| Document | Document Title |
|---|---|
| US09949917B2 |
Cosmetic composition comprising a combination of a sugar fatty acid ester with a plant extract of Waltheria indica or Pisum sativum for skin whitening
The invention is directed to a skin-whitening agent comprising at least one sugar fatty acid ester and at least one plant extract selected from the group consisting of extracts of Waltheria indica, extracts of Pisum sativum and mixtures thereof. The invention is further directed to cosmetic compositions comprising such a skin-whitening agents. |
| US09949914B2 |
Low viscosity hair care composition
This invention relates to a foamable concentrated hair care composition comprising an anionic surfactant, a co-surfactant, a viscosity reducing agent, and a cationic polymer. The hair care composition may further comprise a silicone, wherein the silicone particle size is less than about 10 microns. The hair care composition has a viscosity of from about 1 to about 3,000 cps. |
| US09949913B2 |
Luminate face lotion
The present invention features novel cosmetic skin care compositions for improving the appearance of skin, particularly the reducing the appearance of age spots and discoloration. |
| US09949911B2 |
Antiperspirant and deodorant compositions
The present application relates to antiperspirant compositions comprising nitrogen-based and/or oxygen based perfume raw materials, and methods for making and using the antiperspirant compositions. |
| US09949910B2 |
Cleansing compositions and methods of use thereof
A method of improving the rinsability of a cleansing composition comprising an isethionate ester surfactant of formula R6COOCH2CH2SO3−M+ the method comprising incorporating into the composition one or more compounds of formula (I) wherein R1 and R6 each independently represents a C4-36 substituted or unsubstituted hydrocarbyl group; each of R2, R3, R4 and R5 independently represents a hydrogen atom or a C1-4 alkyl group and wherein at least one of R2, R3, R4 and R5 is not hydrogen and M+ represents a cation. |
| US09949909B2 |
Use of special N-alkyl-N-acylglucamines for conditioning hair in hair washing agents
The invention relates to N-alkyl-N-acylglucamines of formula (I), which exhibit in hair-washing agents comprising an aqueous surfactant system with at least one anionic surfactant, a hair-conditioning effect, wherein, in formula (I), Ra is a linear or branched, saturated or unsaturated C5-C21 alkyl radical and Rb represents a C1-C4 alkyl radical, and wherein the N-alkyl-N-acylglucamines (I) contain at least 8 wt. %, based on the total amount of N-alkyl-N-acylglucamines (I), of compounds with a saturated C16-, C18- or a mono- or polyunsaturated C18 fatty acid radical Ra—CO—. |
| US09949907B2 |
Oral care compositions comprising calcium carbonate and a clay
The present invention provides an oral care composition comprising, by total weight of the composition: (a) 15 to 35 weight % calcium carbonate; (b) 0.5 to 2 weight % cellulose ether thickening agent; (c) 1 to 6 weight % clay thickening agent; and (d) at least 35 weight % water; wherein, when the composition comprises less than 28 weight % calcium carbonate and less than 4 weight % clay thickening agent, the cellulose ether thickening agent is present in an amount of greater than 1 weight %. |
| US09949900B2 |
Method for preparing multilayer lamellar liquid crystal emulsion including intercellular lipids
A method for preparing a liquid crystal emulsion includes: a) mixing, warming and dissolving intercellular lipid ingredients, non-polyoxyethylene (POE) based non-ionic surfactant, higher fatty alcohol, oil and wax to provide an oil phase part; b) mixing, warming and dissolving water, polyol and the other aqueous phase ingredients to provide an aqueous phase part; c) adding the oil phase part to the aqueous phase part, followed by agitation; d) introducing a viscosity modifier to the mixture solution under agitation; e) subjecting the mixture solution to rapid cooling under vacuum while carrying out debubbling under vacuum; and f) filtering the mixture solution through a filtering paper or filtering cloth. Provided is a stable liquid crystal emulsion having a multilayer lamellar structure including a large amount of intercellular lipid ingredients through a process using rapid cooling. The liquid crystal emulsion has an oil phase part and an aqueous phase part. |
| US09949899B2 |
Color cosmetic with high coverage and naturalness
Described herein is a cosmetic composition comprising a mixture of metal oxide pigments having different shapes and sizes which provides high coverage and a natural look upon application. |
| US09949894B2 |
Transportable and surface-mounting system for an auto-injection case
An auto-injection device holder includes a main body having at least a front wall, a back wall and a bottom wall, and an open top. The walls define a cavity for receiving at least partially therein at least one auto-injection device. An electrical circuit is mounted to the main body to provide information to a user of the auto-injection device holder. A switch is mounted on a wall of the main body and may be pressed by a user of the holder. The electrical circuit includes a read only memory having pertinent information stored digitally therein. When the switch is activated, the information stored digitally in the read only memory is converted to an analog signal which is provided to the speaker so that the user may hear the pertinent information, such as instructions on how to use the auto-injection device held by the holder. |
| US09949891B2 |
Portable automatic chest compression devices
An automated chest compression device has a housing for supporting a patient and a motor within the housing. A conical drive spool is operatively connected to the motor and a cable, is operatively connected to the conical drive spool. The cable is adapted to extend at least partially around the chest of the patient. A controller is operable to control the motor to compress the chest to variable thresholds. |
| US09949888B2 |
Apparatus, system, and method for testing and exercising the pelvic floor musculature
An apparatus (100) for testing and exercising pelvic floor musculature, the apparatus comprising an elongate housing (101) adapted for a pelvic floor aperture. The housing (101) accommodates an oscillator (120) and an accelerometer (130) connected to a signal processor (140) configured for communicating signals representative of values read from the accelerometer (130). A result is calculated from an applied oscillation and a response measured, and used for characterizing the musculature. In one embodiment the frequency resulting in the greatest response from the musculature is measured, and this frequency is applied during exercise. |
| US09949884B2 |
Device for spine correction and measurement system
A device for spine correction, in a particular human spines, has a keyboard with numerous adjacent segments comprised of opposed back supports. The keyboard (3) has at least one set of cooperating segments A, B and C supported on curved arch elements which bias a patient back in engagement with the keyboard toward a desired back configuration. The device includes a support frame (1), and a relatively movable mobile frame (2) on which the keyboard is supported. A measurement system includes a controller (49), a server (50) and a screen (51). The controller is connected to sensors (26) which determine rotational positions of the segments. The server provides outputs from the screen (51) responsive to the sensed data. |
| US09949880B2 |
Absorbent article with embedded lateral topsheets
The present invention relates to an absorbent article having a body-facing surface and a transverse centerline, comprising; a hydrophilic topsheet, a backsheet joined to the topsheet, and an absorbent core disposed between the topsheet and the backsheet, and a lateral topsheet on each longitudinal side of the body-facing surface of the absorbent article so that at least a part thereof covers the topsheet where the topsheet covers the absorbent core, wherein the lateral topsheet comprises an embedded zone along the longitudinal direction of the absorbent article comprising a plurality of compressed areas where the lateral topsheet and the topsheet are jointly compressed so that the lateral topsheet is embedded into the topsheet, and wherein the lateral topsheet in the compressed areas is one layer. |
| US09949879B2 |
Method for attaching discrete web segments
A method of forming a web includes directing a first discrete segment at a first speed to a first pick-up location. The first discrete segment is transferred from the first pick-up location to an application location using a first segment transfer device. A second discrete segment is directed to at a second speed to a second pick-up location. The second discrete segment is transferred from the second pick-up location to the application location using a second segment transfer device. The first and second discrete segments are attached to each other at the application location to form a web. |
| US09949878B2 |
System and method to automatically switch on and switch off device for accurate recording of personal sound exposure measurements
Embodiments relate generally to an active hearing protection device comprising a communication device operable to provide active hearing protection to a wearer; a set of earmuffs connected to the communication device, wherein each earmuff comprises an indicator mechanism operable to indicate to the communication device when the earmuff is inserted into a user's ear, a processor operable to receive information from the set of earmuffs and the indicator mechanisms of the earmuffs, and operable to automatically power the active hearing protection device on or off based on the information received from the indicator mechanism(s). When it is determined that both earmuffs are inserted into the user's ears, the active hearing protection device is powered on, and when it is determined that at least one of the earmuffs is not inserted into the user's ear(s), the active hearing protection device is powered off. |
| US09949872B2 |
Therapeutic eye and eyelid cover
An eye and eyelid cover includes a pair of spaced viewing windows between which, in use, a reservoir of hot water is contained, and a compartment within which a phase change material is contained, the phase change material being molten at the initial temperature of the hot water and solidifying during cooling of the hot water while a treatment procedure is being carried out. |
| US09949870B2 |
Intra-uterine insertion device
The present invention relates to an inserter (100), having a proximal (20) and distal (30) end, for inserting and positioning an intra-uterine device (IUD) (120), which is attached to a withdrawal string (130), said inserter (100) comprising: a) a plunger (102), having a central longitudinal axis, configured for slidable mounting of a hollow protective tube (110), the distal (30) end of the plunger (102) being configured for dismountable connection with the IUD (120), which protective tube (110) is configured to slidably cover the IUD (120); b) a handle (104), which is attached to the proximal (20) end of the plunger (102); and c) a longitudinal member (150) that forms part of the handle (104), which extends in the distal (30) direction with respect to the plunger (102), which longitudinal member (150) contains a friction contact surface (152) against which the protective tube (110) can frictionally engage, wherein the frictional engagement of the friction contact surface (152) against the protective tube (110) is manually actuatable and wherein the frictional engagement of the friction contact surface (152) against the protective tube (110) increases resistance to sliding of the protective tube (110) relative to the plunger (102). |
| US09949868B2 |
Mandibular advancement device
Disclosed herein are mandibular advancement devices comprising an upper splint and a lower splint, where the upper splint comprises one or more upper fins, where each upper fin is located at a distance UD from back of the upper splint; the lower splints comprise one or more lower fins, where each lower fin is located at a distance LD from back of the lower splint; where the position of the upper and lower fins is unchangeable. Also disclosed are methods of reducing partial constriction of airway during sleep for a patient, the method comprising identifying a patient in need thereof; and administering to the patient the disclosed mandibular advancement device. Also disclosed are methods of manufacturing a mandibular advancement device, the method comprising obtaining measurements from a patient's dentition; digitally designing a mandibular advancement device; and milling the mandibular advancement device. |
| US09949867B2 |
Sleep apnea oral appliance for use during orthodontic treatment
A sleep apnea oral appliance in which a pair of appliance trays are worn over respective orthodontic trays. The appliance trays are adjustable in order to allow them to be used with a series of orthodontic trays. |
| US09949859B2 |
Foot-therapy and toe-aligning device
Described is an exercise tool. More particularly, it is a therapy and exercise tool specifically devised as a foot-therapy and toe-aligning device to align, separate, and stretch toes. The foot-therapy and toe-aligning device comprises a frame with a plurality of posts connected with the frame. The device is formed of an elastic material such that a user may place at least one of the plurality of posts between a user's toes and pull the post to stretch and elongate the post between the toes. Upon release, the elastic material of the post causes the post to attempt to return to its original shape, thereby causing it to expand out and conform its shape to fit snugly against the user's toes. Additionally, the elastic material allows the toe posts to be positioned and maintained at numerous locations between the user's toes for customizable positioning between the toes. |
| US09949853B2 |
Delivery system with hooks for resheathability
Flexible implantable devices or stents can navigate tortuous vessels of the neurovasculature. The devices can also conform to the shape of tortuous vessels of the vasculature. In some embodiments, the devices can direct blood flow within a vessel away from an aneurysm or limit blood flow to the aneurysm. Methods and structures are provided for adjusting, along a length of the device, the porosity of the device while maintaining a cross-sectional dimension. In some embodiments, small hooks releasably engage the stent at a proximal end and are able to resheath the stent by retracting a proximal retaining member where the hooks are coupled to. The hooks straighten, unfurl, or otherwise disengage the stent when either unrestrained by a catheter or when coming into contact with an external stimulus found in the patient's vasculature. |
| US09949851B2 |
Fixing module and motion assistance apparatus including the same
Provided are a fixing module and a motion assistance apparatus including the same, the fixing module including a base body, a plurality of side frames provided on both sides of the base body, and a height adjustment assembly provided on the base body, and on which a driving module is mounted to provide a power, wherein a distance between the plurality of side frames may be adjustable. |
| US09949849B2 |
Medial-lateral stabilizing prosthetic ankle/foot for angled and rough ground gait
A device is provided including a first linkage system and a second linkage system. Each linkage system may include an upper support, a lower support, and a cross bar linkage including a first cross bar and a second cross bar. The first cross bar may be configured with a first end pivotally coupled to a first end of the lower support and a second end pivotally coupled to a second end of the upper support. The second cross bar may be configured with a first end pivotally coupled to a second end of the lower support and a second end pivotally coupled to a first end of the upper support. The device may also include a flexible bridging platform coupled to one of the upper support or the lower support of the first linkage system and coupled to the upper support of the second linkage system, and a flexible strut coupled to the lower support of the second linkage system. |
| US09949847B2 |
Bio-mechanical prosthetic finger with Y-shaped rocker
The disclosure provides apparatus and methods of use pertaining to a prosthetic finger assembly. In one embodiment, the assembly includes a coupling tip and a distal ring coupled with the coupling tip. The assembly further includes a proximal ring coupled with the distal ring. A rocker formed in a Y-shape with a first end forming a single prong and a second end forming a split prong may extend between the coupling tip and the proximal ring. The coupling tip, distal ring, proximal ring, and Y-shaped rocker may all be hingedly connected such that movements of the residual finger within the proximal ring and the distal articulate the distal ring together with the rocker to curl and bend the coupling tip. Other embodiments are also disclosed. |
| US09949843B2 |
Apparatus, systems, and methods for the fixation or fusion of bone
Assemblies of one or more implant structures make possible the achievement of diverse interventions involving the fusion and/or stabilization of the SI-joint and/or lumbar and sacral vertebra in a non-invasive manner, with minimal incision, and without the necessitating the removing the intervertebral disc. The representative lumbar spine interventions, which can be performed on adults or children, include, but are not limited to, SI-joint fusion or fixation; lumbar interbody fusion; translaminar lumbar fusion; lumbar facet fusion; trans-iliac lumbar fusion; and the stabilization of a spondylolisthesis. |
| US09949841B2 |
Expandable fusion device and method of installation thereof
The present invention provides an expandable fusion device capable of being installed inside an intervertebral disc space to maintain normal disc spacing and restore spinal stability, thereby facilitating an intervertebral fusion. In one embodiment, the fusion device includes a body portion, a first endplate, and a second endplate, the first and second endplates capable of being moved in a direction away from the body portion into an expanded configuration or capable of being moved towards the body portion into an unexpanded configuration. The fusion device is capable of being deployed and installed in both configurations. |
| US09949840B1 |
Systems and methods for performing spine surgery
Systems and methods are described for accessing and operating on an intervertebral disc at the lumbosacral junction via a trans-iliac approach. The instruments and methods described employ nerve monitoring to direct passage of the instruments through a safe zone between the L5 nerve root lying posterior to the trans-iliac path and the iliac vein (and iliac artery) lying anterior to the trans-iliac path. |
| US09949837B2 |
Partially porous bone implant keel
A method for removing a stem portion of an orthopedic implant from a bone comprises exposing an implanted orthopedic implant having a body portion, a stem portion interconnected to the body and a porous metal section forming an interconnection between the body and the stem portion. A cutting tool is mounted on a holder connected to an exposed surface of the orthopedic implant. The porous section is aligned with the cutting tool mounted on the holder. The entire porous section is cut by moving the cutting tool therethrough in a direction transverse to the stem portion axis. The implant body portion is then removed and then the stem portion is removed from the bone. The cutting tool may be a saw or chisel which may be mounted on a guide fixed to the body portion. |
| US09949836B2 |
Orthopedic augment with cement trough containing projections
Systems, devices, and methods are provided for orthopedic implants. The implants may include a base member, such as an acetabular shell or an augment, that is configured to couple with an augment, flange cup, mounting member, or any other suitable orthopedic attachment. An implant may include abuse member that has at least two projections with a gap between the projections. The gap between the projections allows the implant to be implanted around another implanted component, such as around a bone screw of an acetabular shell. The implant may include a fixation element, such as a screw or a cement trough, on one or more projections to couple the implant to an implanted acetabular shell. The implant may also include timing marks to facilitate alignment with corresponding marks on another implanted component. |
| US09949835B2 |
Methods of fusing a sacroiliac joint via a posterior-inferior access region
A method of fusing a sacroiliac joint including implanting a joint implant into the sacroiliac joint such that the joint implant passes through a posterior-inferior access region, the joint implant having an implanted position in the sacroiliac joint such that a portion of the joint implant is positioned within a caudal portion of an articular plane of the sacroiliac joint. |
| US09949834B2 |
Prosthetic element for bone extremities such as fingers or toes, or for teeth, and corresponding production method
Prosthetic element for bone extremities such as fingers or toes, or teeth, comprising a trabecular part (20, 40, 120) and two end parts or stumps (12, 34, 112; 15, 39, 115). |
| US09949833B2 |
Finishing RASP and orthopaedic surgical procedure for using the same to implant a revision hip prosthesis
A surgical instrument includes a finishing rasp having a longitudinal axis, an elongated shaft, a handle, and a cutting head. The elongated shaft has an outer circumference and a bore formed therein, and the bore has an open end defined in a distal end of the elongated shaft and a blind end positioned proximally of the open end within the elongated shaft. The handle is secured to an opposite, proximal end of the elongated shaft. The cutting head is secured to, and extends away from, the distal end of the shaft. The cutting head has a length that extends along the longitudinal axis and is arcuate in shape so as to extend around less than the outer circumference of the elongated shaft at the open end of the bore. The cutting head includes a plurality of linear cutting teeth that extend along the length of the cutting head. |
| US09949832B2 |
Osteograft implant
Bone implant compositions are provided that include a body made of cortical bone extending along an axis between a first end and a second end. The body includes an outer surface configured to engage host bone of a patient and at least one recess extending transverse to the axis into the outer surface of the body configured for disposal of an insert. At least one insert made of demineralized bone is disposed in the at least one recess. |
| US09949830B2 |
Method for replacing a heart valve
A method for replacing a native heart valve in need thereof comprises delivering to the native heart valve an apparatus comprising a valve member, a connecting member, and an anchor member suitable for anchoring the apparatus. The valve member reversibly moves between an open position and a closed position to augment or replace the function of the native valve leaflets, thereby reducing valve regurgitation. Some embodiments include a stent that is positioned in the native heart valve with the valve member disposed therein. |
| US09949827B2 |
Replacement heart valves, delivery devices and methods
A replacement heart valve and method of treating valve insufficiency includes an expandable frame configured to engage a native valve annulus. A valve body is coupled to the frame. The valve body can include a leaflet portion and possibly a skirt portion. A portion of the frame has a foreshortening portion configured to longitudinally expand when urged to a radially compacted state and longitudinally contract when urged to a radially expanded state. In one embodiment the valve skirt is attached to the frame so that it can adapt to changes in the length of the frame. A delivery device in some embodiments can use one or more coverings, such as sheaths, to controllably release the replacement heart valve at a native heart valve. |
| US09949824B2 |
Devices useful for implantation at a heart valve
A device useful for implantation at a native heart valve can include an anchor element having a tubular configuration defining a longitudinal direction and a circumference, a heart valve prosthesis disposed within the anchor element, and a plurality of elongate members positioned at equidistant angular intervals about the circumference of the anchor element. The device can be configured to be transitioned from a radially collapsed delivery configuration to a radially expanded implantation configuration, and the plurality of elongate members can have a length extending in the longitudinal direction of the tubular member in the expanded implantation configuration. |
| US09949823B2 |
Universal bioabsorbable nasal implant kit
Novel bioabsorbable, universal kits used to form nasal implants are disclosed. The implants are useful in rhinoplasty and nasal reconstruction surgical procedures. The kit devices have a universal configuration and can be converted by the surgeon in the field into one or more individual nasal implant devices having different configurations and applications. The kits may have outlines of nasal implants thereon. |
| US09949818B2 |
Combination double-barreled and debranching stent grafts and methods for use
A combination double-barreled and debranching stent graft and methods for its use, where the stent graft comprises, a main body stent graft defining a single lumen with distal and proximal ends, a first bifurcation in the main body defining first and second lumens, the main body stent graft defines a tubular wall that is contiguous with the first and second lumens such that any fluid entering the main body stent graft must exit by entering one of the first or second lumens, (c) a second bifurcation within the first lumen defining a first leg and a second leg, (d) a third bifurcation within the first leg defining a third leg and a fourth leg, and (e) a fourth bifurcation within the second leg between about 10 mm and about 20 mm distal from the second bifurcation defining a fifth leg and a sixth leg. |
| US09949816B2 |
IVC filter retrieval systems with multiple capture modes
Funnel-trap type delivery and/or retrieval devices for temporary Inferior Vena Cava (IVC) filters or other medical implants or foreign bodies are described. These may employ a locking sheath or a proximal-aperture capture feature or features for IVC filter (or other device) retrieval. |
| US09949812B2 |
Vaginal operation method for the treatment of anal incontinence in women
There is disclosed a method for treating anal incontinence in women. The method comprises accessing the rectum or colon or anus though an incision in the vagina and implanting a powered restriction device on the rectum, colon or anal sphincter. There are also disclosed methods for energizing and controlling the restriction device. |
| US09949807B2 |
Drill guide for a dental implant and a method for fabricating a drill guide
A drill guide for creating a drilled implant hole for a dental implant, and a method for producing the drill guide. The drill guide includes a base part having at least one access opening and at least one sleeve. A first surface of the base part has an impression of a preparation site, and a second surface of the base part opposite the first surface has a support surface. The access opening expands from the second surface to the first surface of the base part. The access opening and the support surface are shaped in such a way that the sleeve can be inserted at least partially into the access opening, and the sleeve, when inserted, rests on the support surface and is positioned and oriented relative to the base part. |
| US09949806B2 |
Orthodontic bracket assemblies with torque-adjusting drums
Orthodontic bracket assemblies with torque-adjusting drums. The drum defines at least a majority of the archwire slot of the corresponding bracket assembly, and the drum may be selectively rotated about its longitudinal axis to adjust the prescriptive force that is applied to a patient's tooth during orthodontic use of the bracket assembly. The bracket assembly includes a positioning assembly that selectively retains the drum in a selected orientation relative to the base of the bracket assembly, thereby defining a prescription to be imparted by the bracket assembly to a patient's tooth. In some embodiments, the bracket assembly includes a biasing mechanism that selectively urges the positioning assembly to a position in which the drum is, or is not, retained in a selected position. In some embodiments, the bracket includes a release mechanism that selectively disengages the positioning assembly to permit adjustment of the drum. |
| US09949805B1 |
Orthodontic brace bracket attachment system
An orthodontic bracket attachment system featuring brackets for orthodontic braces. The system features a wing located on a bracket facial side. The system features an adhesive indention located on a bracket lingual side. The orthodontic bracket is designed to be affixed to a surface of a tooth. Adhesive is applied to the bracket lingual side flowing into the adhesive indention. The bracket is affixed to the surface of the tooth via the adhesive. |
| US09949804B2 |
Orthodontic bracket and a method of making an orthodontic bracket
Method of making a customized orthodontic bracket. A bracket receiving area is determined on a three-dimensional tooth model of a patient's tooth, and a bracket base is provided with a tooth-facing surface that is shaped according to the shape of the bracket receiving area. An outline of a bracket head is determined on the tooth model, and the bracket head is provided with a bracket head surface that is shaped according to the shape within the bracket head outline. The bracket has an outer surface with a shape corresponding to the natural shape of the patient's tooth, which helps to minimize discomfort during orthodontic treatment with the brackets. |
| US09949803B2 |
Lighting device for a medical or dental instrument
Medical or dental instruments having a lighting device, manufacturing methods for such instruments and various lighting devices having an optical semiconductor element are described. The lighting devices have, for example, a body, at least one radiation-emitting surface on a radiation-emitting end of the body and at least one fluid channel which is provided in the body and connects at least one opening which is provided on the radiation-emitting end to one or more fluid sources for dispensing fluid. The lighting devices have, for example, a hollow metallic sleeve, a transparent window for emission of electromagnetic radiation and a socket on which at least one optical semiconductor element is arranged. The socket is made of a ceramic, glass ceramic or glass material, and is connected to the hollow metallic sleeve by a material comprising metal and glass. |
| US09949801B2 |
Systems and methods for commanded reconfiguration of a surgical manipulator using the null-space
Devices, systems, and methods for reconfiguring a surgical manipulator by moving the manipulator within a null-space of a kinematic Jacobian of the manipulator arm. In one aspect, in response to receiving a reconfiguration command, the system drives a first set of joints and calculates velocities of the plurality of joints to be within a null-space. The joints are driven according to the reconfiguration command and the calculated movement so as to maintain a desired state of the end effector or a remote center about which an instrument shaft pivots. In another aspect, the joints are also driven according to a calculated end effector or remote center displacing velocities within a null-perpendicular-space of the Jacobian so as to effect the desired reconfiguration concurrently with a desired movement of the end effector or remote center. |
| US09949796B2 |
Round depth gauge
A device for measuring blind holes formed through a bone includes (a) a first elongated rod including a shaft extending from a proximal end to a distal end, the distal end including an increased diameter abutment extending radially outward therefrom, the abutment including a proximal surface formed to contact a portion of the bone adjacent a distal opening of the blind hole to assume a locked configuration with the bone and (b) a second elongated rod extending from a proximal end to a distal end along a longitudinal axis. |
| US09949793B2 |
Catheter with atraumatic tip
A medical device is provided comprising a shaft comprising a first segment and a second segment. The first segment is configured to buckle upon application of a first critical force. The second segment includes an outer surface and an inner surface and is configured to buckle upon application of a second critical force. The second critical force is lower than the first critical force. The medical device further comprises a coil disposed radially inwardly of the inner surface of the second segment. |
| US09949783B2 |
Systems and methods for optimizing emissions from simultaneous activation of electrosurgery generators
A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium is presented including a power supply module configured to output power, a first energy module configured to receive the power and convert the power into a first waveform having a first phase, and to deliver the power in a first energy mode, and a second energy module configured to receive the power and convert the power into a second waveform having a second phase, and to deliver the power in a second energy mode. A host controller module is configured to control a type and a number of energy modalities provided by the generator platform and a comparator compares the first phase of the first waveform with the second phase of the second waveform in one or more of a plurality of sub-periods. An adjustment module adjusts a relative phase between the first and second waveforms based on results obtained from the comparator. |
| US09949782B2 |
Method for the control of a medical device as a function of neutral electrode impedance
The method disclosed herein permits the operator of an electrosurgical device to move a safety switch-off threshold for a contact resistance at a neutral electrode from a first value to a second and slightly higher value. This way, for patients with a relatively high resistance yielding a somewhat elevated contact resistance despite correct attachment of the neutral electrode, uninterrupted operation of the device is achievable. |
| US09949781B2 |
Grasping treatment unit, grasping treatment instrument, and grasping treatment system
A grasping treatment unit includes a first jaw, and a second jaw openable and closable relative to the first jaw. In the first jaw, a heating wire continues without branching from a first extending end to a second extending end, and heat is generated over an entire length from the first extending end to the second extending end when the electric current flows through the heating wire. In a heating portion, a calorific value per unit area is higher in a distal portion than in a proximal portion in the first jaw when the heat is generated from the heating wire. On a treatment surface of the first jaw, an amount of heat transfer from the heating portion is greater in the distal portion than in the proximal portion. |
| US09949778B2 |
Spinal implant with flexible tie
A spinal implant can be fastened on a bony element of a patient via a flexible tie. In some embodiments, the spinal implant has two jaws, each having a recess and an opening. The recess is configured to receive a portion of a rod. A portion of the flexible tie is passed through the opening and between a wall of the recess and a surface of the rod to form a loop that can be placed around the bony element. The two jaws are hinged at one end and engaged at the opposite end via a locking member. The locking member can be adjusted to simultaneously hold the jaws together in a fixed position relative to the rod and lock the flexible tie, which has been properly tensioned, in translation relative to the spinal implant. |
| US09949777B2 |
Method and device for delivering medicine to bone
A method for the long-term delivery of fluids to a bone of a patient includes providing a cannulated bone screw and an insert configured to be coupled to the bone screw. The method further includes creating an aperture in the skin of a patient, inserting the bone screw into a bone of the patient through the aperture, and coupling the insert to the bone screw. The method further includes the steps of providing a fluid source, coupling the fluid source to the insert, and delivering a fluid from the fluid source to the insert. |
| US09949767B2 |
Methods and devices for manipulating a vertebra
Methods and devices are provided for manipulating a vertebra. In one embodiment, a surgical device can include a frame configured to couple two or more surgical instruments attached to one or more vertebrae. Coupling the two or more surgical instruments together, the frame and/or at least one of the surgical instruments can be manipulated to move at least one of the surgical instruments, thereby effecting movement at least one of the vertebra or vertebrae to which the surgical instruments coupled to the frame are attached. In this way, the surgical device can be used to facilitate rotation of a vertebra relative to another vertebra to correct the angular relationship of the vertebrae. |
| US09949766B2 |
Polyaxial screw
The present invention generally is directed toward a spinal fixation system whereby a coupling element allows the physician to selectively lock or unlock either the connection between the coupling element and a fastener, such as to allow for repositioning of the coupling element, or the connection between the coupling element and an elongate rod. The locking or unlocking of these connections may be made independently and as desired by the physician. |
| US09949765B2 |
Orthopedic fixation devices and methods of installation thereof
Orthopedic fixation devices and methods of installing the same. The orthopedic fixation device may include a coupling element and a bone fastener, whereby the bone fastener can be loaded into the coupling element through the bottom of a bore in the coupling element. |
| US09949764B2 |
Spinal deformity correction
A spinal alignment system can include a rod and a plurality of uniplanar screw assemblies that include a screw, a cap, and a housing. The screw and cap can be configured such that the relative angular displacement between the screw and the cap is limited to a first limit angle in a first plane and to a second limit angle in a second plane that is perpendicular to the first plane, the second limit angle being larger than the first limit angle. The housing can be coupled to the cap and configured to maintain the cap in proximity with the head of the screw. The housing can have two elongated elements forming a U-shaped saddle. The alignment system can also include a plurality of locking cap assemblies that capture the rod within the U-shaped saddle and are tightened to fixedly couple the rod to the respective uniplanar screw assemblies. |
| US09949761B2 |
Noninvasive device for adjusting fastener
One or more techniques and/or systems are disclosed for a system for noninvasive adjusting fastener tensioning has an elongated shaft having a slot defined therein. The shaft has a first end oppositely disposed from the second end. An associated rod or rods may pass through each end. Selectively adjustable fasteners may have a plurality of magnets disposed in the head of the fastener. An external drive device generating a magnetic field may be used to rotate the fasteners via the magnets in the fastener head externally without the need for surgery. The fasteners may move in and out from the shaft and contact the rod to adjust tensioning. |
| US09949759B2 |
Growing rod for treating spinal deformities and method for using same
A growing rod adapted to be secured along a length of a spine for treating deformities of the spine. The growing rod comprises a base rod, an extendable rod having a proximal portion that is slidably coupled to the base rod and arranged with a gear rack, and a distraction unit. The distraction unit includes a housing attached to the base rod, a rotatable drive interface accessible by an external driver from outside of the housing, and a drive gear mechanism housed within the housing and coupled to the rotatable drive interface and the gear rack such that rotation of the rotatable drive interface causes linear movement of the extendable rod through the gear rack. |
| US09949752B2 |
Systems and methods for endoluminal valve creation
The present application pertains generally to medical systems and methods for creation of an autologous tissue valves within a mammalian body. In some embodiments, a system for creating an endoluminal valve from a blood vessel wall is provided. The system includes a tubular assembly having a longitudinal axis, a proximal end, a distal portion with a distal end, and a first lumen extending from the proximal end to a distal port located proximate the distal portion. The distal portion can have a supporting surface that extends in a longitudinal direction and is offset from a surface of the tubular assembly proximal the distal port. The system can further include a tissue dissection probe disposed within the first lumen. |
| US09949747B2 |
Systems and methods for installing an orthopedic implant
A system includes a cartridge having an elongate body extending from a first end to a second end and having a top side and a bottom side. The cartridge defines a first hole adjacent to the first end that extends through the cartridge from the bottom side to the top side. The top side of the cartridge defines a pair of parallel slots that extend perpendicular with respect to a longitudinal axis of the cartridge. Each slot of the pair of parallel slots is equidistant from a central axis defined by the first hole. |
| US09949745B2 |
Systems, devices, and methods for guiding surgical devices into bone
Devices, systems, and methods are generally provided for guiding surgical devices into a desired location and orientation in a bone. In general, the devices can include an elongate guide, a sleeve having an inner lumen therethrough for seating the guide, and a locking mechanism configured to lock a position of the guide with respect to the sleeve. The guide can have a distal, bone-engaging portion that can be laterally offset from an intermediate portion of the guide by a predetermined distance and that can extend distally beyond the sleeve to contact a bony structure. The guide can thus orient and stabilize the sleeve at the predetermined distance from the bony structure to provide for the delivery of one or more surgical devices through the sleeve and into the bone at a desired location and orientation, without requiring a surgeon to actually view the surgical site. |
| US09949737B2 |
Adapter assemblies for interconnecting surgical loading units and handle assemblies
A surgical instrument includes a handle assembly, a surgical loading unit, and an adapter assembly coupled therebetween. The adapter assembly includes a housing, an elongated body, a switch assembly, and a switch actuator. The elongated body extends distally from the housing and is configured to be coupled to the surgical loading unit. The switch assembly is disposed within the housing and configured to communicate that the surgical loading unit is coupled to the elongated body. The switch assembly includes a substrate, a switch mounted on the substrate, and at least one wire coupled to the substrate. The switch actuator is movably disposed within the housing and configured to actuate the switch upon engagement of the surgical loading unit with the elongated body. |
| US09949732B2 |
System and method for all-inside suture fixation for implant attachment and soft tissue repair
In one embodiment, a system for repairing a meniscus includes a suture including a first anchor, a second anchor, and a flexible portion connecting the first anchor and the second anchor. The flexible portion includes a self-locking slide knot between the first anchor and the second anchor. The system also includes a needle having a longitudinal extending bore, an open end, and a slot adjacent the open distal end, the first anchor and the second anchor are positioned entirely within the bore and slot. The system further includes a pusher configured to be movable within the bore of the needle. The pusher is configured to discharge the first anchor and the second anchor individually and sequentially through the open distal end of the needle. |
| US09949730B2 |
Circumferential wound retraction with support and guidance structures
Embodiments of a circumferential retractor having an attached supporting, manipulating or positioning tool are described. The retractor optionally includes a sealing member associated with an external member of the retractor and an external support structure that may be used with the retractor and positioning tool as needed. |
| US09949729B2 |
Surgical retractor systems
A medical device for keeping open of a wound during surgery is described. It comprises a surgical retractor, a mechanical retracting system a force element for automatically winding an elongate wire-like element to apply tension to the elongate wire-like element. |
| US09949716B2 |
Method for generating an elasticity image
An image processing method enables an elasticity image of a body including a cavity to be produced on the basis of the material(s) forming the body, wherein the method includes the steps of: receiving a deformation image illustrating a field of movement of the points of the body on the basis of a pressure difference in the body, estimating a shape function of the body from the deformation image, calculating an elasticity image of the body on the basis of the shape function, of the pressure difference and of the deformation image. |
| US09949715B2 |
Systems and methods for ultrasound probe guidance
Systems and method for ultrasound probe guidance are provided. One system includes a probe guide with a body having at least one engagement portion for coupling an ultrasound probe to the body. The system also includes at least one sensor configured to communicate with an ultrasound imaging system, wherein the at least one sensor coupled to the body and configured to determine at least one of a spatial position, an orientation, a probe head movement speed, a temperature, a scan speed of the body relative to an object being scanned, or a contact pressure relative to the body and the object being scanned. |
| US09949709B2 |
Techniques for suppression of motion artifacts in medical imaging
Techniques for suppression of motion artifacts in medical imaging include obtaining projections at different times within a time interval from a medical imaging system operating on a subject. A stationary projection is determined for a first subset of the projections in which a signal source and detector array of the imaging system are in a first configuration relative to the subject. An image of the subject based on the stationary projection is displayed. For any subset, the stationary projection is a minimum value for each pixel among the subset of projections if a signal passing through a moving object of interest inside the subject is expected to cause an increase in a pixel value. Alternatively, the stationary projection is a maximum value for each pixel among the subset of projections if the signal passing through the object of interest is expected to cause a decrease in a pixel value. |
| US09949707B2 |
Radiographic imaging system, control method, and storage medium
A radiographic imaging system, which includes a plurality of radiographic imaging apparatuses each configured to acquire a radiographic image and a processing unit configured to combine a plurality of the radiographic images acquired from the plurality of radiographic imaging apparatuses to generate a stitched image, includes a correction image data determination unit configured to determine correction image data based on an irradiation condition of radiation to be emitted from the radiation source, and an image correction unit configured to correct an area of the stitched image corresponding to an area in which the plurality of radiographic imaging apparatuses overlap, by using the correction image data. |
