| Document | Document Title |
|---|---|
| US09882342B2 |
Fiber delivery of short laser pulses
A method and system for delivering laser pulses achieves the delivery of high quality laser pulses at the location of an application. The method includes the steps of: generating laser pulses, amplifying the laser pulses, temporally stretching the amplified laser pulses, and propagating the amplified laser pulses through an optical delivery fiber of desired length, wherein the laser pulses are temporally compressed in the optical delivery fiber and wherein the laser pulses undergo nonlinear spectral broadening in the optical delivery fiber. |
| US09882340B2 |
Laser device, and exposure device and inspection device provided with the laser device
A laser device includes: a laser light source which generates a laser light in a pulse waveform of preset predetermined frequency; intensity modulator which is driven with a transmittance waveform wherein transmittance changes at either the predetermined frequency or an integer-multiple frequency thereof and which extracts and outputs the laser light which is outputted from the laser light source; control unit which controls an operation of the intensity modulator; an amplifier which amplifies the laser light which is outputted from the intensity modulator; and a wavelength conversion optical element which converts a wavelength of the laser light which is amplified by the amplifier, wherein the control unit changes relative timing of the transmittance waveform with respect to the pulse waveform, thereby changing the pulse waveform of the laser light which is emitted from the intensity modulator, to output a pulse light of predetermined waveform from the wavelength conversion optical element. |
| US09882336B2 |
Optical module
The disclosure provides an optical module, including a laser, the laser including a light emitting region and a modulation region, and light emitted by the light emitting region emitting toward the modulation region; a first driver circuit, the first driver circuit being connected to the light emitting region, so that the light emitting region emits light with adjusted optical power; and a second driver circuit, the second driver circuit being connected to the modulation region, so that the modulation region changes the optical power of the light emitted from the light emitting region. |
| US09882335B2 |
Pulse picking laser
A mode locked laser supplies a high repetition seed pulse train along a seed beam path to a pulse picker having at least one polarizer. A Faraday rotator in optical communication with the seed beam rotates the polarization of the seed beam by about 45°. A double pass acousto optical modulator (AOM) receives the seed beam propagating through the Faraday rotator and diffracts the seed beam into a first order first pass beam and a zero order first pass beam. A reflector returns the first pass first order beam into the acousto optical modulator for a second pass. The modulator diffract the beam into a zero order second pass beam and a first order second pass diffracted beam, the first order second pass beam propagating on the substantially same path as the incoming seed beam but in the opposite direction. |
| US09882332B2 |
Spring connectors with adjustable grooves and related methods
A connector assembly having a housing and a shaft; at least a groove in the housing or on the shaft; one of the housing and the shaft has a first component and a second component; there being at least a first groove configuration and a second groove configuration resulting from two different relative positions of the first and second components; the first and second groove configurations resulting in a first insertion force and a first removal force of the shaft into and from the housing and a second insertion force and a second removal force of the shaft into and from the housing, respectively. |
| US09882330B2 |
Solar panel array
A solar panel array includes a number of elongate printed circuit boards (PCBs), each PCB supporting a number of individual solar cells linearly mounted thereon and electrically connected in series to form a solar panel, and a number of hinge assemblies, each hinge assembly including two or more hinge bodies, two backing plates, one spring, and one hinge pin, the hinge assemblies mounted between adjacent solar panels using conventional hardware in a manner connecting them together such that they may be folded over one another in a fanfold arrangement or deployed out to one hundred and eighty degrees. |
| US09882329B2 |
Rotating contactor for a motor vehicle steering column
A rotating contactor for a motor vehicle steering column, including at least one flexible electrical connecting tape, means for winding/unwinding the flexible tape having a plurality of tracks, a cassette that can be mounted on the steering column, a stationary part, and a moving part that can be rotatably connected to the steering wheel of the vehicle, and defining, with the stationary part, a housing for the flexible tape and the tracks. The stationary part of the cassette has a viewing window, and one of the tracks is differentiated and has at least one portion designed to be arranged substantially across from the viewing window of the cassette when the rotating contactor is in the neutral position. |
| US09882328B1 |
Cartridge holder assembly configured to hold cartridges in an upright and side-by-side manner
A cartridge holder assembly for use in an automotive vehicle is provided. The cartridge holder assembly is configured to hold a pair of cartridges in a generally upright and side-by-side manner. The cartridge holder assembly includes a housing having a pair of first side walls, a bottom wall, a front wall, a back wall so as to define an open top, and a partition generally parallel to and disposed between a pair of first side walls so as to define a first cartridge opening and a second cartridge opening, wherein the first and second cartridge opening are configured to receive a respective cartridge and hold the cartridges in an upright manner and side-by-side arrangement. |
| US09882327B2 |
Memory card adapter
A memory card adapter includes a body having a set of contact pins. The set of contact pins include input pins and output pins implemented in a pin-to-pin structure. The input pins connect with pins of an inserted memory card and the output pins connect with an external socket. The body includes a bottom lead adapted to support the main body, and a top lead adapted to be combined with the bottom lead. The body includes a fixing substance adapted to combine with the contact pins. The body includes a conduction plate on a top surface or a bottom surface of the fixing substance, where the conduction plate is connected to at least one of the contact pins. |
| US09882326B2 |
Configurable switch emulator module
A target detection assembly includes a detection member adapted to generate a first input signal, and an emulator module is removably secured to the detection member. The emulator module includes an emulator housing assembly removably secured to the detection member and a selection portion is disposed on the emulator housing assembly. The selection portion is configured to be oriented in a first and second selection mode. In the first selection mode, a first emulation circuit disposed within the emulator housing assembly receives the first input signal, processes the first input signal, and outputs a first output signal that is different than the first input signal. In the second selection mode, a second emulation circuit disposed within the emulator housing assembly receives the first input signal, processes the first input signal, and outputs a second output signal that is different than the first input signal and the first output signal. |
| US09882320B2 |
Coaxial cable connector
A coaxial connector having an axially moveable shell in opposition to a separate and distinct body component wherein the moveable shell contains a gripping member capable of having the front portion displaced radially inwardly by the body so that the gripping member is positioned within the connector body and between the connector body and the coaxial cable and secures the cable to the connector and environmentally seals the junction while at the same time the shell contains a structure to move a rear portion of the gripping member radially outwardly upon compression. In some embodiments disclosed herein the shell contains a structure to prevent a rear portion of the gripping member from moving radially inwardly upon compression. Other connector shell embodiments may be made from a one-piece stamping instead of a machined component and thereby deliver a manufacturing cost savings. |
| US09882316B2 |
Electrcial connector and manufacturing method of the same
An electrical connector includes a terminal module including an insulative housing, and upper contacts, lower contacts and a shielding plate embedded in the housing. The housing includes a base and a mating tongue extending from the base, the mating tongue defines an upper surface, a lower surface and a front face thereof. The upper and lower contacts includes contacting sections exposing to the upper and lower surfaces of the mating tongue and soldering sections out of the base and connecting section jointing the contacting sections and the soldering sections, respectively. The shielding plate is disposed between the upper and lower contacts and includes a pair of side latches. The housing includes an insulative sub-housing and an insulative coat, the whole upper surface and the whole front face of the mating tongue and part of the lower surface of the mating tongue are formed with the coat. |
| US09882315B2 |
Connection device
A connection device for connecting electric components in an electrically conducting manner. The connection device having a first contact element for making contact with a corresponding mating contact element of a first component, a second contact element for making contact with a corresponding mating contact element of a second component, a flexible conductor which connects the first contact element to the second contact element in an electrically conducting manner, and a housing which surrounds the conductor and accommodates the first contact element in a first accommodating part and the second contact element in a second accommodating part. The housing is designed in such a way as to allow a relative movement between the first accommodating part and the second accommodating part. |
| US09882314B2 |
Differentially coupled connector
A connector is provided with a pair of terminals configured to provide a differential signal pair. A ground terminal is positioned on opposing sides of the differential pair. The body of the differential pair is configured so as to bring the differential pair closer together. In an embodiment, the % coupling on the differential pair is increase at least 5% more than a design where the four terminals are positioned at a constant pitch between the tail and the contact. |
| US09882308B1 |
Receptacle connector for a wearable article
A receptacle connector is provided for a wearable article. The receptacle connector includes a housing having a receptacle configured to receive a complementary plug connector therein. The housing is configured to be mounted to the wearable article. A printed circuit board is held by the housing. The printed circuit board includes mating contacts for mating with the plug connector. The printed circuit board includes mounting contacts that are configured to terminate conductors of a flat cable of the wearable article or an e-textile of the wearable article. |
| US09882305B1 |
Waterproof electrical connector
This application is directed to a waterproof power adapter, which includes: a waterproof housing enclosing an AC to DC converter having an AC power supply input and a DC power supply output; a fixed, waterproof AC power connection for coupling an external power supply to the AC power supply input; a female connector, a portion of which is coupled within the housing to the DC power supply output, and an exposed portion of which is configured to couple a DC voltage provided at the DC power supply output to a complementary and separate male connector, the exposed portion being exposed when not coupled to the male connector; a sealing structure configured to engage with a cover of the male connector in a sealed position to provide a waterproof environment; and a locking mechanism configured to releasably tighten and lock the cover of the male connector in the sealed position. |
| US09882298B2 |
Plug-in connector
The present invention discloses a plug-in connector, including housing, fixing terminals that are connected to the first terminal part and the second terminal part detachably inserting into the clamping grooves provided inside the first terminal part and the second terminal part; at least two power supply terminals; a signal terminal mounting part, provided with two separated rows of terminal grooves therein, wherein the terminal groove includes a plurality of terminal inserting grooves and a plurality of spacing walls that are positioned between the terminal inserting grooves to separate the terminal inserting grooves from each other, and wherein a bottom of the signal terminal mounting part between two terminal groups is provided with a strip-type groove in which conductive plastic is mounted; a pair of terminal groups, having a plurality of signal terminals and ground terminals, and wherein all of the ground terminals are electrically connected through the conductive plastic. |
| US09882297B2 |
Connector system with thermal surface
A module can be configured to mate with a receptacle. The module includes a body with a thermal surface that is coupled to thermally active circuitry supported by the body. The receptacle is configured to allow air to flow over the thermal surface so as to dissipate thermal energy from the circuitry. |
| US09882292B2 |
Inter-wire connection structure and method for manufacturing the same
An inter-wire connection structure includes: first and second wires connected to each other and each having a core sheathed with an insulating sheath section and including a plurality of element wires; a single-wire structure section in which the plurality of element wires of at least one of the cores exposed from the insulating sheath sections are made into a single; a core joint section in which both the cores exposed from the insulating sheath sections are joined at a position where an entire region of the single-wire structure section is not overlapped, and having an outer peripheral surface in a shape of a circumferential surface; and a tube tightly covering portions of the cores exposed from the insulating sheath sections including the single-wire structure section and the core joint section, and portions of the insulating sheath sections. |
| US09882286B1 |
Cylindrical antenna using near zero index metamaterial
A cylindrical antenna includes: a hollow cylinder having a height, an inner radius b, an axis, a cylindrical surface, and two ends; a ground plane on one end of the cylinder; an antenna wire extending from a center of the cylinder at one end on a ground plane along the axis and ending below the height of the cylinder; and a layer of near zero index (NZI) metamaterial surrounding and adjacent to the cylindrical surface. |
| US09882285B2 |
Dielectric hollow antenna
A dielectric hollow antenna apparatus includes a hollow inside tapered rod (e.g., a waveguide) with a flat section and a cap. The antenna further includes a feed through section, a feed pin, and a metal flange. A low loss dielectric material fills the hollow rod that protrudes beyond the metal waveguide to form a radiating element. The radiating element is designed in such a way to maximize radiation and minimize reflections over the antenna bandwidth. The feed through section reduces internal reflection and the waveguide is designed to include a rectangular waveguide that support a propagation (TE01) mode and the waveguide then transitions to a circular waveguide that supports another propagation (TE11) mode. The antennas can be employed for radar level gauging and withstand high temperature and possesses a small diameter that permits the antenna to fit in small tank nozzles. |
| US09882284B2 |
Antenna device of mobile terminal
An antenna device of a mobile terminal for securing a performance of an antenna of the mobile terminal having a case of a metal material is provided. The antenna device of the mobile terminal includes an antenna module for radiating electric waves, and a case for forming an external form of the mobile terminal, made of a metal material, having a slot in a portion of the metal material, and electrically connected to each of the antenna module and a ground of the mobile terminal, and for operating as a radiator through the slot. |
| US09882283B2 |
Plane-shaped antenna with wide band and high radiation efficiency
An antenna has the following formed on a plane thereof: a vertical element formed in a vertical direction; a left horizontal element formed on a left side of the vertical element; a right horizontal element formed on a right side of the vertical element; a left short stub that connects the left horizontal element and a left upper corner of a ground pattern; and a right short stub that connects the right horizontal element and a right upper corner of the ground pattern. The right and left horizontal elements have a flat plate shape and a capacity hat. |
| US09882280B2 |
Flattened dihedral-shaped device possessing an adapted (maximized or minimized) equivalent radar cross section
A dihedral shaped device is provided, which includes two plates forming between them an angle of [pi]−2[alpha], where 0<[alpha]<[pi]/4. Each plate has a ground plane, at least one dielectric layer and a network of radiating elements. An incident wave is reflected by the device by virtue of a double reflection from both plates. The network of radiating elements of each plate allows a phase shift to be generated, from the exterior towards the centre of the dihedron, along an axis perpendicular to an axis of intersection of the two plates, according to a set phase law, allowing a deviation to be introduced relative to a specular reflection for a given operating frequency. |
| US09882279B2 |
Wireless communication terminal
In one implementation, an antenna array has a plurality of antenna element, each of which is configured to apply a phase shift to a signal. A beam steering controller is configured to steer a main beam of the antenna by controlling the phase shifts applied by the antenna elements. In addition, the beam steering controller also is configured to detect a failure of an antenna element and, in response to detecting the failure, disable the failed antenna element and modify the phase shifts applied by remaining ones of the antenna elements. |
| US09882278B2 |
Antenna switching system and wireless communication device using the antenna switching system
An antenna switching system includes a first antenna, a second antenna, a first sensing unit, a second sensing unit, a controlling unit, and a switching unit. The first sensing unit detects a distance between an object and the first antenna. The second sensing unit detects a distance between the object and the second antenna. The controlling unit is electronically connected to the first sensing unit and the second sensing unit. The switching unit is electronically connected to the controlling unit, the first antenna, and the second antenna. The controlling unit is configured to activate and deactivate the first antenna and the second antenna via the switching unit based on detections of the first sensing unit and the second sensing unit. |
| US09882270B2 |
Radio frequency (RF) feedthrough system and method
An aviation transponder system comprising a permanently-mounted antenna, a permanently-mounted receiver module comprising a receiver, a signal splitter, and an external connector, and a portable receiver module, wherein a signal received on the permanently-mounted antenna is passed to the signal splitter of the permanently-mounted receiver module, wherein the signal splitter splits the signal such that the signal is sent to both the receiver and to the external connector, and wherein the portable receiver module is connected to the external connector, whereby the permanently-mounted antenna is used by the receiver of the permanently-mounted receiver module and fed through the permanently-mounted receiver module and made available to the portable receiver module through the external connector. |
| US09882269B2 |
Antennas for handheld electronic devices
A handheld electronic device may be provided that contains wireless communications circuitry. The handheld electronic device may have a housing and a display. The display may be attached to the housing using a conductive bezel. The handheld electronic device may have one or more antennas for supporting wireless communications. A ground plane in the handheld electronic device may serve as ground for one or more of the antennas. The ground plane and bezel may define an opening. A rectangular slot antenna or other suitable slot antenna may be formed from or within the opening. One or more antenna resonating elements may be formed above the slot. An electrical switch that bridges the slot may be used to modify the perimeter of the slot so as to tune the communications bands of the handheld electronic device. |
| US09882268B2 |
Radiator frame having antenna pattern embedded therein and method of manufacturing the same
A radiator frame having an antenna radiator formed on a surface thereof and a method of manufacturing the same are provided. The radiator frame includes: a radiator including an antenna pattern portion configured to transmit or receive a signal, and a connection terminal portion configured to electrically connect the antenna pattern portion and a circuit board; and a molding frame connected to the radiator such that the antenna pattern portion is exposed at one surface of the molding frame and the connection terminal portion is exposed at another surface of the molding frame opposing the one surface of the molding frame. The connection terminal portion may include a plated layer exposed at the other surface of the molding frame to contact the circuit board. |
| US09882267B2 |
Antenna device and communication terminal device
An antenna device includes a first conductor plane and a second conductor plane that face each other. The first conductor plane and the second conductor plane are electrically continuous through a first connection conductor, a second connection conductor, and a chip capacitor. A power feed coil is disposed between the first conductor plane and the second conductor plane. The power feed coil includes a magnetic core and a coil conductor. The coil conductor defines a pattern such that the coil conductor winds around the magnetic core. The power feed coil is disposed at a position closer to the first connection conductor and magnetically couples with the first connection conductor. |
| US09882262B2 |
Domestic appliance having an antenna
A domestic appliance includes at least one antenna which is integrated in a handle of the domestic appliance or arranged on a non-conductive wall region. The handle may constitute a door handle, or the at least one antenna may also be integrated in an additional handle of the domestic appliance. |
| US09882255B2 |
Transmission line and transmission method
The present technology relates to a transmission line and transmission method that allow multi-mode transmission to be easily performed using electrical signals as a transmission target. A multi-mode waveguide is connected to a metal wire configured to transmit an electrical signal via a matching structure configured to perform impedance matching between the multi-mode waveguide and the metal wire. For example, the electrical signal can be a signal of a millimeter wave band. For example, the multi-mode waveguide, the metal wire, and the matching structure can be arranged to be aligned on a plane. The present technology can be applied to, for example, transmission for electrical signals such as millimeter waves. |
| US09882251B2 |
Electronic device
Disclosed is an electronic device including: a component that generates heat while operating; a first battery capable of being charged and discharged; a second battery that is capable of being charged and discharged, and has a higher heat resistance than the first battery; and a housing accommodating the component, and providing a first space for accommodating the first battery and a second space for accommodating the second battery. The first space and the second space are arranged such that the temperature of the second battery becomes higher than that of the first battery on average, while the component is operating. |
| US09882249B2 |
Autonomous, modular power generation, storage and distribution apparatus, system and method thereof
An autonomous, modular energy generation, storage and transmission apparatus, system, and method is provided. An apparatus is tube shaped and includes solar and thermionic energy conversion layers, and a battery module. A system of modular apparatuses may be connected together to form an transmission network. Such devices are particularly suited for outdoor application on highway jersey walls, and for indoor application on office cubicle walls. A method of charging battery modules in the apparatus is provided, along with a method of distributing the same in commerce. |
| US09882246B2 |
Electrochemical energy storing device
An electrochemical energy storing device disclosed herein includes a positive electrode containing a positive-electrode active material, a negative electrode, and a nonaqueous electrolyte solution which is in contact with the positive electrode and the negative electrode. The positive-electrode active material in a discharged state contains at least one selected from the group consisting of an alkali metal chloride, an alkaline-earth metal chloride, and a quaternary alkylammonium chloride. The nonaqueous electrolyte solution contains, as a solvent, an ionic liquid including cations having an alkoxyalkyl group as a component. |
| US09882245B2 |
Alkoxide-based magnesium electrolyte compositions for magnesium batteries
Alkoxide magnesium halide compounds having the formula: RO—Mg—X (1) wherein R is a saturated or unsaturated hydrocarbon group that is unsubstituted, or alternatively, substituted with one or more heteroatom linkers and/or one or more heteroatom-containing groups comprising at least one heteroatom selected from fluorine, nitrogen, oxygen, sulfur, and silicon; and X is a halide atom. Also described are electrolyte compositions containing a compound of Formula (1) in a suitable polar aprotic or ionic solvent, as well as magnesium batteries in which such electrolytes are incorporated. |
| US09882243B2 |
Lithium-sulfur battery and methods of reducing insoluble solid lithium-polysulfide depositions
An improved electrolyte including a strontium additive suitable for lithium-sulfur batteries, a battery including the electrolyte, and a battery including a separator containing a strontium additive are disclosed. The presence of the strontium additive reduces sulfur-containing deposits on the battery anode, thereby providing a battery with relatively high energy density and good partial discharge performance. |
| US09882241B2 |
High capacity cathode
A novel electrode for a battery is provided. The electrode may contain active material nanoparticles embedded in a solid polymer electrolyte. The electrolyte can also act as a binder for the nanoparticles. A plurality of voids is dispersed throughout the solid polymer electrolyte. The electrode may also contain electronically conductive carbon particles. Upon charging or discharging of the cell, the nanoparticles expand as they take up active material ions. The solid polymer electrolyte can deform reversibly in response to the expansion of the nanoparticles and transfer the volume expansion to the voids. |
| US09882240B2 |
Graft copolymer, process for producing the graft copolymer, process for preparing a gel polymer electrolyte including the graft copolymer, and intermediate copolymer of the graft copolymer
A graft copolymer comprising a backbone polymer and a branched-chain polymer, and represented by formula (I), where A, B, Ra, Rb, Rc, Rd, Re, Rf, G1, G2, G3, G4, Y1, Y2, and k are as defined in the specification. A process for producing the grate copolymer, a process for preparing a gel polymer electrolyte including the graft copolymer, and an intermediate copolymer of the graft copolymer are also disclosed. |
| US09882237B2 |
Lithium battery
Provided is a lithium battery including: a positive electrode, a negative electrode, and an organic electrolytic solution, wherein the negative electrode has a metal/metalloid nanostructure, and the organic electrolytic solution includes a lithium sulfonimide-based compound. |
| US09882230B2 |
Fuel cell stack
A fuel cell stack has a multiplicity of individual cells, which each include an anode flow field, a membrane electrode arrangement, and a cathode flow field. Each flow field has a media inlet and channels for carrying the media. The anode flow fields and/or the cathode flow fields have the media inlet on their upward-facing side when used as intended, and are open on their downward-facing side when used as intended. |
| US09882225B2 |
Current collector for fuel cell, fuel cell stack, fuel cell system, and method of manufacturing fuel cell system
In order to suppress an increase in electric resistance when retrieving electric power collected from a fuel cell stack, a current collector for a fuel cell is provided. The current collector includes a current collecting portion for collecting electric power generated by the fuel cell, and a terminal portion for outputting the power collected by the current collecting portion. A bus bar is attached to the terminal portion. The terminal portion includes a terminal portion main body, electrically connected with the current collecting portion, a first threaded part fixed to the terminal portion main body, a second threaded part for threadedly engaging with the first threaded part to fix one end of the bus bar to the terminal portion, and a protruded portion provided in the same surface as a surface where the first threaded part of the terminal portion main body is provided. The protruded portion is disposed at a position where the protruded portion contacts the bus bar to stop a rotation of the terminal portion main body accompanying fastening of the second threaded part, when the one end of the bus bar is fixed to the terminal portion in a state where the other end of the bus bar is fixed to another instrument. |
| US09882224B2 |
Method and apparatus for flexible battery
In accordance with an example embodiment of the present invention, an apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus includes a single battery ribbon and vacuum packaging. The single battery ribbon includes a first portion, a second portion, and an interconnecting portion between the first portion and the second portion. The first portion includes a first block. The second portion includes a second block. The first portion, the second portion, and the interconnecting portion form a continuous single layer including an anode and a cathode. The vacuum packaging surrounds the single battery ribbon. The vacuum packaging includes a middle connecting portion configured to contact a first side of the interconnecting portion and a second opposite side of the interconnecting portion. |
| US09882222B2 |
Nitride stabilized core/shell nanoparticles
Nitride stabilized metal nanoparticles and methods for their manufacture are disclosed. In one embodiment the metal nanoparticles have a continuous and nonporous noble metal shell with a nitride-stabilized non-noble metal core. The nitride-stabilized core provides a stabilizing effect under high oxidizing conditions suppressing the noble metal dissolution during potential cycling. The nitride stabilized nanoparticles may be fabricated by a process in which a core is coated with a shell layer that encapsulates the entire core. Introduction of nitrogen into the core by annealing produces metal nitride(s) that are less susceptible to dissolution during potential cycling under high oxidizing conditions. |
| US09882221B2 |
Solid oxide fuel cell
A solid oxide fuel cell comprises a solid electrolyte layer, a barrier layer, and a cathode. The cathode includes a cathode current collecting layer and a cathode active layer. The cathode active layer includes a plurality of micro-cracks in an inner region separated respectively from the interface and the interface. |
| US09882215B2 |
Electrochemical energy storage devices comprising self-compensating polymers
The disclosed technology relates generally to devices comprising conductive polymers and more particularly to electrochemical devices comprising self-compensating conductive polymers. In one aspect, electrochemical energy storage device comprises a negative electrode comprising an active material including a redox-active polymer. The device additionally comprises a positive electrode comprising an active material including a redox-active polymer. The device further comprises an electrolyte material interposed between the negative electrode and positive electrode and configured to conduct mobile counterions therethrough between the negative electrode and positive electrode. At least one of the negative electrode redox-active polymer and the positive electrode redox-active polymer comprises a zwitterionic polymer unit configured to reversibly switch between a zwitterionic state in which the zwitterionic polymer unit has first and second charge centers having opposite charge states that compensate each other, and a non-zwitterionic state in which the zwitterionic polymer unit has one of the first and second charge centers whose charge state is compensated by mobile counterions. |
| US09882213B2 |
Nonaqueous electrolyte battery
A nonaqueous electrolyte battery includes a positive electrode, a negative electrode and a nonaqueous electrolyte. The positive electrode includes a lithium/manganese-containing oxide represented by LiaMnbMcOZ (M is at least one selected from the group consisting of Ni, Co, Al and F, and a, b, c and Z satisfy the following equations: 0≦a≦2.5, 0 |
| US09882207B2 |
Lithium-ion secondary battery
In a lithium-ion secondary battery (100), positive electrode active material particles (610) each include a shell portion (612) made of a layered lithium-transition metal oxide, a hollow portion (614) formed inside the shell portion (612), and a through-hole (616) penetrating through the shell portion (612). A positive electrode active material layer (223) has a density A of 1.80 g/cm3≦A≦2.35 g/cm3, and a negative electrode active material layer (243) has a density B of 0.95 g/cm3≦B≦1.25 g/cm3. |
| US09882205B2 |
Method for producing a coating material for coating electrode carriers and coating material in granule form
The invention relates to a method for preparing a coating material for coating an electrode carrier. For known coating materials, the problem exists that these either cannot be stored without the input of energy or cannot be produced without quality fluctuations. To solve these problems, the method according to the invention comprises the steps of a) providing a dry mixture containing at least i) an active material, ii) a conductivity additive, as well as iii) a fluorine-containing polymer binder, b) bringing the dry mixture into contact with a solvent mixture containing ethylene carbonate and/or propylene carbonate, c) thoroughly mixing the solvent mixture and the dry mixture at a temperature of more than 80° C. until the fluorine-containing polymer binder has dissolved completely in the solvent mixture, wherein d), after the fluorine-containing polymer binder has dissolved completely, the mixture obtained is cooled to a temperature of less than 40° C. and the mixture obtained cures during the cooling process and e), the mixture obtained is granulated during or after the curing process. The granules obtained with the method can be stored without problems and can be used without quality fluctuations to coat an electrode carrier. |
| US09882199B2 |
Sulfur containing nanoporous materials, nanoparticles, methods and applications
Sulfur containing nanoparticles that may be used within cathode electrodes within lithium ion batteries include in a first instance porous carbon shape materials (i.e., either nanoparticle shapes or “bulk” shapes that are subsequently ground to nanoparticle shapes) that are infused with a sulfur material. A synthetic route to these carbon and sulfur containing nanoparticles may use a template nanoparticle to form a hollow carbon shape shell, and subsequent dissolution of the template nanoparticle prior to infusion of the hollow carbon shape shell with a sulfur material. Sulfur infusion into other porous carbon shapes that are not hollow is also contemplated. A second type of sulfur containing nanoparticle includes a metal oxide material core upon which is located a shell layer that includes a vulcanized polymultiene polymer material and ion conducting polymer material. The foregoing sulfur containing nanoparticle materials provide the electrodes and lithium ion batteries with enhanced performance. |
| US09882198B2 |
High performance lithium battery electrodes by self-assembly processing
Disclosed are methods and processes for producing electrochemical devices having well-organized nanostructures or microstructures. In one aspect, the present invention discloses a simple, cheap, and fast nanotechnology-based manufacturing process for fabricating high performance electrodes. The present processing technique is highly versatile and can be applied to diverse materials systems for anode and cathode electrodes. |
| US09882196B2 |
Multi-electrode electrochemical cell and method of making the same
A multi-electrode device that includes an anode electrode, a cathode electrode, and a gate electrode situated between the anode and cathode, and having an electrolyte. The multi-electrode device can be a secondary (rechargeable) electrochemical cell. The gate electrode is permeable to at least one mobile species which is redox-active at at least one of the anode and cathode. The gate electrode has a resistance that is lower than that of a conductive non-uniform morphological feature that could be grown on the anode. The gate electrode provides the ability to avoid, recognize, and remove the presence of such non-uniform morphological features, and provides an electrical electrode that can be used to remove such non-uniform morphological features. |
| US09882192B2 |
Interconnection assemblies and methods for forming the interconnection assemblies in a battery module
Interconnection assemblies and methods are provided. An interconnection assembly includes a first cell tab constructed of a first metal, and a second cell tab disposed against the first cell tab. The second cell tab is constructed of a second metal having a hardness greater than the first metal. The assembly further includes an interconnect member disposed against the second cell tab. The assembly further includes a weld assisting layer disposed against the first cell tab such that the first and second cell tabs are disposed between the weld assisting layer and the interconnect member. |
| US09882185B2 |
Battery cell assembly
A battery cell assembly having first, second, and third battery cells and a unitary wrapping sheet is provided. The unitary wrapping sheet is disposed on a top surface and a bottom surface of the first battery cell. The unitary wrapping sheet is further disposed on a top surface and a bottom surface of the second battery cell. The unitary wrapping sheet is further disposed on a top surface and a bottom surface of the third battery cell. The unitary wrapping sheet is further disposed on and encloses a portion of a combined periphery of the first, second, and third battery cells such that the top surface of the first battery cell, the top surface of the second battery cell, and the top surface of the third battery cell are held substantially parallel to one another. |
| US09882184B2 |
Rechargeable battery having stacked electrode assembly
Disclosed herein is a rechargeable battery capable of maintaining alignment among a positive electrode, a negative electrode, and a separator of an electrode assembly even in the case in which a form thereof is changed or bent. The rechargeable battery includes: an electrode assembly formed by stacking a first electrode, a separator, and a second electrode, and having an alignment groove formed therein; a case having flexibility and accommodating the electrode assembly therein; and an alignment guide protruding from the case and partially coupled to the alignment groove so as to accommodate and guide a change in a length of the electrode assembly depending on bending. |
| US09882181B2 |
Coated cell and module battery
An outer peripheral surface of a cylindrical cell is coated with a heat insulation material. A heat-resistant material is stacked radially outside the heat insulation material. An electrical insulation material is stacked radially outside the heat-resistant material. The order in which the heat insulation material, the heat-resistant material and the electrical insulation material are stacked one on top of another may be changed. A coating material other than the heat insulation material, the heat-resistant material and the electrical insulation material may be provided. |
| US09882175B2 |
Method for manufacturing display panel
A method for manufacturing a display panel in which a plurality of pixels are arranged, each of the plurality of pixels including an organic EL element and a wire, the method comprising: stacking a light-emitting layer included in the organic EL element and a drive circuit layer included in the wire; and irradiating a predetermined area of the wire having a short-circuit point with a femtosecond laser from the back surface, the laser not passing through the light-emitting layer, the irradiating including: reducing a beam diameter to be approximately a wire width, and irradiating the predetermined area with the femtosecond laser; and reducing the beam diameter to be less than the beam diameter in the reducing the beam diameter, and irradiating corners of the predetermined area to disconnect the wire at the predetermined area. |
| US09882170B2 |
Organic light emitting device with improved light extraction
The invention provides an organic light-emitting device (OLED) comprising: a transparent substrate; a first, transparent electrode layer arranged on said substrate; one or more organic light-active layers arranged on said first electrode layer; a second electrode layer arranged on said one or more organic light-active layers; and a discontinuous layer comprising discrete, randomly distributed nanometer-sized domains of a low refractive index material, arranged between said first electrode layer and said one or more organic light-active layers. The discontinuous layer of discrete, randomly distributed nano-sized domains increases the light extraction efficiency of the OLED. |
| US09882167B2 |
Hybrid layers for use in coatings on electronic devices or other articles
A method for protecting an electronic device comprising an organic device body. The method involves the use of a hybrid layer deposited by chemical vapor deposition. The hybrid layer comprises a mixture of a polymeric material and a non-polymeric material, wherein the weight ratio of polymeric to non-polymeric material is in the range of 95:5 to 5:95, and wherein the polymeric material and the non-polymeric material are created from the same source of precursor material. Also disclosed are techniques for impeding the lateral diffusion of environmental contaminants. |
| US09882163B2 |
Display device having a groove that partially accommodates sealing material and manufacturing method thereof
A display device is disclosed. In one aspect, the device includes first and second substrates each including a display area and a non-display area around the display area, a plurality of pixels formed in the display area of the first substrate and an internal circuit unit formed in the non-display area of the first substrate and electrically connected to the pixels. The device further includes a sealing member formed between the non-display areas of the first and second substrates to surround the display areas. The sealing member includes a first portion and a second portion, the second portion surrounded by the first portion and at least partially overlapping the internal circuit unit, and a groove is formed in the second substrate at a position corresponding to the second portion of the sealing member. |
| US09882160B2 |
Optoelectronic component and method for producing an optoelectronic component
In various embodiments, an optoelectronic component is provided. The optoelectronic component may include an electrode, and an organic functional layer structure formed for emitting an electromagnetic radiation or converting an electromagnetic radiation into an electric current. The electrode has a surface which is reflective with respect to the electromagnetic radiation, and wherein the organic functional layer structure is formed on or over the reflective surface of the electrode and is electrically coupled thereto. The reflective surface has a structuring. |
| US09882153B2 |
Organic monolayer passivation and silicon heterojunction photovoltaic devices using the same
A method for inorganic surface passivation in a photovoltaic device includes etching a native oxide over an inorganic substrate, the inorganic substrate having a surface; and forming an organic monolayer on the surface of the inorganic substrate to form a heterojunction, the organic monolayer having the following formula: ˜X—Y, wherein X is an oxygen or a sulfur; Y is an alkyl chain, an alkenyl chain, or an alkynyl chain; and X covalently bonds to the surface of the inorganic substrate by a covalent bond. |
| US09882149B2 |
Compound for organic optoelectric device, organic optoelectronic device comprsing same, and display apparatus comprising organic optoelectric device
Provided is a compound for an organic optoelectric device, an organic light emitting diode including the same, and a display device including the organic light emitting diode, wherein the compound for an organic optoelectric device is represented by Chemical Formula 1. The Chemical Formula 1 and description thereof are the same as described in the specification. |
| US09882145B2 |
Hetero ring compound and organic light emitting diode comprising same
The present specification provides a novel compound greatly improving the life span, efficiency, electrical and chemical stability and thermal stability of an organic light emitting device, and an organic light emitting device containing the compound in an organic compound layer. |
| US09882136B2 |
Organic electroluminescent device
An organic electroluminescent device having a capping layer composed of material having a high refractive index that involves only small differences in refractive indices measured in the blue, green, and red wavelength regions, excelling in thin film stability and durability and having no absorption in the respective wavelength ranges of blue, green, and red is provided to improve device characteristics of the organic electroluminescent device, particularly to greatly improve the coupling-out efficiency.The organic electroluminescent device includes at least an anode, a hole transport layer, a light emitting layer, an electron transport layer, a cathode, and a capping layer in this order, wherein the capping layer contains a phthalic acid derivative represented by the following general formula |
| US09882134B2 |
Polymer compound, material for organic electroluminescence element using same, and organic electroluminescence element
