| Document | Document Title |
|---|---|
| US09987056B2 |
Surgical instruments
A kit of parts for inserting a deformable implant into a cavity in a bone of a patient is described. An inserter instrument (1) comprises a body (100) having a cavity extending along a longitudinal axis from a distal end to a proximal end. An attachment mechanism (108) is provided at the distal end and to which a deformable implant can be releasably attached. A drive mechanism (132) is provided at the proximal end of the body. A push rod (150) is freely and slidably arranged within the cavity and has a distal end engageable with a part of the deformable implant and a proximal end abutable by the drive mechanism. The drive mechanism is operable to drive the push rod toward the distal end of the body. The kit also includes an impactor (210) dimensioned for slidable engagement within the cavity. |
| US09987054B2 |
Spinal fixation tool set and method
A tool set for implanting a rod in a human spine in conjunction with bone screws includes a pair of end guide tools that receive opposite ends of the rod in channels and under manipulation by a surgeon facilitate transport of the rod toward the bone screws attached to the guide tools. Each end guide tool includes a laterally extending, rigid, rod holding structure located near a bottom surface thereof. Intermediate guide tools having pass-through slots are utilized to guide the rod to the bone screws at intermediate locations. For bone screw implantation, the end guide tools and intermediate guide tools are assembled with a driver. The driver is coaxial with the respective guide tool and rotatingly mateable thereto. The driver includes a stem and a nut-type fastener, the stem receivable in the guide tool. The fastener allows for rotation of the bone screw without rotating the attached guide tool. For reducing a rod into the bone screw, a rod pusher is deployed that is coaxial with a respective guide tool and includes an outer sleeve that abuts the rod as the sleeve is translated along the guide tool and toward the bone screw. A method utilizing the tool set allows a surgeon to percutaneously implant the bone screws and the rod in the patient. |
| US09987053B2 |
Surgical instruments and methods
Various surgical instruments, implants, and their methods of use are disclosed. The surgical instruments are usable to insert various implants into a patient through an access portal in a minimally-invasive manner. The implants are rotatable between different orientations using the instruments to change the footprint of the implant and allow the implant to be inserted through the minimally-invasive access portal. |
| US09987052B2 |
Modular interspinous fixation system with threaded component
A modular interspinous system is shown having a first plate, a generally opposing second plate and a modular insert that may be removably or permanently secured to the first plate. The first plate has a coupling means, coupler or connection system in the form of a screw that may be permanently or non-permanently docked or supported in the first plate. The modular insert is adapted, sized and shaped to expose at least a portion of the screw thread of the screw and that portion may cooperate with at least one mating female thread in the second plate, thereby enabling a user to rotate the screw in order to drive the first and second plates towards or away from each other and, for example, into compression with bone. |
| US09987051B2 |
Interbody spacer
An interbody spacer is disclosed and includes a body portion defining a longitudinal axis. The longitudinal axis includes a distal end portion, a proximal end portion, opposed side surfaces that extend between the distal and proximal end portions, and top and bottom surfaces configured and adapted to engage vertebral bodies. The body portion includes a cavity defined through the top and bottom surfaces that increases in width at a medial position thereof. The cavity is configured to retain biological material therein. A method of performing spinal surgery is also disclosed. |
| US09987050B2 |
Surgical access system
A portal for accessing a desired lamina portion of a desired cervical vertebra to perform a laminoplasty. In one aspect, a laminoplasty portal is presented that defines an interior conduit and has a first sidewall section and a second sidewall section. |
| US09987049B2 |
Device and method for treatment of spinal deformity
The present invention generally relates to methods and devices for treatment of spinal deformity, and in particular to the utilization of at least one implant to either maintain the position of at least one vertebra of a patient to prevent increase in abnormal spinal curvature, to slow progression of abnormal curvature, or to impose at least one corrective displacement and/or rotation on at least one vertebra of a patient so as to incrementally correct abnormal spinal curvature. |
| US09987043B2 |
Methods and systems for adjusting an external fixation frame
A tool for implementing a correction plan in an external fixation frame having a plurality of adjustment elements or screws, for example, generally includes a driver, a motor, a controller, and a processor. The driver is adapted to engage and rotate each of the screws. The motor is coupled the driver and adapted to rotate the driver. The controller is connected to the motor and configured to control operation of the motor. The controller may determine whether the tool is engaged with a strut and which strut is engaged, and may determine how much the strut has rotated, taking into account intentional or unintentional manual rotation of the tool. The tool may also include features to help ensure proper engagement between the drive and the strut. Variations may be provided in which similar functionality is provided with manual rotation of a motorless tool. |
| US09987038B2 |
Follicle punch for use with curled follicles
A punch that is particularly useful for removing curled hair follicles from a donor site comprises a generally tubular body disposed about a generally longitudinal axis and having a distal cutting end region terminating distally in a plurality of distally-extending circumferentially disposed, generally prong-like members carrying distally diverging cutting edges and separated by follicle-accommodating slits. In practice, the punch is oriented during the extraction process at the donor site so that the curled hair root passes into, and is spared from the advancing cutting edge by, a slit as the punch is inserted into and penetrates the tissue. The punch may then rotated slightly so that the cutting edges cut most of the tissue surrounding the follicle without making damaging contact with the follicle. It may be noted that a rotary motion may not be necessary and, if rotation is desired, it may be in one direction or be in the form of an oscillatory rotary movement, depending on characteristics of the donor site and targeted follicle. |
| US09987035B2 |
Surgical instrument with end-effector assembly including three jaw members and methods of cutting tissue using same
A method of cutting tissue includes providing a surgical instrument including an end-effector assembly including first and second jaw members controllably movable from a first position in spaced relation relative to a third jaw member disposed therebetween to at least one second position closer to the third jaw member wherein the first, second and third jaw members cooperate to grasp tissue therebetween. Each of the first and second jaw members includes an electrically-conductive sealing plate. A cutting member is disposed on a portion of the upper surface of the third jaw member. The method also includes positioning the first, second and third jaw members about tissue, applying energy to the electrically-conductive sealing plates so that energy passes between the electrically-conductive sealing plates and through tissue to effect a tissue seal, and activating the cutting member to cut through tissue overlying the upper surface of the third jaw member. |
| US09987034B2 |
Ultrasonic surgical system having a fluid cooled blade and related cooling methods therefor
The present disclosure is directed to a fluid cooled ultrasonic surgical instrument and related systems and methods of use therefor. In some embodiments, the disclosed ultrasonic surgical instrument is adapted for used within an insufflated cavity or pneumoperitoneum of a patient. The instrument includes a housing having an elongate shaft, a waveguide disposed at a distal end of the shaft, a coolant inlet port defined in an outer surface of the housing, and a coolant pump disposed within the housing and configured to move coolant from the coolant inlet port to the waveguide. During use, insufflation gas from within the pneumoperitoneum is drawn into the instrument shaft by the coolant pump, and blown over the waveguide to provide cooling. The delivery of ultrasonic energy and activation of the pump may be controlled by a processor in response to user input and waveguide temperature. |
| US09987033B2 |
Ultrasonic surgical instruments
A surgical instrument comprising a transducer configured to produce vibrations along a longitudinal axis. The surgical instrument further comprises an ultrasonic blade extending along the longitudinal axis. The ultrasonic blade is coupled to the transducer and comprises a body and a treatment region. The body comprises a proximal end, a distal end, and a bottom surface. The distal end of the body is movable relative to the longitudinal axis by the vibrations produced by the transducer. The treatment region extends from the proximal end to the distal end. The surgical instrument further comprises a protective sheath disposed adjacent to the bottom surface of the ultrasonic blade. |
| US09987029B2 |
System and method for performing surgical procedures with a reusable instrument module
A surgical instrument includes an outer housing shell defining a cavity, the outer housing shell defining an upper outer housing half and a lower outer housing half, wherein the upper outer housing half defines a longitudinal axis and an instrument module selectively insertable into the cavity of the outer housing shell. The instrument module includes an inner housing shell, at least one motor disposed within the inner housing shell, a control board being in electrical communication with the at least one motor and an energy source being in electrical communication with the at least one motor and the control board. The instrument module is inserted into the cavity of the outer housing shell in such a manner that the operative axis of the at least one motor is substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the upper outer housing half. |
| US09987028B2 |
Partially covered braided funnel aspiration catheter
Methods and devices are described for removing a blockage from an anatomical passageway, for example thrombus or clot from a blood vessel. Devices and methods are provided for removing a blockage from an anatomical passageway. For example, a braided funnel is provided that may be placed adjacent a blockage. The braided funnel may be attached to an elongate tube and the blockage may be aspirated through the tube. |
| US09987026B2 |
Medical instrument
A medical instrument is disclosed for crushing a thrombus present in a pulmonary artery of a living body by an ultrasonic vibration. The medical instrument includes an elongated main body section capable of being inserted into an airway of the living body, and an ultrasonic oscillation section which can be inserted into the living body by the main body section and which oscillates the ultrasonic vibration inside the living body. By the medical instrument, a thrombus present in a pulmonary artery can be rapidly crushed, whereby a therapeutic effect on pulmonary embolism can be obtained. |
| US09987021B2 |
Tool and method for digital acquisition of a tibial mechanical axis
A method for determining a mechanical axis of a tibia using a tibial digitizer is disclosed. The method includes: determining an upper reference point on a tibial plateau corresponding to an entry point of the mechanical axis; fastening an upper mounting end of the tibial digitizer to the tibial plateau at the upper reference point; and fastening a lower mounting end of the tibial digitizer to medial and lateral malleoli of the ankle, by inwardly displacing opposed caliper arms of a self-centering malleoli engaging mechanism toward each other in a common plane until the caliper arms abut the malleoli. A lower reference point located at a midpoint between the medial and lateral malleoli is then determined by identifying a corresponding midpoint between the caliper arms when they are clamped onto the medial and lateral malleoli. |
| US09987012B2 |
Small diameter cartridge design for a surgical stapling instrument
An end effector includes a first jaw, a second jaw, and a cartridge. The first cartridge includes a sled and the second jaw includes an anvil. The first and second jaws are moveable relative to one another. The cartridge is disposed on the first jaw and has a plurality of staples. The sled is configured to engage each staple to the plurality of staples to eject the plurality of staples from the cartridge as the sled is longitudinally translated through the cartridge. A loading unit is also disclosed including an elongated body and an end effector that is articulable relative to the end effector. The end effector and the elongated body of the loading unit are configured to pass or fit through a 5 mm opening. |
| US09987007B2 |
Surgical fastener applying apparatus
A surgical fastener applying apparatus (10) including a cartridge supporting section (200) and an anvil supporting section (100). The cartridge supporting section includes a distal section (206) and a proximal section (210) and the anvil supporting section and cartridge supporting section are configured to clamp tissue therebetween. The anvil supporting section has a distal fastener receiving region (102), a proximal clamping region (104) and an intermediate region (106) between the fastener receiving region and the clamping region. The proximal clamping region is positioned on a first side of the cartridge supporting section and the fastener receiving region is positioned on a second opposing side of the cartridge supporting section. |
| US09987006B2 |
Shroud retention arrangement for sterilizable surgical instruments
A surgical instrument comprises a shaft, an end effector extending distally from the shaft, and a housing extending proximally from the shaft. The housing comprises a first shroud portion, a second shroud portion, a working assembly nested in the first shroud portion, wherein the working assembly is detachable from the first shroud portion, wherein the second shroud portion is removably couplable to the first shroud portion to permit the working assembly to be detached from the first shroud portion, and at least one securing member movable to secure the working assembly to the first shroud portion. |
| US09987003B2 |
Robotic actuator assembly
A robotic actuator assembly is disclosed. The robotic actuator assembly comprises a robotic system. The robotic actuator assembly also comprises a mounting portion selectively engageable with a drive assembly, an end effector, and an elongate shaft assembly. The robotic actuator assembly further comprises a transmission operably supported by the mounting portion. The transmission is configured to operably interface with the rotatable drive element of the drive assembly to receive a rotary output motion from the drive assembly. |
| US09986993B2 |
Adjustable tether and epicardial pad system for prosthetic heart valve
Apparatus and methods are described herein for repositioning a tether attached to a prosthetic heart valve. In some embodiments, a method includes inserting a distal end portion of a snare device through an incision at a first location in a ventricular wall of a heart and within the left ventricle of the heart. A tether extending from a prosthetic mitral valve, through the left ventricle and out an incision at a second location on the ventricular wall of the heart is snared with the snare device. The tether is pulled with the snare device such that a proximal end of the tether is moved back through the incision at the second location on the ventricular wall and into the left ventricle. The snare device is pulled proximally such that the tether is pulled proximally through the incision at the first location in the ventricular wall of the heart. |
| US09986991B2 |
Surgical apparatus and method of use thereof
A surgical apparatus for use in assisting the performance of a procedure on an eye, the eye having a front and rear, a cornea, an iris defining a pupil, and a lens capsule behind the iris. The apparatus has a frame with a front and rear, a first portion and a second portion. The first frame portion has at least one iris engagement portion for being operatively connected to the iris to exert a pressure upon the iris that maintains the pupil in an enlarged state. The second frame portion has a curved edge configured to guide movement of an instrument in a curved path with the first frame portion operatively connected to an iris. |
| US09986990B2 |
Cannula with deployable anchor wire and methods of use
A surgical instrument includes a first member comprising an end surface. A second member includes a flange and a first groove having a holding member movably disposed therein. A third member includes a lip and a second groove having the holding member movably disposed therein. The lip extends at an acute angle relative to an axis defined by the third member. The holding member is movable between a first configuration in which the holding member is disposed in the second groove and first and second portions of the holding member are positioned in the first groove and a second configuration in which the holding member is spaced apart from the second groove and the first and second portions of the holding member are spaced apart from the first groove. Systems and methods are disclosed. |
| US09986988B2 |
Surgical retractor
A surgical retractor and configured to minimize tearing of the gloves without compromising the ability to grip tissue. The surgical retractor has a handle, a blade, and a plurality of retraction elements. The retraction elements may be fixed to the blade but arranged in a specific configuration that minimizes tearing of the gloves without compromising the ability to grip tissue. The retraction elements may also be made deployable by having a deployed configuration in which the retraction elements are exposed, and a stowed configuration it which the retraction elements are hidden. |
| US09986987B2 |
Apparatus and method for fascial closure device for laparoscopic trocar port site and surgery
A suture placement device provides a lateral extension element, such as a slotted t-bar or wings, which is inserted into a trocar and deployed to position receptor ports about 1 cm from the trocar. The trocar is removed, and stylet guides are deployed to create a path from the housing to the receptor ports, thereby creating a suture path with segments from the outside of the device to each port, and between ports. A stylet is inserted through the suture path, and used to pull a suture of choice through the path. A stylet guide has a partially extended position to permit precise intra-muscular location of an anesthetic injection before being fully deployed. The t-bar is rotated back to a vertical position to permit removal to of the suture placement device so that the suture can be tied. |
| US09986985B2 |
Articulating joint for surgical instruments
A surgical apparatus is disclosed. An actuation mechanism is operable from a proximal portion of the surgical apparatus and a tool assembly is pivotally positioned on a distal portion of the surgical apparatus. The tool assembly is movable between a first position in which the tool assembly is substantially aligned with a longitudinal axis of the surgical apparatus, and a second position in which the tool assembly is pivoted away from the longitudinal axis of the surgical apparatus. An articulation mechanism is positionable to move the tool assembly between the first and second positions. A drive mechanism includes a first shaft operably engaged with a second shaft at an articulation joint. The drive mechanism is configured to transfer rotational motion from the first shaft to the second shaft. |
| US09986981B2 |
Endoscopic ultrasound-guided notched biopsy needle
A notched tissue-collection needle configured similarly to a fine-needle-aspiration needle is provided with a cutting edge disposed in the notch and configured to excise tissue into the notch for collection. A stylet may be provided through a lumen of the needle during introduction into a patient body. The needle may be provided with echogenicity-enhancing features. |
| US09986978B2 |
Simple sample stool collection, containment, and specimen disbursement system
A stool collection, containment, and specimen disbursement system for facilitating easier stool collection while protecting the samples from bio-contamination and providing easier functionality for patients, diagnostic centers, and labs. |
| US09986977B2 |
Ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus and method of operating the same
Provided are an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus and a method of operating the same. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus includes: a first ultrasonic transceiver that transmits an ultrasonic signal and receives a first echo signal that is reflected, through a deactivated probe from among a plurality of probes; a gel detector that determines whether gel is applied on the deactivated probe based on the received first echo signal; and a controller that activates the deactivated probe when it is determined that the gel is applied on the deactivated probe. |
| US09986973B2 |
Method for shear wave ultrasound vibrometry with interleaved push and detection pulses
A shear wave dispersion ultrasound vibrometry (“SDUV”) method for measuring a mechanical property of a subject is provided. Particularly, a set of ultrasonic vibration tone bursts is applied to a vibration origin in the subject so that harmonic vibratory motion is imparted to a tissue of interest. The set of vibration tone bursts effectively act like a single vibration pulse that imparts vibratory motion at larger amplitudes than achievable with a single pulse. Multiple ultrasonic detection pulses are then applied to two or more locations in the tissue of interest in order to measure shear waves propagating outward from the vibration origin. From these measurements, phase or amplitude information related to the shear wave propagation is determined and used to calculate a shear wave speed. Using the shear wave speed information, mechanical properties of the tissue are calculated. |
| US09986972B2 |
Method and system for PDA-based ultrasound
A method and system are disclosed for a compact, inexpensive ultrasound system using an off-the-shelf personal digital assistant (PDA) device interfacing to a hand-held probe assembly through a standard digital interface. The hand-held probe assembly comprises a detachable transducer head attached to a beamforming module that performs digital beamforming. The PDA runs Windows applications and displays menus and images to a user. The PDA also runs ultrasound data processing software to support a plurality of imaging modes. An internal battery is provided in the PDA to power the system. The transducer head is detachable from the beamforming module. |
| US09986969B2 |
Ultrasound imaging system memory architecture
A multiple aperture ultrasound imaging system may be configured to store raw, un-beamformed echo data. Stored echo data may be retrieved and re-beamformed using modified parameters in order to enhance the image or to reveal information that was not visible or not discernible in an original image. Raw echo data may also be transmitted over a network and beamformed by a remote device that is not physically proximate to the probe performing imaging. Such systems may allow physicians or other practitioners to manipulate echo data as though they were imaging the patient directly, even without the patient being present. Many unique diagnostic opportunities are made possible by such systems and methods. |
| US09986965B2 |
Stethoscope covers and dispensing system for stethoscope covers
A dispensing system is provided including a housing having a cavity, a first opening and a second opening, the openings being in communication with the cavity. First and second rollers are positioned within the cavity. A strip extends through the openings. The strip has a first end that is wound about the first roller and a second end that is wound about the second roller. A plurality of instrument covers are removably positioned on the strip. Methods of use and kits are disclosed. |
| US09986959B2 |
Arrangement for protecting cables and lines in C-arms, and X-ray imaging apparatus
A system for protecting cables and lines is provided. The system includes a telescopic C-arm and a cable carrier. The telescopic C-arm includes an outer C-arm, an inner C-arm, an outer carriage, and an inner carriage. The outer C-arm, on an outer surface of the outer C-arm, is arranged in a displaceable manner along the outer carriage. The inner C-arm, on an outer surface of the inner C-arm, is arranged in a fixed or displaceable manner on the inner carriage. The inner carriage is arranged in a displaceable manner along an inner surface of the outer C-arm. The cable carrier connects the outer carriage and the inner carriage. The cable carrier accommodates the cables and the lines and is configured to move freely between the outer C-arm and the inner C-arm. |
| US09986958B2 |
Medical examination and/or treatment apparatus
A medical examination and/or treatment apparatus includes a robot with a multiaxially movable arm, a C-arm mounted on the multiaxially movable arm, a cable strand for supplying the C-arm, and a device for guiding the cable strand in a movement of the C-arm. The device for guiding the cable strand is arranged at or on the robot or a component of the robot. |
| US09986952B2 |
Heart sound simulator
The disclosure includes systems and methods directed toward simulating heart sounds. The system can include an optical sensor configured to obtain data for generating a plurality of plethysmograph waveforms at a first frequency. The heart sound simulator can also include a processor in communication with the sensor. The processor can be configured to generate a heart sound signal based on at least one of the plurality of plethysmograph waveforms. |
| US09986951B1 |
Low-distortion ECG denoising
A method and system for low-distortion denoising of an ECG signal are disclosed. The method comprises determining at least one beat of the ECG signal for denoising using a beat selection logic and denoising the at least one beat using at least one ensemble averaging filter. The system includes a sensor to detect the ECG signal, a processor coupled to the sensor, wherein the processor includes a beat selection logic unit, and a memory device coupled to the processor, wherein the memory device includes an application that, when executed by the processor, causes the processor to determine at least one beat of the ECG signal for denoising using a beat selection logic and to denoise the at least one beat using at least one ensemble averaging filter. |
| US09986948B2 |
Electronic device and method
According to one embodiment, a wearable electronic device includes communication circuitry configured to communicate with an external device, and transmit access right information to the external device, the access right information for a write access right to first data stored in a server, the first data corresponding to a user of the electronic device. |
| US09986947B2 |
Evaluation of an implanted prosthesis
Evaluating an implanted hearing prosthesis, including operating the implanted hearing prosthesis, capturing sound generated by a transducer of the prosthesis during said operation, and comparing the captured sound to a sound model. |
| US09986946B2 |
Device and method for evaluating and monitoring physical pain
In order to assist in evaluating/monitoring pain, a touch-sensitive graphics tool (TG) is provided with a local application (TGapps) for displaying a graphical representation of a patient's body, on which the patient can delimit a zone. A control application cooperates with the local application (TGapps) in order to record each delimited zone together with the corresponding surface data. The control application is configured to control a patient auto-calibration function that can determine deviations between a plurality of target points designated by contact on the patient's physical body and the corresponding points that the patient points to on the graphical representation displayed on the screen. The delimitation by the patient of a zone on the graphical representation is altered according to the patient auto-calibration deviations. |
| US09986943B2 |
Safety needle blood sampling devices and related methods
Blood collection assemblies with safety features are disclosed. The assemblies have a housing for receiving a vacutainer, which has a septum that penetrates a sharp needle tip. The disclosed assemblies further have a shield for covering the other end of the needle following use to prevent accidental contact with the distal needle tip. The shield is spring loaded so that the spring force moves the shield over the needle. The shield can be secured or held in an initial position and allowed to move to cover the needle upon actuation or activation of an activator unit. |
| US09986941B2 |
Methods and apparatus for rapid monitoring of hemostatic state
Improved monitoring of one or more blood coagulation factors is provided. Factor-specific molecular probes having a dye-quencher arrangement are employed. In preferred embodiments, a compact integrated optical source and detector device is used for fluorescence measurements. Continuous and real-time monitoring of the activity of one or multiple blood factors is provided. Such real-time information can be used to automatically control delivery of drugs such as coagulants and/or blood thinners. |
| US09986936B2 |
Coil system and method for obtaining volumetric physiological measurements
A coil device is provided having a member adapted to extend around and conform to an outer surface of a subject and a conductor adapted to extend only once around a first portion of the subject. The coil device can be positioned about the subject in order to measure a volume of the subject. When placed about the subject in the presence of a relatively homogeneous magnetic field, the conductor can generate a signal indicative of a volume of the first portion of the subject. The coil device may also include two or more conductors separately generating signals indicating volumes of two or more corresponding portions of the subject. In some cases the coil device includes associated authorization data that can limit use of the coil device. Systems and methods incorporating the coil device are also provided. |
| US09986935B2 |
On-airway pulmonary function tester
A compact, on-airway, respiratory gas analyzer for performing pulmonary function tests incorporates an IR spectroscopy light guide having a curved, rather than linear, sample chamber that lies transverse to a direction of respiratory gas flow. Cooperating with the sample chamber is an impact plate that functions to steer respiratory and test gases impinging on the impact plate into the curved sample chamber. A source of IR energy is at one end of the sample chamber and an electro-optical sensor responsive to IR energy is disposed at an opposite end of the chamber. The respiratory gas analyzer also includes gas flow paths and valving for carrying out lung capacity and lung diffusion tests. |
| US09986934B2 |
Microwave radar sensor modules
Systems and methods for detecting biometrics using microwave radar sensor modules are disclosed. Integrated microwave sensor modules can include a transmitter unit configured to generate at least one continuous wave transmit signal based upon at least one frequency control signal, a receiver unit configured to utilize a cancellation path to cancel contributions to a return signal based upon at least one cancellation path control signal, and a microcontroller unit that includes a processor, a memory containing a microcontroller application, where the microcontroller application configures the processor to generate at least one frequency control signal to generate least one CW transmit signal having a plurality of frequencies, generate at least one cancellation path control signal to automatically adjust the cancellation path in real time, receive at least one demodulated signal, digitize the at least one demodulated signal, and update the at least one frequency control and cancellation path control signals. |
| US09986932B2 |
QT interval determination methods and related devices
Described herein is a system and method of automatically monitoring QT intervals in a patient based on one or more EKG signals received from attached monitoring devices. Each EKG signal is analyzed to detect attributes of the first and second EKG signals, including QRS onset information, QRS peak information, and T-wave offset information. A QT interval is calculated based on QRS onset information derived from the first EKG signal and T-wave offset information derived from the second EKG signal. The calculated QT interval is compared to thresholds to detect elongation of the QT interval and an alert is generated in response to a detected elongated QT interval. |
| US09986931B2 |
Automatically determining 3D catheter location and orientation using 2D fluoroscopy only
A method for automatically determining the 3D position and orientation of a radio-opaque medical object in a living body using single-plane fluoroscopy comprising capturing a stream of digitized 2D images from a single-plane fluoroscope (10), detecting the image of the medical object in a subset of the digital 2D images, applying pixel-level geometric calculations to measure the medical-object image, applying conical projection and radial elongation corrections (31) to the image measurements, and calculating the 3D position and orientation of the medical object from the corrected 2D image measurements. |
| US09986926B2 |
Q-onset ventricular depolarization detection in the presence of a pacemaker
A method utilizing computer processing for detecting, within a cardiac cycle, the earliest onset of global, Q-onset, ventricular depolarization in the presence of an operating pacemaker. The method, in general terms, features (a) gathering a plurality of ECG-obtained QRS heart-cycles waveforms, (b) identifying and categorizing of evidences and specific timings therein of intrinsic Q-onset and pacemaker spike events, (c) looking in a single, selected QRS waveform, between specific, defined first and second time marks, for the most significant slope change appearing in that waveform, and (d) designating to be the correct Q-onset that event which immediately precedes that slope change. |
| US09986924B2 |
Implantable biomedical devices on bioresorbable substrates
Provided herein are implantable biomedical devices and methods of administering implantable biomedical devices, making implantable biomedical devices, and using implantable biomedical devices to actuate a target tissue or sense a parameter associated with the target tissue in a biological environment. |
| US09986918B2 |
Systems and methods to indicate heart failure co-morbidity
Systems and methods to indicate heart failure co-morbidity are described. In an example, one or more physiological signals can be analyzed for a specified time period to determine at least one of an indication of a heart failure event or a characteristic of heart failure co-morbidity, such as a characteristic of a non-heart failure physiological event. At least one of the different physiological signals can be compared to a specified criterion indicative of the heart failure event to provide a comparison value, where the comparison value is indicative of whether the at least one of the different physiological signals contributed towards the indication of the heart failure event. An indication of a non-heart failure physiological event can be determined using the heart failure event indication, the non-heart failure physiological event characteristic, and the comparison value indicative of whether the one or more physiological signals contributed towards the heart failure event. |
| US09986913B2 |
Method and system for analyzing physical conditions using digital images
Systems and methods are provided for analyzing conditions associated with a physical feature using digital images. The method comprises acquiring a white-light image and an ultraviolet (“UV”) image of at least a portion of a body surface, such as a person's face, each of the white-light and UV images including a plurality of pixels and each pixel in the UV image corresponding to a respective pixel in the white-light image. The method further comprises identifying feature pixels in the white-light and UV images, and obtaining results associated with at least one physical condition using information in the feature pixels in the first white light and UV images. |
| US09986912B2 |
Viewing and processing multispectral images
Multispectral images, including ultraviolet light and its interactions with ultraviolet light-interactive compounds, can be captured, processed, and represented to a user. Ultraviolet-light related information can be conveniently provided to a user to allow the user to have awareness of UV characteristics and the user's risk to UV exposure. |
| US09986903B2 |
Minimally obstructive compact speculum
Medical instruments, particularly structurally-adjustable speculums and retractors for obstetrical and gynecological operations, procedures, and examinations, including a minimally obstructive compact speculum or retractor. The compact speculum may comprise a first wing and a second wing; and a hinge comprising at least one hinge component. The compact speculum may further comprise a ratchet that releasably holds the wings in an open position. The hinge component may comprise the ratchet, an illumination source, a fluid handler, a light guide, a lubrication source, or a combination thereof. The compact speculum may be a vaginal speculum. |
| US09986902B2 |
Laryngoscope, laryngoscope arm and laryngoscope system
A laryngoscope and system are provided, the laryngoscope comprising a handle, an arm, a camera harness comprising a deployable camera, and a light. The arm comprises a first canal adapted to receive the camera upon deployment and a second canal adapted to transmit light from the handle into an oral cavity. The handle comprises a remote ejection element. The laryngoscope system comprises a handle capable of direct wireless communication with a display unit. |
| US09986901B2 |
Blade insert illuminator
An air gap retractor illumination system includes any suitable retractor such as a McCulloch with a channel in the blade to accommodate an air gap illuminator. The illuminator is preferably made from a suitable light conducting plastic material such as acrylic or polycarbonate or silicone. The illuminator has active portions in which light passes and inactive or dead zones in which light does not pass as a result of the configuration and orientation of the input, output and surfaces of the illuminator. The illuminator is formed to have an air gap surrounding any active portion of the illuminator extending from the light input to the light output portion. The dead zones may include elements to allow the illuminator to securely engage the retractor. The light output portion of the illuminator contains from two to eight output zones, each zone having specially designed output optical structures that control and direct light to escape the illuminator to shine onto a predetermined area of interest or to form one or more predetermined shapes or footprints. |
| US09986900B2 |
Endoscope
A first housing region A which is provided in the operation portion and in which a bending drive mechanism is housed, a second housing region B which is provided in the operation section and in which a flexible member is housed, and a third housing region C which is provided in the operation portion and in which an electric part is housed are provided, the first housing region A and the second housing region B are located to be lined up in an orthogonal direction Q, and the third housing region C is located to be adjacent to both of the first housing region A and the second housing region B so that a first boundary line T1 is orthogonal to a second boundary line T2. |
| US09986899B2 |
Manifold for a multiple viewing elements endoscope
There is provided herein an integrated manifold for the tip of a multiple viewing elements endoscope which combines the functionalities of the front holder, side holder/cage and fluid channeling components into a single part. The manifold includes square slots that are equipped with tracks. Square shaped lens assemblies having protrusions are used in the endoscope tip, such that the protrusions allow the optical assemblies to slide into the tracks of the square slots. This ensures gapless placement of viewing elements with no deviation in their position and field of view. |
| US09986898B2 |
Apparatus and method for controlling movement of a capsule endoscope in digestive tract of a human body
A system for controlling movement of a capsule endoscope in a human GI track is disclosed. The system comprises a magnetic dipole for placement in human GI track, an external magnet in a sphere shape generating dipole magnetic field and applying external translational and or rotational magnetic field force to the capsule endoscope, and a control system for moving the external magnet to manipulate the object along the variable axis in a desired direction of movement. |
| US09986896B2 |
Disposable sheath designs for the stimulating endoscope and needle endoscopes having distal electrodes for nerve block under direct vision and methods for making and using same
A nerve blocking endoscope apparatus is disclosed having a disposable sheath and a stimulating assembly including an internal electrode and an external electrode for stimulation of a nerve for identification purposes and to methods for making and using same. A needle nerve blocking endoscope apparatus having an internal electrode for nerve stimulation. |
| US09986893B2 |
Method and apparatus for manipulating the side wall of a body lumen or body cavity so as to provide increased visualization of the same and/or increased access to the same, and/or for stabilizing instruments relative to the same
Apparatus comprising: a sleeve adapted to be slid over the exterior of an endoscope; a proximal balloon secured to the sleeve; an inflation/deflation tube carried by the sleeve and in fluid communication with the interior of the proximal balloon; a push tube slidably mounted to the sleeve; and a distal balloon secured to the distal end of the push tube, the interior of the distal balloon being in fluid communication with the push tube, wherein the distal balloon is capable of assuming a deflated condition and an inflated condition, and further wherein when the distal balloon is in its deflated condition, an axial opening extends therethrough, the axial opening being sized to receive the endoscope therein, and when the distal balloon is in its inflated condition, the axial opening is closed down. |
| US09986892B2 |
Operational interface in a multi-viewing element endoscope
The present specification describes an endoscopy display system including an endoscope with a distal tip having at least three image capturing components, and a handle with an actuator that, when activated, generates a video processing command; a controller including a video processing system adapted to transmit commands to the three image capturing components and receive an image feed from each of said three image capturing components; and a display system, including at least one monitor that concurrently receives and concurrently visually displays each of said processed image feeds, where the video processing system is adapted to process each of said image feeds in accordance with the video processing command to cause at least one of changing a position of, zooming into or out of; recording; freezing; highlighting; or superimposing a navigation indicator upon the at least one of the processed image feeds. |
| US09986891B2 |
Measurement probe and optical measurement system
A measurement probe includes: a plurality of optical fibers including an illumination fiber configured to propagate light to irradiate a measuring object and including a light receiving fiber configured to receive scattered light retuned from the measuring object; and a detection portion configured to detect contact with the measuring object, the detection portion having a contact part provided on a part of a side portion of the measurement probe, the side portion forming a surface along a longitudinal direction of the measurement probe, the contact part being configured to be in contact with measuring object. |
| US09986889B2 |
Vacuum-based cleaning apparatus and method
An apparatus and method for cleaning. The original motivation for the creation of the apparatus was the cleaning of shoes or bare feet, but the apparatus can be used in other organic and inorganic applications as well. The apparatus can be used in conjunction with a variety of different vacuum technologies, including wet dry vacuum systems. The apparatus can be implemented as a stand-alone mat or as modular component that can be combined with other units to achieve the desired coverage area. |
| US09986886B2 |
Warewasher with drain water tempering system with energy recovery using plate heat exchangers
A warewash machine includes a housing at least in part defining a chamber for cleaning wares and a sump for collecting hot cleaning water that is recirculated through the chamber during cleaning. A drain path is provided for draining cleaning water from the sump and a fresh water input line includes at least a fresh water input that receives fresh water. A waste water heat recovery arrangement includes one or more plate heat exchanger units that transfer heat from the draining cleaning water to the incoming fresh water. |
| US09986885B2 |
Dish treating appliance with self-draining feedtube
A dish treating appliance has a tub at least partially defining a treating chamber for holding dishes for treatment according to an automatic cycle of operation. An access opening provides access to the treating chamber. There are multiple sprayers that emit liquid into the treating chamber, multiple feed tubes fluidly coupled to the multiple sprayers, a diverter valve selectively fluidly connecting to the multiple feed tubes, and a pump having an inlet fluidly coupled to the treating chamber and an outlet fluidly coupled to the diverter valve. |
| US09986884B2 |
Dish washer and method for controlling same
Provided are a dish washing machine and a controlling method thereof. When water is sprayed from a nozzle while a vane is positioned at a reference position during a drainage operation, since a deflection angle of the vane is bent back and the water is sprayed toward a rear wall of a washing tub, the water forms a fast and strong water current over a bottom plate of the washing tub to remove garbage which remains at a filter while flowing over the bottom of the washing tub. Accumulation at a filter at a top end of a sump and that may block the filter during washing such as preliminary washing, main washing, etc., is washed, thereby eliminating the inconvenience of having to separate and wash the filter, and effectively improves performance by avoiding poor circulation of water that may occur due to a filter blockage or generation of bubbles. |
| US09986877B2 |
Hand dryer
A hand dryer for drying a user's hands by means of an airflow discharged through an air outlet on the hand dryer. The airflow is generated by a motor-driven fan unit. The fan unit is supported by resilient support member in contact with the fan unit, the support member having a vertex, which vertex makes said contact with the fan unit. |
| US09986874B2 |
Absorbent sheet dispenser having improved hand sensor performance
A hands-free dispenser for dispensing lengths of absorbent sheet products, includes: a dispenser body containing a dispensing mechanism; a hand sensor for detecting the presence of a user's hand in the vicinity of the dispenser; an elongated metallic conductive element having a proximate end in electrical communication with at least one metal surface of the dispenser positioned at a first location relative to the hand sensor, and a distal end in electrical communication with at least one charge receiver positioned at a second location relative to the hand sensor, the second location being at a greater distance from the hand sensor than the first location. |
| US09986871B1 |
Technologies for sanitizing beverage makers