| US09949706B2 |
Image-processing device, radiographic imaging system, image-processing program, and image-processing method
Provided are an image processing device, a radiography system, an image processing program, and an image processing method which can generate a tomographic image used for radiographic interpretation and a tomographic image suitable for generating a composite two-dimensional image from a projection image obtained by tomosynthesis imaging. A frequency processing unit and a tomographic image generation unit generate a first tomographic image which is emphasized according to a spatial frequency and is used for radiographic interpretation, on the basis of the projection images obtained by tomosynthesis imaging, and generate a second tomographic image which is emphasized according to the spatial frequency and on which the degree of emphasis is different from the degree of emphasis on the first tomographic image, on the basis of the projection image. A two-dimensional image generation unit combines a plurality of second tomographic images to generate a composite two-dimensional image. |
| US09949705B2 |
Device and method for x-ray phase contrast imaging
A device for slot scanning phase contrast x-ray imaging, includes an x-ray emitter, a plurality of x-ray gratings, a patient couch, and an x-ray detector. Position marker elements are arranged and configured in the beam path of the x-ray emitter such that the position marker elements are visible in an x-ray image. In the x-ray image, a relative position of an object on the patient couch in relation to an x-ray beam fan of the x-ray emitter may be established from a location and a distance of the position marker elements from one another. |
| US09949703B2 |
Extremity imaging apparatus
An x-ray imaging apparatus revolves a digital radiation detector and a radiation source about an imaging area where a subject is positioned to be imaged. A housing encloses the source and the detector, and includes an open housing gap to allow movement of the subject into the imaging area by moving through the open gap. A housing extension may be deployed to close the housing gap and to enclose the detector as it revolves. Shielding assemblies prevent exterior access into the housing. |
| US09949700B2 |
Medical device approaches
A system and method for providing image guidance for planning approach paths for one or more medical devices at a target location. The system can receive a volumetric medical image, determine a density of content within the volumetric medical image, receive an indication of a target location within the volumetric medical image, identify obstructing objects within the volumetric medical image, and determine a plurality of pathways from an approach region of the volumetric medical image to the target location. The system can cause a display to concurrently display the volumetric medical image and a plurality of emplacements for one or more medical imaging devices. |
| US09949699B2 |
Tomographic image generating system comprising a three-dimensional camera for aquiring a thickness and/or a two-dimensional shape of a surface of a subject
An embodiment of an tomographic image generating system may include: an imaging member that includes a radiation source, a radiation detector and a subject table, and captures the projected image a predetermined number of times while changing a positional relationship between the radiation source and the radiation detector; a reconstructing member that generates a tomographic image of the subject from the projected image captured by the imaging member; an acquiring member that acquires a thickness of the subject and/or a two-dimensional shape of a surface of the subject, the surface of the subject being irradiated with radiation; and a controlling member that determines an imaging condition for the imaging member and/or a reconstructing condition for the reconstructing member generating the tomographic image of the subject, on the basis of the thickness and/or the two-dimensional shape of the subject acquired by the acquiring member. |
| US09949696B2 |
Apparatus and methods for computing cardiac output of a living subject via applanation tonometry
Apparatus and methods for calculating cardiac output (CO) of a living subject using applanation tonometry measurements. In one embodiment, the apparatus and methods build a nonlinear mathematical model to correlate physiologic source data vectors to target CO values. The source data vectors include one or more measurable or derivable parameters such as: systolic and diastolic pressure, pulse pressure, beat-to-beat interval, mean arterial pressure, maximal slope of the pressure rise during systole, the area under systolic part of the pulse pressure wave, gender (male or female), age, height and weight. The target CO values are acquired using various methods, across a plurality of individuals. Multidimensional nonlinear optimization is then used to find a mathematical model which transforms the source data to the target CO data. The model is then applied to an individual by acquiring physiologic data for the individual and applying the model to the collected data. |
| US09949692B2 |
Stent graft monitoring assembly and method of use thereof
Assemblies are provided for positioning within a lumen comprising a stent graft; and a sensor positioned on the stent graft. Within certain aspects the sensors are wireless sensors, and include for example one or more fluid pressure sensors, contact sensors, position sensors, pulse pressure sensors, blood volume sensors, blood flow sensors, chemistry sensors (e.g., for blood and/or other fluids), metabolic sensors (e.g., for blood and/or other fluids), mechanical stress sensors and/or temperature sensors. |
| US09949690B2 |
Automatic configuration system for an operator console
An automatic configuration system for an operator console wherein one or more operators control and monitor physical facilities, operations or physically dispersed services. The system includes wearable personal identification devices worn by the operators and a control unit for communicating with the wearable personal identification devices in order to detect the presence of one or more operators within a defined control room area. Each personal identification device includes a sensor unit for monitoring operator data, and is adapted to communicate the operator data to the control unit, which is adapted to configure the operator console based on the operator data. |
| US09949682B2 |
Method for determining target of alcohol test, driving safety device and system, server
The present invention provides a method for determining a target of alcohol test, including: determining whether a motor vehicle satisfies a preset condition; and determining, as a target vehicle, a motor vehicle that satisfies at least one preset condition. The preset condition comprises at least one of: a parking duration in an area, in which a distance from a place selling alcoholic drinks does not exceed a predetermined distance, has a value within a predetermined range; alcohol content in a body of a driver of the motor vehicle exceeds a predetermined value; and schedule of a driver of the motor vehicle on that driving day comprises having a meal and/or a dinner party. The present invention further provides a driving safety device, a server and a driving safety system. |
| US09949681B2 |
Burnout symptoms detection and prediction
A method for detecting and presenting burnout symptoms associated with users is provided. The method may include receiving a plurality of predictor rules for monitoring and detecting a plurality of burnout indicators. The method may further include monitoring and receiving the plurality of burnout indicators. Additionally, the method may include storing the monitored and received plurality of burnout indicators. The method may also include detecting a plurality of burnout events associated with the stored monitored and received plurality of burnout indicators. The method may further include determining the plurality of burnout symptoms based on the detected plurality of burnout events. The method may also include determining at least one aggregate score based on the determined plurality of burnout symptoms. The method may further include presenting at least one alert and at least one recommendation based on the determined plurality of burnout symptoms and the determined at least one aggregate score. |
| US09949680B2 |
Drawworks
A drawworks for a drilling device for lowering and hoisting a load such as a drill string or parts thereof includes a frame comprising a first bearing point, a second bearing point, and a third bearing point, a winding drum, and a first bearing device connected to the frame for the winding drum. The first bearing device is arranged so that a center of respective bearing forces is located at each of the first bearing point, at the second bearing point, and at the third bearing point. |
| US09949675B2 |
Noninvasive blood measurement platform
A noninvasive blood measurement platform may be used to determine the amounts of various constituents of the blood based on the bulk absorption characteristics of the blood. The platform may measure bulk absorption of energy such as, a broad-spectrum light, to determine maximum and minimum blood volumes. The platform may measure bulk absorption of energy at the maximum and minimum blood volumes. The bulk absorption measurements may be transformed using a transformation operation to determine bulk absorption characteristics in terms of frequency and/or wavelength. A time-varying component of the bulk absorption characteristics may be derived by comparing the bulk absorption characteristics at the maximum blood volume to the bulk absorption characteristics at the minimum blood volume. Multivariate analysis may be performed on the time-varying component to determine the amount of the one or more constituents of the blood. |
| US09949673B2 |
System, method and apparatus with multiple reservoirs for in situ calibration of implantable sensors
A subcutaneous sensor system includes a sensor, a plurality of reservoirs, a plurality of pumps, a mixer provided with a plurality of mixer inlets and a mixer outlet, and a controller having an input coupled to the sensor output and a plurality of control outputs coupled to the plurality of pumps and the mixer. In certain embodiments, the system further includes an enclosure for the reservoirs, the pumps, the mixer and the controller, e.g. in the form of a skin patch or in the form of an implantable enclosure. In certain embodiments, the sensor is external to the enclosure and implanted beneath the skin tissue. |
| US09949671B2 |
Diagnostic mouthpieces
Diagnostic mouthpieces and separate pads for same allow dental devices of various types to have a dual purpose. The diagnostic mouthpieces allow frequent use and early intervention. |
| US09949669B2 |
System and method for determining patient follow-up subsequent to an orthopedic procedure
A method of determining patient follow-up subsequent to an orthopaedic procedure includes determining the number of cycles of use of an orthopaedic joint of the patient. If a predetermined threshold is exceeded, communication with an orthopaedic care provider is initiated. A patient monitoring system is also disclosed. |
| US09949668B2 |
Assessing autonomic activity using baroreflex analysis
A method involves implantably detecting changes in posture of a patient's body. Baroreflex responses to the posture changes are determined. An autonomic tone of the patient is determined based on the baroreflex responses. Based on the autonomic tone, various patient susceptibilities to disease may be determined, including susceptibilities to heart disease, arrhythmia, and/or sudden cardiac death. |
| US09949665B2 |
Method, system and device for positioning an implant
The present invention relates to a method for measuring or verifying the position of a medical implant located in an anatomical body part(s) and/or structure(s) relative to the body part(s) and/or structure(s) or specific points, landmarks or planes of the same, wherein a device is provided which has an at least partially known or previously determined geometry or at least partially known dimensions and is connected to the medical implant; positional or landmark information regarding the anatomical body part(s) and/or structure(s) is acquired; the position of the medical implant is calculated using a navigation system and a reference structure which is or can be connected to the device; and the calculated position of the medical implant is related to or compared with the acquired positional or landmark information regarding the anatomical body part(s) and/or structure(s) in order to measure or verify the position of the medical implant within or relative to the anatomical body part(s) and/or structure(s). |
| US09949662B2 |
Device and method having automatic user recognition and obtaining impedance-measurement signals
Aspects of the present disclosure are directed to a CPU and a memory circuit that has user-corresponding data stored on the memory circuit, and a platform over which a plurality of electrodes are interleaved, and configured for engaging the user. While the plurality of electrodes is concurrently contacting a limb or other extremity of the user, measurement signals are obtained from the plurality of electrodes. Based on a plurality of impedance-measurement signals being obtained from the electrodes, signals are generated that correspond to cardiovascular timings of the user. In such aspects of the present disclosure, pulse characteristic signals are determined based on the plurality of impedance-measurement signals. One of the pulse characteristic signals is extracted, and used as a timing reference to extract and process another pulse characteristic signal. |
| US09949661B2 |
Signal processing unit of an EMG measuring system
An EMG measuring system has a signal processing unit (8) and with at least one electrode (4) for measuring a potential difference in a muscle, a muscle fiber or in a skin area of a patient. At least one measured signal representing the potential difference is transmitted from the electrode (4) to the signal processing unit (8). Another signal, which is transmitted to the at least one external device (9), is generated in the signal processing unit (8) on the basis of this measured signal. A signal transmitted from the at least one external device (9) is processed by the signal processing unit (8) and at least one control signal is generated on the basis of this signal. |
| US09949660B2 |
Method and system to discriminate rhythm patterns in cardiac activity
Methods and systems are provided for discriminating rhythm patterns in cardiac activity. The method and system obtain cardiac activity data for multiple cardiac beats over a predetermined period of time. Multi-beat segments within the cardiac activity data exhibit different rhythm patterns of interest including fast and slow rhythm patterns. The method and system calculate a cardiac beats timing relation representative of intervals between the cardiac beats within a measurement window, wherein the measurement window is configured to overlap the corresponding multi-beat segment. The method and system designate the cardiac beats timing relation to have one of the rhythm patterns of interest based on a rate threshold, identifies when successive multi-beat segments exhibit rhythm patterns that transition between the fast and slow irregular rhythm patterns and records the irregular rhythm pattern transition in connection with the cardiac activity data. |
| US09949656B2 |
Catheter with stacked spine electrode assembly
A catheter comprising an elongated catheter body, an electrode array distal of the catheter body, the array having a mounting member and at least first and second spine supports. Each spine support includes a base having a planar configuration, and a plurality of spines extending from the base, wherein the first base extends in a first plane and the second base extends in a second plane different from the first plane in the mounting member. |
| US09949651B2 |
Intraoperative neurophysiological monitoring system
A surgical system kit is described. The surgical system kit includes a peripheral electrode, a surgical access instrument configured to be placed in a surgical target site, and a control unit. The surgical access instrument has a body with a proximal end, and a distal end, two or more electrodes on the distal end at fixed locations and spaced apart a known distance. The control unit is configured to send a signal to the peripheral electrode, receive information indicative of a neural response from at least one electrode of the surgical access instrument, and interpret the information according to a nerve conduction velocity modality to measure the nerve conduction velocity through the segment of the nerve. |
| US09949648B2 |
Continuous non-invasive blood pressure measurement apparatus and methods providing automatic recalibration
A blood pressure measurement system is configured to perform a calibration automatically when a calibration condition is satisfied. The calibration condition is based upon one or more parameters of pulse waves of a subject. The parameters may include pulse wave area; a time difference between systolic peak and reflected wave peak or dichrotic notch in the pulse wave and a shape of at least a portion of the pulse wave. |
| US09949638B2 |
Ophthalmology
Apparatus for illuminating the retina of an eye. The apparatus includes an illumination device and a lens system. The illumination device and the lens system combine to provide incident illumination from an apparent point source located within the lens system. The apparatus also includes an illumination transfer device. The illumination transfer device has two foci and the apparent point source of the lens system is provided at a first focus point of the illumination transfer device and an eye is accommodated at a second focus point of the illumination transfer device. The illumination transfer device transfers the incident illumination from the apparent point source into the eye to illuminate the retina. |
| US09949629B2 |
Endotracheal tube insertion device
An optical assembly is configured for use with an endotracheal tube insertion device and includes a flexible member with an elongated body having a substantially cylindrical shape, a distal end, and a proximal end. An endotracheal tube is carried by the flexible member, and an endotracheal tube retention tab extends outwardly from the flexible member and is configured to allow the endotracheal tube to be positioned and retained therein. The endotracheal tube retention tab has a substantially circular cross-sectional shape, defines a longitudinally extending channel, and includes an elongated slot formed therein. The elongated slot is configured to provide access to the channel and to facilitate removal of the endotracheal tube. |
| US09949625B2 |
Electronic endoscope
An electronic endoscope has a light source configured to emit normal light toward an object and a rotating filter configured to be positioned in the path of light that passes from the light source to an image sensor. The rotating filter has an optical band-pass filter and a ND filter. The electronic endoscope has further a rotation controller that synchronizes a light-path traverse-interval of the band-pass filter and a light-path traverse-interval of the ND filter with a field/frame interval; and an image generator that generates a normal image from broadband image-pixel signals and generates a spectral image from specific-band image-pixel signals. The image generator has a brightness adjuster that increases a brightness level of the spectral image. Then, the ND filter reduces an amount of light emitted from the light source to an amount of light that corresponds to an increased brightness of the spectral image. |
| US09949618B2 |
Apparatus and method for coupling between a colonoscope and add-on tubes
A sleeve assembly is described for coupling a colonoscope insertion tube to an add-on tube. In some embodiments, the sleeve assembly defines an elongated lumen and comprises an inner sleeve sized to receive an insertion tube of a colonoscope, an outer sleeve encircling the inner sleeve, and one or more add-on tubes positioned between the inner sleeve and the outer sleeve. In some embodiments, at least the inner sleeve is collapsible to fit tightly over a colonoscope insertion tube received within the inner sleeve. In some embodiments, the inner sleeve is coupled to the outer sleeve at one or more locations along the length of the inner sleeve so that collapsing of the inner sleeve brings the outer sleeve radially closer to the inner sleeve, approximating the one or more add-on tubes to a colonoscope insertion tube received within the inner sleeve. |
| US09949616B2 |
Endoscopic surgery device, method of inserting endoscope and treatment tool, and method of removing endoscope and treatment tool
An endoscope and a treatment tool which are inserted into an outer tube can move back and forth in interlock with each other, and an operation part of the treatment tool can be prevented from interfering with a proximal end of the endoscope when inserting the treatment tool into the outer tube. An endoscopic surgery device satisfies the following expressions: Lt≤Ls |
| US09949615B2 |
Systems and methods for preventing laser fiber misfiring within endoscopic access devices
A system for preventing inadvertent actuation of a medical device. The system includes an elongate tube having a proximal end, a distal end, and a lumen extending from the proximal end to the distal end. The lumen is configured to receive a medical device configured to transition between an actuated state and an inactive state. The device further includes a detection system configured to determine a position of a distal end of the medical device relative to the distal end of the elongate tube. The detection system includes a transmitting element and a receiving element. |
| US09949613B2 |
Dishwasher with slidable tine assembly
A dishwasher for cleaning utensils comprising a tub, a spray system, and a rack having a wireframe body, a set of fixed tines disposed on the bottom, and a set of slidably adjustable tines arranged in pairs and adjustable relative to the fixed set of paired tines. |
| US09949612B2 |
Metering device for the metered addition of detergents
A dispensing apparatus for dispensing substances, such as cleaning, washing, or dishwashing agents, in household appliances such as washing machines, dishwashers, or the like, having a dispensing unit having control means to control dispensing of the substances, and a tank receptacle, a tank for stocking the substances, the tank being embodied as a replaceable unit connectable to the tank receptacle, at least one connection for data transmission between the dispensing unit and the tank, at least one connection for data transmission between the household appliance and the tank and/or the dispensing unit. |
| US09949605B2 |
Cleaner head
A cleaner head for a cleaning appliance, the cleaner head including a main body having an air inlet and an air outlet, an agitator supported for rotation with respect to the main body about a rotational axis, and a collector for collecting strands of hair. The collector is supported by the main body and arranged such that strands of hair drawn through the air inlet wrap around at least part of the collector. The collector is movable with respect to the main body between a hair collecting position in which the agitator is rotatable with respect to the collector and a hair removal position. |
| US09949602B2 |
Vacuum axle with a motor embedded therein and wheels
A vacuum cleaner including a base including a motor assembly and a wheel, wherein the wheel rotates around the motor assembly about an axis of rotation, the wheel extends radially outward from the motor assembly, and a portion of the motor assembly intersects a plane defined by the wheel perpendicular to the axis of rotation. |
| US09949601B2 |
Cyclonic surface cleaning apparatus
A surface cleaning apparatus, which in one embodiment is a hand held vacuum cleaner, comprises a cyclone and a suction motor wherein the cyclone air outlet and the suction motor inlet are positioned towards the same end of the surface cleaning apparatus whereby air exiting the cyclone travels laterally and then axially to the suction motor inlet. A surface cleaning apparatus comprises a cyclone and a suction motor wherein the suction motor is positioned rearward of the cyclone and the cyclone air outlet is positioned at a lower end of the cyclone whereby air exiting the cyclone travels laterally and then axially towards the suction motor inlet. |
| US09949595B1 |
Cookware rack
A cookware rack includes a base formed with a first beam separated from a second beam. The first and second beams include a plurality of slots arranged in a plurality of columns and a plurality of rows. A wire divider is shaped to be removably received within any one of the plurality of rows, positioned within the slots forming the desired plurality of rows. |
| US09949593B2 |
Embossed paper-based bakeable tray
An embossed paper-based bakeable tray having a bottom surface and sidewalls and an embossed pattern formed in the bottom surface providing a series of closely spaced projections substantially entirely over the bottom surface. |
| US09949589B2 |
Juicer cover
A conical shaped juicer cover with two openings is placed over a juicer machine. The first opening is inserted around the juice machine's feeding chute, and the elastic nature of the first opening ensures a snug fit, while also covering any openings in the vicinity of the feeding chute. The second opening extends over the remainder of the juicer machine covering at least a portion of the juicer machine's base and at least the top portion of containers for collecting juice and pulp that are positioned under the juicer machine's pulp ejection spout and juicing spout. The juicer cover is composed of fabric capable of blocking and/or absorbing liquid, and preferably composed of stretch fabric. |
| US09949584B2 |
Food presentation methods
Trays for food are disclosed. A tray includes a plurality of receptacles, or compartments, for different courses of a meal (e.g., the entrée, a vegetable, a fruit, a starch, a dessert, a drink, etc.). Compartments for relatively unhealthful items may be configured to make the portion sizes of those items appear to be larger than they are, while compartments for healthful items may be configured to make the portion sizes of those items appear to be smaller than they are. The tray may also be configured to ensure that healthful items are positioned closest to an individual who is eating from the tray. Methods for presenting food to an individual are also disclosed. |
| US09949582B2 |
Foam cushion cover
A cushion cover includes a first chamber that includes at least one sheet, wherein the first chamber is configured to house a cushion that includes air pockets. A second chamber is sealed to the first chamber, wherein the second chamber includes a closed back end, a closed top, a closed bottom, a pair of closed sides, and an open front end. A panel, which includes at least one hole, is sealed to the first chamber and facing the open end of the second chamber. A handle is provided that includes a longitudinal strap adjoining a pair of side panels, wherein the pair of side panels are sealed to the first chamber, wherein upon a force being applied to the first chamber, air contained in the air pockets of the cushion flows through the at least one hole in the panel and into the second chamber without exiting the second chamber. |
| US09949580B2 |
Reception system for receiving objects
A reception system for receiving objects comprises at least one reception device for receiving objects, a conveyor device, which has at least one conveyor belt section for conveying objects in a conveyance direction in the at least one reception device, and a sensor device, which is arranged on the at least one reception device, for detecting objects in the at least one reception device. It is provided in this case that the sensor device is designed to emit sensor signals along different signal paths over the reception device, to conclude a fill level of the reception device on the basis of an interaction of at least one of the sensor signals with objects conveyed into the reception device. In this manner, a reception system for receiving objects is provided, which enables further automation, in particular in the conveyance of objects into a reception device. |
| US09949577B2 |
Product display unit including width extension
A product display unit including a width extension includes a first lateral sidewall, a second lateral sidewall, and a track. The first lateral sidewall is configured to releasably engage a sidewall of a product display member. The second lateral sidewall includes a first segment, a second segment, and a third segment. The second segment is parallel to the first lateral sidewall. The first segment is disposed at an angle with respect to the second segment. The third segment is disposed at an angle with respect to the second segment. The track is disposed between the first lateral sidewall and the second lateral sidewall. The track is configured to support products thereon. |
| US09949575B2 |
Child carrier
The disclosure concerns a child carrier having a seat platform and a belt assembly adjustment strap each coupled to a belt assembly. The belt assembly adjustment strap is configured to tighten first and second opposing sides of the belt assembly about the waist of the wearer thereby forming a bowed front portion of the belt assembly and a securing the seat platform in a horizontal orientation for supporting the body of the child. The instant child carrier is configured to maintain the body of the carried child in an ergonomically correct position. In addition, the child carrier includes multiple adjustable components for configuring the carrier to a preference of the wearer. |
| US09949574B2 |
Mattress and box spring with hidden gun compartment
A gun holder is situated within a box spring beneath a mattress. The mattress itself has an opening therein matching the size of the opening into the gun holder and extending through the mattress. One can then lie on one's bed and near one's arm, reach downward into the box spring or other mattress support, and grab the gun without having to move the majority of one's body from the position in which one was sleeping on the bed. |
| US09949573B1 |
Three-layer three-zone memory foam mattress
The present invention discloses a three-layer three-zone memory foam mattress, comprising a mattress main body, wherein the mattress main body is composed of a top layer mattress body, a middle layer mattress body and a base layer mattress body, which are sequentially arranged from top to bottom, and a mattress cover is arranged on the surface of the mattress main body; and the middle layer mattress body is composed of a head mattress body, a waist and hip mattress body and a foot mattress body. The mattress is divided into three layers, the first layer is made of the colored gel memory foam, the second layer divides the high-density foam into three zones, the first and third zone adopt the retarding foam, while the second zone adopts the reinforced resilient foam, and the third layer is made of the physical solid-state reinforced foam. The colored gel memory foam can keep the consistency of body contact temperature to create a comfortable sleep environment, the surface and the bottom are made of foam with different hardness to create a sleep effect with one soft surface and one hard surface so as to satisfy the requirements of people at different ages for the hardness of the mattress, and the mattress ensures better fitting of the body and the mattress by means of the special hardness plasticity of the foam products. |
| US09949572B2 |
Systems and methods for internal airbed structure
An air mattress comprises an internal structure for helping the air mattress maintain a desired geometric shape when inflated and for preventing shearing of the top and bottom surfaces of the mattress. The internal structure comprises a plurality of connection strips or a mesh web that are attached to a plurality of top surface connection points and bottom surface connection points. |
| US09949567B2 |
Reversible headrest tilt, lumbar mechanism
A reversible adjustable lumbar support and headrest tilt mechanism is provided for installation on a chair. A side bracket is coupled to each side of the back frame, and a back bracket is pivotably coupled to each side bracket. An actuator is pivotably coupled to the back frame that has an extendable and retractable shaft. In a first orientation, with the actuator shaft extending toward the upper end of the back frame, a headrest back insert is couple-able to and between the back brackets, such that extension and retraction of the actuator shaft rotates the headrest back insert. In a second orientation, with the actuator shaft extending toward the lower end of the back frame, a lumbar push bar is couple-able to and between the back brackets, such that extension and retraction of the actuator shaft rotates the lumbar push bar. |
| US09949566B1 |
Foldable stool
Adjustable stool are configured to provide comfort and support for an occupant in a plurality of environments, including environments having uneven surfaces, such as a yard. Adjustable stools may include a seat platform and a pair of arms. The seat platform configured to support the occupant may comprise a seating surface and a plurality of pins. The plurality of pins may be affixed to corners of the seat platform and extend away from the seat platform. The pair of arms may define a slotted portion, with the slotted portion comprising a plurality of endpoints. The slotted portion may be configured to be engaged by each of the plurality of pins that extend away from the seat platform. Each of the plurality of pins may be configured to be reversibly held at each of the plurality of endpoints, with each of the plurality of endpoints defining a height of the adjustable stool. The plurality of endpoints may comprise a pattern. |
| US09949565B1 |
Supporting assembly and furniture comprising the same
Disclosed herein is a supporting assembly that allows easy assembly of a furniture. The supporting assembly includes structures that employ easy-to-use locking mechanism so that a user may assemble a furniture at desirable configuration without using a tool. |
| US09949560B2 |
Cosmetic filament, cosmetic brush bristle material using same filament, and cosmetic brush using same bristle material
A filament for cosmetic brush is constituted by a polyester resin filament having many projections over its entire surface, wherein the polyester resin is polytrimethylene terephthalate and/or polybutylene terephthalate, the polyester resin contains glass particles of 1 to 2 μm in average particle size by 0.3 to 1.0 percent by weight as the inorganic particles, the thermal conductivity of the glass particle is in a range of 5 to 7 times that of the resin, and the projections are formed over the entire surface of the cosmetic filament by the glass particles covered with the resin. |
| US09949558B2 |
Accessory fastening devices and methods
An accessory fastening device can include a first clamping member having a first clamping surface, a second clamping member having a second clamping surface that faces the first clamping surface, and a locking arm that is rotatable between an unlocked state and a locked state. Rotation of the locking arm to transition the locking arm from the unlocked state to the locked state causes the second clamping surface of the second clamping member to advance toward the first clamping surface of the first clamping member. |
| US09949554B2 |
Barber clipper stand
An apparatus for holding and separating the electrical power cords of multiple barber clippers and other barber accessories. The apparatus includes a central pole, at least one hanger attachment holder attached to the central pole and at least one cord separator attached to the central pole. The hanger attachment holder has at least two hangers attached to the underside or perimeter of the hanger shelf for holding barber clippers and other barber accessories. The cord separator is located under the hanger attachment holder, and has at least two recessed areas along the perimeter of the shelf, with each recessed area aligned with the position of a corresponding hanger on the hanger shelf and acting to gather the electrical power cord of a barber clipper or other barber accessory held by the hanger. |
| US09949553B2 |
Nose perfection
A cosmetic nose strip and method of use for adjusting of the appearance of a wearer with cosmetic material is disclosed. The nose strip is provided of a shape a semicircular tab disposed at a horizontal distal edge of the nose strip and extending away for the horizontal distal edge. A left wing of a rectangular shape extends from a left side of the nose strip. A right wing has a rectangular shape that extends from a right side of the nose strip. The right wing is horizontally disposed across from the left wing. An interior of the nose strip has a groove opening configured to receive and hold a cosmetic material therein. |
| US09949550B2 |
Cosmetic pencil
A cosmetic pencil includes a tubular body (10); a screw bushing (20) which is inserted and fixed to the body, and is formed with a threaded passageway (21) therein; a lead holder (30) which is threadingly engaged with the screw bushing (20) by a threaded portion (31), and is formed with a lead assembling socket (32) to receive a lead (2) at a front portion; and a rotator (40) fitted for rotation into a rear portion of the body, wherein the lead holder (30) is formed with a polygonal insertion opening (35) at a rear portion thereof in a longitudinal direction, and a front portion of the rotator (40) is formed with a polygonal insertion rod (45) inserted in the insertion opening (35) so that the lead holder (30) turns together with the rotator (40), and the lead (2) is extended from the body (10) while being turned in a spiral direction, preventing release of the lead from the lead holder. |
| US09949546B2 |
Solid shaving gel applicator
A resealable shaving solid applicator comprising an upper section, a support for a shaving solid, a shaving solid, and a lower section is provided. The support for a shaving solid may comprise one or more resilient tabs for engaging a shaving solid to form a mounted shaving solid. Methods for introducing a shaving solid into a resealable shaving solid frame to form a resealable shaving solid applicator are also provided herein. |
| US09949542B2 |
Hair colouration, method and kit thereof
Method for coloring hair wherein a first composition comprising at least one cationic polymer and a second composition comprising at least one anionic polymer are alternately applied to the hair. |
| US09949535B2 |
Seat belt buckle extender
A latch plate is selectively latched to, and selectively unlatched from, a buckle. An extender is moved by the latch plate to a retracted position when the latch plate is latched to the buckle and moves to an extended position when the latch plate is unlatched from the buckle. |
| US09949533B2 |
Self-fitting, self-adjusting, automatically adjusting and/or automatically fitting shoe/sneaker/footwear
Provided is a self-fitting and automatically adjustable footwear wherein the shoe upper and/or shoe tongue have or are attached to a shape memory material (‘SMM”). Upon stimulation, the SMM deforms and brings the footwear to self-assemble about a foot, which further brings two clasp members close to each other and facilitates the clasp thereof to form a self-assembled and closed footwear. The clasp members may be integrated with straps or shoelaces, and optionally SMM. The footwear may include a motor, a control unit, and sensors which enable a motor-actuated fine tensioning of the footwear. A push button to enable manual opening of the footwear may be affixed on the footwear or removably attached to multiple surfaces/locations. The entire assembly generates data transmittable to health care providers and other data trackers. The footwear may include a battery, which may be charged by placing the footwear on a charge dock station. |
| US09949530B2 |
Article of footwear having an auxetic structure
A sole structure for an article of footwear includes a plate, a plurality of cleats extending from the plate, and an auxetic structure disposed between the plurality of cleats. The auxetic structure is affixed to the plate such that an outer surface of the auxetic structure is positioned between a lower surface of the plate and a tip surface of at least one of the plurality of cleats. |
| US09949519B2 |
Methods and systems for customized garment design generation
Disclosed are methods and systems for generating a customized garment design. The method, when executed by a processor, comprises first receiving user data, generating at least one user signal, identifying a preferred garment category by analyzing the user data, retrieving related third-party data and public data, and retrieving features for the identified garment category from a database. For features associated with cuts and fabrics, preferred cut values and preferred fabric values are identified based on previously received data, and corresponding value scores computed. For other features, preferred feature values are identified, and corresponding value scores computed. One or more feature sets are generated by selecting a preferred value for each feature, where an associated feature set score is computed based on the value scores and one or more score adjustments. A customized garment design is generated by selecting a feature set with a high feature set score. |
| US09949518B2 |
Articles of apparel including auxetic materials
An article of apparel includes at least one panel including a first edge and an opposing second edge. The at least one panel includes an auxetic structure defining a primary elongation direction and a secondary elongation direction. A plurality of lace coupling pairs are positioned along the first edge and the second edge of the at least one panel. Each lace coupling pair defines a lace pull direction that is perpendicular to a line extending through two adjacent lace couplings of the lace coupling pair. Each lace pull direction is defined by the plurality of lace couplings substantially in alignment with either the primary elongation direction or the secondary elongation direction of the auxetic structure between the two adjacent lace couplings of the lace coupling pair. |
| US09949517B2 |
Medical face shield
A medical face shield (10) is disclosed having a flexible front plate or shield (11), a foam forehead pad (21), and a flexible, stretchable headband (22). The front shield has a viewing window (25) which is positioned to be directly in front of a person's eyes wearing the face shield. The viewing window is surrounded by a translucent, peripheral margin, frame, or window surrounding portion (27) which provides an anti-glare characteristic or capability to the margin. |
| US09949514B2 |
Vest with quick release
A quick release mechanism for an load carriage vest includes a shoulder connector for connecting two sections of the vest at a shoulder region of the vest, and a flank connector for connecting two sections of the vest at a flank region of the vest. Each of the connectors includes comprising interleaveable knuckles. A pair of flexibly connected locking pins is configured to be inserted through the knuckles of one of the connectors when the knuckles of that connector are interleaved so as to engage that connector. The flexibly connected locking pins are configured such that pulling on the pair of flexibly connected locking pins in a single motion removes the pins from the knuckles of the connectors to concurrently disengage the connectors. |
| US09949511B2 |
Electronic cigarette and control method therefor
An electronic cigarette and a control method thereof are provided. An electronic cigarette with a heating wire component used for producing heat, where the heating wire component comprises a heating wire having a resistance that varies with temperature; a power source used for providing the heating component with a voltage; and, a controller electrically coupled to the heating wire component and the power source and used for controlling the voltage outputted by the power source. The controller comprises a temperature detection module used for detecting the resistance of the heating wire and thus acquiring the actual temperature of the heating wire component. The temperature detection module presets an upper limit heating temperature and a lower limit heating temperature. |
| US09949503B2 |
Semi-automatic and fully-automatic cigarette-making machines for making cigarettes of varying lengths
A cigarette tobacco compacting mechanism for making cigarettes in two or more different lengths having a compacting chamber for receiving loose tobacco, a compacting member mounted for reciprocal motion in the compacting chamber to compact the loose tobacco, and one or more retractable sizing members each having a tab mounted for movement across the compacting chamber for shortening the effective width of the compacting chamber to enable the compacting chamber to accommodate hollow cigarette tubes of varying lengths. |
| US09949500B2 |
Consumption-regulated feed block
A consumption-regulated feed block for controlled consumption of animal feed, comprises a mass of controlled feed material, the consumption of which is to be controlled, in compressed block, chemical block or hybrid block form; and an intake control matrix of low moisture block material positioned in the controlled feed material and forming consumption control pockets to regulate consumption of the controlled feed material by requiring an animal to consume by licking portions of low moisture block material in order to consume controlled feed material in an adjacent consumption control pocket. |
| US09949493B2 |
Mass supply system
A system for forming a product. The system includes a hopper with a rotating feeder; a mold drum with cavities; and a feed pump with a moving member. The feed pump is configured to pump food mass from the hopper into the cavities. The system has means configured to determine: a position and a motion of the mold drum relative to a frame of the system; a position and a motion of the moving member of the feed pump relative to a housing of the feed pump; and a position and a motion of the rotating feeder relative to the hopper to synchronize the motion of the mold drum and the motion of the moving member of the feed pump and to synchronize the motion of the rotating feeder with the motion of the moving member of the feed pump. The system has at least two pressure sensors. |
| US09949489B2 |
Methods for control of hemipteran insect stylet sheath structure formation
Compositions having at least one compound which inhibits the formation of Hemipteran stylet sheaths and/or degrades hemipteran style sheaths that have already been formed, and thus deters or blocks hemipteran insects from feeding on plants, especially agriculturally important plants and methods of use of such compositions are described. Such compositions can be applied onto plants by spraying, dripping, or other methods and/or can be applied to the soil for uptake by the roots. These compositions and methods prevent and/or reduce the transmission of vascular associated diseases (caused by hemipteran vector-borne pathogens) to plants. |
| US09949486B2 |
Agrochemical composition comprising a N,N#-disubstituted (thio)urea for the improvement of crop productivity
The invention relates to an agrochemical composition containing a compound of formula (1), a glutamic acid compound, and a source of magnesium and/or a source of iron. The composition applied e.g. foliarly has demonstrated synergistic benefits that improve crop yields and quality characteristics. |
| US09949476B2 |
Tank-mix formulations
The invention relates to the use of additives in the preparation of crop protection composition spray mixtures, in particular as additives for tank mixtures of specific pesticides according to formula (I), pesticide mixtures and crop protection compositions comprising these pesticides. |
| US09949474B2 |
Methods and reagents for maintaining the viability of cancer cells in surgically removed tissue
