Document Document Title
US09326427B2 Panel for ventilation and noise reduction and manufacturing method
A panel for ventilation and noise reduction and its manufacturing method are disclosed. A left side and a right side of the panel each include one or a plurality of ventilation holes, and a sound insulation board for sound insulation is set near each ventilation hole along an inner side of the panel, so that at least certain sound from the inner of the electronic device needs to bypass the board to pass through the ventilation holes; and the ventilation hole on the left side and the right side of the panel are opened in a staggered position, so that when the panel is placed side by side with another panel, air exhausted from a ventilation hole at an adjacent side of the panel does not form strong face-to-face blowing interference with air exhausted from a ventilation hole at an adjacent side of another panel.
US09326424B2 Heat sink assembly and method of utilizing a heat sink assembly
A heat sink assembly and a method of utilizing a heat sink assembly where the heat sink assembly is configured to dissipate air from the bottom of the heat sink assembly to the top of the heat sink assembly utilizing a plurality of vents to cool a desired electrical component.
US09326422B2 Techniques for computing device cooling using a self-pumping fluid
Techniques for computing device cooling using a self-pumping cooling fluid are described. For example, an apparatus may comprise one or more heat-generating components, a housing forming a cavity including the one or more heat-generating components, and a self-pumping cooling fluid arranged in the cavity. The self-pumping cooling fluid may comprise a slurry of microencapsulated phase change material (mPCM) particles suspended in a working fluid and arranged to circulate throughout the cavity. Other embodiments are described.
US09326420B2 Server
Embodiments of the present invention disclose a server, and relate to the field of computer communications, so that maintainability of a server is improved, a heat dissipation function of the server is ensured, and heat dissipation reliability of the server is improved through online replacement of a heat dissipation fan and a server mainboard. A server includes: a chassis, a backplane with a ventilation opening, a rear board, a first air ducting apparatus, and at least one fan module, where the backplane is located in the middle of the chassis, and the rear board is connected to a rear side of the backplane in a pluggable manner; the fan module is disposed side by side with the rear board along a horizontal direction, and is connected to the rear side of the backplane in a pluggable manner.
US09326414B2 Method and apparatus for mounting rack components on racks
The invention pertains to a system for mounting components to a rack comprising brackets that can be mounted to the rear of the rack through the opening in the front of rack before the component is inserted into the slot, which brackets fit into mating sleeves running along the sides of the components. The brackets include arms that extend forwardly towards the front of the slot. After the brackets are attached, the component can be slid into the slot from the front with the sleeves sliding over and engaging the brackets, thereby providing support for the component along a substantial portion of the depth of the component without the need to fixedly attach the component to the bracket after the component is in the rack. Accordingly, a component can be installed in a rack without the need for any access except from the front of the rack.
US09326411B2 Connection device for connecting an electronic component to a housing part and electronic controller
A connection device is provided connecting an electronic component that is arranged on a carrier to a housing part. The connection device has a first bush for receiving a first fastening unit which is used to fasten the connection device to the carrier and a second bush for receiving a second fastening unit for fastening the connection device to the housing part. The first bush is thermally insulated from the second bush. A controller has an electronic component which is arranged on the carrier and which is connected or can be connected to the housing part by use of such a connection device.
US09326409B2 Electric component
The electric component includes first and second members 30 and 40, at least one of which being used as an electric conductor. The first member includes a bus bar 31 and a resin member 32 for covering the bar and has a predetermined area where they expose to the exterior. The second member has an exposing portion where the surface of the aluminum wire 44 exposes and the exposing portion faces portions (H1, H3) where the bar 31 exposes to the exterior at the predetermined area. The first and second members are supported by a housing 10 including a resin at least having a part exposing to the exterior. In this electric component, the first member is configured such that the contact angle of the water droplet relative to the surface of the resin member 32 within the predetermined area is smaller than or equal to 70 degrees.
US09326399B2 Electrical system and sensor attachment assembly and method therefor
A sensor attachment assembly for an electrical system includes a sensor housing at least partially enclosing a sensor, and a fastening member coupled to the sensor housing and being structured to extend from one portion of the sensor housing, around a corresponding electrical conductor of the electrical system and attach to another portion of the sensor housing, in order to removably attach the sensor to the electrical conductor.
US09326395B2 Electrical connection box
An electrical connection box is provided in which a printed circuit board provided with a lateral connection-type connector is housed in a case, and a cover is attached to the case, and this electrical connection box has a novel structure in which a reduction in size and manufacturing cost can be achieved while still reliably protecting the connector. A surface mount-type connector is provided on a printed circuit board as the lateral connection-type connector, and the case and the cover are provided with incorrect-connection-prevention projection portions that, in the case where the cover is brought close to the case upside down relative to the proper orientation, prevent incorrect attachment of the cover by abutting against each other before the cover abuts against the connector.
US09326393B2 Display apparatus
A display apparatus includes a frame, a panel module and an adjusting pad. The frame has a supporting surface, and the panel module includes a substrate and a plurality of chips. The substrate is disposed on the supporting surface and has a bonding region at a side of the substrate. The chips are disposed on the bonding region, wherein the chips and the supporting surface are located at two opposite surfaces of the substrate. The adjusting pad is disposed between the supporting surface and the bonding region, and the thickness of the adjusting pad is gradually reduced from a center portion of the adjusting pad toward two sides of the adjusting pad. Another display apparatus, in which a frame and an adjusting pad are integrated into one piece, is provided.
US09326392B2 Display device
There is provided a display device comprising: a plate-type display section with a display surface; a front-surface plate placed on a front surface of the display surface; and a supporting portion for supporting the display section and the front-surface plate. The supporting portion includes a first surface adapted to support the front-surface plate, and a second surface which is formed in such a way as to rise up substantially vertically from the first surface such that the second surface faces a side surface of the display portion and, further, includes at least a rising base end portion thereof.
US09326387B2 Electrical connector and manufacturing method thereof
An electrical connector for electrically connecting a first electronic element having protruding conductive portions in the bottom thereof to a second electronic element, includes an insulating body located below the first and above the second electronic element, a conductor, a solder pad disposed on the lower surface of the insulating body, and a conducting line disposed in the insulating body and conducting the conductor and the solder pad. Upper surface of the insulating body has accommodation holes. Aperture of the accommodation hole is greater than outer diameter of the conductive portion. Wall and bottom of the accommodation holes form the conductor. The accommodation hole has low-melting point liquid metal conductor. When the conductive portion enters the accommodation hole, the liquid metal adheres to the conductive portion, and forms a conductive path between the conductive portion and the conductor. A manufacturing method of the electrical connector.
US09326376B2 Printed wiring board
A printed wiring board includes: an inner layer structure body containing at least an inner layer insulative base material composed of a glass cloth and resin which covers the glass cloth and not containing a resin insulative base material composed only of resin; outer layer wiring formed on a first face of the inner layer structure body; and a solder resist layer formed on a surface of the outer layer wiring, wherein in the inner layer structure body, an opening part is formed, and the solder resist layer is composed of a first ink part covering at least the outer layer wiring that is formed on a partial region of the first face which corresponds to the opening part and a second ink part interposing both ends of the first ink part and being lower in flexibility than the first ink part.
