| Document | Document Title |
|---|---|
| US09282340B2 |
Video encoding device, video encoding method, video encoding program, video decoding device, video decoding method, and video decoding program
A video encoding device including a region division section for dividing a frame image constituting video data into a plurality of regions as encoding target regions, an encoding section for encoding an image of each region, an inverse transformation section and an addition section for generating reproduced image of the encoded image, a storage section for storing reproduced images, a prediction generation section for searching a region which is highly correlated to a reproduced image of a template region, which is adjacent to the region of the encoding target image in a predetermined positional relationship and is a part of the reproduced image, from the reproduced image, and determining a prediction signal based on the searched region and the above-mentioned positional relationship, and a subtraction section for generating a difference signal between the prediction signal and the encoding target image as a signal for encoding. |
| US09282338B2 |
Unified merge mode and adaptive motion vector prediction mode candidates selection
A unified candidate block set for both adaptive motion vector prediction (AMVP) mode and merge mode for use in inter-prediction is proposed. In general, the same candidate block set is used regardless of which motion vector prediction mode (e.g., merge mode or AMVP mode) is used. In other examples of this disclosure, one candidate block in a set of candidate blocks is designated as an additional candidate block. The additional candidate block is used if one of the other candidate blocks is unavailable. Also, the disclosure proposes a checking pattern where the left candidate block is checked before the below left candidate block. Also, the above candidate block is checked before the right above candidate block. |
| US09282331B2 |
Image processing method and electronic device
The embodiments of the present invention provide an image processing method and an electronic device. The method comprises: obtaining all image characteristics contained in each of N captured images and determining at least one image characteristic from the all image characteristics; searching the N images for at least two images each containing the at least one image characteristic based on the at least one image characteristic; determining a reference image from the at least two images and obtaining image residue information characterizing an image difference parameter between the reference image and each of the at least two images; and applying data compression to the reference image and the image residue information. In this way, it is possible to solve the problem associated with limited image compression scheme and large space occupation by pictures. |
| US09282327B2 |
Method and apparatus for video error concealment in multi-view coded video using high level syntax
There are provided a method and apparatus for video error concealment in multi-view coded video using high level syntax. The apparatus includes a decoder for decoding pictures for at least one view corresponding to multi-view video content from a bitstream. The pictures are representative of at least a portion of a video sequence. At least some of the pictures correspond to different time instances in the video sequence. The decoder determines whether any of the pictures corresponding to a particular one of the different time instances are lost using an existing syntax element. The existing syntax element is for indicating a number of coded views in the bitstream, including the at least one view. |
| US09282320B2 |
3D image processing apparatus, implementation method thereof and computer-readable storage medium thereof
A three-dimensional (3D) image processing apparatus, an implementation method thereof and a computer-readable storage medium thereof are provided. The 3D image processing apparatus includes: an image processor which generates stereoscopic image processing information from an input image including a plurality of frames, and performs a rendering operation based on the generated stereoscopic image processing information to process the input image into a stereoscopic image; a controller which performs an error identification operation for a part of the plurality of frames having the stereoscopic image processing information; a display unit which displays the stereoscopic image processed by the image processor and error information on the part of the plurality of frames according to a result of the error identification operation performed by the controller. |
| US09282319B2 |
Image display system, image display apparatus, and image display method
A hand-held image display apparatus includes a touch panel, a stereoscopic display apparatus, a first imaging section, and a second imaging section. The hand-held image display apparatus detects a marker from a real world image shot by at least one of the first imaging section and the second imaging section, and determines the relative positions of a virtual object and a pair of virtual cameras with respect to each other in a virtual space, based on the result of the detection. Then, the hand-held image display apparatus superimposes virtual space images drawn based on the first virtual camera and the second virtual camera, onto the real world images shot by the first imaging section and the second imaging section, and displays images that are stereoscopically visible by naked eyes, on the stereoscopic display apparatus. |
| US09282317B2 |
Method and apparatus for processing an image and generating information representing the degree of stereoscopic effects
A method and apparatus for processing an image are provided. The method includes obtaining an image, generating 3-dimensional (3D) disparity information that represents a degree of stereoscopic effects of the image, and outputting the 3D disparity information. |
| US09282313B2 |
Methods and systems for converting 2D motion pictures for stereoscopic 3D exhibition
The present invention discloses methods of digitally converting 2D motion pictures or any other 2D image sequences to stereoscopic 3D image data for 3D exhibition. In one embodiment, various types of Image data cues can be collected from 2D source images by various methods and then used for producing two distinct stereoscopic 3D views. Embodiments of the disclosed methods can be implemented within a highly efficient system comprising both software and computing hardware. The architectural model of some embodiments of the system is equally applicable to a wide range of conversion, re-mastering and visual enhancement applications for motion pictures and other image sequences, including converting a 2D motion picture or a 2D image sequence to 3D, re-mastering a motion picture or a video sequence to a different frame rate, enhancing the quality of a motion picture or other image sequences, or other conversions which facilitate further improvement in visual image quality within a projector to produce the enhanced images. |
| US09282311B2 |
Three-dimensional image processing apparatus and three-dimensional image processing method
In a three-dimensional image capturing apparatus (three-dimensional image processing apparatus), a depth obtainment unit obtains L depth information and R depth information from a three-dimensional image, and an image correction unit executes a smoothing process on an end part region of the subject based on the L depth information and the R depth information. As a result, the three-dimensional image processed by the three-dimensional image processing apparatus is a high-quality three-dimensional image that correctly expresses a sense of three-dimensionality and thickness in the subject and that has a low sense of a cardboard cutout effect. |
| US09282287B1 |
Real-time video transformations in video conferences
Systems and methods are disclosed for real-time video transformations in video conferences. A method includes receiving, by a processing device, a request from a first participant of a video conference to modify a video stream. The method further includes identifying, by the processing device, a foreground and a background within the video stream. The method further includes generating, by the processing device, a modified video stream including a video or image inserted into the background. |
| US09282280B2 |
Digital recording apparatus and copyright protection method thereof
The CGMS unacceptable recorder accepts transmission frames only when the copyright protection information in a transmission header transmitted to the IEEE1394 serial bus indicates copy free. The CGMS acceptable recorder accepts transmission frames when the copyright protection information in the transmission header indicates copy free. When the copyright protection information in the transmission header indicates compliance with the copyright information contained in the content of the transmission frame, the copyright information in the content is fetched based on the signal format type information of the transmission header. As described herein above, a copy management information changeable apparatus such as a computer cannot accept data other than copy free signals from the digital interface. |
| US09282274B2 |
System and method for reducing intra-channel interference
The present invention provides a method for determining a local oscillator frequency for a baseband converter, comprising obtaining characteristics of a channel comprising a plurality of radio signals at corresponding radio frequencies; using the channel characteristics to select a local oscillator frequency to use in baseband conversion of the plurality of radio signals of the channel to form a first baseband converted signal and a second baseband converted signal; and programming a local oscillator to operate the selected local oscillator frequency; wherein the local oscillator frequency is selected such that an image rejection ratio of the baseband converted second signal to an image of the baseband converted first signal is above a predetermined threshold. |
| US09282272B2 |
Device for processing electronic program guide data to be displayed by an electronic equipment within pages associated to time references
An EPG data processing device (D), for an electronic equipment (EE), comprises a processing means (PM) arranged i) to access to sets of data defining respectively channel programs and each comprising at least first data representative of a channel name and a channel program name, second data defining a channel program starting time, and third data representative of a channel program ending time, ii) either to determine amongst the accessed data sets which respectively follow each data set contributing to a displayed page of data the one which comprises the earliest ending time, in order to define a time reference just before this earliest ending time and associate this time reference to a following page of data to be displayed, or to determine amongst the accessed data sets which respectively precede each data set contributing to a displayed page of data the one which comprises the latest starting time, in order to define a time reference just after this latest ending time and associate this time reference to a preceding page of data to be displayed, iii) then to select amongst the accessed data sets each data set comprising second and third data defining a time interval including the defined time reference, and iv) finally to deliver these selected data sets in order they could be respectively displayed on different dedicated lines of a page associated to the determined time reference. |
| US09282270B2 |
Photoelectric conversion device, imaging system, and method for driving photoelectric conversion device
An AD conversion unit AD-converts a first analog signal output from a clamping unit and generated based on a signal generated at a first photoelectric conversion unit. Then, while the first analog signal is clamped at a reference level, signals generated based on the signals generated at the first and second photoelectric conversion units are applied to the clamping unit, whereby the AD conversion unit AD-converts a second analog signal output from the clamping unit. |
| US09282261B2 |
Method for producing image pickup apparatus and method for producing semiconductor apparatus
A method for producing an image pickup apparatus includes: a process of cutting an image pickup chip substrate where electrode pads are formed around each of the light receiving sections to fabricate image pickup chips; a process of bonding image pickup chips determined as non-defective products to a glass wafer to fabricate a joined wafer; a process of filling a sealing member among the image pickup chips on the joined wafer; a machining process including a thinning a thickness of the joined wafer to flatten a machining surface and a forming through-hole interconnections, each of which is connected to each of the electrode pads; a process of forming a plurality of external connection electrodes, each of which is connected to each of the electrode pads via each of the through-hole interconnections; and a process of cutting the joined wafer. |
| US09282256B1 |
System and method for HDR imaging
Generating an image with an imaging system includes capturing a first sub-image during a first exposure with a first pixel subset of an image sensor of the imaging system, capturing a second sub-image during a second exposure with a second pixel subset of the image sensor, capturing a third sub-image during a third exposure with a third pixel subset of the image sensor, and capturing a fourth sub-image during a fourth exposure with a fourth pixel subset of the image sensor. The first, second, third, and fourth exposures have different durations. A preferred exposure is selected from between the first, second, third and fourth exposures by analyzing the first, second, third, and fourth sub-images. Then, a full-resolution image is captured at the preferred exposure. An HDR image is generated based on the full-resolution image and the sub-images. |
| US09282255B2 |
Imaging apparatus and control method
There is provided an imaging apparatus that includes a reception section, and an output section. The reception section is configured to receive a trigger from an external apparatus at a timing for reset and readout of an imaging element. The output section is configured to provide back, to the apparatus, a status indicating in which state the imaging element is when the reception section receives the trigger. |
| US09282247B2 |
Camera module
The present disclosure relates to a camera module including a fixture; a moving part centrally coupled with a lens and arranged to move relative to the fixture; three or more magnets arranged at a periphery of the moving part; and three or more coils arranged from an inner surface of the fixture to areas opposite to the three or more magnets, where each of the coils independently receives a control signal so that the moving part moves to a height direction and tilted relative to a central axis of the moving part, whereby a lens can be axially moved and tilted at the same time using arrangement of a single set of coils and magnets. |
| US09282244B2 |
Camera non-touch switch
Various embodiments provide a wearable camera that can be worn by a user. In one or more embodiments, the wearable camera can include a non-touch switch that can be utilized to access and activate various camera functionality. |
| US09282237B2 |
Multifocal iris recognition device
An exemplary iris-recognition method includes capturing a raw light field photograph of a face including an eye, locating the eye within the raw light field photograph, and rendering, from the raw light field photograph, an image focused on the eye. The image may include an eye portion including the eye. The method may further include extracting an iris template from the eye portion, determining a degree of match between the template and an authorized iris template, and performing an action in response to the degree of match. |
| US09282231B2 |
Photographing appartatus
Controlling a photographing apparatus that can play back an image on an external display device, to achieve energy savings when playing back the image on the external display device is provided. After a photographed image is transmitted to the external display device, if a control signal is sourced by a remote control power to a back-surface LCD 102a and/or the touch panel 102b is turned off. |
| US09282225B2 |
Stand for IP camera and IP camera having the same, and using method thereof
A stand for an IP camera is provided. The stand comprises a base, a supporting component and a cable organizer. The supporting component is disposed on the base and has a hole. The cable organizer is configured for being inserted into the hole. The cable organizer has a first surface, a second surface and a side surface, wherein the second surface is opposite to the first surface, and the side surface connects the first surface with the second surface. The cable organizer comprises at least one through hole portion. The through hole portion has a slit that allows a cable to be received through and organized in the through hole portion by passing through the slit. An IP camera having the stand and a using method of the stand are also provided. |
| US09282224B2 |
Imaging apparatus having efficient dust removal apparatus and camera including the same
An imaging apparatus includes an imaging element unit having an imaging element and an optical element which is integrally formed with the imaging element and through which a luminous flux of light for imaging passes, a first piezoelectric element, and a displacement increment mechanism connected to the first piezoelectric element and the imaging element unit. The displacement increment mechanism displaces the imaging element unit by expanding or contracting the first piezoelectric element, where a portion of the first piezoelectric element in a lengthwise direction thereof is attached to the optical element. |
| US09282217B2 |
Generating data to control the ejection of ink drops
According to one example of the present invention, there is provided a method of generating data to control the ejection of ink drops from a plurality of arrays of printhead nozzles of a printing system. In the printing system one of the arrays of nozzles is configured to eject a first ink of a first color having a first colorant density. Another one of the arrays of nozzles is configured to eject a second ink of the first color having a second colorant density. Each array of nozzles is capable of making ink marks having a plurality of different ink mark volumes on a media. The method comprises obtaining image data for a single color channel and generating, from the image data, multi-level screen data describing, for each of the first and second inks, the ink mark volume to be made by the array of printhead nozzles at each screen location. |
| US09282215B2 |
Security mark with copyable and non-copyable elements
A document contains a security element that combines a correlation mark and microgloss mark so that foreground pixels of the correlation mark are printed in a toner of a first color, and pixels of the correlation mark overwrite portions of the correlation mark in a second color, but neither the first color nor the second color appear on areas that correspond to background pixels of the correlation mark. |
| US09282213B2 |
Driving device, image reading apparatus and image forming apparatus
A driving device is used in an image reading apparatus, and reciprocates a scanning unit for reading an image on an original. The driving device comprises a pull member, a driving pulley which transmits driving force to the pull member, a following pulley which applies tension to the pull member and a pulley holder having a pulley axis which holds the following pulley rotatably. Then, the pulley axis has a lock pawl capable of locking an upper end portion of the following pulley and canceling engagement with the following pulley by being tilted toward a side of an axial center by elastic deformation. Furthermore, the lock pawl is arranged at a side of a tension acting direction from the pull member to the following pulley except the farthest position from the driving pulley among positions in a circumferential direction of the pulley axis. It is possible to attach and detach the following pulley easily at a time of maintenance or the like. |
| US09282211B2 |
Image forming apparatus, control method, and storage medium in which data is shared between applications
Provided is an image forming apparatus that accepts a processing request if the processing request is performed via a relay function by using function information of a function provided by an application, executes the function provided by the application in response to an instruction according to the processing request, and notifies the relay function about the execution result. The application is realized as a servlet. |
| US09282204B2 |
Communication apparatus, communication control apparatus, communication system, and communication method
A communication apparatus includes an acquisition unit, an instruction accepting unit, a generating unit, and a data transmitting unit. The acquisition unit acquires a transmission-source port number which indicates a transmission source of data and which is determined every time transmission of data is to be performed. The instruction accepting unit accepts an instruction which is an instruction to transmit data via a first communication network or an instruction to transmit data via a second communication network. When the accepted instruction is an instruction to transmit data via the second communication network, the generating unit generates data including the acquired transmission-source port number. The data transmitting unit transmits the generated data via a communication control apparatus connected to the first and second communication networks. The communication control apparatus performs routing so that a route via the first or second communication network is selected for the transmitted data. |
| US09282192B2 |
Notification of communication events
A network element of a communication provider comprises transceiver apparatus arranged to receive a request message from an originating endpoint via a packet-based communication network; and processing apparatus configured to generate, in response to the request message from the originating endpoint, a push notification relating to a communication from the originating endpoint intended for a destination endpoint, the communication to be conducted over the packet-based network. The transceiver apparatus is arranged to send the push notification to the destination endpoint over the packet-based network. The processing apparatus is further configured to generate the push notification with a payload comprising an indication of an image representing an originating user, to be output by the destination endpoint in a user notification notifying a destination user regarding the communication. At least the indication of the image is determined and inserted into the payload of the push notification at the network element. |
| US09282191B2 |
Method and apparatus for conferencing of text messages
A system and method are provided which provide a text messaging conference among at least three users who communicate on different first communication channels. A message initiated by a first user is received on one of the first communication channels. The message seeks to initiate a text message conference and includes identities of a plurality of additional users to participate in the messaging conference. Conference participants are identified by a two part identifier, which allows a single participant to participate in multiple ongoing simultaneous conferences. |
| US09282190B2 |
Method for transferring control of a conference call
The invention concerns a method for transferring control of an existing multi-participant conversation (5, 15, 25), in which at least two communication terminals (D1, D2, D3) are connected to each other through a data connection (C1, C2, C5), to a conference control application (KS). The method comprises the following steps: Establishment of a virtual conference room (CR) that serves as an anchor point for the application (KS) and can be a virtual participant in the conference, switching (9, 19, 29, 39, 49, 59) of the conference room (CR) into the existing data connection (C1, C2, C5), and assignment (8, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60) of the master role to the conference room (CR), wherein a signal generated by the application (KS) causes the switching (9, 19, 29, 39, 49, 59) of the conference room (CR) into the existing data connection (C1, C2, C5), and the assignment (8, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60) of the master role to the conference room (CR). |
| US09282185B2 |
System and method for callee-caller specific greetings for voice mail
A method for customization of voice mail messaging. The method includes recording a plurality of voice mail messages, defining selection criteria for each of the plurality of voice mail messages, establishing a first call for which one of the plurality of voice mail messages will be selected, identifying parameters of the first call, matching the parameters with the selection criteria, selecting the one of the plurality of messages based on the matching step, and playing the selected message on the first call. |
| US09282184B2 |
Managing and storing electronic messages during recipient unavailability
A method for managing storage space for electronic messages. A computer receiving a selected time period in which a user of a messaging program will not be able to access electronic messages through the messaging program. The computer estimating, by one or more computer processors, an amount of storage space required to store electronic messages received during the selected time period. The computer determining, by one or more computer processors, that an unused portion of storage space allocated to the user is less than the estimated storage space required. The computer notifying the user that the unused portion of storage space allocated to the user is less than the estimated storage space required. |
| US09282182B2 |
Monitoring system
A master device sends image data transmitted from a monitoring camera to a mobile phone terminal, the mobile phone terminal sends a request signal for starting a call to the monitoring camera when receiving an operation on a predetermined icon displayed on a display/input unit in a state in which the image data is displayed on the display/input unit, and the master device transmits the request signal for starting the call to the monitoring camera from the mobile phone terminal. |
| US09282177B2 |
Caller ID surfing
A method and system for displaying and producing computer based documents seamlessly to users that relate to their telephone calls is provided. The invention is able to be used with social media, where the mobile station searches for the social media page of the caller based on the Caller ID and displays it to the recipient of the call on the mobile station screen, possibly with other Internet search results. The method and system allow the user to obtain the newest public information about the person who calls him or he decides to call, or any documents that might be intermittent between the people. The system adds “bandwidth”, i.e. speed, efficiency and more dimensions to personal communication, as the users of the inventive system can also visually see by documentation what is going on in the relationship between two or more people. |
| US09282170B2 |
Communication device and method for operating communication device
A communication device includes: a first communication element configured to perform communication in a first communication scheme; a second communication element configured to perform communication in a second communication scheme different from the first communication scheme by using, as common hardware, at least part among hardware that implements the communication in the first communication scheme; a schedule management section that manages which of the first communication element and the second communication element is to be used; and a sequence control section that, in accordance with an instruction given from the schedule management section, sets the common hardware so as to enable the communication in the first communication scheme or the communication in the second communication scheme to be performed. |
| US09282161B1 |
Points of interest recommendations
Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to, among other things, providing point of interest item recommendations and/or point of interest map information to users. In some examples, point of interest tags associated by a first user with point of interest items may be managed. Additionally, point of interest item ratings may be received from at least one of a plurality of other users. Based at least in part on the received ratings, a recommendation of a first point of interest item of the one or more point of interest items may be prepared for the first user. |
| US09282152B2 |
Providing push to all (PTA) service
A system and method of providing a Push To All (PTA) service enables a PTA service terminal having limited resources to efficiently perform a multi session, while performing a PTA service such as Push To Talk (PTT), Push To Video (PTV) or Message Session Relay Protocol (MSRP) with a second PTA terminal via an already established session, by rejecting another session requested by a third terminal upon a service type of the session being the same as a service type of the already established session, and by accepting the session upon the service type of the session being different from the already established session. |
| US09282145B2 |
Systems and methods for managing loading priority or sequencing of fragments of a web object
This disclosure is directed to methods and systems for managing rendering of a web page in a browser. A client operated by a user may execute code within a first fragment of a web page as the first fragment is presented to the user. The code may be injected into the first fragment by an intermediary between the client and a server of the web page. The intermediary may have split the web page into the first fragment and a plurality of fragments, and may have modified a default rendering characteristic for each of the plurality of fragments. Each of the modified rendering characteristic may include a trigger and action for rendering of a corresponding fragment. The executing code may dynamically detect a trigger for rendering of a second fragment from the plurality of fragments. The executing code may initiate a corresponding action for rendering of the second fragment. |
| US09282138B2 |
Enabling photoset recommendations
In a social networking system, photographs and photographic sets are recommended to a user based upon information gathered from the user's social networking profile, as well as information gathered from the social networking profile of the user's friends, and the general pattern of usage by the user of various elements of the social network. In one embodiment, information entered into the social networking profile of the user is used to recommend additional photos and sets of photos. In one embodiment, user preferences indicated by the user via elements of the social network are considered in recommending photos or photo sets. In one embodiment, the general usage pattern of the social network is considered when recommending additional photos and sets of photos to the user. In one embodiment, profile information, usage information, or the indicated preferences of the user's friends are used to recommend additional photos and photo sets. |
| US09282136B2 |
Distributed parallel computation with acceleration devices
A method for distributed computing between a host computer and at least one accelerator device interconnected through a network includes profiling a data transfer rate and a computation rate for a range of data sizes to find an optimal chunk size for the data transfer through the network; splitting or aggregating a size of the data stored in a memory in the host computer for encapsulating the data into a chunk with the optimal chunk size; dispatching the encapsulated data to the accelerator device; and instructing pipeline computation to the accelerator device with respect to the encapsulated data received. |
| US09282132B2 |
Publish/subscribe mashups for social networks
Described herein is a mashing technology that facilitates mashup creation over a plurality of publish/subscribe social network data stream. These mashing techniques that are tailored to managing content from disparate social networks. As described herein, these techniques include creating and using a set of operations that facilitate the creation of “mashups” over multiple publish/subscribe social network data streams. |
| US09282130B1 |
Dynamic media negotiation in secure media-based conferencing
Methods and apparatuses, including computer program products, are described for negotiating media capabilities between a plurality of end point devices in a media-based conference session. A server computing device receives a request to join a conference session between a plurality of end point devices, the request received from a first device and comprising a media flow. The server computing device identifies at least one of the first device and a network from which the first device sent the request. The server computing device determines whether a media negotiation profile associated with the identified device exists. The server computing device determines whether a media negotiation profile associated with the identified network exists. The server computing device adjusts one or more of a bitrate, a session description, and a destination multipoint control unit, based upon the media negotiation profiles. The server computing device connects the adjusted media flow to the conference session. |
| US09282124B2 |
System and method for integrating session initiation protocol communication in a telecommunications platform
A system and method for facilitating signaling and media communication at a communication platform that includes receiving a communication request to a resource, wherein the communication request specifies a destination endpoint; establishing signaling and media communication in a session with the destination endpoint of the communication request; registering a callback resource to a signaling event of the session; monitoring signaling messages of the session; detecting the signaling event in the signaling messages of the session; and triggering the callback resource upon detecting the signaling event. |
| US09282119B2 |
Policy enforcement in computing environment
An embodiment may include policy engine circuitry that may enforce, at least in part, one or more platform resource management policies in a cloud computing environment. The one or more policies may be based, at least in part, upon service arrangements of the cloud computing environment. The one or more policies may establish respective isolated computing environments in the cloud computing environment that may be used by respective users. The enforcement of the one or more policies may result in the respective isolated computing environments being virtually isolated from each other and prevented from interfering with each other in derogation of the one or more policies. The one or more policies may be established, at least in part, via interaction of at least one management process with one or more application program interfaces of the circuitry. Many modifications are possible. |
| US09282113B2 |
Denial of service (DoS) attack detection systems and methods
Methods, systems, and apparatus that enable identification of network attacks such as denial of service attacks are disclosed. A network attack may be identified by monitoring packets received for delivery to devices on a network, and developing a historic packet profile by examining the monitored packets received during a number of time periods preceding an instant time period. An instant packet profile is developed by examining the monitored packets during the instant time period. The instant packet profile is compared to the historic packet profile to determine whether a deviation exceeding a predetermined statistical threshold deviation between the instant packet profile and the historic packet profile is present. The existence of a network attack is identified in response to determining that the deviation exceeds the predetermined statistical threshold deviation. |
| US09282108B2 |
Generalized certificate use in policy-based secure messaging environments
Within a secure messaging environment, a determination is made that a request to send a message has been generated by a user. A message protection policy configured to process the message within the secure messaging environment is identified. The message protection policy specifies that, within the secure messaging environment, a secured digital certificate, other than a user-assigned digital certificate of the user, is configured with an associated private key to digitally sign the message on behalf of the user. Based upon the message protection policy, a determination is made to digitally sign the message using the private key of the secured digital certificate. The message is signed on behalf of the user using the private key of the secured digital certificate. |
| US09282100B2 |
Privilege separation
In one implementation, an interposer library is installed on an embedded system or another type of computing system. The system may be configured to host web services or route data packets. A processor, executes processes of the system, and the interposer library intercepts data indicative of relationships of the processes. An access map is generated based on relationships of the processes of the system. The system is modified according to a set of procedures derived from the access map. The set of procedures may be derived by the processor or the access map. The set of procedures may be a minimum privilege solution that minimizes the privilege level of each process to a lowest privilege possible while maintaining the requisite functions of the process. |
| US09282097B2 |
Systems and methods for providing single sign on access to enterprise SAAS and cloud hosted applications
The solution of the present application addresses the problem of authentication across disparately hosted systems by providing a single authentication domain across SaaS and cloud hosted applications as well as traditional enterprise hosted applications. An application delivery controller intermediary to a plurality of clients and the disparately hosted applications providing single sign on management, integration and control. A user may log in via an interface provided, controlled or managed by the ADC, which in turns, authenticates the user to the application in accordance with policy and the host of the application. As such, the user may login once to gain access to a plurality of disparately hosted applications. From the user's perspective, the user seamlessly and transparently gains access to different hosted systems with different passwords and authentication via the remote access provided by the system of the present solution. |
| US09282093B2 |
Synchronizing credential hashes between directory services
The subject disclosure is directed towards securely synchronizing passwords that are changed at a source location (e.g., an on-premises directory service) to a target location (e.g., a cloud directory service), so that the same credentials may be used to log into the source or target location, yet without necessarily having each domain controller handle the synchronization. The plaintext password is not revealed, instead using hash values computed therefrom to represent the password-related data. The target may receive a secondary hash of a primary hash, and thereby only receive and store a password blob. Authentication is accomplished by using the same hashing algorithms at the target service to compute a blob and compare against the synchronized blob. Also described are crypto agility and/or changing hashing algorithms without requiring a user password change. |
| US09282080B2 |
Customer vetted device status communication system and method
A system and method for transmitting device status information from a first internal network, through a first internal network firewall, over an external communications network and to a second network wherein the first internal network includes a marking device and a computing device having a memory. Usage data is collected from the marking device and compared to previously stored usage data to determine the validity of the collected usage data to provide a comparison result. The comparison result is used to determine whether the collected usage data can be transmitted from the first internal network, through the firewall, and through the external communications network to the second network. |
| US09282074B2 |
Multi-version message condition based delivery
A recipient message system receiving an email message set of two or more email messages and a related condition from a sender to a recipient. The recipient message system detects an attempt from the recipient to read the message set at a second time instance and evaluates the condition at the second time instance. If the evaluation of the condition results in the first evaluation value, the recipient is provided with the first email message in response to the attempt to read the message set, wherein the recipient is not able to read the second email message in this event. If the evaluation of the condition results in the second evaluation value, the recipient is provided with the second email message in response to the attempt to read the message set, wherein the recipient is not able to read the first email message in this event. |
| US09282072B1 |
Serial output redirection using HTTP
A service controller on a computing device can be configured to redirect serial output over a network using HTTP. For example, the service controller can be configured with a web server that can receive the serial output and stream the serial output to a web browser over an HTTP connection. In some implementations, the HTTP connection can be a WebSocket connection, as defined by the HTML5 specification. In some implementations, a proxy server can be configured with a web server that can receive serial over LAN (SOL) output from multiple servers and stream the SOL to a web browser on a client device. |
| US09282069B2 |
Messaging service for information processing systems
An example system includes a web server computer and at least two video game systems. Each game system is configured to connect to the web server computer via the Internet and to communicate status data indicative of an activity engaged in by a user thereof. The web server computer generates a session file indicative of user status and the status of each of two or persons on a buddy list of the user. |
| US09282064B2 |
Method for processing a plurality of data and switching device for switching communication packets
The invention concerns a method of processing a plurality of data packets in a packet switched communication network comprising at least one switching device (1) as well as a corresponding switching device. The switching device (1) comprises two or more sub-engines (21, . . . , 29). A control unit (7) of the at least one switching device (1) receives a data packet comprising a header (10) of a communication packet exchanged via the communication network. The control unit (7) applies at least one filter operation (50) to the header (10) and generating thereby filtered information (100). The control unit (7) maps the filtered information (100) on a hash-tag (30) according to a hash-function (300). The control unit (7) provides a tagged-header (11) by means of inserting the hash-tag (30) in the header (10) of the data packet. The control unit (7) sends the data packet to a sub-engine (24) of the two or more sub-engines (21, . . . , 29) according to the tagged-header (11) for further processing of the data packet. |
| US09282053B1 |
Techniques for dynamic resource partitioning
Described are techniques for partitioning resources. A plurality of resource limit ranges are specified for a plurality of tenants of a system. Each of the plurality of resource limit ranges have a lower bound and an upper bound. A plurality of current resource limits are determined. Each of the plurality of current resource limits indicate a current resource limit for one of the plurality of tenants. Each current resource limit for one of the tenants is a value included in one of the plurality of resource limit ranges specified for the one tenant. The plurality of current resource limits are dynamically determined in accordance with a current state of the system. |
| US09282052B2 |
End-to-end quality of service optimization and reporting
A system may be configured to identify a queue scheduler configuration associated with node of a network; and receive queue state information regarding the node. The queue state information may include information regarding at least one of: a measure of occupancy of one or more queues associated with the node, or a drop rate associated with the one or more queues associated with the node. The system may further determine, based on the received queue state information, that a performance of the one or more queues does not meet a threshold measure of performance; generate, based on determining that the performance of the one or more queues does not meet the threshold measure of performance, a modified queue scheduler configuration that is based on the identified queue scheduler configuration; and output, to the node, the modified queue scheduler configuration. |
| US09282051B2 |
Credit-based resource allocator circuit
A high-speed credit-based allocator circuit receives an allocation request to make an allocation to one of a set of a processing entities. The allocator circuit maintains a chain of bubble sorting module circuits for the set, where each bubble sorting module circuit stores a resource value and an indication of a corresponding processing entity. A bubble sorting operation is performed so that the head of the chain tends to indicate the processing entity of the set that has the highest amount of the resource (credit) available. The allocation requested is made to the processing entity indicated by the head module circuit of the chain. The amount of the resource available to each processing entity is tracked by adjusting the resource values as allocations are made, and as allocated tasks are completed. The allocator circuit is configurable to maintain multiple chains, thereby supporting credit-based allocations to multiple sets of processing entities. |
| US09282041B2 |
Congestion profiling of computer network devices
A method may include transmitting data frames from a reaction point of a source device. The method may also include receiving, at the reaction point, congestion notification messages corresponding to the transmitted data frames and containing congestion feedback data regarding a particular network switching device and an identifier of the particular network switching device. The method may also include modifying a congestion profile for the particular network switching device by correlating the identifier of the particular network switching device to a profile entry, and updating the profile entry with the congestion feedback data. |
| US09282028B2 |
Method and system for TCP X.25 connectivity
Techniques for providing a method and system for TCP to X.25 connectivity are disclosed. In one particular exemplary embodiment, the techniques may be realized as a method, comprising configuring, via at least one processor, an X.25 switch for direct communication with a TCP/IP based network device, configuring, via at least one processor, X.25 packet encapsulation software on the TCP/IP based network device, provisioning, via at least one processor, one or more X.25 PVCs on the X.25 switch, provisioning, via at least one processor, one or more PVCs on the TCP/IP based network device, and routing network traffic directly between the TCP/IP based network device and the X.25 switch. |
| US09282026B2 |
System and method for improved routing in autonomous systems