A composition and method for generating reagents and the composition of these reagents for the stabilization and preservation of viability of cancer tissue which has been surgically excised and the suspension and/or termination of apoptosis (cell death) by significant modulation of cell metabolism by low molar concentrations of synergistic chemistries and hormonal growth enhancers while maintaining normal gene expression patterns of the surgically excised tissue. |
| US09949472B2 |
Insect trap
A trap for catching insects may include a back housing, a plurality of lights and a cover. The trap may be adapted for ease of servicing and jet cleaning via a plurality of shields. Each of the plurality of shields may sealably protect, from water ingress, the plurality of lights at a position where the plurality of lights connect to a plurality of electrical fittings. |
| US09949469B1 |
Line reel apparatus
A line reel apparatus includes an apparatus housing having a fixed housing portion and a rotating housing portion adjacent to the fixed housing portion. A pin magnet is provided on the rotating housing portion. A drive mechanism drivingly engages the rotating housing portion for rotation. A catch pin housing is disposed for rotation in the rotating housing portion. A line annulus is formed between the catch pin housing and the rotating housing portion. A catch pin cavity is provided in the catch pin housing. The catch pin cavity is disposed in aligned or registering relationship to the pin magnet along a longitudinal axis of the rotating housing portion. A magnetic catch pin is disposed in the catch pin cavity and positional between a retracted position clearing the line annulus and an extended position spanning the line annulus upon alignment of the pin magnet with the catch pin cavity responsive to rotation of the rotating housing portion. A bias mechanism biases the catch pin in the retracted position in the catch pin cavity. A spool is provided in the rotating housing portion and a line is wound on the spool and extends through the line annulus from the rotating housing portion. |
| US09949468B2 |
Fishing line guide and fishing rod
One object is to provide a fishing line guide that allows a line snagged in a loop to be released readily. The line guide 5 according to the present invention include a frame including a fixing portion fixed on the outer surface of the rod, a ring retainer retaining a guide ring that admits the line, and a connecting portion connecting the ring retainer and the fixing portion. For a width Wa of the frame at the inflection point between the connecting portion and the ring retainer and a maximum width Wb of the ring retainer, the frame 5A is formed such that the width Wa is equal to or greater than 70% of the maximum width Wb. |
| US09949462B2 |
Loader mounted blower for cleaning chicken houses
A blower apparatus is supported on a frame detachably mounted on the implement mounting plate for a skid steer loader. The blower is powered by a hydraulic motor operatively connected to the auxiliary hydraulic system of the skid steer loader. The blower is mounted on the frame in a manner that orients the discharge spout upwardly to be directed at elevated structure within the chicken house. Re-orientation of the air stream from the blower can be affected by manipulating the tilt position of the implement mounting plate and by raising the boom arms of the skid steer loader to elevate the blower apparatus. By properly positioning and orienting the discharged air stream from the blower apparatus, the dirt and debris in elevated structure of the chicken house can be dislodged and removed from the chicken house to improve the health and environment for a subsequent flock of birds installed therein. |
| US09949461B2 |
Apparatus and method to identify morbid animals
A method to identify morbid animals housed in a feedyard having a feed bunk, where the method includes providing a plurality of animal beacons and at least one beacon reader, placing the beacon reader adjacent the feed bunk, transmitting by a first animal beacon a first signal comprising a first unique identifier for a first animal wearing the first animal beacon, wherein the first animal is housed in the feedyard, receiving by the beacon reader the first signal, and based upon the first signal, determining a proximity of the first animal to the feed bunk. |
| US09949460B2 |
Storage garment
A storage garment stores a liquid in an interior bladder providing facilitated access to the liquid while it is carried inside the storage garment. A jacket is configured to be worn by a user, such as a dog. The jacket forms a substantially contoured fit over the user and has a harness portion that fastens around the user. At least one pocket portion in the jacket holds at least one bladder portion. The bladder portion holds liquid, such as water, to hydrate or clean. A pocket fastener regulates access to the bladder. A tube portion carries liquid to the user and a valve portion regulates the liquid flow. A pump portion forces the liquid out of the bladder through an outlet. A secondary pocket holds a container that folds for stowage and expands into a bowl shape for holding liquid. |
| US09949459B2 |
Restraining device
An improved restraining device may include a retractable strap lead, a housing in which the retractable strap lead is at least partially housed, and a twister for changing the orientation of the retractable strap so that, in use, the orientation of the strap is changed as it is deployed from the housing. |
| US09949458B2 |
Animal waste disposal system
A waste disposal apparatus having outwardly-canted sidewalls and a base wall forming a basin. A liner is centrally disposed on an interior of the basin. At least one litter sieve is centrally arranged on the liner. A securing flange is located on a top portion of the sidewalls and is operable between a closed position and an open position and includes at least one handle protrusion. The litter sieves and the liner are held securely in place by the securing flange when the securing flange is in the closed position. A litter sieve can include opposing handle ribbons removably disposed in corresponding envelopes on opposite sides of the sieve. The envelopes can include frangible elements that selectively secure the handle ribbons, but that fail upon application of a force so that the ribbons can at least partially exit the envelopes and thereafter used to lift a loaded sieve. |
| US09949457B2 |
Plants and seeds of hybrid corn variety CH716546
According to the invention, there is provided seed and plants of the hybrid corn variety designated CH716546. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of the variety CH716546, and to methods for producing a corn plant produced by crossing a corn plant of variety CH716546 with itself or with another corn plant, such as a plant of another variety. The invention further relates to genetic complements of plants of variety CH716546. |
| US09949453B1 |
Begonia hybrid ‘1630-13T1’
A hybrid begonia designated ‘1630-13T1’ is disclosed. The invention relates to the seeds of hybrid begonia ‘1630-13T1’ to the plants of hybrid begonia ‘1630-13T1’ and to methods for producing a hybrid plant, and to methods for producing other begonia lines, cultivars or hybrids derived from the hybrid begonia ‘1630-13T1’. |
| US09949451B2 |
Bioreactor using macroalgae
The disclosure features a bioreactor for the growth of macroalgae and methods for using the bioreactor to maintain optimal nutrient levels for the organisms in an aquarium or aquaculture system. The devices and methods of the disclosure provide for the bioremediation of excess nutrients in order to maintain nutrient balance in an aquarium or aquaculture system that facilitates growth and/or health of one or more of the organisms that reside therein. |
| US09949448B2 |
Modular in line button drip emitter system
A modular in-line drip emitter may include a flow restrictor and a replaceable attachment. The flow restrictor may provide fluid communication between an inlet and a fluid outlet chamber. The flow restrictor may include rate limiting fluid path producing a predefined range of flow rate over a predefined pressure differential range between the fluid inlet and the fluid outlet. The attachment may be sized and shaped to mount to the flow restrictor. In some embodiments the attachment includes an inlet opening oriented for receiving fluid from a conduit and a fluid outlet attachable to the fluid inlet of the flow restrictor. In some embodiments the attachment includes a sleeve fitting into a conduit with an annular outlet chamber attachable to the outlet chamber of the flow restrictor. |
| US09949447B2 |
Canopy treatment system
A canopy treatment system to treat plants is disclosed. In one implementation according to examples of the present disclosure, a canopy treatment system comprises a hot fluid generating system configured to heat a fluid, the hot fluid generating system including a canopy valve; and a canopy in fluid communication with the hot fluid generating system, the canopy defining a treatment region, the canopy valve of the hot fluid generating system selectively positionable to control fluid flow between the hot fluid generating system and the canopy. |
| US09949445B1 |
Shrub trimming guide apparatus
A plant trimming guide apparatus, including a plurality of guide blades made of a resilient material, and a flat collar having a length, a width, an attachment surface, and made of a resilient material. Each of the plurality of guide blades has a pivot end that is secured pivotably with a common securement pin, and an opposed based end, with the plurality of base ends attached to and extending from an attachment surface of the collar, in a series along the length between the first end and the second end of the collar. Securing the first and second ends of the collar into a formed ring with the attachment surface facing outwardly causes the guide blades to extend radially from the common pivot ends and bend semi-spherically to the base ends, forming a spherical trimming guide. |
| US09949444B2 |
Pre-vegetated vegetation element
A pre-vegetated vegetation element for greening artificial or natural surfaces is provided which retains sufficient strength over a prolonged period of time and which is bio-compostable at the end of the lifetime of the vegetation element includes a three-dimensional entangled mat of extruded filaments having an open space of at least 50%, a two-dimensional material layer, oriented plane parallel to the three-dimensional entangled mat of extruded filaments and connected to the three-dimensional entangled mat of extruded filaments, wherein the three-dimensional entangled mat of extruded filaments is filled with a substrate and a vegetation is grown on it to form a pre-vegetated vegetation mat, wherein the three-dimensional entangled mat of extruded filaments and the two-dimensional material layer include synthetic polymeric material selected such that the pre-vegetated vegetation element is bio-compostable according to EN 13432. |
| US09949443B2 |
Bale processor with fan and side discharges
A bale processor has a bale chamber mounted on a frame and a disintegrator shreds material from a bale and discharges shredded material laterally. A fan receives the shredded material through a fan inlet and blows the material out through a fan discharge. A conveyor receives the shredded material from the disintegrator along an inner side thereof. A side opening extends along an outer side of the conveyor and a side door is movable from a closed position, where the side opening is closed and the conveyor is enclosed and moves the shredded material along the conveyor and into the fan inlet, to an open position where the outer side of the conveyor is open and the conveyor moves the shredded material laterally out through the side opening. An auger conveyor mounted only on an end opposite the fan inlet leaves the fan inlet unobstructed, increasing capacity. |
| US09949442B2 |
Chopper for an agricultural harvester
An agricultural harvester includes a frame; a threshing and separating system carried by the frame; a cleaning system carried by the frame; a mounting surface carried by the frame; and a residue system including a chopper carried by the frame and supplied with crop material from the threshing and separating system and/or the cleaning system. The chopper includes a chopper frame mounted to the mounting surface and having at least one shaft opening formed through; a chopper shaft held in the at least one shaft opening that is configured to rotate and is carried by the frame independently of the chopper frame; at least one rotating knife carried by the chopper shaft; and at least one stationary knife held in the chopper frame. |
| US09949435B2 |
Equipment protection using a grain tank level sensor
A grain tank level sensing system for a combine which harvests grain. The combine includes an upwardly open grain tank fillable with harvested grain and a cover that is displaceable for closing off the open grain tank. An actuator displaces the cover between an open and close position and either single or dual ultrasonic sensors continuously detect the level of grain in the tank and generate a signal proportional to the level of grain in the grain tank. A control system receives the signal from the ultrasonic sensors and generates an indication of the level in the tank to a monitor and/or disables the actuator to initiate the closing function when the grain tank is full. |
| US09949434B2 |
Crop residue spreader
A crop residue spreader including at least one impeller, at least one radial housing, and at least one blower outlet opening. The at least one radial housing includes a crop residue outlet opening. The at least one impeller is configured to be rotatably driven around a rotation axis such that a crop residue flow is ejected through the crop residue outlet opening of the at least one radial housing, such that the crop residue flow is converted from an incoming crop residue flow into a wider outgoing crop residue flow. The at least one separate blower outlet opening is separate from the crop residue outlet opening of the at least one radial housing. The at least one blower outlet opening is configured to provide an outgoing airflow to accelerate the crop residue flow. |
| US09949431B2 |
Yard maintenance vehicle obstacle avoidance/notification system
A riding yard maintenance vehicle may include a positioning module. The positioning module may include processing circuitry configured to receive information indicative of vehicle position of the riding yard maintenance vehicle, receive an indication of a triggering event that indicates a presence of an obstacle proximate to the riding yard maintenance vehicle, and cause recordation of an obstacle identifier in association with the vehicle position responsive to receipt of the indication. |
| US09949428B2 |
Ammonia applicator system
An ammonia applicator system includes adjustable orifices with openings having variable sizes that can be changed remotely, without having to disassemble exit lines from a distribution manifold. In this way, the restriction of the exit lines and, thus, line flow rate can be adjusted remotely and/or automatically, even during ammonia application use. Each adjustable orifice may include a valve and an actuator that controls the valve for changing the size of the opening of the adjustable orifice. The actuator may be a rotary actuator, such as a stepper motor, and the valve may include an adjustment knob and a screw that can rotate to allow a needle to advance or regress through an opening of a valve body of the valve. |
| US09949427B2 |
System and method of distributing seeds and agricultural particles
A system for distributing a plurality of seeds includes a storage tank operable to store the plurality of seeds. A first meter is downstream of the storage tank. A second meter is downstream of the first meter and is operable to individually meter the plurality of seeds. An outlet conduit is located downstream of the second meter. The first meter is configured to adjust the flow of the plurality of seeds in response to a signal from a sensor located between the first meter and the outlet conduit. |
| US09949426B2 |
Seed delivery apparatus, systems, and methods
A seed delivery apparatus and methods in which a seed conveyor delivers seed from a metering device to a furrow in a controlled manner to maintain seed placement accuracy within the furrow. |
| US09949425B2 |
Apparatus for impinging bulk material with accelerated electrons
An apparatus includes at least one electron beam generator for generating accelerated electrons with which bulk material particles are impingeable during free fall. The electron beam generator has an annular design in which the electrons are emitted and accelerated by an annular cathode. The electrons exit from an electron outlet window in the direction of the ring axis. The annular electron beam generator is arranged in such a way that the ring axis of the electron beam generator is oriented perpendicular to, or at an angle of up to 45° from the horizontal. The apparatus may further include a device for separating bulk material particles arranged above the annular electron beam generator, the bottom wall of said device having at least one opening out of which the bulk material particles fall and, from there, fall through the ring which is formed by the electron beam generator. |
| US09955620B2 |
Formation of equipment families on fitting lines
The invention concerns a fitting line which is arranged to fit printed circuit boards with electronic components. A method for determining equipment families for the fitting line comprises the following steps: initial forming of a number of equipment families, each having allocated printed circuit boards; selecting of one of the equipment families; and distributing of the printed circuit boards of the selected equipment family to the other equipment families by means of integral linear programming. |
| US09955612B2 |
Exhaust air deflecting system
An air deflecting system includes an air deflector that is physically mounted against a hot air exhaust vent of a network equipment element using a rack coupling mechanism that is adjustable to accommodate a variable lateral distance of the hot air exhaust vent from the computing rack. The air deflector receives an airflow from the hot air exhaust vent at a first direction and deflects the airflow in a second direction. |
| US09955607B1 |
Electronic equipment vertical mount and stack rack
An electronic equipment rack is disclosed in which multiple electronic equipment components can be vertically mounted and vertically stacked within the rack. A component of electronic equipment, such as a standard rackable 1U-3U server chassis, having a configuration with its typical depth plane or dimension (z-axis) being both greater than or equal to its width plane or dimension (x-axis) and greater than its height plane or dimension (y-axis), is mounted in a vertical orientation on the rack, wherein the component is oriented and mounted on the rack such that the component's typical z-axis is substantially parallel to and in the same plane as the rack's x-axis and the component's typical x-axis is substantially parallel to and in the same plane as the rack's y-axis. Preferably, the component is further so oriented and mounted on the rack such that a user's desired surface (e.g., top or bottom) of the component's typical z-axis plane is readily accessible by the user. |
| US09955605B2 |
Hardware interface with space-efficient cell pattern
Techniques and mechanisms for providing connectivity to an integrated circuit device via a hardware interface. In an embodiment, the hardware interface includes contacts forming an array of nodes. Some or all such nodes are arranged in cells, wherein the respective node types of each cell's nodes are according to the same cell pattern. The cell pattern includes eight B nodes for the exchange of data bits, four strobe S nodes for the exchange of strobe signals, and ground (G) nodes for the providing of one or more reference potentials. The cell pattern enables formation of a lattice structure including node-contiguous G nodes each of a respective one of the multiple cells. In another embodiment, a ratio of bi-level nodes (including all S nodes and all G nodes) of the cell pattern to a total number of G nodes of the cell pattern is 12:8 or more. |
| US09955603B2 |
Components of an electronic device and methods for their assembly
Various components of an electronic device housing and methods for their assembly are disclosed. The housing can be formed by assembling and connecting two or more different sections together. The sections of the housing may be coupled together using one or more coupling members. The coupling members may be formed using a two-shot molding process in which the first shot forms a structural portion of the coupling members, and the second shot forms cosmetic portions of the coupling members. |
| US09955601B2 |
Electrical device for mounting inside a cabinet
The invention relates to an electrical device (1) for installation in the interior of an electrical enclosure that has at least one single- or multiple-pole plug (3) accommodated in a housing (2) of the device (1) to connect an electrical conductor having an easily accessible plug opening (6) via one side (4, 5) of the plug (3) wherein the at least one plug (3) has no less than two positions or orientations with respect to the housing (2). |
| US09955599B2 |
Cold worked metal housing for a portable electronic device
A cold worked stainless steel bezel for a portable electronic device. The bezel is secured flush to a housing to form part of the case of the portable electronic device. A brace that includes a slot for receiving a wall extending from the bezel is fixed to the housing. When the bezel engages the housing, the wall of the bezel is inserted in the slot of the brace and releasably held by a spring that engages both the brace and the wall. The bezel can be released by disengaging the spring. The bezel is hard and resistant to impacts. Cold worked steel also facilitates manufacturing within design constraints and tolerances, and requires very little machining after manufacturing to comply with those constraints. the portable electronic device may include a personal media device, a mobile telephone, or any other suitable device or combination thereof. |
| US09955598B1 |
Clamping apparatus for portable electronic device
An apparatus to clamp and support a device includes a chassis, two clamping members, an elastic element, a driving pole, a cam, and a cover. The chassis includes a blocking tab. The two clamping members include a first clamping member and a second clamping member. The elastic element is located in a receiving hole. The driving pole is rotatable relative to the chassis. The cam can engage with the driving pole, and includes a first cam flange abutting to a first engaging post of the first clamping member. The cover is mounted to the chassis. The two clamping members and the cam are located between the chassis and the cover. The cam is rotated by the driving pole. The first cam flange urges the first engaging post to move the first clamping member away from the second clamping member. |
| US09955595B2 |
Mount board tray and electronic device with mount board tray
A mount board tray is provided to hold multiple mount boards at different heights above and below the mount board tray. The mount board tray holds a topmost mount board placed at the topmost position among the multiple mount boards held by the mount board tray from below the topmost mount board. The mount board tray also holds a bottommost mount board placed at the bottommost position among the multiple mount boards from above the bottommost mount board at the same time. |
| US09955593B2 |
Electronic apparatus and fabrication method therefor
A plurality of parts built in an electronic apparatus are attached to a frame. Further, the frame has a peripheral wall portion formed along an outer peripheral face of the electronic apparatus. An upper cover has a rear face portion attached to a rear wall portion of the frame by a screw. Further, a lower cover has a rear face portion attached to the rear wall portion of the frame by a screw. With the structure, insertion locations of the fixtures such as screws can be suppressed from standing out. |
| US09955592B2 |
Display device
Included are: a display that is configured to allow an image to be displayed on a display screen; a back chassis disposed on an opposite surface side to the display screen of the display; and a support body disposed on a peripheral side of the display and the back chassis. The support body includes a plate section, a first link section, and a second link section, the plate section being directed in a direction perpendicular to the display, the first link section being provided on one surface in a direction of thickness of the plate section, and the second link section being provided on the one surface in the direction of thickness of the plate section. A first member is attached to a periphery of the opposite surface to the display screen of the display, the first member being linked to the first link section, and a second member is attached to a periphery of the back chassis, the second member being linked to the second link section. |
| US09955590B2 |
Redistribution layer structure, semiconductor substrate structure, semiconductor package structure, chip structure, and method of manufacturing the same
The present disclosure relates to redistribution layer structures useful in semiconductor substrate packages, semiconductor package structures, and chip structures. In an embodiment, a redistribution layer structure includes a dielectric layer, an anti-plating layer, and a conductive material. The dielectric layer defines one or more trenches. The conductive material is disposed in the trench(es), and the anti-plating layer is disposed on a surface of the dielectric layer. |
| US09955589B2 |
Electrical interconnect formed through buildup process
This disclosure relates generally to an electronic chip package that can include a die and a buildup layer substantially enveloping the die. Electrical interconnects can be electrically coupled to the die and passing, at least in part, through the buildup layer. An optical emitter can be electrically coupled to the die with a first one of the electrical interconnects and configured to emit light from a first major surface of the electronic chip package. A solder bump can be electrically coupled to the die with a second one of the electrical interconnects and positioned on a second major surface of the electronic chip package different from the first major surface. |
| US09955585B2 |
Conductive pattern production device
A conductive pattern production device includes: a patterning unit that forms a pattern of a composite ink on a base member; and a burning unit that burns the pattern by high-frequency heating. The composite ink is obtained by mixing a particle material that is a material having a relative permeability of 200 or above or a carbon micro-coil and a conductive ink that has, after the burning, a resistivity of 1 to 2000 μΩ·cm. |
| US09955583B2 |
Surface-treated copper foil, copper foil with carrier, substrate, resin substrate, printed wiring board, copper clad laminate and method for producing printed wiring board
The present invention provides a surface-treated copper foil capable of imparting the profile shape of the substrate surface after removal of the copper foil, the profile shape maintaining fine wiring formability and achieving satisfactory adhesion of electroless copper plating coating. The present invention also provides a resin substrate provided with a profile shape of the surface maintaining fine wiring formability and achieving satisfactory adhesion of electroless copper plating coating. The surface-treated copper foil of the present invention is a surface-treated copper foil having a surface-treated layer formed on a copper foil, and the surface roughness Sz of the surface of the surface-treated layer is 2 to 6 μm. |
| US09955579B2 |
Printed circuit board having reduced loss of electric signal and method of manufacturing the same
A printed circuit board includes first and second insulating layers, a wiring trace, a metal thin film, and a connection terminal. The wiring trace is formed on the first insulating layer. The metal thin film is formed on the wiring trace, and has a thickness larger than 0 nm and not more than 150 nm. The second insulating layer is formed on the first insulating layer to cover the metal thin film. The connection terminal is formed on the first insulating layer to be electrically connected to the wiring trace and exposed from the second insulating layer. |
| US09955577B2 |
Conductive component and electronic device including the same
A conductive component including: a substrate, a first layer comprising a plurality of island structures disposed on the substrate, wherein the island structures include graphene; and a second layer disposed on the first layer, wherein the second layer includes a plurality of conductive nanowires. Also, an electronic device including the conductive component. |
| US09955574B2 |
Copper foil composite, formed product and method of producing the same
A copper foil composite comprising a copper foil and a resin layer laminated thereon, satisfying an equation 1: (f3×t3)/(f2×t2)=>1 wherein t2 (mm) is a thickness of the copper foil, f2 (MPa) is a stress of the copper foil under tensile strain of 4%, t3 (mm) is a thickness of the resin layer, f3 (MPa) is a stress of the resin layer under tensile strain of 4%, and an equation 2: 1<=33f1/(F×T) wherein f1 (N/mm) is 180° peeling strength between the copper foil and the resin layer, F(MPa) is strength of the copper foil composite under tensile strain of 30%, and T (mm) is a thickness of the copper foil composite, wherein a Cr oxide layer is formed at an coating amount of 5 to 100 μg/dm2. is formed on a surface of the copper foil on which the resin layer is not laminated. |
| US09955572B2 |
Polyimide polymer, polyimide film, and flexible copper-coated laminate
A polyimide polymer represented by the following formula 1 is provided. In formula 1, Ar is Ar′ is A is and 0 |
| US09955567B2 |
Crosstalk reduction between signal layers in a multilayered package by variable-width mesh plane structures
A computer system receives an initial multilayered ceramic package design. The computer system maintains a first selection of mesh line segments of the mesh line segments at a first width and adjusts a second selection of mesh line segments of the plurality of mesh line segments to a second width. The computer system controls fabrication of the multilayered ceramic package based on the modified multilayered ceramic package design. |
| US09955561B2 |
Electrodeless fluorescent ballast driving circuit and resonance circuit with added filtration and protection
A ballast circuit for a lighting system using an induction fluorescent lamp utilizes an AC-DC rectification circuit, a DC-DC boost power conversion circuit, a DC-AC half bridge inverter circuit, and a resonating circuit to ignite the lamp and maintain substantially constant power output of the lamp, while the DC-AC half bridge inverter circuit is further comprised of a gate isolation transformer connected in a half bridge inverter schematic which uses a ballast integrated circuit (IC) to drive a high side MOSFET and a low side MOSFET and the gate isolation transformer electrically isolates a gate signal to the high side MOSFET. |
| US09955560B2 |
Configuring lighting electronics using database and mobile device
Methods and systems are described for replacing a lighting device in a wireless lighting device network. A first lighting device is identified using a mobile device such as, for example, a smart phone. Configuration data for the first lighting device is downloaded to the mobile device from a configuration database. The first lighting device is physically replaced with a second, replacement lighting device and the second lighting device is identified using the mobile device. The downloaded configuration data corresponding to the first lighting device is then uploaded from the mobile device to the second lighting device and is subsequently used by the second lighting device to control the operation of the second lighting device. The configuration database is then updated based on the identification information for the second lighting device and the configuration data uploaded to the second lighting device from the mobile device. |
| US09955558B1 |
Self-contained, removable, wireless turn signal system for motor vehicles and trailers
A remote-controlled turn signal unit for a vehicle or trailer is provided. In one embodiment, an LED array and digital transceiver are embedded into a traditional bulb housing. This bulb can then be placed into existing tail or other light sockets on the exterior of a vehicle and can serve as turn signals being actuated by radio. This bulb can also be part of a self-contained magnetic housing that can be attached temporarily to the vehicle. This self-contained unit contains miniature digital radio, rechargeable battery, and LED light assembly, but does not rely upon or required modification of the vehicle's electrical system. |
| US09955555B2 |
Intelligent lighting control multi-switch apparatuses, systems, and methods
The present disclosure provides lighting control system multi-switch apparatuses and methods. The apparatus includes a lighting control module including at least three electrical terminals. The lighting control module configured to cause a transmission of a quantity of electrical energy to a lighting circuit of a light fixture electrically connected to the lighting control module. The apparatus includes a detector circuit positioned in the lighting control module. The apparatus includes a controller in electrical communication with the detector circuit, the controller specially programmed to cause a call signal to be transmitted to a switch connected to the traveler terminal, the call signal configured to request the switch connected to the traveler terminal transmit a response signal to the controller to identify the switch connected to the traveler terminal. |
| US09955554B2 |
Lighting control system and method for association of nodes in a multi-node network
A lighting control system and method for association of nodes in a multi-node network. The system includes a number of lighting nodes forming a multi-node network, each lighting node including a light source, a controller connected to the light source, and communication means connected to the controller. The lighting control system further includes a memory component adapted to store information relating to at least one group of interrelated coordinates defined in a geographical coordinate system and a processing component in communication with the lighting nodes and adapted to automatically associate at least one lighting node with the at least one group on the basis of the geographical location of said at least one lighting node. |
| US09955553B2 |
Light tower
This invention concerns a light tower (10) having a main body (12) and a mast (26) extending from the main body (12) such that the mast (26) is extendable between a retracted configuration and at least one extended configuration. A lighting unit (34) is mounted to the mast (26). Supports (44), such as legs, are arranged to support the main body in use. Sensors (56) are provided for monitoring the load distribution of the light tower (10) between the supports (44). A controller (64) is configured to alter the load distribution of the light tower (10) according to a comparison between the monitored load distribution and a predetermined acceptable load distribution range. |
| US09955552B2 |
Predictive daylight harvesting system
In an example, an expected sky condition is calculated for a geographic location, a time of day, and a date based on a mathematical model. A predicted distribution of direct and interreflected solar radiation within the environment is calculated based on the expected sky condition. Measurement data from one or more photosensors is obtained that provides measurements of an initial distribution of direct and interreflected radiation within the environment, including radiation from solar and electrical lighting sources. A target distribution of direct and interreflected artificial electromagnetic radiation produced by electrical lighting is determined, based on the measurement data and the predicted distribution of direct and interreflected solar radiation, to achieve the target distribution of direct and interreflected radiation within the environment. Output parameters are set to one or more devices to modify the initial distribution to achieve the target distribution of direct and interreflected radiation within the environment. |
| US09955544B1 |
Autonomous distributed lighting system
A system and method that uses a tag-driven network architecture controlled by one or more central controllers. Unique tags are associated with various system components such as remote switches, sensors and other peripherals. A tag is assigned to a node when the node is first entered into the network. A distributed policy creates relationships between tags of various different equipment. The tag typically defines what the policy is for a particular local node. The node executes the policy that is supplied in its tag by accessing a recipe associated with that tag. If a device is not working, other similar devices can take over its task simply by executing the recipe associated with the failed device's tag instead of their own. |
| US09955541B2 |
Universal lighting network methods and systems
Methods and apparatus relating to the collection of data regarding a plurality of customers in a retail or entertainment environment. Data may be collected via at least one sensor coupled to at least one lighting fixture in the retail or entertainment environment. In one exemplary implementation, data may be collected by one or more lighting fixtures, and data may be communicated via light generated by any one or more fixtures without perceivably affecting a quality of light generated by the one or more fixtures. A map may be generated based on the collected data to display traffic patterns and/or dwell times of the plurality of customers in the retail or entertainment environment, and such a map may be displayed, for example, via a graphical user interface. |
| US09955535B2 |
Meal kit and cooking tray
A meal kit for microwave cooking of a multi-component food product is provided that includes at least two sealed packages of ingredients for the multi-component food product. One of the sealed packages of ingredients contains a liquid component of the multi-component food product. The meal kit also includes a cooking tray formed of a microwave-safe material having a bottom wall with an upstanding sidewall extending around the periphery thereof to define an interior of the cooking tray. Outer packaging is provided to contain the sealed packages of ingredients and the cooking tray. |
| US09955531B2 |
Manufacturing method of PTC element using polymer aqueous emulsion conductive composite, PTC element manufactured by manufacturing method, and planar heating element including PTC element
A manufacturing method of a PTC (Positive Temperature Coefficient) element includes: producing a polymer aqueous emulsion solution; producing a polymer aqueous emulsion conductive composite by mixing the polymer aqueous emulsion solution with a conductive agent; and producing the PTC element by coating a substrate with the polymer aqueous emulsion conductive composite, or print the polymer aqueous emulsion conductive composite on the substrate, or dipping the substrate in the polymer aqueous emulsion conductive composite and drying the substrate. Here, the polymer aqueous emulsion solution includes an adhesive polymer, a cross-linking agent, an initiator, and water. The substrate is film, non-woven, textile, inflexible plate, and the like, which are formed of polymer resin. |
| US09955527B2 |
Recorder
A recorder includes a wireless gateway unit built in the recorder, the wireless gateway unit being configured to wirelessly communicate with a field device, the wireless gateway unit converting between an internal communication protocol used for the internal communication of the recorder and a protocol used for the wireless communication. The recorder may further include a control unit that processes data from the field device. The wireless gateway unit is configured to internally communicate with the control unit. The wireless gateway unit collects the data from the field device to transmit to the control unit. |
| US09955525B2 |
Radio base station and method therein
Embodiments herein disclose a method in a radio base station (12) for handling Discontinuous Reception, DRX, operation at a terminal (10) served by the radio base station (12). The radio base station (12) selects a parameter related to DRX operation based on at least one of: a service type of a packet intended for the terminal (10) and a terminal status of the terminal (10). The radio base station then transmits the parameter to the terminal (10). |
| US09955520B2 |
Method for configuring dual connectivity for terminal by base station in wireless communication system and apparatus for same
The present invention relates to a method for configuring dual connectivity for a terminal by a base station in a wireless communication system and an apparatus for the same. The method for configuring the dual connectivity for the terminal by the base station in the wireless communication system according to an embodiment of the present invention comprises: receiving a service request message from a terminal connected to a first base station; transmitting, to a second base station, a handover request message including a request for configuring dual connectivity with the terminal when the service request message includes a service that the first base station cannot support; and transmitting, to the terminal, a connectivity configuration message indicating connectivity between the terminal and the second base station on the basis of a handover response message received from the second base station in response to the handover request message. |
| US09955519B1 |
Systems and methods for license-enabled signal processing
A communication system maintains a signal processing license within a memory of the communication system. The signal processing license allows the communication system to perform a license-enabled signal processing function on signals received from one or more devices external to the communication system while the signal processing license is maintained within the memory. As such, the communication system detects that an additional communication system is within a transfer range of the communication system, and, in response, performs a transfer operation in which the signal processing license is transferred from the communication system to the additional communication system such that the signal processing license is no longer maintained within the memory once the transfer operation is completely performed. Consequently, subsequent to the transfer operation, the additional communication system is enabled to perform the license-enabled signal processing function while the communication system is prevented from performing the license-enabled signal processing function. |
| US09955512B2 |
Method and apparatus for transmitting reception confirmation response of user equipment in wireless communication system
Provided is a method for transmitting a HARQ (hybrid automatic repeat request) ACK (acknowledgment)/NACK (not-acknowledgement) response from user equipment in which two serving cells are set. The method comprises the steps of: receiving a first transport block through a first serving cell which is set in a first transmission mode, in which up to two transport blocks are supported; determining an HARQ ACK/NACK response which includes a first response to the first transport block; and transmitting the HARQ ACK/NACK response, wherein the first response is the same as a response used when two transport blocks have been received through the first serving cell. |
| US09955510B2 |
Method and terminal for distributed access
Disclosed are a method and a terminal for a distributed access. The terminal maps data channels to be allocated in a plurality of data channels included in a frame and map scheduling priorities. In this case, the terminal determines positions of resources of a first message as a resource request message and a second message as a response message for the first message in the first channel. |
| US09955504B2 |
Multiple access method and system with frequency multiplexing of requests for authorisation to send data
A method for multiple access to a frequency band of a communication channel of a communication network with carrier sense and collision avoidance, the said frequency band being divided into a set of sub-bands includes, at a source node, detecting the availability of the communication channel and transmitting to a destination node a request message for authorization to send data on the communication channel sent over one or more sub-bands, and, at the destination node, detecting simultaneous request messages for authorization to send data on the communication channel transmitted by a plurality of source nodes over a plurality of sub-bands. A message is transmitted authorizing the sending of data on the communication channel by at least one source node among the said plurality of source nodes. |
| US09955496B2 |
Mobile communication system, user terminal, and network apparatus
A controller performs a mediation of an assigned radio resource such that the radio resource assigned to each of a plurality of other user terminals does not overlap each other, in a case where a transmission of user data is not performed among each of the plurality of other user terminals through D2D communication, and in a case where each of the plurality of other user terminals assigns the radio resource for transmitting the user data through the D2D communication. |
| US09955495B2 |
Apparatus and method for controlling coexistence interference within device in wireless communication system
The present invention provides an apparatus and a method for controlling coexistence interference within a device in a wireless communication system. The method discloses the following steps: performing triggering, in which a transmission, which is generated in a terminal, in a first frequency band of a first network system requests controlling of interference on a reception, which is generated in the terminal, in a second frequency band of a second network system; transmitting to a base station support information including information on a time section that can or cannot be used by the first network system of the second network system, due to the interference; and receiving from the base station reply information for accepting or denying interference control as a reply to the support information. |
| US09955493B1 |
Wireless access point detection and use by a vehicle
A system and method for carrying out wireless communications at a vehicle, wherein the vehicle comprises a wireless communications device and a plurality of vehicle system modules, wherein the method is carried out by the wireless communications device. The method can include the steps of: receiving an anticipatory vehicle ignition termination signal; setting the wireless communications device to operate in a station mode; detecting the presence of a wireless access point using the wireless communications device in the station mode; providing an indication to at least one of the vehicle system modules of the presence of the wireless access point; establishing a wireless connection between the wireless communications device and the wireless access point; and communicating data between the wireless access point and one or more vehicle system modules via the established wireless connection using the wireless communications device. |
| US09955489B2 |
Small cell system and method for allocating resource thereof
