| Document | Document Title |
|---|---|
| US09916953B2 |
Clapper armature with curved pole face
The present disclosure describes an apparatus for increasing the initial closing force and reducing the final closing force in the actuating mechanism of electromechanical switching devices such as relays or contactors. |
| US09916952B2 |
Carrier sub-assembly for an electrical relay device
A carrier sub-assembly for an electrical relay device includes a plunger and a shaft. The plunger is formed of a ferromagnetic material. The plunger has a generally cylindrical shape extending between a top side and a bottom side of the plunger. The shaft extends between a contact end and an opposite plunger end. The shaft is directly secured to the plunger without a discrete component between the shaft and the plunger securing the shaft to the plunger. The shaft and the plunger are configured to move together within the electrical relay device. A segment of the shaft including the contact end protrudes from the top side of the plunger for securing to a movable contact of the electrical relay device. |
| US09916951B2 |
Contactor, contactor assembly and control circuit
The present invention relates to a contactor, a connector and a contactor component. According to the first aspect of the invention, a contactor relates to a switch mechanism, an iron core, an iron core position sensing circuit and a control circuit. The control circuit can measure the position of the iron core by measuring the variation in inductance by using the property that the coil can produce different inductances when the iron core is in different positions in the coil. According to the second aspect of the invention, a connector and contactor component are provided, wherein a control circuit is arranged on a connector, the control circuit comprises a PWM power-saving circuit. The PWM power-saving circuit is integrated on the connector, so that the average driving current of the contactor is reduced and meanwhile, the size of the contactor is reduced. |
| US09916945B2 |
Low-travel key mechanisms using butterfly hinges
A key mechanism including one or more butterfly hinges. Each butterfly hinge may include a double wing design operative to move between a depressed position and non-depressed position. Hinged coupling mechanisms couple respective arms of the wings together. Additionally or alternatively, a key mechanism can include one or more half-butterfly hinges. Each half-butterfly hinge includes a double wing design operative to move between a depressed position and non-depressed position. A hinged coupling mechanism couples one set of corresponding arms of the wings together, while the other set of corresponding arms are not coupled together. |
| US09916943B2 |
Linkage mechanism and press key including the same
A linkage mechanism includes a left wing having two left arms, two left supporting rods that are respectively formed on the left arms, and two left sliding rods that are respectively formed on the left arms, a right wing having two right arms, two right supporting rods that are respectively formed on the right arms, and two right connecting rods that are respectively formed on the right arms, and a hinge unit having two left hinge pins, two right hinge pins, two left hinge holes and two right holes. Each left hinge hole is formed in a respective left arm and is engaged with a respective right hinge pin. Each right hinge hole is formed in a respective right arm and is engaged with a respective left hinge pin. |
| US09916940B2 |
Power controller having adaptive control of a switching circuit
Power controller includes a switching circuit that is configured to provide electrical power to a load. The switching circuit includes a first path having a first switch and a second path that is in parallel with the first path prior to the load. The second path includes a second switch. The switching circuit is in a soft-switching state when the second path is activated and the first path is deactivated. The switching circuit is in an operational state when the second path is deactivated and the first path is activated. The power controller includes a processing unit that is configured to open or close the first and second switches to change the switching circuit between the soft-switching state and the operational state. |
| US09916930B2 |
Method of manufacturing high permittivity low leakage capacitor and energy storing device
A method is provided for making a high permittivity dielectric material for use in capacitors. Several high permittivity materials in an organic nonconductive media with enhanced properties and methods for making the same are disclosed. A general method for the formation of thin films of some particular dielectric material is disclosed, wherein organic polymers are utilized to produce low conductivity dielectric coatings. Additionally, a method whereby the formation of certain transition metal salts as salt or oxide matrices is demonstrated at low temperatures utilizing mild reducing agents. Further, a circuit structure and associated method of operation for the recovery and regeneration of the leakage current from the long-term storage capacitors is provided in order to enhance the manufacturing yield and utility performance of such devices. |
| US09916925B2 |
Wireless power receiver and transfer, wireless power transceiver system, and wireless power transceiver mobile device
A wireless power receiver includes a receiver resonator configured to be coupled to a source resonator to receive a power from the source resonator, the receiver resonator comprising: a planar dielectric layer; an antenna patterned in the form of a loop on the dielectric layer or arranged in the shape of a ring in the exterior of the dielectric layer; and a meta-structure separated from the antenna and arranged on the dielectric layer within the antenna, wherein the meta-structure is configured to reinforce at least one of the electric fields and magnetic fields that are formed in the receiver resonator. |
| US09916919B2 |
Superconducting wires and methods of making thereof
Disclosed herein are superconducting wires. The superconducting wires can comprise a metallic matrix and at least one continuous subelement embedded in the matrix. Each subelement can comprise a non-superconducting core, a superconducting layer coaxially disposed around the non-superconducting core, and a barrier layer coaxially disposed around the superconducting layer. The superconducting layer can comprise a plurality of Nb3Sn grains stabilized by metal oxide particulates disposed therein. The Nb3Sn grains can have an average grain size of from 5 nm to 90 nm (for example, from 15 nm to 30 nm). The superconducting wire can have a high-field critical current density (Jc) of at least 5,000 A/mm2 at a temperature of 4.2 K in a magnetic field of 12 T. Also described are superconducting wire precursors that can be heat treated to prepare superconducting wires, as well as methods of making superconducting wires. |
| US09916916B2 |
Conductive material and substrate
The present invention provides a conductive material comprising: (A) a π-conjugated polymer, and (B) a dopant polymer which contains one or more repeating units selected from “a1” to “a4” respectively represented by the following general formula (1) and has a weight-average molecular weight in the range of 1,000 to 500,000, (C) a nanoparticle which is selected from a gold nanoparticle, a silver nanoparticle, and a platinum nanoparticle and has a particle diameter of 1 to 200 nm. There can be provided a conductive material that has excellent film-formability and also can form a conductive film having high transparency and conductivity, superior flexibility and flatness when the film is formed from the material. |
| US09916915B2 |
Paste for diffusion layer formation and production method thereof and production method of gas diffusion layer
The paste for diffusion layer formation used for formation of a GDL for a fuel cell contains a solvent, and conductive particles, a first surfactant having a first decomposition temperature and a second surfactant having a second decomposition temperature that is lower than the first decomposition temperature, all of which are dispersed in the solvent. The paste for diffusion layer formation contains a lower amount of the first surfactant than the second surfactant on a weight basis. |
| US09916914B2 |
N-doped carbon materials
A carbon material comprising pyrolized egg protein characterized by containing mesopores or micropores. The pyrolized egg protein may comprise pyrolyzed eggshell membrane having a continuous conducting core and a porous shell, the pyrolyzed eggshell membrane comprising partially-activated carbon. The porous shell may comprise nitrogen or oxygen. The pyrolized egg protein may comprise mesoporous egg white. |
| US09916909B2 |
Swirler, steam separator including the swirler, and nuclear boiling water reactor including the same
In one embodiment, the steam separator includes a standpipe configured to receive a gas-liquid two-phase flow stream, and a first swirler configured to receive the gas-liquid two-phase flow stream from the standpipe. The first swirler is configured to separate the gas-liquid two-phase flow stream. The first swirler includes a direct flow portion and an indirect flow portion. The direct flow portion has a direct flow channel for permitting direct flow of the gas-liquid two-phase flow stream through the first swirler, and the indirect flow portion has at least one indirect flow channel defined by at least one vane in the first swirler for providing an indirect flow of the gas-liquid two-phase flow stream through the first swirler. |
| US09916908B2 |
Gas supply apparatus and air or nitrogen supply apparatus of nuclear plant
A gas supply apparatus of the present invention includes a gas discharge line of a first electromagnetic valve having s a switching valve placed therein, and a second electromagnetic valve placed between the switching valve and a gas supply source. The switching valve switches between a gas discharge from the first electromagnetic valve and a gas supply to the first electromagnetic valve. At the time of a normal operation, the second electromagnetic valve opens a gas discharge line side and closes a switching valve side, and when the power source is lost, the second electromagnetic valve opens the switching valve side and closes the gas discharge line side. In this way, even when the power source is lost, an operating valve can not only be operated remotely but also be operated safely by a remote operator. |
| US09916906B2 |
Periodically updating a log likelihood ratio (LLR) table in a flash memory controller
Log likelihood ration (LLR) values that are computed in a flash memory controller during read retries change over time as the number of program-and-erase cycles (PECs) that the flash memory die has been subjected to increases. Therefore, in cases where an LLR table is used to provide pre-defined, fixed LLR values to the error-correcting code (ECC) decoding logic of the controller, decoding success and the resulting BER will degrade over time as the number of PECs to which the die has been subjected increases. In accordance with embodiments, a storage system, a flash memory controller for use in the storage system and method are provided that periodically measure the LLR values and update the LLR table with new LLR values. Periodically measuring the LLR values and updating the LLR table with new LLR values ensures high decoding success and a low BER over the life of the flash memory die. |
| US09916900B2 |
Memory device, memory system, method of operating memory device, and method of operating memory system
A memory device, comprising: a memory cell array including a plurality of NAND strings, each NAND string including a plurality of memory cells respectively connected to a plurality of word lines vertically stacked on a substrate; and a control logic configured to generate a pre-programming control signal for memory cells of a first NAND string of the NAND strings such that, before erasing the memory cells of the first NAND string, pre-programming voltages applied to the word lines coupled to the corresponding memory cells of the first NAND string vary based on an operating characteristic of the corresponding memory cells. |
| US09916899B2 |
Storing information and updating management data in non-volatile memory
Some embodiments include apparatuses and methods having memory cells and a control unit. The control unit can retrieve information from a first portion of the memory cells. The information can include bits organized into a first bit group and second bit group. The information can be associated with management information. The control unit can store the first and second bits in the second group in a second portion of the memory cells. The control unit can update the first and second management information after the second bit group is stored. |
| US09916898B2 |
EPROM cell array, method of operating the same, and memory device including the same
A memory cell array includes local blocks disposed in parallel with rows and arrayed along a direction parallel with columns, first selection lines being parallel with the rows and including a couple of first selection lines connected to each of the local blocks, second selection lines disposed in parallel with the columns, and local block selectors disposed between the plurality of local blocks. Each of the local block selectors is disposed between a Qth wherein, “Q” is an odd number local block and a (Q+1)th local block among the local blocks to electrically connect unit cells disposed in any one of the Qth local block and the (Q+1)th local block to the second selection lines. The unit cells in the local blocks are disposed at cross points of the first selection lines and the second selection lines, respectively. Each of the unit cells includes a P-channel MOSFET. |
| US09916895B2 |
Memory write driver, method and system
Disclosed are methods, systems and devices for operation of non-volatile memory devices. In one aspect, a non-volatile memory device may be placed in any one of multiple memory states in a write operation by controlling a current and a voltage applied to terminals of the non-volatile memory device. For example, a write operation may apply a programming signal across terminals of non-volatile memory device having a particular current and a particular voltage for placing the non-volatile memory device in a particular memory state. |
| US09916892B1 |
Write driver circuitry to reduce leakage of negative boost charge
A pair of write driver inverters are arranged in series to drive a bit line responsive to a data bit input signal. A first boost capacitor provides a negative boost to a first ground node for a first one of the write driver inverters during the write assist period. A second boost capacitor provides a negative boost to a second ground node for a second one of the write driver inverters during the write assist period. |
| US09916888B1 |
System for measuring access time of memory
A system for measuring an access time of a memory includes a first delay unit configured to delay a clock signal by a first delay time and to output a first delayed clock signal, a second delay unit configured to delay the clock signal by a second delay time greater than the first delay time and to output a second delayed clock signal, a memory configured to store data, the data being read from the memory in response to the first delayed clock signal, a detection data storage configured to store the data read from the memory in response to the second delayed clock signal, and a controller configured to measure an access time of the memory based on a comparison of the data in the detection data storage and the data in the memory, the first delayed clock signal and the second delayed clock signal. |
| US09916887B2 |
Semiconductor device having input/output line drive circuit and semiconductor system including the same
A semiconductor system includes a first semiconductor device and a second semiconductor device. The first semiconductor device outputs a command/address signal. The second semiconductor device extracts an active signal, a pre-charge signal, and addresses from the command/address signal, performs an active operation on a memory cell corresponding to the addresses, and performs a refresh operation on the memory cell corresponding to counting signals generated by counting a number of pulses in a refresh signal. |
| US09916885B2 |
Semiconductor devices having a refresh operation
A semiconductor device includes a first row address generation circuit and a second row address generation circuit. The first row address generation circuit generates a first row address for refreshing memory cells connected to word lines included in a first up block and a second up block from a refresh command and an active signal in response to a period selection signal and a first period signal. The second row address generation circuit generates a second row address for refreshing memory cells connected to word lines included in a first down block and a second down block from the refresh command and the active signal in response to the period selection signal and a second period signal. |
| US09916884B2 |
Physically unclonable function circuit using resistive memory device
Described is a physically unclonable functional circuit comprising: a resistive memory device (e.g., an MTJ device) having at least two terminals; a transistor coupled to one of the at least two terminals of the resistive memory device; and an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) having an input coupled to the one of the at least two terminals of the resistive memory device. |
| US09916879B2 |
Semiconductor memory device and I/O control circuit therefor
An I/O control circuit, includes a mode setting unit configured to generate a first mode signal, a second mode signal, a third mode signal, and a fourth mode signal in accordance with one of a plurality of I/O option modes, a first control signal generation unit configured to generate a first mode determination signal and a first control signal enable signal in response to the first I/O option signal and the first mode signal, and a second control signal generation unit configured to generate a second control signal enable signal, a third control signal enable signal, and a fourth control signal enable signal in response to a second I/O option signal, the first mode determination signal, the second mode signal, the third mode signal, and the fourth mode signal. |
| US09916878B2 |
Methods and systems for parallel column twist interleaving
Systems and methods are provided for parallel column twist interleaving. Parallel bit-interleaving with column twist may be applied to an input bitstream based on one or more interleaving parameters. Bits in the input bitstream may be read, in sets having size based on a first interleaving parameter, and may then be processed based on a second interleaving parameter. The processing may comprise applying a shift to a combination of bits that include a current bit set and additional bits corresponding to previously processed bit sets and/or pre-set bits. The shift may be determined based on a column twist associated with the current corresponding. Bits generated based on processing in current and/or previous cycles may be stored into memory, and bits may be read from the memory, based on a third interleaving parameter, for generating an output interleaved bitstream. |
| US09916876B2 |
Ultra low power architecture to support always on path to memory
An apparatus with an ultra low power architecture is described herein. The apparatus includes a first power supply rail, wherein a plurality of subsystems are to be powered by the first power supply rail. The apparatus also includes a second power supply rail, wherein a plurality of autonomous subsystems are to be powered by the power supply rail, wherein the second power supply rail is to be always on, always available, and low power. |
| US09916872B1 |
Double-barrier vacuum seal for sealed data storage system
A data storage system assembly includes a hermetically-sealed enclosure, a double-barrier sealing system comprising first and second sealing members spaced from each other, and a vacuum source that operates in the space between sealing members to generate a lower pressure in the space than in the enclosure. A lighter-than-air gas may be enclosed in the enclosure, and a plurality of non-hermetically-sealed data storage devices may be housed within the enclosure. Air, humidity, and other contaminants may be intercepted by the vacuum system rather than leak into and pollute the sealed internal environment of the storage system enclosure. |
| US09916871B1 |
Data storage library with acclimation chamber
A data storage library includes at least a first library portion and at least a second library portion, wherein the second library portion is configured to store and receive media associated with data storage cartridges and comprises an environmental conditioning unit configured to control environmental conditions within the second library portion to be different than environmental conditions external to the second library portion. The data storage library also includes at least one acclimation chamber formed by the first library portion, wherein the at least one acclimation chamber permits gradual transition of environmental condition(s) within the at least one acclimation chamber toward at least one of the corresponding environmental condition(s) external and internal to the second library portion. |
| US09916864B2 |
Method and apparatus for managing images using a voice tag
An electronic device is provided. The electronic device includes a voice input module which receives a voice from an outside to generate voice data, a memory which stores one or more images or videos, and a processor which is electrically connected to the voice input module and the memory. The memory includes instructions, when executed by the processor, causing the electronic device to link at least one of the voice data, the first metadata information based on the voice data, or second metadata information generated from the voice data and/or the first metadata information with the second image or video. |
| US09916863B1 |
Systems and methods for editing videos based on shakiness measures
Video information defining video content may be accessed. The video content may include video frames. Motion vectors for the video frames may be determined. The motion vectors may represent motion of one or more visuals captured within individual video frames. A transformation matrix for the video frames may be determined based on the motion vectors. The transformation matrix may characterize rigid transformations between pairs of the video frames. Shakiness metrics for the video frames may be determined based on the transformation matrix. A shakiness threshold may be obtained. One or more of the video frames may be identified based on the shakiness metrics, the shakiness threshold, and algorithms with hysteresis or finite-state machines. A video summary of the video content may be generated. The video summary may include the one or more identified video frames. |
| US09916857B2 |
Techniques to extract ENF signals from video image sequences exploiting the rolling shutter mechanism; and a new video synchronization approach by matching the ENF signals extracted from soundtracks and image sequences
Various systems and methods may benefit from determination of environmental signatures in recordings. For example, such signatures may aid forensic analysis and alignment of media recordings, such as alignment of audio or video recordings. A method can include extracting electric network frequency signals from an image sequence of a video recording or an audio recording. The method can also include synchronizing the video recording or the audio recording with at least one other datum based on the electric network frequency signals. |
| US09916854B2 |
Systems and methods for removing media from a sequential media drive
In accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure, a sequential storage media drive may include a first reel for rotatably winding sequential storage media tape from an opposing second reel of a data cartridge, an enclosure for housing the first reel and housing the data cartridge when the data cartridge is inserted into the sequential storage media drive and an access door mechanically coupled to the enclosure, the access door configured to be translated from a closed position to an open position to allow a user to access the first reel from an exterior of the enclosure in the event the data cartridge of the sequential storage media tape becomes lodged in the sequential storage media drive. |
| US09916853B2 |
Holographic storage layer, holographic disk using the same, and method for manufacturing the same
A holographic storage layer includes a reflective structure and photosensitive units. The reflective structure is a grid-shaped structure and includes cavities. The photosensitive units are disposed in the cavities, in which each of the photosensitive units is surrounded by the reflective structure. First openings and second openings are defined by the reflective structure, and the photosensitive units are exposed by the first openings and the second openings respectively. |
| US09916851B1 |
Preheat strategy during sequential writing
Embodiments described herein involve a method comprising generating a seek command in a heat-assisted magnetic recording (HAMR) device. A first current is supplied to a laser diode of the HAMR device in response to the seek command to preheat the laser diode. The first current is insufficient to cause erasure of data on media of the HAMR device. A second current that is greater than the first current is supplied to the laser diode for writing to a magnetic recording medium of the HAMR device after executing the seek command. Preheating the laser diode reduces a likelihood of a laser mode hop occurring while writing to the medium. |
| US09916847B1 |
Magnetic recording device capable of detecting contamination buildup at a head-disk interface
An apparatus comprises a thermal sensor configured to interact with a magnetic recording disk. A head-disk interface is defined between the thermal sensor and the disk. A power supply is coupled to the thermal sensor and configured to supply a bias power to the thermal sensor between a low power and a high power. A processor is coupled to the thermal sensor and configured to determine a slope of a resistance response of the thermal sensor. The processor is further configured to detect a change in the slope relative to a baseline slope. The slope change indicates increased heat sinking between the thermal sensor and the disk due to the presence of contaminant buildup at the head-disk interface. |
| US09916845B2 |
Method for determining alcohol use by comparison of high-frequency signals in difference signal, and recording medium and device for implementing same
This method for determining alcohol use comprises the steps of: detecting an effective frame in an input audio signal; detecting a difference in signal within the original signal of the effective frame; performing a fast Fourier conversion on the difference signal to be transformed into a frequency domain; detecting high-frequency components within the difference signal subjected to the fast Fourier transform; and determining the state of alcohol use on the basis of a gradient difference between the high-frequency components. Accordingly, the present invention can identify the state and extent of alcohol use by a driver or an operator from a long distance and thus can prevent accidents caused by driving or operating vehicles and machines under the influence of alcohol. |
| US09916844B2 |
Method for determining alcohol consumption, and recording medium and terminal for carrying out same
Disclosed are a method for determining whether a person is drunk after consuming alcohol on the basis of a difference among a plurality of formant energy energies, which are generated by applying linear predictive coding according to a plurality of linear prediction orders, and a recording medium and a terminal for carrying out the method. The alcohol consumption determining terminal comprises: a voice input unit for receiving voice signals and converting same into voice frames and outputting the voice frames; a voiced/unvoiced sound analysis unit for extracting voice frames corresponding to a voiced sound from among the voice frames; an LPC processing unit for calculating a plurality of formant energy energies by applying linear predictive cording according to the plurality of linear prediction orders to the voice frames corresponding to the voiced sound; and an alcohol consumption determining unit for determining whether a person is drunk after consuming alcohol on the basis of a difference among the plurality of formant energy energies which have been calculated by the LPC processing unit, thereby determining whether a person is drunk after consuming alcohol depending on a change in the formant energy energies generated by applying linear predictive coding according to the plurality of linear prediction orders to voice signals. |
| US09916843B2 |
Voice processing apparatus, voice processing method, and non-transitory computer-readable storage medium to determine whether voice signals are in a conversation state
A voice processing apparatus including a memory, and a processor coupled to the memory and the processor configured to acquire a first input signal containing a first voice, and a second input signal containing a second voice, obtain a first signal intensity of the first input signal, and a second signal intensity of the second input signal, specify a correlation coefficient between a time sequence of the first signal intensity and a time sequence of the second signal intensity, determine whether the first voice and the second voice are in the conversation state or not based on the specified correlation coefficient, and output information indicating an association between the first voice and the second voice when it is determined that the first voice and the second voice are in the conversation state. |
| US09916842B2 |
Systems, methods and devices for intelligent speech recognition and processing
Systems, methods, and devices for intelligent speech recognition and processing. According to one embodiment, a method for improving intelligibility of a speech signal may include (1) at least one processor receiving an incoming speech signal comprising a plurality of sound elements; (2) the at least one processor recognizing a sound element in the incoming speech signal to improve the intelligibility thereof; (3) the at least one processor processing the sound element by at least one of modifying and replacing the sound element; and (4) the at least one processor outputting the processed speech signal comprising the processed sound element. |
| US09916841B2 |
Method and apparatus for suppressing wind noise
The invention includes a method, apparatus, and computer program to selectively suppress wind noise while preserving narrow-band signals in acoustic data. Sound from one or several microphones is digitized into binary data. A time-frequency transform is applied to the data to produce a series of spectra. The spectra are analyzed to detect the presence of wind noise and narrow band signals. Wind noise is selectively suppressed while preserving the narrow band signals. The narrow band signal is interpolated through the times and frequencies when it is masked by the wind noise. A time series is then synthesized from the signal spectral estimate that can be listened to. This invention overcomes prior art limitations that require more than one microphone and an independent measurement of wind speed. Its application results in good-quality speech from data severely degraded by wind noise. |
| US09916840B1 |
Delay estimation for acoustic echo cancellation
A technology for estimating a delay between a far-end audio signal and a near-end audio signal for acoustic echo cancellation is disclosed. A copy of the far-end signal is stored in a speaker buffer and organized in chunks, and a copy of the near-end signal is stored in a microphone buffer and organized in chunks. Cross correlation is performed on each pair of speaker chunks and microphone chunks based on β-PHAse Transform (“PHAT”) generalized cross correlation (“GCC”). A peak correlation value can be obtained for each pair of the chunks. Offset values corresponding to the peak correlation values are collected and clustered. A best cluster is selected and the offset value represented by the selected cluster is identified as the estimated delay. Acoustic echo cancellation can be performed on the near-end signal based on the estimated delay. |
| US09916835B2 |
Digital wireless audio transmission system
A digital wireless audio transmission system having a wireless receiving unit for wirelessly receiving a high-frequency signal. An HF analysis unit analyzes the received high-frequency data, detects errors in the transmission within a time window, and outputs the received data and first items of information in respect of the detected errors. A decoding unit converts/decodes the received high-frequency data into audio data. An error detection unit checks errors in the conversion of the decoding unit within a previously established time window and outputs second items of information in respect of errors during decoding of the received high-frequency data. An error rate is determined based on the first and second items of information. If the error rate exceeds a first threshold value then no audio signal is outputted. Only if the error rate falls below a second value, lower than the first value, is an audio output is then again effected. |
| US09916824B2 |
Electronic percussion controller, instrument and method
An electronic percussion instrument controller includes a selection input device, a setting input device and a processor. The selection input device is configured to select an instrument which defines a tone that corresponds to a musical performance input device. The setting input device is configured to selectively set a tone lock for the musical performance input device. The processor is programmed to maintain a set tone of the musical performance input device for which the tone lock is set by the setting device. |
| US09916823B2 |
Gradient waveforms derived from music
Apparatus, methods, and other embodiments associated with producing gradient waveforms derived from music are provided. A piece of encoded music (e.g., MP3 file) is converted to an encoding gradient associated with a magnetic resonance fingerprinting (MRF) pulse sequence. The encoding gradient may be optimized with respect to maximum gradient amplitude, gradient slew rate, and other properties of a magnetic resonance (MR) apparatus that will perform the MRF pulse sequence. The MR apparatus may then be controlled to perform an MRF procedure using the encoding gradient. Performing the MRF procedure using the encoding gradient may cause the MR apparatus to reproduce the piece of encoded music. The encoding gradient may be manipulated (e.g., rotated) to encode additional lines in k-space. |
| US09916822B1 |
Systems and methods for audio remixing using repeated segments
A derivative track for an audio track may be generated. An audio track duration of the audio track may be partitioned into partitions of a partition size. A current partition may be compared to remaining partitions of the audio track. Audio information for the current partition may be correlated to audio information for remaining partitions to determine a correlated partition for the current partition from among the remaining partitions of the track duration. The correlated partition determined may be identified as most likely to represent the same sound as the current partition. This comparison process may be performed iteratively for individual ones of the remaining partitions. One or more regions of the audio track may be identified. Individual regions may include multiple correlated partitions that are temporally adjacent along the audio track duration. One or more partitions within one or more regions may be removed to generate the derivative track. |
| US09916820B2 |
Supporter for supporting sound tubes to be hung therefrom and method of producing the same, and musical instrument
A musical instrument includes a supporter for supporting a plurality of sound tubes to be hung therefrom using wires. The supporter includes at least one hanger bar and a plurality of hanger pins extending from the at least one hanger bar toward a hanging side of the at least one hanger bar from which the sound tubes are hung. The at least one hanger bar and the hanger pins are integrally formed in one piece. |
| US09916807B2 |
Output circuit and switching circuit of display driving device
An output circuit of a display driving device may include: an output buffer unit configured to buffer a pair of input signals having different polarities and output a pair of output signals; and a switching unit configured to transmit the pair of output signals to a pair of output terminals through a direct path or a cross path during an output period, and charge-share the pair of output terminals using a middle voltage of a pull-up voltage and a pull-down voltage of the output buffer unit during a charge-sharing period. |
| US09916806B2 |
Liquid crystal display apparatus and driving method thereof
A liquid crystal display apparatus includes a gamma mapping unit configured to receive red, green, and blue image information from an external device. During the first field, the gamma mapping unit generates first to third data signals for controlling the first to third pixels based on the red, green, and blue image information in synchronization with the backlight unit. During the second field, the gamma mapping unit generates fourth and fifth data signals for controlling the first and second pixels based on at least one of the first to third data signals or based on the red, green, and blue image information. As the quantity of the second color light leaked is adjusted through the first and second color filters in the second field, a color reproduction range and brightness of the liquid crystal display panel are improved. Thus, the display quality of the liquid crystal display apparatus is improved. |
| US09916803B2 |
Display device, method for controlling display device, and method for driving display device
A display device includes a display panel including a first display region and a second display region and boundary correction circuits that perform tone correction on display data in such a manner that a correction amount for the display data to be written to a first pixel adjacent to a boundary between the first display region and the second display region and a correction amount for the display data to be written to a second pixel not adjacent to the boundary are different from each other. |
| US09916801B2 |
Pixel structure and display device for dot inversion, and driving method of display device
A pixel structure, array substrate, display panel, display device, and driving method of the display device are provided. The pixel structure includes a plurality of data lines and a plurality of scan lines; a plurality of pixel units formed by intersecting the data lines with the scan lines. Each of the pixel units corresponds to one of the data lines and one of the scan lines; and the pixel unit includes a pixel electrode and a thin film transistor therein. In one of two adjacent columns of pixel units, a pixel electrode of each pixel unit is electrically connected with a thin film transistor of the pixel unit; and in the other one of the two adjacent columns of pixel units, a pixel electrode of each pixel unit in a row is electrically connected with a thin film transistor of a pixel unit in an adjacent row. |
| US09916799B1 |
Adaptive VCOM level generator
An adaptive Vcom level generator circuit generates a variable Vcom voltage level. A variable Vcom voltage can be used for variable refresh rate display technology to prevent flicker on a display panel. The Vcom level can be changed based on the vertical frequency being used or can be changed based on external control signals. |
| US09916798B2 |
Liquid crystal display device and method of driving the same
According to one embodiment, a liquid crystal display device includes a first substrate, a second substrate, a liquid crystal layer, and a first drive module. A first source line is located between a first divisional electrode and a second divisional electrode. One frame period includes a first display period, a second display period, a sense period, and a first pre-charge period. The first drive module supplies a first image signal having a first polarity to the first source line in the first display period, supplies a first pre-charge signal having a second polarity to the first source line in the first pre-charge period, and supplies the first image signal having the first polarity to the first source line in the second display period. |
| US09916797B2 |
Liquid crystal display apparatus, source driver and method for controlling polarity of driving signals thereof
A liquid crystal display apparatus, a source driver, and a method for controlling polarity of driving signals thereof are provided. The source driver includes a signal receiving interface, a decoder, and a controller. The signal receiving interface receives an image data stream or a data input/output indication signal. The decoder obtains polarity controlling information from the image data stream or the data input/output indication signal. The controller receives the polarity controlling information and decides driving polarities of a plurality of source driving signals generated by the source driver according to the polarity controlling information. |
| US09916795B2 |
Optical correction for high uniformity panel lights
A display having a spatial light modulator for dynamically controlling a luminance of each pixel according to an input signal, the spatial light modulator having a non uniform spatial characteristic, the display also having an optical filter having a spatial pattern to alter the luminance to compensate at least partially for the non uniform spatial characteristic. An electronic signal processing element applies some pre compensation predominantly of higher spatial frequencies for the non uniform spatial characteristic. Such dynamic and optical compensation can enable tuning for different optimizations or for compensating for variations over time. A backlight has an optical source and an optical filter, the source having a color output which has a non uniform spatial characteristic, and the optical filter having a spatial pattern to alter the color to compensate in part at least for the non uniform spatial characteristic. |
| US09916791B2 |
Display device, electronic device, and method for driving display device
A novel display device is provided. In a display device with a 2T1C circuit configuration, a switch is provided between a current supply line and a transistor. The switch is turned off in a data voltage writing period to bring one of a source and a drain of the transistor into an electrically floating state. This configuration can prevent a potential rise on the anode side of a light-emitting element, thereby suppressing undesired light emission in the data voltage writing period. |
| US09916785B2 |
Display apparatus and control method thereof, light emitting apparatus and control method thereof, and non-transitory computer readable storage medium
A storage unit stores first adjustment information which characterizes the correspondence between adjustment parameters which are capable of being set and adjustment amounts of the emission brightness of each of two light emitting elements of the three light emitting elements. A setting unit sets the adjustment parameter. An adjustment unit adjusts the emission brightness of the two light emitting elements based on the adjustment parameter set via the setting unit and the first adjustment information stored by the storage unit. |
| US09916778B2 |
Backlighting effect for package displays
A chemiluminescent product packaging label comprising an outer layer, an adhesive layer disposed proximately to the outer layer wherein the adhesive layer comprises an adhesion material on a side not proximate to the outer layer, and at least one cavity between the outer layer and the adhesive layer. The outer layer further comprises an image with a first plurality of regions. The adhesion layer comprises a second plurality of regions corresponding to the first plurality of regions and configured to break at a plurality of different pressure values. Application of pressure on the on at least one of the second plurality of regions causes the formation of an illumination comprising at least one color in at least one of the first plurality of regions. |
| US09916776B2 |
Polyester-melamine coatings and labels including the same
Polyester-melamine coatings that exhibit desirable heat resistance and adhesion to a variety of polyolefin materials and labels including such coatings are provided. The polyester-melamine compounds present within the coatings can be obtained by reacting an etherified melamine and a hydroxylated polyester. |
| US09916771B2 |
Portable vision aid with motion pan
A vision aid device comprises a housing, an eyepiece for holding up to an eye and viewing into the vision aid device, a camera mounted within the housing, a controller and memory operably coupled to the camera, a motion sensor operably coupled to the controller and a display operably coupled to the controller. The controller is configured to: activate the camera to capture an electronic image; store the electronic image in the memory; display on the display a magnified image which is a magnified view of the electronic image; and electronically pan the electronic image from the magnified image to display successive magnified images based on motion information generated by the motion sensor, the motion information based on motion of the vision aid device as sensed by the motion sensor. |
| US09916768B2 |
Systems and methods for providing sunlight simulation in a vehicle simulator
Systems and methods for providing sunlight simulation in a vehicle simulator include a vehicle simulator. The vehicle simulator includes a visual projector configured to generate visual scene images and a bright forward field of view projector mounted with the visual projector, wherein the bright forward field of view projector includes plural light emitting diode (LED) light sources configured to generate a bright forward field of view. The vehicle simulator also includes a projection screen configured to project the visual scene images generated by the visual projector or the bright forward field of view generated by the bright forward field of view projector. |
| US09916766B2 |
Methods, systems, and computer program products for user paced learning based on historical programming errors and solutions using electronic flash cards
A method includes performing operations as follows on a processor: indexing a database of records for a topic based on a training suitability criterion, the records comprising programming errors and associated resolutions; generating a deck of electronic flash cards containing training questions thereon, respectively, from the database of records based on the training suitability criterion; and displaying the electronic flash cards. |
| US09916764B2 |
Common operating environment for aircraft operations with air-to-air communication
A common operating environment (COE) display system for vehicle operations, such as for air transport provides coordination of logistics information with dispatch or a controller. An operational plan, such as a flight plan or other operational plan describing vehicle deployment is stored, and a map visualization system displays a map region. An in-vehicle display depicts the operational plan, providing displays of current and projected operational conditions of the vehicle within different time phases of the operational plan. Communication as either text or other data allows transmission can be performed as text, attachments or a combination of text and attachments. Messages (text) and attachments (files) are exchanged only through the server, and the items exchanged are recorded for analysis and forensic purposes. |
| US09916762B2 |
Parallel parking system
A parallel parking system may include a controller configured to generate an alert identifying a discrepancy between a permitted parking distance that is defined by local requirements and a recommended parking distance that is defined by a minimum distance between an object adjacent to an available parking place to avoid contact with the object and an open vehicle door in a parked position in response to the recommended distance exceeding the permitted distance. |