A polymer compound which includes repeating units represented by formula (1-1) or (1-2) and an organic EL device including the polymer compound as an organic layer are provided: wherein each of R1 to R6 independently represents a linear or branched alkyl group having 1 to 20 carbon atoms, a linear or branched alkoxy group having 1 to 20 carbon atoms, a linear or branched alkylthio group having 1 to 20 carbon atoms, a linear or branched alkenyl group having 2 to 20 carbon atoms, a cycloalkyl group having 3 to 20 carbon atoms, an aryl group having 6 to 30 ring carbon atoms, or a heteroaryl group having 5 to 30 ring atoms; each of a and b independently represents an integer of 0 to 4; each of c and d independently represents an integer of 0 to 3; and each of Ar1, Ar2, Ar3, and Ar4 independently represents a substituted or unsubstituted aryl group having 6 to 30 ring carbon atoms or a substituted or unsubstituted heteroaryl group having 5 to 30 ring atoms. |
| US09882128B2 |
Method of making an organic thin film transistor
In one aspect, organic thin film transistors are described herein. In some embodiments, an organic thin film transistor comprises a source terminal, a drain terminal and a gate terminal; a dielectric layer positioned between the gate terminal and the source and drain terminals; and a vibrationally-assisted drop-cast organic film comprising small molecule semiconductor in electrical communication with the source terminal and drain terminal, wherein the transistor has a carrier mobility (μeff) of at least about 1 cm2/V·s. |
| US09882125B2 |
Selector device for a non-volatile memory cell
Memory cells and methods of forming memory cells are disclosed. The memory cell includes a substrate and a select transistor. The select transistor includes a gate disposed over the substrate between first and second source/drain (S/D) terminals. The first and second S/D terminals are configured such that a resistance at the second S/D terminal is higher than a resistance at the first S/D terminal. A dielectric layer disposed over the substrate includes a plurality of inter level dielectric (ILD) layers. A lower portion of the dielectric layer includes a first contact level and a first metal level. A first contact plug disposed within the first contact level connects the first S/D terminal to a first metal line in the first metal level. A magnetic tunnel junction (MTJ) element is disposed directly on and in contact with a top of the first metal line. |
| US09882124B2 |
Etching method and substrate processing apparatus
An etching method is provided for etching a multilayer film material that includes a metal laminated film having an insulating layer arranged between a first magnetic layer and a second magnetic layer. The etching method includes an etching step of generating a plasma by supplying a first gas to a processing chamber and etching the metal laminated film using the generated plasma. The first gas is a gas containing PF3 gas. |
| US09882123B2 |
Perpendicular spin transfer torque memory (STTM) device with enhanced stability and method to form same
Perpendicular spin transfer torque memory (STTM) devices with enhanced stability and methods of fabricating perpendicular STTM devices with enhanced stability are described. For example, a material layer stack for a magnetic tunneling junction includes a fixed magnetic layer. A dielectric layer is disposed above the fixed magnetic layer. A free magnetic layer is disposed above the dielectric layer. A conductive oxide material layer is disposed on the free magnetic layer. |
| US09882122B2 |
Memory device
According to one embodiment, a memory device includes a stacked structure and a controller. The stacked structure includes a first magnetic layer, a second magnetic layer stacked with the first magnetic layer, and a first nonmagnetic layer provided between the first magnetic layer and the second magnetic layer. The second magnetic layer includes a first portion and a second portion stacked with the first portion. A magnetic resonance frequency of the first portion is different from a magnetic resonance frequency of the second portion. The controller is electrically connected to the stacked structure and causes a pulse current to flow in the stacked body in a first period. A length of the first period is not less than 0.9 times and not more than 1.1 times the absolute value of an odd number times of the reciprocal of a magnetic resonance frequency of the second magnetic layer. |
| US09882121B2 |
Techniques for forming spin-transfer torque memory having a dot-contacted free magnetic layer
Techniques are disclosed for fabricating a self-aligned spin-transfer torque memory (STTM) device with a dot-contacted free magnetic layer. In some embodiments, the disclosed STTM device includes a first dielectric spacer covering sidewalls of an electrically conductive hardmask layer that is patterned to provide an electronic contact for the STTM's free magnetic layer. The hardmask contact can be narrower than the free magnetic layer. The first dielectric spacer can be utilized in patterning the STTM's fixed magnetic layer. In some embodiments, the STTM further includes an optional second dielectric spacer covering sidewalls of its free magnetic layer. The second dielectric spacer can be utilized in patterning the STTM's fixed magnetic layer and may serve, at least in part, to protect the sidewalls of the free magnetic layer from redepositing of etch byproducts during such patterning, thereby preventing electrical shorting between the fixed magnetic layer and the free magnetic layer. |
| US09882120B2 |
Magnetic memory devices including in-plane current layers
A magnetic memory device can include an upper electrode, a lower electrode and a Magnetic Tunnel Junction (MTJ). The MTJ can include a reference magnetic pattern configured to generate a fixed magnetization and a free magnetic pattern on the reference magnetic pattern configured to generate a switchable magnetization that switches direction between parallel and anti-parallel to the fixed magnetization. A metal pattern can be on the free magnetic pattern and can be configured to conduct an in-plane current and a perpendicular-to-plane to/from the upper electrode. |
| US09882119B2 |
Magnetic memory device
According to one embodiment, a magnetic memory device includes a first magnetic layer selectively exhibiting a first state in which the first magnetic layer has a first magnetization direction perpendicular to a main surface thereof and a second state in which the first magnetic layer has a second magnetization direction opposite to the first magnetization direction, a second magnetic layer having a fixed magnetization direction perpendicular to a main surface thereof and corresponding to the first magnetization direction, a third magnetic layer provided between the first and second magnetic layers, having a fixed magnetization direction perpendicular to a main surface thereof and corresponding to the second magnetization direction, and having a side surface including a recess portion, and a nonmagnetic layer provided between the first and third magnetic layers. |
| US09882118B2 |
Spin control mechanism and spin device
A spin control mechanism includes a spin portion and a first channel portion. The spin portion has a magnetic moment that can be reversed and rotated. The first channel portion is provided in contact with the spin portion, and is configured from ferromagnetic insulator. Then, the spin control mechanism controls a direction of the magnetic moment of the spin portion using a spin current generated by a temperature gradient provided to the first channel portion. |
| US09882116B2 |
Piezoelectric devices and methods for their preparation and use
Methods for fabricating a piezoelectric device are provided. The methods can include providing a substrate and forming a nanocrystalline diamond layer on a first surface of the substrate. The methods can also include depositing a piezoelectric layer on a first surface of the nanocrystalline diamond layer. |
| US09882112B2 |
Multi-qubit device and quantum computer including the same
Multi-qubit devices and quantum computers including the same are provided. The multi-qubit device may include a first layer including a plurality of qubits; a second layer that is disposed on the first layer, and comprises a plurality of flux generating elements that apply flux to the plurality of qubits, a plurality of wire patterns that provide current to the plurality of flux generating elements, and a plurality of plugs that are disposed perpendicular to the plurality of flux generating elements and the plurality of wire patterns and interconnect the plurality of flux generating elements and the plurality of wire patterns. Each of the plurality of flux generating elements may be integrated with a corresponding one of the plurality of wire patterns and a corresponding one of the plurality of plugs. |
| US09882109B2 |
Bi-polar organic semiconductors for thermoelectric power generation
Disclosed are bi-polar semiconductor composites that include at least one organic p-type semiconductor; and at least one organic n-type semiconductor, and methods of making and using them. In particular, collagen based semiconductors may be used. The composite may be used to generate electricity from heat loss via industrial processes, such as heat lost via pipes, heat sinks, and so on. |
| US09882107B2 |
LED package with covered bonding wire
Provided is an LED package which is unlikely to cause the attenuation of emitted light from an LED element by bonding wires for electrical connection of the LED element. The LED package includes a board including a pair of connection electrodes formed thereon, an LED element mounted on the board, a bonding wire electrically connecting the LED element to the pair of connection electrodes, and a covering layer containing a phosphor and covering the bonding wire, wherein the phosphor is excited by emitted light from the LED element to emit light having an absorbance in the bonding wire lower than that of the emitted light and a wavelength longer than that of the emitted light. |
| US09882103B2 |
Method for producing light emitting device
A method for producing a light emitting device includes spraying a resin mixture onto a light emitting element using a pulse spraying method to deposit the resin mixture on the light emitting element. The resin mixture includes a thixotropy imparting agent. The resin mixture is cured to form a light transmissive member via which light emitted from the light emitting element is to transmit to an outside of the light emitting device. |
| US09882102B2 |
Wafer-level light emitting diode and wafer-level light emitting diode package
A light-emitting diode including a semiconductor stack including a first semiconductor layer, a second semiconductor layer, and an active layer disposed between the first and second semiconductor layers, wherein the second semiconductor layer and the active layer provide a contact region exposing the first semiconductor layer, a first bump arranged on a first side of the semiconductor stack and being electrically connected to the first semiconductor layer via the contact region, a second bump arranged on the first side of the semiconductor stack and being electrically connected to the second semiconductor layer, a first insulation layer disposed covering a side surface of the first bump, and a wavelength converter disposed on a second side of the semiconductor stack. The wavelength converter laterally extends beyond the semiconductor stack. The first insulation layer includes a side surface that is flush with a side surface of the wavelength converter. |
| US09882101B2 |
Method of manufacturing light emitting device
A method of manufacturing a light emitting device includes injecting liquid or pasty transparent resin into a sheet forming mold, adding a phosphor to the resin in the mold, centrifugally rotating the mold so as to settle the phosphor included in the resin toward one surface side of the resin, thermally curing the resin so as to form a phosphor sheet, the phosphor sheet including a phosphor layer formed on the one surface side of the resin and a transparent layer formed on an other surface side of the resin, overlaying the phosphor sheet on a light emitting element such that the phosphor layer of the phosphor sheet contacts with a light emitting surface of the light emitting element, mounting the light emitting element with the phosphor sheet overlaid on a board, and flattening a surface of the transparent layer of the phosphor sheet on the light emitting element. |
| US09882100B2 |
Light-emitting device having surface structure for limiting directional angle of light
A light-emitting device includes: a photoluminescent layer that emits light; and a light-transmissive layer on which the emitted light is to be incident. At least one of the photoluminescent layer and the light-transmissive layer defines a surface structure. The surface structure has projections and/or recesses to limit a directional angle of the emitted light. The photoluminescent layer and the light-transmissive layer are curved. |
| US09882098B2 |
Light-emitting device package containing oxynitride-based phosphor and lighting apparatus containing same
An embodiment provides a light-emitting device package comprising: a first lead frame; a second lead frame; a light-emitting device electrically connected to the first lead frame and the second lead frame; a molding unit arranged to surround the light-emitting device; and an oxynitride-based phosphor represented by chemical formula LXMYOaNbAcBd:zR (1≦X≦3, 3≦Y≦7, 0.001≦Z≦1.0, 0≦a≦5, 0.1≦b≦9, 0.001≦c≦0.3, 0.001≦d≦0.3), and the light-emitting device package of the present embodiment can implement a white color light having excellent luminance and color rendering index. |
| US09882095B2 |
Light emitting device and method for fabricating the same
Embodiments of a light emitting device and a method for fabricating the same are provided. The light emitting device comprises a cavity and one or more light emitting elements. The cavity is formed to a depth of 450 μm or less, and the light emitting elements are installed in the cavity. A fabricating method includes forming a package body having a cavity with a depth of 250 μm to 450 μm and at least one lead frame disposed at the bottom surface of the cavity, mounting at least one light emitting element on the lead frame, and molding a molding member in the cavity. |
| US09882094B2 |
Light source with inner and outer bodies comprising three different encapsulants
A light-emitting device having an inner reflective body and an outer non-reflective body is disclosed. The inner reflective body defines a reflector configured to reflect light. In one embodiment, the outer non-reflective body encloses the inner reflective body to minimize reflectivity of the light-emitting device. When assembled into an infotainment display system, the outer non-reflective body may be configured to reduce reflection of ambient light and hence, increase contrast ratio of the display. Reliability performance of the light-emitting device may be improved by using interlocking aperture at the lead frame, interlock structure and interlock geometries defined by the inner reflective body and the outer non-reflective body. |
| US09882092B2 |
Light emitting device, electrode structure, light emitting device package, and lighting system
Provided are a light emitting device, an electrode structure, a light emitting device package, and a lighting system. The light emitting device includes a light emitting structure layer comprising a first semiconductor layer, a second semiconductor layer, and an active layer. An electrode disposed on a top surface of the first semiconductor layer, a first layer includes a transmittive oxide material between the top surface of the first semiconductor layer and the electrode, and a second layer disposed is disposed between the first layer and the electrode, wherein the first layer is formed in a different material from the second layer, wherein the electrode comprises a lower portion connected to the first semiconductor layer and an upper portion on a top surface of the second layer. |
| US09882091B2 |
Solid state light emitting device and method of manufacturing a solid state light emitting device
A solid state light emitting device includes a light emitting stack (20), a metallization (30), comprising a guard layer (36) of metal, and a dielectric layer (50) over the guard layer (36) of the metallization. During subsequent processing delamination and/or cracking may occur at the edges of the devices, sometimes referred to as die edge defects. To address these defects a plurality of stress-relief elements (62, 64) and/or anchor elements may be provided in an edge region of the metallization and/or dielectric layer for reducing delamination. The stress-relief elements (62, 64) are formed by regions of reduced thickness or increased thickness in the guard layer (36). |
| US09882084B2 |
Vertical structure LEDs
A vertical light emitting diode structure, comprising: a support structure including a support substrate and a metallic layer, the metallic layer being disposed on the support substrate; a GaN-based semiconductor structure including a first-type semiconductor layer on the support structure, an active layer on the first-type semiconductor layer, and a second-type semiconductor layer on the active layer, the GaN-based semiconductor structure including a bottom surface proximate to the support structure, a top surface opposite to the bottom surface, and a side surface between the top surface and the bottom surface, a thickness of the GaN-based semiconductor structure from the bottom surface to the top surface being less than 5 micro meters, and a ratio of a thickness of the second-type semiconductor layer to the thickness of the GaN-based semiconductor structure being not less than 60%; a first contact layer disposed between the support structure and the GaN-based semiconductor structure to be electrically connected to the first-type semiconductor layer, a thickness of the first contact layer being less than the thickness of the first-type semiconductor layer; a second contact layer disposed on the GaN-based semiconductor structure to be electrically connected to the second-type semiconductor layer, the second contact layer including titanium and aluminum; a metal pad disposed on the second contact layer, the metal pad including gold; and a passivation layer being in contact with the support structure, the passivation layer extending from the support structure to the top surface of the GaN-based semiconductor structure via the side surface of the GaN-based semiconductor structure. |
| US09882077B2 |
Shingled solar cell module
A high efficiency configuration for a solar cell module comprises solar cells arranged in a shingled manner to form super cells, which may be arranged to efficiently use the area of the solar module, reduce series resistance, and increase module efficiency. |
| US09882075B2 |
Light sensor with vertical diode junctions
Light sensors are described that include a trench structure integrated therein. In an implementation, the light sensor includes a substrate having a dopant material of a first conductivity type and multiple trenches disposed therein. The light sensor also includes a diffusion region formed proximate to the multiple trenches. The diffusion region includes a dopant material of a second conductivity type. A depletion region is created at the interface of the dopant material of the first conductivity type and the dopant material of the second conductivity type. The depletion region is configured to attract charge carriers to the depletion region, at least substantially a majority of the charge carriers generated due to light incident upon the substrate. |
| US09882074B2 |
Optoelectronic device
An optoelectronic device is disclosed. The disclosed optoelectronic device includes an oxide semiconductor layer and a semiconducting two-dimensional (2D) material layer forming a stack structure with the oxide semiconductor layer. |
| US09882065B2 |
Analog floating-gate atmometer
An atmometer system based on an analog floating-gate structure and circuit. The floating-gate circuit includes a floating-gate electrode that serves as a gate electrode for a transistor and a plate of a storage capacitor. A conductor element exposed at the surface of the integrated circuit is electrically connected to the floating-gate electrode; reference conductor elements biased to ground are also at the surface of the integrated circuit. In operation, the transistor is biased and moisture is dispensed at the surface. The drain current of the transistor changes as the floating-gate electrode discharges via the surface conductors and a conduction path presented by the moisture. The elapsed time until the drain current stabilizes indicates the evaporation rate. |
| US09882064B2 |
Transistor and electronic device
A transistor capable of high-speed operation is provided. In a transistor including a back gate electrode, the back gate electrode is provided over a back gate wiring. A gate wiring and the back gate wiring are apart from each other; thus, the parasitic capacitance between the gate wiring and the back gate wiring is reduced and withstand voltage is improved. In addition, the width of the back gate electrode is smaller than a channel width; thus, the parasitic capacitance between the gate wiring and the back gate electrode is reduced and withstand voltage is improved. |
| US09882061B2 |
Semiconductor device and manufacturing method thereof
A transistor with favorable electrical characteristics is provided. A minute transistor is provided. Provided is a semiconductor device including a first insulator over a substrate, a second insulator over the first insulator, a semiconductor over the second insulator, a first conductor and a second conductor over the semiconductor, a third insulator over the semiconductor, a fourth insulator over the third insulator, a third conductor over the fourth insulator, and a fifth insulator over the first insulator, the first conductor, and the second conductor. In the semiconductor device, the second insulator and the third insulator each include at least one element other than oxygen included in the semiconductor, respectively, and the semiconductor includes a region having a carbon concentration of 3×1018 atoms/cm3 or lower. |
| US09882060B2 |
Thin film transistor and array substrate, manufacturing methods thereof, and display device
Embodiments of the present invention disclose a thin film transistor and an array substrate, manufacturing methods thereof, and a display device, which relate to the field of display technology, and can improve drifting of a threshold voltage of a thin film transistor and enhance the stability and reliability of an array substrate. The thin film transistor comprises an active layer and a gate insulating layer, wherein the material of the active layer is a metal oxide semiconductor, and during forming the thin film transistor, the gate insulating layer conveys oxygen to the active layer so as to reduce an interface state density and a movable impurity concentration of a contact interface between the active layer and the gate insulating layer. |
| US09882058B2 |
Semiconductor device
A semiconductor device in which variation in electrical characteristics between transistors is reduced is provided. A transistor where a channel is formed in an oxide semiconductor layer is included, and a concentration of carriers contained in a region where the channel is formed in the oxide semiconductor layer is lower than or equal to 1×1015/cm3, preferably lower than or equal to 1×1013/cm3, more preferably lower than or equal to 1×1011/cm3, whereby an energy barrier height which electrons flowing between a source and a drain should go over converges at a constant value. In this manner, a semiconductor device in which variation in the electrical characteristics between the transistors is inhibited is provided. |
| US09882049B2 |
Self-aligned slotted accumulation-mode field effect transistor (AccuFET) structure and method
This invention discloses a semiconductor power device disposed in a semiconductor substrate. The semiconductor power device includes trenched gates each having a stick-up gate segment extended above a top surface of the semiconductor substrate surrounded by sidewall spacers. The semiconductor power device further includes slots opened aligned with the sidewall spacers substantially parallel to the trenched gates. The stick-up gate segment further includes a cap composed of an insulation material surrounded by the sidewall spacers. A layer of barrier metal covers a top surface of the cap and over the sidewall spacers and extends above a top surface of the slots. The slots are filled with a gate material same as the gate segment for functioning as additional gate electrodes for providing a depletion layer extends toward the trenched gates whereby a drift region between the slots and the trenched gate is fully depleted at a gate-to-drain voltage Vgs=0 volt. |
| US09882044B2 |
Edge termination for super-junction MOSFETs
Edge termination for super-junction MOSFETs. In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, a super-junction metal oxide semiconductor field effect transistor (MOSFET) includes a core super-junction region including a plurality of parallel core plates coupled to a source terminal of the super-junction MOSFET. The super-junction MOSFET also includes a termination region surrounding the core super-junction region comprising a plurality of separated floating termination segments configured to force breakdown into the core super-junction region and not in the termination region. Each termination segment has a length dimension less than a length dimension of the core plates. |
| US09882042B2 |
Group 13 nitride composite substrate semiconductor device, and method for manufacturing group 13 nitride composite substrate
Provided are a group 13 nitride composite substrate allowing for the production of a semiconductor device suitable for high-frequency applications while including a conductive GaN substrate, and a semiconductor device produced using this substrate. The group 13 nitride composite substrate includes a base material of an n-conductivity type formed of GaN, a base layer located on the base material, being a group 13 nitride layer having a resistivity of 1×106 Ω·cm or more, a channel layer located on the base layer, being a GaN layer having a total impurity density of 1×1017/cm3 or less, and a barrier layer that is located on the channel layer and is formed of a group 13 nitride having a composition AlxInyGa1−x−yN (0≦x≦1, 0≦y≦1). |
| US09882040B2 |
Method for manufacturing a HEMT transistor and HEMT transistor with improved electron mobility
A method for manufacturing a HEMT transistor comprising the steps of: providing a wafer comprising a semiconductor body including a heterojunction structure formed by semiconductor materials that include elements of Groups III-V of the Periodic Table, and a dielectric layer on the semiconductor body; etching selective portions of the wafer, thus exposing a portion of the heterojunction structure; forming an interface layer by a surface reconstruction process, of a semiconductor compound formed by elements of Groups III-V of the Periodic Table, in the exposed portion of the heterojunction structure; and forming a gate electrode, including a gate dielectric and a gate conductive region, on said interface layer. |
| US09882033B2 |
Method of manufacturing a non-volatile memory cell and array having a trapping charge layer in a trench
A memory cell formed by forming a trench in the surface of a substrate. First and second spaced apart regions are formed in the substrate with a channel region therebetween. The first region is formed under the trench. The channel region includes a first portion that extends along a sidewall of the trench and a second portion that extends along the surface of the substrate. A charge trapping layer in the trench is adjacent to and insulated from the first portion of the channel region for controlling the conduction of the channel region first portion. An electrically conductive gate in the trench is adjacent to and insulated from the charge trapping layer and from the first region and is capacitively coupled to the charge trapping layer. An electrically conductive control gate is disposed over and insulated from the second portion of the channel region for controlling its conduction. |
| US09882032B2 |
Structure and method for FinFET device with buried sige oxide
A method includes forming isolation features on a substrate, thereby defining an active region on the semiconductor substrate; recessing the active region to form a fin trench; forming a fin feature on the fin trench by growing a first semiconductor layer on the substrate and a second semiconductor layer on the first semiconductor layer; performing a first recessing process; forming a dummy gate stack over the fin feature and the isolation feature; performing a thermal oxidation process to selectively oxidize the first semiconductor layer to form a semiconductor oxide feature on sidewalls of the first semiconductor layer; performing a second recessing process such that a portion of the isolation feature is recessed to below the second semiconductor layer, resulting in a dented void overlying the semiconductor oxide feature and underlying the second semiconductor layer; and forming a gate stack including a gate dielectric layer extending to the dented void. |
| US09882031B2 |
Method of manufacturing a horizontal gate-all-around transistor having a fin
A semiconductor structure includes a substrate and a fin. The fin extends from the substrate and is formed with a hole therethrough. The hole is defined by a confronting pair of wall parts. One of the wall parts is more arcuate than the other of the wall parts. A method for fabricating the semiconductor structure is also disclosed. |
| US09882029B2 |
Semiconductor device including Fin-FET and manufacturing method thereof
A semiconductor device includes a first fin structure for a first fin field effect transistor (FET). The first fin structure includes a first base layer protruding from a substrate, a first intermediate layer disposed over the first base layer and a first channel layer disposed over the first intermediate layer. The first fin structure further includes a first protective layer made of a material that prevents an underlying layer from oxidation. The first channel layer is made of SiGe, the first intermediate layer includes a first semiconductor (e.g., SiGe) layer disposed over the first base layer and a second semiconductor layer (e.g., Si) disposed over the first semiconductor layer. The first protective layer covers side walls of the first base layer, side walls of the first semiconductor layer and side walls of the second semiconductor layer. |
| US09882026B2 |
Method for forming a nanowire structure
Embodiments of the invention describe a method for forming a nanowire structure on a substrate. According to one embodiment, the method includes a) depositing a first semiconductor layer on the substrate, b) etching the first semiconductor layer to form a patterned first semiconductor layer, c) forming a dielectric layer across the patterned first semiconductor layer, and d) depositing a second semiconductor layer on the patterned first semiconductor layer and on the dielectric layer. The method further includes e) repeating a)-d) at least once, f) following e), repeating a)-c) once, g) etching the patterned first semiconductor layers, the dielectric layers, and the second semiconductor layers to form a fin structure, and h) removing the patterned first semiconductor layers from the fin structure. |
| US09882023B2 |
Sidewall spacers for self-aligned contacts
A semiconductor device and method for fabricating such a device are presented. The semiconductor device includes a first gate electrode of a transistor, a first sidewall spacer along a sidewall of the gate pattern, a first insulating layer in contact with the first sidewall spacer and having a planarized top surface, and a second sidewall spacer formed on the planarized top surface of the first insulating layer. The second sidewall spacer may be formed over the first sidewall spacer. A width of the second sidewall spacer is equal to or greater than a width of the first sidewall spacer. |
| US09882021B2 |
Planar III-V field effect transistor (FET) on dielectric layer
A method of forming a semiconductor substrate including a type III-V semiconductor material directly on a dielectric material that includes forming a trench in a dielectric layer, and forming a via within the trench extending from a base of the trench to an exposed upper surface of an underlying semiconductor including substrate. A III-V semiconductor material is formed extending from the exposed upper surface of the semiconductor substrate filling at least a portion of the trench. |
| US09882018B2 |
Semiconductor device with a tunneling layer having a varying nitrogen concentration, and method of manufacturing the same
A semiconductor device includes: a substrate including a channel region; a gate dielectric a tunneling layer, a charge storage layer, and a blocking layer sequentially disposed on the channel region; and a gate electrode disposed on the gate dielectric, wherein the tunneling layer has variations in nitrogen concentrations in a direction perpendicular to the channel region, and has a maximum nitrogen concentration in a position shifted from a center of the tunneling layer toward the charge storage layer. |
| US09882017B2 |
Thin oxide formation by wet chemical oxidation of semiconductor surface when the one component of the oxide is water soluble
A semiconductor device is provided, which comprises a semiconductor structure having a surface, the semiconductor structure comprising a material whose oxide is water soluble; and an oxide layer formed on the surface of the semiconductor structure by a wet chemical oxidation treatment utilizing a solvent mixture that comprises a water soluble substance and an aprotic solvent. The layer of oxide may be as thin as approximately 0.7 nanometers in width or less. The semiconductor structure comprises at least one of Ge, SiGe, and III-V compound semiconductor materials. A solution mixture for oxidizing selective semiconductor materials is also provided, which comprises a solvent mixture that includes: a water soluble oxidizing agent; and an aprotic solvent. |
| US09882015B2 |
Transistors, semiconductor devices, and electronic devices including transistor gates with conductive elements including cobalt silicide
A method for fabricating a transistor gate with a conductive element that includes cobalt silicide includes use of a sacrificial material as a place-holder between sidewall spacers of the transistor gate until after high temperature processes, such as the fabrication of raised source and drain regions, have been completed. In addition, semiconductor devices (e.g., DRAM devices and NAND flash memory devices) with transistor gates that include cobalt silicide in their conductive elements are also disclosed, as are transistors with raised source and drain regions and cobalt silicide in the transistor gates thereof. Intermediate semiconductor device structures that include transistor gates with sacrificial material or a gap between upper portions of sidewall spacers are also disclosed. |
| US09882009B2 |
High resistance layer for III-V channel deposited on group IV substrates for MOS transistors
Techniques are disclosed for using a high resistance layer between a III-V channel layer and a group IV substrate for semiconducting devices, such as metal-oxide-semiconductor (MOS) transistors. The high resistance layer can be used to minimize (or eliminate) current flow from source to drain that follows a path other than directly through the channel. In some cases, the high resistance layer may be a III-V wide bandgap layer. In some such cases, the wide bandgap layer may have a bandgap greater than 1.4 electron volts (eV), and may even have a bandgap greater than 2.0 eV. In other cases, the wide bandgap layer may be partially or completely converted to an insulator through oxidation or nitridation, for example. The resulting structures may be used with planar, finned, or nanowire/nanoribbon transistor architectures to help prevent substrate leakage problems. |
| US09882006B2 |
Silicon germanium fin channel formation
A method for channel formation in a fin transistor includes removing a dummy gate and dielectric from a dummy gate structure to expose a region of an underlying fin and depositing an amorphous layer including Ge over the region of the underlying fin. The amorphous layer is oxidized to condense out Ge and diffuse the Ge into the region of the underlying fin to form a channel region with Ge in the fin. |
| US09882002B2 |
FinFET with an asymmetric source/drain structure and method of making same
Embodiments of the present disclosure are a semiconductor device, a FinFET device, and a method of forming a FinFET device. An embodiment is a semiconductor device comprising a first semiconductor fin extending above a substrate, a first source region on the first semiconductor fin, and a first drain region on the first semiconductor fin. The first source region has a first width and the first drain region has a second width with the second width being different than the first width. |
| US09882000B2 |
Wrap around gate field effect transistor (WAGFET)
A field effect transistor (FET) including a substrate, a plurality of semiconductor epitaxial layers deposited on the substrate, and a heavily doped gate layer deposited on the semiconductor layers. The FET also includes a plurality of castellation structures formed on the heavily doped gate layer and being spaced apart from each other, where each castellation structure includes at least one channel layer. A gate metal is deposited on the castellation structures and between the castellation structures to be in direct electrical contact with the heavily doped gate layer. A voltage potential applied to the gate metal structure modulates the at least one channel layer in each castellation structure from an upper, lower and side direction. |
| US09881999B2 |
Methods of fabricating nanostructures and nanowires and devices fabricated therefrom
One-dimensional nanostructures having uniform diameters of less than approximately 200 nm. These inventive nanostructures, which we refer to as “nanowires”, include single-crystalline homostructures as well as heterostructures of at least two single-crystalline materials having different chemical compositions. Because single-crystalline materials are used to form the heterostructure, the resultant heterostructure will be single-crystalline as well. The nanowire heterostructures are generally based on a semiconducting wire wherein the doping and composition are controlled in either the longitudinal or radial directions, or in both directions, to yield a wire that comprises different materials. Examples of resulting nanowire heterostructures include a longitudinal heterostructure nanowire (LOHN) and a coaxial heterostructure nanowire (COHN). |
| US09881998B1 |
Stacked nanosheet field effect transistor device with substrate isolation
Nanosheet FET devices having substrate isolation layers are provided, as well as methods for fabricating nanosheet FET devices with substrate isolation layers. For example, a semiconductor device includes a nanosheet stack structure formed on a substrate, which includes a rare earth oxide (REO) layer formed on the substrate, and a semiconductor channel layer disposed adjacent to the REO layer. A metal gate structure is formed over the nanosheet stack structure, and a gate insulating spacer is disposed on sidewalls of the metal gate structure, wherein end portions of the semiconductor channel layer are exposed through the gate insulating spacer. Source/drain regions are formed in contact with the exposed end portions of the semiconductor channel layer. A portion of the metal gate structure is disposed between the semiconductor channel layer and the REO layer, wherein the REO layer isolates the metal gate structure from the substrate. |
| US09881997B2 |
Semiconductor device and manufacturing method of semiconductor device
A first parallel pn layer having a first n-type region and a first p-type region junctioned alternately and repeatedly is disposed in an element active portion. The first parallel pn layer has a striped planar layout. A second parallel pn layer having a second n-type region and a second p-type region junctioned alternately and repeatedly is disposed in a high voltage structure. The second parallel pn layer has a striped planar layout in a direction identical to that of the first parallel pn layer. An intermediate region having a third parallel pn layer and a fourth parallel pn layer of a lower impurity quantity than the first parallel pn layer is disposed between the first and second parallel pn layers, and formed by diffusing impurity implanting regions becoming the first and the second parallel pn layers formed separated from each other to a region in which no impurity is ion-implanted. |
| US09881992B2 |
Semiconductor integrated circuit device having with a reservoir capacitor
A semiconductor integrated circuit device may include a through silicon via (TSV), a keep out zone and a plurality of dummy patterns. The TSV may be arranged in a selection region of a semiconductor substrate. The keep out zone may be configured to define a peripheral region of the TSV. The dummy patterns may be arranged in the keep out zone to receive a conductive signal. The dummy patterns may function as an electrode of a reservoir capacitor. |
| US09881991B2 |
Capacitor and method of forming a capacitor
A method for manufacturing a semiconductor device and a semiconductor device are disclosed. The method comprises forming a trench in a substrate, partially filling the trench with a first semiconductive material, forming an interface along a surface of the first semiconductive material, and filling the trench with a second semiconductive material. The semiconductor device includes a first electrode arranged along sidewalls of a trench and a dielectric arranged over the first electrode. The semiconductor device further includes a second electrode at least partially filling the trench, wherein the second electrode comprises an interface within the second electrode. |
| US09881987B2 |
Organic light emitting diode display device and method for manufacturing the same
An OLED display device includes a display area of a substrate to display images; a non-display area surrounding the display area and applying signals to pixels within the display area; a first thin film transistor formed in the non-display area of the substrate; a second thin film transistor formed in the display area of the substrate; a planarization film formed over the first and second thin film transistors; a first electrode formed on the planarization film in the non-display area and formed with at least one first opening; a second electrode formed on the planarization film and connected to a electrode of the second thin film transistor; a bank pattern formed on the second electrode and the first electrode and exposing a part of the second electrode. The bank pattern is adjacent to the first electrode. |
| US09881986B2 |
Thin film transistor substrate and display using the same
Provided are a thin film transistor (TFT) substrate and a display using the same. A display includes: a first TFT, including: a polycrystalline semiconductor layer, a first gate electrode thereover, a first source electrode, and a first drain electrode, a second TFT, including: a second gate electrode, an oxide semiconductor layer over the second gate electrode, a second source electrode, and a second drain electrode, an intermediate insulating layer including a nitride layer, on the first gate electrode, and an oxide layer covering the second gate electrode, on the intermediate insulating layer, on the oxide layer, and overlapping the second gate electrode, wherein the first source, first drain, and second gate electrodes are between the intermediate insulating layer and the oxide layer, and wherein the second source and the second drain electrodes are on the oxide semiconductor layer. |
| US09881984B2 |
Organic electro-luminescent display device
An organic EL display device includes an inorganic insulating film including a contact part as an opening where a contact electrode made of a conductive film is exposed, a TFT circuit layer provided on the inorganic insulating film and including a circuit including a thin film transistor, an organic EL element layer provided on the TFT circuit layer and including an organic EL element whose light emission is controlled by the circuit, and a sealing layer covering the organic EL element layer and made of an inorganic insulating material. |
| US09881983B2 |
Organic light-emitting diode display
An OLED display is disclosed. A plurality of signal lines are formed over a substrate, and a plurality of pixels are formed over the substrate in a matrix form and electrically connected to corresponding signal lines. The signal lines include a plurality of scan lines configured to transmit a scan signal, a plurality of initialization lines configured to transmit an initialization signal, and a plurality of data lines configured to transmit a data signal. An n-th row pixel includes a switching thin film transistor (TFT) electrically connected to an n-th row scan line and a corresponding data line among the data lines. A driving TFT is electrically connected to a drain of the switching TFT, an OLED is electrically connected to a drain of the driving TFT, and an initialization TFT is configured to be turned on based on an initialization signal transmitted via an n-th row initialization line. |
| US09881975B2 |
Image device with improved chrominance quality
An image device includes a plurality of red sub-pixels, a plurality of green sub-pixels, a plurality of blue sub-pixels, a plurality of white sub-pixels, and a plurality of yellow sub-pixels. A ratio of the total number of red sub-pixels to the total number of green sub-pixels to the total number of blue sub-pixels to the total number of white sub-pixels and to the total number of yellow sub-pixels is about 3:3:3:1:2. |
| US09881974B2 |
Display substrate and method of manufacturing the same
A display substrate includes a first switching element electrically connected to a gate line extending in a first direction and a data line extending in a second direction crossing the first direction, an organic layer disposed on the first switching element, a shielding electrode disposed on the organic layer and overlapping the data line, a pixel electrode disposed on the same layer as the shielding electrode and a light-blocking pattern disposed on the shielding electrode and adjacent to a corner of the pixel electrode. |
| US09881972B2 |
Array of memory cells and methods of forming an array of memory cells
A method of forming an array of memory cells comprises forming an elevationally inner tier of memory cells comprising spaced inner tier lower first conductive lines, spaced inner tier upper second conductive lines, and programmable material of individual inner tier memory cells elevationally between the inner tier first lines and the inner tier second lines where such cross. First insulative material is formed laterally between the inner tier second lines to have respective elevationally outermost surfaces that are lower than elevationally outermost surfaces of immediately laterally-adjacent of the inner tier second lines. Second insulative material is formed elevationally over the first insulative material and laterally between the inner tier second lines. The second insulative material is of different composition from that of the first insulative material. An elevationally outer tier of memory cells is formed to comprise spaced outer tier lower first conductive lines, spaced outer tier upper second conductive lines, and programmable material of individual outer tier memory cells elevationally between the outer tier first lines and the outer tier second lines where such cross. Arrays of memory cells independent of method of manufacture are disclosed. |
| US09881967B2 |
Imaging device