Provided is a method of allocating a resource in a small cell system. The method includes: selecting a temporary base station for each user terminal; measuring a signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) through a downlink pilot in a small cell base station; transmitting the signal-to-noise ratio measured for each user terminal to the temporary base station; receiving base station selection and resource allocation information from the small cell base station; and selecting the small cell base station to which most frequency resource block are allocated as a home base station. |
| US09955487B2 |
Method and apparatus for receiving downlink data in wireless communication system
A method for receiving downlink data by a User Equipment (UE) in a wireless communication system is provided. The method includes checking a transmission parameter related to data transmitted from an interfering cell, determining presence/absence of an interference signal based on the transmission parameter, determining whether to apply Network Assisted Interference Cancellation and Suppression (NAICS) technology based on at least one of the transmission parameter or the presence/absence of the interference signal, and decoding the downlink data depending on whether to apply the NAICS technology. |
| US09955485B2 |
Method for D2D communication performed by terminals in wireless communication system, and devices for supporting same
Provided are a method for device-to-device (D2D) communication performed by terminals in a wireless communication system, and terminals for supporting the method. The method comprises: receiving resource assignment information for D2D communication; and performing the D2D communication by using resources indicated by the resource assignment information, wherein the validity of the resource assignment information is determined on the basis of the type of the cell from which the terminals receive services, and the D2D communication is performed only if the resource assignment information is valid. |
| US09955483B2 |
Aggregated carrier synchronization and reference signal transmitting and receiving methods, devices and systems
A node of a wireless network transmits information to a user equipment over an aggregated carrier that includes a primary carrier having a first set of primary carrier time/frequency resources and a secondary carrier having a second set of secondary carrier time/frequency resources. Synchronization signals and/or reference symbols are transmitted to the user equipment on the secondary carrier less often than on the primary carrier. An indication of when and/or how often the synchronization signals and/or reference symbols will be transmitted to the user equipment on the secondary carrier may also be transmitted to the user equipment over the primary carrier. By transmitting synchronization signals and/or reference symbols to the user equipment on the secondary carrier less often than on the primary carrier, resources of the secondary carrier may be conserved, energy efficiency of the secondary carrier may be increased, and/or interference with other cells may be reduced or prevented. |
| US09955482B2 |
Long term evolution interference management in unlicensed bands for Wi-Fi operation
Systems and methods for improved interference management by Wi-Fi devices are disclosed. The interference management may be achieved by monitoring, by the Wi-Fi device, signaling energy on a communication channel in a frequency band associated with the Wi-Fi device, comparing the monitored signal energy with a known waveform signature corresponding to Long Term Evolution (LTE) operation, and identifying a presence of an LTE interferer on the communication channel in the frequency band associated with the Wi-Fi device based on the comparison. |
| US09955480B2 |
Method and apparatus for resource allocation satisfying multiple performance constraints
A low-complexity, efficient Radio Resource Allocation method performed by a base station of a wireless communication network allocates a first plurality of frequency resources among a second plurality of requesting mobile terminals. Each mobile terminal employs a service such that two or more services are represented in the second plurality. The RRA method satisfies all of an exclusivity constraint that each frequency resource is allocated to only one mobile terminal, an adjacency constraint that all frequency resources allocated to any given mobile terminal are contiguous in a frequency domain, and a minimum service requirement constraint that a predetermined number of the mobile terminals employing each service be granted a required data rate. The RRA method comprises two phases: Unconstrained Maximization and Reallocation. In the Unconstrained Maximization phase, frequency resources are iteratively allocated to mobile terminals in an opportunistic way, obeying the exclusivity and adjacency constraints but without concern for the minimum service requirement constraint; the resulting allocation is tested for fulfillment of the minimum service requirement constraint; and one or more mobile terminals are removed from the allocation based on the minimum service requirement constraint test. In the Reallocation phase, frequency resources from one or more mobile terminals that have their required data rate fulfilled are reallocated to one or more mobile terminals that do not have their required data rate fulfilled. |
| US09955472B2 |
Methods reducing antenna port interference for EPDCCH and related systems, devices, and networks
A method of operating a base station in a radio access network may include configuring first and second control channel sets with respective first and second antenna port configurations for a wireless terminal using control channel signaling transmitted to the wireless terminal. First reference signals may be transmitted to the wireless terminal according to the first antenna port configuration, and second reference signals may be transmitted to the wireless terminal according to the second antenna port configuration. |
| US09955471B2 |
Mobile communication system, base station apparatus, mobile station apparatus and communication method
A mobile station (MS) communicates with a base station (BS) by a carrier aggregation using a plurality of downlink component carriers (DCCs). The MS receives on one or more activated DCCs. The MS receives using a PDCCH on one of activated DCCs, from the BS, first information including an information field for requesting a transmission of channel state information (CSI), the first information being used for scheduling of a PUSCH. The MS transmits using the PUSCH in a first subframe on an uplink component carrier, to the BS, first CSI for more than one activated DCCs. The MS transmits using the PUSCH in a second subframe on the uplink component carrier, to the BS, second CSI for only one activated downlink component carrier. The transmission of the second CSI is scheduled by the first information received using the PDCCH on the only one activated downlink component carrier. |
| US09955470B2 |
Method of error recovery in transmitting and receiving voice service in packet based mobile communication systems
Provided is a method of transmitting and receiving data using a persistent allocation scheme in order to effectively support a voice service between a base station and a mobile terminal in a packet based mobile communication system. When an error occurs in transmitting control information that indicates whether to use a radio resource using the persistent allocation scheme, the base station may retransmit the control information and thereby maintain a communication quality. |
| US09955469B2 |
Joint encoding of wireless communication allocation information
Methods, devices and systems for jointly encoding allocation information of one or more wireless communication stations in a common portion of a physical layer header are disclosed. In some examples, a wireless device may: generate allocation information associated with one or more wireless communication stations; encode the allocation information into the common portion of the physical layer header; and transmit the physical layer header to the one or more wireless communication stations. |
| US09955463B2 |
Method and system for battery energy savings for carrier aggregation
A method at a user equipment having a scheduling carrier and at least one scheduled carrier, the method receiving, at a first subframe from the scheduling carrier, a downlink control indication containing a downlink assignment for the user equipment on the scheduled carrier; and turning on a receiver of the user equipment for the scheduled carrier at a future downlink subframe based on the downlink assignment. Further, a method, at a scheduling cell having a scheduling carrier, for scheduling downlink data reception on a scheduled carrier, the method setting a time skew for the scheduled carrier such that a data transmission start time for a subframe at the scheduled carrier is greater than a blind latency decode time on the scheduling carrier. |
| US09955462B2 |
Ultra-low latency LTE control data communication
Various aspects described herein relate to communicating in a wireless network. A transmission time interval (TTI) for an uplink control channel transmission within a subframe is determined, wherein the TTI comprises of a number of symbols which are a subset of a plurality of symbols in the subframe. Uplink control data can be transmitted over the uplink control channel during the TTI. |
| US09955454B2 |
Device and method for automatic notification customization
A device and method for automatic notification customization is provided. The device includes: a controller; a notification device; and a memory storing: notification data; and identification data, the identification data comprising one or more of: an identifier of the device; and an account identifier identifying an account associated with the device. The controller: alters the notification data using the identification data to generate altered notification data; determines that a notification of an event is to occur at the device; and controls the notification device to provide the altered notification. |
| US09955452B2 |
Dynamically adjusting paging cycles of a network at an access terminal based on service availability of another network within a wireless communication system
In an embodiment, if service on both first and second networks is available, an access terminal negotiates with an access network to establish a paging cycle for the first network (e.g., 1x EV-DO) and a first dynamic paging cycle for the second network (e.g., CDMA2000 1x). If service on the second network is maintained but service on the first network becomes unavailable, the access network negotiates a second dynamic paging cycle (e.g., more aggressive or shorter than the first dynamic paging cycle) for the second network. If the access terminal determines that service on the second network is maintained and service is again available on the first network, the access terminal re-negotiates the first dynamic paging cycle for the second network. Accordingly, paging cycles on the second network are dynamically adjusted based on a service availability status of the first network. |
| US09955447B2 |
Clock synchronization method, mobile network system, network controller and network switch
A clock synchronization method, a mobile network system, a network controller and a network switch are provided. The method computes a round-trip delay ratio between the network controller and the network switch according to a first delay, of which the network controller transmits a packet to the network switch, and a second delay, of which the network switch transmits another packet to the network controller. The method also locks a first clock based on a time-transfer protocol with the round-trip delay ratio, wherein the first clock is synchronized with a master clock of the network controller. The method further sets the first clock being locked as a runtime clock of the network switch. |
| US09955446B2 |
Frequency offset compensation for WiFi ranging
Methods, systems, and apparatus are disclosed for determining accurate ranging measurements between communication devices. Various embodiments are described for recording timestamps associated with when transmissions are sent and received between the communication devices. The communication devices are configured to determine a difference in their clock frequencies and to communicate this difference with one another. Furthermore, each of the communication devices is configured to compensate for these differences before or after the timestamps are exchanged and to send a compensation indicator of whether the compensation has been performed. If the compensation has not been performed, either of the communication devices can compensate for the clock frequency differences after receiving the timestamps based on the compensation indicator. By using compensated clock frequencies based on a single clock reference, highly accurate ranging measurements are obtained using round trip propagation time calculations. |
| US09955445B2 |
System and method for enhancing reporting information for radio link failure (RLF) in LTE networks
A method of and User Equipment (UE) for enhancing reporting information for a Radio Link Failure (RLF) in a Long Term Evolution (LTE) network. The method includes receiving, by a User Equipment (UE), RLF threshold information transmitted from the LTE network, logging, by the UE, the RLF threshold information, and indicating, by the UE, a recovery from a near RLF condition. |
| US09955439B2 |
Wireless communication apparatus
A wireless communication apparatus supports at least a second wireless communication scheme between a first wireless communication scheme and the second wireless communication scheme. The first wireless communication scheme requires that a wireless medium is determined to be busy when a reception level is equal to or greater than a minimum reception sensitivity level of a physical scheme. The apparatus includes a first processing unit and a second processing unit. The first processing unit is configured to set a value lower than a maximum transmission power of the first wireless communication scheme, for a maximum transmission power of the second wireless communication scheme and set a value greater than the minimum reception sensitivity level of the physical scheme, for a carrier sense level, when the second wireless communication scheme is used. The second processing unit is configured to carry out carrier sense using the carrier sense level. |
| US09955438B2 |
Method and apparatus for carrier allocation and management in multi-carrier communication systems
Embodiments disclosed herein relate to carrier allocation and management in multi-carrier communication systems. In some embodiments, the number of carriers assigned to an access terminal on a forward link may be determined by an access network, and the number of carriers assigned to the access terminal on a reverse link may be based on a cooperative process between the access terminal and the access network. In other embodiments, the number of carriers assigned to the access terminal on the reverse link may also be determined by the access network, e.g., in relation to the scheduling information received from the access terminal. |
| US09955435B2 |
High-frequency signal processing apparatus and wireless communication apparatus
A high-frequency signal processing apparatus and a wireless communication apparatus can achieve a decrease in power consumption. For example, when an indicated power level to a high-frequency power amplifier is equal to or greater than a second reference value, envelope tracking is performed by causing a source voltage control circuit to control a high-speed DCDC converter using a detection result of an envelope detecting circuit and causing a bias control circuit to indicate a fixed bias value. The source voltage control circuit and the bias control circuit indicate a source voltage and a bias value decreasing in proportion to a decrease in the indicated power level when the indicated power level is in a range of the second reference value to the first reference value, and indicate a fixed source voltage and a fixed bias value when the indicated power level is less than the first reference value. |
| US09955430B2 |
Power allocation method and apparatus
A power allocation method and apparatus that relate to the wireless communications field. The method includes: determining, by the UE, a first channel in a first subframe; determining, by the UE, n second channels in n second subframes, where the n second subframes are subframes having overlapping time greater than or equal to a preset threshold with the first subframe; allocating, by the UE, transmit power at least to the first channel according to transmit power required for the first channel and transmit power required for the n second channels; and sending, by the UE, data to a first base station/first cell group on the first channel according to the transmit power allocated to the first channel. |
| US09955426B2 |
Backlight and ambient light sensor system
Apparatuses and methods to operate a display device of an electronic device. In some embodiments, a method includes receiving a user setting of a display control parameter, and altering, based on the user setting, an effect of an ambient light sensor value (ALS) on control of the display control parameter. Also, according to embodiments of the inventions, a method of operating a display of an electronic device includes receiving a change to one of a display brightness output level and an ambient light sensor output level, and altering, according to the change, a display contrast output level. In some embodiments, a method of operating a proximity sensor of an electronic device includes receiving a light sensor output, and altering, according to the output, an on/off setting of a proximity sensor. Other apparatuses and methods and data processing systems and machine readable media are also described. |
| US09955424B2 |
Methods and apparatus for enhanced power save protocol
Methods and apparatus for enhanced power save protocol are provided. In one aspect, a message to two or more stations is transmitted, the message requesting the two or more stations to transmit buffered unit requests concurrently at a specified time. The buffered unit requests are then received concurrently from each of the stations. |
| US09955423B2 |
Measuring environmental conditions over a defined time period within a wireless sensor system
An arrangement for measuring environmental conditions in a wireless sensor system. A threshold value may be determined. An environmental condition sensor unit may measure, over a defined period of time, an environmental condition level. The measured environmental condition level may be compared to the determined threshold value. It may be determined whether the measured environmental condition level exceeds the defined threshold value for the defined period of time. At least in part based on the determination of whether the measured environmental condition level exceeds the defined threshold value over the defined period of time, information indicative of the measured environmental condition level may be transmitted. |
| US09955421B2 |
Traffic advertisement and scheduling in a neighbor aware network data link
A method includes generating a service discovery frame at a first electronic device of a data link of a neighbor aware network (NAN). The service discovery frame may include an attribute identifying a subset of electronic devices of the data link as recipients of data from the first electronic device during a transmission window or identifying a time period corresponding to data announcements and timing information of data transmissions corresponding to the data link. The method further includes transmitting the service discovery frame to electronic devices other than the first electronic device. |
| US09955419B2 |
Network nodes, a user equipment and methods therein for establishing a connection between the user equipment and a wireless communications network
A method performed by a wireless device for handling suspension of a connection between the wireless device and a wireless communications network. The wireless communications network comprises the first network node.The wireless device receives information from the first network node. The information comprises a first identifier identifying a first cell area. The first cell area comprises one or more cells capable of resuming the connection.The wireless device suspends the connection in a first cell out of the one or more cells.When selecting a cell access method for a cell the wireless device determines whether or not resumption of the connection is allowed in the cell based on the information from the network node. |
| US09955415B2 |
Radio link establishment method, apparatus, and system
Embodiments of the present invention relate to the communications field, and provide a radio link establishment method, apparatus, and system, which are used to save radio link overhead. The method includes: determining a first supporting user equipment UE; determining a first beneficial UE served by the first supporting UE; configuring synthesis layer information of the first supporting UE and first synthetic bearer information of the first supporting UE for the first supporting UE according to radio bearer information of the first beneficial UE; configuring synthesis layer information of the first beneficial UE for the first beneficial UE according to the radio bearer information of the first beneficial UE; and configuring synthesis layer information of the base station according to the radio bearer information of the first beneficial UE. The present invention is applicable to a scenario of communication between the UE and the base station. |
| US09955414B2 |
Selecting a network for a wireless device
Disclosed is an apparatus, system, and method for a wireless device to select a network. The wireless device receives a request from a user to access a network site. The wireless device then selects a network based upon a predefined weighted criteria setting that was previously selected by the user. |
| US09955409B2 |
Method and apparatus for device-to-device communication
Provided is a method and apparatus for device-to-device (D2D) communication, and, particularly, a method and apparatus for device-to-device (D2D) communication for discovering an adjacent UE through a network in a wireless cellular communication system. Provided are a method for performing device-to-device communication by a UE, and an apparatus therefor, the method including: transmitting a discovery request for discovering an adjacent UE to a server; scanning a discovery channel during a scanning time according to the discovery request; and performing the device-to-device communication with a discovered adjacent UE when the adjacent UE is discovered as a result of the scanning, wherein the discovery request is used for the server to transmit an announcement request to the adjacent UE corresponding to the discovery request, and the announcement indication information includes information which allows the adjacent UE to broadcast a discovery signal through the discovery channel during the scanning time. |
| US09955408B2 |
Network-assisted multi-cell device discovery protocol for device-to-device communications
A method includes determining, at a first eNodeB (eNB) associated with a first cell of a network, that a first user equipment (UE) is to engage in a device discovery process. The method also includes coordinating parameters of the device discovery process with a second eNB. The second eNB is associated with a second cell of the network and with a second UE. The parameters define one or more resources to be used in the first and second cells during the device discovery process. The method further includes communicating at least some of the parameters to the first UE. The device discovery process includes a process in which the first UE identifies one or more other UEs with which the first UE is able to engage in device-to-device communications. |
| US09955403B2 |
Method for communicating in wireless communication system supporting multiple access network and apparatus supporting same
Provided is a method for communicating carried out by a terminal in a wireless communication system supporting a multiple access network. The method comprises receiving a traffic routing configuration from a first access network, wherein the traffic routing configuration involves specifying traffic routing criteria, searching a second access network, determining whether a second access network entity discovered by the search satisfies the traffic routing criteria, and processing traffic on the first access network through the second access network entity when the traffic routing criteria are satisfied. |
| US09955400B2 |
Handing off a terminal among wireless access points
A method and system for handing off a terminal among a plurality of wireless access points (APs) connected to a central management AP. The method comprising: receiving network condition information of a terminal communicatively connected to a first wireless AP among the plurality of wireless APs. Determining a second wireless AP the plurality of wireless APs to which the terminal is to be handed off based on the network condition information of the terminal. The second wireless AP is virtually connected to the terminal. Submitting a handoff request to the second wireless AP. Notifying the terminal to hand off to the second wireless AP in response to receiving a handoff response from the second wireless AP. |
| US09955398B2 |
WLAN / cellular interworking based on mobility information
In at least some embodiments, a method, apparatus, and system for performing communication using a plurality of radio access technologies (RATs) including a cellular RAT and a short-range RAT. A mobile device may be configured to receive information regarding traffic steering, i.e., cellular/short-range RAT handover, from nearby short-range access points and/or from a cellular base station. The mobile device may generate or determine mobility information of the mobile device, which indicates an amount of movement of the mobile device. The mobile device may determine whether the mobile device should transition between the cellular RAT and the short-range RAT based at least in part on the traffic-steering information and the mobility information. The mobile device may selectively transition between the cellular RAT and the short-range RAT based on the determination. |
| US09955396B1 |
Seamless service transitions in a mobile environment
Aspects of the present disclosure provide for systems and methods to enable mobile devices to connect to the Internet while in a moving vehicle that includes one or more internal cabin access points (CAPs) and one or more external vehicle access point (VAPs), but are not so limited. A disclosed system operates to enable passengers to use one or more mobile devices, such as laptops, tablets, smartphones, etc. to connect to the Internet via access points (APs) positioned along the path of travel of a moving vehicle. A disclosed method operates to seamlessly maintain network connectivity for wireless device users of a vehicle network moving from one service station AP to another service station AP along a path of travel of a moving vehicle. |
| US09955394B2 |
Method and apparatus for performing handover between core network entities in a packet-switched network
A method and apparatus for performing a L3 handover between CNs in a packet-switched network are provided. When a UE moves from an old RAN to a new RAN, the UE sends a measurement report message including cell information to the old RAN. The old or new RAN determines whether to perform a L3 handover. If the L3 handover is required, a tunnel is established between the new RAN and a new CN. The UE performs a handover from the old RAN to the new RAN, without establishing a tunnel between the new RAN and an old CN. Upon detection of the movement of the UE, the new RAN sends a L2 handover complete message to the old RAN. After moving to the new RAN, the UE acquires a new IP address, performs the L3 handover, and communicates with the new CN through the new RAN. |
| US09955393B2 |
Methods and apparatus for selection of dedicated core network
Methods and apparatuses for redirecting a wireless transmit/receive unit (WTRU) to a dedicated core network (CN) node are described. An apparatus is configured to initiate a Service Request with a non-dedicated network node. The apparatus is configured to receive a special identifier in response to the Service Request, which indicates the apparatus should be redirected to a dedicated CN node based on subscription information. Radio access network resources associated with the apparatus may be released and the apparatus may then perform a tracking area update (TAU) request which is then forwarded to the dedicated CN node. |
| US09955392B2 |
Methods and apparatus for selecting a base station transceiver system based on service communication type
Techniques for use in selecting a base station transceiver system for communication with a mobile station are described. The mobile station is connected to a first base station transceiver system, and scans to identify a second base station transceiver system for communication. The mobile station further identifies that the second base station transceiver system provides a predetermined communication service, and that the first base station transceiver system fails to provide the predetermined communication service. In response to identifying, the mobile station causes the second base station transceiver system to be selected for communication over the first base station transceiver system even if the signal quality of the second base station transceiver system is worse than that of the first base station transceiver system. Identifying whether the first and second base station transceiver system provide the predetermined communication service is based on parameters transmitted from the first and second base station transceiver systems. |
| US09955389B2 |
In-device coexistence interference report control method and apparatus of network in mobile communication system
An in-device coexistence interference report control method of a network for terminal to inform the network of interference among heterogeneous radio communication modules coexisting in the terminal is provided. The method includes determining, at a terminal when a terminal capability enquiry message is received from a base station, whether the base station supports an In-Device Coexistence (IDC) interference report, transmitting, when the IDC interference report is supported, a terminal capacity information message to the base station, receiving a Radio Resource Control (RRC) connection reconfiguration message including information on whether terminal's IDC interference indicator transmission is permitted from the base station; and transmitting an RRC connection reconfiguration complete message to the base station in response to the RRC connection reconfiguration message. The in-device coexistence interference indication control method is advantageous in preventing the UE from transmitting useless in-device coexistence interference indication messages, resulting in reduction of unnecessary signaling. |
| US09955386B2 |
Switchover service for network selection fallback
A method, a device, and a non-transitory storage medium having instructions to receive channel information from a node of a first network, wherein the channel information indicates a channel to use to access a second network when a switchover is invoked, wherein the first network and the second network operate according to different communicative standards; store the channel information; attempt to establish a session with another device via the first network; determine whether an establishment of the session via the first network is successful; and invoke the switchover, wherein the switchover includes using the channel information to attempt to establish a same session via the second network, in response to a determination that the establishment of the session via the first network failed. |
| US09955384B2 |
Mobile device hotspot secure public peer-to-peer sharing
Systems and methods for allowing a user to control sharing of network bandwidth in a peer-to-peer environment are described herein. An example telecommunications device includes a user interface device, a processor and a memory device. The telecommunications device identifies one or more time parameters related to bandwidth sharing based on a first operation of the user interface device and identifies one or more bandwidth parameters related to bandwidth sharing based on a second operation of the user interface device. The telecommunications device allows one or more other devices access to one or more networks via one of the telecommunications device or a second device associated with the user, based at least on the identified one or more time parameters and the one or more bandwidth parameters. |
| US09955380B2 |
Method and system for optimizing radio resources between UE and ENB during VoLTE call
A method and system is provided for optimizing Radio resources during a VoLTE call when ROHC is enabled by indicating an IP-ID value using an identifier in an Initial and Refresh (IR) packet. During the VoLTE call, when value of a static IP-ID is zero, the ROHC compressor appends an identifier in the IR packet and enables the identifier for indicating the static IP-ID value to the ROHC decompressor. Further, the ROHC compressor sends the IR packet to the ROHC decompressor by enabling the identifier for indicating the static IP-ID value during the ROHC context. The ROHC decompressor receives the IR packet and determines the identifier in the IR packet. If the identifier is enabled in the IR packet then the ROHC decompressor sets the IP-ID value as zero during generation of decompressed IP header. |
| US09955376B2 |
Apparatus and method for performing measurement report considering in-device coexistence interference
The present invention relates to an apparatus and a method for performing measurement reporting considering in-device coexistence interference. The present invention provide a user equipment transmitting a measurement report in a wireless communication system, comprising an interference detection unit, an assistant information generation unit, a measurement controller and a transmitter. According to the present invention, a measurement procedure can be clearly defined in an interference delicate band where in-device coexistence interference occurs and scheduling restrictions on an eNodeB due to measurement reporting about an interference delicate band can be reduced. |
| US09955375B2 |
Sensing measurement configuration and reporting in a long term evolution system operating over license exempt bands
A method for sensing measurement gap scheduling includes allocating a new supplementary carrier in a license-exempt spectrum by a radio resource management (RRM) entity in an evolved Node B (eNB); configuring a local cognitive sensing entity in the eNB by the RRM entity; configuring a wireless transmit/receive unit (WTRU) for cognitive sensing through radio resource control (RRC) signaling, the RRC signaling being generated by the eNB; configuring a local cognitive sensing entity at the WTRU by a dynamic spectrum management (DSM) entity; and signaling a start and a duration of a measurement gap to an enhanced sensing component. |
| US09955373B2 |
Systems and methods for controlling logging and reporting under constraints
Systems and methods are disclosed herein for controlling reporting and/or logging of data by a wireless device in a cellular communications network under one or more constraints. In one embodiment, a node in the cellular communications network makes a determination as to whether at least one of logged data logged by a wireless device in a log, data associated with the logged data, data to be logged by the wireless device, and data associated with the data to be logged by the wireless device satisfies one or more constraints. The node then controls at least one of reporting of the log by the wireless device and logging of data in the log by the wireless device in response to the determination. |
| US09955369B2 |
Network self-healing method and system using lighting devices
The present invention provides a network self-healing method and system using lighting devices each including a WI-FI module with a wireless access point (AP) function. The lighting devices are wirelessly connected to a wireless router. The lighting devices scan a service set identifier (SSID) of the wireless router to confirm that the wireless router is not able to be connected to and to switch to a self-healing networking mode. The wireless AP function of each lighting device is activated according to a self-healing networking rule. One lighting device is selected from the lighting devices and is used as a first lighting device router. The wireless AP function of each of other non-selected lighting devices remaining in the plurality of lighting devices is deactivated, and wirelessly connected to the first lighting device router respectively. |
| US09955361B2 |
Method and system for WI-FI data transmission
A system for networking Wi-Fi Access Points in a Distributed Antenna System includes a plurality of Digital Access Units (DAUs). The plurality of DAUs are coupled and operable to route signals between the plurality of DAUs. The system also includes a plurality of Digital Remote Units (DRUs) coupled to the plurality of DAUs and operable to transport signals between DRUs and DAUs and a plurality of DAU ports and DRU ports. The system further includes a Framer/Deframer, wherein the cellular payload data is separated from the IP data and a network switch. The IP data from a plurality of DAU and DRU ports are buffered and routed to a plurality of DAU and DRU ports. Furthermore, the system includes a plurality of Wi-Fi access points coupled via a mesh network to Wi-Fi access points connected to a plurality of DRUs. |
| US09955360B2 |
Relay apparatus, receiving apparatus and control method thereof
A relay apparatus relays a signal received from a transmitting apparatus to a receiving apparatus, and includes a receiver configured to receive a signal from the transmitting apparatus, and a transmitter configured to repeatedly transmit a predetermined symbol interval of the received signal to the receiving apparatus. |
| US09955359B2 |
Location services with multiple devices
A location services system used with a wireless LAN network provides wireless LAN Internet access in a venue, and also provides location-based analytics and services. The system monitors the locations of individuals using devices that communicate with a network, and maintain statistics for analytical purposes, and can provide services, such as special promotions and discounts. The system can determine whether a single person is carrying multiple devices, e.g., a user carrying a cellphone (including a smartphone) and a tablet or a laptop; and can also determine whether multiple people are within the venue as a temporary logical group, such as a family or group of friends. These capabilities allow the system to adjust how it communicates with users, and also allows it to adjust the analytics. |
| US09955357B2 |
Scheme for communication in mobile communication system using unlicensed frequency band
The present disclosure relates to a pre-5th-Generation (5G) or 5G communication system provided for supporting higher data rates Beyond 4th-Generation (4G) communication system such as Long Term Evolution (LTE). A method for adding an operating channel for a user equipment (UE) that uses an unlicensed band channel by an evolved Node B (eNB) in a mobile communication system is provided. The method includes transmitting a first sensing indicator message indicating sensing of an unlicensed band channel, to at least one UE, determining a channel state by sensing the unlicensed band channel, receiving a first feedback message including a channel sensing result of the unlicensed band channel sensed by the UE, from the at least one UE, comparing the determined channel state with the channel sensing result received from the UE, and transmitting a control message indicating addition of the unlicensed band channel to the UE based on the comparison result. |
| US09955355B2 |
Apparatus and method for wireless communication system
A system that identifies a number of secondary systems located in a first geographical area; identifies a primary resource available to be assigned to the secondary systems, the primary resource being a resource to which a primary system has a priority usage right; determines whether the number of secondary systems located in the first geographical area exceeds a predetermined threshold value; and limits a number of secondary systems to which the primary resource is assigned when it is determined that the number of secondary systems located in the first geographical area exceeds the predetermined threshold value. |
| US09955353B2 |
Delegated profile and policy management
Identities of mobile communications devices and subscription credentials are maintained by an enterprise server. The subscription credentials are operative to enable access to subscription services of a mobile network operator. Control of the subscription credentials is delegated from the mobile network operator to the enterprise server. The enterprise server determines which of the mobile communications devices are to be provisioned by the subscription credentials. Policies for use of the subscription credentials by the determined mobile communications devices are identified. The subscription credentials and policies are applied to the mobile communications devices. |
| US09955352B2 |
Methods and systems for addressing mobile communications devices that are lost or stolen but not yet reported as such
A method is provided for evaluating the usage of a mobile communications device that itself provides access to a resource. In the method, a detected usage of the mobile communications device is compared to a stored usage pattern of an authorized user. When a measure associated with the difference between the detected usage and the stored usage pattern exceeds a threshold, it is concluded that the mobile communications device is being used by an unauthorized user. In response to this conclusion, a restriction is placed on an ability of the mobile communications device to access the resource. |
| US09955343B2 |
Wireless initialization of electronic devices for first time use
Apparatuses, devices, and methods of initializing an electronic device such as a wrist-worn device are provided. An optical input device may read the display of the wrist-worn device to obtain input corresponding to a pairing token presented at the display. An optical input processor may process the input to identify the pairing token. The pairing token may be provided to the wrist-worn device during a handshake process in order to establish a wireless communications session with the wrist-worn device. An initialization process may be performed via the wireless communication session. The initialization process may initialize the wrist-worn device such that a user may operate the wrist-worn device following the initialization process. |
| US09955341B2 |
Method for preventing call-up operation errors and system using the same
A method for preventing call-up operation errors and system using the same are provided. The method includes the steps of: (S1) a proximity sensor continuously detecting a proximity or distant state of an obstruction; (S2) when detecting that the obstruction approaches, uploading the proximity state in drive program to an upper layer; (S3) when detecting that the obstruction moves far away, the proximity sensor first skipping reporting the distant state at this time, and increasing the transmission power of the proximity sensor; (S4) determining whether the reflection intensity signal exceeds a setting threshold; and (S5) if the obstruction is near the proximity sensor of the mobile phone, the proximity sensor skips uploading the distant state, and the display screen will not light up, if the obstruction is far away from the proximity sensor, the proximity sensor uploading the distant state and then lighting up the display screen. |
| US09955339B2 |
Method, apparatus, and system for online subscription data configuration
The present disclosure provides a method, an apparatus, and a method for online subscription data configuration. This method for online subscription data configuration includes: acquiring, by a subscription data configuration function device (SMF), equipment capability information of a user equipment (UE) and information of a service supported by the UE; generating, by the SMF, user subscription data according to the equipment capability information of the UE and the information of service supported by the UE, and generating user service subscription data according to the information of the service supported by the UE; where the user subscription data and the user service subscription data include an international mobile subscriber identity (IMSI) allocated to the UE by the SMF; performing, by the SMF, subscription data configuration on a home subscriber server (HSS) and a subscription profile repository (SPR), according to the user subscription data and the user service subscription data. |
| US09955338B2 |
Operator-assisted device-to-device (D2D) discovery
A method and system for operator-assisted device-to-device (D2D) discovery is disclosed, which method may be executed as instructions on a machine, where the instructions are included on at least one computer readable medium. The method can include a transmission station in an operator network receiving a request for data service from a requesting wireless device. The transmission station can identify a serving wireless device to provide the data service for the requesting wireless device. The transmission station can transmit a device discovery message to the requesting wireless device and the serving wireless device. The device discovery message provides a device discovery period for communication via an ad-hoc, D2D network between the requesting wireless device and the serving wireless device. The ad-hoc, D2D network provides for device-to-device communication. |
| US09955334B2 |
Method of performing proximity discovery for network entity and user equipment
A method of performing proximity discovery for a network entity and a user equipment (UE). In one of the exemplary embodiments, this disclosure is directed to a generating method that is applicable to a network entity and includes at least but not limited to receiving a discovery request message comprising a ProSe application identifier (ID) and a UE identity, obtaining a discover code for performing the proximity discovery according to a target group of the UE identity, and transmitting a discovery response message comprising the discovery code in response to the discovery request message. The ProSe application ID indicates the target group of the UE identity. |
| US09955326B2 |
Responding to in-vehicle environmental conditions
Technologies for generating a warning based on environmental conditions sensed in a vehicle include an in-vehicle warning system for determining whether an operator of the vehicle is present, determining whether a non-operator occupant is present in the vehicle, and determining whether environmental conditions sensed within the vehicle satisfy a reference condition threshold. Such technologies may also include performing an emergency action in response to determining that the environmental conditions sensed within the vehicle satisfy the reference condition threshold, determining that the operator of the vehicle is not present, and determining that the non-operator occupant is present in the vehicle. |
| US09955324B2 |
SMS message processing method for mobile terminal and mobile terminal
A short message service (SMS) message processing method for a mobile terminal and a mobile terminal are provided. An SMS message Favorites bar is added to an SMS message interaction interface such that when sending or receiving an SMS message, a user can tap the SMS message Favorites bar on a current user SMS message interaction interface. The method includes receiving a first touch operation on a Favorites button, obtaining a Favorite SMS message from storage space of the mobile terminal according to the first touch operation, and displaying the obtained Favorite SMS message on a touchscreen. |
| US09955323B2 |
