosure involves systems, software, and computer-implemented methods for merging object hierarchies. An example method includes identifying a first object hierarchy including one or more objects, each of the one or more objects representing a query associated with a data set; identifying a second object hierarchy including one or more objects; and generating a merged object hierarchy including the one or more objects from the first object hierarchy and the one or more objects from second object hierarchy, the merged hierarchy combining objects from the first and second object hierarchies that match and share a common parent object, and separately maintaining objects from the first and second object hierarchies that match and do not share a common parent object. |
US09870415B2 |
System and method for fast query response
The disclosure generally describes computer-implemented methods, software, and systems for handling data access request, including: receiving a request submitted by a user to access data entries stored at a primary data server; determining whether the received request is supported by a fast query service engine, the fast query service engine being different from the primary data server; in response to determining that the received request is supported by the fast query service engine, directing the request to the fast query service engine; receiving query results from the fast query service engine, the query results composed from more than one answer sets maintained in in-memory data store at the fast query service engine, the answer sets the in-memory data-store being synchronized with the primary data server; and providing the query results to the user submitting the request. |
US09870413B1 |
Direct connections to a plurality of storage object replicas in a computer network
A system and method for efficiently accessing replicas of a storage object. A first node may perform a find operation to determine a plurality of nodes that each store a replica of a first storage object. For each node in the plurality of nodes, the first node may establish a direct connection to the node. The first node may then access the replicas of the first storage object using the respective direct connections to the plurality of nodes. In one embodiment, the nodes may be nodes in a peer-to-peer network. Establishing a direct connection to each storage object replica may enable the first node to communicate with each node in a single hop without having to pass messages via intermediate nodes in the peer-to-peer network. |
US09870410B2 |
Constructed data stream for enhanced event processing
Embodiments described herein are directed to methods and systems for enhanced event processing. An enhanced event processing request is received, the enhanced processing request comprising an indication of input data from a database data source. The input data indicated in the enhanced event processing request is accessed using a constructed data stream. The constructed data stream provides access to a collection of snapshots over time of database data of the database data source. The data from constructed data stream source may be accessed as a function of a selected value and a selected time. The constructed data stream data includes the temporal element, which is unavailable with the database data, the temporal element facilitates performing enhanced event processing for the database data using the constructed data stream data. An output for the enhanced event processing request is generated based on the input data accessed using the constructed data stream data. |
US09870408B2 |
Search method and system
A search method is disclosed. The method obtains a plurality of search results for a query based on first relevance scores, and classifies the plurality of search results into a plurality of classifications. Based on respective rankings of the plurality of search results in corresponding classifications of the plurality of classifications, second relevance scores for the plurality of search results are generated, and the plurality of search results are ranked based on the first relevance scores and the second relevance scores. The technique achieves lower consumption of system resources, faster computation speed and more flexibility in diversification of search results. |
US09870402B2 |
Distributed storage device, storage node, data providing method, and medium
A distributed storage device according to the present invention includes: a plurality of storage nodes, the plurality of storage nodes includes: a data storage unit that accumulates stream data output from a device; a first time frame generation unit that generates a time frame synchronized with another storage node and associates a data element included in stream data accumulated in the data storage unit with one of time frames; a data selection unit that selects a data element associated with a predetermined time frame from the stream data accumulated in the data storage unit, based on an access request from a client terminal; and a data transmission unit that transmits a data element selected by the data selection unit to the client terminal. |
US09870398B1 |
Database-table sampling-percentage selection
A database system may include a storage device configured to store a plurality of database tables. The database system may further include a processor in communication with the storage device. The processor may determine a first sampling percentage to be used on a column of a database table. The first sampling percentage may be based on a respective frequency of each column value in the column. The processor may determine a second sampling percentage to be used on the column in generation of the plan to respond to the database query. The second sampling percentage may be based on size of the database table. The processor may select the maximum of the first sampling percentage and the second sampling percentage. The selected sampling percentage may be used to collect statistics on the column. The collected statistics may be used to generate at least one database query response plan associated with the column. A method and computer-readable medium may also be implemented. |
US09870394B2 |
Query routing method, query routing server performing the same and storage medium storing the same
Provided is a method, server, and storage medium for query routing. A query may be processed on a query routing server using a same distributed file system and connectable with a plurality of query performance engines sharing metadata. The method may include receiving, through a user input interface, a query and a criterion to select a query performance engine among a plurality of query performance engines, and determining, by a query routing server, one of the plurality of query performance engines based on the received criterion. |
US09870393B2 |
Graph processing in database
The subject matter described herein relates to database middleware for enabling graph processing. A middleware between the graph data and underlying relational or SQL database is proposed. The local properties and topology information of nodes in the graph can be stored in a single node table in the database, thereby eliminating the need for a physical junction table. The middleware may efficiently translate graph queries into SQL queries over related tables. In some examples, the middleware may optimize the translated queries using the topology knowledge which is oblivious to the database query engine. |
US09870392B2 |
Retrieval method and system
A retrieval method and system are disclosed. The method involves: A). searching a catalog table of retrieval keywords based on a retrieval keyword inputted by a user at a terminal, and acquiring a first data terms set including the inputted retrieval keyword; B). searching a data table of information index based on each data term of the first data terms set related to the inputted retrieval keyword, and acquiring a second data terms set; C). combining and sending the first data terms set to the terminal wherein the first data terms set is combined in a way of recursion, and sending the second data terms set to the terminal. The solution extracts semantics by formalizing retrieval character strings, and guides and returns retrieval information, thereby improving the deterministic, logic and efficiency of retrieval and user experience. |
US09870391B1 |
People search using proximity
Disclosed are various embodiments for providing a people search that uses proximity in ranking results. A search query for a person is obtained from a user. The search query is executed on a directory comprising profiles that each correspond to a respective person. Resulting profiles that match the search query are thereby obtained. The resulting profiles are ordered based at least in part on a measure of proximity of each respective person to the user. |
US09870390B2 |
Selecting from OR-expansion states of a query
Methods, stored instructions, and computer systems are described for selecting an OR-expansion state of a query. A query processor accesses a certain query and a control parameter. The certain query comprises disjunctive predicates, and the control parameter indicates a certain procedure of a plurality of alternative stored procedures for expanding queries comprising disjunctive predicates into semantically equivalent candidate queries comprising combinations of subqueries. Based at least in part on the control parameter, the query processor selects the certain procedure to expand the certain query into one or more certain semantically equivalent candidate queries, each comprising a different combination of two or more subqueries. The query processor causes cost-based evaluation of subject queries, including the certain query and the one or more certain semantically equivalent candidate queries. The query processor then selects a query of the subject queries for execution or for further evaluation or transformation. |
US09870388B2 |
Analyzing usage of visual content to determine relationships indicating unsuccessful attempts to retrieve the visual content
An MMR system includes an analytics module for monitoring and analyzing the creation and usage of visual content search. The analytics module is part of an MMR gateway and provides a mechanism for administrators to determine the usage patterns and other information about users of the MMR system. The analytics module comprises a monitoring module, a usage database, an access analysis module and a presentation module. The monitoring module collects information about the retrieval request, image queries, context information and recognition results. The usage database stores the information collected by the monitoring module. |
US09870379B2 |
Searching files
Aspects of the subject matter described herein relate to searching files. In aspects, a search engine is able to search not only the current files but also is able to search for deleted and previous versions of files that satisfy queries. The search engine may maintain an index that facilitates searches. In addition, the search engine may also determine not only that a file satisfies a query but what version(s) of the file satisfies the query. |
US09870373B2 |
Daisy-chain storage synchronization system and method
A daisy-chain storage synchronization (DSS) system and method that permits a daisy-chain of interconnected pass-thru disk drive controllers (PTDDCs) each connected to a SATA local disk drive (LDD) disk storage element (DSE) to support state synchronization within PTDDCs in the daisy-chain is disclosed. The PTDDCs within the daisy-chain are configured to individually maintain drive state information (DSI) relating to the LDD as well as chain state information (CSI) relating to the individual PTDDCs within the daisy-chain. This state information may be modified on receipt of out-of-band signaling (OBS) from other PTDDC elements up the daisy-chain as well as OBS from other PTDDC elements down the daisy-chain. CSI is determined in part by conventional SATA OBS state register protocols that are modified by internal state registers (ISR) in each individual PTDDC daisy-chain element so as to make the DSS transparent to existing SATA OBS single-disk standard hardware command protocols. |
US09870372B2 |
Fast application streaming using on-demand staging
Embodiments are directed to rapidly launching a virtual software application using on-demand file staging, rapidly launching a virtual software application using on-demand registry staging and to rapidly publishing a virtual software application using on-demand staging. In one scenario, a computer system creates a high-level file listing that includes a list of specified high-level data files and directories that are part of a virtual application package. The computer system receives an indication from an application user that the virtual application is to be accessed and dynamically creates sparse data files for those data files that are to be accessed based on the received indication. Then, upon determining that the virtual application is attempting to access the sparse data files, the computer system dynamically streams the data corresponding to the sparse data files on demand from the remote data store. |
US09870371B2 |
Associating application-specific methods with tables used for data storage
A method of accessing data includes storing a table that includes a plurality of tablets corresponding to distinct non-overlapping table portions. Respective pluralities of tablet access objects and application objects are stored in a plurality of servers. A distinct application object and distinct tablet are associated with each tablet access object. Each application object corresponds to a distinct instantiation of an application associated with the table. The tablet access objects and associated application objects are redistributed among the servers in accordance with a first load-balancing criterion. A first request directed to a respective tablet is received from a client. In response, the tablet access object associated with the respective tablet is used to perform a data access operation on the respective tablet, and the application object associated with the respective tablet is used to perform an additional computational operation to produce a result to be returned to the client. |
US09870369B2 |
Distributed resource contention detection and handling
A system and method are disclosed for detecting and handling resource contention in a cluster file system. In one implementation, a processing device determines a measure of congestion for a resource that is shared by a first node of a cluster file system and a second node of the cluster file system, where the first node has a first local queue for lock requests for the resource, and wherein the second node has a second local queue for lock requests for the resource. The processing device adjusts a parameter for a node of the cluster file system in view of the measure of congestion. |
US09870368B2 |
Concurrent access and transactions in a distributed file system
Embodiments described herein provide techniques for maintaining consistency in a distributed system (e.g., a distributed secondary storage system). According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a first set of file system objects included in performing the requested file system operation is identified in response to a request to perform a file system operation. An update intent corresponding to the requested file system operation is inserted into an inode associated with each identified file system object. Each file system object corresponding to the inode is modified as specified by the update intent in that inode. After modifying the file system object corresponding to the inode, the update intent is removed from that inode. |
US09870363B2 |
Intelligently categorizing data to delete specified amounts of data based on selected data characteristics
A data processing system assigns stored documents within a distributed storage system (DSS) to various document categories to enable a target number of documents to be deleted. An intelligent storage management (ISM) utility identifies a data storage threshold value used to control data storage within the DSS. If a current storage usage exceeds the data storage threshold value, the ISM utility calculates, based on the current storage usage, a target number of documents that can be deleted from the DSS. The ISM utility utilizes a recursive process, which includes assigning stored documents to groups including a set of document categories based on data characteristics of the stored documents. The ISM utility further utilizes the recursive process to delete, based on an established ordering of the groups, all of the stored documents assigned to a subset of the groups in order to remove the target number of stored documents. |
US09870357B2 |
Techniques for translating text via wearable computing device
A method of presenting translated content items is disclosed. It is detected that a content item has been captured by a device of a user. It is identified that the content item is a candidate content item for translation. The candidate content item is translated; and the translated candidate content item is presented via a user interface of a wearable display of the device. |
US09870351B2 |
Annotating embedded tables
Embodiments of the present invention provide systems and methods for extracting and annotating text. Heuristics are applied to extracted text data in order to detect the readability of the text data. The text data is converted to an intermediate form. The transformed intermediate form is converted back to the original text format. Character and feature correspondence; positional logic; and queries to determine if the text data within a line corresponds with a token header are used to maintain the formatting and annotate the original text. |
US09870350B2 |
Pie chart based information management system
A method for visually accessing information. A computer system displays pie charts in a graphical user interface in a display system. The pie charts have sections that represent pieces of the information, and each of the pie charts represents a type of the information. The computer system receives a user input selecting a portion of the sections from the pie charts displayed in the graphical user interface. The computer system displays a new pie chart in the graphical user interface using the portion of the sections selected by the user input. The new pie chart has new sections representing selected pieces of the information corresponding to the portion of the sections. The new sections have sizes based on a policy, and the sizes for the new sections indicates relative values of the pieces of the information with respect to each other. The new pie chart enables visually accessing the information. |
US09870343B2 |
Product inspection device, product inspection method, and computer program
A product inspection device that includes a measuring section, a deemed standard deviation calculation unit, a measurement value standard deviation calculation unit, a determination unit, and a risk calculation unit. The measuring section measures characteristic values of products, the deemed standard deviation calculation unit calculates a deemed standard deviation, and the risk calculation unit calculates a consumer risk and a producer risk based on at least one of an average value of the measured characteristic values of some of the products contained in a measured product lot, the deemed standard deviation, or the measurement value standard deviation. The determination unit changes a inspection standard based on at least one of the calculated consumer risk or the calculated producer risk, and determines whether or not all the products contained in the product lot are non-defective articles with the changed inspection standard as a reference. |
US09870341B2 |
Memory reduction method for fixed point matrix multiply
Embodiments include computing devices, apparatus, and methods implemented by the apparatus for memory reduction for fixed point matrix multiply on a computing device. The computing device may implement a partial matrix multiplication using a first block of fixed point data of a first matrix and a second block of fixed point data of a second matrix using full precision resulting in a first intermediate result. The computing device may down convert the first intermediate result by converting fixed point data of the first intermediate result to fixed point data using lower precision resulting in a first down converted intermediate result. |
US09870340B2 |
Multithreading in vector processors
In one embodiment, a system includes a processor having a vector processing mode and a multithreading mode. The processor is configured to operate on one thread per cycle in the multithreading mode. The processor includes a program counter register having a plurality of program counters, and the program counter register is vectorized. Each program counter in the program counter register represents a distinct corresponding thread of a plurality of threads. The processor is configured to execute the plurality of threads by activating the plurality of program counters in a round robin cycle. |