| US09916761B2 |
Method and system for locating a mobile asset
An improved system and method for creating and accessing a centralized database containing an assorted variety of information related to a debtor such as physical addresses of the debtor or his friends, associates and relatives, as well as information related to a mobile asset, such as physical description information, collectively referred to as “identifying information.” Methods are also disclosed for lenders and others to send identifying information to the centralized database, and for users such as skip tracers to be able to download and use the information located in the database for asset recovery purposes. |
| US09916757B2 |
Smart loop treadle having both an Eddy Current sensor and a ferromagnetic sensor
Lanes sensors are used to count the number of wheel assemblies on vehicles passing over roadway sensors. Lane sensors can also be used to classify vehicles at single and multiple lane sites for tolling and/or traffic planning. For counting vehicles, the Smart Loop Treadle of the present invention is designed for both tire and wheel assembly detection using inductive loop sensors for toll roads in single (Conventional) lane applications. The sensors detect the tire assemblies of both vehicles and vehicle trailers being towed to provide the sum of axle assemblies. For vehicle characterization, the sensor arrangement can have a combination of unique sensors that include tire/wheel detection sensors and vehicle lane position sensors. The characteristics of the vehicle, travel direction, speed, in lane position of the vehicle can be detected using combination of these sensors. |
| US09916755B1 |
On-demand roadway stewardship system
An on-demand, crowdsourced, roadway stewardship system with video reporting features is disclosed. The invention described herein is comprised of a system that allows users with mobile device cameras to record and report roadway safety incidents, traffic violations, crimes and infrastructure problem. Users are encouraged to become stewards by engaging in the system's rewards program. An on-demand style cloud infrastructure is presented which speeds up video processing and citations. Objects of the invention are to enhance safety and increase public participation in safety. |
| US09916752B2 |
Multiplexing communication system and working robot
A multiplexing communication system is capable of maintaining an appropriate response speed of a control with respect to an electromagnetic motor based on an encoder signal during multiplexing and transmission of the encoder signal. A transmission data composition processing section of a multiplex communication device multiplexes encoder signals ENCD1 to ENCD8 output from a linear scale and a rotary encoder into frame data FRMD and transmits the data. The transmission data composition processing section sets the encoder signals ENCD1 to ENCD8 to bit positions of the frame data FRMD respectively corresponding to the linear scale and the rotary encoder. At the bit positions where the encoder signals ENCD1 to ENCD8 are set, the encoder signal ENCD and information showing the presence or absence of the data of the encoder signal ENCD are alternately set for each cycle of transmission of the frame data FRMD. |
| US09916750B2 |
Method and device for reminding based on alarm clock
A method for a terminal to perform reminding includes outputting first reminding information according to a first event alarm of an event flow alarm clock at a first reminding time of the first event alarm. The event flow alarm clock contains at least two event alarms. The method further includes, when there exists a second event alarm having a second reminding time later than the first reminding time, outputting second reminding information according to the second event alarm at the second reminding time. |
| US09916746B2 |
Security system coupled to a door lock system
A security system is coupled to a door lock system. A sensor is at a dwelling. The sensor is coupled to a drive shaft of a lock device to assist in locking and unlocking a lock of a lock device at a door. An engine, an energy source and a memory are coupled together. The engine is coupled to the sensor. The memory provides information relating to open or closed status of a door to a dwelling occupant or a third party designated by the dwelling occupant. At least one motion detection device is provided to detect a person at or near a door or window at the dwelling. A security system includes a video apparatus that captures video and coupled to the motion detection device to take a video of an image of the person or an outline of the person, wherein the video is configured to begin before motion detection begins. |
| US09916745B2 |
Container fraud detection system and method
A container fraud detection system and method using one or more wireless communication tags attached to a container in specific ways to ensure the authenticity of the contents. The tag is affixed to the container in such a way that the tag is destroyed upon opening of the container, thereby indicating fraud upon scanning. The tag may be affixed to the container by an adhesive strip, polymer film or wax composition. The tag may be affixed to an adhesive strip prior to application of the strip to a container. Two tags on the container or strip may be cryptographically linked. The tag information is accessible through a scanning device which communicates with a database that stores information about the container and analyzes the probability of fraud with an algorithm. |
| US09916741B2 |
Haptically enabled messaging
Method, device, and computer readable medium for generating haptically enabled messages. One disclosed method comprises the steps of receiving a user generated input, mapping the user generated input to a predetermined haptic feedback, assigning a haptic feedback command to the predetermined haptic feedback, inserting the haptic feedback command into a text message, and sending the text message. |
| US09916740B2 |
Signal display lamp
A signal display lamp is provided that is capable of performing display in diverse modes and hence capable of increasing the quantity of transmittable information and capable of improving the reliability of information transmission. The signal display lamp includes a display portion that is capable of performing display in a plurality of display colors and that is capable of changing a position or a size of a display region in each display color, a display color determining means for determining the display color based on first information, a display region determining means for determining a position or a size of a display region in a display color determined by the display color determining means based on second information, and a display portion control means for controlling the display portion based on a display color determined by the display color determining means and based on a position or a size of a display region determined by the display region determining means. |
| US09916739B2 |
Communication adapter and electric working machine system
A communication adapter in one aspect of the present disclosure comprises a plurality of outer surfaces comprising at least two outer surfaces, an interface device, an antenna, and a transmission device. The interface device is provided at at least one outer surface of the at least two outer surfaces and electrically coupled to an electric working machine through the at least one outer surface. The antenna is provided at another at least one outer surface, which is different from the at least one outer surface, among the plurality of outer surfaces, and configured to be capable of transmitting a radio wave for wireless communication with a communication device other than the electric working machine from the another at least one outer surface. |
| US09916735B2 |
Remote gaming cash voucher printing system
Remote gaming cash voucher printing systems facilitate partial cash voucher payouts of cash value balances on electronic gaming terminals, such as to provide tips. Systems can include electronic gaming tables that host wager-based table games facilitated by live human dealers, cash voucher printers at the gaming tables, remotely located electronic gaming terminals that provide remote play at the electronic gaming tables, and a remote print server coupled with the gaming tables and gaming terminals. The remote print server debits a cash value of a partial monetary payout request from a gaming terminal credit balance, and routes the request from the gaming terminal to a gaming table printer for issuance of a cash voucher. The remote print server can communicate with an existing TITO server and emulate authorized TITO requests in some arrangements. |
| US09916730B2 |
Gaming device having card game
Embodiments of the present invention are directed to an apparatus, system, computer readable storage media, and/or method that involve or otherwise facilitate a card game or secondary card game played on a gaming device. The card game may be structured to use similar rules to a blackjack-styled card game. The card game may be played against an opponent, such as a computer, dealer, or another player. Alternatively, the card game may include the display of one or more cards and a process to determine if a total value of the cards meets a predefined criterion. A win against an opponent or satisfaction of the predefined criterion may progress the card game to another round of play. These rounds of play may continue until an opponent wins, or until the predefined criterion is not satisfied. |
| US09916721B2 |
Intermediate in-game resource hybrid gaming system
An electronic gaming machine is provided. In an entertainment game, utilization of an entertainment game element by a player may trigger a wager in accordance with a gambling proposition. Based on the outcome of the wager, the player may be awarded an intermediate in-game resource for use in the entertainment game. The intermediate in-game resource may be used by the player to acquire an entertainment game resource or element that may be used to enhance the player's play of the entertainment game. |
| US09916719B2 |
Method of gaming, a gaming system and a game controller
An electronic method of gaming comprising, displaying a symbol evaluation area on a display of a gaming system, the symbol evaluation area comprising a plurality of rows and a plurality of columns of symbol display positions; generating a game outcome by selecting a plurality of symbols to populate the symbol display area, the symbols being selected from first symbols having a size corresponding to the size of the symbol display positions and one or more second symbols, wherein each second symbol is at least the size of two display positions, the selecting of the symbols including selecting a display position of the evaluation area at which each selected first symbol will be displayed, and selecting one or more symbol display positions of the evaluation area at which part of each selected second symbol will be displayed. |
| US09916718B2 |
Terminal, system and game play method for random number selection events
A console for enabling play of a casino wagering game has: a video display screen; a player input system; a wager accepting and resolving system; a ball drop-and-capture gaming system; sensors for the gaming system; and a processor. Separate areas are provided on the video display screen for display of distinct results from at least two consecutive separate ball drop-and-capture events. The processor is configured to: a) receive information from sensors as to results of each ball drop-and-capture event; b) transmit viewable information to each separate area provided on the video display screen for each consecutive separate ball drop-and-capture event; and c) to compare all ball drop-and-capture events to a preselected number of memorialized ball drop-and-capture outcomes. |
| US09916717B2 |
Holographic amusement/wagering system with vehicular user transport
A virtual entertainment system supports holographic display for multiple players. The system has multiple viewing screens, each screen displaying thematic events. Multiple carriages have seating supporting multiple audience members. A track system supports and directs the multiple carriages through a sequence of the multiple viewing screens. A processor accesses memory of more than one theme and multiple holographic data content related to a single theme to each of the video display screens. A theme selecting input system provides a signal identifying a single theme for display to a single carriage as it moves along the track system. The processor identifies location of individual carriages with respect to individual viewing screens. The processor provides thematic content of the single identified theme to the at least two players in the individual respective ones of the multiple carriages. The theme may be gaming activity and include gaming input. |
| US09916716B2 |
Gaming system and method of gaming
A gaming system is disclosed that comprises a symbol selector configured to select a plurality of base symbols from a set of base symbols for display in a display area; and at least one set of additional symbols, each set of additional symbols including a plurality of additional symbols. The gaming system is configured to incorporate the additional symbols of an additional symbol set into the base symbol set so as to define a combined symbol set, and the gaming system is configured to select and display a plurality of base and/or additional symbols from the combined symbol set. The gaming system further comprises an outcome evaluator configured to determine a game outcome based on the selected base and/or additional symbols. |
| US09916714B2 |
System and method for optimizing utilization of inventory space for dispensable articles
A system and method for optimizing the utilization of inventory space for articles dispensable from an article dispensing machine is provided. A subset of articles in the article dispensing machine may be targeted for removal for various purposes. Based on a list of the subset of articles, the article dispensing machine may move the subset of articles from a storage unit to a predetermined area, such as a merchandising zone of the storage unit or a separate article removal bin. The subset of articles may be removed from the predetermined area, followed by loading of new articles to the predetermined area. |
| US09916709B2 |
Coin batch insertion device
To provide a coin batch insertion device which is capable of feeding a coin at high speed. In addition, to provide a coin batch insertion device which is capable of implementing space saving.A coin batch insertion device 1 that separates and feeds a plurality of inserted coins C, inserted as a batch, one by one, includes: a cylindrical portion 4; a rotor 5 arranged inside the cylindrical portion 4; and a floor portion 7 including a coin dropping hole 7a, in which the inserted coins C, maintained in an erect state, are fed by conveying the coins between an inner peripheral wall of the cylindrical portion 4 and an outer peripheral wall of the rotor 5 along the inner peripheral wall of the cylindrical portion 4 using rotation of the rotor 5 and dropping the coins into the coin dropping hole 7a one by one. |
| US09916705B2 |
Vehicle data collection and verification
Disclosed are various embodiments for a data aggregation application. Operational data and image data may be captured from a client device. Odometer readings can be extracted from the image data. The operational data and image data can be verified by comparing an instrument panel depicted in the image data to a known instrument panel depiction. |
| US09916698B1 |
Automatic crash detection
Systems and methods are disclosed for determining whether or not a crash involving a vehicle has occurred. The acceleration of the vehicle may be measured using, for example, an accelerometer of a mobile device, which may be located inside the vehicle. The system may determine the magnitude of each accelerometer measurement and whether the magnitude exceeds one or more acceleration magnitude thresholds. The system may also determine the number of accelerometer events within a time window and whether the number exceeds one or more count thresholds. The system may determine whether a crash involving the vehicle has occurred based on the magnitudes of acceleration, number of acceleration events, and various thresholds. In some examples, the system may confirm that a crash has occurred based on, for example, the location of the mobile device. |
| US09916693B1 |
Augmented reality geolocation optimization
Providing of an electronic map displaying preferred real-world locations to utilize in connection with an augmented reality world. A request is received at a server computer to provide the electronic map to utilize in connection with the augmented reality world. A geolocation is received. Real-world locations in a vicinity are queried from a real-world location profile. A virtual location profile of virtual locations in the augmented reality world is accessed to generate an initial virtual location set. A participant preference profile containing virtual preferences and real-world preferences is accessed. Real-time participant data is accessed. The virtual locations in the initial virtual location set are prioritized to generate a prioritized virtual location set. The prioritized virtual location set is limited based upon the real-time participant data to generate a real-time prioritized location set. The electronic map is generated based upon the real-time prioritized location set, and transmitted. |
| US09916688B2 |
Augmented reality skin manager
Technologies are generally described for systems, devices and methods effective to set up image data to be processed by an augmented reality device. In some examples, a processor may generate image data from light reflected from a real object. The image data may represent, or may be a digital representation of, the real object. The processor may analyze a skin stack of augmented reality skins and identify one of the augmented reality skins stored in the memory. The augmented reality skin may include instructions effective to modify some of the image data when the image data includes a feature. The processor may create metadata related to the image data. The metadata may relate to the presence of the feature in the image data. The processor may store the metadata in the memory. |
| US09916686B1 |
Interactive rendering of building information model data
The invention provides a system, apparatus and method for interactively displaying a virtual three dimensional structure representing building information modeling (BIM) data. The displaying of the virtual structure provides a viewing perspective that simulates both internal and external lighting effects upon the virtual structure. Commands being communicated by a viewer of the virtual structure are processed in real time to direct navigation (location and direction) of a virtual camera that is located within the virtual three dimensional structure. |
| US09916682B2 |
Variable precision shading
The power consumption of processor-based devices may be reduced by reducing the consumption of power during graphics processing. In some embodiments, the precision of pixel shading in parts of images where artifacts are less objectionable may be reduced. For example, in areas the user is not directly looking at, precision may be reduced to save power. At the same time, because a person is not focusing on those regions, even if usually perceptible artifacts occur because of the reduced precision, an overall pleasing depiction may be achieved. |
| US09916681B2 |
Method and apparatus for selectively integrating sensory content
To integrate a sensory property such as occlusion, shadowing, reflection, etc. among physical and notional (e.g. virtual/augment) visual or other sensory content, providing an appearance of similar occlusion, shadowing, etc. in both models. A reference position, a physical data model representing physical entities, and a notional data model are created or accessed. A first sensory property from either data model is selected. A second sensory property is determined corresponding with the first sensory property, and notional sensory content is generated from the notional data model with the second sensory property applied thereto. The notional sensory content is outputted to the reference position with a see-through display. Consequently, notional entities may appear occluded by physical entities, physical entities may appear to cast shadows from notional light sources, etc. |
| US09916678B2 |
Kernel convolution for stencil computation optimization
Data processing techniques are provided to increase a computational speed of iterative computations that are performed over a domain of data points, such as stencil computations. For example, a method includes loading a set of domain data points into a cache memory; obtaining an iteration count T, and a base stencil operator having a first set of coefficients; generating a convolved stencil operator having a second set of coefficients, wherein the convolved stencil operator is generated by convolving the base stencil operator with itself at least one time; and iteratively processing the set of domain data points in the cache memory using the convolved stencil operator no more than T/2 iterations to obtain final processing results. The final processing results are similar to processing results that would be obtained by iteratively processing the set of domain data points using the base stencil operator for the iteration count T. |
| US09916674B2 |
Baking path rendering objects into compact and efficient memory representations
One embodiment of the present invention sets forth a technique for improving path rendering on computer systems with an available graphics processing unit. The technique involves reducing complex path objects to simpler geometric objects suitable for rendering on a graphics processing unit. The process involves a central processing unit “baking” a set of complex path rendering objects to generate a set of simpler graphics objects. A graphics processing unit then renders the simpler graphics objects. This division of processing load can advantageously yield higher overall rendering performance. |
| US09916669B2 |
Projection data correction and computed tomography value computation
Among other things, one or more techniques and/or systems are described for correcting projection data generated from a computed tomography (CT) examination of an object and/or for computing or updating a CT value of the object from the projection data. An image generator is configured to generate a CT image of an object under examination. Using this CT image, a set of actions are performed to correct projection data from which the CT image was generated and/or to update a CT value of one or more voxels within the CT image. In this way, the projection data and/or CT image is adjusted to reduce image artifacts and/or otherwise improve image quality and/or object detection. |
| US09916668B2 |
Methods and systems for identifying background in video data using geometric primitives
Systems and methods for using geometric primitives to identify background in video data. In one embodiment, a method obtains video data depicting at least a portion of a user. The video data is processed with at least one persona identification module comprising a geometric primitive module for generating a first persona probability map at least in part by: detecting at least one geometric primitive within the video data; identifying a respective region within the video data associated with each of the at least one detected geometric primitives; and assigning the respective regions an increased background-probability in the first persona probability map; and outputting a persona image by extracting pixels from the video data based on the persona probability map. |
| US09916666B2 |
Image processing apparatus for identifying whether or not microstructure in set examination region is abnormal, image processing method, and computer-readable recording device
An image processing apparatus includes: an imaging distance estimating unit configured to estimate an imaging distance to a subject shown in an image; an examination region setting unit configured to set an examination region in the image such that an index indicating a spread of a distribution of imaging distances to the subject shown in the examination region is within a given range; and an abnormal structure identifying unit configured to identify whether or not a microstructure of the subject shown in the examination region is abnormal, by using texture feature data that enables identification of an abnormality in the microstructure of the subject shown in the examination region, the texture feature data being specified according the examination region. |
| US09916663B2 |
Image processing method and process simulation apparatus
An image processing method includes the steps of detecting edge information from an input image, identifying a plurality of lines from the edge information, dividing the input image into a plurality of areas based on the relative locations of the plurality of identified lines, calculating a similarity between adjacent areas of the plurality of divided areas, detecting boundaries between the adjacent areas as line segments partitioning the adjacent areas based on a degree of dissimilarity of the adjacent areas, wherein each of the line segments is at least a portion of the plurality of lines, and connecting the line segments forming the boundaries, and generating a connected shape using the boundaries. |
| US09916662B2 |
Foreground detection using fractal dimensional measures
A technique for foreground determination includes analyzing pixels that are deemed to be changing between frames, and applying a filtration technique that is based on fractal methods. Implementations include applying a filter that is designed to eliminate structures of dimensionality less than unity while preserving those of dimensionality unity and greater. The technique may be performed in real-time and makes use of a variable threshold for foreground determination and image segmentation techniques. |
| US09916659B2 |
Operating device, operating method, and program therefor
Exterior orientation parameters of a camera are easily determined by, for example, a reference image being obtained by photographing a building 131 with a camera 112, in which exterior orientation parameters are determined, while a vehicle 100 travels, and a comparative image being simultaneously obtained by photographing the building 131 with a camera 113, in which exterior orientation parameters are undetermined. Then, points that match between the reference image and the comparative image are selected, and relative orientation and scale adjustment using a predetermined scale are performed, whereby the exterior orientation parameters of the camera 113 are calculated. |
| US09916655B2 |
Image fusion scheme for differential phase contrast imaging
The latest progresses in breast imaging using differential phase contrast techniques pose the question of how to fuse multiple information sources, yielded by absorption, differential phase, and scattering signals, into a single, informative image for clinical diagnosis. It is proposed to use an image fusion scheme based on a multiple-resolution framework. The three signals are first transformed into multiple bands presenting information at different frequencies and then a two-step processing follows: (1) intra-band processing enhances the local signal-to-noise ratio using a novel noise estimation method and context modeling; and (2) inter-band processing weights each band by considering their characteristics and contributions, and suppressing the global noise level. The fused image, looking similar to a conventional mammogram but with significantly enhanced detail features, is reconstructed by inverse transform. The fused image is compatible with clinical settings and enables the radiologists to use their years of diagnosis experiences in mammography. |
| US09916652B2 |
Technique for measuring overlay between layers of a multilayer structure
A method for determining overlay between layers of a multilayer structure may include obtaining a given image representing the multilayer structure, obtaining expected images for layers of the multilayer structure, providing a combined expected image of the multilayer structure as a combination of the expected images of said layers, performing registration of the given image against the combined expected image, and providing segmentation of the given image, thereby producing a segmented image, and maps of the layers of said multilayered structure. The method may further include determining overlay between any two selected layers of the multilayer structure by processing the maps of the two selected layers together with the expected images of said two selected layers. |
| US09916651B2 |
Method for characterizing a part made of a woven composite material
A method of characterizing a part made of woven composite material, includes calculating autocorrelation values of a three-dimensional image in an observation window of the volume of the part for a plurality of spatial vectors used as the autocorrelation interval, and then detecting at least one local extremum in the autocorrelation value on a main orientation of the weaving in order to determine a mean in the observation window for the distance between neighboring parallel yarns. |
| US09916649B1 |
Method to determine impaired ability to operate a motor vehicle
A method and system for determining if an individual is impaired. In one embodiment, physical and cognitive testing of the individual are conducted in the field or at the scene of an event. The test results are compared to previously stored baseline test results taken for the specific individual while the individual is known to be in an unimpaired state or condition. The current test results are electronically compared to the baseline test results and if the results differ or deviate beyond a predetermined level or amount the individual is considered to be impaired. If no baseline test results exist for the specific individual, the current test results can alternatively be compared to previously determined or known scientifically accepted or minimums for the specific tests given to the individual. |
| US09916641B2 |
Picture display method and apparatus
The present disclosure provides a picture display method and apparatus that relate to the field of image processing and are increase flexibility of picture display and reducing a memory occupation rate of a terminal on the premise of not modifying an attribute of an original picture. The method and apparatus include receiving an instruction for displaying a picture; obtaining, according to an identifier of a to-be-displayed picture included in the instruction, an original bitmap of the to-be-displayed picture and searching, a database of a current device for a pre-stored first rotation angle corresponding to the to-be-displayed picture; adjusting, according to a resolution of a current screen and/or a current window size, a display size of the original bitmap of the to-be-displayed picture, so as to obtain a compressed bitmap of the original bitmap; and displaying, according to the first rotation angle, a compressed bitmap of the original bitmap. |
| US09916639B2 |
Systems and methods for facilitating enhanced display characteristics based on viewer state
Systems and methods for facilitating enhanced display characteristics based on viewer state are provided. A media device may process an indication of a first state of a first viewer of a display device that is coupled to the media device. The indication of the first state of the first viewer may be captured at a time corresponding to the display device displaying first content with a first set of one or more size characteristics. The media device may determine a display adjustment based at least in part on the indication of the first state of the first viewer. The media device may cause the display device to display second content in accordance with the display adjustment so that the display device displays at least a portion of the second content with a second set of one or more size characteristics that is different from the first set of one or more size characteristics. |
| US09916636B2 |
Dynamically provisioning and scaling graphic processing units for data analytic workloads in a hardware cloud
Server resources in a data center are disaggregated into shared server resource pools, including a graphics processing unit (GPU) pool. Servers are constructed dynamically, on-demand and based on workload requirements, by allocating from these resource pools. According to this disclosure, GPU utilization in the data center is managed proactively by assigning GPUs to workloads in a fine granularity and agile way, and de-provisioning them when no longer needed. In this manner, the approach is especially advantageous to automatically provision GPUs for data analytic workloads. The approach thus provides for a “micro-service” enabling data analytic workloads to automatically and transparently use GPU resources without providing (e.g., to the data center customer) the underlying provisioning details. Preferably, the approach dynamically determines the number and the type of GPUs to use, and then during runtime auto-scales the GPUs based on workload. |
| US09916635B2 |
Transparent display device and control method thereof
A transparent display device is provided, which includes: a transparent display; a camera; a graphic processor configured to generate an augmented reality (AR) object; and a controller configured to operate in at least one of a transparent AR mode in which the AR object is displayed on the transparent display and a video AR mode in which the AR object is displayed on an image captured by the camera. The controller is further configured to switch between the transparent AR mode and the video AR mode in response to an occurrence of a predetermined event. |
| US09916625B2 |
Mobile insurance platform system
A mobile insurance architecture includes a wireless communication interface that connects mobile client devices to wireless networks. An insurance server cluster that includes a group of independent network servers operates and appears to mobile client devices as if the group of independent network servers were a single computer server. An adaptive transmission controller communicates with the insurance server cluster and processes content in multiple mobile formats that may be optimized to the screen sizes of the mobile client devices. The insurance server cluster responds to native application clients resident to the mobile client devices. The native application clients contain code stored on a non-transitory media that render insurance quoting services, insurance claims services, on-line insurance policy services, usage based insurance services, mobile monitoring services, or insurance agency management services. |
| US09916624B2 |
Techniques for arranging views and navigating in a web-centric insurance management system
A scalable, adaptable, modular, and web-centric Insurance Back-Office System (IBOS) for serving the needs of carriers, agencies, agents, and service providers in the insurance industry is disclosed. The IBOS provides a framework for allowing web-centric collaboration among agents, agencies, carriers, and service providers, using applications that manage applicants, cases, and policies in an efficient and secure manner. The IBOS infrastructure is designed to facilitate the creation of a new application, module, tool, or view in a simplified manner. A multi-tiered framework of application, module, tool, and view facilitates ease of navigation for users. |
| US09916622B2 |
High speed processing of financial information using FPGA devices
A high speed apparatus and method for processing a plurality of financial market data messages are disclosed. With respect to an exemplary embodiment, a reconfigurable logic device is employed to map the symbols present in the financial market data messages to another symbology. |
| US09916617B2 |
Systems and methods of processing information and data involving digital content, digital products and/or experiences
Systems and methods described herein relate to processing of information, data and database identifiers involving content and/or experiences. According to one exemplary implementation, an illustrative method of computerized information processing may involve handling and/or processing data regarding a product, where the product may be an experience represented by and automatically processed via one or more computer system(s) and/or platform(s) as a function of product type identifiers and/or Boolean flags. |
| US09916613B1 |
Automatic color palette based recommendations for affiliated colors
Systems and methods are provided for generating color-related item recommendations using color palette information. A request may be received from a user for a color-related item recommendation. The request may include an input image and one or more item attributes. Based at least in part on an analysis of the input image to identify affiliated colors to the input image and the one or more item attributes, one or more items corresponding to the affiliated colors and the one or more item attributes are identified. Where there is more than one identified item, a ranking for the identified plurality of items may be generated. Item recommendations comprising at least a portion of the identified plurality of items in accordance with the generated ranking may be provided for presentation on a user device. |
| US09916607B2 |
Ink billing system with changeable billing rate table
An ink billing system is used between a client company X 200 that prints information and a printer manufacturer that supplies ink cartridges (or toner) to company X 200. Company X 200 has a main server 210, a plurality of in-store servers 220, 230 in communication with the main server, and a plurality of inkjet (or laser) printers 240 each having an ink cartridge 20 (or toner) for printing according to commands from the in-store server 220, 230. When billing company X 200 based on the number of ink shots (or drum charging time) used by the printers 240 and stored on the main server 210, the terminal device 100 of the printer manufacturer changes the billing rate per unit of ink according to the ink shot count (or drum charging time). |
| US09916606B2 |
System and method for processing a transaction document including one or more financial transaction entries
A system for processing a transaction document including one or more financial transaction entries, including a record generation subsystem having data processing means configured to a) receive or generate a complete character string characterizing the financial transaction entries displayed on the document; b) analyze each complete character string to identify known transaction identifiers used in financial transactions; c) analyze each complete character string to identify transaction data strings associated with each identified transaction character string; and d) store transaction data, including the transaction character strings and associated transaction data strings, for each single financial transaction in a database. |
| US09916605B2 |
Collaboration group recommendations derived from request-action correlations
In response to a user-initiated interaction request sent by a user using an electronic communication, subsequent actions performed by other users that received the user-initiated interaction request are analyzed. A determination is made as to whether the subsequent actions performed by the other users that received the user-initiated interaction request correlate to an intended interaction result of the user-initiated interaction request. A visual representation of a collaboration model that correlates probabilities of successful collaborations between the user and the other users is generated in accordance with determined correlations between the subsequent actions performed by the other users and the intended interaction result. A collaboration recommendation based upon a degree of correlation between the subsequent actions performed by the other users and the intended interaction result represented within the collaboration model is provided in association with the visual representation of the collaboration model. |
| US09916603B2 |
Network advertising system
Systems and methods for transmitting content to a client via a communication network are provided. An insertion server, running within a firewall device associated with a private IP network, detects establishment of a transport communication protocol connection between a client associated with the network and a destination located external to the network by examining packets as they pass through the network and pass by the insertion server. A content request of an application protocol initiated by the client and directed to the destination is observed by the insertion server. The content request is negated by the insertion server by causing a canceling message of the transport communication protocol to be sent to the destination. Unsolicited content is caused to be selected for delivery to the client by the insertion server. The unsolicited content is sent by the insertion server to the client via the application protocol. |
| US09916600B2 |
Auction apparatus and auction method
An auction apparatus according to the application includes a plan receiving unit and a providing unit. The plan receiving unit gradually receives plan information indicating a plan of content from a content creator who creates the content a plurality of times. The providing unit additionally presents the plan information which is gradually received by the plan receiving unit and provides an auction service in which a bid target is a right to display an advertisement in an advertising space set to the content. |
| US09916598B2 |
System and method for managing emails
The embodiment of the present invention allows for a simple and intuitive system and method to manage email by applying time-elapsed rules to emails matching specific criteria (i.e. emails coming from specific email addresses): Time-elapsed rules are rules that will execute an action on an email message after the email has been in the inbox for a certain period of time. These actions may include, but are not limited to, moving the email to another folder, copying the email to another folder, and deleting the email. |
| US09916596B1 |
Systems and methods for providing a direct marketing campaign planning environment
Embodiments of system are disclosed in which selection strategies for a direct marketing campaign that identify consumers from a credit bureau or other consumer database can be planned, tested, and/or refined on a stable subset of the credit database. In some embodiments, once refined, consumer selection criteria may be used to execute the direct marketing campaign on the full consumer/credit database, which is preferably updated approximately twice weekly. In one preferred embodiment, the data for the test database represents a random sampling of approximately 10% of the full database and the sampling is regenerated approximately weekly in order to provide a stable set of data on which campaign developers may test their campaign. For each consumer in the sampling, the environment may allow a client to access and use both attributes calculated by the credit bureau and proprietary attributes and data owned by the client. The system allows for a plurality of clients to use the system substantially simultaneously while protecting the privacy and integrity of the client's proprietary data and results. |
| US09916590B2 |
Analytic services portal
Provided are methods and systems for providing analytic services, as well as computer programs encoded on computer storage devices and configured to perform the actions of the methods. One or more processors create an alignment associated with a client, where the alignment organizes data in a database, and where the data in the database comprises prescription information, store information, and product information. A request for a report is received, where the request identifies the client. The requested report is generated based on the alignment, where the report comprises one or more indicators derived from data contained in the database. |
| US09916584B2 |
Method and system for automatic assignment of sales opportunities to human agents
A method (and system) of assigning a sales opportunity, includes creating an assignment model based on clustering historical sales opportunities, and providing a scoring mechanism on a plurality of sales agents for automatically optimizing an assignment of at least one sales opportunity to at least one of the plurality of sales agents. |
| US09916570B2 |
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. |
| US09916565B2 |
Undo stack to explore past actions in business analytics
A computer program product for using an undo stack to explore past actions and apply new actions to previous states in a data view is provided. The computer program product includes program instructions to detect a change in an application data view. The application then displays an undo stack and stores the data change in the application data view to the undo stack. Upon detecting a selection of the undo stack entry for undo, the application returns the application data view to the state represented by the undo stack entry. The computer program product further includes program instructions to provide a user interface allowing a user to perform operations on undo stack entries. Responsive to the user utilizing the user interface and making selections, the application then adjusts the application data view state based on the performed actions. |
| US09916561B2 |
Methods, devices and computer readable storage devices for tracking inventory
The location of a container and the location of a storage device that stores a particular item are determined. A determination is made that the particular item is placed in the container. The locations of the particular item and the container are tracked as the container moves through a premises. For a purchase-related transaction, a determination is made whether the location of the particular item corresponds to the location of the container. If the location of the particular item corresponds to the location of the container, a cost for the particular item is included in the purchase-related transaction. If not, the cost for the particular item is not included in the purchase-related transaction, and the location of the particular item is accounted for. |
| US09916558B2 |
Method, distribution vehicle and system for autonomously delivering and/or collecting at least one shipment
A method for autonomously delivering and/or collecting at least one shipment using at least one distribution vehicle is described, in which a distribution vehicle approaches a customer vehicle at least partially autonomously and at least partially via the public road traffic, in which the distribution vehicle at least partially autonomously causes opening of a closure unit of the customer vehicle, in which, when the closure unit is open, the distribution vehicle at least partially autonomously places a shipment into the customer vehicle and/or at least partially autonomously removes a shipment from the customer vehicle, which, after placing and/or removing the shipment, the distribution vehicle at least partially autonomously causes closing of the closure unit of the customer vehicle. |
| US09916553B1 |
Method and system for managing workforce mobility within a business entity
The present disclosure is directed toward incorporating corporate culture, change management, and employee morale concerns into a business facilities management process to ensure continuity of operations and revenues when managing a change event. A preferred methodology focuses on flexible and careful consideration of human factors throughout the change process, with frequent status re-assessment and plan re-alignment. A preferred system may allow the user to incorporate existing preferred software tools to manage logistics associated with an office move, and together with an information-based kit, address human factors and provide a form factor solution to facilitate teamwork and buoy employee morale. In a preferred configuration, the relocation kit may simplify the change process and enable managers of change and mobile employees to experience a sense of control, order, calm, and fun. |
| US09916550B2 |
System and method for allocating manufactured products to sellers using profitable order promising