System and method for modifying settings on wireless devices
The present application describes a method and system for modifying APN settings on a wireless device for connecting to a cellular data network. The wireless device includes a device management application. The wireless device displays an APN code on a display. The device management application determines when a user has provided the APN code thereto. The device management application confirms the validity of the received APN in order to gain access to the cellular data network. |
| US09955320B2 |
Independent configuration identities in a heterogeneous cellular communication network
Systems and methods are disclosed for using multiple configuration groups having corresponding configuration identity (CID) parameters to configure a transmission channel and a reception channel for a user equipment device in a cellular communication network. In one embodiment, a user equipment device in a cellular communication network obtains CID values for CID parameters for a number of configuration groups. Each of the configuration groups includes one or more transmission channel or reception channel parameters. For each of the configuration groups, the user equipment device configures the parameters in the configuration group based on the CID value obtained for the CID parameter for the configuration group. In this manner, the transmission channel and the reception channel for the user equipment device are configured based on multiple CID values rather than a single physical layer cell identifier for a cell in which the user equipment device is located. |
| US09955319B2 |
Method for mobile device-based cooperative data capture
Embodiments of a method for improving movement characteristic determination using a plurality of mobile devices associated with a vehicle can include: collecting a first movement dataset corresponding to at least one of a first location sensor and a first motion sensor of a first mobile device of the plurality of mobile devices; collecting a second movement dataset corresponding to at least one of a second location sensor and a second motion sensor of a second mobile device of the plurality of mobile devices; determining satisfaction of a device association condition indicative of the first and the second mobile devices as associated with the vehicle, based on the first and the second movement datasets; and after determining the satisfaction of the device association condition, determining a vehicle movement characteristic based on the first and the second movement datasets. |
| US09955310B2 |
Automated workflow access based on prior user activity
Systems, methods, and computer-readable media for automating workflow access for a user are provided. A prior activity of a user at a first healthcare application session on a first user device may be determined. The prior activity may occur at a first location in a healthcare facility. Based on the prior activity of the user, as well as a role associated with the user and a second location of the user, a next activity of the user at a second healthcare application session may be predicted. The second healthcare application session may then be automatically launched. |
| US09955307B1 |
Distributed relative positioning
A method is disclosed for relative positioning performed by a first mobile device that is one of a plurality of mobile devices. The method determines a first probe signal parameter that is indicative for a distance between the first mobile device and a second mobile device. The method obtains one or more further probe signal parameters. Each further probe signal parameter is indicative for a distance between two of the plurality of mobile devices. The method selects probe signal parameters of the first probe signal parameter and the further probe signal parameters for determining one or more relative positions between two or more of the plurality of mobile devices. The method determines one or more relative positions between two or more of the plurality of mobile devices at least based on the selected probe signal parameters. A corresponding apparatus, system and computer readable medium are also disclosed. |
| US09955305B2 |
User intervention based on proximity between tracking devices
A tracking system can provide intervention notifications to a user to notify the user that a tracking device is potentially lost or is in a predicted state. The tracking system may notify the user that a tracking device is potentially lost or in a predicted state based on a number of factors, including: a proximity of a tracking device to other tracking devices or a user's mobile device, a movement of a tracking device to more than a threshold distance away from a mobile device or other tracking devices, a location of a tracking device relative to a geographic location or to geographic boundaries, a usage or movement behavior of the tracking device, a usage or movement behavior of a user or owner of a tracking device, information received from an external source, or information received from sensors within the tracking device or a user's mobile. |
| US09955304B1 |
Apparatus and method for tracking the position of an intermittently operable Wi-Fi tag
A server has a processor and a memory connected to the processor. The memory stores instructions executed by the processor to collect scan lists from client devices, where each scan list specifies a Wi-Fi access point identifier collected by a client device and geographic coordinates of the client device when the Wi-Fi access point identifier was collected. A cluster of geographic coordinates around a designated Wi-Fi access point is formed. A centroid within the cluster is identified. The location of the centroid is ascribed the geographic position of the designated Wi-Fi access point. The geographic position of the designated Wi-Fi access point is added to a Wi-Fi access point location database. A Wi-Fi tag scan list is processed to form a tag path listing known geographic locations of Wi-Fi access points observed by the Wi-Fi tag. The tag path is supplied in response to a request. |
| US09955301B2 |
Multi-path mitigation in rangefinding and tracking objects using reduced attenuation RF technology
An autonomous system with no Customer Network Investment is described, wherein the system is configurable to operate on in a band in addition to the LTE band. Such system allows the definition of hybrid operations to accommodate the positioning reference signals (PRS) of LTE and already existing reference signals. The system can operate with PRS, with other reference signals such as cell-specific reference signals (CRS), or with both signal types. As such, the system provides the advantage of allowing network operator(s) to dynamically choose between modes of operation depending on circumstances, such as network throughput and compatibility. |
| US09955296B2 |
Wireless controlled thermostat with reduced polling communications during predicted periods of low activity to save power
A temperature control apparatus for controlling operation of at least one temperature-modifying device includes a housing, a wireless communication module configured to communicate with a remote Internet-based server, and a controller in communication with the wireless communication module. The controller is configured to: (i) control operation of the temperature modifying device in response to a comparison of a measured ambient temperature with a setpoint temperature, (ii) in a user-selectable first mode of operation, during a first time period during a day, poll the remote server at a first rate of at least six times per hour, using the wireless communication module, for an instruction to change the setpoint temperature, and (iii) in the first mode of operation, during a second time period, poll the remote server at a second rate that is lower than the first rate, using the wireless communication module, for an instruction to change the setpoint temperature. |
| US09955295B1 |
Use of positioning reference signal configuration as indication of operational state of a cell
A method and system for using a positioning reference signal (PRS) of a cell to indicate an operational state of the cell. The cell could have two or more candidate PRS configurations defining physical configurations of its PRS, such as frequency positions of air interface resources that carry the cell's PRS. One such PRS configuration could correspond with one operational state of the cell (e.g., heavy cell load), and another such PRS configuration could correspond with a different operational state of the cell (e.g., normal or light cell load). A base station could thus select and apply a particular PRS configuration to indicate operational state of the cell. And an entity such as a wireless client device or neighboring base station could determine the PRS configuration used in the cell as a way to determine the operational state of the cell. |
| US09955292B2 |
Location-based novelty index value and recommendation system and method
The invention is a system and method for computing a result for a location, wherein the result indicates how novel it is for a wireless device to occupy a specific location. After determining the location of a wireless device through various means, a Novelty Index Value (NIV) is calculated for the location, and the NIV is then stored into a database. The NIV may then be subsequently used by application programs to compute a desired result from the NIV. Multiple users may utilize and/or share the same NIV values. The NIV may also be used to alter the configuration of a wireless device as well. A recommendation system is also disclosed, wherein user context is utilized along with NIV values to compute particular results for a user. |
| US09955291B2 |
Method and device for controlling group device using bluetooth in wireless communication system
Disclosed is a method of a first device being controlled by a control device in a group including the first device and a plurality of devices in a Bluetooth mesh network and a device performing the method. The method includes joining the Bluetooth mesh network, receiving a control message instructing the execution of a specific operation from the control device, and performing the specific operation based on the control message. The specific operation may be sequentially performed by the first device and the plurality of devices. |
| US09955290B2 |
Opportunistic offloading of tasks between nearby computing devices
The embodiments set forth a technique for enabling a group of computing devices to delegate tasks in a manner that promotes energy savings. According to one embodiment, each computing device is configured to identify situations where the computing device has an energy advantage (e.g., when plugged-in) and should serve as a proxy computing device to other computing devices. Each computing device is also configured to identify situations where the computing device has an energy disadvantage (e.g., a low battery) and should seek out another computing device to act as a proxy computing device. In this manner, computing devices can delegate tasks between one another to reduce or eliminate the processing redundancies that otherwise occur when the computing devices work in isolation to maintain network connectivity and carry out tasks on their own. |
| US09955282B2 |
Method for processing an audio signal, signal processing unit, binaural renderer, audio encoder and audio decoder
A method for processing an audio signal in accordance with a room impulse response is described. The audio signal is processed with an early part of the room impulse response separate from a late reverberation of the room impulse response, wherein the processing of the late reverberation has generating a scaled reverberated signal, the scaling being dependent on the audio signal. The processed early part of the audio signal and the scaled reverberated signal are combined. |
| US09955279B2 |
Systems and methods of calibrating earphones
Systems and methods to calibrate listening devices are disclosed herein. In some embodiments, a method to calibrate earphones includes determining a Head Related Transfer Functions (HRTF) corresponding to different parts of a user's anatomy (e.g., one or both of a listener's pinnae). The resulting HRTFs are combined to form a composite HRTF. In some embodiments, a first and a second HRTF are respectively determined for a first and second part of the user's anatomy. A composite HRTF of the user is generated by combining portions of the first and second HRTFs. |
| US09955278B2 |
Exploiting metadata redundancy in immersive audio metadata
The present document relates to the field of encoding and decoding of audio. In particular, the present document relates to encoding and decoding of an audio scene comprising audio objects. A method (400) for encoding metadata relating to a plurality of audio objects (106a) of an audio scene (102) is described. The metadata comprises a first set (114, 314) of metadata and a second set (104) of metadata. The first and second sets (104, 114, 314) of metadata comprise one or more data elements which are indicative of a property of an audio object (106a) from the plurality of audio objects (106a) and/or of a downmix signal (112) derived from the plurality of audio objects (106a). The method (400) comprises identifying (401) a redundant data element which is common to the first and second sets (104, 114, 314) of metadata. Furthermore, the method comprises encoding (402) the redundant data element of the first set (114, 314) of metadata by referring to a redundant data element of a set (104) of metadata external for the first set (114, 314) of metadata. |
| US09955273B2 |
Microphone assembly and method for determining parameters of a transducer in a microphone assembly
A microphone assembly is disclosed. In an embodiment, the assembly includes a transducer and an electronic circuit operatively connected to the transducer, wherein the electronic circuit comprises a test mode circuitry configured to selectively set the microphone assembly in one or more test modes or an operational mode, and wherein the one or more test modes enable determining at least one parameter of the transducer. |
| US09955272B2 |
Audio connector and circuitry
A device (10) for connection to an audio accessory (20) comprising: a jack socket (14) for connection to a jack plug (25) of the audio accessory (20), a ground connection to a first socket contact (428) which is positioned to mate with a ground return pole of the plug (25). The jack socket (14) comprises a second contact (432) also positioned to mate with the ground return pole of the plug (25). Driver amplifiers (416, 418) comprise an input coupled to the second contact (432) and are configured to superimpose a signal present at the second contact (432) onto received speaker signal. It may achieve reducing the crosstalk which could distort or blur the stereo image. |
| US09955270B2 |
Bone conduction device fitting
Methods and systems for fitting a bone conduction device are provided herein. These methods and systems comprise obtaining dynamic range parameters for a bone conduction device. These dynamic range parameters may include threshold and a maximum comfort levels for the bone conduction device. Once determined, the bone conduction device may use the dynamic range parameters in applying stimulation to a recipient. |
| US09955265B2 |
Electroacoustic driver
An electroacoustic driver includes a diaphragm, a diaphragm drive system and a diaphragm suspension. The diaphragm system is configured to subject the diaphragm to a motion, wherein the diaphragm suspension is configured to guide the diaphragm. The diaphragm drive system includes an active element configured to actively influence the motion of the diaphragm. |
| US09955260B2 |
Asymmetrical passive group delay beamforming
A loudspeaker configured to provide asymmetrical beam coverage. A first group of drivers to outputs a first beam pattern. A second group of drivers, which is different from the first group of drivers, is configured to output a second beam pattern. A transmission line is adapted to output signals to the first driver group and the second driver group to provide an asymmetrical beam pattern. The first driver group outputs a beam pattern different than the second driver group. This can improve acoustic coverage, e.g., sound pressure levels, in the acoustic environment. In an example, the transmission line is separated into two distinct parts that feeds the first driver group and the second driver group respectively. |
| US09955257B2 |
Class-D audio amplifier
The present disclosure relates to a class-D audio amplifier. When the class-D audio amplifier is powered on, an auxiliary power amplifier and an auxiliary feedback circuit constitute an auxiliary close loop so that a control loop is established in advance. The auxiliary close loop is disconnected after various circuit modules reach their steady operation points, and the class-D audio amplifier operates at a normal state. A soft start circuit is provided for suppressing noise which occurs when the class-D audio amplifier is powered on. Thus, the class-D audio amplifier suppresses POP noise at an output terminal when the class-D audio amplifier is powered on. |
| US09955256B2 |
Speaker protection based on output signal analysis
In accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure, a system may include a controller configured to be coupled to an audio speaker, wherein the controller receives an output signal indicative of a physical quantity associated with the audio speaker, compares the output signal to an audio input signal to determine if differences between the output signal and the audio input signal are present indicating at least one of distortion of the output signal, non-linearities of the audio speaker, and overexcursion of the audio speaker, and controls an audio signal communicated from the controller to the audio speaker and based on the audio input signal responsive to determining that differences between the output signal and the audio input signal are present indicating at least one of distortion of the output signal, non-linearities of the audio speaker, and overexcursion of the audio speaker. |
| US09955254B2 |
Systems and methods for preventing distortion due to supply-based modulation index changes in an audio playback system
In accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure, a method may include receiving a digital input signal at a first integrated circuit from a second integrated circuit, receiving a supply voltage at the first integrated circuit from the second integrated circuit, generating an analog output signal from the digital input signal, predicting a distortion of the analog output signal based on the digital input signal and the supply voltage, and controlling a gain applied to at least one of the digital input signal and the analog output signal based on the predicting. |
| US09955252B2 |
Planar magnetic electro-acoustic transducer having multiple diaphragms
A multi-diaphragm planar magnetic electro-acoustic transducer is provided, having a plurality of diaphragms arranged in one or more diaphragm modules. Each diaphragm comprises a substrate and at least one electrically conductive circuit on at least one surface of the substrate. Each diaphragm module comprises at least one diaphragm, each held taut by a frame. Each diaphragm module is disposed to one side or the other of at least one planar magnetic array, the diaphragm module being parallel to and aligned with the planar magnetic array to form the multi-diaphragm planar magnetic transducer.The planar magnets many have a vertical arrangement, a sideways arrangement, a staggered arrangement, and may comprise stators and/or a low reluctance backing plate or channel piece. The planar magnet arrays can be linear or circular. |
| US09955249B2 |
Earpiece with movable joint
The subject technology can be embodied in an earpiece that includes a body, a retaining structure, and a movable joint structure. The body includes an acoustic passage for conducting sound waves. The retaining structure is configured to engage with external structural features to hold the body in position, and the movable joint structure is configured to couple the body to the retaining structure. The movable joint structure is also configured to allow angular motion of the body with respect to the retaining structure. |
| US09955248B2 |
Wearable electronic device
A wearable electronic device is provided. The wearable electronic device includes a first part including a first sound output module, a second part including a second sound output module, a third part disposed between the first part and the second part, a flexible first connection unit configured to connect a first end of the first part and a first end of the third part, and a flexible second connection unit configured to connect a first end of the second part and a second end of the third part. |
| US09955247B2 |
Headphone eartips with internal support components for inner eartip bodies
Headphone eartips with internal support components and methods for making the same are provided. At least one support component may provide specific amounts and types of rigidity at specific portions of an inner eartip body defining an inner eartip space that transmits sound to an eardrum when an eartip subassembly is positioned within an ear canal, such that the eartip subassembly may ensure an effective sound path while also at least partially conforming to various ear canal geometries. |
| US09955246B2 |
Gradient micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS) microphone with varying height assemblies
In at least one embodiment, a micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS) microphone assembly is provided. The assembly comprises an enclosure, a single micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS) transducer, a substrate layer, and an application housing. The single MEMS transducer is positioned within the enclosure. The substrate layer supports the single MEMS transducer. The application housing supports the substrate layer and defining at least a portion of a first transmission mechanism to enable a first side of the single MEMS transducer to receive an audio input signal and at least a portion of a second transmission mechanism to enable a second side of the single MEMS transducer to receive the audio input signal. |
| US09955245B2 |
Wireless sound-emitting device and system for remotely controlling a sound-emitting device
A wireless sound-emitting device includes a housing adapted to be coupled to a wall at a source of electric power, a loudspeaker positioned at a periphery of the housing, a control module outputting an electric audio signal to the at least one loudspeaker, and a wireless communications module in electrical communication with the control module. The loudspeaker emits acoustic signals in a direction parallel to the wall, when the housing is coupled to the wall, with the acoustic signals reflecting off the wall. The device may produce a sound masking noise or play a sound recorded on an internal memory. The device may include an electric plug or be adapted to replace an electric outlet faceplate. The device may have electric pass-through outlets and may be powered by the source of electric power. The device may be controlled remotely, for example via an Internet of Things (IoT) platform. |
| US09955243B2 |
Scalable silicon photonic switching architectures for optical networks
Hybrid dilated Benes photonic switching architectures employ an arrangement of two-by-one (2×1) photonic and two-by-two (2×2) photonic elements to enjoy improved cross-talk performance while maintaining moderate cell counts. A jumpsuit switch optical network node architecture comprising multiple stages may operate more efficiently than single stage switching fabrics, by enabling manipulation of connectivity in some stages to achieve load balancing over other stages. Specifically, a first stage of switching fabrics connected to input ports of the optical node may be manipulated to load balance incoming signals over a second stage of switching fabrics coupled to output ports of the optical node. Additionally, a third stage of switching fabrics connected to add ports of the optical node may be manipulated to load balance added optical signals over the second stage of switching fabrics. |
| US09955242B1 |
Communication system and method for using human telematic data to provide a hazard alarm/notification message to a user in a static environment such as in or around buildings or other structures
Systems and methods are disclosed herein for providing near real time communication to a user based on analysis of various user and environmental telematic data. The system includes a user with a wearable human telematic sensor providing telematic data about the wearer. Also, the system and method includes at least one building/environment telematic sensor configured to provide telematic data about the building and/or surrounding environment. The various telematic data is communicated and processed to provide a notification back to the user such as a potential safety hazard. The safety hazard may be based upon sensed data specific to the user, specific to the user's environment, or combinations thereof. |
| US09955240B1 |
System and method to dynamically determine status of vehicle to be used by mobile application
A system and method are provided for facilitating remote communications with a vehicle using a wireless device. The method includes automatically receiving data from at least one vehicle control module, receiving a request from the wireless device to perform a task relating to the vehicle, determining a status of a vehicle function based on the data received from the at least one vehicle control module, determining whether the task is redundant based on the status of the vehicle function, and when the requested task is redundant, transmitting to the wireless device a response to the task request based on the data received from at least one vehicle control module; otherwise, transmitting a message to the vehicle to execute the task. |
| US09955234B2 |
Image reception apparatus, parameter setting method, and additional information displaying system including a calibration operation
The video receiving apparatus is capable of transmitting and receiving data via a communications network. The video receiving apparatus includes a video extractor, a controller, a calibration executor, and an input unit to which a video signal is input. The video extractor extracts a partial video, which is to be used for video recognition processing, from the video signal. The controller controls the following operations: That is, the controller transmits, to a video recognition apparatus, either the partial video or content recognition information formed from the partial video, thereby requesting the video recognition apparatus to perform the video recognition processing. The controller acquires a result of the video recognition processing from the video recognition apparatus, and acquires the additional information based on the video recognition processing from an additional-information delivering apparatus. The calibration executor performs calibration processing in cooperation with the video recognition apparatus, thereby setting the predetermined parameter. |
| US09955228B2 |
Sharing mobile subscriber content in a publically viewable content distribution network
Aspects of the subject disclosure may include, for example, a system receiving a request from a mobile device to distribute mobile video content from the mobile device by way of a television service. The system determines a particular television channel of the television service based on the request, receives the mobile video content and provides program content for the particular television channel. The program content includes the mobile video content. The system also distributes the program content to a television receiver by way of the television service, so that the television receiver can present the mobile video content at a display. Other embodiments are disclosed. |
| US09955226B2 |
Multimedia content search system
Techniques described herein enable a service to receive search requests from client systems and perform an integrated search across databases containing informational data for broadcast content and broadband content. The service receives the search request from the client device and formulates a query for at least one broadband database and at least one partner broadcast database. The service queries each broadband database with a compatible query that the service creates using information regarding the type of database queries each partner's database requires. Partners pay the service provider a fee for placing data in the database or for having their database searched by the service. The service formats the data received from the searches of the databases into a user interface screen that is presentable by the client device. The screen information instructs the client device on how it should respond to any key presses by the user. |
| US09955218B2 |
Smart mechanism for blocking media responsive to user environment
Systems and methods are described herein for blocking sections of media using censoring techniques adaptive to context of the user environment. For example, by first determining features of the user environment such as location, time of day, attention level of the user, number of users, the type of media system being used, or the layout of a user environment, different methods of censorship and blocking may be implemented. A group of friends watching television with rapt attention may be shown a highlight reel; a single user not paying attention to a movie may be shown a synopsis of the plot; or a child watching a cartoon on a smart-phone may be presented with a social media update to seamlessly distract their attention. Thus unwanted content is blocked in an intelligent fashion, and overall user experience is enhanced. |
| US09955215B2 |
Media processing methods and arrangements
The present technology concerns cell phones and other portable devices, and more particularly concerns use of such devices in connection with media content (electronic and physical) and with other systems (e.g., televisions, digital video recorders, and electronic program directories). Some aspects of the technology allow users to easily transfer displayed content from cell phone screens onto a television screens for easier viewing, or vice versa for content portability. Others enable users to participate interactively in entertainment content, such as by submitting plot directions, audio input, character names, etc., yielding more engaging, immersive, user experiences. Still other aspects of the technology involve a program directory database, compiled automatically from information reported by network nodes that watch and identify content traffic passing into (and/or out of) networked computers. By identifying content resident at a number of different repositories (e.g., web sites, TV networks, P2P systems, etc.), such a directory allows cell phone users to identify the diversity of sources from which desired content can be obtained—some available on a scheduled basis, others available on demand. Depending on the application, the directory information may be transparent to the user—serving to identify sources for desired content, from which application software can pick for content downloading, based, e.g., on context and stored profile data. A great number of other features and arrangements are also detailed. |
| US09955212B2 |
Media content shifting
Embodiments of the disclosed invention include a system and method for recording television content. For example, in one embodiment, a method performed by a digital video recorder is disclosed that includes communicating with a home gateway to determine whether a device connected to the home gateway has enough free storage space to store a television program in the event that the digital video recorder determines that an internal data storage unit associated with the digital video recorder has enough free storage space to store the television program. In one embodiment, the method routes the storage of a recording of the television program to the device via the home gateway in response to a determination that the device connected to the home gateway has enough free storage space on the data storage unit associated with the device to store the television content. |
| US09955210B2 |
Multimedia device voice control system and method, and computer storage medium
A voice control system and method for a multimedia device are provided. The system includes an image sensing module configured to collect a user action image; an image recognizing module configured to determine a type or a status of a control instruction according to the user action image; a voice recognition status managing module configured to activate or wake up the voice recognition program according to a type of a current control instruction; a pickup module configured to collect voice signal; a voice recognizing module configured to recognize the collected voice data to generate a control instruction; and a multimedia function module configured to execute the control instruction to provide a corresponding multimedia function to the user. An image recognition technology, a voice recognition technology, and a storage medium of a computer are combined in the illustrated embodiment, a free and convenient voice control which is not depended on a hand-held remote control unit and not limited to a close pickup device is achieved. The interference of the sound output by the multimedia device, the environment background noise, and a non-control instruction voice signal of the user to the control instruction voice recognition can be effectively avoided, the instruction of the user can be precisely recognized. |
| US09955209B2 |
Immersive viewer, a method of providing scenes on a display and an immersive viewing system
An apparatus, a method of providing scenes on a display and an immersive viewing system is disclosed. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes: (1) a movement detector configured to monitor movement of a user with respect to a display, wherein the movement detector is disengaged from the user and includes a distance sensor configured to detect a distance of the user from the display and (2) an active screen displayer configured to navigate an active scene on the display based on changes in the distance and dynamically provide an updated view of the active scene on the display based thereon. |
| US09955208B2 |
Method of performing time-shift function and television receiver using the same
A method of performing time-shift function and television receiver having a tuner and a personal video recorder for storing broadcast programs of at least one channel enables a broadcast program of a currently tuned channel to be continuously and efficiently stored to enable time-shifting, regardless of an interruption by switching channels or changing input sources or even in the case of an inadvertent power-off condition. The method includes steps of setting a time-shift lock function; storing in the personal video recorder the broadcast program of a first channel that is currently viewed; storing in the personal video recorder the broadcast program of a second channel and the broadcast program of the first channel, if the currently viewed first channel is switched to the second channel; and supplying power only to the tuner and the personal video recorder, if a power-off condition occurs, wherein the supply of power to the tuner and the personal video recorder causes a continuous storing of the broadcast programs of the first and second channels in the personal video recorder. |
| US09955207B1 |
Interface for interchangeable entertainment systems
An interface system is configured to toggle audio and visual signals on a touring bus. The interface system includes a plurality of video displays, electrically coupled to a microcontroller with a video distribution amplifier. Passenger speakers and a passenger audio amplifier are electrically coupled to the microcontroller. Two media players are electrically coupled to the microcontroller. Three microphones and auxiliary audio/video inputs are electrically coupled to the microcontroller. The microcontroller is programmed with instructions to detect a digital video disc in the first media player. Then, transmit a first video signal from the first media player to the plurality of video displays. Next, transmit a first audio signal from the first media player to the plurality of passenger speakers. After that, transmit a second audio signal from the second media player to the plurality of driver speakers. |
| US09955204B2 |
System and method for distributing content through a set-top box
A system and method for distributing content through a set-top box. A number of wireless devices are registered for a communications session with the set-top box. Media content is communicated to one or more displays. Interactive content associated with the media content is retrieved for each of the number of wireless devices in response to receiving requests from each of the number of wireless devices. The interactive content is distributed to each of the number of wireless devices in response to retrieving the interactive content for each of the number of wireless devices. |
| US09955202B2 |
Removal of unavailable services and/or content items from a list of favorite and/or recently viewed services and/or content items associated with a user account
Software is provided to handle the playback of media in browsers that in addition may use second display protocols to instruct a separate display device to play the media. The software can transmit the content or specify a network location of the same for subsequent playback on a content playback device. The software may be in the form of a web browser or other application that is configured for the playback of selected media types. The browser maintains a list of favorite and/or recently viewed services and content items and is configured to filter the list to eliminate those content items or services which are no longer available. In this way, favorite content items and services and/or recently viewed content items and services, as available to the user, are made accessible using the second display. |
| US09955201B2 |
Using aspect-ratio transitions to output an alert indicating a functional state of a back-up video-broadcast system
In one aspect, an example method for outputting an alert indicating a functional state of a back-up video-broadcast system involves: a computing device receiving a first video-stream that represents first video-content; the computing device generating a first signature based, at least in part, upon an extent of aspect-ratio transitions included within the first video-content; the computing device receiving a second video-stream that represents second video-content; the computing device generating a second signature based, at least in part, upon an extent of aspect-ratio transitions included within the second video-content; the computing device making a determination that the generated first-signature and the generated second-signature lack a threshold extent of similarity; and responsive to the determination that the generated first-signature and the generated second-signature lack the threshold extent of similarity, the computing device outputting an alert. |
| US09955199B2 |
Transfer of consumable data to vehicles
Consumable data objects are transferred from a source server to a vehicle server. The availability of a first data communications link from the source server to a vehicle server is detected and a count of consumable data objects stored on the vehicle server is generated. If the first data communications link is detected, the count is transmitted to the source server over the link. An identifier of the vehicle server is derived from the first data communications link, and this identifier is associated with the count. A consumable data object replenishment count is generated based upon an evaluation of the count in relation to historic use data derived from past counts. |
| US09955198B2 |
Methods and apparatus for transmitting multimedia files and advertisements
The invention is directed to a method of transmitting a file having an advertising portion and a requested portion different from the advertising portion. The method includes receiving a request to transmit the file, via a streaming protocol allowing non-sequential access, transmitting the advertising portion of the file, receiving a request to transmit a portion of the requested portion of the file prior to completing transmitting the advertising portion of the file, completing the transmission of the advertising portion of the file, and transmitting the requested portion of the file. |
| US09955197B2 |
Encrypted screencasting
Encryption and encoding of video and/or audio may be implemented on an integrated circuit before being transmitted wirelessly to a remote adapter for display. |
| US09955195B2 |
Systems and methods for encoding and streaming video encoded using a plurality of maximum bitrate levels
Systems and methods for streaming and playing back video having a variety of resolutions, frame rates, and/or sample aspect ratios, where the video streams are encoded at one of a number of maximum bit rate levels, in accordance with embodiments of the invention are disclosed. One embodiment includes a processor, and storage containing data relating combinations of resolution and frame rates to maximum bitrates, where a plurality of resolution and frame rates that are related to the same maximum bitrate form a maximum bitrate level. In addition, an encoding application configures the processor to encode a video stream as a plurality of video streams having different resolutions and frame rates, where the target maximum bitrate used during the encoding is selected based upon the maximum bitrate levels of the resolution and frame rate combinations indicated within the data relating combinations of resolution and frame rates to maximum bitrates. |
| US09955192B2 |
Monitoring individual viewing of television events using tracking pixels and cookies
A real-time content identification and tracking system enabling monitoring of television programming consumption specific to an individual television or other viewing device. Metrics collected may include data regarding viewing of specific broadcast media, commercial messages, interactive on-screen information or other programming, as well as locally cached, time-shifted programming. Information about media consumption by such specific television sets or other viewing means may be returned to a commercial client of the system through a trusted third-party intermediary service and, in certain embodiments, encoded tokens may be used to manage the display of certain events as well as to enable robust auditing of each involved party's contractual performance. |
| US09955187B2 |
Method and apparatus for encoding of video using depth information
A method of encoding an image using a depth information includes: extracting a depth value distribution information of a current largest coding unit (LCU); predicting a plurality of division structure candidates of the LCU based on the depth value distribution information; and determining an optimum division structure among the plurality of division structure candidates of the LCU based on at least one of coding efficiency and image quality. |
| US09955185B2 |
Method and apparatus of constrained intra block copy for coding video
A method of IntraBC (Intra-block copy) coding for a coding region is disclosed. Embodiments of the present invention derive an IntraBC (Intra picture block copy) predictor from a constrained previous reconstructed region so as to reduce storage requirement for the previous reconstructed data. In one embodiment, a maximum absolute vertical BV (block vector) value, MaxV_BV is determined, where MaxV_BV is smaller than a full vertical search range for the coding region. A constrained previous reconstructed region corresponding to previous reconstructed samples processed before the current block is then determined, where the constrained previous reconstructed region includes at least MaxV_MV reconstructed samples in vertical direction above the current block and excludes at least one row of reconstructed samples for the current block with a vertical distance larger than MaxV_MV. Each coding block may correspond to a prediction unit (PU) or a coding unit (CU). |
| US09955184B2 |
Video coding and decoding methods and apparatuses
A coding method includes: partitioning an image block to be decoded irregularly according to an irregular partitioning mode and a position parameter to obtain at least two different sub-blocks; comparing the sub-blocks with a reference sub-block to obtain a residual of a pixel value of the image block to be coded; obtaining a reference position parameter according to a surrounding block of the image block to be coded, and subtracting the reference position parameter from the position parameter of the image block to be coded to obtain a position parameter difference of the image block to be coded; quantizing the residual, and performing entropy coding on a result of the quantization, the motion vector information, and the position parameter difference; and writing the entropy coding result and partitioning mode information of the image block into a code stream. |
| US09955180B2 |
Apparatus for encoding moving picture
Provided is an apparatus for encoding a moving picture that determines a quantization step size of a previous coding block according to scan order as the quantization step size predictor of the current coding block when a quantization step size of a left coding block of a current coding block and a quantization step size of an above coding block of the current coding block are unavailable and determines an available motion vector encountered first when retrieving motion vectors in the order of motion vector of a first predetermined position and motion vector of a second predetermined position in a reference picture as a temporal motion vector candidate. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the amount of coding bits required to encode motion information and the quantization step size of the current prediction block. |
| US09955176B2 |
Efficient and scalable intra video/image coding using wavelets and AVC, modified AVC, VPx, modified VPx, or modified HEVC coding
Techniques related to intra video frame or image coding using wavelets and (Advanced Video Coding) AVC, modified AVC, VPx, modified VPx, or modified High Efficiency Video Coding (HEVC) are discussed. Such techniques may include wavelet decomposition of a frame or image to generate subbands and coding the subbands using compliant and/or modified coding techniques. |
| US09955173B2 |
Transparency information retention
Systems and methods are disclosed for constructing video image frames including transparency information. Certain embodiments provide for accessing a first frame of digital data associated with a pixel of an image representation, the frame comprising a set of transparency data bits, a set of red data bits, a set of green data bits, and a set of blue data bits. A second frame is constructed comprising a single transparency data bit, a reduced set of red data bits, the set of green data bits; and the set of blue data bits, wherein the second frame is provided to a destination device. |
| US09955170B2 |
Preserving image quality in temporally compressed video streams
When a temporally compressed video stream is decoded and subsequently re-encoded, quality is typically lost. The quality loss may be mitigated using information about how the source video stream was encoded during the re-encoding process. According to some aspects of the disclosure, this mitigation of quality loss can be facilitated by decoders that output such information and encoders that receive such information. These decoders and encoders may be separate devices. The functionality of these decoders and encoders may also be combined in a single device, such as a transcoding device. An example of the information that may be used during re-encoding is whether each portion of the original stream was intra-coded or non-intra-coded. |
| US09955167B1 |
Video encoding/decoding method using motion information candidate group for batch mode