An imaging device includes a unit pixel cell including: a semiconductor substrate including a first region exposed to a surface of the semiconductor substrate in a first area, and a second region directly adjacent to the first region and exposed to the surface in a second area; a photoelectric converter; a contact plug connected to the second region; a first transistor including the second region as one of a source and a drain, a first electrode covering a first portion of the first area, and a first insulation layer between the first electrode and the semiconductor substrate; a second electrode covering a second portion of the first area; and a second insulation layer between the second electrode and the semiconductor substrate. When seen in a direction perpendicular to the surface, a contact between the second region and the contact plug is located between the first electrode and the second electrode. |
| US09881964B1 |
Image sensor with inverted source follower
An image sensor includes a photodiode disposed in a first semiconductor material and a floating diffusion disposed proximate to the photodiode in the first semiconductor material. A source follower transistor is disposed in part in a second semiconductor material and includes: a first doped region, a third doped region, and a second doped region with an opposite polarity as the first doped region and the third doped region, and a gate electrode coupled to the floating diffusion and disposed in the first semiconductor material and aligned with the second doped region in the second semiconductor material of the source follower transistor. |
| US09881962B2 |
Semiconductor apparatus, solid state imaging device, imaging apparatus and electronic equipment, and manufacturing method thereof
The present technology relates to a semiconductor apparatus, a solid state imaging device, an imaging apparatus and electronic equipment which realize a smaller and thinner size and which enable improvement of optical characteristics, and a manufacturing method thereof. A side electrode 16c is formed on a side face of a substrate on which an imaging device 16 is formed. By this side electrode 16c being connected to an electrode pad 15b on the substrate 15 through a chip wiring 17 formed with solder, the imaging device 16 is electrically connected to the substrate 15. By this means, because it is possible to electrically connect the imaging device 16 to the substrate 15 without using wire bonding, space required for wire bonding is not required, so that it is possible to realize a smaller and thinner apparatus. The present technology can be applied to an imaging apparatus. |
| US09881955B2 |
Quantum dot image sensor
A photodetector includes a first doped region disposed in a semiconductor material and a second doped region disposed in the semiconductor material. The second doped region is electrically coupled to the first doped region, and the second doped region is of an opposite majority charge carrier type as the first doped region. The photodetector also includes a quantum dot layer disposed in a trench in the semiconductor material, and the quantum dot layer is electrically coupled to the second doped region. A transfer gate is disposed to permit charge transfer from the second doped region to a floating diffusion. |
| US09881954B2 |
Imaging device
An imaging device with high imaging quality capable of being manufactured at low cost is provided. The imaging device includes a first transistor, a second transistor, a third transistor, a fourth transistor, a photodiode, and a capacitor. Each of the first to the fourth transistors includes a first gate electrode and a second gate electrode, and the second gate electrode of each of the first to the fourth transistors and one electrode of the capacitor are electrically connected to an anode electrode of the photodiode. |
| US09881953B2 |
Pixel array, image sensor including the same, and method of driving the same
Disclosed are a pixel array, an image sensor including the same, and a method of driving the same. In a WDR (Wide Dynamic Range) pixel employing a storage region (FD node) including a varactor, a reset voltage, which is less than a voltage applied to a reset transistor according to the related art, that is, a partial reset voltage is applied to the reset transistor to read out a reset signal level for a CDS (Correlated Double Sampling) operation, thereby adjusting the operating voltage range of the storage region. The operating voltage range of the storage region is shifted into a range suitable for remarkably varying the capacitance of the varactor, thereby expanding the dynamic range. |
| US09881952B2 |
Level shifter circuit and method
A circuit includes a photodiode electrically coupled to a first node, the first node configured to be charged by a first power supply voltage. A second node is configured to be charged by a second power supply voltage lower than the first power supply voltage, a source follower transistor is electrically coupled between the second node and a column line, and a level shifter is electrically coupled between the first node and the second node. |
| US09881949B2 |
Sensing device, image sensing system and method thereof
A sensing device includes: a sampling circuit arranged to sample a sensing signal for generating a signal in response to a sampling signal having a monotonically increasing waveform; and a conversion circuit arranged to convert the signal into a digital output signal when the signal reaches a predetermined threshold of the conversion circuit. |
| US09881948B2 |
Array substrate and display apparatus containing the same, and method for fabricating the same
The present disclosure provides an array substrate. The array substrate includes a substrate; and at least one ultraviolet (UV) detection structure. The UV detection structure includes a photosensitive pattern on the substrate, and a first electrode pattern and a second electrode pattern for providing an operating voltage for the at least one UV detection structure. |
| US09881945B2 |
Methods of manufacturing thin film transistor and array substrate
A method of manufacturing a thin film transistor is disclosed. The method of manufacturing the thin film transistor includes: manufacturing a substrate; forming an oxide semiconductor layer on the substrate; forming a pattern including an active layer through a patterning process; forming a source and drain metal layer on the active layer; and forming a pattern including a source electrode and a drain electrode through a patterning process, an opening being formed between the source electrode and the drain electrode at a position corresponding to a region of the active layer used as a channel, wherein the step of forming the pattern including the source electrode and the drain electrode through a patterning process includes: removing a portion of the source and drain metal layer corresponding to the position of the opening through dry etching. The method may also be used to manufacturing a thin film transistor. |
| US09881944B2 |
Array substrate and liquid crystal display module including TFT having improved mobility and method of fabricating the same
A method of fabricating an array substrate for a liquid crystal display device can include forming a gate line and a gate electrode, and a gate insulating layer; forming an active layer on the gate insulating layer and an ohmic contact layer on the active layer; forming a data line and source and drain electrodes; forming a passivation layer on the source and drain electrodes; and forming a pixel electrode on the passivation layer, in which the ohmic contact layer covers an entire top surface of the active layer between the source and drain electrodes; forming a metallic layer on the gate insulating layer and the ohmic contact layer; etching the metallic layer to faun the data line, and the source drain electrodes, in which a silicide layer is formed on the ohmic contact layer only in the space between the source and drain electrodes; and removing the silicide layer. |
| US09881942B2 |
Array substrate, manufacturing method thereof and display device
A method for manufacturing an array substrate, comprising forming a pattern of a gate electrode by one pattering process; forming a gate insulating layer on a substrate provided with the pattern of the gate electrode; forming first and second patterns thereon, in which the first pattern corresponds to a pattern of a semiconductor active layer and the second pattern corresponds to a source electrode and a drain electrode; forming a pattern layer including an opening area on the substrate provided with the second pattern, in which the opening area corresponds to a gap between the source electrode and the drain electrode, the minimum width thereof being greater than the width of the gap between the source electrode and the drain electrode, and at least forming a pattern of the source electrode and the drain electrode and a pixel electrode electrically connected with the drain electrode through the opening area. |
| US09881940B2 |
Array substrate and display device
An array substrate and a display device, the array substrate comprises a fan-out area, an edge area and a display area for performing display, the fan-out area and the edge area are connected with the display area and located on two non-adjacent sides of the display area respectively; a plurality of wirings are arranged on the array substrate, and the wirings are routed through the display area and extend into the edge area, the input end of each wiring is located in the fan-out area; pads are configured for the wirings respectively are located on the side far away from the input end of each wiring, and the pads are located in the edge area. |
| US09881938B2 |
Substrate for display device and method for manufacturing display device
According to one embodiment, a substrate for display device includes an insulating substrate and a conductive film formed on at least one main surface of the insulating substrate. As to the substrate in an etching process in which a fluoric acid solution containing 10% or more hydrogen fluoride is used, a first etching rate of the conductive film is substantially the same as a second etching rate of the insulating substrate, or the first etching rate is greater than the second etching rate. |
| US09881937B2 |
Preventing strained fin relaxation
A semiconductor structure includes a first strained fin portion and a second strained fin portion, a pair of inactive inner gate structures upon respective strained fin portions, and spacers upon outer sidewalls surfaces of the inactive inner gate structures, upon the inner sidewall surfaces of the inactive inner gate structures, and upon the first strained fin portion and the second strained fin portion end surfaces. The first strained fin portion and the second strained fin portion end surfaces are coplanar with respective inner sidewall surfaces of the inactive inner gate structures. The spacer formed upon the end surfaces limits relaxation of the first strained fin portion and the second strained fin portion and limits shorting between the first strained fin portion and the second strained fin portion. |
| US09881936B2 |
Semiconductor integrated circuit
Disclosed herein is a semiconductor integrated circuit including: a cell layout region including circuit cells subject to power control the supply and interruption of power to which is controlled by a power switch, and always-on circuit cell groups which are always powered after the activation; a main line laid out in the cell layout region and applied with a source or reference voltage; and first and second branch lines which branch from the main line in the cell layout region. |
| US09881926B1 |
Static random access memory (SRAM) density scaling by using middle of line (MOL) flow
A method is presented for forming a semiconductor structure. The method includes forming gate contacts on a semiconductor substrate, forming trench silicide (TS) contacts on the semiconductor substrate, recessing the TS contacts to form a gap region, filling the gap region of the recessed TS contacts with a dielectric, selectively etching the gate contacts to form a first conducting layer, and selectively etching the TS contacts to form a second conducting layer. |
| US09881917B2 |
Semiconductor device and method of manufacturing the same
A semiconductor device and a method for manufacturing the same is described. The semiconductor device includes a substrate, a first capacitor and a second capacitor. The first capacitor includes a first conductive layer, a first insulating layer and a second conductive layer. The first conductive layer is disposed on the substrate. The first insulating layer is disposed on the first conductive layer and has a first peripheral edge. The second conductive layer is disposed on the first insulating layer and has a second peripheral edge. The second capacitor includes a third conductive layer, a second insulating layer and the second conductive layer. The second insulating layer is disposed on the second conductive layer and has a third peripheral edge. The third conductive layer is disposed on the second insulating layer and has a fourth peripheral edge. The first, second, third and fourth peripheral edges are aligned with one another. |
| US09881916B2 |
Semiconductor device
To improve a tradeoff between ON voltage and ON/OFF loss while maintaining short-circuit tolerance, provided is a semiconductor device including an IGBT element; a super junction transistor element connected in parallel with the IGBT element; and a limiting section that limits a voltage applied to a gate terminal of the IGBT element more than a voltage applied to a gate terminal of the super junction transistor element. |
| US09881913B2 |
Bipolar SCR
A high-voltage bipolar semiconductor controlled rectifier (SCR) includes an emitter region having a first polarity and overlying a base region having a second polarity different from the first polarity; a collector region having the first polarity and lying under the base region; an anode region having the second polarity; a first sinker region having the first polarity and contacting the collector region, wherein the anode region is between the first sinker region and the base region; and a second sinker region having the first polarity and contacting the collector region, the second sinker region lying between the anode region and the base region, wherein an extension of the anode region extends under a portion of the second sinker region. |
| US09881912B2 |
Semiconductor device, inverter circuit, driving device, vehicle, and elevator
A semiconductor device according to an embodiment includes a plurality of circuit units, and each of the circuit units includes, a first electrode, a second electrode; a first switching element and a second switching element electrically connected in series between the first electrode and the second electrode, and a third electrode electrically connected between the first switching element and the second switching element. The circuit units are arranged in an annular shape. |
| US09881908B2 |
Integrated fan-out package on package structure and methods of forming same
An embodiment package includes a first package; a thermal interface material (TIM) contacting a top surface of the first package, and a second package bonded to the first package. The second package includes a first semiconductor die, and the TIM contacts a bottom surface of the first semiconductor die. The package further includes a heat spreader disposed on an opposing surface of the second package as the first package. |
| US09881907B2 |
Aggregation of semiconductor devices and the method thereof
An aggregation of semiconductor devices comprises a first layer, a second layer adhered to the first layer, and a plurality of semiconductor devices arranged between the first layer and the second layer to form a shape, wherein the shape comprises a curve and a mark, and the first layer is flexible. |
| US09881905B2 |
Electronic packages with three-dimensional conductive planes, and methods for fabrication
An electronic package includes an adhesion layer between a first substrate and a second substrate. The adhesion layer is patterned to define openings aligned with through-substrate interconnects and corresponding bond pads. A conductive plane is formed between the first substrate and the second substrate, adjacent to the adhesion layer. |
| US09881902B2 |
Semiconductor package, semiconductor device using the same and manufacturing method thereof
A semiconductor package includes a substrate, a first electronic component, a first conductive layer, a first pillar layer and a first package body. The first electronic component is disposed on the substrate. The first pillar layer connects the first conductive layer and the substrate. The first package body encapsulates the first conductive layer, the first pillar layer and the first electronic component. The first conductive layer is embedded in the first package body. |
| US09881901B2 |
Stacked package device and method for fabricating the same
A method for fabricating a stacked package device is provided. A second substrate is adhered onto a first substrate. The first substrate includes a plurality of first bonding pads, and the second substrate includes a plurality of second bonding pads. A three-dimensional (3D) printing is performed to form an encapsulating layer covering the first substrate and the second substrate and to form a plurality of bonding wires in the encapsulating layer. Each bonding wire includes a first portion connected to one of the plurality of first bonding pads. The disclosure also provides a stacked package device formed by such a method. |
| US09881897B2 |
Manufacturing method of ultra-thin semiconductor device package assembly
A manufacturing method of ultra-thin semiconductor device package structure is provided. Firstly, a wafer including a plurality of semiconductor devices is provided, and one of the semiconductor devices has an active surface having an active region and an outer region and a back surface. A first electrode and a second electrode are arranged in the active region, and the outer region has a cutting portion and a channel portion. Subsequently, a trench is formed in the channel portion, and filled with a conductive structure. The wafer is fixed on a supporting board, and then a thinning process and a deposition process of a back electrode layer are performed on the back surface in sequence. Thereafter, the supporting board is removed and a plurality of contacting pads is formed. A cutting process is performed along the cutting portion. |
| US09881893B2 |
Apparatus for removing chip
The present disclosure provides an apparatus for removing a chip, including: a loading station; a heating head arranged to soften an anisotropic conductive film on a substrate of a display panel for fixing the chip; a base table arranged on the loading station and arranged to support the display panel; and a base seat arranged on the loading station and arranged to support the heating head, wherein the heating head is rotatably mounted onto the base seat and the heating head has a rotation axis perpendicular to a surface of the loading station facing towards the base table. With the above apparatus, the face of the heating head facing towards the chip contacts with the face of the chip facing towards the heating head more sufficiently. The force to which the portion of the chip is subject is reduced and the force applied to the chip becomes more uniform. |
| US09881889B2 |
Chip package and method for fabricating the same
A chip package is provided, in which includes: a packaging substrate, a chip and a plurality solder balls interposed between the packaging substrate and the chip for bonding the packaging substrate and the chip, wherein the solder balls include a first portion of a first size and a second portion of a second size that is different from the first size. |
| US09881885B2 |
Metal routing architecture for integrated circuits
A device includes a substrate, a metal pad over the substrate, and a metal trace electrically disconnected from the metal pad. The metal pad and the metal trace are level with each other. A passivation layer includes a portion overlapping an edge portion of the metal pad. A metal pillar is overlying the metal pad, and is electrically connected to the metal pad. The metal trace has a portion overlapped by the metal pillar. |
| US09881884B2 |
Semiconductor device structure and method for forming the same
A semiconductor device structure is provided. The semiconductor device structure includes a first semiconductor substrate having a first surface, a second surface, and a recess. The second surface is opposite to the first surface. The recess passes through the first semiconductor substrate. The semiconductor device structure includes a first wiring layer over the second surface. The semiconductor device structure includes a first bonding pad in the recess and extending to the first wiring layer so as to be electrically connected to the first wiring layer. The semiconductor device structure includes a nickel layer over the first bonding pad. The semiconductor device structure includes a gold layer over the nickel layer. |
| US09881879B2 |
Power semiconductor module
In a power semiconductor module, the 0.2% yield strength of solder under a lead terminal that bonds the lead terminal and a semiconductor element is set to be lower than the 0.2% yield strength of solder under the semiconductor element that bonds the semiconductor element and an insulating substrate. As a result, the lead terminal is expanded with self-heating by energization of the semiconductor element, and stress is applied to the semiconductor element via the solder under the lead terminal. However, the solder under the lead terminal with low 0.2% yield strength reduces the stress that is applied to the semiconductor element. Thus, the reliability of a surface electrode of the semiconductor element that is bonded to the solder under the lead terminal is improved. |
| US09881871B2 |
Schemes for forming barrier layers for copper in interconnect structures
A method of forming a semiconductor structure includes providing a substrate; forming a low-k dielectric layer over the substrate; embedding a conductive wiring into the low-k dielectric layer; and thermal soaking the conductive wiring in a carbon-containing silane-based chemical to form a barrier layer on the conductive wiring. A lining barrier layer is formed in the opening for embedding the conductive wiring. The lining barrier layer may comprise same materials as the barrier layer, and the lining barrier layer may be recessed before forming the barrier layer and may contain a metal that can be silicided. |
| US09881870B2 |
Semiconductor device and manufacturing method thereof
A semiconductor device includes a first interlayer dielectric layer disposed over a substrate, metal wirings, a second interlayer dielectric layer disposed over the first interlayer dielectric layer and the metal wirings, a first air gap and a second air gap. The metal wirings are embedded in the first interlayer dielectric layer, and arranged with a first space or a second space between the metal wirings. The second space has a greater length than the first space. The first air gap is formed by the second interlayer dielectric layer and formed in a first area sandwiched by adjacent two metal wirings arranged with the first space. The second air gap is formed by the second interlayer dielectric layer and formed in a second area sandwiched by adjacent two metal wirings arranged with the second space therebetween. No adjacent two metal wirings are arranged with a space smaller than the first space. |
| US09881867B1 |
Conductive connection structure having stress buffer layer
A conductive connection structure includes a semiconductor substrate, a conductive pillar, and a stress buffer layer. The conductive pillar is in the semiconductor substrate. The stress buffer layer is between the semiconductor substrate and the conductive pillar. The conductive pillar has a protruding portion penetrating through the stress buffer layer. |
| US09881855B2 |
Semiconductor device and metering apparatus
A semiconductor device includes: an oscillator; a semiconductor chip that includes an oscillation circuit connected to the oscillator, a timer circuit that generates a timing signal of a frequency according to a oscillation frequency of the oscillation circuit, and a frequency correction section that corrects a frequency of the timing signal based on temperature data; and a discrete device that includes at least one of a temperature sensing device that detects a peripheral temperature, that supplies the detected temperature as temperature data to the frequency correction section, and that is provided as a separate body to the semiconductor chip, or a capacitor that is electrically connected to both the oscillator and the oscillation circuit and that is provided as a separate body to the semiconductor chip, wherein the oscillator, the semiconductor chip and the discrete device are contained within a single package. |
| US09881851B2 |
Semiconductor device and method for producing semiconductor device
A semiconductor device includes a semiconductor substrate, a device layer located at an upper surface of the semiconductor substrate, an insulating layer located on the device layer, and a through electrode. The through electrode includes a body located in a through hole provided in the insulating layer and a head located on the body and the insulating layer and is electrically connected to an upper-layer wiring in the device layer. A perimeter of the head on a lower surface side thereof is smaller than a perimeter of the head on an upper surface side thereof. |
| US09881846B2 |
Semiconductor device
A semiconductor device includes: a semiconductor element; a laminated substrate including an insulating plate and a circuit board which is arranged on the front surface of the insulating plate and on which the semiconductor element is arranged; a lead terminal provided via solder in a major electrode of the front surface of the semiconductor element; and a sealing resin for sealing the semiconductor element, the laminated substrate, and the lead terminal, wherein a value of “Young's modulus of the sealing resin×(linear expansion coefficient of the lead terminal−linear expansion coefficient of the sealing resin)” is equal to or greater than −26×103 (Pa/° C.) and equal to or less than 50×103 (Pa/° C.). |
| US09881842B1 |
Wimpy and nominal semiconductor device structures for vertical finFETs
A first and second vertical fin are formed on a substrate structure. A dielectric layer is disposed on the substrate structure and the first and second vertical fins. A work function metal (WFM) layer is disposed on the dielectric layer. A first sidewall spacer and a second sidewall space are formed proximate to the first vertical fin and the second vertical fin, respectively. A lithographic mask is applied to a first area proximate to the first vertical fin including the first vertical fin, and a portion of the WFM layer proximate to the first vertical fin. A portion of the WFM layer proximate to the second sidewall spacer is recessed below an upper surface of the second sidewall spacer. The lithographic mask is removed. A portion of the dielectric layer is removed to produce a wimpy vertical transport device and a nominal vertical transport device on the substrate structure. |
| US09881841B2 |
Methods for fabricating integrated circuits with improved implantation processes
Methods for fabricating integrated circuits are provided. In an embodiment, a method for fabricating an integrated circuit includes providing a structure having an n-channel gate stack and a p-channel gate stack formed over a semiconductor substrate. The method includes forming halo implant regions in the semiconductor substrate adjacent the p-channel gate stack and forming extension implant regions in the semiconductor substrate adjacent the p-channel gate stack. The method further includes annealing the halo implant regions and the extension implant regions in the semiconductor substrate adjacent the p-channel gate stack. Also, the method forms extension implant regions in the semiconductor substrate adjacent the n-channel gate stack. |
| US09881834B1 |
Contact openings and methods forming same
A method includes performing an implantation on a portion of a first layer to form an implanted region, and removing un-implanted portions of the first layer. The implanted region remains after the un-implanted portions of the first layer are removed. An etching is then performed on a second layer underlying the first layer, wherein the implanted region is used as a portion of a first etching mask in the etching. The implanted region is removed. A metal mask is etched using the second layer to form a patterned mask. An inter-layer dielectric is then etched to form a contact opening, wherein the patterned mask is used as a second etching mask. |
| US09881832B2 |
Handle substrate for use in manufacture of semiconductor-on-insulator structure and method of manufacturing thereof
A method is provided for preparing a high resistivity silicon handle substrate for use in semiconductor-on-insulator structure. The handle substrate is prepared to comprise thermally stable charge carrier traps in the region of the substrate that will be at or near the buried oxide layer (BOX) of the final semiconductor-on-insulator structure. The handle substrate comprising the stable carrier traps is manufactured by hydrogen ions implantation occurring using at least two different energies, followed by a 2-step thermal treatment. The thermally stable defect structures prepared thereby is stable to anneal at temperatures of at least 1180° C. The defect structure comprises 3-dimensional network of nano-cavities interconnected by dislocations. This wafer can be used as a handle wafer for fabricating silicon-on-insulator (SOI) wafers and further fabricating radio frequency (RF) semiconductor devices. |
| US09881827B2 |
Substrate treating apparatus and substrate treating method
An embodiment includes a substrate treating apparatus comprising: a tape supply member configured to supply a tape to be attached to a substrate; a tape collection member configured to collect a surplus tape that remains after the tape is attached to the substrate; a support member disposed between the tape supply member and the tape collection member and configured to support the substrate while the tape is attached to the substrate; and a temperature adjustment member configured to adjust a temperature of the tape that is supplied from the tape supply member to the support member. |
| US09881825B2 |
Reduced capacity carrier and method of use
A substrate transport apparatus is provided. The apparatus has a casing and a door. The casing is adapted to form a controlled environment therein. The casing has supports therein for holding at least one substrate in the casing. The casing defines a substrate transfer opening through which a substrate transport system accesses the substrate in the casing. The door is connected to the casing for closing the substrate transfer opening in the casing. The casing has structure forming a fast swap element allowing replacement of the substrate from the apparatus with another substrate without retraction of the substrate transport system and independent of substrate loading in the casing. |
| US09881820B2 |
Front opening ring pod
A pod for exchanging consumable parts with a process module includes a base plate having a front side, a back side, and first and second lateral sides. A first support column is disposed on the first lateral side proximal to the front side. A second support column is disposed on the second lateral side proximal to the front side. A third support column is disposed on the first lateral side proximal to back side and a fourth support column is disposed on the second lateral side proximal to the back side. Each of the support columns includes a plurality of support fingers distributed lengthwise and directed inward. A first hard stop column is disposed parallel to the third support column and a second hard stop column is disposed parallel to the fourth support column. A shell structure connected to the base plate is configured to enclose the first, second third and fourth support columns, top plate and first and second hard stop columns and includes a front opening disposed on the front side of the base plate. A door is mated to the front opening and includes retention assembly for securing consumable parts in the pod, when received in the pod. |
| US09881819B2 |
Thermal processing apparatus for heating substrate, and susceptor
A semiconductor wafer with (100) plane orientation has two orthogonal cleavage directions. A notch is provided so as to indicate one of these directions. During irradiation with a flash, the semiconductor wafer warps about one of two radii at an angle of 45 degrees with respect to the cleavage directions such that the upper surface thereof becomes convex, and the opposite ends of the other radii become the lowest position. Eight support pins in total are provided in upright position on the upper surface of a holding plate of a susceptor while being spaced at intervals of 45 degrees along the same circumference. The semiconductor wafer is placed on the susceptor such that any of the support pins supports a radius at an angle of 45 degrees with respect to a cleavage direction. |
| US09881817B1 |
Precision substrate material multi-processing using miniature-column charged particle beam arrays
Methods, tools and systems for patterning of substrates using charged particle beams without photomasks, without a resist layer, using multiple different processes (different chemistry processes and/or different ones of material deposition, removal and/or modification) in the same vacuum space, wherein said processes are performed independently (without cross-interference) and simultaneously. As a result, the number of process steps can be reduced and some lithography steps can be eliminated, reducing manufacturing cycle time and increasing yield by lowering the probability of defect introduction. Also, because such processes are resist-less, layer-to-layer registration and other column control processes can be performed by imaging previous-layer features local to (or in contact with) features to be written in a next layer as designated by the design layout database. |
| US09881813B2 |
Mounting structure and method for producing mounting structure
A mounting structure, including: a first component that has a first bump; a second component that has a second bump; a mounting component that has a primary mounting surface and a secondary mounting surface; a first solder that connects an electrode on the primary mounting surface and the first bump; a second solder that connects an electrode on the secondary mounting surface and the second bump; and a reinforcing resin that covers a part of the first solder and that is not in contact with the primary mounting surface. |
| US09881811B2 |
Thin-film transistor substrate manufacturing method and thin-film transistor substrate manufactured with same
The present invention provides a TFT substrate manufacturing method and a TFT substrate manufactured with the method. The TFT substrate manufacturing method of the present invention uses a photoresist pattern to serve as a shielding mask to allow a metal layer to be directly oxidized, through the anodic oxidation technology, into a gate insulation layer or a passivation layer, and at the same time, forming electrode patterns of gate or source/drain. The entire operation can be conducted in room temperature and is applicable to a flexible substrate that is not resistant to high temperatures without the involvement of expensive high temperature facility, such as chemical vapor deposition, so as to greatly reduce the operation cost of manufacturing a flexible display device. The TFT substrate manufactured with the present invention shows excellent electrical characteristics and is suitable for a flexible display device. |
| US09881806B2 |
Method of manufacturing a semiconductor device
A method of manufacturing a semiconductor device including a wafer using a plasma etching device which includes a chamber, a chuck provided in the chamber to dispose a wafer to be processed thereon, a focus ring disposed at a peripheral edge portion of the chuck, and a gas supplying mechanism configured to supply various types of gases depending a radial position of the wafer. The method includes: placing a wafer formed with an organic film on the chuck; introducing an etching gas which etches the organic film on the wafer from the process gas supplying mechanism to a central portion of the wafer; introducing an etching inhibiting factor gas having a property of reacting with the etching gas to the peripheral edge portion of the wafer from the gas supplying mechanism; and performing plasma etching on the wafer using the etching gas. |
| US09881804B2 |
Method and system for high precision etching of substrates
This disclosure relates to a plasma processing system and methods for high precision etching of microelectronic substrates. The system may include a plasma chamber that may generate plasma to remove monolayer(s) of the substrate. The plasma process may include a two-step process that uses a first plasma to form a thin adsorption layer on the surface of the microelectronic substrate. The adsorbed layer may be removed when the system transitions to a second plasma or moves the substrate to a different location within the first plasma that has a higher ion energy. In one specific embodiment, the transition between the first and second plasma may be enabled by changing the position of the substrate relative to the source electrode with no or relatively small changes in plasma process conditions. |
| US09881800B2 |
Structure and method for high performance large-grain-poly silicon backplane for OLED applications
Large grain polysilicon films can be exfoliated on a handle substrate, such as a glass or glass-ceramic substrate. The large grain polysilicon can have high mobility for device formation, and can be used for backplane of a display or a sensor array for x-ray detection. |
| US09881794B1 |
Semiconductor methods and devices
In some embodiments, a method of a semiconductor process includes conformally forming a spacer layer over a plurality of mandrels that are disposed over a mask layer, portions of the spacer layer disposed over opposing sidewalls of adjacent ones of the plurality of mandrels defining trenches therebetween, filling the trenches with a dummy material, and removing first portions of the dummy material in the trenches, thereby forming a plurality of openings in the dummy material. The method further includes filling the plurality of openings with a first material, removing a remaining portion of the dummy material in the trenches, and removing the plurality of mandrels after the removing the dummy material. |
| US09881791B2 |
Method for producing an oxide film using a low temperature process, an oxide film and an electronic device thereof
Disclosed are a method for producing an oxide film using a low temperature process, an oxide film and an electronic device. The method for producing an oxide film according to an embodiment of the present invention includes the steps of coating a substrate with an oxide solution, and irradiating the oxide solution coat with ultraviolet rays under an inert gas atmosphere. |
| US09881787B2 |
Deposition methods for uniform and conformal hybrid titanium oxide films
Methods for depositing titanium oxide films by atomic layer deposition are disclosed. Titanium oxide films may include a titanium nitride cap, an oxygen rich titanium nitride cap or a mixed oxide nitride layer. Also described are methods for self-aligned double patterning including titanium oxide spacer films. |
| US09881784B2 |
Substrate processing method, substrate processing apparatus, and storage medium
Disclosed is a substrate processing method. The method includes: supplying a rinse liquid, IPA, a first fluorine-containing organic solvent, a second fluorine-containing organic solvent to a wafer within an outer chamber of a liquid processing unit; conveying the wafer to a supercritical processing unit container; and supplying a supercritical processing fluorine-containing organic solvent in a supercritical high-pressure fluid state to the wafer within the supercritical processing unit container. At least during the supply of the IPA, a low-humidity N2 gas is supplied into the outer chamber so that the inside of the outer chamber is formed as a low-humidity N2 gas atmosphere, and thus moisture absorption into the IPA is prevented. |
| US09881783B2 |
Method for processing semiconductor wafer
In a wafer processing method by which, by using, as a reference surface, a flat surface obtained by applying a curable material to the whole of one surface of a wafer obtained by slicing a semiconductor single-crystal ingot by using a wire saw apparatus, surface grinding is performed on the other surface of the wafer and surface grinding is performed on the one surface of the wafer by using the other surface of the wafer subjected to surface grinding as a reference surface, both surfaces of the wafer are planarized at the same time immediately after the wafer is obtained by slicing. |
| US09881779B2 |
Auxiliary gas inlet
There is provided a method of introducing ions into a mass spectrometer, comprising ionising a sample using a continuous ionisation source to form a plurality of ions, transporting said plurality of ions in a first, primary gas through a passageway and into an inlet of a mass spectrometer, introducing a second, auxiliary gas into said inlet, and controlling a flow rate of said second gas into said inlet so as to control a flow rate of said first gas through said passageway. |
| US09881778B2 |
Hybrid acquisition method incorporating multiple dissociation techniques
A method is disclosed wherein parent or precursor ions are fragmented or reacted according to a first fragmentation or reaction mode, and when an ion of interest is detected the method then temporarily switches to a second mode of fragmentation or reaction. This enables a full un-biased MS/MS data set to be provided over a wide mass to charge ratio range with high-duty cycle, together with complementary detailed fragment data of interest, in a single experimental run or acquisition. |
| US09881769B2 |
Charged particle beam device and charged particle beam device control method
The objective of the present invention is to provide a charged particle beam device, wherein the positional relationship between reflected electron detection elements and a sample and the vacuum state of the sample surroundings are evaluated to select automatically a reflected electron detection element appropriate for acquiring an intended image. In this charged particle beam device, all the reflected electron detection elements are selected when the degree of vacuum inside the sample chamber is high and the sample is distant from the reflected electron detectors, while a reflected electron detection element appropriate for acquiring a compositional image or a height map image is selected when the degree of vacuum inside the sample chamber is high and the sample is close to the reflected electron detectors. When the degree of vacuum inside the sample chamber is low, all the reflected electron detection elements are selected. |
| US09881766B2 |
Differential imaging with pattern recognition for process automation of cross sectioning applications
A method for using differential imaging for applications involving TEM samples by allowing operators to take multiple images during a procedure involving a focused ion beam procedure and overlaying the multiple images to create a differential image that clearly shows the differences between milling steps. The methods also involve generating real-time images of the area being milled and using the overlays of the differential images to show small changes in each image, and thus highlight the ion beam milling location. The methods also involve automating the process of creating differential images and using them to automatically mill subsequent slices. |
| US09881765B2 |
Method and system for scanning an object
A method for scanning an object with a charged particle beam, the method may include repeating, for each pair of scan lines out of multiple pairs of scan lines, the stages of: (i) deflecting the charged particle beam along a first direction, thereby scanning the object along a first scan line of the pair of scan lines; (ii) collecting electrons emitted from the object during the scanning of the object along a majority of the first scan line; (iii) deflecting the charged particle beam along a second direction that is normal to the first direction; (iv) deflecting the charged particle beam along a third direction that is opposite to the first direction, thereby scanning the object along a second scan line of the pair of scan lines; (v) collecting electrons emitted from the object during the scanning of the object along a majority of the second scan line; and (vi) deflecting the charged particle beam along the second direction that is normal to the third direction. |
| US09881764B2 |
Heat-spreading blanking system for high throughput electron beam apparatus
An electron beam apparatus addresses blanking issues resulting from sinking high-power heat onto an aperture diaphragm by evenly spreading heat on the aperture diaphragm. The apparatus can include an aperture diaphragm and a deflector that deflects the electron beam on the aperture diaphragm. The electron beam is directed at the aperture diaphragm in a pattern around the aperture. The pattern may be a circle, square, or polygon. The pattern also may include a variable locus relative to the aperture. |
| US09881763B2 |
Ion generation device and ion detection device
An ion generation device is provided, which includes: a heater; a counter electrode arranged on one side of the heater; at least one electric member arranged between the heater and the counter electrode, the electric member being made of a pyroelectric element or a piezoelectric element; an electrode arranged between the heater and the electric member to be in contact with the electric member; and a temperature control circuit to control a temperature of the heater. An ion detection device is provided, which includes the above-described ion generation device, an ion filter to sort ions generated at the ion generation device, and a detector to detect the ions sorted in the ion filter. |
| US09881761B2 |
High voltage compact fusible disconnect switch device with magnetic arc deflection assembly
A compact fusible disconnect switch device includes a magnetic arc deflection assembly including at least a pair of magnets disposed about a switch contact assembly. The magnetic arc deflection assembly facilitates reliable connection and disconnection of DC voltage circuitry well above 125 VDC with reduced arcing intensity and duration. Multiple pairs of magnets may apply magnetic fields in directions opposing one another to deflect electrical arcs in different directions at more than one location in the switch contact assembly to facilitate high voltage DC operation. |
| US09881760B2 |
Electromechanical switching device with electrodes having 2D layered materials with distinct functional areas
An electromechanical switching device includes a first electrode, comprising layers of a first 2D layered material, which layers exhibit a first surface; a second electrode, comprising layers of a second 2D layered material, which layers exhibit a second surface opposite the first surface; and an actuation mechanism; wherein each of the first and second 2D layered materials has an anisotropic electrical conductivity, which is lower transversely to its layers than in-plane with the layers; the first electrode includes two distinct areas alongside the first surface, which areas differ in at least one structural, electrical and/or magnetic property; and at least one of the first and second electrodes is actuatable by the actuation mechanism, such that actuation thereof for modification of an electrical conductance transverse to each of the first surface and the second surface to enable current modulation between the first electrode and the second electrode. |