A system and method is disclosed for allocating products to one or more sellers. The system includes a database operable to store data associated with one or more enterprises. The system further includes an order promising system coupled with the database and operable to model the flow of the products through the one or more enterprises and allocate resources to the one or more sellers based on the modeled flow of the products. |
| US09916549B2 |
Managing virtual business instances within a computer network
Methods and apparatus, including computer program products, implementing and using techniques for orchestrating a business process in a computer network. A script describing a business process is received from a client machine over the computer network. The script is compiled into executable program instructions. A reference to the script and data to be operated on by the script is received from the client machine over the computer network. The data is processed in accordance with the script. The result of the data processing is returned to the client machine over the computer network. |
| US09916545B1 |
Portable network interfaces for authentication and license enforcement
Methods and apparatus for portable network interfaces to manage authentication and license enforcement. A system may include a plurality of resource instances including a producer instance configured to implement a network-accessible service, and an authentication coordinator. The coordinator may assign an interface record to the service, wherein the interface record comprises an IP address and a set of security properties. The coordinator may configure the security properties to allow a client to request an attachment of the interface record to a selected resource instance, such that the selected resource instance is enabled to transmit network messages from the IP address using one or more physical network interfaces of the selected resource instance. The producer resource instance initiates authentication operations for the service, including at least one authentication operation based on the IP address of the interface record. |
| US09916539B2 |
Systems and methods for processing geophysical data
Described herein is a computer implemented method for generating a probabilistic model usable to identify instances of a target feature in geophysical data sets stored on a memory device. The computer implemented method using a computer processing unit to generate a probabilistic model from a training library for use in identifying instances of the target feature in the geophysical data sets, applying, using the computer processing unit, the probabilistic model to one or more of the geophysical data sets to generate a plurality of results, processing, using the computer processing unit, the set of results according to an acceptability criteria in order to identify a plurality of candidate results, receiving a selection of one or more of the candidate results and for the or each selected candidate result displaying on a display the result and its associated geophysical data set to assist a user in making an assessment as to whether or not the probabilistic model is an acceptable model for the processing of the geophysical data sets, receiving from a user an assessment as to whether or not the probabilistic model is an acceptable model; and if the assessment received indicates the probabilistic model is an acceptable model for processing the geophysical data, outputting the probabilistic model and/or the training library. |
| US09916536B2 |
Significance of relationships discovered in a corpus
Certain relationships representing material insights are identified from among a set of discovered relationships. Cognitive discovery of relationships in a knowledge base, or corpus, are ranked according to one or more metrics indicative of material insights, including recentness and degree of alignment. |
| US09916532B2 |
Method for performing graph query operations within a cognitive environment
A method for providing cognitive insights via a cognitive information processing system comprising: receiving data from a plurality of data sources; receiving and processing queries; and, bridging the queries into a cognitive graph. |
| US09916529B1 |
Multifunctional touch smart card
The present invention provides a multifunctional touch smart card, having: an operation center, a touch part, a security element, and a battery. The touch part is capable of controlling operation of the operation center and the security element. The battery supplies power to the operation center, the security element, and the touch part. A touch button design is adopted for the smart card of the present invention, so a button of the present invention can be disposed at any position of the smart card. Thus, not only may the card have a more beautiful appearance design, but also it is easier to lay out circuits of the smart card. |
| US09916527B2 |
Two dimensional barcode and method of authentication of such barcode
A method is disclosed for creating a 2D barcode. In an embodiment, the method includes: embedding primary information that can be read by a 2D-barcode-reader in a primary information pattern, and embedding secondary information that is made difficult to reproduce without alteration in a visible pattern. In an embodiment, the visible pattern is embedded within the barcode in at least one area that does not contain any primary information. |
| US09916526B2 |
Image forming apparatus capable of generating a handwritten document specific to a user
An image forming apparatus includes an image generating unit and a printing device. The image generating unit is configured to generate a document image based on document data of a user. The printing device is configured to print the document image. If a character appears plural times in the document data, the image generating unit converts the character that appears plural times to respective user-specific handwritten characters that are different from each other. |
| US09916524B2 |
Determining depth from structured light using trained classifiers
Techniques for determining depth for a visual content item using machine-learning classifiers include obtaining a visual content item of a reference light pattern projected onto an object, and determining shifts in locations of pixels relative to other pixels representing the reference light pattern. Disparity, and thus depth, for pixels may be determined by executing one or more classifiers trained to identify disparity for pixels based on the shifts in locations of the pixels relative to other pixels of a visual content item depicting in the reference light pattern. Disparity for pixels may be determined using a visual content item of a reference light pattern projected onto an object without having to match pixels between two visual content items, such as a reference light pattern and a captured visual content item. |
| US09916520B2 |
Automated food recognition and nutritional estimation with a personal mobile electronic device
A food recognition assistant system includes technologies to recognize foods and combinations of foods depicted in a digital picture of food. Some embodiments include technologies to estimate portion size and calories, and to estimate nutritional value of the foods. In some embodiments, data identifying recognized foods and related information are generated in an automated fashion without relying on human assistance to identify the foods. In some embodiments, the system includes technologies for achieving automatic food detection and recognition in a real-life setting with a cluttered background, without the images being taken in a controlled lab setting, and without requiring additional user input (such as user-defined bounding boxes). Some embodiments of the system include technologies for personalizing the food classification based on user-specific habits, location and/or other criteria. |
| US09916517B2 |
Image processing method and apparatus
A method generates an image for display by deriving an expected depth of field for the image and by generating the image for display by the display device by applying a blurring function. The expected depth of field is derived with respect to a point of focus in the image, in response to lighting conditions of the environment represented by the image. The blurring function is applied to simulate the expected depth of field of the image by blurring as a function of apparent spatial depth within the image. The degree of blurring applied to a closer depth region, in an apparent depth direction, to the point of focus is lower than the degree applied to a further depth region from the point of focus. Variation of the blurring function with respect to depth separation from the point of focus depends upon the expected depth of field. |
| US09916505B2 |
Method and system for collecting image data
An evaluator can determine whether there is a material change in the observed parameter of a crop or field with respect to average measurements of the observed parameter. A location-determining receiver is adapted to determine a location of a vehicle corresponding to the material change in the observed parameter. An imaging device is adapted to collect the image data for a time interval associated with the material change. A data processor is arranged for associating the image data with the corresponding location data and storing the image data and corresponding location data in a data storage device. |
| US09916504B2 |
User terminal and method of providing information to a user thereof
A user terminal and a providing method thereof are provided. The method includes acquiring an iris image, determining a capturing condition of the iris image, converting the acquired iris image to an iris code and performing iris recognition by comparing the converted iris code with an iris code corresponding to a determined capturing condition among pre-registered iris codes, determining a physical condition of a user who is subject to the iris recognition on the basis of an iris recognition matching rate being within a preset range, and providing a determined physical condition result. |
| US09916499B2 |
Method and system for linking printed objects with electronic content
A method for linking objects to electronic content is disclosed. The method includes providing a digital copy of a layout of an object; processing the digital copy for distinguishing text objects each associated with a visual form of at least portion of a word or a combination of adjacent words in the layout, and determining bounding boxes of the text objects; coding each text object in a binary descriptor corresponding to its visual form, whereby the coding includes: scaling the bounding box of the text object to a fixed size binary image, and flattening the binary image to form the binary descriptor; representing the layout in a binary vector formed as an array of the binary descriptors of at least the text objects in the layout; and assigning hashwords to the binary descriptors, for converting the binary vector into a searchable text form. |
| US09916497B2 |
Automated embedding and blending head images
An automated process of transferring an object (e.g., the head with hair) from an image into another image, or to a different location in the same image is described. The implementation is a comprehensive and fully automated approach enabling the object's transfer without intermediate intervention and support from the user. The process automates both steps: the object's delineation, and its blending into the new background as well. |
| US09916496B2 |
Systems and methods for operating a virtual reality environment using colored marker lights attached to game objects
Systems and methods are disclosed for operating, calibrating, and dynamically optimizing a system for a virtual reality environment where colored marker lights are attached to objects, the objects including players, controllers, and devices related to the game. One or more color cameras are used to view one or more spaces, and track positions and orientations of players and other objects according to the attached marker lights. A hierarchical system of servers may be used to process positions and orientations of objects and provide controls as necessary for the system. A method for color assignment is described as well as a calibration process, and a dynamic optimization process. A synchronization process is also described that ensures that a plurality of cameras and attached servers are properly coordinated. Head-mounted devices may also be used in conjunction with marker lights to provide information regarding players. |
| US09916494B2 |
Positioning feature points of human face edge
An example method for positioning feature points of a human face edge including fitting a profile edge curve of a human face edge in a human face image according to the human face image; calculating by using a preset human face edge feature point calculation model to obtain feature points of the human face edge in the human face image; calculating by using a preset convergence algorithm to obtain feature information of a convergence feature point corresponding to each feature point; determining respectively whether a distance from each feature point to the profile edge curve is greater than a distance from a respective corresponding convergence feature point to the profile edge curve; and determining whether a magnitude of overall position change of all the feature points of the human face edge in the human face image before and after the above determination is less than a preset threshold. |
| US09916493B2 |
Method and system for aggregating video content
Aspects of the subject disclosure may include, for example, systems and methods aggregating video content and adjusting the aggregate video content according to a training model. The adjusted aggregate video content comprises a first subset of the images and does not comprise a second subset of the images. The first subset of the images is determined by the training model based on a plurality of categories corresponding to a plurality of events. The illustrative embodiments also include presenting the adjusted aggregate video content and receiving identifications for the first subset of the images in the aggregate video content. Further, the illustrative embodiments include adjusting the training model according to the identifications and providing the adjusted training model to a network device. Other embodiments are disclosed. |
| US09916492B1 |
Image processing and analysis for UID overlap avoidance
A method for preventing overlap during the application of a universal identifier (UID) to a signature document in an electronic signature service is disclosed. The method includes parsing an image file of the signature document to obtain a content vector. A set of addresses of the content vector uniquely correspond with a set of locations in the image. Each value in the content vector indicates content at a corresponding location in the image. The method also includes measuring an overlap quantity for a potential UID location using the content vector to measure the overlap quantity. The method also includes selecting a UID location in the signature document using the overlap quantity. The method also includes applying the UID to the signature document using the UID location. |
| US09916486B2 |
Method and apparatus for mobile terminal to process visual graphics code
The present invention discloses a method and apparatus for a mobile terminal to process a visual graphics code. The method mainly comprises: obtaining a digital image recorded by the mobile terminal; analyzing the digital image to obtain a visual graphics code in the digital image; decoding the visual graphics code and classifying decoded information obtained after decoding; and processing the decoded information according to the classification of the decoded information. The present invention can achieve an effect that the mobile terminal can adaptively recognize and process various types of visual graphics codes, and greatly enhance the ability for the mobile terminal to intelligently process a visual graphics code, thereby improving the function of the mobile terminal, and causing the mobile terminal to meet the need of a user better. |
| US09916482B2 |
Fibers with physical features used for coding
Disclosed are fibers which contains identification fibers. The identification fibers can contain a plurality of distinct features, or taggants, which vary among the fibers and/or along the length of the identification fibers, a fiber band, or yarn. The disclosed embodiments also relate to the method for making and characterizing the fibers. Characterization of the fibers can include identifying distinct features, combinations of distinct features, and number of fibers with various combinations of distinct features and correlating the distinct features to supply chain information. The supply chain information can be used to track the fibers, fiber band, or yarn from manufacturing through intermediaries, conversion to final product, and/or the consumer. |
| US09916478B2 |
Data protection enhancement using free space
A data storage system uses the free space that is not yet filled with data after the deployment of the data store. The free space is used to store additional ‘opportunistic’ protection information for stored data, possibly above and beyond the specified protection level. As the system fills up, the additional protection information is deleted to make room for more data and specified protection information. |
| US09916477B2 |
ASICs having programmable bypass of design faults
A relatively small amount of programmable logic may be included in a mostly ASIC device such that the programmable logic can be used as a substitute for a fault-infected ASIC block. This substitution may occur permanently or temporarily. When an ASIC block is temporarily substituted, faulty outputs of the ASIC block are disabled just at the time they would otherwise propagate an error. The operations of the temporarily deactivated ASIC block(s) may be substituted for by appropriately programmed programmable logic. Thus, a fault-infected ASIC block that operates improperly 1% of the time can continue to be gainfully used for the 99% of the time when its operations are fault free. This substitution can be activated in various stages of the ASIC block's life including after: initial design; pilot production; and mass production. This provides for cost saving and faster time-to-market, repair, and maintenance even years after installation and use. |
| US09916473B2 |
Privacy protection for a life-log system
Technologies are generally described for privacy protection for a life-log system. In some examples, a method performed under control of a life-log system may include receiving, from a user account, a request to change one or more real life-log data entries relating to a real event that are stored in a first part of a database; removing the one or more real life-log data entries relating to the real event from the first part of the database; and storing, in the first part of the database, one or more misleading life-log data entries relating to a false event corresponding to the real event. |
| US09916469B2 |
Systems, methods, and devices for securing data stored in a cloud environment
Devices, systems, and methods for performing particularized encryption of confidential information within real-world data files that are subsequently stored within a cloud environment are described. Specific rules/logic are executed in a local computing environment to identify the type(s) and/or magnitude(s) of confidential information contained within each real-world data file. The identified type(s) and/or magnitude(s) of confidential information is thereafter specifically encrypted using various encryption processes. Once encrypted, the data is packaged and stored within a cloud environment without the need for further encryption at either the local computing or cloud environments. |
| US09916467B2 |
Method, system and computer product for accessing data of a database in a MES system
A method and a system access data of a database in a MES system by a client application where the database access is required to satisfy a set of custom data protection rules depending on a set of user credentials. The method includes providing, at developing time a secure access layer for enabling the client application to access data to/from the database in a protected manner taking into account the set of custom data protection rules; and at runtime or engineering time by the client application, requesting, through a given authenticated user, data access to/from the database by sending to the secure access layer a given data access descriptor and the given user credentials of the given authenticated user. By the secure access layer, the received data access descriptor is processed to generate a given SQL statement for data access. |
| US09916461B2 |
Identity context-based access control
Identity context-based access control is implemented by generating an identity context expression from user identity data. In particular, users are clustered based on combinations of one or more attributes. These clusters comprise one or more identity context(s). Preferably, an intersection of attribute sets of each user in the cluster is formed. In addition, an intersection of attribute sets of each user not in the cluster also is formed. If the attribute set that is common across the cluster of users is not a subset of the attribute set that is common across the rest of the users, then the attribute set forms a unique identity context expression. To reduce the number of roles used in role-based access control (RBAC), at least one role is replaced with an identity context expression. Run-time access control is then enabled. |
| US09916459B2 |
Photograph metadata encryption
Methods, systems, and computer program products for encrypting photograph metadata are provided. An image file is received. The image file includes digital image data and a plurality of data fields. A first data field of the plurality of data fields includes a first metadata. A rule set for modifying the first metadata is received. In response to determining that at least one rule of the rule set corresponds to the first metadata, the first metadata is encrypted based to create a second metadata. The second metadata is stored in the image file. |
| US09916451B2 |
Information handling system boot pre-validation
Pre-validation of bootloader certificates for firmware bootloaders of an operating system boot list during a setup mode of BIOS boot initiation provides the end user with a tool to address boot certification problems associated with the firmware bootloaders before the operating system boot precludes execution of bootloaders that lack a valid certificate. For example, re-configuration of a boot list to address certification problems before exit of boot setup prevents boot to an inoperative state caused by lack of firmware execution during boot due to a failed certificate, such as a failure to load an unsigned option ROM. |
| US09916450B2 |
Reconciliation of access rights in a computing system
Systems and methods are provide for reconciling access rights of a computing system are described. Access right information that respectively corresponds to access rights of a computing system may be obtained and evaluated. Reconciliation tasks may be performed using the access right information, and a reconciliation report may be generated during performance of at least one of the reconciliation tasks. The reconciliation report may indicate that one or more of the access rights should either be provisioned or revoked at the computing system. |
| US09916448B1 |
Detection of malicious mobile apps
Software development kit (SDK) class tree structures of malicious SDKs are created, with each node of the SDK class tree structures representing a class of a corresponding malicious SDK. An app class tree structure of a mobile app is also created, with each node of the app class tree structure representing a class of the mobile app. To determine if the mobile app has been created (e.g., repackaged or originally created) using at least one of the malicious SDKs, the app class tree structure is compared against the SDK class tree structures to find an SDK class tree structure that matches the app class tree structure. For confirmation, the similarity of classes of the app class tree structure relative to classes of the SDK class tree structure can be determined. |
| US09916446B2 |
Anonymized application scanning for mobile devices
Disclosed are various approaches for integrating application scanning into a mobile enterprise computing management system. A management service instructs the client device to provide a list of installed applications to the management serviceand receives the list of installed applications from the client device. The management service then adds the list of installed applications to an aggregate listing of applications representing a list of client applications installed on one or more client devices. Subsequently, the management service sends to a scanning service a policy comprising an identifier of a client application that is prohibited on the client device. The management service also sends the aggregate listing of applications to the scanning service. The management service then receives a notification from the scanning service that the prohibited client application is present in the aggregate listing of applications. In response, the management service determines whether the prohibited client application is installed on the client device and instructs the client device perform a remedial action specified by the policy. |
| US09916444B2 |
Recovering from unexpected flash drive removal
Techniques for recovering from unexpected removal of (or other unexpected power loss) a flash memory device from a computer system. An interpolated device driver notes whenever the flash memory device is unexpectedly removed, or otherwise unexpectedly powers off or enters a locked state. If the flash memory device is reinserted, the interpolated device driver reinitializes the flash memory device, and satisfies any flash memory device security protocol, so the flash memory device and the computer system can be restored to their status just before unexpected removal. The interpolated device driver caches requests to the flash memory device, and when status is restored to just before removal, replays those requests to the flash memory device, so the flash memory device responds to those requests as if it had ever been removed. The computer system does not notice any break in service by the flash memory device due to removal and reinsertion. |
| US09916443B1 |
Detecting an attempt to exploit a memory allocation vulnerability
Various techniques for detection of malware that attempt to exploit a memory allocation vulnerability are disclosed. In some embodiments, a system, process, and/or computer program product for detecting an attempt to exploit a memory allocation vulnerability includes receiving a malware sample; monitoring an array operation performed by the malware sample using a memory monitoring component; and determining whether the array operation performed by the malware sample is suspicious. For example, an array operation, such as a vector operation performed by an application that is executed using an ActionScript virtual machine, can be monitored to detect any suspicious vector operations. |
| US09916437B2 |
Automated password generation and change
An identity management system detects the occurrence of a trigger event, such as a time period expiration, or an action on the identity management system. The identity management system accordingly generates a new password for an account of a user on a third-party service and causes the account of the user on the third-party service to use the new password. The identity management system can also detect a manual user change of a password for a third-party service and cause configuration of client devices of the user to reflect the new password. |
| US09916434B2 |
Office infrastructure device with extended integrated biometric login system
A mission-specific computer peripheral, incorporating an integrated biometric login system, provides a portable linkable work platform. The device is used for establishing a shareable office computing infrastructure on a host personal computer and for accessing securely thereon (i.e., through biometric identification) a comparatively extensive selection of applications, services, and functions. In its principal embodiment, the device includes data storage (used for reading and writing both system and user data), user executable code (for launching the shareable office computing infrastructure on the host personal computer), and a power button containing an integrated fingerprint scanner (used to capture biometric data for authentication together with a unique device identification code). Incorporation of the biometric login system into the device promotes its accessibility and convenience. |
| US09916433B2 |
Condition authentication based upon temporal-spatial analysis of vibrational responsivity
The present invention relates to a method and system for condition authentication based upon temporal-spatial analysis of vibrational responsivity. In particular, the present invention provides temporal tracking of reflected secondary speckle patterns generated when illuminating an object with a source of at least partially coherent beam and while applying a stimulated field at different temporal stimulating frequencies. |
| US09916428B2 |
Systems and methods for detecting infectious diseases
Systems, methods, and devices for detecting infections in a clinical sample are provided. Small-volume clinical samples obtained at a point-of-service (POS) location and may be tested at the POS location for multiple markers for multiple diseases, including upper and lower respiratory diseases. Samples may be tested for cytokines, or for inflammation indicators. Dilution of samples, or levels of detection, may be determined by the condition or past history of a subject. Test results may be obtained within a short amount of time after sample placement in a testing device, or within a short amount of time after being obtained from the subject. A prescription for treatment of a detected disorder may be provided, and may be filled, at the POS location. A bill may be automatically generated for the testing, or for the prescription, may be automatically sent to an insurance provider, and payment may be automatically obtained. |
| US09916424B2 |
Early exacerbation detection using differential temperature monitoring
A system and method for predicting an onset of an exacerbation in a patient is provided. The method includes monitoring core body temperature of the patient; monitoring breath temperature of the patient; calculating a relationship, or a change in relationship, between the core body temperature and the breath temperature of the patient; and detecting the onset of the exacerbation, when the calculated relationship, or a change in relationship, satisfies a predetermined criteria. |
| US09916423B2 |
Random eye generation systems and methods
Random human eye generators are provided for use in evaluating aspects of treatment in refractive surgery or other therapeutic vision modalities. Exemplary random eye generators include an optical parameter such as a manifest refractive sphere parameter or a wavefront sphere parameter, and incorporate a Rayleigh distribution for such parameters. |
| US09916422B2 |
Method for planning the positioning of an implant
The present invention relates to a method for planning the positioning of an implant relative to a body part, comprising the steps of: —identifying at least one reference feature of the body part and determining, in a first posture of the patient, a biunique positional and/or orientational relationship between the at least one reference feature and at least one adjustment parameter defined for the first posture, for positioning the implant; —identifying the at least one reference feature of the body part in a second posture of the patient; —deriving at least one corresponding adjustment parameter defined for the second posture from the position and/or orientation of the at least one reference feature in the second posture and the positional and/or orientational relationship between the at least one reference feature in the first posture and the at least one adjustment parameter defined for the first posture. |
| US09916415B2 |
Integrated circuit performance modeling that includes substrate-generated signal distortions
Disclosed are embodiments for modeling integrated circuit (IC) performance. In these embodiments, a parasitic extraction process is performed to generate a netlist that, not only accounts for various parasitics within the IC, but also accounts for substrate-generated signal distortions (e.g., substrate-generated harmonic signal distortions) that occur within the IC. During this netlist extraction process, the design layout of the IC is analyzed to identify parasitics that are to be represented in the netlist and to also identify any circuit elements with output signals that are subject to substrate-generated signal distortions. When such circuit elements are identified, signal distortion models, which were previously empirically determined and stored in a model library, which correspond to the identified circuit elements, and which account for the signal distortions, are selected from the model library and incorporated into the netlist. Simulations are subsequently performed using this netlist to generate a performance model for the IC. |
| US09916414B2 |
Apparatus and method for generating test cases for processor verification, and verification device
An apparatus for generating a test case includes a constrained description generator configured to define a plurality of constrained verification spaces in a total verification space, and generate a constrained description for each of the plurality of constrained verification spaces; and a test case generator configured to generate a test case using the constrained description. |
| US09916411B2 |
Negative plane usage with a virtual hierarchical layer
A virtual hierarchical layer (VHL) is constructed for a semiconductor design in order to reduce the computational requirement of design rules checking (DRC) and design rules for manufacture (DRM) procedures. In order to form the VHL, a negative plane is created. A cell and multiple instances of the cell are then identified in the semiconductor design and polygons which overlap the cell and its instances are determined. The polygons are pushed into the negative plane to create holes in the plane. Shapes overlapping other instances of the cell which fall onto holes in the solid virtual cell plane are ignored. The resulting holed solid virtual cell plane can then be inverted to create a VHL to be used for design simulation and verification. |
| US09916410B2 |
Signal via positioning in a multi-layer circuit board
One aspect is a method that includes identifying a substantially uniform distribution of signal vias for a multi-layer circuit board based on a design file defining a layout that includes via groups in a two-to-one signal-to-ground via ratio configuration. A signal via pitch is determined as a center-to-center distance between a neighboring pair of signal vias. The signal via pitch is compared to a target minimum drilling distance. A ground via is identified proximate the neighboring pair of the signal vias. Based determining that the signal via pitch of the neighboring pair is less than the target minimum drilling distance, at least one of the signal vias is positioned closer to the ground via such that after the positioning, the signal via pitch of the neighboring pair meets or exceeds the target minimum drilling distance. The design file is modified to include the positioning of the signal vias. |
| US09916403B1 |
Method and system for efficiently determining differential voltages for electrostatic discharge simulations
An improved approach is provided for determining differential voltages for driver and receiver pairs as a result of electrostatic discharge (ESD) events including identifying circuits of interest, re-characterizing the circuits of interest into a system for evaluating differential voltages, determining the differential voltages for ESD pin locations, and outputting results after iterating through all the ESD pin locations. In some embodiments, re-characterizing may include performing a resistance only extraction of a net, attaching a resistance to any node in the circuit and to ground, formulating a conductance matrix and distributing the total current I as source points. In some embodiments, determining differential voltages for ESD pin locations may include, stamping a first ESD pin location with a total current, solving for the system using previously computed values, mapping the driver and receiver pairs to the nodes in the system, computing the differential voltage, and recording the lowest differential voltage. |
| US09916402B2 |
Creation of cut files to fit a large package flat on one or more substrates
A package design system creates one or more package design files by creating cut line instructions and fold line instructions for a package flat. If the system determines that the package flat should be split into two or more subparts across two or more substrates or two or more sub-regions of a single substrate, it will select a fold line and convert the selected fold line to a seam. Conversion to a seam may occur by creating cut line instructions for the selected fold line, imparting a first set of functional elements on a first side of the seam, and imparting a second set of functional elements on a second side of the seam. The first set of functional elements and the second set of functional elements will form a functional connection when the three-dimensional structure is formed. |
| US09916397B2 |
Pattern matching based character string retrieval
Embodiments relate to generating a retrieval condition for retrieving a target character string from texts by pattern matching. An aspect includes dividing a first text into words. Another aspect includes generating a converted character string by performing at least one of appending at least one character in at least either one of previous and subsequent positions of the target character string. Another aspect includes replacing at least one character of the target character string. Another aspect includes generating the retrieval condition for retrieval candidates in the words of the first text, the retrieval condition comprising determining that a retrieval candidate matches the target character string and does not match the converted character string based on a ratio of a part of the retrieval candidate which matches the converted character string and corresponds to the target character string is less than or equal to a reference frequency. |
| US09916394B2 |
Vectorized graph processing
An input graph is decomposed into a graph topology component and a graph properties component. A matrix representation is generated for each of the graph topology component and the graph properties component. Each of the graph topology matrix representation and graph properties matrix representation are partitioned into one or more sub-matrices. A forward pass comprising one or more vectorized operations is performed over the one or more sub-matrices. An output matrix is generated in response to the performing step. |
| US09916392B2 |
Method, system, and storage medium for displaying media content applicable to social platform
The present disclosure relates to the field of computer technologies, and discloses a method, system, and storage medium for displaying media content applicable to a social platform. The method includes: detecting an input operation about a dynamic area located around a media content displaying area; and responding to the input operation, and scrolling to display, according to a layout direction of media content loaded in the media content displaying area, the media content in the media content displaying area, where a width of the media content in a direction that is perpendicular to the layout direction of the media content is consistent with a width of the media content displaying area. Embodiments of the present invention do not need to intercept the media content, and also do not need to display a clear and complete picture by using a large picture floating layer, so as to reduce a workload of the system effectively. |
| US09916391B2 |
Method, apparatus and terminal for webpage content browsing
A method for webpage content browsing is provided. The method includes a terminal receiving a browsing request inputted by a user through performing an operation on a webpage link in a task window of an application, where the browsing request contains the webpage link. The method also includes the terminal parsing the browsing request to obtain the webpage link included in the browsing request. Further, the method includes the terminal generating a browsing window process, creating a browsing window using the browsing window process and attaching the browsing window to the task window. In addition, the method includes the terminal obtaining the webpage contents corresponding to the webpage link and outputting the webpage contents to the browsing window. |
| US09916386B2 |
Method and apparatus for presenting search result
A method and apparatus for presenting a search result. The method comprises: receiving a current search term input by a user; determining user information about a user, and determining a pre-established first model corresponding to the user according to user information, the first model recording historical data of the user, and the historical data comprising a historical search term and a corresponding historical selection result; determining, in the historical data, a historical search term matched with the current search term, determining a historical selection result corresponding to the matched historical search term, and determining an online recommendation result according to the historical selection result; and presenting a search result to the user, the search result comprising the online recommendation result or a result obtained by processing the online recommendation result. The disclosed method can provide a personalized search service, so that the search result better meets the user's needs. |
| US09916381B2 |
Method and system for content classification
A processing method for classification of contents in a domain that can be represented through a taxonomy includes generating a first digital mathematical representation of the taxonomy; generating a second digital mathematical representation of text documents different from the contents and containing keywords; processing the first and second digital mathematical representations for enriching the taxonomy, by associating keywords of the text documents with the first digital mathematical representation; generating a third digital mathematical representation of the contents; and processing the first digital enriched mathematical representation and third mathematical representation for classifying the contents in the enriched taxonomy. |
| US09916380B2 |
Readability awareness in natural language processing systems
Electronic natural language processing in a natural language processing (NLP) system, such as a Question-Answering (QA) system. A receives electronic text input, in question form, and determines a readability level indicator in the question. The readability level indicator includes at least a grammatical error, a slang term, and a misspelling type. The computer determines a readability level for the electronic text input based on the readability level indicator, and retrieves candidate answers based on the readability level. |
| US09916377B2 |
Log-aided automatic query expansion approach based on topic modeling
A base query having a plurality of base query terms is obtained. A plurality of problem log files are accessed. Words, contained in a corpus vocabulary, are extracted from the plurality of problem log files. Based on the words extracted from the plurality of problem log files, a first expanded query is generated from the base query. The corpus is queried, via a query engine and a corpus index, with a second expanded query related to the first expanded query. |
| US09916376B2 |
Digital document keyword generation
According to an aspect of an embodiment, a method may include obtaining a wordlist from a digital document. The method may further include creating a keyword candidate list derived from the wordlist and noting the relationships between the keyword candidates. The method may also include obtaining scores for the keyword candidates. The method may further include selecting keyword candidates as keywords of the digital document based on the scores and the relationships between the keyword candidates. |
| US09916372B1 |
Folded-hashtable synchronization mechanism
Computing devices may synchronize respective copies of a repository in part by sharing status information for records stored in the repository. Status information may be conveyed by encoding record identifiers in a hashtable. A hash function may be selected to have an output range equal to or larger than a number of records in the repository. A plurality of hash function outputs may be mapped to a storage location containing a sum of identifiers and a count of identifiers included in the sum. The storage location may be transmitted to a remote computing device, which may unfold the data in the storage location to identify changed records. |
| US09916368B2 |
Non-exclusionary search within in-memory databases
Methods for non-exclusionary searching within clustered in-memory databases are disclosed. The non-exclusionary search methods may allow the execution of searches where the results may include records where fields specified in the query are not populated or defined. The disclosed methods include the application of fuzzy matching and scoring algorithms, which enables the system to search, score and compare records with different schemata. This may significantly improve the recall of relevant records. |
| US09916365B1 |
Citation network analytics
The present disclosure is directed towards systems and methods for linking documents that refer to other documents through implicit linkages. A first document is identified. The first document comprises an authoritative comment regarding a second document and has been explicitly linked to the second document. Then, one or more third documents are identified. The second document cites or is being cited by the one or more third documents and shares common information. Based upon the authoritative comment, the first document is implicitly linked to the one or more third documents via the common information. |
| US09916364B2 |
Personalization of news articles based on news sources
News search and browse experience is personalized based on user preferences. User attributes like a geographic location are obtained and news sources preferred by other users with attributes similar to those of a requesting user are identified. News sources that are popular across different user groups are eliminated and relevant news items from the remaining news sources are retrieved and presented to the requesting user. |
| US09916362B2 |
Content recommendation based on efficacy models
The disclosure includes a system and method for providing recommendation items to users. The system includes a processor and a memory storing instructions that when executed cause the system to: receive identification input data associated with a user; identify the user using the identification input data; receive sensor data; determine a current situation associated with the user from one or more predefined situations described by predefined situation data and associated parameters; receive data describing a set of candidate items; generate a set of efficacy scores for the set of candidate items; eliminate one or more candidate items from the set of candidate items to obtain one or more remaining candidate items; rank the one or more remaining candidate items based on one or more associated efficacy scores; and provide one or more recommendation items to the user from the one or more ranked remaining candidate items. |
| US09916360B2 |
Joining operations in document oriented databases
An approach for joining operations on document-oriented databases. The approach consists of receiving database identifiers, common attributes and results attributes for core and target databases being joined. Common attributes are searched for in the databases. The searches performed include string, expansive, character and nested. Common attribute join conflicts are identified and input is received to resolve attribute join conflicts. Resolved join conflicts are updated in a join substitution database for subsequent use and joined data results are output to virtual table(s). |
| US09916359B2 |
Indexing dynamic hierarchical data