A system and method for improved routing in autonomous systems includes identifying one or more first edge routers for an autonomous system, selecting one or more second edge routers from the one or more first edge routers, determining a third edge router, forming a first edge router list including all of the one or more second edge routers except for the third edge router, forming a first reachability message, and transmitting the first reachability message. A first prefix is reachable using the one or more second edge routers. The third edge router is associated with a first path for reaching the first prefix. The third edge router is selected from the one or more second edge routers. The first path is a best path for reaching the first prefix. The reachability message includes the first prefix, information associated with the first path, and the first edge router list. |
| US09282016B2 |
Loss measurement in a link aggregation group
Accurate measurement of packet losses over a logical link comprising a plurality of physical links is achieved by aligning the individual packet counters for the plurality of links to a common time reference. By aligning the counters of individual links to a common time reference, the packet losses calculated for each link can be summed to determine an aggregate loss for the link aggregation group. |
| US09282012B2 |
Cognitive data delivery optimizing system
Network performance data is gathered and analyzed to produce network patterns and data delivery strategies. Client devices and other network components report network performance data to a central management system. Data delivery strategies are applied to a portion of a network to deliver content appropriate for network patterns that are associated with the portion of the network. |
| US09282011B2 |
Network communication
Mobile devices are networked to servers using connections. The connections are monitored to select one or more connections as the active connection. Information from applications is aggregated and transmitted across the active connection in order to network the mobile devices to the servers. |
| US09282004B2 |
Multi-protocol storage network I/O devices and methods
Systems and methods which allow for one or more input/output (I/O) ports residing on a device in a storage network environment to be reconfigured in order to communicate using different protocols are provided. Embodiments may provide for dynamic reconfiguration of an I/O port while the device including the port is deployed in the storage network. In some instances, such reconfiguration may be managed locally and/or by a remote management processing resource in the storage network. In some embodiments, reconfiguration of an I/O port to communicate in a different protocol may be implemented, either manually or automatically, based on observed traffic data. |
| US09282000B1 |
Network devices having configurable receive packet queues and related methods
Method and system for configuring a port of a network device are provided. One method for a port of a network device communicating with another network device port includes reading manufacturing, license and user provided port configuration data by a processor of the network device; obtaining capabilities information for the port by the processor of the network device from an external pluggable media device; setting port configuration data based on the capabilities information obtained from the external pluggable media; executing auto-negotiation on the port, when enabled and obtaining configuration data from the other port; determining that enough data is available to set port configuration; attempting to configure the port by using a highest permissible bandwidth configuration when enough data is available to set the port configuration; and setting port configuration based on the attempt to configure the port to operate when a link connected to the port is operational. |
| US09281999B2 |
Apparatus for remotely configuring network interfaces in a remote management system
According to one aspect, a computer system for remotely configuring network interfaces of a host computer is disclosed, the system including a remote management computer and a managed host computer communicatively connected to the remote management computer over a communications link. The host computer includes a first network interface operable to communicatively connect to two or more server computers on two or more corresponding port numbers, and a second network interface operable to communicatively connect to two or more server computers on two or more corresponding port numbers. The system also includes a microcontroller operatively connected to the first network interface and the second network interface. The microcontroller has a programmable processor that is programmed to cause the host computer to perform functions that include receiving configuration data from the remote management computer over the communications link. |
| US09281998B2 |
Method and device for detecting and repairing channel anomaly of active antenna
The present disclosure provides a method and device for detecting and repairing a channel anomaly of an active antenna, and the method includes: an operation state of a transmission channel or a reception channel is determined by analyzing in real time data of a feedback coupling channel or data of the reception channel, if the operation state is anomalous, an anomaly protection is performed and an alarm is reported; a level of the alarm and a reason causing the alarm are determined, if data of the transmission/reception channel are anomalous and the anomaly protection is performed, a current antenna beam forming parameter is stored and the antenna beam forming parameter is set to zero; after the alarm has been eliminated, a stored valid antenna beam forming parameter is set to a valid value; and if a transmission/reception analog channel operates anomalously and the anomaly protection is performed, the antenna beam forming parameter is re-acquired and an acquired valid antenna beam forming parameter is configured. The present disclosure can detect states of multiple transmission/reception channels of an active antenna without an extra calibration channel, thus reducing the design cost of a system. |
| US09281993B2 |
Method and system to distribute policies
A method to distribute policies may include transmitting one of an identification (ID) assigned to a policy template or the policy template associated with each policy to an enforcement point or selected enforcement points for enforcement. The method may also include transmitting one set of parameters to be used in each policy template to the enforcement point. |
| US09281981B1 |
Apparatus and method for transmitting data with conditional zero padding
An apparatus and method for transmitting data with conditional zero padding is provided. In accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure, a transmitter transmits data to a receiver by transmitting symbols such that each symbol is preceded by a cyclic prefix of a fixed length and the symbol conditionally includes enough zero padding to avoid ISI (Inter-Symbol Interference) between consecutive symbols. In some implementations, if the fixed length for cyclic prefixes is long enough to avoid ISI between consecutive symbols, then the symbols may omit zero padding. Otherwise, the symbols may include enough zero padding to avoid ISI between consecutive symbols. The zero padding may be zero tail or zero head. |
| US09281976B2 |
Transmitter and method of transmitting
At least one tone is generated. An output signal is generated in response to an input signal and the at least one tone. The output signal is modulated. The input signal and the at least one tone are represented in the modulated output signal. The at least one tone is outside a bandwidth of the input signal as represented in the modulated output signal. The modulated output signal is amplified. The at least one tone in the amplified signal is attenuated after the amplifying. |
| US09281975B1 |
Reducing pass-band ripple in radio-frequency (RF) filters used for pass-band filtering in a wireless communications system
An electronically tunable equalizer is provided to a downlink (DL) and/or uplink (UL) signal processing path of a wireless communication unit incorporating a RF filter. The electronically tunable equalizer is pre-configured with a plurality of capacitance states, each representing a specific capacitance. The equalizer produces a different equalizer response for each of the plurality of capacitance states based on a received pass-band frequency signal. The plurality of equalizer responses is provided to the RF filter on a signaling processing path, thus affecting the RF filter's pass-band ripple. The RF filter's pass-band ripple is measured for each of the plurality of equalizer responses to determine a desired pass-band ripple. By configuring the electronically tunable equalizer to the capacitance state that produced the desired pass-band ripple, a ceramic RF filter may be used in the wireless communication unit for the benefit of lower cost and size, with reduced pass-band ripple. |
| US09281974B1 |
Equalizer circuitry having digitally controlled impedances
An integrated circuit is disclosed. The integrated circuit includes an equalizer circuit that may provide high-frequency signal amplification. The equalizer circuit also has adjustable impedance circuitry, which may receive digital control signals to adjust the effective impedance of the equalizer circuit. Furthermore, a method of operating the equalizer circuit is also disclosed. |
| US09281968B2 |
Differential circuit system
A differential circuit system is provided. The differential circuit system includes: a different circuit set including a plurality of differential circuits, a voltage regulator, and a current drainage circuit set. The differential circuits are electrically connected between a first node and a second node, and each differential circuit generates a current flowing from the first node to the second node. A high voltage is provided to the first node and a low voltage is provided to the second node. The first node receives an external voltage. According to the first voltage, the voltage regulator generates the low voltage. The low voltage is provided to the second node. The current drainage circuit set generates a drainage current in between the second node and a ground voltage. A superposed current flowing to the voltage regulator is difference of the summation of currents minus the conducting current. |
| US09281967B2 |
Rail-to-rail line driver using differential cascode bootstraping
Aspects of rail-to-rail line drivers using differential cascode bootstrapping are described. In one embodiment, a differential line driver includes first and second differential driver output legs. The first output leg includes a first p-type cascode stack and a first n-type cascode stack, and the second output leg includes a second p-type cascode stack and a second n-type cascode stack. The differential line driver also includes a differential cascode bootstrap circuit arrangement coupled to an output of the differential line driver. More particularly, the differential cascode bootstrap circuit arrangement is coupled between the first and second differential output driver legs and the output of the differential line driver. According to aspects of the embodiments described herein, differential line drivers with overvoltage protection and rail-to-rail output swings may be achieved. Further, the differential line drivers may be generally smaller, with cascode stack transistors of reduced in size. |
| US09281965B2 |
Communication system and mobile communication device
According to an aspect, a communication system includes at least one mobile communication device, at least one movable communication device, and a server. The mobile communication device includes: a first position information obtaining unit for obtaining position information of the mobile communication device; and a first communication unit for communicating with another communication device. The movable communication device includes: a second position information obtaining unit for obtaining position information of the movable communication device; and a second communication unit for communicating with another communication device. The server stores the position information through communication with the mobile communication device and the movable communication device, and transmits the stored position information to at least one of the mobile communication device and the movable communication device. |
| US09281960B2 |
Estimating processing workloads
Systems and associated methods for estimating wireless workloads are described herein. Systems and methods provide for generating an estimate of a wireless workload's processing requirements from the combined knowledge of system specific values, such as system parameters, platform details, and implementation details. Systems and methods for estimating wireless workloads may be utilized in various wireless protocols, including, 3G, WiMax, LTE, WiFi, femtocells, and point-to-point wireless links. The estimated workloads may be used for scheduling wireless workloads in a shared computing environment. |
| US09281958B2 |
Method for providing interworking service in home network
A method provides an interworking service in a home network. In view of the above, the present invention provides a method for providing an interworking service in a home network, in which servers and adaptors existing in a home network can identify with each other and servers or adaptors are not doubly connected to a device. |
| US09281957B2 |
Flexible MAC/PHY association
A system and method for allowing flexible associations between PHY devices and MAC devices in a point-to-multipoint communications system, such that a given upstream channel is not deterministically bound to a particular MAC device. An upstream MAC device may connect to a varying number of PHY devices depending on configured PHY capacity. Upstream service flows are intact by noting Service identifiers (SIDs) of each burst received at a PHY device. A burst is then directed via a switching infrastructure to the appropriate MAC on the basis of the SID. |
| US09281955B2 |
Interoperability of data plane based overlays and control plane based overlays in a network environment
Technologies are provided in example embodiments for intercepting a packet being multicast from a first tunnel endpoint in a network, determining first address mapping information of the first tunnel endpoint and a first host, wherein the first host created the packet, generating a control protocol message with the first address mapping information, and communicating the control protocol message through a control plane in the network. In more specific example embodiments, the communicating the control protocol message includes sending the control protocol message to a network repository, where the first address mapping information is registered in the network repository. In other more specific example embodiments, the communicating the control protocol message includes pushing the control protocol message to one or more other tunnel endpoints. Further embodiments include decapsulating the packet to determine an endpoint identifier of the first host and a location of the first tunnel endpoint. |
| US09281942B2 |
Password encryption for controlling access to electronic control units
A method of providing access to a password-protected electronic control unit (ECU) using encryption includes generating a cryptographic key for the ECU using a master password, a serial number of the ECU, and a password-based key derivation function; converting the generated cryptographic key into an ECU password; and accessing data from the ECU using the ECU password. |
| US09281938B2 |
Wireless communication device, wireless communication system, and receiving circuit
A wireless communication device includes a first injection locked oscillator that inputs a received signal and includes a free-running frequency obtained by offsetting a frequency on a plus side relative to a half frequency of a frequency of the received signal; a second injection locked oscillator that inputs the received signal and includes a free-running frequency obtained by offsetting a frequency on a minus side relative to the half frequency of a frequency of the received signal; a phase difference detecting unit that detects a phase difference between an output signal output from the first injection locked oscillator and an output signal output from the second injection locked oscillator; a baseband processing unit that extracts a receiving frame based on the detected phase difference; and an access controlling unit that performs a medium access control based on the receiving frame. |
| US09281937B2 |
Control timing synchronization method, optical transmission system, and optical transmission apparatus
A control timing synchronization method is executed by a first and a second optical transmission apparatus. The first optical transmission apparatus: superimposes on a main signal and transmits, information of control process details; waits for a first period; subsequently, superimposes on the main signal and transmits, a message giving notification of control start timing; waits for a second period; and subsequently switches a process of the first optical transmission apparatus to a process corresponding to the control process details. The second optical transmission apparatus: acquires the information on the main signal; waits until detection of the message on the main signal, when a process is present that is to be executed by the second optical transmission apparatus based on the information; waits for the second period when the message is detected while waiting for the detection of the message; and subsequently, executes a process corresponding to the information. |
| US09281935B2 |
High-speed interface apparatus and deskew method thereof
A high-speed interface apparatus and method of correcting skew in the apparatus are provided. A high-speed transmitter includes a transmission D-PHY module that generates and transmits a clock signal through a clock channel, generates a deskew synchronous code and test data in response to a deskew request signal, transmits the deskew synchronous code followed by the test data through a data channel, and transmits a normal synchronous code followed by normal data through the data channel in normal mode. |
| US09281932B2 |
Methods and apparatus for subframe interlacing in heterogeneous networks
Methods and apparatus for providing wireless communications using subframe partitioning are disclosed. Two or more base stations may be allocated subframes in a radio frame. All or part of the subframe allocation may be provided to the associated user equipment (UEs), which may use it to determine signal metrics during assigned subframes for an associated base station. |
| US09281929B2 |
Providing mobile-guided downlink interference management
Systems and methods can be implemented on a user device and eNBs to manage downlink interference at the user device. The user device in a cell associated with a corresponding serving base station may receive interference from one or more interfering base stations. The user device can identify a preferred radio resource set in response to the detected interference and transmit a preferred radio resource indication to at least the serving base station in response to the detected interference. The preferred radio resource indication can be used for identifying the preferred radio resource set associated with the serving base station. |
| US09281925B2 |
Method and apparatus for providing communication service to mobile station by multiple base stations in cooperation in wireless communication system
A method and an apparatus for providing a service to a Mobile Station (MS) by a plurality of Base Stations (BSs) operating in cooperation in a wireless communication system are provided. The method includes configuring, by a master BS, a first cooperative cell including at least one slave BS, sending a resource request message for requesting resource allocation to the at least one slave BS included in the first cooperative cell, receiving, from each of the at least one slave BS, a resource request response message including resource approval control results for the resource allocation request, changing member BSs constituting the first cooperative cell based on the resource request response message, and allocating resources to an MS that is served in the first cooperative cell. |
| US09281919B2 |
Digital broadcasting system and method of processing data in digital broadcasting system
A method of transmitting a broadcast signal includes encoding mobile data for FEC (Forward Error Correction); encoding signaling information for signaling the mobile data; allocating the encoded mobile data and signaling data into a transmission frame; and transmitting the broadcast signal including the transmission frame, wherein the transmission frame includes a service signaling table having service_type information identifying a type of a service of the mobile data and hidden information indicating whether the service of the mobile data is hidden or not. |
| US09281910B2 |
Radio broadcast receiving apparatus and broadcast frequency detection method
In a radio broadcast receiving apparatus and a broadcast frequency detection method, a frequency fm at which a reception strength (an S meter value) that is equal to or greater than a threshold value Th0 and is greater than reception strengths at frequencies (fm−1) and (fm+1) adjacent to the frequency fm by one step by X or more, is detected as a broadcast reception frequency that is a frequency at which a receivable broadcast is performed. The value of X is set so that it increases with the increase in the reception strength (S meter value) at the frequency fm. As a result, a frequency at which a broadcast is performed can be more accurately detected. |
| US09281906B2 |
Subsea power and data communication apparatus and related methods
Subsea power and data communications apparatus, subsea wireless sensor hubs assemblies, subsea wireless sensor hubs, and methods of providing power to and receiving data from subsea data gathering devices, are provided. An exemplary apparatus can include subsea sensors/gauges, batteries to power the sensors/gauges, charging circuits for controlling charging of the batteries, one or more BOP control pods, an RTU, and a subsea wireless connection hub. The hub can include a stationary wheel carrying wireless stationary connection members each electrically connected to a battery and a respective subset of sensors/gauges. The hub can also include a rotatable wheel carrying a single wireless movable connection member configured to provide power to each of the stationary connection members and to receive data from the stationary connection members. A motor is provided to rotate the rotatable wheel to position the mobile connection member in front of a selected one of the stationary connection members. |
| US09281899B2 |
Wavelength stabilizer for TWDM-PON burst mode DBR laser
An optical network unit (ONU) comprising a media access controller (MAC) configured to support biasing a laser transmitter to compensate for temperature related wavelength drift receiving a transmission timing instruction from an optical network control node, obtaining transmission power information for the laser transmitter, estimating a burst mode time period for the laser transmitter according to the transmission timing instruction, and calculating a laser phase fine tuning compensation value for the laser transmitter according to the burst mode time period and the transmission power information, and forwarding the laser phase fine tuning compensation value toward a bias controller to support biasing a phase of the laser transmitter. |
| US09281898B2 |
Mach-Zehnder modulator bias control for arbitrary waveform generation
A method comprising applying an In-phase (I) offset to an I component of an orthogonal pseudo-random coded direct current (DC) bias signal, applying a Quadrature-phase (Q) offset to a Q component of the orthogonal pseudo-random coded DC bias signal, applying an I dither signal to an I Mach-Zehnder modulator (MZM), wherein the I dither signal is based on the I component of the orthogonal pseudo-random coded DC bias signal, applying a Q dither signal to a Q MZM, wherein the Q dither signal is based on the Q component of the orthogonal pseudo-random coded DC bias signal, and performing arbitrary waveform generation (AWG) by modulating an analog data signal onto an optical carrier signal via the MZMs, wherein the I offset and the Q offset are selected to mitigate crosstalk between the I MZM and the Q MZM due to a finite extinction ratio. |
| US09281892B2 |
OTDR trace analysis in PON systems
Fault analysis of a Passive Optical Network comprising Optical Network Terminal(s) uses Optical Time Domain Reflectometry (OTDR). An OTDR measurement signal is supplied to a multistage splitter having a ratio 2:Nroot. At least one drop link which is connected to the multistage splitter comprises one or more sub-splitters which having a ratio 1:Nbranch. A new event location is determined based on the OTDR measurement signal by analyzing OTDR measurement data relating to the sub-splitter based on distance from the multistage splitter and to the sub-splitter. A fault magnitude is calculated for a given location by subtracting an event magnitude obtained from the new OTDR measurement from a reference OTDR measurement and taking into account the number of drop links connected to the last splitter stage and to the sub-splitter in the reference measurement and the new measurement, thereby enabling determination of position and severity of the fault locations. |
| US09281885B2 |
Reordering of a beamforming matrix based on encoding
Apparatuses, methods and systems for beamforming based on encoding are disclosed. One embodiment of a method includes generating a beamforming matrix, including obtaining a channel matrix of a multiple-input, multiple-output (MIMO) channel between multiple transmitter antennas and at least one receiver antenna, determining an initial beamforming matrix based on a singular value decomposition of the channel matrix, and generating, by a transceiver, a final beamforming matrix comprising reordering columns of the initial beamforming matrix for at least one sub-carrier of a multi-carrier signal, wherein the reordering of the columns is based on knowledge of encoding of a transmit signal. |
| US09281870B2 |
Method and terminal for data transmission between terminals
Disclosed is a method for data transmission between terminals and a terminal. The method is applied between a first terminal and a second terminal, with a first capacitive touch screen set on the first terminal and a second capacitive touch screen set on the second terminal, and the method includes: the first terminal transforms the information to be transferred into binary data, then correspondingly applies a voltage to the electrodes involved in data transmission on the first capacitive touch screen and forms corresponding electric field distribution information; when the first capacitive touch screen contacts with the second capacitive touch screen, the second terminal decodes the information to be transferred according to the detected electric field distribution information currently on the first capacitive touch screen. |
| US09281867B2 |
Power line communication device switchable between noise detecting and filtering functions
The present invention is to provide a PLC device, which includes a power receiving port connected to a power supply for receiving a power signal and a network signal carried by the power signal; a filtering unit having a first end connected to the power receiving port; a power output port connected to a second end of the filtering unit and a load, respectively, for supplying the power signal to the load while the filtering unit filters out noise generated in the power signal by the load; a switching unit having two connecting ends connecting to the first and second ends, respectively, and a control end switchable between the two connecting ends; and a processing unit connected to the control end and including a bridge module for receiving and then transmitting the network signal to a network apparatus, and a detection module for detecting the level of the noise. |
| US09281866B2 |
Methods for enhanced power delivery to tower-mounted and other remotely-mounted remote radio heads and related systems and power cables
Tower systems suitable for use at cellular base stations include a tower, an antenna mounted on the tower, a remote radio head mounted on the tower and a power supply. A power cable having a power supply conductor and a return conductor is connected between the power supply and the remote radio head. A shunt capacitance unit that is separate from the remote radio head that is electrically coupled between the power supply conductor and the return conductor of the power cable. |
| US09281863B2 |
Application of sequence hopping and orthogonal covering codes to uplink reference signals
Methods and apparatuses are provided for transmitting and receiving references signals. A method includes receiving first and second cell specific parameters; receiving a third UE specific parameter; acquiring a first reference signal for a PUSCH, based on the third parameter; acquiring a second reference signal for a PUCCH, based on the first parameter; and transmitting at least one of the first reference signal and the second reference signal. Sequence hopping and group sequence hopping are disabled for the first reference signal, regardless of values of the first parameter and the second parameter, if the third parameter indicates that the sequence hopping and the group sequence hopping are disabled. The group sequence hopping is applied to acquire the second reference signal, if the first parameter indicates that the group sequence hopping is enabled and the third parameter indicates that the sequence hopping and the group sequence hopping are disabled. |
| US09281861B2 |
Low power ultra wideband transceivers
Low-power transmitter and/or receiver devices are provided by sacrificing time and/or frequency diversity in exchange for lower power consumption. When channel conditions indicate that time and/or frequency spreading are unnecessary for transmissions, a transmitter may enter into a power-conservation mode in which transmissions are performed using a time gating scheme or a time repetition scheme. In the time gating scheme, symbols are transmitting just once, rather than a plurality of times, but with increased transmission power. In the time repetition scheme, copies of the same symbol are transmitted a plurality of times on the same frequency on different symbol transmission periods, instead of being retransmitted on different frequencies on different symbol transmission periods. Consequently, the symbol can be generated once and stored for subsequent retransmission, thereby allowing some of the transmitter/receiver chain components can be operated at a lower duty cycle or processing speed to conserve power. |
| US09281859B1 |
Smartphone cover module with embedded game controller
Disclosed herein is a smartphone cover module with an embedded game controller. The smartphone cover module includes a smartphone cover provided to protect a surface of a smartphone, with a through hole formed to expose the surface of the smartphone. A direction button is formed on the through hole of the smartphone cover and made of a conductive material. A direction-change support is formed into a shape of a pole that extends downwards from a central portion of a lower surface of the direction button, and spaces the direction button apart from the surface of the smartphone. A button restoring pad connects the direction button or the direction-change support to the smartphone cover, and is formed into a shape of a pad made of an elastic material, thus restoring the direction button from an inclined state to an original state. |
| US09281857B1 |
Phone holder
An apparatus for holding a cell phone or a mobile phone in a vehicle that includes a cradle to receive a cell phone or mobile device. The cradle includes a base plate, a latch button, and a latch mechanism. The apparatus also includes a triangular hold securement system connected to the cradle, wherein the triangular hold securement system includes a first grab post, a second grab post, and a third grab post. The first grab post and the second grab post are positioned to contact and engage on one of two long sides of the mobile device and the third grab post is positioned to contact and engage on the opposite long side of the mobile device. The three grab posts are connected by one or more arms and a linkage element which provides biasing forces to the grab posts to secure the mobile device to the cradle. |
| US09281855B2 |
Apparatus and methods for recordation of device history across multiple software emulations
Apparatus and method for maintaining hardware history profiles for a software-based emulator. In one embodiment, the disclosed software-based emulator monitors the history of the actual hardware device in a secondary device history, the history of the emulated hardware is presented within a primary device history. However, the primary device history is linked to the secondary device history, and receives the device wear history therefrom. In another aspect of the present invention, wear-leveling strategies are disclosed for handling various update sizes. Unlike existing solutions which are optimized for a single SIM that receives small data updates; various embodiments of the present invention are suitable for handling varying data sizes. |
| US09281854B2 |
Signal path processing bias error detector
The present invention detects, determines, and mitigates signal-path processing errors. An extracted and inverted reference signal is compared to the carrier signal produced by various functional components to determine the error introduced to that signal by functional components. After the signal has been processed by various signal-processing components, the signal can once again be compared to the inverted reference signal so that a signal-path processing bias can be determined. Using that determination, a signal modification can be initiated to substantially reduce or eliminate all signal-path processing error. |
| US09281843B2 |
Systems and methods for reduced constraint code data processing
The present inventions are related to systems and methods for data processing, and more particularly to systems and methods for performing data decoding. In one case a data processing system is disclosed that includes a decoder circuit operable to apply a low density parity check algorithm to a decoder input to yield an interim decoded output, where the decoder input is a codeword formed of two bit symbols, and where the decoder input is encoded to yield a last layer including at least two different entry values. In addition, the data processing system includes an inverse mapping circuit operable to remap the interim decoded output to yield an overall decoded output. |
| US09281837B2 |
A/D converter
An A/D converter includes a delta-sigma processing circuit for A/D conversion by delta-sigma modulation, and a cyclic processing circuit for A/D conversion by cyclic processing of amplification of a residue generated in the A/D conversion. The A/D converter further includes a quantization part for outputting a quantized value of quantized output of the delta-sigma processing circuit and a quantized output of the cyclic processing circuit, and a control circuit for generating an A/D conversion result and switching over a reference voltage based on the quantized value. The delta-sigma processing circuit and the cyclic processing circuit include a sampling capacitor, an integration capacitor and a capacitive D/A converter, which includes a DAC capacitor and add and subtract a charge corresponding to a reference voltage to and from a residue of quantization. The sampling capacitor, the DAC capacitor and the integration capacitor are provided as electrically separate capacitors. |
| US09281828B2 |
Reference-less voltage controlled oscillator (VCO) calibration
Embodiments for reference-less voltage controlled oscillator (VCO) calibration are provided. Embodiments include a VCO calibration module which uses one or more signals from a frequency detector to automatically select a proper VCO band and bring the VCO clock frequency close enough to the data rate. The VCO calibration module uses a calibration code to calibrate the VCO. In embodiments, the calibration code is determined using a frequency search scheme, which includes a discovery phase to determine the proper VCO band, and a binary search phase and a monitoring phase to select the calibration code that brings the VCO clock frequency closest to the data rate. |
| US09281826B2 |
Circuit, voltage control oscillator, and oscillation frequency control system
A circuit includes first and second capacitances arranged on a first path that connects first and second terminals; a first switch arranged between the first capacitance and the second capacitance; a second switch arranged on a second path that connects a reference voltage section and a first node formed between the first capacitance and the first switch; a third switch arranged on a third path that connects the section and a second node formed between the second capacitance and the first switch; a first resistance arranged on a fourth path that connects the first node and a third node formed between the first terminal and the first capacitance; a second resistance arranged on a fifth path that connects the second node and a fourth node formed between the second terminal and the second capacitance; a fourth switch on the fourth path; and a fifth switch on the fifth path. |
| US09281825B2 |
Frequency synthesis with gapper and multi-modulus divider
Systems and methods for frequency synthesis using a gapper and a multi-modulus divider. A frequency synthesizer may comprise a gapper, a multi-modulus divider and a Phase Locked Loop (PLL). When a frequency of an output signal is intended to be greater than a corresponding input signal, a factor can be borrowed by the gapper from the divider to generate a rational divide ratio G that is greater 1 in order for the gapper to be capable of performing the division by G. The PLL is capable of multiplying a gapped signal output from the first integer divider and attenuating jitter from the gapped signal. |
| US09281824B2 |
Clock amplitude detection
In some embodiments, disclosed is an AC amplitude detector to compare the magnitude of an AC signal against a detector threshold level and to provide an indication as to whether the AC magnitude is larger or smaller than the detector threshold level. |
| US09281822B2 |
Oscillator
An oscillator includes a voltage controlled oscillator, a PLL circuit, a crystal unit and an oscillator circuit configured to generate a clock, a digital control circuit, and a clock switching unit. The digital control circuit is configured to set an oscillation parameter of the oscillator circuit, and a parameter of the PLL circuit. The clock switching unit is configured to supply an output signal of the voltage controlled oscillator to the digital control circuit as a clock signal so as to cause the digital control circuit to operate using the clock signal when powered on, and configured to supply an output signal of the oscillator circuit to the digital control circuit as a clock signal after the digital control circuit sets the oscillation parameter of the oscillator circuit. An initial voltage is supplied to the voltage controlled oscillator as a control voltage when the oscillator is powered on. |
| US09281821B2 |
Time division multiplexed limited switch dynamic logic
A method for enabling double pumping in a limited switch dynamic logic circuit includes precharging a dynamic node in accordance with a first clock signal and a second clock signal. The dynamic node is evaluated to a first value in response to one or more first input signals of a first evaluation tree in accordance with the first clock signal. The dynamic node is evaluated to a second value in response to one or more second input signals of a second evaluation tree in accordance with the second clock signal. |
| US09281817B2 |
Power conservation using gray-coded address sequencing
A multiplexer tree operable to control an output a sequence of data stored in a plurality of storage units in accordance with a non-linear address sequence that has less bit transition counts than a linear address sequence. The non-linear address sequence is provided to the selection inputs of the multiplexer tree and causes the levels having greater numbers of multiplexers to toggle less frequently than the levels having smaller numbers of multiplexers. The non-linear address sequence may comprise a Gray code sequence where every two adjacent addresses differ by a single bit. The non-linear address sequence may be optimized to minimize transistor switching in the multiplexer tree. |
| US09281815B2 |
Electrode unit with perimeter-lengthened touch-sensing pattern for touch-sensing element located at fringes of touch panel
An electrode unit on a touch-sensing element includes a first electrode and a second electrode. The first electrode includes a first conductive element; and a plurality of second conductive elements extending from the first conductive element in directions in parallel with a first direction within a specific range. The second electrode includes a third conductive element and a plurality of fourth conductive elements extending from the third conductive element in directions in parallel with a second direction within a specific range. |
| US09281804B2 |
Semiconductor device with amplification circuit and output buffer circuit coupled to terminal
The present invention is directed to solve a problem that, in a semiconductor device capable of generating a clock signal by coupling a quartz oscillator to an external terminal to which an I/O port is coupled, leak current of the I/O port which is in the inactive state disturbs activation of a clock. The semiconductor device has a first terminal, an amplification circuit coupled to the first terminal, and an output buffer whose output terminal is coupled to the first terminal. The output buffer has first and second transistors of a first conduction type coupled in series via a first node between a first power supply line and an output terminal, and the conduction states of the first and second transistors of the first conduction state are controlled in response to a first control signal which is applied commonly to the gate of each of the first and second transistors. |
| US09281792B2 |
Receiver and method for gain control
An RFVGA variably controls a gain according to an RFVGA gain control signal and amplifies and outputs a reception signal. A low-pass filter filters a signal output from a frequency converter. An OFDM demodulator generates a digital signal based on an output signal from the low-pass filter. A power detection evaluation circuit controls the RFVGA gain control signal based on a voltage value (DET0) of the RFVGA gain control signal or a voltage value (DET1) of the output signal from the RFVGA, and a voltage value (DET3) of an output signal from the low-pass filter and a voltage value (DET2) of an intermediate node of the low-pass filter. |
| US09281791B2 |
Device for adding harmonics to sound signal
In a harmonic adding device, an input/output function part converts a digital sound signal having an input signal level into a digital sound signal having an output signal level determined according to a input/output function and the input signal level. A parameter storage unit stores at least one inflection point. A controller sets the inflection point to the input/output function to enable the input/output function part to add harmonics to the digital sound signal. The input/output function is defined between a positive maximum point and a negative maximum point. The inflection point is set between the positive maximum point and the negative maximum point. The positive maximum point, the inflection point and the negative maximum point are sequentially connected by linear interpolation to formulate the input/output function. |
| US09281781B2 |
Semiconductor apparatus, oscillation circuit, and signal processing system
A semiconductor apparatus includes: first and second external terminals that are connected to respective both ends of an piezoelectric vibrator, in which the piezoelectric vibrator is externally disposed; an inverting amplifier that is disposed between the first and second external terminals; a feedback resistance that feeds back an output of the inverting amplifier to an input of the inverting amplifier; a first capacitative element that is disposed between the first external terminal and a reference voltage terminal; a first resistive element that is disposed in series with the first capacitative element; a second capacitative element that is disposed between the second external terminal and the reference voltage terminal; and a second resistive element that is disposed in series with the second capacitative element. |
| US09281777B1 |
Solar panel support apparatus
A solar panel support apparatus for selectively positioning a solar panel contained thereon comprises forward and rearward legs securable to the ground or an affixed structure. One or more solar panels is supported by a rack having an end pivotally attachable to the forward leg. First and second arms pivotally connected to one another pivotally attach to the forward leg and the rack permitting the rack to be positionable relative the forward leg. A locking mechanism locks the first arm and the second arm at a selected angle relative to one another, whereupon securing the rearward and the forward leg to the ground or an affixed structure the rack is pivotal to position the solar panel. Upon positioning the rack to place the solar panel at a selected position, the locking mechanism is engaged to retain the solar panel at the selected position. |
| US09281775B2 |
Clamping device with an electric motor
The invention relates to a clamping device (1), for example swing tensioners (1), bracing elements, machine vises or block cylinders, with a movable clamping element (2) for clamping a workpiece with a defined clamping force, and with an electric motor (10) for mechanically driving the clamping element (2), also with a control unit that controls the electric motor (10). The invention provides that the control unit detects an electrical operating parameter of the electric motor (10) as a measure of the clamping force. The contact of the clamping element with the workpiece is detected in this manner. Subsequently, the electric motor (10) is then driven further by a defined number of revolutions, the number of revolutions after contact with the workpiece defining the clamping force. The invention further comprises a corresponding control method. |
| US09281768B2 |
Method and device for synchronizing a rotation speed of a rotor with a rotation field of a stator
A method for synchronizing a rotation speed of a permanently excited rotor of an electric motor with a frequency of a rotation field of a sensorless commutated stator of the electric motor during a run-up procedure of the electric motor includes determining a phase position of the rotation field and a phase position of a countervoltage that is induced by the rotor in the stator in order to obtain a phase offset between the rotation field and the countervoltage. The method further includes adjusting a prevailing amplitude of one component of the rotation field using the phase offset to synchronize the rotation speed with the frequency. The amplitude of the component is increased if the rotor is lagging behind the rotation field or the amplitude of the component is reduced if the rotor is running ahead of the rotation field. |
| US09281766B2 |
Driving apparatus for analyzing apparatus
Disclosed is an analyzing apparatus including a first drive part (71) for rotating a turntable (101) on which an analyzing device is set, a second drive part (72) selectively engaged with the first drive part (71) to reciprocate the analyzing device, and a third drive part (73) for relatively moving the first drive part (71) and the second drive part (72) a position where the first and second drive parts are engaged with each other and a position where the first and second drive parts are not engaged with each other. Thus in the mixing and agitation of a small amount of fluid, necessary acceleration can be obtained even in a short time. |
| US09281757B2 |
Voltage conversion device and electrical load driving device
A voltage conversion device includes: first and second loop circuits having a common inductance element. Electric current alternately flows through the first or second loop circuit as a first switching element of the first loop circuit is turned on or off. A magnetic field that is formed when the first switching element is turned on and that penetrates through the first loop circuit and a magnetic field that is formed when the first switching element is turned off after it is turned on and that penetrates through the second loop circuit have the same direction. All elements that constitute the first and second loop circuits are arranged on the same surface of a substrate. The second loop circuit is connected to a second direct-current power source. The first loop circuit is connected to a first direct-current power source. |