US09326363B2 Illumination device with wake-up function
An illumination device with wake-up and/or fall-asleep functionality is disclosed. The illumination devices comprises at least one controllable light source; a control device for controlling the light source, wherein in a steady mode, color and intensity of the output light are maintained constant at a steady color value and a steady intensity value and in a wake-up mode, the intensity of the output light is gradually increased from zero to the steady intensity value and in a fall-asleep mode, the intensity of the output light is gradually decreased from the steady intensity value to zero.
US09326361B2 Lighting apparatus
Disclosed is a lighting apparatus. The lighting apparatus includes: a control module supplying power; a heat sink receiving the control module; a light source mounted on the heat sink and connected to the control module; and a communication module including a connection terminal inserted into the heat sink and connected to the control module, and an antenna device protruding from the heat sink. Since the lighting apparatus can be controlled in a wireless scheme, a user of the lighting apparatus can easily control the lighting apparatus.
US09326342B2 Automatic input impedence control
The present disclosure is directed to an input impedance control circuit. In one embodiment, the automatic input impedance control circuit includes a circuit controller that comprises a module for calculating an impedance and a control logic module, wherein the control logic module provides a current enable signal and a current control output signal, a driver in communication with the circuit controller for receiving the current enable signal and the current control output signal, an input voltage sensing circuit in communication with the module for calculating the impedance and the control logic module and an input current sensing circuit in communication with the module for calculating the impedance.
US09326332B1 Ripple reduction in light emitting diode (LED)-based light bulb through increased ripple on an energy storage capacitor
A buck stage configured as a second stage of a lamp circuit for a light-emitting diode-based (LED-based) light bulb may reduce manufacturing costs associated with the bulb by reducing a size of a capacitor in the lamp circuit. A controller of the buck stage may adjust a duty cycle of a switch to increase a ripple, such as a voltage ripple, across the capacitor to increase accessibility of energy stored in the capacitor and decrease a ripple, such as in output current, to the LEDs.
US09326328B2 Induction cooking hob with illumination equipment
The present invention relates to an induction cooking hob with illuminating equipment. The induction cooking hob includes a panel (10) arranged at the top side of said induction cooking hob, and a chassis (12) forming a substructure of said induction cooking hob. The panel (10) comprises at least one heating zone (14). The chassis (12) comprises at least one induction coil (16). The heating zone (14) corresponds with at least one induction coil (16). The induction cooking hob includes at least one intermediate layer (18, 20) between the panel (10) and the chassis (12). The intermediate layer (18) comprises a plurality of cut-outs (22) arranged according to a predetermined pattern within the heating zone (14). The chassis (12) comprises at least one light emitting diode (24) arranged in a central portion of the induction coil (16).
US09326326B2 Comfort bathtub with heated wall portions
A comfort bathtub has at least one heated wall portion which is comprised by a composite pliable heat generating envelope integrated with the wall portion. The heat generating envelope has a heated mesh sandwiched between a pair of protection film sheets bonded together about the heated mesh to isolate the heated mesh from molded material of the bathtub. The composite pliable envelope has electrical connections secured to a power supply. A temperature sensor is in communication with the envelope for sensing the temperature thereof. A voltage regulator controls the power supply through a control circuit to regulate the heat generated by the heated mesh. The composite pliable envelope is configured to heat a discrete wall portion of the bathtub to provide a discrete external heated surface of the bathtub.
US09326325B2 Towel warmer
A towel warmer is provided that has a frame assembly and one or more heating fabric sleeves affixed to the frame assembly. The heating fabric sleeves have electric heating wires that when connected to an electrical power supply to produce a more uniform heat transfer to a contacting article such as a towel than a conventional towel warmer. A thermostat is optionally provided to moderate sleeve temperature. Additionally, a controller is optionally provided to adjust operating parameters of the thermostat. A kit is also provided that includes the towel warmer partially disassembled and instructions for assembly of the frame assembly and attaching the one or more heating fabric sleeves to the frame assembly.
US09326317B2 Detecting delimiters for low-overhead communication in a network
A waveform communicated from a first station to a second station over a shared medium may include at least the first symbol comprising a first set of frequency components at predetermined carrier frequencies modulated with preamble information and a second set of frequency components at predetermined carrier frequencies modulated with frame control information. The first symbol may comprise a single symbol delimiter.
US09326312B2 Mobile terminated call improvements
In one aspect, a method for a packet gateway node (PGW) is disclosed. The PGW being adapted for (a) communicating with at least a serving gateway node, SOW, (b) receiving and forwarding downlink data packets to a user entity, UE, and (c) communicating with a mobility management entity, MME. In one embodiment, the method comprises: the PGW, when receiving a downlink user plane data packet destined for the UE on a Packet Data Network, PDN, connection associated with a restarted SGW, determining if the PDN connection has not yet been relocated to a new SGW, and, if so, selecting at least one SGW from a set of SGWs including the restarted SGW or another SGW and transmitting a control plane signal to at least one of the selected SGWs, the control plane signal identifying at least the UE.
US09326311B2 Managing connection retries due to access class barring
In some implementations, a method includes receiving a connection request from a user application. A service request is sent to a radio resource control (RRC) module. An indication of failure of or a rejection to the service request due to access class barring is received from the RRC module. A retry of the user application connection request is prevented until expiration of an access-class-barring timer of the RRC module that resulted in the access class barring.
US09326297B1 Methods, systems, and computer program products for providing a rapidly self-organizing cellular communications network
Methods and systems are described for providing a rapidly self-organizing cellular communications network. In one aspect, scheduling information is received for at least one mobile device previously scheduled for communication in a first cell of a cellular communications network, the scheduling information corresponding to a scheduling decision made for the first cell without the knowledge of scheduling decisions made for a second cell adjacent to the first cell. At least one parameter is determined, based on the received scheduling information, for communications in the second cell that improves performance of the first cell. Communications with mobile devices served by the second cell are adjusted based on the determined at least one parameter.
US09326290B2 Resource scheduling method, apparatus and base station
Disclosed are a resource scheduling method, apparatus and base station for reducing the signaling overhead of the downlink control channel instruction in uplink and downlink data transmission. The method comprises: configuring semi-persistent scheduling parameters for a user equipment (UE) when the cell of the UE is determined to be an interference limited cell and a semi-persistent scheduling mechanism needs to be set for the UE; allocating semi-persistent scheduling resources to the UE for transmitting service data according to the semi-persistent scheduling parameters when the UE is determined to be in need of a semi-persistent scheduling mechanism for transmitting the service data of access services; sending the resource scheduling information of the semi-persistent scheduling resources to the UE over the downlink control channel of the UE. The technical solution provided in the present application reduces the signaling overhead of the downlink control channel instruction during data transmission, reduces inter-cell interference of the downlink control channel, and improves the reception capability of the downlink control channel, quality of service (QoS) and cell spectrum efficiency.