Technologies (e.g., devices, systems and methods) for sanitizing reservoirs are described. In some embodiments, the technologies include a sanitization gas system and a connector unit. The connector unit is configured to install into a portion (e.g., wall, bottom, top, or lid) of a reservoir, such as a reservoir of a hot beverage maker. The connector unit includes an inlet passageway for supplying sanitizing gas (e.g., ozone) into the reservoir, and an outlet passageway for removing sanitizing gas from the reservoir. In some embodiments at least a portion of the outlet passageway is disposed radially around the inlet passageway. The sanitization gas system may provide a sanitizing gas to the inlet passageway and receive the sanitizing gas from the outlet passageway. |
| US09986870B2 |
Device for providing liquid for a beverage machine and use thereof
The invention relates to a device (100) for providing liquid for a beverage machine (110), comprising a water tank (10) having at least one water inlet (11) which can be connected in a controllable manner to a water connection in order to fill the water tank (10), a control device (30) for controlling the water inlet (11) that can be connected in a controllable manner, and at least one filling level sensor (41, 42) for generating a signal which indicates at least whether or not a first filling level of liquid inside the water tank (10) has been reached or exceeded. In order to achieve easier cleaning, in particular descaling of the device (100), the at least one filling level sensor (41, 42) can be or is connected to the control device (30) to transmit the signal and the control device (30) is designed to control the water inlet (11) according to the signal of the at least one filling level sensor (41, 42) and according to at least one operating mode, wherein the operating mode is either a filling mode or an emptying mode. Furthermore, a controllable drainage device (44) for draining liquid from the water tank (10) is present. |
| US09986868B2 |
Brewing device with ground coffee quantity control and coffee machine comprising such a device
A brewing device (2) for an espresso-type coffee machine including a brewing chamber (12) for receiving ground coffee, a movably mounted pressure piston (13) in translation with a stroke that extends from an upper retracted position in which the pressure piston (13) is located above the brewing chamber (12) to a lower tamping position in which the pressure piston (13) enters said brewing chamber (12) and a potentiometer controlled by driving means during the stroke of the pressure piston (13) to measure the tamping position of said pressure piston and to thereby calculate the height of the compressed cake of ground coffee. The driving means only act on the potentiometer for a portion of the stroke of the pressure piston (13). |
| US09986866B2 |
Watermelon slicer
A slicer device and a method of using a slicer device for slicing and removing a fleshy part of a watermelon surrounded by a rind. The device includes a cutter piece, at least one cutter, and at least one support member attached to an outer surface of the cutter piece. The cutter piece has an outer surface and in inner surface defining an interior for receiving the fleshy part of the watermelon. The at least one cutter is within the interior of the cutter piece. |
| US09986864B2 |
Systems and methods for securing containers
An improved carrier for securely hanging containers with handles or slings in an accessible manner while providing anti-theft features which render removal of items more difficult by unauthorized person. One embodiment of the improved carrier is supported by an attached base, while another embodiment utilizes a table leg for support. |
| US09986862B2 |
Single-handed food tray with advertising panel
Trays are designed to allow an individual to carry their food on a tray where the individual has complete control of the tray with one hand. The tray can be customized for a particular food vendor's menu. At the same time, the tray allows for advertising information on the front view. The tray is constructed for a one time use and therefore is made from a thin plastic or cardboard. |
| US09986861B2 |
Glass holder for individual glasses during their use
A cup holder for single cups, includes housing means of the cup in the cup holder with grip on the edge or in proximity to the upper edge of the cup and supporting means of the cup holder for supporting the so housed cup; a plane or upper surface of covering of the cup, when it is housed in the cup holder with such an extension as to cover entirely the cup and rigidly connected to the housing means of the cup. The cup holder has the supporting means placed on the side opposite the side of introduction of the cup in the housing means; the housing means includes a housing guide for the grip on an upper edge of a cup which is inserted in it; and the supporting means includes a short shank and a slider inserted in rectilinear or arched storage elements, arranged in a horizontal or even vertical direction. |
| US09986858B1 |
Carrying device and method of using the same
A carrying device and method of using the same is characterized by, in some embodiments, a central section having at least two side pieces, a central crossbar, a middle crossbar, at least one handle, at least one front post, a first platform, and a second platform, and a rear section attached to the center section wherein the rear section has at least one step-shaped unit. In some embodiments, the first platform and the second platform may swivel to accommodate a user who wishes to place the carrying device on either the user's right shoulder or left shoulder. To use the device, in some embodiments, a user may place one or more food service items on at least one of the carrying surfaces provided by the center section of the device, step-shaped unit(s), first platform, and/or second platform. |
| US09986850B2 |
Convertible highchair assembly having a removable tray
A convertible highchair assembly includes a seat frame, a booster seat detachably installable on the seat frame, a tray detachably mountable on the booster seat and having a plurality of sockets, and a plurality of leg extensions selectively attachable to any of the support frame portion and the tray, each of the leg extensions having a connecting end. The seat frame includes a support frame portion and a seat portion affixed with each other, the seat portion being adapted to receive a child. The connecting ends of the leg extensions are attached to the support frame portion for configuring a highchair, and the connecting ends of the leg extensions are respectively inserted into the sockets while the tray is removed from the booster seat for configuring a standalone table, the leg extensions providing standing support for the tray. |
| US09986845B1 |
Net fixing structure of chair
A net fixing structure of a chair, which comprises a frame, a net, and clamping fixtures, is provided. The frame has an embedded channel. A positioning strip is disposed on the periphery of the net. An antiskid layer is disposed on the outside of the positioning strip. The clamping fixtures correspondingly clamp the antiskid layer. Thereby, when the net can be correspondingly inserted into the frame, the positioning strip around the periphery of the net can be correspondingly intercalated into the embedded channel, so that the clamping fixtures can be engaged in the embedded channel. Moreover, the antiskid layer has antiskid effect, such that the net won't slip and fall off under stress. The net can be stably fixed on the frame above. |
| US09986844B2 |
Bracket for retaining mattress and bed equipped with the same
An easily assembled bracket, adapted for being installed at an edge of a bed frame for retaining a mattress on the bed frame includes a fastener and a retainer. The fastener has two wings booth located on an imaginary plane, and a convex protruded from the imaginary plane. A passage is provided between the convex and a top surface of the bed frame. The retainer has an inserting portion detachably inserted in the passage, two stop portions extending from the inserting portion in two adverse directions respectively and abutted against an end of the convex, two extending portions extending from the two stop portions respectively, and at least one retaining portion connected with at least one of the extending portions for being abutted against a side of the mattress. |
| US09986842B1 |
Portable hand-wrapping platform
The present disclosure relates to a portable hand-wrapping platform that provides a solution for a trainer to wrap an athlete's hands. The portable hand-wrapping platform can be used by boxers, mixed martial artists, or any sports athlete for whom hand-wrapping is necessitated by the nature of a particular sport or activity. The portable hand-wrapping platform is designed to be attached to the backrest of one or two common, folding chairs. The hand-wrapping platform has a rigid bottom section that is configured to temporarily affix to either one chair back or to two chairs facing back-to-back. A padded upper surface provides a platform for an athlete to rest his forearm while a trainer wraps the athlete's hands. |
| US09986838B1 |
Head support apparatus
A head support apparatus for supporting a head of a person. The head support apparatus includes a tube and a rod configured to slidably and lockably couple to the tube. A cup and pad are coupled to an upper end of the rod. In use, a lower end of the tube bears on a support. A person's chin is rested on the pad whereby the weight of the person's head is supported by the head support apparatus. |
| US09986837B2 |
Chair assembly with extended surface
A seating unit (10) combines lounge seating with work space. A chair portion (20) has a sitting surface with an extended wing (25) and an optional sliding desk (40, 140) as a work surface. The extended wing (25) provides a place to rest personal belongings within easy reach while the user sits or works in the seating unit (10). An optional ottoman (50) may be used as a conventional ottoman or as a seating location on its own. The ottoman (50) has a slidable tray that can provide additional work surface or space to rest additional personal items while the user sits or rests in the unit. Several chair portions (20) may be supported together in a row with extended wings (25) and/or slidable desks on the ends. |
| US09986834B1 |
Structure of reception chair
A reception chair includes a frame assembly, a seat, and a back coupled together. The frame assembly includes front legs, rear legs, and a support coupled to the front and rear legs. The seat is provided, on a front portion of a bottom surface thereof, with collars, which are arranged to respectively correspond to the front legs of the frame assembly so that upper ends of the front legs are insertable and fit into the collars. The seat is provided, on a rear portion of the bottom surface thereof, with fixing sections, such that the fixing sections and the rear legs of the frame assembly correspond to each other, respectively. The fixing sections each include a first mounting member and a second mounting member, such that the fixing sections of the seat and the rear legs collectively form enclosing coupling connection structures therebetween. |
| US09986831B2 |
Structure protector
The protector is generally elongate and includes a mouth that is able to open to accommodate the structure. The mouth is biased towards a closed position so that the mouth grips the structure to hold it in place. The mouth is provided by a pair of opposed jaws and an inner plate provided to act as a stop for the mouth. A bumper is provided that extends spaced from the inner plate. The protector further includes at least one angled linear web that extends between the inner plate and bumper at a front of the protector. Advantageously, it has been found that as the bumper crushes, the angled linear web and the side connection of the bumper combine to cause the bumper to spread outwardly and around the structure thereby acting to deflect the force of the impact around the structure. Such deflection reduces the damage to the structure. |
| US09986828B2 |
Slide rail assembly and bracket thereof
A slide rail assembly includes a rail, a first bracket, a second bracket, an elastic member, and a hook. The second bracket is movably mounted to the rail and has a first contact portion. The hook is movably connected to the second bracket and has a second contact portion. The hook remains at a locked position in response to the elastic force of the elastic member. The first contact portion is pressed against the second contact portion in response to displacement of the second bracket such that the hook is moved relative to the second bracket and away from the locked position. |
| US09986827B1 |
Fishing rod holder
A fishing rod holder is disclosed. The rod holder is configured for installation in a pick-up truck, and it has a rod holder component and a separate mounting base. The mounting base is installed into the bed of the pick-up truck and the rod holder may then be installed and removed from the truck as needed. Quick release mechanisms are disclosed for securing the rod holder to the mounting base. Locking means, wheels and other features are also disclosed. |
| US09986821B2 |
Ergonomic keyboard and peripheral positioning system
A keyboard and keyboard and peripheral position system, which may be used with adjustable-height desks. |
| US09986819B2 |
Tooth cleaning devices and processes for using same
Tooth cleaning devices that are designed for portable, discrete use improve dental hygiene as well as cosmetic appearance of teeth. For example, teeth can be discreetly cleaned after drinking dark-colored beverages in social settings wherein conventional teeth cleaning devices are unavailable or inconvenient. The portable and discrete tooth cleaning devices can be used with described processes and stored and dispensed with described devices. |
| US09986818B2 |
Implement and dispenser system
A system comprising an implement and dispenser containing a fluid detachably coupled to the implement. In one embodiment, the dispenser includes a reservoir containing a fluid and an actuator for dispensing the fluid from the dispenser; and the dispenser is alterable between: (i) a storage state in which the dispenser is detachably coupled to the implement and a mechanical interference between a portion of the actuator and a portion of the implement prohibits actuation of the actuator; and (ii) an application state in which a user can actuate the actuator to dispense the fluid from the dispenser. |
| US09986817B1 |
Precision brush
A precision paint brush formed from an arcuate ferrule attached to a handle and carrying a number of filaments oriented into a complementary arch shape for accurate and efficient administration of liquids such as paint is provided. By creating an apex within the application surface as formed by the arched filaments, the brush produces a more focused application surface area, particularly useful in situations such as painting a wall in close proximity to the ceiling, as pressure by the user into the substrate compels the filaments to spread out without exceeding the defined apex area. |
| US09986811B2 |
Container for liquid cosmetics
A container for liquid cosmetics may include a container unit having which includes a container which is filled with a liquid cosmetic product and combined with cup-shaped packing in which an accepting pit, through which discharging holes penetrate, is formed and a liquid cosmetic product applying unit which includes a cap combined with the container, is assembled so that a sponge, which is assembled to the front end of an inner cylinder elastically supported with elasticity of a compression spring assembled inside the cap, tightly comes in contact with the accepting pit of the packing to assume the shape of the accepting pit and protrudes, when the cap is removed, the inner cylinder to a predetermined distance to restore the sponge to its original state. |
| US09986809B2 |
Aerosol hairspray product comprising a spraying device
The present invention relates to an aerosol hairspray product. The product comprises: a pressurizable container comprising a container wall which encloses a reservoir for storing a hairstyling formulation and a liquefied gas propellant; and a spraying device attached to the container for dispensing the hairstyling formulation from the reservoir of the container. The spraying device comprises a valve and a nozzle and the valve comprises a valve body, a stem and a spring means. The valve body houses an insert and the insert comprises an insert orifice and at least two channels. The channels are tangentially disposed about the insert orifice. Also the valve body comprises at least two vapor taps. Furthermore the insert orifice is capable of being in liquid communication with the hairstyling formulation in the reservoir. |
| US09986805B2 |
Protective enclosure for an electronic device
A protective enclosure for an electronic device includes a cushioning member and a structural member. The cushioning member covers the side surfaces of the installed electronic device and includes a first raised edge and second raised edge, the first raised edge extends around the front edge of the installed electronic device and the second raised edge extends around the back edge of the installed electronic device. The cushioning member is not configured to cover the back surface of the installed electronic device. The structural member is affixed to the cushioning member and includes a back portion and side portions, the back portion extends around the second raised edge of the cushioning member and covers the back surface of the installed electronic device, the second raised edge of the cushioning member forming a gap between the inner surface of the structural member and the back surface of the installed electronic device. |
| US09986804B2 |
Device for carrying eyewear
A device for carrying eyewear comprising a hollow body having an upwardly protruding feature located inside the cavity protruding upward from a bottom section. A front section and top section are configured to open away from a back to provide access to the cavity from above the hollow body. A spring biased hinged clip is configured to couple the hollow body to a waist belt. A second spring biased hinged clip is configured for retaining against an inside surface of the hollow body a piece of material configured for cleaning an eyewear lens. A pocket is configured to hold to a communication tag configured for wireless communication with a monitoring device, wherein the monitoring device is configured for sending an alert message for display on a user interface of a remote computing device if the monitoring device determines that a proximity is greater than a threshold proximity. |
| US09986799B1 |
Wind-proof dual canopy system
A wind-proof dual canopy structure with offset venting in both upper and lower canopies and with inter-canopy suspension structures, keeps the upper and lower vents properly aligned and blocks the perimeter of the lower vents so that rain cannot drip through these vents onto protected persons and/or objects. These inter-canopy suspension structures include elements which are themselves vented, allowing wind that would otherwise get trapped between the canopy layers to escape. |
| US09986792B2 |
Snap button and physiological signal detecting belt thereof for improving electric conductivity
A snap button includes a male retaining member and a female retaining member. The male retaining member includes a base, a hollow cylinder, and at least one protrusion portion. The hollow cylinder is disposed on the base, the at least one protrusion portion is disposed on the base and at a periphery of the hollow cylinder. The female retaining member includes a main body which has a hollow tube body. The hollow cylinder is housed through the hollow tube body. |
| US09986790B2 |
Buckle for exercise strap
Buckles for use in exercise assemblies employing force restorative exercise straps. A looped component and a hooked component of the buckle hold the exercise strap. The looped component and the hooked component can be pivotally mounted to each other. The buckle can hold the strap in two orientations, on an end of a looped strap, or at an adjustable position of the looped strap. |
| US09986789B2 |
Strap-securing device with integral fire starter
A strap-securing device is configured to be able to be used to ignite a fire. The strap-securing device may include at least one strap-retaining body configured to retain at least one strap, and at least one fire-starting component configured to be used to ignite a fire. For example, the at least one strap-retaining body may include a first buckle member, and a second buckle member configured to be removably connected to the first buckle member. Alternatively, the at least one strap-retaining body may include a slider, cord lock, shackle, and/or the like. |
| US09986788B2 |
Automated assembly and stitching of shoe parts
Manufacturing of a shoe or a portion of a shoe is enhanced by executing various shoe-manufacturing processes in an automated manner. For example, shoe parts may be retrieved and temporarily assembled according to preset relative positions to form part stacks. The part stacks may be retrieved with the relative positioning of the shoe parts being maintained and placed at a stitching machine for more permanent attachment via stitching of the parts to form a shoe assembly. Movement during stitching of a conveyance mechanism that transfers the part stack from the stacking surface to the stitching machine and movement of a needle associated with the stitching machine may be controlled by a shared control mechanism such that the movements are synchronized with respect to one another. Vision systems may be leveraged to achieve movement and position information between and at machines and locations. |
| US09986786B2 |
Shoe sole and footwear constituted thereof
A new design of shoe sole that includes both a base portion and a base support portion, wherein the base support portion is a base support portion attached underneath to the center area of the base portion. The current design further includes an expansion portion that extends downwardly from the outside rim of the base portion, wherein the expansion portion is elastic, and the bottom surface of the base support portion is higher than the bottom surface of the expansion portion. Footwear made of this type of sole first touch a support surface (ground) with the expansion portion, which forms a first contact region. Further because the expansion portion is located at the outward rim of the base portion, it is easier for the expansion portion to extend to all directions when pressed. |
| US09986785B2 |
Laminate and method for making laminate
A method of insert molding comprises placing in a first mold a curable rubber composition comprising a reactive species; placing on a surface of the rubber composition a first thermoplastic material in a film or layer comprising a group reactive with the reactive species of the rubber composition; curing the rubber composition in the mold to form a first molded article of cured rubber having a first thermoplastic material layer covalently bonded through reactive of the reactive species and the group; placing the first molded article as an insert into a second mold, the cured rubber contacting an inside surface of the second mold and the thermoplastic layer facing into the second mold cavity; closing the second mold and injecting into the second mold a second thermoplastic material that to form a second molded article comprising the first molded article thermally welded and/or covalently bonded to the second thermoplastic material. |
| US09986784B2 |
Flexible forefoot protection for insoles and shoes
An invention pertaining to footwear is described, including a flexible protection plate, an insole, and a shoe with three forefoot pads and three toe compartments. The sections of the protection plate are hinged or separated to allow a greater degree of independent movement of the three main groups of muscles and bones in the forefoot in response to varying walking, hiking and running terrain. A separate insole is described that incorporates the forefoot protection plate and that can be inserted into and removed from footwear in order to provide additional protection as needed. A shoe including outersole, midsole and upper, are also described in which the forward portion is divided into three toe compartments that are configured to allow independent articulation of corresponding individual toes and/or pairs of toes inserted in the footwear. |
| US09986783B2 |
Shoe with sound and light device
A sound and light shoe includes a shoe body including a sole and a sound and light device located in the shoe body. The sound and light device includes a controlling box received in the sole, a sound and light member, and a battery located in the controlling box to supply power to the sound and light member. The sound and light member includes a controlling circuit received in the controlling box including a main PCB having a MPU, a first controlling circuit connected to the main PCB, and a second controlling circuit connected to the main PCB and the first controlling circuit, a light-emitting body connected to the controlling circuit, a first controlling switch connected to the main PCB, a sound-phonating body connected to the controlling circuit, a trigger switch connected to the main PCB, and a second controlling switch connected to the main PCB. |
| US09986782B2 |
System for matching footwear with an article of clothing or other objects
A method for substantially matching a color or pattern of article of clothing or other object so that substantially the same color or pattern can be displayed on a flexible footwear display. The other object may include a user eye, hair or other human body part. The method includes the use of a detector used to determine color or pattern values that match the color or pattern of the clothing or other object. The color or pattern values used to be displayed on the footwear can be determined automatically or by the user. The flexible footwear display may occupy 25% to 100% of the outer surface of the footwear, have a pixel count of 50 to 2,000,000 pixels or a color depth in the range of 8-bits to 48-bits. |
| US09986779B2 |
Locking linear for helmet
A helmet can comprise an outer shell comprising an outer surface and an inner surface opposite the outer surface, wherein the inner surface of the outer shell comprises an integrally formed locking mechanism. The helmet can also comprise a locking liner formed of a foam material and disposed within the outer shell adjacent the inner surface of the outer shell. The locking liner can further comprise at least one side piece sized to fit between a lower edge of the outer shell and top portion of the outer shell, a top piece disposed at the top portion of the outer shell and comprising a central opening, and a rotatable foam locking piece sized to fit within the central opening and comprising a tab that is sized to mateably couple with the integrally formed locking mechanism of the outer shell to releasably couple the locking liner to the outer shell. |
| US09986778B2 |
Light-emitting systems for headgear
A light-emitting system is provided which is removably attachable to headgear for personal illumination to enhance visibility of the user to others. The light-emitting system includes a housing that defines a receiving aperture and is configured to surround a portion of the headgear when the light-emitting system is removably attached to the headgear for use. The light-emitting system further includes at least one lens and a plurality of lighting elements coupled to the annular housing which are configured to selectively generate a halo or at least a partial halo of light that radiates outwardly away from the annular housing through the at least one lens to provide enhanced personal illumination. |
| US09986771B2 |
Garments having stretchable and conductive ink
Methods of forming garments having one or more stretchable conductive ink patterns. Described herein are method of making garments (including compression garments) having one or more highly stretchable conductive ink pattern formed of a composite of an insulative adhesive, a conductive ink, and an intermediate gradient zone between the adhesive and conductive ink. The conductive ink typically includes between about 40-60% conductive particles, between about 30-50% binder; between about 3-7% solvent; and between about 3-7% thickener. The stretchable conductive ink patterns may be stretched more than twice their length without breaking or rupturing. |
| US09986770B2 |
E-cigarette personal vaporizer
A user-replaceable e-liquid reservoir for dispensing e-liquid, the reservoir being inserted into, or otherwise attached to, a portable, personal e-cigarette device and engaging with an electrical or electronic pump fluid transfer system in the device, the device including: an electrical or electronic pump, being configured to transfer e-liquid from the e-liquid reservoir to an atomizing unit in the device, the pump delivering a pre-defined or variable quantity of e-liquid from the reservoir; and in which the reservoir is not user-refillable. |
| US09986763B2 |
Electronic cigarette
An electronic cigarette includes a power rod, an atomizer, and a connecting structure. The connecting structure includes a first connecting member and a second connecting member. The first connecting member includes a rotary buckle device, the rotary buckle device defines a butt-jointed slot and includes at least one buckle-jointed portion extending into the butt-jointed slot; the second connecting member defines a groove and a guide surface. In assembly, the buckle-jointed portion is aligned with the guide surface, the rotary buckle device is sheathed on the second connecting member and axially moved to the groove, the rotary buckle device is rotated to buckle the buckle-jointed portion with the groove. The connection mode is simple and novelty, can improve the production efficiency and facilitate users to change the atomizer, and meets users' personalized needs. |
| US09986758B2 |
Ventilating sheath for smoking article
A sheath for a smoking article, such as a filter cigarette, including an exterior sheath (5) that provides a ventilation structure which has a reduced possibility of occlusion, and which also prevents a reduction in filter efficacy when the strength of the draw on the smoking article by the consumer is increased, for example in order to overcome the effects of dilution of the smoke flow with ambient air. The sheath may be manufactured as an independent entity and then fitted to prefabricated smoking articles, or alternatively may be constructed as an integral part of the smoking article. |
| US09986753B2 |
Quad apparatus, method and system
Disclosed herein are an apparatus, method and system for drying and/or curing perishable items that degrade in the presence of oxygen and/or humidity. The apparatus comprises a treatment chamber and an exposure chamber, which are connected by insulated conduits. The connected chambers create an airtight enclosure that confines an airtight volume of air. The treatment chamber comprises an UV light array, which converts ambient oxygen trapped within the airtight enclosure into ozone, and an air conditioning unit that precisely controls the internal temperature and humidity. The exposure chamber receives the perishable items and comprises fans that circulate the treated volume of air through the conduits and around the UV light array and perishable items to optimize drying and/or curing. The apparatus is network connected to allow for remote control and monitoring and sends alerts to web applications or mobile applications when monitored parameters substantially vary from their settings. |
| US09986751B2 |
Use of Aspergillus niger aspergilloglutamic peptidase to improve animal performance
This invention relates to the use of the Aspergillus niger aspergilloglutamic peptidase in a feed composition containing cereals, pulses, oilseeds, and/or tubers to improve animal performance, reduce nitrogen excretion and/or reduce intestinal inflammation. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a feed composition or a feed additive comprising the Aspergillus niger aspergilloglutamic peptidase. The present invention relates to the discovery that the Aspergillus niger aspergilloglutamic peptidase is capable of efficiently hydrolyzing alpha-amylase/trypsin inhibitors that are present in wheat, barley and related cereal species, as well as hydrolyzing trypsin inhibitors that are present in pulses, oilseeds, and tubers. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a method of improving animal performance comprising improving feed conversion ratio, and/or improving daily weight gain, and/or reducing intestinal inflammation, and/or reducing nitrogen excretion in an animal fed a feed stuff containing alpha-amylase and/or trypsin inhibitors, comprising orally administering a sufficient amount of the Aspergillus niger aspergilloglutamic peptidase. It also relates to the pretreatment of feedstuff with the Aspergillus niger aspergilloglutamic peptidase. |
| US09986745B2 |
Coring machine
In one respect, the invention is a coring machine for removing portions of food item blanks, the coring machine including a plate assembly for holding the food item blanks and a pair of coring assemblies, each having a plurality of coring bits that are aligned with passages in the plate assembly. |
| US09986744B2 |
Clipping machine with easy access
The present invention relates to a clipping machine for producing sausage-shaped products, like sausages, by filling a tubular or bag-shaped packaging casing with filling material and closing said filled tubular or bag-shaped packaging casing. The clipping machine includes a filling tube through which the filling material is fed into said tubular or bag-shaped packaging casing which is stored on said filling tube, a casing brake assembly arranged on the filling tube for limiting the movement of the tubular packaging casing at least while being filled, gathering means for gathering said filled tubular packaging casing and for forming a plait-like portion thereto, and a clipping device for applying at least one closure means, like a closure clip, to the plait-like portion formed on the filled tubular or bag-shaped packaging casing in a closing region. The clipping machine further comprises a housing defining at least a front wall, a rear wall, and two side walls of the clipping machine, for enclosing at least the clipping device and the gathering means. The housing includes at least one housing element arranged in the front wall of the housing for covering at least the closing region, wherein the at least one housing element is coupled to the clipping machine by a linking device including a shifting mechanism for reversibly shifting the housing element relative to the clipping machine, in a shifting direction, for granting access to the closing region of the clipping machine. |
| US09986738B2 |
Controlled release of seed and soil treatments triggered by pH change of growing media
The invention features a method of improving the growth of a plant, involving applying to a seed or locus thereof a composition comprising an active ingredient and a pH-dependent film-forming polymer, followed by exposing the composition to an appropriate pH to release said active ingredient. The invention further features a seed including a composition having a) an active ingredient; and b) a pH-dependent film-forming polymer. Additionally, the invention features a seed treatment composition that includes a) an agrochemical; b) a pH-dependent film-forming polymer; and c) a seed coating agent. |
| US09986736B2 |
Herbicide compositions and methods for controlling growth of plants of the buckthorn family
Herbicide compositions and methods of controlling growth of plants of the Buckthorn family (e.g. Rhamnaceae) are described herein. The herbicide compositions comprise a herbicidally effective amount of N-hydroxy-1,4-naphthalenedione or an agriculturally acceptable salt thereof, wherein N is in the range of 2-5. |
| US09986733B2 |
Compositions and methods for reducing ice crystal formation
The present invention provides peptoid polymers capable of reducing or inhibiting the formation of ice crystals at sub 0° C. temperatures. Also provided are peptoid-peptide hybrids comprising the peptoid polymers provided herein. The peptoid polymers and peptoid-peptide hybrids provided herein are useful for making cryoprotectant solutions. The peptoid polymers, peptoid-peptide hybrids, and cryoprotectant solutions provided herein are useful for making antifreeze solutions, frozen food products, and cosmetic care products. Also provided herein are methods for preserving a tissue, an organ, a cell, or a biological macromolecule using the compositions described herein. |
| US09986732B1 |
Dual seat assembly for a hunting tree stand
A collapsible hunting tree stand includes a dual seat arrangement, so that the seat may be positioned in a normal seating position, or where the seat may be in an elevated seating/leaning position. |
| US09986726B2 |
Fishing line of core-sheath structure comprising short fiber
A yarn which contains a composite yarn composed of a core part containing a short fiber and a sheath part containing a synthetic fiber filament yarn, the core part and the sheath part being integrated via fluff of the short fiber getting between or entangled with the long fibers, the specific gravity of the yarn being adjustable in the range of 1.0 or more, a fishing line containing the yarn, and a method for producing the fishing line. The present invention provides an ideal fishing line which has a strong core-sheath structure, does not allow separation or detachment of the core part and the sheath part, is easy to handle, and also is excellent in strength, weatherability, and water resistance. |
| US09986723B2 |
Screen and use of therapeutics for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma
The present disclosure relates to methods for screening compounds for treating pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDA) using a mouse model with an Rgs16::GFP reporter. Also described are combination therapies for treating pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDA) using taxanes, gemcitabine and an Axl kinase inhibitor. |
| US09986718B2 |
Automated animal washing systems
An automated animal washing system includes a housing having a base, and a wash tub for holding water and an animal cage positioned atop the base. The system has a lid moveable between a closed position for covering an upper end of the wash tub and an open position for providing access to the upper end of the wash tub. The system includes at least one water pipe for introducing water into the wash tub, and a shampoo pipe for introducing shampoo or soap into the wash tub. A rotatable agitator is disposed at the lower end of the wash tub. A drain is also disposed at the lower end of the wash tub for removing water from the wash tub. The animal cage is disposed inside the wash tub. The animal cage has spaced legs that project from a bottom of the cage for spacing the cage away from the rotatable agitator. A control system is disposed in the base for automatically operating the animal washing system. |
| US09986715B2 |
Ultra lightweight clay and polymer high performance clumping cat litter
This invention relates to a formulation and process for making a lightweight, clumping absorbent material with virtually no dust, low tracking, superior clumping and odor control. The formulations described herein may utilize a tackifying agent to attach the clumping additive to the surface of the absorbent material. |
| US09986712B2 |
Lettuce variety 45-140 RZ
The present invention relates to a Lactuca sativa seed designated 45-140 RZ, which exhibits a combination of traits including resistance to downy mildew (Bremia lactucae) races Bl:1 to Bl:32, CA-I to CA-VIII, resistance to currant-lettuce aphid (Nasonovia ribisnigri) biotype Nr:0, resistance to root aphids (Pemphigus bursarius), and a dull mature leaf. The present invention also relates to a Lactuca sativa plant produced by growing the 45-140 RZ seed. The invention further relates to methods for producing the lettuce cultivar, represented by lettuce variety 45-140 RZ. |
| US09986710B1 |
Plants and seeds of hybrid corn variety CH725740
According to the invention, there is provided seed and plants of the hybrid corn variety designated CH725740. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of the variety CH725740, and to methods for producing a corn plant produced by crossing a corn plant of variety CH725740 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 CH725740. |
| US09986709B1 |
Plants and seeds of hybrid corn variety CH327880
According to the invention, there is provided seed and plants of the hybrid corn variety designated CH327880. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of the variety CH327880, and to methods for producing a corn plant produced by crossing a corn plant of variety CH327880 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 CH327880. |
| US09986707B1 |
Maize hybrid X95K912
A novel maize variety designated X95K912 and seed, plants and plant parts thereof are produced by crossing inbred maize varieties. Methods for producing a maize plant by crossing hybrid maize variety X95K912 with another maize plant are disclosed. Methods for producing a maize plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into X95K912 through backcross conversion and/or transformation, and to the maize seed, plant and plant part produced thereby. This invention relates to the maize variety X95K912, the seed, the plant produced from the seed, and variants, mutants, and minor modifications of maize variety X95K912. This invention further relates to methods for producing maize varieties derived from maize variety X95K912. |
| US09986706B1 |
Maize hybrid X13K509
A novel maize variety designated X13K509 and seed, plants and plant parts thereof are produced by crossing inbred maize varieties. Methods for producing a maize plant by crossing hybrid maize variety X13K509 with another maize plant are disclosed. Methods for producing a maize plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into X13K509 through backcross conversion and/or transformation, and to the maize seed, plant and plant part produced thereby. This invention relates to the maize variety X13K509, the seed, the plant produced from the seed, and variants, mutants, and minor modifications of maize variety X13K509. This invention further relates to methods for producing maize varieties derived from maize variety X13K509. |
| US09986704B2 |
Soybean variety 01057162
The invention relates to the soybean variety designated 01057162. Provided by the invention are the seeds, plants and derivatives of the soybean variety 01057162. Also provided by the invention are tissue cultures of the soybean variety 01057162 and the plants regenerated therefrom. Still further provided by the invention are methods for producing soybean plants by crossing the soybean variety 01057162 with itself or another soybean variety and plants produced by such methods. |
| US09986697B1 |
Highly integrated vertical farm for optimal manufacturing and operations
The present invention is a highly automated vertical farm, grown hydroponically or aeroponically, generally within a closed container, such as a standard shipping container. The present invention utilizes superomniphobic and/or super hydrophobic coatings to decrease drag on NFT water flow and prevent biologic organism growth. |
| US09986695B1 |
Planting pot
A planting pot comprises a container with an open top portion and a closed bottom portion, the bottom portion having at least one drainage opening for drainage of water therefrom, a planting medium for a plant located within the container, the planting medium comprising a top, an irrigation system comprising an irrigation line in fluid communication with at least two vertically oriented posts, the posts comprising an upper portion above the top of the planting medium and a lower portion within the planting medium, at least the lower portion of the posts being hollow. The lower portion has multiple openings to permit irrigation water to flow there through into the planting medium, and a shade supported by the upper portions of the posts for shading a plant in the container. |
| US09986693B2 |
Plant surface structure and modules and method for forming the same
Plant surface structure, comprising plastic base elements, each base element having a deck carried by a series of pillar elements, wherein at least a number of the pillar elements have an open top end in said deck, wherein at least a membrane is placed over said deck and is provided with slits or cut-outs or water permeable elements, such that they open into at least some of the open top ends of pillars, wherein a growing medium is provided on the membrane and a growing medium is provided in said pillars, the growing medium in said pillars preferably being in fluid contact with the growing medium on said membrane. |
| US09986689B2 |
Utilizing crop moisture data
As a module is formed, characteristics of the module are sensed by the module forming machine. A module record is generated that includes a module identifier, a module location, and one or more sensed characteristics. The module record is output for use by other machines or systems. |
| US09986687B2 |
Stone trap assembly for a harvester
A stone trap assembly including an entrance and an exit. The entrance receives objects from a crop flow path for accumulation into the assembly during a harvesting operation, and the exit allows evacuation of the accumulated foreign objects out of the assembly during an evacuation operation. The assembly further includes a door configured to be rotatable around a first rotation axis, substantially transverse to the crop flow path, for movement along a door movement trajectory between a closed position and an evacuation position, and an impeller for forcing the accumulated foreign objects towards the exit. The impeller is configured to be rotatable around a second rotation axis, substantially transverse to the crop flow path, for movement along an impeller movement trajectory between a retracted position and an extended position closer towards the exit. The door and impeller are separately movable during at least a part of the trajectories. |
| US09986679B2 |
Alginate coating for sett treatment
Disclosed are methods of treating setts comprising (a) applying a coating of an alginate optionally containing one or more crop protection agents and/or one or more nutrients, and (b) crosslinking the alginate with a divalent metal ion. Also disclosed are compositions used in the disclosed methods of treating setts. |
| US09986678B2 |
Methods to differentiate and improve germplasm for seed emergence under stress
The present invention provides methods for testing seed germination and predicting seed emergence in stressful field conditions, such as cold and flooding stress. Cold Soak Test and ultra-drying methods are provided herein. The methods find use in the development of corn breeding technologies and germplasm selection to evaluate and develop new hybrids that can produce stable stands under stressful field conditions. |
| US09986671B1 |
Non-clogging coulter assembly
An improved coulter assembly (10) includes a rotatable coulter blade (12) and a supporting assembly (14) having a parallel linkage arm assembly (34) and an active piston and cylinder assembly (58). The assembly (14) serves to maintain the blade (12) at a depth of at least about four inches, in order to prevent clogging of the assembly (10) during use. Another coulter assembly (110) includes a knife adjustment assembly (122) allowing selective vertical and angular adjustment of the knife (116) relative to the coulter blade (112). |
| US09992919B2 |
Electronic circuit component mounting system
An electronic circuit component mounting machine including a suction nozzle lowered by a first linear motor and a second linear motor by two stages A drive circuit of the second linear motor includes a reaction force detecting section and a damage detecting section that detects damage of an electronic circuit component. A controller that controls the drive circuit includes an appropriate operation parameter determining section that determines an appropriate value of an operation parameter of the second linear motor using the reaction force detecting section and the damage detecting section. |
| US09992912B1 |
Heat dissipating device combined structure
The present invention provides a heat dissipating device combined structure, which consists of a heat sink and a clasp member. At least one expanded portion extends from the heat sink, and a side extends from each of the two sides of a base of the clasp member to form a conduit. The heat sink and a circuit board are disposed inside the conduit, and at least one ledge portion is formed on the sides. Moreover, a slanting portion extends from and is provided on air foils configured on the sides, and the ends of the slanting portions respectively clasp the expanded portions. Accordingly, the circuit board is mounted on the ledge portions, and electronic components on the circuit board are attached to the bottom portion of the aforementioned heat sink. |
| US09992907B2 |
Power conversion apparatus