| US09281755B2 |
Inverter with coupled inductances
An inverter for converting a direct current flowing between two input lines into an alternating current flowing between two output lines includes first and second series circuits each including two switches configured to switch at a high frequency and of an inductance connected between the switches, wherein the two inductances are magnetically coupled. The inverter further includes diodes which lead from opposite sides of the inductances to a first intermediate point and diodes leading from a second intermediate point to the opposite sides of the inductances, and an unfolding circuit which forwards a direct current flowing between the intermediate points and consisting of sine-shaped half-waves to the output lines with a polarity changing half-wave by half-wave. |
| US09281746B1 |
System and method for a diagnostic circuit
According to an embodiment, a diagnostic circuit is configured to be coupled to an output terminal of a switching circuit and to a sense terminal of a sense circuit coupled in parallel with the switching circuit. The diagnostic circuit includes a configurable feedback circuit configured to be coupled to the output terminal and the sense terminal. The configurable feedback circuit is configured to receive a select signal, switch a configuration of the configurable feedback circuit between a first mode and a second mode based on the select signal, sink a current from the sense circuit in the first mode, source a current to the sense circuit in the second mode, and balance a voltage difference between the output terminal and the sense terminal in the first mode and in the second mode. |
| US09281741B2 |
Start-up circuit for voltage regulation circuit
Among other things, techniques and systems are provided to pre-charge a node of a primary circuit, such as a voltage regulator or bandgap voltage reference, via a start-up circuit. The node is charged to a specified voltage during a pre-charge operation that occurs while the primary-circuit is powered-off. The pre-charge operation comprises discharging a voltage from the node during a first portion of the pre-charge operation and re-charging the node to the specified voltage during a second portion of the pre-charge operation. In some embodiments, the specified voltage is substantially equivalent to a switching voltage of a drive transistor of the primary circuit. |
| US09281738B2 |
Power conversion apparatus with low common mode noise and application systems thereof
A power conversion circuit comprises an AC source, a power conversion unit, a filter inductor unit and a common mode noise suppression circuit. The power conversion unit has DC terminals and AC terminals. The filter inductor unit has first and second terminals, being respectively connected to the AC source and the AC terminals of the power conversion unit. The common mode noise suppression circuit has a capacitive impedance network with first and second terminals, and an impedance balancing network with first and second terminals. The second terminals of the capacitive impedance network are connected to the first terminals of the impedance balancing network, the first terminals of the capacitive impedance network are connected to the first terminals of the filter inductor unit, and the second terminals of the impedance balancing network are connected to the DC terminals of the power conversion unit. |
| US09281728B2 |
Electric machine having efficient internal cooling
An electric machine includes a stator device having axial first cooling channels, and second and third cooling channels. The third cooling channels are arranged in the first cooling channels and extend at least substantially along an entire axial length thereof. The stator device is configured for inflow and outflow of a liquid cooling medium at least partially through the second cooling channels and for the liquid cooling medium to be conducted through the third cooling channels. A rotor is arranged on a rotor shaft for rotation around a rotational axis. Limiting elements are mounted on the stator device axially on both sides to thereby bound an internal rotor space which is in communication with axial ends of the first cooling channels of the stator device to thereby establish an internal air-cooling circuit from the internal rotor space through the first cooling channels and back into the internal rotor space. |
| US09281727B1 |
User device-based control of system functionality
A user device may include one or more features on a surface of the user device, where a user may interact with the one or more features. In response to a user action with respect to one of the features, a particular sound, frequency, or change in frequency may be output. An augmented reality functional node (ARFN) may detect the sound or frequency and identify a particular operation that corresponds to the sound or frequency. The ARFN may then cause that operation to be performed within an environment. |
| US09281725B2 |
Electric machine and method of manufacturing the same
A bearing assembly cooperates with a bearing seat formed in a bearing housing. The assembly includes a bearing having an inner ring, an outer ring and a rolling element in engagement with the inner ring and the outer ring, and an anti-rotation device. The anti-rotation device engages the outer ring of the bearing and with the bearing housing to limit the rotation of the outer ring of the bearing within the bearing seat formed in the bearing housing. The anti-rotation device includes a first feature for engagement with the outer ring of the bearing and a second feature for engagement with the bearing housing. The first feature and the second feature limit the rotation of the outer ring of the bearing within the bearing seat formed in the bearing housing. |
| US09281722B2 |
Interior permanent magnet synchronous motor
An interior permanent magnet synchronous motor is provided. In the motor, a V-type recess is provided between adjacent permanent magnets within an outer surface of a rotor. The angle of the V-type recess ranges from 103° to 107°. |
| US09281708B2 |
Device for inductive transmission of electrical energy
A device for inductive transfer of electric energy from a stationary unit including at least one primary inductance to a vehicle that is adjacent to the unit and has at least one secondary inductance. The stationary unit has a device for detecting the presence of an electrically conductive object in a predetermined area that borders the primary inductance. The area can be between the primary and secondary inductance during the inductive energy transfer. The device has at least one measuring inductance, a measuring unit for measuring the impedance of the measuring inductance and an evaluation unit connected to the measuring unit. Preferably, the device is equipped with a plurality of measuring inductances which form a regular two-dimensional arrangement extending approximately in one plane, the plane lying perpendicular to the main direction of the magnetic field that is generated by the primary inductance during operation. |
| US09281707B2 |
System and method for charging a battery
Described is a system and method for charging a battery. The system includes a processor powered by a battery; and a controller determining a remaining battery charge of the battery. The controller sets a first charge current to recharge the battery when the remaining battery charge is insufficient to operate the processor. The controller wakes the processor when the battery has been recharged so that the remaining battery capacity is sufficient to operate the processor. The processor negotiates for a second charge current to recharge the battery. The controller sets the second charge current when the processor successfully negotiated. |
| US09281702B2 |
Electric storage unit group, charger, electronic device, electric vehicle, method for charging electric storage unit group, method for discharging electric storage unit group, method for supplying and receiving power, and method for determining charging/discharging route in electric storage unit group
The present invention relates to an electric storage unit group, a charger, an electronic device, an electric vehicle, a method for charging the electric storage unit, a method for discharging the electric storage unit group, a method for supplying and receiving power, and a method for determining a charging/discharging route in the electric storage unit group, which can provide a method for charging the electric storage unit group in which a plurality of electric storage units are connected in a desired form.The method for charging the electric storage unit group is a method for charging a rechargeable battery cell in an electric storage unit group in which a plurality of electric storage units having rechargeable battery cells are linearly or reticulately connected. At an upstream side of the electric storage unit group, the electric storage unit group is connected to a power supply for charging the electric storage units. |
| US09281699B2 |
Electronic device to be powered by alternative power source
A mobile device may be provided that includes an input port, an adjusting device, and a voltage regulator. The input port may receive power from an alternative power source or a DC power supply. The mobile device may receive the power from the input port, adjust a power characteristic of the power, and provide the power having the adjusted power characteristic. The voltage regulator may receive the adjusted power and provide a regulated voltage to a load. |
| US09281693B2 |
System control apparatus for equipment
The system control apparatus for equipment for causing equipment to collaboratively operate includes: equipment profile management means for managing an equipment profile that is metadata representing the electrical properties of the equipment; control scenario management means for managing a control scenario in which is described metadata that states an operation to be fulfilled by the equipment; equipment detection means for detecting control-targeted equipment; electrical status monitoring means for monitoring an electrical status related to transfer of electrical power caused by equipment interconnections; equipment selection means for selecting equipment for use on the basis of the metadata described in the control scenario and the equipment profile; and control execution means for controlling the selected equipment. |
| US09281684B2 |
Interconnect device for detecting whether a vehicle on-board diagnostics (OBD) data port includes circuitry which prevents back feeding of power through the OBD data port
An interconnect device is disclosed for detecting whether an vehicle on-board diagnostics (OBD) data port includes a blocking diode or equivalent. that prevents back feeding of power through the OBD data port. If a diode is detected, the interconnect device alerts the user that the power cannot be back fed through the OBD II port connector. In such a condition, an alternate means is used to preserve the data mentioned above. Specifically, an alternative power supply can be connected directly to the battery cables that will be disconnected from the battery, for example, by way of battery clamps. In this way the alternative power supply is used to preserve the data until a new battery is reconnected to the vehicle battery cables. If a diode is not detected by the interconnect device, the interconnect device displays this fact to the user. The interconnect device includes circuitry for detecting and displaying whether a diode is connected in series with a power pin of the OBD II port connector. In addition, the interconnect device includes an OBD II port connector on one end connected by way of a cable to a connector, such as a cigarette lighter connector or hardwired directly to an alternate power supply. |
| US09281681B2 |
ESD protection circuits and methods
An electrostatic discharge protection circuit includes a first LC resonator circuit coupled to an input node and disposed in parallel with an internal circuit that is also coupled to the input node, and a second LC resonator circuit coupled in series with the first LC resonator circuit at a first node. The first LC resonator circuit is configured to resonate at a different frequency than a frequency the second LC resonator circuit is configured to resonate. |
| US09281668B2 |
Stripping blades for cutting insulation
An insulation stripping assembly for stripping insulation from a conductor. The blade assembly includes a first blade assembly and a second blade assembly. The first blade assembly has a first cutting blade, and the second blade assembly has a second cutting blade. A clenching member is provided on at least one of the first blade assembly and the second blade assembly. The clenching member is spaced from the first cutting blade and the second cutting blade. The first and second cutting blade essentially cut through the insulation and the clenching member engages the insulation to provide increased pulling force to remove the cut insulation from the conductor. |
| US09281666B2 |
Subsea electrical distribution system having redundant circuit breaker control and method for providing same
A system and method for coupling electrical power subsea. The system comprises a subsea electrical distribution system having at least one modular circuit breaker assembly. The modular circuit breaker assembly is controlled by a control system that has a plurality of circuit breaker controls. Each circuit breaker is operable to be controlled by a plurality of circuit breaker controls and each circuit breaker control is operable to control a plurality of circuit breakers. Therefore, control of each circuit breaker is maintained even if one circuit breaker control fails. |
| US09281661B2 |
Integrated optoelectronic device comprising a Mach-Zehnder modulator and a vertical cavity surface emitting laser (VCSEL)
A Mach-Zehnder modulator (MZM) is horizontally integrated with a VCSEL. The horizontally-integrated MZM overcomes wavelength dependence problems of horizontally-integrated EA modulators and yet has the same advantages as horizontally-integrated EA modulators in terms of overcoming the ER and modulation range problems associated with the vertically-integrated EA and EO modulators. By overcoming these problems with the existing integrated modulators, the operation speed of the VCSEL is increased and the modulation signal range is extended to allow a wider range of modulation signals and modulation schemes, including large-signal digital modulation schemes. |
| US09281659B1 |
Thermal management of laser diode mode hopping for heat assisted media recording
A method and apparatus provide for determining a temperature at a junction of a laser diode when the laser diode is operated in a lasing state that facilitates heat-assisted magnetic recording, comparing the junction temperature and an injection current supplied during the lasing state to stored combinations of junction temperature and injection current, and determining a likelihood of mode hopping occurring for the laser diode during the lasing state based on the comparison to stored combinations of junction temperature and injection current. |
| US09281655B2 |
Transmission link with multiple order Raman pumps
An optical transmission link pumped with multiple orders Raman pumps on both ends of the link is disclosed. At least one first-order Raman pump and at least two higher-order Raman pumps are provided on each end for reducing optical power variation of the optical signal along the optical transmission link. Wavelengths and optical power levels of the multiple-order Raman pumps and the additional Raman pump(s) can be selected by computer simulation to lessen the spatial optical power variation of the optical signal. |
| US09281645B2 |
Electrical supply connector with a simplified mounting arrangement
The invention relates to an electrical supply connector having a housing, a contact element on which an electrical port is formed and which is arranged so as to be displaceable inside the housing, in such manner that the contact element is displaceable between an extended position, in which the electrical port protrudes out of the housing in the area of a side surface and an electrical contact can thus be made with a conductor rail via the electrical port, and a retracted position in which the electrical port is arranged inside the housing and the electrical contact is disconnected, and an actuating element that is arranged in the area of a front cover surface on the housing and is displaceable between a release position and a coupling position, in such manner that when the actuating element moves into the coupling position it forces the contact element out of the retracted position and into the extended position thereof. The invention also relates to a system with a current conductor and an electrical supply connector. |
| US09281644B2 |
Power strip having a first power cord with a 110-120V plug and a second power cord with a 220-240V plug
The Universal 220-240V Power Strip for 110-120V Outlet provides the ability to use 220-240V electronic devices in standard 110-120V outlets. The Universal Power Strip is the similar to a standard power strip but features multiple country plugs and two power cables which will be plugged into two different power outlets instead of one. By this method the Universal Power Strip will increase the electricity from 110-120V to 220-240V and power the 220-240V devices. Notably, residences in North America are pre-wired with a 220-240V circuit, and this device will allow full usage of the system. |
| US09281636B1 |
Cable assembly having a flexible light pipe
A cable assembly includes a cable bundle extending between first and second cable ends. A first electrical connector is terminated to the first cable end and has first contacts defining a first mating interface. A second electrical connector is terminated to the second cable end and has second contacts defining a second mating interface. A flexible light pipe extends along the length of the cable bundle. The flexible light pipe has a first light pipe interface at a first end of the flexible light pipe and a second light pipe interface at a second end of the flexible light pipe. The first light pipe interface is at or beyond the first cable end for interfacing with a component associated with a first mating connector and the second light pipe interface is at or beyond the second cable end for interfacing with a component associated with a second mating connector. |
| US09281613B2 |
Battery wiring module
A battery wiring module attached to a battery group formed by juxtaposing a plurality of batteries each having electrode terminals, includes: a plurality of bus bars; and a plurality of holder units made of an insulating resin and having holding portions and holding the bus bars. The holder units include: a first holder unit disposed at an end; and a second holder unit which is a holder unit other than the first holder unit. The holding portion of the second holder unit is provided with a bus bar insertion portion through which the bus bars are inserted in the direction in which the batteries are juxtaposed, and the second holding portion of the first holder unit is provided with an encompassing wall and adapted to insert the bus bars in a direction in which the first holder unit is attached to the battery group. |
| US09281611B2 |
Electric connector with wire retainer tube
An electrical connector has a connector body and a terminal mounted to the connector body. A wire is connected to the terminal, and a retainer tube is mounted to the connector body and engaged with the wire. |
| US09281608B2 |
Waterproof electrical connector
An electrical connector (100) has a front insertion opening and a receiving space (40) for receiving a mating connector. The electrical connector includes an insulative housing (2), a number of contacts (3) retained in the insulative housing, a metal shield (4) covering the insulative housing, an insulative cover (5) assembling outside of the metal shield, and a waterproof block (7) interposed between the metal shield and the insulative cover along a vertical direction. The waterproof block is formed by cooling and solidifying glue material from a rear of the metal shield and insulative cover combination. A bulge (532) is formed at one of the insulative cover and the metal shield. The bulge extends along a transverse direction perpendicular to a mating direction along which the mating connector is inserted. The bulge seamlessly seals between the metal shield and the insulative cover. |
| US09281606B2 |
Connector for automobile wiring harness
A connector includes: a terminal; a housing; a rear holder; and a rubber plug. A terminal receiving chamber of the housing is provided with: a first receiving portion receiving a wire connecting portion, an electric wire connected to the wire connecting portion, and a rubber plug; a second receiving portion; and a step wall interposed between the first and second receiving portions and allowing a flange portion formed on the wire connecting portion to abut on the step wall. The rubber plug is composed of a ring-shaped packing attached to the electric wire and keeping a space between an outer peripheral wall of the electric wire and an inner wall of the first receiving portion watertight, and a resin member. The resin member is provided with a buried portion buried in the packing, and a cylinder portion extended from the buried portion and interposed between the flange and the packing. |
| US09281594B2 |
Connector
A connector comprising a first connector provided with first terminals each of which has a movable portion formed so that a dimension in its width direction is larger than a dimension in its thickness direction to be elastically deformed in a fore-and-aft direction (Y direction) of the connector, and a second connector provided with second terminals each of which has a movable portion formed so that a dimension in its thickness direction is larger than a dimension in its width direction to be elastically deformed in a width direction (X direction) of the connector. As compared with a terminal formed so as to be sufficiently elastically deformable in both of the fore-and-aft direction and the width direction of the connector, it is possible to increase a cross-sectional area of each of the movable portions, so that a permissible value of current of each of the terminals can be increased. |
| US09281585B2 |
Connector
A connector reduced in inspection cost by making it possible to visually check a state of connection between contact portions of contacts and terminal portions of an object to be connected. A male-side holding member includes a plurality of belt-like holding portions that hold linking portions of a plurality of male-side contacts, a holding member-side linking portion that links the plurality of holding portions arranged in parallel to each other, and a plurality of visually checking portions for visually checking a state of connection between contact portions of the male-side contacts and terminal portions of an electronic component from the other surface side of the male-side holding member. The visually checking portions are adjacent to the holding portions. |
| US09281583B2 |
Electrical connector having improved insulative housing
An electrical connector includes a first insulative housing having a first mating port and a second mating port arranged side by side, a plurality of first contacts retained to the first mating port, and a plurality of second contacts retained to the second mating port. The first mating port includes first and second mating tongues providing corresponding first and second mating faces opposite to each other. The second mating port defines a first strengthen arm adjacent to the first mating port to connect with the first and second mating tongues, the first contacts provide first contacting portions exposed upon both the first mating face and the second mating face. |
| US09281580B2 |
Connector
One aspect of the present disclosure is directed to a connector. The connector includes a top cover, a connecting plate, and a base. The top cover includes a top cover body and a first arc member. A first end of the first arc member is arranged on a side surface of the top cover body. A removable thin plate is arranged inside the first arc member. The connecting plate includes a connection section and a protruding section. The top cover body and the base are engaged and connected to form a cavity. The connection section is arranged inside the cavity. The connection section is connected to the base. A first end of the protruding section is connected to the connection section and a second end of the protruding section protrudes from the base. |
| US09281575B2 |
Terminal
A terminal is formed by bending a plate of electrically conductive metal and is received in a connector housing. The terminal includes a box-shaped body part, a terminal contact part provided on a front side of the body part, and an electrical wire connecting part provided on a rear side of the body part. When the plate before bending is viewed from the thickness direction, a conductor section having a cross-section having constant width and thickness extends from the terminal contact part to the electrical wire connecting part. |
| US09281572B2 |
Aperture synthesis communications system
A method and apparatus are provided for improving capacity in wireless communications systems for use in areas having a high user traffic density. For reception, signals received from an antenna array are processed by performing a transformation comprising aperture synthesis to map signal content received from the antenna array to at least one element of a plurality of elements in an image plane storage to produce a time series of values for the at least one element, and then by assigning the at least one element to at least one radio access transceiver of a plurality of radio access transceivers for receiving the time series of values from the at least one element. For transmission, at least one radio access transceiver of a plurality of radio access transceivers is assigned to at least one element of a plurality of elements in an image plane storage, the assignment providing for the at least one element to receive a time series of values from the at least one radio access transceiver, and then a transformation is performed comprising antenna synthesis to map the time series of values from the at least one element to the signals for transmission by the antenna array. |
| US09281571B2 |
Ultra-thin, flexible, broadband low profile planar wire antenna
A broadband, low profile, ultra-thin and flexible, planar wire antenna includes an inverted triangular section and a horizontal bar section centered at the apex of the triangular section. Tab elements are provided on opposite ends of the bar section to increase the end effect of the antenna. Furthermore, 45 degree tabbed elements are joined to the top corners of the triangular section and extend in opposite directions therefrom. The tabbed elements added to the triangular section and to the bar section increase the overall electrical length of the antenna to simulate a physically larger size antenna. |
| US09281569B2 |
Deployable reflector
A reflector is provided according to various embodiments. The reflector may include a backing structure having various configurations. The backing structure, for example, can comprise a plurality of trusses, flexible couplings, stiffeners, and crossbeams in any number of arrangements. |
| US09281558B2 |
High isolation electromagnetic transmitter and receiver
A high isolation electromagnetic transmitter and receiver is revealed. An isolation portion, a first antenna body and a second antenna body are extended from and formed over a grounding portion. The isolation portion is extended to and formed between the first antenna body and the second antenna body. A parasitic element corresponding to the isolation portion is disposed between the first antenna body and the second antenna body. The isolation portion is T-shaped. The parasitic element is reverse T-shaped and arranged over the grounding portion. The structure is simple and able to be applied to the design of planar printed antennas. The production is easy and the cost is reduced. The volume is minimized to be used in various mini wireless mobile communication devices. No interference occurs even that the first and the second antennas are close due to good isolation. |
| US09281556B2 |
Antenna concealment assembly
A rigid antenna support structure is designed and prefabricated to rest on two or more existing support foots normally found on a roof or similar structure. The antenna support structure, to which antennas are attached, possess mounting brackets associated with the exterior of the structure configured to accept a plurality of vertical support members composed of a substantially RF transparent material. Attached to the vertical support members are a number of horizontal support members thereafter forming a concealment assembly skeleton. A plurality of RF transparent panels are then connected to the horizontal support members so as to form a concealment assembly that conceals the antenna support structure and antennas. The concealment assembly is environmentally and aesthetically pleasing, and retains RF transparency so as to not to attenuate the RF signals being sent to or originating from the antennas housed within. |
| US09281548B2 |
Battery module for mitigating gas accumulation and methods thereof
A battery module is provided. The battery module includes a plurality of battery cell assemblies configured to electrically communicate with each other. Each battery cell assembly has an electrode stack enclosed by a case. The electrode stack is positioned in the case to form one or more peripheral spaces between the electrode stack and the case. Support members are positioned adjacent to each of the battery cell assemblies to contact a desired portion of the electrode stack. The support members are configured to focus a compressive force on a desired portion of the electrode stack. The compressive force urges gases formed during operation of the electrode stack into the peripheral spaces within the case. |
| US09281547B2 |
Traction battery thermal management system
A modular thermal management system for a battery in an electric vehicle is provided. The thermal management system includes a battery module having a plurality of module ports for conducting heat exchange fluid to regulate temperature in a traction battery. The thermal management system also includes a manifold having a plurality of connector ports corresponding to the plurality of module. A retention feature is located on the manifold or the battery module for securing the manifold to the battery module to ensure the connector ports remain fluidly sealed to the module ports. |
| US09281546B2 |
Battery pack case having novel structure
Disclosed herein is a battery pack case in which a battery module having a plurality of stacked battery cells or unit modules (‘unit cells’) is mounted, wherein the battery pack case is provided at the upper part and the lower part thereof with a coolant inlet port and a coolant outlet port, respectively, which are directed in opposite directions such that a coolant to cool the unit cells can flow from one side to the other side of the battery module in a direction perpendicular to a cell stacking direction, the battery pack case is further provided with a flow space (‘coolant introduction part’) extending from the coolant inlet port to the battery module and another flow space (‘coolant discharge part’) extending from the battery module to the coolant outlet port, and the flow channel width of the coolant introduction part and/or the flow channel width of the coolant discharge part is greater than that of each of the unit cells, thereby achieving uniform distribution of the coolant. |
| US09281544B2 |
Battery pack test system
A battery pack test system is provided. The system includes a battery charging device that monitors an output voltage level of the vehicle battery pack. The system further includes a switch electrically coupled between an igniter and a voltage source. The system further includes a first video camera that generates a first plurality of images of an interior of the vehicle battery pack. The switch has a closed operational state at a first time in response to the output voltage level of a battery cell in the vehicle battery pack being greater than a threshold voltage level, to induce the igniter to generate a spark to generate a fire within an interior region of the vehicle battery pack. |
| US09281537B2 |
Method of fabricating thin film electrodes including metal tubes filled with active material
A thin film electrode is fabricated from a non-metallic, non-conductive porous support structure having pores with micrometer-range diameters. The support may include a polymer film. A first surface of the support is metalized, and the pores are partially metallized to create metal tubes having a thickness within a range of 50 to 150 nanometers, in contact with the metal layer. An active material is disposed within metalized portions of the pores. An electrolyte is disposed within non-metalized portions of the pores. Active materials may be selected to create an anode and a cathode. Non-metalized surfaces of the anode and cathode may be contacted to one another to form a battery cell, with the non-metalized electrolyte-containing portions of the anode facing the electrolyte-containing portions of the cathode pores. A battery cell may be fabricated as, for example, a nickel-zinc battery cell. |
| US09281535B2 |
System dongle
A method for operating an electronic system with a dongle is provided. In some embodiments, the method includes receiving system information from system components. The method further comprises continuing or ceasing to operate the electronic system based upon the system information; and writing system information to the dongle. |
| US09281530B2 |
Adapter for connecting a fuel cell and a fuel reservoir for an electroportable device, a cell and adapter assembly and the device
An assembly of a fuel cell for an electroportable device and of a connection adapter for connecting the fuel cell and a fuel reservoir, the adapter being arranged for receiving a member for supplying the cell and an ejection nosepiece of the reservoir, the adapter comprising a valve arranged for being actuated by the ejection nosepiece of the reservoir and switched from a plugging condition, before connection, to a fuel transmission condition, after connection.Thanks to the invention, the fuel cell is permanently maintained under fuel supply. |
| US09281528B2 |
Fuel cell and fuel cell system
A fuel cell includes: an electrolyte membrane; a first reactive gas channel that is provided on a first surface side of the electrolyte membrane; a second reactive gas channel that is provided on a second surface side of the electrolyte membrane; and a coolant channel. The coolant channel is configured such that a flow direction of the first reactive gas flowing in the first reactive gas channel is opposite to a flow direction of the second reactive gas flowing in the second reactive gas channel, and a downstream portion of the flow of at least one of the first and second reactive gases, in a plane of the electrolyte membrane, is cooled from the central portion within the plane. |
| US09281527B2 |
Fuel cell system with interconnect
The present invention includes a fuel cell system having an interconnect that reduces or eliminates diffusion (leakage) of fuel and oxidant by providing an increased densification, by forming the interconnect as a ceramic/metal composite. |
| US09281524B2 |
Metal air battery
The invention provides a metal air battery with improved discharge characteristics compared to conventional ones. This is achieved by a metal air battery including a positive electrode layer, a negative electrode layer, and an electrolyte layer positioned between the positive electrode layer and the negative electrode layer, wherein the positive electrode layer includes an electroconductive material, a binder, and a SiO2 particle, and wherein the SiO2 particle has a specific surface area of 16.7 m2/g or less. |
| US09281521B2 |
Graphite negative material for lithium-ion battery, method for preparing the same and lithium-ion battery
A graphite negative material for a lithium-ion battery includes a number of graphite layers parallel to each other. A number of channels are through the graphite layers. And the channels are capable of allowing lithium ions to pass therethrough freely. A method for preparing the graphite negative material and a lithium-ion battery including the graphite negative material are also provided. |
| US09281517B2 |
Battery, battery pack, electronic apparatus, electric vehicle, electric power storage apparatus, and electric power system
An anode includes an anode double side coating section; a first anode single-side coating section; and an anode double side non-coating section, the anode double side non-coating section, the first anode single-side coating section, and the anode double side coating section are provided in this order from a first end on the side of spiral winding start of the anode, and in an anode, (“Area density of an anode mixture layer on the first main surface side of the first anode single-side coating section”)/(“Area density of the anode mixture layer on the first main surface side of sections other than the first anode single-side coating section”) is equal to or more than about 1.2. |
| US09281515B2 |
Lithium battery with silicon-based anode and silicate-based cathode
A lithium-ion battery is provided and related methods. The lithium-ion battery includes an electrode comprising an Olivine flake-like structure and an electrode comprising a plurality of coated carbon nanofibers. The Olivine flake-like structures form clusters through which the lithium ions are transported while reducing initial cycle irreversibility. The electrode comprising the coated carbon nanofibers additionally reduce initial cycle irreversibility by controlling expansion of the substrate forming the electrode comprising the coated carbon nanofibers. |
| US09281513B2 |
Lithium-ion secondary battery
A lithium-ion secondary battery (100A) has a negative electrode current collector (241A) and a negative electrode active material layer (243A) formed on the negative electrode current collector (241A). The negative electrode active material layer (243A) contains a graphite material and a binder. The negative electrode active material layer (243A) has a first region (A1) neighboring the negative electrode current collector (241A), and the first region (A1) contains natural graphite in a weight ratio of equal to or greater than 80% of the graphite material. The negative electrode active material layer (243A) has a second region (A2) neighboring a surface thereof, and the second region (A2) contains artificial graphite in a weight ratio of equal to or greater than 80% of the graphite material. |
| US09281512B2 |
Method for producing aqueous electrode paste and two-shaft kneader
A method for producing an aqueous electrode paste includes charging a powder made of an active material and a thickener and an aqueous solvent inside of a two-shaft kneader, and, using the two-shaft kneader, thickly kneading the powder and the aqueous solvent to generate a mixture; and charging a misty aqueous solvent having an average liquid droplet diameter of 1 μm or more and an average particle diameter (D50) of the thickener or less inside of the two-shaft kneader by spraying, and using the two-shaft kneader, diluting the mixture with the charged aqueous solvent. |
| US09281509B2 |
Polyolefin microporous membrane and method of producing the same, separator for non-aqueous secondary battery and non-aqueous secondary battery
The present invention provides a separator for a non-aqueous secondary battery, the separator including: a polyolefin microporous membrane having a degree of crystallinity of from 60 to 85% and a tie molecular volume fraction of from 0.7 to 1.7%; and a heat resistant porous layer containing a heat resistant resin and provided on one side or both sides of the polyolefin microporous membrane. |
| US09281507B2 |
Battery having feed-through assembly forming compression joint with insulation layer and method for making the same
A battery includes a case having a lid. A feed-through assembly provides an electrical connection through the lid. Feed-through insulation is disposed over the feed-through assembly. An insulation layer is disposed over the inner surface of the lid and the feed-through assembly. The insulation layer comprises an aperture configured to accommodate the feed-through assembly and to form a compression joint with the feed-through insulation disposed over the feed-through assembly. |
| US09281502B2 |
Electrochemical accumulator with packaging comprising at least one polyaryletherketone (PAEK) sheet, sheet and associated manufacturing methods
The invention concerns a new flexible or rigid packaging for an electrochemical accumulator (A).It is made from at least one polyaryletherketone (PAEK) sheet, notably a polyetheretherketone (PEEK™) sheet.According to a preferred embodiment, a polyaryletherketone (PAEK) sheet (6.1, 6.2, 6.3, 61) incorporates within it at least one metal stud (40, 50) constituting one of the poles of the accumulator. The main application sought is the packaging of lithium-ion accumulators. |
| US09281500B2 |
Organic light emitting film package structure, device, apparatus, and fabrication thereof
An organic light emitting film package structure includes an organic light emitting unit and a film structure covering the organic light emitting unit. The film structure includes a first film as a bottom layer, a second film as a top layer, and a transition layer disposed between the first second films. The first film is SiX or SiXY, the second film is SiY or SiXY, and the transition layer includes multiple SiXnYm layers. The first and second films have different materials. A difference in atomic ratio of X or Y between two adjacent SiXnYm layers in the transition layer is greater than a difference in atomic ratio of X or Y between the first film and its adjacent SiXnYm layer or a difference in atomic ratio of X or Y between the second film and its adjacent SiXnYm. The value of m and n ranges from 0 to 1, inclusive. |
| US09281499B2 |
Organic light emitting diode display device and method of fabricating the same
An organic light emitting diode display device comprises: first and second substrates facing and spaced apart from each other; a gate line and a data line on the first substrate, the gate line and the data line crossing each other to define a plurality of pixel regions; at least one thin film transistor coupled to the gate line and the data line; a light emitting diode coupled to the at least one thin film transistor, the light emitting diode including a first electrode, an emitting layer and a second electrode; and a passivation layer on the light emitting diode, the passivation layer having a smaller area than the second electrode. |
| US09281495B2 |
Display device and method for manufacturing the display device
It is an object of the present invention to provide a technology for manufacturing a highly reliable display device at a low cost with high yield. In the present invention, a spacer is formed over a pixel electrode, thereby protecting the pixel electrode layer from a mask in formation of an electroluminescent layer. In addition, since a layer that includes an organic material that has water permeability is sealed in a display device with a sealing material and the sealing material and the layer that includes the organic material are not in contact, deterioration of a light-emitting element due to a contaminant such as water can be prevented. The sealing material is formed in a portion of a driver circuit region in the display device, and thus, the narrower frame margin of the display device can also be accomplished. |
| US09281486B2 |
Semiconductor device, method of manufacturing semiconductor device, solid-state imaging unit, and electronic apparatus
A semiconductor device includes, in order on a substrate, an organic semiconductor layer, an inorganic film, and a protective film. The inorganic film and the protective film each have a peripheral edge portion that is formed in an outer region compared to a peripheral edge portion of the organic semiconductor layer. |
| US09281479B2 |
Apparatus and method for fabricating organic light emitting display
An apparatus for fabricating an organic light emitting display includes a chamber, a stage having a hollow portion, a displacement sensor on the stage and configured to measure a distance between the stage and a measurement target that is on or over an upper part of the stage, and a controller. The controller includes an input unit configured to receive distance information obtained by the displacement sensor, a memory unit configured to store reference distance information, a determination unit configured to compare the distance information received by the input unit with the reference distance information, and an output unit configured to output a variable control signal according to whether or not the determination unit determines that the distance information between the stage and the measurement target corresponds to the reference distance information. A method for fabricating an organic light emitting display using the apparatus is also provided. |
| US09281475B2 |
Resistive random-access memory (RRAM) with multi-layer device structure
A resistive memory cell is disclosed. The resistive memory cell comprises a pair of electrodes and a multi-layer resistance-switching network disposed between the pair of electrodes. The multi-layer resistance-switching network comprises a pair of carbon doping layers and a group-IV element doping layer disposed between the pair of carbon doping layers. Each carbon doping layer comprises silicon oxide doped with carbon. The group-IV doping layer comprises silicon oxide doped with a group-IV element. A method of fabricating a resistive memory cell is also disclosed. The method comprises forming a first carbon doping layer on a first electrode using sputtering, forming a group-IV element doping layer on the first carbon doping layer using sputtering, forming a second carbon doping layer on the group-IV element doping layer using sputtering, and forming a second electrode on the second carbon doping layer using sputtering. |
| US09281473B1 |
Memory device
According to one embodiment, a memory device includes a resistance change film, a selection element connected with the resistance change film in series, and an electrode connected with at least one of the resistance change film and the selection element. The selection element contains a chalcogenide compound, the chalcogenide compound containing silicon. |
| US09281461B2 |
Thermoelectric devices and applications for the same
High performance thin film thermoelectric couples and methods of making the same are disclosed. Such couples allow fabrication of at least microwatt to watt-level power supply devices operating at voltages greater than one volt even when activated by only small temperature differences. |
| US09281452B2 |
Method for manufacturing a can package-type optical device, and optical device manufactured thereby
The present invention relates to a method for manufacturing an optical device, and to an optical device manufactured thereby, which involve using a substrate itself as a heat-dissipating plate, and adopting a substrate with vertical insulation layers formed thereon, such that electrode terminals do not have to be extruded out from a sealed space, and thus enabling the overall structure and manufacturing process for an optical device to be simplified.According to the present invention, a method for manufacturing a can package-type optical device comprises the steps of: (a) preparing a metal plate and a metal substrate with vertical insulation layers, wherein more than one vertical insulation layer crossing the substrate from the top surface to the bottom surface thereof are formed; (b) bonding the metal plate on the top surface of the metal substrate with vertical insulation layers; (c) forming a cavity on an intermediate product that has undergone step (b) in a form of a cylindrical pit having a predetermined depth reaching the surface of said metal substrate with vertical insulation layers by passing through said metal plate and the adhesive layers formed by said bonding, wherein said cavity contains said vertical insulation layer in the bottom wall thereof; (e) connecting a wire, which electrically connects an optical device and an electrode of the optical device together, to either side of the surface of the bottom wall of the vertical insulation layers of the cavity, respectively; and (g) sealing the cavity by means of a protective plate made from a light-transmitting material; and a can cap, formed as a picture frame whose top central portion and the bottom are open and encompassing the perimeter of the protective plate. |