| US09881759B2 |
Piezoelectronic switch device for RF applications
A piezoelectronic switch device for radio frequency (RF) applications includes a piezoelectric (PE) material layer and a piezoresistive (PR) material layer separated from one another by at least one electrode, wherein an electrical resistance of the PR material layer is dependent upon an applied voltage across the PE material layer by way of an applied pressure to the PR material layer by the PE material layer; and a conductive, high yield material (C-HYM) comprising a housing that surrounds the PE material layer, the PR material layer and the at least one electrode, the C-HYM configured to mechanically transmit a displacement of the PE material layer to the PR material layer such that applied voltage across the PE material layer causes an expansion thereof and an increase the applied pressure to the PR material layer, thereby causing a decrease in the electrical resistance of the PR material layer. |
| US09881758B2 |
Contact device and electromagnetic relay equipped with the contact device
A contact device includes: a contact block including a plurality of fixed terminals on which fixed contacts are formed, and a movable contactor on which movable contacts contacting and leaving the fixed contacts are formed; and a driving block that drives the movable contactor. Moreover, it is made possible to extinguish arcs, which are generated in an event where the contacts contact and leave each other, by arranging permanent magnets on a periphery of the contact block. Then, at least one fixed terminal among the plurality of fixed terminals is formed so that the fixed contact and the movable contact can abut against each other in a region other than a side opposite to the other fixed terminal. |
| US09881757B2 |
Electronic home appliance and control method thereof
An electric home appliance includes a sensing unit for sensing whether a user's body is within a predetermined range from the electric home appliance, an input unit configured to receive user input, and a controller configured to cause the input unit to be in a protruded state or a retreated state based on a sensing result of the sensing unit. The input unit is configured to move between the protruded state in which the input unit at least partially protrudes from the electric home appliance and the retreated state in which the input unit at least partially retreats into the electric home appliance. |
| US09881756B1 |
Control system for a contactor
An exemplary contactor control system and method to reduce the amount of sound during the translation of an automotive contactor from a closed state to an open state is provided. The contactor has an electrical coil and first and second electrical contacts. The control system includes a microcontroller and a high side driver circuit. The microcontroller generates a pulse width modulated signal that is applied to the high side driver circuit and decreases a duty cycle thereof to decrease a first control voltage applied to the electrical coil over a time interval. The microcontroller maintains a duty cycle for another time interval to maintain the contactor in the closed operational state. Next, the microcontroller decreases the duty cycle to reduce a speed of a contactor armature prior to contacting a stop member to reduce an amount of sound while transitioning the contactor to the open state. |
| US09881755B1 |
Motorized high voltage in-line disconnect switch with hand-held communication system to prevent unwanted operation
A high voltage in-line air break disconnect switch suspended by an electric power line conductor wherein the switch includes a rotating switch blade that is operated by a communication system controlled motor that may include a switch mounted radio which is controlled by another radio located in a hand-held portable controller that is battery powered to provide a secure way to open and close a switch without traditional padlockable manual operators that are vulnerable to terrorist attacks. The communication system controlled motorized in-line air break disconnect switch is battery operated and solar charged. |
| US09881754B2 |
Toggle switch and switch device
A toggle switch includes a first substrate, a lever, an operation knob, and a light guide. The first substrate includes a first contact, a second contact, and a light source. The lever is configured to pivot in a thickness-wise direction of the first substrate and contact one of the first contact and the second contact. The operation knob is attached to the lever and includes a light outlet. The operation knob receives light, guides the light, and emits the light out of the light outlet. The light guide guides light emitted from the light source to the light outlet. The lever includes a metal plate and a resin plate into which the metal plate is inserted. The resin plate includes an attachment groove that extends in the thickness-wise direction of the first substrate. The light guide is attached to the attachment groove. |
| US09881744B2 |
Electronic component termination and assembly by means of transient liquid phase sintering metalurgical bonds
An improved method for forming a capacitor is provided as is a capacitor, or electrical component, formed by the method. The method includes providing an aluminum containing anode with an aluminum oxide dielectric thereon; forming a cathode on a first portion of the aluminum oxide dielectric; bonding an anode lead to the aluminum anode on a second portion of the aluminum oxide by a transient liquid phase sintered conductive material thereby metallurgical bonding the aluminum anode to the anode lead; and bonding a cathode lead to said cathode. |
| US09881739B2 |
Multilayer ceramic capacitor
A multilayer ceramic capacitor provided in a multilayer printed wiring board includes a ceramic body with a plurality of ceramic layers and internal electrodes stacked, and an external electrode including a base layer that includes a sintered metal containing a metal and glass and a plated layer provided on the surface of the base layer, which is provided on an end surface of the ceramic body to be connected to the internal electrodes. The external electrode includes a principal surface portion disposed on a principal surface of the ceramic body. The outermost layer of the plated layer includes a Cu plated layer. The ratio of arithmetic mean roughness (Ra) at the surface of the ceramic body/arithmetic mean roughness (Ra) at the surface of the external electrode satisfies a condition: about 0.06≦the arithmetic mean roughness (Ra) at the surface of the ceramic body/the arithmetic mean roughness (Ra) at the surface of the external electrode≦about 0.97. |
| US09881737B2 |
Laminated ceramic electronic component
A laminated ceramic electronic component that includes a laminated body formed by laminating a ceramic layer and an internal electrode; and an external electrode formed on an outer surface of the laminated body so as to be electrically connected to the internal electrode. The external electrode includes a conducting layer that is in contact with the internal electrode, and the internal electrode contains Ni. The conducting layer contains metal particles containing a Cu3Sn alloy, and a thermosetting resin. The metal particles contain Sn in a weight ratio of 36.5 to 47.8% to the total amount of Sn and Cu. |
| US09881736B2 |
Multilayer ceramic component
A multilayer ceramic component includes multilayer ceramic capacitors disposed on opposing surfaces of a board in a thickness direction of the board and metal terminals connected to electrode pads disposed on the board. The metal terminals are partially exposed to an exterior of the multilayer ceramic component. |
| US09881735B2 |
Fe-based amorphous transformer magnetic core, production method therefor, and transformer
The present invention provides an Fe-based amorphous transformer magnetic core formed by stacking Fe-based amorphous alloy thin strips and satisfying the following (1) to (3) in a direct current B-H curve measured by applying a magnetic field of 80 A/m to the magnetic core: B80≧1.1 T (1) 0.5 T≦Br≦0.7 T (2) B80−Br≧0.6 T (3) wherein B80 represents a magnetic flux density (T) obtained when magnetization is performed in the magnetic field of 80 A/m, and Br represents a residual magnetic flux density (T) obtained when a magnetic field is changed to 0 A/m after magnetization is performed in a magnetic field of 80 A/m. |
| US09881725B2 |
Ethernet magnetics package wire terminations
In one implementation, an apparatus is configured to aid in the manufacturing or assembling of electronic surface mount packages. The apparatus includes a common mode choke base configured to support a common mode choke. The apparatus includes terminal contacts coupled to the common mode choke base. The terminal contacts are aligned with wires connected to the common mode choke. The apparatus includes a support member including a wire supporting portion aligned with the wires connected to the common mode choke and a central portion configured to support the common mode choke base. |
| US09881720B2 |
Grain oriented electrical steel with improved forsterite coating characteristics
Increasing the chromium content of an electrical steel substrate to a level greater than or equal to about 0.45 weight percent (wt %) produced a much improved forsterite coating having superior and more uniform coloration, thickness and adhesion. Moreover, the so-formed forsterite coating provides greater tension potentially reducing the relative importance of any secondary coating. |
| US09881718B2 |
Method and apparatus for continuously processing conductor cable for disposal or recycling
A continuous processing system and method for the continuous processing of an electrical conductor cable having aluminum strands encasing a steel core directly from a puller or from a puller and reel, simultaneously or on-the-fly during substantially the entirety of a reconductoring or re-stringing of the cable, wherein such cables are used for power lines or for static wires. The system is adapted to cooperate with a pulling machine. The pulling machine may be formed integrally within the system or may be a conventional pulling machine which cooperates with the system. The processing system runs continuously, substantially without interruption, during the pull of all of the cable from the pull zone of the reconductoring or restringing. |
| US09881717B2 |
Cable for effective transmission of high speed signal
A cable includes a wire set having a first wire and a second wire arranged abreast. The first wire and the second wire are adjacent to each other, each of the first wire and second wire is provided with a first conductor at a center position thereof, a first layer wrapping the first conductor and a second layer wrapping the first layer, and the dielectric coefficient of the first layer is lower than that of the second layer. |
| US09881712B2 |
Highly crystalline electrically conducting polymers, methods of manufacture thereof and articles comprising the same
Disclosed herein is a composition comprising a regioregular polyalkylthiophene and/or a regioregular poly[2,5-bis(3-alkylthiophen-2-yl)thieno(3,2-b)thiophene]; where the composition is melted and then cooled to a temperature between a melting point and a glass transition temperature of the composition; the composition having an amount of crystallinity that is at least twice the amount of crystallinity of another identical composition that is crystallized by a method that does not involve melting and cooling to a temperature between the melting point and the glass transition temperature of the identical composition. |
| US09881709B2 |
Generating electricity on demand from a neutron-activated fuel sample
A technique that uses a thermoelectric generator for generating electrical power employs a safe, initially dormant, stable, non-radioactive fuel sample which is activated on-demand by a neutron source to initiate and control activation of the fuel sample. The technique allows thermoelectric generators to be fully assembled and stored for extended periods of time before they are deployed for use, and then activated on demand only when the need arises for them to generate power. |
| US09881707B2 |
X-ray shielding material and method of preparation thereof
The present disclosure relates to a process for synthesis of barium bismuth sulfide nanofibers, having equivalent shielding capacity as lead. The present disclosure also relates to a radiation shielding articles and cosmeceuticals. |
| US09881703B2 |
Seismic attenuation system for a nuclear reactor
A system for attenuating seismic forces includes a reactor pressure vessel containing nuclear fuel and a containment vessel that houses the reactor pressure vessel. Both the reactor pressure vessel and the containment vessel include a bottom head. Additionally, the system includes a base support to contact a support surface on which the containment vessel is positioned in a substantially vertical orientation. An attenuation device is located between the bottom head of the reactor pressure vessel and the bottom head of the containment vessel. Seismic forces that travel from the base support to the reactor pressure vessel via the containment vessel are attenuated by the attenuation device in a direction that is substantially lateral to the vertical orientation of the containment vessel. |
| US09881701B2 |
Spacer grids with springs having improved robustness
A spacer grid includes intersecting straps defining cells with springs and dimples arranged to hold fuel rods passing through the cells. The springs are dual cantilevered springs with a bridge section between the distal end of the spring and the base. The distal portion of the spring is less stiff than the bridge section. The bridge section creates a bump which acts as a stop or travel limiter to prevent loss of grip force due to excessive spring deflection. |
| US09881698B2 |
Planar geometry inertial electrostatic confinement fusion device
The systems and methods described herein relate to the use of electrostatic elements to confine and circulate ions in trapped orbits so as to facilitate ion-ion and ion-neutral collisions resulting in nuclear fusion reactions. The systems employ a disc shaped cloud of ions wherein the turning region for the recirculating ions are located in a circular space around the periphery of the disc-shaped ion cloud, thereby maximizing the turning space region to increase the number of ions trapped in the device compared to discrete beam devices, which in turn enables higher fusion yield compared to prior art devices. |
| US09881696B2 |
Storage device and operating method thereof
An operating method of a storage device includes simultaneously buffering first data in a first nonvolatile memory device and a second nonvolatile memory device, simultaneously buffering second data in the second nonvolatile memory device and a third nonvolatile memory device, performing a parity operation on the first data and the second data in the second nonvolatile memory device to generate a parity, and programming the first data, the second data, and the parity into the first nonvolatile memory device, the third nonvolatile memory device, and the second nonvolatile memory device, respectively. |
| US09881694B2 |
Built-in-self-test (BIST) engine configured to store a per pattern based fail status in a pattern mask register
A BIST engine configured to store a per pattern based fail status during memory BIST run and related processes thereof are provided. The method includes testing a plurality of patterns in at least one memory device and determining which of the plurality of patterns has detected a fail during execution of each pattern. The method further includes storing a per pattern based fail status of each of the detected failed patterns. |
| US09881692B2 |
Electronic memory device and test method of such a device
The electronic memory device comprises a non-volatile memory matrix organized in rows and columns, an address decoder with address input lines for selecting a row according to a particular address given on the address input lines. Additional address mask input lines are provided, each address mask input line being assigned to an address input line, wherein an address mask input line in activated state has the effect of ignoring the assigned address input line. The method for testing said electronic memory device is performed with a significant lower number of read/write operations, since by ignoring a particular address line a plurality of write operations can be performed simultaneously. |
| US09881684B2 |
Semiconductor memory device
A semiconductor memory device includes a block including a plurality of string units, each including a plurality of memory cells electrically connected in series, a bad string register in which information indicating which of the string units is a bad string is stored, and a control circuit. The control circuit controls an erase operation on the memory cells, the erase operation including a first erase operation followed by a first verify operation and as needed a subsequent erase operation followed by a subsequent verify operation. During the erase operation, the control circuit skips a verify operation for a string unit if the information in the bad string register indicates the string unit is a bad string. |
| US09881679B2 |
Method of shaping a strobe signal, a data storage system and strobe signal shaping device
A strobe signal shaping method for a data storage system includes receiving a strobe signal; boosting a first clock edge portion of the strobe signal when the strobe signal is received after having been idle or paused over a predetermined time period; and returning to an operating mode in which boosting is turned off with respect to a second clock edge portion of the strobe signal. |
| US09881675B2 |
NAND memory addressing
Technology for performing addressing in a NAND memory is described. A defined number of address cycles supported at either a memory controller or a NAND memory to address individual memory units in the NAND memory can be identified. The defined number of address cycles in which to operate can be selected in order to address the individual memory units in the NAND memory. Either the memory controller or the NAND memory can be configured to operate at the selected number of address cycles where the individual memory units in the NAND memory are uniquely addressable using a multi die select (MDS). |
| US09881673B2 |
Memories having a shared resistance variable material
Memories having a plurality of resistive storage elements in a shared resistance variable material, a plurality of select devices coupled to the plurality of resistive storage elements in a one-to-one relationship and sense circuitry coupled to the plurality of select devices. |
| US09881672B2 |
Resistive memory apparatus and voltage generating circuit therefor
A resistive memory apparatus may include a memory region including a plurality of resistive memory cells arranged in a plurality of memory cell pairs. The resistive memory apparatus may include a voltage generating circuit configured to generate a read voltage code based on a switching state of at least one memory cell pair. The resistive memory apparatus may include a voltage providing unit configured to generate a read voltage corresponding to the read voltage code. |
| US09881671B2 |
Resistive memory device, resistive memory system, and method of operating the resistive memory system
A method is for operating a resistive memory system including a resistive memory device implemented as multi-level memory cells. The method includes setting levels of reference voltages used to determine resistance states of the multi-level memory cells, and reading data of the multi-level memory cells based on the reference voltages. A difference between the reference voltages used to determine a relatively high resistance state is greater than a difference between the reference voltages used to determine a relatively low resistance state. |
| US09881668B2 |
SRAM cell with dynamic split ground and split wordline
An SRAM cell with dynamic split ground (GND) and split wordline (WL) for extreme scaling is disclosed. The memory cell includes a first access transistor enabled by a first wordline to control access to cross coupled inverters by a first bitline. The memory cell further includes a second access transistor enabled by a second wordline to control access to the cross coupled inverters by a second bitline. The memory cell further includes a split ground line comprising a first ground line (GNDL) separated from a second ground line (GNDR). The GNDL is connected to a transistor of a first inverter of the cross coupled inverters and the GNDR is connected to a first transistor of a second inverter of the cross coupled inverters. |
| US09881667B2 |
Memory device comprising an electrically floating body transistor
A memory cell includes a silicon-on-insulator (SOI) substrate, an electrically floating body transistor fabricated on the silicon-on-insulator (SOI) substrate, and a charge injector region. The floating body transistor is configured to have more than one stable state through an application of a bias on the charge injector region. |
| US09881665B2 |
Semiconductor memory device including output buffer
An apparatus includes a first terminal configured to communicate data with an outside of the apparatus, a second terminal configured to receive a first power source potential, a third terminal configured to receive a second power source potential lower than the first power source potential, a fourth terminal configured to be coupled to a calibration resistor, an output buffer including first to third nodes coupled to the first to third terminals respectively, and a replica circuit including fourth and fifth nodes coupled to the second and third terminals respectively, and sixth node coupled to the fourth terminal. |
| US09881655B2 |
Memory circuit having data lines selectively coupled to a sense amplifier and method for operating the same
A memory circuit includes a memory cell, a first bit line, a first bit line bar, a sense amplifier, a first switch and a second switch. The memory cell is coupled with a first bit line having a first bit line portion and a second bit line portion. The first bit line bar has a first bit line bar portion and a second bit line bar portion. The sense amplifier includes a read/write circuit configured to couple the second bit line portion to a global bit line. The first switch is coupled between the first bit line bar portion and the second bit line bar portion. The second switch is coupled between the first bit line portion and the second bit line portion. |
| US09881653B2 |
Method and apparatus for memory power and/or area reduction
A method and apparatus for memory power and/or area reduction. An array of memory cells may be scanned to detect faulty memory cells, if any, in the array. A supply voltage Vmem applied to the array of memory cells may be controlled based on a result of the scan, and based on a sensitivity coefficient of one, or more, of the array of memory cells. The sensitivity coefficient may indicate an impact that the one, or more, of the array of memory cells being faulty may have on the performance of a device that reads and writes data to the memory array. Additionally or alternatively, the physical dimensions of the memory cells may be determined based on the sensitivity coefficient(s) and/or based on a number of faulty memory cells that can be tolerated in the array of memory cells. |
| US09881652B2 |
Forwarding signal supply voltage in data transmission system
In a data transmission system, one or more signal supply voltages for generating the signaling voltage of a signal to be transmitted are generated in a first circuit and forwarded from the first circuit to a second circuit. The second circuit may use the forwarded signal supply voltages to generate another signal to be transmitted back from the second circuit to the first circuit, thereby obviating the need to generate signal supply voltages separately in the second circuit. The first circuit may also adjust the signal supply voltages based on the signal transmitted back from the second circuit to the first circuit. The data transmission system may employ a single-ended signaling system in which the signaling voltage is referenced to a reference voltage that is a power supply voltage such as ground, shared by the first circuit and the second circuit. |
| US09881650B1 |
Connector mitigating crosstalk for high speed communication
The present disclosure generally relates to a connector structure that prevents crosstalk in devices such as electronic and data storage devices. The connector structure is disposed in a different plane than the signal lines, but is connected to ground lines that are disposed in the same plane as the signal lines. The connector structure has a beam portion for each ground line. Additionally, there is a backbone portion that connects all of the beam portions. The beam portions are coupled to the ground lines by a ground bar. The ground bar can have a width that is equal to the width of the ground line. Additionally, the connection point between the ground line and the ground bar can be sloped, and the ground line and ground bar can be parallel to each other at the connection point. The connector structure prevents crosstalk between the signal lines. |
| US09881649B2 |
Assembled record player
An assembled record player includes: a box having a cover and a base, and the cover being covered onto the base, and a accommodating space being included between the cover and the base; a record player contained in the accommodating space; at least one loudspeaker and contained in the accommodating space; and a circuit board contained in the accommodating space. The cover and the base are separated, and an accommodating hole is formed on the cover, and the record player is installed and fixed to the accommodating hole, and the loudspeaker and the circuit board are fixed to the base, and the circuit board is electrically connected to the record player and the loudspeaker, and the cover of the record player is covered onto the base to form the record player. Therefore, users can experience the fun of assembling the record player. |
| US09881647B2 |
Method to align an immersive video and an immersive sound field
A system comprising a video source, one or more audio sources and a computing device. The video source may be configured to generate a plurality of video streams that capture a view of an environment. The one or more audio sources may be configured to capture audio data of the environment. The computing device may comprise one or more processors configured to (i) perform a stitching operation on the plurality of video streams to generate a video signal representative of an immersive field of view of the environment, (ii) generate a sound field based on the audio data, (iii) identify an orientation for the sound field with respect to the video signal, and (iv) determine a rotation of the sound field based on the orientation. The rotation of the sound field aligns the sound field to the video signal. |
| US09881646B2 |
Video preview creation with audio
Providing a method for creating and displaying portions of videos called video previews. The video previews may be associated with audio, such that when the video previews are activated, the audio may play with the video preview. When multiple video previews are organized to play as a playable group or composite of video previews, a corresponding composite audio file can play in response to an activation of the composite. |
| US09881643B1 |
Data storage device generating extended redundancy to compensate for track squeeze
A data storage device is disclosed comprising a head actuated over a disk comprising a plurality of tracks. A first codeword is generated comprising first redundancy, and first position information of the head relative to a first track is saved while writing the first codeword to the first track. A second codeword is generated comprising second redundancy, and second position information of the head relative to a second track is saved while writing the second codeword to the second track. Extended redundancy is generated for the first codeword based on the first and second position information, and the first codeword is recovered from the first track based on the extended redundancy generated for the first codeword. |
| US09881641B1 |
Burst writing for clearance calibration in a heat assisted magnetic data recording system
A method for magnetic data recording that calibrates for magnetic thermal protrusion of elements of a magnetic data recording system. The method involves performing a series of burst mode magnetic data writings using a magnetic recording head that includes a write element, a thermal fly height control element and a near field transducer. The burst mode writings are performed at various levels of thermal fly height control power. This can be use to determine the relationship between signal amplitude and thermal fly height control power with thermal protrusion being affected only by the thermal fly height control element and not from thermal heating of the near field transducer or write element. Then, thermal fly height control can be adjusted to achieve the desired signal amplitude for recording with the near field transducer and write element operating at a thermal steady state. |
| US09881639B2 |
Within-row wedge angle control for magnetic recording read-write heads
A process for lapping a row of head sliders involves fixing the row to a lapping tool fixture, actuating each of multiple force pins to set each head slider for lapping to a respective target wedge angle, and simultaneously lapping accordingly. Each target wedge angle may be achieved by applying a respective torque to a compliant elastomer between each force pin and corresponding head slider, to transfer a pressure gradient corresponding to the torque to the corresponding head slider. Such torques may be applied through at least two wedge angle flexures interconnecting a rotatable box structure and a fixed back wall of a lapping tool, wherein the flexures virtually intersect at and define an axis of rotation about which the torques are applied. The process may further involve actuating each force pin to set each head slider for lapping to a respective reader target stripe height, and simultaneously lapping accordingly. |
| US09881638B1 |
Method for providing a near-field transducer (NFT) for a heat assisted magnetic recording (HAMR) device
A method and system provides a near-field transducer (NFT) for a heat assisted magnetic recording (HAMR) transducer. The method and system include forming the disk of the NFT and forming the pin of the NFT. The disk is formed from a first material. The pin is formed from a second material different from the first material. The pin contacts the disk. At least a portion of the pin is between the disk and an air-bearing surface (ABS) location. |
| US09881635B2 |
Method and system for scaling ducking of speech-relevant channels in multi-channel audio
A method and system for filtering a multi-channel audio signal having a speech channel and at least one non-speech channel, to improve intelligibility of speech determined by the signal. In typical embodiments, the method includes steps of determining at least one attenuation control value indicative of a measure of similarity between speech-related content determined by the speech channel and speech-related content determined by the non-speech channel, and attenuating the non-speech channel in response to the at least one attenuation control value. Typically, the attenuating step includes scaling of a raw attenuation control signal (e.g., a ducking gain control signal) for the non-speech channel in response to the at least one attenuation control value. Some embodiments are a general or special purpose processor programmed with software or firmware and/or otherwise configured to perform filtering in accordance the invention. |
| US09881632B1 |
System and method for echo suppression for in-car communications
A system and method that enhances speech through reinforcement includes capturing an audio signal generated by the audio sources by one or more microphones; decomposing the audio signals into a plurality of virtual audio sources where the number of audio channels delivered by the audio sources is equal to the number of the plurality of virtual audio sources; estimating the echo paths from each of the plurality of virtual audio sources to the one or more microphones; and processing the captured audio signal in response to the estimated echo paths by subtracting the echo contributions of each of the virtual sources to the one or more microphones. |
| US09881628B2 |
Mixed domain coding of audio
In one example, a method includes obtaining an audio signal comprising a plurality of elements; generating a first Higher-Order Ambisonics (HOA) soundfield that represents the audio signal; selecting a set of elements of the audio signal for encoding in a non-Higher-Order Ambisonics (HOA) domain; generating, based on the selected set of elements and a set of spatial positioning vectors, a second HOA soundfield that represents the selected set of elements; generating a third HOA soundfield that represents a difference between the first HOA soundfield and the second HOA soundfield; and generate a coded audio bitstream that includes a representation of the selected set of elements in the non-HOA domain, an indication of the set of spatial positioning vectors, and a representation of the third HOA soundfield. |
| US09881627B2 |
Audio coding device, audio coding method, audio coding program, audio decoding device, audio decoding method, and audio decoding program
An audio signal transmission device for encoding an audio signal includes an audio encoding unit that encodes an audio signal and a side information encoding unit that calculates and encodes side information from a look-ahead signal. An audio signal receiving device for decoding an audio code and outputting an audio signal includes: an audio code buffer that detects packet loss based on a received state of an audio packet, an audio parameter decoding unit that decodes an audio code when an audio packet is correctly received, a side information decoding unit that decodes a side information code when an audio packet is correctly received, a side information accumulation unit that accumulates side information obtained by decoding a side information code, an audio parameter missing processing unit that outputs an audio parameter upon detection of audio packet loss, and an audio synthesis unit that synthesizes decoded audio from the audio parameter. |
| US09881625B2 |
Device and method for execution of huffman coding
In this invention, the design of the Huffman table can be done offline with a large input sequence database. The range of the quantization indices (or differential indices) for Huffman coding is identified. For each value of range, all the input signal which have the same range will be gathered and the probability distribution of each value of the quantization indices (or differential indices) within the range is calculated. For each value of range, one Huffman table is designed according to the probability. And in order to improve the bits efficiency of the Huffman coding, apparatus and methods to reduce the range of the quantization indices (or differential indices) are also introduced. |
| US09881623B2 |
Digital watermark embedding device, digital watermark embedding method, and computer-readable recording medium
A digital watermark embedding device includes a synthesized voice generating unit that outputs a synthesized voice according to an input text and outputs phoneme-based alignment regarding phonemes included in the synthesized voice; an estimating unit that estimates whether or not a potentially risky expression is included in the input text, and outputs a potentially risky segment in which the potentially risky expression is estimated to be included; an embedding control unit that associates the potentially risky segment with the phoneme-based alignment, and decides and outputs an embedding time for embedding a watermark in the synthesized voice; and an embedding unit that embeds a digital watermark in the synthesized voice at a time specified as the embedding time for the synthesized voice. |
| US09881622B2 |
Methods and systems for generating and rendering object based audio with conditional rendering metadata
Methods and audio processing units for generating an object based audio program including conditional rendering metadata corresponding to at least one object channel of the program, where the conditional rendering metadata is indicative of at least one rendering constraint, based on playback speaker array configuration, which applies to each corresponding object channel, and methods for rendering audio content determined by such a program, including by rendering content of at least one audio channel of the program in a manner compliant with each applicable rendering constraint in response to at least some of the conditional rendering metadata. Rendering of a selected mix of content of the program may provide an immersive experience. |
| US09881618B2 |
Method of controlling terminal using context awareness and terminal thereof
A method of controlling a terminal is provided. The method includes analyzing a sensed voice when a voice is sensed, recognizing a context based a result of the analysis, and performing a predetermined control operation based on the recognized context. |
| US09881617B2 |
Blind diarization of recorded calls with arbitrary number of speakers
In a method of diarization of audio data, audio data is segmented into a plurality of utterances. Each utterance is represented as an utterance model representative of a plurality of feature vectors. The utterance models are clustered. A plurality of speaker models are constructed from the clustered utterance models. A hidden Markov model is constructed of the plurality of speaker models. A sequence of identified speaker models is decoded. |
| US09881616B2 |
Method and systems having improved speech recognition
A method for improving speech recognition by a speech recognition system includes obtaining a voice sample from a speaker; storing the voice sample of the speaker as a voice model in a voice model database; identifying an area from which sound matching the voice model for the speaker is coming; providing one or more audio signals corresponding to sound received from the identified area to the speech recognition system for processing. |
| US09881615B2 |
Speech recognition apparatus and method
A speech recognition apparatus and method. The speech recognition apparatus includes a first recognizer configured to generate a first recognition result of an audio signal, in a first linguistic recognition unit, by using an acoustic model, a second recognizer configured to generate a second recognition result of the audio signal, in a second linguistic recognition unit, by using a language model, and a combiner configured to combine the first recognition result and the second recognition result to generate a final recognition result in the second linguistic recognition unit and to reflect the final recognition result in the language model. The first linguistic recognition unit may be a same linguistic unit type as the second linguistic recognition unit. The first recognizer and the second recognizer are configured in a same neural network and simultaneously/collectively trained in the neural network using audio training data provided to the first recognizer. |
| US09881614B1 |
Method and system for real-time summary generation of conversation
The disclosed embodiments illustrate methods and systems for summary generation of a real-time conversation. The method includes receiving a real-time conversation from a plurality of computing devices over a communication network. The method further includes determining one or more first features of the real-time conversation between at least a first user and a second user. The method further includes extracting one or more second features from the one or more first features, based on one or more pre-defined criteria. The method further includes generating a summary content of the real-time conversation, based on at least the extracted one or more second features and one or more annotations associated with the determined one or more first features by use of one or more trained classifier. Further, the method includes rendering the generated summary content on a user interface displayed on at least one of the plurality of computing devices. |
| US09881613B2 |
Privacy-preserving training corpus selection
The present disclosure relates to training a speech recognition system. A system that includes an automated speech recognizer and receives data from a client device. The system determines that at least a portion of the received data is likely sensitive data. Before the at least a portion of the received data is deleted, the system provides the at least a portion of the received data to a model training engine that trains recognition models for the automated speech recognizer. After the at least a portion of the received data is provided, the system deletes the at least a portion of the received data. |
| US09881604B2 |
System and method for identifying special information
A system and method for identifying special information is provided. Endpoints are defined within a voice recording. One or more of the endpoints are identified within the voice recording and the voice recording is partitioned into segments based on the identified endpoints. Elements of text are identified by applying speech recognition to each of the segments and a list of prompt list candidates are applied to the text elements. The segments with text elements that match one or more prompt list candidates are identified. Portions of the voice recording following the prompt list candidates that include special information are identified and the special information is rendered unintelligible within the voice recording. |
| US09881600B1 |
Acoustically open headphone with active noise reduction
A headphone includes an electroacoustic transducer and a support structure for suspending the transducer adjacent to a user's ear when worn by the user such that the headphone is acoustically open. A first microphone is coupled to one or more of the transducer and the support structure such that the first microphone is located in a substantially broadband acoustic null of the transducer. A processor is coupled to the headphone. The microphone receives sound pressure waves and outputs a related electronic signal to the processor. The processor uses the electronic signal to operate the transducer to reduce targeted sound pressure waves at the user's ear. |
| US09881599B2 |
Sound absorbing and insulating material with improved heat resistance and moldability and method for manufacturing the same
The present invention relates to a sound absorbing and insulating material with improved heat resistance and moldability and a method for manufacturing the same, more particularly to a sound absorbing and insulating material having, as a surface layer, a heat-resistant material prepared by impregnating a binder into a nonwoven fabric formed of a heat-resistant fiber stacked on one side of a base layer formed of a conventional sound absorbing and insulating material, and a method for manufacturing the same.The sound absorbing and insulating material of the present invention is a conventional sound absorbing and insulating material has improved sound-absorbing property, flame retardancy, heat-insulating property and heat resistance as compared to the conventional sound absorbing and insulating material, is applicable to parts maintained at high temperatures of 200° C. or higher due to the surface layer and is moldable into a desired shape during the curing of the binder impregnated into the surface layer. Therefore, the sound absorbing and insulating material of the present invention can be widely used in industrial fields requiring sound absorbing and insulating materials, including electric appliances such as an air conditioner, a refrigerator, a washing machine, a lawn mower and the like, transportation such as an automobile, a ship, an airplane and the like, construction materials such as a wall material, a flooring material and the like, and so forth. |
| US09881597B2 |
Efficient combined harmonic transposition
The present document relates to audio coding systems which make use of a harmonic transposition method for high frequency reconstruction (HFR), and to digital effect processors, e.g. so-called exciters, where generation of harmonic distortion adds brightness to the processed signal. In particular, a system configured to generate a high frequency component of a signal from a low frequency component of the signal is described. The system may comprise an analysis filter bank (501) configured to provide a set of analysis subband signals from the low frequency component of the signal; wherein the set of analysis subband signals comprises at least two analysis subband signals; wherein the analysis filter bank (501) has a frequency resolution of Δf. The system further comprises a nonlinear processing unit (502) configured to determine a set of synthesis subband signals from the set of analysis subband signals using a transposition order P; wherein the set of synthesis subband signals comprises a portion of the set of analysis subband signals phase shifted by an amount derived from the transposition order P; and a synthesis filter bank (504) configured to generate the high frequency component of the signal from the set of synthesis subband signals; wherein the synthesis filter bank (504) has a frequency resolution of FΔf; with F being a resolution factor, with F≧1; wherein the transposition order P is different from the resolution factor F. |
| US09881596B2 |
System and method for analysis and creation of music
A method and system for analyzing patterns in the relationships of notes of an input piece of music. The method comprises generating a set of the most frequently occurring note pitches in ascending pitch order that matches an interval pattern, and detecting out-of-key pitches that lie outside of this interval pattern. One or more potential key sequence bifurcations are identified which represent a list of possible key sequences according to forwards and backwards analysis. By finding patterns of repetition in the chordal sequences that may be generated according to these key sequence bifurcations, a key sequence that allows the most frequently recurring chord sequences may be chosen. Chord sequences may be analyzed by using ghost chords, temporary harmonic structures that are created, updated and finalized over time according to a combination of essential and inessential note fragments. The method further comprises identifying non-harmony pitches according to the analyzed chord sequence. |
| US09881595B2 |
Articulating amplifier stand
Improvements in a tilting, lifting stand are presented. The tilt, lift stand is for a musical instrument stand or to elevate/tilt a speaker and or amplifier and rigidly supports a sousaphone brass type instruments, speaker or amplifier in an in a stored and in a playable or elevated position. The stand supports all or the majority of the weight of the instrument or speaker or amplifier in a static position to relieve the weight of the musical instrument or speaker or amplifier. The stand has legs that are extendable to rest on multiple levels as might be found in a stadium. The stand further has a securing mechanism that gently grasps a tubular section to hold the musical instrument. The speaker stand can be easily collapsed for transportation and storage. |
| US09881594B1 |
Dynamic drum beater