In a power conversion apparatus, an inverter converts a DC voltage supplied from a battery into an AC voltage, and a DC-to-DC converter steps up or down the DC voltage. A case has an input terminal to which a power line from the battery is connected so as to input the DC voltage to the inverter, and a converter input terminal to which a power line to the DC-to-DC converter is connected so as to input the DC voltage to the DC-to-DC converter. The case has a reference wall and an opposed wall opposed to each other. The inverter input terminal is disposed adjacent to the reference wall with respect to an imaginary plane that bisects the case between the reference wall and the opposed wall. The converter input terminal is disposed adjacent to the opposed wall with respect to the imaginary plane. |
| US09992905B2 |
Supporting input/output (I/O) connectivity for a printed circuit assembly (PCA) in a hot aisle cabling or a cold aisle cabling arrangement
Supporting input/output (I/O) connectivity for a printed circuit assembly (PCA) in a hot aisle cabling or a cold aisle cabling arrangement includes a chassis, the chassis being connected to a rack in a data center, and a PCA slidably connected to the chassis via a tray, in which the PCA comprises a number of bill of material (BOM) options to customize the PCA and a single basic input/output system (BIOS) image, and in which the PCA is physically shifted on the chassis to accommodate a cold aisle cabling or a hot aisle cabling arrangement of the data center. |
| US09992897B2 |
Display device
A display device is disclosed. In one aspect, the display device includes a first display unit including a first display area, a first left pad area outside a first left end portion of the first display area, and a first right pad area outside a first right end portion of the first display area. The first right end portion is opposite to the first left end portion. The first display unit is bent at a first portion between the first display area and the first left pad area and bent at a second portion between the first display area and the first right pad area. The first display area is bent such that the first left and right end portions are adjacent to each other, and the first left and right pad areas are located inside the first display unit. The display device also includes a first printed circuit board corresponding to both the first left and right pad areas. |
| US09992894B2 |
Docking station for a mobile robot
A docking station for a mobile robot including a first side portion and a second side portion and housing an electrical system having power input means. The power input means includes a first power input socket provided on the first side portion and a second power input socket provided on the second side portion. The two power input sockets allows a user flexibility in their choice of location for the docking station in an environment. |
| US09992893B2 |
Electronic device including waterproof structure
An electronic device including a waterproof structure is provided. The electronic device includes a housing that includes a first face, a second face that faces in a direction substantially opposite to the first face, and a side surface that at least partially encloses a space between the first face and the second face, a middle plate arranged between the first face and the second face inside the housing to be substantially parallel to the first face, extending from the side surface, and including at least one opening, a printed circuit board arranged between the middle plate and the second face, a display arranged between the middle plate and the first face, and including a face directed toward the second face, and a seal member configured to hermetically seal the at least one opening of the middle plate, and arranged between the face of the display and the middle plate. |
| US09992892B2 |
Connecting device for connecting electrical lines to electrical contacts
A connecting device electrically connects electrical lines to electrical contacts. The connecting device includes a flexible circuit board or printed circuit board, a base support and a cover. The electrical lines are disposed on the flexible circuit board. The flexible circuit board has a contact-making region, in which at least one electrical line is electrically connected to at least one electrical contact. The electrical contacts are disposed on the base support. The flexible circuit board is disposed between the base support and the cover. The base support and the cover form a sealed housing of the contact-making region. The circuit board and the cover are each composed of a flexible material, and the physical material properties of the circuit board and of the cover are substantially identical. |
| US09992891B2 |
Insert molding around glass members for portable electronic devices
An electronic device having an enclosure formed from at least one glass cover and a peripheral structure formed adjacent the periphery of the glass cover is disclosed. The peripheral structure can be secured adjacent to the glass cover with an adhesive. The peripheral structure can be molded adjacent the glass cover so that a gapless interface is formed between the peripheral structure and the periphery of the glass cover. In one embodiment, the peripheral structure includes at least an inner peripheral structure and an outer peripheral structure. |
| US09992887B2 |
Protective cover for portable electronic device
A protective cover for a portable electronic device, which is configured for supporting the device and for storing an earphone and cable, includes a casing body, a winding portion, a limiting plate, and a support plate. The device is received in a receiving portion in the casing body and the winding portion protrudes out of one side of the casing body spaced apart from the receiving portion, the winding portion being able to accept the cable of the earphone wound onto it. The limiting plate covers one side of the winding portion spaced apart from the casing body and defining an opening. The support plate covers the opening of the limiting plate and is rotatably coupled to the limiting plate. A ring-shaped accommodating space is defined between the limiting plate and the casing body for receiving the cable of the earphone wound onto the winding portion. |
| US09992883B2 |
Clasp assembly and data interconnection for wearable computing devices
Embodiments of the invention describe a clasp assembly for detachably coupling a first housing to a second housing. The clasp assembly to further includes a data connector to provide an input/output (I/O) interface to a computing component of the first housing, and a data connector housing corresponding to the data connector, wherein the data connector is exposed when the clasp assembly is in an open position, and wherein the data connector is disposed in the data connector housing when the clasp assembly is in a closed position. |
| US09992881B2 |
Rollable display
A rollable display may include a polyhedral drum and a flexible panel. The polyhedral drum includes a plurality of substantially flat surface portions and a plurality of curved surface portions. The plurality of curved surface portions connect adjacent flat surface portions to each other on an outer circumferential surface of the polyhedral drum. The flexible panel is disposed around the outer circumferential surface of the polyhedral drum. A top portion and a tail portion of the flexible panel may overlap each other on substantially the same flat surface portion of the polyhedral drum. The top portion and the tail portion correspond to respective ends of the flexible panel. |
| US09992876B2 |
Method for manufacturing an integrated circuit package
This disclosure relates to integrated circuit (IC) packages and methods of manufacturing the same. In one method, a printed circuit board is provided with semiconductor die. The semiconductor die includes a Back-End-of-Line (BEOL) region, a Front-End-of-Line (FEOL) region, and a semiconductor handle such that the BEOL region, the FEOL region, and the semiconductor handle are stacked. A first polymer layer is provided over the printed circuit board so as to cover the semiconductor die. The semiconductor handle of the semiconductor die is exposed through the first polymer layer and removed. A second polymer layer is then provided so that the BEOL region, the FEOL region, and at least a portion of the second polymer layer are stacked. The second polymer layer may be provided to have high thermal conductivity and electric isolation properties thereby providing advantageous package characteristics. |
| US09992870B2 |
Substrate unit, timepiece, and substrate bonding method
A substrate unit includes a first substrate and a second substrate, the second substrate including a superimposed portion superimposed on at least part of the first substrate, and bonding portions located in a plurality of positions at least defining a plane in the superimposed portion, the bonding portions bonded to the first substrate. |
| US09992867B2 |
Cellulose and cellulosic substrate-based device
A cellulosic substrate-based device is described, including a cellulosic substrate comprising a functionalized surface covalently functionalized by a chemical moiety in an amount sufficient to provide an omniphobic or hydrophobic surface; and a material printed on the functionalized surface, wherein the printed material has a line edge roughness of less than about 15 μm and/or a line lateral resolution of less than about 50 μm. |
| US09992866B2 |
Printed circuit board arrangement and electronic device having a printed circuit board device
An electronic device, in particular for a medical implant, and a printed circuit board arrangement including a printed circuit board, wherein at least one UV-transparent element is at least fixedly coupled to the printed circuit board, wherein the UV-transparent element is intended for fixation of the printed circuit board in an electronic device. |
| US09992863B2 |
Connector inserts and receptacle tongues formed using printed circuit boards
Connector inserts and other structures that have a high signal integrity and low insertion loss, are reliable, and are readily manufactured. One example may provide a connector insert formed primarily using a printed circuit board. Contacts on the connector insert may be akin to contacts on a printed circuit board and they may connect to traces having matched impedances on the printed circuit board in order to improve signal integrity and reduce insertion loss. The printed circuit board may be manufactured in a manner for increased reliability. Plating, solder block, and other manufacturing steps that are native to printed circuit board manufacturing may be employed to improve manufacturability. Specialized tools that may provide a chamfered edge on the connector inserts may be employed. |
| US09992862B2 |
Display device with overlapping flexible printed circuits
A display device includes: a lower substrate; an upper substrate facing the lower substrate; a printed board assembly disposed on a rear surface of the lower substrate; a first flexible printed circuit board having a first end and a second end that are respectively connected to the lower substrate and the printed board assembly; and a second flexible printed circuit board having a first end and a second end that are respectively connected to the upper substrate and the printed board assembly. One of the first flexible printed circuit board and the second flexible printed circuit board has an opening at a central portion, and the other flexible printed circuit board at least partially overlaps the opening in a plane view. |
| US09992861B2 |
Heavy-wire bond arrangement and method for producing same
The invention relates to a heavy-wire bond arrangement, having a substrate (2), a heavy wire (1) and a high-voltage heavy-wire bond connection, in which an end bond section (4) of the heavy wire (1), which extends towards the end (7) of the heavy wire (1), is bonded to the substrate (2), such that in the area of the bond section (4) a bond contact (5) between the heavy wire (1) and the substrate (2) is formed, the heavy wire (1) having a tapering section (6) which adjoins the end of the wire (7) and in which the wire cross-section tapers towards the end of the wire (7). The application additionally relates to a method for producing a heavy-wire bond arrangement. |
| US09992857B2 |
Light source and photolithography apparatus containing the same, calibrating apparatus and method
The present disclosure provides an extreme ultraviolet (EUV) light source. The EUV light source includes a droplet array with a plurality of nozzles arranged along a straight scanning direction, the plurality of nozzle sequentially and intermittently ejecting droplets downward to a radiating position; a laser source configured to generate at least two laser beams and scan the at least two laser beams along the straight scanning direction, the at least two laser beams alternately bombarding droplets arriving at the radiating position to form EUV light; and a condenser with a condenser mirror having a reflective ellipsoidal surface, configured to collect the EUV light and converge collected EUV light at a center of focus. |
| US09992854B2 |
Automatic stipulation of a spectral distribution of x-ray radiation of a number of x-ray sources
An example embodiment relates to a method for automatically stipulating a spectral distribution of the X-ray radiation of a number of X-ray sources of a computed tomography system. This involves firstly stipulating start control parameters of an X-ray source, which determine the dose and spectral distribution of X-ray radiation. On the basis of an expected attenuation of the X-ray radiation by an examination object, an examination-object-specific basic control parameter is then ascertained proceeding from the start control parameters. Afterwards, on the basis of the expected attenuation of the X-ray radiation by the examination object and the basic control parameter, first target control parameters and second target control parameters are ascertained for setting the spectral distribution of the X-ray radiation in a subsequent multi-energy measurement on the examination object. Moreover, a method, a control device suitable, and a computed tomography system comprising such a control device are described. |
| US09992853B2 |
Mobile X-ray apparatus including a battery management system
Provided is a mobile X-ray apparatus including: an X-ray radiator configured to emit X-rays; a battery configured to supply power to the X-ray radiator; a charger configured to charge the battery; a battery management system (BMS) configured to receive power from the battery or the charger and output a first signal based on a state of the battery; and a first switch configured to be turned off according to the first signal to prevent power from being supplied to the battery management system (BMS), wherein the first switch is further configured to be turned on by power supplied from the charger when the battery management system (BMS) is shut down. |
| US09992846B2 |
Active damping circuit
An active damping circuit and system including the same are disclosed. The active damping circuit includes a first resistor, a second resistor, a third resistor, a first transistor, a second transistor, a capacitor, and a microcontroller. The first resistor is connected to a base of the first transistor, and to the microcontroller output. The second resistor is connected to a positive voltage, and to a collector of the first transistor and a gate of the second transistor. The third resistor is connected to a logic ground, and to a source of the second transistor. The capacitor is connected to the collector of the first transistor, the second resistor, and the gate of the second transistor. A drain of the second transistor, and the first capacitor, and the second capacitor, and the microcontroller output, are also connected to the logic ground. An emitter of the first transistor is connected to ground. |
| US09992833B1 |
Multi-stage LED driver with current proportional to rectified input voltage and low distortion
A system for driving a multi-stage LED with low distortion and with current proportional to rectified input voltage is disclosed. In an exemplary embodiment, an apparatus includes LED groups connected in series to form an LED string having a first node, a last node, and intermediate nodes. The apparatus also includes current cells having inputs coupled to the nodes and outputs coupled to an output resistor. Each current cell selectively regulates current to flow between its respective input and the output resistor. The apparatus also includes a feedback circuit that generates a plurality of feedback voltages from a voltage level at the output resistor. When a selected current cell is enabled by a selected feedback voltage to regulate a selected current level from its respective input to the output resistor, upstream current cells are disabled by their respective feedback voltages. |
| US09992831B1 |
Backlight device and control method thereof
A backlight device includes a number of light emitting strings, a number of switch units, a first control unit and a second control unit. Each of the light emitting strings includes a number of light emitting units connected in series. The light emitting strings are configured to be driven by electric power to emit light. One of the switch units serves as a reference switch unit. The first control unit is configured to adjust a voltage level of the control terminal of the reference switch unit according to a voltage level of the reference node. The second control unit is configured to instruct the first control unit to set the voltage levels of the control terminal of each of the switch units and the electric power according to pre-calibration data corresponding to the illumination type of the backlight device. |
| US09992825B2 |
Methods for producing a glass-based non planar digital display
A curved display for an electronic device, comprises a main substrate, a display circuit component, an OLED stack and a secondary substrate. The main substrate has a first curved section extending from a first end of the main substrate and a longitudinally adjacent second planar section extending to define a second end of the main substrate opposite the first end. The first curved section comprises at least one flat glass member bent into a curved configuration, and the second planar section comprises a flat segment of the flat glass member. The display circuit component is mounted to an upper surface of the second planar section, the display circuit component being positioned within and spaced from edges of the second planar section. The OLED stack is positioned over the first curved section. The secondary substrate comprises a flat glass member bent into a curved configuration and secured to the first curved section of the main substrate with the OLED stack positioned between the first curved section of the main substrate and the secondary substrate. |
| US09992823B2 |
Over-the-range microwave oven with an integrated duct
An over-the-range microwave oven that includes a duct unit configured to direct air from the back of the oven to the front and further includes an integrated duct module. The duct unit includes: a first panel at the bottom, a pair of second panels forming both lateral side surfaces of the duct unit. The integrated duct module is disposed on the first panel and integrates a plurality of electrical components, such as a power source unit, a running capacitor, a noise filter and a fuse. |
| US09992817B2 |
Wireless data processing in a connected vehicle
A computer-implemented method for wireless vehicle data processing includes processing data requests from a communication device in a vehicle over a network using a first connection established between the communication device and an off-board server. Further, the method includes detecting a connectivity error between the communication device and the off-board server based on the first connection and detecting a second connection different than the first connection. A connection protocol type is identified for the second connection and processing of the data requests are resumed over the network via the second connection for a predetermined period of time based on the connection protocol type of the second connection. |
| US09992815B2 |
Method of performing handover procedure, making handover decision for device-to-device communications and control node thereof
A method of performing a handover procedure for device-to-device (D2D) communications and a control node thereof are proposed. The method is applicable to a first control node serving a D2D communication between a first user equipment (UE) and a second UE. The method includes: determining that one of the first UE and the second UE needs to be handed over or both of the first UE and the second UE need to be handed over; transmitting a handover request to a second control node if the first control node determines that both of the first UE and the second UE need to be handed over to the second control node; receiving a handover request acknowledgement from the second control node; and transmitting a handover command to indicate the first UE and the second UE to detach from the first control node and synchronize to the second control node. |
| US09992805B2 |
Apparatus for displaying images and driving method thereof, mobile terminal and driving method thereof
A mobile terminal is communicable with an image display apparatus connected to a nearby access point and includes: an interface configured to receive, from the access point, a signal including information on a current connection channel, by which the image display apparatus is currently connected to the access point, to transmit a request for connection with the image display apparatus by a same channel as the current connection channel, and to receive a response on the request; an information checker configured to check information on the current connection channel from the received signal; and a controller configured to request for connection with the image display apparatus by the same channel based on the checked information, to connect to the image display apparatus according to an approving result of the response on the request, and to control the image display apparatus in response to being connected. |
| US09992803B2 |
Wi-Fi network connection method, Wi-Fi controller, and Wi-Fi device
A wireless fidelity (Wi-Fi) network connection method, a Wi-Fi controller and a Wi-Fi device. The Wi-Fi network connection method includes acquiring, by a first Wi-Fi device, at least one packet broadcasted by a second Wi-Fi device, where each packet includes channel information, determining, by the first Wi-Fi device, target channel information according to the channel information of the at least one packet, and performing, by the first Wi-Fi device according to the target channel information, Wi-Fi network access or providing a hotspot service for a user equipment. |
| US09992802B2 |
Method for performing connecting operation with multiple communication systems in network including multiple communication systems interworking with each other, and apparatus for same
A method performed by a user equipment (UE) that operates according to a first indicator and a second indicator is provided. When the UE is in a radio resource control (RRC) connected state with a first communication system and is in a state of idle mode with a second communication system, the UE receives a first message including the first indicator and the second indicator from the first communication system. The first indicator instructs the UE to perform association processes with a base station of the second communication system. The second indicator instructs the UE to operate in a power saving mode with the base station of the second communication system. After the UE performs the association processes, the UE switches to an RRC-idle mode state with the first communication system and enters the power saving mode from the idle mode with the second communication system. |
| US09992796B2 |
System and method for managing contention in a wireless communications system
A method for transmitting to an access point includes receiving a selection condition and a selection contention period from the access point, and comparing the selection condition to a selection parameter. The method also includes contending for use of a transmission medium during the selection contention period if the selection parameter meets the selection condition. |
| US09992791B2 |
Method for controlling uplink signal transmission and apparatus thereof
The invention discloses a method for controlling uplink signal transmission, a user equipment, and a base station. The method for controlling uplink signal transmission includes receiving uplink signal configuration information sent by a base station; sending an uplink signal to the base station according to the uplink signal configuration information before a first timer expires; stopping sending an uplink signal to the base station when the first timer expires; receiving trigger information sent by the base station, and restarting the first timer according to the trigger information; and sending an uplink signal to the base station before the restarted first timer expires. |
| US09992789B1 |
Sounding method and wireless communication system
A sounding method utilized for a wireless communication system is disclosed. The sounding method comprises classifying a plurality of stations of the wireless communication system into a plurality of groups, and determining a plurality of initial sounding instants and a plurality of sounding periods corresponding to the plurality of groups; and performing sounding to at least one or all of the plurality of groups in a group by group fashion according to the plurality of initial sounding instants and the plurality of sounding periods. |
| US09992788B2 |
Reducing interference between network nodes
It is presented a method for reducing interference between network nodes of a cellular network, the method being performed in an aggressor network node, being a network node risking to interfere with transmissions to a first wireless device by a victim network node. The method comprises the steps of: receiving a transmission avoidance request from the victim network node, the transmission avoidance request comprising a reference to at least one risk resource unit intended to be used for transmissions by the victim network node to the first wireless device; determining whether to avoid user data transmissions to a second wireless device using the at least one risk resource unit; and when it is determined to avoid user data transmissions using the at least one risk resource unit, avoiding user data transmission using the at least one risk resource unit. |
| US09992787B2 |
Sharing channels in a licensed-assisted access in long term evolution operation
A channel sharing method includes determining a starting time for transmission on an LAA-LTE channel. A length of a hybrid preamble is determined based on the starting time and a predetermined transmission time boundary. Subsequent to determining the length of the hybrid preamble, the hybrid preamble having the determined length is transmitted. Subsequent to the hybrid preamble, a Long Term Evolution (LTE) signal is transmitted. |
| US09992785B2 |
Adjusting transmission parameters to support coexistence fairness
In some aspects, the disclosure is directed to methods and systems for coexistence management. A first access point operating in an unlicensed frequency band using a first RAT receives, from a second access point operating in the unlicensed frequency band using a second RAT, information regarding operation of the second access point in the unlicensed frequency band. It is determined, using the received information, that the first access point or the second access point is using a first share of the unlicensed frequency band that is below a predetermined threshold, indicating an imbalance of usage between the first RAT and the second RAT. A transmission parameter of the first access point for operating in the unlicensed frequency band using the first RAT is adjusted according to the determination. The first access point transmits the one or more packets using the adjusted transmission parameter, to cause the first access point or the second access point to use an updated share of the unlicensed frequency band that is closer to the predetermined threshold than the first share. |
| US09992784B2 |
Base station frequency resource allocation method and network device
Disclosed is a base station frequency resource allocation method, for achieving proper allocation of base station frequency resources to avoid or reduce inter-cell interference. The method comprises: determining each basic frequency resource in each allowed operating band conforming to selectable operating bandwidth of a cell; determining a frequency priority coefficient of each basic frequency resource, the frequency priority coefficient representing interference from each neighboring cell that is adjacent to the cell in location with the cell in the basic frequency resource, and/or load of each neighboring cell in the basic frequency resource; and allocating frequency resources to the cell according to the frequency priority coefficients of the basic frequency resources. Also disclosed is a network device. |
| US09992779B2 |
System and method for resource allocation device-to-device for open discovery
A method for operating a mobile device adapted for device-to-device (D2D) communications includes determining a utilization measure for discovery resources (DRs) allocated for D2D discovery in a communications system, and sending a utilization measure report to an evolved NodeB (eNB) when a reporting criterion is satisfied, wherein the utilization measure report is configured to prompt an adjustment to a number of DRs allocated for D2D discovery when an adjustment condition is met. |
| US09992777B2 |
System and method for advising wireless computer networks on inter-network interferences
The present invention provides a system and method for advising wireless computer networks on inter-network interferences during their life time. The method of the present invention initially observes initial channel utilization profiles along with corresponding time-slots of dynamic network elements and network characteristics of a first network and stores as historical channel utilization profiles. The initial transmission profiles an interfering second network are also recorded. The threshold transmission profiles are then recorded as historical transmission profiles. The aggregator determines interference patterns, by comparing historical channel utilization profiles with runtime threshold transmission profiles and advises and pre-warns appropriate network actions to a network manager of the first network on the interference prone zones. The system of the present invention includes a first network with a common multi-network interference observer, to advise on inter-network interferences. |
| US09992774B2 |
Acknowledgment for multiple user communication in a WLAN
A first communication device generates a multi-user (MU) physical layer (PHY) data unit having independent data for multiple second communication devices. The first communication device also generates respective control frames to prompt second communication devices to transmit an orthogonal frequency division multiple access (OFDMA) PHY data unit to acknowledge that the second communication devices received the MU PHY data unit. The MU PHY data unit and the respective control frames are transmitted to the multiple second communication devices. The first communication device receives the OFDMA PHY data unit from at least some of the second communication devices. The first communication device processes the OFDMA PHY data unit to determine whether the multiple second communication devices received the MU PHY data unit. |
| US09992771B2 |
Wireless base station device using coordinated HARQ communication system, wireless terminal device, wireless communication system, and wireless communication method
A wireless communication system, includes a first wireless base station; a second wireless base station that performs a coordinated transmission; and a wireless terminal, wherein the wireless terminal includes a reception control unit that identifies a physical downlink channel transmitted from any of the first and second wireless base station according to one or more reference signals; a data reception unit that is capable of receiving data transmitted by the first wireless base station using a resource indicated by a first control channel and receiving data coordinately transmitted by the second wireless base station using a resource indicated by the received first control channel, a control channel transmission unit that transmits a second control channel and the reception control unit further controls Hybrid Automatic Repeat reQuest (HARQ) process for data coordinately transmitted by the first wireless base station and the second wireless base station based on the first control channel. |
| US09992769B2 |
Method for determining resources of physical downlink control channels
A method for determining resources to be decoded by the UE to retrieve physical downlink control channels. A method is in a UE or an eNB and comprises the following steps of: i. determining a start position of a unit of resources in one physical resource block pair; ii, determining a gap between two of the units; and iii. determining a set of units, in a given plurality of physical resource block pairs, according to said start position and said gap, as the resources to be decoded. In this way, the eNB and the UE can locate all the resources for the EPDCCH, namely the search space is determined. This aspect allows a balance between the number of blind decoding and eNB scheduling flexibility in the EPDCCH search space. |
| US09992768B2 |
Method for processing in-device coexistence configuration information, apparatus and system
A method for processing in-device coexistence configuration information, apparatus and system. The method includes: notifying, by a source base station to a target base station, first in-device coexistence configuration information configured by the source base station for terminal equipment, when handover from the source base station to the target base station occurs in the terminal equipment. In this way, the source base station may notify the first in-device coexistence configuration information configured by it for the terminal equipment to the target base station; the target base station receives the first in-device coexistence configuration information, determines whether to configure the terminal equipment with in-device coexistence configuration information, and then notifies the source base station of related configuration information via a handover command. Wherein, when handover occurs in the terminal equipment, the in-device coexistence configuration information may be processed effectively. |
| US09992764B2 |
Trained data transmission for communication systems
Various embodiments are described for a trained data transmission for communication systems. A training phase may include a first wireless station exchanging medium reservation messages with a second wireless station to reserve a medium and to select a data transmission parameter. The data transmission parameter may include a modulation scheme and a forward error correction (FEC) coding rate. At least one of the medium reservation messages may include a duration field indicating a duration for which the medium is reserved. A first data phase may include sending data from the first wireless station to the second wireless station according to the selected data transmission parameter. A second data phase may then be performed without first repeating the training phase. The second data phase may include transmitting data from the first wireless station to a second wireless station according to the data transmission parameter. |
| US09992761B2 |
Systems and methods for transmitting information used to estimate a position of a mobile device
Transmitting information used to estimate a position of a mobile device. This disclosure describes NEAD-based and external location server (ELS)-based positioning systems and methods that determine when an identifier of a mobile device is not known or when the identifier of the mobile device is known but cannot be detected during a search by reference points, and to then provide a location of a reference point that had previous contact with the mobile device instead of an estimated position of the mobile device. The provided location of the reference point can be used by a location server to generate an estimate of mobile device position. |
| US09992754B2 |
Method and apparatus for controlling TPC command timing considering TDD-FDD carrier aggregation
One or more exemplary embodiments provide a TPC command timing by taking into consideration TDD-FDD CA and cross-carrier scheduling, and provide a PUSCH transmission power controlling method in a subframe i for an FDD-based scheduled cell, based on the TPC command timing. According to one or more exemplary embodiments, an uplink transmission power may be effectively controlled when TDD-FDD CA and cross-carrier scheduling is configured for a UE. A Physical Uplink Shared Channel (PUSCH) transmission power control timing may be optimized. |
| US09992753B2 |
System and method for adjusting a power transmission level for a communication device
A system, method and device for adjusting a communication parameter for a network communicating with a communication device are provided. The method comprises: monitoring for a condition relating to a first network that has been in communication with the communication device; and determining whether an adjustment is to be implemented on a communication parameter of a second communication network that has been in communication with the communication device based on the condition and if so, implementing the adjustment to the communication parameter for the second communication network. |
| US09992752B2 |
Communication system
In a communication system of the present invention, a HeNB measures interference in Step ST41 in an energy saving mode. When judging to have detected the interference by a UE during communication with an eNB in Step ST42, the HeNB cancels the energy saving mode and moves to a normal mode in Step ST43 and starts issuing a pilot signal in Step ST44. When the UE judges to have detected the pilot signal in Step ST23 and reports the judgment results to the eNB in Step ST24, in Steps ST25 to ST32, a handover process from the eNB to the HeNB is performed for the UE. |
| US09992750B2 |
Methods and apparatus related to interference management when sharing downlink bandwidth between wide area network usage and peer to peer signaling
Methods and apparatus related to the sharing of wide area network (WAN) downlink bandwidth with peer to peer communication signaling usage are described. A WAN, e.g., cellular, wireless communications device using a base station attachment point, transmits a signal to be used by a peer to peer wireless communications device for controlling its peer to peer transmit power level. The peer to peer wireless communications device receives and measures the strength of the power control signal from the WAN wireless communications device. The measurement information is used by the peer to peer wireless communications device in determining whether or not peer to peer signal transmission is permitted and/or in determining a peer to peer transmission power level. Thus the WAN device is able to manage interference from the peer to peer devices in its vicinity which impacts its recovery of WAN base station downlink signals. |
| US09992747B2 |
Resource allocation in a communication system
Methods and corresponding systems for determining a transmit power in a wireless device include receiving, in the wireless device, a cell-wide power control parameter related to a target receive power at a serving base station. Thereafter, a transmit power is calculated in response to the cell-wide power control parameter and an implicit mobile-specific power control parameter. The wireless device then transmits using the transmit power. The cell-wide power control parameter can be a cell target signal to interference-plus-noise ratio, or a fractional power control exponent. The implicit mobile-specific power control parameter can be a modulation and coding level previously used by the wireless device, or a downlink SINR level measured by the wireless device. |
| US09992746B2 |
Uplink power control in multi-user unlicensed wireless networks
Methods and systems of providing uplink (UL) transmission power control are provided. The UL transmission power control is provided between access points (APs) and wireless stations in a multi-user (MU) unlicensed wireless network. The disclosed method includes participating in a first wireless communication between an AP and at least one station of a plurality of stations in an unlicensed wireless network, and using an uplink UL transmission power parameter transmitted from the AP to the at least one station to regulate UL power control of UL transmissions between the at least one station and the AP. |
| US09992741B2 |
Device and method of providing grant frame for bandwidth scheduling
Devices and methods of limiting wideband STA communication are generally described. The STA receives, over a primary channel, a wakeup frame containing an indication of a SP or CBAP to acquire a wideband TXOP over a wide bandwidth channel including the primary channel and a secondary channel and a control trailer having an indication of the wide bandwidth channel. Prior to the SP/CBAP, the STA opens reception from the primary channel to the wide bandwidth channel. The STA then communicates with another STA over the wide bandwidth channel and subsequently reduces reception from the wide bandwidth channel to the primary channel. The wakeup frame originates from an AP/PCP or the other STA, and contains fields indicating the wakeup frame length and SP or a sensing time length prior to the CBAP. |
| US09992739B2 |
Proactive radio resource allocation
The present disclosure concerns radio communication. More particularly, the embodiments presented herein generally relate to allocation of radio resources. In one example embodiment, a radio network node 700 determines that an operational status of a user equipment (UE) is an operational status where the UE is in transition from an IDLE mode to a CONNECTED mode. In response thereto, the radio network node 700 determines a radio resource allocation for the UE. Also in response thereto, the radio network node 700 may proactively transmit a data message indicating the determined radio resource allocation to the UE. |
| US09992738B2 |
Physical layer power save facility with random offset
Certain aspects of the present disclosure provide methods and apparatus for using a random offset to achieve power savings. For certain aspects, a Basic Service Set (BSS)-specific offset may be added to the (partial) association identifier (AID) prior to entering the partial AID into a 9-bit field of the physical layer (PHY) header (e.g., bits 13-21 of the NSTS field). The BSS-specific offset may be selected randomly by an access point (AP) and signaled to the associated stations (STAs) through the association response, or the offset may be communicated to the STA via other means. In this manner, the value in the 9-bit field for downlink transmissions may, with high likelihood, be different from one BSS to the next, allowing STAs to remain awake only when a frame is being transmitted to them. |
| US09992736B2 |
Methods, wireless device, and a network node for receiving and transmitting system information in a wireless communications network
A method performed by a wireless device (121) for receiving system information from a network node (110) in a wireless communications network (100) is provided. The wireless device first receives a first system information indicating one or more Public Land Mobile Networks, PLMNs, supported on a frequency carrier by the network node (110). Then, the wireless device determines if the one or more PLMNs indicated in the first system information exclude all PLMN(s) supported by the wireless device (121). When the one or more PLMNs indicated in the first system information does not exclude all PLMN(s) supported by the wireless device (121), then the wireless device receives a second system information comprising the one or more PLMNs supported on the frequency carrier by the network node (110). A wireless device (121) for receiving system information is also provided. Further, a network node and a method therein for transmitting system information are also provided. |
| US09992733B2 |
Device and method for opportunistic roaming
A method, station and computer readable storage medium used to perform opportunistic roaming procedures. A station joined to a basic service set (BSS) of an access point (AP) performs a method including determining a roam profile for the station, the roam profile indicating at least one of available operating bands or available APs for the station, determining a first value associated with a network parameter of the joined AP, determining at least one roam candidate AP having a second value associated with the network parameter corresponding to the roam candidate AP, wherein the first and second values are a received signal strength indicator, determining whether a predetermined criteria value is satisfied based upon the first and second values, wherein the predetermined criteria value is a minimum difference between the first value and second value and roaming to the roam candidate AP when the predetermined criteria value is satisfied. |
| US09992731B2 |
Method, apparatus and system for information push service based on wireless LAN access point
A method for an information push service at a mobile station based on a wireless local area network (LAN) access point (AP). The method includes receiving a beacon message including a shortened Uniform Resource Locator (URL) from at least one AP, acquiring information based on the shortened URL included in the beacon message, and displaying the acquired information together with information included in the beacon message. The method allows a user to simply, conveniently, and easily acquire and make use of peripheral information of an area in which the user is located. The method also provides a service dependent on information on a position of contents, thereby being capable of allowing the user to easily access the contents. |
| US09992728B2 |
Information processing device and information processing method
Generation and management of a communication path between a plurality of information processing devices are properly performed.An information processing device is an information processing device equipped with a communication unit and a control unit. The communication unit performs exchange of a signal for generation or updating of a multi-hop communication path using wireless communication with another information processing device. In addition, the control unit performs control to change a metric value included in the signal for generation or updating of the multi-hop communication path based on a state of the information processing device. |
| US09992724B2 |
Cell selection and reselection using a vehicle antenna
A mobile vehicle communications system adapted to perform a method of cellular reselection using vehicle telematics unit coupled to a vehicle antenna. The method includes: performing a measurement of a reference signal from a serving cell that is connected to the telematics unit; determining whether to perform a measurement of a target cell based on both a serving cell signal strength value (Srxlev) and a measured serving cell signal quality value (Qqualmeas); and when the measurement of the target cell is performed, then determining whether to reselect to the target cell based on cell selection values of the serving and target cells. |
| US09992723B2 |
Techniques for handling data stall in WLAN
Aspects of the present disclosure describe various techniques for handling data stall in wireless local area networks (WLANs). These techniques include, for example, a method in which wireless communications are switched at a wireless station from a first network device associated with a first radio access technology (RAT) (e.g., WLAN technology) to a second network device associated with a second RAT (e.g., wireless wide area network (WWAN) technology). The wireless station may then monitor network devices associated with the first RAT, including the first network device. The wireless station may filter results from the monitoring based at least in part on one or more threshold value and identify, based on the filtered results, one of the network devices as suitable for the wireless communications. The wireless communications may then be switched at the wireless station from the second network device to the one network device identified as suitable for the wireless communications. |
| US09992718B2 |
Openflow controller and control method for supporting handover in mobile IPv6 based on software definition network