| US09281450B2 |
Method for manufacturing LED die
A method for manufacturing an LED die includes following steps: a semi-finished LED die is provided; an N-type layer, an active layer, and an P-type layer are sequentially formed on the transparent substrate; the transparent substrate is etched by laser to form a light outputting surface, the light outputting surface having a smoothly concave and arc-shaped configuration; common parts of the active layer and the P-type layer are removed to expose a part of the N-type layer; and an electrode structure is disposed on exposed N-type layer and the p-type layer to complete the formation of the LED die. |
| US09281437B2 |
Light emitting device, and method for fabricating the same
Disclosed are a light emitting device, a method of fabricating the light emitting device, a light emitting device package, and a lighting system. The light emitting device includes a first conductive semiconductor layer, an active layer on the first conductive semiconductor layer, an electron blocking layer on the active layer, and a second conductive semiconductor layer on the electron blocking layer. The electron blocking layer includes a first electron blocking layer and an interrupted diffusion layer on the first electron blocking layer. |
| US09281429B2 |
Module level solutions to solar cell polarization
A solar cell module includes interconnected solar cells, a transparent cover over the front sides of the solar cells, and a backsheet on the backsides of the solar cells. The solar cell module includes an electrical insulator between the transparent cover and the front sides of the solar cells. An encapsulant protectively packages the solar cells. To prevent polarization, the insulator has resistance suitable to prevent charge from leaking from the front sides of the solar cells to other portions of the solar cell module by way of the transparent cover. The insulator may be attached (e.g., by coating) directly on an underside of the transparent cover or be a separate layer formed between layers of the encapsulant. The solar cells may be back junction solar cells. |
| US09281419B2 |
Localized power point optimizer for solar cell installations
In one embodiment, a solar cell installation includes several groups of solar cells. Each group of solar cells has a local power point optimizer configured to control power generation of the group. The local power point optimizer may be configured to determine an optimum operating condition for a corresponding group of solar cells. The local power point optimizer may adjust the operating condition of the group to the optimum operating condition by modulating a transistor, such as by pulse width modulation, to electrically connect and disconnect the group from the installation. The local power point optimizer may be used in conjunction with a global maximum power point tracking module. |
| US09281415B2 |
Pressure sensing apparatuses and methods
Sensors, sensing arrangements and devices, and related methods are provided. In accordance with an example embodiment, an impedance-based sensor includes a flexible dielectric material and generates an output based on pressure applied to the dielectric material and a resulting compression thereof. In certain embodiments, the dielectric material includes a plurality of regions separated by gaps and configured to elastically deform and recover in response to applied pressure. |
| US09281413B2 |
Enhancement mode device
An enhancement mode device includes a floating gate structure. The floating gate structure includes a first bottom dielectric layer, a second bottom dielectric layer on the first bottom dielectric layer and a conductive floating gate on the second bottom dielectric layer. |
| US09281412B2 |
Field effect transistor
An insulating film is provided over one surface of a first semiconductor layer including a first oxide semiconductor including indium as a main component, and a second semiconductor layer including an i-type second oxide semiconductor is provided in contact with the other surface. The energy difference between a vacuum level and a Fermi level in the second oxide semiconductor is larger than that in the first oxide semiconductor. In the first semiconductor layer, a region in the vicinity of the junction surface with the second oxide semiconductor which satisfies the above condition is a region having an extremely low carrier concentration (a quasi-i-type region). By using the region as a channel, the off-state current can be reduced. Further, a drain current of the FET flows through the first oxide semiconductor having a high mobility; accordingly, a large amount of current can be extracted. |
| US09281409B2 |
Thin film transistor for integrated circuit
A semiconductor device is provided with a first oxide semiconductor film over an insulating surface; a second oxide semiconductor film over the first oxide semiconductor film; a third oxide semiconductor film in contact with a top surface of the insulating surface, a side surface of the first oxide semiconductor film, and side and top surfaces of the second oxide semiconductor film; a gate insulating film over the third oxide semiconductor film; and a gate electrode in contact with the gate insulating film and faces the top and side surfaces a of the second oxide semiconductor film. A thickness of the first oxide semiconductor film is larger than a sum of a thickness of the third oxide semiconductor film and a thickness of the gate insulating film, and the difference is larger than or equal to 20 nm. |
| US09281404B2 |
Three-dimensional graphene switching device
A switching device includes a semiconductor layer, a graphene layer, a gate insulation layer, and a gate formed in a three-dimensional stacking structure between a first electrode and a second electrode formed on a substrate. |
| US09281403B2 |
Peeling method and method of manufacturing semiconductor device
There is provided a peeling method capable of preventing a damage to a layer to be peeled. Thus, not only a layer to be peeled having a small area but also a layer to be peeled having a large area can be peeled over the entire surface at a high yield. Processing for partially reducing contact property between a first material layer (11) and a second material layer (12) (laser light irradiation, pressure application, or the like) is performed before peeling, and then peeling is conducted by physical means. Therefore, sufficient separation can be easily conducted in an inner portion of the second material layer (12) or an interface thereof. |
| US09281402B2 |
Methods of fabricating fin structures
There is provided fin methods for fabricating fin structures. More specifically, fin structures are formed in a substrate. The fin structures may include two fins separated by a channel, wherein the fins may be employed as fins of a field effect transistor. The fin structures are formed below the upper surface of the substrate, and may be formed without utilizing a photolithographic mask to etch the fins. |
| US09281399B2 |
FinFET with high breakdown voltage characteristics
A fin field effect transistor (FinFET) and a method of forming the same are introduced. In an embodiment, trenches are formed in a substrate, wherein a region between adjacent trenches defines a fin. A dielectric material is formed in the trenches. A part of the substrate is doped and a region of high dopant concentration and a region of low dopant concentration are formed. Gate stacks are formed, portions of the fins are removed and source/drain regions are epitaxially grown in the regions of high/low dopant concentration. Contacts are formed to provide electrical contacts to source/gate/drain regions. |
| US09281390B2 |
Structure and method for forming programmable high-K/metal gate memory device
A method of fabricating a memory device is provided that may begin with forming a layered gate stack atop a semiconductor substrate and patterning a metal electrode layer stopping on the high-k gate dielectric layer of the layered gate stack to provide a first metal gate electrode and a second metal gate electrode on the semiconductor substrate. In a next process sequence, at least one spacer is formed on the first metal gate electrode atop a portion of the high-k gate dielectric layer, wherein a remaining portion of the high-k gate dielectric is exposed. The remaining portion of the high-k gate dielectric layer is etched to provide a first high-k gate dielectric having a portion that extends beyond a sidewall of the first metal gate electrode and a second high-k gate dielectric having an edge that is aligned to a sidewall of the second metal gate electrode. |
| US09281382B2 |
Method for making semiconductor device with isolation pillars between adjacent semiconductor fins
A method for making a semiconductor device may include forming, above a substrate, a plurality of laterally spaced-apart semiconductor fins, and forming regions of a first dielectric material between the laterally spaced-apart semiconductor fins. The method may further include selectively removing at least one intermediate semiconductor fin from among the plurality of semiconductor fins to define at least one trench between corresponding regions of the first dielectric material, and forming a region of a second dielectric material different than the first dielectric in the at least one trench to provide at least one isolation pillar between adjacent semiconductor fins. |
| US09281381B2 |
Forming strained and relaxed silicon and silicon germanium fins on the same wafer
Various embodiments form strained and relaxed silicon and silicon germanium fins on a semiconductor wafer. In one embodiment a semiconductor wafer is formed. The semiconductor wafer comprises a substrate, a dielectric layer, and a strained silicon germanium (SiGe) layer. At least one region of the strained SiGe layer is transformed into a relaxed SiGe region. At least one strained SiGe fin is formed from a first strained SiGe region of the strained SiGe layer. At least one relaxed SiGe fin is formed from a first portion of the relaxed SiGe region. Relaxed silicon is epitaxially grown on a second strained SiGe region of the strained SiGe layer. Strained silicon is epitaxially grown on a second portion of the relaxed SiGe region. At least one relaxed silicon fin is formed from the relaxed silicon. At least one strained silicon fin is formed from the strained silicon. |
| US09281378B2 |
Fin recess last process for FinFET fabrication
A method includes forming isolation regions extending from a top surface of a semiconductor substrate into the semiconductor substrate, and forming a hard mask strip over the isolation regions and a semiconductor strip. The semiconductor strip is between two neighboring ones of the isolation regions. A dummy gate strip is formed over the hard mask strip. A lengthwise direction of the dummy gate strip is perpendicular to a lengthwise direction of the semiconductor strip, and a portion of the dummy gate strip is aligned to a portion of the semiconductor strip. The method further includes removing the dummy gate strip, removing the hard mask strip, and recessing first portions of the isolation regions that are overlapped by the removed hard mask strip. A portion of the semiconductor strip between and contacting the removed first portions of the isolation regions forms a semiconductor fin. |
| US09281377B2 |
Semiconductor device having silicide on gate sidewalls in isolation regions
Provided are a semiconductor device and a method of fabricating the same. According to the semiconductor device, a silicide layer is formed on at least a part of both sidewalls of a gate pattern on a device isolation layer, thereby reducing resistance of the gate pattern. This makes an operation speed of the device rapid. According to the method of the semiconductor device, a sidewall spacer pattern is formed on at least a part of both sidewalls of the gate pattern in following salicide process by entirely or partially removing remaining portions of the sidewall spacer except for portions which are used as an ion implantation mask to form source/drain regions. This can reduce resistance of the gate pattern, thereby fabricating a semiconductor device with a rapid operation speed. |
| US09281375B2 |
Methods of producing bipolar transistors having emitter-base junctions of varying depths and/or doping concentrations
Methods for producing bipolar transistors are provided. In one embodiment, the method includes producing a bipolar transistor including first and second connected emitter-base (EB) junctions of varying different depths. A buried layer (BL) collector is further produced to have a third depth greater than the depths of the EB junctions. The emitters and bases corresponding to the different EB junctions are provided during a chain implant. An isolation region may overlie the second EB junction location. The BL collector is laterally spaced from the first EB junction by a variable amount to facilitate adjustment of the transistor properties. The BL collector may or may not underlie at least a portion of the second EB junction. Regions of opposite conductivity type overlie and underlie the BL collector to preserve breakdown voltage. The transistor can be readily “tuned” by mask adjustments alone to meet various device requirements. |
| US09281374B2 |
Metal gate structure and fabrication method thereof
A metal gate structure located on a substrate includes a gate dielectric layer, a metal layer and a titanium aluminum nitride metal layer. The gate dielectric layer is located on the substrate. The metal layer is located on the gate dielectric layer. The titanium aluminum nitride metal layer is located on the metal layer. |
| US09281360B1 |
Semiconductor device with a shielding structure
A semiconductor device has a semiconductor body including opposing bottom and top sides, a surface surrounding the semiconductor body, an active semiconductor region formed in the semiconductor body, an edge region surrounding the active semiconductor region, a first semiconductor zone of a first conduction type formed in the edge region, an edge termination structure formed in the edge region at the top side, and a shielding structure arranged on that side of the edge termination structure facing away from the bottom side. The shielding structure has a number of N1≧2 first segments and a number of N2≧1 second segments. Each of the first segments is electrically connected to each of the other first segments and to each of the second segments, and each of the second segments has an electric resistivity higher than an electric resistivity of each of the first segments. |
| US09281354B2 |
Composite reconstituted wafer structures
A reconstituted electronic device comprising at least one die and at least one passive component. A functional material is incorporated in the substrate of the device to modify the electrical behavior of the passive component. The passive component may be formed in redistribution layers of the device. Composite functional materials may be used in the substrate to forms part of or all of the passive component. A metal carrier may form part of the substrate and part of the at least one passive component. |
| US09281348B2 |
Display panel and fabricating method thereof
A display panel and a fabricating method thereof are provided, and the display panel (100) comprises: a first substrate (11); a second substrate (12), arranged parallel to the first substrate; an anode/cathode (41), formed on the first substrate; a cathode/anode (42), formed on the second substrate; a first alignment layer (31), provided on the anode/cathode and comprising a plurality of first sub-alignment layers (311) having a first alignment direction and a plurality of second sub-alignment layers (312) having a second alignment direction alternately arranged in a first direction, and a angle between the first alignment direction and the second alignment direction being 90 degrees; a second alignment layer (32), provided on the cathode/anode and comprising a plurality of third sub-alignment layers (323) having the first alignment direction and a plurality of fourth sub-alignment layers (324) having the second alignment direction alternately arranged in the first direction, and the first sub-alignment layers corresponding to the third sub-alignment layers in a position, and the second sub-alignment layers corresponding to the fourth sub-alignment layers in a position; and a light emitting layer (40), provided between the first alignment layer and the second alignment layer, which comprises a liquid crystal polymer doped with organic light emitting material and is configured to emit a polarized light. |
| US09281347B2 |
Display device integrated with touch screen panel
A display device integrated with a touch screen panel may include a display device and an anti-reflection layer. The display device may include a plurality pixels arranged therein. The anti-reflection layer may include a plurality of metal layers and a plurality of dielectric layers that are sequentially laminated on an upper surface of the display device. In the display device, one or more metal layers among the plurality of metal layers constituting the anti-reflection layer may be operated as sensing electrodes of the touch screen panel. |
| US09281345B2 |
Resistance change type memory device with three-dimensional structure
According to an embodiment, a non-volatile memory device includes a first wiring extending in a first direction, a second wiring extending in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction. The device includes third wirings, and a first and a second memory. The third wirings extend in a third direction crossing the first direction and orthogonal to the second direction, and aligned in the second direction on both sides of the second wiring. The first memory is provided between one of third wiring pair and the second wiring, the pair of third wirings facing each other across the second wiring. The second memory is provided between another one of the third wiring pair and the second wiring. The second wiring has a block portion between a first portion in contact with the first memory and a second portion in contact with the second memory. |
| US09281342B2 |
Light emitting device and light emitting device package
A light emitting device according to the embodiment includes a first electrode; a light emitting structure including a first semiconductor layer, an active layer and a second semiconductor layer on the first electrode; a second electrode on the light emitting structure; and a control switch installed on the light emitting structure to control the light emitting structure. |
| US09281341B2 |
Light emitting device and fabricating method thereof
Disclosed is a light emitting device including a support substrate, a transistor unit disposed at one side of the upper surface of the support substrate, a light emitting device unit disposed at the other side of the upper surface of the support substrate, and an insulating layer disposed between the transistor unit and the light emitting device unit and between the support substrate and the transistor unit and isolating the transistor unit from the light emitting device unit. |
| US09281336B2 |
Mechanisms for forming backside illuminated image sensor device structure
Embodiments of mechanisms of a backside illuminated image sensor device structure are provided. The method for manufacturing a backside illuminated image sensor device structure includes providing a substrate and forming a polysilicon layer over the substrate. The method further includes forming a buffer layer over the polysilicon layer and forming an etch stop layer over the buffer layer. The method further includes forming a hard mask layer over the etch stop layer and patterning the hard mask layer to form an opening in the hard mask layer. The method further includes performing an implant process through the opening of the hard mask layer to form a doped region in the substrate and removing the hard mask layer by a first removing process. The method further includes removing the etch stop layer by a second removing process and removing the buffer layer by a third removing process. |
| US09281335B2 |
Alignment marks and alignment methods for aligning backside components to frontside components in integrated circuits
An imaging system may include an imager integrated circuit with frontside components such as imaging pixels and backside components such as color filters and microlenses. The imager integrated circuit may be mounted to a carrier wafer with alignment marks. Bonding marks on the carrier wafer and the imager integrated circuit may be used to align the carrier wafer accurately to the imager integrated circuit. The alignment marks on the carrier wafer may be read, by fabrication equipment, to align backside components of the imager integrated circuit, such as color filters and microlenses, with backside components of the imager integrated circuit, such as photodiodes. |
| US09281332B2 |
Package process of backside illumination image sensor
In a package process of backside illumination image sensor, a wafer including a plurality of pads is provided. A first carrier is processed to form a plurality of blind vias therein. The first carrier is adhered to the wafer so that the blind vias face to the pads correspondingly. A spacing layer is formed and a plurality of sensing components are disposed. A second carrier is adhered on the spacing layer. Subsequently, a carrier thinning process is performed so that the blind vias become the through holes. An insulating layer is formed on the first carrier. An electrically conductive layer is formed on the insulating layer and filled in the though holes to electrically connect to the pads. The package process can achieve the exact alignment of the through holes and the pads, thereby increasing the package efficiency and improving the package quality. |
| US09281323B2 |
Array substrate, display panel and display device
An array substrate is disclosed. The array substrate includes a non-display region surrounding a display region. The array substrate also includes gate lines in the display region, and a gate drive circuit and a bus electrically insulated from the gate lines and a gate drive circuit in the non-display region. The gate lines extend into the non-display region and are electrically connected to the gate drive circuit, and each of the gate lines crosses the bus in a first overlap region. The array substrate also includes auxiliary electrode line segments between the bus and the display region. The auxiliary electrode line segments are electrically insulated from one another and from the gate lines, and the auxiliary electrode line segments are disposed in either of a same conductive layer as the bus, or a layer between the conductive layer of the bus and a conductive layer of the gate lines are disposed. |
| US09281321B2 |
TFT array substrate, display panel and display device
A TFT array substrate includes a first electrode layer and a second electrode layer disposed below the first electrode layer. The first electrode layer includes a strip-like first electrode, and the second electrode layer is a sheet-like electrode. The strip-like first electrode includes a bent portion. The second electrode layer includes at least one opening, the opening is located below the bent portion. |
| US09281312B2 |
Non-volatile memory with a single gate-source common terminal and operation method thereof
A non-volatile memory with a single gate-source common terminal and an operation method thereof are provided. The non-volatile memory includes a transistor and a capacitor structure both embedded in a semiconductor substrate. The transistor includes a first dielectric layer, a first electric-conduction gate and several first ion-doped regions. The capacitor structure includes a second dielectric layer, a second electric-conduction gate and a second ion-doped region. The memory may further include a third ion-doped region below the second dielectric layer. The first and second electric-conduction gates are electrically connected to form a single floating gate of the memory cell. The source and second ion-doped region are electrically connected to form a single gate-source common terminal. |
| US09281307B2 |
Plasma doping to reduce dielectric loss during removal of dummy layers in a gate structure
A semiconductor device which includes a first gate structure on a substrate and a second gate structure on the substrate is provided. The semiconductor device further includes an inter-level dielectric (ILD) layer on the substrate between the first gate structure and the second gate structure, wherein a top portion of the ILD layer has a different etch selectivity than a bottom portion of the ILD layer. |
| US09281304B2 |
Transistor assisted ESD diode
An integrated circuit includes a diode/bipolar ESD protection device. The diode/bipolar ESD device includes at least one gate separated ESD diode and at least one gate spaced ESD bipolar transistor coupled in parallel between a fixed voltage and an input/output pin. |
| US09281299B2 |
Simple LED package suitable for capacitive driving
The invention relates to a LED package (10) suitable for capacitive driving, comprising at least one pair of anti-parallel oriented LEDs (20, 30). These LEDs are provided with electrical terminals (21, 22, 31, 32) at opposing surfaces of the LEDs. The LEDs are sandwiched between two substantially parallel oriented substrates (40, 50) of a dielectric material, which substrates are provided on their facing surfaces (41, 51) with a film (42, 52) of electrically conductive material, so that electrical contacts (61, 62) are available between the electrical terminals and the films of electrically conductive material. The LED package is cheap, technically simple, reliable and small-dimensioned, and can be applied in a LED assembly. A method for manufacturing such LED packages is claimed as well. |
| US09281286B1 |
Microelectronic packages having texturized solder pads and methods for the fabrication thereof
Microelectronic packages and methods for fabricating microelectronic packages having texturized solder pads, which can improve solder joint reliability, are provided. In one embodiment, the method includes forming a texturized dielectric region having a texture pattern, such as a hatch pattern, in an under-pad dielectric layer. A texturized solder pad is produced over the texturized dielectric region. The texturized solder pad has a solder contact surface to which the texture pattern is transferred such that the area of the solder contact surface is increased relative to a non-texturized solder pad of equivalent dimensions. |
| US09281275B2 |
Bond pad having ruthenium directly on passivation sidewall
A method of forming bond pads includes providing a substrate including an integrated circuit (IC) device formed thereon having an oxidizable uppermost metal interconnect layer which provides a plurality of bond pads that are coupled to circuit nodes on the IC device. The plurality of bond pads include a metal bond pad area. At least one passivation layer provides a trench including dielectric sidewalls above the metal bond pad area. A ruthenium (Ru) layer is deposited directly on the dielectric sidewalls and directly on the metal bond pad area, which removes the need for a barrier layer lining the dielectric sidewalls of the trench. The Ru layer is patterned to provide a bond pad surface for the plurality of bond pads. |
| US09281270B2 |
Method for making contact with a semiconductor and contact arrangement for a semiconductor
The invention relates to a method for making contact with a semiconductor (10), and to a contact arrangement (1) for a semiconductor (10), wherein the semiconductor (10) is a really connected to a first contact partner (20) at at least one first area by the formation of a first soldering layer (30) having a predefined thickness. According to the invention, a polyimide layer (14) is applied as delimiting means on the semiconductor (10), said polyimide layer predefining the dimensions and/or the form of at least one soldering area (12) of the semiconductor (10). |
| US09281267B1 |
Semiconductor package having overhang portion
A semiconductor package may include a substrate, and a structural body disposed over the substrate. The semiconductor package may include a semiconductor chip stacked over the structural body, and having an overhang portion projecting over a side surface of the structural body and overhanging out over the side surface of the structural body. The semiconductor package may include one or more bonding pads disposed on the overhang portion, and one or more wires electrically coupling the bonding pads to the substrate. The semiconductor package may include a wire fixing film attached onto the structural body, and overhanging out over the side surface of the structural body to fix the one or more wires. |
| US09281265B2 |
Packaging structure of a semiconductor device
A method of making a semiconductor packaged device comprises mounting onto a lead frame a bottom of a molded semiconductor chip having a first plastic package body covering a top face of a semiconductor chip, encapsulating the lead frame and the semiconductor chip with a second plastic package body with top surfaces of conductive contact bodies electrically connected to electrodes on the top surface of the semiconductor chip exposed and plating conductive pads on a top surface of the assembly structure to provide external electrical connections to the electrodes through the conductive contact bodies. |
| US09281263B2 |
Interconnect structure including a continuous conductive body
Some embodiments of the present disclosure relate to an interconnect structure for connecting devices of a semiconductor substrate. The interconnect structure includes a dielectric layer over the substrate and a continuous conductive body passing through the dielectric layer. The continuous conductive body is made up of a lower body region and an upper body region. The lower body region has a first width defined between opposing lower sidewalls of the continuous conductive body, and the upper body region has a second width defined between opposing upper sidewalls of the continuous conductive body. The second width is less than the first width. A barrier layer separates the continuous conductive body from the dielectric layer. |
| US09281259B2 |
Semiconductor device and method of forming thick encapsulant for stiffness with recesses for stress relief in FO-WLCSP
A semiconductor device has a semiconductor die mounted to a carrier. A first encapsulant is deposited over the semiconductor die and carrier. A stiffening support member can be disposed over the carrier around the semiconductor die. A plurality of channels or recesses is formed in the first encapsulant. The recesses can be formed by removing a portion of the first encapsulant. Alternatively, the recesses are formed in a chase mold having a plurality of extended surfaces. A second encapsulant can be deposited into the recesses of the first encapsulant. The carrier is removed and an interconnect structure is formed over the semiconductor die and first encapsulant. The thickness of the first encapsulant provides sufficient stiffness to reduce warpage while the recesses provide stress relief during formation of the interconnect structure. A portion of the first encapsulant and recesses are removed to reduce thickness of the semiconductor device. |
| US09281256B2 |
Package encapsulant relief feature
A microelectronic device package including a package substrate, microelectronic component disposed on a first surface of a first portion of the substrate, and encapsulant material surrounding the microelectronic electronic component. An exposed surface of the first portion of the substrate is exposed through an opening in a first major surface of the encapsulant material. The exposed surface of the first portion has an edge. Encapsulant material is adjacent to the edge at the first major surface. The exposed surface is opposite the first surface. A stress relief feature located in one of the first major surface or a second major surface of the encapsulant material. The second major surface is opposite the first major surface. The stress relief feature reduces an amount of the encapsulant material and is 1 mm or less of a plane of the edge of the exposed surface. The plane is generally perpendicular to the exposed surface. |
| US09281255B2 |
Underfill composition and semiconductor device and manufacturing method thereof
To provide a solid preapplication underfill material that has excellent workability, has a high degree of freedom for solder bonding processes, and enables the formation of a solder bond with high reliability. (Resolution Means) The underfill composition of the present disclosure contains a hardened epoxy resin and has a viscosity of 1000 Pa·s or more at 30° C. The hardening epoxy resin includes a crystalline epoxy resin at not less than 50 wt % relative to an entire resin composition. |
| US09281252B1 |
Method comprising applying an external mechanical stress to a semiconductor structure and semiconductor processing tool
A method includes providing a semiconductor structure. An external mechanical stress is applied to the semiconductor structure. One or more semiconductor manufacturing processes are performed while the external mechanical stress is applied to the semiconductor structure. The one or more semiconductor manufacturing processes provide one or more material layers having an intrinsic stress at the semiconductor structure. After performing the one or more semiconductor manufacturing processes, the external mechanical stress is removed from the semiconductor structure. The removal of the external mechanical stress at least partially relaxes the intrinsic stress of the one or more material layers. |
| US09281250B2 |
Method of detecting an asymmetric portion of an overlay mark and method of measuring an overlay including the same
A method of detecting an asymmetric portion of an overlay mark includes forming a plurality of virtual overlay marks having a plurality of virtual asymmetric portions. The virtual asymmetric portions may have different sizes with respect to a reference model profile of a reference overlay mark. Virtual information with respect to each virtual overlay mark may be obtained. The virtual information of the virtual overlay marks may be compared with actual information of an actual overlay mark to identify virtual information of the virtual overlay mark corresponding to the actual information of the actual overlay mark. Thus, measuring the overlay of the actual overlay mark may be performed under than the actual asymmetric portion may be excluded from the actual overlay mark, so that the overlay may be accurately measured. As a result, errors may not be generated in a correcting process to a layer using the accurate overlay. |
| US09281249B2 |
Decoupling measurement of layer thicknesses of a plurality of layers of a circuit structure
Measurement of thickness of layers of a circuit structure is obtained, where the thickness of the layers is measured using an optical critical dimension (OCD) measurement technique, and the layers includes a high-k layer and an interfacial layer. Measurement of thickness of the high-k layer is separately obtained, where the thickness of the high-k layer is measured using a separate measurement technique from the OCD measurement technique. The separate measurement technique provides greater decoupling, as compared to the OCD measurement technique, of a signal for thickness of the high-k layer from a signal for thickness of the interfacial layer of the layers. Characteristics of the circuit structure, such as a thickness of the interfacial layer, are ascertained using, in part, the separately obtained thickness measurement of the high-k layer. |
| US09281247B2 |
Strained silicon and strained silicon germanium on insulator field-effect transistor
A structure includes a tensilely strained NFET region including a strained silicon layer of a silicon on insulator wafer. A relaxed NFET region includes one of an ion implanted silicon and an ion implanted silicon dioxide interface layer of a tensilely strained silicon layer of the silicon on insulator wafer. A compressively strained PFET region includes a SiGe layer which was converted from a tensilely strained silicon layer of the silicon on insulator wafer. A relaxed PFET region includes one of an ion implanted silicon and an ion implanted silicon dioxide interface layer of a tensilely strained silicon layer of the silicon on insulator wafer. |
| US09281243B2 |
Chip scale package structure and manufacturing method thereof
A chip scale package structure includes a chip, a dam unit, a board body, a plurality of first conductors, an encapsulating glue, a plurality of first conductive layers, an isolation layer, and a plurality of first electrodes. The dam unit is disposed on the surface of the chip. The board body is located on the dam unit. The first conductors are respectively in electrical contact with the conductive pads of the chip. The encapsulating glue covers the surface of the chip, and the board body and the first conductors are packaged in the encapsulating glue. The first conductive layers are located on the surface of the encapsulating glue opposite to the chip and respectively in electrical contact with the first conductors. The isolation layer is located on the encapsulating glue and the first conductive layers. The first electrodes are respectively in electrical contact with the first conductive layers. |
| US09281241B2 |
Methods for forming interconnects in microelectronic workpieces and microelectronic workpieces formed using such methods
Methods for forming interconnects in microelectronic workpieces and microelectronic workpieces formed using such methods are disclosed herein. One embodiment, for example, is directed to a method of processing a microelectronic workpiece including a semiconductor substrate having a plurality of microelectronic dies. The method can include forming a first opening in the substrate from a back side of the substrate toward a front side and in alignment with terminals of the dies. The first opening separates an island of substrate material from the substrate. The method can also include depositing an insulating material into at least a portion of the first opening, and then removing the island of substrate material to form a second opening. In several embodiments, the method may include constructing an electrically conductive interconnect in at least a portion of the second opening and in electrical contact with the terminal. |
| US09281240B2 |
Methods of manufacturing semiconductor devices
In a method of manufacturing a semiconductor device, an insulating interlayer is formed on a substrate. The insulating interlayer is partially removed to form an opening. A barrier conductive layer is formed on a sidewall and a bottom of the opening. An RF sputtering process and a DC sputtering process are performed independently on the barrier conductive layer to form a seed layer. A plated layer is formed on the seed layer. |
| US09281237B2 |
Transistor having reduced channel length
A transistor which includes an oxide semiconductor and can operate at high speed is provided. A highly reliable semiconductor device including the transistor is provided. An oxide semiconductor layer including a pair of low-resistance regions and a channel formation region is provided over an electrode layer formed in a groove of a base insulating layer. The channel formation region is embedded in a position overlapping with a gate electrode which has a side surface provided with a sidewall. The groove includes a deep region and a shallow region. The sidewall overlaps with the shallow region, and a connection portion between a wiring and the electrode layer overlaps with the deep region. |
| US09281234B2 |
WLCSP interconnect apparatus and method
Disclosed herein is an interconnect apparatus comprising a substrate having a land disposed thereon and a passivation layer disposed over the substrate and over a portion of the land. An insulation layer is disposed over the substrate and has an opening disposed over at least a portion of the land. A conductive layer is disposed over a portion of the passivation layer and in electrical contact with the land. The conductive layer has a portion extending over at least a portion of the insulation layer. The conductive layer comprises a contact portion disposed over at least a portion of the land. The insulation layer avoids extending between the land and the contact portion. A protective layer may be disposed over at least a portion of the conductive layer and may optionally have a thickness of at least 7 μm. |
| US09281231B2 |
Non-contact magnetic drive assembly with mechanical stop elements
A non-contact magnetic drive assembly with mechanical stop elements for a vacuum deposition system employing a lift-off process having a HULA configuration featuring a plurality of magnets coupled in an annular orientation to a central ring and an orbital ring, each magnet of the orbital ring becomes superposed with a magnet of the central ring as the orbital ring rotates, and a central drive component driving either the central ring, the orbital ring around the central ring or both simultaneously, the central drive component provides a rotational speed allowing non-contact, magnetic drive rotation of the orbital ring around the central ring until a difference between a magnetic drive torque of the superposed magnets and the rotational speed of the central drive component causes the superposed magnets to decouple enabling mechanical drive rotation by interactive contact between a plurality of central ring teeth and a plurality of orbital ring. |
| US09281228B2 |
Semiconductor device and method of forming thermal interface material and heat spreader over semiconductor die
A semiconductor device has a semiconductor die mounted to a substrate. A recess is formed in a back surface of the semiconductor die to an edge of the semiconductor die with sidewalls on at least two sides of the semiconductor die. The sidewalls are formed by removing a portion of the back surface of the die, or by forming a barrier layer on at least two sides of the die. A channel can be formed in the back surface of the semiconductor die to contain the TIM. A TIM is formed in the recess. A heat spreader is mounted in the recess over the TIM with a down leg portion of the heat spreader thermally connected to the substrate. The sidewalls contain the TIM to maintain uniform coverage of the TIM between the heat spreader and back surface of the semiconductor die. |
| US09281221B2 |
Ultra-high vacuum (UHV) wafer processing
One or more techniques or systems for ultra-high vacuum (UHV) wafer processing are provided herein. In some embodiments, a vacuum system includes one or more cluster tools connected via one or more bridges. For example, a first cluster tool is connected to a first bridge. Additionally, a second cluster tool is connected to a second bridge. In some embodiments, the first bridge is configured to connect the second cluster tool to the first cluster tool. In some embodiments, the second cluster tool is connected to the first bridge, thus forming a ‘tunnel’. In some embodiments, the second bridge comprises one or more facets configured to enable a connection to an additional process chamber or an additional cluster tool. In this manner, a more efficient UHV environment is provided, thus enhancing a yield associated with wafer processing, for example. |
| US09281216B2 |
Manufacturing method of epitaxial silicon wafer
A manufacturing method of an epitaxial silicon wafer includes: an epitaxial-film-growth step in which an epitaxial film is grown on a silicon wafer in a reaction container, and a temperature reduction step in which a temperature of the epitaxial silicon wafer is reduced from a temperature at which the epitaxial film is grown. In the temperature reduction step, a temperature reduction rate of the epitaxial silicon wafer is controlled to satisfy a relationship represented by R≦2.0×10-4X−2.9, where X (Ω·cm) represents a resistivity of the silicon wafer, and R (degrees C./min) represents the temperature reduction rate for lowing the temperature of the epitaxial silicon wafer from 500 degrees C. to 400 degrees C. |
| US09281215B2 |
Mechanism for forming gate
Embodiments of mechanisms for forming a semiconductor device are provided. The semiconductor device includes a semiconductor substrate. The semiconductor device also includes an isolation structure in the semiconductor substrate and surrounding an active region of the semiconductor substrate. The semiconductor device includes a gate over the semiconductor substrate. The gate has an intermediate portion over the active region and two end portions connected to the intermediate portion. Each of the end portions has a first gate length longer than a second gate length of the intermediate portion and is located over the isolation structure. |
| US09281204B2 |
Method for improving E-beam lithography gate metal profile for enhanced field control
A semiconductor device is provided which includes a GaN-on-SiC substrate (50-51) and a multi-layer passivation stack (52-54) in which patterned step openings (76) are defined and filled with gate metal layers using a lift-off gate metal process to form a T-gate electrode (74) as a stepped gate electrode having sidewall extensions and a contact base portion with one or more gate ledges. |
| US09281203B2 |
Silicon dot formation by direct self-assembly method for flash memory
Some embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a method that achieves a substantially uniform pattern of discrete storage elements comprising a substantially equal size within a memory cell. A copolymer solution comprising first and second polymer species is spin-coated onto a surface of a substrate and subjected to self-assembly into a phase-separated material comprising a regular pattern of micro-domains of the second polymer species within a polymer matrix comprising the first polymer species. The first or second polymer species is then removed resulting with a pattern of micro-domains or the polymer matrix with a pattern of holes, which may be utilized as a hard-mask to form a substantially identical pattern of discrete storage elements through an etch, ion implant technique, or a combination thereof. |
| US09281196B2 |
Method to reduce etch variation using ion implantation
The present disclosure relates to a method of forming a transistor device. In this method, first and second well regions are formed within a semiconductor substrate. The first and second well regions have first and second etch rates, respectively, which are different from one another. Dopants are selectively implanted into the first well region to alter the first etch rate to make the first etch rate substantially equal to the second etch rate. The first, selectively implanted well region and the second well region are etched to form channel recesses having equal recess depths. An epitaxial growth process is performed to form one or more epitaxial layers within the channel recesses. |
| US09281193B2 |
Patterning method for semiconductor device fabrication
A method includes forming a first pattern having a first feature of a first material on a semiconductor substrate. A second pattern with a second feature and third feature of a second material, interposed by the first feature, is formed on the semiconductor substrate. Spacer elements then are formed on sidewalls of the first feature, the second feature, and the third feature. After forming the spacer elements, the second material comprising the second and third features is selectively removed to form a first opening and a second opening. The first feature, the first opening and the second opening are used as a masking element to etch the target layer. |
| US09281181B2 |
Film forming method and recording medium for performing the method
A method of manufacturing a semiconductor device includes forming a laminated film on a substrate by performing a cycle a predetermined number of times. The cycle includes forming a first film which contains a predetermined element, boron, and nitrogen and which does not contain a borazine ring skeleton, and forming a second film which contains the predetermined element and a borazine ring skeleton. The first film and the second film are laminated to form the laminated film. |