US09870338B2 |
Systems, apparatuses, and methods for performing vector packed compression and repeat
Embodiments of systems, apparatuses, and methods for performing in a computer processor vector packed compression and repeat in response to a single vector packed compression and repeat instruction that includes a first and second source vector register operand, a destination vector register operand, and an opcode are described. |
US09870336B2 |
Implementing sideband control structure for PCIE cable cards and IO expansion enclosures
A method, system and computer program product are provided for implementing sideband control structure for Peripheral Component Interconnect Express (PCIE) add-in cards, or cable cards, that utilize cables to connect to input/output (IO) expansion enclosures in a computer system. System firmware uniquely identifies a cable card present in a PCIE slot in a system unit. Enclosure management functions utilize sideband control paths integrated within at least cable providing sideband control signaling, and providing PCIE signaling lanes between the cable card and the IO enclosure. |
US09870333B1 |
Instrumentation chassis including integrated accelerator module
A peripheral component interconnect express (PCIe) eXtensions for instrumentation (PXIe) chassis includes a backplane, multiple peripheral slots, a mezzanine card and an integrated accelerator module. The peripheral slots are located on the backplane and configured to receive insertable PXIe peripheral modules, respectively. The mezzanine card is on the backplane and configured to accommodate at least one of connectors, integrated circuits (ICs) and signal lines incorporated in the PXIe chassis. The integrated accelerator module is on the mezzanine card within the PXIe chassis and configured to accelerate processing of signals received from the PXIe peripheral modules. |
US09870332B2 |
Protocol conversion system
An Ethernet/Fiber Channel conversion system includes a chassis having a first end and a second end that is located opposite the chassis from the first end. An Ethernet interface is located on the first end and is configured to directly mate with an Ethernet port on an Ethernet device. A Fiber Channel interface is located on the second end. An Ethernet/Fiber Channel conversion engine is housed in the chassis and configured to receive Ethernet protocol signals through the Ethernet interface, convert the Ethernet protocol signals to Fiber Channel protocol signals, and send the Fiber Channel protocol signals through the Fiber Channel interface. The Ethernet/Fiber Channel conversion engine is also configured to receive Fiber channel protocol signals from the Fiber Channel IHS through the Fiber Channel interface, convert the Fiber channel protocol signals to Ethernet protocol signals, and send the Ethernet protocol signals through the Ethernet interface. |
US09870327B2 |
Message-based memory access apparatus and access method thereof
A message-based memory access apparatus and an access method thereof are disclosed, The message-based memory access apparatus includes: a message-based command bus, configured to transmit a message-based memory access instruction generated by the CPU to instruct a memory system to perform a corresponding operation; a message-based memory controller, configured to package a CPU request into a message packet and sent the packet to a storage module, and parse a message packet returned by the storage module and return data to the CPU; a message channel, configured to transmit a request message packet and a response message packet; and the storage module, including a buffer scheduler, and configured to receive the request packet from the message-based memory controller and process the corresponding request. |
US09870326B2 |
Transfer apparatus, transfer system, and non-transitory computer readable medium
A transfer apparatus includes first and second communication paths, an accepting unit, a registration unit, an acquisition unit, and a transfer unit. The accepting unit accepts a request for data. The registration unit detects and registers a range that has been specified for writing. The acquisition unit acquires the data from a memory controller via the first communication path in a case where the request is issued for a registered range, and acquires the data from the arbitration device via the second communication path in a case where the request is issued for an unregistered range. The transfer unit transfers the acquired data. In a case where a first range detected from the arbitration device overlaps at least a portion of or is adjacent to a second range, which has been registered, the registration unit combines the first and second ranges into a continuous range and registers the continuous range. |
US09870325B2 |
Common die implementation for memory devices with independent interface paths
A memory device includes at least two independent interface paths, an interface path including multiple memory banks. The memory device can selectively operate in a bank mode or a bank group mode. In bank mode, banks are operated as logical banks, where separate physical banks from different interface paths operate in parallel. When a logic bank is accessed, all physical banks belonging to the logical bank are accessed in parallel across the interface paths. In bank group mode, banks are operated independently, but accessed in bank groups. A separate interface path is operated as an independent bank group, and a bank is individually accessed in its bank group. In bank group mode, back to back access to separate bank groups is possible without resulting in access delay. |
US09870323B2 |
Thresholding task control blocks for staging and destaging
For thresholding task control blocks (TCBs) for staging and destaging, a first tier of TCBs are reserved for guaranteeing a minimum number of TCBs for staging and destaging for storage ranks. An additional number of requested TCBs are apportioned from a second tier of TCBs to each of the storage ranks based on a scaling factor that is calculated at predefined time intervals. The scaling factor is multiplied by a total number of a plurality of requests from each of the storage ranks for the TCBs from the second tier of TCBs for determining a maximum number of the TCBs to be allocated to each of the storage ranks. |
US09870319B1 |
Multibank queuing system
Data items to be stored in a queue are received, where the queue is distributed among a plurality of memory banks. The data items are distributed among the plurality of memory banks, including selecting memory banks in which to store the data items based on pseudorandom numbers generated for the data items, where the pseudorandom numbers are generated using a first pseudorandom number generator initialized with a first seed. Subsequently the data items are retrieved from the plurality of memory banks, including selecting memory banks from which to retrieve the data items based on the pseudorandom numbers regenerated for the data items, where the pseudorandom numbers are regenerated using a second pseudorandom number generator initialized with the first seed. |
US09870316B2 |
Bidirectional counter in a flash memory
A method of storing a counter in at least two non-volatile memory pages, including: a step of initializing a page with an initial value and then, on each update of the counter value, a step of storing an update value and an opcode associated with this value, selected from a set of opcodes, the current value of the counter being given by application of the successive update operations to the initial value of the page. |
US09870315B2 |
Memory and processor hierarchy to improve power efficiency
A computing memory includes an execution unit and an access processor coupled with a memory system, where the execution unit and the access processor are logically separated units. The execution unit is for processing operand data. The access processor is for providing operand data and configuration data to the execution unit. The access processor reads operand data from the memory system and sends the operand data to the execution unit. The execution unit executes the operand data according to the provided configuration data. The access processor includes information about execution times of operations of the execution unit for the provided configuration. The access processor reserves time-slots for writing execution unit results provided by the execution unit into selected locations in the memory system based on the information about the execution times, upon sending at least one of the operand data and the configuration data to the execution unit. |
US09870314B1 |
Update testing by build introspection
The present disclosure provides new and innovative methods and systems for ordering tests in an application update environment. For example, an update to an application may be received. A file name of a file affected by the update may be detected. A correlation matrix, which associates file names and the test names with correlations based on test metrics, may be queried with the file name to return a correlation between the file name and a test. A test plan may be built based on the correlation between the detected file name and the test, and may include an ordered list based on correlations from the correlation matrix. The test plan may then be run. A test failure and test metric of a test may be detected and the correlation matrix may be updated with a correlation between the file name and the failed test based on the test metric. |
US09870313B2 |
Unit-level formal verification for vehicular software systems
According to one exemplary embodiment, a method for preparing a software component for verification is provided. The method may include receiving the software component and a design model. The method may also include generating a wrapper program based on the received software component and the received design model. The method may then include associating the received software component with the generated wrapper program. The method may further include determining a plurality of inputs for the received software component based on the received design model. The method may also include sending the determined plurality of inputs and the received software component with associated wrapper program to a verification tool. |
US09870312B2 |
Generating reusable testing procedures
A selection of a plurality of graphical user interface (GUI) components of a GUI is received. The selection is received so that the GUI can be tested. Attributes of the selection of GUI components are determined. Using the attributes, a default procedure for testing the GUI is determined. The default procedure includes a first set of input values for GUI components of the plurality of GUI components. The default procedure includes a first sequence in which the first set of input values are provided. Modifications to the default procedure are received. Using the modifications, a final procedure with a second set of input values provided in a sequence is generated. The GUI is tested with the final procedure. Testing the GUI includes providing the second set of input values to respective GUI components in the second sequence. |
US09870310B1 |
Data providers for annotations-based generic load generator
A generic transaction generator framework for testing a network-based production service may work in conjunction with a product-specific transaction creator module that executes transactions on the service. The transaction creator module may include runtime-discoverable information, such as source code annotations, to communicate product specific details to the framework. Runtime-discoverable information may identify transaction types, transaction methods, data provider methods and data sources. The framework may generate and execute various test transactions and may call a data provider method to prepare data for the transaction and pass the prepared data to a transaction method. The framework may also load and parse test data from a data source and provide the test data to the data provider method for use when preparing data for the transaction. |
US09870303B2 |
Monitoring and correlating a binary process in a distributed business transaction
A dynamic monitoring process begins with configuring a start and end method to be monitored. The dynamic monitoring process may intercept both the start and end methods as and when the loader is initiated or at runtime to dynamically attach and detach the instrumentation. A loader may then be modified to call a library method upon detection of the start method. The library method may serve as a notification to the start of the method and causes a reflector to retrieve information from the incoming request. The incoming information may include data from which a business transaction name may be determined. The business transaction name is then associated with the monitoring of the particular request. When an exit call is detected, a call may be made to the library for a method which invokes a decorator. The decorator may insert business transaction name and other data into the outgoing call. |
US09870302B2 |
Providing data to a user interface for performance monitoring
A method, system, and computer readable storage medium for providing data to a user interface for performance monitoring are disclosed, in which an a data definition is acquired, where the data definition is generated in response to a definition of the user interface. Data is acquired from data sources based on the data definition. The acquired data is processed based on the data definition, and the processed data is cached. |
US09870300B2 |
Logged event frequency visualization
Embodiments of the present invention provide a method, system and computer program product for logged event frequency visualization. In an embodiment of the invention, a method for logged event frequency visualization is provided. The method includes loading into memory of a computer system a set of logged data entries and associated time stamps from a data store of log entries and computing in the computer system a frequency of logging for each of the logged data entries. The method additionally includes concurrently displaying in a log viewer both the logged data entries and also a visualization of the frequency of logging for each of the logged data entries. |
US09870299B2 |
Logic circuit for the gathering of trace data
A logic circuit comprises a plurality of functional logic units each having an independent clock signal and a trace bus for carrying trace data. A trace gathering logic unit collects trace data from the functional logic units, the trace gathering logic unit having a clock signal independent of the clock signals of the functional logic units and a trace bus for receiving trace data from the functional logic units; multiplexing logic for multiplexing portions of trace data from different functional logic units onto the trace bus of the trace gathering logic unit; and, synchronization logic coupled to the multiplexing logic for communicating trace data from the functional, logic units to the trace gathering logic unit based on the clock signal of the trace gathering logic unit, the synchronization logic comprising detection logic when valid trace data from the functional logic units is available for placing on the trace bus of the trace gathering logic unit, and signaling logic coupled to the detection logic for signaling to the trace gathering logic unit that valid trace data is on the trace bus. |
US09870298B2 |
Application resource utilization management
Methods and systems for automatically identifying an application that is experiencing performance problems caused by a resource utilization event may include receiving an indication that an application is experiencing a performance issue. It may be determined that the performance issue is caused by a resource utilization event on a device. The resource utilization event may include the application and one or more other applications running simultaneously, use of one or more functions of the device simultaneously by at least one of the first application and one or more other applications, and/or a resource utilization overload based on simultaneous use of a plurality of sensors on the device. Next, action may be taken to correct the performance issue of the application. |
US09870295B2 |
Automation of workflow creation and failure recovery
A system includes a processor and a non-transitory computer-readable medium. The non-transitory computer-readable medium comprises instructions executable by the processor to cause the system to perform a method. The method comprises receiving a first job to execute and executing the first job. A plurality of data associated with the first job is determined. The plurality of data comprises data associated with (i) a second job executed immediately prior to the first job, (ii) a third job executed immediately after the first job, (iii) a determination of whether the first job failed or executed successfully and (iv) a type of data associated with the first job. The determined plurality of data is stored. |
US09870294B2 |
Visualization of behavior clustering of computer applications
Dimensionality reduction, such as principal component analysis, may be performed against a time series of performance observations for a computer application. A visual representation of the results may be displayed in one, two, or three dimensions, and often show clusters of operational behavior. The representation may be animated to show a sequence of observations and how the behavior of an application may change from one cluster of operation to another. The representation may be further applied to show both a historical view of the observations and new observations. The time series may contain performance and operational data, as well as metadata observed from a computer application. |
US09870293B2 |
Memory device performing post package repair (PPR) operation
A memory device including; a memory cell array including memory cells connected to word lines and bit lines, and redundancy memory cells connected to a redundancy word line and the bit lines, and control logic configured to control execution of a post package repair operation by the memory device. The control logic includes a PPR control circuit that programs a bad row address to a non-volatile memory during a normal PPR operation in response to the normal PPR command, and programs the bad row address to a volatile memory during a fast PPR operation in response to the fast PPR command, and replaces the bad row in the memory cell array with a redundancy row associated with the redundancy word line. |
US09870292B2 |
Configurationless redundancy
A method for configuring components in a computing system. A selected one of the components is designated as a primary component, the other components thereby automatically adopting a status of secondary component. The designation of the primary component is stored in a first memory that is accessible by at least one of the primary component, at least one secondary component, and the computing system. Upon occurrence of a predetermined computing system event, the first memory is read to determine the designation of the primary component. A configuration file from a second memory is automatically copied to a memory of at least one secondary component, thereby creating a new configuration file in the at least one secondary component. |
US09870288B2 |
Container-based processing method, apparatus, and system
A container-based processing method includes: when a container state needs to be backed up, determining that content of a first control group file in at least one control group file of the container is modified; acquiring, a file name of the first control group file corresponding to the first flag bit; searching for, according to a correspondence between the file name of the at least one control group file and a storage location of the at least one control group file, a storage location of the first control group file corresponding to the file name of the first control group file, and extracting modified content of the first control group file from the first control group file stored in the storage location of the first control group file; and backing up the file name of the first control group file and the modified content of the first control group file. |
US09870285B2 |
Selectively de-straddling data pages in non-volatile memory
An apparatus, according to one embodiment, includes: one or more memory devices, each memory device comprising non-volatile memory configured to store data, and a memory controller connected to the one or more memory devices. The memory controller is configured to: detect at least one read of a logical page straddled across codewords, store an indication of a number of detected reads of the straddled logical page, and relocate the straddled logical page to a different physical location in response to the number of detected reads of the straddled logical page, wherein the logical page is written to the different physical location in a non-straddled manner. Other systems, methods, and computer program products are described in additional embodiments. |