The openflow controller include a storage device that stores an application to performing a handover based on a handover policy; and a processor that executes the application stored in storage device; wherein in response to execution of the application, the processor decides handover of the mobile node connected to a first mobile access gateway, and selects a second mobile access gateway as a handover target, and in order to allow a localized mobility anchor connected to the openflow controller to deliver data packets to the mobile node through the second mobile access gateway, instead of the first mobile access gateway, the processor sends a message to each of the first mobile access gateway, the second mobile access gateway, and the localized mobility anchor in response the handover policy. |
| US09992713B2 |
Method for determining access control
Examples of the present disclosure provide a method for determining access control, applied in a handoff procedure of a UE. The method includes: if a current service is a LIPA@LN service, and if the UE is in a same local network before and after the handoff, keeping, by a node performing access control determination, service continuity of the LIPA@LN service; if the UE moves out of the local network after the handoff, deactivating, by the node performing the access control determination, the LIPA@LN service; if the current service is a SIPTO@LN only service or a SIPTO@CN@LN service, if the UE is in the same local network before and after the handoff, keeping, by the node performing the access control determination, the service continuity of the SIPTO@LN only service or the SIPTO@CN@LN service; if the UE moves out of the local network after the handoff, determining, by the node performing the access control determination, whether to keep the service continuity of the SIPTO@LN only service or the SIPTO@CN@LN service according to a network policy. According to the technical solution provided by the present disclosure, service continuity of the LIPA service or the SIPTO service can be maintained correctly. |
| US09992706B2 |
HQoS control method, RSG and HQoS control system
The present application provides an HQoS control method, where the RSG is connected to multiple CSGs, and each CSG of the CSGs is connected to multiple base stations. The RSG configures a bandwidth limitation parameter for each CSG; creates different AAA domains for different IP address network segments, and configures a QoS scheduling parameter in each AAA domain; and determines, according to a configuration parameter of a first base station, a bandwidth limitation parameter of a CSG connected to the first base station, and determines a QoS scheduling parameter of the first base station, where the configuration parameter is used to indicate the CSG connected to the first base station and an AAA domain corresponding to the first base station. The present application greatly migrates a risk from excessively concentrated base station gateways, and ensures that a service packet securely traverses a layer 2 tunnel of a fixed network operator. |
| US09992704B2 |
Radio access network based traffic steering to non-cellular access
Various communication systems may benefit from traffic steering. For example, radio access network based traffic steering can be used to benefit of communications by steering traffic to Wi-Fi leveraging Hotspot 2.0. A method can include determining that an off-load condition exists in an area of a radio access network. The method can also include commanding a user equipment to off-load to non-cellular radio access based on the determining. |
| US09992701B2 |
Method and apparatus for adaptive transmission techniques with connection context aware radio communication management and path prediction
An information handling system operating as a smart vehicle gateway and includes a wireless adapter for communicating with a wireless link and a storage device for storing a spatial-temporal user profile comprising wireless device usage trend data for a location in or near a predicted smart vehicle gateway path during a future time interval for a smart vehicle gateway. The smart vehicle gateway may operate to establish a wireless link on one of several WWAN link options as a home network via a programmable eSIM. The information handling system further includes positional detector and an application processor that determines a trajectory estimation during a future time interval. |
| US09992700B2 |
Uplink control channel power control for primary and secondary cells
A wireless device receives a message comprising a transmit power control (TPC) radio network temporary identifier (RNTI), a primary TPC index for a primary PUCCH and a secondary TPC index for a secondary PUCCH. The wireless device searches a common search space of a primary cell for a downlink control information (DCI) associated with the TPC RNTI. The DCI comprises an array of TPC commands and the secondary TPC index determines a TPC command in the array. The wireless device adjusts uplink signal transmission power of the secondary PUCCH according to the TPC command. |
| US09992698B2 |
Communication control method
A communication control method is used in a mobile communication system that supports MDT (minimization of drive test). The communication control method has: a step (A) wherein a user terminal, which has established a connection with abase station, location information indicating the location of the user terminal to the base station based on an instruction from the base station; and a step (B) wherein the base station receiving the location information from the user terminal measures the throughput of communication with the user terminal. |
| US09992697B2 |
Method and apparatus for reporting of measurement data
An apparatus, method and computer program product are provided to collect measurement data that may be useful for coverage optimization without having to rely as extensively upon drive tests. In this regard, an apparatus, method and computer program product may be provided for collecting and reporting upon measurement data. Additionally, an apparatus, method and computer program product may be provided for directing the collection of the measurement data and for then receiving a report of the measurement data. A corresponding system for collecting measurement data may also be provided. |
| US09992694B2 |
System and method of releasing resources in a telecommuncations network
A system, method, and node for releasing resources in a telecommunications network. The method begins by a node assigning a resource-Identification (ID) to an internal resource within the node. At least one internal resource is allocated by the node for a specific Packet Data Network (PDN) connection. Next, a first message containing a resource-ID of the allocated internal resource is sent to one or more peer nodes. The peer nodes store the received resource-ID from the first message. When a node determines that a malfunction of the allocated internal resource of the node occurs, the node sends a second message containing the resource-ID of the malfunctioning internal resource to the peer nodes. The peer nodes then tear down the PDN connection. |
| US09992692B2 |
Network node, a mobility management node and methods therein for handling GTP tunnel failures in a radio communications network
A method performed by a network node (110) for handling a GTP tunnel failure in a radio communications network (100) is provided. The network node (110) receives a release message from a mobility management node (150) for a wireless device (121) associated with the network node (110). The release message comprises information identifying at least one E-UT-RAN Radio Access Bearer, E-RAB, and information that the release message was caused by a DPRS Tunneling Protocol, GTP, error indication. The network node (110) also allocates one or more tunnel endpoint identifiers, TEIDs, for the at least one E-RAB identified in the received release message. Then, the network node (110) transmits a modification message to the mobility management node (150) to modify the at least one E-RAB identified in the received release message, said modification message comprising the allocated one or more TEIDs for the at least one E-RAB. A network node for handling a GTP tunnel failure in a radio communications network (100) is also provided. A mobility management node (150) and a method therein for handling a GTP tunnel failure in a radio communications network (100) is also provided. |
| US09992686B2 |
Method and device for performing cell shaping
The present invention relates to a method and a device for performing cell shaping. A base station can establish a cell shaping plan on the basis of current states. The current states may be the load of the base station and the traffic space distribution of the base station. The base station transmits a first message to a neighboring base station and receives a second message from the neighboring base station in response to the first message. The first message may include the cell shaping plan, and the second message may include whether or not the neighboring base station can perform cell shaping. The base station can determine whether or not to perform cell shaping on the basis of the second message. |
| US09992685B2 |
Medical body area network (MBAN) with key-based control of spectrum usage
A medical body area network (MBAN) system comprises network nodes intercommunicating via short range wireless communication. A primary user database contains information pertaining to usage of a restricted spectrum by primary users wherein the MBAN systems are secondary users of the restricted spectrum. An electronic key generation engine comprises a digital processing device configured to generate an electronic key (E-key) indicative of whether the MBAN system is allowed to use the restricted spectrum based on content of the primary users database. An MBAN application server is configured to distribute the E-key to the MBAN system. The MBAN system includes a spectrum control sub-module comprising a digital processor configured to select an operating channel or frequency for the short range wireless communication based at least in part on whether the E-key authorizes the MBAN system to use the restricted spectrum. |
| US09992684B2 |
Clustering method and apparatus
Embodiments of the present invention disclose a clustering method, including: adjusting, by a first device, a beginning of its own first small bandwidth beacon transmission interval to be aligned with a selected empty Beacon SP, setting its own BI to be equal to a synchronization device beacon interval S-BI, and joining, after accordingly adjusting an interval VBI for sending a beacon frame on a large bandwidth channel and an interval SBBI for sending a beacon frame on a small bandwidth channel, a target small bandwidth cluster; or sending a beacon frame including a cluster probe IE over a large bandwidth channel, requesting, by using the cluster probe IE, a synchronization PCP to return cluster synchronization information and control information, and joining the target large bandwidth cluster according the information and a second PCP. |
| US09992683B2 |
Secure communications with wearable devices
Various embodiments described herein include systems and methods directed towards allowing a wearable device with one or more sensors to communicate with a third-party network or device. The wearable device's software may include user interfaces wherein a user may select a data set from a particular sensor and allocate a security level associated with that sensor's data and with a particular third-party network. Different security levels may be correlated to different protections, such as encryption or password-protection of data, or ensuring that an agreement has been signed, or ensuring that the third party is identified in a database before transmission. Before sending any sensor data or receiving any third party data, the wearable device may check this user-allocated security level, executes any required security precautions, and allows or denies the data transfer accordingly. Security levels may also govern receipt of data by the wearable device from the third party. |
| US09992679B1 |
Integrated authentication codes for user devices and communication networks
User Equipment (UE) transfers a session request having a calling party identifier and a digital signature for the calling party identifier. An originating network receives the session request and digitally verifies the calling party digital signature for the calling party identifier. The originating network transfers the session request having the calling party identifier, a user code indicating that the calling party identifier was digitally verified by the originating network, and an originating network digital signature for the originating network. A tandem network receives the session request having the originating network digital signature and digitally verifies the originating network digital signature. The tandem network transfers the communication session request having the calling party identifier and a user/network code indicating that the calling party identifier was digitally verified by the originating communication network and that the originating network was digitally verified by the tandem communication network. |
| US09992675B2 |
Changing IMS supplementary service data in an IMS network
A method of authenticating a request to change IMS supplementary service data stored at an application server within an IMS network. The method comprises sending from a user equipment to the application server a request for current IMS supplementary service data, on receipt by the user equipment of a response containing the IMS supplementary data in an XML configuration document, and an indication that an access code is required to change the supplementary service data. The method further comprises constructing an amended XML configuration document, incorporating the amended XML document into an Extensible Mark-up Language, XML, Configuration Access Protocol, XCAP, message, incorporating an access code into the XCAP message at a location external to the XML document, and transmitting the XCAP message from the user equipment to the application server. |
| US09992674B2 |
Automated device access
A method of unlocking a locked device includes receiving a device identifier over a wireless communication protocol, determining if the device identifier is associated with a list of trusted devices, transmitting a request to generate an acoustic signal over the wireless communication protocol based on the determination, receiving the acoustic signal as an audio sound generated external to the locked device, estimating a distance between a source of the audio sound and the locked device, and unlocking the locked device based on the estimation. |
| US09992673B2 |
Device authentication by tagging
The invention relates to a method for authenticating a device, comprising a network communication unit and tagging circuit, in a mobile communication network, using a mobile entity comprising a tagging circuit and being authenticated to the mobile communication network. The method comprises the following steps; the mobile entity establishing a connection with the device, using said tagging circuit, exchanging authentication data between the mobile entity and the device using the tagging circuit and authenticating the device to the mobile communication network by submission of exchanged authentication data in the mobile communication network. Thereby, the permissions of a mobile entity may be shared with another device by tagging. The invention also relates to a corresponding mobile entity, device, node and computer program product. |
| US09992671B2 |
On-line signup server for provisioning of certificate credentials to wireless devices
Embodiments of a mobile device and method for secure online sign-up and provisioning of credentials for Wi-Fi hotspots are generally described herein. In some embodiments, provisioning occurs using a service set identifier (SSID) to associate with a hotspot and retrieve a virtual LAN (VLAN) identifier. The VLAN identifier is used to complete the signup and provisioning process. In some embodiments, a hotspot may implement a primary SSID and a dependent SSID. The mobile device associates with the hotspot using the dependent SSID to perform the secure online signup and provisioning process. Once credentials are obtained using the signup and provisioning process, the device can connect to the hotspot using the primary SSID and the already provisioned credentials. The provisioned credentials may include certificates, username/password, or SIM-type credentials. |
| US09992669B2 |
Encryption method, decryption method, and related apparatus
Embodiments of the present application provide an encryption method, a decryption method, and a related apparatus. The encryption method includes: generating a keystream, where the keystream is used to encrypt a part of data to be encrypted in an initial layer-3 message, and the part of data to be encrypted includes small data; generating, by performing an exclusive OR operation on the keystream and the initial layer-3 message, an initial layer-3 message in which the part of data is encrypted; and sending the initial layer-3 message in which the part of data is encrypted, where the initial layer-3 message includes an added encryption indication, and the encryption indication is used to indicate that the part of data to be encrypted in the initial layer-3 message is encrypted. |
| US09992666B2 |
Apparatus, program, and method
[Object] To be able to perform management involved with wireless communication without routing via a base station.[Solution] Provided is an apparatus including: a generation unit configured to generate information related to data wirelessly transmitted or received without being routed via a base station; and a control unit configured to control transmission of the information to a node which is not involved in the transmission or reception of the data. |
| US09992660B1 |
Method and apparatus for inductive communication
A radio-frequency identification (RFID) transponder device is disclosed. The RFID transponder device includes an antenna component for inductive communication with at least one basestation transceiver device and an interface component coupled to the antenna component. The interface component includes a demodulation component arranged to perform demodulation of a signal at the antenna component for basestation-to-transponder communication and a modulation component arranged to perform modulation of the signal at the antenna component for transponder-to-basestation communication. The interface component is arranged to operate in at least a charge and talk mode of operation, and during the charge and talk mode of operation the modulation component is arranged to perform binary phase-shift keying, BPSK, modulation of the signal at the antenna component for the transponder-to-basestation communication. A RFID basestation transceiver device is also disclosed. |
| US09992657B2 |
Relay of charging information for proximity services
Systems and methods for providing charging information for a device-to-device (D2D) communication. One embodiment is User Equipment (UE) that collects charging information for a D2D communication with one or more other UEs, to determine that the UE is out-of-coverage of a mobile network, to select a relay entity capable of relaying the charging information from the UE to the mobile network, and to transmit the charging information to the relay entity. The relay entity may then relay the charging information to the mobile network to initiate charging for the D2D communication. |
| US09992652B2 |
Group priority handling for wireless communication
Methods, systems, and devices are described for wireless communication at a UE. In accordance with the present disclosure, a number of user devices in a network may be divided into a plurality of service groups based in part on priority levels associated with each group. In some examples, a network may distribute a plurality of resource pools to each of the above-assigned groups. Thus, for proximity based service (ProSe) communication, user devices within each group may select resource pools corresponding to the priority levels of the groups associated with the user device. Thus, in accordance with the present disclosure, division of resources based on priority levels of groups and UEs may ensure greater reliability of access to resources for high priority communication. |
| US09992651B2 |
System and method for sharing message/content using location information
A system and method for sharing a message and/or content using location information. The system for sharing a message and/or content includes at least one upload terminal that generates and transmits post metadata including a message/content prepared for uploading, location of the upload terminal, and location for uploading the prepared message/content thereto; a download terminal that transmits a connection message including current location, and downloads message/content posted within a predetermined distance from the current location to display the posted message/content; and a server that verifies the post metadata by receiving the prepared message/content and the post metadata corresponding to the prepared message/content from the upload terminal, stores a result of verification, searches for the prepared message/content to be provided to the download terminal when the connection message including the location is received from the download terminal, and provides information on the searched message/content and post location to the download terminal. |
| US09992649B1 |
Mobile broadband management
As the variety of client devices has increased and the demand for mobile broadband internet access has increased, a mobile Hotspot is commonly used. The mobile Hotspot device includes a modem for mobile broadband access and a Hotspot Access Point to distribute the internet to local devices. When accessing the internet through a mobile Hotspot, the client device may not have visibility on the status of the mobile network, the modem and the USIM/UICC. A method and apparatus are disclosed that enable a client device to connect the mobile Hotpot as a virtual mobile broadband device over a local connection when a mobile Hotspot uses AT commands. This may be used to present more detailed information to the user about the status of mobile network connection, the modem, and the USIM/UICC. This enables the user to configure and control the modem functionality which may lead to improved user experience. |
| US09992646B2 |
Method for performing configurable actions based upon mobile device detection
A method for performing configurable actions based upon the detection of one or more mobile devices includes receiving from a detection point an identifier for each of one or more mobile devices detected within a detection perimeter associated with the detection point. The identifiers are then filtered to determine a change in status for each of the one or more mobile devices. An action is then performed based upon at least one of the determined changes in status for each of the one or more mobile devices. |
| US09992640B2 |
Short-message service verification of account information
In one embodiment, a method includes accessing one or more short-message service (SMS) messages received at the first mobile device from a server of a verification authority; automatically and without manual user input, processing by the application data in the SMS messages to detect a particular bit sequence; and automatically and without manual user input, transmitting the information of the first user to the verification authority from the first mobile device in response to detecting the particular bit sequence. |
| US09992639B1 |
Semantically-enabled controlled sharing of objects in a distributed messaging platform
A method including receiving a request for a visual object pertaining to a body portion of a first user from a second user is provided. The method includes sending a request to a messaging platform for a history of prior requests by the second user for any visual objects pertaining to at least one body portion of a body of another user. The method further includes displaying to the first user a modified history of any prior requests for visual objects by the second user that were flagged by any of the group of users as belonging to a community-specific category of requests for visual objects pertaining to body portions of respective bodies of other users. The method further includes sending a selected message from a set of pre-configured messages to the messaging platform for transmission of the selected message to the second user. |
| US09992628B2 |
Map downloading based on user's future location
Methods and systems are provided for facilitating a download of a specific portion of a map onto a computing device based on information received from a location-aware service. Location information, a start date, and an end date associated with travel plans of a user are received from, for example, a location-aware application or service. A download time corresponding to when to download a map portion corresponding to the received location information is determined. At or prior to the download time, it is determined whether the map portion can be downloaded at that particular time based on one or more factors. If the map portion can be downloaded at that time, the map portion is downloaded to a device associated with the user. The map portion is then removed from the device associated with the user on or after the end date. |
| US09992622B2 |
Architecture for indoor location tracking
Some embodiments provide a program that receives, from a first sensor, a first set of sensor data that the first sensor detects from a first set of signal-transmitting devices. The program receives, from a second sensor, a second set of sensor data that the second sensor detects from a second set of signal-transmitting devices. The program processes the first set of sensor data to determine a first set of potential locations and a corresponding first set of location metrics associated with the first set of potential locations. The program processes the second set of sensor data to determine a second set of potential locations and a corresponding second set of location metrics associated with the second set of potential locations. The program identifies a location from the first and second sets of potential locations as a location of the device based on the first and second sets of location metrics. |
| US09992618B2 |
Systems and methods for using caller data to set an operational mode of a phone switch
Systems and methods for using caller data to add a phone number to an outbound-call list. In one aspect, a method involves (i) a device receiving caller data corresponding to a phone call sent by a phone switch to a phone terminal; (ii) retrieving a school record corresponding to the received caller data; (iii) making a determination that the school record is associated with a type of operational status; and (iv) responsive to making the determination that the school record is associated with the type of operational status, setting an operational mode of the phone switch, wherein in the operational mode, the phone switch refrains from sending any phone calls to the phone terminal. |
| US09992617B1 |
Near field communication devices, methods and systems
A Near Field Communication (NFC) tag placed inside a light fixture is provided with information by using a commissioning device such as a smartphone or other dedicated tool. For example, in one implementation, a light fixture in a smart lighting control system can be provided with a microcontroller that has access to the memory of a NFC tag. A commissioning device or tool with GPS and NFC capabilities obtains and writes GPS coordinates to the memory of the NFC tag. After the fixture is connected to the network, the smart system can then access the written GPS coordinates from the memory in the NFC tag. Based on this information, a user with access to the microcontroller (e.g., via computer network) can view the map of fixtures based on the obtained coordinates. |
| US09992613B2 |
Method for connecting a field device to an operating unit and a field device
A method for connecting a field device (1) to an operating unit (2), and a field device (1) for use therewith, via which a connection between a field device and an operating unit can be implemented when the field device is mounted at a location that is difficult to access is achieved in that a query signal is transmitted to the field device (1) by the operating unit (2) and that a response signal is generated by the field device (1) as a reaction to the query signal, in that the field device (1) generates a blinking display and/or a change in color of the display and/or an acoustic signal and/or a change in an acoustic signal. |
| US09992611B2 |
Communication portable device and communication method
A method for managing the communication between a communication portable device (200) including a NFC device and a NFC tag (100) including a plurality of information, comprises comprising determining a position and/or orientation of the communication portable device (200) and enabling the communication portable device to read a portion of the plurality of information units, depending on the position and/or orientation of the communication portable device. |
| US09992608B2 |
System and method for providing a communication endpoint information service
A system and method for providing a telephony endpoint information service at a communication platform includes obtaining information of a first endpoint through a set of information collection processes; storing the obtained information in an endpoint repository; receiving an endpoint query request of a communication event, wherein the endpoint query request specifies at least a first endpoint; accessing endpoint information for the first endpoint; and augmenting the communication event according to the accessed endpoint information. |
| US09992607B2 |
eSIM identification data
Mobile communications devices are provisioned using unique device information. A request may be received by a device from an application executing on the device. The request may be for unique identification data for an embedded Universal Integrated Circuit Card (eUICC) installed on the device. In response to the request, the device may access the unique identification data from a persistent storage of the computing device. The unique identification data may be provided to the requesting application via an interface. |
| US09992603B1 |
Method, system and apparatus for measuring head size using a magnetic sensor mounted on a personal audio delivery device
A magnetic sensor mounted on a headband of the personal audio delivery device may output a sensor signal indicative of an interaction between a magnetic field of a transducer of a personal audio delivery device and the magnetic sensor. A head size of a head on which the personal audio delivery device is worn is calculated based on the sensor signal from the magnetic sensor. Based on the head size, a non-linear transfer function is identified which characterizes how sound is transformed via the head with the calculated head size. An output signal is generated indicative of one or more audio cues to facilitate spatialization of sound associated with the output signal based on the identified non-linear transfer function. The sound associated with the output signal is output by the transducer of the personal audio delivery device. |
| US09992598B2 |
Method for manufacturing an ultrasonic transducer
An ultrasonic transducer includes: a diaphragm pot that has a surrounding wall; a transducer element mounted in a diaphragm pot on a transducer section on an inner side of the diaphragm for generating the ultrasonic vibrations; a first damping element situated in the diaphragm pot on transducer element for damping the diaphragm; and a second damping element situated within the diaphragm pot in an edge section of the diaphragm around the transducer element for damping vibrations of the wall; the second damping element being connected with force locking, at least section by section, both to the edge section and to the inner side of the wall. |
| US09992595B1 |
Acoustic change detection
A loudspeaker cabinet has a number of pairs of microphones, each pair includes the same internal microphone and a different external microphone. For each pair of microphones, a process (i) receives a first audio signal of sound captured by the internal microphone and a second audio signal of sound captured by the different external microphone, (ii) estimates, using first and second audio signals, a radiation impedance, and (iii) computes a detection value based on the radiation impedance in a frequency band. A difference between (i) a currently computed detection value associated with a given pair of microphones and (ii) a previously computed detection value associated with said given pair, is computed. The sound produced by the cabinet is adjusted, in response to the computed difference meeting a threshold. Other embodiments are also described and claimed. |
| US09992594B2 |
Ear model unit, artificial head, and measurement device and method using said ear model unit and artificial head
A measurement device and measurement method for evaluating an acoustic device that allows a sound to be transmitted via vibration transmission by being held by a human ear includes an ear model unit having an ear model modeled after a human ear and an artificial external ear canal unit continuous with the ear model. The ear model unit is formed from rubber, a same material as an auricle model conforming to IEC 60318-7 or IEC 60268-7, or a material having a Shore hardness of from 30 to 60. The ear model is provided with an auricle or a hole which holds the acoustic device. A microphone is configured to measure an air-conducted component generated within an artificial ear canal of the artificial ear canal unit by vibration transmitted to the ear model unit from the acoustic device held by the auricle or the hole. |
| US09992591B2 |
Arranging an audio signal based on the number of loudspeakers
An apparatus including: a router configured to route a first audio signal to a local loudspeaker apparatus; and a switch configured to route at least one further audio signal, wherein in a first mode of operation the switch is configured to route the at least one further audio signal to at least one remote loudspeaker apparatus dependent on determining the presence of at least one remote loudspeaker apparatus, and in a second mode of operation the switch is configured to route the at least one further audio signal to the local loudspeaker apparatus. |
| US09992590B2 |
Systems and methods for tracking and presenting tinnitus therapy data
The treatment of tinnitus may include a tinnitus therapy including generating a tinnitus therapy sound that is similar to a patient's perceived tinnitus sound. In one example, a method for tinnitus therapy may include tracking a tinnitus therapy over a duration, the tinnitus therapy including a tinnitus therapy sound matching a patient's perceived tinnitus played over the duration and presenting each of a volume evolution of the tinnitus therapy sound and usage data of the tinnitus therapy over the duration. |
| US09992585B1 |
Hearing assistance system incorporating directional microphone customization
A hearing assistance system comprises a left ear device and a right ear device respectively configured to be worn by a wearer. One or more microphones are provided at each of the left and right ear devices. One or more positional sensors are configured to determine a three-dimensional position of the hearing assistance system in response to the wearer looking at a sound source in space. A user interface is configured to receive an input directly from the wearer. A memory is configured to store the three-dimensional position of the hearing assistance system in response to the received input. A processor is configured to adjust a directional polar pattern of the one or more microphones provided at one or both of the left and right ear devices in response to the stored three-dimensional position. |
| US09992581B2 |
Optical microphone system
One embodiment includes an optical microphone system. The system includes a laser configured to emit an optical beam at a linear polarization and an optical cavity system comprising a membranous mirror that is configured to reflect the optical beam and to vibrate in response to an acoustic input signal. The optical cavity system includes at least one photodetector configured to receive at least a portion of the optical beam to generate a microphone signal that is indicative of the vibration of the membranous mirror resulting from the acoustic input signal based on the reflection of the optical beam. The system further includes an acoustic processor configured to process the microphone signal to calculate a frequency of the acoustic input signal. |
| US09992580B2 |
Signal to noise ratio using decentralized dynamic laser microphones
A communication system includes a processor and a computer readable medium, coupled with the processor, comprising instructions that program the processor to: cause an electromagnetic emitter to irradiate a location on a selected object in proximity to a speaker; determine, from radiation reflected by the selected object at the irradiated location, an audio characteristic of the irradiated location; and when the audio characteristic is acceptable, assigning an electromagnetic microphone to collect audio information from radiation reflected by the selected object at the irradiated location. |
| US09992579B2 |
Integrated yoke and armature in a receiver
An integrated armature and yoke for an acoustic receiver is disclosed. The armature includes a generally u-shaped member having a first portion arranged substantially parallel to a second deflecting portion. The yoke includes a central portion connected to the first portion, and first and second wall portions extending from opposite sides of the central portion toward the second deflecting portion. In a receiver, the second portion of the integrated armature and yoke is disposed through a receiver coil and extends into a space between permanent magnets, wherein an excitation signal applied to the coil causes the second deflecting portion of the armature to deflect between the magnets and to drive an acoustic sound generating diaphragm. |
| US09992578B2 |
Unidirectional dynamic microphone unit
In a unidirectional dynamic microphone unit, a cylindrical tube is provided to cover the microphone unit, a cylindrical wall of a first cylindrical portion that is included in the cylindrical tube and extends to at least the rearward is provided with a rear sound wave introducing portion weighted such that an acoustic resistance value is gradually made smaller toward the rearward side from positions of sound holes for taking in a sound wave transmitting around from the rearward side, preferably formed of a trumpet-shaped opening, and it is possible to enhance the sensibility to sound pressures without degradation of the frequency response and the directionality. |
| US09992577B2 |
Speaker basket
Embodiments for a speaker basket of a speaker assembly are provided. A speaker basket may include a central opening through which a speaker sub-assembly may be mounted and a conductive material that includes: (i) a central portion molded within the speaker basket, (ii) an input portion configured to be coupled to an output of an audio source, and (iii) an output portion configured to be coupled to an input of the speaker sub-assembly. |
| US09992576B2 |
Speaker including damper having deformation prevention member
A speaker includes: a diaphragm; and a damper configured to adjust vibration of the diaphragm and including a first and second metal plates having polarities that are different from each other and symmetrical with each other, wherein the damper further includes first and second deformation prevention members disposed on bottom surfaces of the first and second metal plates, respectively, and wherein first and second deformation prevention members protrude downward and extend along a major-axis direction of the diaphragm, and the first and second deformation members are configured to prevent deformation of diaphragm caused by a vertical load. |
| US09992575B2 |
Portable speaker and assembly thereof
A speaker assembly comprises two separate and symmetrical speakers combining together in a reversed manner. Each speaker includes a base surface for seating said speaker and a sound emission surface provided at one front side thereof for an emission of sound derived from the speaker. Wherein each speaker defines a mating surface which the sound emission surface is located at and said two speakers can be secured to each other snugly into an integral unit by jointing two mating surfaces thereof via a magnetic force. |
| US09992573B1 |
Phase inversion filter for correcting low frequency phase distortion in a loudspeaker system
A filter for correcting phase distortion produced at low frequencies in a loudspeaker system is created by inverting the phase response of the determined complex-valued frequency response of a loudspeaker system. The inverted phase response is obtained by taking the complex conjugate of the phase response. The impulse response for the inverted phase response is obtained by means of an inverse Fourier transform of the inverted phase response. The impulse response provides a linear phase FIR filter having a long filter length. The linear phase FIR filter is applied to the audio signal input to the loudspeaker system. Prior to inverting the phase response, the determined complex-valued frequency response of a loudspeaker system can be subjected to high frequency blanking and polynomial smoothing. Also, the linear phase FIR filter can be subjected to a window function prior to applying the filter to the audio signal. |
| US09992571B2 |
Speaker protection from overexcursion
In accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure, a controller configured to be coupled to an audio transducer, may be further configured to receive an audio input signal, calculate a displacement compensation signal in a displacement domain of the audio transducer based on the audio input signal, convert the displacement compensation signal from the displacement domain into a voltage compensation signal in a voltage domain, and apply the voltage compensation signal to the audio input signal, or a derivative thereof, to minimize overexcursion of the audio transducer. |
| US09992564B2 |
Speaker assembly
A speaker assembly has a mounting box and a speaker. The mounting box has one bottom plate, a first sidewall, a second sidewall, and a third sidewall. The speaker is mounted on the mounting box. The third sidewall is between the first sidewall and the second sidewall, and the speaker and the three sidewalls define an opening. A display device has a casing, a backlight module and the aforementioned speaker assembly. The backlight module is in the casing, and the speaker assembly is located in a space defined by the casing and the backlight module. |
| US09992555B2 |
Signaling random access points for streaming video data
This disclosure describes techniques relevant to HTTP streaming of media data. According to these techniques, a server device may signal an open decoding refresh (ODR) random access point (RAP) for a movie segmentation of a movie representation. At least one frame of the media segmentation following the ODR RAP frame in decoding order may not be correctly decoded, and wherein each frame of the media segmentation following the ODR RAP frame in display order can be correctly decoded without relying on content of frames prior to the ODR RAP in display order. According to the techniques of this disclosure, a client device may communicate a request to a server device for the streaming of media data based on signaling of the ODR RAP. Also according to the techniques of this disclosure, a client device may commence decoding and/or playback of the movie representation based on signaling of the ODR RAP. |
| US09992554B2 |
Interpolated video tagging
Interpolated video tagging techniques are described. An example method includes identifying, a sequence of video frames included in a plurality of video frames of a video, where an object exists in at least one video frame of the sequence of video frames, determining an interpolation function associated with the existence of the object in the sequence of video frames, where the interpolation function specifies a time domain of the video in which the interpolation function is valid, and transmitting the video, an indication of the object, and an indication of the interpolation function. |
| US09992553B2 |
Video advertising system
A video advertising system, methods, and apparatus are disclosed, which may include an advertising system, including an advertising server and advertising console, and a user device, which may cooperate to select video advertising campaigns and display video advertisements. In an example embodiment, a method includes playing a video on a display, overlaying markings on the video while the video plays, at a first time while the video plays, measuring a first refresh rate of the video, at a second time while the video plays, performing a first operation on the markings, measuring a second refresh rate of the video at the second time, and determining an estimated area of the video displayed on the display based on the first refresh rate and the second refresh rate. In an example embodiment, a prediction model is trained to output a viewability inference for a video. |
| US09992546B2 |
Contextual navigational control for digital television
A contextual navigational control for digital television is described. An apparatus, comprises a contextual navigation control interface (CNCI). The CNCI includes a first area that represents a plurality of cable television programs having a first level of relevance. A second area represents a first group of the plurality of programs having a second level of relevance. A third area represents a first subgroup of the first group having a third level of relevance. A fourth area represents a second subgroup of the first group having a fourth level of relevance. There may be additional areas representing additional sub-groups of relevance to the current viewing context. |
| US09992544B2 |
Method and system for reproducing contents, and computer-readable recording medium thereof
A content reproducing method and system for performing seamless playback of contents between devices is provided. The contents reproducing system includes a portable device which, when a short distance communication with a remote control which is configured to control an electronic device occurs during reproducing of contents, generates data required by the electronic device for reproducing the contents that are being reproduced, and which transmits the generated data to the remote control; the remote control which receives the data from the portable device and which transmits the received data to the electronic device, in conjunction with the occurrence of the short distance communication with the portable device; and the electronic device for receiving the contents from a contents provider and reproducing the contents. |
| US09992540B2 |
Metadata system for real-time updates to electronic program guides
Novel tools and techniques to enable more robust electronic program guides in television distribution systems. Some solutions can obtain data (e.g., from the Internet) about a program listed on an electronic program guide and integrate that data with electronic program guide. In some cases, this information can be obtained and/or updated dynamically, in real-time or near real-time, for example to provide, up-to-date information can be provided in the electronic program guide, rather than requiring the viewer to tune to an information channel. In some cases, the system can provide a generalized electronic program guide that can be rendered by the system to be displayed on a plurality of different devices. |
| US09992535B2 |
Fast processing and encryption method and system for compressed video
An encryption method for compressed video is provided. The encryption method includes the steps of confirming a partial bit stream included in a compressed video, and selectively using a lookup table—the lookup table storing encryption information, which is needed for each encryption of a plurality of bit streams, at addresses of patterns respective to the plurality of bit streams—based on a result of the confirmation and encrypting the partial bit stream. |
| US09992532B1 |
Hand-held electronic apparatus, audio video broadcasting apparatus and broadcasting method thereof