| US09281178B2 |
Cleaning agent for silicon wafer
A cleaning agent for a silicon wafer (a first cleaning agent) contains at least a water-based cleaning liquid and a water-repellent cleaning liquid for providing at least a recessed portion of an uneven pattern with water repellency during a cleaning process. The water-based cleaning liquid is a liquid in which a water-repellent compound having a reactive moiety chemically bondable to Si element in the silicon wafer and a hydrophobic group, and an organic solvent including at least an alcoholic solvent are mixed and contained. With this cleaning agent, the cleaning process which tends to induce a pattern collapse can be improved. |
| US09281168B2 |
Reducing switching variation in magnetoresistive devices
The magnetic characteristics of a magnetoresistive device are improved by rendering magnetic debris non-magnetic during processing operations. Further improvement is realized by annealing the partially- or fully-formed device in the presence of a magnetic field in order to eliminate or stabilize magnetic micro-pinning sites or other magnetic abnormalities within the magnetoresistive stack for the device. Such improvement in magnetic characteristics decreases deviation in switching characteristics in arrays of such magnetoresistive devices such as those present in MRAMs. |
| US09281167B2 |
Variable radius dual magnetron
A dual magnetron particularly useful for RF plasma sputtering includes a radially stationary open-loop magnetron comprising opposed magnetic poles and rotating about a central axis to scan an outer region of a sputter target and a radially movable open-loop magnetron comprising opposed magnetic poles and rotating together with the stationary magnetron. During processing, the movable magnetron is radially positioned in the outer region with an open end abutting an open end of the stationary magnetron to form a single open-loop magnetron. During cleaning, part of the movable magnetron is moved radially inwardly to scan and clean an inner region of the target not scanned by the stationary magnetron. The movable magnetron can be mounted on an arm pivoting about an axis at periphery of a rotating disk-shaped plate mounting the stationary magnetron so the arm centrifugally moves between radial positions dependent upon the rotation rate or direction. |
| US09281166B2 |
Plasma processing chamber for bevel edge processing
A process chamber includes a wafer support to mount a wafer to be processed in the process chamber, with the wafer having an annular edge exclusion area. A first electrically grounded ring extends in an annular path radially outward of the edge exclusion area and is electrically isolated from the wafer support. A second electrode is configured with a center area opposite to the wafer support. A second electrically grounded ring extends in an annular path radially outward of the second electrode and the edge exclusion area. The second electrically grounded ring is electrically isolated from the center area. An annular mount section has a DC bias ring, and the DC bias ring opposes the edge exclusion area when the wafer is present. A DC control circuit is provided for applying a DC voltage to the DC bias ring. |
| US09281161B2 |
Electron beam writing apparatus and electron beam writing method
An electron beam writing apparatus includes: a first aperture plate that shapes an electron beam emitted from an electron gun assembly; a second aperture plate onto which an electron beam of an aperture plate image passing through the first aperture plate is projected; and a first shaping deflector and a second shaping deflector which are provided between the first aperture plate and the second aperture plate, respectively, deflect an electron beam, control an irradiation position of the aperture plate image on the second aperture plate, and determine a shot shape and a shot size. The first shaping deflector deflects an electron beam such that the aperture plate image is positioned at a determined position in accordance with a shot shape and a shot size. The second shaping deflector deflects an electron beam deflected by the first shaping deflector and controls formation of a desirable shot size. |
| US09281160B2 |
Insulation structure and insulation method
An insulation structure provided among a plurality of electrodes for extraction of an ion beam from a plasma generating section is provided. The insulation structure includes an insulation member including a first part connected to a first electrode and a second part connected to a second electrode and configured to support the first electrode to the second electrode, a first cover surrounding at least a part of the first part to protect the first part from contamination particles, and a second cover surrounding at least a part of the second part to protect the second part from contamination particles. At least one of the first part and the second part is made of a machinable ceramic or a porous ceramic. |
| US09281154B2 |
Microwave introducing mechanism, microwave plasma source and microwave plasma processing apparatus
The microwave introducing mechanism includes an antenna unit having a planar antenna radiating a microwave into a chamber; a tuner for performing impedance matching; and a heat dissipation device for dissipating a heat from the antenna unit. The tuner has a tuner main body including a tubular outer conductor and a tubular inner conductor to serve as a part of a microwave transmission line; slugs provided between the outer conductor and the inner conductor to be movable along a longitudinal direction of the inner conductor; and a driving device for moving the slugs. The heat dissipation device has a heat pipe configured to transfer the heat of the antenna unit from its heat input end to its heat dissipation end. |
| US09281145B2 |
Vacuum interrupter
A vacuum interrupter, including: an insulating housing; a movable end cap; a stationary end cap; a pair of movable and stationary contacts; and a pair of shields. The pair of shields is fixed on the movable end cap and the stationary end cap, respectively. The insulating housing, the movable end cap, and the stationary end cap cooperate to form a closed space. The closed space includes a movable fracture and a stationary fracture. The movable fracture is formed by the pair of movable and stationary contacts for carrying rated current and disconnecting capacitive load whereby achieving breaking performance of the vacuum interrupter. The stationary fracture is formed by the pair of shields. When the pair of stationary and movable contacts reaches a full open position, the stationary contact and the movable contact enter the pair of shields, respectively. |
| US09281144B2 |
Circuit breaker contact assembly and cam lever
A contact apparatus of a circuit breaker is disclosed. The contact apparatus has an outer carrier, an inner carrier, one or more contact fingers pivotally mounted to the inner carrier, a cam lever pivotally mounted to the outer carrier, and a cam and cam profile formed on respective ones of the cam lever and inner carrier. Circuit breakers and electrical contact assemblies having the contact apparatus, and methods of operating the contact apparatus and electrical contact assemblies are disclosed, as are other aspects. |
| US09281141B2 |
Modular keyboard assembly
A key-board assembly (10) is described that has a key-mat and a keyboard PCB (3) aligned with respect to each other instead of first to a housing of an input device. First, such alignment is achieved by adding pins (6) to the key-mat that fit tightly in holes (5) of the PCB. Secondly the key-mat has hooks (14) that can be clicked around the PCB and/or ribs (4) around the edges/carve-outs of the PCB that hold to the PCB with tight tolerances. |
| US09281139B2 |
Cover assembly for an electrical switch
A cover assembly for a first electrical switch and a second electrical switch. The cover assembly includes an alignment plate configured to be removably coupled to the first electrical switch. The alignment plate includes a first alignment feature that receives a portion of the first electrical switch to align the alignment plate with the first electrical switch, and a second alignment feature that receives a portion of the second electrical switch to align the alignment plate with the second electrical switch and to align the second electrical switch with the first electrical switch. The assembly further includes a faceplate that is removably coupled to the alignment plate. |
| US09281132B2 |
Method for sealing a liquid within a glass package and the resulting glass package
A method for sealing a liquid within a glass package and the resulting sealed glass package are described herein where the sealed glass package can be, for example, a dye solar cell, an electro-wetting display or an organic emitting light diode (OLED) display. |
| US09281129B2 |
Silicon oxide particles, making method, lithium ion secondary battery, and electrochemical capacitor
Silicon oxide particles each comprising an inner portion having an iron content of 10-1,000 ppm and an outer portion having an iron content of up to 30 ppm are suitable as negative electrode active material in nonaqueous electrolyte secondary batteries. Using a negative electrode comprising the silicon oxide particles as active material, a lithium ion secondary battery or electrochemical capacitor having a high capacity and improved cycle performance can be constructed. |
| US09281127B2 |
Electronic component and method for manufacturing the same
In a method for manufacturing an electronic component, when conductive paste used to form outer electrodes is applied to a component body, a side surface of the component body is subjected to an affinity-reducing process to reduce an affinity for solvent, and then an end surface of the component body is dipped into the conductive paste. Accordingly, spreading of the conductive paste stops at ridge portions of the component body, and the conductive paste is applied to a large thickness. After that, the end surface of the component body is dipped deeper into the conductive paste. Also in this step, the affinity-reducing process prevents upward spreading of the conductive paste along the side surface. |
| US09281124B2 |
Multilayer ceramic capacitor and board having the same mounted thereon
A multilayer ceramic capacitor may include a ceramic body having a plurality of dielectric layers stacked therein; an active part including a plurality of first and second internal electrodes alternately exposed through both end surfaces of the ceramic body; upper and lower cover layers; and first and second external electrodes covering both end surfaces of the ceramic body. When a thickness of the upper or lower cover layer is defined as C, a margin between the active part and a side surface of the ceramic body in a width direction is defined as M, a cross-sectional area of the ceramic body in a width-thickness direction is defined as Ac, and a cross-sectional area of the active part in the width-thickness direction, in which the internal electrodes are overlapped in a thickness direction, is defined as Aa, 1.826≦C/M≦4.686, and 0.2142≦Aa/Ac≦0.4911. |
| US09281121B2 |
Multilayer ceramic electronic component and manufacturing method thereof
There are provided a multilayer ceramic electronic component and a manufacturing method thereof, such that a high capacitance multilayer ceramic electronic component having excellent reliability through the suppression of crack generation due to a step portion and an increase in an overlapped area may be provided. |
| US09281119B2 |
Three-coil topology for wireless power transfer
A system using a three-coil topology for wireless power transfer is disclosed. The system comprises a primary resonator coupled to a power source, a repeater resonator and a receiver resonator. The primary resonator has a primary coil, and the repeater resonator has a repeater coil adjacent to the primary coil. The repeater coil and the primary coil are separated by a distance selected, and the repeater coil is configured, to amplify a primary-coil current by inductively generating a repeater-coil current that is substantially greater than the primary-coil current. A magnetic field contributed from both the primary-coil current and the repeater-coil current is generated while the power source needs not provide a terminal voltage across the repeater coil, thereby discouraging occurrence of voltage stress at the power source. The receiver resonator has a receiver coil, which receives the magnetic field to inductively generate a receiver-coil current for feeding to a load. |
| US09281117B2 |
Magnetic core structure and electric reactor
The present application discloses a magnetic core structure and an electric reactor. The magnetic core structure includes an upper cover plate and a lower cover plate which are arranged oppositely and at least one wrapping post having two ends connected to the upper cover plate and lower cover plate, respectively. A cross-sectional area of the upper cover plate and/or of the lower cover plate is larger than that of the wrapping post. The upper cover plate, the lower cover plate and the wrapping post are made of a magnetic powder core material, an amorphous material, a nanocrystalline material or a silicon steel material. Since the cross-sectional area of the upper cover plate and/or of the lower cover plate is larger than that of the wrapping post, this may bring excellent DC-Bias characteristic to an electric reactor or inductor, and make the electric reactor or inductor have lower magnetic core loss. |
| US09281115B2 |
Multi-turn inductors
A multi-winding inductor includes a first foil winding and a second foil winding. One end of the first foil winding extends from a first side of the core and wraps under the core to form a solder tab under the core. One end of the second foil winding extends from a second side of the core and wraps under the core to form another solder tab under the core. Respective portions of each solder tab are laterally adjacent under the magnetic core. A coupled inductor includes a magnetic core including a first and a second end magnetic element and a plurality of connecting magnetic elements disposed between and connecting the first and second end magnetic elements. A respective first and second single turn foil winding is wound at least partially around each connecting magnetic element. Each foil winding has two ends forming respective solder tabs. |
| US09281112B2 |
Remotely addressable magnetic composite micro-actuators
The present invention describes methods to fabricate actuators that can be remotely controlled in an addressable manner, and methods to provide remote control such micro-actuators. The actuators are composites of two permanent magnet materials, one of which is has high coercivity, and the other of which switches magnetization direction by applied fields. By switching the second material's magnetization direction, the two magnets either work together or cancel each other, resulting in distinct “on” and “off” behavior of the devices. The device can be switched “on” or “off” remotely using a field pulse of short duration. |
| US09281099B2 |
Electric wire holding structure and electric wire holding method
An electric wire holding structure includes a plurality of electric wires each including a conductive part provided with a plurality of core wires and an insulating part covering the conductive part. The conductive part includes a rectangular conductive part which is formed at an end of the conductive part to have a rectangular outer shape in a section perpendicular to an extending direction of the electric wires. The rectangular conductive parts of the respective electric wires are bonded together by welding with ultrasonic vibration. The rectangular conductive parts of a plurality of the electric wires are piled in a brick laying manner to be bonded by welding. |
| US09281092B2 |
Ultraviolet light oven for glass substrate
The present invention provides an ultraviolet light oven for aligning liquid crystal molecules, comprising a plurality of ultraviolet light sources, each of the reflectors including a reflecting surface facing to the ultraviolet light source, wherein the reflector includes a first optical portion in the form of recess defined on the refracting surface. The present invention further provides an ultraviolet light oven for aligning liquid crystal molecules, and by providing a first optical portion on a reflecting surface of the reflector, and a second optical portion on the side surface of the reflector to as to properly reflect the light beam with is not directly projected toward the substrate and therefore increase the utilization of the ultraviolet light, the exposure and homogeneousness of the ultraviolet light. As a result, the exposing period is shortened, the working efficiency is increased. |
| US09281091B1 |
Method and structure for plasmonic optical trapping of nano-scale particles
Methods and article for optically trapping nano-sized objects by illuminating a coaxial plasmonic aperture are disclosed. |
| US09281085B2 |
Method of providing and evaluating a mid-wall repair
A method of repairing a connection between a first nozzle and a closed vessel includes cutting through an entire thickness of the first nozzle at a location adjacent to the mid-wall of the vessel. A portion of the first nozzle is removed. A replacement nozzle is disposed in a void formed by removal of the portion of the first nozzle. A weld is formed between the replacement nozzle and a surface of the mid-wall of the vessel. |
| US09281075B2 |
Memory programming method and apparatus
The memory programming apparatus includes a memory reader configured to read a read data in a plurality of cells related with an address of a programmable memory; and a memory writer configured to record a write data on the plurality of cells to compare the write data with the read data, to generate a re-writing pattern, and to correct at least one mismatch cell among the plurality of cells. Accordingly, it may be possible to reduce a programming processing time and to increase a yield rate. |
| US09281059B2 |
Thyristor memory cell integrated circuit
A semiconductor memory device including an array of memory cells (MC) formed on a substrate each realized from a load element and thyristor that define a switchable current path whose state represents a volatile bit value stored by the MC. At least one word line corresponding to a respective row of the array is formed on the substrate and coupled to MC current paths for the corresponding row. Bit lines corresponding to respective columns of the array are formed on the substrate and can be coupled to a modulation doped QW interface of the MC thyristors for the corresponding column. Circuitry is configured to apply an electrical signal to the word line(s) in order to generate current that programs phase change material of the MC load elements into one of a high or low resistive state according to state of the current path of the MCs for non-volatile backup purposes. |
| US09281055B2 |
Memory sense amplifier and column pre-charger
A memory includes a number of storage elements connected to a pair of bit-lines, a bit-line pre-charging circuit, a sense amplifier connected to the pair of bit-lines through a column-select switch, a transition detection circuit connected to an output of the sense amplifier, and a local pre-charge control circuit connected to the transition detection circuit and having a local pre-charge control signal output connected to the bit-line pre-charging circuit. |
| US09281042B1 |
Non-volatile memory using bi-directional resistive elements and capacitive elements
A memory cell includes a bi-directional resistive memory element, a first transistor, and a capacitive element. The bi-directional resistive memory element has a first terminal directly connected to a first power rail and a second terminal coupled to an internal node. The first transistor has a control electrode coupled to the internal node, a first current electrode coupled to a first bitline, and a second current electrode coupled to one of the first power rail, a second power rail, or a read wordline. The capacitive element includes a first terminal coupled to the internal node and a second terminal coupled to the read wordline. |
| US09281037B2 |
Memory device command decoding system and memory device and processor-based system using same
Systems, devices and methods are disclosed. In an embodiment of one such method, a method of decoding received command signals, the method comprises decoding the received command signals in combination with a signal provided to a memory address node at a first clock edge of a clock signal to generate a plurality of memory control signals. The received command signals, in combination with the signal provided to the memory address node at the first clock edge of the clock signal, represent a memory command. Furthermore, the signal provided to the memory address node at a second clock edge of the clock signal is not decoded in combination with the received command signals. The memory command may be a reduced power command and/or a no operation command. |
| US09281036B2 |
Memory device having an adaptable number of open rows
A memory device comprises a memory array, at least one row address buffer, a set of row data buffers, a row decoder, an array of sense amplifiers, and a demultiplexer. The memory array comprises data elements organized into rows and columns. Each of the rows is addressable by a row address. Each of the data elements in each of the rows is addressable by a column address. The at least one row address buffer holds a selected row address of a set of successive selected row addresses. The set of row data buffers holds respective contents of selected rows that correspond to the set of successive selected row addresses. The row decoder decodes the selected row address to access a selected row. The array of sense amplifier reads the selected row and transmits content of the selected row to one of the row data buffers through the demultiplexer, and writes the content of the selected row back to the selected row. |
| US09281035B2 |
Semiconductor integrated circuit capable of controlling read command
The semiconductor integrated circuit includes a command decoder, a shift register unit and a command address latch unit. The command decoder is responsive to an external command defining write and read modes and configured to provide a write command or a read command according to the external command using a rising or falling clock. The shift register unit is configured to shift an external address and the write command by a write latency in response to the write command. The column address latch unit is configured to latch and provide the external address as a column address in the read mode, and to latch a write address, which is provided from the shift register unit, and provide the write address as the column address in the write mode. |
| US09281029B2 |
Non-volatile memory having 3D array architecture with bit line voltage control and methods thereof
In a 3D memory with vertical local bit lines, each local bit line is switchably connected to a node on a global bit line having first and second ends, the local bit line voltage is maintained at a predetermined reference level in spite of being driven by a bit line driver from a first end of the global bit line that constitutes variable circuit path length and circuit serial resistance. This is accomplished by a feedback voltage regulator comprising a voltage clamp at the first end of the global bit line controlled by a bit line voltage comparator at the second end of the global bit line. The comparator compares the bit line voltage sensed from the second end with the predetermined reference level and outputs a control voltage to control the voltage clamp In this way the voltage at the local bit line is regulated at the reference voltage. |
| US09281027B1 |
Test techniques in memory devices
A memory device includes latching circuitry for receiving a latching value and for providing said latching value as an output. A path receives said latching value and passes said latching value to said latching circuitry. First storage circuitry provides a first stored value when said memory device is in a read mode of operation. A bit line is connected to said first storage circuitry. First control circuitry selectively connects said bit line to said path. Sensing circuitry, when an enable signal is active, detects a voltage change on said path as a result of connecting said bit line to said first storage circuitry and said path, and outputs a latching value, dependent on said voltage change, on said path. Second storage circuitry provides a second stored value in a test mode of operation and second control circuitry receives said second stored value and selectively outputs said second stored value as said latching value on said path. Said latching circuitry outputs said latching value as said output in dependence on said enable signal, such that said enable signal controls both said latching circuitry and said sense circuitry. |
| US09281012B2 |
Metadata role-based view generation in multimedia editing systems and methods therefor
Systems and methods for automatic transformation the overall metadata associated with the multimedia content (MMC) at the global media hub (GMH) into unique role-and-client-based views via the network for review through the media access node (MAN) associated with the client, wherein those views of the metadata, general or temporal or subset, are unique and specific to each user in the context of that user's role within the client. |
| US09281010B2 |
Timeline-based content control method and apparatus using dynamic distortion of timeline bar, and method and apparatus for controlling video and audio clips using the same
A method and apparatus for controlling content based on a timeline in a timeline-based content control apparatus with a touch screen. The method includes generating and displaying a linear timeline bar on the touch screen regardless of the size of content; detecting contact on the timeline bar; nonlinearly distorting a predetermined section of the timeline bar being displayed around the touch-detected position on the timeline bar; and performing a fine search and shifting the distorted section depending on a direction of the user's touch. |
| US09281008B1 |
Multiple track pitches for SMR
Systems and methods are disclosed for improving performance in data storage devices, particularly devices employing shingled magnetic recording. In one embodiment, an apparatus may comprise a data storage medium having multiple tracks with multiple track pitches. In another embodiment, a method may comprise formatting a data storage memory with a first track having a first track pitch, and formatting the data storage memory with a second track having a second track pitch. The method may further comprise formatting the computer readable data storage memory with a set of tracks including the first track arranged to store data in a shingled manner where one track at least partially overlaps an adjacent track, and the second track separating the set of tracks from a third track. |
| US09280992B1 |
Hybrid longitudinal-field bias side shield for a scissor magnetic sensor and methods of making the same
In one embodiment, a magnetic sensor includes: a lower scissor free layer; an upper scissor free layer above the lower scissor free layer; a separation layer between the upper and lower scissor free layers; and upper stabilization layers on opposite sides of the upper scissor free layer in a cross-track direction, where lower surfaces of the upper stabilization layers are above a plane extending along a top surface of the separation layer. In another embodiment, a magnetic sensor includes: a lower scissor free layer; an upper scissor free layer above the lower scissor free layer; a separation layer between the upper and lower scissor free layers; and lower stabilization layers on opposite sides of the lower scissor free layer in a cross-track direction, where upper surfaces of the lower stabilization layers are below a plane extending along a bottom surface of the separation layer. |
| US09280987B1 |
Methods and apparatus for selecting data density and track density values for magnetic recording media having variable bit aspect ratios
An exemplary method for selecting data density values (e.g., bits per inch) and track density values (e.g., tracks per inch) for magnetic recording media having variable bit aspect ratios comprises obtaining a plurality of data density values and a plurality of track density values as a function of a corresponding plurality of bit error rates; determining a data density/track density correlation between the plurality of data density values and the plurality of track density values for at least one Sector Error Rate; and determining a data density capability value and a track density capability value that provides an areal density capability value that satisfies one or more predefined criteria (e.g., a substantially maximum areal density capability value) using the data density/track density correlation. A selected data density value and a selected track density value are optionally determined for a given target areal density capability using the data density/track density correlation and the determined data density capability value. |
| US09280972B2 |
Speech to text conversion
Embodiments that relate to converting audio inputs from an environment into text are disclosed. For example, in one disclosed embodiment a speech conversion program receives audio inputs from a microphone array of a head-mounted display device. Image data is captured from the environment, and one or more possible faces are detected from image data. Eye-tracking data is used to determine a target face on which a user is focused. A beamforming technique is applied to at least a portion of the audio inputs to identify target audio inputs that are associated with the target face. The target audio inputs are converted into text that is displayed via a transparent display of the head-mounted display device. |
| US09280954B2 |
Display device with touch detection, drive circuit, driving method, and electronic unit
A display device includes: a plurality of drive electrodes; a plurality of detection electrodes intersecting the plurality of drive electrodes; and a scan driving unit performing a first scan drive and a second scan drive. The first scan drive allows a display drive signal for driving the display elements to be applied to each of the plurality of common drive electrodes, and the second scan drive allows a touch detection drive signal for detecting an external proximity object to be applied to each of the plurality of common drive electrodes. |
| US09280953B2 |
Display panel
A display panel includes a plurality of rows of pixels, a gate driving circuit, and an inspection circuit. The gate driving circuit includes a plurality of gate driving units. The inspection circuit includes a plurality of transistors. Each transistor includes a first terminal, a control terminal, and a second terminal. The first terminal of the transistor is coupled to a contact pad. The control terminal of the transistor is coupled to the corresponding gate driving unit and a corresponding row of pixels. The second terminal of the transistor is coupled to the control terminal of the transistor. |
| US09280941B2 |
Liquid crystal display device with direct type backlight and method of driving thereof
A direct type liquid crystal display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may enhance the brightness uniformity. |
| US09280940B2 |
Liquid crystal display device, four-color converter, and conversion method for converting RGB data to RGBW data
An LCD device includes a four-color converter for converting an original RGB data into three grayscale values, executing a white balance process to the three grayscale values, and confirming a maximum value MAX (Ri, Gi, Bi) and a minimum value of the three white-balanced grayscale values Ri, Gi, and Bi, wherein, when the minimum value is greater than 0, determining that if the three data of the original RGB data are equal, and when they are equal, utilizing a formula Wo=Bi; Ro=Ri×Wo/MAX(Ri, Gi, Bi)+Ri−Wo; Go=Gi×Wo/MAX(Ri, Gi, Bi)+Gi−Wo; Bo=0 to calculate the output grayscale values Ro, Go, Bo, and Wo in the RGBW data. The device also includes a data driver for processing the RGBW data provided by the four-color converter to generate analog type data signals, a scanning driver for sequentially generating scanning signals, and an LCD panel for displaying colors. |
| US09280939B2 |
Method of controlling electrophoretic display device, control device for electrophoretic device, electrophoretic device, and electronic apparatus
A method of controlling an electro-optical device includes, during image rewriting, executing a first control operation to supply a potential different from a potential on a counter electrode to a pixel electrode of a first pixel in a plurality of frame periods, executing a second control operation to supply the same potential as the potential on the counter electrode to a pixel electrode of a second pixel, which is adjacent to the first pixel and in which a gradation to be displayed during image rewriting is not changed, in at least some frame periods of a plurality of frame periods, and executing a third control operation to supply a potential different from the potential on the counter electrode to the pixel electrode of the second pixel in a frame period after the potential has been supplied in at least one frame period during the first control operation. |
| US09280930B2 |
Back to back pre-charge scheme
A circuit for a flat panel display, capable of displaying images, is provided. The circuit includes an image storage block for storing the images to be displayed, a display and timing controller block controlling the display operation, an image pixel matrix containing a multitude of rows and columns arranged pixel elements. The circuit also includes one or more controlled row driver blocks, one or more controlled column driver blocks, and a pixel pre-charge mechanism for pre-charging the pixel elements employing a back to back pre-charge operation applied to a row and/or column drive activated pixel element display operation. The back to back pre-charge operation signifies that during every other operating sequence a pre-charge operation is replaced by an activated pixel element display operation. |
| US09280927B2 |
Display device, imaging device and gray level voltage generation circuit
Disclosed herein is a display device capable of displaying an image with two or more gray levels. The display device includes: a voltage division circuit adapted to generate a plurality of voltages using a resistance division circuit; a gamma correction section adapted to gamma-correct the image using the voltages generated at division points of the resistance division circuit; an amplification circuit adapted to amplify a given voltage and supply the amplified voltage to at least one of the division points of the resistance division circuit; and an adjustment section adapted to adjust an amplification factor of the amplification circuit. |
| US09280913B2 |
Systems and methods providing enhanced education and training in a virtual reality environment
Virtual reality arc welding systems that provide virtual reality simulations for training purposes. Virtual reality welding systems to aid in training welding students may provide intelligent connections to web sites on the internet, overlays of ideal weld puddles, recommended corrective actions based on virtual testing results, simulations of virtual environments with safety hazards, and simulations of relationships between improperly set welding parameters and weld defects and discontinuities. |
| US09280905B2 |
Media outline
Disclosed is a method for presenting an interactive media presentation, the method including presenting media section descriptions with a selectable time code and a description; presenting a media controller and including a displayed time line with one or more selectable time points; upon playing a media item, advancing a time indicator along the time line in accordance with a playback position of the media item and featuring the media section description corresponding to the playback position in the media item. |
| US09280903B2 |
In-aircraft flight planning with datalink integration
In one embodiment an in-aircraft system that implements a flight planning module is provided. The flight planning module is configured to display on the display unit a pending flight plan and implement a first button associated with a display of the pending flight plan. The first button, if selected, directs the one or more processing units to convert the pending flight plan to a format for sending in a datalink message, and to cause the pending flight plan to be sent to a ground station in a downlink datalink message without human input to a message applications module, the message applications module including instructions to display information corresponding to datalink messages on a display unit and to maintain a message log of datalink messages. |
| US09280902B2 |
Facilities management
A system for facilities management can include a tag device having a transceiver and a facilities management process. The facilities management process can include an application service for receiving the location of the tag device from the transceiver, at least one geographical work zone, and a tracking module configured for recording a time period the tag device is within each geographical work zone. |
| US09280899B2 |
Dynamic safety shields for situation assessment and decision making in collision avoidance tasks
A system and method provided on an ego-vehicle for assessing potential threats in a vehicle collision avoidance system, and/or to plan safety-allowed vehicle trajectories for vehicle path planning. The method includes detecting objects in a predetermined vicinity around the ego-vehicle, and determining the relative velocity or other measure between each detected object and the ego-vehicle. The method defines a virtual dynamic safety shield around each detected object that has a shape, size and orientation that is determined by predetermined properties related to the current state of traffic around the ego-vehicle. The method also defines an action grid around the ego-vehicle. The method assesses the threat level of a potential collision between each detected object based on how the shield for that object and the action grid interact. The interaction between the shields and the grid induces actions aimed at aborting collisions and allows for trajectory planning. |
| US09280889B2 |
Alert network and method for transmitting and propagating alerts
An alert network is described. The alert network has a plurality of individual monitoring systems, a plurality of user terminals respectively associated with the individual monitoring systems, alert transmitters in the monitoring systems, for transmitting primary alerts to selected user terminals and/or to other monitoring systems in accordance with parameterized transmission rules, alert receivers in said terminals, and alert propagators in the terminals, capable of selectively propagating received primary alerts to other terminals and or to other monitoring systems as secondary alerts, in accordance with parameterized propagation rules. A method for transmitting and propagating alerts according to corresponding parameters in such a network is also described. |
| US09280887B2 |
Systems and methods for detection and management of viewing conditions using distance and other factors
Implementations relate to systems and methods for detection and management of viewing conditions. One or more sensor devices can be provided for a user to monitor, manage, and adjust viewing conditions to promote the health and the user's health and vision. The sensor device(s) can include a distance detection device, and others. The sensor device(s) can be or include one or more detachable devices which can be attached or affixed to eyeglasses or other wearable articles. Viewing conditions such as viewing an object or source for too long and/or at too close a distance can trigger various responses, such as a vibrating or other signal to break the concentration of focus to refresh the eyes. The sensor device(s) can also or instead be configured with user profiles to regulate the type or nature of content the user is viewing, for example to restrict television viewing by children using parental controls. |
| US09280879B2 |
Wagering game providing a progressive award having an actual value determined by follow-up game play
A gaming system includes an input device for receiving wagers to lay a wagering game in which the player is eligible to win first and second progressive award levels. At least one display device is configured to display a monetary value for the first progressive award level and a number of free spins for the second progressive award level. The gaming system includes two sets of reels, each set being associated with a respective mathematical model. A controller increments the monetary value and the number of free spins based on plays of the wagering game, and awards current values of the monetary value and the number of free spins in response to respective triggering events. |
| US09280878B2 |
Reel band, reel assembly, and gaming machine
In a reel band, the transmittance of the light emitted from a backlight is adjusted without using a sheet for decreasing the transmittance, and the reel band is decorated without resort to printing. A reel band M32 includes: a translucent base layer M320; a symbol print layer M322 laminated on an outer side of the base layer M320 with respect to a direction of a thickness of the base layer M320 to form a plurality of symbols 501; and a mesh pattern layer M321 having rough texture and laminated on a portion of the base layer which portion is different from portions on which at least the plurality of symbols 501 are formed when viewed from a direction in which the layer is laminated, the mesh pattern layer M321 including a shield area M3211 configured to attenuate applied light and a non-laminated area M3212 configured to pass applied light. |
| US09280866B2 |
System and method for analyzing and predicting casino key play indicators
A gaming system and method is set forth which provides for the predictive analysis of gaming machine performance. In one embodiment, a user may obtain useful predictions of gaming asset performance and may determine assets which should be replaced by using Microsoft® Analysis Services as a component of a predictive. |
| US09280863B2 |
Automated dispensing system for pharmaceuticals and other medical items
A system for dispensing a plurality of customized doses of pharmaceuticals includes: a housing; a customer interaction station; a customized packaging station configured to selectively package individual doses of medication into customized packaging, the medications being selected responsive to input from the customer input station; and a controller connected to the customer interaction station and the customized packaging station, the controller configured to control the customized packaging based on customer input from the customer interaction station. |
| US09280861B2 |
Paper-sheet handling apparatus and paper-sheet handling method
A paper-sheet handling apparatus (10) includes: a recognition unit (14) configured to obtain recognition information of a paper sheet by recognizing the paper sheet, and to obtain an image of the paper sheet so as to obtain paper-sheet information from the acquired image of the paper sheet; a reject unit (18) to which a paper sheet, which is other than a paper sheet that has been recognized as a normal paper sheet by the recognition unit (14), is sent; and a control unit (30) configured to output display information about the paper-sheet information of each paper sheet sent to the reject unit (18). The display information output by the control unit (30) is displayed on a display unit (22) disposed on the paper-sheet handling apparatus (10), or transmitted to an external apparatus (40), which is other than the paper-sheet handling apparatus (10), through an interface unit (39) so as to be displayed on a display unit disposed on the external apparatus (40). |
| US09280851B2 |
Augmented reality system for supplementing and blending data
A system, method, and computer program product for automatically combining computer-generated imagery with real-world imagery in a portable electronic device by retrieving, manipulating, and sharing relevant stored videos, preferably in real time. A video is captured with a hand-held device and stored. Metadata including the camera's physical location and orientation is appended to a data stream, along with user input. The server analyzes the data stream and further annotates the metadata, producing a searchable library of videos and metadata. Later, when a camera user generates a new data stream, the linked server analyzes it, identifies relevant material from the library, retrieves the material and tagged information, adjusts it for proper orientation, then renders and superimposes it onto the current camera view so the user views an augmented reality. |
| US09280839B2 |
Generation of a vector graphic from a hand-drawn diagram
A method and system for generating a vector graphic from a color/object coded hand-drawn diagram are provided. A digital image of the diagram is generated and the key to the color/object code used to code the diagram is obtained. The digital image is then filtered to create a color-filtered image for each color in the key. Each filtered image is analyzed to determine the object type of objects in the filtered image according to the key, and then data extracted from the analysis of the filtered images is combined into a vector graphic diagram. The use of coded color in the diagram enables the image to be filtered based on color, which in turn aids the automated recognition of components in the diagram and significantly reduces the complexity of identifying each type of shape. |
| US09280836B1 |
Techniques for rendering images in a tiled view
A computer-implemented technique includes determining whether to first render an image at a first quality or a second quality based on whether a viewable portion of the image is moving within an image space, a second quality being less than the first quality. The technique further includes first rasterizing the image at the first or second quality based on the determination and first rendering the image at the first or second quality based on the determination. Additionally, the technique includes second rasterizing the image at the other of the first or second quality based on the determination and second rendering the image at the other of the first or second quality based on the determination. |
| US09280831B1 |
Image segmentation
A method comprising using at least one hardware processor for: applying an edge detection algorithm to an image of a document to receive a map of edges from which multiple optional contours of the document in the image are identified; splitting the multiple optional contours into line segments; sorting the line segments into equivalence classes of collinearity representing distinct line segments of the line segments, wherein each one of the classes of collinearity represents a distinct line segment of the distinct line segments; deriving a connectivity graph based on the equivalence classes of collinearity; identifying four vertex polygons in said connectivity graph; evaluating each one of the identified four vertex polygons according to one or more segmentation criterions; and segmenting the document in the image according to the most highly evaluated four vertex polygon of the four vertex polygons. |
| US09280828B2 |
Image processing apparatus, image processing method, and program
A parallax detection unit generates a parallax map indicating a parallax of each pixel of an image formed by right and left images and generates a reliability map indicating reliability of the parallax. A depth information estimation unit generates a depth information map indicating the depth of a subject on the image based on the right and left images. A depth parallax conversion unit converts the depth information map into a pseudo-parallax map using a conversion equation used to convert depth information to parallax information. A parallax synthesis unit synthesizes the parallax map and the pseudo-parallax map to generate a corrected parallax map based on the reliability map. The present technology is applicable to an image processing apparatus. |
| US09280827B2 |
Method for determining object poses using weighted features