US09326289B2 Method and apparatus for power control in a radio communication system
Power control in a communication system (100) employing a Downlink Shared Control Channel (DSCH) and a Forward Access Control Channel (FACH) is described. The method includes, applying power control on the Downlink Shared Control Channel; deriving power control information from the power control on the Downlink Shared Control Channel; and applying to the Forward Access Control Channel the derived power control information from the power control on the Downlink Shared Control Channel in order to produce power control on the Forward Access Control Channel. The power control of the Forward Access Control Channel may be implemented by scheduling data in response to the derived power control information.
US09326284B2 Methods and apparatus for providing communications with use of first and second RF transceiver modules
A method of communicating using first and second radio frequency (RF) transceiver modules of a communication device involves reserving selected timeslots for a wireless communication link of a first RF transceiver module; communicating data via the second RF transceiver module during the selected reserved timeslots; and simultaneously communicating data via the first RF transceiver module during remaining unreserved timeslots of the wireless communication link.
US09326279B2 Radio base station apparatus, terminal and radio communication method
The present invention is designed to provide a radio base station apparatus which can acquire CSI reports at appropriate times, and which can trigger CSI reports effectively. The radio base station apparatus of the present invention has: a PDCCH signal generating section (211) that generates a downlink allocation signal for receiving and decoding downlink transmission data, the downlink allocation signal including a report request bit for triggering reporting of channel information aperiodically; a transmission section that transmits a downlink signal including a downlink control channel where the downlink allocation signal is mapped; and a receiving section that receives an uplink signal which includes the reporting of channel information from a terminal triggered by the report request bit, via the uplink.
US09326276B2 Wireless communication system, base station apparatus, mobile station apparatus, wireless communication method, and integrated circuit
A mobile station apparatus performs an efficient random access procedure. A base station apparatus includes all parameters of random access information in setting information regarding at least one of a plurality of cells and part of the parameters of the random access information in setting information regarding at least one of the plurality of cells and transmits the setting information to the mobile station apparatus. The mobile station apparatus executes the random access procedure for the cells for which the random access information is included in the transmitted setting information.
US09326271B2 Method and device for data transmission based on carrier aggregation (CA) technology
The present invention discloses a method and device for data transmission based on carrier aggregation (CA) technology. The method and device are used for ensuring that user equipments can work normally, when the multiple cells aggregated from the user equipments supporting CA technology have different time division duplex (TDD) uplink/downlink (UL/DL) configurations. The method includes: a base station configures at least two time division duplex uplink/downlink carrier TDD UL/DL configuration collections for the user equipments, wherein each TDD UL/DL configuration collection includes at least one cell; the base station respectively configures one cell in each TDD UL/DL configuration collection to be an especial cell (Ecell).
US09326267B1 Communication device
The communication device comprising a voice communication implementer, a caller's phone number displaying implementer, and an area dependent notice type changing implementer.
US09326262B2 Frequency correction in a multi-carrier communication system
Methods and systems for correction of frequency errors in multi-carrier communication systems. The composite frequency error associated with the downlink signals are used to infer or derive the composite frequency error associated with the uplink signals, which are used to pre-compensate the uplink signals. Special signal components are transmitted by multiple base stations to facilitate frequency-error estimation and other system control functionalities at a mobile device. The mobile device carries out temporal, spatial, or spatial-temporal processing of the composite frequency errors associated with one or more base stations to determine the clock frequency error and the Doppler shift with respect to its serving base station.
US09326257B2 System and method for optimizing channel characteristics when initializing links between cognitive radios in a shared spectrum environment
Systems and methods to facilitate acquisition of specific operating parameters by a spoke radio device via a hub radio device while the hub radio device operates using specific operating parameters and the spoke radio device operates using generic operating parameters. The spoke radio device may acquire the generic operating parameters from a beacon broadcast by the hub radio device. If a link between a hub radio device and a spoke radio device cannot be satisfactorily established and maintained using the specific and generic operating parameters, respectively, then the hub radio device may use alternative channels and/or reduce its operational area to attempt to converge specific and generic transmit power levels for improved link establishment.
US09326255B2 Method, apparatus and system for interference management
Disclosed in the present invention are a method, an apparatus and a system for interference management. In the embodiments of the present invention, a Home NodeB (HNB) registers in a macro cell in advance, so that a NodeB Controller (NBC) knows the information of a potential interference source HNB beforehand. Thus simply through a normal measurement and a report subsequently performed by a terminal, an interference source HNB can be found easily, and an interference management of the interference source HNB also can be performed. The solution can avoid the situation in the prior art that the interference management is performed necessarily with a cell identity of the interference source HNB obtained by the terminal. With the application of the solution, the interference management to the HNB can be performed timely and effectively and the interference experienced by the terminal from the HNB is reduced.
US09326252B2 Methods and devices for boosting transmission power of a signal in a wireless communications system
A method for transmitting a signal in a wireless communications network includes calculating, by a network element, first and second average powers. The first average power is associated with a first time period of a downlink transmission between a transmitter associated with the network element and at least one user, and the second average power is associated with a second time period of the downlink transmission. The method includes transmitting, by the transmitter, the signal at one of a rated transmission power and a boosted transmission power based on a first threshold value associated with the first average power and a second threshold value associated with the second average power. The rated transmission power is less than or equal to a long-term average power limit associated with a power amplifier of the transmitter, and the boosted transmission is greater than the rated power.
US09326242B1 Reducing power consumption on location reference devices
A device may request location information for a location reference device (LRD); receive, based on the request, the location information for the LRD via a cellular network connection; transmit, via the cellular network, an instruction to direct the LRD to activate a non-cellular radio on the LRD; receive wireless signals outputted via the non-cellular radio; determine a distance between the user device and the LRD based on a strength of the wireless signals received by the user device; and audibly or visually indicate, by the user device, the determined distance between the user device and the LRD.
US09326237B2 Method, apparatus and computer program product providing performance and energy optimization for mobile computing
A mobile device includes a computer-readable medium storing computer program instructions, a data processor to execute the instructions, and communication circuitry configured for local area wireless connectivity with neighboring mobile devices and for wireless connectivity to a remote server from which at least a portion of a data set is downloaded. Execution of the computer program instructions results in estimating a cost to perform a computation task on the data set. If the estimated cost is greater than a threshold cost, an ad-hoc wireless network is formed with at least one other mobile device and the mobile device downloads a portion of the data set assigned to the mobile device. The mobile device then performs a computation task on the downloaded portion of the data set and wirelessly transfers a result of the computation task to the at least one other mobile device of the ad-hoc wireless network.
US09326235B1 Method and apparatus for wireless arbiter power saving
A circuit processes requests to access an antenna, the requests from a plurality of wireless communication protocols components including (i) a first wireless communication protocol component and (ii) a second wireless communication protocol component. The circuit causes a switch to provide the second wireless communication component with access to the antenna while the circuit is in a power saving mode of operation, and, upon the circuit exiting the power saving mode of operation, determines whether the second wireless communication component is utilizing the antenna. The circuit, upon the circuit exiting the power saving mode of operation, applies a first set of arbitration rules when it is determined that the second wireless communication component is utilizing the antenna, and, upon the circuit exiting the power saving mode of operation, applies a second set of arbitration rules when it is determined that the second wireless communication component is not utilizing the antenna.