A drum beater shaft with a flexible coupling means disposed between the base portion of the shaft and the head portion of the shaft is disclosed. The base portion of the shaft is fixed and hingedly attached, typically, to a pedal operated actuator. The head portion of the shaft contains a striking device used to contact the drum when actuated by the pedal. In one preferred embodiment, the flexible coupling means disposed between the base portion and head portion of the drum beater shaft takes the form of a spring surrounded by an elastic sheath. In another preferred embodiment, the flexible coupling means takes the form of a universal joint surrounded by an elastic sheath, In yet another preferred embodiment, the flexible coupling means takes the form of a ball an socket joint surrounded by and elastic sheath. |
| US09881592B2 |
Hardware overlay assignment
An aspect of the present invention proposes a novel approach that can reduce the total number of the overlays to be composited during the display of graphical output in a mobile computing device. As a result, the total number of memory bandwidth and the usage of a graphics processing unit by a pre-compositor can be decreased significantly. According to one embodiment, this new approach is implemented with a display panel with embedded memory which supports a partial update, or refresh feature. Which such a feature, the layer compositor (typically either the display controller or GPU) is able to keep track of actively updating regions of a display panel by checking if each layer has new content to be displayed. |
| US09881588B2 |
Apparatus and method for preparing, storing, transmitting and displaying images
An imaging and display apparatus for passive displays evaluates the illumination of an input scene and incorporates data representative of such input scene within a transfer media. The transfer media may be a broadcast or transmission of image data, illumination data and gamma information that can be received by a display system, which includes a passive display illuminated by incident light, to display images while adjusting the incident light and/or gamma based on the received data to reduce energy requirements, to increase contrast or shades of gray in the displayed image, and to optimize light source operation for color fidelity. The data may be provided as a video signal, modulated video signal, s-video signal, digital signal, or other signal that can be used by a passive display system to display images. |
| US09881586B2 |
Utilizing heuristics to enable self-adjusting displays
Systems and methods for self-adjusting displays are provided. A self-adjusting display may receive a display characteristics shift profile, where the display characteristics shift profile can be generated based on calibration event data collected from a plurality of displays. The display characteristics shift profile can be utilized as an estimate or prediction of a shift in display characteristics the self-adjusting display may experience over time. The self-adjusting display may calculate adjustment factors or curves to compensate for the estimated/predicted shift in display characteristics to lessen or altogether eliminate the need for performing actual calibration on the self-adjusting display. |
| US09881585B2 |
Display device
In a display device, a timing controller is configured to transfer first display data and part of second display data to a first source driver via a first data transfer line at a high transfer frequency, and to transfer the remaining part of the second display data to a second source driver via the first data transfer line at a low transfer frequency, and the first source driver is configured to transfer the received part of the second display data to the second source driver via a second data transfer line. |
| US09881584B2 |
System and method for presenting content within virtual reality environment
Systems and methods for presenting two-dimensional (2D) content within a virtual reality (VR) presentation are disclosed. Some embodiments include providing the VR presentation to a user, receiving information of the 2D content for display during the VR presentation from an external source and obtaining location information related to a display location within the VR presentation for displaying the 2D content. The 2D content may be displayed at the display location based on the received information and the location information, wherein the display location corresponds to a 2D display rendered within the VR presentation. |
| US09881578B2 |
Display device
A display device includes a plurality of gate lines extended in a first direction, a plurality of common electrodes extended in the first direction, a gate scanning circuit that scans the plurality of the gate lines, and a common scanning circuit that scans the plurality of the common electrodes. The common scanning circuit includes a shift register unit, an interconnection connecting unit, and a switch unit. The gate scanning circuit and the common scanning circuit are configured of single channel thin film transistors. The gate scanning circuit is disposed between the shift register unit and the interconnection connecting unit, and the interconnection connecting unit is disposed between the gate scanning circuit and the switch unit in a planar view. |
| US09881575B2 |
Method of driving display panel and display apparatus for performing the same
A method of driving a display panel includes outputting a dummy gate voltage to a gate line disposed on a boundary of a first area of the display panel and a second area of the display panel adjacent to the first area during a blank period between a plurality of scanning periods and outputting a dummy data voltage to a data line during the blank period. |
| US09881574B2 |
Display device switchable between normal display and dual-view display, method for manufacturing the same
The embodiments of the present invention provide a display device, a method for manufacturing the same, and a method for controlling the same, relating to the field of display, realizing a switch between dual-view display and normal display. The display device comprises a display panel and a transparent substrate located on a light output side of the display panel; the display panel comprises a plurality of pixel units arranged in array; a first electrode and a second electrode insulated with each other are arranged between the display panel and the transparent substrate; the first electrode comprises a plurality of criss-cross strip electrodes; opening areas of the pixel units for displaying are enclosed by the plurality of strip electrodes; the second electrode is a transparent strip electrode, the second electrode corresponds to the interior of the opening area enclosed by the first electrode; wherein black conductive ink is filled in the opening areas defined by the first electrode; in a state that the first electrode is powered up, the black conductive ink gathers near the first electrode; in a state that the second electrode is powered up, the black conductive ink covers the surface of the second electrode. |
| US09881564B2 |
Electro-optic displays with reduced remnant voltage
The invention provides materials and methods (including driving methods) for reducing the effects of remnant voltages in electro-optic displays. |
| US09881562B2 |
Display apparatus
A display apparatus includes a display panel including a first polarizing plate having a first polarizing axis substantially parallel to a first direction, a backlight unit which generates a light, a diffusion plate interposed between the first polarizing plate and the backlight unit, the diffusion plate includes an anisotropic area having a transmission axis substantially parallel to the first direction and a diffusion axis substantially perpendicular to a second direction, where the second direction is substantially perpendicular to the first direction, and a photographic unit interposed between the anisotropic area and the backlight unit, where the photographic unit captures an image of an object transmitted to the photographic unit through the display panel. |
| US09881560B2 |
Image-capture apparatus controlling display at photographing time, image-capture control method, and non-transistory computer-readable recording medium
An image-capture unit of an image-capture apparatus captures an image of a subject. A display unit can be disposed in a range where emission light from the display unit reaches the subject whose image is captured by the image-capture unit and can display the image using the emission light. An emission light control unit executes control for changing at least one of a display content and a display state of an image displayed on the display unit at a time of photographing in consideration of an influence of the emission light (irradiation light) from the display unit on a photographing state of the subject. |
| US09881556B2 |
Shift register circuit, its driving method, array substrate and display device
The present disclosure provides a shift register circuit, which includes a first switch unit connecting an input end to a first node when a positive-phase clock signal is at a first level; a second switch unit applying a negative-phase clock signal to an output end when the first node is at the first level; a positive feedback unit enabling the second node to be at a second level when the first node is at the first level and enabling the first node to be at the second level when the second node is at the first level; a third switch unit enabling a third node to be at the first level when the positive-phase clock signal is at the first level; a fourth switch unit connecting the second node to the third node when the negative-phase clock signal is at the first level; and a fifth switch unit. |
| US09881548B2 |
Organic light emitting diode display with shielding portion
An organic light emitting diode display includes at least one first data line, at least one second data line, a plurality of driving transistors, and a plurality of light emitters. Each driving transistor has a driving gate electrode connected to the at least one first data line and the at least one second data line, and the light emitters are respectively connected to the driving transistors. Emission regions of the light emitter do not overlap the at least one first data line, the at least one second data line, and the driving transistors. A shielding portion overlaps an end of the at least one first data line and an end of the at least one second data line. |
| US09881546B2 |
Two-pin LED pixel-controlled light string system
A two-pin LED pixel-controlled light string system includes a controller, data capture converters, power lines and two-pin LED pixel-controlled light string sets. The controller sends a picture signal to the data capture converters. Each of the number-setting circuits sets a number of the data capture converter. According to the number, the data capture converter captures a captured part of the picture signal. The data capture converter converts the captured part of the picture signal to obtain a light signal. The data capture converter sends the light signal through the power line to the two-pin LED pixel-controlled light string set that the two-pin LED pixel-controlled light string set is in accordance with and electrically connected to the data capture converter, to drive the two-pin LED pixel-controlled light string set to light. Each of the two-pin LED pixel-controlled light string sets lighting together forms a picture representing the picture signal. |
| US09881545B2 |
LED display apparatus and LED pixel error detection method thereof
A light emitting diode (LED) display apparatus, including: a plurality of LED lines including a plurality of LEDs; a plurality of switches connected to respective LED lines among the plurality of LED lines; a controller configured to sequentially supply power to the plurality of LED lines by sequentially turning on and off the plurality of switches; and an LED driver configured to detect an error state of an LED from the plurality of LEDs by estimating current flowing through the plurality of LED lines, and to provide the controller with a result of the detection. |
| US09881544B2 |
Pixel circuit for AC driving, driving method and display apparatus
A pixel circuit for AC driving, a driving method and a display apparatus relate to display manufacturing field, and are capable of removing effect of internal resistance of a power supply line on a current for light-emitting and effect of a threshold voltage of a driving transistor on the display nonuniformity of a panel while effectively avoiding rapid aging of OLED. The pixel circuit includes: a first capacitor, a second capacitor, a first voltage input unit, a second voltage input unit, a data signal input unit, a first light emitting unit and a second light emitting unit. |
| US09881541B2 |
Apparatus, system, and method for video creation, transmission and display to reduce latency and enhance video quality
Disclosed subject matter provides apparatus, systems and methods for providing video on a video display with refreshing of a plurality of partial display pixel subgroups. |
| US09881539B2 |
Display substrate and driving method thereof as well as display apparatus
A display substrate and a driving method thereof as well as a display apparatus. The display substrate comprises pixel groups which are arranged repeatedly, each pixel group comprising a first sub-pixel group and a second sub-pixel group, each comprising four pixel columns. The present invention reduces the number of sub-pixels in the whole display apparatus. Therefore, on a premise of ensuring that the display apparatus achieves a relatively high resolution, the fabrication difficulty of the display apparatus is reduced, and the cost is lowered. |
| US09881538B2 |
Display system and method for driving pixels of the display system
A display system includes a sub-pixel rendering unit, a detection unit, a compensation unit, and a data re-arrangement unit. The sub-pixel rendering unit is configured to generate first pixel values for pixels according to a video signal. The detection unit is configured to detect whether at least one of predetermined conditions is present in a content of the video signal, so as to generate a control code. The compensation unit is configured to generate a second pixel values for the pixels according to the video signal and the control code. The data re-arrangement unit is configured to selectively output at least one of the first pixel values and the second pixel values to the pixels according to the control code. |
| US09881531B2 |
Switchable lighting device and use thereof
A lighting device for operation in at least two operating modes: a mode for free viewing and a mode for restricted viewing. The device includes a backlighting system, which in the restricted-viewing mode radiates light in a restricted angular range, a plate-shaped optical element situated along a viewing direction in front of the backlighting system, and illuminants laterally arranged at the optical element. The optical element is configured as a light guide consisting of a matrix plastic and, homogeneously distributed therein, scattering particles of a polymer. The light guide is transparent to at least 80% of the light emitted by the backlighting system. The light laterally incident on the optical element from the illuminants is radiated in a free viewing range; in the restricted-viewing mode, the backlighting system is switched on and the illuminants switched off; in the free-viewing mode, the illuminants are on and the backlighting system is off. |
| US09881530B2 |
Method for representing visible area of theater
Disclosed herein is a method of representing the visible area of a theater. The method may include generating a value of an angle at which a specific spot is seen from a reference spot within the theater and representing the visible area of the theater based on the value of the angle. |
| US09881529B2 |
Display device and operating method thereof
A display device and an operating method thereof are provided. The display device includes a display module for providing an original image, a optical component, a sensing module, and a control module. The optical component is for projecting a translating image of the original image and includes a first LC GRIN lens array, and a second LC GRIN lens array arranged parallel to the first LC GRIN lens array. The control module is for receiving an object information from the sensing module and adjusting the translating image by applying a first bias arrangement to the first LC GRIN lens array and a second bias arrangement to the second LC GRIN lens array according to the object information. |
| US09881524B2 |
Tamper evident labels
The present invention includes laminates and a tamper indication system. In some embodiments, the laminate and the tamper indication system may change color to indicate exposure of the laminate to an acrylic-based adhesive. |
| US09881521B2 |
Manikin sensing pads and liners in an AED training system
An improved AED training pad and liner assembly is provided with an electrical lead connection supported on the training pad. The improved training pad has an adhesive surface and a contact surface. The liner has an engagement surface for repeated adhesive engagement with a portion of the training pad adhesive surface during storage of the assembly. The training pad adhesive surface has an electrical switch supported on the adhesive surface and interconnected with the electrical lead connection. The improved liner has a recess positioned for engagement adjacent the electrical switch to prevent activation of the electrical switch by the liner during storage of the assembly when the pad and liner are adhered together. |
| US09881519B2 |
Hazardous material detector simulator and training system
A system and method for simulating another apparatus provides simulated readings by controlling a simulated display provided to portable simulator clients, such as via a wireless interface. Each simulator client provides detector reading displays for selected environments and allows for two-way interactive response with a master control unit. Simulator clients are configured as modular units comprising a smartphone or similar mass-produced wireless computing device removably integrated with a detector simulator housing and/or keypad interface. The master control unit allows direct control of individual detector displays and scenarios for the simulation. |
| US09881517B2 |
Information processing device and storage medium
There is provided an information processing device including a detection unit configured to detect a plurality of pieces of food which are eating targets from an image obtained by imaging eating of a user, and a recommendation unit configured to recommend at least the food to be subsequently ingested in real time among the plurality of pieces of food so that the user ingests the plurality of pieces of food detected by the detection unit in an order satisfying a predetermined purpose. |
| US09881516B1 |
System and method for detecting cheating while administering online assessments
A server, method and computer program product for identifying online usage of honeypots by test-takers during administration of online assessments is disclosed. The server includes at least one computer processor coupled to a network interface and configured to receive a pool of test questions used for a learning assessment. The server converts each question in the pool into a watermarked question comprising a unique string of characters; creates a corresponding web beacon for each watermarked question in the pool; loads available PHP server header information; propagates each watermarked question onto at least one seed site domain to create a cluster of seed sites; and detects when a test-taker visits at least one of the seed sites during an online assessment. |
| US09881509B2 |
Educational toy simulator
The present invention provides an educational toy simulator which comprises a base member and a set of peg pieces. The base member is formed of multiple layers, and one or more cut outs are formed in the base member for receiving the corresponding peg piece. The cut outs and the peg pieces are formed with a contoured, stepped or tapered structure to prevent the peg pieces from coming in contact with the image display member. A slot is formed in the base member to slidably receive an image display member for displaying a picture through the cut outs. A depth of the peg pieces is smaller than a depth of the corresponding cut outs. Since the image display member is slidably received in the slot, the displayed pictures may be changed from time to time thus providing capabilities for introducing more vocabulary to a learner in a playful way. |
| US09881504B2 |
System and method of integrating data link messages with a flight plan
In one embodiment, an aerospace system is provided. The aerospace system comprises at least one display unit configured to display flight data and a memory configured to store one or more flight plan associations. Each flight plan association is an association between a data link message and a respective waypoint in a flight plan. The aerospace system also comprises a processing unit configured to determine when each respective waypoint in the flight plan is reached based on a comparison of current location data to the flight plan. When each respective waypoint is reached, the processing unit is configured to identify any data link messages associated with the respective waypoint based on the flight plan associations and to direct the at least one display unit to display a respective notification for each identified data link message associated with the respective waypoint. |
| US09881502B2 |
Method for assisting a driver of a motor vehicle
A method for assisting a driver of a motor vehicle during a driving maneuver, which includes the following: (a) detecting data regarding the surroundings of the motor vehicle, analyzing the captured data for detecting objects, and visually displaying the detected objects, (b) selecting at least one of the detected objects by the driver of the motor vehicle, (c) determining the smallest distance between the motor vehicle and the at least one selected object, (d) outputting information to the driver of the motor vehicle about the smallest distance between the at least one selected object and the motor vehicle. Further described is a device for carrying out the method. |
| US09881490B2 |
System and method for providing temporary power to intermittent units
A system and method for providing temporary power to an intermittent unit of a fire alarm system device. The intermittent unit is intermittently activated. The fire alarm system device includes a power storage unit for providing temporary power to the intermittent unit and a voltage converter for providing power at a voltage required by the intermittent unit. The fire alarm system device also includes a power control circuit for discharging the power storage unit through the intermittent unit when the intermittent unit first is activated and then switching to enable the voltage converter to power the intermittent unit. |
| US09881489B2 |
Instant alert network system
An instant alert network system may transform a mobile communication device, such as a smart phone, into a “panic button” whereby a user may instantly broadcast an alert or alarm to users forming a defined group to a threat or emergency situation as opposed to relying on a single person or entity to initiate the alert. An instant alert network system may permit users to become the perimeter defense through activation and distribution of alerts via various forms of electronic communication. This will dramatically reduce the amount of time that may be needed to inform users of an impending threat, and it may allow defensive countermeasures to be deployed in virtually real-time in order to reduce the threat and possibly save lives. |
| US09881486B2 |
Wearable device for automatic detection of emergency situations
A portion of data is received from each sensor of a plurality of sensors. An emergency level corresponding to each metric of a plurality of metrics is calculated, where the calculated emergency level is determined based on the portion of data received from the sensors. A total emergency level corresponding to the current situation is calculated, where the calculation of the total emergency level is based on the emergency level calculated for each metric. It is determined whether the total emergency level is above a critical threshold, where the critical threshold is selected by the user. If it is determined that the total emergency level is above the critical threshold, an alert is sent to a party such as one or more local authorities. |
| US09881482B2 |
Method and device for displaying information of a system
Systems and methods for displaying information of a system use at least one control unit to detect and communicate system information to a mobile terminal device within a predetermined range of the system. Information about a state of the system may be displayed on a display unit of the system and transmitted to the mobile terminal device via a communication channel established between the control unit and the mobile terminal device. The system may be a vehicle and the system information a status of the automatic driving mode of the vehicle. |
| US09881481B2 |
Mobile device loss prevention
A method for a mobile device to prevent loss including monitoring environmental parameters by a mobile device; storing the environmental parameters in the mobile device to form a history of the environmental parameters; applying statistical analysis to a current set of environmental parameters as compared to the history of the environmental parameters to determine a probability that the mobile device is lost; and responsive to determining the probability that the mobile device is lost exceeds a threshold, performing an action to prevent loss of the mobile device. |
| US09881479B2 |
Method and apparatus for the detection and notification of the presence of a liquid
Systems and methods for providing remote notifications upon the detection of certain conditions. In one embodiment, a device comprising a housing, a power unit, a liquid sensor, and a communications unit detects the presence of a liquid and initiates an alert notification that is transmitted to a remote device. |
| US09881473B1 |
RFID loss-prevention using angle-of-arrival
An RFID loss-prevention system (LPS) permits authorized items to leave a facility and may perform a security action if an unauthorized item leaves the facility. A checkout reader first authorizes an item tagged with an RFID tag to exit a facility by reading an identifier from the tag, obtaining an exit authorization, and sending the identifier to a database. A reader system configured to direct at least two beams along a facility exit path reads tagged items exiting the facility, determines at least one of a travel direction and a tag location, and uses the determination to indicate that a tag is exiting or has exited the facility. The LPS then uses the database to determine if the exiting/exited tag is authorized to leave the facility. |
| US09881471B2 |
Electronic article surveillance tag
The present invention relates to an electronic article surveillance tag that comprises at least one receptacle for receiving a pin. Each of the at least one receptacle comprises a plurality of balls supported by a ball cage for releasably locking the pin in the receptacle, a cone shaped cup arranged in contact with the plurality of balls, a first spring for supporting the ball cage into the cone shaped cup, and a conductive element, the first end of which is arranged in contact with the cone shaped cup and the second end of which is arranged in contact with a contact element inside the electronic article surveillance tag for conducting electrical current from the pin to the contact element. |
| US09881469B2 |
Device, system and method for monitoring a predetermined space
A method for monitoring a predetermined space, comprising the following steps:a) preparing at least one first volumetric sensor for detecting a first movement signal representative of movement in an authorized zone of said space;b) preparing at least one second volumetric sensor for detecting a second movement signal representative of movement in an unauthorized zone of said space;c) processing said first signal and second signal for identifying a movement in said space. |
| US09881468B2 |
Audio and tactile signal generation by a display apparatus
An apparatus comprising: a timing difference processor configured to determine a timing difference between an audio signal and an associated tactile signal, and further configured to delay at least one of the audio signal and associated tactile signal dependent on the timing difference; and at least one feedback processor configured to output the audio signal and associated tactile signal, at least one of the audio signal and associated tactile signal having been delayed dependent on the timing difference. |
| US09881465B2 |
Automatically activated visual indicators on computing device
A computing device includes one or more memory devices storing executable instructions, one or more processors configured to execute the instructions, a programmable display screen configured to display text-based information, a user activity sensor, a battery configured to provide power to the one or more processors, and a battery status visual indicator. The battery status indicator is located on a surface of the computing device and is configured to display, in response an indication from the user activity sensor of an interaction by a user with the computing device, non-text-based information indicating a status of the battery. |
| US09881460B2 |
Gaming system and method providing a bonus opportunity when a designated relationship exists between a plurality of randomly determined elements
Various embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to a gaming system and method providing a bonus opportunity when a designated relationship exists between a plurality of randomly determined elements. The gaming system randomly generates a plurality of elements in association with a play of a secondary game. The gaming system determines whether a designated relationship exists between the randomly determined elements. If the designated relationship exists between the randomly determined elements, the gaming system determines a bonus opportunity associated with the randomly determined elements and provides the bonus opportunity to a player. |
| US09881455B2 |
Fueling game devices, systems, and methods
A game of accuracy and method for playing the same at a fuel pump comprising one or more players dispensing fuel or energy with the object of stopping the fuel pump's metering mechanism at a predetermined value. Exemplary embodiments of the game comprise a fuel pump, a metering mechanism for measuring the quantity of fuel or energy dispensed, a controller coupled with the fuel pump for starting and stopping the flow of fuel or energy therethrough, and a processor in communication with the metering mechanism. The method of playing comprises selecting a goal outcome, one or more players dispensing fuel or energy with the object of dispensing an amount of fuel or energy that corresponds with the goal outcome, and providing the one or more players with a prize in the event the amount of fuel or energy dispensed corresponds with the goal outcome. |
| US09881452B2 |
Augmented or replaced application outcome interleaved wagering system
An augmented or replaced application outcome interleaved wagering system is disclosed. The system includes an interactive controller operatively connected to an application controller by a network, the interactive controller configured to: communicate application telemetry; receive application outcomes, advancement of an interactive application being based on the application outcomes; and receive a wager outcome. The system also includes a wager controller operatively connected to the application controller, the wager controller constructed to: receive application outcome requests; generate application outcomes; communicate the application outcomes; determine a wager outcome. The system also includes the application controller operatively connected to the interactive controller and the wager controller, the application controller constructed to: receive the application telemetry; communicate the application outcome request; receive the application outcomes; communicate the application outcomes; receive the wager outcome; and communicate the wager outcome. |
| US09881451B2 |
Gambling hybrid gaming system with accumulated trigger and deferred gambling
Systems and methods for providing a gambling hybrid game with an accumulated trigger and deferred gambling are disclosed. The gambling hybrid game monitors an accumulation of an activating element during play of an entertainment game and activates a gambling game in a manner dependent upon the amount of the activating element accumulated during the play of the entertainment game. The gambling game may occur only after a sufficient amount of the activating element has been accumulated and/or at a particular point in game play of the entertainment game. Awards of a game currency and/or real credits based on the results of gambling events in the gambling game may also be determined by the accumulation of the activating element. |
| US09881446B2 |
Hybrid gaming system having omniscience gambling proposition
Systems and methods for providing a gambling hybrid game having an omniscience mode are disclosed. The systems and method involve receiving an input from a player accepting an omniscience gambling proposition. The results of a gambling event associated with the omniscience gambling proposition are then determined and wagers are resolved. The results of the gambling event are then used to determine target information to provide a player to satisfy the omniscience gambling proposition. |
| US09881444B2 |
Method and apparatus for offering a mobile device version of an electronic gaming machine game at the electronic gaming machine
A gaming system compatible with patron-controlled portable electronic devices, such as smart phones or tablet computers, is described. When a Player surpasses predetermined game play parameters on a game of an EGM, a bonus game or related game material may be “unlocked” and offered to the Player for download onto the Player's Portable Electronic Device (PED). Upon installation, the game or content may be viewed or played on their PED at a later time and at their leisure. |
| US09881440B2 |
Apparatus for inventory control
The invention provides an apparatus for controlling and monitoring the storage and dispensing of beverage products; the apparatus comprising: a plurality of product registration devices for registering the presence of beverage products in one or more storage locations, each product registration device being associated with one beverage product or group of beverage products; a plurality of metering dispensers in a sales location from which one or more authorized users can dispense beverage products to customers; a plurality of locking means for preventing dispensing of a beverage product, each locking means being operatively linked to a different one of said metering dispensers; a plurality of user identifying devices for identifying authorized users, each user identifying device being operatively linked to a different one of said locking means so that an authorized user can unlock the said locking means and thereby dispense a beverage product from an operatively linked ‘metering dispenser; and a processor which receives and processes data from the said product registration devices, the user identifying devices and the metering dispensers and records the placing of beverage products in the one or more storage locations, the transfer of beverage products from the one or more storage locations to the sales location; and the dispensing of beverage products from the metering dispensers by authorized users; and calculates the total value of each customer transaction made by each authorized user. Two locks or safeguards are provided to prevent unauthorized removal of an optic element. The locks are interlocked. |
| US09881438B2 |
Method and system for printing stock anti-counterfeiting by means of feature image
A method for printing stock anti-counterfeiting by using a feature image and a corresponding system is disclosed. The method comprises obtaining a feature code for identifying a printing stock by recognizing a first feature of the feature image printed on the printing stock; searching for pre-recorded first anti-counterfeiting information of the printing stock; obtaining second anti-counterfeiting information of the printing stock by recognizing a second feature of the feature image printed on the printing stock; and comparing whether a similarity between the second anti-counterfeiting information and the first anti-counterfeiting information reaches a first match threshold value to determine whether the printing stock is true or false. The first anti-counterfeiting information is embodied as a distinguishable material feature of the printing stock in a feature image region or features of color, shape and position of the image printed in the feature image region. |
| US09881436B1 |
Coin escrow apparatus
A coin escrow apparatus, which is installed in a machine, and controlled by a processor of the machine, includes a base, on which a plurality of coin barrels, a motor, a coin separator, and a plurality of gate devices are provided. The motor and the coin barrels are connected in series, so that the motor drives all the coin barrels to work. The coin separator is above the coin barrels to guide the coins to different coin barrels according to their sizes. The gate devices are provided under outlets of the coin barrels respectively to be controlled by the processor to open and close the outlets of the coin barrels respectively. |
| US09881433B2 |
Systems and methods for electronic ticket validation using proximity detection
Systems and methods for monitoring permission to be in a location comprising: a secured area having at least one entry point with a mechanical gate having an open and closed position; at least two wireless proximity sensors attached to a portion of (or the area adjacent to) the mechanical gate; a token device in communication with the wireless proximity sensors that determine a location of the token device relative to one of the wireless proximity sensors to provide a detection data point and a set of detection data points for the group of detection data points; and a system computing device that calculates the shared proximity of the token device. If the token device contains a valid ticket and the shared proximity of the token device is within a predetermined area the system computing device will cause the mechanical gate to go to the open position. |
| US09881432B2 |
Method and apparatus for an automated fuel authorization program for fuel terminals using a camera as part of the authorization process
A fuel authorization system enables data to be exchanged between vehicles and a fuel vendor, to verify that the vehicle is authorized to receive fuel. Each fuel island is equipped with a camera and a short range radio (RF) component. Participating vehicles are equipped with fuel authorization component including an IR transmitter and a RF component that can establish a data link with the fuel island's RF unit. When the camera senses a vehicle in the fuel lane, an RF query is sent to the vehicle. Participating vehicles respond with an IR transmission. An RF data link is then established between the enrolled vehicle and the fuel vendor to verify that the vehicle is authorized to receive fuel. Once the verification is complete, the fuel dispenser is enabled. In some embodiments, the IR data link is not required, as the camera can distinguish between multiple fuel lanes. |
| US09881431B2 |
Security key system
An aspect of the disclosure includes a security system and method having a key with nanoscale features. The key includes a body. At least one pattern member disposed on the body, the pattern member formed using a directed self-assembly polymer to define a pattern of random feature structures thereon, the feature structures having a width of less than 100 nanometers. |
| US09881430B1 |
Digital twin system for a cooling system
A system includes plural, different sensors configured to be operably connected to a first vehicle. The sensors obtain status data indicative of a state of a cooling system of the first vehicle. The system includes a digital twin system having processors configured to modify the status data having sampling rates or resolutions that differ such that the status data that is modified has a common sampling rate resolution as that of other data. The processors create a digital twin matrix of the status data. The digital twin matrix is indicative of the state of the cooling system. The processors also determine a health score of the cooling system or simulate operation of the cooling system based on the digital twin matrix. The digital twin system is configured to change or control actual operation of the cooling system based on the health score or the operation that is simulated. |
| US09881429B2 |
Segmenting operational data
Computer program products, methods, systems, apparatus, and computing entities are provided for segmenting operational data and identifying events of interest in the segmented operational data. With the events of interest identified, a total time between the events of interest can be determined. |
| US09881428B2 |
Analysis of vehicle data to predict component failure
Vehicle data may be analyzed to predict potential component failures, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), or other mechanical failures relating to the vehicle. In one implementation the vehicle data may be received from a number of vehicles, the vehicle data including DTCs generated by on-board diagnostic (OBD) systems of the vehicles. The vehicle data may be evaluated using a predictive model to output predictions of DTCs that are likely to occur for a particular vehicle. |
| US09881427B2 |
Vehicle maintenance analytics and notifications
A computer-implemented method, computer program product, and system for vehicle maintenance are provided. The computer-implemented method may include predicting a future vehicle location based on a vehicle location history; predicting future vehicle usage from user information, wherein the user information includes information collected from a user's social media account; identifying maintenance needs of a vehicle; and determining available times for vehicle maintenance based on the future vehicle location and the user information. |
| US09881424B2 |
Virtual reality display method and system
Embodiments of the present invention relates to the technical field of augmented reality. A virtual reality display method includes: acquiring a real scene picture; retrieving from the real scene picture a target image having the same shape and color with a sample image, and extracting the space coordinates of the target image; and shielding off or highlighting the target image according to the space coordinates. From the perspective of subtraction and on the basis of a real scene, the virtual reality display method and system according to the embodiment of the present invention achieve the effect of shielding off or weakening interference information of the real scene and highlighting the real subject of interest by means of shielding off or highlighting. |
| US09881411B2 |
Profiling ray tracing renderers
A profiler for a ray tracing renderer interfaces with the renderer to collect rendering information, such as ray definition information, a pixel origin, objects hit, shader invocation, and related rays. In an interface, an artist views a simplified 3-D scene model and a rendered 2-D image. A pixel in the 2-D image is selectable; the profiler responds by populating the simplified 3-D scene with rays that contributed to that pixel. Rays can be displayed in the simplified 3-D scene to visually convey information about characteristics of each ray, such as whether the ray intersected an object, portions of the scene where it is occluded, and a direction. Statistics can be produced by the profiler that convey information such as relative computational complexity to render particular pixels. The profiler can step through multiple passes (e.g., multiple frames and passes of a multipass rendering), and the UI can allow pausing and stepping. |
| US09881409B2 |
Visualization for blood flow in skin image data
Blood flow beneath a user's skin, for example, in a user's face may be visually rendered. In some aspects, a plurality of differences is determined in the intensity of pixels of a first image and the corresponding pixels of a subsequent second image. In some aspects, this plurality of differences is enhanced to accentuate a characteristic associated with the first image and the second image. The enhanced plurality of differences is visually rendered for each subsequent comparison of pixel intensity values. |
| US09881408B2 |
Digital signal processing for image filtering field
A processor-implemented method and system of this disclosure are configured to correct or resolve artifacts in a received digital image, using a selection of one or more encompassment measures, each encompassing the largest artifact and an optional second smaller artifact. The processor herein is configured to calculate difference in Gaussians using blurred versions of the input digital image and optionally, the input digital image itself; to composite the resulting difference in Gaussians and the input digital image; and to determine pixels with properties of invariant values, also referred to as invariant pixels. The values in the properties of the invariant pixels are then applied to the artifacts regions to correct these artifacts, thereby generating the modified digital image in which the artifact regions are more or less differentiable to a human eye when compared with the digital image. |
| US09881404B2 |
Manipulating graphical objects
In one example, a method for rendering graphical objects on a display includes rendering each of a plurality of graphical objects within respective layers. The plurality of graphical objects includes first, second and third graphical objects. The second graphical object is directly linked to the first graphical object and the third graphical object is directly linked to the second graphical object. The method additionally includes receiving user input manipulating one of the graphical objects in a manner that affects a directly linked graphical object. The method additionally includes re-rendering the manipulated graphical object and the directly linked graphical object without re-rendering graphical objects that are not directly linked to the manipulated graphical object. |
| US09881402B2 |
Image processor and storage medium
There is provided an image processor including a recognition part configured to recognize a captured target on the basis of a captured image, and an image generation part configured to generate an additive image for decorating the target depending on a user circumstance of a user seeing the target and a recognition result by the recognition part. |
| US09881401B2 |
Graphics processing system
A transaction elimination hardware unit controls the writing to a frame buffer in a memory of tiles generated by a tile-based graphics processor. The transaction elimination hardware unit has a signature generator that generates a signature representative of the content of the tile for each tile. A signature comparator then compares the signature of a new tile received from the graphics processor with the signatures of one or more tiles already stored in the frame buffer to see if the signatures match. If the signatures do not match, then the signature comparator controls a write controller to write the new tile to the frame buffer. On the other hand, if the signatures match, then no data is written to the frame buffer and the existing tile is allowed to remain in the frame buffer. In this way, a tile is only written to the frame buffer if it is found by the signature comparison to differ from the tile or tiles that are already stored in the frame buffer that it is compared with. |
| US09881399B2 |
Custom map configuration