US09870284B2 |
First responder parities for storage array
Embodiments relate to correcting erasures in a storage array. An aspect includes dividing data into a plurality of stripes for storage in a storage array comprising a plurality of storage locations, each stripe comprising M rows and N columns, each of the M rows including a number r of row parities, wherein r is greater than zero. Another aspect includes dividing each stripe into two or more column sets, each column set comprising a respective set of one or more columns of the stripe. Another aspect includes adding a respective first responder parity to each column set, wherein each first responder parity gives parity information for only the two or more columns in the first responder parity's respective column set. Yet another aspect includes, based on an isolated erasure in a column set, correcting the isolated erasure by reading data from only storage locations corresponding to the column set in which the isolated erasure occurred using the first responder parity of the column set. |
US09870283B2 |
Memory error detection
Systems and methods are provided for detecting and correcting address errors in a memory system. In the memory system, a memory device generates an error-detection code based on an address transmitted via an address bus and transmits the error-detection code to a memory controller. The memory controller transmits an error indication to the memory device in response to the error-detection code. The error indication causes the memory device to remove the received address and prevent a memory operation |
US09870281B1 |
Power loss mitigation for data storage device
A Data Storage Device (DSD) includes a disk for storing data, a volatile memory for temporarily storing data to be written on the disk, and a Non-Volatile Solid-State Memory (NVSM) for storing data. Data is stored in the volatile memory in preparation for writing the data on the disk. The data is written from the volatile memory onto the disk, and it is determined whether the data written on the disk is qualified as written. In the event of an unexpected power loss, a portion of unqualified data that has not been qualified as written is transferred from the volatile memory to the NVSM. |
US09870275B2 |
Processor thread management
Provided are a computer program product, system, and method for managing processor threads of a plurality of processors. In one embodiment, a parameter of performance of the computing system is measured, and the configurations of one or more processor nodes are dynamically adjusted as a function of the measured parameter of performance. In this manner, the number of processor threads being concurrently executed by the plurality of processor nodes of the computing system may be dynamically adjusted in real time as the system operates to improve the performance of the system as it operates under various operating conditions. It is appreciated that systems employing processor thread management in accordance with the present description may provide other features in addition to or instead of those described herein, depending upon the particular application. |
US09870269B1 |
Job allocation in a clustered environment
Described herein are systems, devices, and methods for using a job scheduler that allocates jobs to cluster nodes in a data warehouse. The cluster nodes in the data warehouse may generate information about the availability to execute new jobs. The job scheduler may use the information about the availability to determine which cluster node to allocate a particular job based on current information or a prediction of availability. As a result the data warehouse becomes more stable. |
US09870268B2 |
Virtual computing instance migration
A customer submits a set of preferences including hardware specifications for instantiating a virtual machine instance. The virtual machine instance may be instantiated in a physical host computer system that does not conform to the set of preferences. The virtual computer system service may be configured to evaluate the specifications of the available physical host computer systems to determine whether any of the available physical host computer systems conform to the set of preferences. Accordingly, the virtual computer system service may further evaluate the available physical host computer systems to determine whether available physical host computer systems comprise available slots for instantiating the existing virtual machine instance. If the one or more available physical host computer systems have available slots, the virtual computer system service may migrate the existing virtual machine instance to an available physical host computer system in order to fulfill the customer request. |
US09870266B2 |
Background job processing framework
The described technology relates to scheduling jobs of a plurality of types in an enterprise web application. A processing system configures a job database having a plurality of job entries, and concurrently executes a plurality of job schedulers independently of each other. Each job scheduler is configured to schedule for execution jobs in the jobs database that are of a type different from types of jobs others of the plurality of job schedulers are configured to schedule. The processing system also causes performance of jobs scheduled for execution by any of the plurality of schedulers. Method and computer readable medium embodiments are also provided. |
US09870264B2 |
Methods and systems for coordinated transactions in distributed and parallel environments
Automated techniques are disclosed for minimizing communication between nodes in a system comprising multiple nodes for executing requests in which a request type is associated with a particular node. For example, a technique comprises the following steps. Information is maintained about frequencies of compound requests received and individual requests comprising the compound requests. For a plurality of request types which frequently occur in a compound request, the plurality of request types is associated to a same node. As another example, a technique for minimizing communication between nodes, in a system comprising multiple nodes for executing a plurality of applications, comprises the steps of maintaining information about an amount of communication between said applications, and using said information to place said applications on said nodes to minimize communication among said nodes. |
US09870262B2 |
Processing element management in a streaming data system
Stream applications may inefficiently use the hardware resources that execute the processing elements of the data stream. For example, a compute node may host four processing elements and execute each using a CPU. However, other CPUs on the compute node may sit idle. To take advantage of these available hardware resources, a stream programmer may identify one or more processing elements that may be cloned. The cloned processing elements may be used to generate a different execution path that is parallel to the execution path that includes the original processing elements. Because the cloned processing elements contain the same operators as the original processing elements, the data stream that was previously flowing through only the original processing element may be split and sent through both the original and cloned processing elements. In this manner, the parallel execution path may use underutilized hardware resources to increase the throughput of the data stream. |
US09870259B2 |
Triggered queue transformation
Methods and systems disclosed herein relate generally to evaluating resource loads to determine when to transform queues and to specific techniques for transforming at least part of queues so as to correspond to alternative resources. |
US09870245B2 |
Optimized migration of virtual objects across environments in a cloud computing environment
An appliance migration mechanism (AMM) optimizes migration of a live virtual appliance with virtual objects between cloud environments to minimize temporary connections that use significant cloud resources during the migration. The AMM determines a cost of connections of each virtual object in the virtual appliance and produces an order of migration for the virtual objects. The cost of connections of the virtual objects may be determined by the total number of connections and the maximum number of connections. Alternatively the cost of the connections of the virtual objects for migration could be determined by a weighting the costs of the connections where the weighting may consider loading or other factors on the connection. |
US09870244B2 |
Optimized migration of virtual objects across environments in a cloud computing environment
An appliance migration mechanism (AMM) optimizes migration of a live virtual appliance with virtual objects between cloud environments to minimize temporary connections that use significant cloud resources during the migration. The AMM determines a cost of connections of each virtual object in the virtual appliance and produces an order of migration for the virtual objects. The cost of connections of the virtual objects may be determined by the total number of connections and the maximum number of connections. Alternatively the cost of the connections of the virtual objects for migration could be determined by a weighting the costs of the connections where the weighting may consider loading or other factors on the connection. |
US09870239B2 |
Method and device for running application program
The present disclosure relates to a method and a device for running an application program. The method includes: receiving a triggering signal instructing to run a second application program in a operating first application program; loading and parsing an installation package of the second application program to obtain a program component of the second application program through the first application program; and running the program component of the second application program in a runtime environment provided by the first application program. |
US09870238B2 |
Method, medium, and system for multitenant hosted virtual machine infrastructure
A multi-tenant virtual machine infrastructure (MTVMI) allows multiple tenants to independently access and use a plurality of virtual computing resources via the Internet. Within the MTVMI, different tenants may define unique configurations of virtual computing resources and unique rules to govern the use of the virtual computing resources. The MTVMI may be configured to provide valuable services for tenants and users associated with the tenants. |
US09870235B2 |
Recording events generated for performing a task through user equipment
Described embodiments provide for a method of recording events generated for performing a task through user equipment. In the method, an activation input may be received for activating an event recording mode. Upon the activation of the event recording mode, events generated in the user equipment may be recorded. Upon the receipt of an inactivation input for inactivating the event recording mode, an identification code may be assigned to a set of the recorded events. The set of the generated events may be stored with the assigned identification code. |
US09870233B2 |
Initializing a memory subsystem of a management controller
A method for initializing a memory subsystem (212) of a management controller (200) includes, with an additional memory initialization module (206) of the management controller (200), initializing the memory subsystem (212) of the management controller (200) in response to the memory subsystem (212) not being properly initialized. A management controller (200) includes a memory subsystem (212) including a memory controller (214) and a memory (216); firmware (208) able to initialize the memory subsystem (212); and a memory initialization module (206) to initialize the memory subsystem (212) if the memory subsystem (212) is not properly initialized. |
US09870231B2 |
Age based fast instruction issue
In an approach for selecting and issuing an oldest ready instruction in an issue queue, one or more processors receive one or more instructions in an issue queue. Ready to execute instructions are identified. An age of the instructions are represented in a first age array. One or more subsets of the instructions are generated for subset age arrays that each hold an age of the instructions in a subset. A 1-hot signal is generated that identifies an oldest ready instruction in the first age array and a 1-hot signal is simultaneously generated that identifies an oldest ready instruction in each subset age array. A candidate instruction is selected with each subset signal that is represented in the subset age array of the subset signal, wherein a candidate instruction is an oldest ready instruction in the subset age array. A candidate instruction is selected with the major signal and issued. |
US09870224B1 |
Assessing quality of code in an open platform environment
Techniques for driving higher quality of code may be provided. For example, code may be received for hosting on a computing resource. A computing service may be implemented to analyze the code prior to the hosting. The analysis may include assessing components of the code against criteria associated with code performance. Based on the analysis, the computing service may determine a quality of the code, provide recommended changes to the code that may improve the quality, and identify a proper computing resource for hosting the code at the quality. |
US09870222B2 |
Air-conditioning system
An air-conditioning system is provided with an air-conditioning apparatus management apparatus and an air-conditioning apparatus which transmits and receives various signals to and from the air-conditioning apparatus management apparatus. The air-conditioning apparatus management apparatus manages the air-conditioning apparatus, an operational state of the air-conditioning apparatus management apparatus is linked to an operational state of the air-conditioning apparatus, and software set in the air-conditioning apparatus management apparatus is updated based on the operational state of the air-conditioning apparatus management apparatus. |
US09870220B2 |
Memory flash apparatus and method for providing device upgrades over a standard interface
An electronic device includes routing logic operatively coupled to a communication port that is externally accessible so that there is no need to disassemble the electronic device to gain access. The port may be a USB (universal serial bus) port and provides access to an internal bus. The routing logic is also operatively coupled to a memory subsystem such that it may route data from an external device, connected at the port, to the memory subsystem to modify or replace a boot code, including a BIOS code. A memory interface device includes an interface module, a memory interface module for communicating with a memory subsystem including a boot PROM (programmable read only memory), and a routing logic coupled to the interface module and the memory interface module. The routing logic routes data from the external device to the boot PROM, so that a boot code, including a BIOS (basic input/output system), may be modified or replaced. |
US09870217B2 |
Toolkit event configuration of applets on a card computing device with installation parameters
A method involves registering events. The method may include receiving an install command for an applet by a runtime environment executing on a card computing device. The install command may comprise a tag-length-value (TLV) structure with a tag identifying an event-list for registration with a toolkit registry of the runtime environment. Further, the event-list may comprise a toolkit event. The method may further include executing, by the runtime environment, the install command for the applet. The method may further include creating an applet instance of the applet in response to executing the install command. The method may further include registering the applet instance with the toolkit registry by generating, by the runtime environment, a toolkit registry object for the applet instance. Registering the applet instance with the toolkit registry may further include assigning the toolkit registry object to the applet instance. The method may further include identifying the toolkit event of the event-list based on the tag of the TLV structure of the install command. The method may further include registering the toolkit event of the event-list to the toolkit registry object assigned to the applet instance. |
US09870215B2 |
Tracking an application installation state
An apparatus, method, and system for receiving a request for a transaction using a computer system. An absence of a first user identification of an application on a first user device is determined, when a beacon of the computer system does not detect the first user identification within a defined geographical area. A plurality of transaction data from a transaction device is received. A second user identification based on the received transaction data is generated. An installation status of the application on the first user device based on the generated second user identification and the absence of the first user identification is also generated. |
US09870213B2 |
Unified consumption experience for software installation
A maintenance planner receives an installation request for installation of a software product and associated update on a client system, and provides a media download for installing the software product and associated update, along with an installation file characterizing both the software product and a delta file. The delta file describes differences between the software product, the associated update, and any additional update used to satisfy the installation request. |
US09870208B2 |
Analysis of source code for deployment
A method comprises receiving a source code having a data set with a processor, opening the data set and identifying compile stage dependencies and run stage dependencies in the data set, determining whether a compile stage dependency has been identified, determining whether the identified compile stage dependency is accessible responsive to determining that the compile stage dependency has been identified, retrieving the compile stage dependency responsive to determining that the identified compile stage dependency is accessible, and compiling the source code and saving the compiled source code in a memory using the retrieved compile stage dependency responsive to determining that no run stage dependencies have been identified. |
US09870206B2 |
Replication structure in a graphical programming language
System and method for creating a graphical program. A first replication structure may be included in a graphical program, where the first replication structure specifies replication of any graphical program code inside the first replication structure. First graphical program code may be included inside the first replication structure. An implementation of the graphical program may be automatically generated, including generating multiple instances of an implementation of the first graphical program code within the implementation of the graphical program. Executing the graphical program may include executing the multiple instances, e.g., concurrently and/or serially. |
US09870203B2 |
Consumption layer for business entities
A system includes a first non-transitory computer-readable storage medium and a second non-transitory computer-readable storage medium each having stored thereon computer executable program code which, when executed on a computer system, causes the computer system to perform steps. The steps associated with the first non-transitory computer readable medium include generating a Service Adaptation Definition Language (SADL) definition for each of a plurality of business entity types, the SADL definition being based on an intermediate representation of each of the plurality of business entities, and publishing the SADL definition as a service of a SADL engine. The steps associated with the second non-transitory computer-readable storage include discovering the SADL definition and displaying, on a user interface, a representation of the SADL definition, the user interface configured to enable selection of two or more business entity types each associated with a different model layer framework. |
US09870194B2 |
Multi-screen display device having light-transmissive cover with invisible bezel
A multi-screen display device including a light transmissive cover with an invisible bezel includes: a plurality of screen display units (11); bezels (12) formed between the screen display units (11); and a plurality of light transmissive covers (120), each of which has a rear surface (110a), a front surface (110c), and a side surface (110b), and is provided to the screen display units (11) while outer peripheral circumferences (120′) of the front surfaces (120c) of the adjacent light transmissive covers are in contact with each other, and is provided to the screen display unit (11) so that the bezel (12) is positioned between the pair of facing inclined side surfaces (120b) of the adjacent light transmissive covers (120). Accordingly, there is an advantage in that the bezel is invisible. |