US09326234B2 Sub-1GHZ group power save
Methods and systems are disclosed for reduced power consumption in communication networks, including sensor networks implemented according to IEEE 802.11ah, by organizing stations into groups having long sleep periods. By organizing the stations of the network into groups, the access point can match each group's traffic identification map with its target beacon transmit time. One embodiment organizes the stations sequentially by AID numbers. Other embodiments organize the stations by similar power save requirements and/or nearby geographical location. Forms of an Extended Traffic Identification Map are matched with an awaken Target Beacon Transmit Time of the group.
US09326225B2 Method of providing communication over a mobile communication network
The present invention concerns a method of providing communication over a mobile communication network (1) and components for providing communication over the communication network (1). The network (1) includes two or more fixed nodes (2a, 2b) each operating a fixed radio cell (3a, 3b) for serving one or more user equipments (4) via a first radio interface (5a, 5b). Each of these fixed radio cells (3a, 3b) is identified by a physical cell ID (6a, 6b) selected out of a set of N physical cell IDs. In addition, the network (1) includes one or more mobile relay nodes (7) served by the one or more fixed nodes (2a, 2b) via a second radio interface (8a, 8b). The mobile relay nodes (7) each operate a mobile radio cell (9) for serving one or more user equipments (4) via a third radio interface (10). Each of these mobile radio cells (9) is identified by a physical cell ID (6c) selected out of the set of N physical cell IDs. The method includes the step of dynamically assigning a physical cell ID (6c) of the set of N physical cell IDs to the one or more mobile radio cells (9).
US09326222B2 Methods and apparatus for improving a NFCEE discovery process
Aspects disclosed herein relate to providing a mechanism by which an NFCC can provide a DH with sufficient information to begin RF Discovery on behalf of a NFCEE. In one example, with a NFC device a DH may be configured to receive a discovery request notification from a NFCC indicating a NFCEE is requesting that the DH perform a discovery process. The discovery request notification may include information formatted to simplify the creation of a RF discovery command. The DH may further be configured to determine whether to generate the RF discovery command using the information included in the discovery request notification, generate the DH based discover command using the information included in the discovery request notification upon a determination to include the received information, and transmit the RF discovery command to the NFCC.
US09326215B2 Method for performing handover procedure and creating data
A method is described of performing handover by a mobile terminal from a source base station to a target base station, the mobile terminal having a Radio Resource Control (RRC) layer and a Radio Link Control (RLC) layer. The RRC layer receives a handover command. The RLC layer receives an indication associated with the handover command. Upon receiving the indication, at least one RLC service data unit (SDU) from at least one protocol data unit (PDU) having a sequence number that is less than a variable is reassembled. The variable indicates a sequence number following a highest sequence number among at least one PDU received out of sequence by the RLC layer. The reassembled at least one RLC SDU is delivered to an upper layer of the mobile terminal, and at least one remaining PDU that could not be reassembled into at least one RLC SDU is discarded.
US09326214B1 Managing a handover of a wireless device
In systems and methods of managing a handover of a wireless device, it is determined that a modulation and coding scheme (MCS) assigned to a wireless device operating on a first frequency band meets an MCS threshold. An instruction is sent to the wireless device to determine a signal level of a second frequency band when the MCS meets the MCS threshold. When the signal level of the second frequency band meets a signal level threshold, a handover is performed of the wireless device from the first frequency band to the second frequency band.
US09326213B2 Adaptation of handover parameters
Handover parameter settings are automatically adapted in access points in a system to improve handover performance. Reactive detection techniques are employed for identifying different types of handover-related failures and adapting handover parameters based on this detection. Messaging schemes are also employed for providing handover-related information to access points. Proactive detection techniques also may be used for identifying conditions that may lead to handover-related failures and then adapting handover parameters in an attempt to prevent such handover-related failures. Ping-ponging may be mitigated by adapting handover parameters based on analysis of access terminal visited cell history acquired by access points in the system. In addition, configurable parameters (e.g., timer values) may be used to detect handover-related failures.
US09326206B1 Wireless communication device control of wireless communication access systems
A wireless communication device displays network names and accounting names and responsively receives user inputs indicating user-priority for network names and accounting names. The device wirelessly attaches to a first one of the wireless access systems having a first one of network names and a first one of System Identifiers (SIDs) and responsively receives network data characterizing SIDs and BIDs (Billing Identifiers). The device processes the network data characterizing SIDs and BIDs in combination with user-priority for network names and accounting names to determine a second one of SIDs for a second one of the wireless access systems. The device wirelessly attaches to the second one of the wireless access systems having the second one of SIDs, displays the second one of the network names for the second one of the wireless access systems, and wirelessly exchanges user data with the second one of the wireless access systems.
US09326202B2 Method and system for the common management of communication resources in a telecommunications network having distinct communication resources pools
A method of providing, in a telecommunications network including at least a first and a second set of communication resources, a service to users in a condition of being provided said service both by the first set of communication resources and by the second set of communication resources. The method includes the steps of: upon receipt, through the first set of communication resources, of a service request related to the service from a user, attempting to redirect the service request to the second set of communication resources; and if the attempt succeeds, provisioning the service to the user by the second set of communication resources. The attempt to redirect the service request includes identifying a communication resource among the second set of communication resources, by either considering or not communication resources of the second set as candidates for the service request redirection based on a history criterion that takes into account an observation of the outcome of past redirection attempts.
US09326195B2 Reducing communication silence when performing inter-technology handoff
To perform an inter-technology handoff, an indicator in a service request message is received by a mobile switching center (MSC). The indicator is to indicate to the MSC that an inter-technology handoff from a packet-data wireless access network to a circuit wireless access network has been requested. The behavior of the MSC is modified in response to the indicator to reduce the communication silence during the inter-technology handoff.
US09326194B2 Method and apparatus for setup of a circuit switched call during circuit switched fallback
A method, at a user equipment (‘UE’), the method: sending a request to a first network for Circuit Switched Fallback (‘CSFB’); receiving, responsive to the request, redirection information; acquiring a second network based on the redirection information; initiating establishment of Circuit Switched (‘CS’) voice radio bearers with the second network; waiting for a predetermined event to occur; after the predetermined event has occurred, establishing a Packet Switched (‘PS’) connection with the second network. Further, a method, at a network element, the method receiving a request for Circuit Switched Fallback (‘CSFB’) from a user equipment (‘UE’); sending, to the UE, redirection information; receiving a Routing Area Update (‘RAU’) message from the UE; waiting for a predetermined event to occur; upon the predetermined event occurring, responding to the RAU message.
US09326184B2 Policy and charging control for multiple sub-flows
A policy control method, a related device and a policy and charging control system in a mobile communication system. The policy control method includes: obtaining description information of two or more sub-flows, wherein the two or more sub-flows belong to a same application; respectively generating policy and charging control PCC rules for the two or more sub-flows according to the description information of the two or more sub-flows; and transmitting at least one generated PCC rule to a PCEF entity or a bearing binding and event report function BBERF entity, so as to perform policy control for the sub-flows by the PCEF entity or the BBERF entity. With the method, device and system according to embodiments of the present invention, a network side entity of the 3GPP network learns that the same application includes multiple sub-flows, and learns the description information of each sub-flow.