Systems and methods are provided to improve map type data visualizations in which custom images are used as background against which datasets are visualized. In various examples, coordinate systems are automatically generated and applied to the custom image based on the positional data of the dataset. The custom image may replace a pre-existing background, and the plotting of the dataset may be automatically modified based on differences between the pre-existing background and the custom image. Aspects provide for enhanced user control of the map type visualization to further modify how datasets are plotted and how visualizations are presented. Example modifications include offsets and scales, which may be automatically determined and applied or set manually. In some examples, the custom image may be part of a set of image tiles, which are operable to provide various levels of detail from several viewing angles and heights. |
| US09881398B2 |
Trend dynamic sensor imaging using contour maps to visualize multiple trend data sets in a single view
A method and system for trend dynamic sensor imaging is described herein. In one embodiment a plurality of data sets is received and the plurality of data sets is pre-processed to transform the data of the plurality data sets to have a common scale. The pre-processed plurality of data sets is displayed by plotting the transformed data of the plurality of data sets on a grid according to a color gradient. |
| US09881391B2 |
Procedurally defined texture maps
A procedural texture relates texel coordinates to color values through an arbitrary function, herein called a texel shader. The procedural texture is defined by a dimension, size, texel format and the texel shader. Texel coordinates are an input to the texel shader, which generates a color value for those texel coordinates. A renderer can be implemented either in hardware, such as part of a graphics processor, or in software as a computer program executed by a processor. The renderer samples from the procedural texture in response to texel coordinates, and evaluates the texel shader on demand. Filtering also can be applied automatically to results. The results of the texel shader invocations are stored in a texture cache to take advantage of spatial and temporal locality. Results are shared among threads, processes and the like through the texture cache. |
| US09881389B1 |
Data compression for visual elements
A machine is configured to perform data compression or data decompression with respect to visual elements, such as two-dimensional pixels of an image or three-dimensional voxels of a hologram. The machine accesses a set of visual elements and performs compression on the set by generating a bounded volume hierarchy of nodes. After the bounded volume hierarchy has been generated, with or without modification, the machine provides a compressed version of the set by providing at least a portion of the bounded volume hierarchy. The same machine or another machine accesses a compressed first representation of the set by accessing at least part of the bounded volume hierarchy. The machine may perform partial decompression of the first representation by generating a second representation of the set, based on only a portion of the bounded volume hierarchy. The machine then causes rendering and display of the second representation. |
| US09881386B1 |
Systems and methods of object shape and position determination in three-dimensional (3D) space
Methods and systems for capturing motion and/or determining the shapes and positions of one or more objects in 3D space utilize cross-sections thereof. In various embodiments, images of the cross-sections are captured using a camera based on edge points thereof. |
| US09881374B2 |
Method for establishing prediction model based on multidimensional texture of brain nuclear magnetic resonance images
Disclosed is a method for establishing a prediction model based on a multidimensional texture of brain nuclear magnetic resonance images. Images are segmented using a region growing method, a contourlet transform method is used to extract an edge texture feature parameter of ROIs, a multidimensional database is established, and a prediction model is established using various data mining methods, comprising a Gaussian process, a support vector machine, a random forest, a Lasso regression and a semi-supervised support vector machine. The ROIs comprise a hippocampus region and an entorhinal cortex region. |
| US09881369B2 |
Smartphone having a communication subsystem that is operable in CDMA, a digital infrared sensor with ports that provide a digital signal representing a surface temperature, a microprocessor that receives from the ports the digital signal that is representative of the temperature and that generates a body core temperature from the digital signal that is representative of the temperature and a display device that displays the body core temperature
A smartphone that includes a microprocessor, a battery operably coupled to the microprocessor, a single button operably coupled to the microprocessor, a communication subsystem that receives messages from and sends messages to wireless networks in accordance with Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA), a digital infrared sensor operably coupled to the microprocessor, the digital infrared sensor having ports that provide a digital signal representing a temperature, and a display device operably coupled to the microprocessor, wherein the microprocessor receives from the ports the digital signal that is representative of the temperature and the microprocessor generates a body core temperature from the digital signal that is representative of the temperature and the microprocessor also operably coupled to the display device displays the body core temperature. |
| US09881364B2 |
Image processing apparatus, image processing method and computer readable medium for image enhancement
An image processing apparatus includes a reflectivity image generation unit that generates a reflectivity image in which a reflectivity component of an original image is used as a pixel value, from the original image, a determining unit that determines a degree of maintenance of at least one of a dark part and a bright part of the original image using the original image and a degree of enhancement of the reflectivity component of the original image and an enhancement image generation unit that generates an enhancement image in which the reflectivity component of the original image is enhanced using the reflectivity image, the degree of enhancement, and the degree of maintenance. |
| US09881362B2 |
Image processing device, image-capturing device, image processing method, and program
An image processing device includes a point-image restoration processing unit 40 which receives a photographic image as input, and subjects the photographic image to a point-image restoration process based on point-image restoration information to generate a restored image, an area information output unit 45 which outputs area information relating to a specific area in the restored image where restoration strength of the point-image restoration process based on the point-image restoration information is equal to or greater than a threshold value, a display control unit 50 which receives the restored image and the area information as input and performs display control to highlight the specific area in the restored image based on the area information, and a display unit 55 which highlights at least the specific area based on the display control by the display control unit 50. |
| US09881361B2 |
Image processing method
A setting circuit sets a quantization value per input image on the basis of a noise value of the whole input image, and a quantization circuit performs quantization on first image data to generate second image data. Quantization value based on the noise value the whole input image can realize appropriate denoising depending on the noise level of the whole input image. |
| US09881355B2 |
Three-dimensional single-molecule fluorescence imaging beyond the diffraction limit using a double-helix point spread function
Embodiments of the present invention can resolve molecules beyond the optical diffraction limit in three dimensions. A double-helix point spread function can be used to in conjunction with a microscope to provide dual-lobed images of a molecule. Based on the rotation of the dual-lobed image, the axial position of the molecule can be estimated or determined. In some embodiments, the angular rotation of the dual-lobed imaged can be determined using a centroid fit calculation or by finding the midpoints of the centers of the two lobes. Regardless of the technique, the correspondence between the rotation and axial position can be utilized. A double-helix point spread function can also be used to determine the lateral positions of molecules and hence their three-dimensional location. |
| US09881354B2 |
Image completion including automatic cropping
Described is a technology by which an image such as a stitched panorama is automatically cropped based upon predicted quality data with respect to filling missing pixels. The image may be completed, including by completing only those missing pixels that remain after cropping. Predicting quality data may be based on using restricted search spaces corresponding to the missing pixels. The crop is computed based upon the quality data, in which the crop is biased towards including original pixels and excluding predicted low quality pixels. Missing pixels are completed by using restricted search spaces to find replacement values for the missing pixels, and may use histogram matching for texture synthesis. |
| US09881351B2 |
Remote translation, aggregation and distribution of computer program resources in graphics processing unit emulation
Resource processing, such as shader translation, during run time of an application on an emulated platform, can be performed asynchronously from emulation of the application. One or more server computers can be configured to perform such processing remotely from the computers executing the emulation. The one or more server computers can receive resources for processing from multiple computers. The one or more server computers aggregate the resources received from the multiple computers for different applications and process those resources. For example, multiple shaders, discovered from multiple different emulations of an application on multiple computers, are translated and organized by the one or more server computers. The translated shaders can be packaged as an update to the application and redistributed to the computers using the application. Such an update can be installed on the computers as a set of translated shaders for use in the emulation of the application. |
| US09881350B2 |
System and method for embedding data
In one embodiment, a watermark is embedded in a sequence of video frames, for each one of the video frames, a set of N rectangular patches, two palettes of pixel values in a selected color space, such that the two palettes are denoted as P0 and P1, and P0≠P1, and in each one of the N patches a processor which chooses one of P0 and P1 according to a value of a payload bit to be encoded, a calculator which calculates one of a variance of pixel values in the frame, and edginess for the pixel values in the frame, thereby determining a calculated value, and a processor which determines if the calculated value is beneath a given threshold value, if the calculated value is beneath the given threshold value the processor is operative to calculate a function of the pixel values, the closest value to a result of the calculation of the function in the chosen palette is chosen, and a replacer which replaces the pixel values within the patch with the chosen closest value. Related systems, apparatus and methods are also described. |
| US09881347B2 |
Automated entry
Automated entry to properties is provided. A user selects a property for automated entry. It is confirmed whether the property is available for automated entry by the user. Automated entry to the user is enabled when automated entry is available for the user and when the user is within a predetermined distance from the property. |
| US09881338B2 |
System and method for automated trading of financial interests
A derived order gives a participant simultaneous access to liquidity across multiple books, destinations, or marketplaces. The derived order can be placed and anchored in one trading venue and simultaneously replicated in another trading venue. A participant can place the derived order in the lit book as an anchor book and replicate the order in the hybrid book and/or the dark book, or alternatively, the participant can place the derived order in the hybrid book as an anchor book and replicate the order in the dark book. A trading engine can be configured to replicate an order in different books and guarantee that each order is only executed once. When an order is replicated, the trading engine can check the stored record to see where the order was placed, and then adjust or cancel an order in one book when it is being fulfilled in a different book. |
| US09881334B2 |
Computer implemented methods and systems for generating virtual body models for garment fit visualisation
Methods for generating and sharing a virtual body model of a person, created with a small number of measurements and a single photograph, combined with one or more images of garments. The virtual body model represents a realistic representation of the users body and is used for visualizing photo-realistic fit visualizations of garments, hairstyles, make-up, and/or other accessories. The virtual garments are created from layers based on photographs of real garment from multiple angles. Furthermore the virtual body model is used in multiple embodiments of manual and automatic garment, make-up, and, hairstyle recommendations, such as, from channels, friends, and fashion entities. The virtual body model is sharable for, as example, visualization and comments on looks. Furthermore it is also used for enabling users to buy garments that fit other users, suitable for gifts or similar. The implementation can also be used in peer-to-peer online sales where garments can be bought with the knowledge that the seller has a similar body shape and size as the user. |
| US09881333B2 |
Enhanced shopping and merchandising methodology
An enhanced shopping system for facilitating grocery shopping and in-store advertising is disclosed. The system utilizes uniquely changes (1) the way grocery retail industry captures and retains customers, (2) how customers organize their shopping efforts in grocery stores, (3) the approach to advertising and reaching customers, and (4) the information available to retailers and merchandisers related to customer (a) shopping patterns, (b) responses to merchandising and advertising, and (c) specific impact of discounting/coupons. |
| US09881331B2 |
Systems and methods for facilitating purchase using merchandise holder
A merchandise holder, e.g., a drink coaster or a food placemat, is used to facilitate the purchase of food or beverage placed on the holder. A customer may use a mobile device to scan a QR code on a merchandise holder to purchase a beverage. Further, the merchandise holder may include an RFID scanner to keep track of the food or beverages consumed by the customer. The RFID scanner of the merchandise holder may scan RFID tags attached to the food or beverages consumed by the customer. A payment account of the customer may be associated with the merchandise holder to pay for the food or beverages placed on the holder. Accordingly, a customer may use the merchandise holder to order, keep track of, and pay for the food or beverages consumed by the customer. |
| US09881329B1 |
System and method for facilitating commercial transactions over a data network
A method, a computer system and a computer program product to facilitate comparison-price shopping over a data network, such as the Internet, is provided that includes a price availability feature guaranteeing a price of a product associated with product-related information stored on a server. To that end, information that concerns a product is rendered on a display in a browser window. The information rendered typically includes offered price data. A server is provided that includes a plurality of addresses in an address space, and a subportion of the plurality of addresses is associated with an identification code. Acceptance to the offered price data is achieved by storing the information in the subportion, defining agreed price data. The agreed price data is maintained in the absence of a predetermined system event. |
| US09881327B2 |
System for coupling package displays to remote power source
A merchandising system having a power distribution device associated with a package support system, and a package having a sensory output such as an image display capable of using power, data and/or signals provided from the power distribution device to produce a desired output when the package is associated with the package support system. Packaging materials of the package form the coupling medium for contactless coupling such as capacitive coupling of a controlled signal provided to the package support system to a display on the package. |
| US09881326B2 |
Systems and methods for facilitating group activities
Methods and systems for providing a lifestyle companion system are provided. The lifestyle companion system can provide a platform to conduct a user interview. Based on the user interview responses, the system can suggest activities, references, and/or plug-in modules. During performance of activities, the system can provide audio and/or visual cues related to the activities and collect data indicative of the user's performance. Based on the collected data, the system can dynamically adapt the user's goals and/or activities the user is performing or will perform. In some embodiments of the present invention, the lifestyle companion system of the present invention can be applied to fitness, nutrition, and/or medical modules. The system also can be used to facilitate synchronous group activities. |
| US09881321B2 |
Method for identifying bundled software and apparatus therefor
A method for identifying bundled software and an apparatus therefor. The method comprises: detecting a user interface for software installation; acquiring text information on the user interface; determining whether bundled software exists; and, based upon the determination, extracting the name and amount of bundled software from the text information and prompting the name and the amount of the bundled software. The embodiments may identify bundled software before installing software and avoid starting the bundled software process, having the effect of anti-bundling on the bundled software in advance. By extracting the name of the bundled software, acquiring the amount of bundled software, and prompting the name and amount of the bundled software, a user is able to determine whether to install the bundled software according to his or her requirements, thereby improving the autonomous right of selection of the user in the process of installing software. |
| US09881319B2 |
Conversion tracking for installation of applications on mobile devices
An application executing on a mobile device, such as an application associated with a social networking system provides a link to install a third-party application. The link may be presented in an advertisement, and the link is used to retrieve data comprising a client application for execution by the mobile device. To track installations, the client application stores an indication that the client application was installed in a shared memory location on the mobile device, as native applications do not have access to cookies. A social networking application executing on the mobile device retrieves the indication the client application was installed from the shared memory location and communicates it to a social networking system for storing in a user profile. |
| US09881318B1 |
Attributing web-based user actions to multivariate test parameters associated with publisher content
Certain embodiments herein relate to attributing or associating a user's actions with respect to web page content to the multivariate test parameters. For example, a user's purchase of a product after clicking on an ad in the web page content may be attributed to multivariate test parameters corresponding to the placement of the ad, the size of the ad image, whether a border is placed around the ad, any number of attributes associated with the ad, the content in which the ad is placed, etc. In certain embodiments, a user's actions may occur at a device that is separate from the publisher device. Techniques described herein may attribute or associate such actions with a publisher's web page content such that publishers may be made aware of the effectiveness of the placement, layout, orientation, etc., of their web page content based on how users reacted to such attributes. |
| US09881314B2 |
Calculation of a third party solicitation fee
A method comprising calculating a third party solicitation fee for a third party, receiving, from a third party server, a third party solicitation on behalf of the third party, sending the third party solicitation to a user apparatus in response to the receipt of the third party solicitation, the third party solicitation comprising a request for a specified action, receiving information indicative of the user apparatus performing the specified action, and decreasing the third party solicitation fee based, at least in part, on the receipt of the information indicative of the user apparatus performing the specified action is disclosed. |
| US09881313B2 |
Determining incentive for crowd sourced question
A computing device receives one or more questions. The computing device determines at least one of an urgency factor, an importance factor, and a difficulty level associated with the received one or more questions and determines at least one of an availability factor, a skill factor, and a quality level associated with the received one or more questions. The computing device determines an incentive based on the determined at least one of an urgency factor, an importance factor, and a difficulty level associated with the received one or more questions, and the determined at least one of an availability factor, a skill factor, and a quality level associated with the received one or more questions. |
| US09881312B2 |
Radio communication systems and radio communication methods
According to various embodiments, a radio communication system may be provided. The radio communication system may include: a portable device; a beacon receiving device; and a server. The portable device may include: a transmitter configured to repeatedly transmit signals; and a receiver configured to receive data from the server. The beacon receiving device may include: a receiver configured to receive signals from the portable device; and a transmitter configured to transmit an indication to the server based on the received signal. The server may include: a receiver configured to receive the indication from the beacon receiving device; and a transmitter configured to transmit data to the portable device based on the indication. |
| US09881308B2 |
Method and system to facilitate an online promotion relating to a network-based marketplace
A method and system to facilitate an online promotion in a network-based marketplace. A user-provided election to participate in the online promotion is recorded on a client machine associated with a user. Responsive to a trigger event, a determination of the user-provided election as recorded on the client machine associated with the user is made. The determination causes a presentation of the online promotion if so elected. |
| US09881304B2 |
Risk-based control of application interface transactions
An API transaction risk assessment equipment is disclosed that receives an API transaction request through a data network from an application processed by a source node, and generates a risk assessment score based on context information that characterizes the API transaction request. The risk assessment score indicates a level of trustworthiness of the API transaction request for processing by an application on a destination node. The API transaction risk assessment equipment then controls deliverability of the API transaction request through the data network to the destination node for processing based on the risk assessment score. Corresponding methods by API transaction risk assessment equipment are disclosed. |
| US09881303B2 |
Systems and methods for implementing automatic payer authentication
A system or method may be provided to facilitate automatic user authentication for electronic transactions. In particular, the system or method may automatically authenticate a customer such that the customer may make complete hands free payments without the intervention of the customer or the merchant. The automatic authentication may include a check-in process and a payment authentication process. When a customer enters a designated area of a merchant, a BLE beacon device of the merchant may automatically check the customer in at the designated area of the merchant. After the customer is checked in at the merchant's designated area, the merchant may identify the customer who is about to make a payment from a plurality of other customers who also are checked in at the merchant via Bluetooth proximity and facial recognition in parallel. Thus, the customer may automatically be authenticated to make payments by facial recognition or Bluetooth proximity. |
| US09881296B1 |
Processing a mobile payload
Disclosed herein are systems and methods for processing a payment request. A mobile device associated with a payor may generate a user interface having two screen portions. The first screen portion may be configured to display received and sent messages and further configured to receive a command to transmit a message. The second screen portion may be configured to access a third-party application and configured to populate a new message with a payload. The mobile device may receive an inputted amount in the second screen portion representing the payment amount. The mobile device may transmit a request including the payor's identification and the payment amount to a third-party Payment Processing System (PPS) and receive a payload from the PPS. The mobile device may populate and transmit a message to the recipient that contains the payload. |
| US09881295B1 |
Face-to-face payments with augmented reality
A method for making a payment using a mobile device. The method includes capturing a facial image of a payee using a camera of the mobile device, wherein the payment is due from the user of the mobile device to the payee, retrieving an identifier of the payee based on the facial image, retrieving payment recipient identification information of the payee from a registered payee list based on the identifier, displaying, on the mobile device, a composite image comprising the facial image of the payee and the payment recipient identification information of the payee, receiving an input from the user authorizing the payment from a financial account of the user to the payee, and initiating the payment from the financial account to the payee based on the payment recipient identification information. |
| US09881294B2 |
RF payment via a mobile device
A nontraditional transaction device, for example a mobile device, may be employed to complete a transaction. The mobile device may utilize radio frequency (RF) communication and/or authentication to facilitate completion of a transaction. Secondary identification information, for example voice recognition data, biometric recognition data, or alphanumeric data, may be utilized for secondary end user authentication. For security reasons, the mobile device account data may transmitted after the secondary identification information is verified. |
| US09881293B2 |
Electronic receipt system
A method includes receiving, at a user identification module of an electronic receipt system in electronic communication with a point of sale terminal, a user identifier transmitted from a mobile communication device to a near-field communication enabled communication device associated with the point of sale terminal. The method also includes verifying, by a validation module of the electronic receipt system, an enrollment status of the user identifier; and based on results of the verifying, transmitting, by a transfer module of the electronic receipt system, the user identifier and data characterizing an electronic receipt to a receipt storage module of the electronic receipt system. |
| US09881291B2 |
Operation management apparatus, operation management system, and computer-readable storage medium
An operation management apparatus includes a searching unit and a transmitting unit. According to a request from a register terminal, the searching unit searches for operation instruction information to be printed by the register terminal from a storage storing the operation instruction information showing contents of an operation instruction. The transmitting unit transmits to the register terminal print instruction information so that the register terminal prints the operation instruction information searched by the searching unit and confirmation information to notify that the operation instruction information is confirmed or that the contents of the operation instruction shown in the operation instruction information is finished. |
| US09881290B2 |
Point-of-sale system
A point-of-sale system includes a stand that supports a tablet computer. The tablet computer can run a merchant application to provide the typical functionality for a point-of-sale system. The stand can be rotatable to face either the merchant or the customer. The stand can incorporate a card reader. The tablet computer can be connected through a hub to other peripheral components, such as a controllable cash drawer, a printer and/or a bar code reader. The cash drawer can include a slidable drawer having sliding rails that are hidden from a top view of the drawer. |
| US09881289B2 |
System and method for point of sale transaction logging
The present disclosure generally relates to a method and a hardware and software system for collecting data from retch point of sale. The hardware connects to a wide variety of barcode scanners and receipt printers. Collected data is transmitted to a cloud-based infrastructure backend system using a wireless inter net connection built into the hardware. The collected data can be processed to extract item-level transaction information, and estimate the price and in-stock status of items in particular shops. A search engine can be provided using this data, which allows a customer to discover which nearby shop has an item of interest in stock. A targeted advertising system that complements this search service is also presented. The data can be used by retailers and manufacturers for business analysis and optimization. |
| US09881286B2 |
Vehicle charging control apparatus, vehicle charging control method, and information terminal
A vehicle charging control apparatus includes: a unit which presents unit prices of charging power; a unit which issues an instruction for preferentially charging a vehicle for which allowable time is short in proportion to request amount; and a unit which determines whether there is another allowable time which is associated with the request amount and meets a condition that the other allowable time is longer than the allowable time and the unit price associated with the other allowable time is lower than the unit price associated with the request amount and the allowable time. The unit prices are set lower when associated with a longer allowable time and also set lower when associated with a smaller request amount. When the other allowable time meets the condition, the other allowable time and the unit price associated with the other allowable time are presented. |
| US09881283B2 |
Service data record system and POS system with the same
A service data record system and a POS system with the service data record system are provided. The service data record system transmits a data of an electronic device to a remote monitoring device. The electronic device includes plural electronic units and a power unit. The service data record system includes a power device, a remote monitoring interface and a micro processing unit. The micro processing unit is connected with the electronic device, the remote monitoring interface and the power device. By the micro processing unit, the electronic data set of the electronic unit may be externally transmitted to the remote monitoring device. Moreover, the pre-designate event of the electronic device may be externally transmitted to the remote monitoring device. According to the pre-designate event, it is convenient for a service engineer to make the preparation before repair or maintenance. |
| US09881281B2 |
Collaborative event planning system
Embodiments of the present invention provide a system and method for collaboratively planning an event via a collaborative event planning application. The collaborative event planning application may be accessed via user terminals connected to a network such as the Internet. Individual aspects such as theme, date, location, attire, travel, and lodging pertinent to the event and group discussion may be edited by a host, designated co-hosts, and invitees. Hosts and invitees may also make decisions regarding the event by voting. The collaborative event planning application may also periodically suggest vendors and provide notifications and recommendations based on the event details and preferences of the users. |
| US09881279B2 |
Multi-state maintenance of employee benefits data in a benefits administration domain model
In embodiments of the present invention improved capabilities are described for a human resource management platform that includes applications targeted to solve a variety of human resource and benefits administration management problems. Applications of the human resource management platform include business applications such as benefits administration that may provide a single solution for facilitating employee benefits management and organizational efficiencies through automation of benefit management functions, measurement of benefit provider effectiveness, and the like. |
| US09881278B2 |
Ticket-based harvest life cycle information management: system and method
A system and method is presented for gathering data concerning harvests. Data tickets are generated at a point of origination (i.e., the field), local storage, processing, or a customer location. Data tickets may also be generated for supplies delivered to the field. Implements attached to a vehicle in the field (e.g., a tractor) may provide data over a vehicle communication bus about how a field processing task was performed. Data may be extracted from the bus to use in preparing a field processing ticket, possibly in combination with manual entry from field personnel. A harvest data tracking system, based on data tickets, may be used to track the complete life cycle of crop production. |
| US09881277B2 |
Wrist band haptic feedback system
Inventory management systems and related methods employ radio frequency based tracking of a worker's hands to monitor performance of inventory tasks. An inventory management system includes inventory bins, a user-wearable unit configured to be worn in proximity to a user's hand, fixed RF antennas configured to transmit at least one RF interrogation signal and receive at least one RF response signal, a RF transceiver operatively coupled with the fixed RF antennas, and a management module operatively coupled with the RF transceiver. The user-wearable unit includes an RF transceiver configured to transmit RF response signals in response to reception of the at least one RF interrogation signal. The management module is configured to process signals generated by the RF transceiver to track locations of the user-wearable unit and identify an inventory bin based on proximity of the user-wearable unit to the identified inventory bin to monitor performance of an inventory system task. |
| US09881271B2 |
Software service to facilitate organizational testing of employees to determine their potential susceptibility to phishing scams
A software system and service for facilitating organizational testing of employees in order to determine their potential susceptibility to phishing scams is disclosed to evaluate their susceptibility to e-mail and Internet cybercrimes such as phishing. The e-mail addresses of a client organization's employees are provided to the system, a phishing e-mail is created and customized, and a phishing e-mail campaign in which the phishing e-mail message is sent and the responses to the phishing e-mail is monitored, and the results of the e-mail campaign are provided for evaluation. The phishing e-mail may optionally contain attachments and various types of probes and “call home” mechanisms. |
| US09881270B2 |
Information processing device, power-demanding object, information processing method, and non-transitory storage medium
A time range setting unit (110) sets an operation startable time point at which an operation can be started and a target operation end time point which is the latest time point among time points at which the operation is to be ended, with respect to each of plural power demanding objects (20). A necessary operation time setting unit (120) sets a necessary operation time with respect to each of the plural power demanding objects (20). A shape information acquisition unit (130) acquires shape information from a schedule management device (40). The shape information indicates an assumed shape of a transition line that represents transition in the amount of supplied power in a target period. A demand transition setting unit (140) sets power demand transition information indicating transition in an electric energy demand in the target period so that the necessary operation time is obtained and so that the transition in the electric energy demand generated by the plural power demanding objects (20) being operated accords with the assumed shape. |
| US09881261B2 |
Systems and methods for remote check-in
Systems and methods are provided for facilitating remote check-in and associated proxy shopping operations. A proxy customer of a merchant may be a friend of a remote customer that is making a purchase at the merchant on behalf of the remote customer. A beacon may alert the proxy customer to check-in to the merchant. The proxy customer may forward the alert to the remote customer. The remote customer may request remote check-in responsive to the alert. A payment provider or service provider may perform a remote check-in of the remote customer and a proxy check-in of the proxy customer. When the proxy customer wishes to make a proxy purchase for the remote user, the merchant may verify the proxy customer's identity and charge the payment provider. The payment provider may then transfer funds from remote customer's account to the merchant's account. |
| US09881260B2 |
Mobile ticketing
Embodiments of a transit ticket system are provided. The transit ticket system may include a mobile computing device configured to (i) download a mobile ticketing application from a ticket management server, the mobile ticketing application including a graphical data sheet, a ticket dictionary, and ticket strings, (ii) receive ticket rendering instructions from the ticket management server in response to completion of a ticket purchase process via the mobile computing device, and (iii) render for display an active ticket on the mobile computing device with data stored on the mobile computing device based on the ticket rendering instructions, the graphical data sheet, ticket dictionary, and ticket strings in response to an activation input command. |
| US09881258B1 |
Generating notifications based on formation of memberships
Systems and methods for generating notifications are described. One of the methods includes identifying a selection to invite users to become members of a social network and generating prompt data to allow invitations to be sent to the users based on the selection. The method further includes determining whether indications of becoming members of the social network are received from one or more of the users. The method includes transmitting notification data to inform a member that the one or more users have become members of the social network in response to determining that the indications of becoming members are received. |
| US09881257B2 |
Multi-dimensional visualization of temporal information
Various kinds of business and other information are tracked in real time. A coherent information visualization, for example as a time line, automatically, simultaneously presents relevant information to a user across multiple dimensions. Tools are provided that allow the user to establish and manipulate multi-dimensional linkages to develop insights into information gathered from multiple domains. |
| US09881253B2 |
Synaptic neural network core based sensor system
A sensor system comprises: an energy storage device; an intermittent energy release device electrically coupled to the energy storage device, wherein the intermittent energy release device causes the energy storage device to release stored energy intermittently; a sensor electrically coupled to the energy storage device; a register electrically coupled to the sensor, wherein the register stores readings from the sensor; a synaptic neural network core electrically coupled to the sensor, wherein the synaptic neural network core converts the readings from the sensor into a synthetic context-based object that is derived from the readings and a context object; a transponder electrically coupled to the synaptic neural network core; and a storage buffer within the transponder, wherein the storage buffer stores the synthetic context-based object for transmission by the transponder to a monitoring system. |
| US09881251B2 |
Structural plasticity in spiking neural networks with symmetric dual of an electronic neuron
A neural system comprises multiple neurons interconnected via synapse devices. Each neuron integrates input signals arriving on its dendrite, generates a spike in response to the integrated input signals exceeding a threshold, and sends the spike to the interconnected neurons via its axon. The system further includes multiple noruens, each noruen is interconnected via the interconnect network with those neurons that the noruen's corresponding neuron sends its axon to. Each noruen integrates input spikes from connected spiking neurons and generates a spike in response to the integrated input spikes exceeding a threshold. There can be one noruen for every corresponding neuron. For a first neuron connected via its axon via a synapse to dendrite of a second neuron, a noruen corresponding to the second neuron is connected via its axon through the same synapse to dendrite of the noruen corresponding to the first neuron. |
| US09881249B2 |
Unique method to simultaneously manufacture paper substrate transaction card and display carrier
An in-line process is provided for economical and concurrent manufacture of attractive flat paper substrate transaction cards and display carriers with or without an RFID chip embedded therein. In the user-friendly process, one or more continuous webs from roller paper are automatically fed and sequentially advanced through a series of operations and stations in a single pass to simultaneously produce the flat paper substrate transaction cards and display carriers. |
| US09881248B2 |
RFIC module and RFID tag including the same
An RFIC chip includes a first input/output terminal and a second input/output terminal and is built into a multilayer substrate. A power feeding circuit includes coil conductors and is built into the multilayer substrate. A first coil conductor includes a first coil end connected to the first input/output terminal, and a second coil conductor includes a second coil end connected to the second input/output terminal. First and second terminal electrodes are connected to one end of the first coil conductor and one end of the second coil conductor, respectively. A first coil portion is disposed in a section extending from the first coil end to the first position and a second coil portion is disposed in a section extending from the second coil end to the second position. The RFIC chip is interposed between the first coil portion and the second coil portion in a planar view of the multilayer substrate. |
| US09881246B2 |
Semiconductor device including a rectification circuit
In a semiconductor device that generates a power supply voltage from an RF carrier signal received by an antenna through the use of a rectification circuit, rectification circuits, each including a plurality of capacitors and a plurality of diodes, are connected in multistage. The rectification circuits includes limiter circuits that are turned on at a voltage larger than an on-voltage of the diodes, clamp cathodes of the diodes at a first voltage. The limiter circuits and the diodes are connected in parallel between the capacitors connected to the antenna connection terminal and a node supplied reference potential VSS of the power supply voltage. |
| US09881245B1 |
Systems and methods for sensor mechanisms for magnetic cards and devices
A card exhibiting multiple linear arrays of sensors are provided to detect a presence and movement of an external object (e.g., a read-head of a magnetic stripe reader). Each sensor of each array of sensors may be independently connected to a dual port of a processor so that the processor may determine a direction in which the card is swiped through a magnetic stripe reader. A portion of sensors of each array of sensors may be shared by a portion of inputs and/or outputs of a single port of a processor. Sensors may be cross-coupled to a single processor port so that forward and reverse directions of a card swipe may nevertheless be detected by a single-port processor of a card. |
| US09881242B2 |
Printing apparatus and post-processing apparatus
The present printing system obtains a transparency of a sheet to be subjected to printing, and based on the obtained transparency of the sheet, restricts execution of post-processing by a discharging portion. |
| US09881239B2 |
Computer-readable recording medium, information processing device, and information processing system
A computer-readable recording medium includes an executable program stored thereon. The program instructs a computer to perform changing setting data for performing print control of a printing device to a value of customization setting to be stored in a storage unit; switching a piece of setting data used for printing among pieces of setting data of a plurality of printing devices stored in the storage unit into a piece of setting data of a printing device instructed to be switched; determining whether there is the customization setting to be invalidated in a type of the device after switching; and changing the customization setting to be invalidated to an alternative setting. |
| US09881234B2 |
Systems and methods for end-to-end object detection
Presented are systems and methods that provide a unified end-to-end detection pipeline for object detection that achieves impressive performance in detecting very small and highly overlapped objects in face and car images. Various embodiments of the present disclosure provide for an accurate and efficient one-stage FCN-based object detector that may be optimized end-to-end during training. Certain embodiments train the object detector on a single scale using jitter-augmentation integrated landmark localization information through joint multi-task learning to improve the performance and accuracy of end-to-end object detection. Various embodiments apply hard negative mining techniques during training to bootstrap detection performance. The presented are systems and methods are highly suitable for situations where region proposal generation methods may fail, and they outperform many existing sliding window fashion FCN detection frameworks when detecting objects at small scales and under heavy occlusion conditions. |