US09870191B2 |
Display device, displaying method, and computer-readable recording medium
A display device communicates with a terminal device and includes a display unit, an extracting unit, a generating unit, and a transmitting unit. The display unit displays display data including at least one of image data and drawn data corresponding to an operation performed by a user on a screen. The extracting unit extracts a part of the display data specified by the user out of the display data displayed by the display unit. The generating unit generates image data in a form corresponding to the terminal device based on the extracted display data. The transmitting unit transmits the image data to the terminal device. |
US09870190B2 |
Floating image display apparatus
A floating image display apparatus including a plurality of display modules, a first directional film, and at least one transflective element is provided. The display modules include a first display module and a second display module. The first display module includes a first and a second display panel. The second display module is located on an opposite side to the first display module and includes a third and a fourth display panel. The third display panel is disposed corresponding to the first display panel and the fourth display panel is disposed corresponding to the second display panel. The first directional film is disposed on the first display module and is located between the first and second display modules. The transflective element is located between the first and second display modules, and each of the transflective element and the second display module form an included angle θ1. |
US09870189B2 |
Head mounted display apparatus and method for displaying a content
A head mounted display apparatus and a method for displaying a content are provided. More particularly, a head mounted display apparatus which changes an operation of a virtual character in a content displayed on a display in accordance with a plurality of touches and a method for displaying a content are provided. One of the exemplary embodiments include a head mounted display apparatus which changes an operation of a virtual character in a content displayed on a display corresponding to combination of a first touch detected from a touch pad of the head mounted display apparatus and a second touch detected from a peripheral portable apparatus and a method for displaying a content. |
US09870187B2 |
State-based auxiliary display operation
Described is a technology by which routing of data may be automatically modified based on detected state data of a computing system. For example, user input may be routed from an actuator set to a host computer system when the host computer system is in an online state, or to an auxiliary computing device when the host computer system is offline. State may be determined based on one or more various criteria, such as online or offline, laptop lid position, display orientation, current communication and/or other criteria. The auxiliary display and/or actuator set may be embedded in the host computer system, or each may be separable from it or standalone, such as a remote control or cellular phone. |
US09870186B2 |
Machine-state-based display of documentation
A method displays documentation about a machine on a preferably portable display device. The method is distinguished by the fact that the display device communicates with the machine via a data link. The portable display device communicates with the machine via a data link and the documentation contains partial items of documentation. The states of the machine are registered by a computer of the machine, and that the parts of the documentation matching the registered machine states are selected automatically and displayed on the display device. |
US09870183B2 |
System and method for energy efficient print job queuing
A document processing system includes a print job queue management system configured to temporarily hold print jobs in the print queue during periods of light use, so as to maximize the amount of time that the document processing system spends in energy efficient low power modes. The print job queue management system compares print jobs in the queue with print job hold criteria and releases print jobs for printing when certain criteria are met, such as when a threshold number of documents or pages are in the print queue, if an incoming print job is designated as high priority print job to be immediately printed, or during particular times of the day that are designated as peak use times, which can be determined from historical data. A user can manually force a document to print from the user interface of the document processing systems. |
US09870179B2 |
Information processing apparatus, information processing method, and image processing system
An information processing apparatus includes processors configured to execute computer-executable instructions to execute a process including reading first setting information indicating a first setting content with respect to a first device; referring to function information indicating one or more functions of a second device, and determining whether there is a function, which is not included in the one or more functions of the second device, among one or more functions corresponding to the first setting content; and referring to first term information including a term indicating the first setting content, when there is the function corresponding to the first setting content that is determined as not being included in the one or more functions of the second device, and displaying, on the display device, the function, which is determined as not being included in the one or more functions of the second device, in association with the term. |
US09870176B2 |
Storage appliance and method of segment deduplication
Ingest data for virtual volumes (V) is split into segments (B1, B2, B3, B4) of a size that can be buffered in main memory. Data deduplication processing then occurs directly on the segments (B1, B2, B3, B4) in main memory, without the need for disk I/O. |
US09870175B1 |
Control chip memory power sequence
A control chip for memory power sequence including input pins, a control circuit and output pins is provided. The control chip is compatible with a plurality of processor platforms. The input pins are configured to receive control signals corresponding to each of the processor platforms. The control circuit is configured to determine a selected processor platform among the processor platforms in which the control chip for memory power sequence is operated, and generate corresponding power switching signals according to the control signals of the selected processor platform. The output pins are configured to output the corresponding power switching signals to control a power sequence of a memory on the selected processor platform. |
US09870173B2 |
Apparatus and method for optimized n-write/1-read port memory design
An optimized design of n-write/1-read port memory comprises a memory unit including a plurality of memory banks each having one write port and one read port configured to write data to and read data from the memory banks, respectively. The memory further comprises a plurality of write interfaces configured to carry concurrent write requests to the memory unit for a write operation, wherein the first write request is always presented by its write interface directly to a crossbar, wherein the rest of the write requests are each fed through a set of temporary memory modules connected in a sequence before being presented to the crossbar. The crossbar is configured to accept the first write request directly and fetch the rest of the write requests from one of the memory modules in the set and route each of the write requests to one of the memory banks in the memory unit. |
US09870172B2 |
Address collision avoidance in a memory device
Embodiments herein provide for avoiding address collisions in a memory device. In one embodiment, a memory controller includes a command scheduler operable to process a read-modify-write I/O command to a location in memory, to detect another I/O command to the same memory location while the read-modify-write I/O command is accessing the memory location, and to stall the other I/O command until the read-modify-write I/O command is complete while allowing a third I/O command to access the memory. |
US09870171B2 |
Affinity-aware parallel zeroing of memory for initialization of large pages in non-uniform memory access (NUMA) servers
A system includes a processor and a memory storing a program, and a computer readable medium includes a program for zeroing memory in computing systems where access to memory is non-uniform. When executed on a processor, the program causes the processor to perform an operation that includes receiving, via a system call, a request for a pool of memory. The operation also includes determining a size of the requested pool of memory, and creating a dummy memory segment. The size of the dummy memory segment is larger than the size of the requested pool of memory. The operation further includes filling the dummy memory segment with one or more pages, based on the determined size of the requested pool of memory, and deleting the dummy memory segment. |
US09870169B2 |
Interleaved all-level programming of non-volatile memory
Techniques are disclosed for programming memory devices such as solid-state drives. In an embodiment, a memory controller is configured to execute a programming sequence that interleaves coarse and fine tuning steps for neighboring word lines. In one example, three consecutive word lines are programmed in six steps. At step 1, word line n is coarse programmed to an intermediate voltage level; at step 2, word line n+1 is coarse programmed to an intermediate voltage level; at step 3, word line n is fine programmed to its target voltage level; at step 4, word line n+2 is coarse programmed to an intermediate voltage level; at step 5, word line n+1 is fine programmed to its target voltage level; at step 6, word line n+2 is fine programmed to its target voltage level. No reads are allowed until all cell levels are programmed. Phase change memory may be used as staging buffer. |
US09870168B1 |
Key-value store with internal key-value storage interface
A key-value store is provided having one or more key-value storage interfaces. A key-value store on at least one compute node comprises a memory for storing a plurality of key-value pairs; and an abstract storage interface comprising a software interface module that communicates with at least one persistent storage device providing a key-value interface for persistent storage of one or more of the plurality of key-value pairs, wherein the software interface module provides the one or more key-value pairs to the at least one persistent storage device in a key-value format. The abstract storage interface optionally processes one or more batch operations on the plurality of key-value pairs. A distributed embodiment for a partitioned key-value store is also provided. |
US09870160B2 |
Method of operating memory system including nonvolatile memory and memory controller
A method of operating a nonvolatile memory (NVM) is provided which includes calculating an assignment interval between successive assignments of erase blocks to free blocks from among a plurality of memory blocks of the NVM, and adjusting a number of erase blocks of the plurality of memory blocks according to the assignment interval. The erase blocks are memory blocks, having an erased state, from among the plurality of memory blocks, and the free blocks are memory blocks, which are selected to write data, from among the erase blocks. |
US09870159B2 |
Solid-state disk (SSD) management
SSD wear-level data (320) is generated on managed nodes (202) having SSDs (206). The wear-level data is collected by a management node (204). |
US09870154B2 |
Network storage system using flash storage
A system can comprise an I/O circuitry, a processor, reconfigurable circuitry, an array of flash storage devices, and a serial interconnect network that is coupled to transfer data between the I/O circuitry, the processor, the reconfigurable circuitry and the flash storage devices. The processor can be configured to designate an interconnect address space for use in communication over the interconnect network among the I/O circuitry, the processor, the reconfigurable circuitry and the flash storage devices. The reconfigurable circuitry can be configured to translate data addresses during transfers of data between the I/O circuitry and the array of flash storage devices. A method to access an array of flash storage devices that are coupled to I/O circuitry over a serial interconnect network can comprise using reconfigurable circuitry to capture data during transfers of data over the serial interconnect network. |
US09870153B2 |
Non-volatile memory systems utilizing storage address tables
Non-volatile memory systems utilizing storage address tables are disclosed. A non-volatile memory system may include a non-volatile memory, a memory die command manager in communication with the memory, and a command manager in communication with the memory die command manager. The memory die command manager is configured to identify a free die of the memory to store data, where the free die of the memory is identified independent of a host logical block address associated with the data; store the data at a physical block address at the free die; and generate an entry in a first address table, the first address table associating the physical block address with a virtual logical block address. The command manager is configured to generate an entry in a second address table, the second address table associating the virtual logical block address with a host logical block address received with the host write command. |
US09870149B2 |
Scheduling operations in non-volatile memory devices using preference values
A method of scheduling memory operations to be performed by non-volatile memory devices in a storage system includes identifying a plurality of memory operations to be performed by a plurality of non-volatile memory devices in the storage system. The number of memory operations in the plurality of memory operations is no greater than the number of non-volatile memory devices in the plurality of non-volatile memory devices; each memory operation is to be performed by a distinct non-volatile memory device; and the memory operations include host writes, garbage collection writes, and garbage collection reads. The method also includes, for each non-volatile memory device, assigning preference values to each of the memory operations. The method further includes assigning each memory operation to a distinct non-volatile memory device, using the preference values assigned to each of the memory operations for each non-volatile memory device. |
US09870147B2 |
Touch control method in mobile terminal having large screen
A touch control method of a portable device which includes a display and a touch sensor relating to the display, comprises steps of sensing user's touch start and touch moving toward one direction on the touch sensor, moving an image presented on the display according to the user's touch moving, temporarily fixing the moved image, sensing user's following touch on the moved image, and activating a linked function by using coordinates of the following touch on the moved image, wherein the moved image provides an image area around an opposite border of the display to be exposed from one border of the display. |
US09870145B2 |
Multiple-application mobile device methods, systems, and computer program products
Methods, computer software, apparatuses, and systems are described in connection with a mobile device including at least one processor operatively coupled to a touchscreen and memory. The memory stores a first application and a second application. The mobile device is configured for: presenting, utilizing the touchscreen, at least one menu including a plurality of interface elements including a first application interface element associated with the first application and a second application interface element associated with the second application; detecting, utilizing the touchscreen, a first user input in connection with the first application interface element associated with the first application; in response to the first user input, presenting, utilizing the touchscreen, a first visual component for presenting first data associated with the first application; detecting, utilizing the touchscreen, a second user input in connection with the second application interface element associated with the second application; in response to the second user input, presenting, utilizing the touchscreen, a second visual component for presenting second data associated with the second application, such that a first border of the first visual component corresponds to a second border of the second visual component; detecting, utilizing the touchscreen, a third user input; and in response to the third user input, automatically changing, utilizing the at least one processor and the touchscreen, the presentation of the first visual component and the second visual component, such that the first border of the first visual component corresponds to the second border of the second visual component. |
US09870144B2 |
Graph display apparatus, graph display method and storage medium
A graph display apparatus includes a display unit and a processor. The display unit includes a touch panel. The processor performs the following processes: controlling the display unit to display a graph on a graph display area in a coordinate range, the graph corresponding to an expression; acquiring a position designated by a touch of a user on the graph display area; and when a drag operation is detected after the touch of the user ends, changing the coordinate range with the designated position fixed in response to the drag operation, thereby reducing or enlarging the graph, and controlling the display unit to display the reduced or enlarged graph. |
US09870142B2 |
Displaying device which can receive pinch out operation
An image forming apparatus as a displaying device receives a pinch out operation on a touch panel of a portable telecommunication terminal device, when displaying the operation screen on the touch panel of the portable telecommunication terminal device. The image forming apparatus determines whether there is an identified area in the operation screen or not when receiving the pinch out operation. The image forming apparatus enlarges the image around a center of the enlargement in the identified area, in case that there is the identified area in the operation screen. The image forming apparatus enlarges the image around a center of the enlargement as a point moved from a midpoint of the pinch out operation in a direction determined based on displacement of the two contact points, a distance of the movement is determined based on displacement of the two contact points, in case that there is not the identified area in the operation screen. |
US09870138B2 |
Method for displaying content and electronic device thereof
A method and system for extending display content across multiple display devices over a network using fingerprint of a user by registering fingerprints of the user in a master device and allowing the user to perform an action on the master device is provided. The method includes broadcasting, by the master device, a first key to one or more slave devices after authorizing the user and generating the first key based on a polarity of a hand performing the user action on the master device and considering a relative location of the slave device, and extending, by the master device, the display content to one or more identified slave devices within the network after establishing a connection between the master device and one or more slave devices. |
US09870137B2 |
Speed/positional mode translations
Gestures for converting from a position control mode to a motion continuation mode are disclosed. A position control mode can be invoked when the user simultaneously places two or more fingers upon a sensor panel. The fingers can then be moved around to effect position control. A motion continuation mode can be invoked when one or more fingers are lifted off (but at least one finger remains in contact with the sensor panel). If the motion continuation mode is invoked, a virtual control ring can be generated, and scrolling of the viewable area or dragging of the cursor or object can continue in a particular direction specified by a velocity vector pointed in the direction of finger movement at the time the motion continuation mode is invoked, and having a magnitude proportional to the velocity of the finger at the time the motion continuation mode was invoked. |