A system includes storage of data of a hierarchy, where each node of the hierarchy is represented by a row, and each row includes a level of its respective node, a pointer to a lower bound entry of an order index structure associated with the hierarchy, and a pointer to an upper bound entry of the order index structure associated with the hierarchy, reception of a pointer l, and determination of an entry e of the order index structure to which the received pointer l points. |
| US09916357B2 |
Rule-based joining of foreign to primary key
Linking of a child table to a parent table in a database system. For a given parent table row, an expression associated with the particular row is identified. The expression may be a semantic expression that comprises something different than or more than an equals expression or a contains expression. The expression might also take as input a field of the parent table other than the primary key of the parent table. For each of multiple (and potentially all) rows of a child table, the expression is evaluated against a foreign key of the corresponding row of the child table. If the foreign key matches the expression, an association is created, and perhaps saved, between the foreign key and the particular row of the parent table. The expressions may differ even down to the granularity of a single row in the parent table, thereby enabling perhaps custom per-row expressions. |
| US09916354B2 |
Generating multiple query access plans for multiple computing environments
A database management system (DBMS) runs on scalable production system. The DBMS includes a first operating mode, wherein the scalable production system runs on a first set of computing resources, and a second operating mode, wherein the scalable production system runs on a second set of computing resources. The DBMS in the first mode determines that with respect to the first set of resources a first query access plan for executing a query satisfies optimization criteria. A determination is made that with respect to the second set of resources the first plan fails preliminary criteria. In response to this failure determination, a second query access plan for executing the query is generated. Prior to having the DBMS receive a request to execute the query while in the second mode, a determination is made that with respect to the second set of resources the second plan satisfies the optimization criteria. |
| US09916353B2 |
Generating multiple query access plans for multiple computing environments
A database management system (DBMS) runs on scalable production system. The DBMS includes a first operating mode, wherein the scalable production system runs on a first set of computing resources, and a second operating mode, wherein the scalable production system runs on a second set of computing resources. The DBMS in the first mode determines that with respect to the first set of resources a first query access plan for executing a query satisfies optimization criteria. A determination is made that with respect to the second set of resources the first plan fails preliminary criteria. In response to this failure determination, a second query access plan for executing the query is generated. Prior to having the DBMS receive a request to execute the query while in the second mode, a determination is made that with respect to the second set of resources the second plan satisfies the optimization criteria. |
| US09916352B2 |
Caching external data sources for SQL processing
Techniques are provided for caching external data sources for SQL processing. According to an embodiment, a database system receives a query that requires foreign data from an external data source. In response to receiving the query, the database system determines whether the foreign data currently resides in a cache of the database system. In response to determining that the foreign does not currently reside in the cache, the database system retrieves the foreign data from the external data source, maps the foreign data to a column granule of a table, and stores the column granule in the cache. In another embodiment, the database system receives a second query that requires the foreign data. In response to determining that the foreign data is cached with the stored column granule, the database system retrieves the column granule from the cache. |
| US09916351B2 |
Joining operations in document oriented databases
An approach for joining operations on document-oriented databases. The approach consists of receiving database identifiers, common attributes and results attributes for core and target databases being joined. Common attributes are searched for in the databases. The searches performed include string, expansive, character and nested. Common attribute join conflicts are identified and input is received to resolve attribute join conflicts. Resolved join conflicts are updated in a join substitution database for subsequent use and joined data results are output to virtual table(s). |
| US09916347B2 |
Rapid searching and matching of data to a dynamic set of signatures facilitating parallel processing and hardware acceleration
A mechanism is provided in a data processing system for matching data to a dynamic set of signatures. The mechanism creates a state transition, result, and mask (STR&M) table based on a set of signatures. The mechanism executes scanner code in each of a plurality of hardware devices in parallel to form a plurality of matching engines. The mechanism loads the STR&M table into each of the plurality of matching engines. Responsive to receiving a plurality of input records, the mechanism distributes input strings from the plurality of input records among the plurality of matching engines and receiving signature set match results from the plurality of matching engines. |
| US09916345B1 |
Searching three-dimensional (3D) object data models
Methods and systems for interacting with multiple three-dimensional (3D) object data models are provided. An example method may involve receiving a search query comprising a descriptor for an object that is associated with a given category of objects. The method may involve comparing the descriptor to contents of a three-dimensional (3D) object-data-model database that includes contents associated with the given category of objects. Based on the comparison, the method may involve generating a search query result that comprises 3D object data models that describe the object and associated images that describe the object. The method may also involve arranging the 3D object data models and associated images in the search query result in a manner such that the 3D object data models are moveable inline in the search query result, and providing the search query result. |
| US09916338B2 |
Managing data records
Data records may be managed in a relational database by monitoring, a record length for a first data record in a page of memory, an amount of free space in the page, and a page length. In response to receiving an operator command to replace the first data record with a second data record, a database management system may determine whether an estimated record length of a compressed second data record is outside of the amount of free space in the page. In response to determining the estimated record length of a compressed second data record is outside of the amount of free space in the page, the database management system may determine whether an estimated length of a compressed page is outside of the page length. In response to determining the estimated length of a compressed page is within the page length, the page may be compressed. |
| US09916335B2 |
Row, table, and index decompression
Methods, systems, and computer program products for decompressing data are described. An ordinal column number of columnar data to be accessed is obtained, the ordinal column number identifying a location of the columnar data in a corresponding uncompressed row, the columnar data being stored in a first data structure. A breakpoint value in a breakpoint field of the at least partially compressed row is determined, the breakpoint value indicating a location of an end of a common prefix in the corresponding uncompressed row, the common prefix being stored in a second data structure. The ordinal column number of the columnar data to be accessed and a column number indicated by the breakpoint value are compared, the comparison identifying one or more locations of the columnar data to be accessed. |
| US09916332B2 |
Dataset chart scaling
An example process for selecting chart scalings for plotting two time-series datasets includes determining a first log difference between a logarithm of a maximum value of a first dataset and a logarithm of a minimum value of the first dataset. The process also includes determining a second log difference between a logarithm of a maximum value of a second dataset and a logarithm of a minimum value of the second dataset. The process also includes selecting, based at least in part on the first and second log differences, between a linear chart scaling and a logarithmic chart scaling for the first dataset. The process also includes selecting, based at least in part on the first and second log differences, between a linear chart scaling and a logarithmic chart scaling for the second dataset. |
| US09916331B2 |
Method and device for automatically processing static test data of rail transit vehicle
A method and device for automatically processing static test data of a rail transit vehicle are provided. A target operation step is determined in accordance with a commissioning template. Information about a commissioning task step is sent to a terminal device, for prompting that the target operation step needs to be executed. After the information about a commissioning result corresponding to the target operation step is received, it is judged whether test data in the information is correct. If it is judged that the test data is correct, the information is sent to the terminal device, the judgement result is filled into the commissioning template, and a step of determining the target operation step is executed. If it is judged that the test data is incorrect, the information is sent to the terminal device, and the judgement result is filled into the commissioning template. |
| US09916330B2 |
Method and system for analyzing an image generated by at least one camera
A method for analyzing an image of a real object, generated by at least one camera includes the following steps: generating at least a first image by the camera capturing at least one real object, defining a first search domain comprising multiple data sets of the real object, each of the data sets being indicative of a respective portion of the real object, and analyzing at least one characteristic property of the first image with respect to the first search domain, in order to determine whether the at least one characteristic property corresponds to information of at least a particular one of the data sets of the first search domain. If it is determined that the at least one characteristic property corresponds to information of at least a particular one of the data sets, a second search domain comprising only the particular one of the data sets is defined and the second search domain is used for analyzing the first image and/or at least a second image. |
| US09916328B1 |
Providing user assistance from interaction understanding
Systems and methods are provided for providing user assistance on a mobile device. For example, a method may include receiving a first image of a screen captured on a mobile device, determining key content in the first image by performing recognition on the first image, and using the key content as a query to an index that associates key items with screen capture images previously received from the mobile device. The method may further include determining that a search result of the query includes at least one key item with a rank that exceeds a relevancy threshold, determining a portion of a second image from the screen capture images that is associated with the at least one key item, generating annotation data that includes the portion of the second image, and providing the annotation data for display with the screen on the mobile device. |
| US09916326B2 |
Efficient point-in-polygon indexing technique for facilitating geofencing operations
A system that facilitates a geofencing operation is disclosed. The system obtains polygons that define a set of geographic regions. Then, the system projects rays from endpoints of the line segments that define the polygons onto a reference line to form intersection points. For each interval between pairs of consecutive intersection points on the reference line, the system keeps track of open line segments that project onto the interval. For each data point in a set of data points, the system identifies a relevant interval on the reference line that the data point projects onto, and performs a crossing number operation to identify polygons that the data point falls into, and the system increments a count for each polygon that the data point falls into. Finally, the system performs a geofencing operation for the location-aware device based on the identified polygons that the data point falls into. |
| US09916325B2 |
Quick initialization of data regions in a distributed storage system
A method includes flushing a write transaction based on byte-ranges within a file system block. It is determined if the write transaction is a first write transaction to the file system block and whether to flush the received write transaction to a recovery log. If it is determined to flush the write transaction to the recovery log and the received write transaction is the first write transaction: the data associated with the write transaction is appended in the recovery log and byte-ranges remaining in the file system block are recorded, and also recording an associated particular bit value or particular bit pattern that the remaining byte-ranges must be set to before the remaining byte-ranges are accessed or when a recovery sequence for recovering data in the recovery log executes due to failure. The write transaction is replicated. The entire file system block byte-range is marked as committed. |
| US09916324B2 |
Updating key value databases for virtual backups
A method, article of manufacture, and apparatus for protecting data. A file modification is identified. A previous file entry is modified where the previous file entry is stored in a key value database. A new file entry is created in the key value database. The previous file entry modification includes modifying the end version of the entry. |
| US09916322B2 |
Virtual private cloud that provides enterprise grade functionality and compliance
Techniques to enforce policies with respect to managed files and/or endpoints are disclosed. A policy to be applied with respect to one or more files included in a synchronization set and/or an endpoint associated with the synchronization set is received. Compliance with the policy is ensured across a plurality of heterogeneous endpoints associated with the synchronization set. |
| US09916318B2 |
Method of reusing existing statistics to load database tables
An indication to load data into a database table is received. A determination is made whether an existing set of frequency distribution statistics is available. In response to determining that an existing set of frequency distribution statistics is available, the data is loaded into the database table using the existing set of frequency distribution statistics. |
| US09916317B2 |
Data transfer optimization through destination analytics and data de-duplication
There are provided methods and systems for transferring requested data over a node chain from a source node to a destination node through at least two intermediate nodes. A method includes identifying, at a file system level, at each of the at least two intermediate nodes, prior data previously sent to or received from a subsequent node in the node chain that matches at least a portion of the requested data. The method also includes transmitting, to the subsequent node, at least one pointer to the prior data and a reconstruction recipe for reconstructing the requested data at the subsequent node based on at least the at least one pointer, when the prior data matches at least the portion of the requested data. |
| US09916314B2 |
File extraction method, computer product, file extracting apparatus, and file extracting system
An AND operation is performed for an integrated appearance map of a compression code of character data “”, an integrated appearance map of a compression code of character data “”, and an integrated deletion map for a segment. The AND result is “1100” and it is found that the character data “” and “” are likely to be present in the segments (sg1(1)) and (sg1(2)). Since the segments are specified from the AND result, the AND operations are performed. As a result, the segments are specified and the AND operations are performed. As a result, a file number 3 is specified from the segment (sg0(1)) and a file number 19 is specified from the segment (sg0(5)). Therefore, it is found that both of the character data “” and “” are present in compression files (f3) and (f19). |
| US09916312B1 |
Coordination of file system creation to ensure more deterministic performance characteristics
A method includes (a) receiving a command to create an upper-deck filesystem of a specified size, the upper-deck filesystem residing within a logical volume expressed from a container file of a lower-deck filesystem, (b) provisioning a plurality of storage provisioning units (SPUs) from a storage pool of the data storage system to the container file in an order reflecting proximity of the SPUs within storage devices of the data storage system, the plurality of SPUs providing storage for the entire container file, and (c) subsequent to provisioning the plurality of SPUs to the container file, executing a plurality of threads in parallel to write metadata of the upper-deck filesystem to the plurality of SPUs, representing the upper-deck filesystem. Other embodiments are directed to a system, a computerized apparatus, and a computer program product for performing methods similar to that described above. |
| US09916309B2 |
Method and apparatus for automatically summarizing the contents of electronic documents
One embodiment of a method for summarizing an electronic document includes splitting the electronic document into a plurality of terms, wherein each of the plurality of terms is associated with a respective length, a respective informativeness score, and a respective coherence score, automatically selecting a subset of the plurality of terms, such that an aggregate informativeness score of the subset is maximized while an aggregate length of the subset is less than or equal to a maximum length, and arranging the subset as a summary of the electronic document. |
| US09916307B1 |
Dynamic translation of idioms
Dynamic translation of idioms is performed with respect to electronic communications. An electronic communication is observed and movement of indicia proximal to a phrase in the electronic communication is detected. In response to the detection, an idiom search application is activated which identifies an idiom within the phrase and searches a corpus for a translation of the idiom and one or more associated characteristics. In response to detection of the translation in the corpus, profile metadata related to the observed communication is collected and compared to the one or more characteristics. The idiom and the collected profile metadata are stored in a corpus that supports a search of the idiom. In response to absence of the translation in the corpus, the idiom is dynamically translated. The translated idiom is presented proximal to the evaluated expression. |
| US09916304B2 |
Method of creating translation corpus
A translation corpus creation method of the present disclosure includes generating plural paraphrasing candidate sentences for a first original sentence in a first language by paraphrasing one or plural fragments among plural fragments included in the first original sentence into other expressions in the first language by a paraphrasing candidate sentence generation unit, identifying one or plural paraphrasing candidate sentences in the same meaning as the meaning of the first original sentence from the plural paraphrasing candidate sentences as one or plural paraphrasing sentences by a paraphrasing sentence identification unit, and generating a new set of sentences by setting the one or plural identified paraphrasing sentences and a second original sentence translated from the first original sentence as a set of sentences to create a translation corpus with the generated and new set of sentences by a translation corpus creation unit. |
| US09916303B2 |
Answering time-sensitive questions
A method providing an answer to an input question containing at least one time-sensitive word or at least one time-sensitive phrase using natural language processing (NLP) is provided. The method may include receiving the input question. The method may also include performing natural language processing (NLP) analysis on the input question to extract a required value phrase. The method may further include forming at least one mathematical equation based on the extracted required value phrase. Additionally, the method may include forming at least one interim question based on the extracted required value phrase. The method may further include solving the at least one formed mathematical equation and the at least one formed interim question. The method may also include narrating the answer to the input question in natural language based on the solved at least one interim question or the solved at least one mathematical equation. |
| US09916295B1 |
Synchronous context alignments
A method and apparatus to align contexts with text. Multiple versions within separate forms of context are controlled; all contexts are controlled in independent alignment with parts in text. Plain text syllables are synchronized with audio vocalization playback with timings applied in context. Precise synchronization is controlled within a multi-touch tap process. Same-language restatements, translations, linguistic alignment “ties” and tags are controlled in contexts. Depictions and vocalizations of text and parts in text are controlled within contexts and sorted within tiered carousels. Toggle controls quickly access separate contexts. Independent alignments between multiple contexts and parts in text are controlled and dynamically adjusted in real-time. Text and contexts in multiple writing systems, styles and sizes are aligned and edited within WYSIWYG textarea. Context alignment controls are applied within a collaborative social framework. |
| US09916288B2 |
Method and server for pushing cellular lexicon
A method and server for pushing a cellular lexicon. The server is used for receiving input method log information sent by a client; acquiring a client identifier and a client-selected word in the input method log information; searching for an undownloaded cellular lexicon in an undownloaded cellular lexicon list corresponding to the client identifier, acquiring a first matching lexicon comprising the client-selected word in the undownloaded cellular lexicon, and adding a first weight value to a lexicon weight value of the first matching lexicon corresponding to the client identifier; pushing the first matching lexicon to a corresponding client when the lexicon weight value is greater than a pushing threshold value; and deleting the pushed first matching lexicon. The server can push a cellular lexicon actually needed by the client, thereby increasing the input precision regarding a certain category of entries, and improving the input efficiency of the client. |
| US09916287B2 |
Method, device and system for zooming font in web page file, and storage medium
Disclosed is a method, a device and a system for zooming a font in a web page file, and the method includes: receiving a web page file; parsing and recognizing the web page file, to classify text contained in the web page file into a first group of zoomable text and a second group of unzoomable text; detecting a zoom operation performed on the web page file displayed at a mobile terminal; and upon the detection of the zoom operation, zooming the first group of text in the web page file except for the second group of text in the web page file. With the method, the problem that the text in a web page file are overlapped due to zooming is avoided, and the typesetting of the web page may be reasonable, without degrading the experience of the user in browsing the web page. |
| US09916284B2 |
Analyzing document content and generating an appendix
A method for generating an appendix from document content is provided. Included is analyzing a structure of a document to identify at least one logical element in a content of a page of the document; identifying at least one relation within the identified at least one logical element to determine an appendix topic; determining a degree of relevance of the at least one relation identifying the appendix topic; extracting an appendix content from at least one source document, based on determining a relevance of the source document to the appendix topic; and formatting the appendix based on the extracted appendix content. |
| US09916283B2 |
Method and system for solving a problem involving a hypergraph partitioning
A method for solving a problem involving a hypergraph partitioning is disclosed, the method comprising receiving an indication of a problem involving a hypergraph partitioning; obtaining at least one property associated with a quadratic unconstrained binary optimization solver operatively coupled with the digital computer; formulating a partitioning problem of the hypergraph as an unconstrained binary optimization problem; reducing the unconstrained binary optimization problem into a quadratic unconstrained binary optimization problem; mapping the quadratic unconstrained binary optimization problem into the quadratic unconstrained binary optimization solver; obtaining from the quadratic unconstrained binary optimization solver at least one solution to the quadratic unconstrained binary optimization problem; applying a refinement procedure and translating the refined at least one solution to provide an indication of the partitioning and providing a solution to the problem. |
| US09916282B2 |
Computer-implemented systems and methods for time series exploration
Systems and methods are provided for analyzing unstructured time stamped data. A distribution of time-stamped data is analyzed to identify a plurality of potential time series data hierarchies for structuring the data. An analysis of a potential time series data hierarchy may be performed. The analysis of the potential time series data hierarchies may include determining an optimal time series frequency and a data sufficiency metric for each of the potential time series data hierarchies. One of the potential time series data hierarchies may be selected based on a comparison of the data sufficiency metrics. Multiple time series may be derived in a single-read pass according to the selected time series data hierarchy. A time series forecast corresponding to at least one of the derived time series may be generated. |
| US09916279B1 |
Single-sided distributed storage system
A distributed storage system including memory hosts and at least one curator in communication with the memory hosts. Each memory host has memory, and the curator manages striping of data across the memory hosts. In response to a memory access request by a client in communication with the memory hosts and the curator, the curator provides the client a file descriptor mapping data stripes and data stripe replications of a file on the memory hosts for remote direct memory access of the file on the memory hosts. |
| US09916277B2 |
Translation of universal armament interface (UAI) to military standard (mil-std-1760) messaging interface
A Universal Armament Interface (UAI) translator for a legacy military standard-1760 (MIL-STD-1760) messaging interface can include a legacy interface, a UAI, and a processor. The legacy interface can transmit a legacy receive message (‘R’ message) and receive a legacy transmit message (‘T’ message). The legacy interface can include a MIL-STD-1760 remote terminal (RT) messaging interface. The UAI can receive a UAI ‘R’ message and transmit a UAI ‘T’ message. The processor can translate the legacy ‘R’ message to the UAI ‘R’ message, and translate the UAI ‘T’ message to the legacy ‘T’ message. |
| US09916276B2 |
Data processing device, data processing system and method
A data selector circuit divides a group of data including a plurality of types of data into the plurality of types of data. A first compression circuit and a second compression circuit respectively compress the plurality of types of data in parallel with each other in accordance with each of the plurality of types of data. The first compression circuit compresses data and obtains compressed data. The second compression circuit compresses data and obtains compressed data. The data transmission circuit-transmits the compressed data and the compressed data to a terminal. |
| US09916271B2 |
Communication system, communication system control method, and program
Communication systems and communication control methods are disclosed. In one example, a slave device belonging to a group of devices to which arbitration is applicable sequentially transmits a start bit and a first address including a first bit having a value different from a corresponding first bit of predetermined pattern data. A master device sequentially transmits the start bit and the predetermined pattern data. The master device arbitrates the master device and the first slave device based on the value of the first bit. |
| US09916270B2 |
Virtual intelligent platform management interface (IPMI) satellite controller and method
Devices and techniques for implementing virtual system management controllers are described herein. A baseboard management controller (BMC) can include processing circuitry to monitor system sensors, and to provide monitoring information for system sensors responsive to requests for monitoring information. The processing circuitry may further implement a virtual satellite controller within a firmware stack. The BMC and the virtual satellite controller may comply with a specification of the Intelligent Platform Management Interface (IPMI) family of specifications to provide monitoring information for the system sensors. Other embodiments are also described. |
| US09916264B2 |
Privilege based memory pinning mechanism
A method for privilege based memory pinning is provided. The method includes receiving a request to pin an amount of address space memory from a process executing on an operating system. The operating system includes a configurable mode of operation. In mandatory mode, the operating system executes the request to pin address space memory based on the role hierarchy-based privilege level of the requestor process. When the requested amount is greater than the operating system's amount of memory that can be used to pin memory, the operating system fails the request. However, when the operating can satisfy the request from processes having a lower privilege level relative to the requestor process, memory is unpinned from one or more of these processes. |
| US09916263B2 |
Access of virtual machines to storage area networks
A method for managing access of virtual machines executed by a host computer system to storage area networks, the storage area networks connecting the host computer system with storage systems via switches, where the host computer system includes one or more host ports to connect with a switch each, and where one or more port names are assigned to each virtual machine. The method includes, for each storage area network connected with the host computer system, sending the port names of a virtual machine and a target port name as part of a validate access command to the respective switch; and when receiving the validate access command by the switch, the switch returning success information to the sending host computer system in case all received virtual machine port names have access to a target port assigned to the received target port name, otherwise returning a fail information. |
| US09916262B2 |
Least privileged operating system
A method and system encrypts data in a least privileged operating system. The method includes determining a first encryption scheme to be used with software code to be mapped to a virtual memory. The method includes mapping a first portion of the virtual memory with the software code for access by a processor using the first encryption scheme. The method includes receiving a call for an entry point of the operating system. The method includes determining a second encryption scheme to be used with the entry point when mapped to the virtual memory. The method includes mapping a second portion of the virtual memory for executing entry point code associated with the entry point for access by the processor using the second encryption scheme. The processor executing the software code is permitted to access only data from the first and second portions of the virtual memory. |
| US09916253B2 |
Method and apparatus for supporting a plurality of load accesses of a cache in a single cycle to maintain throughput
A method for supporting a plurality of requests for access to a data cache memory (“cache”) is disclosed. The method comprises accessing a first set of requests to access the cache, wherein the cache comprises a plurality of blocks. Further, responsive to the first set of requests to access the cache, the method comprises accessing a tag memory that maintains a plurality of copies of tags for each entry in the cache and identifying tags that correspond to individual requests of the first set. The method also comprises performing arbitration in a same clock cycle as the accessing and identifying of tags, wherein the arbitration comprises: (a) identifying a second set of requests to access the cache from the first set, wherein the second set accesses a same block within the cache; and (b) selecting each request from the second set to receive data from the same block. |
| US09916248B2 |
Storage device and method for controlling storage device with compressed and uncompressed volumes and storing compressed data in cache
The storage device of the present invention provides a decompression VOL having no corresponding relationship (mapping) with a final storage media to a superior device, and receives accesses from the superior device to the decompression VOL. Then, data written into the decompression VOL is compressed on-line in a cache memory, and the compressed data is mapped to a compression VOL which is a volume mapped to a final storage media. At the same time, by maintaining and managing a mapping information between an area in the decompression VOL where data has been written and a location in the compression VOL to which compressed data of the relevant data is mapped, when a read request is received from a superior device regarding the decompression VOL, the storage device converts a location information in the decompression VOL designated by the read request to a location information of the final storage media. |
| US09916243B2 |
Method and apparatus for performing a bus lock and translation lookaside buffer invalidation
A method and apparatus for performing a bus lock and a translation lookaside buffer invalidate transaction includes receiving, by a lock master, a lock request from a first processor in a system. The lock master sends a quiesce request to all processors in the system, and upon receipt of the quiesce request from the lock master, all processors cease issuing any new transactions and issue a quiesce granted transaction. Upon receipt of the quiesce granted transactions from all processors, the lock master issues a lock granted message that includes an identifier of the first processor. The first processor performs an atomic transaction sequence and sends a first lock release message to the lock master upon completion of the atomic transaction sequence. The lock master sends a second lock release message to all processors upon receiving the first lock release message from the first processor. |
| US09916242B2 |
Storage system and monitor device
A storage system includes control devices and a second processor. The second processor determines a number of abnormal batteries when an abnormality has occurred in a first battery. The second processor assigns a second cache currently assigned to a second control device associated with the first battery to a first control device when the number is smaller than a threshold. The second processor assigns a mirror cache currently assigned to the second control device to a third control device when the number is smaller than the threshold. The second processor instructs the first control device to control write to a first storage device associated with a first cache by using the first cache. Data of the first cache is mirrored to the mirror cache. The second processor instructs the first control device to control write to a second storage device associated with the second cache by using the second cache. |
| US09916238B2 |
Memory system and method for performing garbage collection on blocks based on their obsolescence patterns
A memory system and method are provided for performing garbage collection on blocks based on their obsolescence patterns. In one embodiment, a controller of a memory system classifies each of the plurality of blocks based on its obsolescence pattern and performs garbage collection only on blocks classified with similar obsolescence patterns. Other embodiments are possible, and each of the embodiments can be used alone or together in combination. |
| US09916237B2 |
Model based configuration parameter management
Apparatuses, systems, methods, and computer program products are disclosed for model based configuration parameter management. An association module is configured to group a plurality of erase blocks of a non-volatile memory medium based on an amount of time since data has been written to the plurality of erase blocks. A read module is configured to sample data of at least two word lines from at least one erase block from each of a plurality of groups of erase blocks. A configuration parameter module is configured to determine different read voltage thresholds for different word lines of groups of erase blocks using different read voltage threshold models for different groups based on sampled data. |
| US09916234B1 |
Systems and methods for mainframe batch testing
Methods and systems for performing mainframe batch testing and/or property-based validation testing using a finite-state machine are provided. According to certain aspects, a validation server may receive a set of batch data designed to validate a property under test, such as during mainframe batch testing. A validation server may validate that the set of batch data is in a proper format. The validation server may then cause a finite-state machine to process instructions contained within the set of batch data. Once the finite-state machine processes the set of batch data, the validation server may then validate that the finite-state machine adheres to the property under test. If the validation fails, the validation server may generate an error report describing the failure. |
| US09916233B1 |
Using containers for update deployment
A system and method for software deployment, where the system and method include, at a deployment service, obtaining a software package and determining that a client device is ready to receive at least a portion of the software package. If the client device is ready, providing at least the portion of the software package to the client device, launching at least the provided portion of the software package as set of instructions executing in a test container, and performing a set of tests on the executing set of instructions in the test container. Based at least in part on results of performing the set of tests, determining whether to cause at least the provided portion of the software package to execute in an active container on the client device. |
| US09916230B1 |
White box testing
The source code of a software artifact may be scanned, and a call tree model with leaf nodes may be generated based on the scan. A set of test cases can be executed against the software artifact and log data from the execution can be collected. A set of untested leaf nodes can be detected and a new set of test cases can be generated to test the untested nodes. The new set of test cases are executed and a subset of the test cases which cover the previously untested nodes are added to the existing set of test cases. |
| US09916229B2 |
Decomposing application topology data into transaction tracking data
In an approach for generating transaction tracking data that is used to simulate a customer environment or test case scenario, a processor receives user input data, wherein the user input data includes, at least, an application topology constructed using a graphical user interface. A processor validates the user input data for, at least, supported environments of components of the application topology. A processor generates transaction tracking data based on, at least, the user input data. |
| US09916227B2 |
Systems and methods for analyzing software compatibility
Computer-implemented systems, methods, and computer-readable media are provided for facilitating analysis of a software application to determine its compatibility with one or more computer platforms. In accordance with some embodiments, a processor may receive, via an operator interface, a selection of an application and a user identity, and the processor may determine compatibility status between the application and at least one computing platform of a device associated with the user identity, and generate a report with the compatibility results. |
| US09916224B2 |
Integrating quality analysis with a code review tool
Techniques are provided for integrating source code analysis tools with a code review tool. A user submits a code change to the code review tool and one or more code analysis tools are automatically initiated to analyze the changed code. Results of the code analysis tool(s) are automatically provided back to the code review tool. Additionally or alternatively, one or more tests are automatically run to test one or more executables that are based on the changed code. Results of the test(s) are automatically provided to the code review tool. In this way, an effect of a code change is automatically determined and available for review along with the code change. The results of any code analysis tools and/or tests may be posted synchronously or asynchronously with the corresponding code change. |
| US09916223B2 |
Automatically complete a specific software task using hidden tags
A method to detect and diagnose where an error occurs in a source code that is associated with a software program or a website is provided. The method may include receiving a log report associated with the software program or the website, whereby by the log report is sent based on a hidden tag associated with the software program or the website. The method may also include analyzing the received log report. The method may further include detecting at least one error based on the analysis of the received log report. The method may include reverting back to a previous line in the source code associated with the software program or the website, whereby the reverting is based on the detection of the at least one error. |
| US09916220B2 |
Smart logging of trace data for storage systems
An improved technique for storing trace data involves storing software operation debug trace information in a buffer memory rather than in a log file in the main memory, and after completion of the software operation either (1) deleting the debug trace information upon the successful completion of the operation, or (2) transferring the debug trace information to a log file memory upon a failure of the operation. |
| US09916209B2 |
Data asset reconstruction
According to an aspect, data asset reconstruction includes receiving a data lineage for a data asset, where the data lineage identifies a data source connected to the data asset by an intermediate process. It is determined whether the intermediate process can be used to reconstruct a lost data asset. Based on determining that the intermediate process can be used to reconstruct the lost data asset, reconstructing the lost data asset with the intermediate process and the data source. |
| US09916205B2 |
Secure live virtual machine guest based snapshot recovery
A system, method, and apparatus for secure live virtual machine guest based snapshot recovery. A virtual machine sends a request to access a snapshot of a first virtual disk of the virtual machine including a snapshot identifier. A hypervisor selects the snapshot using the snapshot identifier and creates a second virtual disk using the snapshot. The hypervisor then maps the second virtual disk to the virtual machine and notifies the virtual machine that the snapshot on the second virtual disk is accessible. The virtual machine accesses the snapshot on the second virtual disk including retrieving snapshot data from the second virtual disk without reverting a current virtual machine instance on the first virtual disk to the snapshot on the second virtual disk. |
| US09916200B2 |
Fault-tolerant distributed information handling systems and methods
Fault-tolerant distributed information handling systems and methods, including a method in a system including: a first host configured to store a first fragment of data, a second host configured to store a second fragment of data, a third host configured to store a third fragment of data, and a fourth host configured to store a first code derived at least from the first fragment of data, the second fragment of data, and the third fragment of data, are provided. The method includes: the first agent transmitting via a multicast operation an updated second fragment of data to the second host and the fourth host; a second agent corresponding to the second host transmitting via a unicast operation the second fragment of data to the fourth host; and generating a second code derived from the first code, the second fragment of data, and the updated second fragment of data. |
| US09916192B2 |
Thread based dynamic data collection
Dynamically collecting data pertaining to a program execution. A method can include monitoring execution of the program in a plurality of threads and, responsive to identifying an exception triggered by the program execution in a first of the plurality of threads, initiating at least one data collector to collect data exclusively relevant to the program execution in the first thread. |
| US09916189B2 |
Concurrently executing critical sections in program code in a processor
In the described embodiments, entities in a computing device selectively write specified values to a lock variable in a local cache and one or more lower levels of a memory hierarchy to enable multiple entities to enable the concurrent execution of corresponding critical sections of program code that are protected by a same lock. |
| US09916188B2 |
Provisioner for cluster management system
A processing device executing a provisioner requests a node level task from a server. The processing device receives an assignment of a first node level task, wherein the first node level task is associated with a cluster management operation for a first cluster. The processing device determines a first plugin capable of performing the first node level task from a plurality of plugins, wherein each of the plurality of plugins comprises a self-contained program for performing a specific set of node level tasks. The processing device performs the first node level task by the first plugin, wherein the first node level task is an operation on a remote target host that does not include software associated with the provisioner. The processing device reports a result of the node level task to the server. |
| US09916185B2 |
Managing processing associated with selected architectural facilities
A facility is provided that, when installed, removes from an architecture a selected architectural function, such that the function is not able to be turned on/off regardless of other controls within the environment. When the facility is installed, the architectural function is not supported when processing in an architectural mode based on the architecture. It is as if the selected architectural function is no longer available in the architecture, and in fact, the code implementing the facility may have been deleted, bypassed, or otherwise eliminated. One such architectural function is virtual address translation, such as dynamic address translation (DAT), and the architecture is, for instance, ESA/390. |