| US09881232B2 |
Viewpoints of a point of interest
A method, computer program product, and a computer system is provided. A processor determines a first viewpoint of the point of interest, where the first viewpoint includes a first image group captured from a first location. A processor determines a second viewpoint of the point of interest, where the second viewpoint includes a second image group captured from a second location. A processor determines a first ranking score for the first viewpoint based on the first image group. A processor determines a second ranking score for the second viewpoint based on the second image group. A processor generates a ranked list of the first viewpoint and the second viewpoint based on the first ranking score and the second ranking score. |
| US09881231B2 |
Using extracted image text
Methods, systems, and apparatus including computer program products for using extracted image text are provided. In one implementation, a computer-implemented method is provided. The method includes receiving an input of one or more image search terms and identifying keywords from the received one or more image search terms. The method also includes searching a collection of keywords including keywords extracted from image text, retrieving an image associated with extracted image text corresponding to one or more of the image search terms, and presenting the image. |
| US09881223B2 |
Forming scanned composite document with optical character recognition function
An embodiment provides a method, including: capturing, using an image capture device of an electronic device, image data of a document; processing, using a processor, the image data; the processing including identifying text within the image data to form two or more images into a composite document of the document; and storing, in a memory, data related to the composite document. Other aspects are described and claimed. |
| US09881220B2 |
Vehicle vision system utilizing communication system
A vehicle vision system includes a camera disposed at a vehicle and having a field of view forwardly of the vehicle, and a control having an image processor. The control is operable to receive wireless communication that is associated with a traffic light ahead of the vehicle, with the wireless communication including a communicated status of the traffic light. The image processor, responsive to processing of captured image data, is operable to determine an imaged status of the traffic light. The control compares the imaged status with the communicated status and, when they correspond, confirms the status of the traffic light ahead of the vehicle. Responsive to a determination that the driver of the vehicle is not properly responding to the confirmed traffic light status, the system generate an alert to the driver of the vehicle and/or applies the brakes of the vehicle. |
| US09881217B2 |
Method for detecting crowd density, and method and apparatus for detecting interest degree of crowd in target position
A method and an apparatus for detecting an interest degree of a crowd in a target position are disclosed. The interest degree detection method includes projecting a depth image obtained by photographing onto a height-top-view, the depth image including the crowd and the target position; dividing the height-top-view into cells; determining density of the crowd in each cell; determining a moving speed and a moving direction of the crowd in each cell; determining orientation of the crowd in each cell; and determining, based on the density, the moving speed, the moving direction and the orientation of the crowd, the interest degree of the crowd in each cell in the target position. According to this method, the interest degree of the crowd in the target position can be detected accurately, even at a crowded place where it is difficult to detect and track a single person. |
| US09881216B2 |
Object tracking and alerts
An integrated surveillance system combining video surveillance and data from other sensor-based security networks is used to identify activities that may require attention. |
| US09881212B2 |
Infrared image based early detection of oil spills in water
The invention relates to a method for detecting hydrocarbon spill in an aqueous medium from a plurality of images of the surface of the aqueous medium obtained by an infrared camera comprising analyzing an image of the plurality of images; checking whether at least one region that could be identified as spill is displayed in the image, in case of positive result, assessing whether the point representing a multidimensional vector of characteristics associated with the region is within a reference zone defined in a multidimensional space, this reference zone being representative of multidimensional vectors of characteristics of regions corresponding to real spills; if it is determined that the point representing the multidimensional vector of characteristics is within the multidimensional reference zone, generating a warning signal of spill. |
| US09881211B2 |
Determining images having unidentifiable license plates
An approach for processing an image is presented. A category specifying characteristics of a shape of a license plate of a vehicle is determined. Based on the category, characteristics of objects in the image are determined match the characteristics of the shape of the license plate. Another category specifying characteristics of a background color of the license plate is determined. Based on the other category, the characteristics of the objects in the image do not match the characteristics of the background color. Based on the characteristics of the objects in the image not matching the characteristics of the background color of the license plate, the image is determined to not include an identifiable license plate. Responsive to determining the image does not include the identifiable license plate, the image is determined to be invalid and a manual character recognition process for determining identifiers in license plates is bypassed. |
| US09881210B2 |
Generating a computer executable chart visualization by annotating a static image
A computer executable chart visualization may be generated from a static image of the chart visualization. The static image, a set of pre-defined chart elements, and a portion of the static image that corresponds to a pre-defined chart element may each be identified. A mapping between the portion of the static image and the pre-defined chart elements may be determined, and a visual or logical property of each portion of the static image may be determined. A declarative description of the chart visualization may be generated by setting the visual properties for each of the respective pre-defined chart elements. |
| US09881206B2 |
Sports monitoring system and method
A sport monitoring system includes a projectile(s), sensor units for one or more players to wear, and a data processing arrangement. The projectiles are useable in a game played by players. Each projectile has a motion sensing arrangement for generating one or more motion-indicative signals, and a data recording arrangement for recording the motion-indicative signals as a function of time. Each sensor unit is provided with a motion sensing arrangement for generating a motion-indicative signal(s), and a data recording arrangement for recording the motion-indicative signals as a function of time. The data processing arrangement receives data pertaining to the motion-indicative signals from at least one of the projectiles and/or at least one of the sensor units. The data processing arrangement performs a temporal correlation of the data to determine one or more periods of time when the projectiles are likely to be spatially closely associated with the players. |
| US09881205B2 |
Facial identification techniques
As the use of facial biometrics expands in the commercial and government sectors, the need to ensure that human facial examiners use proper procedures to compare facial imagery will grow. Human examiners have examined fingerprint images for many years such that fingerprint examination processes and techniques have reached a point of general acceptance for both commercial and governmental use. The growing deployment and acceptance of facial recognition can be enhanced and solidified if new methods can be used to assist in ensuring and recording that proper examination processes were performed during the human examination of facial imagery. |
| US09881201B2 |
Method and apparatus for collecting an electronic signature on a first device and incorporating the signature into a document on a second device
Disclosed embodiments are directed to systems and methods for linking more than one electronic device together to enable collection of an electronic signature or other information on a first device and incorporation of that signature or information into a document on a second device. |
| US09881198B2 |
Electronic device and method of registering fingerprint in electronic device
An electronic device includes: a fingerprint input unit located in one area of the electronic device to receive a fingerprint of a user; and a controller configured to control a display unit to display information on a fingerprint registration progress situation in correspondence to a plurality of fingerprints that are sequentially input to the fingerprint input unit, determine whether a fingerprint of the user is to be registered according to the fingerprint registration progress situation information, and register a fingerprint of the user by using at least some of the plurality of fingerprints. A fingerprint registration progress situation can be identified when a fingerprint is registered. |
| US09881194B1 |
Dot peen mark image acquisition
A mark reader apparatus has a lens and an autofocus system that manipulates the lens in accordance with control signals. An image acquisition system measures a distance from the lens to a dot peened mark. A processor is programmed to: calculate a focus position for the autofocus system that focuses the lens on the dot peened mark; apply an offset to the calculated focus position to produce an offset focus position; control the autofocus system by positioning the autofocus system to the offset focus position; and via the image acquisition system, acquire an image of the mark with the autofocus system set to the offset focus position. |
| US09881187B2 |
RFID reader and method for adjusting a frame length of an RFID system comprising an RFID reader
Embodiments provide an RFID reader. The RFID reader includes a collision detector, a decoder and a frame length adjuster. The collision detector is configured to detect for each slot of a plurality of slots of a current frame, in which a collision of signals transmitted by at least two RFID tags occurred, a signal property of a signal of the signals transmitted by at least two RFID tags. The decoder is configured to decode for the slot in which the collision is detected the signal of the signals transmitted by the at least two RFID tags using the detected signal property, wherein a collision recover probability describing a probability that the decoder can accurately decode the one signal depends on a signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of the current frame. The frame length adjuster is configured to adjust a frame length of a subsequent frame in dependence on the collision recover probability. |
| US09881186B1 |
Weak RFID tag signal recovery from collisions
RFID readers may be configured to recover weak RFID tag signals from collisions with stronger RFID tag signals. An RFID reader may receive a combined tag response including a strong tag response and a weak tag response. The reader recovers the strong and weak tag responses using source separation. In one example, the reader may recover the strong tag response from the combined tag response and remove the recovered tag response from the combined tag response to form a modified tag response. The reader may then recover the weak tag response from the modified tag response. |
| US09881183B2 |
System and method for recovering from an interrupted encryption and decryption operation performed on a volume
Systems and methods for reducing problems and disadvantages associated with traditional approaches to encryption and decryption of data are provided. An information handling system may include a processor, a memory communicatively coupled to the processor, and a computer-readable medium communicatively coupled to the processor. The computer-readable medium may have instructions stored thereon, the instructions configured to, when executed by the processor: (i) receive a generalized command from an application of an information handling system, the generalized command including an encryption or decryption task; (ii) convert the generalized command into a format recognizable by an encryption accelerator; (iii) provide the generalized command to the encryption accelerator in the format recognizable by the encryption accelerator; and (iv) instruct a cryptoprocessor to provide an encryption key for use in connection with the generalized command, the encryption key is unique to a storage resource, the encryption key further based on a security policy, wherein the security policy defines whether an encryption or decryption task is to be executed based on one or more of: a user logged into the information handling system, characteristics of the storage resource, or characteristics regarding a directory path of data to be written or read. |
| US09881178B1 |
Method and apparatus for protecting sensitive data
In accordance with one embodiment, an apparatus is provided that includes a computer processor coupled with a call center device positioned to receive an input communication containing PII data and originating from a telephone caller, wherein the computer processor implements code to suppress at least a portion of the received PII data without requiring a physical interrupt of the input communication so that the received PII data is not conveyed to a call center agent or to a computer of the call center agent. |
| US09881176B2 |
Fragmenting data for the purposes of persistent storage across multiple immutable data structures
Provided is a process including: receiving one or more write requests; selecting a first subset of the values as corresponding to higher-security fields; segmenting a first value in the first subset; instructing a first computing device to store a first subset of segments among the plurality of segments in memory; and instructing a second computing device to store a second subset of segments among the plurality of segments in memory. |
| US09881173B2 |
Managing keys used for encrypting data
A method, a data processing system, and a computer program product for managing cryptographic information. A determination is made as to whether a first time stamp of when cryptographic information was created is more recent than a second time stamp of a backup of the cryptographic information in response to receiving a request for the cryptographic information from a requester. The cryptographic information is used to encrypt data. The cryptographic information is prevented from being provided to the requester in response to a determination that the first time stamp of cryptographic information creation is more recent than the second time stamp of the backup of the cryptographic information. |
| US09881169B2 |
Malware-proof data processing system
A data processing system may have a strict separation of processor tasks and data categories, wherein processor tasks are separated into software loading and initialization (loading processor) and data processing (main processor) and data categories are separated into address data, instructions, internal function data, target data of the main processor and target data of the loading processor. In this way, protection is provided against malware, irrespective of the transmission medium and of the type of malware, and also against future malware and without performance losses in the computer system. |
| US09881163B2 |
System and method for performing sensitive geo-spatial processing in non-sensitive operator environments
Methods and systems are disclosed including transmitting, by processor of a server computer, image raster content of a geo-referenced aerial image to an operator user device without the geo-referencing information of the geo-referenced aerial image; receiving, by the processor of the server computer from the operator user device, image coordinates, which may be in the form of pixel row/column, representing an object or region of interest selected within the image raster content of the geo-referenced aerial image by a data processing operator of the operator user device; and translating the image coordinates into real-world geographic coordinates. The processor may calculate measurements based on the real-world geographic coordinates and may store real-world geographic coordinates and/or measurements. The geo-referenced aerial image may be isolated such that a data processing operator may not be able to pan or zoom outside of the isolated geo-referenced aerial image. |
| US09881162B2 |
System and method for auto-enrolling option ROMS in a UEFI secure boot database
A mechanism for automatically enrolling option ROMs into the system security database used for a UEFI Secure Boot is discussed. A request is received by a computing device to auto-enroll one or more option ROMs for one or more respective devices on the next boot of the system. Upon receiving the request, a flag or other type of indicator indicative of an auto-enroll status is changed to an active mode. The indicator is stored in non-volatile memory and may be stored as a UEFI Authenticated Variable. Following the changing of the indicator, the system is either reset or shut down. During the next boot only, after identifying the indicator indicative of an active mode auto-enroll status, the signatures for the option ROMs of all discovered devices whose signatures do not exist in the system security database are calculated (hashed) and added to the UEFI Secure Boot database without user interaction. |
| US09881160B2 |
Methods for firmware signature
A method for installing embedded firmware is provided. The method includes generating one or more firmware file instances and generating one or more digital certificate instances that are separate instances from the firmware file instances. The method includes associating the one or more digital certificate instances with the one or more firmware file instances to facilitate updating signature-unaware modules with signature-aware firmware or to facilitate updating signature-aware modules with signature-unaware firmware. |
| US09881159B1 |
Workload execution systems and methods
In one embodiment, a method is executed by a computer system. The method includes receiving information related to a platform-portable workload, the information comprising a data security policy expressed as digitally signed metadata. The data security policy specifies one or more data security features that any platform executing the platform-portable workload should implement. The method further includes validating the digitally signed metadata as originating from an issuer of the platform-portable workload. In addition, the method includes, responsive to successful validation of the digitally signed metadata, automatically determining whether a particular platform can satisfy the data security policy based, at least in part, on a comparison of the digitally signed metadata with data security attributes of the particular platform. Further, the method includes, responsive to a determination that the particular platform cannot satisfy the data security policy, automatically preventing execution of the platform-portable workload on the particular platform. |
| US09881155B2 |
System and method for automatic use-after-free exploit detection
Systems, methods and media are shown for automatically detecting a use-after-free exploit based attack that involve receiving crash dump data relating to a fault event, determining whether the fault event instruction is a call type instruction and, if so, identifying a UAF attack by checking whether it includes a base address in a first register that stores a pointer to free memory and, if so, generating a UAF alert. In some examples, generating a use-after-free alert includes automatically sending a message that indicates a UAF attack or automatically triggering a system defense to the UAF attack. Some examples may include, for a call type faulting instruction, identifying a UAF attack, checking whether a base address in the first register includes a pointer in a second register to a free memory location associated with the base address. |
| US09881154B2 |
Hardware-assisted log protection devices and systems
A hardware-assisted technique may protect a system log from attackers, regardless of an attacker's acquired privileges at the host system. In some embodiments, the technique may employ specialized hardware, e.g., in the form of an add-on peripheral card. The hardware may be connected to a commodity server through a standard bus. Said hardware may stores log files from a host system while permitting only read and append operations from the host system. Thus, even if the attacker obtains root privileges at the host system, removal through the host system of logs may be prevented because the asymmetric interface does not support such commands from the host system. In some embodiments, an existing log file storage path at the host system may be maintained, reducing the required change to implement the disclosed techniques within existing server setups. Further, any performance degradation due to the techniques may be small to negligible. |
| US09881147B1 |
Systems and methods related to security credentials
A method includes receiving, from a user via an electronic device, input representing a password to be utilized for an account; automatically determining, utilizing a processor, a complexity value for the input password; automatically determining, based on the determined complexity value, security settings for the account; receiving, from a user via an electronic device, input representing an attempt to login to the account, the input representing an attempt to login to the account including an attempted password; automatically determining that the attempted password does not match the password to be utilized for the account; and determining a course of action to take in response to the determination that the attempted password does not match the password to be utilized for the account, the course of action being determined based at least in part on the automatically determined security settings for the account. |
| US09881145B2 |
Adding features and services without password exposure
An indication of a change in a right to use a service or feature is received. For example, this can be based on an administrator granting access to a previously installed service or feature. In response, a notification is sent to a user of the change of the right to use the service or feature. The notification requests the user to provide a credential to approve the change of the right to use the service or feature. For example, a link may be provided in an email or text message that the user can click on to provide a password/user name. The credential is received and verified. In response to validating the credential, access is allowed according to the change of the right to use the service or feature. The user then has access to the service/feature without the administrator having to know the user's credential. |
| US09881143B2 |
Methods and apparatus for providing private expression protection against impersonation risks
A method, an apparatus, and a computer program product for wireless communication are provided in connection with providing private expression protection in a wireless communications network. In one example, a UE is equipped to internally receive a request (e.g., from an application running on the UE) to announce a private expression and/or at least a reference to an expression-code associated with the private expression, and determine whether the reference to the expression-code and/or the expression-code matches a stored instance of the expression-code. In an aspect, the UE may be equipped to announce the at least one of the private expression or the expression-code when stored instance of the expression-code corresponds to the expression-code received with the request. In another aspect, the UE may be equipped to prohibit announcement of any information associated with the private expression when stored expression-code does not correspond to the expression-code received with the request. |
| US09881142B2 |
Method and apparatus for preventing and investigating software piracy
An apparatus, method, and system for curtailing and investigating software piracy is provided. The method includes spawning user applications on a computer without use of a file on the file system. A protected application data source is retrieved by an operating system of the computer from a server and placed into a portion of memory not accessible by at least one application. The operating system also prevents the protected application data source from being written to the file system. In this manner there is no file subject to unauthorized distribution. The protected application data may also be watermarked by ordering at least one of executable functions, function call parameters, and program data according to a license identifier so that any two versions execute the same, but carry an identifier which can be used to trace piracy to the source. |
| US09881141B2 |
Software features licensing and activation procedure
A computer system for providing software over a network includes: a computer system for providing software over a network is provided. The system includes: a control unit configured to reside at a site, the control unit including a control unit identification (ID) that uniquely identifies the control unit to the network; a copy of the software, the software including sets of features; a license generator configured to create a features activation file containing the control unit ID and identifying at least one set of features to be activated by the control unit; a computer configured to download the features activation file to the control unit; and, the control unit configured for activating one of the sets of features according to the features activation file. A method and a computer program product are disclosed. |
| US09881140B2 |
Presenting sonic signals to prevent digital content misuse
A method for preventing digital content misuse can include receiving, by a client-side computing device, digital content from a remote computing system; periodically presenting sonic signals to confirm that a mobile computing device of a user authorized with the client-side computing device is within a desired geographic distance of the client-side computing device; receiving, by the client-side computing device, a notification that a number of unconfirmed sonic signals exceeds a threshold number of allowable unconfirmed sonic signals, wherein the number of unconfirmed sonic signals indicates a number of sonic signals presented by the client-side computing device that the mobile computing device did not confirm detecting; and in response to receiving the notification that the number of unconfirmed sonic signals exceeds the threshold number of allowable unconfirmed sonic signals, executing a remedial action. |
| US09881136B2 |
Methods and systems for managing patient treatment compliance
Provided are computer implemented method and systems for providing and monitoring patient compliance with a patient healthcare treatment plan. The method includes receiving, from a healthcare provider over a network, application features for generating a patient application including patient instructions for using a medical therapy, and generating an application for a patient. The application includes at least an input for the user to input data for use in evaluating patient compliance with a treatment plan. In addition, the method includes receiving, from the healthcare provider over the network, a prescription for the application for the patient, and activating the application after the patient receives training on use of the application. The method also may include receiving patient compliance data from the application over the network based on the input. |
| US09881131B1 |
Computer automated systems, devices and methods for data processing of accounting records
Devices, systems, methods and arrangements are implemented in variety of manners. In a specific instance, a computer arrangement implements the following operations for a transaction involving a plurality of merchant offerings that are parseable by merchant offering identifiers. For a plurality of identified buyer accounts from which monetary payables (e.g., cash, credit and/or debit limits) are tracked, stored data sets are accessed that are indicative of types of merchant offerings to be associated with particular ones of the plurality of buyer accounts. Payment is facilitated for the items as a function of at least one of the plurality of buyer accounts. Payment is tracked for the items as a function of the merchant offering identifiers. |
| US09881128B2 |
Method and a system of healthcare data handling
This invention relates to a method of healthcare data handling by a trusted agent possessing or having an access to decryption keys for accessing healthcare data. A request is received from a requestor requesting accessing healthcare data. A log is generated containing data relating to the request or the requestor or both. Finally, the requestor is provided with an access to the healthcare data. |
| US09881120B1 |
Method, system, and computer program product for implementing a multi-fabric mixed-signal design spanning across multiple design fabrics with electrical and thermal analysis awareness
Various embodiments implementing a multi-fabric mixed-signal electronic system design spanning across multiple design fabrics with electrical and/or thermal analysis awareness. A schematic design may be extracted from and a power delivery network (PDN) model may be determined from a plurality of layouts in multiple design fabrics in a multi-fabric design environment platform. A PDN-aware, multi-fabric full system schematic may be constructed by assembling the PDN model and the schematic design into the PDN-aware, multi-fabric full system schematic. For a schematic generated for a circuit block of interest, chip power models may be determined for the remaining portion of the multi-fabric mixed-signal electronic system design, and the PDN-aware, multi-fabric full system schematic may be updated by accounting for the chip power models. The circuit block of interest may then be electrically and/or thermally analyzed within the context of the remaining portion. |
| US09881118B2 |
IR-aware sneak routing
A method for routing a circuit device having an array of bump pads includes identifying a routing direction associated with a bump, generating a power strap and a ground strap based on the routing direction, forming a routing channel in accordance with the routing direction, setting a start point and an endpoint in the routing channel, and connecting the start point and the endpoint using a wire within the routing channel. The method further includes placing the start point to a power or ground strap in response to a target power/ground ratio. |
| US09881117B1 |
Predictive circuit design for integrated circuits
A method for creating a circuit design for an integrated circuit includes, responsive to a request to modify a current circuit design, determining, using a processor, a first core used in the current circuit design and predicting, using the processor, a second core not yet included in the current circuit design as a candidate core for inclusion in the current circuit design. The second core is determined based upon usage of the second core and the first core, in combination, in a plurality of example circuit designs. |
| US09881115B2 |
Signal via positioning in a multi-layer circuit board using a genetic via placement solver
One aspect includes identifying via groups that each includes a ratio of a plurality of signal vias to one ground via based on a design file defining a layout of a multi-layer circuit board. A genetic via placement solver iteratively evaluates potential placement solutions that adjust a placement of one or more of the signal vias until at least one solution is identified that meets one or more placement criteria of the signal vias. The genetic via placement solver performs a mutation and recombination of one or more solutions that do not meet the one or more placement criteria and re-evaluates the one or more solutions that do not meet the one or more placement criteria. The design file is modified to include at least one shifted signal via position based on identifying the at least one solution that meets the one or more placement criteria. |
| US09881113B2 |
Layout synthesis of a three-dimensional mechanical system design
This application discloses a computing system implementing tools and mechanisms to import a three-dimensional mechanical model from a mechanical design system. The three-dimensional mechanical model includes a folded representation of a substrate having a surface for placement of electronic components and electrical connections. The tools and mechanisms can identify one or more bends in the surface of the folded representation of the substrate, and generate a two-dimensional layout representation of the substrate for an electronic design system based, at least in part, on the one or more bends in the surface of the folded representation of the substrate. |
| US09881111B2 |
Simulation scaling with DFT and non-DFT
Electronic design automation modules for simulate the behavior of structures and materials at multiple simulation scales with different simulation modules. |
| US09881109B2 |
Simulating live production load
In an example embodiment, data communications to a first database intercepted and divided based on tenant. For each tenant of multiple tenants sharing the first database, the commands to update the one or more records in the first database within the data communications corresponding to the tenant are translated into commands to update one or more records in a second database of a different type than the first database, the translated commands corresponding to the tenant are replayed against a copied version of the first database in the second database, and the performance of the second database in handling the translated commands during the replaying is tracked. Serialization and timely execution, among the translated commands corresponding to the tenant, of execution of the translated commands is maintained during the replaying and synchronization of execution of translated commands between multiple tenants is maintained. |
| US09881105B2 |
Minimizing uncertainty envelopes in trajectories of evolving ensemble members
A mechanism is provided in a data processing system for minimizing uncertainty envelopes in trajectories of evolving ensemble members. The mechanism generates a trajectory forecast of each member object of an ensemble based on an initial state-space and a model for predicting trajectories of the member objects to generate a plurality of trajectory forecasts. Each of the plurality of trajectory forecasts has an individual uncertainty envelope. The mechanism applies a classification algorithm on the plurality of trajectory forecasts to identify at least one group of member objects having similar trajectory forecasts, generates a reduced ensemble of member objects including the identified group of member objects, and reconfigures the state-space and the model for predicting trajectories. The mechanism generates an updated trajectory forecast of each member object of the reduced ensemble based on the reconfigured state-space and the reconfigured model for predicting trajectories of the member objects. |
| US09881104B2 |
Simulating shape of a workpiece based on a flux
A simulation method to cause an information processing device to calculate, including: reversely tracing a first flux incident on any position on a surface of a workpiece subject to processing treatment from the position; when the first flux strikes another position on the workpiece surface as a result of the reverse tracing of the first flux, calculating a second flux to be the first flux by scattering at the another position and reversely tracing the second flux from the another position; and, by repeating calculation and reverse tracing of flux, when the reversely traced flux no longer strikes the workpiece surface, carrying out comparison of the flux with an angular distribution of a flux incident on the workpiece, and when the current flux is within the angular distribution, obtaining an amount of flux having contributed to the scattering for a flux group from the first flux to the current flux. |
| US09881102B2 |
Aggregating personalized suggestions from multiple sources
A computer provides a search interface that accesses multiple search providers, and aggregates their suggestions, providing a single, unified suggestion view across the multiple search providers. Suggestions are received from the multiple sources, such as a search engine on the internet or other public resource, and a search tool on the computer that accesses local or private resources. The suggestions are combined, ranked and displayed as a list to the user, from which the user is able to select. |
| US09881100B2 |
Scoping searches within websites
A computer-implemented method, computer program product, and computing system is provided for scoping searches within a website. In an implementation, a method may receiving a search request. The method may also include identifying a location of a search scoping feature within a website hierarchy. The method may further include setting a search scope relative to the search request based on, at least in part, the location of the search scoping feature. |
| US09881094B2 |
Systems and methods for automated local story generation and curation
Systems and methods for automated local story generation and curation are described. In one example embodiment, a server computer receives content from client devices, and processes the content to identify content characteristics. Stories are then generated based on the characteristics of the received content, and the stories are communicated to client devices. In certain embodiments, selection at a client device of an individual piece of content within a story may further be used by the system to provide the client device with a sub-story that includes pieces of content sharing content characteristics with the characteristics of the selected image or video. |
| US09881088B1 |
Natural language solution generating devices and methods
Natural language solution generating devices and methods are provided herein. Exemplary devices may execute logic via one or more processors, which are programmed to receive a complex query in natural language format, the complex query including a real-world problem that requires interrogation of a plurality of information sources in order to ascertain a response to the problem, evaluate the complex query to determine query segments, which are each included with at least one domain, wherein a domain corresponds to an information source, query the information sources to obtain responses for the query segments, and generate a natural language solution using the responses. |
| US09881086B2 |
Image shooting device, image shooting method, and recording medium
In the image shooting device, the image shooting method and the recording medium, the person detector detects the person in the moving image and set the person as the detected person. The person evaluator evaluates the detected person based on the action of the detected person exhibited during the certain period of time in the past and give the detected person the score. The person determiner determines that the detected person is the target person, when the score of the detected person is higher than the predetermined value. And the shooting assist section assists the action of the shooting person and the target person so that the target person is included in the moving image. |
| US09881081B2 |
Recipe identification method and apparatus
Disclosed embodiments include apparatus, method and storage medium associated with recipe identification. In embodiments, an apparatus may include a recipe identification function configured to receive or retrieve a text document, analyze the text document to identify a recipe, and return the identified recipe. Other embodiments may be described and claimed. |
| US09881078B2 |
Providing known distribution patterns associated with specific measures and metrics
A computer receives one or more keywords input by a user to describe a metric or a test and identifies a first document that includes at least one of the keywords. The computer identifies, in the first document, a known distribution pattern and an associated metric or measure that relate to the one or more keywords. The computer makes an electronic record of the identified known distribution pattern and associated metric or measure. |
| US09881076B2 |
Facilitating management of user queries and dynamic filtration of responses based on group filters in an on-demand services environment
In accordance with embodiments, there are provided mechanisms and methods for facilitating management of user queries and dynamic filtration of responses based on group filters in an on-demand services environment in a multi-tenant environment according to one embodiment. In one embodiment and by way of example, a method includes receiving, at a first computing device, a query via an application programming interface (“API”) of a software application at a second computing device, where the query includes one or more filter parameters including a size filter parameter. The method may further include evaluating the query based on the one or more filter parameters including the size filter parameter, selecting a first response based on the size filter parameter, and communicating the first response to be viewed via the API at the second computing device. |
| US09881068B2 |
System and method for cross-referencing information in an enterprise system
A system and method for enabling the cross-referencing or linking of records in an enterprise system is disclosed. |
| US09881066B1 |
Systems, methods, user interfaces and algorithms for performing database analysis and search of information involving structured and/or semi-structured data
Implementations for searching and analyzing large, object-oriented data sets in an efficient manner involving innovative user interface features and/or search algorithm functionality are disclosed. In one exemplary embodiment, a system may search for information and/or relationships based on specified search criteria and return results that may be displayed dynamically and further filtered or analyzed. Systems may involve object oriented database(s) and a software layer including a specialized user interface between the user and the database(s). The user interface may comprise various tools as well as predefined and configurable features that enable effective search of the data as well as display of search results that are configurable and readily managed to provide immediate and useful search results. The user interface may display the search results and various associated graphical representations and models, and/or provide tools enabling dynamic manipulation and display of search results or underlying object models, among other things. |
| US09881061B2 |
Embedded content suitability scoring
Embedded content suitability scoring is provided. A plurality of containers of a document is identified. Each container includes a portion of content of the document. A source for a container of the plurality of containers of the document is identified by matching the content of the container to the content of the source. A suitability score for the container is determined based, at least in part, on the content of the container and the content of the source. A suitability category for the container is determined based, at least in part, on the suitability score. The document is presented along with markup of the container that is based, at least in part, on the suitability category. |
| US09881060B1 |
Method and system for suggesting messages and accounts from a real-time messaging platform
A real-time messaging platform and method are disclosed which suggests messages and accounts from the real-time messaging platform. |
| US09881058B1 |
Methods, systems, and media for displaying information related to displayed content upon detection of user attention
Methods, systems, and media for displaying information related to displayed content upon detection of user attention are provided. In some implementations, a method for presenting information to a user is provided, the method comprising: detecting a presence of a user; retrieving content and associated content metadata; causing the content to be presented to the user in response to detecting the presence of the user; detecting a user action indicative of user attention to at least a portion of the content presented to the user; and in response to detecting the user action, causing information to be presented to the user, wherein the information presented to the user corresponds to the content metadata associated with the portion of the content. |
| US09881051B2 |
Preventing abuse in content sharing system
The subject matter of this specification can be implemented in, among other things, a method that includes receiving, by a processing device, one or more first content items for one or more first user accounts of a content sharing system. The method further includes storing the first content items at the content sharing system. The method further includes receiving, by the processing device, a second content item for a second user account of the content sharing system. The method further includes comparing, by the processing device, the received second content item to the stored first content items to determine that the second content item is not exclusive to the second user account. The method further includes restricting a privilege of the second user account for the second content item in response to the determination that the second content item is not exclusive to the second user account. |
| US09881049B2 |
Reducing the cost of update, delete, and append-only insert operations in a database
A first request may be received to update a first set of values. The first set of values may be stored at a first location within a first data page of a database. The first location may be read-only. In response to the receiving of the first request, a first set of records may be inserted into a second data page. The first set of records may include the update of the first set of values. In response to the inserting, a forward pointer may be stored in the first data page that points to the first set of records on the second data page. One or more committed values may be identified on the second data page. In response to the identifying, the one or more committed values may be merged from the second data page to a third data page. |
| US09881045B2 |
System and method for processing data
Disclosed are a system and method for processing data. The system for processing data according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes a determiner configured to receive one or more sets of input data and a set of metadata about a structure of each of the sets of input data and to determine whether the input data is normal data or abnormal data based on the metadata; a first storage configured to store the normal data; a second storage configured to store the abnormal data; and a data processor configured to correct the abnormal data stored in the second storage such that the abnormal data has the same structure as the normal data and store the corrected abnormal data in the first storage. |