A video decoding method, includes: reconstructing a syntax corresponding to at least one of a first block, a second block and a third block, wherein the first block is generated by dividing a frame for decoding, the second block corresponds to a unit of a prediction and is generated by dividing the first block, and the third block corresponds to a unit of transformation and is generated by dividing the first block in a tree structure; and reconstructing a prediction block corresponding to at least one of the first block, the second block and the third block, wherein the second block includes a batch mode flag for indicating whether a batch mode is used. |
| US09955164B2 |
Image processing device and method
The present disclosure relates to an image processing device and method that enable suppression of an increase in the amount of coding of a scaling list.An image processing device of the present disclosure sets a replacement difference coefficient that is a difference between a replacement coefficient and a coefficient located at the beginning of a quantization matrix whose size is limited to not greater than a transmission size that is a maximum size allowed in transmission, the replacement coefficient being used to replace a coefficient located at the beginning of an up-converted quantization matrix which is obtained by up-converting the quantization matrix to the same size as a block size that is a unit of processing in which dequantization is performed, quantizes an image to generate quantized data, and transmit encoded data obtained by encoding the generated quantized data, replacement coefficient data obtained by encoding the replacement coefficient, and replacement difference coefficient data obtained by encoding the set replacement difference coefficient. The present disclosure can be applied to an image processing device. |
| US09955163B2 |
Two pass quantization of video data
Disclosed is a method for encoding a block of video. The method includes identifying, by a processor, a transformed video data block including a plurality of transformed video data, identifying a first portion of the plurality of transformed video data, identifying a second portion of the plurality of transformed video data, determining a plurality of quantized values based on the second portion of the plurality of transformed video data, and generating a quantization coefficient data block including a first portion of a plurality of quantized data values corresponding to the first portion of the plurality of transformed video data and set to a default value and including a second portion of the plurality of quantized data values corresponding to the second portion of the plurality of transformed video data and set to the plurality of quantized values. |
| US09955161B2 |
Apparatus and method of adaptive block filtering of target slice
Provided is an image processing apparatus including: area determination unit configured to determine whether or not an area of a control block functioning as control unit for filtering of an image includes a processing-target slice area of a plurality of slices formed in a frame of an encoded image; control information creation unit configured to create filter control information representing whether or not the filtering is performed for the area of the control block including a processing-target slice for each area of the control block including the processing-target slice when the area determination unit determines that the area of the control block includes the area of the processing-target slice; and filter unit configured to perform filtering for the image based on the filter control information created by the control information creation unit. |
| US09955160B1 |
Video encoding using adaptive pre-filtering
Approaches for digital video encoding based, at least in part, on adaptive pre-filtering of the digital video. A user may select values for a plurality of video quality preference categories. An adaptive video preprocessor determines adaptive preprocessor information for the digital video, based, at least in part, on the current video complexity of the digital video and an output bit rate. The encoder encodes the digital video to produce encoded digital video using the adaptive preprocessor information. In this way, for example, the encoder may dynamically adjust how the digital video is encoded based on a selection, made by the user, regarding a stress bias video quality preference. |
| US09955159B2 |
Multi-video decoding with input switching
In some aspects, methods and systems described herein provide for preparing component videos for combining into a bitstream. An example system may receive a source video. The system may also receive data representing a compression format. The system may encode a reference frame as an intra-coded picture that is sub-divided into intra-coded units. The system may encode the sequence of source frames as a sequence of predictive-coded pictures conforming to the compression format. The sequence may be divided into groups of pictures that include a first predictive-coded picture followed by one or more second predictive-coded pictures. The first predictive-coded picture may be sub-divided into intra-coded units that represent respective portions of a source frame by describing the pixels of the portion so as to simulate intra-coded pictures. The system may concatenate the sequence of predictive-coded pictures after the intra-coded picture so as to produce a bitstream. |
| US09955158B2 |
Video encoder with adjustable intra-refresh rate
An encoding system for converting video data to a media stream based on a given intra-refresh rate includes an encoder for encoding the video data to frames based on the given intra-refresh rate, a decoder for reconstructing the encoded frames, and an evaluation unit for scoring macro blocks (MBs) of a current frame being decoded. A score of an intra-MB is defined as a predetermined value, and a score of an inter-MB is generated based on the scores of MBs of previous frames. A controller determines an actual refresh period based on a qualified frame identified based on the scores of the MBs of at least the current frame, and adjusts the given intra-refresh rate based on the actual refresh period. |
| US09955154B2 |
Systems, methods, and computer program products for scalable video coding based on coefficient sampling
Methods, systems, and computer program products for the generation of multiple layers of scaled encoded video data compatible with the HEVC standard. Residue from prediction processing may be transformed into coefficients in the frequency domain. The coefficients may then be sampled to create a layer of encoded data. The coefficients may be sampled in different ways to create multiple respective layers. The layers may then be multiplexed and sent to a decoder. There, one or more of the layers may be chosen. The choice of certain layer(s) may be dependent on the desired attributes of the resulting video. A certain level of video quality, frame rate, resolution, and/or bit depth may be desired, for example. The coefficients in the chosen layers may then be assembled to create a version of the residue to be used in video decoding. |
| US09955152B2 |
Image coding method and image decoding method
An image coding method includes: obtaining a pixel signal of a current region to be processed; calculating offset information of the current region; applying offset to the current region using the offset information; outputting the offset information; outputting an offset signal resulting from the applying of offset; and controlling the applying of offset. |
| US09955147B2 |
Zoom related methods and apparatus
Methods and apparatus for implementing user controlled zoom operations during a stereoscopic, e.g., 3D, presentation are described. While viewing a 3D presentation of a scene environment, a user may switch to a zoom mode allowing the user to zoom in on a particular portion of the environment being displayed. In order to maintain the effect of being physically present at the event, and also to reduce the risk of making the user sick from sudden non-real world like changes in views of the environment, the user in response to initiating a zoom mode of operation is presented with a view which is the same or similar to that which might be expected as the result of looking through a pair of binoculars. In some embodiments the restriction in view is achieved by applying masks to enlarged version of left and right eye views to be displayed. |
| US09955146B2 |
Display device and driving method thereof
A display device comprises a signal processor configured to generate left-eye and right-eye image data according to an input image signal, a frame rate controller configured to generate a plurality of left-eye and right-eye image data from the left-eye and right-eye image data according to an output frequency, a data formatter configured to alternately organize the plurality of left-eye and right-eye image data generated by the frame rate controller, and a display unit configured to sequentially display the plurality of left-eye and right-eye image data organized by the data formatter. |
| US09955142B2 |
On-line stereo camera calibration device and method for generating stereo camera parameters
An on-line stereo camera calibration method employed by an electronic device with a stereo camera device includes: retrieving a feature point set, and utilizing a stereo camera calibration circuit on the electronic device to calculate a stereo camera parameter set based on the retrieved feature point set. In addition, an on-line stereo camera calibration device on an electronic device with a stereo camera device includes a stereo camera calibration circuit. The stereo camera calibration circuit includes an input interface and a stereo camera calibration unit. The input interface is used to retrieve a feature point set. The stereo camera calibration unit is used to calculate a stereo camera parameter set based on at least the retrieved feature point set. |
| US09955141B2 |
Portable three-dimensional scanner and method of generating a three-dimensional scan result corresponding to an object
A portable three-dimensional scanner includes at least two image sensing units and a depth map generation unit. When the portable three-dimensional scanner is moved around an object, a first image sensing unit and a second image sensing unit of the at least two image sensing units capture a plurality of first images comprising the object and a plurality of second images comprising the object, respectively. When the first image sensing unit captures each first image of the plurality of first images, a corresponding distance exists between the portable three-dimensional scanner and the object. The depth map generation unit generates a corresponding depth map according to the each first image and a corresponding second image. A plurality of depth maps generated by the depth map generation unit, the plurality of first images, and the plurality of second images are used for generating a color three-dimensional scan result corresponding to the object. |
| US09955138B2 |
Information processing apparatus, information processing method and program
Disclosed herein is an information processing apparatus, including: a displaying controlling section adapted to control a display section to display a stereoscopic image based on stereoscopic image information; a detection section adapted to detect a change of the eyeballs of a user when the stereoscopic image is displayed on the display section; and a correction section adapted to correct the position of a material body included in the stereoscopic image in the depthwise direction based on the detected change of the eyeballs. |
| US09955137B2 |
Method and apparatus for displaying a 3D image in a mobile terminal
A method and apparatus are provided for displaying a three dimensional (3D) image in a mobile communication terminal. The method includes displaying an image comprising at least one object; sensing a touch gesture selecting an object for changing a three dimensional depth of the object among the at least one object with the image displayed; checking the three dimensional depth of the selected object; determining the three dimensional depth of the selected object based on the checked three dimensional depth; and displaying the selected object reflecting the determined three dimensional depth. |
| US09955136B2 |
Distance measuring device and vehicle provided therewith
A distance measuring device reduces an amount of calculations required to generate a parallax image. The distance measuring device that generates the parallax image to measure a distance includes image sensors each capturing an image, an edge image extractor that extracts an edge image in accordance with the image, the edge image including pixel values each containing identification information used to identify an edge caused by a brightness variation from light to dark or an edge caused by a brightness variation from dark to light, a binarized edge image generator that generates a binarized edge image in accordance with the identification information of the edge image, a parallax image generator that generates the parallax image from the binarized edge image, and a distance image calculator that calculates a distance image from the parallax image. |
| US09955135B2 |
Image processing apparatus, image processing method, and program wherein a RAW image to be subjected to special processing is preferentially subjected to development
To be able to simply record RAW image data, and quickly output images according to the recorded RAW image data. First, the apparatus can shift operation modes to a still image photographing mode, a still image playing mode, a moving image photographing mode, or a moving image playing mode. Photographed images are subjected to rough development and recorded in a recording medium, and RAW files are generated and recorded. Then, the apparatus shifts to an idle state when processing loads are small in each mode and performs high image quality development processing using the recorded RAW files if high image quality development has not been performed to replace the image files subjected to rough development. |
| US09955129B2 |
Light source device and projector
A light source device according to the invention includes a light source, a light separating/combining element including a dichroic layer, a wavelength conversion layer, and a diffusely reflecting element. A bundle of light beams emitted from the light source includes a first light bundle and a second light bundle. The first light bundle enters the wavelength conversion layer via the dichroic layer. The second light bundle enters the diffusely reflecting element without entering the dichroic layer, and is converted into diffusely reflected light. The dichroic layer combines the third light bundle from the wavelength conversion layer and the diffusely reflected light from the diffusely reflecting element with each other. |
| US09955126B2 |
Systems and methods of analyzing moving objects
According to some embodiments, the present disclosure may relate to a method including transmitting a microwave towards a moving object and receiving a reflection of the microwave reflecting off of the moving object. The method may also include determining a speed of the moving object based on the reflection of the microwave and based on the speed of the moving object and a flight path distance of the moving object, determining an optimal photograph timeframe when the moving object is in a field of view of a camera. The method may further include automatically capturing a plurality of images during the optimal photograph timeframe. |
| US09955124B2 |
Sensor placement determination device and sensor placement determination method
This sensor placement determination device is provided with an external storage device (15) in which traffic data, i.e. the actual paths taken by people, is recorded in a planned target area in which sensors are to be arranged, a traffic simulation observation unit (100) which, for candidate arrangement positions of the sensors in the target area, generates, on the basis of the traffic data, information about the passage of people through the monitoring area of the sensors, a traffic estimation unit (102) which, with the passage information as a constraining condition, generates candidate paths by which people might pass through the target area, an estimated error calculation unit (104) which, for the traffic through the monitoring area of the sensors, calculates an estimated error between the number of people passing along the candidate paths and the number of people passing along the actual paths, and an additional camera determination unit (106) which determines a sensor arrangement position that minimizes the calculated estimated traffic error. |
| US09955120B2 |
Multiuser telepresence interaction
Implementations generally relate to virtual reality telepresence. In some implementations, a method includes positioning a first user in a virtual environment, and determining a first point of view associated with the first user. The method further includes positioning a second user in the virtual environment, and determining a second point of view associated with the second user. The method further includes projecting one or more of the first user and the second user in the virtual environment based on a first positioning of the first user and a second positioning of the second user and based on the first point of view and the second point of view. |
| US09955113B2 |
Method and apparatus for injecting program markers in live media streams
An approach is provided for injecting program markers in live media steams is presented. A first marker is injected into a live media stream to designate a start of a live program. A second marker is injected a into the live media stream to designate an end of the live program. The live stream with the injected markers is transcoded the for transmission to a set-top box. |
| US09955105B2 |
Mounting apparatus for an audio/video system and related methods and systems
An audio-video (AV) system in one embodiment includes a mounting apparatus for mounting the system to a wall support located behind a wall surface and within an in-wall space. The mounting apparatus includes a support member for supporting at least one component in a support space within the in-wall space, a display mounting member 30 for mounting a display device, and a removable wall opening cover for concealing at least a portion of the in-wall space that would otherwise be visible through a wall opening to a viewer. Various multimedia-supportive devices, including loudspeakers and a subwoofer, may be concealed behind the cover in the in-wall space. |
| US09955103B2 |
Video receiving device, appended information display method, and appended information display system
Additional information related to video signals input from an outside is obtained and superimposed on the video signals. Hence, video reception device which is configured to transmit and receive data through communication network includes input unit, video extraction unit, control unit and additional information display control unit. The control unit performs control of requesting video recognition device to perform video recognition processing on a partial video extracted by the video extraction unit, and obtaining additional information based on a result of the video recognition processing from the video recognition device. The additional information display control unit performs control of detecting whether or not a screen layout of video signals has been changed, and superimposing the additional information on the video signals based on a detection result. |
| US09955099B2 |
Minimum height CMOS image sensor
A CMOS image sensor for a camera assembly is provided, having a sensor die with opposing faces, an upper face, and a lower face. On the upper face, the sensor die is provided with a sensor array, an analog-to-digital conversion module, a digital logic circuit, and a timing and clock control circuit. The sensor array is substantially centered on the sensor die. The analog-to-digital conversion module is split into two submodules. Each submodule is disposed adjacent to the sensor array and positioned on opposing sides of the sensor array. The digital logic circuit forms a first row. The timing and clock control circuit and the analog signal processing circuit are adjacent and form a second row. The first and second rows have similar dimensions and are disposed on opposite sides of the sensor array. |
| US09955093B2 |
Switch control circuit, semiconductor apparatus, and magnetic ink reading apparatus
A first flip-flop outputs a first output signal as a first switch signal that controls a first switch. A second flip-flop outputs a second output signal based on a clock signal and the first output signal. A first inverting circuit generates a first inverted signal obtained by inverting the first output signal. A second AND circuit outputs a signal that is an AND of the first inverted signal and the second output signal, as a second switch signal that controls a second switch. |
| US09955087B1 |
Hydrogen-doped germanium nanomembranes
Photodetectors based on hydrogen-doped, single-crystalline germanium, including waveguide integrated photodetectors for photonic chip applications are provided. Hydrogen doping provides the single-crystalline germanium with increased radiation absorption in the near infrared region of the electromagnetic spectrum, including at wavelengths of 1550 nm and above. |
| US09955079B2 |
Lens driving apparatus and camera module including function of shaking compensation
Disclosed is a camera module. The camera module includes a lens barrel disposed in a housing to receive a lens; and a driving unit moving the lens barrel relative to the housing, wherein the driving unit comprises: a first driving unit in the lens barrel; and a second driving unit in the housing, and wherein the lens barrel comprises a central area on which the lens is disposed; and a peripheral area surrounding the central area, in which the first driving unit is disposed in the peripheral area. The camera module includes a lens barrel disposed in a housing to receive a lens; and a plurality of driving units moving the lens barrel relative to the housing, wherein a first direction is defined perpendicularly to an optical axis of the lens, a second direction is defined perpendicularly to the optical axis of the lens and the first direction, and the driving units including coils and moving the lens barrels in the same direction along the first direction or the second direction have coil winding directions corresponding to each other. |
| US09955073B2 |
Video user interface system and method
A system providing a graphical user interface incorporating fisheye image data captured by a first camera using a fisheye lens is provided. The system includes a buffer configured to receive the fisheye image data corresponding to a monitored area. A processor is in communication with the buffer. The fisheye image data is transformed into panoramic view data corresponding to a panoramic view of the monitored area using a panoramic transformation process. The fisheye image data is transformed into virtual view data corresponding to a partial view of the panoramic view using a virtual view transformation process different from the panoramic view transformation process. The panoramic view data and the virtual view data are encoded for display in the graphical user interface. |
| US09955071B2 |
Using captured high and low resolution images
A method produces an improved high resolution image. This method includes capturing low resolution images and a high resolution image and combining the low resolution images to provide an aggregate low resolution image. The method further includes reducing the resolution of the high resolution image to provide an image representative of a low resolution image at a low resolution setting of the image capture device; interpolating the representative low resolution image to provide an interpolated high resolution image; and calculating a residual image from the high resolution image and the interpolated high resolution image. The method also includes combining the representative low resolution image and the aggregate low resolution image to provide a final low resolution image and using the final low resolution image and the residual image to provide the improved high resolution image. |
| US09955070B2 |
Systems and methods for synthesizing high resolution images using image deconvolution based on motion and depth information
Systems and methods for synthesizing high resolution images using image deconvolution and depth information in accordance embodiments of the invention are disclosed. In one embodiment, an array camera includes a processor and a memory, wherein an image deconvolution application configures the processor to obtain light field image data, determine motion data based on metadata contained in the light field image data, generate a depth-dependent point spread function based on the synthesized high resolution image, the depth map, and the motion data, measure the quality of the synthesized high resolution image based on the generated depth-dependent point spread function, and when the measured quality of the synthesized high resolution image is within a quality threshold, incorporate the synthesized high resolution image into the light field image data. |
| US09955068B2 |
Apparatus and method for operating a composition of a picture in a portable terminal
A method and an electronic device are provided. An electronic device wirelessly connects to another electronic device including a camera unit, receives image data from the other electronic device, displays an image using the image data, receives a user input for changing a photographic composition, and transmits, to the other electronic device, a control signal formed based on the user input. |
| US09955066B2 |
Imaging apparatus and control method of imaging apparatus
According to the present invention, an imaging apparatus includes: an imaging unit which acquires image data by an imaging lens forming an image of an object on an imaging surface on which imaging pixels are arrayed; a designated position acquiring unit which acquires a designated position on the image data; a sighting device which allows a user to visually recognize an optical axial direction of the imaging lens; and a controller which, on the image data, adjusts a position of an object on an imaging optical axis of the imaging lens, based on the designated position. |
| US09955065B2 |
Dynamic motion path blur user interface
Dynamic motion path blur techniques are described. In one or more implementations, paths may be specified to constrain a motion blur effect to be applied to a single image. A variety of different techniques may be employed as part of the motion blur effects, including use of curved blur kernel shapes, use of a mesh representation of blur kernel parameter fields to support real time output of the motion blur effect to an image, use of flash effects, blur kernel positioning to support centered or directional blurring, tapered exposure modeling, and null paths. |
| US09955063B2 |
Imaging system and imaging terminal
It is possible to further reduce failure of simultaneous imaging performed by a plurality of imaging terminals. A second processor repeatedly transmits a specific multi-address packet in a first duration when a communication connection of a data link level with an imaging terminal 101 is not established. When a time point at which a first communication device 103 has received a specific multi-address packet is referred to as a first time point, a first processor 102 performs imaging control in response to the specific multi-address packet that has been received at the first time point and does not perform the imaging control in response to a specific multi-address packet that is newly received in the first duration after the first time point. |
| US09955062B2 |
Peer to peer audio video device communication
A system, method and computer program product for communicating between a primary audio video device and other audio video devices comprising: detecting orientation and position of the primary audio video device; detecting a distance between the primary audio video device and a primary subject in focus on the primary audio video device; locating other networkable audio video devices for communication; receiving subject data for a real time video of a subject from one or more of the located networkable audio video devices; determining from subject data which networkable audio video devices are near the primary subject; determining one or more primary subject audio video devices for use in recording audio for a video; and synchronizing determined one or more primary subject audio video devices for recording audio when one or more of the audio video devices is recording video of the primary subject. |
| US09955061B2 |
Obtaining camera device image data representing an event
Methods, computer program products, and systems are presented and can include for instance: determining a location of interest; and obtaining image data from one or more camera device about the location of interest. |
| US09955055B2 |
Array imaging module and molded photosensitive assembly, circuit board assembly and manufacturing methods thereof for electronic device
An array imaging module includes at least two optical lenses and a molded photosensitive assembly, wherein the molded photosensitive assembly includes at least two photosensitive units, a circuit board that electrically couples to the photosensitive units, and a molded base having at least two optical windows. The molded base is integrally coupled at the circuit board at a peripheral portion thereof, wherein the photosensitive units are aligned with the optical windows respectively. The optical lenses are located along two photosensitive paths of the photosensitive units respectively, such that each of the optical windows forms a light channel through the corresponding photosensitive unit and the corresponding optical lens. |
| US09955051B2 |
Modular motion camera
Modular digital camera systems are disclosed. The modular digital camera system can include a brain module configured to be releasably coupled to one or more of a port extender module, power module, display module, and handle module. The brain module and other accessory modules can be structured according to some embodiments to increase an ease of coupling and decoupling the modules. |
| US09955049B2 |
Helmet with integrated electronics and helmet visor controls
A helmet can include a helmet body comprising an energy-absorbing layer and an outer shell disposed over the energy-absorbing layer. An electronic device can be integrated with the helmet body. A first electrical contact can be formed at an exterior of the outer shell and adapted to be in electrical communication with the electronic device. A helmet visor can be coupled to the helmet body with at least one visor arm, the helmet visor comprising controls integrated within the visor. A second electrical contact can be formed at an inner surface of the at least one visor arm and adapted to be in electrical communication with the controls integrated within the visor. The second electrical contact can be adapted to mateably couple with the first electrical contact such that the electronic device and the controls are adapted to be in electrical contact. |
| US09955047B2 |
Method and device for acquiring stream of the precisely time-stamped images
Method and device for acquiring stream of the precisely time-stamped images, including the modulated light source, controlled by the absolute global real-time-base (e.g. provided by global navigation satellite system (GNSS) controller) and the image acquisition and processing unit, decoding the light modulation waveform and determining the time-stamp for every image frame. The GNSS time and position messages can be used to provide the full time- and location stamps for each frame. Multi-element light sources can be used to have more informative light modulation in the time domain. For time-stamping of several image streams (e.g. from several cameras) multiple light sources with the same modulation can be used. |
| US09955043B2 |
Image processing apparatus, image processing system, method for giving temporary use permission to portable terminal apparatus, and recording medium
An image processing apparatus comprises: an accepting portion that accepts a request for a temporary use permission to use a function of the image processing apparatus from a second portable terminal apparatus in place of a first portable terminal apparatus having a proper use permission to use the function, an obtaining portion that obtains application information of an application installed on the second portable terminal apparatus; a determining portion that determines a scope of the temporary use permission with reference to reference data stored on a management apparatus and on the basis of the application information; a judgment portion that judges whether or not the requested process falls within the determined scope when a request for a process requiring the function is received from or transferred to the second portable terminal apparatus; and an executor portion that executes the requested process if it falls within the determined scope. |
| US09955042B2 |
Image reading apparatus providing shading correction with foreign matter detection
In accordance with an embodiment, an image reading apparatus comprises a sensor configured to read an image in a main scanning direction; a first reference plate; a second reference plate; and a processor configured to determine a parameter for shifting shading correction data on the basis of first reference data obtained through reading on the first reference plate by the sensor and second reference data obtained through reading on the second reference plate by the sensor, set the shading correction data on the basis of data obtained through the reading on the first reference plate by the sensor, acquire image data at each reading position in the sub-scanning direction by the sensor and carry out shading correction on the image data on the basis of the shading correction data shifted according to a shift amount at the each reading position obtained from the parameter. |
| US09955041B2 |
System and method for tone reproduction curve color resolution enhancement in a three-dimensional object printer
A method of operating a three-dimensional object printer to form printed images on a surface of an object with increased color resolution includes generating a plurality of low-precision tone reproduction curves (TRCs) from a plurality of high-precision color conversion entries that are modified by a plurality of values in a one-to-one correspondence to the TRCs. The method further comprises generating modified contone image and halftone image data for each plane using one of the low-precision TRCs and forming the image from multiple printed layers of ink corresponding to the plurality of planes. |
| US09955040B2 |
Image forming apparatus
An image forming apparatus, including: a deflection unit configured to deflect light beams emitted from light emitting points with a mirror face to form scanning lines in a second direction orthogonal to a first direction in which a photosensitive drum is rotated; a correction unit configured to correct an optical face tangle error of the mirror based on a deviation amount from a distance between the deflection unit and the photosensitive member; a calculation unit configured to calculate a positional deviation amount of the emitting points in the first direction; a transformation unit configured to transform a pixel position of an input image based on the positional deviation amount so that an interval between the scanning lines is a predetermined interval; and a filtering unit configured to obtain a pixel value of an output image based on the transformed pixel position of the input image. |
| US09955039B2 |
Image processing device, copy apparatus and copy method with image shifting and filling functions
An image processing device comprises a receiving port, a processor and an output port. The receiving port receives old image data from a peripheral device. The old image data has partial positioning mark data corresponding to a portion of a positioning mark of a document, and partial main image data corresponding to a partial main image of a portion of a main image of the document. The processor electrically connected to the receiving port shifts the partial main image by a calibration distance in a calibration direction to a standard position of a typesetting page according to the partial positioning mark data and the partial main image data, and adds a predetermined image to one side or neighboring two sides of the partial main image to generate new image data. The output port electrically connected to the processor outputs the new image data. Copy apparatus and method are also provided. |
| US09955038B2 |
Image processing apparatus, image processing method, and program
An image processing apparatus includes a layer separating unit configured to separate an input frame image data item into a moving subject layer and a background layer and a combining processing unit configured to generate a combined image data item by performing an image combining process using the input frame image data item. In the image combining process, top priority is given to a moving subject layer of the latest input frame image data item, a second priority is given to a moving subject layer of a frame image data item associated with a previously performed combining process, and a layer-image combining process is performed for a partial area of an existing combined image data item. |
| US09955036B2 |
Image forming apparatus including a first storage, a second storage, and a bus and image forming method using the same
An image forming apparatus, which includes a first storage, a second storage, and a bus, includes a first controller configured to store first image data based on input image data, in the first storage, when the input image data is input via the bus; a second controller configured to store second image data based on the first image data, in the second storage; a third controller configured to store third image data based on the second image data, in the first storage; a fourth controller configured to output output image data based on the third image data; and an image former configured to perform image formation based on the output image data. |
| US09955032B2 |
Scanner capable of reading double sides of sheet once
Generally, a scanner of the present embodiment, which reads a first surface with a first reading section configured to read the first surface of a sheet and a second surface with a second reading section configured to read the second surface opposite to the first surface of the sheet, executes individual processing on a first reading image of the first surface and a second reading image of the second surface. |
| US09955028B2 |
Image-processing apparatus and image-processing method
According to the present disclosure, an image-processing apparatus acquires scan information of the read images read by the image-reading apparatus, generates temporal change data based on the statistical information and the scan information, determines whether the temporal change data satisfy a threshold, and outputs notice information when the temporal change data are determined as failing to satisfy the threshold. |
| US09955024B2 |
System and method for rating an IP-based wireless telecommunications based on access point
A subscriber communicates over an IP-based wireless telecommunications network through an access point. Identifiers associated with the access point (e.g., MAC address IP address, FQDN . . . ) are stored in a database. Each access point is mapped into one or more service zones, where service zones are mapped to service types. The subscriber has a rate plan that is based on a selection of one or more service types. When a wireless connection between the subscriber and the IP-based wireless telecommunications network is established, the access point identifiers are used to retrieve a service zone ID from the database. Upon completion of the communication, a call detail record can be generated that includes the service zone ID for the communication. The billing system can then retrieve billing plan information to determine an appropriate rate for the subscriber based on the service zone ID. |
| US09955022B2 |
Systems and methods to customize the presentation of prompts to establish communication connections
Methods and apparatuses to selectively present and customize user prompts in establishing anonymized communication connections, based on available information about the parties to be connected and/or user preferences. For example, the information can be transmitted from a mobile device to a connection server for association with the communication reference of the mobile device in response to an input from the user of the mobile device. The association is configured to expire after a predetermined period of time. During the predetermined period of time, if a connection server receives a call from the mobile device, the information associated with the communication reference of the mobile device is used to customize the interactive voice response prompts for further connecting the call to a service provider. |
| US09955021B1 |
Analysis of call metrics for call direction
Processing of VoIP calls routed by an IPBX server are disclosed. At least one processing circuit is communicatively coupled to an Internet-Protocol Private Branch Exchange (IPBX) server that is configured and arranged to route Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) calls for a plurality of agents in a call center. The processing circuit is configured to receive call event messages from the IPBX server for calls routed by the IPBX server, generate, during a call to a first agent of the plurality of agents, a set of data metrics including call summary metrics based on the call event messages; and redirect, during the call to the first agent, the call to a second agent of the plurality of agents in response to the set of data metrics satisfying a set of criteria indicated in a policy. |
| US09955017B1 |
Simulated communication
A system for simulated communication is described. A simulator module generates simulated communication information. A Graphical User Interface module (“GUI module”) generates graphical data based at least in part on the simulated communication information. The graphical data creates the appearance of an ongoing communication between a reserved agent and a third party user that is not yet occurring. The GUI module sends the graphical data to a display associated with the reserved agent device so that the display depicts a simulated communication. |
| US09955013B1 |
Techniques for L3 pairing in a contact center system
Techniques for L3 pairing in a contact center system are disclosed. In one particular embodiment, the techniques may be realized as a method for L3 pairing in a contact center system comprising determining a minimum amount of agent choice, determining a maximum amount of delay, postponing agent selection until at least one of the following conditions is satisfied: (a) the maximum amount of delay has elapsed; or (b) the minimum amount of agent choice has been reached, and selecting an agent among one or more agents for connection to an available contact within the contact center system. |
| US09955012B2 |
Pacing in knowledge worker engagement
A method for mapping ready agents to incoming transactions has steps for (a) placing incoming transactions in a first queue managed by software executing from a machine-readable medium on a computerized appliance; (b) issuing a determined number of invitations in a period of time to agents known to be available to consider an invitation to interact with an incoming transaction; (c) placing identification of ready agents, who have accepted an invitation to interact, in a second queue managed by the software; (d) mapping transactions from the first queue to agents from the second queue; (e) monitoring changes in state of both the first and the second queues in the time period; and (f) adjusting determined number of invitations in step (b) in a manner to drive a chosen system performance metric toward a desired target value. |
| US09955010B1 |
Real-time adjustment for better caller experience
A method, a system, and computer readable medium comprising instructions for real time adjustment for better caller experience are provided. The method comprises obtaining caller experience of a call flow, notifying a service provider of the caller experience, receiving at least one corrective action from the service provider, and implementing the at least one corrective action for better caller experience. |
| US09955007B1 |
Dual compatibility phone system
A method of operating a captioned telephone, comprising storing analog test data in a captioned telephone memory, dialing a telephone number to a relay gateway, connecting to the relay gateway over a communication network and performing a test of the communication network quality using the test data to determine if the network is sufficient to carry analog data, the test including at least one of transmitting the test data to the relay gateway and receiving test data from the relay gateway via the communication network, wherein the network is one of a POTS network and a VOIP network. |
| US09954999B2 |
System and method for telephone operation in quiet mode
A method and system for automatically changing the operation of signaling features in a telephone are disclosed. In one embodiment, a method includes: storing, in a first handset of a telephone system, quiet mode settings that specify a start time and an end time for a quiet mode signaling feature; wirelessly transmitting, from the first handset of the telephone system to a second handset of the telephone system, the quiet mode settings that specify the start time and the end time for the quiet mode signaling feature; and updating quiet mode settings for the quiet mode signaling feature in the second handset in response to receiving quiet mode settings from the first handset, and wherein the first handset and the second handset of the telephone system self-check the status of their quiet mode settings. |
| US09954997B2 |
Method for reproducing music file of mobile communication terminal and mobile terminal implementing the same
An apparatus and method are provided. The method includes reproducing, by a portable phone, multimedia content via an external output device while the portable phone is coupled with the external output device, determining whether the portable phone is decoupled from the external output device, and terminating the reproducing of the multimedia content based at least in part on a determination that the portable phone is decoupled from the external output device. |
| US09954996B2 |
Portable electronic device with conversation management for incoming instant messages
A portable electronic device with a touch screen display displays an incoming message from a party to a user of the device while the device is locked. The device responds to detecting a user request to view the incoming message by immediately displaying a set of messages between the user and the party in a chronological order. While the device is unlocked, if an incoming message is longer than a predefined length the device displays a portion of the incoming message, a view icon, and a long-message indicia. Alternately, if the incoming message is equal to or less than the predefined length, the device displays the entire incoming message and a reply icon. In response to user selection of either the view icon or the reply icon, the device immediately displays a set of messages between the user of the device and the party in a chronological order. |
| US09954992B2 |
Mobile device enabled robotic system
An unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) equipped with sensor modules and mobile devices (including smartphone, tablet) running intelligent software for autonomous navigation, onboard computer vision, communication, and robotic social networks, is disclosed herein. |
| US09954991B2 |
Status notification method and device