An audio and video broadcasting apparatus includes a plurality of sound signal capturing devices, an image capturing device, a controller, and a speaker. The sound signal capturing devices capture a plurality of sound signals. The image capturing device obtains a display image. The controller is configured to: divide the display image into a plurality of display regions; establish a correspondence between the disposition positions and relative positions of the display regions; receive a playback setting command of a selected region, and set a playing weight of each of the display regions according to the playback setting command; and adjust a volume playback setting corresponding to the sound signals according to the playing weight of each of the display regions and the correspondence, and generate an output sound signal according to the volume playback setting and the sound signals. The speaker performs a sound playing action. |
| US09992525B1 |
Method and system for inserting local channel insertion in a multi-terminal system
A method and system for providing local content in a local network includes a plurality of terminals and a receiving unit in communication with the plurality of terminals receiving first program guide data and communicating the first program guide data to the plurality of terminals. The system also includes a local video source generating a video signal. The system also includes a local server in communication with the plurality of terminals and the local video source generating second program guide data corresponding to local content and communicating the second program guide data to the plurality of terminals. The plurality of terminals displays a grid guide comprising the first program guide data modified by the second program guide data. |
| US09992517B2 |
Providing enhanced content based on user interactions
Some of the various features described herein include providing an enhanced view of content. Some content may be cropped or edited for general transmission, and a primary- or second-screen device may be used to receive and view additional views or portions of content that may otherwise be unavailable. For example, if a cropped portion of content is delivered to a device, a different device may be used to view at least a portion of the content that was removed during the cropping process. Another aspect may include providing a higher-resolution version of content to a second-screen device. |
| US09992515B2 |
Method for encoding and decoding image information
The present invention relates to a method for encoding and decoding image information and to an apparatus using same, and the method for encoding the image information, according to the present invention, comprises the steps of: generating a recovery block; applying a deblocking filter to the recovery block; applying a sample adaptive offset (SAO) to the recovery block to which the deblocking filter is applied; and transmitting the image information including information on the SAO which is applied, wherein in the step of transmitting, information for specifying bands that cover a scope of a pixel value, to which a band off set is applied, is transmitted when the band offset is applied during the step of applying the SAO. |
| US09992514B2 |
System and a method for disocluded region coding in a multiview video data stream
A method for disoccluded region coding in multiview video data stream by an entropy encoder, the method comprising the steps of: coding a block of a base view; storing state and estimated probabilities in contexts models of the entropy encoder in a context storage module with a reference identifying the block of the base view; repeating the aforementioned steps of coding and storing for every block of the base view of the multiview video data stream; starting coding of a disoccluded region and dividing, into blocks, disoccluded area of a side view associated with the base view; determining, for neighboring blocks, of currently coded block, that have not been in the disoccluded area, a corresponding block in the base view, using a block correspondence database; when such a correspondence is determined, reading a previously stored state and estimated probabilities in context models of the entropy encoder for the corresponding block; copying all coding modes from the corresponding block to the neighboring block; applying state and estimated probabilities in context models to the entropy encoder of the block that is adjacent to the currently processed block; encoding, by the entropy encoder, the selected block of the side view; and repeating steps (e) to (i) for all blocks of the side view associated with the base view processed in steps (a) to (b). |
| US09992510B2 |
Method for encoding/decoding motion vector and apparatus thereof
A method performed by a video encoding apparatus for encoding a current motion vector of a current block in a current picture, includes: encoding, into a bitstream, mode information for use in selecting a motion vector prediction mode among a plurality of motion vector prediction modes; and when the mode information indicating a first motion vector prediction mode among the plurality of motion vector prediction modes is encoded, deriving a set of candidate motion vectors from motion vectors of a plurality of neighboring blocks of the current block, and selecting a candidate motion vector from the set of the candidate motion vectors; setting the prediction motion vector of the current block into the selected candidate motion vector; and generating a differential motion vector of the current block by subtracting the prediction motion vector from the current motion vector, and encoding the differential motion vector into the bitstream. |
| US09992508B2 |
Image encoding method, image decoding method, image encoding device, image decoding device, and image encoding/decoding device
An image encoding method includes: determining whether a current picture is a TSA picture or a trailing picture; and encoding a plurality of pictures according to whether the current picture is the TSA picture or a trailing picture. The determining includes: determining the current picture to be the TSA picture when the current picture does not belong to the highest layer and corresponds to a first field, and determining the current picture to be the trailing picture when the current picture belongs to the highest layer or corresponds to a second field. |
| US09992505B2 |
Image decoding method, image coding method, image decoding apparatus, image coding apparatus, and image coding and decoding apparatus
An image decoding method for decoding a bitstream including a coded signal resulting from coding slices into which an image is partitioned and each of which includes coding units, includes decoding the coded signal, wherein each of the slices is either a normal slice having, in a slice header, information used for another slice or a dependent slice which is decoded using information included in a slice header of another slice, the image includes rows each of which includes coding units, and when the normal slice starts at a position other than the beginning of the first row, the second row immediately following the first row does not start with the dependent slice. |
| US09992503B2 |
Scalable video coding with enhanced base layer
Disclosed is a method comprising: (a) receiving a layer 0 bitstream, the layer 0 bitstream including coding information for the layer 0 bitstream; (b) receiving a layer 1 bitstream, the layer 1 bitstream including coding information for the layer 1 bitstream; and (c) reconstructing the layer 0 bitstream using previously received information for another layer 0 bitstream and previously received information for another layer 1 bitstream. |
| US09992497B2 |
High throughput significance map processing for CABAC in HEVC
A system utilizing high throughput significance map processing for CABAC in HEVC is described. The system includes a first and second electronic device. The first electronic device encodes a block of level values, and transmits a bitstream to the second electronic device based on the encoding. The second electronic device decodes the bitstream using a high throughput significance map processing technique in order to recover video data corresponding to the block. |
| US09992488B2 |
Method and system for region-based monitoring of video assets
A method and system for monitoring video assets provided by a multimedia content distribution network (MCDN) includes an expert test monitoring platform (ETMP) configured to emulate MCDN client systems at a facility of an MCDN service provider. The ETMP may be used to test monitor MCDN performance by acquiring a baseband video signal and performing a test operation including at least one check point condition. The check point condition may be associated with a masked region of the video signal and may also involve a test of an audio channel. A plurality of test operations and/or check point conditions may be defined and executed on the baseband video signal, while the results of the test operation may be logged. |
| US09992484B2 |
Method for reproducing image information, and autostereoscopic screen
A method for reproducing image information on an autostereoscopic screen that has a pixel matrix and an optical grid, wherein pixels are arranged to form rows arranged equidistantly next to one another, and the optical grid has strip-like structures parallel to the rows and arranged equidistantly next to one another. The method includes association of first and second coordinate values with each row, wherein the first coordinate value indicates a location on an axis that is oriented horizontally at the viewing interval in front of the screen and on which the propagation plane of the light exiting the row intersects the axis, and the second coordinate value indicates a position of the respective row or the strip-like structure, through which the light passes, in the lateral direction. For each row, an excerpt from an image is calculated by image synthesis, with the pixels being driven accordingly. |
| US09992482B2 |
Systems, methods, and apparatuses for stereoscopic imaging
An omnidirectional camera apparatus configured to facilitate omnidirectional stereo imaging is described. The apparatus may include a first convex mirror, a first camera disposed at the first convex mirror, a second convex mirror, and a second camera disposed at the second convex mirror. The first convex mirror and the second convex mirror may be arranged such that a first mirrored surface of the first convex mirror and a second mirrored surface of the second convex mirror may face each other. The first camera may capture imagery reflected off the second convex mirror. The second camera may capture imagery reflected off the first convex mirror. A method of calibrating an omnidirectional camera apparatus is also described. |
| US09992476B1 |
Compatible stereoscopic video delivery
Stereoscopic images are subsampled and placed in a “checkerboard” pattern in an image. The image is encoded in a monoscopic video format. The monoscopic video is transmitted to a device where the “checkerboard” is decoded. Portions of the checkerboard (e.g., “black” portions) are used to reconstruct one of the stereoscopic images and the other portion of the checkerboard (e.g., “white” portions) are used to reconstruct the other image. The subsamples are, for example, taken from the image in a location coincident to the checkerboard position in which the subsamples are encoded. |
| US09992473B2 |
Digital multi-dimensional image photon platform system and methods of use
A systematic approach to producing multi-dimensional photon images on a computer platform having applications to input image(s) from various sources, and applications to coordinate and adjust numerous variables which determine the quality of the image, such as the size of the imported images, the output image size, the resolving power of the viewing screen and the width of the resolving elements, the dots per inch of the output device (or pixels per inch), the desired nearest object, the desired furthest object and the determination of the central or the “key subject”, rules of interphasing, the number of frames or layers, the minimum parallax, and the maximum parallax, and, thus, provide a digital multi-dimensional image without jumping images or fuzzy features or other visual distortions by creating high quality output images both in the form of a printed hardcopy or as a viewed image on an appropriate viewing device. |
| US09992469B2 |
Imaging processing device and imaging processing method
An imaging processing device and an imaging processing method that can solve a problem generated in visible light photographing in a case where DBPF is used instead of an infrared cut filter. An imaging sensor includes a color filter, and DBPH that has a transmission characteristic in a visible-light band, blocking characteristic in a first wavelength band adjacent to a long-wavelength side of the visible-light band, and transmission characteristic in a second wavelength band that is a part of the first wavelength band. A signal processing unit subtracts an infrared signal, which is output from an infrared pixel, from each color signal output from a pixel in each color of visible light in the imaging sensor. Here, in a case where each color signal reaches a pixel saturation level, control of performing correction in such a manner that an infrared signal subtracted from each color signal is lowered is performed. |
| US09992468B2 |
Image processing apparatus and its adjustment method
In an image processing apparatus, an image acquisition unit acquires an image. A correction unit corrects pixel values of pixels composed of the acquired image by using correction coefficients to produce a correct image. An object recognition unit recognizes an object in the corrected image. A storage unit stores in advance standard color characteristics of a predetermined object which is a recognition target. A color characteristics acquisition unit acquires color characteristics of the predetermined object if the predetermined object is recognized by the object recognition unit. A comparison unit compares the color characteristics of the acquired object with the standard color characteristics of the same predetermined object stored in advance in the storage unit. An updating unit updates the correction coefficients used in the correction unit based on a result of comparison so as to reduce a difference between the color characteristics and the standard color characteristics. |
| US09992467B2 |
Parallel computer vision and image scaling architecture
Embodiments relate to an architecture of a vision pipe included in an image signal processor. The architecture includes a front-end portion that includes a pair of image signal pipelines that generate an updated luminance image data. A back-end portion of the vision pipe architecture receives the updated luminance images from the front-end portion and performs, in parallel, scaling and various computer vision operations on the updated luminance image data. The back-end portion may repeatedly perform this parallel operation of computer vision operations on successively scaled luminance images to generate a pyramid image. |
| US09992466B2 |
Projector with calibration using a plurality of images
A position detection portion of a projector detects an operation on a screen based on a captured image obtained by capturing the screen. A control portion executes a calibration in which positions in a projection image and positions in the captured image are associated with each other based on the captured image obtained by capturing the projection image projected by a calibration control portion based on auto calibration images in which marks for specifying positions are arranged. In addition, the calibration control portion executes the calibration based on the captured image corresponding to the plurality of auto calibration images which are different in arrangement states of the marks. |
| US09992465B1 |
Vehicular navigation system utilizing a projection device
A method includes: receiving an indication of a destination from a user; determining a route from a current position of a vehicle to the destination; detecting whether the user has exited the vehicle; and projecting an image of the route from the current position of the vehicle to the destination onto ground nearby the vehicle using a projection device equipped in the vehicle, such that the projected image is viewable by the user upon exiting the vehicle, in response to detecting that the user has exited the vehicle. |
| US09992463B2 |
Alignments for a projection system with a shaped projection screen using alignment content
A projection system capable of projection alignment includes a projector, a shaped projection screen, an image sensor, and a processing unit. The projector is configured to project a series of alignment content to the shaped projection screen. The image sensor is configured to capture a series of projected alignment content. The processing unit is electronically coupled to the image sensor and configured to receive the series of captured alignment content and determine at least part of general boundary of the shaped projection screen based on the series of captured alignment content. |
| US09992459B2 |
Lighting apparatus and lighting system
A lighting apparatus includes: a light modulator which modulates light emitted from a light source, using frames received by a receiver; an illuminator which emits the modulated light; and a controller. The controller periodically performs a storage control which continues for a predetermined period of time and in which, every time the receiver receives a frame, the received frame is stored into a storage. When a detector detects an interruption in the reception of the frames at the receiver, the light modulator modulates the light emitted from the light source, sequentially using two or more consecutive frames stored into the storage. |
| US09992457B2 |
High resolution multispectral image capture
The use of a hybrid camera tool may capture high resolution multispectral images without sacrificing resolution in exchange for spectral accuracy. The capture of a high resolution multispectral image may include forming a high spatial resolution image based on a portion of incoming light and generating a high spectral resolution image that includes multispectral samples based on another portion of the incoming light. The high resolution multispectral image is then synthesized by consolidating the high spatial resolution image with the high spectral resolution image. |
| US09992456B2 |
Method and apparatus for hypothetical reference decoder conformance error detection
A method and apparatus are disclosed and described for providing hypothetical reference decoder conformance error detection. The apparatus includes a multi-pass encoder (200) for encoding pictures in a video sequence. The pictures are encoded in a first pass to determine a bit consumption of each picture, and a bit allocation is controlled during the encoding of the pictures in at least a second pass responsive to satisfying requirements for a subsequent decoding of the bitstream. The requirements relate to preventing at least one of underflow and overflow conditions in a buffer during the subsequent decoding. The bit allocation is based on the bit consumption determined in the first pass and buffer parameters. The pictures are encoded in at least the first and second passes into a plurality of bitstreams on a scene-basis such that any of the pictures belonging to a same scene are respectively encoded in a same one of the bitstreams. |
| US09992453B2 |
Multiposition magnifier camera
A portable magnifier camera with an associated display housing, base and handle. The camera can be selectively positioned into a variety of configurations, including: a first closed configuration wherein the display and base are in facing relation; a second opened configuration wherein the display is angled with respect to the base; and a third hand-held configuration wherein a handle is pivoted outwardly to permit a user to hold the camera relative to a distant object. The angle of the camera adjusts automatically in each configuration to ensure that the camera's light of slight is perpendicular to the object plane. These configurations enable a user to effectively view objects of differing size and at varying distances. |
| US09992451B2 |
Information processing device, control method, and system
An information processing device including a display control unit configured to carry out control in a manner that a display unit disposed before eyes of a user displays past data relating to a recognized interlocutor, and a sharing setting control unit configured to carry out control in a manner that sharing of the past data with another person is set. |
| US09992450B1 |
Systems and methods for background concealment in video conferencing session
Embodiments of the present disclosure provide systems and methods for background concealment in a video conferencing session. In one exemplary method, a video stream may be captured and provided to a first terminal participating in a video chat session. A background element and a foreground element may be determined in the video stream. A border region may additionally be determined in the video stream. The border region may define a boundary between the foreground element and the background element. The background region may be modified based, at least in part, on video content of the border region. The modified video stream may be transmitted to a second terminal participating in the video conferencing session. |
| US09992445B1 |
Systems and methods for identifying a video aspect-ratio frame attribute
Presently disclosed are systems and method for identifying a video aspect-ratio frame attribute of a current frame. One example embodiment takes the form of a frame-processing device including a processor and a non-transitory computer-readable medium containing instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause a set of steps to be carried out, the set of steps including: (i) receiving a frame of video from a video source device; (ii) defining a region of the received frame, wherein the region is associated with a plurality of pixels of the received frame; (iii) using a plurality of luma values associated with the plurality of pixels as a basis to identify the received frame as having a particular video aspect-ratio attribute; and (iv) storing in a memory an indication that the received frame has the identified particular video aspect-ratio frame attribute. |
| US09992443B2 |
System and methods for time lapse video acquisition and compression
Techniques and devices for acquiring and compressing timelapse video are described. The techniques are adaptive, in that the acquisition frame rate is adapted and captured images are periodically deleted during filming. To implement the method, a user need not know ahead of time how long the source video will be acquired. Regardless of the acquisition time, the resulting video is automatically edited to provide a timelapse clip of a predefined length or of a length within a predefined range. |
| US09992441B2 |
Displaying multiple videos on sink device using display information of source device
Embodiments relate to customizing contents displayed at a sink device by converting received contents from a source device. The source device provides, to the sink device, the contents and display information of the source device. The display information of the source device may indicate spatial arrangements (e.g., locations and sizes) of the contents in the source device. The sink device may map sub-display regions of the source device to sub-display regions of the sink device. Moreover, the sink device generates output images for display in sub-display regions of the sink device according to the mapping. By mapping display regions at the sink device, images can be displayed in different arrangements at the sink device without the source device having any information on the configuration of sub-display regions of the sink device. |
| US09992440B2 |
Method, apparatus and computer program product for configuration of a display screen
A method, apparatus and computer program product are provided to facilitate the configuration of a display screen, such as an idle screen, a home screen, etc. The method provides for presentation of a setup screen defining a plurality of display channels and a time scale for the display channels. The method also receives an indication of a user interface component configured to generate information to be presented in a respective display channel commencing at a respective time. Further, the method provides for presentation of a display screen that includes a plurality of display channels and further includes information generated by the user interface component in the respective display channel commencing at the respective time. A corresponding apparatus and computer program product are also provided. |
| US09992438B2 |
Imaging apparatus and imaging method for setting a method for coding image data output from an imaging apparatus
An imaging apparatus can communicate with an external apparatus via a network. The imaging apparatus includes an imaging unit configured to capture an image of a target object, a coding unit configured to compress a video captured by the imaging unit, and a reception unit configured to receive at least two types of coding method setting commands, which can be used to set a coding method to be used by the coding unit, via the network. The imaging apparatus further includes a conversion unit configured to automatically convert coding method information to be set by coding setting command into at least one type of different coding method information, and a storage unit configured to store coding method information to be set by the coding setting command and the coding method information converted by the conversion unit. |
| US09992436B2 |
Scaling down pixel sizes in image sensors
In various embodiments, methods and related apparatuses for scaling down pixel sizes in quantum film-based image sensors are disclosed. In one embodiment, an image sensor circuit is disclosed that includes circuit includes an optically sensitive layer, a first pixel having a first electrode coupled to a first region of optically sensitive layer, a second pixel having a second electrode coupled to a second region of optically sensitive layer, and a readout circuit having at least one transistor that is shared among the first pixel and the second pixel. In a first time interval, the transistor is used in a readout of a signal related to illumination of the first pixel over an integration period. During a second time interval, the transistor is used in a readout of a signal related to illumination of the second pixel over an integration pixel. The signals thusly read constitute a time-domain multiplexed (TDM) signal. |
| US09992430B2 |
Per-pixel performance improvement for combined visible and infrared image sensor arrays
A per-pixel performance improvement is described for combined image sensor arrays that measure infrared and visible light. One embodiment is a method that includes forming an array of photodetectors on a silicon substrate, treating a subset of the photodetectors to improve sensitivity to infrared light, and finishing the photodetector array to form an image sensor. |
| US09992426B2 |
Image capturing apparatus, method for controlling the same, and storage medium
An image capturing apparatus includes: an image capturing unit for capturing an object image; an expander for expanding the dynamic range of the image capturing unit by reducing the exposure of the image capturing unit; a tone correction unit for performing tone correction on image data; a display unit for displaying a display image obtained by the tone correction unit; a detection unit for detecting signal values of a region within a screen of the image capturing unit after the expander expands the dynamic range; and a control unit for, in the case where the dynamic range is expanded, changing a characteristic of tone correction so as to suppress change in the display image caused by the change in the dynamic range. |
| US09992424B2 |
Imaging apparatus, camera system, and control method controlling flash photography
An imaging apparatus includes an operation unit and a control unit to perform photographing using an illumination apparatus capable of automatically driving a movable unit, including a light emitting unit, for changing an irradiation direction of the light emitting unit. The operation unit receives an instruction to start a photographing operation. The control unit performs control, in a case where the operation unit receives an instruction to start a photographing operation while the movable unit is being automatically driven to change the irradiation direction of the light emitting unit, not to perform flash photography in which the light emitting unit is caused to emit light. |
| US09992418B2 |
Apparatus and method for generating photograph image in electronic device
A method for generating a photograph image by using any of the preview images captured by multiple image sensors on the electronic device and displayed in a multi-preview mode on the device is provided. The method includes displaying a first preview image obtained from a first image sensor in a first preview area; displaying a second preview image obtained from a second image sensor in a second preview area; and upon detection of a predetermined first user input in the second preview area, generating a photograph image by using the second preview image. |
| US09992414B2 |
Imaging system
An imaging system includes an imaging body having an optical system and an imaging element, a power supplier configured to supply power to the imaging element, and a housing configured to hold the imaging body and the power supplier, wherein the optical system includes at least one optical element projecting from the housing, and a distance AP between a gravity center A of a portion including the optical system and a gravity center P of the entire imaging system and a distance BP between a gravity center B of the power supplier and the gravity center P of the entire imaging system satisfy the following condition. AP>BP |
| US09992412B1 |
Camera device with verged cameras
A camera device having verged cameras is disclosed. A camera device may include a housing and four cameras disposed in the housing. The housing may define a horizontal plane passing through the center of the housing. Each of the four cameras may be verged at an angle defined by a longitudinal center axis of the camera and the horizontal plane. Each camera may include a vertical field of view verged at the same angle. The camera device may produce a panoramic image (e.g., a panoramic still image or panoramic video) using two or more of the cameras. Systems and processes including the camera device are also disclosed. |
| US09992410B2 |
Apparatus and method photographing image
A method and apparatus for photography using an electronic device. The method and apparatus include a preview display operation of displaying a first image output from a first image sensor as a main image, and displaying a second image photographed by a second image sensor as a sub-image. A panorama photography operation of buffering the main image is executed when a panorama photography operation is requested. The sub-image is captured from a preset frame. When the panorama photographing operation is terminated, a composition panorama is generated from a panorama image of the main image, and compositing with the captured sub-image. |
| US09992404B2 |
Method and system for adjusting camera focus to facilitate infrared imaging
Methods, systems, and techniques for adjusting camera focus to facilitate infrared imaging are employed to account for a difference in wavelength between visible and infrared light to permit sharp imaging regardless of whether imaging is performed using visible or infrared light. Camera focus is adjusted in accordance with base and offset values. The base value may be determined in accordance with a curve relating focus motor position and object distance and the offset value may be manually set by the user or automatically set by performing an autofocus method when the camera is operating in low light conditions. |
| US09992402B2 |
Imaging apparatus and imaging control apparatus having synchronous type wireless communication function
The present invention is to perform synchronous shooting using synchronous type wireless communication more effectively. An imaging apparatus 1 includes: a synchronous communication unit M1 configured to perform synchronous type wireless communication to send/receive data in a communication synchronized state in which a communication clock of a communication partner and an own communication clock are synchronized; a synchronous communication control unit M2 configured to make a transition to the communication synchronized state to perform the synchronous type wireless communication with other imaging apparatuses that are to perform synchronous shooting; a broadcast reception unit M4 configured to receive a broadcast wireless signal transmitted to plural imaging apparatuses in the communication synchronized state; and a first control unit 104a configured to perform shooting at timing when the broadcast wireless signal is received. |
| US09992400B2 |
Real-time changes to a spherical field of view
A system includes a video source and a computing device. The video source may be configured to generate a plurality of video streams that capture a view of an environment. The computing device generally includes one or more processors configured to (i) perform a stitching operation on the plurality of video streams to generate a video signal representative of a spherical field of view of the environment, (ii) transmit a display signal that represents a projection of the video signal to be displayed to a user utilizing an immersive display, (iii) receive a plurality of commands from the user while the user observes the environment in the immersive display and (iv) adjust a plurality of parameters in one or more of the video source and the stitching operation in real time in response to the commands. |
| US09992398B2 |
Optical sighting
Optical sighting is performed using plural optical sighting apparatuses that each comprise: a camera unit and a viewing system for viewing images. Geometric calibration of the camera units with respect to the imaged scene is performed by detecting features within captured images, generating descriptors from respective patches of the image at the features; detecting corresponding descriptors from different images, and deriving the geometric calibration from the positions in the respective images of the corresponding descriptors. A target location in a designator image captured at an earlier image-capture time is designated and a corresponding location relative to the current image captured at the current time is identified from the geometric calibration. A viewing system indicates where the corresponding location lies relative to the current image. |
| US09992397B2 |
Camera module and molded circuit board assembly and manufacturing method thereof
A camera module and its molded circuit board assembly and manufacturing method are disclosed, wherein the molded circuit board assembly includes a circuit board and a molded base integrally formed with the circuit board through a molding process. The molded base forms a light window disposed corresponding to a photosensitive element of the camera module, wherein the light window is configured to have a trapezoidal or to multi-stair trapezoidal shape cross section which has diameters increasing from bottom to top to facilitate demolding, so as to prevent damage to the molded base, and to avoid stray light. |
| US09992396B1 |
Focusing lighting module
A lighting module which provides adjustably controllable illumination of a camera field of view of a camera module includes an adjustable collimator which can be adjustably positioned such that the emitted light beam is adjustably directed to illuminate various regions of various camera fields of view. The collimator can be adjusted via an actuator which adjustably positions the collimator relative to static components of the lighting module, including the light emitter. The light beam can be directed to illuminate a selected limited region of a camera field of view, based on identification of a subject within the limited region. The light beam can be adjustably directed based on user interactions with a user interface, including adjusting the light beam according to user-commanded beam angle, intensity, and direction. The light beam can be adjustably directed to illuminate a region according to different fields of view of different camera modules. |
| US09992395B2 |
Interchangeable lens and communication method thereof, and imaging device and communication method thereof
Provided is an interchangeable lens including: at least one shared communication terminal configured to be shared and used in synchronous communication that is communication performed synchronously with a synchronization signal and in asynchronous communication that is communication performed asynchronously with the synchronization signal. |
| US09992392B2 |
Camera for vehicular applications
A vehicular camera assembly for a vehicle vision system includes front and rear housing members, a lens assembly and a circuit board. An imaging element is disposed on a first side of the circuit board and a plurality of electrical connectors is disposed on a second side of the circuit board. The front housing member includes a lens assembly receiving portion and a circuit board attachment portion. With the circuit board attached at the front housing member and with the lens assembly received at the lens assembly receiving portion, the lens assembly and the imaging element are distanced from one another, and images are focused on the imaging element by the lens assembly. The front housing member and the rear housing member are configured to be attached together. With the front and rear housing members attached together, outer walls of the front and rear housing members enclose the circuit board. |
| US09992391B1 |
Use of nonreflective separator between lenses striking a single optical sensor to reduce peripheral interference
An image sensor can be present within an optical capture device. Two lenses that capture and direct light from a real world environment upon the image sensor. The image sensor converts light from the real world environment into electronic signals. A separator can be positioned between optical pathways of light from the lenses. The separators can absorb light from a region surrounding the image circle to prevent optical distortions from the image circles which are in close proximity to each other. |
| US09992390B2 |
Electronic movie camera
An electronic video camera has a camera body which comprises an inner carrier structure and at least one outer cover element which is arranged at the carrier structure and which bounds an interior space of the camera body. In this respect, the camera structure forms a central cooling passage which divides the interior space of the camera body into a ventilation space within the cooling passage and into at least one component space outside the cooling passage. The ventilation space is open toward the environment of the video camera. The component space is sealingly closed with respect to the ventilation space and the environment of the video camera. The video camera has electronic components which are received in the component space and are thermally conductively coupled to the ventilation space via at least one side wall of the cooling passage. The cover element furthermore forms a side cover which is releasable to expose the electronic components arranged in the component space for servicing purposes. |
| US09992388B2 |
Integrated automotive system, pop up nozzle assembly and remote control method for cleaning a wide angle image sensors exterior surface
A pop-up external lens washing system has an extendable aiming fixture configured to aim a lens cleaning spray at an external lens which is exposed to the elements and apt to become soiled with debris. The extendable nozzle assembly is configured to be aimed toward the external lens by the extended aiming fixture during the washing operation only and has at least one laterally offset washing nozzle projecting from the aiming fixture to a spray washing fluid toward the external lens surface, spraying at a shallow, glancing spray aiming angle to impinge upon and wash the lens external surface. |
| US09992381B2 |
Color hash table reuse for print job processing
One embodiment comprises a system that stores a pre-defined color conversion table and a hash table. The system receives user-defined color conversions for a print job, stores them in first locations in the hash table, and marks the first locations as persistent. The system processes the print job utilizing the color conversion table to convert colors in the print job to the output color space, and responsive to encountering colors in the print job that do not have color conversions in the color conversion table, interpolates between color conversions in the color conversion table to generate new color conversions, stores the new color conversions in second locations in the hash table, and marks the second locations as non-persistent. The system determines that the hash table is to be re-initialized, allows reuse of the second locations in the hash table, and prevents reuse of the first locations in the hash table. |
| US09992379B2 |
Partial snapshots for creating generalized snapshots
Example embodiments relate to partial snapshots for creating generalized snapshots. An example method may include, in response to an event, accessing a user interface screen or view associated with an application. The screen or view includes multiple pixels arranged over an area. The method may include sampling the multiple pixels by capturing a portion of the total pixels included in the screen or view. The sampling may include maintaining a dispersion of the captured pixels over the area of the screen or view and preventing clustering of captured pixels within sub-areas of the area. The method may include transmitting the captured portion as a partial snapshot to a system to create a generalized snapshot from the partial snapshot and other partial snapshots. |
| US09992374B2 |
Image processing apparatus and image processing method
An image processing apparatus includes: an image processing unit configured to execute, in forming an image on both surfaces of a sheet, image processing including skew correction to deform the image in advance to offset distortion to be caused in the image to be formed on the sheet, wherein, the image processing unit receives specification of any of one side, two sides, and an external form of the sheet, as a reference position of the image processing for the image to be formed on the both surfaces of the sheet, and executes the image processing including the skew correction based on the specification. |
| US09992373B2 |
Information processing apparatus and method for monitoring an operating state of a network device
A monitoring apparatus determines a monitoring mode of a network device which is not registered in a central management apparatus based on capability information of the relevant network device and registers the relevant network device in the central management apparatus. When monitoring information is not yet transmitted from a network device of which a monitoring function is enabled to the central management apparatus or invalid, the central management apparatus is requested to start communication with the relevant network device. Based on a result of the communication, a registration state, communication information, and device information of the relevant network device managed by the monitoring apparatus are updated. |
| US09992370B2 |
Double-sided image reading device and image forming device
A double-sided image reading device that reads an image on a first side of a document when the document that is being delivered through a feeding path passes a first reading part and thereafter reads an image on a second side of the document opposite to the first side when the document passes a second reading part, the double-sided image reading device including: an S-shaped path provided between the first reading part and the second reading part of the feeding path and including a lower end of a first curved path in a document feeding direction and an upper end of a second curved path curved to the side opposite to the first curved path in the document feeding direction connected to each other; and a pressing guide configured to press the document that is being delivered through the first curved path. |
| US09992365B2 |
Document detecting device and document detecting method
Certain embodiments provide a document detecting device, including: a plate having an upper surface on which a document is placed; an imaging device that includes the upper surface in a photographing visual field range; and a controller that detects any one or more of a position, an angle, and a size of the document on the upper surface according to an image by the imaging device and fixed-size information of the document stored in advance. |
| US09992362B2 |
Information processing apparatus, information processing method, and non-transitory computer readable medium for displaying simplified operation screen
An information processing apparatus includes an acquisition unit that acquires, from a terminal apparatus, control information including model identification information for identifying a model of the terminal apparatus and setting information concerning display setting of a screen of the terminal apparatus; and a controller that causes a screen on which fewer display items than an ordinary screen are displayed to be displayed on a display in a case where the model identification information included in the control information indicates a specific model or in a case where the setting information included in the control information indicates specific setting. |
| US09992359B2 |
Relay device employ technique of controlling a communication path established with a server and an image processing device when communication are relayed
A communication relay device installed on a local network relays communications between an image processing device installed on the local network and an application server installed on a network different from the local network. The communication relay device comprises: a communication path setting part that sets a communication path to send and receive job data of a job to and from the application server when the job is created at the image processing device or the application server; and a communication controller that sends and receives the job data to and from the application server over the communication path. When a new job is created at the image processing device or the application server as at least one communication path has been established with the application server, the communication path setting part sets either the new communication path or the existing communication path for the new job. |
| US09992357B2 |
Authentication of a print request
Examples disclosed herein provide methods and systems for the authentication of a print request. As an example, an email service associated with an enterprise network may receive an electronic message having a destination address indicative of a request to print data included in the message, wherein the destination address may have a domain name associated with the enterprise network. The email service may access an authentication service associated with the enterprise network to determine whether a sender address of the electronic message is a valid address to submit print jobs. Upon determining the sender address is a valid address, the email service may forward the electronic message to a cloud print service to prepare the print job comprising the data included in the message for printing. |
| US09992353B2 |
Reverse power feed system
A the network-side distribution point in a telecommunications network includes an input measurement function which monitors the total power delivered to the power combiner from the various customer premises, and an output measurement function which monitors the total power requirements of the components of the distribution point. The data from these monitoring functions are used by a power extraction control unit to control the combiner/extraction unit to draw power from the forward power feed to makes up any shortfall in the power required to operate the components. This allows each customer premises system to deliver power to the distribution point at a rate determined only by the services it is itself using, and without any need for co-ordination between the distribution point and the customer premises systems. |
| US09992350B2 |
Enhanced redirection handling from policy server
Systems and methods are disclosed for directing a mobile device user with insufficient mobile credit to secondary pay sites. A PCRF receives a request from a mobile device corresponding to a user. The PCRF detects credit associated with a user mobile network usage account is below a threshold and assigns a tag to the request, the tag including redirect site information and secondary site information, the redirect site information including at least one network identifier corresponding to a redirect site and the secondary site information including at least one network identifier corresponding to a payment site accessible by the user when the credit associated with the user mobile network usage account is below the threshold. The PCRF transmits the request and the corresponding tag to a PCEF for routing the user to the at least one of the redirect site and the at least one payment site. |