| US09881042B2 |
Internet based method and system for ranking individuals using a popularity profile
Technologies are described herein for determining popularity of an individual. A popularity profiling server is used to receive information of the individual, analyze a quantitative data portion of the information, and analyze a qualitative data portion of the information using sentiment analysis. The sentiment analysis uses natural language parsing to separate the qualitative data into parts of speech. The popularity profiling server calculates an initial set of scores for the popularity of the individual based on the analysis of the quantitative data portion and the qualitative data portion of the information, update a ranking for the popularity of the individual in a database, and determine, after waiting a predetermined amount of time, if new data has been updated to the information on the information server. If new information has been updated, an updated set of scores are calculated. |
| US09881036B2 |
Avoid double counting of mapped database data
As disclosed herein a method, executed by a computer, for avoiding double counting in the presence of many-to-many relationships in database data includes receiving a report definition from a data management system, detecting a bridge table defining many-to-many relationships between at least two datasets, generating a query plan with layered sub-queries, and executing the query plan including the layered sub-queries to provide query results corresponding to the report definition. A query plan with layered sub-queries may include instructions to join, partition, normalize, group, and summarize tabular data. Additionally, a conditional selection operation may be used to detect and eliminate duplicated data from a field specified in the report definition. The resulting query plan may be executed as a single query language. A computer program product and an apparatus corresponding to the described method are also disclosed herein. |
| US09881030B2 |
Distributed archive system, data archive device, and data restoring device with improved restoration and security
A system for a distributed archive and data restoration which achieves both high-speed processing and security is provided. A random number is generated by a seed random number generator, and inputted to a key random number generator as a seed, and each data fragment is obtained by dividing a source data file to be archived, and is redundantly stored on (n−k+1) storage mediums identified as destination storage mediums among n storage mediums on the basis of the random number generated by the key random number generator each time where n is an integer no less than 2 and k is an integer no more than value of n. |
| US09881027B2 |
Image appended search string
Example embodiments of the present disclosure include a system comprising a computer-readable storage medium storing at least one program and a computer-implemented method for providing an image appended search string. In example embodiments, a selection of an image is received. The image is a search result from a plurality of search results obtained based on a matching process performed on a current search string. A keyword corresponding to the selected image is determined. The keyword corresponding to the selected image is appended to the current search string. The plurality of search results is refined based on the appending of the keyword. The refined search results are then caused to be presented. |
| US09881019B2 |
Rotating electric machine system
A rotating electric machine system includes: a rotating electric machine including a stator and a rotor arranged with a gap to the stator; a casing configured to hold the stator; an electric power conversion apparatus held by the casing, and configured to drive the rotating electric machine; and a first cooling flow path arranged in a portion of the casing between the stator and the electric power conversion apparatus, via which cooling medium is caused to flow so as to cool the stator and the electric power conversion apparatus. And; the electric power conversion apparatus comprises a power module configured to include a power semiconductor element therein; the power module comprises a heat radiation fin; and the heat radiation fin is arranged to protrude toward a cooling medium side via an opening formed between the power module and the first cooling flow path. |
| US09881018B2 |
File management in thin provisioning storage environments
A computing environment includes a home site and a cache site with nonhomogeneous thin-provisioned storage configurations. A file management system updates files stored at the cache site. Each updated file has an updated file size and a pre-update file size. When a resynchronization is needed between the cache site and the home site, for example due to an extended communication failure, the storage requirement changes for the updated files are calculated and a notification is sent to the home site. The notification identifies the updated files and the storage requirement changes. The home site sends a reply to the cache site. The reply identifies which files are approved for immediate processing. The cache site transfers resynchronization data for the approved files to the home site, and delays transferring resynchronization data for the unapproved files until subsequent replies from the home site indicate that the previously unapproved files are now approved. |
| US09881015B2 |
Method and system for previewing file information
A method and a system for previewing file information are disclosed. The method includes: storing file information of files in a file system to a predetermined cache with a uniform file format, and establishing a file information identification number list including a unique identification number for each of the information in the cache; reading the file information identifying number list from the cache, and querying whether a file information identifying number of a file to be previewed exists in the file information identifying number list; and directly reading file information of the file to be previewed from the cache via the uniform file format if the file information identification number of the file to be previewed exists in the file information identifying number list. The present disclosure can avoid complicated decoding processes and implement a rapid preview of the file information. |
| US09881012B1 |
Efficient interruption or termination of archive operations
Various systems, methods, and processes for interrupting and/or terminating an archive operation and/or archive process are disclosed. A determination is made as to whether an archive operation is ongoing. Files being written to a storage device as part of the archive operation are monitored. Upon receiving a request to interrupt or terminate the archive operation, the initiation of writing of new files to the storage device is inhibited, and the completion of the writing the files being written to the storage device is permitted. The archive operation and/or archive process is then interrupted or terminated without the risk of data corruption. |
| US09881010B1 |
Suggestions based on document topics
Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on a computer storage medium, for providing suggestions based on document topics. In one aspect, a method includes obtaining textual input provided to a document editing application by a user device for inclusion in a document; providing prior text of the document as input to a classification model that provides document topics for the document based on the prior text, and wherein the classification model was trained based on historical documents of other users; and determining, based on the textual input, to provide textual suggestions for inclusion in the document, and in response: selecting candidate suggestions based on the document topics and a suggestion topic for one of the candidate suggestions, each candidate suggestion comprising one or more words; and providing the selected candidate suggestions to the user device for inclusion in the document. |
| US09881005B2 |
Language independent processing of logs in a log analytics system
Log files include log file content, some of which (especially a non-runtime portion) is in human-readable language. Translation of log file content is accomplished by: (i) generating first log content in a first human-readable language using a first resource bundle related to data translation; and (ii) translating the first log content to second log content, which corresponds to the first log content but is in a second human-readable language, using the first resource bundle. The translated log content may have annotations and/or processing rules applied to it. The translation of the present invention can help to keep the translation accurate and uniform so that the translated log content may be more effectively used in various ways. |
| US09881004B2 |
Gender and name translation from a first to a second language
A system and method are provided for inferring person gender and translating people's names into a second language. The present invention translates an individual's name into a required second language to reduce waiting time in registration areas. It also is able to infer gender once the registration clerk enters the individual's first name in a native language. It also prevents duplication of a person's record generated because of the confusion that happens around how a native name is translated into a second language by standardizing such translation. The embodiments of the present invention utilize machine learning and statistical approaches to infer gender and translate an individual's name into a second language. |
| US09881001B2 |
Image processing device, image processing method and non-transitory computer readable recording medium
An image processing device, comprises: an input part for inputting image data; a word extracting part for extracting a word from texts contained in the image data; a synonym obtaining part for obtaining a synonym corresponds to the word, and for associating the obtained synonym with the word; a position identifying part for identifying a display position on the image data of the word with which the synonym is associated; a layer creating part for creating an accompanying layer to add to an original layer, which is the image data containing the word, and for embedding the synonym associated with the word within a position on the accompanying layer the same as the display position identified by the position identifying part; and an output image generating part for generating output image data including the original layer containing the word and the accompanying layer within which the synonym is embedded. |
| US09880998B1 |
Producing datasets for representing terms and objects based on automated learning from text contents
A system and methods for creating data objects as symbolic or associative representations of terms or objects using machine-based methods are presented. A term can be a word or a phrase, which can also be the name of an object. For a given term, the methods analyze other terms associated with the term, and determine a set of terms or values to be attached to the term to form a dataset, either as a representation of the term, or as information about an object represented by the term, including various properties associated with the object. The methods include obtaining a group of text contents or non-natural language data contents, specifying a target term or symbol, and identifying contextual attributes of the target term or symbol. The contextual attributes include positional and distance attributes, as well as grammatical and semantic attributes. |
| US09880997B2 |
Inferring type classifications from natural language text
A device may obtain text to be processed to infer type classifications associated with terms in the text. The type classifications may indicate types of values that the terms are intended to represent. The device may infer type classifications corresponding to terms in the text by performing a type classification technique. The type classification technique may include a name-based analysis, a context-based analysis a synonym-based analysis, or a valued-based analysis. These analyses may compare information, associated with the terms in the text, to type indicators that indicate the type classifications. The device may provide information that identifies a type relationship between a particular type classification and a particular term based on inferring the one or more type classifications. |
| US09880995B2 |
Variables and method for authorship attribution
A method uses linguistic units of analysis to identify the authorship of a document. The method is useful to determine authorship of brief documents, and in situations where there are less than ten documents per known author, i.e. when there is scarcity of text. The method analyzes parameters such as the syntax, punctuation, and, optionally the average word and paragraph length, and when the parameters are analyzed using statistical methods, obtains a high degree of reliability (>90% accuracy). The method can be applicable to numerous languages other than English because the variables selected are characteristic of most languages. The reliability of the method is verified when subjected to a cross-validation statistical analysis. |
| US09880992B2 |
Multi-client collaboration to access and update structured data elements
Tools and techniques for providing multi-client collaboration to access and update structured data elements are disclosed. Client systems may present user interfaces that provide libraries of published data elements that are available for collaboration. The clients may request selected data elements, while referencing unique identifiers associated with the selected data elements. Those clients that publish data elements for collaboration by others may present user interfaces that provide representations of candidate structured data elements, and receive selections of those data elements chosen for publication. The publishing clients may then send the selected data elements for publication. The client systems may interact with servers or collaboration services, which may receive structured data elements that the clients have published for access by others. The servers may define respective unique identifiers for the published data elements, and may send the structured data elements and corresponding unique identifiers to various client systems. |
| US09880990B2 |
Leveraging previous instances of handwriting for handwriting beautification and other applications
A stroke processing system (SPS) is described which processes a user's current instance of handwriting with reference to previous instances of handwriting. In one application, the SPS matches a new token input by a user (corresponding to a sequence of stroke samples) with previous tokens that are similar to the new token. The SPS then refines the new token by averaging it with the previous tokens. This improves the appearance of the new token. In another application, the SPS uses the previous tokens to produce a search result. In another application, the SPS uses the previous tokens to perform an auto-completion operation. |
| US09880988B2 |
Validation, rejection, and modification of automatically generated document annotations
A mixed-initiative annotation framework is described herein. A document that includes several sentences is presented to a user, and an extractor module analyzes at least one sentence and automatically extracts a subject, predicate, object triple therefrom. The subject, predicate, object triple is displayed in graphical relation with the sentence as a proposed annotation to the sentence. Graphical options are presented to the user that allow the user to accept the proposed annotation, reject the proposed annotation, or modify the proposed annotation. |
| US09880986B2 |
Information display apparatus, non-transitory computer-readable storage medium and display control method
Provided are an information display apparatus, a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing a display control program, and a display control method. An information display apparatus includes a display section configured to display an object thereon, an operation section configured to operate the object, and processing section configured to control the display section and the operation section. The processing section is configured to operate the display section to display a first screen showing the object and a second screen showing a screen transition diagram, into a display area of the display section. The screen transition diagram represents change in display of the first screen and shows first screen-transition and second screen-transition to be recognizable, where the first screen-transition represents change in display of the first screen, and the second screen-transition represents another change in display of the first screen starting at a certain point in the first screen-transition. |
| US09880975B2 |
Digital filter device, digital filter processing method, and storage medium having digital filter program stored thereon
Provided is a digital filter device that causes the last data of an immediately precedent input block to overlap with the input block of a time domain and generates an overlap block. The overlap block and the immediately precedent input block are each converted into a frequency domain block, subjected to filter processing, and converted into first and second time domain blocks. Among the overlap section of the first time domain block and the second time domain block, the front-end data of the first time domain block and the rear-end data of the temporal axis of the second time domain block are removed as a section of data that is to be removed, and output data is generated. An overlap amount is controlled on the basis of a distortion amount that is determined by comparing the removed section of the data of the first time region domain with the output section of the data of the overlap section of the second time domain block other than the removed section of said overlap section. |
| US09880973B2 |
System and method for determining when to turn off engines
Systems and methods for determining when to turn off an engine are described. The systems and methods may identify when an amount of carboxyhemoglobin exceeds a predetermined threshold; and monitor the amount of carboxyhemoglobin for a period of time. The systems and methods may determine when the amount of carboxyhemoglobin exceeds the predetermined threshold during the time period; and turn off the engine when the amount of carboxyhemoglobin exceeds the predetermined threshold during the time period. |
| US09880964B2 |
Encapsulated accelerator
A data processing system comprising a host computer system and a network interface device for connection to a network, the host computer system and network interface device being coupled together by means of a data bus, and: the network interface device comprising: a controller unit having a first data port for connection to a network, a second data port, and a data bus interface connected to said data bus, the controller unit being operable to perform, in dependence on the network endpoints to which data packets received at the network interface device are directed, switching of data packets between the first and second data ports and the data bus interface; and an accelerator module having a first medium access controller coupled to said second data port of the controller unit and a processor operable to perform one or more functions in hardware on data packets received at the accelerator module, the said first medium access controller being operable to support one or more first network endpoints; the host computer system supporting: a plurality of guest software domains including a first guest software domain having an application; and a privileged software domain configured to present a virtual operating platform to said plurality of guest domains, the privileged software entity including a first software driver for the controller unit but not including a second software driver for the accelerator module; wherein the application is configured to access the accelerator module by means of one or more first data packets formed in accordance with a predetermined network protocol and directed to one or more of the first network endpoints. |
| US09880961B2 |
Asynchronous bridge circuitry and a method of transferring data using asynchronous bridge circuitry
Asynchronous bridge circuitry provides data communication between source circuitry 4 in a source clock domain and destination circuitry 12 in a destinations clock domain. The asynchronous bridge circuitry includes first-in-first-out buffer 20, transmission path circuitry 14, which has an input end coupled to the source circuitry and an output end coupled to the first-in-first-out buffer. The transmission path circuitry has a transmission delay corresponding to a plurality of source clock cycles. Write pointer circuitry 22 located within the source clock domain at the output end 18 of the transmission path circuitry so as to generate a write pointer for the first-in-first-out buffer. Transmission control circuitry 26 located within the source clock domain at the input end 16 of the transmission path circuitry is configured to generate a transmission control signal which controls whether or not the source circuitry is permitted to send data. The transmission control circuitry includes tracking circuitry which stores one or more tracking values for tracking respective state variables of the first-in-first-out buffer and controlling whether or not the transmission control circuitry permits the sending of data from the source to the destination in dependence upon the generated control circuitry. |
| US09880959B2 |
Stacked semiconductor device assembly
The semiconductor device system includes multiple stacked substantially identical semiconductor devices each including a first side and an opposing second side. First and second pads are disposed at the first side of the semiconductor device, while third and fourth pads are disposed at the second side of the semiconductor device. First interface circuit is electrically coupled to the first pad and the third pad, while second interface circuit is electrically coupled to the second pad and the fourth pad. The second interface circuit is separate and distinct from the first interface circuit. At least one first semiconductor device of the multiple semiconductor devices is offset from other of the multiple semiconductor devices such that the fourth pad on the first semiconductor device is aligned with, and electrically connected to, the first pad on an adjacent one of the multiple semiconductor devices. In some embodiments, the first pad is associated with a first capacitance, while the second pad is associated with a second capacitance that is smaller than the first capacitance. |
| US09880950B2 |
Dynamically addressable master-slave system and method for dynamically addressing slave units
A master-slave system includes a master unit having a digital output for providing a signal or a serial signal sequence of signals, and at least two slave units. Each of the slave units includes at least one digital serial memory having a size of one bit, and each slave unit includes an input and an output. The slave units are serially connected to one another via the inputs and the outputs via a signal line (5). The output of a first slave unit is connected via the signal line to the digital output of the master unit. The master slave system is configured so that a signal supplied by the digital output is detected at the input of the slave unit, in order to raise the address of the corresponding slave unit in each case by the value “1”, to store the signal change in the memory and to output a signal corresponding to the content of the memory at the output of the memory. |
| US09880940B2 |
System-on-chip and method of operating the same
A system on chip (SoC) includes a central processing unit (CPU), an intellectual property (IP) block, and a memory management unit (MMU). The CPU is configured to set a prefetch direction corresponding to a working set of data. The IP block is configured to process the working set of data. The MMU is configured to prefetch a next page table entry from a page table based on the prefetch direction during address translation between a virtual address of the working set of data and a physical address. |
| US09880933B1 |
Distributed in-memory buffer cache system using buffer cache nodes
A separate distributed buffer cache system may be implemented for a storage client of a distributed storage system. Storage I/O requests may be sent from a storage client to one or more buffer cache nodes in a distributed buffer cache system that maintain portions of an in-memory buffer cache to which the requests pertain. The distributed buffer cache system may send the write requests on to the distributed storage system to be completed, and in response to receiving acknowledgements from the storage system, sending a completion acknowledgement back to the storage client. Buffer cache nodes may update buffer cache entries for received requests such that they are not available for reads until complete at the distributed storage system. For read requests where the buffer cache entries at the buffer cache node are invalid, valid data may be obtained from the distributed storage system and sent to the storage client. |
| US09880930B2 |
Method for operating controller and method for operating device including the same
A method of operating a controller includes receiving write data having chunks from a host, assigning each of finger prints to each of the chunks, counting the number of duplications of each of the finger prints, and changing a physical address assigned to each of first finger prints among the finger prints based on a count value of each of the finger prints based on a count value of each of the finger prints, and the physical address is assigned by a flash translation layer (FTL). |
| US09880929B2 |
Systems and methods for generating a unique device id
A device including a network interface, a memory, and at least one processor is provided. The memory may include a random access memory (RAM) and nonvolatile memory. The processor may be coupled to the memory and coupled to the network interface and configured to designate an uninitialized section of RAM, generate a network device identifier for the device using data from the uninitialized section of RAM, store the network device identifier in a nonvolatile memory, and assign the network device identifier to the device. The at least one processor may be further configured to generate the network device identifier using the data from the uninitialized section of RAM as a seed for a pseudorandom number generator. |
| US09880927B2 |
Functionally expandable vehicle control device and method for supplementing the functionality of a vehicle control device
A vehicle control device for supplementing/changing the functionality of a vehicle control device. A vehicle control device is created having at least one processor, a memory coupled to the processor, a plurality of application modules, and at least one communication interface for interchanging data with other vehicle control devices or an external vehicle device. Also disclosed is a method for supplementing/changing the functionality of a vehicle control device. |
| US09880923B2 |
Model checking device for distributed environment model, model checking method for distributed environment model, and medium
A model checking device for a distributed-environment-model according to the present invention, includes: a distributed-environment-model search unit that adopts a first state as start point when obtaining information indicating a distributed-environment-model, searches the state attained by the distributed-environment-model by executing straight line movements for moving from the first state to a second state which is an end position, and determines whether the searched state satisfies a predetermined property; a searched state management unit that stores the searched state in the past; a searched-transition-history management unit that stores an order of the transitions of the straight line movements in the past; a searched state transition association information management unit that stores the transition when moving to another state in the past search in such a manner that the transition is associated with each of the searched states. |
| US09880921B2 |
Analytic and layer-based augmentation of code reviews
A computer system may identify a source code for a program. The source code may include one or more instructions. The computer system may then receive a selection of two or more assessment metrics for evaluating the source code. The computer system may then generate an assessment score for each instruction in the source code based on the two or more assessment metrics. The computer system may then provide an assessment score indicator to for each instruction in the source code. |
| US09880912B2 |
Information processing system, control method of information processing system, and non-transitory computer-readable storage medium
The information processing system includes a first management device, a second management device coupled to the first management device, and a first information processing device coupled to the second management device, wherein the second management device receives, from the first information processing device, a notification indicating that an operation state of the first information processing device is changed from a first state to a second state, and the second management device transmits the notification to the first management device after a first time period is collapsed after receiving the notification, the first time period being defined based on the second state. |
| US09880909B2 |
Cached data replication for cache recovery
Processes are disclosed for embodiments of a caching system to utilize a snapshot file or other limited size data structure to store a portion of the data stored in a cache. The snapshot file can be stored on persistent or otherwise non-transitory storage so that, even in case of a restart, crash or power loss event, the data stored in the snapshot file persists and can be used by the caching system after starting up. The snapshot file can then be used to restore at least some data into the cache in cases where the cached data in the cache is lost. For example, in cases of a cold-start or restart, the caching system can load data from the snapshot file into the empty cache. This can increase the number of cache hits since the cache is repopulated with useful data at startup. |
| US09880908B2 |
Recovering from compromised system boot code
In a state of a system in which a processor of the system is not accessing a first memory, a controller in the system determines whether system boot code from the first memory in the system is compromised, wherein the first memory is accessible by the processor and the controller over a bus. In response to determining that the system boot code is compromised, the controller retrieves system boot code from a second memory in the computing device to replace the system boot code in the first memory, where the second memory is electrically isolated from the bus and is inaccessible by the processor. |
| US09880905B2 |
Tracking modifications to a virtual machine image that occur during backup of the virtual machine
A computer system comprises a processor unit arranged to run a hypervisor running one or more virtual machines; a cache connected to the processor unit and comprising a plurality of cache rows, each cache row comprising a memory address, a cache line and an image modification flag; and a memory connected to the cache and arranged to store an image of at least one virtual machine. The processor unit is arranged to define a log in the memory and the cache further comprises a cache controller arranged to set the image modification flag for a cache line modified by a virtual machine being backed up, but not for a cache line modified by the hypervisor operating in privilege mode; periodically check the image modification flags; and write only the memory address of the flagged cache rows in the defined log. |
| US09880904B2 |
Supporting multiple backup applications using a single change tracker
Supporting multiple backup applications using a single change tracker includes receiving, from a backup application, a request to associate with a backup map, replicating the backup map to create a replica backup map associated with the backup application, and updating the replica backup map based on changes in the backup map. |
| US09880903B2 |
Intelligent stress testing and raid rebuild to prevent data loss
A method for intelligently rebuilding a RAID includes subjecting a storage drive in an existing RAID to a stress workload test by placing the storage drive in a RAID 1 configuration with a spare storage drive. In the event the storage drive fails the stress workload test but can still be read, the method uses the RAID 1 configuration to copy recoverable data from the failing storage drive to the spare storage drive. The method uses other storage drives in the existing RAID to reconstruct, on the spare storage drive, data that is not recoverable from the failing storage drive. Either before or after all non-recoverable data has been reconstructed on the spare storage drive, the method logically replaces, in the existing RAID, the failing storage drive with the spare storage drive. A corresponding system and computer program product are also disclosed. |
| US09880901B2 |
Serial bus DRAM error correction event notification
A memory device incorporates a serial data bus coupled to the control circuit of the memory device to provide direct access to the error correction control circuit and to the error correction event notification information and error correction function configuration information stored in mode registers of the control circuit. The serial data bus enables access to the error correction control functions and to the error correction event notification information without requiring modifications to the memory controller used to control and communicate with the memory device. |
| US09880896B2 |
Error feedback and logging with memory on-chip error checking and correcting (ECC)
Error checking and correcting (ECC) may be performed in an on-chip memory where an error is corrected by a controller and not the on-chip memory. The controller may be flagged to show that an error has occurred and where it has occurred in the memory. The controller may access ECC bits associated with the error and may fix incorrect data. The error checking may be done in parallel with read operations of the memory so as to lower latency. |
| US09880895B2 |
Serial interface with bit-level acknowledgement and error correction
A bit-by-bit error correction technique is disclosed that divides each bit transmission into an acknowledgment phase, an error correction phase, and a transmission phase. |
| US09880893B2 |
Failure interval determination
For failure interval determination, a determination module determines a failure interval for transactions in a transaction queue based on a number of processed transactions. A transaction timeout module fails a first transaction in response to the first transaction not processing within the failure interval. |
| US09880891B2 |
Assignment and failover of resources
Included are embodiments for assignment and failover of resources. More specifically, at least one embodiment of a method includes assigning, to a user of an access device (202), at least one primary resource (210, 212). Some embodiments include assigning, to the user of the access device (202), at least one backup resource (210, 212). |
| US09880890B2 |
Extensible service execution framework with data mapping architecture
A service description associated with a service is received. An input data mapping rule from a first caller context to a service context associated with the service is automatically determined at least in part by transforming the service description. A service binding data consumer based at least in part on the service description is created. The service and the input data mapping rule between the first caller context and the service context is automatically executed. |
| US09880889B2 |
Virtual application extension points
A virtual application may be configured with several extension points within a host operating system. The virtual application may be configured with a private namespace in which various components, such as registry settings, dynamic linked libraries, and other components may reside. During configuration, links may be placed in the host operating system that may point to objects in the virtual application's private namespace so that the operating system and other applications may launch, control, or otherwise interact with the virtual application. The links may be located in a file system, registry, or other locations and may be available to other applications, including other virtual applications. A configuration routine may place the links into the host operating system at the time the application may be configured. |
| US09880877B2 |
Methods for rule-based dynamic resource adjustment for upstream and downstream processing units in response to an intermediate processing unit event
A method dynamically adjusts the resources available to a processing unit of a distributed computer process executing on a multi-node computer system. The resources for the processing unit are adjusted based on the data other processing units handle or the execution path of code in an upstream or downstream processing unit in the distributed process or application. |
| US09880867B2 |
Method and subsystem for data exchange between a guest operating system and a virtualization layer
The current document is directed to methods and subsystems for communication between virtualization layers and guest operating systems. A hardware baseboard management controller (“BMC”) provides an out-of-band communications link and management interface to a computer system that can be accessed by a system administrator through a remote console. A virtualization layer may provide a virtualized BMC (“vBMC”) that provides a data-and-command-exchange medium between a guest operating system and the virtualization layer. The virtualization layer may transmit commands, query status and configuration information, and transfer data through this data-and-command-exchange medium to the guest operating system. |
| US09880863B2 |
Methods and systems for increasing processor speed by creating rule engine rules from unstructured text
A method of manufacturing an aircraft. A plurality of documents, each comprising corresponding unstructured text and each being from a different source, is received at a processor, a particular document being in the plurality of documents. The particular document is selected by the processor based on a policy. The corresponding unstructured text for the particular document is converted by the processor into a structured language. The structured language is compiled by the processor into rules for a rules engine comprising software stored on a non-transitory computer readable storage medium. The rules for the rules engine are parsed by the processor into a set of rules. The aircraft is constructed according to the set of rules. |
| US09880859B2 |
Boot image discovery and delivery
Technologies for managing image discovery includes a server controller to cause a server to enter a pre-boot state. The server controller communicates with the server while the server maintains the pre-boot state to determine identification data of the server in response to a transitioning the server to the pre-boot state. The server controller identifies a boot image of the server based on the identification data of the server and associates the server with the identified boot image. |
| US09880858B2 |
Systems and methods for reducing BIOS reboots
In accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure, a method may include during boot of an information handling system, obtaining from a management controller integral to the information handling system information regarding resource requirements for one or more peripheral devices communicatively coupled to the one or more processor sockets integral to the information handling system and the management controller. The method may also include determining whether a default allocation of resources for the one or more peripheral devices among the one or more processor sockets by a basic input/output system integral to the information handling system satisfies the resource requirements. The method may further include, in response to determining the default allocation does not satisfy the resource requirements, rebalancing resources among the one or more processor sockets to satisfy the resource requirements prior to enumeration of the one or more peripheral devices. |
| US09880853B2 |
Sensor with application program
A sensor having a control and evaluation unit (2) and a memory unit (4), wherein an application program (6) for parameterizing and/or diagnosis is provided for the sensor (1), wherein an HTML description (8) is stored in the memory unit (4) wherein the HTML description (8) includes a bootstrap loading mechanism (10), wherein the bootstrap loading mechanism (10) is configured to transfer the application program (6) into a browser (12) on an end device (14) and the application program (6) can be started in the browser (12). |
| US09880851B2 |
System, method, and computer program product for implementing large integer operations on a graphics processing unit
A system, method, and computer program product for generating executable code for performing large integer operations on a parallel processing unit is disclosed. The method includes the steps of compiling a source code linked to a large integer library to generate an executable file and executing the executable file to perform a large integer operation using a parallel processing unit. The large integer library includes functions for processing large integers that are optimized for the parallel processing unit. |
| US09880850B2 |
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 major signal is generated that identifies an oldest ready instruction in the first age array and a subset 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. |
| US09880846B2 |
Improving hit rate of code translation redirection table with replacement strategy based on usage history table of evicted entries
In one embodiment, a micro-processing system includes a hardware structure disposed on a processor core. The hardware structure includes a plurality of entries, each of which are associated with portion of code and a translation of that code which can be executed to achieve substantially equivalent functionality. The hardware structure includes a redirection array that enables, when referenced, execution to be redirected from a portion of code to its counterpart translation. The entries enabling such redirection are maintained within or evicted from the hardware structure based on usage information for the entries. |
| US09880844B2 |
Method and apparatus for parallel and conditional data manipulation in a software-defined network processing engine
Embodiments of the present invention relate to fast and conditional data modification and generation in a software-defined network (SDN) processing engine. Modification of multiple inputs and generation of multiple outputs can be performed in parallel. A size of each input or output data can be large, such as in hundreds of bytes. The processing engine includes a control path and a data path. The control path generates instructions for modifying inputs and generating new outputs. The data path executes all instructions produced by the control path. The processing engine is typically programmable such that conditions and rules for data modification and generation can be reconfigured depending on network features and protocols supported by the processing engine. The SDN processing engine allows for processing multiple large-size data flows and is efficient in manipulating such data. The SDN processing engine achieves full throughput with multiple back-to-back input and output data flows. |
| US09880841B2 |
Computation method for computing performance value when processor executes code, computation apparatus for computing performance value when processor executes code, and computer readable storage medium storing computation program for computing performance value when processor executes code
A computation method includes: obtaining one or more first performance values of one or more instructions in a specific code for each of a plurality of first combinations of behavior result of a cache memory when a plurality of accesses to a memory area are executed; obtaining a second combination of behavior result of the cache memory when the plurality of accesses are executed based on an execution result of behavior simulation of the cache memory for a case where a processor executes a program including the specific code; and computing, by a computer, a third performance value when the processor executes the specific code based on one or more second performance values of the one or more instructions corresponding to the second combination among the one or more first performance values when the second combination is included in the plurality of first combinations. |
| US09880839B2 |
Instruction that performs a scatter write
A processor is described having an instruction execution pipeline. The instruction execution pipeline has an instruction fetch stage to fetch an instruction specifying multiple target resultant registers. The instruction execution pipeline has an instruction decode stage to decode the instruction. The instruction execution pipeline has a functional unit to prepare resultant content specific to each of the multiple target resultant registers. The instruction execution pipeline has a write-back stage to write back said resultant content specific to each of said multiple target resultant registers. |
| US09880838B2 |
Generating and managing applications using any number of different platforms
At least one application is received from a user. The at least one application is stored on a communication platform. A catalog is received. The catalog includes at least one service. Each service of the at least one service is associated with a platform. An indication of a selection, from the user, is received. The selection comprises a first service associated with a first platform, and a second service associated with a second platform. The first service stores the at least one application from the user. The second service runs the at least one application from the user. Responsive to receiving the indication, the at least one application is deployed to the indicated first platform. Additionally, responsive to receiving the indication, a service bridge from the communication platform to the second platform is deployed. The at least one application is run, on the first platform utilizing the service bridge. |
| US09880831B2 |
Field firmware upgrading method and computer-readable medium
A field firmware upgrading method is adapted in a field firmware upgrading system having a computing device and a storage device. First, the computing device is boot up to a real-time operating system (RTOS), wherein the RTOS and a firmware of the storage device are communicated with each other via a driver. The RTOS sends reading commands to the firmware, such that the firmware performs a reading operation meeting a prefix proceeding, wherein the prefix proceeding defines an order which specific logic block addresses (LBAs) are read. After the firmware performs the reading operation meeting the prefix proceeding, the RTOS sends writing commands to the firmware, such that the firmware performs a writing operation meeting a specific writing proceeding to write an firmware image file into the storage device beginning at a target LBA defined by the specific writing proceeding. |