A status notification method for use in a terminal, includes: acquiring usage information of a target apparatus, the usage information including at least each usage duration of the target apparatus; calculating current consumption of the target apparatus according to the usage information of the target apparatus; and generating an alert regarding a current status of the target apparatus after the current consumption of the target apparatus reaches a preset consumption alerting threshold. |
| US09954989B2 |
Lock screen graphical user interface
A device is configured to generate and present a lock screen graphical user interface while the device is in a locked state in which, for example, the device displays a lock screen to a user of the device. The device is further configured to detect a current activity of the user while the device is in its locked state. This detection may be based on context data generated by a sensor within the device. The device is further configured to select an activity icon from a set of activity icons based on the detected current activity of the user. The device then causes the selected activity icon to be displayed while the device is in its locked state. The selected and displayed activity icon is operable to cause display of a pop-up window that corresponds to the selected activity icon while the device is still in its locked state. |
| US09954987B2 |
Remote controller utilized with charging dock for controlling mobile device
Provided is a console unit for controlling a mobile device. The console unit includes a remote control unit and a tower section. The tower section includes a receptacle adapted for receiving the remote control unit at least partially therein. The tower section further includes a housing and an interface configured for coupling to the mobile device. The interface is configured for selectively receiving high definition media data and USB protocol data from the mobile device and for charging the mobile device. The tower section includes at least one media port for providing the high definition media data to a media player device and a power port for receiving power. The remote control unit includes a communications transceiver configured to communicate with the mobile device. The remote control unit includes a touchpad for receiving input from a user, including gestures, while the mobile device is coupled to the tower section. |
| US09954986B2 |
Mobile device
The present invention relates to a mobile device. A mobile device, according to an embodiment, comprises: a first main body which has a display unit having an image output on one side thereof; a second main body which is positioned at a predetermined distance away from the first main body and has a substrate unit, inside which an electronic component is mounted, and a power source battery for supplying a power source; and a connecting member which electrically connects the first main body and the second main body on the lower ends of the first main body and the second main body. The connecting member comprises: a body portion which forms the external shape; a mounting portion which is provided on the upper side of the body portion and has the first main body and the second main body placed thereon; a flexible substrate which is placed on the inside of the body portion and electrically connects the first main body and the second main body; and terminals which are formed on both end portions of the flexible substrate, are externally protruded from the mounting portion, and which are coupled to the first main body and the second main body, respectively. |
| US09954985B2 |
Foldable mobile terminal
A foldable mobile terminal, including: an upper shell (11) and a lower shell (21) that are hinged, and a flexible panel (30) disposed on inner surfaces of the upper shell (11) and the lower shell (21); at least one of the upper shell (11) and the lower shell (21) can be pivoted inwardly or outwardly to an adjustable angle with respect to an hinge axis; a region of the upper shell (11) closer to the hinge axis includes an upper cavity (111), and a region of the lower shell (21) closer to the hinge axis includes a lower cavity (211); a region of the flexible panel (30) closer to the hinge axis includes a bending portion (301) and the flexible panel (30) can be bent at the bending portion (301); upon at least one of the upper shell (11) and the lower shell (21) is pivoted inwardly with respect to the hinge axis, the bending portion (301) is received in the upper cavity (111) and the lower cavity (211), so as to maintain a relatively large bending radius, and prevent the flexible panel from being broken. |
| US09954982B2 |
Transmission apparatus and transmission method thereof
A transmission apparatus for preprocessing a data packet stored in a system memory to generate at least one segment data packet is provided. The transmission apparatus includes a transmission engine and a data memory. The transmission engine includes a header buffer, a segment controller and an encrypt engine. The header buffer stores an IP header, a UDP header, a QUIC public header and a QUIC private header of the data packet. The segment controller divides a payload of the data packet into at least one segment payload. The encrypt engine encrypts the QUIC private header and the at least one segment payload into at least one encrypted data. The data memory receives the IP header, UDP header, QUIC public header and at least one encrypted data. The IP header, UDP header, QUIC public header and at least one encrypted data are combined into at least one segment data packet. |
| US09954980B2 |
Systems and methods for malicious code detection accuracy assurance
There is provided a method for authenticating an attempt at establishment of a network connection by allowed code, comprising: providing a dataset having previously observed stack trace templates each representing a stack trace pattern prevailing in stack traces recorded by monitoring stacks of clients executing an allowed code during a connection establishment process for establishing network connections related to the allowed code; receiving a new stack trace recorded during a new connection establishment process for a new network connection by a new client; measuring a similarity between the new stack trace and the plurality of stack trace templates to identify a match to a stack trace template; evaluating the matched stack trace template for a predefined rule requirement; and updating a rule-set database with the matched stack trace template to authenticate new network connection establishments associated with stack templates matching the matched stack trace template. |
| US09954978B2 |
Internet of things, communication method, bridge device and access device for internet of things
An Internet of Things (IOT), a communication method, a bridge device and an access device for the IOT are disclosed. The method is applied to the bridge device for the IOT, and includes: receiving, by the bridge device, data information carrying a specified identification sent from an IOT access device; searching for, by the bridge device, a power consumption device in the IOT corresponding to the specified identification; determining, by the bridge device, whether the power consumption device and the IOT access device support the same communication mode and communication protocol; converting, by the bridge device, the data information into data information which is identifiable to the power consumption device, in the case that it is determined that the power consumption device and the IOT access device support different communication modes and communication protocols; and sending, by the bridge device, the converted data information to the power consumption device. |
| US09954971B1 |
Cache eviction in a distributed computing system
A cache server is operative as one of a set of cache servers of a distributed cache. The server includes a processor and a memory connected to the processor. The memory stores instructions executed by the processor to receive a cache storage request, establish a cache eviction requirement in response to the cache storage request, and identify an evict entry within a cache in response to the cache eviction requirement. The evict entry is selected from a random sampling of entries within the cache that are subject to an eviction policy that identifies a probabilistically favorable eviction candidate. The evict entry is removed from the cache. Content associated with the storage request is loaded into the cache. |
| US09954960B2 |
Method, computer program and computer for estimating location based on social media
A system and method to estimate a location relating to a user who has not filled in information about the location in a profile field in social media such as a microblog. The system and method estimates association between a user in social media and a location includes the steps of acquiring a first content posted to the social media by a first user associated with a first location, determines regional localization of the first content on the basis of the first location, acquires a second content posted to the social media by a second user not associated with a location, determine the degree of a relationship between the first content and the second content, and associating the first location with the second user on the basis of the localization and the degree of the relationship. |
| US09954957B2 |
Terminal control method, terminal control system, and server device
In a system that centrally manages a terminal device group composed of a plurality of terminal devices in a home, a method allows for: determining an instruction to be transmitted to one of the terminal devices according to an operation status acquired from a different one of the terminal devices; specifying, from among the terminal devices, a terminal device as a transmission destination of the instruction, with use of pieces of connection source information specifying the respective terminal devices in a network, and acquisition times of the pieces of connection source information; and transmitting the instruction to the specified terminal device. Upon receiving the instruction, the specified terminal device performs an operation based on the received instruction. The operation is in coordination with the operation status acquired from the different terminal device. |
| US09954952B2 |
Data transmission for an internet of vehicles system
The present invention discloses a data transmission method and apparatus. The method comprises: obtaining information of a vehicle, the information comprising a current location of the vehicle; predicting a possible location of the vehicle in a future period of time and corresponding communication connection quality; predicting changes of the communication connection quality in the vehicle running course according to the communication connection quality at the current location of the vehicle and the communication connection quality at the predicted location; and according to the changes, determining an adjustment policy of computing resources for processing data uploaded by the vehicle. By means of the method and apparatus of the embodiments of the present invention, computing resources for processing real-time data uploaded by vehicles can be determined dynamically. |
| US09954951B2 |
Communication method and device for remote control of an actuator for mobile equipment in a building
A communication method and device for remote control of an actuator for mobile equipment in a building. The present invention concerns an operating method of a communication device (DC) for remote control of an actuator (ACT) for a piece of mobile equipment (ME) in a building, comprising the steps consisting of receiving a first signal (RS) according to a determined configuration communication mode (MCi), defining an operational communication mode (MUO) on the basis of at least a portion of the content of the first received signal (RS), receiving a second signal (RS2) according to the operational communication mode (MUO), and interpreting the second received signal (RS2) according to the operational communication mode (MUO), in such a way as to identify control data in the second received signal (RS2). The invention also concerns a method for configuring a communication device of an actuator, and a communication device and a tool for configuring said device. |
| US09954944B2 |
Data sharing method, client and system
A data sharing method, client and system are described. The data sharing method includes logging in to a browser of a first client and a browser of at least one second client using a communication account. The data sharing method further includes acquiring, by the first client, shared data from the browser of the first client if receiving a data sharing instruction and selecting, by the first client, at least one sharing client from the at least one second client and acquiring an address identifier of each of the at least one sharing client, and sending, by the first client, the shared data to the at least one sharing client according to the address identifier of each of the at least one sharing client. |
| US09954942B2 |
Result aggregation
Methods and systems for result aggregation in crowdsourcing are described. In one implementation, a task with a plurality of solution options is provided for workers to respond. Responses for the task are received from multiple workers, where each of the responses includes a worker response confidence value corresponding to one of the plurality of solution options. The worker response confidence value is indicative of confidence of a worker for the one of the plurality of solution options to be correct. A task answer for the task is estimated based on at least the worker response confidence value received from each of the multiple workers. A performance bonus for each of the multiple workers is computed based on the task answer, the worker response confidence value in the response from each worker, and a Proper Scoring Rule. |
| US09954940B2 |
Method for providing content delivery network service and electronic device thereof
A device for improving the use efficiency of a content delivery network (CDN) service and an operating method of a service distribution device are provided. The operating method includes receiving a service request signal from one or more electronic devices, determining an available domain for the service request signal based on the amount of idle traffic of one or more service domains in response to the reception of the service request signal, and transmitting a service response signal that includes the available domain information to the one or more electronic devices. |
| US09954934B2 |
Content delivery reconciliation
A system and method for management and processing of resource requests are provided. A content delivery network service provider receives a DNS query from a client computing device corresponding to a requested resource from the client computing device. The content delivery network service provider associates the requested content into a set of content segments. For each content segment, the content delivery network service provider identifies the network address of a registered content provider, such as peer computing device, and a cache component of the content delivery service provider. The content delivery network service provider also provides tokens for requesting the content from a registered content provider. The client computing device obtains the content from the registered content providers and/or the cache component of the content delivery network service provider. Thereafter, the content delivery network service provider reconciles with the registered content providers for content provided to client computing devices. |
| US09954933B2 |
Scheduled virtual desktops
A schedule may be determined. The schedule may include a shutdown time and a startup time. At the shutdown time, user data for a first virtual desktop instance for a virtual desktop may be saved and the first virtual desktop instance may be shut down. At the startup time, a second virtual desktop instance for the virtual desktop may be started up with the saved user data. The shutdown and startup of a virtual desktop instance may be based on rules or logic for an individual or an organization. |
| US09954931B2 |
Apparatus and method for transmitting file using a different transmission scheme according to whether the file is a first transmission file
A file transmission apparatus is proposed for increasing transmission speed of files, wherein the apparatus determines whether a transmission target file is a first transmission file prior to transmission of the transmission target file and transmits the transmission target file using a different transmission scheme according to a result of the determination. |
| US09954928B2 |
Method and system for causing portable terminal to obtain site page of web server associated with current location
Provided is a method for a portable terminal to acquire Web site pages related to the current position, without a user selecting a site page. A proxy server includes an address correspondence table in which the addresses of the site pages and access points are associated. The portable terminal searches for the access points in the vicinity, receives annunciation signals including access points' addresses, and measures the reception levels. The portable terminal transmits a page acquisition request to the proxy server. The proxy server searches for the address of the site page corresponding to the address of each access point, using address correspondence table, and transmits list information, where the addresses are arranged in descending order of reception levels, to the portable terminal. The portable terminal presents the list information to the user and transmits page acquisition requests having one or more addresses as destinations to the corresponding site servers. |
| US09954926B2 |
QoS-guaranteed video stream method and system, and transmitting server
Provided is a quality-of-service (QoS)-guaranteed video stream method. The QoS-guaranteed video stream method includes transmitting, by a transmitting server, a video stream including different video stream data for a plurality of respective layers, to a relay server, receiving, by the transmitting server, first section network state information which is information about a network state between the relay server and the transmitting server, from the relay server, receiving, by the transmitting server, second section network state information which is information about a network state between the plurality of respective user terminals and the transmitting server, and adjusting, by the transmitting server, qualities of video streams which are transmitted to the plurality of respective user terminals through the relay server by using network state information of the first section and network state information of the second section. |
| US09954925B2 |
Transmission device, transmission method, reception device, reception method, program, stream transmission and reception system, and electronic apparatus
Provided is a transmission device including a stream input unit configured to input a plurality of streams each constituted of continuous packets, a stream synthesizing unit configured to synthesize the plurality of input streams to obtain one stream, and a stream transmission unit configured to transmit the one obtained stream. The stream synthesizing unit encodes at least a typical pattern portion of each packet of the plurality of streams using keys that are intrinsic to the respective streams for separation of packets of each stream on a reception side, and thereafter performs time-division multiplexing on the packets of the plurality of streams to obtain the one stream. |
| US09954923B2 |
Method for transmitting stream between electronic devices and electronic device for the method thereof
A technique for transmitting a video stream between a first electronic device and a second electronic device is provided. The first device receives an encoded video stream and determines whether an encoding format of the encoded video stream is a format decodable by a second electronic device. If the format is decodable, the encoded video stream is transmitted without a re-encoding operation to the second device. The video stream is displayed at the first device delayed by a determined delay time enabling the video stream to be displayed at the second device substantially synchronized with the display at the first device. |
| US09954922B2 |
Method and system for rendering digital content across multiple client devices
A method and a system for rendering digital content across multiple client devices are provided. Digital content is downloaded to a first client device from a network accessible library. As the digital content is rendered, a current position is tracked. A bookmark is created by setting the current position as a bookmarked position. The bookmark is transferred to a second client device, and digital content including the bookmarked position is downloaded to the second client device from the network accessible library, enabling a continuous user experience across multiple client devices. |
| US09954919B1 |
Enabling continuous content playback
To provide the continuous playback of content, a content server may provide code to a requesting device that causes the requesting device to play streaming content delivered in chunks or other portions without disruption in playback. The requesting device may execute the code by a browser or other application, which may cause the requesting device to determine whether a data buffer is empty or nearly empty and request additional content from a streaming server if the data buffer is empty or nearly empty. The process may be repeated a number of times each second for the duration of the playback of the content in order to enable continuous playback of the content regardless of any throttling of the code execution or content playback attempted to be imposed by a browser or other application. |
| US09954916B2 |
System and method for event content stream
A computer-implemented method, computer program product, and computing system for providing a live stream of event content is provided. In an embodiment, a method may include defining an online collaborative space associated with an event. A plurality of event participants may be associated with the event. Content contributions may be received from one or more of the event participants. An event content update may be transmitted to a client event application based on the received content contributions to provide a live stream of event content. |
| US09954912B2 |
Apparatus, system, and method of controlling transmission of data
A communication terminal is controlled such that the communication terminal does not transmit content data from the communication terminal to one or more communication terminals through a first session, but transmits content data from the communication terminal to a selected communication terminal of the one or more communication terminals through a second session after the second session is established with the selected communication terminal. |
| US09954908B2 |
Systems and methods for collaborating in a non-destructive testing system
A collaboration system may include a computing device that may communicate with the at least one other computing device via a computing network network. The computing device may receive data that has been acquired using one or more non-destructive testing (NDT) inspection devices, receive an input that may cause a list of one or more experts indicated as available to collaborate to be derived. The computing device may also receive a selection of at least one expert from the list of experts. After receiving the expert selection, the computing device may establish a communication connection between the computing device and the at least one other computing device that corresponds to the at least one expert. Here, the communication connection may share data depicted on the computing device with the at least one other computing device. |
| US09954906B2 |
Method and system for providing media services in a communication system
Aspects of the subject disclosure may include, for example, a method, including receiving from media gateway devices session information that determines communicative couplings between media gateway devices and wireless communication nodes, and detecting a failure of a first media gateway device that provides for transmission of media streams to a first group of wireless communication nodes over a multicast-broadcast single frequency network. The method includes accessing, from the session information, first session information of the first media gateway device, initiating second communicative couplings to the first group of communicative nodes according to the first session information, receiving a unicast stream from a content server that is identified according to the first session information, generating a second multicast stream from the unicast stream, and, in turn, transmitting the second multicast stream over the multicast-broadcast single frequency network to the first group of wireless communication nodes. Other embodiments are disclosed. |
| US09954905B2 |
Intelligent/selective coverage mechanism
Disclosed is a system and method for enabling a caller to specify call coverage and bridging treatment preferences and or directives. The treatment may be specified by using SIP header parameters of an INVITE request associated with the call. The treatment may also be specified by an enterprise communication system, or equivalent, by engaging an Interactive Voice Response (IVR) system to collect a caller's coverage preferences. |
| US09954902B1 |
Secure proxy
Methods and systems are provided herein to enable secure proxying of network traffic between trusted and untrusted environments. In particular, a secure proxy may be provided that includes a set of policies. The policies may be applicable to various network protocol layers (e.g., an application layer), network traffic types, and/or endpoint resolution. The set of policies may be used to inspect, restrict and/or modify traffic between the trusted and untrusted environment to ensure data and network security. A proxy device may use the set of policies, for example, to obtain current service-related information (such as the list of IP addresses) currently associated with a computing resource requested by an application. Such endpoint information may be used, in turn, to update a white list. |
| US09954901B2 |
Service delivery controller for learning network security services
A learning-based computer network security system may include a service delivery controller executing on one or more of hardware processors that receives requests for transmitting network flows to one or more destination machines via a communication network. The service delivery controller may group the network flows into one or more similarity groups, and direct the network flows in a particular similarity group to a learning-based security appliance instance designated for the particular similarity group. Based on receiving feedback from the security appliance instance, the service delivery controller may regroup the similarity groups, and/or redirect the network flows, and/or redistribute the training results between the appliances, and/or modify assignment of appliances to similarity groups. |
| US09954900B2 |
Automating the creation and maintenance of policy compliant environments
Embodiments of the present invention provide for a method, system, and apparatus for creating a publishable computer file. The method includes selecting a first computer file encapsulating a source security policy for a computing device and creating a second computer file using the source security policy of the first computer file to create a local security policy and to encapsulate the created local security policy and also an operating system security policy. The method further includes calculating a hash value for the second computer file and storing the hash value in a header for the second computer file. The method yet further includes encrypting the second computer file, wherein the encrypted second computer file once loaded into memory of the computing device is processed by the computing device. |
| US09954898B2 |
Data flow forwarding method and device
This disclosure makes public a data flow forwarding method and device, and in this method, a second health state is acquired based on the first health state of one or more pieces of identifying information of the received data flow, wherein the first health state and second health state are associated with the access rights of the user and/or user device that sent the data flow; it employs firewall policy property sets to determine whether or not to forward the data flow, wherein the firewall policy property sets comprise: the second health state. The technical schemes based on this disclosure improve the ability of a firewall to identify network attacks or abnormal activities and reduce administration costs. |
| US09954893B1 |
Techniques for combating man-in-the-browser attacks
Methods and apparatus are described for automatically modifying web page code. Specific implementations relate to the modification of web page code for the purpose of combatting Man-in-the-Browser (MitB) attacks. |
| US09954889B2 |
Method and system for malicious code detection
Embodiments of the invention are directed towards detecting and identifying malicious code injected into other legitimate web pages. The detection is divided into two processes. The first process is to detect a malicious code string within received web page code using a set of one or more criteria. The criteria include length of the string, as well as whether the string changes between received instances, and the status of the string within the web page code, particularly whether it is encapsulated between scripting tags, or otherwise indicated as being executable. The second process is based on using a proxy that will help in extracting and scanning the decrypted code against any malicious content. In particular, the second phase acts to remove the armour and evasion features that may be built into the malicious code, so that the code may then be inspected by the existing anti-virus or other host intrusion detection system (HIDS) present on the target system. Inspection may take place by dumping the memory contents to a file and then passing the file for inspection to the existing anti-virus or other HIDS. |
| US09954888B2 |
Security actions for computing assets based on enrichment information
Systems, methods, and software described herein provide enhancements for implementing security actions in a computing environment. In one example, a method of operating an advisement system to provide actions in a computing environment includes identifying a security incident in the computing environment, identifying a criticality rating for the asset, and obtaining enrichment information for the security incident from one or more internal or external sources. The method also provides identifying a severity rating for the security incident based on the enrichment information, and determining one or more security actions based on the enrichment information. The method further includes identifying effects of the one or more security actions on operations of the computing environment based on the criticality rating and the severity rating, and identifying a subset of the one or more security actions to respond to the security incident based on the effects. |
| US09954883B2 |
Automated asset criticality assessment
A set of attributes of a particular asset of a computing environment is identified that are determined from data collected by one or more utilities in the computing environment. A criticality rating is automatically determined for the particular asset based at least in part on the set of attributes. A security activity is caused to be performed relating to the particular asset based on the automatically determined criticality rating of the particular asset. |
| US09954882B2 |
Automatic baselining of anomalous event activity in time series data
Software that automatically detects anomalous attributes indicative of a potential intrusion in a computing system. The software performs the following operations: (i) determining a baseline pattern for one or more attributes of a computing system, based on a first set of statistical thresholds determined for received values of the one or more attributes, wherein the received values correspond to one or more time periods, and on a second set of statistical thresholds determined for a first subset of values of the received values of the one or more attributes, wherein each value of the first subset exceeds the first set of statistical thresholds; and (ii) in response to identifying, based on the determined baseline pattern, anomalous values in monitored additional values of the one or more attributes, sending an alert to a user of the computing system indicating that a potential intrusion in the computing system has occurred. |
| US09954881B1 |
ATO threat visualization system
An Account Takeover (ATO) detection system is configured to generate a visualization of the monitored login attempts during a time period with respect to an on-line service. In the visualization, a login attempt from an IP address is presented as an object in a three-dimensional coordinates system. This three-dimensional coordinates system has the first axis representing the first octet of an IP address, the second axis representing the second octet of an IP address, and the third axis representing the third and the fourth octets of the IP address. |
| US09954880B2 |
Protection via webpage manipulation
Techniques are disclosed relating to limiting malicious-code analysis of webpage content. In one embodiment, a computing system receives a webpage requested by a client device. The computing system randomly alters content of the webpage to limit analysis of the content by malicious code such that the altering does not affect how the webpage is displayed by the client device. The computing system may then serve the webpage with the altered content to the client device. In some embodiments, the altering includes searching the webpage for an HTML element that specifies a plurality of attributes in a particular ordering and rearranging the plurality of attributes to have a new ordering different from the particular ordering. In some embodiments, the altering includes parsing the webpage for an HTML element that specifies an identifier attribute and modifying an identifier attribute of the element. |
| US09954876B2 |
Automatic tunnels routing loop attack defense
The present disclosure relates to systems, methods, and non-transitory computer readable storage medium for detecting a tunnel routing loop attack on a computer network. A method of the presently claimed invention receives a packet of data over an automatic tunnel. When the received packet includes an Internet protocol version 6 (IPv6) packet headers in the received packet may be extracted from the received packet. When an extracted header is a tunnel routing loop attack (TRLA) header, address information included in the TRLA header may be matched to a destination address that the IPv6 packet is about to be tunneled through. When the address information included in the TRLA header matches the destination address that the IPv6 packet is about to be tunneled through the IPv6 packet is dropped because the match indicates that that a loop is about to be formed. |
| US09954873B2 |
Mobile device-based intrusion prevention system
A method for managing network traffic at a portable electronic device connected to a network that includes establishing a virtual network interface to queue network traffic originated by applications running on the device, monitoring the virtual network interface for queued data, assembling a data packet from the queued data, wherein at least some data in the data packet is intended for a node of the network, applying a first set of rules to the data packet, in accordance with a determination that application of the first set of rules triggers a predetermined response associated with the first set of rules, processing the data packet according to the predetermined response, and in accordance with a determination that application of the first set of rules does not trigger the predetermined response, forwarding at least a portion of the data packet to a connection with the node for transmission to the node. |
| US09954871B2 |
Method and system to protect software-based network-connected devices from advanced persistent threat
A method of protecting a network-connected device from an advanced persistent threat cyber-attack is provided. A network-connected device having an operating system, a memory, memory instructions holding executable program instructions, and being communication enabled, is protected from an advanced persistent threat by steps of detecting the advanced persistent threat due to the presence of rogue software in the memory instructions of the network-connected device and locking-down the communications of the network-connected device. The network-connected device may be provided with low-level routines that are correlated to the memory instructions. Detecting the advanced persistent threat may be comprised of authenticating the memory instructions of the network-connected device by using the installed low-level routines. |
| US09954868B2 |
System and method to associate a private user identity with a public user identity
The system includes a host, a network including a security gateway, and a public application. Established are an access session between the network and the host and an application session between the public application and the network. An application session record is created for the application session, and includes the user's public user identity used to access the public application, the user's private user identity used to access the network, a host identity, and an application session time. To determine the private user identity for the application session, the security gateway sends a query with the host identity and the application session time. These are compared with the host identity and access session time in an access session record, if they match, then the private user identity in the access session record is returned, and it is stored as the private user identity in the application session record. |
| US09954867B1 |
Verification of credential reset
Methods and systems are provided for verifying reset of credentials for user accounts. The methods and systems receive a request to change a credential associated with a user account. The user account has account privileges associated with a network service. The methods and systems set the user account to a cool-down status and send a reset notification to one or more trusted access points associated with the user account to inform a valid owner or user of the account that a credential has been reset. The methods and systems manage availability of at least a restricted subset of the account privileges for a cool-down time period or until a reset verification is received from a valid owner or user. |
| US09954865B2 |
Sensors for a resource
A system may include first sensor to monitor first information relating a volume of information searched by a user, a second sensor to monitor second information relating to a number of requests, made by the user, to access a resource, a third sensor to monitor third information relating to a number of requests, made by the user, from different geographic locations, and a device to receive the first information, the second information, and the third information, and process the first information, the second information, and the third information in connection with the resource. |
| US09954861B2 |
Consumer choice for broadband application and content services
Novel tools and techniques might provide for implementing application, service, and/or content access control. Based at least in part on a consumer's choice of applications, services, content, and/or content providers—particular in exchange for a subsidy on content and/or network access fees provided to the consumer by chosen content providers—, a computing system may determine whether access to applications, services, and/or content not associated with the chosen content providers (“other content”) should be allowed or restricted. If restricted, the computing system might utilize various network access techniques and/or technologies to block the consumer's access to the other content, to allow access to the other content on a charge per access basis, or to allow access to the other content at reduced network access speeds. In some embodiments, an access provider (e.g., an Internet service provider, etc.) might perform both determination and implementation of content access and restriction. |
| US09954860B2 |
Online secure transaction verification system proxy server and method
In one example, a proxy server acts as a gateway to a website and modifies the traffic between a web browser on a user device and the website server, as necessary to request protection by providing step-up authentication and/or transaction verification. The proxy server blocks transactions when protection is required but has not occurred (either because the authentication was not proper or due to the detection of another problem). Associated methods and systems are also provided. |
| US09954857B2 |
Digital charms system and method
A system and method for controlling access to a digital asset. A first host device is provided to a first host device owner and rights are determined to a digital asset. A digital charm is selected, wherein selecting includes granting to the digital charm certain rights to the digital asset. The digital charm is attached to the first host device to form a charm system, wherein attaching includes conferring, to the first host device owner, the rights to the digital asset that were granted to the digital charm. |
| US09954856B2 |
Token based one-time password security
A one-time password (OTP) based security scheme is described, where a provider pre-generates a number of verification codes (e.g., OTP codes) which will be valid for a predetermined interval. The provider then encodes the verification codes (e.g., by hashing each code with a time value), and stores the verification codes into a data structure. The data structure can be provided to a verification system that can use the set of pre-generated OTP codes to authenticate requests received from users having personal security tokens. |
| US09954853B2 |
Network security
There is described a method for enabling a user of a client computer to securely access a remote server via a network, which is preferably the Internet, by authenticating the user. The method comprises providing a portable apparatus to the user which may communicate with the client computer. It further involves storing on the portable apparatus user credentials required to enable the user to be authenticated at the server and performing an authentication protocol between the client and the server. The authentication protocol includes the transmission to the server of a digest based at least partially on the user credentials; and the user credentials are stored on the portable apparatus in the form of a digest. |
| US09954852B2 |
Service-to-service digital path tracing
A service receives from a sender service a digital message and a corresponding trace, which includes an ordered set of digital signatures of one or more services that participated in causing the service to receive the digital message. The trace may further specify an ordering of the one or more services, which may be generated according to the order of participation of these one or more services. The service may compare the received trace to recorded message paths to determine whether the ordering specified within the trace is valid. If the ordering is valid, the service may use one or more digital certificates to further verify the digital signatures included within the trace. If the service determines that these digital signatures are also valid, the service may process the message. |
| US09954850B2 |
Service locking method, apparatuses and systems thereof
Disclosed are a service locking method, apparatuses and systems thereof. The method includes: receiving a locking request including identification information of a designated service and an identifier of an operating terminal, the designated service being a service of performing a sensitive operation to network virtual property; and sending an authentication request containing the identification information of the designated service and the identifier of the operating terminal to an authentication server, and locking the designated service upon receiving successful authentication information from the authentication server. By locking the designated service in the operating terminal after the authentication server authenticates the operating terminal successfully, the problem that the network virtual property of a legal user is likely to undergo an unauthorized operation is solved; a designated service, once locked, may not be directly operated by any operating terminal, thereby preventing unauthorized operations on the designated service. |
| US09954849B2 |
Systems and methods for managing secure sharing of online advertising data
Systems and methods are disclosed for managing online advertising data secure sharing. One method includes receiving, at a server, a request for proprietary data from a data consumer, the request including a data consumer identifier; retrieving, from a database of proprietary data, proprietary data based on the request; determining, by the server, whether the retrieved proprietary data is at least one of: designated to be processed and designated to have privileges set; processing, by the server, the proprietary data when the server determines the proprietary data is designated to be processed; setting one or more privileges to the proprietary data using the certificate associated with the data consumer identifier when the server determines the proprietary data is designated to have privileges set; encrypting the proprietary data using the certificate associated with the data consumer identifier; and transmitting the encrypted proprietary data to the data consumer. |
| US09954847B2 |
Computer readable storage media for legacy integration and methods and systems for utilizing same
Systems and methods for integrative legacy context management are disclosed herein. An example computer hardware system may include at least one processing unit coupled to a memory, and the memory may be encoded with computer executable instructions that when executed cause the at least one processing unit to receive a set of credentials associated with a user from a user device, cross-reference the set of credentials with a first set of credentials of an agent associated with the user to determine whether the set of credentials is valid; and if the set of credentials is valid, provide a second set of credentials of the agent to the user device in response to a request for the second set of credentials from the user device. |
| US09954845B2 |
Multi-user multi-router network management method and system
A network management method and system for managing multiple routers under a single user log-in. The network management system implements the method, which includes authenticating a user log-in to the system, displaying a listing of routers accessible from the system by the user, and receiving a user selection of a router from the listing of routers. The method further includes displaying a listing of commands implementable by the selected router, receiving a user selection of a command for the selected router, and implementing the selected command on the selected router, without requiring the user log-in to the selected router. In particular, the selected command is implemented using router credentials retrieved from a database of the network management system. Additionally, the system implements aggregation of data allowances for user devices into a data pool, against which device data usage is allocated. |
| US09954843B2 |
Web ticket based upon a symmetric key usable for user authentication