| US09916179B2 |
Interprocessor memory status communication
In a transactional memory environment including a first processor and one or more additional processors, a computer-implemented method includes, by the first processor, initializing a time record, listening for zero or more probes from the one more additional processors, responding to each probe of the zero or more probes, and logging each probe of the zero or more probes to yield a probe log. The computer-implemented method further includes, by the first processor, receiving a probe report directive and, responsive to the probe report directive, generating a probe report indication based on the probe log. The probe report indication denotes whether, since the time record, the first processor has received any of the zero or more probes. The computer-implemented method further includes ending the time record. A corresponding computer program product and computer system are also disclosed. |
| US09916177B2 |
Predictive workload scheduling with integrated analytics
A computerized predictive workload scheduling tool and methods for analytically implementing a predictive job schedule. The scheduling tool incorporates and uses analytics to leverage information from a plurality of data sources to anticipate and pro-actively correct computing system job failures before they occur. The predictive scheduling tool generates a job schedule, analyzes the job schedule for predictable failures and resolves the identified failures by amending the job schedule. The job schedule generated and analyzed by the scheduling tool is deployed, analyzed and resolved for errors as needed or identified to prevent failures from occurring. |
| US09916176B2 |
Method and apparatus of accessing data of virtual machine
A methods and device for accessing virtual machine (VM) data are described. A computing device for accessing virtual machine comprises an access request process module, a data transfer proxy module and a virtual disk. The access request process module receives a data access request sent by a VM and adds the data access request to a request array. The data transfer proxy module obtains the data access request from the request array, maps the obtained data access request to a corresponding virtual storage unit, and maps the virtual storage unit to a corresponding physical storage unit of a distributed storage system. A corresponding data access operation may be performed based on a type of the data access request. |
| US09916172B2 |
Method and apparatus for recovering lock holder preemption
According to one embodiment of the present invention, the scheduling method includes an acquisition step of acquiring operation state information on a virtual CPU (vCPU) and lock information on an OS in the operation of the vCPU and of a virtual machine (VM) driving the vCPU and including the OS, and a determination step for determining whether the vCPU is in a lock holder preemption (LHP) state on the basis of the operation state information and the lock information. According to one embodiment of the present invention, the LHP can be easily and precisely known on a system using the VM. Also, even with an increase in the number of cores, scalability can be supported in a system by adjusting the pCPU to which operations of the vCPU are allocated through a scheduling scheme. In addition, a fairness hindering problem between the existing technology and the VM can be solved by adjusting the operations for each vCPU and continuously performing a critical section of a lock holder by using a time quantum allocated to a lock contender vCPU which awaits a lock release. |
| US09916171B2 |
Application discovery in virtual machines using temporal clustering of installation files
In an approach for detecting one or more applications in a VM, one or more processors establish a time duration. One or more processors detect two or more files, each file in the two or more files having a time stamp time that differs from a last modified time stamp time of at least one other file in the two or more files by no more than the time duration. One or more processors record an identifier for each file of the two or more files, a location, a name, and a last modified time stamp time of each file of the two or more files. One or more processors map the two or more files to an application installed on the VM. |
| US09916170B2 |
Cloud computing simulator
A method for simulating a virtual computing environment includes specifying one or more flavors of resource consumers and one or more flavors of datastores to be provisioned on a tree of hosts for a simulation of a distributed virtualization scheduler. The method also includes generating a tree of hosts for the resource consumers and datastores based on the specified flavors and using a tree generator component of the distributed virtualization scheduler. The method further includes generating a plurality of resource consumer requests for the generated tree of hosts according to a pattern-based input, where the resource consumer requests include requests for the specified resource consumer flavors and the specified datastore flavors. The method also includes simulating execution of the resource consumer requests on the generated tree of hosts using the distributed virtualization scheduler, and utilizing a result of the simulated execution to improve a placement decision for a resource consumer. |
| US09916169B2 |
System and method for in-box electronic device provisioning
Configurable electronic devices contain identifying information in a dual-ported memory. A plurality of un-configured units are assembled into a set. Using identifying information, a provisioning server matches each particular unit to configuration settings needed to appropriately configure that device for use by a specific end user. The configuration settings and/or data may be transmitted to the devices via their embedded RFID systems and stored in their dual-ported memory (via the first memory port). The electronic devices may comprise processor-based systems and, upon system initialization, the configuration data can be read from the memory via a second port thereof and used to configure the device for use by the user. In this way, devices may be configured as a set destined for a particular end user immediately prior to shipment and/or deployment and it is not necessary to separately track customized units prior to assembling them into a set. |
| US09916165B2 |
Systems and methods to optimize boot for information handling system comprising persistent memory
A basic input/output system may be configured to, during boot of an information handling system in a pre-operating system environment of the information handling system, calculate an amount of energy required to perform a persistent memory save operation in a persistent memory of the information handling system in order to transfer data from a volatile memory of the persistent memory communicatively coupled to the processor to a non-volatile memory of the persistent memory communicatively coupled to the volatile memory, cause charging of an energy storage device for providing electrical energy to perform persistent memory save operations at least until a charging level of the energy storage device satisfies the amount of energy, and boot to an operating system of the information handling system responsive to the charging level of the energy storage device satisfying the amount of energy. |
| US09916164B2 |
Methods and apparatus to optimize instructions for execution by a processor
Methods, apparatus, systems and articles of manufacture are disclosed herein. An example apparatus includes an instruction profiler to identify a predicated block within instructions to be executed by a hardware processor. The example apparatus includes a performance monitor to access a mis-prediction statistic based on an instruction address associated with the predicated block. The example apparatus includes a region former to, in response to determining that the mis-prediction statistic is above a mis-prediction threshold, include the predicated block in a predicated region for optimization. |
| US09916155B2 |
Projects browser for development environments
Projects may be recalled by a system based on a selection of a screenshot associated with the project. A request to access a project, by a selection of a screenshot from a group of screenshots may be received. The screenshot may be mapped to a particular workspace location, and it may be associated with trace data stored in a file. The associated trace data may be identified by the system, and the trace data can be read. Using the trace data, the system can access the project associated with the screenshot and launch the workspace and the project. |
| US09916154B2 |
File-based transport of table content
A system includes reception of a configuration set definition file defining the structure of one or more customizing tables of a software application, reception of a configuration data file including data for the one or more customizing tables, and, during activation of the software application in a run-time system, generation of the one or more customizing tables based on the configuration set definition file, generation of a service to access the configuration data file, and population of the one or more customizing tables with data of the configuration data file. |
| US09916151B2 |
Multiple-stage secure vehicle software updating
A vehicle may receive a software update to be installed to a vehicle electronic control unit (ECU). The vehicle ECU may download a software update received from a server to a first storage; generate a nonce value associated with the software update; send to the server, a swap authorization request including the generated nonce value; receive a swap authorization including the nonce value and a command-and-control signature from the server; validate the signature and the nonce value from the swap authorization; and reboot using the first storage instead of a second storage when the recovered nonce value matches the generated nonce value. |
| US09916149B2 |
Information processing apparatus, control method for information processing apparatus, and storage medium of program for executing control method
An information processing apparatus includes: a detection unit configured to detect a connection of a portable medium storing a plurality of applications, the plurality of applications containing a first type of application and a second type of application that is added to the first type of application to enhance functionality of the first type of application; an installation unit configured to install, in response to a detection by the detection unit, the first type of application first and then install the second type of application among the plurality of applications stored in the portable medium; and a control unit configured to start, after installation by the installation unit, the first type of application after enabling the second type of application. |
| US09916145B2 |
Utilizing special purpose elements to implement a FSM
Apparatus, systems, and methods for a compiler are described. One such compiler generates machine code corresponding to a set of elements including a general purpose element and a special purpose element. The compiler identifies a portion in an arrangement of relationally connected operators that corresponds to a special purpose element. The compiler also determines whether the portion meets a condition to be mapped to the special purpose element. The compiler also converts the arrangement into an automaton comprising a plurality of states, wherein the portion is converted using a special purpose state that corresponds to the special purpose element if the portion meets the condition. The compiler also converts the automaton into machine code. Additional apparatus, systems, and methods are disclosed. |
| US09916143B2 |
Inserting implicit sequence points into computer program code to support debug operations
Arrangements described herein relate to inserting implicit sequence points into computer program code to support debug operations. Optimization of the computer program code can be performed during compilation of the computer program code and, during the optimization, implicit sequence points can be inserted into the computer program code. The implicit sequence points can be configured to provide virtual reads of symbols contained in the computer program code when the implicit sequence points are reached during execution of the computer program code during a debug operation performed on the computer program code after the computer program code is optimized and compiled. |
| US09916134B2 |
Methods and systems for accessing distributed computing components through the internet
Methods and systems consistent with the present invention provide an improved software development tool that can be tested via a webpage. The tool has access to a distributed computing component and, in response to an indication to deploy the distributed computing component, generates a web page. In some embodiments the web page contains a diagrammatic graphical representation of the distributed computing component. |
| US09916130B2 |
Apparatus and method for vector processing
An apparatus comprises processing circuitry for performing, in response to a vector instruction, a plurality of lanes of processing or respective data elements with at least one operand vector to generate corresponding result data elements of a result vector. The processing circuitry may support performing at least two of the lanes of processing with different rounding modes for generating rounding values for the corresponding result data elements of the result vector. This allows two or more calculations with different rounding modes to be executed in response to a single instruction, to improve performance. |
| US09916125B2 |
Device group identification
Method and systems are provided for identification of device groups in a network. In an example implementation, a first playback device receives, from a second playback device, first data indicating a first group identification corresponding to a zone group, the zone group including the first playback device and the second playback device, and the second playback device operating as a group coordinator of the zone group. After receiving the first data, the first playback device receives a message indicating that the second playback device is leaving the zone group. In response to receiving the message, the first playback device determines a second group identification corresponding to the zone group and after determining the second group identification, transmits, over to at least one controller device configured to control at least the first playback device and the second playback device, second data indicating the second group identification. |
| US09916123B2 |
Information processing apparatus, information processing system, information processing method, and computer readable recording medium for displaying images from multiple terminal devices at different sizes in a list
An information processing apparatus includes a first acquisition section that acquires image data from each of terminal devices, the image data representing an image displayed on the terminal device, a display control section that displays, based on the acquired image data, a list of the images displayed on the terminal devices, a second acquisition section that acquires from one terminal device of the terminal devices a signal notifying that the image displayed on the one terminal device has been updated, a determination section that determines, in accordance with an acquisition order of the signal from the one terminal device among the terminal devices, the size of the image displayed on the one terminal device when the image is displayed in the list, and an update section that updates the list in accordance with the determined size. |
| US09916121B2 |
Substrate, display screen, splicing screen and alignment method of splicing screen
A substrate provided with alignment marks, a display screen, a splicing screen and an alignment method of splicing screen, in which, the splicing screen includes at least two display screens with alignment marks. A substrate of the display screen is provided with at least two alignment marks, and different alignment marks have a height difference therebetween which is larger or equal to a standard difference value. A narrow bezel splicing of display screens can be achieved by setting the alignment marks with different heights. |
| US09916120B2 |
Method and apparatus for providing of screen mirroring service
A method and an electronic device for providing a screen mirroring service are provided. The method includes connecting a control channel to at least one other electronic device when an electronic device executes a screen mirroring service, transmitting screen data comprising an added virtual key, to the other electronic device, and performing a function based on a control signal corresponding to using the virtual key received from the other electronic device over the control channel. |
| US09916116B2 |
Memory access and detecting memory failures using dynamically replicated memory based on a replication policy
Dynamically replicated memory is usable to allocate new memory space from failed memory pages by pairing compatible failed memory pages to reuse otherwise unusable failed memory pages. Dynamically replicating memory involves detecting and recording memory faults, reclaiming failed memory pages for later use, recovering from detected memory faults, and scheduling access to replicated memory pages. |
| US09916115B2 |
Providing access to virtual sequential access volume
A computer-implemented method for providing access to plural virtual sequential access volumes by using random access media, includes: accepting an operation for writing first data to a specific virtual sequential access volume of the plural virtual sequential access volumes; and storing a first file including the first data in the random access media, the first file being separate from a second file including second data stored in the random access media in response to an operation for writing the second data to the specific virtual sequential access volume. |
| US09916110B2 |
Size adjustable volumes for containers
Implementations of the disclosure provide for size adjustable volumes for containers. A method of the disclosure includes determining, by a processing device of the PaaS system, a size used space in a storage volume with respect to a container associated with an execution of an application. The size is a summation of current usage of disk space for the storage volume by the application. This size of the used space is compared to a threshold size. The threshold size indicates a determined amount of the storage volume allocated to the container. Responsive to the size meeting the threshold size, an increase in the allocated amount of the storage volume associated with the container is regulated by the processing device. |
| US09916108B2 |
Efficient loading and storing of data between memory and registers using a data structure for load and store addressing
Methods and apparatus for efficient loading of data from memory to registers and storing of data from registers to memory are described. In an embodiment, a processor comprises a data structure to which addresses which are used for load operations are pushed. Instead of independently generating addresses for a store operation, addresses are popped from the data structure and either used directly or an optional offset may first be applied to the popped address. In this way, a store operation and a load operation may be performed in parallel because they do not both require use of the logic which independently generates addresses for load/store operations. In various examples, the data structure is a FIFO structure. |
| US09916107B2 |
Management of configurations for existing storage infrastructure
The method for managing one or more standard configurations includes calculating a plurality of configuration fingerprints for a plurality of storage systems. The configuration fingerprint is a numerical value that represents information about a configuration for one or more components of a storage system. The method also includes building a result set that includes the plurality of configuration fingerprints for the plurality of storage systems. The method also includes identifying a plurality of standard configurations for the plurality of storage systems from the result set based on the plurality of configuration fingerprints. The method also includes determining that a first storage system from the plurality of storage systems meets a standard configuration from the plurality of standard configurations. The method also includes creating metadata within the first storage system that describes the standard configuration. |
| US09916101B2 |
Systems and methods for replication of data utilizing delta volumes
A method of data replication from a first data storage device to a second data storage device. The method may include generating, at the first data storage device, at spaced time intervals, a plurality of snapshots for a logical data volume of the first data storage device, the logical data volume being an abstraction of data blocks from one or more physical storage devices, each snapshot identifying changes of data for at least a portion of the logical data volume since a most previous snapshot. Also at the first data storage device, the method includes generating a delta volume, the delta volume indicating changes in the data of at least a portion of the logical data volume between two non-consecutive snapshots. The method further involves replicating the delta volume to the second data storage device, and replicating the changes to the data indicated therein at the second data storage device. |
| US09916097B1 |
Auotmated storage tiering based on storage pool state and service level objectives
Promotion and demotion of extents for each storage pool is determined based on a storage pool state defined by demanded activity and demanded capacity. Promotion and demotion of extents for each storage group is determined based on whether the storage group is performing at SLO, above SLO or below SLO. Events are identified and stored in local records using hash tables. The locally stored events are used to update a database of historical extent activity. A moving average of extent activity is used to calculate the demanded activity. |
| US09916092B2 |
Methods and systems to allocate physical data-storage costs to logical disks
Methods and systems are directed to allocating costs of storage arrays to logical disks. A fully loaded cost of storage of a storage area network (“SAN”) is calculated based on capital and operational expenditures of the SAN. Data is stored in the SAN in logical groups partitioned into logical disks. The unit rates of the logical groups are calculated from the capacities and utilization of the storage arrays that form the SAN. The unit rate of a logical disk is the unit rate the logical group to which the logical disk belongs. The storage cost of each logical disk is calculated from the unit rate of the logical disk and the utilized capacity of the logical disk. Methods also calculate cost of unallocated capacities of the logical disks, storage arrays, and the SAN, in order to evaluate efficient use of the SAN storage resources. |
| US09916091B2 |
Memory system architecture
An embodiment includes a module, comprising: a memory bus interface; circuitry; and a controller coupled to the memory bus interface and the circuitry, and configured to: collect meta-data associated with the circuitry; and enable access to the meta-data in response to a memory access received through the memory bus interface. |
| US09916090B1 |
Techniques for dynamically adjusting slice size
Described are techniques for determining slice sizes. First I/O workload information is received for a slice having a corresponding logical address subrange of a logical address range of a logical device. The corresponding logical address subrange is a first size denoting a size of the slice at a first point in time when the slice has a current I/O workload denoted by the first I/O workload information. It is determined, in accordance with the first I/O workload information, whether to adjust the size of the slice. Responsive to determining to adjust the size of the slice, first processing is performed that adjusts the size of the slice such as by partitioning the slice or merging the slice with one or more other adjacent slices. |
| US09916089B2 |
Write command overlap detection
The present disclosure includes methods and apparatuses that include write command overlap detection. A number of embodiments include receiving an incoming write command and comparing a logical address of the incoming write command to logical addresses of a number of write commands in a queue using a tree data structure, wherein a starting logical address and/or an ending logical address of the incoming write command and a starting logical address and/or an ending logical address of each of the number of write commands are associated with nodes in the tree data structure. |
| US09916087B2 |
Method and system for throttling bandwidth based on temperature
Systems, methods, and/or devices are used to manage a storage system. In one aspect, the method includes, during a first time period: maintaining a credit pool for the first time period; limiting bandwidth used for transmitting data between a storage device of the storage system and a host operatively coupled with the storage device according to a status of the credit pool, where the storage device includes one or more memory devices; monitoring a temperature of the storage device; and, in accordance with a determination that a current temperature of the storage device exceeds a predetermined threshold temperature and the current temperature of the storage device satisfies one or more temperature criteria, reducing an initial value of the credit pool for a second time period according to a first adjustment factor corresponding to the predetermined temperature threshold, where the second time period is subsequent to the first time period. |
| US09916084B2 |
Enlarging or reducing an image on a display screen
A method, and associated apparatus and system and program product, for enlarging or reducing an image. The image is displayed on a display screen. A pointing operation is detected. The pointing operation points to, with a single-touch gesture using pointing means on the display screen, a first figure indicative of a range of the image to be enlarged or reduced and a second figure indicative of a size of the enlarged or reduced range. In response to the detection of the pointing operation, an enlarged or reduced image is displayed after the enlarged or reduced image is obtained by enlarging or reducing the image at an enlargement or reduction ratio determined based on the first figure and the second figure. |
| US09916082B2 |
Display input apparatus and computer-readable non-transitory recording medium with display input control program recorded thereon
In a display input apparatus, a display control section allows a display to display a setting item list of setting items lined up in a first direction and a first setting candidate list of setting candidates lined up in a second direction for one of the setting items, one list across the other, and provide, when a gesture receiving section receives a scroll gesture in the first direction via a touch panel, a scrolling display of the setting item list and a display of the first setting candidate list for the setting item presented in an intersecting region thereof with the setting item list, and provide, when the gesture receiving section receives a scroll gesture in the second direction via the touch panel, a scrolling display of the first setting candidate list. A setting receiving section receives as a changed setting the setting candidate presented in the intersecting region. |
| US09916078B2 |
Mobile terminal
A mobile terminal includes a terminal body having a front surface and a rear surface, an input unit disposed at the rear surface to sense an input of a control command and a controller configured to process an input applied to the input unit. The input unit includes a first button portion exposed at an outside of the terminal body at the rear surface of the terminal body and configured to receive a push input corresponding to a first function and a second button portion surrounding the first button portion and configured to receive a push input corresponding to a second function different from the first function, the second button portion including keys disposed adjacent the first button portion. |
| US09916076B2 |
Endoscopic image display device
A display control unit (23) scrollably displays a plurality of images to be displayed in a specific display area within a screen. An operation receiving unit (21) receives a scroll instruction and a display mode switching instruction that are issued in response to a user operation. When a display mode is switched, the display control unit (23) switches a display in the display area such that, among the plurality of images in the display area displayed in the first display mode, at least one image located as a position that goes out of the display area first upon scroll in a forward direction is arranged, upon a switch to a second display mode, at a position that also goes out of the display area first upon scroll in the forward direction in the display area. |
| US09916073B1 |
Electronic device having force-based modifiable graphical elements and method of operating same
There is described a method of operating an electronic device having a housing and a user interface mounted to the housing. The user interface includes force sensor(s) on an edge of the housing and a display screen. The method includes displaying, on the display screen, a graphical element having an edge portion; receiving an input from the force sensor(s) on the edge, the input being a measured value of a force applied on the force sensor(s); and in response to said input received, modifying the graphical element on the display screen in a manner to move, to a destination position, the edge portion depending on a direction of movement of the edge portion, the destination position of the edge portion depending on an amplitude of the measured value. |
| US09916071B2 |
Vehicle systems for providing access to vehicle controls, functions, environment and applications to guests/passengers via mobile devices
Systems of a vehicle for sharing vehicle controls are provided. One system includes an on-board computer that is part of the vehicle and communications circuity having connection to the on-board computer. The communications circuitry is configured to interface with a wireless network for accessing the Internet. The on-board computer is configured to execute instructions for enabling wireless connection to portable devices that enter the vehicle and are provided with access to said wireless connection. Vehicle electronics are interfaced with one or more vehicle systems and the on-board computer. The on-board computer is configured to provide access to at least one graphical user interface to the portable device via the wireless connection. The at least one graphical user interface includes input options that enable control for features of a vehicle system of the vehicle. A wireless signal of the wireless connection with the portable device is processed by the on-board computer to identify a location of the portable device within the vehicle. The location of the portable device is utilized to identify a seating location in the vehicle and provide the portable device with access said vehicle system that pertains to an environment area associated with the seat location that was identified. |
| US09916068B1 |
Graphical user interface for displaying alarm security level of groups of elements
A method of generating a graphical user interface is disclosed. The method includes monitoring a plurality of elements of a computer system and collecting information related to each of the plurality of elements. The method also includes creating a first group icon including information related to a first element group, the first element group including a first set of elements of the plurality of elements, and creating a first set of element icons, each element icon including information related to an element of the first set of elements. The method also includes graphically displaying the first group icon, graphically displaying the first set of element icons in response to a signal indicating a user has selected the first group icon, and graphically displaying a first element-specific frame in response to a signal indicating the user has selected a particular element icon of the first set of element icons. |
| US09916067B2 |
Display for input selection on a compact information processing device
Embodiments are provided for a system, a computer program product, and/or a method that improves a display of an input selection displayed on a compact screen. To improve this display, embodiments search displayed content for input items, wherein the input items are selections inputted by a user; display different marks, each associated with each of the input items; receive a subsequent input from the user; and change a selection state of each item of the input items corresponding to a mark of the different marks in response to the subsequent input received corresponding to that mark. |
| US09916066B2 |
Object transfer method using gesture-based computing device
A mobile device has a display that supports gesture-based control operations. Computers maintain connections to a remote access service. The user desires to copy and/or move resources between first and second of his connected computers. After receipt of data indicating a first gesture requesting an operation with respect to the resource, an overview of one or more target devices is displayed. The overview is a folder level view of all folders and files located on the target devices. In addition, an additional display element is shown. This element is a representation of the resource from which the operation has been requested. The element is displayed as an overlay, and it is adapted to be selectively positioned in the overview using a gesture. Upon receipt of data indicating a second gesture positioning the representation over an available location within a computer connected to the service, the operation is completed. |
| US09916064B2 |
System and method for toggle interface
A method for providing a toggle interface on an electronic personal display is provided. In one embodiment, the method includes receiving a request to enter a toggle mode from a user, determining a first e-book content associated with the user, determining a second e-book content associated with the first e-book content; and directing the electronic personal display to open said second e-book content when initiating the toggle mode. |
| US09916061B2 |
Drawing object inferring system and method
A system having a processor is provided that visually manipulates objects on a touch screen responsive to inputs through the touch screen. Based at least in part on data representative of type and size for a plurality of prior objects displayed through a display device, the processor may determine that at least one input through the input device corresponds to a further object having a determined type corresponding to at least one of the prior objects and having a size within predetermined tolerances of corresponding to the at least one of the prior objects. Also the processor may cause responsive thereto the display device to display a replacement object in place of the further object having a size and shape corresponding to the at least one prior object. |
| US09916059B2 |
Application launcher sizing
Application launcher sizing techniques are described. In one or more implementations, a likely usage context is determined, by a computing device, of a user in interacting with the computing device. An application launcher is dynamically sized within a display area of the user interface by the computing device based on the determined likely usage context of the user. The application launcher is configured for output responsive to an input received from a user and includes a plurality of representations of applications that are selectable to navigate to a user interface corresponding with a respective said application. |
| US09916056B2 |
Touch detection device and display device with touch detection function
A touch detection device includes: drive electrodes that extend in a first direction and are arranged in a second direction intersecting with the first direction; detection electrodes that extend in the second direction and are arranged in the first direction to form capacitance at intersections with the drive electrodes; a driving and scanning unit that sequentially and time-divisionally selects a predetermined number of drive target electrodes to which drive signals are applied from the drive electrodes, and performs driving and scanning at a pitch smaller than a total width of a drive range including the drive target electrodes; and a coordinate correction unit that uses correction information based on a relationship between an input position at which an external object is in proximity to or in contact with a touch detection surface and a detection position detected by the detection electrodes to correct the detection position in the first direction. |
| US09916055B2 |
Multi-chip touch system and control method therefor
The present disclosure provides a technology related to a multi-chip touch system. In the multi-chip system, in a case in which two touch ICs share one receiving electrode and an even number of receiving electrodes are connected to one touch IC, when another touch IC senses the shared receiving electrode, the one touch IC does not connect another receiving electrode, which that is disposed at the outermost portion, as well as the shared receiving electrode. |
| US09916053B2 |
User interface unit, electronic device and manufacturing method
There is disclosed a user interface unit for an electronic device, said user interface unit comprising a two-dimensional capacitive sensor structure, wherein the capacitive sensor structure comprises an array of corner sensor elements each comprising a capacitor over its area, and wherein the capacitive sensor structure further comprises a central sensor element located between the corner sensor elements and comprising a capacitor over its area. Furthermore, there is disclosed a corresponding electronic device, as well as a corresponding method of manufacturing a user interface unit for an electronic device. |
| US09916045B2 |
Sense electrode design
A touch sensitive device includes a plurality of sense electrodes arranged in a pattern to receive charge from drive electrodes. The pattern of sense electrodes has extreme portions having worst case charge transfer times, wherein the worst case charge transfer time at multiple extreme portions is substantially equal. |
| US09916043B2 |
Information processing apparatus for recognizing user operation based on an image
An apparatus includes a detection unit configured to detect, from an image obtained by capturing a predetermined object, one or more indicated positions indicated by the predetermined object, an extraction unit configured to extract, from the image, feature information indicating a state of the predetermined object, the feature information being different from the indicated positions, a first recognition unit configured to recognize, based on a change in a positional relationship between two or more of the indicated positions, an operation to be input to the apparatus, a second recognition unit configured to, based on a change in the feature information, recognize an operation to be input to the apparatus, and an output unit configured to output either one of recognition results of the first recognition unit and the second recognition unit, the either one of recognition results being selected based on a shift of a number of the indicated positions. |
| US09916042B2 |
Fingertip position estimation apparatus and method
A fingertip position estimation apparatus includes a processor that executes a process. The process includes: identifying a first fingertip position of a finger included in an image, based on a color area model that defines a color of a finger; calculating dimensions of an area that is different from a background of the image, within an area of a prescribed size that is in contact with the first fingertip position and that is positioned in a direction in which a fingertip is pointing; and when the dimensions are larger than a prescribed threshold, estimating a second fingertip position that is positioned away from the first fingertip position in the direction in which the fingertip is pointing. |
| US09916040B2 |
Capacitor, first and second current conveyors mirror current into input
A bandpass sense amplifier circuit (FIG. 2A) is disclosed. The circuit includes a capacitor (C0) having a first terminal coupled to receive an input signal (Vin) and a second terminal. A current conveyor circuit (200-206,212) has a third terminal (X) coupled to the second terminal of the capacitor and a fourth terminal (Z) arranged to mirror a current into the third terminal. A voltage follower circuit (214) has an input terminal coupled to the fourth terminal of the current conveyor circuit and an output terminal. |
| US09916039B2 |
Shift register unit, its driving method, gate driver circuit and display device
The present disclosure provides a shift register unit, its driving method, a gate driver circuit and a display device. The shift register unit includes a pull-up circuit configured to pull up a potential at the pull-up node PU in accordance with a starting signal from a starting signal input end, a pull-down circuit configured to pull down the potential at the pull-up node in accordance with a resetting signal from a resetting signal input end, a first capacitor configured to bootstrap the potential at the pull-up node at a pull-up stage, a first noise reduction circuit configured to perform noise reduction on a signal from the output end of the shift register unit at a pull-down stage and a compensation circuit configured to compensate for the potential at the pull-up node at a touch stage in accordance with a touch switch signal from a touch switch end. |
| US09916034B2 |
Display device with touch detection function and electronic apparatus
A display device with a touch detection function includes a control device that performs, in normal operation mode, image display control so as to exhibit an image display function of a display function layer based on an image signal and performs touch detection control; a touch detecting unit that detects, in the normal operation mode, a position of an object in proximity to or in contact with the touch detection electrode based on a detection signal transmitted from the touch detection electrode; and a touch-detection controller that detects, in sleep mode, the proximity of the object to or the contact thereof with the touch detection electrode. When the touch-detection controller detects the proximity of the object to or the contact thereof with the touch detection electrode in the sleep mode, the control device controls a pixel electrode to a predetermined potential, and thereafter supplies a touch drive signal to a drive electrode. |
| US09916031B2 |
Mechanism to avoid unintentional user interaction with a convertible mobile device during conversion
According to one embodiment, a device includes control logic, at least a portion of which is implemented in hardware, to process motion data, the motion data collected from a first accelerometer in a base unit and from a second accelerometer in a display panel attached to a base unit of a mobile device, to determine whether the display panel moves relative to the base unit and to temporarily ignore or disable one or more input devices of the mobile device for a predetermined period of time to avoid unintentional user interaction with the mobile device during the movement of the display panel. |
| US09916024B2 |
Touch display device with tactile feedback function and driving method thereof
Disclosed is a touch display device with tactile feedback function, including a first substrate (10), a second substrate (20), a liquid crystal layer (30), a patterned conductive layer (50) and an insulation layer (40); the patterned conductive layer (50) comprises a plurality of first signal lines (1) which are separately arranged in parallel and extended along a horizontal direction, and a plurality of second signal lines (2) which are separately arranged in parallel, and extended along a vertical direction, and insulated with the first signal lines (1); a side of the second substrate (20) close to the liquid crystal layer (30) includes a plurality of third signal lines (3) which are separately arranged in parallel along the vertical direction; the touch scan is achieved with the first and the third signal lines (1, 3), and the tactile feedback is achieved with the first and the second signal lines (1, 2). |
| US09916008B2 |
Microfluidics three-dimensional touch screen display
A microfluidic transducer is overlaid on a two-dimensional display and controlled in accordance with metadata corresponding to a displayed image to cause raising of a surface of the microfluidic transducer to represent objects depicted in the image and at least the relative distance of such objects from a viewing point of the image to form a touch screen allowing the image to be navigated and manipulated in the form of a tactile display, particularly for persons having visual impairment. The distance information is preferably captured during initial capture of the image and stored as metadata but can also be determined by image analysis. Object analysis is also provided for objects in the image for identification that can be conveyed by touch or audibly and the relative hardness of softness, texture and color of objects is conveyed by compliance, motion and/or temperature of the surface of the microfluidics transducer. |
| US09916006B2 |
Eye-wearable device user interface and method
A software controlled user interface and method for a head-mountable device equipped with at least one display, and connectivity to at least one touch pad. The method can scale between displaying a small to large number of different eye gaze target symbols at any given time, yet still transmit a large array of different symbols to outside devices. At least part of the method may be implemented by way of a virtual window onto the surface of a virtual cylinder, with touchpad or eye gaze sensitive symbols that can be rotated by touchpad touch or eye gaze thus bringing various groups of symbols into view, and then selected. Specific examples of use of this interface and method on a head-mountable device are disclosed, along with various operation examples including sending and receiving text messages, moving about in virtual or augmented reality, control of robotic devices and control of remote vehicles. |
| US09916005B2 |
Gaze tracking with projector
The invention is directed to systems, methods and computer program products for gaze tracking. An exemplary method includes directing light into an eye using a projector; detecting, using an image-capturing module, a reflection from a surface associated with the eye; and determining a line of sight associated with the eye based on the detected reflection. In some embodiments, the light comprises infra-red light. In some embodiments, the projector comprises a laser. In some embodiments, the projector comprises a liquid crystal on silicon (LCoS) chip. In some embodiments, the surface associated with the reflection is at least one of the cornea, the iris, or the retina. |
| US09916003B1 |
3D haptics for interactive computer systems
A controller device for a virtual environment includes a handle and a contact device having a substantially planar surface. A position of the contact device relative to the handle is adjustable. An actuator module is arranged to adjust the position of the contact device relative to the handle. A control module in communication with the virtual environment selectively controls the actuator module to adjust the position of the contact device in response to data received from the virtual environment. The data includes an indication of an interaction between a user and an object represented within the virtual environment. |
| US09915998B2 |
Power saving mechanism to reduce load replays in out-of-order processor