US09326179B2 Mobile communications system, infrastructure equipment, base station and method
A mobile communications system includes one or more mobile communications terminals and a mobile communications network including a radio network having one or more base stations communicating data to/from the mobile communications terminals. The radio network can provide low and high bandwidth communications interfaces formed from respective low and high bandwidth carriers for one or more of the communications terminals to communicate data to/from the mobile communications network with relatively low or high bandwidths. The mobile communications network includes a load balancing entity configured to monitor data communicated by the communications terminals to/from the low and high bandwidth interfaces, and upon first predetermined conditions being satisfied, to command one of the communications terminals attached for communication to the high bandwidth interface to detach from the high bandwidth interface and to re-attach to the low bandwidth interface for communicating the data to/from the mobile communications network via the low bandwidth network.
US09326178B2 Method for measuring and reporting CSI-RS in wireless communication system, and apparatus for supporting same
Provided is a method for measuring and reporting a channel state information-reference signal (CSI-RS) by a terminal in a wireless communication system. The method involves receiving a CSI-RS configuration from a network, the CSI-RS configuration including information indicating a plurality of CSI-RS resources that is an object to be measured, measuring the plurality of CSI-RS resources in order to acquire a plurality of CSI-RS measurement results, determining whether or not to report the CSI-RS measurement results, and transmitting a measurement report message to the network. The measurement report message includes a specific number of CSI-RS measurement results having a higher level of quality from among the plurality of CSI-RS measurement results.
US09326174B1 Spectral stitching method to increase instantaneous bandwidth in vector signal analyzers
Various embodiments are described of devices and associated methods for processing a signal using a plurality of vector signal analyzers (VSAs). An input signal may be split and provided to a plurality of VSAs, each of which may process a respective frequency band of the signal, where the respective frequency bands have regions of overlap. Each VSA may adjust the gain and phase of its respective signal such that continuity of phase and magnitude is preserved through the regions of overlap. The correction of gain and phase may be accomplished by a complex multiply with a complex calibration constant. A complex calibration constant may be determined for each VSA by comparing the gain and phase of one or more calibration tones generated with each region of overlap, as measured by each of the VSAs.
US09326172B2 Uplink transmission power determining method and user equipment
Embodiments of the present invention provide an uplink transmission power determining method and a user equipment. A user equipment determines a transmission situation of at least one of: a PUCCH, a PUSCH, and an SRS on another cell except a secondary cell in a subframe corresponding to a preamble to be transmitted on the secondary cell, so that the user equipment can determine an uplink transmission power of the user equipment according to the determined transmission situation, thereby solving a problem that it is not provided in the prior art that how a user equipment determines an uplink transmission power of the user equipment when random access is executed through a secondary cell.
US09326168B2 Performing inter-frequency measurements in a mobile network
Methods, apparatus and articles of manufacture for performing inter-frequency measurements in a mobile network are disclosed. Example methods disclosed herein include a mobile station receiving, from a network, one or more lists specifying a set of frequencies for which measurements are to be performed. Such example methods also include the mobile station varying a rate at which the measurements are to be performed for a first frequency of the set of frequencies based on a number of frequencies for which the measurements are to be performed.
US09326167B2 Radio link failure report filtering
Embodiments of the invention include a method for collecting RLF data in a wireless network. The method may include receiving, by a first radio access node, RLF data related to a connection failure experienced by a UE. The method may then include determining whether the RLF data satisfies at least one condition and, when it is determined that the RLF data satisfies the at least one condition, sending the RLF data to at least one of a second radio access node and an RLF data collection entity. In one embodiment, the RLF data may be received from a second radio access node or the UE.
US09326165B2 Method, device, radio network controller and chip for improving network quality
Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a method, device, radio network controller and chip for improving network quality. A signal of a user in a serving cell, detected by the same-frequency cell adjacent to the serving cell, is combined with a signal detected by the serving cell using a MCJD technology, so as to improve the signal quality of the user in the serving cell. The method of the present disclosure comprises: obtaining a first signal which belongs to a user terminal of a first cell and is detected by a base station of at least one second cell; combining the first signal with a second signal of the user terminal detected by a base station of the first cell to obtain a third signal; sending the third signal to a radio network controller. Therefore, the signal quality of the user in the first cell can be improved.
US09326163B2 Methods and systems for reducing interference in networks
At least one example embodiment discloses a method of controlling interference between a plurality of user equipments (UEs) in a network including a plurality of cells, each of the cells being at least one of a serving cell and neighboring cell. The method includes obtaining first path loss data of communications between the UEs and serving cells and second path loss data of communications between the UEs and neighboring cells, determining first parameters and nominal power parameters for the plurality of cells, respectively, based on the first path loss data and the second path loss data and determining nominal interferences for the plurality of cells, respectively, based on the respective first parameter and nominal power parameter.
US09326160B2 Sharing electromagnetic-signal measurements for providing feedback about transmit-path signal quality
A technique is discloses that enables a first telecommunications terminal, wireless or otherwise, to report to its user whether a second, wireless telecommunications terminal is receiving the first terminal's packet stream transmissions at a satisfactory quality level. The second terminal receives the packet stream that conveys the media waveform transmitted by the first terminal. The media waveform can be that of the speech signal of the first terminal's user. The second terminal measures a trait of the received signal and encodes the measurement data into the packet stream that the second terminal is already transmitting to the first terminal. The first terminal then decodes the measurement data from the received second stream and presents, to its user, a quality indication that is based on the measurement data. In doing so, the first terminal provides its user with a better idea of whether the second terminal has reliably received the user's communication.
US09326158B2 Method and apparatus for communicating with extended range in a wireless network
Techniques for supporting communication over an extended range in a wireless network are disclosed. In one aspect, a station sends multiple messages of a given type for different operating modes. These messages can be detected by stations with different capabilities, which may avoid collisions between stations. In one design, a first station receives a Request-to-Send (RTS) message from a second station having data to send. The first station sends a first Clear-to-Send (CTS) message and also a second CTS message in response to the RTS message. The second CTS message has an extended range as compared to the first CTS message. The first station thereafter (i) receives data sent by the second station in response to the second CTS message and (ii) sends an acknowledgement having an extended range.
US09326144B2 Restricting broadcast and multicast traffic in a wireless network to a VLAN
Traffic broadcast to a VLAN is restricted. To do so, a plurality of stations are associated with a BSSID (basic service set identifier). A first VLAN is configured by sending a first group key to each station from the plurality of stations that is a member of the first VLAN, wherein each VLAN is associated with a unique group key. One or more frames addressed to the first VLAN are received. The one or more frames are encrypted with the first group key to prevent stations without the first group key from being able to decrypt the one or more frames. The one or more encrypted VLAN frames are broadcast to the plurality of stations associated with the BSSID.
US09326143B2 Authentication via motion of wireless device movement
Motion of a wireless device is pre-registered as authentication credentials, then later matched, to provide motion-based authentication for access to software, service, etc. The wireless device may contain any number of gyroscopic, distance, positional or compass sensors—any or all of which are measured during a physical gesture or motion or the wireless device while the user is holding the wireless device. Recorded measurements of the specific motion then identifies the authorized user. If measurements of an attempted motion suitably matches the pre-registered and valid authentication credentials for the service or device, then the motioned wireless device is authenticated for use by the user. Such motion is difficult, if not impossible, for a user to pass on to another individual—even if they wanted to, making it the ultimate security technique.