US09870134B2 |
Interactive blocking and management for performing arts productions
One or more embodiments present positional information associated with a text to a user. In one embodiment, a determination is made that at least one line from a digital representation of text has been selected. Another determination is made that the line is associated with a set of positional information. The set of positional information is presented on a digital representation of a venue along with the presentation of the line of text. |
US09870129B2 |
Method and system for reconfiguring a multidimensional interface using dimension tiles
A method, system, and computer program product for human-machine interface devices. Embodiments commence upon receiving a set of dimensions, at least some of the dimensions having a plurality of dimension values, then generating for display, a first interactive user interface comprising a series of dimension tiles corresponding to the set of dimensions. A second interactive user interface comprising at least some of the dimensions is displayed in tandem such that a user interaction upon the first interactive user interface causes a change in the second interactive user interface. The dimension tiles can be used in configuration operations such that upon receiving a user interaction upon the dimension tiles, the change in configuration is reflected over the second interactive user interface. |
US09870128B1 |
Rule-based presentation of related content items
Features are disclosed for presenting multiple content items based on one or more rules defining how the multiple content items are to be presented. One content item may be a primary content item, and any number of additional content items may be related to or supplement the primary content item in some way. Rules may define which related content items may be presented and, in the case of multimedia content (e.g., content with both audio and video elements), which elements of the primary content may be overridden by or mixed with related content, and which may not. References to related content may be embedded in the primary content item, or references may be accessed at a content management system or service. |
US09870127B2 |
Shared inter-operational control among multiple computing devices
A collaborative computing device group operative under a shared multiple discrete desktop user interface is established from a first desktop of a first computing device and a different discrete desktop of a second computing device physically located in user visual proximity to the first computing device. A color-coded graphical representation of a user-interface control port that allows authorized cursor navigation to and from the second computing device is displayed on the first desktop oriented in a respective direction of the second computing device. A cursor of the second computing device is authorized to migrate, under control of a user of the second computing device, from the different discrete desktop through the color-coded graphical representation of the user-interface control port of the second computing device to the first desktop and the first computing device is controlled in accordance with visual navigation and control of the cursor of the second computing device. |
US09870122B2 |
Graphical user interface for rearranging icons
Embodiments of the present invention provide a method and system for moving one or more icons on an electronic device. The method includes, receiving a selection of at least one icon and moving the selected icon(s) to a queue. The selected icon(s) are moved from the queue to a target location, upon an indication of the target location. The target location is made up of at least a target page and a position on the target page. |
US09870121B2 |
Desktop reveal expansion
A dual-screen user device and methods for revealing a combination of desktops on single and multiple screens are disclosed. Specifically, a determined number of desktops is displayed to at least one of the screens of the device conditioned upon input received and the state of the device. Where a screen of the device is determined to be inactive, the desktop is not displayed to the screen, but is stored in a virtually displayed state by the device. Upon receiving input that the inactive screen is active, the device can actually display the desktop to the screen. |
US09870118B2 |
Non-transitory storage medium encoded with computer readable information processing program, information processing apparatus, method of controlling information processing apparatus, and information processing system, capable of controlling virtual camera while grasping overall condition of virtual camera arranged in virtual space
A non-transitory storage medium encoded with a computer readable information processing program executable by a computer of an information processing apparatus, causing one or more processors to perform a region display module having, together with an object representing a virtual camera located within a virtual space, at least a part of a region representing a range within the virtual space for setting a position of the object displayed, an input acceptance module accepting an input for the displayed object, an object posture setting module setting a posture of the object based on the input to the input acceptance module, a virtual camera control module controlling the virtual camera based on the posture of the object set by the object posture setting module, and a picked-up image display module having a picked-up image displayed, which is picked up by the virtual camera controlled by the virtual camera control module. |
US09870116B1 |
Controlling actions for browser extensions
A method for controlling actions for browser extensions includes registering, at a browser process module, a list of one or more rules from a browser extension, where the rules define one or more conditions and one or more corresponding actions to take when the conditions are satisfied. A renderer process module that is in communication with the browser process module applies the conditions to content of web pages rendered in the browser application. The renderer process module determines whether any of the conditions are satisfied by the content of the web pages rendered in the browser application using the renderer process module. The browser process module or the renderer process module performs the actions defined in the rules in response to at least one of the conditions defined in the rules being satisfied. |
US09870114B1 |
Media element navigation using a virtual jog wheel
A virtual jog wheel for navigating a set of media elements is disclosed. A graphical user interface including the virtual jog wheel and a set of media elements is provided. A command from a user corresponding to a rotational movement of a touch object relative to the virtual jog wheel is identified. In response to the command, a user may navigate from a first position in a first media element of the set of media elements to a second position in a second media element of the set of media elements. |
US09870113B2 |
Capacitive discharge circuit for touch sensitive screen
A capacitive discharge circuit includes a line having a capacitance, a switched capacitor circuit including a capacitor, a switched circuit coupled to the line, and a voltage regulator coupled between the switched capacitor circuit and the switched circuit. A controller operates the switched capacitor circuit and switched circuit to in a first phase, charge the capacitor by coupling the capacitor between a common mode and a power supply, and in a second phase, discharge the capacitor by coupling the voltage regulator in series with the capacitor between the power supply node a ground. The controller is also configured to in a third phase, charge the capacitor by coupling the capacitor between the common mode and the power supply, and in a fourth phase, share charge between the line and the capacitor by coupling the voltage regulator and the capacitor in series between the line and the ground. |
US09870112B2 |
Frequency conversion in a touch sensor
A touch sensitive device includes a touch interface having rows and columns, a signal generator for generating a plurality of unique orthogonal signals in a first range and having a first frequency spacing on at least a plurality of the rows, respectively, and a heterodyning frequency converter. The heterodyning frequency converter receives a signal present on a column, the signal comprising signals within the first range and having the first frequency spacing. The heterodyning frequency converter converts the signal to a heterodyned signal comprising signals in a second range and having the first frequency spacing, and outputs the heterodyned signal. A touch processor identifies touch on the touch interface at least in part by processing the heterodyned signal. |
US09870110B2 |
Self-capacitance input device with hovering touch
A self-capacitance input device with hovering touch includes a sensing electrode layer, a reflection and deflection electrode layer, an insulation layer, and an amplifier with a gain greater than zero. The sensing electrode layer has a plurality of sensing electrodes on one side for sensing a touch or approach of an external object. The reflection and deflection electrode layer is disposed on the other side of the sensing electrode layer and has at least one reflection and deflection electrode. The insulation layer is disposed between the sensing electrode layer and the reflection and deflection electrode layer. The amplifier has an output coupled to the reflection and deflection electrode layer. |
US09870107B2 |
Display device with capacitive touch panel
A display device with a capacitive touch panel includes a laminate between a display panel and a cover layer, the laminate having a circularly polarizing plate, a first conductive layer, and a second conductive layer. The circularly polarizing plate includes a substrate and a polarizing plate. The first conductive layer, the second conductive layer, and the substrate are positioned closer to the display panel than is the polarizing plate, and the first conductive layer is positioned closer to the cover layer than is the second conductive layer. The first and second conductive layers are arranged apart from each other in a stacking direction so as to form a capacitive touch sensor. One of the first and second conductive layers is formed on one surface of the substrate. The substrate has an optical film with a phase difference of λ/4. The polarizing plate has a polarizing film. |
US09870104B2 |
Dynamic clustering of touch sensor electrodes
In one embodiment, an apparatus includes a sensor having a plurality of electrodes and a controller having a processor and a memory. The memory includes logic operable, when executed by the processor, to connect each electrode of a first subset of the plurality of electrodes, apply voltage to the first subset, and determine a first value associated with a capacitance of the first subset. Based at least on the first value, the logic is further operable to connect each electrode of a second subset of the plurality of electrodes, the second subset having fewer electrodes than the first subset, apply voltage to the second subset, and determine a second value associated with a capacitance of the second subset. |
US09870102B2 |
Input device and electronic device
An input device includes a display section, a touch panel, a pressed position detecting section, a pressing force detecting section, a storage section, and a control section. The touch panel includes a plurality of electrodes. The pressed position detecting section determines whether or not the touch panel is pressed according to a resistance between two electrodes among the electrodes and a pressing determination threshold. The pressed position detecting section detects a pressed position where the touch panel is pressed. The pressing force detecting section detects a determination pressing force at a time when the pressed position detecting section determines a pressing. The storage section stores therein the pressed position and the determination pressing force in association with the pressed position. The control section changes the pressing determination threshold in correspondence with the pressed position according to the pressed position and the determination pressing force stored in the storage section. |
US09870100B2 |
Multi-touch sensing apparatus using rear view camera of array type
A multi-touch sensing apparatus using a rear view camera of an array type is provided. The multi-touch sensing apparatus may include a display panel to display an image, a sensing light source to emit light to sense a touch image which is generated by an object and displayed on a back side of the display panel, and a camera to divide and sense the touch image. The camera may be arranged in an edge of a lower side of the multi-touch sensing apparatus, or a mirror to reflect the touch image may be included in the multi-touch sensing apparatus. |
US09870098B1 |
Pressure-sensitive touch screen display and method
An electronic device includes a pressure-sensitive touch screen display that can dynamically monitor a user's interaction with the device, and adjust the pressure thresholds of different areas of the touch screen display based on the user's monitored interactions. The orientation of the device is determined, the touch screen display is divided into sections, and the device monitors the pressure the user applies in the different sections of the screen. A pressure map is then created that includes pressure detection thresholds specific to the orientation and user for one or more regions of the screen. The device may include different pressure maps for different orientations of the device. When the user interacts with the touch screen, the device determines what the user intended based on the orientation of the device and the thresholds in the pressure map for that orientation for the region of the screen touched by the user. |
US09870097B2 |
Noise cancellation technique for capacitive touchscreen controller using differential sensing
A differential sensing scheme provides a means for detecting one or more touch events on a touch sensitive device in the presence of incident noise. Instead of sensing one touch sensitive channel, such as a row, column, or single touch sensor, multiple touch sensitive channels are sampled at a time. By sampling two nearby channels simultaneously and doing the measurement differentially, noise common to both channels is cancelled. The differential sensing scheme is implemented using simple switch-capacitor AFE circuitry. The originally sensed data on each individual channel is recovered free of common-mode noise. The recovered sensed data is used to determine the presence of one or more touch events and if present the location of each touch event on the touch sensitive device. |
US09870096B2 |
Systems and methods for reducing effects of interference in input devices
The embodiments described herein provide devices and methods that facilitate improved input device performance. Specifically, the devices and methods provide improved resistance to the effect of interference on input devices, and in particular, to the effect of unison noise on proximity sensors that use capacitive techniques to generate images of sensor values. The devices and methods provide improved resistance to the effects of interface by using images of sensor values and one or more profiles of sensor values. An image of sensor values is combined with one or more profiles of sensor values to produce a modified image of sensor values, the modified image having reduced errors due to noise. This reduction in errors due to noise can improve the accuracy and performance of the input device. |
US09870092B2 |
Display device
A display device is configured that the common electrode wiring layer is divided in a source wiring layer direction, the metal wiring layer is disposed above the source wiring layer at a position in contact with the upper part of the common electrode wiring layer, and the metal wiring layer is not disposed at a position where the common electrode wiring layer is divided. Alternatively, the metal wiring layer is not disposed at a position between the same colors as those at the division position of the common electrode wiring layer. |
US09870091B2 |
Touch screen and display apparatus
A touch screen comprising an array substrate, a color filter substrate, a primary emitting module, a secondary emitting module and a processor, the primary emitting module comprises a first emitting electrode and a receiving electrode both provided on a surface of the color filter substrate away from the array substrate and a first capacitance is formed therebetween; the first emitting electrode emits an excitation signal to the receiving electrode; the receiving electrode transmits the excitation signal to the processor; the secondary emitting module emits a secondary signal to the receiving electrode when a touch pressure of a finger touching the touch screen is greater than a predefined value, thus a characteristic of the excitation signal received by the receiving electrode changes; the processor processes the excitation signal to obtain the characteristic of the excitation signal and determines an intensity of the touch pressure. |
US09870089B2 |
In-cell touch screen having a driver for concurrently scanning a plurality of electrode lines and a method of driving the same
The present invention is directed to a method of driving an in-cell touch screen. A common voltage (VCOM) layer of the in-cell touch screen is divided into transmit (TX) electrodes and receive (RX) electrodes, the TX electrodes forming TX electrode lines in a first direction and the RX electrodes forming RX electrode lines in a second direction. The TX electrode lines are arranged into a plurality of groups. The groups of TX electrode lines are concurrently scanned in touch sensing mode. |
US09870086B2 |
Electronic device and method for unlocking in the electronic device
An electronic device and an unlocking method in the electronic device are provided. The electronic device includes a display unit configured to display at least one function icon on a lock screen, at least one camera, and a controller configured to recognize a face based on data received from the at least one camera in response to a request for unlocking, to select a function icon to be executed from among the at least one function icon, to perform unlocking based on the facial recognition, and to execute, simultaneously with the unlocking, a function corresponding to the selected function icon. |
US09870083B2 |
Multi-device multi-user sensor correlation for pen and computing device interaction
A grip of a primary user on a touch-sensitive computing device and a grip of a secondary user on the touch-sensitive computing device are sensed and correlated to determine whether the primary user is sharing or handing off the computing device to the secondary user. In the case of handoff, capabilities of the computing device may be restricted, while in a sharing mode only certain content on the computing device is shared. In some implementations both a touch-sensitive pen and the touch-sensitive computing device are passed from a primary user to a secondary user. Sensor inputs representing the grips of the users on both the pen and the touch-sensitive computing device are correlated to determine the context of the grips and to initiate a context-appropriate command in an application executing on the touch-sensitive pen or the touch-sensitive computing device. Meta data is also derived from the correlated sensor inputs. |
US09870081B2 |
Display device and touch-operation processing method
The operability is improved according to a use form without complicating a detection mechanism of a display device. A display device (1) according to the present invention includes: a use form determining unit (55) that determines a holding form based on a touch position of a touch operation for an end face (A or B) of a casing (17) and determines an attended area that is an area of the display area (P) attended by a user for a touch operation; and a display control unit (54) that changes a display mode of a screen to be displayed on the display area based on the holding form and the attended area. |
US09870077B2 |
Touch panel and correcting apparatus thereof
A touch panel correcting apparatus for correcting a first coordinate and a second coordinate associated with a touch position is provided. The correcting apparatus includes a memory and a controller. The memory stores a look-up table storing a plurality of corrected coordinates. The controller selects a corrected first coordinate from the look-up table according to the first coordinate, and substitutes the corrected first coordinate and the second substitute into a function to generate a corrected second coordinate corresponding to the second coordinate. |
US09870076B1 |
Transmitter pen positioning system