A method for determining a pose of an object in a scene by determining a set of scene features from data acquired of the scene and matching the scene features to model features to generate weighted candidate poses when the scene feature matches one of the model features, wherein the weight of the candidate pose is proportional to the model weight. Then, the pose of the object is determined from the candidate poses based on the weights. |
| US09280826B2 |
Distance determination using a monoscopic imager in a vehicle
According to one aspect, a distance determination system for a vehicle includes a monoscopic imager, and a distance determination module in communication with the monoscopic imager and configured to receive vehicle position data. The distance determination module includes a vehicle position determination sub-module configured to determine a first and second position of the vehicle based on the vehicle position data. A feature identification sub-module is configured to capture a first image at the first position using the monoscopic imager, capture a second image at the second position using the monoscopic imager, identify at least one feature in the first image, and identify the at least one feature in the second image. A distance estimation sub-module is configured to determine a difference between the first and second position of the vehicle, identify a difference in position of the at least one feature, and determine an estimated distance. |
| US09280825B2 |
Image processing system with registration mechanism and method of operation thereof
An image processing system, and a method of operation thereof, including: a feature selection module for determining subsets of point clouds, the subsets selected based on key points of a three-dimensional object; a feature matching module, coupled to the feature selection module, for generating matched results based on a matching transformation of the subsets; and a point registration module, coupled to the feature matching module, for refining the matched results based on a refinement transformation to optionally align different data sets of the point clouds for displaying the aligned data sets on a device, wherein the refinement transformation includes a refinement error less than a matching error of the matching transformation. |
| US09280824B2 |
Vehicle-surroundings monitoring device
A camera-orientation estimation unit estimates the amount of change in camera orientation on the basis of vehicle speed changes obtained from a vehicle-information acquirer. A distance-information update decision unit decides, on the basis of the amount of change in camera orientation, whether to update distance information by computing new distance information in a distance-computation unit or to update distance information using distance information stored in a distance-information memory unit. If the distance-information update decision unit has decided to update distance information by computing new distance information, a display device displays distance information that the distance-computation unit computes from a real-time image. If the distance-information update decision unit has decided to update using past stored distance information, the display device displays past distance information read from the distance-information memory unit. |
| US09280822B2 |
Method, system, apparatus, and computer program product for interactive hepatic vascular and biliary system assessment
A procedure for image segmentation on three-dimensional (3D) medical images, and a system, apparatus, and computer program that operate in accordance with the procedure. The procedure includes generating a projection including an anatomic structure, tracing a curve corresponding to the anatomic structure, extracting a curved volume of interest based on the curve and the projection, and extracting a segmentation of the anatomic structure. Also provided is a procedure for aligning anatomic structures in images, and a system, apparatus, and computer program that operate in accordance with the procedure. The procedure includes determining part of a biliary system in a first image, determining part of a hepatic portal vein or a hepatic artery in a second image, determining a gallbladder in the images, determining a cost function, and aligning the biliary system and the hepatic portal vein or hepatic artery by maximizing the cost function. |
| US09280821B1 |
3-D reconstruction and registration
Generating three-dimensional information can include obtaining multiple different images of an object taken by camera(s), each image having a near-planar surface depiction of the object; registering the images in two-dimensions by identifying one or more features of each image and generating a two-dimensional representation of each feature; selecting first and second images from the registered images; generating one or more correspondences between one or more features of the first and second images; estimating a camera parameter set for each of the first and second images within respective ones of the identified features; reconstructing a three-dimensional structure of the object in Euclidean space responsive to the one or more correspondences and the estimated camera parameter sets; refining the estimated camera parameter sets using the three-dimensional structure; and refining the three-dimensional structure using the refined camera parameter sets. Camera parameter sets can include a rotation matrix, translation vector, and focal length. |
| US09280815B2 |
Comparison workflow automation by registration
A method for a rapid automated presentation of at least two radiological data sets of a patient, comprising, (a) automatically registering the data sets in 3D space; and (b) concurrently presenting substantially matching anatomical regions in each data set. |
| US09280802B2 |
Method and apparatus for storing information of a picture
Disclosed are method and apparatus for storing information of a picture. The method includes presenting a picture file to be edited, which at least includes original picture data; editing the picture file with an interface engine; integrating rendering information of the edited picture file according to a preset picture file format; and storing the original picture data and the rendering information. According to the invention, the interface engine is improved, and thus may directly edit a picture in use, and integrate the rendering information of the edited picture file according to a preset picture format. Therefore, during development, it is not required to store rendering information of a picture into codes, so that no programmer is required to intervene in rendering and setting of the picture. An art-designer may directly operate on the interface engine to change rendering effects, meanwhile, final rendering effects may be observed without running a program. |
| US09280797B2 |
System and method to minimize grid spinning reserve losses by pre-emptively sequencing power generation equipment to offset solar generation capacity based on geospatial regional solar and cloud conditions
A system and method to preemptively adjust power generation of one or more non-solar power generators based on near term solar generation capability, spinning reserve margin, and/or power grid spinning reserve forecast requirements to offset solar power generation based on geospatial regional solar conditions. |
| US09280796B2 |
System and method for resource management
A system uses an intelligent load controller for managing use of a consumable resource at an associated load. The controller has a resource measuring component for measuring the rate of use of the resource by the associated load, including measuring at least one of an instantaneous usage rate and a usage rate over an integration period and a load status component for receiving load status data for the associated load. The controller also has a communication component for receiving control messages from and sending load status messages to other associated controllers; a memory for storing a load control goal set; and a load control computer program responsive to the resource measuring component, the load status component, the control messages from other associated controllers and the load control goal set, to determine a load operating level for, and provide control commands to, the associated load. |
| US09280792B2 |
Notarization based on currency transactions
In one example, a method includes generating a first digital code that represents a content of a document created by a first user; and notarizing the creation of the document by triggering a plurality of remittances from a first account associated with the first user to a second account, with each of the plurality of remittances time-stamped and a respective amount of each of the plurality of remittances indicating a corresponding portion of the first digital code. |
| US09280791B2 |
Systems and methods for routing trade orders based on exchange latency
Systems and methods for routing trade orders based on exchange latency are disclosed. An example method includes measuring a first latency associated with a first exchange based on a processing time of a first trade order; and routing a second trade order from a trading device to one of the first and a second exchange based on the first latency. |
| US09280786B2 |
Product-based advertising
A method and a system that identify seller ads to potential buyers within a network-based commerce system are provided. The method and system may operate to receive a request including a product identification from a seller, and assign to the seller, based on a distance function and the product identification, a matching identification entry included in a set of identification entries. The request may also include financial metrics. The method and system may further include operations to identify one or more seller ads associated with the matching identification entry, as determined by a distance measured between the matching identification entry and at least one extracted identification entry extracted from a selected content page and included in the set of identification entries. The identification of the one or more seller ads may also be determined by a relevance function based on the financial metrics. |
| US09280781B1 |
Referral system and method
A system comprising a referral acceptor; a referral coordinator coupled to the referral acceptor; a referral calculator coupled to the referral calculator; and an input/output (I/O) device coupled to the referral coordinator. The referral acceptor is configured to accept a referral card. The referral card has a referrer identifier which identifiers a referrer of a holder of the referral card. |
| US09280778B2 |
Location logging and location and time based filtering
Techniques for performing location logging and location and time based filtering are described. In one design of location logging, a terminal periodically determines its location, e.g., during its paging slots. The terminal determines whether there is a change in its location and stores its location if a change in location is detected. In one design of location and time based filtering, the terminal obtains a location and time criterion with a target area and a time period. The terminal determines its location during the time period, e.g., based on the location log. The terminal evaluates the location and time criterion based on the target area and its location during the time period, e.g., based on at least one sector ID for the target area and one or more sector IDs for its location. The terminal determines whether to download and/or present broadcast information based on the result of the evaluation. |
| US09280773B1 |
System and method for managing first party rights to content captured by third parties
A DRM compliance system can include one or more DRM servers, capture devices capable of continuously encrypting content at capture, and one or more rights compliance software applications. Methods of ensuring DRM compliance can include registering and verifying capture devices prior to the presentation of protectable content. Unique IDs associated with the capture devices may be stored as DRM liens in a DRM server along with particular time periods an identified DRM policy is in effect. The rights compliance software application can consult a DRM server to determine if encrypted content captured by a device is subject to a DRM policy. The server can make such a determination based on attempting to match data identifying the capture device and time of capture to one or more DRM liens. When matches are found, applicable DRM policies are applied by decrypting the content and then rendering the content in a DRM-compatible form. |
| US09280765B2 |
Multiple tokenization for authentication
Embodiments of the present invention are directed generally to systems, methods, and apparatuses for authenticating a cardholder using multiple tokenization authentication. Embodiments of the invention are directed at a method. The method includes receiving at a first entity a first token from a consumer and determining a second token associated with the first token. Once the second token is determined, the second token is sent to a server computer at a second entity. The server computer then determines an account identifier associated with the second token and processes a transaction using the account identifier. |
| US09280755B2 |
System for managing product inventory counts
A system for managing product inventory includes an Internet-connected server and software executing on the server from a non-transitory physical medium, the software providing establishment of a first association of at least one stock keeping unit (SKU) and any associated metadata including product availability counts to at least one point in time and or at least one time range identified within an interactive shopping media presentation, establishment of a second association of at least one potential consumer to the interactive shopping media presentation, monitoring for and tracking of interaction sequences initiated by the at least one potential consumer, the interaction sequences enabled from within the interactive shopping media presentation or from within an interactive display associated thereto, and adjustment of the SKU-based product availability counts in the SKU metadata relative to the latest interaction results. |
| US09280754B1 |
Method and apparatus for real time automated intelligent self-scheduling
A business can use an improved workforce management system which includes capabilities for supporting intraday dynamic staffing. This dynamic staffing can include identifying wages which should be offered to workers to induce them to meet the business' needs, based on, for example, historical information stored in a database. Systems which include dynamic intraday staffing can be run using remote servers and interfaces accessed through various types of devices, such as internet enabled personal computers. |
| US09280748B2 |
Methods and systems for Anti-Hebbian and Hebbian (AHaH) feature extraction of surface manifolds using
Methods and systems for feature extraction of LIDAR surface manifolds. LIDAR point data with respect to one or more LIDAR surface manifolds can be generated. An AHAH-based feature extraction operation can be automatically performed on the point data for compression and processing thereof. The results of the AHAH-based feature extraction operation can be output as a compressed binary label representative of the at least one surface manifold rather than the point data to afford a high-degree of compression for transmission or further processing thereof. Additionally, one or more voxels of a LIDAR point cloud composed of the point data can be scanned in order to recover the compressed binary label, which represents prototypical surface patches with respect to the LIDAR surface manifold(s). |
| US09280747B1 |
Normalizing electronic communications using feature sets
Electronic communications can be normalized using feature sets. For example, an electronic representation of a noncanonical communication can be received, and multiple candidate canonical versions of the noncanonical communication can be determined. A first feature set representative of the noncanonical communication can be determined by splitting the noncanonical communication into at least one n-gram and at least one k-skip-n-gram. Multiple comparison feature sets can be determined by splitting multiple terms in training data into respective comparison feature sets. Multiple Jaccard index values can be determined using the first feature set and the multiple comparison feature sets. A subset of the multiple terms in the training data in which an associated Jaccard index value exceeds a threshold can be selected. The subset of the multiple terms can be included in the multiple candidate canonical versions. A normalized version of the noncanonical communication can be selected from the multiple candidate canonical versions. |
| US09280726B2 |
On-line macrocontaminant analyser and method
An on-line automated analyzer of macrocontaminants is described. The analyzer is for a pulp and/or a white water stream, the analyzer comprises: a pulp classifier separating a sample from the stream into a fraction of macrocontaminants; a contaminant chamber enclosing a contaminant cell receiving the fraction; an optical chamber comprising an optical detector connected to the cell capturing at least one detected image; and a control chamber taking the at least one detected image and conducting an image analysis to determine type and quantity of at least one macrocontaminant in the fraction. The method of analysis of macrocontaminants is also described herein, the method comprises: separating a sample from the stream into a fraction of macrocontaminants; producing at least one detected image by optical measurement of the fraction; and analyzing the at least one detected image and determining the quantity and type of at least one macrocontaminant in the fraction. |
| US09280716B2 |
Apparatus for sensing user condition to assist handwritten entry and a method therefor
In an entry assistance apparatus, when the user makes handwritten entry on a medium, a detector detects person condition information on a condition regarding the body of the user. The person condition information may include either or both of positional information on the position of the user and postural information on the posture of the user. Based on the person condition information, a condition estimator estimates one or more conditions of the user. Based on the condition of the user, a presentation information selector selects presentation information on one or more information contents to be presented to the user. The information content indicated by the presentation information will be presented to the user by an information presenter. |
| US09280712B2 |
Apparatus and method for recognizing a lane
An apparatus for recognizing a lane is provided. The apparatus performs a near-field white line recognition process and calculates road parameters (lane position, lane inclination, lane curvature and lane width) near the vehicle. The road parameters are calculated using the extended Kalman filter. In the calculation, the calculated lane curvature is used as a lane curvature to be included in predicted values. The apparatus outputs the calculated road parameters to a warning/vehicle-control apparatus. |
| US09280711B2 |
Barrier and guardrail detection using a single camera
Driver assistance systems for detecting a structural barrier extending along a road. The driver assistance system may be mountable in a host vehicle. The camera may capture multiple image frames in the forward field of view of the camera. A processor may process motion of images of the barrier in the image frames. The camera may be a single camera. The motion of the images may be responsive to forward motion of the host vehicle and/or the motion of the images may be responsive to lateral motion of the host vehicle. |
| US09280705B2 |
Image quality evaluation method, system, and computer readable storage medium based on an alternating current component differential value
Disclosed is a picture quality evaluation method that evaluates the quality of a second image based on alternating current component measurements for a pixel set in a first image and alternating current component measurements for a pixel set in a second image in the same location as the pixel set in the first image. |
| US09280698B2 |
Image processing apparatus, method, and program
An image processing apparatus, a method, and a program for allowing cells to be quantitatively observed. A computer obtains a cell membrane image obtained by performing fluorescent observation on a cell membrane of a cell serving as a sample and a tricellular tight junction (tTJ) image obtained by performing fluorescent observation on a protein localized in a tTJ of the cell. The computer derives the size of area of a region of the cell by identifying the region of each cell from the cell membrane image, derives the size of area of the region of the protein localized in the cell from the tTJ image, and dividing the obtained size of area of the region of the protein by the size of area of the region of the cell, thus calculating an index of adhesion strength of the cells. The invention can be applied to an observation system. |
| US09280692B2 |
Method and RFID reader for evaluating a data stream signal in respect of data and/or collision
A method for evaluating, by an radio frequency identification reader (1), a data stream signal (DS) in respect of data and/or collision, comprises comparing the data stream signal (DS) with at least one threshold level, particularly a data bit level and/or a collision level, and evaluating the results of the comparison, wherein both the threshold level and its adaptation speed (α(n)) are adapted in dependence of the course of the data stream signal (DS) and/or the course of said threshold level. |
| US09280691B2 |
System for determining alignment of a user-marked document and method thereof
A system for evaluating a user-marked document including a user-marked response sheet having a response area and at least one image marker, a means for obtaining a digital image of the user-marked response sheet, a computer having programming to perform steps which include identifying three-dimensional position information of the at least one image marker in an obtained digital image, calculating position information of the response area in an obtained digital image using the three-dimensional position information of the at least one image marker, identifying position information of a user created mark within the response area using the calculated position information of the response area, and evaluating whether the position information of the user created mark corresponds with position information of a first predefined mark or a second predefined mark. |
| US09280690B2 |
Writing apparatus, writing system, and writing method
A writing apparatus to which an external writing unit is connected comprises a writing unit that write, to a write object provided to a conveyed item, identification information thereof; a first reading unit in downstream side in a conveying direction than the writing unit, that reads identification information from the write object; a determination unit that determines whether the read identification information is consistent with identification information having to be written to the write object; and a notification unit configured to, when it is determined that identification information written to a first write object and read by the first reading unit is inconsistent with identification information having to be written to the first write object, notify the external writing unit of recovery information including the identification information having to be written to the first write object and/or a write content thereof. |
| US09280689B2 |
Method and apparatus for conducting offline commerce transactions
Methods and apparatus for conducting offline commerce transactions that use a barcode as an alternative means for personal identification. The user represented in the bar code format, User ID Barcode, is generated from a number that uniquely identifies the user. Numbers such as a cell phone number or a credit card number may be used to generate the User ID Barcode. These numbers are prefixed with a special character before they are converted to the barcode format. Prefixing a special character is necessary so that the bar code generated can be distinguished from any bar code representing products being sold. If a credit card number is used, the User ID Barcode is printed on the back of the credit card which then becomes a 2 and 1 credit card. |
| US09280686B1 |
Managing API authorization
Multiple variants of an API can coexist through API management by using metadata in a pre-processing and post-processing system to weed out requests to which a client does not have permission and return parameters that do not belong with the API request variant. Metadata is added to request objects such that an instance of a request object may be examined to determine a request handler to properly inspect the request object and recommend further processing or rejection of the instance. Metadata may also be added to a response object created as a result of processing the request object such that a response handler may be identified to ensure the fields match the proper response to the request object. The API may be dynamically managed at the point of request and also at the point of return rather than a statically coded whitelist checked multiple times within the code itself. |
| US09280684B1 |
Identity validation and verification system and associated methods
A system and method verify and validate a user identity for enrollment in a secure personal dataset accessing system, wherein a personal dataset includes identifiable attributes of the user. Authenticity of an asserted user identity includes electronically verified identifiable attributes to form the personal dataset. A biometric identifier is automatically captured for validating the identifiable attributes by confirming that the asserted identity matches identifiable attributes. A traceable e-audit trail is provided in an enterprise infrastructure and bench mark performance indicator. A generated digital security element results in the user electronically receiving a password and unique electronic address assigned to the user. The digital security element is then transmitted to the user and enables electronic access to the personal dataset, the personal dataset having been authenticated through the verification and validation. The user can use a smartphone, tablet, PC or laptop to generate their Emergency Medical and Contact DataSet. |
| US09280683B1 |
Multi-service cloud storage decision optimization process
A method for storage management of client files in a multi-service cloud environment is provided. The method includes receiving a mapped list of available cloud storage services of the multi-service cloud environment. The method further includes receiving categorization of the client files. The method further includes performing a qualitative analysis of the received mapped list of available cloud storage services and the categorized client files, to generate a decision data structure representative of cloud storage preferences of a client. The method further includes storing the client files in the multi-service cloud environment. The method further includes determining whether to encrypt the stored client files. The method further includes tagging individual files of the stored client files, or groups of client files of the stored client files, or a combination of the individually stored client files or the groups of client files for encrypting the stored client files. |
| US09280671B2 |
Semiconductor device and encryption key writing method
A semiconductor device includes a CPU, an EEPROM, and a ROM. The ROM includes an encryption area and a non-encryption area and the encrypted firmware is stored in the encryption area. The semiconductor device includes a decrypter which holds the encryption key, decrypts the encrypted firmware, and supplies the decrypted firmware to the CPU. The EEPROM includes a system area to which an access from the CPU is forbidden in a user mode. The encryption key is divided into split keys of plural bit strings, and stored in the distributed address areas in the system area. An encryption key reading program which is not encrypted is stored in the non-encryption area of the ROM. Executing the encryption key reading program, the CPU reads and reconfigures plural split keys stored in the EEPROM in a distributed manner to restore the encryption key and supplies the restored encryption key to the decrypter. |
| US09280670B2 |
Siftsort
The present invention relates generally to information processing, and more particularly to techniques for securely organizing, sharing, accessing and storing valuable information related to a family or individual in conjunction with a computer-based platform. Users will have the ability to organize, share, access, send and receive information online using a plurality of personal devices. A computer web browser, mobile device web browser, facsimile machine, scanning device can send and receive information over a communication link with the system using standard software applications such as email, mobile messaging, scanning software and facsimile software. The present invention provides a user friendly web based platform that allows individuals to instantly setup a secure account and store important information, as well as, establish a seamless and effective contingency plan to organizing highly sensitive and personal information. |
| US09280669B2 |
Systems, methods and computer readable media for calculating a security index of an application hosted in a cloud environment
The present invention provides a method and system for calculating a security index of an application hosted in a cloud environment. The application is mapped to a cloud service provider of the cloud environment, and a set of security controls and a set of security metrics applicable for the application are identified. The set of security controls and the set of security metrics are encapsulated into a security profile object by a security control module. A set of values of the set of security metrics are retrieved from the cloud service provider, by a cloud probe module, and the security index of the application is calculated. |
| US09280666B2 |
Method and electronic device for protecting data
A method and an electronic device for protecting data for a first electronic device with a data transmission interface are provided. A basic I/O system of the first electronic device is provided with a verification program for verifying a second electronic device. The method includes: loading the verification program into a memory of the first electronic device; verifying the second electronic device to acquire a verification result by the memory running the verification program via the memory; disabling the data transmission interface to cause the second electronic device to be unable to perform data transmission with the first electronic device by the data transmission interface in a case that the verification result indicates that the second electronic device is not a valid device. |
| US09280663B2 |
Apparatus and method for analyzing malware in data analysis system
An apparatus and method for analyzing malware in a data analysis system are provided. The apparatus includes a data analysis unit and a controller. The data analysis unit sorts data into primary harmful data and primary harmless data using screening data information of malicious code information and virus information. The controller screens or deletes the primary harmful data, and sends a request for precision analysis of the primary harmless data to a server. The data analysis unit sorts secondary harmful data from the primary harmless data using the precision analysis result received from the server. |
| US09280643B2 |
Establishing access to a secure network based on user-created credential indicia
In various aspects, code-based indicia contain secured network access credentials. In some aspects, a computer processor receives user input that specifies secured network access credentials, and the computer processor creates or modifies credentials for establishing a secured network connection. In these aspects, the computer processor generates code-based indicia that contain at least part of the secured network access credentials. In other aspects, a computer processor scans the code-based indicia and extracts the network access credentials. In these aspects, the computer processor employs the network access credentials to establish the secured network connection. In additional aspects, a network router apparatus renders the code-based indicia to an active display. In further aspects, a network router apparatus conditions grant of network access to a device on receipt from the device of an answer to a security question included in the secured network access credentials. |
| US09280640B2 |
Mobile computing weight, diet, nutrition, and exercise management system with enhanced feedback and goal achieving functionality
An illustrative mobile computing device executing weight, nutrition, health, behavior and exercise application software serves as a simulated combination personal trainer and dietician/nutritionist for the user using comprehensive databases storing personalized health, nutrition and exercise information. A mobile computing device, such as a smartphone, executing such software monitors, tracks and/or adjusts caloric intake, energy expenditure taking into account nutritional information and behavioral factors. The mobile computing device receives food consumption, exercise-related, behavior and other input using speech input and the device's GPS subsystem to ease data entry burden on users and to promote continued long-term usage. The system rewards user goal achievement in an automatic, seamless manner, through, for example, downloading music, books, or other media. In illustrative implementations, the system assists users to make healthy food and exercise choices by using a comprehensive color code system to identify good choices, bad choices and those in between. |
| US09280638B2 |
Image processing apparatus and method, and non-transitory computer readable medium
An image processing apparatus includes a deleted differential image generator and a region specifying unit. The deleted differential image generator generates, from first image data generated by reading an image of an unfilled or filled-in sheet and second image data generated by reading an image of a sheet being in a format identical to the unfilled or filled-in sheet and having a superimposed sheet superimposed thereon, deleted differential image data representing an image that is not represented in the second image data but is represented in the first image data. The region specifying unit specifies a region where the superimposed sheet is represented in the second image data, based on a region where the deleted differential image data is. |
| US09280628B2 |
System and method for clock network meta-synthesis
In accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure a method for constructing a clock network comprises receiving design specifications for a clock network. The method further comprises determining a topology of the clock network based on the design specifications. The topology indicates at least one of a plurality of levels of the clock network, a buffer type for each level and a buffer fanout for each level. The method additionally comprises determining design parameters for the clock network based on the determined topology and generating a clock network synthesis tool specification file that includes the design parameters. The method also comprises synthesizing the clock network using the specification file such that the clock network includes the determined topology and such that the clock network synchronously distributes a clock signal from a clock generator to endpoints of the clock network. |
| US09280622B2 |
Circuit verifying apparatus, circuit verifying method, and circuit verifying program
A circuit verifying apparatus, which calculates code coverage of a measurement-target logic circuit written in a hardware description language, including: a coverage observing unit which measures whether a code corresponding to a measurement-target signal extracted from each of plural observation points, which are arranged inside the measurement-target logic circuit, is carried out or not; and a coverage collecting unit which collects measurement results acquired by the coverage observing unit, and measures quantitatively a ratio of tested codes to whole codes which describe the measurement-target logic circuit, and outputs the ratio. |
| US09280615B2 |
Flow rack design systems and methods
A method of providing a flow rack system design using a flow rack design application is provided. The method includes selecting a first tier menu item from a plurality of first tier menu items saved in memory using a computer. A second tier menu item is selected, wherein the second tier menu item has project level standards information associated with the second tier menu item saved in memory. A virtual flow rack system is generated using the computer, the project level standards information and parts information saved in memory. |
| US09280611B2 |
Data classification
The present disclosure provides a method and an apparatus for storing data classification structure. Based on an initial classification structure tree, a reorganized classification structure tree that stores data classifications structure differently from that of the initial classification structure is generated. As the reorganized classification structure tree is flexible, when maintaining data and searching data by using the search engine, the present techniques may quickly find the desired data, thereby reducing the heavy burden of the search engine under the conventional techniques to conduct data search and high pressure of conducting data maintenance and data search. Further, the present techniques may not only reduce the burden of the search engine, but also relieve the pressure for maintaining data and searching data. |
| US09280610B2 |
Crowd sourcing information to fulfill user requests
A user request is received from a mobile client device, where the user request includes at least a speech input and seeks an informational answer or performance of a task. A failure to provide a satisfactory response to the user request is detected. In response to detection of the failure, information relevant to the user request is crowd-sourced by querying one or more crowd sourcing information sources. One or more answers are received from the crowd sourcing information sources, and the response to the user request is generated based on at least one of the one or more answers received from the one or more crowd sourcing information sources. |
| US09280609B2 |
Exact match lookup scheme
An exact match lookup system includes a hash function that generates a hash value in response to an input hash key. The hash value is used to retrieve a hash bucket index value from a hash bucket index table. The hash bucket index value is used to retrieve a plurality of hash keys from a plurality of hash bucket tables, in parallel. The retrieved hash keys are compared with the input hash key to identify a match. Hit logic generates an output index by concatenating the hash bucket index value with an address associated with the hash bucket table that provides the matching hash key. An exact match result is provided in response to the output index. A content addressable memory (CAM) may store hash keys that do not fit in the hash bucket tables. |
| US09280607B2 |
Method and a device for frequency counting
A memory efficient method and electronic device for counting frequencies of various events. The structure for storing frequency data comprises primary (204) and secondary (206) storages which contain frequency data (208, 210, 214) in different levels of detail. The primary storage (204) is a detailed storage comprising both event type and count information units in a fully restorable form. The secondary storage (206) is targeted for more infrequent events with lower level of detail and constructed as an array of count values addressed by a hash function using event type as an input. Another option is to derive a shortened ID from the event type by utilizing a hash function and exploit the ID as an addressing key for the corresponding count. Events are moved between primary (204) and secondary (206) storages depending on the detected event type frequencies. The invention is utilized in a recommendation engine for grading and sorting bookmarks stored in browsers for accessing the Internet. |
| US09280604B2 |
Unified communication audit tool
Providing for dynamic auditing of components of a communication network is provided herein. By way of example, network components can be queried by way of dynamic and intelligent application programming interface (APIs) queries to extract data for the network components. Such data can then be compared with best practice rules to identify potential enhancements to efficiency or scalability of such components. In some aspects, an audit report can be output summarizing identified enhancements. In other aspects, data can be written to an updated component according to protocols suited to such component. Accordingly, an audit can provide feedback in light of best practices or can be utilized to dynamically upgrade a legacy system to newer system software and/or hardware components. |
| US09280601B1 |
Modifying search results
Systems and methods for generating search results are provided. In some aspects, a method includes receiving a query, obtaining a search result that is responsive to the query, obtaining content from a social networking service that is responsive to the query and related to the search result, modifying the search result to include a first portion associated with the content from the social networking service, providing for display the modified search result and an interface component for receiving a request for interacting with the content, and modifying the search result to include a second portion of the content and to provide an interface to facilitate an interaction, in response to receiving a request for interacting with the content. |
| US09280587B2 |
Mailbox search engine using query multi-modal expansion and community-based smoothing
A retrieval method on a database of documents including text and names of participants associated with the documents includes: receiving a text query facet of keywords and a persons query facet of participant names; computing an enriched text query as an aggregation of the text query facet, a monomodal expansion of the text query facet based on the keywords, a cross-modal expansion of the text query facet based on the participant names, and a topic expansion of the text query facet based on a topic model associating words and topics; computing an enriched persons query as an aggregation of the persons query facet, a monomodal expansion of the persons query facet based on the participant names, a cross-modal expansion of the persons query facet based on the keywords, and a community expansion of the persons query facet based on a community model associating persons and communities. |
| US09280584B2 |
Finding optimal query plans
Systems and methods for optimizing a query, and more particularly, systems and methods for finding optimal plans for graph queries by casting the task of finding the optimal plan as an integer programming (ILP) problem. A method for optimizing a query, comprises building a data structure for a query, the data structure including a plurality of components, wherein each of the plurality of components corresponds to at least one graph pattern, determining a plurality of flows of query variables between the plurality of components, and determining a combination of the plurality of flows between the plurality of components that results in a minimum cost to execute the query. |
| US09280583B2 |
Scalable multi-query optimization for SPARQL
Multiquery optimization is performed in the context of RDF/SPARQL. Heuristic algorithms partition an input batch of queries into groups such that each group of queries can be optimized together. The optimization incorporates an efficient algorithm to discover the common sub-structures of multiple SPARQL queries and an effective cost model to compare candidate execution plans. No assumptions are made about the underlying SPARQL query engine. This provides portability across different RDF stores. |
| US09280581B1 |
Method and system for determination of data completeness for analytic data calculations
A system, method and computer program product capable of determining data completeness associated with an analysis based on a data model at the same time that the data in the data model is being analyzed. A root node may be determined, and all paths from the root node discovered. Each path is decomposed into steps, and a ratio is calculated for each step. The ratios may be multiplied for each path, and the aggregate of the paths may determine a measure of the data completeness corresponding to the analysis and return the results of the analysis and the measure of data completeness at the same time. |
| US09280577B1 |
Method for normalizing media metadata
In a computer-implemented method for normalizing media metadata, a directory containing media (e.g., music) files, which have metadata, is accessed. The metadata associated with the music files is accessed. The metadata for the music files is checked for an artist name in a “last name, first name” format, for a mixed up track title and artist name, and for artists that appear in multiple genres. Using approximate string matching, the metadata is checked to identify potential matches for known artists with other known artists in a database, and to identify approximate matches for a combination of the artist name and an album. In the event an operation identifies an error or inconsistency in the metadata, a report is generated. Further, a report of all unique artists and albums found in the metadata is generated. |
| US09280576B2 |
Managing large datasets obtained through a survey-data-acquisition process
The invention generally relates to enabling the management of survey data. One embodiment includes providing an upload description that describes characteristics of survey data to be uploaded, assigning a thread to process a group of files that store aspects of the survey data, dividing the file into data chunks, deriving from a given data chunk a corresponding data-integrity value and respectively associating the same with the given data chunk, communicating the data chunks to a remote storage device, utilizing the corresponding data-integrity values to ensure successful communication of the data chunk, and spatially storing the survey data such that it is retrievable upon a request that describes a geographic area of interest. |
| US09280575B2 |
Indexing hierarchical data
A system includes generation of an encoding for each of a hierarchy of nodes, each of the nodes associated with one or more attributes, and the encoding for each node including a first pointer and a second pointer, and generation of an order tree comprising a hierarchy of entries, where each pointer of the encoding points to a respective one of the entries, wherein the encoding and the order tree indicate a position of each node in the hierarchy of nodes. |
| US09280573B2 |
System and method for array-based data storage and search
Provided are computer devices and methods for effectively generating and updating a sorted array for quick data access. The array allocates more space than required by the elements it stores. In other words, the array leaves empty spaces between elements such that insertion of a new element only requires the shifting of a small number, or even none, of the existing elements in the array. |
| US09280572B2 |
Managing product information versions
Systems and methods for managing versions of product attribute information are described. A database management system that manages a database for storing attribute information of a product is described. The database management system in this implementation comprises a version control system and a querying system. The version control system is configured to enable a user to insert one or more versions of product information in the database. Each version has an effective date and is divided into a plurality of attribute groups, each attribute group containing a plurality of attributes. One or more attribute groups are modified with respect to a previous version. The version control system is further configured to record which attributes of a modified attribute group are changed. The querying system is configured to enable a user to search the database based on the effective dates of the versions. |