US09326135B2 Method and apparatus for secure communication in a digital two way radio protocol
A method and apparatus for secure communication in a digital two way radio protocol is disclosed herein. The method includes the step of, at an originating radio, generating at least one control value (505). The method further includes the step of generating an encryption key based on the at least one control value and a personal identification code at the originating radio (510). The method further includes the steps of encrypting data traffic with the encryption key to provide encrypted data traffic at the originating radio (515), transmitting the at least one control value to at least one target radio (525), and transmitting the encrypted data traffic to the at least one target radio (530).
US09326134B2 Data loss prevention for mobile computing devices
System calls to a kernel of a mobile computing device are monitored. A particular system call is intercepted relating to input/output (I/O) functionality of the mobile computing device. A data loss prevention (DLP) policy is identified that is applicable to the particular system call. An action is performed on the particular system call based at least in part on the DLP policy.
US09326132B2 Method for retrieving content by a wireless communication device having first and second radio access interfaces, wireless communication device and communication system
In a wireless communication device having a first and a second radio access interface for respectively communicating with a first and a second access network, a method for retrieving content comprises receiving a request for retrieval of content from a remote server and retrieving a first part of the requested content over a first radio access technology connection. When the retrieval of the first part is determined not to meet a required QoS threshold, the second radio access interface is activated. A next part of the requested content to be retrieved is divided into a first portion for retrieval over the first radio access technology connection and a second portion for retrieval over a second radio access technology connection such that retrieval of the first and second portions are estimated to meet the required QoS threshold, and are retrieved over the first and second radio access technology connections, respectively.
US09326124B2 Method and apparatus for informing a radio access network of a selected core network from user equipment in a network sharing system
A method of informing a selected CN operator from a UE to a RAN in an NS system where a plurality of CN operators shares the RAN is provided. Upon request of transmission of an IDT, the UE acquires a CN operator ID selected from a multi-ID list broadcasted from a cell in which an RRC connection has been established, and transmits an IDT message with the selected CN operator ID to the RAN. Upon receipt of the IDT message, the RAN determines whether the IDT message includes a selected CN operator ID. In the presence of the selected CN operator ID, the RAN stores the selected CN operator ID in a UE context. In the absence of the selected CN operator ID, the RAN reads a stored selected CN operator ID from the UE context. The RAN then selects a CN operator using the selected CN operator ID.
US09326119B2 Communications between a mobile device and vehicle based computer
Communications between a mobile phone and a vehicle based computer in a vehicle is disclosed. Contact information and a text message, received over a cellular network, may be provided by the mobile phone to the vehicle based computer. The text message may be subsequently displayed on a display in the vehicle.
US09326115B2 Information processing system, information processing method, mobile phone, server, and control method and control program thereof
A system of this invention is directed to an information processing system that connects a mobile phone to an output device, and easily outputs data in a format processable by the output device. The information processing system includes a mobile phone, and a server. The mobile phone includes a determiner that, when an output device is connected via a communication interface, recognizes the output device and determines whether the mobile phone can output data in a format processable by the output device, a requester that, when the determiner determines that the mobile phone cannot output data processable by the output device, transmits a request to the server connected via a wireless communication network to supply the data in the format processable by the output device, a receiver that receives the data provided by the server, and a transmitter that transmits the data received by the receiver to the output device via the communication interface. The server transmits the data in the format processable by the output device to the mobile phone in response to the request from the requester.
US09326107B2 Telecommunications apparatus and methods
Methods and apparatus for transmitting data to terminal devices in a wireless telecommunications system. The data may be user-plane data associated with a repeating Multimedia Broadcast/Multicast Services (MBMS) session to be transmitted using MBMS over a Single Frequency Network (MBSFN) in a network including at least one relay node supported by a donor base station. The scheme includes delivering the data from the base station to the relay node in advance of a scheduled transmission to terminal devices at a first time, and transmitting the data from the relay node to a terminal device at the first time. The relay node is further configured to store the data in a cache. The relay node may then retrieve the data from the cache in advance of a scheduled transmission to terminal devices at a second time, and transmit the retrieved data to a terminal device at the second time.
US09326101B2 Method and system for an internet protocol LNB supporting positioning
An Internet protocol low noise block downconverter (IP LNB) assembly, which may be within a satellite reception assembly, may be operable to determine location information and/or time information of the IP LNB assembly, such as via a global navigation satellite system (GNSS) module in the IP LNB assembly. The IP LNB assembly may provide services based on the determined location information and/or the determined time information of the IP LNB assembly. The IP LNB assembly may communicate the determined location information and/or the determined time information to a wireless communication device for determining location information of the wireless communication device. The IP LNB assembly may determine location information of a wireless source device based on a signal received from the wireless source device, the determined location information and the determined time information of the IP LNB assembly.
US09326100B2 Simple and reliable home location identification method and apparatus
A method of detecting a home location first determines a location of a vehicle using either a WI-FI signal or a navigation system. A distance between the vehicle and the home location is determined followed by determining whether the distance between the vehicle and the home location is greater than a transmission range of a wireless device controller. If the distance between the location of the vehicle and the home location is less than the transmission range of the wireless device controller, an indication is provided in the vehicle to a vehicle occupant that the wireless device controller is within its transmission range of the home location.
US09326090B2 Method and system for broadband near-field communication utilizing full spectrum capture (FSC) supporting screen and application sharing
A wireless communication device (WCD) establishes an ad-hoc communication link with a second WCD within operating range. A replica of at least a portion of a display of the first WCD may be shared with the second WCD utilizing wireless broadband signals that are communicated via the established one or more ad-hoc communication links. The first WCD and the second WCD are operable to communicate the wireless broadband signals at a power level that is below a spurious emissions mask. The transmitted wireless broadband signals are spread so they occupy a designated frequency spectrum band. The shared replica of at least a portion of the display of the first WCD includes one or more applications, text, video and/or data content. A user of the first WCD may interact with content that is displayed on a display of the second WCD and vice-versa.
US09326088B2 Mobile voice platform architecture with remote service interfaces
A mobile voice platform for providing a user speech interface to computer-based services includes a mobile device having a processor, communication circuitry that provides access to the computer-based services, an operating system, and one or more applications that are run using the operating system and that utilize one or more of the computer-based services via the communication circuitry. The mobile voice platform includes at least one non-transient digital storage medium storing a program module having computer instructions that, upon execution by the processor, receives speech recognition results representing user speech that has been processed using automated speech recognition, determines a desired computer-based service based on the speech recognition results, accesses a remotely-stored service interface associated with the desired service, initiates the desired service using the service interface, receives a service result from the desired service, and provides a text-based service response for conversion to a speech response to be provided to the user.