A transmitter pen positioning system includes a transmitter pen, at least two photo-receiving modules, and a signal processing unit. The transmitter pen generates a light beam signal. Each photo-receiving module has an optical lens and a photo-receiving sensor. The photo-receiving sensor receives the light beam signal passing through the optical lens via a first photo-receiving surface and a second photo-receiving surface and correspondingly converts the light beam signal into a first photocurrent signal and a second photocurrent signal. The signal processing unit receives the first and the second photocurrent signals, and correspondingly calculates an incident angle of the light beam signal according to a difference between the first and the second photocurrent signals and calculate position information of the transmitter pen according to the at least two incident angles. Accordingly, the complexity of the positioning system is simplified and a real-time position calculation is implemented. |
US09870070B2 |
Hand held pointing device with roll compensation
A pointing device includes accelerometers and rotational sensors that are coupled to a processor. The processor samples the accelerometers and rotational sensors to detect gravity and pointing device motion and uses algebraic algorithms to calculate roll compensated cursor control signals. The processor transmits the cursor control signals to a receiver that is coupled to an electronic device that moves the cursor on the visual display. |
US09870069B2 |
Detection of user activities by a portable device
A portable consumer device, such as a mobile phone or a tablet computer, may be configured to collect measurements data associated with at least one of movement of the portable consumer device or orientation of the portable consumer device, as well as data associated with an external environment of the portable consumer device. The collected data may be evaluated in order to determine motion of the portable consumer device over time and contextual information associated with the portable consumer device. A user activity may be determined based upon the determined motion and the determined contextual information. As desired, the user activity may be evaluated in association with a suitable application scenario, such as a gaming application scenario. |
US09870068B2 |
Depth mapping with a head mounted display using stereo cameras and structured light
A tracking system generates a structured light pattern in a local area. The system includes an array of lasers that generate light. The array of lasers includes a plurality of lasers and an optical element. The plurality of lasers are grouped into at least two subsets of lasers, and each of the at least two subsets of lasers is independently switchable. The optical element includes a plurality of cells that are each aligned with a respective subset of the array of lasers. Each cell receives light from a corresponding laser of the array of lasers, and each cell individually applies a modulation to the received light passing through the cell to form a corresponding portion of the structured light pattern that is projected onto a local area. |
US09870065B2 |
Information display apparatus with proximity detection performance and information display method using the same
An information display apparatus with proximity detection performance contains a display device that displays image information, a sensor constituted of plural detection electrodes, and an adjusting device of detection resolution that adjusts the detection resolution to be detected based on a distance between the sensor and an object that is contacted to any one of the detection electrodes. |
US09870064B2 |
System and method for blended reality user interface and gesture control system
A blended reality user interface and gesture control system includes one or more sensors, a head-mounted display, and a blending engine. The blending engine is configured to receive a live reality and virtual reality feeds, track movement of a user using the sensors, detect a command based on the tracked movement, blend the live and virtual reality feeds into a blended view based on the detected command, and display the blended view on the head-mounted display. In some embodiments, the blending engine is further configured to detect an amount of head tilt of the user and adjust a blending factor controlling an amount of transparency of the live reality feed within the blended view based on the amount of head tilt. In some embodiments, the blending engine is further configured to detect manipulation of a controller by the user and adjust the blending factor based on the detected manipulation. |
US09870063B2 |
Multimodal interaction using a state machine and hand gestures discrete values
A system for associating between a computerized model of multimodal human interaction and application functions, comprising: (a) An interface for receiving instructions from a programmer defining one or more application functions. (b) A memory storing hand gestures each defined by a dataset of discrete pose values and discrete motion values. (c) A code store storing a code. (d) One or more processors coupled to the interface, the memory and the code store for executing the stored code which comprises: (1) Code instructions to define a logical sequence of user input per instructions of the programmer. The logical sequence combines hand gestures with non-gesture user input. (2) Code instructions to associate the logical sequence with the application function(s) for initiating an execution of the application function(s) during runtime of the application in response to detection of the logical sequence by analyzing a captured data depicting a user during runtime. |
US09870059B2 |
Hand detection device and hand detection method
An image processing device includes a processor; and a memory which stores a plurality of instructions, which when executed by the processor, cause the processor to execute: acquiring an image which includes a first region and a second region of a user; detecting, from a group of candidate areas for the first region and the second region included in the image, the candidate area corresponding to the first region based on biometric characteristics of the first region; determining a connection direction between the first region and the second region based on outer edges of the candidate area corresponding to the first region; and selecting the candidate area corresponding to the second region from the group of candidate areas based on the connection direction. |
US09870058B2 |
Control of a real world object user interface
Systems and methods described allow users to select and obtain significant information about objects in the real world, and further to employ gestures as a “real world” interface to manipulate information and to manipulate the selection of objects. In this way, users may be enabled to make better decisions when, e.g., traveling and shopping, and may further be enabled to obtain significant information about objects with which they are surrounded. The systems and methods may include a camera which monitors a user's hand movements or gestures to control a UI, particularly where a user is interacting with real-world objects. Gestures can move the focus of a UI from one real world object to another. The systems and methods may also include a projector to illuminate selected objects, or to display information about objects. |
US09870055B2 |
Electronic device including selectively operable audio output transducers of transducer port/radiator pairs and related methods
An electronic device may include a housing, a display carried by the housing, and audio output transducer and passive radiator pairs carried by the housing. The electronic device may also include a controller capable of selectively operating the audio output transducers. In another embodiment, the electronic device may include audio output transducer and serpentine tuning port pairs. |
US09870054B2 |
Tactile supply device
Provided is a tactile sensation supply device for transferring various types of tactile sensations to a user using tactile sensation providers that include magnetic particles. The tactile sensation supply device includes tactile sensation providers made of magnetic particles and a matrix material, and a magnetic field generator for generating a magnetic field to transform the tactile sensation providers. |
US09870050B2 |
Interactive projection display
Disclosed are an interactive projection display method and an interactive projection display system. The method comprises: obtaining to-be-displayed location information corresponding to a coordination device; obtaining display information corres-ponding to the coordination device; generating, according to the display information, virtual display content corresponding to the coordination device; and projecting the virtual display content to a location corresponding to the to-be-displayed location information at a fundus of a user. According to the method and the system, virtual display content, used to interact with a user, of a coordination device is projected near the coordination device, to cause interaction between the user and the coordination device to be more convenient. |
US09870048B2 |
Head-mounted display device, method of controlling the same, and computer program
In a head-mounted display device equipped with a display section, through which an external world can visually be recognized, the head-mounted display device includes a superimposition image display control section adapted to make the display section display a predetermined image so as to be superimposed on the external world to visually be recognized in a see-through manner, an imaging section adapted to capture an image of at least a predetermined range out of the external world visually recognized in a see-through manner, a partial image determination section adapted to determine a partial image of a predetermined range, which corresponds in position to the predetermined image, out of the captured image obtained by the imaging section, and a visibility correction section adapted to correct visibility of the predetermined image displayed by the superimposition image display control section in accordance with color information related to the partial image determined. |
US09870046B2 |
Distribution of tasks among asymmetric processing elements
Techniques to control power and processing among a plurality of asymmetric processing elements are disclosed. In one embodiment, one or more asymmetric processing elements are power managed to migrate processes or threads among a plurality of processing elements according to the performance and power needs of the system |
US09870040B2 |
Changing settings for a transient period associated with a deterministic event
Disclosed embodiments relate to a system that changes transmitter and/or receiver settings to deal with reliability issues caused by a predetermined event, such as a change in a power state or a clock start event. One embodiment uses a first setting while operating a transmitter during a normal operating mode, and a second setting while operating the transmitter during a transient period following the predetermined event. A second embodiment uses similar first and second settings in a receiver, or in both a transmitter and a receiver employed on one side of a bidirectional link. The first and second settings can be associated with different swing voltages, edge rates, equalizations and/or impedances. |
US09870029B2 |
Rollable display apparatus
Disclosed is a rollable display apparatus including: a flexible display panel that includes a pixel array; a roller part having a surface for winding the display panel; a first housing receiving the roller part and having a first opening through which a portion of the display panel passes; a rotational controller coupled between the roller part and the first housing, the rotational controller configured to: in a first state, enable the roller part to rotate in a first direction to unwind the display panel from the roller part but prevent rotation of the roller part in a second direction opposite the first direction, in a second state, enable the roller part to rotate in the second direction to wind the display panel onto the roller part, and switch from the first state to the second state responsive to receiving a triggering operation from a user. |
US09870027B2 |
Mass storage device operation
Activation of a release button is detected, where the release button is to separate a tablet computing device from a docking station while a mass storage device of the docking station is performing an operation. In response to the detection, power is maintained to the mass storage device from a battery of the docking station to complete the operation. |
US09870022B2 |
High load release device
The restraining strap has a rectangular cross section with a broad side against cylindrical sections holding a release member. The moment of inertia for a rectangular cross section strap is represented by the formula I=BH3/12. The lower moment of inertia reduces the load on the fusible link. With no limit to the number of wraps around the cylindrical sections, higher preloads can be accommodated by increasing the number of wraps of the restraining strap without affecting the moment of inertia or the amount of force borne by the fusible link. The actuator has a catch extending between the restrainer and actuator. The catch ends engage the restrainer and actuator and, upon release from the actuator, the catch rotates to allow the restrainer to unwind from about the cylindrical sections. |
US09870017B2 |
Voltage regulation system and method for providing power to a load
A voltage regulation system for providing power to a load is provided. The voltage regulation system includes a voltage regulator operable to set an operating voltage of the load at a first voltage level which corresponds to a first voltage requirement of the load, receive a second voltage requirement of the load which is different than the first voltage requirement and produce a voltage ramp from the first voltage level to the second voltage level. The voltage regulator is further operable to transition the operating voltage from the first voltage level to the second voltage level at a same ramp rate as the voltage ramp and with a lag between the voltage ramp and the transition in the operating voltage. |
US09870016B2 |
Circuit for interconnected direct current power sources
Controlling a power converter circuit for a direct current (DC) power source is disclosed. The power converter may be operative to convert input power received from the DC power source to an output power and to perform maximum power point tracking of the power source. The power converter is adapted to provide the output power to a load that also performs maximum power point tracking. |
US09870014B1 |
Digital low drop-out regulator
A regulator may comprise: an ADC unit for detecting a change in an output voltage and outputting an error code based on the detected result; a digital processing unit for generating a proportional control signal, a plurality of integral control signals, a counting signal, and an error sign signal based on the error code, outputting pull-up and pull-down control signals by multiplying the error code by a proportional gain factor in response to the proportional control signal, and outputting a plurality of sub-pull-up control signals by performing integration on the integral control signals based on the counting signal and multiplying the integration result by an integral gain factor; a first driving unit for outputting a first current in response to the pull-up and pull-down control signals; and a second driving unit for outputting a second current in response to the sub-pull-up control signals. |
US09870011B2 |
Circuit arrangement and a method for operating a circuit arrangement
According to various embodiments, a circuit arrangement may be provided, comprising a driver circuit configured to deliver a switching signal to a power switch such that the power switch controls a load current, a gate-back regulation circuit selectively connected to the driver circuit and the load current, and a diagnostic circuit configured to provide an enabling signal, which allows the gate-back regulation circuit to become active; and wherein the enabling signal is dependent at least in part on a condition independent of the load current. |
US09869998B2 |
Wireless data communications between a remotely operated vehicle and a remote location
A remote control system for controlling a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) may comprise an ROV wireless transceiver operatively in communication with one or more wireless transceivers deployed at a distance from the ROV. The remote wireless transceivers are operatively in communication with one or more ROV consoles and ROV may be operated from the remote location by operatively connecting the first ROV console to a second wireless data transceiver; establishing wireless data communications between the second wireless data transceiver and the ROV wireless transceiver; and controlling a predetermined ROV function at the ROV from the first ROV console via communications established between the second wireless data transceiver and the ROV wireless transceiver. Two or more such remote wireless data transceivers and/or remote ROV consoles may be provided for redundancy, ancillary functions, or the like. |
US09869997B2 |
Protection monitoring system with fault indicators
A protection monitoring system is provided that includes a protection fault handler. The protection fault handler includes a protection fault indicator. The protection fault handler is configured to activate the protection fault indicator upon indication of a protection fault signal. Moreover, the protection fault signal is indicative of a critical fault which has occurred in a protection system monitored by the protection monitoring system. The protection monitoring system also includes a user inhibit handler. The user inhibit handler includes a user inhibit indicator. Moreover, the user inhibit handler is configured to activate the user inhibit indicator upon indication of a user inhibit signal. Furthermore, the user inhibit signal is indicative of a user-enabled alarm inhibit or a user-enabled bypass. |
US09869996B2 |
System and method for using an internet of things network for managing factory production
An Internet of things (IoT) network for managing assembly of a multi-part product in a production environment. A user wears a device that provides a hands-free display of assembly instructions while the user is assembling the product. The user also wears sensors for transmitting data about the user's location within the production environment. Point of assembly sensors are disposed at locations within the production environment for transmitting data regarding where the product is and should be assembled. The product's parts also include sensors that transmit data regarding location of the parts and how they are assembled. A backend computer system stores product assembly information including the assembly instructions, where the user should be to assemble the product, how the product should be assembled, and verification of assembly accuracy. Alerts are generated if information from the sensors does not corresponding with the preprogrammed information in the computer system. |
US09869992B2 |
Thermal displacement correction device for working machine
Provided is a thermal displacement correction device for a working machine that includes a thermal displacement correction amount calculation unit for calculating a thermal displacement correction amount and configured to correct a thermal displacement amount caused by heat generated and radiated from the working machine and changing with time by the thermal displacement correction amount, the thermal displacement correction device for the working machine including: a correction error coefficient storage memory; a correction precision calculation unit configured to calculate the correction precision of the thermal displacement correction amount based on the thermal displacement correction amount and the correction error coefficient; and a correction precision degradation notification unit. |
US09869988B2 |
Programmable controller system for performing analog-to-digital conversion based on an adjustable conversion characteristic table
An analog input unit as an analog unit attached to a PLC includes an A/D converting unit as a first converting unit performing conversion between an analog value and a digital value according to a first conversion characteristic, a shared memory as a retaining unit retaining a conversion characteristic table indicating a second conversion characteristic of conversion between digital values, and a conversion processing unit as a second converting unit converting a digital value according to the second conversion characteristic by referring to the conversion characteristic table. The conversion characteristic table includes combinations of a first value that is a digital value and a second value that is a conversion result of the first value, the number of which corresponds to resolution of a digital value in the analog unit, and the second value of each of the combinations of the first value and the second value can be adjusted. |