| US09992343B2 |
Text translation of an audio recording during recording capture
Various embodiments provide real-time translation of a voicemail into a readable format as the voicemail is being recorded. In some cases, a system server records the voicemail by first answering a call from an originating device that goes unanswered by a destination device. Upon answering the call, the system server translates the recording, while it is being recorded, into a readable format. Alternately or additionally, the system server forwards portions of the readable format to the destination device. In turn, as the destination device receives portion(s) of the real-time translation, it can display the associated content, and/or update what is displayed as new portions are received. At times, the destination device provides additional call control that interrupts the voicemail while it is being recorded at the system server, and redirects the call to the destination device if the originating device is still connected. |
| US09992340B2 |
Communication system for establishing automated call back using queues
A communication device is provided for enabling a user to establish an automated call back from a communication system, such as a call center, for example. A software device application enables the communication device to communicate with the call center through the exchange of data. The communication device includes a display screen for displaying controls for allowing the user to interact with the communication system. The controls allow the user to request a list of providers from which to select a provider or company to contact. The communication device further provides controls for allowing the user to select a queue to join from a list of queues associated with the selected provider. An embodiment may also communicate contextual data between a communication device and a communication system, including information associated with the user of the communication device and information used to assist, instruct, or solve a user's problem. |
| US09992339B2 |
Securely and efficiently transferring sensitive information via a telephone
An apparatus includes a communications module that establishes a verbal communication between a customer service representative of a company and a customer through an electronic device in the possession of the customer. An identification module receives an identifier that alerts the customer service representative and/or a computer system of the company that the customer has a customer profile stored electronically. The customer profile includes information to identify the customer. An ID confirmation module receives an identification confirmation in response to identifying information input by the customer matching the information to identify the customer in the customer profile. The identity of the customer is confirmed electronically while masking sensitive information from the customer service representative. A notification module sends a message to the customer service representative indicating that the ID confirmation module received the identification confirmation. The message is free from sensitive information associated with the customer. |
| US09992338B2 |
System and method for anticipating user interaction in a customer contact center
A method for preloading a user interface, the method comprising: anticipating, by a processor, an interaction with a customer of a customer contact center; creating, by the processor, an agent desktop session based on this anticipation; storing, by the processor, the agent desktop session in association with information for the customer; detecting, by the processor, an interaction with the customer; identifying, by the processor, an agent of the customer contact center for routing the interaction to the agent; and launching, by the processor, the agent desktop session on an agent device of the identified agent. |
| US09992337B2 |
Securely and efficiently transferring sensitive information via a telephone
An apparatus includes a communications module that establishes a telephonic connection between a customer service representative of a company and a customer through an electronic device. An identification module receives an identifier that alerts the customer service representative and/or a computer system of the company that the customer has a customer profile that includes information to identify the customer. The identifier is received in conjunction with the telephonic connection. The customer profile is stored previous to the telephonic connection. An ID request module sends a request to the customer to provide identifying information via the electronic device of the customer. The identifying information is input to the electronic device by the customer using an electronic, non-verbal technique. An ID confirmation module receives an identification confirmation in response to the identifying information input by the customer matching the information to identify the customer in the customer profile. |
| US09992333B2 |
Emergency mobile notification handling
Methods for operating a call center. In one example implementation, a call center maintains personal profiles of a number of clients of a service provided by the call center. At least some of the personal profiles include contact information for one or more entities designated by the respective clients for receiving information about the respective clients. A text-based electronic emergency notification message is received via an electronic network from a communication device associated with a particular one of the clients. The personal profile of the particular client includes contact information for one or more entities designated by the particular client for receiving information about the particular client from the call center. A notification that the communication device associated with the particular client received the text-based electronic emergency notification message is forwarded to one or more of the entities designated in the personal profile of the particular client. |
| US09992330B1 |
Conference functionality between inmates and multiple approved parties in controlled environment
A conference call management system and a method for operating the management system in a controlled environment are disclosed. The conference call management system includes a monitored conference device and a conference server. The monitored conference device receives authorization from the conference server to conduct conference calls within the controlled environment. The monitored conference device further receives a conference call application from the conference server that enables the monitored conference device to initiate and establish conference calls through the conference server. The conference call application allows a user of the monitored conference device to select outside parties to add to the conference call. |
| US09992326B1 |
Out of the box experience (OOBE) country choice using Wi-Fi layer transmission
Embodiments of the disclosure are directed to methods and systems for determining the language presented by a mobile communication device operable for use in a plurality of different countries during an activation process on the mobile communication device. Methods may comprise receiving information from beacon(s) of one or more wireless access points to determine the presented language. |
| US09992318B1 |
Storing messages
A computer-implemented method to store messages is disclosed. The method may include obtaining a minimum message length for stored messages. The minimum message length may be greater than zero. The method may further include determining an amount of available storage space allocated for storage of user messages on a computer-readable medium. The method may also include, in response to a communication session not being established between a user of a first communication device and a second communication device and in response to the amount of available storage space being greater than zero but being insufficient to store the minimum message length, not storing a user message and providing an indication that there is no available storage space. |
| US09992317B2 |
System and method of facilitating communication between a mobile device and vehicle computer system
A vehicle computer system comprising a wireless transceiver configured to communicate with a mobile device. The vehicle computer system further includes a processor in communication with the wireless transceiver. The processor is configured to transmit a request to the mobile device to activate a voice recognition session of the mobile device, determine an inhibition status of the voice recognition session based feedback to the request, and transmit a resolution instruction relating to a inhibition status of the voice recognition session. |
| US09992312B1 |
Mobile device
A mobile device includes a speaker element and an antenna element. The speaker element includes a conductive portion and a nonconductive portion. The nonconductive portion has a first surface and a second surface which are opposite to each other. The antenna element is adjacent to the nonconductive portion. The antenna element includes a signal source, a first radiation element, and a second radiation element. The signal source is coupled to a feeding point. The first radiation element is coupled to the feeding point. The first radiation element extends from the first surface onto the second surface. The second radiation element is coupled to the feeding point. The second radiation element is disposed on the second surface. The second radiation element is separate from the first radiation element. A coupling gap is formed between the first radiation element and the second radiation element. |
| US09992310B2 |
Multi-hop Wan MACsec over IP
An egress frame processing method, an Ethernet frame is received. Information defining an Internet Protocol (IP) tunnel between the network device and a peer network device over a public wide area network is determined. A media access control security (MACsec) policy that defines how to protect the Ethernet frame is determined based on the information defining the IP tunnel. The Ethernet frame is protected according to the MACsec policy. The following fields are appended to the protected Ethernet frame: (i) an unprotected layer 3 (L3) encapsulation identifying a layer 2 (L2)-over-L3 tunnel protocol; (ii) an unprotected IP header corresponding to the IP tunnel; and (iii) an unprotected outer Ethernet header, to produce a partly protected egress frame. The partly protected egress frame is transmitted to the peer network device over the IP tunnel of the public wide area network. |
| US09992309B2 |
Communication device and communication method
In general, according to one embodiment, a communication device conducts connection type data communications. The device includes an application configured to supply or request data by using a connection. The device also includes a termination unit that receives a request of terminating the data communications, and reports, to the application, termination of the connection without terminating the connection. |
| US09992307B2 |
Interoperability of discovery and connection protocols between client devices and first screen devices
A second screen application operating on a client device presents a deduplicated listing of devices in a user interface, each listed device associated with one or more coupling protocols. A selection of a listed device is received via the user interface with which to participate in a video display session. Application status information is obtained from a control server for a first screen application of the selected device, the application status information indicating whether the first screen application is in an existing video display session with a second client device. A coupling methodology is determined based on the indicated application status and coupling protocols available to the client device and the one or more coupling protocols of the first screen application; and the client device couples to the first screen application via the determined coupling methodology. |
| US09992304B2 |
Relocation of applications to optimize resource utilization
Concepts and technologies are disclosed herein for relocation of applications to optimize resource utilization. A processor executing a relocation management application can receive a request to relocate an application. The processor can identify a utilization associated with the application, identify prospective host resources capable of hosting the application, determine utilizations associated with the prospective host resources, and project prospective host resource utilizations based upon the utilization associated with the application and the utilizations associated with the prospective host resources. The processor can select a prospective host resource from the prospective host resources by selecting a resource that offers a most consistent projected utilization. |
| US09992302B2 |
Resource request management
A resource management system may use information regarding the bandwidth status of a downstream communication path to determine what portion of queued content should be sent in the current available bandwidth timeslot. In some embodiments, multiple versions of the same requested content may be available, and the system may select a lower-quality version to send if needed to meet a time deadline included in the original content request. |
| US09992299B2 |
Technologies for network packet cache management
Technologies for identifying a cache line of a network packet for eviction from an on-processor cache of a network device communicatively coupled to a network controller. The network device is configured to determine whether a cache line of the cache corresponding to the network packet is to be evicted from the cache based on a determination that the network packet is not needed subsequent to processing the network packet, and provide an indication that the cache line is to be evicted from the cache based on an eviction policy received from the network controller. |
| US09992293B2 |
Adaptable push-notification state
Adaptation of a push-notification state is disclosed. The adaptation can be based on a proximity of a first and second user equipment. The adaptation can affect push-notifications received at each device. By adapting a push-notification state, redundant push-notifications that can unnecessarily consume telecommunication resources, battery power, etc., for devices that are proximate to each other can be affected. Information relating to push-notification enabled services, services account information, device focus state information, or device environment information can be used in adapting a push-notification state. Adaptation of the push-notification state can employ a peer-to-peer or client-server topology. |
| US09992290B2 |
Recommendations based on geolocation
In one embodiment, a method includes accessing geolocation data indicating a first geolocation of a mobile computing device of a user of a social-networking system. The social-networking system including a graph that includes a number of nodes and edges connecting the nodes. A first node in the graph corresponds to the user. The method also includes identifying one or more second nodes in the graph connected to the first node. Each of the second nodes being associated with a second geolocation. Each of the second nodes being connected to the first node within a pre-determined threshold number of degrees of separation with at least one edge corresponding to the activity socially relevant to the user. Each edge in the graph represents a single degree of separation within the graph. The identifying being based on a determination that the second geolocation is within a pre-determined threshold distance of the first geolocation. |
| US09992289B2 |
Application-specific data in-flight (DIF) services along a communication path selected based on a DIF services policy associated with a VM
Embodiments provide data in-flight (DIF) services to software applications such as virtual machines (VMs) at an application level without requiring modification to established storage protocols. In exemplary embodiments, a software application is associated with a DIF services policy indicating one or more DIF services to apply to the software application. Data transmitted by the software application to a destination is tagged based on the DIF services policy associated with the software application and transmitted to the destination. |
| US09992288B2 |
Method and device for an adaptive handling of data traffic
A method in a communications network for adaptive handling of network data traffic between a user equipment and a network resource, said data traffic being enabled by a lookup procedure for obtaining a network address of the network resource. The user equipment sends to a server a request for accessing said data traffic. The server obtains access information related to a connection of the user equipment to the communications network and sends a further request to a lookup adaptation server. The source address of the further request is based on the access information. Based on the source address of the further request, the lookup adaptation server returns to the user equipment a network address of the network resource capable of handling the data traffic. |
| US09992287B2 |
Token-activated, federated access to social network information
In one embodiment, a method includes one or more computing devices of a proxy server, in response to receiving a message from a token reader, generating a federated session token in relation to the message and sending a request for federated access to social-networking information of a first user of a social-networking system, where the request contains the federated session token. The method also includes one or more computing devices of the social-networking system, in response to receiving the request for federated access, validating the request based at least in part on one or more configuration settings associated with the first user and establishing a federated access session with the proxy server. The method also includes one or more computing devices of the proxy server, retrieving, by the federated access session, the social-networking information of the first user from the social-networking system. |
| US09992282B1 |
Enabling heterogeneous storage management using storage from cloud computing platform
In one aspect, a method includes reading a configuration file to obtain settings of device drivers for a cloud computing storage array, enumerating a backend driver as the cloud computing storage array in a data storage system, instantiating a default port for the cloud computing storage array and accessing the cloud computing storage array using the data storage system. |
| US09992281B2 |
Accountable content stores for information centric networks
A set of Content Store nodes of an information-centric network (ICN) can cache data, and can processes an Interest for this data based on a domain assigned to the requested data. During operation, a CS node can receive a Content Object that is to be cached, and processes the Content Object by determining a domain associated with the Content Object. The CS node selects a storage repository associated with the domain, and stores the Content Object in the selected repository. The CS node can also receive an Interest for a piece of content, and processes the Interest by performing a lookup operation for a rule associated with the Interest's name. The rule can include a set of commands for performing a programmatic operation. Then, if the CS node finds a matching rule, the CS node can execute the rule's commands to perform the programmatic operation. |
| US09992278B2 |
Automatic account selection
A content item uploaded to a content management system from a client device can be assigned to one of multiple user accounts on which the client device is authorized. The user account can be selected based on account selection rules dictating selection of a user account based on various factors. For example, the account selection rules can dictate selection of a user account based on the type of user account; the type of content item; the client device that created the content item; the time the content item was created, modified, or uploaded; the location the content item was created, modified, or uploaded; etc. The account selection rules can be specified by a user or be heuristics based on general assumptions, data gathered regarding the user, and/or historical data gathered from content items already assigned to the user accounts. The content item can be assigned to the selected user account. |
| US09992276B2 |
Self-expanding software defined computing cluster
Methods, computing systems and computer program products implement embodiments of the present invention that include initializing multiple computing nodes to execute one or more software applications that provide a computing service, each of the computing nodes having a respective set of configuration data. Examples of the services include storage services, computational services and web service. Subsequent to deploying the multiple computing nodes as a software defined computing (SDC) cluster, an additional computing node is initialized using a given set of configuration data, and the additional computing node is added to the SDC cluster. In some embodiments, the additional node can be initialized and added to the SDC cluster in response to detecting a condition in the SDC cluster. In alternative embodiments, the additional node can be initialized and added to the SDC cluster in response to receiving a request to add an additional service to the SDC cluster. |
| US09992271B2 |
ENF selection for NFVI
A method and system implemented by a computing device to establish a session between a residential gateway and a virtual edge network function (vENF) in a network function virtualization infrastructure (NFVI) over an access network where a plurality of residential gateways are connected to the access network through a plurality of access nodes that tunnel edge network function requests to the NFVI via a NFVI gateway the broadcasts initial service requests to a plurality of VENF in the NFVI. The method defines a process for a vENF to self-select to service an initial service session request from the residential gateway. |
| US09992267B2 |
Method and device for sharing a playlist at a dedicated media player device
A playlist is received at a television from a remote playlist source coupled to the television over a network. The playlist includes at least one video item identifier that identifies at least one video item. The playlist is communicated from the television to a cellular phone coupled to the television over the network. The at least one video item identifier is received at the television from the cellular phone. The at least one video item is rendered by the television. The television, the cellular phone, and the remote playlist source are all separate devices. The at least one video item identifier identifies at least one video item having been played during a time duration selected from the group consisting of today, a past week, a past month, and a past year. |
| US09992265B2 |
Method for updating an application program on a wireless terminal in a controlled manner
A method for updating an application program on a wireless terminal in a controlled manner is disclosed. When, a server receives an inquiry from a wireless terminal for updating an application program, the server determines whether there is an updated program available for updating the application program based on information included in the inquiry from the wireless terminal. The server also determines whether updating the application program of the wireless terminal which sent the inquiry is permitted or not at the time of receiving the inquiry based on the information included in the inquiry and criteria information stored in the server. When the server determines that updating the application for the wireless terminal is available and is permitted, the server sends information necessary for updating the application program to the wireless terminal. Then, the wireless terminal updates the application program. |
| US09992260B1 |
Configuration change processing for content request handling in content delivery node
Disclosed herein are methods, systems, and software for enhancing content configuration change processing for cached content in content delivery nodes. In one example, a method of changing a content configuration for a content delivery node includes receiving a configuration change request by an end user. The method further provides, processing the configuration change request and a present configuration to generate a changed configuration comprising an assembly level code representation of the changed configuration, and transferring the changed configuration for delivery to the content delivery node. |
| US09992259B2 |
Systems and methods to circumvent advertisement blocking on the internet
A publisher web server may receive from an end user device a web page request. A plug-in installed at the publisher web server may transmit information about the request to an advertisement blocking circumvention platform. The platform may respond with information including an invalid URL resource address, and the publisher web server may transmit a data package, including the information about the invalid URL, to the end user device. The publisher web server may then receive from the end user device a resource request including the invalid URL, and information about the invalid URL may be forwarded to the platform. Responsive to receiving the information about the invalid URL, the platform may transmit a message (including advertising content) and the publisher web server may transmit to the end user device a response to the resource request such that the advertising content will be delivered via the end user device. |
| US09992258B2 |
Techniques for managing a remote web client from an application on a mobile device
Techniques for managing a remote web client from an application on a mobile device are described. In one embodiment, an apparatus may comprise a messaging application operative on the processor circuit to receive a request from a remote web browser, the request for the remote web browser to receive messaging updates from the messaging application; establish an encrypted connection between the messaging application and the remote web browser; receive a messaging update at the messaging application; and transmit the messaging update from the messaging application to the remote web browser. Other embodiments are described and claimed. |
| US09992251B2 |
Segment routing support in MPEG dash
According to one aspect, a method includes identifying a request for a piece of content, and obtaining a Moving Picture Expert Group (MPEG) Dynamic Adaptive Streaming over HTTP (DASH) manifest after identifying the request for the piece of content. The method also includes identifying at least one location at which the piece of content is located using the DASH manifest, wherein the at least one location at which the piece of content is located is a location from which the piece of content is arranged to be fetched. |
| US09992250B2 |
Carriage of ISO-BMFF event boxes in an MPEG-2 transport stream
A method of media streaming implemented by a network device, the method comprising encapsulating a message box into one or more packets in a segment, and sending the segment directly or indirectly to a streaming client. |
| US09992246B2 |
Methods, apparatus, and systems for instantly sharing video content on social media
Methods, apparatus, and systems for instantly posting images or video clips to social media websites during recording of video content are provided. A video capture device is provided for recording video content. A social media integration application is associated with the video capture device. The selection of a still image or video clip during recording of video content is enabled via a one-touch process. The selected still image or video clip is then processed by the social media integration application such that the still image or video clip is at least one of directly forwarded to and posted on one or more pre-selected social media websites via a network or forwarded to and posted on the one or more pre-selected social media websites via a web browser interface. |
| US09992242B2 |
Systems and methods for implementing instant social image cobrowsing through the cloud
In accordance with disclosed embodiments, there are provided methods, systems, and apparatuses for implementing instant social image cobrowsing through the cloud, including, for example, means for loading an application at the client device, the application displaying a graphical interface at the client device; receiving input at the graphical interface of the client device to initiate an instant share session; generating an action at the client device to request an instant share session; communicating the action from the client device to a remote host organization via a public Internet; receiving, at the client device, a pointer to a dynamically created co-browse site at the host organization responsive to communicating the action from the client device to the remote host organization; following the pointer to the dynamically created co-browse site at the host organization communicably linking the client device with the host organization; and exchanging a video telephony stream between the client device and a remote party through the dynamically created co-browse site. Other related embodiments are disclosed. |
| US09992241B1 |
Unified communications for online collaboration
Technology is disclosed for a unified communications service (UCS) that converts an audio call to an online collaboration session where users collaborate using one or more collaboration services while continuing to converse on the audio call without interruption (the “technology”). The technology enables two or more users, who are engaged in a voice conversation, to start a collaboration service. Collaboration service includes such services as, e.g., file sharing, screen sharing, video conferencing, and whiteboarding. These collaboration services are started without disconnecting the ongoing audio call, and/or leaving any user interface used for that call. |
| US09992239B2 |
Method and apparatus for an I-CSCF to assign to a user equipment a S-CSCF server in an IMS system
A method for assigning to a terminal device (UE) a service server (SS) carried out by an IS, by any of the SSs, and by the UDB in a cooperative/corresponding manner. A “first reallocation (IS/SS/UDB) procedure” and a “second reallocation (IS/SS/UDB) procedure” are correspondingly performed within the IS, the SS and the UDB. The first reallocation procedure allows, via IS/SS/UDB processing and interactions, storing by the UDB, in relationship with at least one of the user identifiers of a UE, a mark indicating that the UE has been assigned to a replacement SS to substitute another SS that has failed. The second reallocation procedure allows, also via IS/SS/UDB processing and interactions, utilization of the mark to trigger a new SS reallocation of the UE to a SS when the UE sends a subsequent registration message. |
| US09992235B2 |
Information processing system and user authentication method
An information processing system includes at least one information processing terminal and a first information processing apparatus. When an instruction for selecting a user authentication mode, which is received, from a user, by a user interface of the information processing terminal, selects a second user authentication mode, circuitry of the first information processing apparatus determines whether a sum of charges for services used by the user while logging in the information processing terminal via the second user authentication mode after a most recent login via a first user authentication mode exceeds a predetermined amount, and generates an authentication result indicating that the user is not the authenticated user. |
| US09992229B2 |
Programming a data network device using user defined scripts with licenses
Exemplary embodiments for programming a network device using user-defined scripts are disclosed. The systems and methods provide for a servicing node to receive a request for a network session between a client device and a server, receive a user defined class and a user defined object configuration from a node controller, and use the information to instruct an object virtual machine to generate at least one user defined object. The servicing node can then apply the at least one user defined object to a data packet of the network session, where the user defined object allows a user to configure the network device with user-defined instruction scripts. |
| US09992225B2 |
System and a method for identifying malware network activity using a decoy environment
A system for gathering information about malware and a method of use therefor, the system comprising a working environment including physical working environment servers, physical working environment endpoints, a working environment network, a switch, and a router directing traffic between said working environment network and an external network, a decoy environment including at least one physical machine, a decoy environment server, a decoy environment endpoint, a decoy environment network and a decoy environment router, a file directing mechanism directing at least some files to the decoy environment, and a threat tracking mechanism tracking and observing actions triggered by the files in the decoy environment. |
| US09992223B2 |
Flow-based anti-replay checking
This disclosure describes an approach to detect replay attacks while having multiple cores in a multi-core processor manage an established tunneling session. The tunneling session includes a number of flows. One of the cores is assigned to manage one of the flows, and another core is assigned to manage another of the flows. A replay attack over the tunneling session is inhibited by maintaining a flow-based sequence context at each of the flows, and the flow-based sequence context is maintained by the core that is managing the respective flow. |
| US09992222B2 |
Systems and methods for inhibiting attacks with a network
Systems and methods for inhibiting attacks with a network are provided. In some embodiments, methods for inhibiting attacks by forwarding packets through a plurality of intermediate nodes when being transmitted from a source node to a destination node are provided, the methods comprising: receiving a packet at one of the plurality of intermediate nodes; determining at the selected intermediate node whether the packet has been sent to the correct one of the plurality of intermediate nodes based on a pseudo random function; and forwarding the packet to the destination node, based on the determining. In some embodiments an intermediate node is selected based on a pseudo random function. In some embodiments, systems and methods for establishing access to a multi-path network are provided. |
| US09992219B1 |
Framework and methodology for supply chain lifecycle analytics
The various technologies presented herein relate to pertaining to identifying and mitigating risks and attacks on a supply chain. A computer-implemented representation of a supply chain is generated comprising nodes (locations) and edges (objects, information). Risk to attack and different attack vectors can be defined for the various nodes and edges, and further, based upon the risks and attacks, (difficulty, consequence) pairs can be determined. One or more mitigations can be generated to increase a difficulty of attack and/or reduce consequence of an attack. The one or more mitigations can be constrained, e.g., by cost, time, etc., to facilitate determination of how feasible a respective mitigation is to implement with regard to finances available, duration to implement, etc. A context-free grammar can be utilized to identify one or more attacks in the supply chain. Further, the risks can undergo a ranking to enable mitigation priority to be determined. |
| US09992217B2 |
Methods, systems, and computer readable media for detecting malicious network traffic
Methods, systems, and computer readable media for detecting malicious network traffic are disclosed. According to one method, the method includes caching network traffic transmitted between a client and a server, wherein the network traffic includes a uniform resource locator (URL) for accessing at least one file from the server. The method also includes determining whether the at least one file is suspicious. The method further includes in response to determining that the at least one file is suspicious, determining whether the at least one file is malicious by replaying the network traffic using an emulated client and an emulated server. |
| US09992216B2 |
Identifying malicious executables by analyzing proxy logs
Identifying malicious executables by analyzing proxy logs includes, at a server having connectivity to the Internet, retrieving sets of proxy logs from a plurality of proxy servers. Each proxy server of the plurality of proxy servers is associated with a network and generates network traffic logs for one or more nodes included in the network. Then, a set of executables hosted by each of the one or more nodes associated with each of the plurality of proxy servers is determined. Each set of executables is analyzed to detect a specific executable and portions of each of the network traffic logs that are associated with the specific executable are identified. An alert is generated indicating the portions of each of the network traffic logs as likely to be associated with the specific executable. |
| US09992207B2 |
Scalable authentication process selection based upon sensor inputs
Disclosed is a mobile device that selects an authentication process based upon sensor inputs and mobile device capabilities. The mobile device may include: a plurality of sensors; and a processor. The processor may be configured to: determine multiple authentication processes based upon sensor inputs and mobile device capabilities for authentication with at least one of an application or a service provider; select an authentication process from the multiple authentication processes that satisfies a security requirement; and execute the authentication process. |
| US09992205B2 |
Systems and methods for performing operations on a computing device
Methods and systems for performing one or more operations on a first computing device are disclosed. A method includes receiving, from a second computing device via a short-range wireless communication, a service session setup request and an identifier of one of the second computing device and an associated user of the second computing device. The method further includes determining whether to authorize the service session setup request based on the identifier. Then in response to determining to authorize the service session setup request, a service session may be established between the first and the second computing devices. The method also includes receiving one or more service instructions that are allowable based on the identifier. The method furthermore includes performing, at the first computing device, the one or more operations based on the service instructions. |
| US09992202B2 |
Access control through dynamic grouping
Certain aspects and features of the present disclosure relate to providing access control using groups that can be dynamically controlled by group owners, such access control hereinafter referred to as group access control. Group access control can be used to control the transmission of packets on a network layer, or for other access control. A network administrator can provide users with permissions, such as using user roles. Users can then establish groups to share permissions with other users. A group is established by a group owner, who can modify the member list of that group and modify what permissions will be passed on to group members all without the involvement of a network administrator. Members of a group can include users, devices, and network resources. Additionally, data path entities (e.g. routers and access points) can facilitate delivery of packets between group members across multiple logical networks. |
| US09992198B2 |
Network-based frictionless two-factor authentication service
Techniques described herein may be used to enable users to access services protected by two-factor security systems without having to provide additional authentication information (e.g., a portion of the user's social security number, biometric information, etc.). An application server may provide one or more services, such as a social networking service, an online banking service, etc. When a user device attempts to access the service, the user may provide a username and password, to the application server, as the first factor of a two-factor authentication process required to access the service. However, instead of requiring the user to provide additional authentication information (e.g., the second factor), a network authentication server, the application server, and the user device may collaborate to automatically provide the additional authentication information. |
| US09992190B2 |
Multi-party secure authentication system, authentication server, intermediate server, multi-party secure authentication method, and program
Even when an intermediate server exists, a plurality of servers simultaneously authenticates a user securely. A user apparatus disperses a password. The user apparatus obtains a ciphertext, which is obtained by encrypting a dispersed value. The intermediate server transmits the ciphertext to an authentication server. The authentication server decrypts the ciphertext to obtain the dispersed value. The authentication server determines a verification value. The authentication server obtains a ciphertext. The intermediate server decrypts the ciphertext to obtain the verification value. The intermediate server verifies whether a sum total of the verification values is equal to 0 or not. The authentication server determines a verification value. The authentication server obtains a ciphertext. The authentication server decrypts the ciphertext to obtain the verification value. The authentication server verifies whether a sum total of the verification values is equal to 0 or not. |
| US09992187B2 |
Single sign-on authentication via browser for client application
In one embodiment, a method includes initiating at a client application at a client device, a single sign-on authentication with a security device, receiving at the client application, a session identifier and location of a web portal for the single sign-on authentication from the security device, and passing the session identifier and location of the web portal from the client application to a browser installed at the client device, for use by the browser in performing the single sign-on authentication at the client device. An apparatus and logic are also disclosed herein. |
| US09992184B2 |
Method of using server, server reservation control apparatus and program storage medium
In a content supply system, in order to use a streaming server to perform a live distribution, a user PC used makes a reservation for a time zone, etc. to a server reservation control center. When the user PC sends desired reservation information to the server reservation control center via the Internet, if the reservation is accepted, a reservation ID only used for authentication of the reservation is created and sent from the server reservation control center to the user PC via the Internet. When a distribution request is sent from the user PC to the streaming server, authentication processing using this reservation ID is performed. |
| US09992178B2 |
Method, apparatus and system for dynamically controlling secure vehicle communication based on ignition
A method of controlling secure vehicle communication in a vehicle gateway includes: detecting whether a vehicle is started; generating a new public key for each network connected to the vehicle gateway for message encryption upon detecting that the vehicle is started; transmitting a first message including the new public key; allocating a new identification (ID) to each controller connected to the vehicle gateway with reference to a stored routing table for message routing between controllers upon detecting that the vehicle is started; and transmitting a second message including the new ID. |
| US09992174B2 |
Detecting disclosed content sources using dynamic steganography
Systems for forensic steganography. A server is interfaced with storage facilities that store an object accessible by two or more users, each of which users are associated with respective profiles comprising one or more user-specific attributes. A method detects a user request to view the object. User-specific attributes are encoded into a steganographic message, which is formatted for saving into one or more locations in the object, thus generating a protected object. The protected object is delivered to the requesting user. Encoding, application and formatting techniques are configured to make the steganographic message undetectable by human viewing of the protected object. A web crawler or other policing technique can detect misappropriation in the form of unauthorized dissemination by detecting the presence of the encoded steganographic message embedded in the protected object. Decoding the steganographic message reveals the user-specific attributes so as to identify the user who disseminated the protected object. |
| US09992172B2 |
Secure key management in a data storage system
A system for remotely storing data includes a communication component that is configured to receive a data file to be stored on a remote data storage system. An encryption system is configured to obtain at least one key and encrypt the data file with the at least one key. A processor is configured to generate a request to a master key storage system through the communication component to operatively encrypt the at least one key using a master key stored in the master key storage system. The communication component is configured to transmit the encrypted data file to at least one remote storage location. The processor is configured to receive the encrypted key(s) from the master key storage system and store the encrypted key(s) in a data store. |
| US09992171B2 |
Method and system for digital rights management of encrypted digital content
Various aspects of a method and system for digital rights management of encrypted digital content are disclosed herein. The method includes determination of a seed value from a pre-stored vault file that corresponds to a registered user. The determination of the seed value is based on biometric information provided by the registered user. The method further includes generation of a set of intermediate values based on the determined seed value. The generation of the set of intermediate values is based on a pre-determined rule. The method further includes determination of a content key based on the generated set of intermediate values. |
| US09992165B2 |
Detection of undesired computer files using digital certificates
Methods and systems for detecting undesirable computer files based on scanning and analysis of information contained within an associated digital certificate chain are provided. According to one embodiment, a file having associated therewith a certificate chain is received. A type and structure of the file are identified. A location of the certificate chain is determined based on the identified type and structure. A signature of the file is formed by extracting a targeted subset of information from the certificate chain. The file is evaluated by comparing the signature with a set signatures having a known desirable or undesirable status. The file is classified based on a result of the evaluating into a category of multiple categories, including one indicative of an associated file being an undesired file or a file suspected of being undesired. The file is handled in accordance with a policy associated with the category. |
| US09992159B2 |
Communication information detecting device and communication information detecting method
A communication information detecting device includes: a receiving unit that receives an address resolution request message transmitted from a start-point communication device through L2 broadcast and having an IP address of a target communication device set therein as a target address for L2 address resolution; a generating unit that generates an address resolution request message having the IPv6 address of the target communication device, which is set in the received address resolution request message, set therein as a target address for L2 address resolution; a follow-up processing unit that transmits this address resolution request message through L2 broadcast; a receiving unit that receives an address resolution reply message returned from the target communication device in response to the address resolution request message; and a detecting unit that extracts an L2 address and an IP address concerning the target communication device from the address resolution reply message. |