An apparatus includes a first reservation station and a second reservation station. The first reservation station dispatches a first load micro instruction, and detects and indicates on a hold bus if the first load micro instruction is a specified load micro instruction directed to retrieve an operand from a prescribed resource other than on-core cache memory. The second reservation station is coupled to the hold bus, and dispatches one or more younger micro instructions therein that depend on the first load micro instruction for execution after a first number of clock cycles following dispatch of the first load micro instruction, and if it is indicated on the hold bus that the first load micro instruction is the specified load micro instruction, the second reservation station is configured to stall dispatch of the one or more younger micro instructions until the first load micro instruction has retrieved the operand. |
| US09915995B2 |
Image capturing apparatus and control method for the same
An image capturing apparatus comprises: an image capturing unit configured to generate image data; an adding unit configured to add additional information every predetermined amount of pixel data in the image data; a transmission unit configured to transmit image data by the amount of pixel data to which the additional information is added; an image processing unit configured to perform image processing on the image data; and a power control unit configured to control power supply when the transmission unit transmits the pixel data, based on the additional information, wherein the power control unit restricts the power supply to less than a predetermined power amount in a case where the additional information indicates a predetermined state, and performs power supply at the predetermined power amount in a case where the additional information does not indicate the predetermined state. |
| US09915994B2 |
Power management for processor
Techniques are generally described related to management of power consumption for a processor. One example method may include identifying a target operating constraint and a first operating parameter; determining a second operating parameter based on the target operating constraint and the first operating parameter; estimating an actual operating constraint; comparing the target operating constraint and the actual operating constraint; and setting up the first operating parameter and the second operating parameter of the processor based on a comparison of the target operating constraint and the actual operating constraint, wherein the target operating constraint is not a worst-case operating constraint. Other examples of methods, systems, and computer programs related to managing power consumption for a processor are also contemplated. |
| US09915993B2 |
Semiconductor device comprising power gating device
Supply of power to a plurality of circuits is controlled efficiently depending on usage conditions and the like of the circuits. An address monitoring circuit monitors whether a cache memory and an input/output interface are in an access state or not, and performs power gating in accordance with the state of the cache memory and the input/output interface. The address monitoring circuit acquires and monitors an address signal between a signal processing circuit and the cache memory or the input/output interface periodically. When one of the cache memory and the input/output interface is in a standby state and the other is in the access state, power gating is performed on the circuit that is in the standby state. |
| US09915992B1 |
Dynamic addressing with shared data bus
A controller may drive a first digital value onto a first address terminal of a first peripheral. The controller may transmit a data message on a data bus while driving the first digital value onto the selected address terminal. The first peripheral is coupled with the data bus, in accordance with at least one embodiment. A second peripheral having a second address terminal may also be coupled to the data bus. The first peripheral may be configured to accept the data message over the data bus when the first digital value is received on the first address terminal. The second peripheral may be configured to accept the data message over the data bus when the first digital value is received on the second address terminal. |
| US09915989B2 |
Energy efficient workload placement management using predetermined server efficiency data
Additional workloads are assigned among servers in a power-efficient manner. For each of a plurality of servers, a stored power efficiency/capacity utilization relationship is accessed, current component power consumption values are obtained, and a current power consumption efficiency is calculated. An amount of capacity utilization necessary to perform an additional workload is obtained, and a predicted power consumption efficiency is determined for each server. The predicted efficiency is determined using the current power consumption efficiency of the server and the stored relationship. The workload is then assigned to the server identified as having the greatest predicted power consumption efficiency. Alternatively, the workload may be assigned to the server identified as having the greatest improvement in power consumption efficiency. |
| US09915986B2 |
Active cooling debris bypass fin pack
Aspects of the disclosure relate generally to active cooling or removing heat generated by a processor in a computing device. More specifically, a cooling system in a computing device may include a heatpipe which moves heat along a fin pack. The fin pack may include top and bottom ends as well as a plurality of fins. The fins may extend only a portion of the way between the ends thus creating an air duct. The air duct may allow debris to move along an edge of the fin and out of the computing device. The fins may also be curved to promote the forcing of debris through the fin pack while still allowing the heat to be expelled through the fins. |
| US09915980B2 |
Electronic device and assembly structure thereof
An electronic device is provided that includes a front housing arranged in a front portion of the electronic device, and a bracket connected to the front housing, to which a plurality of electronic parts of the electronic device are affixed. The electronic device also includes a rear housing arranged in a rear portion of the electronic device and including at least one slider and at least one rail. Each of the at least one slider is connected to a respective rail. The at least one slider is slidable on and elastically supported by the at least one rail, without being released from the at least one rail. The rear housing is detachable from the bracket by the at least one slider. |
| US09915979B2 |
Input device, display device, electronic device, and mobile terminal
[Object] To provide an input device, a display device, an electronic device, and a mobile terminal such that the reliability of the electrical connection between a detection wiring and a wiring board can be improved.[Solution] An input device X1 includes a substrate 2, a first colored layer 6 that is provided on the substrate 2, a first detection electrode 3a that is provided on the substrate 2, a detection wiring 8 that is provided on the first colored layer 6 and is electrically connected to the first detection electrode 3a, and a wiring board 10 that is electrically connected to the detection wiring 8 through an adhesive member T1 containing conductive particles P1, the detection wiring 8 extends from a position on the first colored layer 6 to a position on a part of the substrate 2 in which the first colored layer 6 is not included, and if the detection wiring 8 located on a part of the substrate 2 in which the first colored layer 6 is not included is an extension section 8a, the adhesive member T1 is located between the extension section 8a and the wiring board 10. |
| US09915978B2 |
Method of fabricating a stretchable computing device
Some forms relate to a method of making a stretchable computing system. The method includes attaching a first set of conductive traces to a stretchable member; attaching a first electronic component to the first set of conductive traces; adding a first set of flexible conductors to the stretchable member such that the first set of flexible conductors is electrically connected to the first set of conductive traces; adding stretchable material to the stretchable member such that the first set of conductive traces is surrounded by the stretchable member; forming an opening in the stretchable member that exposes the first set of conductive traces; and attaching a second set of conductive traces to the stretchable member such that the second set of conductive traces fills the opening to form a via in the stretchable member that electrically connects the first set of conductive traces with the second set of conductive traces. |
| US09915976B2 |
Pivotable vehicle mounting system for mobile computing devices
A mounting device includes a cradle including a first recess and configured to be mounted in a vehicle, a pivotable hinge member coupled to the cradle, and a docking tray coupled to the pivotable hinge member. The docking tray is configured to lock in a first position within the first recess in the cradle, and lock in a second position extending outward from the first recess in the cradle. The docking tray includes a second recess shaped and dimensioned to receive an electronic computing device. |
| US09915975B2 |
Protective case for use with a mobile device
A protective case for use with a mobile device is provided. The protective case includes an attachment device that is configured to couple to one of a handle assembly, a battery source, and a fascia plate when a void is provided on the protective case. When the handle assembly is coupled to the protective case, the handle assembly is configured to pivot about the protective case for moving the handle assembly from a closed configuration to an open configuration. When the battery source is coupled to the protective case, the battery source is configured to charge the mobile device, and, when the fascia plate is coupled to the protective case, the fascia plate is configured to fill the void, that is otherwise filled by one of the handle assembly and the battery source. |
| US09915974B2 |
Electronic device
An electronic device is provided, the electronic device includes a first display screen and a second display screen, the first display screen and the second display screen are articulated to the same side of a control system, and can rotate up and down, and can display page information, the page information displayed by the first display screen and the second display screen is the same or different according to a selection of a user. The two display screens of a display apparatus can display page information for the user in multiple display forms and display modes, which greatly enriches the display manner of the electronic device and improves user experience. |
| US09915971B2 |
Transmission apparatus
There is provided a transmission apparatus including: a shift register configured to generate a plurality of timing pulses indicating different timings, from a frame pulse synchronized with a frame signal; and a plurality of signal processors configured to sequentially process the frame signal based on timings indicated by one or more timing pulses among the plurality of timing pulses. |
| US09915970B1 |
Generating globally coherent timestamps
The present technology proposes techniques for generating globally coherent timestamps. This technology may allow distributed systems to causally order transactions without incurring various types of communication delays inherent in explicit synchronization. By globally deploying a number of time masters that are based on various types of time references, the time masters may serve as primary time references. Through an interactive interface, the techniques may track, calculate and record data relative to each time master thus providing the distributed systems with causal timestamps. |
| US09915965B2 |
Flexible, secure energy management system
Systems and techniques are disclosed for flexible, secure energy management that enable control of individual devices in a customer site's energy infrastructure, which can allow optimization (e.g., by minimizing energy cost or usage) across the infrastructure. A system management component may centralize optimization and control capabilities across the energy infrastructure by determining an energy model and directing consumption, storage, and energy draw activities for the totality of the energy infrastructure devices. Systems may include modular, secure terminal devices that can be attached to or paired with the devices in an energy infrastructure in order to provide input data such as power load metrics, as well as to control the operation of the devices. A dynamic, adaptive prediction of system parameters, such as future demand, cost, generation capacity, and other metrics, may be provided. Dynamic, adaptive prediction may be performed without detailed historical usage data. A system gateway device may centralize communications between the system devices so that energy customer privacy is maintained. |
| US09915964B2 |
Semiconductor apparatus
A semiconductor apparatus includes a control block that generates a first control signal, a second control signal, and a heating enable signal in response to an enable signal and a heating control signal, a temperature measurement block that generates a temperature code corresponding to temperature in response to the first and second control signals, a heater that generates heat while the heating enable signal is being enabled, a code latch block that stores the temperature code in response to the first and second control signals, and outputs a first code and a second code, a control code generation circuit that generates a signal by performing an operation on the first and second codes, and generates a control code by comparing the signal with a preset code, and a reference voltage generation circuit configured to change a voltage level of a reference voltage in response to the control code. |
| US09915963B1 |
Methods for adaptive compensation of linear voltage regulators
Devices and methods to design voltage regulators requiring lower power consumption, wide output current and input voltage range, low dropout, and small footprint. The disclosed methods and devices provide solutions to stabilize such regulators in the presence of widely varying loads. |
| US09915962B2 |
Power management device and electronic device including the same
A power management device includes at least one switching regulator to generate a conversion voltage from an input voltage, a plurality of low drop-out regulators to generate a plurality of output voltages from the conversion voltage, and a controller to estimate drop-out voltages of the low drop-out regulators based on output currents of the low drop-out regulators and to dynamically control the conversion voltage based on the estimated drop-out voltages. |
| US09915961B2 |
Semiconductor device drive method
A semiconductor device drive method achieves a balance between a lifetime and a detection sensitivity which are required for a temperature detection diode formed via an insulating film on a substrate on which an active element is formed. The semiconductor device drive method includes energizing the temperature detection diode with a constant current, the constant current having a current density value between an upper limit defined based on the lifetime of the temperature detection diode, and a lower defined based on a variation allowable voltage of an output voltage of the temperature detection diode with respect to a standard deviation. |
| US09915951B2 |
Detection of overhanging objects
An autonomous vehicle can encounter an external environment in which an object overhangs a current road of the autonomous vehicle. For example, the branch of a tree may overhang the road. Such an overhanging object can be detected and suitable driving maneuvers for the autonomous vehicle can be determined. Sensor data can be acquired from at least a forward portion of the external environment. One or more floating obstacle candidates can be identified based on the acquired sensor data. The identified one or more floating obstacle candidates can be filtered to remove any floating obstacle candidates that do not meet one or more predefined parameters. A driving maneuver for the autonomous vehicle can be determined at least partially based on a height clearance between the autonomous vehicle and floating obstacle candidates that remain after being filtered out. The autonomous vehicle can be caused to implement the determined driving maneuver. |
| US09915949B2 |
Self-driving vehicle systems and methods
Self-driving vehicles have unlimited potential to learn and predict human behavior and perform actions accordingly. Several embodiments described herein enable a self-driving vehicle to monitor human activity and predict when and where the human will be located and whether the human needs a ride from the self-driving vehicle. Self-driving vehicles will be able to perform such tasks with incredible efficacy and accuracy that will allow self-driving vehicles to proliferate at a much faster rate than would otherwise be the case. |
| US09915944B2 |
In-line analyzer for wavelet based defect scanning
A method and system for providing simultaneous localization of defects in both the time and frequency domain. A high frequency repeating pattern is written on media, and the pattern is read to generate a readback signal, which is converted into ADC samples. The ADC samples are analyzed, in-line, to determine the type of wavelet, level of decomposition, and threshold level for a wavelet transform of the particular readback signal. The wavelet transform provides details and/or approximations (wavelet coefficients) that are analyzed to determine the type, location, and duration of any identified defects. Any noise in the details and/or approximations (wavelet coefficients) is removed by a wavelet based denoising operation. Flags indicating the type, location, and duration of any defects are generated so that the defects may be mapped. |
| US09915941B2 |
Human-computer combination quality testing system for digital product testing and testing method thereof
A testing method of a human-computer combination quality testing system includes steps of: after manufacture, importing relevant CAD models, submitting the CAD models to a digital testing part for being examined; if a product is determined to be unqualified, returning the product for retreatment; if the product is determined to be qualified, submitting the product to a manual testing part for being examined by relevant inspectors; if the product is determined to be qualified by the inspectors, leaving the product as a qualified product; if the product is determined to be unqualified by the inspectors, returning the product for retreatment; then changing the relevant rule with a rule corrector of a system improving part according to a misjudging condition of the digital testing part; describing a corrected rule, which is corrected by the developer, by a rule descriptor; then applying the corrected rule to a system by a rule parser. |
| US09915940B2 |
Bi-directional association and graphical acquisition of time-based equipment sensor data and material-based metrology statistical process control data
A method and system for linking sensor data to metrology data and metrology data to sensor data is described herein. In one embodiment, a user selection of metrology data for a product is received, related process tool fault detection summary for the selected metrology data for the product is presented, a user selection of a process tool from the process tool fault detection summary is received, and related fault detection details for the selected process tool are presented. |
| US09915935B2 |
Microchip-type optical measuring apparatus and optical position adjusting method thereof
To provide a microchip-type optical measuring apparatus which is able to automatically perform position adjustment of a microchip with respect to an optical axis of laser with high accuracy.A microchip-type optical measuring apparatus includes an irradiation detection unit which detects light generated by irradiating a microchip with laser, a position adjustment unit which changes a relative position of the microchip with respect to the irradiation detection unit, and a control unit which outputs a movement signal for a position in which an integrated value or an average value of a detected intensity of the light in a preset region becomes high to the position adjustment unit. |
| US09915933B2 |
System-on-chip including on-chip clock controller and mobile device having the same
A system-on-chip (SoC) includes a logic circuit having a scan flip-flop and a an on-chip clock controller. The scan flip-flop is configured to store data using a passive keeper. The on-chip clock controller is configured to receive a reference clock for driving the logic circuit, to generate an internal clock based on a high-state interval of the reference clock, and to provide the internal clock to the scan flip-flop. |
| US09915931B2 |
Remote command learning
Systems, methods, apparatus, and articles of manufacture to learn and share remote commands are disclosed. An example method to configure a playback device to be controlled by a remote control includes receiving by the playback device a first code for a first command from the remote control. The example method includes identifying by the playback device a second code for a second command based on the received first code. The example method includes receiving by the playback device the second code from the remote control. The example method includes executing the second command by the playback device. |
| US09915928B2 |
Availability prediction apparatus for electric power storage device
An availability prediction apparatus includes an access section that accesses a storage section and a prediction section. The storage section stores availability specified periods occurred before a present time associated with respective frequencies of the availability specified periods, and the access section acquires the availability specified periods from the storage section. The prediction section predicts at least one target availability specified period within a prediction term, which begins at the present time and ends at a time later than the present time by a predetermined term. The prediction section includes a correlating section that correlates the availability specified periods with candidate periods included in the prediction term, and a selection section that specifies and selects one of the candidate periods having a highest occurrence probability as the target availability specified period. |
| US09915926B2 |
Method for safe control of gas delivery to an electron microscope sample holder
System and method for safely controlling the containment of gas within a manifold system and the delivery of gas to a sample holder for an electron microscope for imaging and analysis. |
| US09915925B2 |
Initiated test health management system and method
A system and method for verifying the response capabilities of a control effector include processing, in a test module, at least command data and sensor data associated with the control effector to generate control effector health data representative of control effector health. The control effector health data are processed in a reasoner to selectively indict and clear one or more faults, determine a failure is uncertain based on the one or more indicted faults, determine one or more test excitation signals to supply to the control effector to verify whether the uncertain failure is present or absent, and supply the one or more test excitation signals to a controller that is in operable communication with the control effector. |
| US09915923B2 |
Arbor of a pivoting movable timepiece component
A one-piece arbor of a pivoting movable timepiece component, the one-piece arbor being made of one or more aligned parts. The one-piece arbor is magnetically inhomogeneous. |
| US09915919B2 |
Microscope, method and computer program for obtaining quantitative phase images by means of digital holographic microscopy
A microscope, method and computer program for obtaining quantitative phase images by digital holographic microscopy. The microscope includes: a coherent light source (1) and a beam splitter (3) for generating an object beam (Lo) for illuminating a sample, and a reference beam (Lr); an optical system with a main optical path making up a telecentric afocal system, and a reference optical path; and recording means (12) recording a hologram of said sample in the image plane of the optical system. The method includes recording a hologram in the image plane of an optical telecentric afocal system. The computer program is adapted for implementing part of the steps of the method. |
| US09915918B2 |
Image forming apparatus with fixing device detachably mounted thereto
An image forming apparatus comprises a fixing device comprising a heater for heating a sheet on which an image is formed and a non-volatile memory in which characteristic information of the heater is stored. The fixing device is replaceable. In a case where the fixing device is replaced, the image forming apparatus starts to supply power to the heater before completing to read the characteristic information from the fixing device replaced. Due to this, the image forming apparatus can promptly heat the heater of the fixing device than before. |
| US09915912B2 |
Discharging light quantity adjusting device and image forming apparatus
A discharging light quantity adjusting device includes a potential measurement controller that performs: a process of causing a first toner image forming process to charge an image holding member to a first potential and an electrometer to measure an electrostatic potential on the image holding member to obtain a first value, a process of causing a second toner image forming process to charge the image holding member to a second potential and removing a toner image formed by the second toner image forming process, and a process of causing a third toner image forming process to charge the image holding member to a third potential, and causing the electrometer to measure an electrostatic potential on the image holding member to obtain a second value; and a light quantity adjusting unit that adjusts a quantity of a discharging light based on the first and second values. |
| US09915911B2 |
Optical scanning device and image forming apparatus including the same
An optical scanning device includes a housing having light emitting ports extending in a predetermined direction, a transparent cover that closes the light emitting ports, a screw shaft arranged so as to extend in the predetermined direction along the transparent cover, a holding member having an engaging part engaged with the screw shaft, and a cleaning member held to the holing member. An abutting fulcrum is provided at an end of a movement path of the holing member, abuts a predetermined place of a surface of a front side in a progress direction of the holing member, allows the holing member to rotate by employing an abutting part of the holding member with the abutting fulcrum as a fulcrum, and reduces a position shift amount between the one side end portion and the other side end portion of the holing member in the progress direction. |
| US09915907B2 |
Document conveying apparatus, control method, and computer-readable, non-transitory medium
The document conveying apparatus includes a document tray, a butted part with which leading edges of a plurality of documents stacked on the document tray are butted, a roller for conveying a document stacked at a lowermost position, a pressurizing module for pressurizing, from above, the documents stacked on the document tray, a separator, a first detector, provided between the butted part and the separator in a document conveying direction, for detecting a conveyed document, and a control module for causing the pressurizing module to pressurize the documents stacked on the document tray and causing the roller to rotate with a first speed until the first detector detects a document. In a case where the first detector detects a document, the control module reduces a force with which the pressurizing module pressurizes the documents and causes the roller to rotate with a second speed slower than the first speed. |
| US09915902B2 |
Image forming apparatus, method, non-transitory computer readable medium, and detachable body
An image forming apparatus includes an image carrier, a cleaning member that cleans the image carrier, an image forming unit that forms an image on a recording material, and a controller that controls the image forming unit based on at least one of physical property information and dimension information of the cleaning member. |
| US09915898B2 |
Image forming apparatus, control method, and non-transitory storage medium for efficiently reducing operational start time
An image forming apparatus has an operating state and a non-operating state with power consumption smaller than in the operating state. The image forming apparatus includes: a fixing device for thermally fixing a toner image on a print material; an execution unit for executing warm-up to heat the fixing device up to a printable temperature for fixing the toner image on the print material, upon power-on or in shifting from the non-operating state to the operating state; and a temperature control unit for maintaining a waiting state to keep the fixing device at the printable temperature or higher, after completion of warm-up or printing. The temperature control unit increases the temperature of the fixing device higher in a waiting state after printing a predetermined number of times since power-on or in a waiting state after the non-operating state for a predetermined time or longer, than in any other waiting state. |
| US09915897B2 |
Fixing device
A fixing device includes a heating member including a base layer, first and second electroconductive layers and a plurality of heat generating resistors provided on the base layer and having a volume resistivity smaller than a volume resistivity of the base layer; a temperature detecting member; and an electrode member. The heat generating resistors are provided helically around the base layer so that a helical axis thereof extends along the longitudinal direction of the rotatable member, and are disposed with intervals. One end and the other end of each of the heat generating resistors are electrically connected with the first and the second electroconductive layers, respectively. A temperature detecting region of the rotatable member by the temperature detecting member overlaps with the heat generating resistors. |
| US09915890B2 |
Image forming apparatus configured to scan and controlling method therefor
An image forming apparatus includes a polygon mirror having a first mirror surface and a controller. The controller is configured to: acquire a detection interval corresponding to one rotation of a polygon mirror; start scanning exposure with a first beam deflected by the first mirror surface, in response to elapse of a first time period after a detection signal has been detected; and start scanning exposure with a second beam deflected by the first mirror surface, in response to elapse of a second time period after the detection signal has been detected. The second time period is calculated based on the detection interval. |
| US09915888B2 |
Image carrying member unit and image forming apparatus provided with same
Image carrying member units are each provided with an image carrying member, a charging device, and a pair of support frames. The charging device has: a charging roller that charges the image carrying member by rotation driven by the image carrying member; a cleaning member for cleaning the charging roller; a pair of bearing members for rotatably supporting both end parts of the cleaning member and the charging roller; and biasing members for biasing the bearing members in a direction in which the same moves closer to the image carrying member. An image carrying member bearing part and a first cleaning member bearing part for rotatably supporting one end part of the rotating shaft for the cleaning member where an input side gear is provided, are formed integrally on a first support frame for supporting one end part of the image carrying member where an output side gear is provided. |
| US09915887B2 |
Toner for development of electrostatic images
The object of the present invention is to provide a toner for development of electrostatic images (hereinafter referred to as toner) which, while preventing dust during fixation, secures improved hot offset resistance and is excellent in providing good image quality. The invention relates to the toner that comprises a binder resin, a colorant and a wax, wherein the wax has, while in a state of being contained in the toner, a melting point of from 55° C. to 90° C., and the value Dt of the toner satisfies a specific formula. |
| US09915884B2 |
Toner
The toner of the present invention contains: a toner base particle, and a silica particle and a fatty acid metal salt particle adhering to a surface of the toner base particle. The toner base particle contains a crystalline polyester resin and an amorphous polyester resin. The toner particle has an average circularity of 0.945 to 0.965. The silica particle has a volume average particle size of 70 to 300 nm, and has an average circularity of 0.5 to 0.9. The fatty acid metal salt particle has a median diameter based on a volume of 0.50 to 2.00 μm. |
| US09915883B2 |
Toner
The toner of the present invention is an electrostatic latent image developing toner, and has a toner base particle. The toner base particle contains a binder resin including a crystalline resin, and a release agent. The toner has the maximum value G′MAX at a temperature equal to or lower than Tm, among specific storage elastic modulus ratios, of 2.2 or more. The Tm represents a peak top temperature (° C.) of a specific endothermic peak in DSC of the toner. |
| US09915880B2 |
Stage apparatus, lithographic apparatus and method of positioning an object table
A measurement system configured to measure a position dependent signal of an object table, the measurement system including at least one sensor mountable on the object table and a sensor target object mountable on a substantially stationary frame, and a mounting device configured to mount the sensor target object on the substantially stationary frame, wherein the measurement system further includes a compensator configured to compensate movements and/or deformations of the sensor target object with respect to the substantially stationary frame. The compensator may include a passive or an active damper and/or a feedback position controller. In an alternative embodiment, the compensator includes a gripping device which fixes the position of the sensor target object during a high accuracy movement of the movable object. |
| US09915876B2 |
EUV mirror and optical system comprising EUV mirror
An EUV mirror with a substrate and a multilayer arrangement including: a periodic first layer group having N1>1 first layer pairs of period thickness P1 and arranged on a radiation entrance side of the multilayer arrangement; a periodic second layer group having N2>1 second layer pairs of period thickness P2 and arranged between the first layer group and the substrate; and a third layer group having N3 third layer pairs arranged between the first and second layer groups. N1>N2. The third layer group has a third period thickness P3 which deviates from an average period thickness PM=(P1+P2)/2 by a period thickness difference ΔP. ΔP corresponds to the quotient of the optical layer thickness (λ/4) of a quarter-wave layer and the product of N3 and cos(AOIM), AOIM being the mean incidence angle for which the multilayer arrangement is designed. |
| US09915873B2 |
Reflective optical element, and optical system of a microlithographic projection exposure apparatus
A reflective optical element (50) having a substrate (52) and a multilayer system (51) that has a plurality of partial stacks (53), each with a first layer (54) of a first material and a second layer (55) of a second material. The first material and the second material differ from one another in refractive index at an operating wavelength of the optical element. Each of the partial stacks has a thickness (Di) and a layer thickness ratio (Γi), wherein the layer thickness ratio is the quotient of the thickness of the respective first layer and the partial stack thickness (Di). In a first section of the multilayer system, for at least one of the two variables of partial stack thickness (Di) and layer thickness ratio (Γi), the mean square deviation from the respective mean values therefor is at least 10% less than in a second section of the multilayer system. |
| US09915872B2 |
Optical component
The disclosure provides an optical component that includes an optical element fixed in the transverse direction in a frame. The frame has a linear expansion of at most 0.01% in the transverse direction even in the case of a linear expansion of the optical element in the transverse direction by up to 1%. |
| US09915870B2 |
Pattern forming method, composition kit and resist film, and method for producing electronic device using them, and electronic device
There is provided a pattern forming method comprising (a) a step of forming a film on a substrate using an electron beam-sensitive or extreme ultraviolet radiation-sensitive resin composition, (b) a step of forming a top coat layer on the film using a top coat composition containing a resin (T) containing at least any one of repeating units represented by formulae (I-1) to (I-5) shown below, (c) a step of exposing the film having the top coat layer using an electron beam or an extreme ultraviolet radiation, and (d) a step of developing the film having the top coat layer after the exposure to form a pattern. |
| US09915869B1 |
Single mask set used for interposer fabrication of multiple products
A method for fabricating an interposer wafer includes providing at least one mask having printing regions for forming a plurality of interposer designs; selecting an interposer design; and forming the interposer design on a substrate using a plurality of lithographic imaging steps. For each lithographic imaging step, at least one portion of the interposer design is printed by exposing at least one of the printing regions while blocking at least one other of the printing regions. |
| US09915865B2 |
Photomask including monitoring marks
A photomask including monitoring marks is disclosed. In one aspect, the photomask includes a transparent substrate, a mask pattern formed on an upper surface of the transparent substrate, and a monitoring mark having a line width pattern shared with the mask pattern. The monitoring mark is configured to receive a laser beam so as to measure a power state of the laser beam. |
| US09915860B2 |
Wavelength conversion element, illumination device, and projector
The invention relates to a wavelength conversion element including: a base material including a light-reflecting surface; a dichroic film; and a wavelength conversion layer provided between the light-reflecting surface and the dichroic film. The dichroic film reflects portion of light in a wavelength band that the wavelength conversion layer absorbs, and has a reflectance distribution, with respect to the light along a predetermined direction. |
| US09915850B2 |
Optical beams
Apparatuses and methods for producing and/or receiving an optical beam are disclosed, A phased array on a chip comprises phase shifters and off-chip couplers to provide phase controlled pixels. An optical system is arranged in front of the phased array. The optical system is configured to concentrate light from the phased array and/or expand a received beam of light for input into the phased array. |
| US09915847B2 |
Display device with pixel arrangemnt for high resolution
A display device is provided. The display device can include a first pixel portion comprising a first thin-film transistor provided at the intersection between a first gate line and a first data line, and a first pixel electrode connected to the first thin-film transistor, and a second pixel portion comprising a second thin-film transistor provided at the intersection between a second gate line and the first data line, and a second pixel electrode connected to the second thin-film transistor, wherein the first pixel portion and the second pixel portion are arranged parallel to the first data line, and directions extended the first pixel electrode and the second pixel electrode are extended in such a direction as to face each other. |
| US09915846B2 |
Array substrate and display device
An array substrate and a display device belonging to the field of display technology. The array substrate comprises a plurality of gate lines, a plurality of data lines which intersect the plurality of gate lines, and a plurality of pixels units comprised of electrodes defined by neighboring gate lines and neighboring data lines. The array substrate includes a plurality of common electrode lines extending in a gate line direction. Each of the common electrode lines comprises a plurality of branches extending in a data line direction. The array substrate can shield an electric field formed between the data lines and the pixel electrodes, so that a problem of light leakage in the array substrate is solved. |
| US09915845B2 |
Liquid crystal display device
According to one embodiment, a liquid crystal display device includes a first substrate, a second substrate and a liquid crystal layer. The first substrate includes a gate line extending in a first direction, a first signal line, a second signal line, a first semiconductor layer, a second semiconductor layer, an insulating film, a first contact hole, a second contact hole, a first pixel electrode and a second pixel electrode. The second contact hole is located opposite to the first contact hole in a second direction intersecting the first direction. |
| US09915844B2 |
Liquid crystal display and method of manufacturing the same
A liquid crystal display device includes first and second substrates facing each other; a liquid crystal layer between the first and second substrates; a thin-film transistor (“TFT”) on the first substrate and including a semiconductor layer and a gate, source and drain electrodes; an organic layer on the TFT and defining a contact hole therein which exposes a portion of the drain electrode; a conductive layer on the organic layer and contacting the exposed portion of the drain electrode at the contact hole; a common electrode which is on the organic layer and isolated from the conductive layer; a passivation layer on the conductive layer and the common electrode and defining an opening therein which exposes a portion of the conductive layer; and a pixel electrode on the passivation layer and the conductive layer and contacting the exposed portion of the conductive layer at the opening. |
| US09915840B2 |
Liquid crystal display device
According to one embodiment, a liquid crystal display device includes a first substrate including an outer peripheral wiring which is formed along an outer periphery of an active area that displays an image, and which has a first reflective surface, a second substrate including a reflective layer which is formed by a plurality of segments that are mutually spaced apart, and which has a second reflective surface opposed to the first reflective surface, a sealant formed of a photosensitive resin material, which surrounds the active area, is formed along the outer peripheral wiring, and attaches the first substrate and the second substrate, and a liquid crystal layer held in a cell gap in an inside surrounded by the sealant. |
| US09915837B2 |
Optical film, polarizing plate, and liquid crystal display device
Provided is a liquid crystal display device including a liquid crystal cell, a backlight side polarizer, an optical thin film which forms an air interface, and a backlight unit, in this order. The liquid crystal display device satisfies n (535) |
| US09915835B2 |
FPR having periodic micropattern
This application relates a liquid crystal alignment film, a manufacturing method of the liquid crystal alignment film, an optical filter, and a display device. According to one illustrative liquid crystal alignment film, for example, a stereoscopic image can be displayed in wide viewing angles without losses of the brightness. |
| US09915832B2 |
Optical phased array using guided resonance with backside reflectors
Methods and systems for controlling the phase of electromagnetic waves are disclosed. A device can consist of a guided resonance grating layer, a spacer, and a reflector. A plurality of devices, arranged in a grid pattern, can control the phase of reflected electromagnetic phase, through refractive index control. Carrier injection, temperature control, and optical beams can be applied to control the refractive index. |
| US09915829B2 |
Method of manufacturing an ophthalmic lens with a passive event-based coloration system
The present invention discloses methods and apparatus for methods and apparatus for manufacturing an Ophthalmic Lens with passive event coloration mechanisms, which may not require a power source. In some embodiments, the passive event coloration mechanisms may be combined with Rigid Inserts or Media Inserts, wherein the inserts may provide additional functionalities. |
| US09915826B2 |
Virtual and augmented reality systems and methods having improved diffractive grating structures
Disclosed is an improved diffraction structure for 3D display systems. The improved diffraction structure includes an intermediate layer that resides between a waveguide substrate and a top grating surface. The top grating surface comprises a first material that corresponds to a first refractive index value, the underlayer comprises a second material that corresponds to a second refractive index value, and the substrate comprises a third material that corresponds to a third refractive index value. |
| US09915824B2 |
Combining at least one variable focus element with a plurality of stacked waveguides for augmented or virtual reality display
Configurations are disclosed for presenting virtual reality and augmented reality experiences to users. The system may comprise an image-generating source to provide one or more frames of image data in a time-sequential manner, a light modulator configured to transmit light associated with the one or more frames of image data, a substrate to direct image information to a user's eye, wherein the substrate houses a plurality of reflectors, a first reflector of the plurality of reflectors to reflect transmitted light associated with a first frame of image data at a first angle to the user's eye, and a second reflector to reflect transmitted light associated with a second frame of the image data at a second angle to the user's eye. |
| US09915822B2 |
Thermoplastic film for a laminated-glass pane having a non-linear continuous wedge insert in the vertical and horizontal direction in some sections
A thermoplastic film for a laminated-glass pane, having a non-linear continuous wedge insert in both a vertical and horizontal direction in some sections, is described. In the vertical direction, the laminated-glass pane is, from the perspective of an observer, further at a lower end than at an upper end. In a laminated-glass pane equipped with the thermoplastic film, the thermoplastic film is located between two glass layers. The thermoplastic film has at least a first section having a wedge angle profile that is continuous and non-linear in the vertical and horizontal direction, such that ghost images from a head-up display are minimized in the region of the first section. The thermoplastic film also minimizes double images in transmission in the first section and in further sections. |
| US09915821B2 |
Device for measuring a vehicle
A device for measuring a vehicle has at least one image capturing device, that includes at least one camera having at least one light incidence region configured to allow light from an object to be captured by the camera to strike the camera through the at least one light incidence region. The device also has a device for keeping the light incidence region clean and/or for cleaning the same, that features at least one deflecting element that is movable over the light incidence region in a way that allows it to prevent the deposition of dust and dirt on the light incidence region and/or to remove dust and/or dirt from the at least one light incidence region. |
| US09915819B2 |
Fiber-optic methods and devices enabling multiphoton imaging with improved signal to-noise ratio
The present invention is directed to a fiber optic device that enables multiphoton imaging with improved signal-to-noise ratio having a single piece of double-clad fiber (DCF). The device also includes all components for focusing, scanning and signal collection within an endomicroscope probe of 2.1 mm outer diameter (OD). The unprecedented imaging capability of this miniature endomicroscope is demonstrated herein via both ex vivo and in vivo experiments. |