US09869987B2 |
Field bus system with industrial measurement device having automonous control operation
A process control system includes an I/O module configured to be connected to a field device which is installed in a plant in which an industrial process is controlled, the I/O module autonomously transmitting data received from the field device, and a higher-level device that comprises a memory which temporarily stores the data autonomously transmitted from the I/O module, the higher-level device reading the data stored in the memory at a predetermined period. |
US09869986B2 |
Detection device, sensor, electronic apparatus, and moving object
A detection device includes: a detection circuit which carries out detection processing of a physical quantity on the basis of a signal from a physical quantity transducer and outputs detected data of the physical quantity; and a correction unit which carries out correction processing on the detected data and outputs the data after the correction processing as output data. The correction unit carries out the correction processing to reduce an integration error generated in the case where the output data is subjected to integration processing, on the detected data of m bits, and outputs the output data of n bits (n and m being natural numbers, holding n |
US09869981B2 |
Control device diagnostic using accelerometer
A diagnostic device is physically coupled to a control device in a process control system, and includes an accelerometer that determines when a motion or vibration of the control device is greater than a predetermined threshold. When this condition is detected, one or more other components of the diagnostic device (e.g., processor, communication module, etc.) are activated, and a distress signal is transmitted from the diagnostic device using the activated components. Consequently, the duty cycles of components of the diagnostic device are decreased and optimized, leading to significant power savings. Indeed, in some embodiments, energy harvesting may be sufficient to power the diagnostic device. Further, in some embodiments, the diagnostic device may not require a component processor. |
US09869980B2 |
Device for controlling a working machine
A device for controlling a working machine has at least two control levers which are each operatively connected to at least one control device via an actuation unit. The actuation unit comprises a switching device with which the assignment between control levers and control devices is interchangeable. The switching device comprises at least four levers, of which every two levers are assigned to a control lever. Each of the four levers has a stop point for an actuation element. Each actuation element engages on the stop point with the respective assigned lever via couplings that can be detached without tools. |
US09869975B2 |
Electronic timepiece
An electronic timepiece has a time display unit including a dial made from a non-conductive material, and hands; and a movement that drives the hands. The movement includes a circuit board, a planar antenna attached to the circuit board, a stepper motor that drives the hands, and a battery. The planar antenna, the stepper motor, and the battery are disposed to positions overlapping the time display unit in plan view, and not overlapping each other in plan view. |
US09869974B2 |
Electronic device
An electronic device includes a display module having a hole and including a plurality of first light sources disposed along a perimeter of one side of the display module and a plurality of second light sources which are positioned opposite the plurality of first light sources and are disposed along a perimeter of the other side of the display module, a shaft rotatably inserted into the hole of the display module, a movement which is positioned in the rear of the display module, is connected to one end of the shaft, and provides a rotational force for the shaft, a window which is separated from the display module and is positioned in front of the display module, and a hand which is positioned between the display module and the window and is fixed to the other end of the shaft. |
US09869973B2 |
Scheduling device for customizable electronic notifications
An adjustable alarm indicator of an alarm application is described. The adjustable alarm indicator may be presented in connection with an alarm setting sequence. The adjustable alarm indicator may include a variable element having a variable annular shape, a first element associated with a first end of the variable element, and a second element associated with a second end of the variable element. The first element may be independently moveable to adjust the size of the variable element. The second element may be dependently moveable to cause the first element, the second element, and the variable element to move. |
US09869970B2 |
Hologram module, display device having the same and wearing device having the same
A hologram module includes a phosphor layer and a rainbow hologram sheet. The phosphor layer has a phosphor array structure. The rainbow hologram sheet has a first display layer and a second display layer. The first display layer is disposed on the phosphor layer and has a first barcode array corresponding to the phosphor array structure. The second display layer is disposed on the first display layer and has a second barcode array corresponding to the first barcode array. The phosphor array structure, the first barcode array and the second barcode array are chromatic. A color of the phosphor array structure meets with a color combined by the first barcode array and the second barcode array so as to display a hologram image converted from light emitted by the phosphor array structure via the first and second barcode arrays. |
US09869969B2 |
Holographic display
A holographic display includes: a light source; at least one beam steerer configured to control a propagation direction of a beam emitted from the light source; an optical element configured to condense a beam passing through the at least one beam steerer; and a spatial light modulator configured to form a three-dimensional (3D) image by modulating a beam passing through the at least one beam steerer. |
US09869962B2 |
Housing structure, electronic apparatus, and image forming apparatus
A housing structure includes a housing, a cover, and a plurality of paths of gas. The cover spatially partitions an inside and an outside of the housing. The plurality of paths of gas connect the inside and the outside of the housing and include a plurality of bypass portions. Two or more paths of gas of the plurality of paths of gas communicate with an outside of the cover via a single housing opening that communicates an inside and the outside of the cover with each other. |
US09869961B2 |
Electrophotographic image forming apparatus containing organic photoreceptor, unit for supplying lubricant, and cleaning blade
An electrophotographic image forming apparatus using an organic photoreceptor in which at least a charge generation layer, a charge transport layer, and a protective layer are laminated in order on a conductive support includes at least a unit for supplying a lubricant onto a surface of the organic photoreceptor and a unit for removing toner remaining on the surface of the organic photoreceptor with a cleaning blade, and satisfying the following conditions (1) to (3): (1) the protective layer of the organic photoreceptor contains at least metal oxide fine particles in a cured resin obtained by curing a polymerizable compound; (2) a universal hardness of the surface of the organic photoreceptor is in a range of 220 to 280 N/mm2; and (3) a JIS-A hardness of a portion of the cleaning blade to be abutted on the organic photoreceptor is in a range of 70 to 78°. |
US09869960B2 |
Process cartridge, electrophotographic image forming apparatus, and electrophotographic photosensitive drum unit
The process cartridge comprises a photosensitive drum having an axis L1 and a coupling member having an axis L2. The coupling member includes (i) a first end portion connected to a drum flange, (ii) a second end portion, and (iii) a connecting portion connecting the first end portion and the second end portion. The coupling member is movable between (i) a first position in which a tip of the at least one projection is a first distance away from the photosensitive drum as measured in the direction of the axis L1 and (ii) a second position in which the tip of the at least one projection is a second distance away from the photosensitive drum as measured in the direction of the axis L1, wherein the first distance is greater than the second distance. |
US09869958B2 |
Image forming apparatus that controls movement of a continuous sheet through a fixing unit
An image forming apparatus of the present invention includes: an image forming unit for forming an image on a continuous paper; a fixing unit for fixing by heat the image which has been formed on the continuous paper by the image forming unit; conveyance units for conveying the continuous paper; and a control unit for controlling the conveyance units to convey the continuous paper in such a manner that, when an image forming operation by the image forming unit is stopped, the same portion of the continuous paper, on which the image is not formed, does not remain in the fixing unit for a predetermined period of time. |
US09869953B2 |
Image forming apparatus
The image forming apparatus, a conveyance speed of a recording material at a fixing nip portion, controlled by a control portion of the image forming apparatus so that a part of the recording material being conveyed touches a guide member between a transfer nip portion and a loop detection device for a period after an operation for maintaining a loop amount of the recording material being conveyed within a predetermined range is finished until the recording material trailing edge exits out the transfer nip portion. |
US09869949B2 |
Toner cartridge with a toner switch assembly
A toner cartridge is provided. The toner cartridge can be removably mounted on an imaging device. The toner cartridge includes a housing with a toner storage; a toner outlet aligned with a toner inlet on the imaging device; and a switch assembly disposed between the toner outlet and the toner inlet and controlling toner in the toner cartridge to flow from the toner outlet into the toner inlet. The switch assembly slides between a first position to open the toner outlet and a second position to close the toner outlet. |
US09869948B2 |
Grippable toner container, and image forming apparatus containing same
A toner container includes a container main body, a first toner storage portion, a second toner storage portion, and a gripping portion. The container main body is elongated. The first toner storage portion stores toner in its inside and is provided in one side in a longitudinal direction of the container main body. The second toner storage portion stores toner in its inside and is provided in the other side in the longitudinal direction. The gripping portion is provided between the first toner storage portion and the second toner storage portion, and includes a concave portion which is formed in a side portion of the container main body on one side in a width direction of the container main body, the width direction being perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. |
US09869947B2 |
Toner container and image forming apparatus
A toner container is attachably and detachably formed at a container-attaching part of an image forming apparatus, and includes a first IC tag. The first IC tag is arranged on a circumferential surface of the toner container. The first IC tag makes communication with a reader arranged at the container-attaching part when the toner container is attached to the container-attaching part. The first IC tag cannot make communication with the reader when a distance between the first IC tag and the reader is less than a threshold distance (for example, less than 2 mm). With the first IC tag being arranged at a position opposite to the reader, the distance (for example, 1 mm) between the first IC tag and the reader is shorter than the threshold distance. The first IC tag is arranged at a position separate from the position opposite to the reader. |
US09869942B2 |
Imaging apparatus and process of forming image with electrophotographic photoreceptor having protective layer containing particulate P-type semiconductor
An imaging apparatus including: an electrophotographic photoreceptor; a charging unit to charge the surface of the electrophotographic photoreceptor; an exposing unit to perform exposure of the electrophotographic photoreceptor charged by the charging unit; a developing unit to feed a toner to the electrophotographic photoreceptor exposed by the exposing unit to form a toner image; a transfer unit to transfer the toner image formed on the electrophotographic photoreceptor; a lubricant feeding unit to feed a lubricant onto the surface of the electrophotographic photoreceptor; and a cleaning unit to remove the residual toner on the surface of the electrophotographic photoreceptor, wherein the electrophotographic photoreceptor includes a conductive support, a photoreceptive layer, and a protective layer disposed in sequence, the protective layer includes a resin containing a particulate P-type semiconductor, and the protective layer has a surface roughness Rz of 0.030 μm or more and 0.075 μm or less. |
US09869941B2 |
Substrate cleaning method, substrate cleaning apparatus, and computer-readable storage medium
A substrate cleaning method includes: a first step in which a cleaning liquid is ejected from a nozzle N2 to a central portion of a wafer W; a second step in which a dry gas is ejected from a nozzle N3 to the central portion of the wafer W to form a dry area; a third step in which the cleaning liquid is ejected from the nozzle N2 while the nozzle N2 is moved from a central side of the wafer W to a peripheral side thereof; a fourth step in which a width of an intermediate area generated between a wet area and the dry area is acquired; and a fifth step in which, when the width of the intermediate area exceeds a predetermined threshold value, a process parameter is changed such that the width of the intermediate area becomes the threshold value or less. |
US09869936B2 |
Detection apparatus, measurement apparatus, lithography apparatus, and method of manufacturing article
The present invention provides a detection apparatus which causes light to be incident obliquely on a substrate including a plurality of layers whose refractive indices are different from each other and detects a height of the substrate using light reflected from the substrate, the apparatus comprising an optical system including a polarizer for reducing s-polarized light and configured to cause light, in which s-polarized light has been reduced by the polarizer, to be incident on the substrate at an angle of incidence within a range of 40° to 55°. |
US09869935B2 |
Fast generation of elements with individually patterned anisotropy
The present invention relates to an apparatus which allows producing elements with individually patterned anisotropic properties, where the pattern may vary from element to element. An apparatus according to the invention comprises a support for a substrate and an exposure unit for providing spatially modulated aligning light with a first polarization plane, wherein the exposure unit contains a light source, a spatial light modulator, which can be controlled electronically, for example by a computer, and a projection lens. The present invention furthermore relates to a method for fast production of elements with individually patterned anisotropic properties using such an apparatus. |
US09869933B2 |
Pattern trimming methods
Methods of trimming a photoresist pattern comprise: (a) providing a semiconductor substrate; (b) forming a photoresist pattern over the semiconductor substrate, wherein the photoresist pattern is formed from a photoresist composition comprising: a first polymer comprising acid labile groups; and a photoacid generator; (c) coating a pattern trimming composition over the photoresist pattern, wherein the pattern trimming composition comprises a second polymer and a solvent system, wherein the solvent system comprises one or more monoether solvents in a combined amount of 50 wt % or more based on the solvent system; (d) heating the coated semiconductor substrate, thereby causing a change in solubility of a surface region of the photoresist pattern in a rinsing agent to be applied; and (e) contacting the photoresist pattern with a rinsing agent to remove the surface region of the photoresist pattern, thereby forming a trimmed photoresist pattern. The methods find particular applicability in the manufacture of semiconductor devices. |
US09869930B2 |
Compound, resin, resist composition and method for producing resist pattern
A compound represented by formula (I), a resin including a structural unit derived from the compound and a resist composition including the resin: wherein R1 represents a hydrogen atom, a halogen atom or a C1 to C6 alkyl group in which a hydrogen atom may be replaced by a halogen atom, R2 represents a C1 to C12 fluorinated saturated hydrocarbon group, A1 represents a single bond, a C1 to C6 alkanediyl group or *-A3-X1-(A4-X2)a-(A5)b-, * represents a binding site to an oxygen atom, A2, A3, A4 and A5 each independently represent a C1 to C6 alkanediyl group, X1 and X2 each independently represent —O—, —CO—O— or —O—CO—, W1 represents a C5 to C18 divalent alicyclic hydrocarbon group, a represents 0 or 1, and b represents 0 or 1. |
US09869928B2 |
Extreme ultraviolet light (EUV) photomasks, and fabrication methods thereof
Embodiments of EUV photomasks and methods for forming a EUV photomask are provided. The method comprises providing a substrate, a reflective layer, a capping layer, a hard mask layer, and forming an opening therein. An absorber layer is then filled in the opening and over the top surface of the hard mask layer. A planarized process is provided to remove the absorber layer above the top surface of the hard mask layer and form an absorber in the opening, wherein the absorber has a top portion wider than a bottom portion. |
US09869926B2 |
Wavelength conversion element, light source device, and projector
A wavelength conversion element includes: a wavelength conversion layer; a light-transmissive member provided on a light-incident surface side of the wavelength conversion layer and including a support surface including an inclined portion inclined with respect to the light-incident surface; and a first reflection portion provided along the support surface and reflecting fluorescence light. The first reflection portion includes a dichroic film that transmits excitation light. The excitation light passes through the dichroic film and the light-incident surface in this order to enter the wavelength conversion layer. Defining a plane including the light-incident surface as a reference surface, a distance between the reference surface and the first reflection portion in a periphery region of the first reflection portion is smaller than a distance between the reference surface and the first reflection portion in a central region of the first reflection portion. |
US09869925B2 |
Light source device, illumination device, and projector
A light source device includes: a plurality of light-emitting elements including a first light-emitting element and a second light-emitting element each of which emits light in a first direction; and a base material including a base portion that extends in a second direction inclined with respect to the first direction. The plurality of light-emitting elements are disposed along the second direction on one side of the base portion. |
US09869924B2 |
Interface device and control method
A laser light application unit (2100) has a laser light source for applying laser light. A control information acquisition unit (2200) acquires control information indicating each of a plurality of directions in which an image is to be irradiated. A control unit (2300) controls an interface device (2000) such that the image is irradiated in each of the plurality of directions indicated by the control information. The laser light applied by the laser light application unit (2100) is incident on a first light collection unit (2400). The first light collection unit (2400) diffracts the incident laser light such that the laser light forms the image that is not similar to that at the time of incidence. |
US09869922B2 |
Optical lens system for camera