Described herein are various aspects pertaining to a web ticket that is used in connection with authenticating a user. The web ticket is generated through use of a symmetric key, and is less than two hundred bytes in size. A ticket issuer executing on a first computing device generates the web ticket responsive to receiving authentication data from a client computing device, and transmits the web ticket to such client computing device. The client computing device includes the web ticket in requests for data transmitted to a second server computing device that is in communication with the ticket issuer. The second server computing device includes a validator that validates the web ticket using the symmetric key, which is shared between the first server and the second server. |
| US09954842B2 |
Method, client, server and system of login verification
The present disclosure introduces a method, a client, a server and a system of login verification. When a user logins, the client obtains a login request from the user for logging into an under-protected account system, where the login request includes at least an account to be logged in, determines property information of a current related account system corresponding to the account to be logged in from property information stored in a current login host, generates login verification information including at least the property information of the current related account system, and sends the login verification information to a server. The server verifies a login activity of the user based on the pre-stored reliable property information corresponding to the account to be logged in. Thus, the login verification process is simplified and the efficiency of login verification using the server is enhanced. |
| US09954841B2 |
Distinguish valid users from bots, OCRs and third party solvers when presenting CAPTCHA
A method and system of administering a CAPTCHA challenge comprising: providing a CAPTCHA challenge to the client computer, the CAPTCHA challenge comprising an image and browser code for displaying the image, the image comprising a character string in which a first sub string smaller than said character string corresponds to a solution to the CAPTCHA challenge and a second substring smaller than said character string corresponds to extra characters not part of the solution, displaying the image on the client computer wherein only the first substring is visible in the browser, receiving a response from the client computer, comparing the response with the second substring, and determining, if the response includes the second substring, that the client computer used a CAPTCHA bot or relay. |
| US09954839B2 |
Systems and methods for providing distributed authentication of service requests by identity management components
There is described a system for authenticating a client device in a network having a plurality of IDM components. One or more of the IDM components subscribes (using the publish-subscribe message pattern) to authentication requests published by client devices. The client device publishes an authentication request into the network. The most appropriate IDM component to process the published authentication request is selected, and the authentication request forwarded to the selected IDM component. The selected IDM component is then operated to negotiate with and authenticate the client device. |
| US09954835B2 |
Methods and systems for management of key exchanges
Methods and systems for facilitating exchanges of keys between individuals across multiple locations are provided. Each key set is assigned a unique key identifier. The key identifier is encoded on a key chain attached to the key set. A key set is picked up or dropped off at a key exchange center and is scanned to read the key identifier. The key identifier is relayed to a key exchange server which tracks key locations. The key exchange server verifies that an individual is authorized to pick up a key set and provides instructions to a device at the key exchange center to enable access to the key set. The key exchange server coordinates drop-off of a key set by updating the key location associated with the key identifier at drop-off and providing instructions to a device at the key exchange center for storage of the key set. |
| US09954834B2 |
Method of operating a computing device, computing device and computer program
A computing device has a first application and a second application. The first application generates a data access application key for use by the second application to enable decryption of data that is stored in encrypted form on the computing device using the data access application key. In operation, the second application generates a public/private key pair. The second application sends a request to the first application for the first application to send the second application a data access application key, the request including the public key. The first application derives the requested data access application key as a function of at least the public key. The first application sends the derived data access application key to the second application. |
| US09954832B2 |
System and method for enhanced data protection
In one embodiment, a method of secure network transmission is performed by a computer system. The method includes encrypting a payload via a first symmetric key and encrypting the first symmetric key via a second symmetric key. The method further includes encrypting an author header comprising the encrypted first symmetric key and a recipient list via a third symmetric key, wherein the recipient list comprises at least one recipient. The method also includes encrypting the third symmetric key via a public asymmetric key associated with an authentication server. Furthermore, the method includes transmitting the encrypted author header and the encrypted third symmetric key to the authentication server for use in recipient-initiated pre-access authentication. In addition, the method includes transmitting the encrypted payload and the second symmetric key over a computer network to the at least one recipient. |
| US09954828B1 |
Protection of data stored in the cloud
A system for protecting data stored in the cloud includes a computing device that generates a plaintext encryption key and encrypts the plaintext encryption key using a credential of a customer that uses a cloud application. The computing device encrypts plaintext data using the encryption key and forwards the encrypted data to a cloud computer system that hosts the cloud application. The plaintext data can be received from a cloud application client that runs in the computing device or from another computing device that hosts the cloud application client. The encrypted encryption key can be stored in and retrieved from a key server. |
| US09954826B2 |
Scalable and secure key management for cryptographic data processing
A method and system for secure and scalable key management for cryptographic processing of data is described herein. A method of secure key handling and cryptographic processing of data, comprising receiving a request from an entity to cryptographically process a block of data, the request including a key handle, wherein the key handle includes an authentication tag and an index; authenticating the requesting entity using the authentication tag; and referencing a plaintext key from a plurality of plaintext keys using the index if the requesting entity is authenticated successfully. |
| US09954813B2 |
Method and system for facilitating publication of a media file at a scheduled time
Methods, systems, and techniques for facilitating publication of a media file at a scheduled time. A media aggregation client sends media and a scheduling request to a media scheduling system. The media scheduling system determines when it is time to publish the media and, when the time is appropriate, sends a notification to a media publishing client. In response to the notification, the media publishing client downloads the media to a scheduled publishing application, transfers the media and the metadata to a social network application, and the social network application publishes the media to a social network. |
| US09954805B2 |
Graymail filtering-based on user preferences
A graymail detection and filtering system predicts whether a user will consider an email to be graymail using a classifier model based on features extracted from the email. The email is labelled as graymail or non-graymail based on the prediction. User actions are tracked on the email to determine whether the user actually considered the email to be graymail or non-graymail and the classifier model is trained using machine learning techniques to improve the prediction, without requiring explicit user feedback on whether the user considered the email to be graymail or non-graymail. |
| US09954800B2 |
Multi-path network with fault detection and dynamic adjustments
A multi-path network for use in a bridge, switch, router, hub or the like, includes a plurality of network ports; a plurality of network elements; and a plurality of network links interconnecting the network elements and the network ports, for transporting data packets. Each network element has a fault monitor for detecting faults on the network links to which the network element is connected, a plurality of dynamically selectable output ports and output port selection mechanism. Each network element also being adapted to communicate the existence of a fault back to one or more other network elements so that network elements connected to the faulty network link can be bypassed, and each network element being adapted to update the output port selection mechanism when communication of the existence of a fault is received so that only those output ports which ensure the faulty network link is bypassed are dynamically selectable. Also, a method of managing faults in a multi-path network utilizes a similar methodology to insure that identified faults are avoided. |
| US09954795B2 |
Resource allocation using CCN manifests
A network forwarder can use a Manifest to allocate resources in a content centric network (CCN). Specifically, the forwarder can include a Manifest table which stores a Manifest state for a set of pending Manifests. Each Manifest can include a name associated with a data collection, and includes a list of references to Content Objects that make up the data collection. When the forwarder receives a Manifest for a data collection, the forwarder creates an entry for the Manifest in the Manifest table, and allocates one or more resources for processing the Manifest. When the forwarder receives an Interest, the forwarder performs a lookup in the Manifest table based on the Interest's name to determine whether the Interest is associated with a pending Manifest. If the Interest matches a Manifest state stored in the Manifest table, the forwarder processes the Interest and the Manifest based on the Manifest state. |
| US09954793B2 |
Chassis controller
A non-transitory machine readable medium storing a program that configures managed forwarding elements to establish tunnels between the managed forwarding elements is described. From a particular managed forwarding element, the program receives information regarding coupling of a network element to the first managed forwarding element. Upon receiving the information, the program generates a set of universal flow entries for configuring another managed forwarding element to establish a tunnel to the particular managed forwarding element. |
| US09954789B2 |
Efficient discard mechanism in small cell deployment
The invention relates to a method for efficiently discarding data packets destined to a mobile station connected to both a master base station and a secondary base station. The master base station configures a secondary discard function in a lower layer of the secondary base station, based on the master discard function in the higher layer of the master base station. The master base station forwards the data packet from the higher layer to the lower of the secondary base station. The secondary discard function of the lower layer at the secondary base station discards the received data packet upon expiry of the secondary timer started by the lower layer upon reception of the data packet from the higher layer at the master base station. |
| US09954788B2 |
Bandwidth estimation based on statistical measures
Some embodiments provide a method for estimating bandwidth estimate based on a set of statistical measurements that quantifies bandwidth variation. The method receives a piece of media content at a receiving device and computes several instantaneous bandwidth measurements based on sample data blocks or media content received at the receiving device. The method computes the set of statistical measures that quantifies variation between the computed instantaneous bandwidth measurements. Based on the set of statistical measures, the method computes a revised bandwidth estimate for receiving media content at the receiving device. In some embodiments, the method uses the revised bandwidth estimate to determine an amount of media content data to buffer in order to provide an uninterrupted playback. |
| US09954786B2 |
Data traffic switching among computing devices in storage area network (SAN) environments
Data traffic switching among computing device in a SAN environment is disclosed herein. According to an aspect, a method may be implemented at an NPV device that is associated with multiple computing devices positioned behind the NPV device in a SAN. The method may also include receiving zoning information associated with the computing devices. The method may also include determining, based on the zoning information a map for switching data traffic among the computing devices. Further, the method may include switching the data traffic among the computing devices based on the determined map. |
| US09954785B1 |
Intelligent switching of client packets among a group of servers
The content-aware application switch and methods thereof intelligently switch client packets to one server among a group of servers in a server farm. The switch uses Layer 7 or application content parsed from a packet to help select the server and to schedule the transmitting of the packet to the server. This enables refined load-balancing and Quality of-Service control tailored to the application being switched. In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, a method includes maintaining a server load metric for each server in a group of servers; parsing application content from a packet; selecting a destination server from the group of servers, wherein selecting the destination server is dependent on the server load metric for each server, assigning a priority to the packet, the priority being dependent on the application content; and dropping the packet if the priority comprises at least one of a predetermined type. |
| US09954784B2 |
Predictive VPN bandwidth balancing based on weather data and social media sentiment
The disclosure is directed to a method for balancing VPN network bandwidth. A method in accordance with an embodiment includes: obtaining weather data and social media sentiment for a plurality of geographical regions; analyzing the weather data and the social media sentiment for factors that may influence network bandwidth usage in each of the plurality of geographical regions; predicting network bandwidth requirements for each of the plurality of geographical regions based on the analysis of the weather data and the social media sentiment; and balancing the network bandwidth among the plurality of geographical regions based on the predicted network bandwidth requirements. |
| US09954779B2 |
Method, apparatus, and system for supporting flexible lookup keys in software-defined networks
A method is described in a network element for supporting flexible lookup keys in a software-defined network. The method includes receiving a packet to be forwarded and determining a next hop for the packet, which includes parsing the packet to identify a superkey comprising a plurality of header field values of the packet; identifying a superkey mask value and a superkey offset value for a first lookup table of a set of one or more lookup tables; generating a table key for the first lookup table based upon the superkey mask value, the superkey offset value, and the superkey; and performing a lookup in the first lookup table using the table key. The lookup identifies an entry of the first lookup table indicating the next hop for the packet. The packet may then be forwarded to the next hop. |
| US09954776B2 |
Transferring data between network nodes
A system comprises: a first network node (3); a second network node (4); at least one communication path (702, 703) connecting the first network node to the second network node; a first cache (706) forming part of the first network node; and a second cache (705) forming part of the second network node, wherein: the first cache is configured to cache data received from a host; the first network node is configured to transmit the data from the first cache to the second network node over the at least one communication path; the second network node is configured to receive the data transmitted by the first network node and to store the received data in the second cache prior to providing the data from the second cache to a connected device; the second network node is configured to use operating parameters of the second cache to calculate a hunger parameter representative of the capability of the second cache to receive more data; the second network node is configured to communicate the hunger parameter to the first network node; and the first network node is configured to use the hunger parameter received from the second network node to change the configuration of the first cache. |
| US09954774B2 |
Propagating flow characteristics in service function chaining (SFC) headers
In one embodiment, a service function classifier device determines a classification of a packet using one or more packet classification rules. The device selects a service function path based on the classification of the packet. The device determines one or more traffic flow characteristics based on the classification of the packet. The device generates a service function chaining (SFC) header that identifies the selected service function path and the determined one or more traffic flow characteristics. The SFC header is configured to cause a device along the service function path to forward the encapsulated packet based on the identified service function path and the determined one or more traffic flow characteristics. The device sends the packet along the selected service function path as an encapsulated packet that includes the generated SFC header. |
| US09954771B1 |
Packet distribution with prefetch in a parallel processing network device
A packet processing system comprises a plurality of packet processing nodes configured to process packets. The packet processing nodes are arranged in a plurality of packet processing clusters. The packet processing system also includes a plurality of prefetch buffers respectively associated with different ones of the packet processing clusters. A first prefetch buffer of the plurality of prefetch buffers is associated with a first packet processing cluster and is configured to store packets distributed for processing to the first packet processing cluster when the first packet processing clusters does not include any packet processing nodes available for processing of the packets. |
| US09954769B2 |
Inter-domain fast reroute methods and network devices
A network device, is to be deployed in a network between a first network domain and a second network domain, and is to be configured for fast reroute. The network device includes a first traffic forwarder control module, corresponding to the first network domain, which is to determine a primary next hop in the first network domain. The control plane includes a second traffic forwarder control module, corresponding to the second network domain, which is to determine a backup next hop in the second network domain. The backup next hop is to be used as a fast reroute for the primary next hop in response to a failure associated with the primary next hop. The control plane includes a controller module, in communication with the first and second traffic forwarder control modules, which is to configure a forwarding structure of the forwarding plane with the primary and backup next hops. |
| US09954767B2 |
Internet control message protocol for completing a secondary protocol transaction
In one implementation, an endpoint or client device sends a control message into a network to control how a subsequent flow from the endpoint is handled by one or more nodes in the network. A node in the network receives the control message including an encapsulated command and a counter value and modifies the counter value. The node compares the modified counter value to a predetermined limit. When the modified counter value is equal to the predetermined limit, the control message is designated for execution of the encapsulated command. When the modified counter value exceeds the predetermined limit, the control message is forwarded to a subsequent node. |
| US09954765B2 |
Graph construction for computed spring multicast
A method is provided that is implemented by a network device to simplify a topology graph of a network to generate a multicast distribution tree, the method to reduce the complexity of the topology graph while enabling a creation of the multicast distribution tree such that the computational complexity of generating the multicast distribution tree is reduced, the method including computing a shortest path to all nodes of the topology graph rooted at a source node S, determining a metric for each adjacency on each shortest path of the topology graph for the multicast group G, construct an (S, G) graph with only source node S, leaves and candidate replication points, and prune the (S, G) graph using a set of pruning processes to fully resolve the multicast distribution tree, where full resolution can be determined, and the first set of pruning processes if successful are known to produce a minimum cost tree. |
| US09954761B2 |
Dynamic detection of VPN sites
A method for automatically detecting and configuring Virtual Private Network (VPN) sites is provided. A Border Gateway Protocol (BGP) message is received from a Provider Edge (PE) router. The BGP message includes one or more attributes. The VPN site is identified based on the one or more attributes. Such attributes may include extended community attributes. |
| US09954760B2 |
I/O routing in a multidimensional torus network
A method, system and computer program product are disclosed for routing data packet in a computing system comprising a multidimensional torus compute node network including a multitude of compute nodes, and an I/O node network including a plurality of I/O nodes. In one embodiment, the method comprises assigning to each of the data packets a destination address identifying one of the compute nodes; providing each of the data packets with a toio value; routing the data packets through the compute node network to the destination addresses of the data packets; and when each of the data packets reaches the destination address assigned to said each data packet, routing said each data packet to one of the I/O nodes if the toio value of said each data packet is a specified value. In one embodiment, each of the data packets is also provided with an ioreturn value used to route the data packets through the compute node network. |
| US09954755B2 |
Maintenance method for network connection and computer system
A maintenance method for network connection and a computer system are provided. The method is adapted to a computer system having a real-time clock. The real-time clock is configured to regularly wake up the computer system to check whether a network connection is working normally. In the method, a wake up operation to wake up the computer system is received from a user. It is determined whether a connection time of maintaining the network connection so far from a last time of entering a power saving mode is greater than a counting time for the real-time clock to wake up the computer system. It is tested whether the network connection is working normally when the connection time is greater than the counting time. The counting time of the real-time clock is updated to the connection time when the network connection is working normally. |
| US09954754B2 |
Random access method and terminal supporting the same
Provided are a random access method and a terminal supporting the random access method. The terminal may monitor a state of a channel, when the state of the channel is idle, attempt a packet transmission at a first packet transmission probability, and transmit a packet including the first packet transmission probability. |
| US09954753B2 |
Network performance monitoring method and apparatus
Embodiments of the present application provide a network performance monitoring method and apparatus. The apparatus records a time (e.g. a first time) at which a first network device sends a first packet to a second network device, records a time (e.g. a second time) at which the first network device receives a response packet of the first packet, and determines a round-trip delay between the first and second network devices according to the first and second times; within a preset time, the apparatus collects statistics about a quantity (e.g. a first count) of first packets that are sent by the first network device to the second network device, and collects statistics about a quantity (e.g. a second count) of retransmitted packets in the first packets, and determines a packet loss rate from the first network device to the second network device according to the first and second counts. |
| US09954747B2 |
Systems and methods of specifying service level criteria
Methods, systems, and articles of manufacture to generate file transfer monitoring criteria are disclosed. An example method obtains a file transfer log file from a first network entity and obtains from the transfer log file file transfer metadata that is associated with file transfer activity between the first network entity and a second network entity. The file transfer metadata is used to generate a file transfer monitoring criterion that is associated with selectively monitoring the file transfer activity between the first network entity and the second network entity. Service level criteria associated with the file transfer event is automatically updated based on the file transfer monitoring criterion. |
| US09954741B2 |
Information processing apparatus and method including display control of messages during printing
An information processing apparatus capable of providing a first user interface (UI) environment and a second UI environment includes a determination unit configured to determine a UI environment that displays a message screen, and a control unit configured to, in a case where a message screen is required to be displayed to a user when a processing request is made to a peripheral device via an application, control a request for displaying the message screen, wherein a message screen adapted for the UI environment determined by the determination unit is displayed according to the request controlled by the control unit after the processing request is input via the application. |
| US09954739B2 |
Subscription optimizer
Interactions between media devices and content distribution systems are enhanced by analyzing and/or optimizing the selection of which sources the media devices access for which content. Content consumption metrics are tracked for a user and/or device, such as which content items or channels are watched, amounts of time the channels or items are watched, which content items a user has expressed an interest in, and so forth. Subscription and/or license information may also be tracked. Content availability information is collected across, potentially, multiple content distribution systems, including information indicating what subscriptions or licenses are needed to view specific channels, services, or items of content from specific content distribution systems. Based on the content consumptions metrics, subscription information, and content availability information, various actions may be taken, such as displaying a subscription utilization report, suggesting alternative content consumption strategies, and so forth. |
| US09954737B2 |
Policy formulating method, policy server, and gateway
Embodiments provide a policy formulating method. The method includes: receiving, by a policy server, User-Agent information sent by a gateway, where the User-Agent information carries type information of a terminal or type information of a browser used by a terminal; determining, by the policy server, a type of the terminal according to the User-Agent information; and formulating, by the policy server, a charging policy and/or a QoS quality of service policy according to the type of the terminal. Type information of a user terminal or type information a browser used by a terminal is reported to a policy server. The policy server is capable of correctly distinguishing a terminal type, for example a mobile phone or a PC is surfing the Internet, and then the policy server formulates a corresponding policy to implement Internet access charging and QoS guarantee. |
| US09954736B2 |
System and method of discovering paths in a network
A method and apparatus that discovers and tests paths in a network is described. In an exemplary embodiment, a device discovers a path by discovering a plurality of equal cost segments between the first and second network elements of the plurality of network elements. The device further generates a plurality of test data packets, wherein each of the test data packets has a different characteristic. In addition, the device injects the plurality of test data packets in the first network element such that the first network element transmits the plurality of test data packets to the second network element using the plurality of equal cost segments. The device additionally determines a path for each of the plurality of test data packets by recording which of the plurality of equal cost segments the first network element used to transmit that test data packet. |
| US09954735B2 |
Realizing graceful restart in IS-IS network
Before restarting an IS-IS protocol process, the first device sends an IIH packet with a RR flag set and a hold time field being a first predetermined value to a second device. The first predetermined value is greater than a normal value of a hold time kept in the second device for the first device, and the first device establishes an adjacency with the second device. After receiving an IIH packet with a RA flag replied by the second device, the first device restarts the IS-IS protocol process and starts to execute a GR process. The IIH packet with the RA flag set is replied by the second device after the second device updates the hold time kept in the second device for the first device according to the first predetermined value. |
| US09954734B1 |
Configurable 10/40 gigabit ethernet switch for operating in one or more network operating modes
A configurable network switch is disclosed. The configurable network switch may include a plurality of network switch chips operatively connected to a plurality of connectors via a programmable crosspoint chip. The programmable crosspoint chip may be configured to operate in one or more network operating modes. In a first network operating mode, the programmable crosspoint chip may be configured to operate at Gigabit Ethernet speeds, whereas in the second network operating mode, the programmable crosspoint chip may be configured to operate at 10 Gigabit Ethernet speeds. The configurable network switch may also include an input interface, such as an I2C interface, that allows an operator of the network switch to select the one or more network operating modes of the configurable network switch. |
| US09954733B2 |
Systems and methods for virtualizing a programmable logic controller
In some embodiments, a method (200) is provided for creating a virtual programmable logic controller (PLC) based on a physical PLC. The method (200) includes (1) connecting to the physical PLC over a network (201); (2) obtaining configuration data from the physical PLC over the network (202); (3) if an expansion module is coupled to the physical PLC, obtaining configuration data for the expansion module over the network (204); (4) storing configuration data for the physical PLC in a configuration medium (206); and (5) if configuration data for the expansion module is obtained, storing configuration data for the expansion module in the configuration medium (206). Numerous other embodiments are provided. |
| US09954729B1 |
Provisioning and configuration of network infrastructure equipment
Traditional configuration of infrastructure equipment relates to the manual generation of properties and corresponding scripts that was time consuming and had potential errors. A tool for provisioning and configuring network infrastructure equipment is provided. The tool utilizes pre-configured templates to collect information utilized in the configuration of the infrastructure equipment and automatically generate configuration scripts. The tool dramatically increases the ability to configure or re-configure infrastructure equipment. |
| US09954727B2 |
Automatic debug information collection
A baseboard management controller (BMC) of a system can retrieve logged system events from a non-volatile storage of the BMC and receive a command from an administrator device for the BMC to collect system debug information. The BMC can obtain debug information from a component of the system, in response to receiving the command. The BMC can save the debug information to a debug file and send the debug file to the administrator device. |
| US09954726B2 |
Controlling networking device temperatures by reducing data transfer rates from associated nodes
A method includes a compute node transmitting data to a port of a first switch at a first data transfer rate, monitoring the temperature of the port, and a management node providing an instruction to the compute node in response to the port temperature exceeding a temperature limit, wherein the instruction instructs the compute node to reduce the first data transfer rate to the port. The method further includes the compute node reducing the data transfer rate to the port in response to receiving the instruction. The method is applicable to multiple compute nodes transmitting data to multiple ports of a first switch. The data transfer rate may be reduced by throttling the compute node, renegotiating a link speed between the compute node and the port, or redirecting data to another switch. The methods facilitate thermal control of a switch without its own thermal throttling capability. |
| US09954724B2 |
Wireless terminal, importance generating method, and wireless communication system
In a wireless terminal of a network system in which routes amongst a plurality of nodes are dynamically adjusted according to an environment, the wireless terminal forms a target node forming a final destination of data sent from a sending node. The wireless terminal computes a partitioning probability indicating whether transmission fails by partitioning a location with respect to each pair of a sending source node and a sending destination node, based on a partitioning point set included in a packet received from a relaying node within the network system, wherein the partitioning point set includes partitioning points where nodes partition routes within the network system, and generates an importance representing an effect of a failure of the relaying node on the network system by a transmission failure probability. |
| US09954717B2 |
Dynamic adaptive streaming over hypertext transfer protocol as hybrid multirate media description, delivery, and storage format
An apparatus comprising a memory, and a processor coupled to the memory and configured to obtain a Dynamic Adaptive Streaming over Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP) (DASH) Media Presentation Description (MPD) from an HTTP server, wherein the MPD describes a media presentation as a combination of an HTTP source and a non-HTTP source. A computer program product comprising computer executable instructions stored on a non-transitory computer readable medium such that when executed by a processor, cause a network element (NE) to receive a Dynamic Adaptive Streaming over Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP) (DASH) Media Presentation Description (MPD) from an HTTP server; and dynamically switch between a HTTP source and a non-HTTP source of the media presentation described according to the MPD. |
| US09954713B2 |
Minimizing inter-symbol interference in OFDM signals
Methods and OFDM receivers for decoding an OFDM signal include estimating a channel impulse response from a pilot-dense symbol of the OFDM signal for each of a plurality of potential FFT window positions; determining a noise floor of each of the channel impulse responses; selecting the potential window position corresponding to the channel impulse response with the lowest noise floor as an optimum FFT window position; and decoding symbols of the OFDM signal using the optimum FFT window position. |
| US09954712B1 |
Blind decoding in orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) communication systems
Methods and architectures for blind detection of physical layer control (PLC) signaling for transmitters and receivers having respective misaligned inverse fast Fourier transforms (IFFTs) and (FFTs) includes opening a frequency tracking offset calibration circuit, estimating or calculating a phase discontinuity due to FFT misalignment, closing the frequency tracking offset calibration circuit and applying a frequency correction that includes a frequency offset less the calculated or estimated phase discontinuity. |
| US09954710B2 |
Communication device for receiving and transmitting OFDM signals in a wireless communication system
A communication device for transmitting orthogonal frequency division multiplexed (OFDM) signals in a wireless communication system. The device includes a plurality of antenna elements that transmit the OFDM signals to a receiver over a plurality of transmission channels in the wireless communication system. The device also generates weight coefficients applied to each of the plurality of subcarrier signals, and controls an amplitude and/or phase of the plurality of subcarrier signals as a function of said weight coefficients. |
| US09954708B2 |
Method and apparatus for frequency interleaving
The disclosure generally relates to a method and apparatus for frequency interleaving. Specifically, an embodiment of the disclosure relates to a communication system having one or more antennas, a radio, a memory circuit, and a processor circuit. The antennas can be used to communicate signals or to comply with different transmission protocols. The radio can be configured to send and receive radio signals. The memory can communicate with the processor circuit and contain instructions for the processor circuit to write data carriers along a plurality of rows and columns of a 2-D store in bit-reversed order and read the columns of 2-D store. |
| US09954706B1 |
Outphased spatial combiner
Spatially combining signals may include receiving a number of RF input signals at a number of RF input connectors. At least one of the RF input signals is a variable envelope signal. A variable envelope signal is converted into two or more outphased constant envelope signals. The two or more outphased constant envelope signals are amplified. The amplified outphased constant envelope signals are radiated. At a spatial combiner aperture, the radiated amplified outphased constant envelope signals are combined to create a combined signal. The combined signal is output onto an output RF connector. |
| US09954704B2 |
Transmitter, receiver and methods and computer readable medium
A transmitter transmits payload data using Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexed (OFDM) symbols, the transmitter comprising frame builder circuitry configured to receive the payload data to be transmitted and to receive signalling information for use in detecting and recovering the payload data at a receiver, and to form the payload data into frames with the signalling information as a preamble to each of the frames for transmission. Modulator circuitry is configured to modulate one or more first OFDM symbols with the signalling information to form the preamble of each frame and to modulate one or more second OFDM symbols with the payload data to form post preamble waveform of each frame. Transmission circuitry is configured to transmit the one or more first OFDM symbols as a preamble and the second OFDM symbols as the post preamble waveform. The transmitter includes signature sequence circuitry configured to provide a transmitter identifier signature sequence, the transmitter identifier signature sequence being one of a set of signature sequences to represent one of a predetermined set of identifiers which identify the transmitter to a receiver, and a combiner configured to combine the transmitter identifier signature sequence with one or more of the first OFDM symbols of the preamble or one or more additional OFDM symbols of the preamble dedicated to carry the transmitter identifier. A receiver can therefore be configured to identify the one or more of the first OFDM symbols of the preamble or one or more additional OFDM symbols of the preamble dedicated to carry the transmitter identifier, and to identify the transmitter of the received signal from the transmitter identifier sequence. |
| US09954698B1 |
Efficient resource sharing in a data stream processing device
A data stream processing device including a first tapped delay line which outputs data values received via a first data input on N first taps, wherein N is two or more; a second tapped data delay line which outputs data values received via a second data input on N second taps; a first processing unit including N first delayed data inputs and which generates a first data output based on the N first delayed data inputs; a second processing unit including N second delayed data inputs and which generates a second data output based on the N second delayed data inputs; and control circuitry including a mode selection input, and which is coupled to in response to the mode selection input receiving a signal indicating a first mode, simultaneously couple each of the first taps to a respective one of the first delayed data inputs and couple each of the second taps to a respective one of the second delayed data inputs, and in response to the mode select input not receiving a signal indicating the first mode, simultaneously couple one of the first taps to one of the second delayed data inputs and couple one of the second taps to one of the first data inputs. |
| US09954697B2 |
Device and method for determining channel equalization and reception data of receiver for packet communication
Provided is an apparatus for equalizing a channel and determining reception data of a packet communication receiver. The apparatus includes: an input interface unit which receives a reception sample string of a packet having a midamble and location information of the midamble; a sample dividing unit which divides the reception sample string into a first sub sample string and a second sub string stream using the location information of the midamble; and a channel equalizing unit which performs channel equalization on the first sub sample string and the second sub sample string, respectively, using a channel equalizing algorithm of the channel equalizer. |
| US09954696B2 |
Method and apparatus for encoding uplink control information
Embodiments of the present invention provide a method and an apparatus for encoding uplink control information, so as to optimize the performance of uplink control information transmission. The method includes: shifting a column vector of a predefined encoding matrix M to generate a new encoding matrix M′; and encoding uplink control information by using the new encoding matrix M′. The encoding matrix used for encoding the uplink control information is no longer a fixed predefined encoding matrix, but the new encoding matrix generated after shifting the column vectors of the predefined encoding matrix. Comparing with the method in prior art, the method in embodiments of the present invention can determine a corresponding encoding matrix according to the uplink control information, thereby optimizing the performance of the uplink control information transmission and then improving the efficiency of downlink transmission. |
| US09954688B1 |
Dynamic object creation and certificate management
Systems and methods that facilitate dynamic directory service object creation and certificate management are discussed. One such method can include discovering a device deployed on a network, creating and deploying a corresponding directory services object, automatically creating and deploying a certificate to the device and updating attributes associated with the device. The disclosed system and method reduce the time involved in deploying and configuring directory services and public key infrastructure (PKI), increase efficiency, improve network availability and lessen the chances for errors associated with manual configuration. |
| US09954686B2 |
Systems and methods for certifying devices to communicate securely
A virtual private network (VPN) over a telecommunications network is created by sending a request from a first VPN device to a second VPN device for establishing a VPN between the first and second VPN devices. The request includes a first signed certificate having a verified VPN parameter for the first VPN device. A reply is received at the first VPN device from the second VPN device that includes a second signed certificate having a verified VPN parameter for the second VPN device. The VPN is established between the first and second VPN devices based on each verified VPN parameter for each of the first and second VPN devices. |
| US09954677B2 |
System and method for inserting chunks of bits into a bit stream
A method of inserting chunks of bits into a target stream of bits within a computing system. The method includes the step of providing a target stream of bits. The method includes the step of providing a chunk stream of bits. The method includes the steps of chunking the chunk stream of bits into one or more chunks of bits; performing a random edit process on the target stream of bits by determining a random point within the target stream of bits and identifying random points within the target stream based on the mask stream until either the mask has no more insertion points or the target stream has no more bits. |
| US09954674B2 |
Multimedia signal transmission device and transmission method thereof
A multimedia signal transmission device includes: a clock signal detector for detecting a clock signal from a signal source and generating a clock index which specifies a frequency of the clock signal; a first microcontroller unit for receiving the clock index and for receiving multiple differential signals from the signal source and generating packets containing these signals; first and second photoelectric modules for transmitting and receiving the multiple minimized differential data signals and the packets as optical signals; a second microcontroller unit for generating the clock index and the multiple differential signals from the packets; and a clock data recovery circuit for receiving one of the multiple minimized differential data signals and receiving the clock index from the second microcontroller unit, and for recovering the clock signal having the specified frequency and synchronized to the multiple minimized differential data signals. |
| US09954673B2 |
Method for time synchronization in a communication network
A method for time synchronization in a communication network comprising a multiplicity of network nodes, wherein synchronization messages are transmitted in the communication network and the synchronization message received in a slave node contains synchronization information for synchronizing the slave time of the slave node with the master time, i.e., synchronization messages are transmitted in a closed ring or line topology and the slave node receives first and second synchronization messages from different transmission directions, and wherein the slave node synchronizes a first time with the synchronization message from one transmission direction and a second time with the synchronization message from the other transmission direction. |