| US09915816B2 |
System and method for mounting a specimen on a slide
One embodiment includes a system for mounting a specimen on a slide, the system having an immersion chamber, a stage, and a pump. The immersion chamber is configured to hold a liquid and includes at least one wall, a closed bottom, and an open top. The stage is configured to support the slide, and the stage is arranged within the immersion chamber such that the specimen may be supported substantially above the stage by the liquid. The pump is configured to draw the liquid from the immersion chamber such that the level of liquid in the immersion chamber decreases and the specimen is dispensed onto the slide. |
| US09915815B2 |
Total internal reflection light illumination device
A total internal reflection light illumination apparatus includes a light source providing illumination light L1, a spatial light modulator inputting the illumination light L1 and converging and outputting the illumination light L1 by presenting a lens pattern, an objective lens illuminating an object substrate with illumination light L2 converged and output by the spatial light modulator, and a calculation unit providing, to the spatial light modulator, the lens pattern corresponding to at least one of a desired polarization state, desired penetration length, desired shape, and desired light intensity of the evanescent light L3. The lens pattern converges the illumination light L2 on a pupil plane of the objective lens. |
| US09915811B2 |
Zoom lens system having first, second, and fourth lens groups which move during zooming
A zoom lens system includes a negative first lens group, a positive second lens group, a negative third lens group and a positive fourth lens group, in that order from the object side. Upon zooming from the short to long focal length extremities, at least the first lens group, the second lens group and the fourth lens group are moved in the optical axis direction. The third lens group includes a negative first sub-lens group and a negative second sub-lens group, in that order from the object side. The second sub-lens group is provided with a negative single lens element and a positive single lens element, wherein an air lens is formed between the negative single lens element and the positive single lens element. |
| US09915810B2 |
Projection apparatus and projection lens with three lens groups
A projection lens and a projection apparatus are provided. The projection lens has a screen side and an image side. The projection lens includes a first lens group, a second lens group, and a third lens group. The first lens group disposed between the screen side and the image side includes a first, a second, and a third lenses arranged sequentially from the screen side to the image side. The second lens group disposed between the first lens group and the image side includes a fourth, a fifth, a sixth, a seventh, an eighth, a ninth, and a tenth lenses arranged sequentially from the screen side to the image side. The third lens group disposed between the second lens group and the image side includes an eleventh and a twelfth lenses, and a distance between the twelfth lens and the light valve is a constant. |
| US09915803B2 |
Optical system, optical apparatus, and method for manufacturing the optical system
The present invention has, in order from an object: a first lens (L1) having negative refractive power; a second lens (L2), which is a positive meniscus lens having a convex surface facing the object; an aperture stop (S); and a third lens (L3) having a convex surface facing the object, and satisfies the following conditional expression (1): 6.6<|f12/f| (1) where f12 denotes a composite focal length of the first lens (L1) and the second lens (L2), and f denotes a focal length of the optical system (WL). |
| US09915800B2 |
Lens driving device
A lens driving device includes a housing with an accommodation space, a barrel accommodated in the housing, a coil wound around the barrel and a magnet fixed to the housing. The lens driving device further includes a spring piece at least partially made of amorphous alloy materials, and the spring piece support the described barrel to perform the to-and-fro motion along the axis. Comparing to the relevant technologies, the lens driving device has good performance and high reliability. |
| US09915799B2 |
Central loose tube optical-fiber cable
The present invention relates to central loose optical-fiber cables. An exemplary optical-fiber cable includes a central buffer tube that encloses loose optical fibers. Stranded strength yarns surround the central buffer tube and the optical fibers positioned within the central buffer tube's annular space, and a cable jacket surrounds the stranded strength yarns. |
| US09915798B2 |
Downhole cable with reduced diameter
An optical/electrical cable for downhole environments includes a plurality of optical fibers disposed within an interior metal tube. An electrically conducting layer surrounds the interior metal tube, an insulation layer surrounds and contacts the electrically conducting layer, and an exterior metal tube surrounds and contacts the insulation layer. |
| US09915797B2 |
Transceiver and interface for IC package
An interconnect system includes a first circuit board, first and second connectors connected to the first circuit board, and a transceiver including an optical engine and arranged to receive and transmit electrical and optical signals through a cable, to convert optical signals received from the cable into electrical signals, and to convert electrical signals received from the first connector into optical signals to be transmitted through the cable. The transceiver is arranged to mate with the first and second connectors so that at least some converted electrical signals are transmitted to the first connector and so that at least some electrical signals received from the cable are transmitted to the second connector. |
| US09915792B2 |
Fiber optic cable demarcations inhibiting movement of optical fibers relative to strength members, and related assemblies and methods
Fiber optic cable demarcations inhibiting movements of optical fibers relative to strength members, and related cable assemblies and methods, are disclosed. By bonding optical fibers to strength members with a bonding agent received into at least one cavity, a demarcation may be formed inside the cable jacket at a cable jacket interface. The at least one cavity may be disposed within a cable jacket of a fiber optic cable and at the cable jacket interface. The demarcation may bond at least one optical fiber and at least one strength member together to inhibit longitudinal movement of the at least one optical fiber relative to the at least one strength member. In this manner, the demarcation may inhibit optical fiber movement within the fiber optic connector, which may cause tensile forces and/or buckling of the optical fiber resulting in optical fiber damage and/or optical attenuation. |
| US09915788B2 |
Sealable communication cable connection assemblies
Communication device connection assemblies are described. The sealable connection assemblies are configured to provide water-tight connections for various data transmission elements, including cables, network devices, and computing devices. The connection assemblies may be used for various data transmission protocols, such as fiber optic connections. A compression element of the connection assembly may be configured to engage and compress a sealing element against a communication cable extending through the sealable connection assembly when a tension element is coupled to the inner body, thereby forming a seal between the sealable element and the communication cable. The connection assemblies may include a retainer body configured to form a grip or retention force with a communication cable sufficient to reduce and/or eliminate any forces on the communication cable (i.e., bending and/or straight pull forces) from being transferred to and/or otherwise effecting other components of the connection assembly, such as sealing elements thereof. |
| US09915781B1 |
Silicon-waveguide-based broadband polarization splitter-rotator
A waveguide-based polarization splitter-rotator (PSR) includes a converter with tapered rib-structure configured to convert TM0/TE0 polarization mode of an input light to a TE1/TE0 mode, a splitter coupled to the first plane for splitting the input light evenly to a first wave at a first port and a second wave at a second port. Furthermore, the PSR includes a phase shifter having a first arm coupled to first port and a second arm coupled to the second port. The first arm guides the first wave to a third port with no phase shift while the second arm adds 90 or 270 degrees to the second wave. The PSR also includes a 2×2 MMI coupler for coupling the first wave and the second wave to output a first output light in TE0 mode exclusively from TM0 mode and a second output light in TE0 mode exclusively from TE0 mode. |
| US09915779B2 |
Kind of low magnetic sensitivity PM-PCF based on mechanical buffer
The low magnetic sensitivity PM-PCF based on mechanical buffer is obtained by adding buffer structures in the cladding layer of the photonic crystal fiber. In the center of the fiber, the core region contains at least 3 layers of air-holes, enclosed by the cladding layer. The buffer structures are placed in the cladding layer. These buffer structures are formed by replacing silica of any shape by air, and are symmetrically located in X-axis and Y-axis directions to achieve mechanical isotropy. The buffer structures improve the fiber's performance in fiber coiling and stress conditions. Therefore, the fiber optic gyroscope using the PM-PCF can do without a magnetic shield, thus greatly reducing the weight of the fiber optic gyroscope and extending the scope of its application. Compared with the conventional commercial PCF, the PM-PCF provides the fiber optic gyroscope with lower temperature sensitivity and improved accuracy. |
| US09915776B2 |
Light guide mechanism of fingerprint recognition plate
A light guide mechanism of a fingerprint recognition plate includes a frame, a light guide plate, first electrodes, second electrodes and light emitting diodes. The frame has a hollow portion and receiving troughs. Each of the receiving troughs forms a first through hole and a second through hole penetrating the frame. The light guide plate covers the hollow portion. The first electrodes are in the first through holes, and the second electrodes are in the second through holes. Each of the light emitting diodes is in the receiving trough and includes a first electrode pin and a second electrode pin. The first electrode pin pierces the first through hole to be connected to the first electrode. The second electrode pin pierces through the second through hole to be connected to the second electrode. The first electrode pin and second electrode pin are exposed from the bottom of the frame. |
| US09915775B2 |
Circadian-friendly LED light sources
Methods and apparatus for providing circadian-friendly LED light sources are disclosed. A light source is formed to include a first LED emission (e.g., one or more LEDs emitting a first spectrum) and a second LED emission (e.g., one or more LEDs emitting a second spectrum) wherein the first and second LED emissions are combined in a first ratio and in a second ratio such that while changing from the first ratio to the second ratio the relative circadian stimulation is varied while maintaining a color rendering index above 80. |
| US09915770B2 |
Lighting device and display device
A backlight unit includes LEDs, a light guide plate, a prism sheet, exiting light reflecting portions, prisms, concave lenticular lens lenses, and flat portions. The concave lenticular lenses are configured such that an occupancy rate of concave cylindrical lenses with respect to the second direction is higher in an area closer to a light entering surface with respect to the first direction and the occupancy rate is lower in an area farther from the light entering surface. The flat portions are formed adjacent to the concave cylindrical lenses with respect to the second direction such that an occupancy rate of flat portions with respect to the second direction is lower in an area closer to a light entering surface with respect to the first direction and the occupancy rate of the flat portions with respect to the second direction is higher in an area farther from the light entering surface. |
| US09915769B2 |
Light emitting unit, display, and lighting apparatus
There are provided a light emitting unit that enhances the uniformity of in-plane colors, as well as a display and a lighting apparatus that include such a light emitting unit thereon. The light emitting unit includes: a plurality of light emitting sections each having a light source and a wavelength conversion member, the wavelength conversion member converting a wavelength of light emitted from the light source; an optical component having a light incident surface in opposition to the plurality of light emitting sections; and a color unevenness prevention structure suppressing direct entering of light from the light source into the optical component. |
| US09915764B2 |
Diffractive lens and optical device using the same
An object of the present application is to thin a thick lens used in an automobile headlamp optical system and a projector lighting optical system while maintaining the optical properties of the lens. A diffractive lens includes, on at least one surface, an optical surface with a plurality of areas defined by a plurality of steps. A blaze wavelength of the diffractive lens is within a wavelength spectral range of a light source used. An optical path difference between adjacent areas at the blaze wavelength is larger than a coherence length of the light source. The diffractive lens substantially acts as a Fresnel lens at a wavelength other than the blaze wavelength. |
| US09915762B2 |
Articles with binder-deficient slip coating and method for making same
A sheet comprising: (1) a core member comprising one or more layers and having a first major surface and (2) a slip control layer disposed on at least a portion of the first major surface, wherein the slip control layer comprises: (i) a footing layer disposed on at least a portion of the first major surface of the core member, (ii) a binder layer disposed on the footing layer, and (iii) an array of particles disposed in the binder layer and footing layer and protruding therefrom, wherein the average diameter of the particles is greater than the combined thickness of the foot layer and binder layer. A process for making such a sheet comprising: (1) providing a core member; (2) forming a footing layer on at least a portion of the first major surface of the core member, wherein the footing layer is viscoelastic and has a Tg that is lower than either the Tg or the Tm of the polymer at the first major surface of the core member; (3) applying a binder layer composition comprising a film forming polymer and particles to the surface of the footing layer; then (4) tentering the assembly under sufficient heat to soften the footing layer such that the particles sink into the footing layer, wherein the average diameter of the particles is greater than the combined thickness of the footing layer and binder layer. |
| US09915760B2 |
Optical member and method for manufacturing optical member
An optical member includes a base material and an antireflective layer on the base material wherein the antireflective layer includes a plurality of fine protrusions on a surface thereof and a support layer for supporting the protrusions, and the support layer contains boron in an amount of 7×1019 atoms/cm3 or more and 2.5×1020 atoms/cm3 or less. |
| US09915757B1 |
Increased thermal stabilization of optical absorbers
Compositions for increasing the thermal stability of optical absorbers are provided as well as methods of making and using the resulting compositions. The compositions or complexes of the present teachings generally include an optical absorber bound to a metal or a metal oxide through one or more linkers, which contain a metal binding moiety. |
| US09915756B2 |
Large area format sapphire windows via transient liquid phase bonding
A method for forming an optical window. In one example, the method includes depositing a layer of eutectic bonding material onto a first surface of a first section of window material, positioning a second surface of a second section of window material onto the layer of eutectic bonding material such that the first surface is disposed opposite the second surface, and heating the eutectic bonding material to a temperature above a eutectic temperature of the eutectic bonding material and below a melting temperature of the window material for a predetermined length of time to form an optical window. The window material of the first section and the second section may be transparent to infrared radiation and comprise aluminum. |
| US09915755B2 |
Virtual ambient weather condition sensing
A system for providing weather conditions includes a server in communication with a weather data provision service. The server includes a middleware application operable to process weather data requests. The system also includes a gps module, and at least one component control system, operable to adjust at least one parameter associated with at least one vehicle component. Finally, the illustrative system includes a vehicle computing system, in communication with the GPS module, the at least one component control system, and the server. In response to a request for data from the component control system, the vehicle computing system passes GPS data to the server, including the request for data, and the vehicle computing system responsively receives the requested data from the server. The vehicle computing system relays the received data to the component control system that requested the data. |
| US09915748B2 |
Target position, movement and tracking system
The invention provides a target object detection system, comprising a plurality of sensing nodes (10) for positioning at respective detection locations with respect to a detection area (12) that is situated within a field generated by an ambient AC source of excitation. Each sensing node has at least one electric potential sensor (22, 42) designed to detect perturbations in said field caused by a target object (14), said one sensor including an electrode (20, 40) responsive to the AC excitation field for generating detection signals, an amplifier (28) connected to the electrode for receiving and amplifying the detection signals to produce AC measurement signals as output, and at least one feedback circuit (30, 36) from an output of the amplifier to an input thereof for enhancing the input impedance of the amplifier. A signal processing arrangement (24, 26, 44) is associated with each sensing node and comprising a filter circuit (24) adapted to filter out frequencies generated by the ambient AC source of excitation that are outside a pre-defined bandwidth, and a level detector (26) responsive to the AC measurement signals for monitoring signal amplitude and generating amplitude information for use in producing target object data. |
| US09915746B2 |
Marine seismic surveying including direct far field measurements
A method of measuring seismic signals generated by marine acoustic sources includes deploying at least one seismic sensor unit to a location on a floor of a body of water within a survey area, and recording seismic signals that include a real measured far field signature generated by a seismic source during a marine seismic survey. The method further includes automatically actuating a retrieval device to cause the at least one seismic sensor unit to rise to the surface, in response to expiration of the selected time period or an actuation signal from the surface, retrieving the at least one seismic sensor unit from the surface, and processing seismic data collected from the return signal. Processing including identifying a far field signature of the seismic source based on the signals detected by the seismic sensor, and designaturing the seismic data based on the far field signature. |
| US09915745B2 |
Separation of up-going and down-going wavefields including the direct arrival
At least some embodiments are directed to a system. The system includes a processor and a memory coupled to the processor. The memory stores a program that, when executed by the processor, causes the processor to calculate a pressure response of a first sensor, and correct pressure wavefield data obtained from the first sensor responsive to a first acoustic wavefield. The correction is based on the calculated pressure response of the first sensor. The pressure response of the first sensor is responsive to a second acoustic wavefield having a propagation path between a source of the second acoustic wavefield and the first sensor, in which the propagation path includes no reflection from a subsurface formation. |
| US09915744B2 |
Method and ghost attenuator for mitigating ghost effect
Marine seismic sources for exploring formations under the seafloor using reflection seismology include ghost attenuators for reducing or eliminating ghost signals. Such a ghost attenuator is located in the water above an individual source element and 5 water surface and is configured to dissipate energy of up-going signals and/or to redirect the up-going signals. |
| US09915743B2 |
Bio-acoustic sensing device and method for marine seismic survey
A method and marine seismic processing system including an interface for receiving recorded data, wherein the recorded data includes seismic data and bio-acoustic data; a seismic data processor for estimating a source signature from the recorded data, wherein the source signature is associated with a seismic source that emits seismic waves in water during a seismic survey; and a bio-acoustic processor that estimates a presence of a mammal generating the bio-acoustic data, based on a processed signal obtained by removing the source signature from the recorded data. |
| US09915742B2 |
Method and system for geophysical modeling of subsurface volumes based on label propagation
Method and system are described for generating a stratigraphic model of a subsurface volume. Measured geophysical data are converted into a vector volume (106) by assigning to each sample in each trace in the data volume a vector representing dip, azimuth or confidence. Then a labeled volume is generated from the vector volume by assigning a label to each sample in an initial trace (1006), then selecting a propagation pattern (1008) and propagating the labels to other traces (1010). Horizons can be extracted (110) from the labeled volume, and utilized to enhance the process of producing hydrocarbons (114). |
| US09915737B2 |
Systems and methods for imaging with multi-head camera
A nuclear medicine (NM) multi-head imaging system is provided that includes a gantry defining a bore configured to accept an object to be imaged. The imaging system includes a plurality of detector units coupled to the gantry, with each of the detector units having a respective detector field-of-view (FOV). Each of the detector units is configured to rotate about a respective unit axis, with the plurality of detector units including at least a first and a second detector unit. The imaging system also includes at least one processor configured to execute programmed instructions stored in memory, wherein the at least one processor, when executing the programmed instructions, rotates the first and second detector units as the first and second detector units acquire persistence image data; and generates at least one persistence image based on the persistence image data. |
| US09915731B2 |
Radio sensing device and radar system
A radio sensing device includes N antennas, N being a natural number which is one or more, a switching control unit that sequentially switches the antennas and scans radio waves in some directions or all directions in a circular shape or a spherical-shell shape, and a random number generating unit that generates random numbers. The switching control unit performs an operation of switching selecting orders of the N antennas on the basis of the generated random numbers within a time which is M (M; positive integer) times a unit time required to sequentially scan each of all the N antennas once. |
| US09915729B2 |
Apparatus and method for high speed subsurface inspection of built infrastructure
A ground penetrating radar antenna array is consistently maintained at a spacing of less than or equal to about 4 inches above the target surface. As a result, the antenna array may be moved up to 75 mph while maintaining accuracy of data collection. The apparatus includes a wooden support from which non-elastic straps are suspended. The straps are attached to a housing containing the ground penetrating radar antenna array and receiver. The housing is supported from below by a pair of skis that have wear plates attached to their undersides with the wear plates engaging the target surface. The wear plates maintain the distal ends of the antennas within the antenna array at a spacing from the target surface of less than or equal to 4 inches, preferably 3.75±0.25 inches. The method of operation is also disclosed. |
| US09915727B1 |
Agile sensing for radar and metal detection
Methods, systems, and apparatus for transmitting a first set of stepped-frequency CW signals having first signal parameters, where the first signal parameters includes a first bandwidth and a first step size between signal frequencies. Detecting reflections of the first set of transmitted CW signals. Identifying an indication of a potential target in a frequency range of the reflections of the first set of transmitted CW signals from the detected reflections of the first set of transmitted CW signals. Determining second signal parameters for a second set of stepped-frequency CW signals in response to identifying the indication of the potential target. The second signal parameters include a second bandwidth and a second step size between signal frequencies, and where the second signal parameters focus on the frequency range in which the indication of the potential target is identified. Transmitting the second set of CW signals. |
| US09915723B1 |
Geographic locator responsive to data packet attributes
Aspects receive different instances of reception data from different respective wireless communication receivers that include broadcast data packets broadcast from a mobile device, geographic locations of the communication receivers and times of reception of the broadcast data packet by the respective receivers. Each broadcast data packet includes a time of broadcast by the mobile device and a unique identifier of the mobile device. Aspects determine a geographic location of the mobile device at the time of broadcast of the data packets as a function of triangulating to the geographic locations of the different communication receivers; and/or of determining a Doppler shift in frequency transmission data of an instance of reception of a first data packet relative to frequency transmission data of another instance of reception of another, second data packet transmission broadcast at a different time than the first data packet. |
| US09915722B2 |
Method and system for signal-based localization
In an embodiment of the present invention, a GraphSLAM-like algorithm for signal strength SLAM is presented. This algorithm as an embodiment of the present invention shares many of the benefits of Gaussian processes yet is viable for a broader range of environments since it makes no signature uniqueness assumptions. It is also more tractable to larger map sizes, requiring O(N2) operations per iteration. In the present disclosure, an algorithm according to an embodiment of the present invention is compared to a laser-SLAM ground truth, showing that it produces excellent results in practice. |
| US09915721B2 |
Techniques for estimating a position of a user device using a WPS dedicated device and optimized scanning
In various embodiments, a WPS dedicated device is used to estimate the position of a user device. The WPS dedicated device is configured to be receive-only and lacks WLAN packet transmission capabilities, or is configured to provide limited-transmission and is capable of transmitting only a predefined subset of WLAN packets supported by a WLAN protocol. The WPS dedicated device may be used with optimized scanning procedures that include a plurality of phases that are progressed through until WLAN information sufficient to identify at least a threshold number of more WLAN APs is obtained, that simultaneously scan on multiple WLAN channels, or that provide other types of optimization. |
| US09915720B2 |
Apparatus and methods for field testing an electrical panel meter system
An electrical panel meter system may include a plurality of meter modules housed in an electrical panel enclosure. Each meter module may be configured to sample electrical readings related to electrical power provided to a respective branch circuit of the electrical panel meter system. To field test the metering accuracy of each meter module, a field tester may be coupled to the electrical panel enclosure. The field tester may inject an electrical signal via a test conductor provided in the electrical panel enclosure. The test conductor may be coupled to each meter module. The field tester may measure an electrical parameter of the injected electrical signal and compare it to electrical readings sampled by the meter modules. A pass/fail result for each meter module may be indicated. Methods of field testing meter modules in an electrical panel meter system are also provided, as are other aspects. |
| US09915719B2 |
Magnetic resonance imaging with randomly distributed recording of raw data
In a method and apparatus for recording magnetic resonance (MR) signals from an examination object, raw data space is filled with MR signals in raw data lines. Movement information of the examination object is detected during recording of the MR signals and the movement information is grouped into different movement phases of the examination object. A temporally randomly distributed sequence of the recording of the raw data lines is determined, with which at least one predetermined portion of the raw data space is filled MR signals. The MR signals are acquired in the determined temporally randomly distributed sequence of the raw data lines in the predetermined portion. Each recorded raw data line is allocated to one of the movement phases of the examination object. |
| US09915718B2 |
Method and magnetic resonance apparatus to determine a sensitivity profile of a local coil
In a method for the determination of sensitivity profiles of local coils in the acquisition of magnetic resonance data, a first measurement data set of an examination area is acquired with a first acquisition coil, a second measurement data set of the examination area is acquired with a local coil, and a sensitivity profile of the local coil that is used is determined on the basis of the first measurement data set and the measurement data set. The first measurement data set and the second measurement data set are acquired using a pulse sequence with ultrashort echo times. In the determination of the sensitivity profile, errors due to dephasings are avoided as best as possible by the acquisition of the measurement data sets with a pulse sequence with ultrashort echo times (i.e. in particular echo times TE shorter than 0.5 ms); in particular, the dephasings are smaller given these echo times than in the case of gradient echo (GRE)-based pulse sequences. |
| US09915712B2 |
System and method for magnetic resonance coil arrangement
A magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) system is provided. The system includes a main field magnet generating a main magnetic field B0. Moreover, the system further includes radio frequency (RF) receiver coils including a first combination of two coils, the two coils of the first combination decoupled based on quadrature decoupling such that the two coils of the first combination are able to receive signals orthogonal to each other and to B0. The two coils can be butterfly coils, the loop plane of the butterfly coils arranged along a surface, the longitudinal axis of the butterfly coils being substantially orthogonal and crossing at substantially midpoint. The surface can be substantially orthogonal to B0 and be curved. The first of the two coils can also be a loop coil and the second of the two coils a butterfly coil. |
| US09915709B2 |
Controlling a motor with two or more hall sensors
A motor system includes a motor including two Hall sensors configured to output binary values, and a controller configured to control the motor. The two Hall sensors are placed 120 or 60 electrical degrees apart. The controller is operable to monitor output signals of the two Hall sensors and to determine a third Hall sensor output binary value. The controller is operable to fulfill the commanded requirements to operate in a servo system, by controlling commutation of a drive current into the motor, and by keeping track of the motor rotor position based on the third generated signal and the outputs of the two Hall sensors. |
| US09915701B2 |
Bypassing an encoded latch on a chip during a test-pattern scan
Aspects include techniques for bypassing an encoded latch on a chip during a test-pattern scan and using on-chip circuitry to generate a desired encoded pattern, which is inserted into a scan-bypassed latch, to test the on-chip circuitry for defects. A computer-implemented method may include applying a global control bit to the chip; initializing a scan of the chip while bypassing the encoded latch; and applying an extra scan clock to initiate the encoded latch after completing the scan, wherein the encoded latch is updated with check bits generated by the on-chip circuitry. |
| US09915699B2 |
Integrated fan-out pillar probe system
A method of probe testing dies, the method includes loading a wafer having a first die and a second die into a prober and bringing probes of the prober into contact with first contact pads of the first die according to first probe parameters. A first probe contact test of first values of the contact between the probes and the first contact pads is performed, and a die test of the first die is performed after performing the probe contact test. Results of the die test and results of the probe contact test are saved and second probe parameters are automatically generated based on at least the results of the first probe contact test. |
| US09915695B2 |
Detecting a proper connection
Examples provided herein describe a female connector in a computing device that includes a plurality of sensors for determining if a male connector has established a proper connection with the female connector. To do so, in one example, each of the sensors is coupled to an actuator that protrudes into an aperture defined by an inner surface of the female connector. As the male connector is inserted into this aperture, the actuators are pressed down which activates the sensors. Furthermore, the actuators are arranged such that a first actuator is deeper within the aperture than a second actuator. Thus, if the male connector pressed down the first actuator but not the second, a computing device can determine that only a partially connection was made. By using at least two actuators arranged at different depths in the aperture, the computing device is able to detect a proper or improper connection. |
| US09915683B2 |
Electrical connection device comprising connection elements with controllable position
Electrical connection device comprising at least one substrate and one or several first electrical connection elements located on a front face of the electrical connection device such that they can be coupled to contact pads of an electronic device to which the electrical connection device is intended to be connected, each first electrical connection element comprising: at least one support, of which at least one first end is anchored to the substrate such that part of the support is suspended above the front face, the support comprising at least a portion of piezoelectric material located between two electrodes and capable of moving said part of the support in two directions approximately perpendicular to the front face depending on a value of an electrical voltage intended to be applied onto the electrodes; at least one electrical conducting element located on said part of the support. |
| US09915680B2 |
Laminate structure and clamping mechanism for faulted circuit indicator
A faulted circuit indicator (FCI) device for installation on a power line includes a housing, a laminate structure fastened to the housing and configured to receive the power line, and a clamp mechanism pivotally fastened to the housing and configured to secure the housing to the power line. The clamp mechanism includes a pair of opposing clamp arms each having a curved configuration. The curved configuration of the clamp arms maintains the power line in a centered relationship within the laminate structure when the clamp arms are engaged on the power line over a range of power line diameters. |
| US09915677B2 |
Data acquisition method of substrate processing apparatus and sensing substrate
A data acquisition method of a substrate processing apparatus for acquiring data on gas current directions in a plurality of measurement regions on a surface of a substrate, includes: loading a sensing substrate having a plurality of pairs of sensors on a loader, wherein each pair of sensors includes a first sensor and a second sensor configured to acquire vector data of the gas current on the surface of the sensing substrate; acquiring vector data of the gas current in a first linear direction by the first sensor; acquiring vector data of the gas current in a second linear direction slanted to the first linear direction by the second sensor; and combining the gas current vectors based on a starting point associated with the respective pair of sensors; and calculating a gas current direction from the starting point associated with the respective pair of sensors. |
| US09915672B2 |
Automatic analyzer
According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the analyzer includes a reagent driving disk that accommodates a reagent configured for analysis and that transports the reagent to a desired position, and a fixed disk that has a reagent stand-by position in which to make a reagent container containing the reagent, temporarily stand by, and a magnetic particles stirring position for stirring magnetic particles. A portion of the reagent stand-by position is constituted by a loading system. A reagent container moving unit moves reagent containers containing the reagent, between the reagent driving unit and the fixed disk, according to analytical request status. Providing in a part of the fixed disk the loading system constructed so that reagent containers containing the reagent can be mounted therein during operation enables changing of reagent containers, irrespective of an operational status of the reagent driving disk, and the system to having cold-storage functionality. |
| US09915671B2 |
Cartridge device for a measuring system for measuring viscoelastic characteristics of a sample liquid, a corresponding measuring system, and a corresponding method
The present invention is directed to a cartridge device for a measuring system for measuring viscoelastic characteristics of a sample liquid, in particular a blood sample, comprising a cartridge body having at least one measurement cavity formed therein and having at least one probe element arranged in said at least one measurement cavity for performing a test on said sample liquid; and a cover being attachable on said cartridge body; wherein said cover covers at least partially said at least one measurement cavity and forms a retaining element for retaining said probe element in a predetermined position within said at least one measurement cavity. The invention is directed to a measurement system and a method for measuring viscoelastic characteristics of a sample liquid. |
| US09915666B2 |
MCAM as a biomarker for fluid homeostasis
The application discloses MCAM as a new biomarker for fluid homeostatic imbalance; methods for predicting, diagnosing, prognosticating and/or monitoring fluid homeostatic imbalance based on measuring said biomarker; and kits and devices for measuring said biomarker and/or performing said methods. |
| US09915664B2 |
Methods and means for diagnosing spondylarthritis using autoantibody markers
The present invention relates generally to methods for diagnosing the presence or the risk of development or the therapy control of spondyloarthritis (Spa), in particular, of ankylosing spondylitis (AS) and undifferentiated spondyloarthritis in a subject, in particular in mammals. In addition, the present invention relates to test kits for use in the diagnosis of the presence or the risk of development, or for the therapy control of Spa, like AS and undifferentiated spondyloarthritis, in a subject. In particular, the present invention relates to a method for diagnosing the presence or the risk of development, or for the therapy control of Spa, like AS and undifferentiated spondyloarthritis, in a subject analysing for the presence of autoantibodies against CD74 and/or IKBKB in a subject. The presence of autoantibodies against CD74 and/or IKBKB is indicative for the presence or the risk of development, or for the therapy control of Spa, like AS and undifferentiated spondyloarthritis. In particular, detection of the presence of autoantibodies against CD74 and/or IKBKB allows early diagnosis of Spa, in particular, AS and undifferentiated spondyloarthritis. |
| US09915661B2 |
Composition, kit, and method for diagnosing and treating ovarian cancer
Provided are a composition, a kit, and a method of predicting prognosis of ovarian cancer or a risk of recurrence of ovarian cancer. Provided are a composition for treating ovarian cancer or preventing recurrence of ovarian cancer and a method of screening a material for treating ovarian cancer or preventing recurrence of ovarian cancer. According to the present disclosure, prognosis or recurrence of ovarian cancer can be efficiently diagnosed, and a candidate material that can treat ovarian cancer or prevent recurrence of ovarian cancer can be efficiently screened. |
| US09915653B2 |
Facile laboratory method for localising biomolecules to the surface of cells and viruses
Method of localizing a sulfhydryl (—SH) group containing biomolecule to the surface of a cell membrane by mixing in a volatile reaction buffer a molar excess of the sulfhydryl (—SH) group containing biomolecule with a lipid conjugated maleimide of the structure F-S-L as defined in the specification to provide a reaction mix, incubating the reaction mix for a time and at a temperature sufficient to allow all the lipid conjugated maleimide to have reacted with the sulfhydryl (—SH) group, and freeze-drying the reaction mix to remove the volatile reaction buffer and provide a reaction product. An aqueous solution of the reaction product is contacted with the cell membrane. |
| US09915651B2 |
Nanocrystal based biomolecule detection
A new signal amplification method exploiting the dense atom packing in metallic nanocrystals has been developed for detecting target substances. By dissolving nanocrystals to individual ions that are stoichiometrically converted to chromophores and quantified photometrically, extremely high signal amplification can be achieved. Signal amplification is fully determined by the total number of atoms in the nanocrystals bound to a single target molecule. The disclosed nanocrystal amplification method can be implemented with a rich selection of metal/metal oxide nanocrystals and metal-reactive chromogenic substrates. The chromogenic reactions can be either solution-based or surface-based and performed in aqueous or organic phase, supporting a variety of assay formats. |
| US09915649B2 |
Methods of determining the presence, identity, and/or severity of mucopolysaccharidosis (MPS) VI and IVA
Provided herein are methods of diagnosing or monitoring the treatment of abnormal glycan accumulation or a disorder associated with abnormal glycan accumulation. |
| US09915646B2 |
Immunity to folate receptors
This document provides methods and materials related to assessing immunity to folate receptors. For example, methods and materials for assessing FRα immunity in a mammal are provided. This document also provides methods and materials related to stimulating immunity to folate receptors. |
| US09915645B2 |
Method of treating a patient determined to be at risk of developing occult pancreatic beta-cell dysfunction
This invention relates to a method for detecting the presence of or likelihood of a patient of developing occult pancreatic beta cell dysfunction, and a method for detecting the presence of or likelihood of a patient of developing clinically significant post-prandial hyperglycemia. The methods involve (a) measuring a level of alpha-hydroxybutyrate (AHB) in a single fasting baseline biological sample of the patient; (b) comparing the level of AHB in the single fasting baseline biological sample to a reference AHB level; and (c) determining the presence of or likelihood of developing the disorder in the patient based on the comparison in step (b). An increased AHB level at fasting baseline indicates that a normoglycemic, normo-insulinemic and/or non-dyslipidemic patient has developed or has an increased likelihood of developing occult pancreatic beta cell dysfunction. An increased AHB level at fasting baseline and an elevated glucose level of at least about 155 mg/dL at 30 minutes and/or 1 hour indicates that a normoglycemic, normo-insulinemic and/or non-dyslipidemic patient has developed or has an increased likelihood of developing clinically significant post-prandial hyperglycemia. |
| US09915643B2 |
Spatial orientation determination in portable clinical analysis systems
The present invention covers the integration and utility of accelerometer features into a clinical analysis system. For example, measurement of dynamic acceleration and orientation of a blood-testing instrument with respect to Earth's gravitational field may be used to determine reliability of a test procedure and optionally to provide corrective elements thereof. |
| US09915642B2 |
Method for assessing the condition of a tissue sample with coherent electromagnetic radiation
A method of assessing a tissue sample includes the steps of: 1) splitting source electromagnetic radiation into: a) sample arm radiation directed in a Z direction toward a sample thereby illuminating the sample at a first selected XY coordinate pair of the sample, and b) reflector arm radiation directed toward a reflector so that the reflector arm radiation travels a path length; 2) interfering sample-scattered electromagnetic radiation with reflector-reflected electromagnetic radiation thereby establishing an interference pattern associated with the sample; 3) comparing the sample interference pattern to a reference interference pattern; and 4) reaching a conclusion about the sample based on the comparison. |
| US09915641B2 |
Sensing and actuation of biological function using addressable transmitters operated as magnetic spins
Methods and apparatuses for sensing biological functions are disclosed. Sensors can be implanted in an organ, such as the brain, and a magnetic field gradient applied to the biological tissue. The field causes the sensors to have different resonant frequencies allowing their spatial localization. The sensors can harvest power from the external coils to be able to retransmit data. |
| US09915639B2 |
Agricultural device for restoring soil fertility
This agricultural device introduces an innovative approach to soil treatment that restores the fertility of depleted soils, which currently depend on chemical fertilizers to keep up with global food production needs. The new technology is based upon the concept of bioenergetics, whereby soil is conceived as the main factor that needs to be balanced in order to increase natural soil fertility, crop production, and food quality. This scientifically-based farming technology utilizes horizontal tillage—as opposed to conventional tillage—to reduce the entropy of the soil-plant-atmosphere system, helping regenerate biological memory and natural soil fertility. This new technology has been successfully tested on various kinds of terrains and crops, and its application progressively turns nature into the main factor of production equation, allowing us to reduce agrochemical dependency and production costs, and allowing us to overcome the apparent dichotomy that now exists between high food production needs and environmental care. |
| US09915638B2 |
Bio-reactive food expiry label