An optical lens system for photographing an object, according to an embodiment of the present invention, comprises an object image forming member for forming an image of the object, a light source for providing light to the object, optical lenses, an aperture stop area, and a switching aperture disposed in the aperture stop area. The switching aperture includes a base plate having, in the center thereof, an opening for an image to be taken, a blade having, in the center thereof, a pin hole for an image to be magnified such that a magnified image corresponding to the object is formed, and a variable connection member bent or straightened according to power supply to induce light incident from the object to form a photographed image via the opening for an image to be taken or form a magnified image via the pin hole for an image to be magnified. |
US09869919B2 |
Electrochromic element, optical filter, lens unit, image pickup apparatus, and window member
Provided is an electrochromic element, which is capable of correcting possible charge imbalance, and is suppressed in color remaining, the electrochromic element including: a first electrode; a second electrode; a third electrode; and an electrolyte, an anodic organic electrochromic compound, and a cathodic redox substance that are arranged between the first electrode and the second electrode, at least one of the first electrode and the second electrode being transparent, in which: the third electrode is electrically connectable to at least one of the first electrode and the second electrode through the electrolyte; the third electrode further has a redox substance; and a reduced form of the redox substance of the third electrode is more easily oxidized than a reduced form of the anodic organic electrochromic compound. |
US09869917B2 |
Active matrix substrate and method for manufacturing the same
An active matrix substrate in a liquid crystal panel of an FFS mode has a data line 24 including an amorphous Si film 122, an n+amorphous Si film 123, a main conductor part 133, and an IZO film 141. The main conductor part 133 and the IZO film 141 are etched at a portion close to the end of a covered region of a photoresist 142, to form the n+amorphous Si film 123 larger than the main conductor part 133 and the IZO film 141. A pattern of a photomask for a source layer is made larger than a pattern of a photomask for a pixel electrode layer, to form the amorphous Si film 122 larger than the n+amorphous Si film 123. The main conductor part 133 is formed of a molybdenum-based material, and in a layer over the data line 24, two-layered protective insulating films are formed such that a compressive stress is generated in one film and a tensile stress is generated in the other film. Accordingly, a high-yield active matrix substrate having a common electrode is provided. |
US09869912B2 |
Low temperature poly-silicon TFT substrate
The present invention provides a LTPS TFT substrate, which includes a black matrix arranged on a first buffer layer of the LTPS TFT substrate to have an area where a TFT device is located is shielded by the black matrix thereby preventing the TFT device from being influenced by light irradiation, maintaining stability of the TFT device; and also saving the manufacturing process of a shielding metal layer, reducing one photo-mask, and lowering down manufacturing cost so as to allow the black matrix, in achieving the functionality of its own (shielding leaking light of the pixel), to also take the place of a shielding metal layer that is commonly adopted in the prior art to shield light for the TFT device and thus providing duality of functionality. |
US09869911B2 |
Display apparatus having a driver disposed on a flexible substrate and method of manufacturing the same
A display apparatus includes a display panel and a display panel driver. The display panel includes a first substrate and a second substrate facing the first substrate, the first substrate including a switching element and a pixel electrode disposed thereon, the pixel electrode being electrically connected to the switching element. The display panel driver is configured to apply a driving signal to the display panel. The display panel driver includes a first flexible substrate on which a driving chip is mounted, wherein the first flexible substrate is electrically connected to the display panel, and a second flexible substrate electrically connected to the first flexible substrate, wherein the second flexible substrate is disposed on a surface of the first flexible substrate. |
US09869910B2 |
Liquid crystal display device
A liquid crystal display device includes a display region, a plurality of lead-out lines led from the display region, and an application circuit that applies a voltage to liquid crystal in the display region through each of the lead-out lines. Each of the lead-out lines has a tilt portion wired with a directional component parallel to a peripheral direction enclosing the display region in a plan view, and when a difference between a voltage applied to one of the lead-out lines and a voltage applied to another one of the lead-out lines is specified as an applied voltage difference, each of the lead-out lines is wired such that, in a plan view, the taper portion of one of the lead-out lines is overlapped with the taper portion of another one of the lead-out lines having the applied voltage difference lower than a difference with adjacent one of the lead-out lines. |
US09869909B2 |
Liquid crystal display apparatus
Provided is a liquid crystal display apparatus capable of preventing a disclination and minimizing a decrease in contrast ratio caused by leakage of light. A counter electrode formed on an array substrate has a plurality of slits within one pixel. The slit which is relatively short has bent edge portions in which edges of the slit are bent. The slits which are relatively long do not have bent edges. |
US09869908B2 |
Pixel inversion artifact reduction
A system and device for driving high resolution monitors while reducing artifacts thereon. Utilization of Z-inversion polarity driving techniques to drive pixels in a display reduces power consumption of the display but tends to generate visible horizontal line artifacts caused by capacitances present between the pixels and data lines of the display. By introducing a physical shield between the pixel and data line elements, capacitance therebetween can be reduced, thus eliminating the cause of the horizontal line artifacts. The shield may be a common voltage line (Vcom) of the display. |
US09869907B2 |
Semiconductor device and method of manufacturing the same
The present invention improves the aperture ratio of a pixel of a reflection-type display device or a reflection type display device without increasing the number of masks and without using a blackmask. A pixel electrode (167) is arranged so as to partially overlap a source wiring (137) for shielding the gap between pixels from light, and a thin film transistor is arranged so as to partially overlap a gate wiring (166) for shielding a channel region of the thin film transistor from light, thereby realizing a high pixel aperture ratio. |
US09869906B2 |
Liquid crystal display device comprising a plurality of pixel electrodes each having first, second, and third stem electrodes
A liquid crystal display device includes pixels, each including a pixel electrode including first and second stem electrodes, which extend in a first direction and are spaced apart from each other, a third stem electrode, which extends in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction and intersects the first and second stem electrodes, a first edge electrode, which extends in the second direction and intersects first ends of the first and second stem electrodes, a second edge electrode, which extends in the second direction and intersects second ends of the first and second stem electrodes, and branch electrodes, which extend from the first, second, and third stem electrodes in a direction which is different from the first and second directions where a boundary line is defined between the first and second stem electrode. |
US09869905B2 |
Display panel
A display panel comprising a first substrate, a second substrate and a light shielding layer is provided. The first substrate comprises several display units arranged in a matrix and forming an image display region. The display units comprise m*n pixels arranged in a matrix. The second substrate is opposite to the first substrate. The light shielding layer located between the first substrate and the second substrate comprises several extending portions. The projection of one of the extending portions on the first substrate overlaps at least one of the pixels. Each pixel having the largest overlapping area with the extending portion is a first pixel, and other pixels are second pixels. In each display unit, there is at most one first pixel per column or per row. In the image display region, all of the pixels adjacent to the first pixel are second pixels. |
US09869901B2 |
Method and material for manufacturing alignment layer, display substrate, and display panel
The present disclosure provides a composition for forming an alignment layer. The composition includes a chiral additive and polymerizable liquid crystal monomers. The composition also includes an initiator for enabling polymerization reactions in the liquid crystal monomers. Further, the polymerizable liquid crystal monomers include at least one of polymerizable cholesteric liquid crystal monomers and polymerizable nematic liquid crystal monomers. |
US09869900B2 |
Liquid crystal display panel and method of manufacturing the same
A liquid crystal display panel includes substrates opposed to each other, a liquid crystal layer interposed between the substrates, a seal line surrounding an outer peripheral portion of the liquid crystal layer and disposed between the substrates and a liquid crystal alignment layer including a polyimide, the liquid crystal alignment layer including a first region and a second region disposed in an outer peripheral portion of the first region and disposed on one surface of at least one of the substrates, wherein at least a portion of the second region is overlapped with the seal line, the second region having a surface roughness value greater than that of the first region. |
US09869895B2 |
Coating device, method of manufacturing display substrate using the same and display substrate manufactured using the same
A coating device includes an upper stage, a lower stage and a spraying part. The upper stage masks an upper surface of a display panel. The lower stage masks a lower surface of the display panel. The spraying part sprays ink to a side surface of the display panel. The side surface of the display panel is exposed between the upper stage and the lower stage. The coating device includes the upper stage and the lower stage, so that the coating device may form a coating layer of uniform thickness by precisely spraying ink. In addition, a cross-section of the coating layer may be precisely formed having specific shape such as an L or C shape. A display apparatus having high light usage efficiency and reduced light leakage may be provided by using the coating device. |
US09869891B2 |
Liquid crystal display device and method of manufacturing the same
A thin-film transistor includes a gate electrode made of metal, a light transmissive gate insulating film that covers the gate electrode, a semiconductor film that overlaps with the gate electrode through the gate insulating film, and a source electrode and a drain electrode, made of metal, and spaced from each other. The gate electrode and the semiconductor film have respective through-holes communicated with each other so that the gate insulating film enters an inside of the through-holes. The gate insulating film has an area of the inside of the through-holes of the gate electrode and the semiconductor film. The source electrode and the drain electrode pass through the inside of the through-holes of the gate electrode and the semiconductor film so as to overlap with a part of the area of the inside of the through-hole of the gate insulating film and avoid a remaining portion thereof. |
US09869886B2 |
Adaptive spectacles for motor vehicle drivers or passengers
Adaptive glasses for drivers or passengers of a motor vehicle, the glasses comprising lenses having a screen whose coefficient of transmission is variable between a maximum value (CTMAX) and a minimum value (CTmin). According to one embodiment of the invention, the coefficient of transmission (CT) of the glasses lenses (28) is controlled according to a wireless communication protocol. |
US09869880B2 |
Projection device and projection-type video display device
An illumination device includes an optical element including a hologram recording medium capable of diffusing a coherent light beam, the hologram recording medium comprising a plurality of regions, each region diffusing a coherent light beam to an illuminated region corresponding to that region, and an irradiation device configured to irradiate the optical element with the coherent light beam so as to allow the coherent light beam to scan the hologram recording medium. The coherent light beam incident to a position existing in each region of the hologram recording medium is diffused to an entire region of the illuminated region corresponding to the region in order to illuminate the entire region of the illuminated region. |
US09869879B2 |
Objective lens and microscope
An objective lens (OL) according to the present invention comprises, in order from an object side, a first lens group (G1) having positive refractive power, and a second lens group (G2) having negative refractive power. The first lens group (G1) comprises a positive meniscus lens (L1) having a concave surface facing the object side, a positive lens (L2) dispose close to an image of the positive meniscus lens (L1), and a diffractive optical element (DOE) having a diffractive optical surface (D). The second lens group (G2) is composed of three cemented lenses (CL21 to CL23) which are configured with a positive lens and a negative lens cemented each other. When d00 denotes a distance from the object side to the positive meniscus lens (L1), and TL0 denotes a distance from the object side to the objective lens rear end surface, 0.11≦d00/TL0≦0.19 is satisfied. |
US09869878B2 |
Flexible touch screen panel and flexible touch screen display device
A flexible touch screen panel includes a thin film substrate including a first section and a second section and first sensing electrodes disposed in the first section and the second section, the first sensing electrodes being connected to one another along a first direction. The first sensing electrodes include a first stack structure in the first section and a second stack structure in the second section, the second stack structure being different from the first stack structure. |
US09869873B2 |
Stereo display device
A stereo display device includes plural projectors, a lens array, and a concave axicon lens array. The projectors project images to plural viewing regions at an image side. The lens array is disposed between the projectors and the image side. The concave axicon lens array is disposed between the lens array and the image side. |
US09869872B2 |
Three-dimensional display device
A display device is provided. The display device includes a projection lens, a Fresnel lens, an angle magnifying screen, a vertical diffuser and a first micro-deflector. The projection lens is configured to provide an original image. The first micro-deflector is provided between the Fresnel lens and the angle magnifying screen, and the angle magnifying screen is provided between the first micro-deflector and the vertical diffuser. The first micro-deflector is configured to redirect the original image into a first perspective image and a second perspective image. A perspective direction of the first perspective image differs from a perspective direction of the second perspective image. |
US09869870B2 |
3D display device with adjustable grating layer
A 3D display device, comprising: a display panel (01); a first grating layer (02), located at a light exiting side of the display panel (01) and comprising hole-like light-transmitting regions arranged in an array form; a second grating layer (03), located over the first grating layer (02) and comprising hole-like light-transmitting regions arranged in an array form; and an adjusting device (04), configured to adjust a relative shift between the first grating layer (02) and the second grating layer (03) so as to realize switching between a 2D display state and a 3D display state, wherein, the hole-like light-transmitting regions included in the first grating layer (02) correspond to the hole-like light-transmitting regions included in the second grating layer (03) in a one-to-one correspondence relationship, pixel units (05) arranged in an array form are provided within the display panel (01); in the 2D display state, an overlap region of projections of each pair of the hole-like light-transmitting regions on the display panel (01) covers a region of at least one pixel unit (05); in the 3D display state, an overlap region of projections of each pair of the hole-like light-transmitting regions on the display panel (01) is smaller than the region of one pixel unit (05). |
US09869863B2 |
Systems and methods for processing a 2D video
A system includes one or more hardware processors, a head mounted display (HMD), a digital camera device, and a path extraction engine. The path extraction engine is configured to receive two-dimensional (2D) video from the digital camera device, the 2D video presenting a 2D view of a three-dimensional (3D) object, the digital camera device moving along a camera path as the digital camera device captures the 2D video, identify a plurality of 2D features associated with the 3D object within the 2D video, track the plurality of 2D features across multiple frames of the 2D video, estimate motion in pixels associated with each 2D feature of the plurality of 2D features, using the estimated motion in the pixels, identify 2D motion caused by the digital camera device moving along the camera path, and compute a first camera position of the digital camera device based on the identified 2D motion. |
US09869860B2 |
Apparatus and method for controlling head up display
An apparatus for controlling a head up display includes: a memory configured to store first road information of a road on which a vehicle is being driven; a camera configured to obtain image data of the road in front of the vehicle; a control module configured to obtain second road information of the road by analyzing the image data of the front and extracting a plurality of points based on the first road information and the second road information; and an output module configured to output the plurality of points on a viewing area of a wind shield of the vehicle. |
US09869858B2 |
Electrical tuning of resonant scanning
A scanning device includes a frame, having a central opening, and an array including a plurality of parallel mirrors contained within the central opening of the frame. Hinges respectively connect the mirrors to the frame and define respective, mutually-parallel axes of rotation of the mirrors relative to the frame. A main drive applies a driving force to the array so as to drive an oscillation of the mirrors about the hinges at a resonant frequency of the array. A sensor is configured to detect a discrepancy in a synchronization of the oscillation among the mirrors in the array, and an adjustment circuit applies a corrective signal to at least one of the mirrors in order to alleviate the detected discrepancy. |
US09869857B2 |
Optical grating phase modulator for laser interference photoetching system
An optical grating phase modulator for a laser interference photoetching system is composed of a substrate, an optical grating, an electric motor and an optical grating positioner. The optical grating, the electric motor and the optical grating positioner are all mounted on the substrate. The optical grating is circular or rectangular, and adopt transmission or reflection type optical grating. A light beam is incident on the optical grating and generates diffraction, and when the electric motor drives the optical grating to continuously move relative to the incident light beam, diffracted light will generate a frequency shift, thereby realizing the phase modulation of the light beam. The optical grating phase modulator has the advantages of high phase modulation speed, high regulation precision and wide regulation range, thereby improving the whole performance of an interference photoetching system. |
US09869855B2 |
Picture element driven by two sets of grayscale values, one set being less than the other
An electrowetting display device includes a control system for changing a configuration of first, second and third fluids by applying a voltage level of a first voltage to a first electrode and by applying a voltage level of a second voltage to a second electrode. The voltage level of the first voltage is selected from a first plurality of voltage levels and the voltage level of the second voltage is selected from a second plurality of voltage levels, the second plurality of voltage levels comprising fewer voltage levels than the first plurality of voltage levels. |