| US09280568B2 |
Zero downtime schema evolution
A method for updating a database schema may include maintaining a database, database schema and a first version of an application. The method may include generating application schema for the first version of the application, the application schema including a mapping of one or more classes of the application to a respective table in the database. The method may include executing the first version of the application and storing an application data object in the database in accordance with the application schema. While the first version of the application is executing, the method may include receiving a request to update the first version of the application to a different version, identifying application metadata for the different version of the application, comparing the application metadata for the different version of the application with the database schema for the database, and updating the database schema based on the comparison. |
| US09280567B2 |
Technique for structuring a navigation database
A technique of structuring a navigation database is provided, wherein the navigation database includes at least route link data for a predetermined geographic area. A method implementation of the technique includes organizing route link data associated with the predetermined geographic area into at least one routing cluster; providing the at least one routing cluster with a cluster identifier; and storing the at least one routing cluster together with the cluster identifier in the navigation database. |
| US09280565B1 |
Systems, methods, and computer program products for displaying images
A system, method, and computer program product for displaying a plurality of images. A method of the present invention includes storing image-associated metadata for each image. The method further includes storing user-associated metadata for each user. The method further includes creating a graph comprising the plurality of images, based on the image-associated and user-associated metadata. The method further includes processing the plurality of images based on the graph to generate a subset of the plurality of images. The method further includes displaying the subset of the plurality of images. |
| US09280557B2 |
Virtual node subpool management
Virtual file system virtual nodes are grouped in subpools in response to identified resource components and managed as a function of their subpool groupings. Virtual nodes are decomposed into individual components linked to each other within each node. The components that have repetitive accesses by applications within the virtual file system and their respective frequencies of repetitive access are identified. Modules of linked occurrences of the repetitive components within each of the plurality of virtual nodes are formed, and subsets of the virtual nodes sharing common modules are grouped into subpools. Accordingly, in response to an application of the virtual file system requesting a service that is satisfied by a subpool common module, selection of a virtual node for reinitiating for reuse by the application is restricted to virtual nodes within the subpool associated with the common module. |
| US09280543B2 |
Content recommendations based on communal preferences
A method and system for recommending multimedia content includes collecting consumption information for a plurality of consumers. The consumption information may be used to generate collections of recommended multimedia content, including obtainable multimedia assets. The collections may be offered to a consumer for purchase. The consumer may be provided access to the multimedia assets. A unified storefront application, providing access to multimedia content via an Internet-protocol television portal, a web portal, and a mobile portal, may be used to offer and provide access to the multimedia assets. |
| US09280519B1 |
Methods and systems for early stop simulated likelihood ratio test
A method for modeling a set of observed data comprises selecting a reference model and an alternative model as possible descriptions of the set of observed data, and storing an index function for measuring fit of models to data. The method further includes performing, by one or more processors, a simulated threshold-fitting for a first of the two models, deriving an initial simulated index for the second model for fitting the second model to the simulated data, and deriving an initial boundary for simulated index difference including calculating a difference between the threshold-fit simulated index for the first model and the initial simulated index for the second model. The method further includes determining, based on a comparison, whether to update a counter used in calculating a simulated p-value, and selecting, based on the simulated p-value, one of the reference and alternative models for modeling the set of observed data. |
| US09280517B2 |
System and method for failure detection for artificial lift systems
A computer-implemented artificial lift detection system, method, and software are provided for failure detection for artificial lift systems, such as sucker rod pump systems. The method includes providing artificial lift system data from an artificial lift system. Attributes are extracted from the artificial lift system data. Data mining techniques are applied to the attributes to determine whether the artificial lift system is detected to fail within a given time period. An alert is output indicative of impending artificial lift system failures. |
| US09280510B2 |
Inter-chip communications with link layer interface and protocol adaptor
An interface for low power, high bandwidth communications between units in a device in provided herein. The interface comprises a USB 3.0 system interface and a SuperSpeed inter-chip (SSIC) protocol adaptor configured to facilitate communications between the USB 3.0 system interface and an M-PHY interface. |
| US09280505B2 |
System on a module for smart grid nodes
A system on a module and techniques for use and operation in multiple different smart grid devices and/or nodes are described herein. One example of a system on a module includes a processor, a flash memory device in communication with the processor, and a RAM memory device in communication with the processor. A connector provides an interface to the smart grid device, and includes a plurality of metrology and communications interfaces. |
| US09280500B2 |
Method and apparatus for preventing stack overflow in embedded system
Provided is a method and apparatus for preventing a stack overflow in an embedded system. The method of preventing a stack overflow includes: reading a maximum stack usage of at least one function for executing a requested operation from maximum stack usages of functions provided from a kernel, which are stored in advance; and processing the requested operation on the basis of the read maximum stack usage of the at least one function and a size of a usable region in a stack for the requested operation. Accordingly, the stack overflow can be prevented without generating a run-time overhead. |
| US09280489B2 |
Wait-free parallel data cache
A system and method for managing a data cache in a central processing unit (CPU) of a database system. A method executed by a system includes the processing steps of adding an ID of a page p into a page holder queue of the data cache, executing a memory barrier store-load operation on the CPU, and looking-up page p in the data cache based on the ID of the page p in the page holder queue. The method further includes the steps of, if page p is found, accessing the page p from the data cache, and adding the ID of the page p into a least-recently-used queue. |
| US09280480B2 |
Extract target cache attribute facility and instruction therefor
A facility and cache machine instruction of a computer architecture for specifying a target cache cache-level and a target cache attribute of interest for obtaining a cache attribute of one or more target caches. The requested cache attribute of the target cache(s) is saved in a register. |
| US09280475B2 |
Variable updating device and variable updating method
A procedure, which is performed by a processor of a variable updating device, includes: (a) judging whether or not the cache set is a cache set selected in advance; (b) in a case in which the corresponding cache set is judged to be the cache set selected in advance, judging which of (1) a hit and (2) a miss has occurred; and (c) carrying out a first processing that, in a case in which it is judged that the miss has occurred, updates a miss variable that expresses a number of times that misses have occurred and stores the address information in the storage portion, and a second processing that, in a case in which it is judged that the hit has occurred, updates a hit variable that expresses a number of times that hits have occurred. |
| US09280457B2 |
System and method for volume block number to disk block number mapping
The present invention provides a system and method for virtual block numbers (VBNs) to disk block number (DBN) mapping that may be utilized for both single and/or multiple parity based redundancy systems. Following parity redistribution, new VBNs are assigned to disk blocks in the newly added disk and disk blocks previously occupied by parity may be moved to the new disk. |
| US09280452B1 |
Systems and methods for generating test cases
This disclosure relates to systems and methods for generating test cases. In one embodiment, a method is provided that may include identifying, by a computer including one or more processors, a first test event associated with a first user interaction with a first test device. The first user interaction may include interaction with a first display displaying a plurality of applications on the first test device. The method may also include determining, by the computer, at least one first view in which the first test event occurs. Furthermore, the method may include determining, based at least in part on the first test event, a first state of the first test device. Additionally, the method may include storing information about the first test event, the at least one first view, and the first state of the first test device in a first test case. |
| US09280445B2 |
Logging code generation and distribution
A method for diagnosing an error associated with a software is provided. The method may include receiving a stack trace associated with the error. The method may also include fetching a source code associated with the received stack trace. The method may further include parsing the fetched source code associated with the received stack trace. The method may also include generating an abstract syntax tree (AST) based on the parsed fetched source code. Additionally, the method may include inserting at least one logging call into the generated abstract tree. The method may include recompiling the captured code based on the generated abstract tree with the at least one inserted logging call. The method may also include uploading the recompiled code onto at least one deployment server. |
| US09280442B1 |
System and method for generating coverage reports for software unit tests
A unit test coverage report system and method may generate a coverage report to indicate the success or failure of current unit tests and the amount of further testing that is required to fully test an application undergoing development. The system or method may receive a source code file including a plurality of source code units, wherein each source code unit corresponds to one of a plurality of comments sections. The system or method may then parse the plurality of comments sections and extract an identification of each source code unit from the plurality of comments sections. The identification may then be compared to a list of tested source code units and the comparison added to a unit test coverage report. |
| US09280440B2 |
Monitoring target apparatus, agent program, and monitoring system
A monitoring target apparatus connected to a plurality of monitoring manager apparatuses is characterized in that the monitoring target apparatus includes, in a memory, a monitoring agent for collecting monitoring information from monitoring target resources among resources constituting the monitoring target apparatus; and monitoring condition management information that defines an event issuance condition for each type of the monitoring target resources; wherein the monitoring agent judges whether to issue an event or not, based on the monitoring information and the monitoring condition management information; and if the monitoring agent issues the event, it transmits the issued event to all the plurality of monitoring manager apparatuses. |
| US09280432B2 |
Providing data integrity in a non-reliable storage behavior
In one aspect of the disclosure, progress identifiers (e.g., a plurality of flags) and/or generation numbers are utilized to determine a “correct” non-volatile random access memory (NVRAM) replay source to use during a retried switchover or early switchback. Initially, a switchover sequence is initiated. The switchover sequence includes a replay of logged information to storage devices of an aggregate to ensure data consistency of the aggregate. Progress of the switchover sequence is tracked using the progress identifiers and/or generation numbers. After an interruption during the switchover sequence, switchover is retried or an early switchback is performed. The retried switchover or early switchback decides whether to replay logged information, and, if so, determines an NVRAM replay source to replay logged information from based on states of the progress identifiers and/or comparison of the generation numbers. |
| US09280429B2 |
Power fail latching based on monitoring multiple power supply voltages in a storage device
The various embodiments described herein include systems, methods and/or devices used to enable power fail latching based on monitoring multiple power supply voltages in a storage device. In one aspect, the method includes: (1) determining whether a first power supply voltage provided to the storage device is out of range for a first time period, (2) determining whether a second power supply voltage provided to the storage device is out of range for a second time period, and (3) in accordance with a determination that at least one of the first power supply voltage is out of range for the first time period and the second power supply voltage is out of range for the second time period, latching a power fail condition. |
| US09280425B2 |
Simplified copy offload
Methods and apparatuses for performing simplified copy offload operations are provided. In one exemplary embodiment, a method includes creating a persistent point-in-time image of a data set of a source storage device in response to receiving a token request for a copy offload operation from a host. Creating the persistent point-in-time image includes generating pointers to data blocks of the data set, but does not include duplicating the data blocks. The method also includes transmitting a token that is a representation of the persistent point-in-time image to the host in response to the request. |
| US09280424B2 |
Methods for synchronizing storage system data
In accordance with one example, a method for comparing data units is disclosed comprising generating a first digest representing a first data unit stored in a first memory. A first encoded value is generated based, at least in part, on the first digest and a predetermined value. A second digest representing a second data unit stored in a second memory different from the first memory, is generated. A second encoded value is derived based, at least in part, on the second digest and the predetermined value. It is determined whether the first data unit and the second data unit are the same based, at least in part, on the first digest, the first predetermined value, the first encoded value, and the second digest, by first processor. If the second data unit is not the same as the first data unit, the first data unit is stored in the second memory. |
| US09280421B2 |
Error correction for flash memory
Providing for single and multi-bit error correction of electronic memory is described herein. As an example, error correction can be accomplished by establishing a suspect region between bit level distributions of a set of analyzed memory cells. The suspect region can define potential error bits for the distributions. If a bit error is detected for the distributions, error correction can first be applied to the potential error bits in the suspect region. By identifying suspected error bits and limiting initial error correction to such identified bits, complexities involved in applying error correction to all bits of the distributions can be mitigated or avoided, improving efficiency of bit error corrections for electronic memory. |
| US09280417B2 |
Message storage in memory blocks using codewords
A codeword is generated from a message. One or more anchor values are appended to the codeword at predetermined anchor positions. Before the codeword is stored in a memory block, the locations and values of stuck cells in the memory block are determined. Based on the values and positions of the stuck cells, the values of the codeword are remapped so that values of the codeword that are the same as the values of the stuck cells are placed at the positions of the stuck cells. The remapped codeword is stored in the memory block. When the message is later read, the original codeword can be recovered from the remapped codeword based on the locations of the anchor values in the remapped codeword. |
| US09280413B2 |
Redundant encoding
Error events are tracked. The error events are classified based on a number of errors included in each event. A desired level of error event to be able to be corrected in order to maintain an acceptable rate of uncorrected errors is determined. A redundancy level is selected so that new error events corresponding to the desired level of error event or a lower level of error event are corrected. |
| US09280411B2 |
Method to identify unique host applications running within a storage controller
A method for operating a controller includes receiving a command associated with at least one operation, determining a CPU channel path based on the received command, determining a unique job identifier based on the received command, and determining a state based on the received command. In addition, the method includes updating at least one data matrix based on the determined state, unique job identifier and CPU channel path and operating the controller based on the updated data matrix. |
| US09280410B2 |
Method and system for non-intrusive monitoring of library components
Embodiments of the present invention provide a method for monitoring components in a library by tracking the movement of library components. By tracking the movement of library components, the degradation of library components can be monitored and the reliability of library components determined, allowing unreliable components to be bypassed or replaced, enhancing the reliability of the library and preventing data loss. |
| US09280405B2 |
Error correction for powerline communication modem interface
A powerline communication (PLC) power supply and modem interface can be implemented using a power supply processing unit coupled with a PLC modem unit. The power supply processing unit generates a composite PLC signal comprising a PLC signal and a DC power signal modulated with a zero cross signal (all determined from an AC powerline signal). High-powered components of the PLC modem unit can cause signal distortion in the zero cross signal component of the composite PLC signal making it difficult to extract zero cross information. An error correction unit can be implemented at the PLC modem unit to minimize the signal distortion and generate a zero cross signal with little or no error. The PLC modem unit also extracts the PLC signal and the DC power signal from the composite PLC signal, and processes the PLC signal using the zero cross information extracted from the corrected zero cross signal. |
| US09280398B2 |
Major branch instructions
Major branch instructions are provided that enable execution of a computer program to branch from one segment of code to another segment of code. These instructions also create a new stream of processing at the other segment of code enabling execution of the other segment of code to be performed in parallel with the segment of code from which the branch was taken. In one example, the other stream of processing starts a transaction for processing instructions of the other stream of processing. |
| US09280383B2 |
Checkpointing for a hybrid computing node
According to an aspect, a method for checkpointing in a hybrid computing node includes executing a task in a processing accelerator of the hybrid computing node. A checkpoint is created in a local memory of the processing accelerator. The checkpoint includes state data to restart execution of the task in the processing accelerator upon a restart operation. Execution of the task is resumed in the processing accelerator after creating the checkpoint. The state data of the checkpoint are transferred from the processing accelerator to a main processor of the hybrid computing node while the processing accelerator is executing the task. |
| US09280368B2 |
Function expanding method and mobile device adapted thereto
An expanded function supporting method and a mobile device adapted thereto are provided. The method includes receiving input signals for activating a user function related to a system installed to a mobile device, establishing a basic function supporting path used to operate the system when the user function is activated, and an expanded function supporting path to operate an expanded function of the system when an input signal for operating the expanded function is received, and transferring, when receiving an input signal for operating the expanded function, a command for operating the expanded function via the expanded function supporting path. |
| US09280366B2 |
Adaptive application of accessory device settings
A system for adaptive application of device settings is disclosed. In the system, a first device may receive information identifying settings that are applied to one or more second devices. The settings may correspond to interactions, by a user, with the one or more second devices over a period of time. The one or more second devices be may non-mobile devices associated with one or more facilities. The first device may determine information identifying one or more conditions, associated with environmental conditions or conditions associated with the user's mood or physical state, under which the settings are applied to the one or more second devices; store information that correlates the settings of the one or more second devices with the one or more conditions; determine that at least one of the one or more conditions is met; and apply the settings to the one or more second devices. |
| US09280362B2 |
System and apparatus for sharing a host computer
A system and apparatus is disclosed for sharing a host computer. The system discloses: a set of USB cables; a set of virtualization devices, a set of USB ports on the host computer, an operating system; and a virtualization module. The apparatus discloses: a hub controller; a graphics display module; and an audio controller. |
| US09280361B2 |
Methods and systems for a real time transformation of declarative model and layout into interactive, digital, multi device forms
Methods and system of creating a multi device interactive form. At design time a declarative data model having a plurality of queries each said query having a data source definition and plurality of fields and plurality of data entry view for a runtime data model of said declarative data model are defined and associated. At runtime the runtime data model is generated using reflection classes and annotation attributes the data entry view is presented as an interactive form having UI controls to a user. |
| US09280342B2 |
Vector operations for compressing selected vector elements
A processor, method, and medium for using vector operations to compress selected elements of a vector. An input vector is compared to a criteria vector, and then a subset of the plurality of elements of the input vector are selected based on the comparison. A permutation vector is generated based on the locations of the selected elements and then the permutation vector is used to permute the selected elements of the input vector to an output vector. The selected elements of the input vector are stored in contiguous locations in the leftmost elements of the output vector. Then, the output vector is stored to memory and a pointer to the memory location is incremented by the number of selected elements. |
| US09280338B1 |
Dynamic application updates
In an application runtime environment, an application may have multiple components that are loaded at or prior to execution of the application. An online storage service is used to store up-to-date versions of the components, along with a source manifest that indicates version numbers of the up-to-date versions. Upon application startup, the application retrieves the source manifest to determine whether updated versions are available. Upon identifying updated versions, the application downloads the updated versions and loads or reloads them into the runtime environment prior to initiating the main functionality of the application. |
| US09280332B2 |
Code converting method, program, and system
A computer-implemented method, system, and article of manufacture for processing a programming language, which is able to describe data conversion of data input by an iterator. The method includes: converting iterator code of the programming language to a generator code in an intermediate language that includes a generator as an operator; reading a consumer side code; and overwriting code by inline substitution between the consumer side code and the generator code. |
| US09280322B2 |
Generating source code
Techniques for generating source code are included herein in which a set of semantic rules for the source code may be received. Also, a set of initialization values may be received, wherein the set of initialization values comprises a set of input values and a set of output values. Furthermore, a weighted data structure may be generated. In addition, the source code may be generated based on the weighted data structure and the set of semantic rules. The source code can also be determined to have an accuracy above a threshold based at least in part on the set of initialization values and an output value from the source code. Additionally, the source code can be returned based on the set of initialization values. |
| US09280320B2 |
Software design sharing systems and methods
A system, method and software product shares a software design. A design sharer having machine readable instructions stored within memory of a development server and executable by a processor of the development server interacts with a first user to select a first portion of a first hierarchical software design. The design sharer saves the first portion within a public workspace. The design sharer interacts with a second user having access to the public workspace to select the first portion and inserts the first portion into a second hierarchical software design. |
| US09280319B2 |
Integrated visualization for modeled customizations
An integrated view is generated for a model element being customized. The integrated view shows an integrated visualization of the model element in the base system as well as a plurality of different extensions to the model element. The integrated view also facilitates editing of an extension document that represents a customization currently being made. |
| US09280315B2 |
Vector processor having instruction set with vector convolution function for fir filtering
A vector processor is provided having an instruction set with a vector convolution function. The disclosed vector processor performs a convolution function between an input signal and a filter impulse response by obtaining a vector comprised of at least N1+N2-1 input samples; obtaining N2 time shifted versions of the vector (including a zero shifted version), wherein each time shifted version comprises N1 samples; and performing a weighted sum of the time shifted versions of the vector by a vector of N1 coefficients; and producing an output vector comprising one output value for each of the weighted sums. The vector processor performs the method, for example, in response to one or more vector convolution software instructions having a vector input. The vector can comprise a plurality of real or complex input samples and the filter impulse response can be expressed using a plurality of coefficients that are real or complex. |
| US09280311B2 |
Communication system, information processing system, image forming apparatus and portable information terminal device
An image forming apparatus includes a first wireless communication unit that receives data from a mobile phone, and a reader-writer that transmits an address of the first wireless communication unit to the mobile phone. The mobile phone includes a contact/non-contact IC card that receives the address, and a second wireless communication unit that transmits image data to the first wireless communication unit utilizing the address. When communication is made between the mobile phone and the image forming apparatus, the address of the first wireless communication unit is transmitted to the contact/non-contact IC card through the reader-writer, and the second wireless communication unit transmits data to the first wireless communication unit utilizing the address. |
| US09280310B2 |
Information processing device and computer-readable recording medium providing first and second display screens with different background images
An information processing device may cause a display unit to display a first screen, in response to accepting an instruction for displaying the first screen. The first screen may include M pieces of first images indicating M pieces of data stored in a first storage unit of the information processing device and include a first background image. The information processing device may cause the display unit to display a second screen, in response to receiving, from a server device, N pieces of identification information for identifying N pieces of data stored in a second storage unit of the server device. The second screen may include N pieces of second images indicating the N pieces of identification information and include a second background image which is different from the first background image. |
| US09280307B2 |
Information processing system, apparatus, and method
An information processing system includes first and second information processing apparatuses. The first information processing apparatus transmits a request for status notification to the second information processing apparatus, which transmits a response of the status notification to the first information processing apparatus. The second information processing apparatus transmits a header of the response to the first information processing apparatus when receiving the request for the status notification from the first information processing apparatus, and transmits a part of a body of the response to the first information processing apparatus in response to the occurrence of a status change to be reported in the second information apparatus. The part of the body includes information on the status change. The second information processing apparatus transmits a last part of the body of the response to the first information processing apparatus when the status notification becomes unnecessary. |
| US09280295B2 |
Mapping of logical volumes to host clusters
A method for data storage includes defining a host cluster within a group of host computers, which access a storage system that includes multiple logical volumes. The host cluster includes two or more of the host computers. A single mapping instruction, which specifies the host cluster and a set of one or more of the logical volumes, is accepted. Responsively to the single mapping instruction, each of the host computers in the host cluster is mapped to access the logical volumes in the set. In another disclosed method, a single control instruction, which specifies the host cluster and a configuration operation to be applied to the host computers in the host cluster, is accepted. Responsively to the single control instruction, the configuration operation is applied to each of the host computers in the host cluster. |
| US09280294B1 |
Storage governance
A computer program product, system, and computer implemented method comprising intercepting, by an interceptor, IO send on an IO path to a storage array; sending a copy of the IO and metadata to a message bus, and enabling a consumer to register with the message bus to consume events sent to the message bus. |
| US09280289B1 |
Detecting misalignment of virtualized data
One or more techniques and/or systems are provided for detecting misalignment between a virtual data format and an underlying data format. A virtual data object, such as a virtual machine, may be stored within a storage device using an underlying data format. The virtual data object may comprise one or more virtual data structures, such as a virtual partition. The virtual partition may be stored within the virtual data object according to a virtual data format. The virtual data format may be compared with the underlying data format to determine whether the virtual data structure is misaligned within the storage device. Such misalignment may lead to virtual data blocks of the virtual data structure overlapping underlying data blocks, which may degrade (e.g., I/O) performance. Accordingly, one or more misaligned virtual data structures may be realigned within the storage device to address misalignment and/or improve performance. |
| US09280288B2 |
Using logical block addresses with generation numbers as data fingerprints for network deduplication
The technique introduced here involves using a block address and a corresponding generation number as a “fingerprint” to uniquely identify a sequence of data within a given storage domain. Each block address has an associated generation number which indicates the number of times that data at that block address has been modified. This technique can be employed, for example, to determine whether a given storage server already has the data, and to avoid sending the data to that storage server over a network if it already has the data. It can also be employed to maintain cache coherency among multiple storage nodes. |
| US09280285B2 |
Keeping focus during desktop reveal
Systems and methods are provides for adjusting focus during a desktop reveal. A window has focus before the desktop is revealed. After the window is returned and the desktop hidden, the focus is again placed on the window. Further, a configurable area associated with the screen that displays the window is maintained during the desktop reveal and the return of the window. |
| US09280280B2 |
Method, apparatus and computer program product for presenting designated information on a display operating in a restricted mode
A method is provided for presenting information on a display to a user when the display is operating, at least in part, in a locked or low-power mode. In particular, an example method may include providing for operation of a device in an unrestricted mode, and receiving an indication that an area presented on a display of the device is a designated area, where another area of the display that is not the designated area is an undesignated area. The designated area may include designated information while the undesignated area may include undesignated information. The method may further include providing for operation of the device in a restricted mode, where the designated information is presented in the restricted mode and the undesignated information is not presented in the restricted mode. |
| US09280267B2 |
Interactive user interface for displaying supply chain information
An interactive user interface is disclosed. According to various embodiments, the interface includes a first field and at least one additional field. The first field lists a focal item and the at least one additional field contains a listing of items related to the focal item. Certain of the related items in the at least one additional field include a hyperlink which, when activated by the user, causes the item corresponding to the activated hyperlink to become a new focal item listed in the first field, such that the at least one additional field transitions to list items related to the new focal item. The focal item may be, for example, an identifier corresponding to a company, and the at least one additional field may contain a listing of identifiers corresponding to companies that are customers, suppliers or competitors of the focal item company. |
| US09280265B2 |
Input control device, input control method, and input control program for controlling display target upon receiving input on display screen of display device
A game device includes: a display control unit that displays a plurality of display targets on a display screen of a display device; an input acquiring unit that acquires a position of input from a front touch panel or a rear touch panel, which can detect input on the display screen; and a movement control unit that defines as a target to be moved a display target displayed by the display control unit on the display screen at a position corresponding to the position of a first input entry acquired by the input acquiring unit, and operative to scroll a display target other than the target to be moved in accordance with a second input entry acquired by the input acquiring unit while keeping the display position of the target to be moved at the position of the first input entry. |
| US09280243B2 |
Sensing method using self-capacitance and mutual-capacitance alternatively to reduce touch noises
In a sensing method using self-capacitance and mutual-capacitance alternatively to reduce touch noises, a control device configures a first driving and sensing device and a second driving and sensing device to perform an initialization. The control device configures the first and second driving and sensing devices to perform at least one self-capacitance sensing for producing a first possible touch point range during a first work mode. Then, the control device configures the first and second driving and sensing devices to perform at least one mutual-capacitance sensing for producing a second possible touch point range during a second work mode. The control device determines if there is range conjunction between the first and second possible touch point ranges. The control device produces a possible touch point range conjunction and calculates coordinates of touch points based on the possible touch point range conjunction. |
| US09280233B1 |
Routing for touch sensor electrodes
An input device for capacitive sensing. The input device includes a plurality of sensor electrodes for capacitive sensing disposed in a first layer and within a sensor electrode region comprising an areal extent of the plurality of sensor electrodes. The input device also includes a plurality of routings disposed in a second layer and within a border region of the sensor electrode region, the plurality of routings layered with a first set of two or more of the plurality of sensor electrodes in the border region and electrically coupled to a second set of two or more of the plurality of sensor electrodes, wherein the second set of two or more of the plurality of sensor electrodes includes zero, one, or two of the sensor electrodes included in the first set of two or more of the plurality of sensor electrodes. |
| US09280220B2 |
Pulse- or frame-based communication using active stylus
In one embodiment, a method includes receiving sensor data from one or more sensors in or on a stylus, the stylus including one or more electrodes and one or more computer-readable non-transitory storage media embodying logic for wirelessly transmitting signals to a device through a touch sensor of the device. The method includes generating a carrier signal and modulating the carrier signal to communicate the sensor data and wirelessly transmitting from the stylus to the device the carrier signal as modulated through the touch sensor of the device. |
| US09280219B2 |
System and method of authentication of an electronic signature
An apparatus and method pertaining to detecting user input, such as a signature, with respect to a stylus and the transmission of information regarding that input. The detected input can comprise, for example, characteristics of the input and transmit them to a secondary device to verify the input matches a stored template. |
| US09280218B2 |
Modulating drive signal for communication between active stylus and touch-sensor device
In one embodiment, an apparatus comprises a sense unit and a drive unit. The sense unit is operable to sense a first signal from drive lines of a touch sensor. The touch sensor comprises the drive lines and sense lines arranged relative to the drive lines such that intersections of the drive lines and the sense lines form one or more capacitive nodes. The drive unit is operable to transmit a second signal based on the first signal to the sense lines such that transmission of the second signal changes the perceived capacitance of the one or more capacitive nodes. |
| US09280217B2 |
Capacitive pointer
A capacitive pointer is disclosed. The capacitive pointer comprises a refill, a refill holder, a spring, a control board, a force sensor, an upper shielding, a lower shielding, a tip cover and a battery. The refill comprises a conductor and penetrates through the refill holder. The spring surrounds one end of the refill holder. The refill holder and the spring electrically connect the control board. The force sensor is located on one end of the control board. The refill and the refill holder press the spring to contact the force sensor to detect the pressure force against the refill. The upper shielding and the lower shielding combine to cover the refill, the refill holder and the spring. The tip cover surrounds one end of the refill and the upper shielding and the lower shielding and electrically connects to the control board. The battery provides the capacitive pointer with electrical power. |
| US09280216B2 |
Writing device having light emitting diode display panel
A writing device includes a writing pen and a light emitting diode display panel. The writing pen emits three different-colored optical signals. The light emitting diode display panel includes a control module and a plurality of pixels. Each pixel includes first, second and third light sources, first, second and third light sensing elements, and a touch element. The first to third light sensing elements are configured to receive the three optical signals and generate first, second and third selective signals, respectively. The touch element generates a control signal when touched by the writing pen. According to the three selective signals and the control signal, the control module selectively turns on the first light source, the second light source, and the third light source. |
| US09280214B2 |
Method and apparatus for motion sensing of a handheld device relative to a stylus
A handheld device and method of operation for determining motion of the handheld device relative to a stylus is presented, in which the stylus is used to provide a frame of reference for the handheld device rather than as a user input device. Stylus orientation data, descriptive of an absolute orientation of a stylus, and handheld device orientation data, descriptive of an absolute orientation of the handheld device, are used to determine motion of the handheld device relative to the stylus. The handheld device has orientation and/or motion sensors, a communication module operable to receive stylus orientation data, and a processor operable to determine the motion or orientation of the handheld device relative to the stylus and execute an application dependent thereon. |
| US09280208B2 |
Process for determining the activation of at least one key of a multi-key device
The invention relates to a process for determining the activation of at least one key of a multi-key device. The multi-key device comprises a plurality of keys K1 to Kn and a plurality of force sensors C1 to Cn, each force sensor C1 to Cn being associated respectively with a key K1 to Kn and able to provide a value representing a force which is applied to it. The process is characterized by the fact that it comprises the steps: obtaining values F′1 to F′n representing the force applied to each of the force sensors C1 to Cn; providing transmission rate values of a pressing force between the keys; removing the contribution of each of the force values F′1 to F′n from the pressing force transmitted between the keys using the transmission rate values provided; and determining values F1 to Fn representing the pressing force which has been applied by the user to the keys K1 to Kn. |
| US09280201B2 |
Electronic device and digital display device
An electronic device switching over a turning on, a turning off and a standby mode is disclosed. The electronic device comprises a sensing unit and a host processing unit. The sensing unit senses a frame image and generates a sensing signal in the standby mode. The host processing unit is electrically connected to the sensing unit for receiving the image signal and performing a host function according to the sensing signal. |
| US09280200B1 |
Automatic peak current throttle of tiered storage elements
Powering a data storage device (DSD) including at least a first storage tier and a second storage tier. A current used by the DSD is monitored and it is determined whether the current exceeds a current threshold. A throttle signal is asserted to reduce power used by the first storage tier when it is determined that the current exceeds the current threshold. |
| US09280198B2 |
Method and apparatus to reduce idle link power in a platform
A method and apparatus to reduce the idle link power in a platform. In one embodiment of the invention, the host and its coupled endpoint(s) in the platform each has a low power idle link state that allows disabling of the high speed link circuitry in both the host and its coupled endpoint(s). This allows the platform to reduce its idle power as both the host and its coupled endpoint(s) are able to turn off their high speed link circuitry in one embodiment of the invention. |
| US09280194B2 |
Dynamic link width modulation
Described herein are embodiments of an apparatus configured for dynamic link width modulation, a system including an apparatus configured for dynamic link width modulation, a method for dynamic link width modulation, and computer-readable media having instructions that, if executed by one or more processors, cause an apparatus to perform a dynamic link width modulation method. An apparatus configured for dynamic link width modulation may include a first counter for determining a length of a queue of packets at a source of a link, a second counter for determining a rate of utilization of the link, and a power control unit configured to modify a width of the link based at least in part on the length of the queue and the rate of utilization. Other embodiments may be described and/or claimed. |
| US09280190B2 |
Method and systems for energy efficiency and energy conservation including on-off keying for power control
Systems and a method for controlling power of a device with power management software are described. In one embodiment, a computer implemented method initiates power control having ON-OFF keying to control power consumption of a device for energy efficiency and energy conservation. An ON-OFF period of the ON-OFF keying for the device is computed. The method sets a target frequency, a target supply voltage, and a power gate control for the device based on the ON-OFF keying. |
| US09280182B2 |
Chip on film package and display device including the same
A chip on film package includes a flexible base film having a first surface and a second surface opposite to each other that includes at least one through hole therein, a plurality of wirings disposed on the first surface and the second surface of the base film, respectively, that include a first lead and a second lead connected to each other through the at least one through hole, and a display panel driving chip and a touch panel sensor chip, each mounted on any one of the first surface and the second surface of the base film, wherein at least one of the display panel driving panel and the touch panel sensor chip is electrically connected to the first and second leads. |