| US09992158B2 |
Locale profile for a fabric network
Methods and systems for conveying locale information for an electronic device includes receiving, from a remote device and via a network interface of at least one network interfaces, a request for active or available locales for the electronic device. Conveying the locale information also includes sending, to the remote device and via the network interface, a message in a locale profile format including a list of available locales. The message includes a version field that indicates a version of schema used to transmit the list of available locales, an active local field that indicates a locale currently being used by the electronic device, and an available locales field that indicates which locales are available for use by the electronic device. |
| US09992157B2 |
DNS application server
A method for providing access to an Internet resource includes receiving a DNS query including a hostname to be resolved, receiving status data, invoking a code by a name indicated by the hostname, conveying the status data to the code, receiving from the code a selection of an infrastructure, and generating a DNS response directing a resolution to the infrastructure. |
| US09992156B2 |
DNS security system and failure processing method
The present invention provides a DNS security system and failure processing method. The DNS security system comprises: at least one client, configured to initiate a DNS request; a root node, configured to provide authorization information to the DNS request; an authorization information database, configured to store all DNS requests and corresponding authorization information in a designated area; a virtual root node, configured to invoke corresponding authorization information from the authorization information database when a DNS resolution failure occurs on the root node, and to provide a resolution service to a corresponding client. Using the present invention enhances the security and stability of DNS resolution. |
| US09992155B2 |
DNS alias synchronization in replication topology
A redundant array of independent nodes are networked together. Each node executes an instance of an application that provides object-based storage. The nodes are grouped into a plurality of systems each having multiple nodes. The systems have one or more replication links each being formed to indicate replication of data from one system to another system in a replicated environment where each system is configured as a sub-domain in a Domain Name System (DNS) infrastructure. A DNS alias synchronization method comprises maintaining updated information, within each system, of all replication links involving that system and of DNS aliases of other systems associated with all replication links involving that system (S602-S607). This enables that system to process network-based requests, on behalf of the other systems, without redirecting the requests from the other systems to that system. |
| US09992152B2 |
Hub based clearing house for interoperability of distinct unified communications systems
A hub-based clearing house for interoperability of distinct unified communication systems is disclosed. According to one embodiment, a system comprises a database that stores configuration information for the system; an administrator module that maintains the configuration information; a federation server that is connected to a first unified communications system and a second unified communications system. The federation server comprises a first translator that translates a first formatted message received from the first unified communications system into a common language formatted message, a second translator that translates the common language formatted message into a second formatted message, and a routing engine that routes the second formatted message to the second unified communications system. |
| US09992151B2 |
Anonymous solicitation of a response to a user-associated question
In one embodiment, a message may be received from an initiating user over a computer network including an indication of a target user selected by the initiating user and of a plurality of other users selected by the initiating user. A message is then sent to the target user over the computer network prompting the target user to indicate a level of the target user's romantic interest toward each of the initiating user and the plurality of other users. Next, an indication of the target user's romantic interest toward each of the initiating user and the plurality of other users is received over the computer network. Then, a message is sent to the initiating user over the computer network notifying the initiating user of the target user's romantic interest toward the initiating user. Other user-associated questions/responses may also be used, thus anonymously soliciting the responses in a similar manner. |
| US09992147B2 |
During an email migration, converting distribution list messages into single-instanced content within a collaboration platform group
During an email migration, a migration engine can identify which emails in the source system are associated with distribution lists. The migration engine can convert any emails that are associated with a distribution list into group content of an appropriate group in the target system. In contrast, for any email that is not associated with a distribution list, the migration engine can migrate the email into a corresponding mailbox in the target system. |
| US09992142B2 |
Messages from absent participants in online conferencing
In one embodiment, a method includes displaying, by a participant processor on a display device and during an online conference, a list of invited participants of the online conference. The list includes a declining one of the invited participants whom declined to participate in at least a part of the online conference. The method also includes indicating, by the participant processor on the display device and for the one of the invited participants whom declined to participate, a message having a reason for declining. |
| US09992139B1 |
Virtualized computing resource scheduler
A technology to schedule a virtualized computing resource is described. A scheduling request electronic message is received. The scheduling request electronic message has a resource identifier, an action and a trigger condition. The scheduling request is authenticated by verifying a sender of the scheduling request is on an approved list defined for the virtualized computing resource, using an electronic challenge sent to a requestor of the scheduling request electronic message. An action is performed on the virtualized computing resource referenced by the resource identifier when the trigger condition is met. |
| US09992138B1 |
Method and apparatus for processing scheduling requests in a shared calendar system
According to a computer-implemented method, a scheduling request is received to schedule a user in a shared calendar system as a participant in a meeting to occur on a specified date. Based on a predefined meeting policy, a determination is made of a maximum permissible quantity of meetings for the user to participate in during a predefined time period that includes the specified date. A quantity of meetings in the shared calendar system that are already scheduled for the user to occur within the predefined time period is compared to the maximum permissible quantity of meetings for the user. Based on the comparing indicating that the quantity of meetings already scheduled is greater than or equal to the maximum permissible quantity of meetings, a notification is transmitted to the user to indicate that that approval of the scheduling request would violate the predefined meeting policy. |
| US09992136B2 |
Network system and management server
A communication device includes a plurality of packet processing modules in which a packet processing function is changeable with a program, and a management server holds program information of a plurality of different packet processing module circuits settable to the packet processing modules, selects the packet processing module circuit to be set to the packet processing module, of the plurality of different packet processing module circuits, and transmits the program information of the selected packet processing module circuit and information for identifying the packet processing module that is an object to be set, to the communication device that is an object to be set. |
| US09992135B2 |
Apparatus and method for fusion of compute and switching functions of exascale system into a single component by using configurable network-on-chip fabric with distributed dual mode input-output ports and programmable network interfaces
Described is an apparatus which comprises: a Network-On-Chip fabric using crossbar switches, having distributed ingress and egress ports; and a dual-mode network interface coupled to at least one crossbar switch, the dual-mode network interface is to include: a dual-mode circuitry; a controller operable to: configure the dual-mode circuitry to transmit and receive differential signals via the egress and ingress ports, respectively, and configure the dual-mode circuitry to transmit and receive signal-ended signals via the egress and ingress ports, respectively. |
| US09992133B2 |
Switching device for routing packets through a network
A switching device in a network system for transferring data includes one or more source line cards, one or more destination line cards and a switching fabric coupled to the source line cards and the destination line cards to enable data communication between any source line card and destination line card. Each source line card includes a request generator to generate a request signal to be transmitted in order to obtain an authorization to transmit data. Each destination line card includes a grant generator to generate and send back a grant signal to the source line card in response to the request signal received at the destination line card to authorize the source line card to transmit a data cell to the destination line card. |
| US09992128B2 |
Error correction optimization
A method for data communication between a first node and a second node over a data path coupling the first node and the second node includes transmitting a segment of data from the first node to the second node over the data path as a number of messages, the number of messages being transmitted according to a transmission order. A degree of redundancy associated with each message of the number of messages is determined based on a position of said message in the transmission order. |
| US09992127B2 |
Dynamically resizing aggregation windows based on network congestion feedback from mixed types of traffic in a wireless network
Aggregation windows are dynamically resized based on network congestion feedback from VOIP and other mixed types of traffic. Feedback indicative of a level of network congestion on the data communication network where aggregate packets are transmitted is received. The network congestion level is checked to see if a predetermined threshold has been exceeded. Responsive to exceeding the threshold, the network congestion level is correlated to an optimal data field size for the aggregated data packets. Further, a MAC layer is configured for the optimal data field size for frame generation. Subsequent aggregated data packets are then transmitted using the optimal data field size. |
| US09992126B1 |
Packet coding based network communication
A method for data communication between a first node and a second node over a data path coupling the first node and the second node includes maintaining a transmission limit according to an increase function, wherein the increase function has a first portion and a second portion, the first portion being controllable separately from the second portion using a first parameter and the second portion being controllable separately from the first portion using a second parameter. |
| US09992121B1 |
Dynamic advertisement routing
Dynamic advertisement routing is disclosed. For example, a plurality of internet protocol (“IP”) addresses associated with respective plurality of target nodes is stored in a routing pool. Each IP address in the routing pool is pinged through each of first and second load balancer network interfaces. Network routes associated with target nodes are updated based on a first plurality of ping responses. Communications sessions are established with target nodes through respective network routes. IP addresses are pinged and respective latencies in a latency cache are updated based on a second plurality of ping responses. A first request directed to the plurality of target nodes is received and is determined to be sent to a first target node based on the latency cache forwarded to the first target node via the first network route. |
| US09992104B2 |
Communication method, communication system, resource pool management system, switch device and control device
The present disclosure provides a communication method, a communication system, a resource pool management system, a switch device and a control device in a Software-Defined Network (SDN). The communication method may include steps of: obtaining network attributes of one or more virtual machines which are configured by a resource pool management system based on operations on a network resource pool by a user; converting tenant networking topology information derived from the network attributes into flow tables, in the case that a first virtual machine and a second virtual machine attempt to communicate with each other for the first time; and distributing the flow tables to one or more switch devices corresponding to the one or more virtual machines, so as to directly discard packets to be transmitted during the communication for the first time and subsequent communication between the first virtual machine and the second virtual machine, in response to determining by one of the switch devices that the communication between the first virtual machine and the second virtual machine is disabled based on a corresponding flow table. In the communication method, it is not necessary for the controller to broadcast the ARP messages to the whole SDN, and it is reduced the number of the packet_in packets to be transmitted to the SDN controller, so that the network resources of the SDN may be fully utilized, and the availability of the network resources and the controller resources are improved. |
| US09992098B2 |
Content centric M2M system
A method for routing data at a first node of a network including a second node. The method includes: providing the first node with a database storing an association between: an URL component identifying content at the first node, and a unique identifier associated to the second node, the unique identifier being specified by the second node; registering content locally stored in the second node by storing in the database an association between an URL component identifying the locally stored content and the unique identifier of the second node; and, upon reception from a requesting entity, by the first node, of a content request having a content identifier, the method includes: checking in the database whether the content identifier includes the URL component, and forwarding the content request to the second node if the content identifier includes the URL component associated with the unique identifier of the second node. |
| US09992097B2 |
System and method for piggybacking routing information in interests in a content centric network
One embodiment provides a system that facilitates routing updates outside of a routing protocol. During operation, the system receives, by an intermediate node, a first interest that indicates an originator name which is a routable name prefix for a sender of the first interest and is used by a content producing device in a subsequent interest. In response to not obtaining a matching entry in a forwarding information base (FIB) based on the originator name, the system adds a first entry to the FIB, wherein the first entry includes the originator name as a name for the first entry and further includes an arrival interface of the first interest as an outgoing interface for the first entry. In response to receiving the subsequent interest which has a name that includes the originator name, the system forwards the subsequent interest to the outgoing interface for the first entry. |
| US09992096B2 |
Method and apparatus for fast protection switching in multicast
The present invention provides a method for fast protection switching in multicast, where the method includes: determining a primary path and a secondary path to a source node, where the secondary path and the primary path have minimum tail coincidence; receiving, by using both the primary path and the secondary path, multicast traffic replicated by an upstream neighboring node, and replicating multicast traffic received by the primary path to a downstream neighboring node; and if the primary path is faulty, replicating multicast traffic received by the secondary path to the downstream neighboring node. In the present invention, primary and secondary paths can have minimum tail coincidence, which overcomes a problem that fault protection switching in a multicast network requires that primary and secondary paths existing from a routing node to a multicast source are completely separate in physical topology. |
| US09992094B1 |
Adaptive forwarding tables
Disclosed are techniques for implementing a device with memory comprising a data table, the data table configured to store a plurality of elements in buckets, wherein each of the plurality of buckets contains a plurality of elements. The memory can further comprise an indirection table, the indirection table comprising a plurality of bucket reference storage locations and a plurality of hash reference storage locations. The device can include processing logic configured to generate a plurality of hash values using information to be inserted into the data table and locate a hash reference stored in one of the plurality of hash reference storage locations corresponding to one of the plurality of hash values. The processing logic can further locate a bucket of the plurality of buckets corresponding to the one of the plurality of hash values. |
| US09992093B2 |
Method and system for detecting slow page load
A method and system for detecting slow page load is provided. An example system comprises a page request detector, a session state information detector, a throughput calculator, a response builder, and a communications module. The page request detector may be configured to receive a request for a web page. The session state information detector may be configured to determine that the request does not include session state information. The throughput calculator may be configured to calculate a throughput value associated with the network connection between the client system and the server. The response builder may be configured to build an updated data packet by including, in the data packet, the throughput value and an instruction to store the throughput value on the client as session state information. The communications module may be configured to communicate the updated data packet to the client system. |
| US09992091B2 |
Performing network topology traces with minimal data collection
In one embodiment, a device in a network receives privatized network trace data that comprises round trip time information for hops along a communication path. The device groups the trace data into a plurality of network segments based on the round trip time information. The device calculates a segment trip time metric for one or more of the network segments based on the round trip time information associated with the one or more network segments. |
| US09992089B2 |
Parameter obtaining method and apparatus
The present invention discloses a parameter obtaining method and apparatus. In this method, multiple signals are received over a communications link on a network, where each of the received signals is corresponding to a point on a complex plane; decision is performed on each of the received signals; for each of the received signals, an error signal between the received signal and a corresponding decision signal is determined; and a complex-plane distribution feature parameter used to indicate a distribution feature, on the complex plane, of the signals received over the communications link is determined according to all the determined error signals. In this method, an inaccurate maintenance result in manual analysis of a constellation diagram is avoided. |
| US09992085B1 |
Serving related content via a content sharing service
A system and method for serving related content via a content sharing service are provided. The system includes a monitoring module to monitor content and shared content being served; an interaction detection module to detect an interaction with the shared content via the content sharing service; a related content analyzer to analyze the monitored shared content, the detected interaction, and based on the analysis, to determine whether additional related content items are added to a related content list; and a related content list generator to generate an updated related content list with the additional related content items and the related content list. |
| US09992082B2 |
Classifier based graph rendering for visualization of a telecommunications network topology
Systems, methods, and computer program embodiments are disclosed for providing graphical visualization of a telecommunications network topology. In an embodiment, raw graph data may be received that that represents one or more communications paths in the telecommunications network. The raw graph data may contain a plurality of network nodes and connections between the nodes, and each node may be associated with an entity type. A graph classification may then be determined based on the received raw graph data, and the classification may be associated with a plurality of graph rendering rules. The raw graph data may be converted to rendered graph data by determining graphical positions for each of the plurality of network nodes according to the plurality of rendering rules. In an embodiment, the rendered graph data may include the plurality of network nodes, the determined position and associated entity type of each node, and connections between nodes. |
| US09992081B2 |
Scalable generation of inter-autonomous system traffic relations
In one embodiment, a method includes: obtaining network flow information from devices in a network, where the network flow information from a respective device of the plurality of devices corresponds to one or more data flows that traverse the respective device; and producing network flow sub-files according to specified network flow characteristics that characterize a first key space using the network flow information, where the specified network flow characteristics satisfy one or more performance criteria. The method also includes: generating inter-autonomous system (inter-AS) traffic sub-files by converting the network flow sub-files to a second key space, where each of the inter-AS traffic sub-files includes one or more inter-AS flows that characterize data traffic between at least two external AS's that traverses the network; and generating an inter-AS traffic file based on the plurality of inter-AS-traffic sub-files in order to monitor traffic traversing network. |
| US09992080B2 |
Using discovered virtual-infrastructure attributes to automatically generate a service-catalog entry
A method and associated system of automatically generating an entry of a service catalog of a cloud-computing environment as a function of discovered attributes of a virtual machine provisioned in a non-cloud computing environment. A cloud-management platform of the cloud-computing environment analyzes and compares results of infrastructure-discovery and application-discovery tools that describe a business application or a virtual service provisioned on the virtual machine. The cloud-management platform, or a related service-catalog generating entity, uses these analyzed and compared results to automatically generate a service-catalog entry that represents or describes a cloud business application or service associated with the virtual machine, and enters the automatically generated entry into the service catalog. When a user of the cloud-computing environment requests the cloud business application or service, the cloud-management platform may then offer the business application or service as a function of the automatically generated entry. |
| US09992079B2 |
Provisioning dedicated network resources with API services
Embodiments are disclosed that provision a cloud-based service together with a dedicated network connection to provision a cloud-based service element. In response to the request both the cloud-based service element and a dedicated network connection are provisioned. Provisioning the cloud-based service element together with the dedicated network connection enables the cloud-based service element to utilize the dedicated network connection. |
| US09992074B2 |
Granular permission assignment
A system and method for storing role definitions for cloud provider systems, receiving a first request to assign a user to a first role specifying a first cloud computing resource of a respective resource type, identifying a role definition corresponding to the first role that includes an action set permitted, and creating the first role for the user on the first cloud computing resource by associating the identified role definition with the first cloud computing resource and the user. A second request to assign the user to a second role is received specifying a second cloud computing of the respective resource type, and the second role is created for the user on the second cloud computing resource, where the identified role definition corresponds to the first and second roles, and wherein creating the second role includes associating the identified role definition with the first cloud computing resource and the user. |
| US09992072B1 |
System, method, apparatus, and computer program product for enabling management of a plurality of computer components using a software framework
A system, method, apparatus, and computer program product for enabling management of a plurality of computing components, such as a converged infrastructure, through a software framework are disclosed. For example, a method in accordance with some example embodiments may include receiving an action target command that is comprised of target component identification information, action identification information and action parameters. The method may include invoking a registered hook and passing the action parameters to a function that is bound to the action and resolving the received target component identification information and the received action identification data. A command and command parameters may be transmitted to each of the identified computing components thereby causing the command to be performed on the computing components. |
| US09992070B2 |
Systems and methods for a reconfigurable order-constrained switch network
Systems and methods for a reconfigurable order-constrained switch network are provided. In certain implementations, a reconfigurable switch network comprises a plurality of subtrees, wherein a subtree comprises a plurality of ports coupled to a single port, wherein a signal that passes through the single port is directed to a port in the plurality of ports as directed by at least one circulator, wherein at least two subtrees in the plurality of subtrees have a different number of ports in the respective plurality of ports, wherein the plurality of subtrees are combined such that at least one of the plurality of ports from each subtree is shared. |
| US09992067B1 |
Communication network multiplexer grooming optimization
Aspects of optimized grooming of multiplexers of a communication network are presented. In an example method, information indicating a current multiplexer configuration is accessed, in which the current multiplexer configuration indicates a current assignment of each of a plurality of data channels to one of a plurality of inputs of a plurality of multiplexers of a communication network. An optimization value associated with each of a plurality of multiplexer configurations is determined based on the current assignment, wherein each of the plurality of multiplexer configurations includes a proposed assignment of each of the plurality of data channels to one of the plurality of inputs. A multiplexer configuration having a highest-ranked optimization value of the plurality of multiplexer configurations is identified from the plurality of multiplexer configurations. |
| US09992065B2 |
Selective wi-fi calling router updates
Routers that are provided by a wireless communication carrier to users may be selectively provisioned with different router updates. A server may receive a router update request for a router. The router may be offered by a wireless carrier network for providing Wi-Fi calling to user devices. The server may retrieve a router profile for the router from a router profile database of the wireless carrier network based on a router identifier included in the router update request. The server may determine whether a router update for the router is available from a router update store of the wireless carrier network based on one or more router parameters in the router profile. The server may distribute the router update to the router in response to a router update being available from the router update store of the wireless carrier network. |
| US09992059B2 |
Network operation management system, network operation management apparatus, and network operation management method
A network operation management system includes: an imaging unit configured to capture a video image in a predetermined sight of the area; a wireless management unit configured to obtain operational information of the wireless terminal, and to manage the obtained operational information in association with an obtained date; and a video image management unit configured to receive a video image and a captured date captured by the imaging unit, and to manage the video image in association with the captured date. The video image management unit obtains the operational information and the obtained date from the wireless management unit, manages the video image associated with a captured date which matches with the obtained date, in association with the operational information, and extracts the video image and the operational information associated with a predetermined date. |
| US09992057B2 |
Yield tolerance in a neurosynaptic system
Embodiments of the invention provide a neurosynaptic network circuit comprising multiple neurosynaptic devices including a plurality of neurosynaptic core circuits for processing one or more data packets. The neurosynaptic devices further include a routing system for routing the data packets between the core circuits. At least one of the neurosynaptic devices is faulty. The routing system is configured for selectively bypassing each faulty neurosynaptic device when processing and routing the data packets. |
| US09992056B2 |
Triggered in-band operations, administration, and maintenance in a network environment
Embodiments of the disclosure pertain to activating in-band OAM based on a triggering event. Aspects of the embodiments are directed to receiving a first notification indicating a problem in a network; triggering a data-collection feature on one or more nodes in the network for subsequent packets that traverse the one or more nodes; evaluating a subsequent packet that includes data augmented by the data collection feature; and determining the problem in the network based on the data augmented to the subsequent packet. |
| US09992055B2 |
Disseminating commands from a DMS server to fielded devices using an extendable command architecture
A method of remotely managing a fielded device with a device management system (DMS). Via a processor, a DMS directive can be received on the fielded device. The DMS directive can include at least one system command for a DMS agent instantiated on the fielded device and intelligence information not previously stored on the fielded device that is necessary for the DMS agent to interpret the system command. Via the processor the DMS agent can be executed to process the system command using the intelligence information provided in the DMS directive to implement the system command without requiring an update to computer-readable program code that defines the DMS agent. |
| US09992053B1 |
Multi-channel, multi-lane encryption circuitry and methods
Encryption/authentication circuitry includes an encryption portion having a first number of encryption lanes, each encryption lane including a plurality of encryption stages, and keyspace circuitry including a plurality of key lanes corresponding to a predetermined maximum number of channels. Each key lane has key storage stages corresponding to the encryption stages, and includes key memories for the predetermined maximum number of channels. Key channel selection circuitry for each stage selects a key from among the key memories at that stage. An authentication portion includes a second number of authentication lanes, hash key storage for the predetermined maximum number of channels, partial hash state storage for the predetermined number of channels, and hash channel selection circuitry. Based on the channel being processed, the hash selection circuitry selects, in each respective lane, respective hash key data from the hash key storage and respective partial hash state data from the partial hash state storage. |
| US09992048B2 |
Systems and methods for detecting unused communication spectrum
Systems and methods for cognitive radio spectrum sensing of a signal are disclosed herein. On exemplary method comprises applying a pre-defined cyclostationary feature to detect the presence of the signal; detecting the signal; detecting a spectrum associated with the signal; sampling randomly the detected signal from its cyclic frequency domain; and applying a compressive sensing algorithm to classify the signal based on the cyclostationary feature. The signal can be sparse in time, space, frequency, or code domains. Thereby, the systems and methods described in the present disclosure involve exploiting compressive sensing in a specific sparse domain (i.e., cyclic domain) and also utilize a cyclostationary feature based compressive spectrum sensing scheme to perform spectrum analysis. |
| US09992046B2 |
Method and apparatus of iterative channel tracking for MIMO-OFDM system
Methods and systems for channel estimation using iterative channel tracking algorithm, in a communication system combined multiple input multiple output (MIMO) technology with orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM), are disclose. The initial channel estimation of a data packet uses the first preamble inserted in front of the OFDM blocks. After demodulating subsequent one or more OFDM blocks, iterative channel tracking method is used for channel estimation until the next preamble is received. The iterative channel tracking is based on the received signals and the demodulated results of subsequent one or more OFDM blocks. |
| US09992042B2 |
Pipelined hybrid packet/circuit-switched network-on-chip
A packet-switched request from a first router of a network-on-chip is received. The packet-switched request is generated by source logic of the network-on-chip. Circuit-switched data associated with the packet switched request is also received. The circuit-switched data is stored by a storage element. The circuit-switched data is sent towards destination logic identified in the packet-switched request. |
| US09992040B2 |
Method for extending bridge domain of overlay SDN network
Provided are method for extending a bridge domain of a first overlay SDN network to a second overlay SDN network using a repeater, the method comprising registering a relay switch of repeater as a switch included in first overlay SDN network and second overlay SDN network; generating a tunnel which connects relay switch with switches included in first overlay SDN network; generating a tunnel which connects the relay switch with switches included in second overlay SDN network; receiving route information for being connected to a virtual machine (VM) belonging to first overlay SDN network, from a first SDN control unit of first overlay SDN network; converting route information; and transmitting converted route information to second SDN control unit. |
| US09992039B2 |
Activating mobile backup link based on wired customer edge-provider edge (CE-PE) link status
A method is provided in one embodiment and includes establishing a primary wired access link between a first routing device and a second routing device, and establishing a backup wireless access link between the first routing device and the second routing device. The method further includes determining a status of the primary wired access link indicative of whether the primary wired access link between the first routing device and the second routing device has failed. The method still further include activating the backup wireless access link between the first routing device and the second routing device when it is determined that the status of the primary wired access link is indicative that the primary wired access link has failed. |
| US09992038B2 |
Underwater multi-hop communications network
A multi-hop ad hoc communications network may allow optical communications between underwater nodes. Each node may be fitted with environmental sensors. Each node may collect data from the sensors and transmit the data to other nodes in the network according to a time division multiple access (TDMA) scheme. The data may propagate through a series of child and parent nodes to reach a master node. The master node may have a wired connection for power and data transfer. |
| US09992037B2 |
Method for automatically mapping smart plug and electronic device connected thereto in home gateway and device therefor
A method according to an embodiment of the present invention relates to a method for automatically mapping a smart plug and an electronic device connected thereto in a home gateway. The method may comprise the steps of: deleting pre-stored mapping information when a signal received from the smart plug satisfies a condition requiring remapping to the electronic device; configuring a mapping candidate group on the basis of data included in the signal received from the smart plug and information stored for the electronic device when a status change notification signal is received from a predetermined electronic device within a preconfigured time; and when it can be determined that one particular electronic device from among the configured candidate group has been mapped to the smart plug, automatically mapping the corresponding electronic device and the smart plug in a state that the corresponding electronic device is connected to the smart plug. |
| US09992035B2 |
Apparatus and method for sharing a bookmark with other users in a home network
A method and apparatus for sharing a bookmark, which is created by a user, with other users. In a method for sharing a bookmark in a home network, information of a bookmark for sharing in a home network device of a bookmark creator is created. The bookmark or the information of the bookmark is stored in an Internet Protocol TV (IPTV) terminal in the home network of the bookmark creator. The bookmark or the information of the bookmark is then transmitted from the IPTV terminal to an IPTV service provider. |
| US09992032B2 |
Method and system for managing telephony services in a universal plug and play home network environment
The present invention provides a method and system for managing telephony services in a Universal Plug and Play (UPnP) home network environment. In one embodiment, a method includes creating one or more profiles associated with at least one Telephony Control Point (TelCP) in an UPnP home network environment, each of the one or more profiles includes one or more service settings associated with telephony services. The method also includes storing the one or more profiles associated with the at least one TelCP in a service settings database. Additionally, the method includes setting one of the one or more profiles as an active profile for the at least one TelCP, and providing telephony services to the at least one TelCP according to the one or more service settings associated with the active profile. |
| US09992030B2 |
Method and a system for authenticating and identifying the location of a smartphone
Disclosed is a system and a method for authenticating the location of a user's smartphone using a central server to a third party. The method and the system is a secure way to calculate the GPS location on a centralized server which is operating the Time and Place Decryption software that has one of its inputs being a Smartphone transmitted encrypted prevailing code string which contains the original GPS coordinated representing the location and the Atomic time at which the encryption took place, as well as a combination of all or some other Knowledge, Ownership or Inheritance identification factors or tokens—FaktokIns. The more FaktokIns that are used in the encryption the harder it is to fake or replicate the GPSTOTP. |
| US09992028B2 |
System, method, and computer program product for privacy-preserving transaction validation mechanisms for smart contracts that are included in a ledger
The system, method, and computer program product described herein may provide the capability to handle a variety of types of transactions, not just payment transactions. In addition, system, method, and computer program product described herein may provide the capability for users to be able to control the confidentiality of their transactions, for the system to control access to transactions, for the system to be capable of auditing transactions, and to provide accountability of the validating entities. |
| US09992025B2 |
Monitoring installed applications on user devices
Software applications previously or currently being installed on a plurality of user devices are monitored. In one embodiment, a first set of the installed applications that is signed with a signing identifier of a developer are identified. A report is then sent to the developer that includes an identification of the first set. In another embodiment, the authenticity of a first application is evaluated including determining, based on a respective signing identifier for each of a plurality of applications, that the applications are similar to the first application. A notification is sent to the developer that identifies applications having a signing identifier that is different from the signing identifier of the developer. |
| US09992024B2 |
Establishing a chain of trust within a virtual machine
According to an aspect of an embodiment, a method of establishing a chain of trust into a virtual machine on a hardware system is described. The method may include measuring an immutable portion of a virtual machine image configured to instantiate as the virtual machine to generate a trust anchor measurement. The method may also include storing the trust anchor measurement in a sealed memory. |
| US09992022B1 |
Systems and methods for digital identity management and permission controls within distributed network nodes
Embodiments disclosed herein provide systems and methods for digital identity management and permission controls within distributed network nodes. A network node may receive a request to generate a new digital identity record for an entity. The network node may retrieve a template based on an entity type; and receive information, reference documents, and biometric information for the new digital identity record. The network node may associate and store the received information to the data fields in the new digital identity record, generate respective one directional cryptographic hashes of the reference documents and the biometric information, and store the hashes in the new digital identity record while storing the reference documents and biometric information in a non-blockchain repository. The network node may generate a digital identity record block for the new digital identity record, encrypt the digital identity record block, and append the encrypted block to the latest valid blockchain. |
| US09992015B2 |
Method and apparatus for providing a scalable service platform using a network cache
An approach is provided for building a scalable service platform by initiating transmission of encrypted data from a public network cache. An access control server platform determines a first authorization key for a user and a second authorization key for a resource, and then encrypts the resource with the second authorization key, and encrypts the second authorization key with the first authorization key. The access control server platform initiates distribution of the encrypted second authorization key with the encrypted resource over a network. The access control server platform further initiates caching the encrypted second authorization key with the encrypted resource that meets a predefined threshold value (e.g., a data size, an access frequency, a modification frequency, or an auditing requirement) in a cache in the network, and initiates transmission of the cached and encrypted second authorization key with the cached and encrypted resource from the cache to at least one authorized entity. |
| US09992001B2 |
Interference measurement pilot tones
The present disclosure includes systems and techniques relating to interference measurement pilot tones in communication systems. In some implementations, a method includes identifying, by a transmitting device, a pilot pattern for transmission in a plurality of orthogonal frequency-division multiplexing (OFDM) symbols over a wireless local area network (WLAN) channel, the pilot pattern including an interference measurement pilot tone, wherein the interference measurement pilot tone is located at a specified frequency and time location in the plurality of OFDM symbols, the interference measurement pilot tone including a null tone that facilitates a receiving device to measure interference; and transmitting, by the transmitting device, the pilot pattern in the plurality of OFDM symbols over the WLAN channel. The pilot pattern can further include a regular, nonzero pilot tone that facilitates the receiving device to measure a frequency drift or a phase noise. |
| US09992000B2 |
System and method for duplicating preamble information
An aspect of the disclosure provides a wireless frame transmission method. Such a method includes duplicating a preamble in the frequency domain to form at least one duplicate preamble, each preamble having multiple fields. The method further includes puncturing at least one of the preamble fields in the preamble with a first puncturing pattern and puncturing corresponding preamble fields in the at least one duplicate preamble with at least one additional puncturing pattern. The method further includes transmitting a frame including the preamble, the at least one duplicate preamble and a payload. In some embodiments the preamble and the duplicate preambles are each at different frequencies. |
| US09991999B2 |
Method and apparatus for transmitting uplink
A method is provided for uplink transmission in a wireless communication system. A user equipment (UE) determines whether to transmit both a physical uplink shared channel (PUSCH) and a sounding reference signal (SRS), or drop the SRS and transmit only the PUSCH but dropping the SRS when the UE determines satisfaction of all of at least three conditions including: a first condition specifying that a plurality of timing advance groups (TAGs) including a first TAG and a second TAG are configured, a second condition specifying that at least one symbol of a subframe n which is used to transmit the SRS toward a first cell belonging to the first TAG is overlapped with a subframe n+1 on which the PUSCH is transmitted toward a second cell belonging to the second TAG and a third condition specifying that a total uplink transmission power exceeds a maximum value. |
| US09991994B1 |
Method and terminal device for reducing image distortion
A method and terminal device for reducing an image distortion are provided. The terminal device generates a radio frequency signal from a first path that includes first and second low pass filters of in-phase and quadrature phase paths, produces a decomposed signal having in-phase and quadrature phase components in digital form based on the radio frequency signal, and determines a phase mismatch between the in-phase and quadrature phase components. Then the terminal device generates a bandwidth adjustment value based on the determined phase mismatch, further generates, based on the bandwidth adjustment value, first and second bandwidth control signals; and adjusts a bandwidth of first and second low pass filters based on the first and second bandwidth control signals to reduce the phase mismatch. |