US09326087B2 Sound augmentation system performance health monitoring
A vehicle system is provided that includes a sound augmentation system with a sound augmentation generator that produces an augmented audio output to drive at least one audio output based on a transfer function and a plurality of audio tuning parameters. The vehicle system also includes a sound augmentation system health monitor that compares a feedback of the augmented audio output to a level of at least one input relative to at least one environmental condition to determine a current performance level of the sound augmentation system. The sound augmentation system health monitor also determines a difference between the current performance level of the sound augmentation system and at least one performance threshold level, and initiates an alert upon determining that the difference is at a predetermined level.
US09326085B2 Device and method for generating an ambience signal
A transient detector is provided for generating an ambience signal suitable for being emitted via loudspeakers for which there is no special loudspeaker signal to detect a transient period. A synthesis signal generator produces a synthesis signal which fulfills the transient condition on the one hand and the continuity condition for the synthesis signal on the other hand. A signal substituter will then substitute a portion of the examination signal by the synthesis signal to obtain an ambience signal for the surround channels.
US09326081B2 Microphone, acoustic sensor, and method of manufacturing acoustic sensor
A microphone has a package, and an acoustic sensor, an under surface of which is fixed to an inner face of the package. The acoustic sensor has a substrate having a plurality of hollows penetrating the substrate from a top surface to an under surface, and a capacitor structure made by a movable electrode plate and a fixed electrode plate disposed above each of the hollows. A package sound hole is opened in the package in a position opposed to the under surface of the acoustic sensor. A dent which is communicated with each of the hollows and open below the under surface side of the substrate is formed below the under surface of the substrate. A height of the dent measured from the under surface of the substrate is equal to or less than half of a height of the hollow.
US09326067B2 Multiplexing audio system and method
A method and system for multiplexing audio signals into a single channel uses frequency division multiplexing. The frequency division multiplexing method herein is based on a frequency transform algorithm using FFT shifting that does not require a carrier signal for the modulation. In one embodiment, two input microphone audio signals are frequency shifted and the resulting single audio channel is directed over a standard input connection to a computing device, for instance, a smart phone using a wired TRRS connection. The TRRS analog input of the computing devices exhibits a high-pass characteristic, and the frequency shifting method enables the low frequency audio components of input audio signals to be received and processed by a software application on the smart phone. Other embodiments are disclosed.
US09326059B2 Inflatable bubble
An ear device having a bubble for placement approximate a user's ear canal and capable of inflation and deflation. An inflation tube for delivering inflating air to the bubble during inflation of the bubble and an inflation source, such as a diaphonic valve, cause the bubble to extend automatically into the user's ear canal during inflation and retract from the user's ear canal during deflation. The bubble is substantially cylindrical and is comprised of a plurality of adjacently adjoined inflatable chambers. The bubble may also comprise at least one non-inflatable section interspersed therein. Where the ear device is used to convey sound to the user's ear, the device includes a sound tube positioned within the cylindrical bubble. At least one resilient member attached to a portion of the bubble, which may be a non-inflatable section of the bubble, is used to retract the bubble automatically. The ear device, equipped with a cerumen removing mechanism, may be used to clean a user's ear canal as well.
US09326056B2 Receptacle for low-voltage electronic devices
A low-voltage electronic device receptacle may include a back wall, one or more side walls extending from the back wall, and a flange extending outward from the one or more side walls, wherein the back wall includes a forwardly-extending generally convex protrusion making up greater than 10% of the back wall. An enclosure for installing a speaker in a building structure having first and second support members and an outer layer may include a receptacle including a back wall, one or more side walls, and a flange extending outwardly from the one or more side walls, wherein the receptacle may be positioned between the first and second support members, the back wall includes a generally convex protrusion extending toward the outer layer, and the speaker may be mounted to the outer layer and a portion of the speaker may deflect at least a portion of the protrusion away from the outer layer.
US09326054B2 Sound transducer acoustic back cavity system
An apparatus including a housing member and an airflow spreader. The housing member includes an acoustic back cavity for a sound transducer and at least two second cavities in the housing member spaced from the acoustic back cavity. The airflow spreader is connected to the housing member. The airflow spreader includes a conduit system connecting the acoustic back cavity directly with each of the at least two second cavities through the airflow spreader.
US09326050B2 Wavelength selective switch and method of manufacturing same
An light input/output unit has at least three first ports, including a first input port for inputting light and a first output port for outputting light; at least three second ports, including a second input port for inputting light and a second output port for outputting light; and an alignment port for inputting and outputting alignment light. An optical axis of the input/output light of the first port and an optical axis of the input/output light of the second port differ from each other. The dispersive element changes the optical axes of input/output lights of the first and second ports by an angle corresponding to a wavelength. The light deflective element has a first part for directing the light from the first input port to the first output port and a second part for directing the light from the second input port to the second output port.
US09326043B2 System and method for engagement and distribution of media content
Disclosed is a system and method for distributing media content including an engagement system, the engagement system including at least one advertisement server, the at least one advertisement server including at least one memory and at least one processor, a content system, the content system including at least one memory and at least one processor, and a user system, the user system being communicatively connected to the engagement system and content system, and the user system configured to receive at least one ad stamp from at least one of the engagement system and the content system.
US09326041B2 Managing quality of experience for media transmissions
A computer-implemented method, computer program product, and computing system is provided for quality of experience for media transmissions. In an implementation, a method may include defining a lower media stream discontinuity threshold. The method may also include evaluating a media stream discontinuity rate associated with a portion of a media stream. When the media stream discontinuity rate associated with the portion of the media stream is greater than the lower media stream discontinuity threshold, the method may further include determining a quality of experience associated with the portion of the media stream based upon, at least in part, a payload associated with the portion of the media stream.
US09326033B2 Movie discovery system
A movie browsing system may use a combination of long term and session based preferences to help a user browse movies using microcategories. The user preferences may be stored as microcategory weights, where the session based weights may change during a session as the system learns the types of movies a user wishes to see at that time. The long term microcategory weights may change at a slower rate than the session weights. The system may present a diverse set of microcategories to a user in an effort to diverge the search and learn the user's current interest, and may refine the weights as the user browses to converge to a desired movie. A user interface may operate on a television screen with a minimum of user input controls to navigate the browsing system while still collecting user preferences.
US09326030B2 Systems and methods for triggering user notifications of media content items
Systems and methods for triggering user notifications of media content items. An example method may comprise: identifying a user of a content sharing platform; determining that a plurality of media content items has a value of a user interest metric exceeding a defined threshold value, wherein the plurality of media content items is represented by a list of media content items compiled based on a pre-defined criterion, and wherein the user interest metric reflects interest of the user to the plurality of media content items; selecting, among the plurality of media content items, a media content item that has not been accessed by the user; and notifying the user of the media content item.
US09326023B2 Method and apparatus for displaying electronic program guide of recorded transport stream file
A method and apparatus for displaying an EPG of a recorded TS file. The method and apparatus enables a user to recognize in advance digital broadcasting content (i.e., broadcasting programs) recorded using the EPG of the recorded TS file by accumulatively storing EPG information of the corresponding broadcasting content when recording the respective broadcasting content transmitted from a plurality of broadcasting stations.