| US09280175B2 |
Display device housing and form-fitted configuration
A display device housing and corresponding receiving bracket may provide a snap-in or screwless configuration to place a monitor into a wall bracket or self-standing display housing. In one example the apparatus includes a display housing that includes an electronic display affixed to a mounting bracket which rests along the perimeter of the electronic display and which comprises at least two spring loaded securing tabs, and a receiving bracket configured to house the display housing and the mounting bracket in a secure position with at least two receiving slots form-fitted to receive the at least two spring loaded securing tabs and provide a secure spring loaded locking position that maintains the display device housing and the mounting bracket in a locked position. |
| US09280165B2 |
Power supply control circuit using N-type and P-type FETs in parallel and power supply control device
Provided are: a power supply control circuit having a configuration in which an N-channel FET and a P-channel FET can appropriately and selectively be used so as to control power feeding with high efficiency and at low cost; and a power supply control device including the power supply control circuit. An N-channel FET (NchFET in the drawings) and a P-channel FET (PchFET in the drawings) are connected in parallel with each other between the positive voltage side (+B) of a battery (direct current power supply) and a plurality of ECUs (loads) 4, 4, . . . , so as to appropriately control ON and OFF. |
| US09280159B1 |
Shutdown method by using local control board
The present application discloses implementations that involve shutdowns of a robotic system. An example may include controlling, by a robotic system, a plurality of motors of the robotic system with a central processing unit (CPU). The example may also include determining, by the robotic system, an error condition of the robotic system, where the error condition prevents the CPU from controlling at least one of the plurality of motors. The example may also include causing a plurality of motor driver boards to control the plurality of motors of the robotic system in response to determining the error condition of the robotic system. The example may also include receiving, by the plurality of motors, one or more commands from the plurality of motor driver boards to move the robotic system to a stationary position and park the robotic system in the stationary position. |
| US09280157B2 |
System and method for transporting personnel within an active workspace
Disclosed herein is a human transport device and associated system to transport a user within an active workspace. The human transport device may include a platform to support a user, an enclosure coupled to the platform to surround the user, a drive subsystem to power the human transport device, and a control unit to control the movement of the human transport device in coordination with active mobile drive units moving within the workspace. A system implementing one or more human transport devices may include a management module to direct the movement of the one or more human transport devices and designate one or more areas within the workspace as protected areas. Unauthorized objects may be prohibited from entering the protected areas while the human transport device may be allowed within the protected areas. |
| US09280153B1 |
Inventory holder load detection and/or stabilization
An inventory system includes an inventory holder and a mobile drive unit. The mobile drive unit includes sensors for detecting one or more load characteristics of the inventory holder and/or includes magnets and/or magnetic surfaces for securing the inventory holder to the mobile drive unit during lifting and/or moving. |
| US09280149B2 |
Motor control device and motor control method
A motor control device includes a power converter, a velocity controller, and a certain-position stop controller. The power converter outputs a driving current on the basis of an input torque command. The velocity controller generates a calculated torque command on the basis of a difference between a velocity represented by a velocity command and a motor velocity. The certain-position stop controller performs position control by, after first detecting a reference position of a motor during velocity control, generating a position command for positioning the motor from the reference position to a target stop position at a torque of a torque schedule, generating the velocity command on the basis of a difference between a position represented by the position command and the motor position, and outputting a value resulting from adding a torque feedforward command generated on the basis of the torque schedule to the calculated torque command. |
| US09280148B1 |
System and method for electronically tagging items for use in controlling electrical devices
A system and method for electronically tagging items for use in controlling electrical devices are disclosed. A particular embodiment includes: a controller; a tag reader interface in data communication with the controller, the tag reader interface being configured to receive item information read from an electronically readable tag attached to an item placed in an electrical device; a display device driver in data communication with the controller for driving the display of operational messages for a user/operator of the electrical device, the operational messages being based on the item information; and an appliance interface in data communication with the controller for receiving control commands from the controller and for issuing corresponding control signals for controlling the electrical device, the control commands being based on the item information. |
| US09280147B2 |
System and method for robotic patient synthesis
Some embodiments of the invention include a robotic patient system including a computer system including a processor and a coupled sensor, and a control system configured to receive control data. The robotic patient system also includes a synthetic patient robot including a feature detector and action selector configured to actuate the robot based at least in part on the control data. Some further embodiments of the invention include a computer-implemented method of providing a robotic synthetic patient by providing a synthetic patient robot, configuring a control system to receive control data, extracting and converting a feature from the control data, and converting to an actuator command to move the robotic patient system. Some embodiments include a robot including a computer system including a processor, a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium, and a control system configured to be coupled to a source of control data to control the robot substantially autonomously. |
| US09280144B2 |
Compensation for canonical second order systems for eliminating peaking at the natural frequency and increasing bandwidth
The present invention adds gain and phase into a canonical second order system in order to mitigate the adverse effects of unwanted resonance, where the gain is added to the forward path of a control loop of the system and is a ratio of the square of the system and mechanism frequencies, and the phase lead (H-factor) is added to the feedback path of the control loop of the system and is a complex ratio of these frequencies which includes a dc-component (Hdc) and a zero- or pole-component. By adding gain and phase lead, which is contrary to current approaches to addressing resonance, the present invention achieves the desired result of resonant free application in a canonical resonant-prone system of second order, and the methodology is applicable to higher order systems. |
| US09280142B2 |
Radio clock
A radio clock including: an antenna configured to receive a satellite signals transmitted from a plurality of GPS satellites; a receiving unit configured to perform a receiving process to acquire information tram a satellite signal received by the antenna, the information being contained in the satellite signal; and a control unit configured to control the receiving unit to keep synchronized with the GPS satellite that has transmitted the satellite signal and control the receiving unit to receive a satellite signal containing date information for date correction when the information acquired by the receiving unit does not contain the date information. |
| US09280141B2 |
Controlling table music system
A table music system includes an enclosure having a top surface and a front surface free of manually mechanically actuable controls for controlling functions of the table music system. A radio receiver and powered speakers system are located within the enclosure. A display is located on the front surface of the enclosure for displaying at least time. An alarm in the enclosure is configured to be set by a user to produce an alarm signal at a user-selectable time. A touch-sensitive area on the enclosure allows the user to control a function of the take music system. A wireless remote control permits the user to control functions of the table music system. |
| US09280135B2 |
Process cartridge and image forming apparatus
A process cartridge for an image forming apparatus includes a photosensitive drum; a cleaning member having a blade contacted to end drum; a sheet contacted to end drum; an end seal provided at an end of a frame and contacted to the drum, end blade and end sheet; and a sealing mold, integrally molded at the end portion of end frame by injection molding, end sealing mold including a first seal provided between end cleaning member and end frame and extending in a direction crossing with the longitudinal direction, a second seal provided between the end seal and end frame and continuously molded with end first seal, and a third seal provided between end sheet and end frame and continuously molded with end second seal. |
| US09280134B2 |
Image forming apparatus
An image forming apparatus includes a toner cartridge which is detachably mounted from a first direction to store a toner; and a processing unit which is detachably mounted from a second direction perpendicular to the first direction and is provided with a photoconductor, a developing section for supplying a toner fed from the toner cartridge to the surface of the photoconductor to convert an electrostatic latent image to a toner image and a cleaning section for collecting the toner adhered on the surface of the photoconductor. |
| US09280132B2 |
Image forming apparatus including pivotable process cartridge
There is provided an image forming apparatus including a main body and a process cartridge including a photosensitive body cartridge and a developing cartridge. The photosensitive body cartridge includes a photosensitive body and a waste developing agent storage container. The developing cartridge includes a developing agent carrier. The photosensitive body cartridge is configured to receive the developing cartridge such that the developing cartridge is attached to and detached from the photosensitive body cartridge through a particular space defined in the main body. The process cartridge is configured to pivot, with respect to the main body, between a first position, in which the waste developing agent storage container is positioned outside the particular space entirely, and a second position, in which the waste developing agent storage container at least partially occupies the particular space. |
| US09280122B2 |
Printing apparatus, method for controlling printing apparatus, and recording medium
A printing apparatus capable of shifting a power state to a second power state where power consumption is lower than a first power state includes detecting a heat source approaching the printing apparatus, calculating an average temperature of respective areas near the printing apparatus, specifying a current position of the heat source based on the calculated average temperature, calculating a distance between the current position and a predetermined reference point, determining whether the heat source is moving to pass by the printing apparatus, determining whether the heat source is approaching the printing apparatus, and shifting, when it is determined that the heat source is approaching the printing apparatus, the power state of the printing apparatus from the second power state to the first power state. |
| US09280111B2 |
Image forming apparatus and charging management system
An image forming apparatus includes: a sensor that detects discontinuation of printing or a decrease in print speed; and an electric circuit configured to set an available time to print according to an amount of advance payment; count a usage time during which the image forming apparatus is used; determine permission or prohibition of printing based on the available time to print and the usage time; determine whether to count the usage time based on a factor for the discontinuation of printing or the decrease in print speed when the sensor detects the discontinuation of printing or the decrease in print speed; and prohibit printing when the counted usage time reaches the available time to print. |
| US09280106B2 |
Fuser device and image forming apparatus
A fuser device includes a belt part rotating in a tension free state to carry a medium in a medium carrying direction, a first nip forming part arranged inside the belt part, a second nip forming part arranged outside the belt part sandwiching the belt part with the first nip forming part so that a nip area is formed therebetween, and a regulation member regulating a movement of the belt in a width direction of the belt part. The regulation member is configured with a belt regulation part and a slant part. The belt regulation part has a flat shape arranged near one of side edges of the belt part along the nip area with a predetermined gap (W6). The slant part extends from an edge of the belt regulation part. |
| US09280104B2 |
Fixing device and image forming apparatus
A fixing device according to the invention comprises a first belt in an endless form, a first heat source for heating the first belt, a first reflection member reflecting heat from the first heat source toward the first belt, and a first temperature detecting member for detecting temperature of the first reflection member by contacting the first reflection member, wherein the first reflection member is disposed between the first heat source and the first temperature detecting member. The fixing device is able to accurately detect the temperature of the member heated by the heat source. |
| US09280089B2 |
Developer conveying apparatus, developing device, and image forming apparatus
A developer conveying apparatus includes a developer housing portion, a first spiral feeder, a second spiral feeder, a driving unit, an operation control unit, and a sensor. The first spiral feeder and the second spiral feeder each include a hollow spiral member and rib members. The hollow spiral member is spirally formed and internally has a space. The rib members run in a first direction and bridge spiral pieces constituting the spiral member. The operation control unit causes: the driving unit to change the rotation speed of the first spiral feeder and the second spiral feeder according to a printing linear speed of an image forming part; and the driving unit to change a rotational phase difference between the first spiral feeder and the second spiral feeder referring positions of the rib members to a predetermined rotational phase difference according to the changed rotation speed. |
| US09280085B2 |
Image forming apparatus
An image forming apparatus includes a developing device for developing a latent image formed on an image bearing member into a developer image; a transferring device for transferring the developer image from the image bearing member onto a transfer material; a temperature detecting sensor in a main assembly of the image forming apparatus, for detecting a temperature; and a controller for controlling a forced consumption operation in which toner is forcedly consumed by the developing device without transferring the developer image from the image bearing member onto the transfer material. The controller is capable of executing the forced consumption operation when toner consumption is below a predetermined threshold. The predetermined threshold is higher with higher temperature. |
| US09280083B2 |
Image forming device comprising a direct image forming element
An image forming device includes at least one image forming element moving past an image forming station in which toner is deposited on a surface of the image forming element, which surface is facing the image forming station, said image forming element including a core layer forming a core of the image forming element and including a plurality of tracks comprising electrodes individually connected to corresponding drivers, and a semi-conducting top layer forming the surface of the image forming element, wherein the image forming element further includes an isolating layer in-between the core layer and the semi-conducting top layer, which isolating layer includes a plurality of pads each of which extends over at least one track in a non-overlapping manner, extends towards one underlying track as to form an interconnection with the one underlying track, and is filled with a conducting material in order to let each pad individually be activated by means of the driver of the underlying track in order to adhere toner on a location of the surface of the image forming element, which location corresponds to the underlying activated pad. |
| US09280082B2 |
Developing device
A developing device includes: a housing made of resin; a developer carrier, which is rotatably supported by the housing, and which is configured to carry developer on a circumferential surface thereof; a receiving-side coupling member, which is provided rotatably to one of end portions of the developer carrier and is configured to couple with a driving-side coupling member in the rotational axial direction to transmit driving force to the developer carrier; a blade, which is provided along the rotational axial direction, and which configured to contact the circumferential surface of the developer carrier to regulate a layer thickness of the developer on the circumferential surface; and a support member, which is bent into an L-shape as viewed from the rotational axial direction, and which supports the blade, wherein the receiving-side coupling member is overlapped with a bending portion of the support member, as viewed from the rotational axial direction. |
| US09280080B2 |
Charger and image forming apparatus
A charger is provided. The charger includes a discharge electrode, a cleaner, and a holder. The discharge electrode is composed of a wire, and the wire has a surface plated with palladium. The cleaner removes foreign substances adhered to the discharge electrode. The cleaner includes a first cleaner composed of a glass-containing resin and a second cleaner. The first cleaner scrapes off the foreign substances by press-contacting the wire while moving, and the second cleaner wipes off the foreign substances by press-contacting the wire while moving. The holder movably holds the cleaner in a direction parallel to the discharge electrode. |
| US09280079B1 |
Charging member, process cartridge, and image forming apparatus
A charging member includes a conductive base material and a conductive outermost layer provided on the conductive base material, wherein the conductive outermost layer has a ten-point average surface roughness Rz of 2 μm to 20 μm and contains a resin and particles in which particles having a particle diameter of 5.0 μm or more and a circularity of 0.8 or less are 30% by number or less with respect to the total number of particles having a particle diameter of 5.0 μm or more and particles having a particle diameter of less than 5.0 μm and a circularity of 0.8 or less are from 20% by number to 80% by number with respect to the total number of particles having a particle diameter of less than 5.0 μm. |
| US09280075B1 |
Method of making hybrid latex via phase inversion emulsification
A process includes dissolving a styrene/acrylate resin in an organic solvent to form a first solution, dissolving at least one polyester resin in the first solution to form a second solution, neutralizing the second solution with a base to provide a neutralized solution, and adding a sufficient amount of water to the neutralized solution to form an emulsion. A latex particle includes a polyester resin and a styrene/acrylate resin dispersed within the latex particle, the surface of the latex particle is substantially the polyester resin. A toner includes a plurality of toner particles prepared from a latex, the particles of the latex including a polyester resin and a styrene/acrylate resin dispersed within each latex particle, the surface of each latex particle is substantially the polyester resin. |
| US09280072B2 |
Process for producing electrophotographic photosensitive member
Provided is a process for producing an electrophotographic photosensitive member, the process including the steps of: preparing a dispersion liquid by dispersing particles each containing an electron transporting substance in an aqueous dispersion medium; forming the coat of the dispersion liquid on the support; and forming an undercoat layer by heating the coat at a temperature equal to or more than the melting point of the electron transporting substance. |
| US09280057B2 |
Alignment measurement system, lithographic apparatus, and a method to determine alignment of in a lithographic apparatus
An alignment measurement system measures an alignment target on an object. A measurement illuminates the target and is reflected. The reflected measurement beam is split and its parts are differently polarized. A detector receives the reflected measurement beam. A processing unit determines alignment on the basis of the measurement beam received by the detector. An alternative arrangement utilizes an optical dispersive fiber to guide a multi-wavelength measurement beam reflected from the object to a detector. |
| US09280055B2 |
Illumination system of a microlithographic projection exposure apparatus
An illumination system of a microlithographic projection exposure apparatus comprises a light source which is configured to produce projection light (PL), a pupil plane and a diffractive optical element that is arranged between the light source and the pupil plane such that an irradiance distribution of projection light (PL) in the pupil plane depends on the position of a field that is illuminated by the projection light (PL) on the diffractive optical element. The illumination system further comprises an optical imaging system that is arranged between the light source and the diffractive optical element. The optical imaging system ensures that changes of the direction and divergence of the projection light (PL) emitted by the light source have no substantial effect on the position and size of the field which is illuminated on the diffractive optical element by the projection light (PL). |
| US09280054B2 |
Illumination optical system, exposure apparatus, and method of manufacturing device
An illumination optical system comprises plural rod integrators, a combining optical system and a light transmission unit. The rod integrators uniformize light intensity distributions of the light beams. The combining optical system combines the light beams emitted from the rod integrators, so that the light beams are adjacent to each other in cross-sections thereof. The light transmission unit has an entrance plane and an exit plane, divides the light beam combined by the combining optical system into plural light beams on the entrance plane, joins the divided light beams so that a cross-sectional shape of a joined pattern of the light beams on the exit plane is different from a cross-sectional shape of a joined pattern of the light beams on the entrance plane, and transfers each of the light beams from the entrance plane to the exit plane using plural optically coupled light pipes. |
| US09280047B2 |
Imprint apparatus and article manufacturing method
An imprint apparatus that molds an imprint material on a substrate using a mold, and forms a pattern on the substrate, the imprint apparatus includes a mold holding unit configured to hold the mold, which includes a surface including a pattern area, a substrate holding unit configured to hold the substrate, a first acquisition unit configured to acquire information concerning a difference in shape between the pattern area and a shot already formed on the substrate, and a control unit configured to control at least one of the mold holding unit and the substrate holding unit to adjust a spacing between the mold and the substrate, based on the information concerning the difference in shape acquired by the first acquisition unit, in a state where the pattern area and the imprint material are in contact with each other. |
| US09280042B2 |
Automatic switching of a multi-mode projector display screen for displaying three-dimensional and two-dimensional images
Techniques for controlling switching of a barrier component for efficiently displaying various types of 2-D content and 3-D content on a projector screen are presented. A barrier control component detects an optical signal in a control region of the projector screen that is providing visual content to the barrier component, and identifies the type of visual content, such as 2-D content or 3-D autostereoscopic content, based on the optical signal. The barrier control component identifies a control signal based on the identified content type, and transmits the control signal to the barrier component via a wireline or wireless connection. The barrier component is controlled to automatically switch to a desired mode, such as 2-D mode or 3-D autostereoscopic mode, and employ a desired barrier pattern, in response to the received control signal. The barrier component is powered using a solar cell component that generates power using the optical signal. |
| US09280039B2 |
Extendible L-plate for camera equipment
A two-piece extendable L-plate provides clearance between a camera and a quick-release receiver securing the camera to a support permitting a camera having cables connected to the side of the camera's body to be secured in either a landscape or a portrait orientation. |
| US09280035B2 |
Photographic apparatus and method
A photographic flash attachment apparatus. The apparatus includes a sleeve configured to be fixed to a photographic flash, a ring configured to engage with the sleeve, and one or more attachment mechanisms coupled with the ring adapted to receive one or more photographic attachment elements. Upon attachment of one or more photographic attachment elements to the ring via the one or more attachment mechanisms, rotation of the ring provides rotation of the one or more photographic attachment elements relative to the photographic flash. |
| US09280029B2 |
Registered reflective element for a brightness enhanced TIR display
The brightness of a TIR-based display is enhanced with a registered reflective element by recycling and reflecting light that passes through the dark pupil region of each hemi-spherical protrusion in the hemi-spherical surface back to the viewer. A method to fabricate a brightness enhanced TIR display comprising an apertured membrane with a thin conductive reflective metal layer facing and registered with the pupils of the hemi-spherical surface. |
| US09280023B2 |
Liquid crystal display device
The drain lines are such that one drain line is formed for every two pixels adjacent to each other within the same pixel row, the gate lines are formed of a first gate line connected to one of the two pixels connected to the same drain line within the same pixel row and a second gate line connected to the other pixel, the pixel electrode is formed of a first linear electrode inclined in a plus direction from the first direction, and a second linear electrode inclined in a minus direction from the first direction, in a region in which the pixel electrode is superimposed over the common electrode, and each pixel has the first and second gate lines and thin film transistor formed in a region between the region of the first linear electrode and the region of the second linear electrode. |
| US09280020B2 |
Tunable electrode-optic liquid crystal lenses having resistive bridges and methods for forming the lenses
Electro-optic lenses, including liquid crystals, wherein the power of the lenses can be modified by application of an electric field. In one embodiment, the liquid crystal-based lenses include ring electrodes having a resistive bridge located between adjacent electrodes, and in a preferred embodiment, input connections for several electrode rings are spaced on the lens. In a further embodiment, liquid crystal-based lenses are provided that can increase optical power through the use of phase resets, wherein in one embodiment, a lens includes ring electrodes on surfaces of the substrates on opposite sides of the liquid crystal cell such that a fixed phase term can be added to each set of electrodes that allows for phase change across each group of electrodes to be the same and also be matched with respect to a previous group. |
| US09280019B2 |
Substrate with spacer and liquid crystal cell containing the same
A device is disclosed. The device includes a substrate, and a plurality of spacers arranged on one side of the substrate. Each spacer has a cross section taken in a direction parallel with the substrate, where a size of the cross section of each spacer in a length direction is greater than a size of the cross section of each spacer in a width direction. In addition, an angle between the length direction of the cross section of the spacer and an X-direction of the substrate is greater than about 0° and less than about 90°, or greater than about 90° and less than about 180°. |
| US09280010B2 |
Curvature-adjustable backplane and liquid crystal display device having same
The present invention provides a curvature-adjustable backplane and a liquid crystal display device having the backplane. The curvature-adjustable backplane includes a bottom plate (1). The bottom plate (1) is made of a material of thermal bimetal. The bottom plate (1) includes a plurality of openings (11) formed therein to extend in a lengthwise direction or a widthwise direction thereof, whereby the plurality of openings (11) helps increase a localized length-to-width ratio (L1/W1) of the bottom plate (1) so that when the curvature-adjustable backplane undergoes curving deformation, the extent of curving thereof in a lengthwise direction of the openings is far greater than the extent of curving thereof in a widthwise direction of the openings to realize precise adjustment of the curvature of the backplane and help release the stress of the backplane resulting from deformation and thus making the deformation of the backplane easy. |
| US09280005B2 |
Photo-chromic coating for optics
An eyepiece includes a viewing region to emit display light out of the eyepiece along an eye-ward direction, an input end peripherally located from the viewing region and configured to receive the display light into the eyepiece, one or more optical elements positioned to direct the display light received into the eyepiece out of the viewing region along the eye-ward direction, a first side through which ambient scene light is received into the eyepiece, a second side out of which the ambient scene light and the display light are passed along the eye-ward direction, and a photo-chromic coating disposed on the first side and the second side, the photo-chromic coating to darken in the presence of UV light. |
| US09280001B2 |
Cleaning assemblies for eyeglasses
A cleaning assembly for eyeglasses having at least one lens supported by a frame including at least one aperture substantially the size of a cross section of the at least one lens, wherein the aperture can fit at least one cleaning element and adapted to move relative to the at least one lens to clean the exposed surface of the lens. |
| US09279998B2 |
Assembly structure for eyeglass lens
An assembly structure for eyeglass lens is disclosed herein to include a one-piece lens and a frame. The frame has a connection portion in the middle thereof, from two sides of which two nose pads extend downwardly and obliquely in two opposite directions. The connection portion has a joining hole, and the lens further has a flexible snap-in element in the middle thereof for corresponding engagement with the join hole. In such a case, the lens can be easily and conveniently detachable from the frame by merely pressing the flexible snap-in element. |
| US09279993B2 |
Optical film, polarizing plate, picture display apparatus, and 3D picture display system
An optical film includes a transparent film having a thickness of 10 to 150 μm and a first layer on a first surface of the transparent film. The first layer has an average in-plane refractive index that is highest of average refractive indices of the transparent film and a layer disposed on the first surface, and the average in-plane refractive index of the first layer is higher than average refractive indices of the transparent film and the layer other than the first layer disposed on the first surface by 0.02 or more, wherein the average in-plane refractive index of the first layer is higher than the average refractive index of the transparent film by 0.02 or more, provided that the layer disposed on the first surface is the first layer alone, and the first layer has an optical thickness D satisfying: 260×N−190−65 nm≦D≦260×N−190+65 nm (N is an integer of 6 to 12). |
| US09279992B2 |
Apparatus for projecting spatial image
An apparatus for projecting a spatial image in which the spatial image with a background is projected into a space through a projection unit is discussed. The apparatus according to an embodiment includes a receiving unit to receive a spatial image and a background image, a display unit to display the spatial image and the background image and to project light, a control unit to control the display unit to display the spatial image and the background image, and a spatial image projection unit to project the spatial image and the background image by transmitting or reflecting the light. Thus, a spatial image may be viewed from every direction, and the spatial image may be projected to different positions according to images and a background image may be displayed at the same time. In addition, a user may perform interaction such as reaching of hands into the projected image. |
| US09279987B2 |
Optical element and lighting device
A reflector/imaging optical element (11; 43) which is configured in order to transmit light (P1) of at least one first wavelength, concentrate light (P1) shone through the reflector/imaging optical element (11; 43) onto a first focal point (F) and reflect light (R) of at least one second wavelength, shone from the first focal point (F) onto the reflector/imaging optical element (11; 43), onto a second focal point (F′) of the reflector/imaging optical element (11; 43). |
| US09279983B1 |
Image cropping
Methods and systems are provided for cropping a digital image based on movement data. A wearable computing device may receive image data. The wearable computing device may comprise a head-mountable display (HMD), and the HMD may comprise a viewing frame. The image data may be displayed within the viewing frame. The wearable computing device may receive movement information indicative of at least one movement of the wearable computing device. The at least one movement of the wearable computing device may comprises at least one of a pan of the wearable computing device or a tilt of the wearable computing device. In response to receiving the movement information, the wearable computing device may perform a cropping action on the image data so as to generate a cropped image. The cropped image may represent a reduced portion of the image data. |
| US09279980B2 |
Optical device, image display apparatus and head-mounted display unit
Disclosed herein is an image display apparatus, including: a light source; and a scanning section adapted to scan a light beam emitted from the light source; the scanning section including (a) a first mirror, (b) a first light deflection section, (c) a second mirror, and (d) a second light deflection section; the second light deflection section including an external light receiving face; the second light deflection section having a plurality of translucent films provided in the inside thereof; the translucent films having a light reflectivity R2 at a wavelength of the light beam which satisfies: R2≦k×{(P2/t2)×tan(ζ2)}1/2 where k is a constant higher 0 but lower than 1, P2 an array pitch of the translucent films, t2 a thickness of the second light deflection section, and ζ2 an angle formed between the light emitting face and the translucent films. |
| US09279979B2 |
Optical scanning device and image forming apparatus
An optical scanning device includes: a common optical deflector that deflects light beams from light source devices; and a scanning optical system that focuses the deflected light beams on different scanning surfaces. All the light beams from the light source devices are incident on the optical deflector in directions oblique to a normal line of the scanning surfaces in a main-scanning cross section and to a normal line of a deflecting reflection plane of the optical deflector in a sub-scanning cross section. The scanning optical system includes individual lenses which are individually arranged for the respective light beams and have a plane shape symmetric in the main-scanning direction and satisfies a predetermined condition, and an optical axis of the individual lens is arranged obliquely to the normal line of the scanning surface in the main-scanning cross section so as to satisfy a predetermined condition. |
| US09279978B2 |
Optical module for laser beam shaking
Apparatus for uniformizing light amount distribution by shaking line beams along a longitudinal axis direction is provided. The apparatus includes a mirror mount, a mirror, an actuator, and a deformation member. The mirror fixed to the mirror mount and includes a reflective surface. The actuator is disposed at a distance from the mirror mount and configured to repeat expansion and contraction along a first direction. The deformation member includes a plurality of blocks connected to each other by flexible joints and is coupled to the actuator and the mirror mount. The deformation member is configured to change a displacement in the first direction due to operation of the actuator to a displacement in a second direction that crosses the first direction, amplify the changed displacement, and transmit the amplified displacement to the mirror mount. |
| US09279977B2 |
Compact laser projection systems and methods
An automated adaptive optics and laser projection system is described. The automated adaptive optics and laser projection system includes an adaptive optics system and a compact laser projection system with related laser guidance programming used to correct atmospheric distortion induced on light received by a telescope. Control of the automated adaptive optics and laser projection system is designed in a modular manner in order to facilitate replication of the system to be used with a variety of different telescopes. Related methods are also described. |
| US09279971B2 |
Optical modulator device and spatio-temporally light modulated imaging system
An optical modulator device (100), in particular for a spatio-temporally light modulated imaging system (200), comprises a light modulating micro-mirror device (110) comprising an array of mirror elements (111) arranged in a modulator plane (112), wherein each of the mirror elements (111) can be switched individually between first (111a) and second (111b) states with first and second tilting angles, resp., relative to a modulator optical axis (113) perpendicular to the modulator plane (112), and a first optical relaying device (120) being arranged for relaying light between the mirror elements (111) in the first (111a) state and a first optical axis (121) deviating from the modulator optical axis (113), wherein the first optical relaying device (120) includes a first group of imaging elements (122, 123, 124) being formed such that a planar light field (114) perpendicular to the modulator optical axis (113) is relayed to a first planar light field (125) perpendicular to the first optical axis (121). Furthermore, the spatio-temporally light modulated imaging system (200), in particular for confocal imaging an object (1) to be investigated, which includes the optical modulator device (100), and a method of confocal optical imaging using the imaging system (200) are described. |
| US09279963B2 |
Imaging lens
A low-cost imaging lens which corrects aberrations properly with a small F-value, ensures high performance with a larger number of constituent lenses and has a more low-profile design than before. The constituent lenses are arranged in the following order from an object side to an image side: a first lens having a convex object-side surface near an optical axis; a second lens having a convex object-side surface near the optical axis; a third lens having at least one aspheric surface; a fourth lens having at least one aspheric surface; a fifth lens as a double-sided aspheric lens; a sixth lens as a double-sided aspheric lens having a concave image-side surface near the optical axis; and a seventh lens as a double-sided aspheric lens having a concave image-side surface near the optical axis. These constituent lenses are not joined to each other. |
| US09279951B2 |
Fiber optic module for limited space applications having a partially sealed module sub-assembly
A fiber optic module having a module housing and a module sub-assembly. The module housing defines at least an interior space, at least one adapter aperture and at least one input aperture. The module sub-assembly defines at least one fiber optic cable, for example, passing through the at least one input aperture, at least one multi-fiber connector on an end of the fiber optic cable, and at least one single fiber connector on an opposite end of the fiber optic cable, the multi-fiber connector being in optical communication with the at least one single fiber connector, the multi-fiber connector capable of flexing on the at least one fiber optic cable relative to the module housing. |
| US09279939B2 |
Spot-size converter
A spot-size converter includes a cladding layer having a principal surface; a first core layer disposed on the principal surface and having a light input/output portion and a first transition portion having a width W1, the light input/output portion being coupled to the first transition portion and having a width that monotonously decreases in a first direction from the light input/output portion toward the first transition portion; and a second core layer disposed on the principal surface, the second core layer having a second transition portion and a propagation portion coupled to the second transition portion, the second transition portion having a width W2 . The first core layer has a refractive index between refractive indices of the second core layer and the cladding layer. The first transition portion and the second transition portion are disposed with a gap therebetween and optically coupled to each other. A ratio (W1/W2) of the width W1 to the width W2 monotonously decreases in the first direction. |
| US09279937B2 |
Optical interconnection for stacked integrated circuit
An optical interconnection for a stacked integrated circuit, is provided. The optical interconnection includes: an optical transmission unit disposed in a first layer and an optical receiving unit disposed in a second layer, different from the first layer, and spaced apart from the optical transmission unit by a predetermined gap. The optical transmission unit includes a first optical antenna that outputs light; the optical receiving unit includes a second optical antenna which receives light transmitted from the optical transmission unit. At least one of the first and second optical antennas includes a plurality of nanostructures configured to transmit or receive an optical signal. |
| US09279930B2 |
Light guide plate and an edge-lit backlight module of utilizing the same
A light guide plate including a light guide plate main body is disclosed. The light guide plate main body has a light emitting plane, a bottom plane opposite to the light emitting plane. According to a scanning mode, the light guide plate main body is divided into a plurality of subsections. Each of the opposite edges of each subsection has a borderline, and two adjacent subsections share a borderline. Furthermore, a plurality of first scattering dots disposed on the subsections of the light guide plate main body, and a plurality of second scattering dots disposed on the borderlines of the light guide plate main body. |
| US09279929B2 |
Backlight assembly and display device including the same
A display device includes a light guide plate which includes a light incident surface, a light exiting surface connected to the light incident surface, and an opposite surface facing the light exiting surface, a light source which faces the light incident surface and is configured to emit a light, a reflective sheet which faces the opposite surface and reflects the light, a first pattern which is unitary with the light guide plate and protruded from the opposite surface, a pressure sensitive adhesive which is on an upper surface of the reflective sheet and contacts the first pattern, and a display panel which is configured to receive the light exiting through the light exiting surface and display an image. |
| US09279924B2 |
Color filter substrate and method for producing same
Provided are: a color filter substrate that can improve the uniformity of thickness of color filters, and a method of manufacturing the color filter substrate. The method of manufacturing a color filter substrate includes: forming a plurality of photoresist films in layers on a transparent substrate; exposing said plurality of photoresist films via a photomask; forming a pattern having an opening by developing the plurality of photoresist films after exposure; and discharging ink into the opening. The photosensitivities of the plurality of photoresist films differ from each other. |
| US09279918B2 |
Gradient low index article and method
A gradient optical film and an optical construction including the gradient optical film are described. The gradient optical film includes a binder, a plurality of particles, and a plurality of interconnected voids having a local volume fraction. The local volume fraction of the plurality of interconnected voids varies along a thickness direction of the gradient optical film. The refractive index of the gradient optical film can also varies along a thickness direction of the gradient optical film, as the refractive index can also depend upon the local volume fraction of the plurality of interconnected voids. |
| US09279916B2 |
Optical element, imaging apparatus including the element, and method of manufacturing the optical element
A lens is obtained by injection molding. The lens includes a plurality of projections arranged on a surface at a pitch smaller than or equal to a predetermined value to reduce reflection of light with a wavelength equal to or greater than the pitch, and a gate mark formed on an outer periphery of the optical element in the injection molding. A peripheral portion of the surface includes a first region whose circumferential position corresponds to the gate mark, and a second region being adjacent to the first region. Axes of first projections in the first region are inclined more outward than axes of second projections in the second region. |
| US09279912B2 |
Anti-glare glass article and display system
A glass article including: at least one anti-glare surface having haze, distinctness-of-image, surface roughness, and uniformity properties, as defined herein. A method of making the article having an anti-glare surface includes, for example, forming a protective film on selected portions of at least one surface of the article; contacting the at least one surface with a liquid etchant; and removing the protective film from the surface of the article to form the anti-glare surface. A display system that incorporates the glass article, as defined herein, is also disclosed. |
| US09279910B2 |
Color shift of high LSG low emissivity coating after heat treatment
Low emissivity panels can include a protection layer of silicon nitride on a layer of ZnO on a layer of Zn2SnOx. The low emissivity panels can also include NiNbTiOx as a barrier layer. The low emissivity panels have high light to solar gain, color neutral, together with similar observable color and light transmission before and after a heat treatment process. |