A food expiry label includes a layer of material (such as a water-swollen mammalian gelatine) that undergoes a phase transition (such as from solid to liquid) upon exposure to bacteria or fungi that result in food spoilage. The label may incorporate a tactile surface that the user can feel underneath the layer of gelatine once the gelatine has changed from solid to liquid. Thus a user can detect when a foodstuff is likely to have spoiled or been on the shelf for a predetermined period simply by feeling the label. |
| US09915636B2 |
Measuring device, reaction carrier and measuring method
A reaction carrier (14), a measuring device (12) and a measuring method measure a concentration of gaseous and/or aerosol components of a gas mixture. A flow channel (42), extends between two connecting elements (44) and defines a reaction chamber (46) with an optically detectable reaction material (48) that reacts a component of the gas mixture or with a reaction product of the component. The reaction carrier (14) includes a temperature-measuring element (88). The measuring device (12) includes a temperature-measuring element (90) which records a temperature of the measuring device (12) and/or of the reaction carrier (14), and a temperature-determining unit (92) which determines the temperature of the gas mixture as a function of the measurement result of the at least one temperature-measuring element (90). The measuring method includes determining a concentration of the component on the basis of an optically detectable reaction and the determined temperature of the gas mixture. |
| US09915634B2 |
Head space sample introduction device and gas chromatograph including same
A pressurization passage that divides a constant pressure from a pressure source with passage resistances so as to have a predetermined constant pressure is disposed on a downstream side of a sample loop in order to maintain a back pressure of the sample loop constant when a sample gas is collected to the sample loop. |
| US09915630B2 |
Biochip with biosensors and fluidic devices
A biochip includes a substrate, where the substrate includes at least one hole extending from a first surface of the substrate to a second surface of the substrate opposite the first surface, and where the substrate comprises a microfluidic channel pattern. The biochip further includes a surface modification layer over the substrate. Additionally, the biochip includes a sensing wafer bonded to the substrate, where the sensing wafer has one or more modified surface patterns having different surface properties from each other. |
| US09915626B2 |
Discrimination of low-atomic weight materials using scattering and stopping of cosmic-ray electrons and muons
Techniques, systems, and devices are disclosed for constructing a scattering and stopping relationship of cosmic-ray charged particles (including cosmic-ray electrons and/or cosmic-ray muons) over a range of low-atomic-mass materials, and to detect and identify content of a volume of interest (VOI) exposed to cosmic-ray charged particles based on the constructed scattering and stopping relationship. In one aspect, a process for constructing a scattering-stopping relationship for a range of low-density materials exposed to cosmic-ray charged particles is disclosed. This technique first determines a scattering parameter and a stopping parameter for each material within the range of low-density materials exposed to charged particles from cosmic ray. The technique then establishes a scattering-stopping relationship of cosmic ray charged particles for the range of low-density materials based on the determined pairs of scattering and stopping parameters associated with the range of low-density materials. |
| US09915620B2 |
Abnormality detection system and abnormality detection method
An abnormality detection system includes an optical fiber, a Raman scattered light detection unit, and a data processing unit. The detection unit is configured to detect Stokes light and anti-Stokes light which are generated in the optical fiber and to output data on the intensity distribution of the Stokes light in the optical fiber in the length direction thereof and data on the intensity distribution of the anti-Stokes light in the optical fiber in the length direction. The processing unit is configured to calculate the product of a value obtained by applying an FIR filter to the intensity distribution of the Stokes light, and a value obtained by applying the FIR filter to the intensity distribution of the anti-Stokes light for each of locations on the optical fiber in the length direction, and to determine whether or not abnormality is present based on the result of the calculation. |
| US09915619B2 |
Portable small-object holding device and a method for using same
A portable small-object holding device, comprising: a housing, movable gripper jaws configured to grip and hold a small object; at least one hinge and at least one cog-wheel configured to enable rotating said at least one hinge around its longitudinal axis; and wherein the portable small-object holding device is adapted to enable illuminating the small object when being held within said portable small-object holding device, by a beam of light at least one wavelength. The inspection of the small-object is carried out after inserting the portable small-object holding device via an aperture comprised in a portable apparatus for inspecting small objects, and preferably engaging the portable small-object holding device with the portable apparatus for inspecting small objects. |
| US09915606B2 |
Method for transferring between spectrometers
The present invention relates to a method for characterizing a sample-product X by spectral analysis by means of a novel spectrometer II using information acquired by means of a first spectrometer I. |
| US09915605B2 |
In-situ gas-measuring system for gas reactors with critical environments
An in-situ gas-measuring system (1) includes an IR photon source (10) and an IR photon detector (11). The in-situ gas-measuring system (1) has an expansion chamber (12), at which an optical element (16, 16′, 16″) is arranged. A connection element (13) provides a detachable fluid-communicating connection of the expansion chamber (12) to a gas reaction chamber (2). The IR-photon source (10), the optical element (16, 16′, 16″) and the IR photon detector (11) define an optical measuring path, which extends through the expansion chamber (12). The installation and maintenance of the in-situ gas-measuring system (1) are reduced by the features of the in-situ gas-measuring system (1). |
| US09915603B1 |
Spectroscopic chemical analysis methods and apparatus
Spectroscopic chemical analysis methods and apparatus are disclosed which employ deep ultraviolet (e.g. in the 200 nm to 300 nm spectral range) electron beam pumped wide bandgap semiconductor lasers, incoherent wide bandgap semiconductor light emitting devices, and hollow cathode metal ion lasers to perform non-contact, non-invasive detection of unknown chemical analytes. These deep ultraviolet sources enable dramatic size, weight and power consumption reductions of chemical analysis instruments. In some embodiments, Raman spectroscopic detection methods and apparatus use ultra-narrow-band angle tuning filters, acousto-optic tuning filters, and temperature tuned filters to enable ultra-miniature analyzers for chemical identification. In some embodiments Raman analysis is conducted along with photoluminescence spectroscopy (i.e. fluorescence and/or phosphorescence spectroscopy) to provide high levels of sensitivity and specificity in the same instrument. |
| US09915602B2 |
Calibration vial and technique for calibrating a fiber optic oxygen sensing needle
A calibration tool and method of using the tool to calibrate a fiber optic needle oxygen sensor. The tool includes at least a vial sealingly covered by a septa and containing a supply of particulate oxygen getter within the chamber of the vial. The vial has an open top and is constructed from an oxygen impermeable material. The septa is resealing, needle-penetrable and oxygen impermeable. The supply of particulate oxygen getter is retained within an oxygen permeable sachet. |
| US09915600B2 |
Devices, systems and methods for detecting particles
A particle detector includes a housing, a light source, and a photo-responsive material. The housing includes a sample inlet and a sample outlet, and encloses a detection cavity. The light source directs irradiating light to particles of a sample fluid flowing in the detection cavity. The photo-responsive material faces the detection cavity, and receives measurement light propagating from the particles in a plurality of measurement light paths angled relative to a longitudinal axis. The particle detector may be utilized to measure scattered light and/or light emitted due to autofluorescence. Fluids sampled may include aerosols, bio-aerosols, and liquids. |
| US09915599B2 |
Microparticle analysis apparatus and microparticle analysis system
There is provided a microparticle analysis apparatus including a sample channel configured to receive liquid containing a plurality of microparticles, a first pair of electrodes configured to form an alternating electric field in at least a part of the sample channel, a measuring part configured to measure impedance between the first pair of electrodes, an analyzing part configured to calculate property values of the microparticles from the impedance measured in the measuring part, and a determining part configured to determine whether data of the impedance measured in the measuring part is derived from the microparticles. |
| US09915598B2 |
Hydrogel particles with tunable optical properties
The present disclosure relates to compositions comprising a hydrogel particle with optical properties substantially similar to the optical properties of a target cell, and methods for their use. |
| US09915597B2 |
Particulate matter measurement device
A particulate matter measuring device includes: a diesel particulate filter (DPF) in which upstream side and downstream side openings of multiple cells partitioned by porous partition walls are alternately plugged; a pair of first electrodes received in a pair of first electrode cells arranged diagonally with a central cell therebetween; a pair of second electrodes received in a pair of second electrode cells arranged diagonally with the central cell therebetween; a first connecting member for connecting the first electrodes to each other; a second connecting member for connecting the second electrodes to each other; and a unit that calculates an amount of particulate matter trapped in the DPF on the basis of capacitance between the electrodes. The four cells which are adjacent to each other around the partition walls of the central cell and sandwiched between the first electrode cells and the second electrode cells are used as measurement cells. |
| US09915591B2 |
Methods for sampling from non-atmospheric vessels in a parallel reactor system
Methods for sampling reactor contents in parallel reactor systems are disclosed. The methods may be used to sample reactor contents in non-atmospheric (e.g., pressurized) reaction vessels. |
| US09915589B2 |
System and method for determining a location of fouling on boiler heat transfer surface
Detecting fouling of a heat exchanger of a boiler includes emitting a spray of pressurized fluid from a nozzle of a sootblower element when the nozzle is adjacent to a surface of the heat exchanger, and sensing a value indicative of a reactive force created by an impact of the pressurized fluid on the surface of the heat exchanger and translated back to the sootblower element through the spray of the pressurized fluid. The method also includes determining when a substantial deposit is on the surface of the heat exchanger indicating fouling based on the value indicative of the reactive force. |
| US09915587B2 |
Particulate sensor
A particulate sensor (1) which detects particulates S contained in a gas under measurement (EG) flowing within a gas flow pipe (EP) has a space forming portion (12) and an ion source (15). The space forming portion (12) projects into the gas flow pipe EP and forms an internal space MX. The space forming portion (12) has an introduction port (43I) and a discharge port (48O) for discharging from the internal space MX the gas EGI introduced through the introduction port (43I). The source (15) produces ions CP by gaseous discharge. The space forming portion (12) is configured such that the introduced gas EGI is discharged from the internal space MX through the discharge port (48O), the gas under measurement EG is introduced into the internal space MX through the introduction port (43I), and the introduced gas EGI is mixed with the ions CP produced by the ion source (15). |
| US09915576B2 |
Pressure sensor and pressure detection device
A pressure sensor includes: a fixed part; a ring-like oscillator that is supported on the fixed part by a plurality of support beams; a plurality of electrodes that are provided on the fixed part and arranged in an oscillating direction of the ring-like oscillator with a gap; electret films that are formed on either one of opposite surfaces of the ring-like oscillator and the electrodes. |
| US09915575B1 |
Sensor and methods of detecting target materials and situations in closed systems
Disclosed is a passive, in-situ pressure sensor. The sensor includes a sensing element having a ferromagnetic metal and a tension inducing mechanism coupled to the ferromagnetic metal. The tension inducing mechanism is operable to change a tensile stress upon the ferromagnetic metal based on a change in pressure in the sensing element. Changes in pressure are detected based on changes in the magnetic switching characteristics of the ferromagnetic metal when subjected to an alternating magnetic field caused by the change in the tensile stress. The sensing element is embeddable in a closed system for detecting pressure changes without the need for any penetrations of the system for power or data acquisition by detecting changes in the magnetic switching characteristics of the ferromagnetic metal caused by the tensile stress. |
| US09915572B2 |
Force sensing compliant enclosure
A force sensing compliant enclosure for an electronic device may include at least one deformable housing wall. At least one strain concentration portion may be located on the deformable housing wall where strain caused by application of a force that deforms the deformable housing wall is greater than at other portions of the deformable housing wall. The strain concentrating portion may have a second thickness that is thinner than other portions of the deformable housing wall. One or more sensors may be positioned in the strain concentration portion and may sense strain caused by the application of the force that deforms the deformable housing wall. |
| US09915571B2 |
Temperature measurement and calibration circuit, passive radio frequency identification tag and method for measuring temperature
The present invention relates to the field of radio frequency identification, in particular to a temperature measurement and calibration circuit and a passive radio frequency identification tag. Meanwhile, the present invention further relates to a method for performing temperature measurement by using the tag. The temperature measurement and calibration circuit of the tag generates an upper reference voltage value limit and a lower reference voltage value limit, which do not change with temperature, then calibrates the upper reference voltage value limit and the lower reference voltage value limit to a uniform upper voltage value limit and a uniform lower voltage value limit, and eliminates the problem of different reference voltages of tags due to the power supply voltage fluctuation and process deviation. Meanwhile, a temperature measurement voltage generator circuit of the tag generates a calibration voltage value under a uniform calibration temperature. After the calibration voltage value is subjected to translational calibration, the calibration voltage values of the tags to be measured are equal, so that the consistency of temperature values of different tags is ensured. The circuit and tag provided by the present invention may be widely applied to ambient temperature detection, animal temperature detection, cold chain temperature detection or other fields, and have high accuracy of measurement. |
| US09915569B2 |
Apparatus for sensing temperature using sensor resistor and method thereof
Provided herein is an apparatus for sensing temperature. The apparatus for sensing temperature includes: a sensor unit configured to include at least one sensor resistor and output a sensing signal varying by the sensor resistor in response to temperature when the sensor unit is applied with an operating voltage; a data conversion unit configured to convert a change in temperature sensed based on the sensing signal output from the sensor unit into a time signal and generate temperature information based on the converted time signal; and a control unit configured to control the sensor unit and the data conversion unit and output a temperature value determined depending on the temperature information. |
| US09915566B2 |
Smart lookdown function switch design for intrusion detectors
A system is provided that includes a security system that protects a secured area, a passive infrared (PIR) detector of the security system that detects intruders within the secured area, a pyroelectric element carried by the PIR detector, the pyroelectric element being tilted downwards towards a floor within the secured area to receive and detect a predominant portion of energy from an area extending outwards from the PIR detector and directly in front of the PIR detector and a relatively small portion of energy from a floor area directly below the PIR detector, and a pivoting door having first and second positions mounted below and directly adjacent the pyroelectric element, the door pivoting upwards to the first position where the relatively small portion of energy is blocked and pivoting downwards where the relatively small portion of energy is transmitted onto the pyroelectric element. |
| US09915565B2 |
Method and system for spectral imaging
A method of calibrating a spectral imaging system is disclosed. The spectral imaging system comprises an interferometer having a beam splitter and at least a first reflector and a second reflector. The method comprises: obtaining data pertaining to an interference pattern model, operating the spectral imaging system to provide an interference pattern of a received light beam, and varying a relative orientation between at least two of: the beam splitter, the first reflector and the second reflector, until the interference pattern of the input light beam substantially matches the interference pattern model. |
| US09915561B1 |
Self-clocked low noise photoreceiver (SCLNP)
A photoreceiver device includes a light detector connected between a power supply node and a first node, and first to third switching elements. The light detector is configured to detect an incident optical data signal, and to output photocurrent corresponding to a magnitude of the optical data signal through the first node. The first switching element is connected between the first node and a ground node. The second switching element is connected between the power supply node and a second node. The third switching element is connected between the second node and the ground node. The third switching element has a control node connected to the first node. |
| US09915555B2 |
Ultrasonic sensor
An ultrasonic sensor, which can prevent a breakdown caused by the infiltration of water from the outside occurring due to the jet of high-pressure wash water or the like without the deterioration of the sensitivity of an ultrasonic transducer within the range of the fixing-clamping caused by an elastic member, is obtained. The ultrasonic sensor includes a cylindrical sensor case, an ultrasonic transducer that is disposed close to an opening face in the sensor case and includes a vibration surface, and an elastic member that is provided between the ultrasonic transducer and the sensor case and covers a side surface and a bottom of the ultrasonic transducer. An exposed surface end of the elastic member close to the opening face is formed to be thinner than a portion of the elastic member that covers the side surface of the ultrasonic transducer. |
| US09915552B2 |
Perpendicular gradiometric angle sensors, systems and methods
Embodiments relate to magnetic field sensors, such as gradiometric magnetic field angle sensors with generally on-axis arrangements of sensor elements relative to a rotation axis of a magnet. In one embodiment, an angle sensor is arranged on-axis with respect to the rotation axis of a magnet that generates a magnetic field that can be detected by the angle sensor and analyzed to determine an angular position of the magnet. The sensor can comprise a plurality of sensor elements, such as two sensor elements, arranged on a substrate or die in a sensor package. As it rotates, the magnet generates a magnetic field, such as an inhomogenous magnetic field having a component perpendicular to the rotation axis and acting on the angle sensor. The plurality of sensor elements can detect this and other components, for example as a gradiometric sensor in which each element senses at least one component at its respective location, and the signals from the elements are compared to estimate or determine an angular position or degree of movement of the magnet. |
| US09915551B2 |
Method for dynamic linearisation of sensor signals from a magnetic strip length measuring system
A method for linearizing sensor signals in a magnetic strip length measuring system moves a sensor head between two magnetic poles of a measurement body. In particular, linearization takes place dynamically during operation of the magnetic strip length measuring system, and linearization deviations are compensated by extrapolation as the sensor head moves between the two poles of the measurement body from pole to pole or from pole pair to pole pair. |
| US09915548B2 |
Method and apparatus for providing a contextual menu in a map display
An approach is provided for presenting a contextual menu in a map display. A contextual menu platform determines an input for a delineation of at least one route, at least one geographical area, or a combination thereof in at least one map user interface of at least one device. The contextual menu platform determines contextual information associated with the at least one route, the at least one geographical area, the at least one map user interface, the at least one device, at least one user associated with the at least one device, or a combination thereof. The contextual menu platform also determines one or more contextual menu options based, at least in part, on the contextual information. The contextual menu platform further causes, at least in part, a presentation of at least one contextual menu to present the one or more contextual menu options in the at least one map user interface. |
| US09915545B2 |
Smart necklace with stereo vision and onboard processing
A method for providing directions to a blind user of a smart device is described. The method includes detecting, by at least two sensors and in response to a selection of a find mode of the smart device, image data corresponding to a surrounding environment of the smart device and positioning data corresponding to a positioning of the smart device. The method also includes receiving, by an input device, the desired object or the desired location. The method also includes determining, by a processor, the initial location of the smart device based on the image data, the positioning data and map data stored in a memory of the smart device. The method also includes providing, by the output device, the directions to the desired object based on the initial location of the smart device and the map data. |
| US09915532B2 |
Method and apparatus for self-calibration of gyroscopes
A gyroscope having a resonant body utilizes a self-calibration mechanism that does not require physical rotation of the resonant body. Instead, interface circuitry applies a rotating electrostatic field to first and second drive electrodes simultaneously to excite both the drive and sense resonance modes of the gyroscope. When drive electrodes associated with both the drive and sense resonance modes of the gyroscope are excited by forces of equal amplitude but 90° phase difference, respectively, the phase shift in the gyroscope response, as measured by the current output of the sense electrodes for each resonance mode, is proportional to an equivalent gyroscope rotation rate. |
| US09915531B2 |
Rotation rate sensor and method for operating a rotation rate sensor
A rotation rate sensor includes a substrate having a main extension plane and a Coriolis element, in which the rotation rate sensor is configured so that the Coriolis element is excitable with the aid of an excitation arrangement to carry out an excitation oscillation along a first direction and in parallel to the main extension plane, the rotation rate sensor including a compensation element for exerting a compensation force, the compensation force having a non-linear dependence on the excitation oscillation. |
| US09915528B1 |
Object concealment by inverse time of flight
A first device may emit a first modulated signal within an environment that includes a second device that is located close in proximity to an object. The second device may capture the first modulated signal and determine a second modulated signal having a phase that is different from that of the first modulated signal. In response to capturing the second modulated signal, the first device may determine a phase difference corresponding to the first modulated signal and the second modulated signal using time-of-flight (TOF). Using the phase difference, the first device may determine the distance between the first device and the object. In embodiments where the phase difference is zero, the first device may be unable to detect the presence of the object. |
| US09915525B2 |
Interferometric measurement method for end face surface angle of multi-fiber ferrules and connectors
An interferometric measurement method aims at calculating end face surface angle of multi-fiber connector or ferrule taking into account parallelism deviation angles of the connector or ferrule guide holes. The parallelism deviation angles are measured by scanning the side surfaces of guide pins inserted into the guide holes, which is done simultaneously with the end face scanning. Interferometric data from connector or ferrule end face and side surfaces of the guide pins is gathered during one scanning session—either one simultaneous scan or several scans without moving or re-inserting the connector or ferrule. |
| US09915523B2 |
System for monitoring the position of a tube's distal end relative to a blood vessel
The invention relates to a system for monitoring a position of a distal end of a tube with respect to a blood vessel of a mammal. The system comprises a source for generating an outgoing beam of electromagnetic radiation having a predefined electromagnetic spectrum. The system furthermore comprises a guideway for guiding the outgoing beam to the distal end, and for guiding an incoming beam of electromagnetic radiation reflected by surroundings of the distal end in response to said outgoing beam to a measurement arrangement, which is arranged for measuring a parameter associated with an electromagnetic spectrum of the incoming beam. The system furthermore comprises a comparator arrangement for comparing said parameter with a reference parameter associated with a reference electromagnetic spectrum representing a predefined location of the distal end inside the mammal. |
| US09915522B1 |
Optimized spatial modeling for optical CD metrology
Provided are scatterometry techniques for evaluating a 3D diffracting structure. In one embodiment, a method involves providing a 3D spatial model of the diffracting structure and discretizing the model into a 3D spatial mesh. The method includes approximating 3D fields for each element of the 3D mesh using 3D spatial basis functions and generating a matrix including coefficients of the 3D spatial basis functions approximating the fields. The coefficients of the 3D spatial basis functions are computed and used in computing spectral information for the model. The computed spectral information for the model is compared with measured spectral information for the diffracting structure. If the model is a good model fit, the method involves determining a physical characteristic of the diffracting structure based on the model of the diffracting structure. |
| US09915520B2 |
Apparatus and methods for one or more wavelength swept lasers and the detection of signals thereof
An optical instrument including at least a first and second wavelength swept vertical cavity laser (VCL) sources. The wavelength sweeping ranges spanned by the first and second VCL sources may differ with a region of spectral overlap. The first and second VCL sources may be operable under different modes of operation, wherein the modes of operation differ in at least one of: sweep repetition rate, sweep wavelength range, sweep center wavelength, and sweep trajectory. A VCL source may also exhibit sweep-to-sweep variation. Apparatus and methods are described for aligning sample signal data from the first VCL and sample signal data from the second VCL to generate output digital data. The output digital data is aligned with respect to at least one of: wavelength, wavenumber, and interferometric phase. The apparatus and methods can also be used to phase stabilize successive sweeps from the same VCL source or wavelength swept source. |
| US09915518B2 |
Clearance measuring sensor with abradable electrode
A capacitive sensor for measuring the clearance between the apex of the vanes of a rotor and the inner surface of an abradable coating covering the inner surface of a turbomachine casing, the clearance measuring capacitive sensor including a first electrode the material of which is abradable so as to get worn upon contacting an apex of a vane, the material of the first electrode having a degree of wear substantially identical to the degree of wear of the material of the abradable coating. |
| US09915516B2 |
Method for controlling shape measuring apparatus
There is provided a method for controlling a shape measuring apparatus which continues to perform nominal scanning measurement to a workpiece having a slightly large deviation from a design data. A scanning path to move a stylus tip is calculated based on design data of a workpiece. The stylus tip is moved along the scanning path. It is monitored whether a distance between the scanning path and an actual workpiece is excessive. When the distance between the scanning path and the actual workpiece is excessive, a trajectory difference error is generated. When the trajectory difference error is generated, geometric correction is performed to the design data so that the design data approaches to the actual workpiece. Scanning measurement is performed based on the design data after the geometric correction. |
| US09915515B1 |
Auto logging of electronic detonators
A blasting system with automated detonator logging eliminates on-the-field manual logging of each detonator. Detonators are connected in sequence in an auto-logging circuit, and the blast machine initiates a logging operation in which each detonator receives and confirms an assigned sequence number along with assigned delay data. Elimination of manual logging by individuals increases safety in the blast zone and facilitates the blasting operation. The operation is simplified, likelihood of human error is reduced, and the cost of a separate logger device is eliminated. An auto-logging protocol may be incorporated into the control module of the electronic detonator. Alternately, an auto-logging module may be connected externally to each detonator similar to the conventional surface plus down-the-hole delay systems. The inventive system may include an IDC connector that facilitates the serial connection of the detonators for the logging circuit while allowing parallel connections of the blast control circuit. |
| US09915513B1 |
Electronic ignition circuit and method for use
The present disclosure describes an electronic ignition circuit (“EIC”) for controlling at least one detonator. The EIC may include a protection circuit, an input circuit coupled to the protection circuit, a logical circuit electrically coupled to the input circuit, and an ignition circuit electrically coupled to the logical circuit. The protection circuit may include at least one of a fuse, a circuit breaker and an automatic switch. The logical circuit may include an answer back circuit, and a switching circuit adapted to switch to the next detonator or igniter. The ignition circuit may include a capacitor charging circuit, a capacitor discharge circuit to discharge a firing capacitor through a fuse head, and a shot detection circuit adapted to measure a voltage across the firing capacitor before discharging through the fuse head and to measure a voltage after discharging through the fuse head. |
| US09915501B2 |
Weapon sight and weapon formed therewith
A weapon includes a firearm having a front sight and a rear sight. The front sight includes a front channel. The rear sight includes a rear channel. The front channel and the rear channel are aligned along a sight line. The front channel and the rear channel provide an unobstructed field of view toward a target along the sight line. |
| US09915484B2 |
Method for producing a multilayer element having a protective coating
Process for producing an element comprising a multilayer architecture, the layers of which comprise primary channels on their upper faces, said process comprising the following successive steps: (a) producing secondary channels on the lower faces of each layer, each secondary channel being intended to be facing a primary channel of the neighboring lower layer within the architecture, (b) depositing a coating that protects against oxidation at a temperature of between 500° C. and 1000° C. and against corrosion over all of the lower and upper surfaces of the layers, (c) sanding or mechanical cleaning of the surfaces intended to be assembled, and (d) assembling via superposition of the various layers so that each secondary channel of a lower face of an upper layer is facing and is centered on a primary channel of the neighboring lower layer, the width of each secondary channel being greater than the width of the primary channel which it is facing within the architecture. |
| US09915481B2 |
Fin for heat exchanger
A fin for a heat exchanger is joined to an outer surface of a tube, and facilitates a heat exchange between the tube and an air flowing around the tube. A sectional surface of the fin perpendicular to a flowing direction of an air has a corrugated shape that includes multiple flat portions substantially parallel to a flowing direction of the air, and a ridge portion connecting the adjacent flat portions. Multiple louvers cut in and raised from each of the flat portions at a predetermined cut-and-raised angle are disposed on the flat portion along a flowing direction of the air. A thickness of each flat portion is defined as t, a louver pitch of the louvers is defined as PL, and the thickness of each flat portion and the louver pitch satisfy a relationship of 0.035≦t/PL≦0.29. |
| US09915474B2 |
Grain dryers configured so that different numbers of ducts in a grain column are selectable for cooling
A grain dryer has a grain column configured to receive grain to be dried and ducts extending from a first wall of the grain column to a second wall of the grain column. The grain dryer is configured so that different numbers of the ducts are selectable for handling cooling air used for cooling the grain. |
| US09915473B2 |
Spray-drying apparatus and method of use
Provided is a spray drying apparatus comprising a spray nozzle comprising a spray nozzle tip at the distal end of the spray nozzle, a liquid conduit for guiding a liquid to be spray-dried out through the spray nozzle tip, an atomizing component for producing a spray of droplets from the liquid exiting the spray nozzle; a drying gas conduit comprising an outlet for directing a drying gas to dry the spray of droplets; and a drying gas deflector positioned so as to deflect a flow of the drying gas away from the spray nozzle tip. |
| US09915470B2 |
Refrigerator
A refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention may include: a basket assembly slidably coupled to a first door in a front-to-rear direction of the first door, wherein the basket assembly comprises: a basket configured to accommodate food; a first base provided to be slidable in the front direction of the first door by passing through the opening of the first door, the basket being placed on an upper surface of the first base; a second base provided to be slidable in the rear direction of the first door, the first base being slidably coupled to an upper surface of the second base; and a third base of which a front end is fixed to a rear surface of the first door, wherein the second base is slidably coupled to an upper surface of the third base. |
| US09915469B2 |
Systems, methods, and apparatus for providing associated functionality for a refrigeration unit
A refrigeration unit includes: a front portion; a rear portion distal from the front portion; a cooling table section extending from the rear portion towards the front portion; an upper portion positioned between the front portion and the rear portion, positioned above the cooling table portion, and defining a circumferential opening configured to receive a storage container; a lower region distal from and below the upper portion and at least partially separated from the upper portion by the cooling table section defining a plenum defining holes allowing passage of air from the plenum of the cooling table section to the upper portion of the refrigeration unit, the lower region configured for food storage; and an evaporator section proximate to the rear portion and configured to circulate air to the cooling table section. |
| US09915468B2 |
Refrigerator
A refrigerator includes a water tank supporter arranged in a cabinet, a water tank that is connected to the water tank supporter and that defines a cavity, and a water supply platform that is movably connected to the water tank. The water supply platform includes a body portion that has a water inlet, a water outlet configured to discharge water to the cavity, and a water supply flow passage connected between the water inlet and the water outlet. The water supply platform also includes a movable portion configured to move the body portion such that the water inlet moves from an inside of the cabinet to an outside of the cabinet or vice versa. |
| US09915457B2 |
Temperature-controlled beverage dispenser
A temperature-controlled beverage dispenser is disclosed, which provides a cold plate having disposed therein beverage lines and refrigerant lines. The refrigerant lines may be connected to a cooling system, such as a heat exchanger, which is configured to remove heat from the cold plate. The beverage lines may be connected to a beverage supply for dispensing a desired beverage. Valves and a pressure sensor in the refrigerant line are connected to a microprocessor. At regular intervals, the microprocessor closes the valves, waits a short time, and then takes a pressure reading, which corresponds to a temperature. If the temperature falls below a desired value, then the cooling system is shut off. This permits the microprocessor to closely control the temperature of the beverage being dispensed. |
| US09915456B2 |
System and method for controlling vapor compression systems
A vapor compression system includes a heat exchanger having an inlet header pipe connected to a set of paths for passing refrigerant to condition a controlled zone. The inlet header pipe splits the refrigerant into different paths. An amount of the refrigerant entering the inlet header pipe is controlled by a valve. The vapor compression system also includes a set of sensors for measuring temperatures of the refrigerant in each path of the set of paths and a controller including a processor for determining a position of the valve based on the measurements of at least one sensor from the set of sensors and a thermal capacity requested for the heat exchanger. |
| US09915454B2 |
Air-conditioning apparatus including heat exchanger with controlled heat exchange amount
An outdoor heat exchanger includes a fan configured to adjust a heat transfer coefficient ao of the outside of a heat transfer tube through which a refrigerant flows, a bypass passage and flow rate control valve configured to adjust a heat transfer coefficient αi of the inside of the heat transfer tube through which the refrigerant flows, and an on-off valve configured to adjust a heat transfer area A where the refrigerant exchanges heat with a heat medium. A controller controls the heat transfer coefficient αo of the outside of the heat transfer tube, the heat transfer coefficient αi of the inside thereof, and the heat transfer area A to control a heat exchange amount of the outdoor heat exchanger. |
| US09915452B2 |
Support sheet arrangement for falling film evaporator
A falling film evaporator for a heating ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system includes an evaporator housing and a plurality of evaporator tubes located in the evaporator housing and arranged into one or more tube bundles. A volume of thermal energy transfer medium is flowed through the plurality of evaporator tubes. One or more support sheets located along a length of the plurality of evaporator tubes to position and support the plurality of evaporator tubes in the housing, the one or more support sheets including one or more vapor flow passages to allow flow of vapor refrigerant along a length of the evaporator. |
| US09915449B1 |
Refrigerator-freezer
A refrigerator-freezer having a first compartment wherein the first compartment is accessible via a rotatable mounted door with the rotatable mounted door being operable to remain disposed within the housing of the refrigerator-freezer during movement thereof. The refrigerator-freezer further includes a second compartment adjacent to the first compartment wherein the second compartment includes a plurality of sealably mounted storage containers slidably mounted within the second compartment. A third compartment is present and is configured to be extendable outward from the housing of the refrigerator-freezer and subsequently be lifted upward via a lifting mechanism. A controller is included to facilitate operation of the refrigerator-freezer. The controller further includes a voice recorder and a printer. The first compartment has disposed therein a plurality of storage bins that are slidably mounted. A battery power supply is included to provide emergency reserve power in the event the conventional AC power supply is disrupted. |
| US09915447B2 |
Performance improvement of magnetocaloric cascades through optimized material arrangement
A magnetocaloric cascade containing at least three different magnetocaloric materials with different Curie temperatures, which are arranged in succession by descending Curie temperature, wherein none of the different magnetocaloric materials with different Curie temperatures has a higher layer performance Lp than the magnetocaloric material with the highest Curie temperature and wherein at least one of the different magnetocaloric materials with different Curie temperatures has as lower layer performance Lp than the magnetocaloric material with the highest Curie temperature wherein Lp of a particular magnetocaloric material being calculated according to formula (I): Lp=m*dTad,max with dTad,max: maximum adiabatic temperature change which the particular magnetocaloric material undergoes when it is magnetized from a low magnetic field to high magnetic field during magnetocaloric cycling, m: mass of the particular magnetocaloric material contained in the magnetocaloric cascade. |
| US09915440B2 |
Device for regulating the air flow in a pipe
This device (D) for regulating the air flow in a pipe includes a flap (6) delimiting, relative to an inner surface (104) of a pipe (10) of the device (D), an air passage section (S), and an adjusting calibrating element (8) movable between a first position and a second position. The device includes a sealing wall (12), extending between the calibrating element and an inner surface (106) of the duct (10), suitable for preventing the passage of air from the side of the duct (10) opposite the air passage section (S). The sealing wall (12) is rotatable relative to the pipe (10) under the action of the movement of the calibrating element, and the calibrating element includes a front wall (86) perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (X-X′) of the duct (10) which, in the first position of the calibrating element, does not protrude past the circumference of the duct. |
| US09915439B2 |
Remote contractor system with data analytics for identifying needed products or services
A system that allows a contractor to remotely monitor and/or interact with its customers' building control systems, such as heating, ventilating and air conditioning (HVAC) systems, and analyze information obtained from the building control systems over time. Such a system may help the contractor monitor and diagnosis customer building control systems, setup service calls, achieve better customer relations, create more effective marketing opportunities, as well as other functions. In some cases, the disclosed system may include a controller that analyzes data from HVAC systems, determines if one or more of the HVAC systems may benefit from a particular product or service, and outputs the HVAC systems that are determined to benefit from a particular product or service. |
| US09915436B1 |
Heat source optimization system
A heat source optimization system capable of alternating configurations between an air exchange system and a geothermal system and/or earth loop systems depending on an instantaneous need and/or desire for taking in or discharging heat, while simultaneously remaining operational and without reversing valving or changing the rotational direction of a refrigerant compressor. The system manages refrigerant, and, via a processor and/or controller system, determines where to obtain refrigerant and also the quantity of refrigerant to be obtained. Additionally, the system, via a processor and/or controller system, both determines the optimal location or locations from which to take in heat or to which heat is to be rejected. |
| US09915434B2 |
Air temperature regulating assembly using thermal storage
An air temperature regulating assembly is provided having a packed rock bed through which air may flow between outer and inner spaces by way of interstices between rock units in order to transfer heat to or from the rock bed, in use. Dampers control the flow of air between the outer space, the inner space, an enclosed air space the temperature of which is to be regulated by raising or lowering it and the surrounding atmosphere. A fan moves air within the assembly. The rock bed is in the form of a pile of rocks having an upper surface that is inclined and directed in the general direction of the sun to directly absorb solar energy. The outer space is defined between the upper inclined surface of the rock bed and a transparent cover spaced upwardly from the surface of the rock bed. |
| US09915432B2 |
Portable cooking stove
A portable cooking stove is disclosed. The cooking stove includes a base structure. At least one burner is positioned within the base structure. A burner plate is positioned above the burner and also above the base structure. When the stove is in use, a cooking surface may be placed on top of the burner plate. Multiple legs are connected to the base structure. The legs can be positioned in an extended configuration in which the base structure is positioned at a certain height above a ground surface. When the legs are positioned in the extended configuration, the height at which the base structure (and therefore the burner plate and any cooking surface that is placed on the burner plate) is positioned above the ground surface is adjustable without removing the legs from the base structure. |
| US09915431B2 |
Gas pilot burner assembly
A pilot tube assembly for easy repair and/or replacement of a pilot hood is disclosed. In one example, a field configurable burner tube assembly may include a burner tube, a pilot hood, wherein the pilot hood engages the burner tube and can be secured to the burner tube in any of two or more different orientations in the field, a thermo-electric device, and a bracket for carrying the pilot hood and burner tube assembly adjacent to the thermoelectric device. |