| US09991993B2 |
Time offset validation of components with independent silicon clocks
In accordance with embodiments disclosed herein, there is provided systems and methods for time offset validation of components with independent silicon clocks. A requesting component includes transmission logic to transmit timing protocol requests to a responding component, receiving logic to receive timing protocol responses, replay detection logic to detect a retransmission of a timing protocol message and to set an internal timing state of the requesting component as invalid, and validation logic to detect at least two consecutive timing protocol dialogs and set the internal timing state of the requesting component as valid. A responding component includes receiving logic, transmission logic, replay detection logic to detect a retransmission of a timing protocol message and set an internal timing state of the responding component as invalid, and validation logic to detect at least two consecutive timing protocol dialogs and set the internal timing state of the responding component as valid. |
| US09991991B2 |
Signal processing method and base station
Embodiments of the present invention disclose a signal processing method and a base station. The method may include: performing, by a base station, packet assembly, code modulation, and multi-antenna processing on downlink channel data, so as to form antenna port signals. The method may also include performing, by the base station, orthogonal transform on the antenna port signals according to a preset matrix used for orthogonal transform, and simultaneously sending, by the base station, orthogonally transformed antenna port signals to user equipment by using different antennas, where cells covered by the different antennas have a same cell identity. |
| US09991988B2 |
Systems and methods for pilot signal and control data retransmission
Historical decoding can be performed in accordance with pilot signal retransmission or control information retransmission to reduce the amount network resources consumed during data recovery. In one example, historical decoding is achieved through retransmitting a sub-set of coded bits carried by an earlier transmission, which are compared with a corresponding portion of the original signal (stored in memory) to obtain improved channel state information (CSI) relating to that earlier transmission. In another example, historical decoding is achieved through communicating parity information related to a sub-set of the coded bits carried by an earlier transmission, which are used in accordance with a data aided CSI technique to obtain the improved CSI relating to that earlier transmission. In yet another example, historical decoding is achieved by re-transmitting control information carried by an earlier transmission, which is used to decode an original signal (stored in memory). |
| US09991982B2 |
Interference cancellation in a cellular communication network
A technique for cancelling inter-cell or intra-cell interference in a cellular communication network is described. A method implementation of that technique performed in an interfered terminal comprises receiving a signal, wherein the received signal comprises an interfering signal destined to at least one further terminal different from the interfered terminal. In a next step, control information pertaining to the at least one further terminal is determined and the interfering signal is decoded based on the control information so as to generate decoded information. Then, the interfering signal is re-generated from the decoded information and the control information. Based on the re-generated signal the interfering signal is cancelled from the received signal. |
| US09991980B2 |
Apparatus and methods for tracking and analyzing digital recording device event sequences
Methods and apparatus for tracking a sequence of events associated with a digital recording device are disclosed. An example method involves monitoring data conveyed via a data bus communicatively coupled to a processor and a data storage device associated with the digital media device. The example method also involves identifying event information associated with the digital media device based on the data and identifying the viewing information based on the event information. |
| US09991979B2 |
Method and device for grouping user equipments in proximity services restricted discovery
A grouping method based on machine type communication (MTC), used in a communications system, including: broadcasting, by a base station, grouping requests to a plurality of user equipments (UEs) in an area; determining, by the base station, whether there is at least one group leader among the UEs; and receiving, by the base station, a grouping report from the group leader when determining that there is a group leader among the UEs, wherein the grouping report records UE identifiers of the UEs in a group corresponding to the group leader. |
| US09991978B2 |
Systems and methods for delay management in distributed antenna system with direct digital interface to base station
A method for measuring downlink delay in a radio system includes applying a digital representation of a Gaussian pulse to a digital interface of the radio system; marking the digital representation of the Gaussian pulse with respect to a frame of digital data with a marker; propagating the Gaussian pulse in the radio system to an antenna, the radio system configured to convert the digital representation of the Gaussian pulse to a radio frequency signal transmitted at the antenna; measuring when the Gaussian pulse occurs in the radio frequency signal based on the marker; and determining a downlink propagation delay for the radio system between application of the digital representation of the Gaussian pulse at the digital interface and transmission of the radio frequency signal at the antenna. |
| US09991974B2 |
Transmitter, integrated circuit, detection section and method for testing integrated circuit
An integrated circuit according to the present invention includes a transmission circuit that transmits a millimeter wave signal, a detection section that detects the millimeter wave signal, an output terminal connected to an output of the transmission circuit via a first wire, a detection terminal provided adjacent to the output terminal and connected to an input of the detection section via a second wire, a first grounding terminal provided adjacent to the output terminal and connected to the transmission circuit via a first grounding wire for grounding the transmission circuit and a second grounding terminal provided adjacent to the detection terminal and connected to the detection section via a second grounding wire for grounding the detection section, wherein the first grounding wire and the second grounding wire are arranged around the first wire and the second wire. |
| US09991972B1 |
Remote radio head calibration
Embodiments herein describe calibrating a plurality of radio heads having a plurality of wireless antennas. In one embodiment, the plurality of radio heads communicate a calibration signal in a round robin fashion such that each of the radio heads communicates a respective calibration signal to the remaining radio heads. In one embodiment, at least one of the radio heads is isolated from the remaining radio heads. The received calibration signals are then used to calibrate the radio heads. In one embodiment, a controller coupled with the plurality of radio heads calibrates the radio heads. The calibrated radio heads then communicate to one or more client devices. |
| US09991966B1 |
Optical transmitter
An optical transmitter including an optical waveguide and N microring resonators (MRRs) coupled to the optical waveguide is provided. In such an optical transmitter each of the N MRRs having a different coupling coefficient determining the amount of coupling to the optical waveguide, wherein N>1. In some embodiments, each of the N MRRs has a different spacing distance from the optical waveguide, wherein the coupling coefficient for each MRR is dependent on the spacing. In some embodiments the optical transmitter further includes an input for receiving N drive signals from a controller, each drive signal shifting the resonant wavelength of the corresponding MRR to control the optical power coupled in the corresponding MRR from the optical waveguide in which an optical signal propagates. |
| US09991960B2 |
Optical receiver with optical transmitter-specific dispersion post-compensation
An apparatus comprises a polarization-diversity optical hybrid that converts an optical signal into a plurality of optical signals comprising a first polarization component and a second polarization component orthogonal to the first polarization component, one or more detectors that convert the plurality of optical signals into a plurality of first analog electrical signals, DC blocking elements that remove DC signal components to output a plurality of second analog electrical signals, analog to digital converters (ADCs) coupled to the DC blocking elements that convert the plurality of second analog electrical signals into a plurality of digital signals, and a digital signal processing (DSP) unit coupled to the ADCs. The DSP is configured to perform a fiber dispersion compensation on the plurality of digital signals and add DC offsets to output a plurality of DC-restored compensated digital signals. |
| US09991959B2 |
Frequency comparison and phase synchronization in optical signals
An optical oscillator 10 combines optical signals L1′ and L2 to generate an optical signal L3. The optical signal L1′ includes light waves W1′ and W2′ having frequencies spaced apart by a frequency difference Δf1. The optical signal L2 includes light waves W3 and W4 having frequencies spaced apart by a frequency difference Δf2. The optical oscillator 10 separates the optical signal L3 into optical signals L4 and L5, wherein the optical signal L4 includes the light waves W1′ and W3 and the optical signal L5 includes the light waves W2′ and W4. The optical oscillator 10 compares the frequency differences Δf1 and Δf2 based on frequency difference Δf3 between the light waves W1′ and W3 included in the optical signal L4 and frequency difference Δf4 between the light waves W2′ and W4 included in the optical signal L5. |
| US09991958B2 |
Satellite tracking with a portable telescope and star camera
A portable optical ground station can track a satellite with an amateur telescope mounted on a two-axis gimbal. The telescope is aligned with respect to an inertial, Earth-fixed frame using a wide field of view star camera. Star cameras are accurate to the arcsecond level and have the advantage of providing orientation with a single measurement. Using multiple star sensor measurements at different gimbal angles, it is possible to calculate the alignment of the gimbals in the Earth-fixed frame and the alignment of the star sensor in the gimbal frame. Once the alignment is obtained, satellite tracking can be achieved with a known orbit and precise Earth rotation model, such as the International Earth Rotation and Reference System Service (IERS). This alignment procedure can be carried out in less than one hour, making it practical to move and deploy the portable ground station. |
| US09991955B2 |
Mobile device, transmitting device, and guidance system
A mobile device includes: a communications circuit which performs wireless communication; a receiver which receives input of a destination from a user; an output which outputs guidance information for guiding the user from a current location to the destination; and a controller which causes the output to output notification information for notifying presence of a transmitting device which emits light for visible light communications, if the communications circuit receives a wireless signal from a transmitting device by the wireless communication. |
| US09991954B2 |
Method for monitoring wavelength of tunable laser on user end by optical line terminal on local end
Disclosed is a method for monitoring the wavelength of a tunable laser device of user by local OLT. The method is applied to a wavelength division multiplexing passive optical network framework. The framework comprises an ONU, a first athermal array waveguide grating, a transmission optical fiber, a second athermal array waveguide grating and the OLT, which are sequentially connected. ONU comprises tunable wavelength optical transmitters. The method comprises: starting handshaking is carried out between the OLT and the ONU; and the OLT carries out wavelength drifting monitoring during operation of the ONU. Wavelength adjustment can be carried out on the multi-channel tunable laser device in an external auxiliary monitoring environment, thus channel wavelengths of the multi-channel tunable laser device can be accurately controlled, and the requirement for calibration accuracy of channels of the tunable laser device at the ONU is greatly reduced. |
| US09991947B1 |
Self-calibration of a communications device for transmit power level control
The present disclosure is directed to a method for calibrating a communications device. The method may include the step of determining a first coefficient based on correction data obtained by the transition from an initial open loop power operation to a power level of a closed loop operation. The method may also include the step of determining a second coefficient of transmitter gain based on the power of one or more transmissions by the communications device. A further step of the method may include determining a strength of a downlink signal received by the communications device from a satellite computed from knowledge of a receiver gain represented by the first coefficient. The method may also include the step of determining a transmit power level for the communications device based on the strength of the downlink signal, the first coefficient, and the second coefficient of transmitter gain. |
| US09991946B2 |
Method and device for measuring the interference level of VSAT TDMA terminals causing cross-polar and/or terminals causing cross-polar and/or communication link
It is described a device for measuring the interference level of VSAT TDMA terminals, the terminals (13) communicating with a hub station (14) via a satellite (11). The device includes a forward link receiver (21) adapted to receive signals transmitted from the hub station (14) to the terminals (13) via said satellite (11), said receiver being capable of demodulating, decoding and analyzing signalling information present in the forward link, including burst time plan, and terminal ID, a return link receiver (22) adapted to receive, demodulate and decode signals transmitted from each terminal (13) to the hub station (14) via said satellite (11) with extraction of the unique terminal network ID, an interfered link receiver (23) adapted to measure received interfering burst power in a link where interference occurs, said receiver being configured and synchronized with the burst time plan found from the forward link or decoded bursts from the return link receiver, performing interfered burst power measurements using power averaging or correlation techniques, and a controller (24) adapted to control and synchronize the receivers, analyze and correlate information received from the receivers to achieve synchronization between the operational and interfered links (21, 22, 23) and report the power level of the interfering bursts for each terminal ID. Methods for operating the device are also described. |
| US09991940B2 |
Multi-user multiple-input multiple-output (MU-MIMO) feedback protocol
In a wireless network having a plurality of devices configured to communicate using a beamforming technique, a method includes sending a trigger packet from a first device of the wireless network to a plurality of second devices of the wireless network. The trigger packet includes trigger data configured to cause the plurality of second devices to perform channel measurement based on the trigger data. The method also includes receiving feedback information from each of the plurality of second devices in response to the trigger packet. |
| US09991938B2 |
Intra-node channel reciprocity compensation for radio access in MIMO wireless communication systems
A wireless cellular base station includes M antennas and one or more processing devices. For each antenna, the antenna transmits a calibration pilot symbol over the air and the other M−1 antennas receive the calibration pilot symbol over the air. The processing devices select one of the M antennas as a reference antenna and for each antenna of the M antennas, the processing devices calculate channel reciprocity calibration coefficients of the antenna with respect to the reference antenna based on the received calibration pilot symbols. |
| US09991933B2 |
Attenuator and signal generator for stepwise attenuating a radio frequency signal
The invention relates to an attenuator for stepwise attenuating a radio frequency signal. The attenuator comprises a first attenuation module that is configured to stepwise attenuate a radio frequency signal within a first signal frequency range. The attenuator comprises a second attenuation module that is configured to stepwise attenuate a radio frequency signal with a second signal frequency range, wherein the second attenuation module is arranged in parallel to the first attenuation module. The attenuator further comprises a switching element, wherein the switching element switches either the first attenuation module or the second attenuation module to an output node of the attenuator. |
| US09991932B2 |
MoCA network system for multiple dwelling units
A data network for a multiple dwelling unit (MDU) enables efficient use of a MoCA (Multimedia over Coax Alliance) system. The data network includes a distribution point unit (DPU) connected to an access network, a plurality of modems in the MDU, a plurality of coaxial cables extending through the MDU between the DPU and the plurality of modems, and at least one network expander present between the DPU and a subset of the plurality of modems. The network expander can be a repeater that retransmits received signals, wherein the DPU, the plurality of modems, and the network expander exchange data via the plurality of coaxial cables using MoCA protocols. |
| US09991931B2 |
System and method to reduce crosstalk of digital subscriber lines
A method includes identifying, at a processor of a crosstalk analyzer, a first communication line of a plurality of communication lines and a second communication line of the plurality of communication lines. The first communication line and the second communication line identified based on a correlation of a crosstalk parameter with respect to the first communication line and the second communication line. The method also includes, responsive to identifying the first communication line and the second communication line, assigning, by the processor, the first communication line to a first port of an access node and the second communication line to a second port of the access node. |
| US09991930B2 |
Configurable correlator for joint timing and frequency synchronization and demodulation
At least one embodiment of a correlator comprising a plurality of correlator taps is configurable to provide synchronization and symbol modulation for a plurality of modulation systems. Among other uses, at least one embodiment of the correlator can provide a coarse symbol timing value. In response to determining the coarse symbol timing value, a receiver can receive a signal. Among other uses, at least one embodiment of the correlator can provide a carrier frequency offset (CFO) estimate. In response to determining the CFO estimate, a receiver can receive a signal. |
| US09991929B1 |
Streaming compression of periodic binary avionic data
Embodiments of the inventive concepts disclosed herein are directed to a system, apparatus, and method for streaming compression of periodic binary data. A data transmitter of an aircraft can receive flight data from a flight data acquisition unit. The data transmitter can store the flight data. The data transmitter can compare words corresponding to a first data frame to words corresponding to a second data frame. The data transmitter can identify a word block of consecutive unchanged words, consecutive changed words, or one changed word and one unchanged word. The data transmitter can generate and transmit a header identifying a number of consecutive unchanged words in a word block. The data transmitter can generate a header identifying a number of consecutive changed words in a word block and transmit the header and the word block. The data transmitter can generate a header identifying two words in a word block and transmit the header and the word block. |
| US09991925B2 |
Electronic apparatus
A cover panel is disposed on a surface of an electronic apparatus and is made of sapphire. A flexible printed wiring board extends in a state of being curved in the electronic apparatus. A gap reduction member is in contact with at least a curved portion of the flexible printed wiring board from the cover panel side. |
| US09991922B2 |
Apparatus and method for supporting an article
Modular mounting systems for supportably engagement of one or more devices. The systems may include corresponding attachment members and carrier members for selective supportive engagement of one or more devices relative to a base. The attachment members and carrier members may be magnetically engageable. Various form factors for devices, base members, carrier members, attachment members, and other portions of the system are described. |
| US09991921B1 |
Universal cell phone hand holding and safety device case
Cases, devices, and methods for protecting and holding portable handheld devices, such as cell phones and smart phones, in separate protective cases having outwardly extending resilient bumper corner eye lit rings which cushion the case and function as bumpers when the portable electronics device is dropped. The outwardly extending bumpers/eye lit rings can also support lanyards and keychain rings, and the like, so that the cases with portable electronics devices can be easily and safely held in one's finger, about their wrist, or on their neck. A central ring can be formed from an upper middle portion of the case for allowing the forefinger of a user to be inserted therein with the back of the hand supporting the case, and the lanyard wrapped about the user's wrist. The novel cases can also be used to safely protect other types of portable electronic devices, such as tablets and laptop computers, and the like, in similar manners. Portable electronic device housings can be initially manufactured and built with the outwardly extending resilient rings offering safe protection from being dropped and for being held, carried or worn. |
| US09991920B2 |
System and method for dynamically modifying settings of a communication device
Disclosed is a system for dynamically modifying settings of a communication device based on an activity state of a user of the communication device. A data capturing module captures values corresponding to a plurality of physiological parameters associated to a plurality of activity states of a user. The values may be captured by using one or more wearable devices worn by a user. A configuration module enables the user to configure one or more rules and one or more events, to be triggered, corresponding to each of the one or more rules for modifying settings of the communication device. An activity state determining module determines an activity state, in real-time, from the plurality of activity states. An event triggering module triggers an event, of the one or more events, based on a rule configured corresponding to the activity state in order to dynamically modify the settings of the communication device. |
| US09991915B2 |
Predistortion system and method using a predistortion function
A predistortion system for correcting a distortion of a distorting component is provided. It comprises a signal generator, adapted to generate a first signal based upon a reference signal, the distorting component, adapted to generate a second signal, based upon the first signal, and an iterative predistortion device, adapted to determine a compensated signal based upon the second signal and the reference signal. The signal generator is adapted to use the compensated signal as reference signal in further iterations after a first iteration. The predistortion system moreover comprises a predistortion calculation device, adapted to determine a predistortion function based upon the reference signal and the first signal. The signal generator is then adapted to generate the first signal based upon the predistortion function for further reference signals. |
| US09991912B2 |
Transmitting device, receiving device and transmitting/receiving system
A transmitting device has a transmission data generating part and an output buffer part. The transmission data generating part transmits a data and a clock, which are to be transmitted to a receiving device, and outputs them to the output buffer part. The output buffer part includes a data transmitting part and a clock transmitting part. The clock transmitting part generates and transmits a clock intermittently phase-shifted. The data transmitting part transmits the data in sync with the clock transmitted from the clock transmitting part. |
| US09991911B1 |
Method for automatically adjusting a tunable passive antenna and a tuning unit, and apparatus for radio communication using this method
The invention relates to a method for automatically adjusting one or more tunable passive antennas and a single-input-port and single-output-port tuning unit. The invention also relates to an apparatus for radio communication using this method, for instance a radio transceiver. An apparatus for radio communication of the invention comprises: a tunable passive antenna; a feeder; a single-input-port and single-output-port tuning unit; a sensing unit; a transmission and signal processing unit which applies an excitation to the input port, which delivers one or more antenna adjustment instructions, and which delivers one or more tuning unit adjustment instructions; and a control unit which delivers one or more antenna control signals to the tunable passive antenna, and one or more tuning control signals to the single-input-port and single-output-port tuning unit. |
| US09991910B2 |
Transmitter power supply with selective source and regulation
An apparatus for powering an electrical circuit includes a first voltage input configured to receive power from a first voltage source, a second voltage input configured to receive power from a second voltage source, wherein the second voltage source has a lower voltage than the first voltage source, a voltage regulator connected to the first voltage input, and a voltage output configured to switchably receive power from the first voltage input through the voltage regulator or from the second voltage input. |
| US09991905B2 |
Encoding method, decoding method, encoder and decoder
An encoding method, decoding method, encoder, and decoder are provided in embodiments of this invention. The encoding method comprises: selecting at least one dimension vector from at least two dimension vectors to partition the coefficients to be encoded into vectors, according to the number of the coefficients to be encoded contained in a current subband; quantizing the vectors partitioned from the coefficients to be encoded into lattice vectors according to the selected dimension, and then mapping the lattice vectors to lattice index vectors; performing lossless encoding on the lattice index vectors. |
| US09991901B2 |
Method of optimizing CMOS IDAC linearity performance using golden ratio
A layout method for a current source array. A digital-to-analog converter (DAC) includes a plurality of complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) devices. Current sources for the CMOS devices are uniformly arranged in a one-dimensional array. The spacing between the current sources in the one-dimensional array is determined using a golden ratio. |
| US09991887B2 |
Semiconductor device and electronic device
To reduce power consumption, a semiconductor device includes a power source circuit for generating a power source potential, and a power supply control switch for controlling supply of the power source potential from the power source circuit to a back gate of a transistor, and the power supply control switch includes a control transistor for controlling conduction between the power source circuit and the back gate of the transistor by being turned on or off in accordance with a pulse signal that is input into a control terminal of the control transistor. The power source potential is intermittently supplied from the power source circuit to the back gate of the transistor, using the power supply control switch. |
| US09991886B2 |
Method and apparatus for a brown out detector
The disclosure provides a detector that includes a pre-charge circuit. The pre-charge circuit receives a supply voltage. A pre-charged comparator is coupled to the pre-charge circuit and receives the supply voltage. The pre-charged comparator generates a transition signal at a transition node. A slope of the transition signal is greater than a slope of the supply voltage. A first diode connected transistor receives the supply voltage. A first capacitor is coupled to the first diode connected transistor. An inverter is coupled to the first diode connected transistor and generates an enable signal when the supply voltage is below a threshold voltage. |
| US09991878B2 |
Cross-point shifting techniques
This disclosure describes techniques for shifting the cross-point of a digital signal in an optical transmitter. The cross-point shifting techniques may use multiple differential transconductors with their common polarity outputs coupled together to shift the cross-point of a signal. Using multiple differential transconductors in this manner may increase the balance between the positive and negative polarities of the resulting cross-point shifted signal relative to other types of cross-point shifting techniques, which may improve the quality of an optical signal generated by an optical transmitter. |
| US09991876B2 |
Master-slave flip-flop
A master-slave flip-flop includes a master latch, a slave latch, a first logic gate and a signal transition detector. The first logic gate is receiving a reference clock and a first control clock, and outputting a first trigger signal to control one of the master latch and the slave latch, which are connected with a logic circuit, to switch to an opaque state or a transparent state, wherein the other one of the master latch and the slave latch is switched to an opaque state or a transparent state according to the reference clock. The above-mentioned master-slave flip-flop can correct sampling when a timing error occurs. |
| US09991875B2 |
Reconfigurable radio frequency (RF) bandstop/intermediate frequency (IF) bandpass filter
A reconfigurable filter circuit has a first path including a transimpedance amplifier (TIA). The transimpedance amplifier has an input that receives an input current and an output that outputs a voltage. The reconfigurable filter circuit also includes a switchable feedback path. The switchable feedback path includes a first low-pass filter coupled to an output of the TIA. The switchable feedback path also includes a first switch to couple the feedback path to provide a feedback current to the first path resulting in a bandpass response in the output voltage when the switch is closed and a low-pass response in the output voltage when the switch is open. |
| US09991872B2 |
MEMS resonator with functional layers
A MEMS device includes a substrate, at least one anchor on a surface of the substrate, and a vibrating body suspended over the substrate by the at least one anchor. The vibrating body includes a periodically poled piezoelectric thin-film layer, a first conductive layer, a second conductive layer, and a functional layer. The first conductive layer is on a first surface of the vibrating body opposite the surface of the substrate. The second conductive layer is on a second surface of the vibrating body opposite the first surface. The functional layer is over the first conductive layer. By including the functional layer over the first conductive layer, functionality may be added to the MEMS device, thereby increasing the utility thereof. |
| US09991856B2 |
Variable load power amplifier supporting dual-mode envelope tracking and average power tracking performance
A variable load power amplifier that improves the performance of a power amplifier that provides both envelope tracking (ET) and average power tracking (APT). The variable load power amplifier can include a plurality of amplifiers that are each selectively connectable into one of a plurality of parallel combinations, each of the plurality of parallel combinations characterized by a corresponding load line. The variable load power amplifier can also include a plurality of control elements arranged to selectively connect one or more of the plurality of amplifiers into one of the plurality of parallel combinations, each of the plurality of control elements having a respective input terminal provided to receive a respective control signal, each of the plurality of control elements responsive to the respective control signal. |
| US09991855B2 |
Semiconductor device
In a semiconductor device, received signals of different frequency bands are input selectively to low noise amplifiers. A plurality of primary inductors are coupled between differential output nodes of the respective low noise amplifiers. A secondary inductor is provided commonly for the primary inductors, and magnetically coupled to the primary inductors. A demodulator converts a received signal transmitted from one of the primary inductors to the secondary inductor by electromagnetic induction, into a signal of a low frequency. |
| US09991853B2 |
Dual operation mode power amplifier
A dual operation mode power amplifier is disclosed. In the power amplifier in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, a bias circuit part can be converted to decrease power consumption. Different from the prior art, performance of the present invention is not reduced in a high power mode, and no additional passive components like inductors or transformers with a large area are necessary to be further added. Furthermore, a tunable impedance matching circuit provides impedances respectively matching impedances of a fully differential amplifier and a single-ended amplifier, thereby improving the performance of the power amplifier. |
| US09991851B1 |
Multi-mode radio frequency (RF) power amplifier circuit
A multi-mode radio frequency (RF) power amplifier circuit is disclosed. The multi-mode RF power amplifier circuit can operate in a low-resource block (RB) mode and a high-RB mode. The multi-mode RF power amplifier circuit includes a driver stage power amplifier and an output stage power amplifier to amplify an RF input signal and generate an RF output signal. A control circuit is configured to provide a constant envelope voltage and an envelope tracking (ET) supply voltage to the driver stage power amplifier and the output stage power amplifier, respectively, in the high-RB mode. As a result, it is possible to optimize RF performance and reduce sensitivity of the driver stage power amplifier and the output stage power amplifier in the high-RB mode, without increasing costs and footprint of the multi-mode RF power amplifier circuit. |
| US09991849B2 |
Wireless communication device and power source device
A wireless communication device configured to prevent a transmission time period for sending a wireless signal and a receiving time period for receiving a wireless signal from being overlap, comprises: a transmitter that includes an orthogonal modulator that orthogonally modulates an IQ-modulated modulation signal and a transmission power amplifier that power-amplifies the orthogonally modulated signal; a receiver that includes a demodulator that demodulates a received signal; a first power source that is the power source for the transmission power amplifier and the receiver; and a second power source that is the power source for the orthogonal modulator; and a controller which outputs the modulation signal to the orthogonal modulator. The first power source outputs a constant voltage to the receiver during the receiving time period, and outputs, during the transmission time period, to the transmission power amplifier, a fluctuating voltage according to an envelope of the modulation signal. |
| US09991848B1 |
Octagonal phase rotators
Octagonal phase rotator includes an I-mixer having an I-DAC for steering current between positive and negative phases of an in-phase signal depending on k I-DAC control bits of a control code, a Q-mixer having a Q-DAC for steering current between the positive/negative phases of a quadrature signal depending on k Q-DAC control bits of the code, and an IQ-mixer having n IQ-mixer units each comprising an IQ-DAC for switching a second current unit between the in-phase and quadrature signals, in dependence on a respective bit of n IQ-DAC control bits, and between the positive/negative phases of the in-phase and quadrature signals via I and Q polarity switches respectively of that component. I and Q polarity switches of some different IQ-DAC components switch depending on different I-DAC control bits and Q-DAC control bits respectively. A summation circuit sums weighted output signals from the mixers to produce an output signal of phase. |
| US09991847B2 |
Method and apparatus for broadband data conversion
A receiver may receive a signal and process each of a plurality of sub-bands of the received signal via a respective one of a plurality of first-type receive chains. The receiver may utilize a signal output by a first one of the plurality of the first-type receive chains to remove undesired signals from a signal output by a second one of the plurality of the first-type receive chains. The undesired signals may comprise aliases and/or harmonics of one or more signals that fall within a sub-band of the first one of the plurality of the first-type receive chains. The receiver may downconvert, filter, and digitize each of the plurality of sub-bands via a corresponding one of the plurality of the first type receive chains. The received signal may encompass the cable television band, and each of the plurality of sub-bands may comprise a plurality of cable television channels. |
| US09991845B2 |
Ground fault detection device
When a ground fault detection device detects a ground fault of a photovoltaic string, for example, while a power conditioner is in operation, a great current may be flowing in a switching section from the photovoltaic string, so that components resistant to a great current have been used for the switching section. A ground fault detection device includes a stop determination unit configured to determine whether a power converter for converting electric power from a solar battery is in stoppage, and a ground fault detector configured to detect a ground fault of the solar battery in a state where the solar battery and the power converter are electrically disconnected from each other by a disconnection unit arranged between the solar battery and the power converter when the stop determination unit determines that the power converter is in stoppage. |
| US09991843B2 |
Contacts for Junction Boxes on Solar Panels
A connection box with reliable and yet inexpensive contacts for solar panels to enable the use of multiple types of passive and active covers for different functionalities in the junction box built into the panel. |
| US09991842B2 |
Systems and methods to reduce field buildup between cells and glass and frame assembly for solar energy production
Systems and methods for removing charge buildup/leakage from solar modules. A discharge controller may be coupled between a solar module and a string bus of a solar array. The discharge controller is configured to disconnect the solar module from the string bus, and to connect a grounded frame to solar cells of the solar module. Since the grounded frame of the solar module is grounded, connecting the grounded frame and the solar cells allows charge buildup/leakage to discharge into ground. |
| US09991840B2 |
Method and unit for controlling and/or protecting an actuator of a piece of mobile equipment of a building
A method for controlling and/or protecting an actuator of a piece of mobile equipment of a building, the actuator comprising a motor, comprises the steps consisting of: (E1) providing an instantaneous signal representative of the electrical power provided to the motor, (E2) carrying out a sampling of values of the instantaneous signal, (E3) performing a control of each sampled value according to a first protection criterion of the actuator, and issuing a first piece of anomaly information for each sampled value that does not satisfy the first criterion, (E3′) acquiring a set of values from the sampled values, (E4′) performing a control according to a second protection criterion of the actuator applied to all of the acquired sampled values, and issuing a second piece of anomaly information for all of the acquired sampled values that do not satisfy the second protection criterion. |
| US09991836B2 |
Systems and methods for identifying end stops in a linear motor
Systems and methods for operating linear motors, and for determining whether a linear motor has reached the end of its power and return strokes. In one embodiment, an electric drive controller of an ESP system monitors position signals received from the system's linear motor and determines transition time differentials, transition counts from the beginning of a stroke, elapsed stroke times and related parameters. If predetermined conditions relating to these parameters are met, the controller determines that the linear motor's mover has reached the end of its stroke. The controller therefore reverses the phase order of the drive's output power and thereby reverses the direction of the mover. |
| US09991830B2 |
Control method for motor of electronic brake
Disclosed is a control method for a motor of an electronic brake. The control method for a motor of an electronic brake includes: a stop mode-starting step of starting a stop mode when a vehicle is stopped by a brake; an electrical angle-measuring step of measuring an electrical angle of a motor providing pressure to the brake in the stop mode; an electrical angle-calculating step of calculating a changed electrical angle using a predetermined electrical angle change and the electrical angle of the motor measured in the electrical angle-measuring step; and a motor-controlling step of controlling a current flowing to the motor in accordance with the changed electrical angle. Therefore, it is possible to keep a vehicle stopped, prevent a high current from flowing at any one phase of the motor, and prevent the motor from burning. |
| US09991828B2 |
Voltage level detecting device, motor driving apparatus, motor driving system, and method for detecting voltage level
A voltage level detecting device is provided including comparators, a detection circuit, a trigger signal output circuit, a delayed control signal output circuit, a delayed comparison result signal output circuit, a circuit, and a control circuit. The comparators compare a voltage level of an input signal with each threshold level to generate and output a comparison result signal. The detection circuit detects a change in the comparison result signal and outputs a detection signal. The trigger signal output circuit outputs a trigger signal when a predetermined time has elapsed. The delayed control signal output circuit outputs a delayed control signal indicating a value of the control signal. The delayed comparison result signal output circuit outputs a delayed comparison result signal indicating the value of the comparison result signal. The circuit outputs a voltage level signal indicating a voltage level of the input signal. The control circuit outputs the control signal. |
| US09991823B2 |
Assembly for an ultrasonic motor
The invention relates to an assembly for an ultrasonic motor, comprising an actuator body, an actuator retainer that accommodates the actuator body, an actuator bearing, and a friction element driven by the actuator body, wherein there is planar frictional contact between the actuator body and the friction element and the assembly has an optimized tilt axis, about which the actuator retainer and/or the friction element can be pivoted and which is arranged at a distance from the center of gravity of the actuator body and is shifted in the direction of the section of the friction element touched by the actuator body. |
| US09991817B2 |
Power converting device that uses a sine-wave-shaped current control range to output drive signal
A power converting device includes: a rectifying circuit connected to an alternating-current power supply for converting alternating-current power from the alternating-current power supply into direct-current power; a short-circuit unit constituted by a diode bridge and a short-circuit element connected to opposite output ends of the diode bridge for short-circuiting the alternating-current power supply via a reactor; and a control unit that generates plural drive signals to control the short-circuit unit during a half cycle of the alternating-current power supply. The control unit generates a sine-wave-shaped current control range that is a target control range of power supply current of the alternating-current power supply, and maintains values of the power supply current of the alternating-current power supply within the current control range. |
| US09991816B2 |
Method for operating an at least generator-operable electric motor and means for the implementation thereof
A method for controlling a multi-phase electric machine, operable at least in generator mode, whose phase terminals in an active bridge rectifier are respectively connected, via addressable first current valves capable of being switched on and shut off, to a first DC voltage terminal and via second current valves to a second DC voltage terminal. The method includes: in a generator mode of the electric machine after occurrence of a load dump, repeatedly initiating and discontinuing phase short circuits of the phase terminals via the first current valves. A magnitude characterizing a natural frequency of the electric machine is ascertained, and the first current valves are addressed with a switching frequency in order to initiate and discontinue the phase short circuits on the basis of the magnitude characterizing the natural frequency of the electric machine. |
| US09991814B2 |
Pre-charging circuit of inverter
A pre-charging circuit of inverter is disclosed, the pre-charging circuit of inverter including a relay arranged between an output node of the rectifier and an input node of the DC-link capacitor, and a pre-charging resistor arranged between an output node of the rectifier and an input node of the inverter unit, whereby a degree of freedom for PCB design can be obtained. |
| US09991812B2 |
Variable blanking frequency for resonant converters
A power supply includes a transistor that is connected to a primary winding of a transformer. A controller controls a switching operation of the transistor by quasi-resonant switching. The controller receives a feedback voltage and adjusts the feedback voltage to adjust a blanking frequency, which is an inverse of a blanking time during which the transistor is prevented from being turned on. The controller turns on the transistor after expiration of the blanking time based on a level of a resonant ring. |
| US09991810B2 |
Gate pre-positioning for fast turn-off of synchronous rectifier
A synchronous rectifier driver pre-positions a gate of a synchronous rectifier to allow for fast turn-off. The synchronous rectifier driver turns ON the synchronous rectifier by driving the gate at a high level for a period of time that is based on a previous conduction time of the synchronous rectifier. The synchronous rectifier driver thereafter drives the gate at a lower level that is sufficient to keep the synchronous rectifier ON. The synchronous rectifier can be quickly turned OFF by further reducing the level of the drive signal at the gate of the synchronous rectifier. |
| US09991808B2 |
Cross regulation circuit for multiple outputs and cross regulation method thereof
A cross regulation circuit for multiple outputs, includes an input end and at least two output ends. A first output end of the at least two output ends is connected to a feedback circuit. The feedback circuit is connected to the input end and used for maintaining the output voltage of the first output end by adjusting the input end. A first resistor and a first inductor are sequentially connected in series on the upstream of each of other output ends than the first output end and are used for performing cross regulation. In the cross regulation method of the circuit, simultaneous equations are established through parasitic inductance on any output branch and load thereof as well as parasitic inductance on the first output branch so as to obtain the inductance of the first inductor and the capacitance of the first resistor. |