US09326014B2 Method and system for correlating TV broadcasting information with TV panelist status information
A computer system for determining TV viewership information for one or more TV panelists is provided, the computer system having memory to store programs and one or more processors for executing the one or more programs. The programs include instructions for: receiving TV broadcast information from a TV metering device, wherein the TV broadcast information identifies a current status of a TV in a household and an associated timestamp; receiving TV panelist status information from a first login/logout device that is different from the TV metering device, wherein the TV panelist status information identifies a viewership status of the TV panelist and an associated timestamp; and correlating the TV broadcast information with the TV panelist status information in accordance with their respective timestamps to determine a relationship between the TV panelist and a respective TV program currently broadcasted by the TV in the household.
US09326007B2 Motion compensated de-blocking
Digital noise removal methods and systems for picture quality improvement on next generation high quality set-top-box and digital TV SOCs is disclosed with particular to a de-blocking method and system that is effective on on-grid and off-grid blocky artifacts generated by lossy video compression standards. Blocky artifacts are filtered by extracting motions vectors for a current pixel block, calculating off-grid positions based on the extracted motion vectors, and applying de-blocking filtering along the calculated off-grid positions. The methods and systems can further skip filtering on-grid blocky artifacts to be filtered by an on-grid de-blocking filter known in the art.
US09325996B2 Method and apparatus for image compression
The present disclosure discloses method and apparatus for image compression. The method includes: acquiring a threshold of a similarity score of an image; acquiring a first quality factor of the image, a first similarity score corresponding to the first quality factor, a second quality factor of the image, and a second similarity score corresponding to the second quality factor; obtaining a functional relationship between quality factor and similarity score of the image by means of curve fitting using the first quality factor, the first similarity score, the second quality factor, and the second similarity score; determining an optimum quality factor of the image according to the functional relationship between the quality factor and the similarity score and the threshold of the similarity score; and compressing the image according to the determined optimum quality factor. With the present disclosure, iterations in image compression can be completed in a very short time.
US09325993B2 Encoding or decoding method and apparatus
Embodiments of the present invention provide an encoding or decoding method and apparatus. The method includes: extracting first information in a bitstream; determining a chroma component intra prediction mode according to the first information; when the chroma component intra prediction mode cannot be determined according to the first information, extracting second information in the bitstream; and determining the chroma component intra prediction mode according to the second information, where the first information includes information for indicating whether the chroma component intra prediction mode is a DM mode or an LM mode, the second information is used to indicate a remaining mode as the chroma component intra prediction mode, and the remaining mode is one of available chroma component intra prediction modes other than a mode that may be determined according to the first information.
US09325992B2 Signaling of clock tick derivation information for video timing in video coding
In an example, the disclosure provides for receiving a coded video sequence comprising encoded pictures of a video sequence and receiving timing parameters for the coded video sequence that include a time scale and a number of units in a clock tick at most once in a video parameter set (VPS) syntax structure referenced by the coded video sequence and at most once in a video usability information (VUI) part of a sequence parameter set (SPS) syntax structure referenced by the coded video sequence. Another example provides for encoding pictures of a video sequence to generate a coded video sequence and signaling timing parameters for the coded video sequence by at least in part signaling a time scale and a number of units in a clock tick at most once in a VPS syntax structure and at most once in a VUI part of a SPS syntax structure.
US09325991B2 Motion vector rounding
A video decoder determines, based at least in part on a size of a prediction unit (PU), whether to round either or both a horizontal or a vertical component of a motion vector of the PU from sub-pixel accuracy to integer-pixel accuracy. The video decoder generates, based at least in part on the motion vector, a predictive sample block for the PU and generates, based in part on the predictive sample block for the PU, a reconstructed sample block.
US09325989B2 Automatic temporal layer bit allocation
Disclosed herein are techniques and computer readable media containing instructions arranged to determine a bit allocation for a temporal base layer and at least one temporal enhancement layer. The techniques are enhanced to yield improved reproduced quality for the case where both a temporal base layer and at least one temporal enhancement layer is being used. An exemplary method for determining a bit allocation to one base layer includes initializing a bit allocation between the base layer and the at least one enhancement layer, determining a quality difference between the base layer and the at least one enhancement layer, expressed, for example, in the Quantizer Parameter of the last picture of each layer within a GOP, and determining a new bit allocation between the base layer and the at least one enhancement layer based on the quality difference and at least one constant factor.
US09325983B2 Image processing apparatus and method using tracking of gaze of user
An apparatus and method for outputting view images by tracking a gaze of a user are provided. The image processing apparatus estimates movement of a gaze of a user using a camera, and determines an output order of view images according to the gaze movement.
US09325976B2 Displays, including HDR and 3D, using bandpass filters and other techniques
A 3D display incorporates laser or saturated light sources to produce 3D images. The images may be produced on an LCD display or projector. Ambient light is filtered out through viewing glasses having passbands corresponding to the light sources. The light sources may include 2 sets of primary lights (one for each of 2 3D viewing channels) and a third set of primaries common to both channels. The display may be configured for a 2D display mode and a bandpass filter may be placed on a display surface to reduce reflections. The display may be a locally modulated or constant backlit LCD display.
US09325968B2 Stereo imaging using disparate imaging devices
Stereo imaging can be provided on an electronic device without the need for two matched, high resolution, large format cameras. In various embodiments, two or more cameras of disparate types can be used to capture stereoscopic images. Various processing algorithms can be used to adjust aspects such as the effective pixel size and depth of focus in order to provide for sufficient information to generate three-dimensional images without significant artifacts resulting from differences in the mismatched cameras.
US09325953B2 System and method for synchronizing on-air commercial programming with interactive applications
There is provided a system and method for the synchronizing on-air commercial programming with interactive applications, providing interactive content synchronized with on-air television programming. There is provided a system comprising a client device with a display device and an input device and running a synchronization application. The client device receives digital data transmitted from a server, and transmits user feedback information generated from user interactions with the digital data back to the server. The digital data are interactive advertisements, such as online social games, that increase users' awareness of the advertised products or messages. The digital data are delivered to the user's client device in synchronization with the broadcasting of on-air television commercials.
US09325951B2 Content-aware computer networking devices with video analytics for reducing video storage and video communication bandwidth requirements of a video surveillance network camera system
Disclosed are systems and methods for reducing video communication bandwidth requirements of a video surveillance network camera system that includes network communication paths between network video cameras producing video streams of scenes observed by the network video cameras and content-aware computer networking devices analyzing by video analytics video visual content of the video streams to provide managed video representing, at specified quality levels, samples of the scenes observed. Distribution of the managed video consumes substantially less network bandwidth than would be consumed by delivery through network communication paths a video stream at the specified quality level in the absence of analysis by the video analytics.
US09325950B2 Vehicle-mounted video system with distributed processing
A vehicle-mounted system for recording video and audio. The system uses distributed processing, including encoding the video and audio at their source(s), and a high-speed, e.g., Ethernet, bus connecting the various system components and external devices. The system may include a display monitor which is integrated into the same housing as a rear view mirror of the vehicle, with the display monitor being located behind the mirror and video displayed on the monitor being visible through the mirror.
US09325949B2 Intrusion detection
Disclosed is an intrusion detector that may be used to determine if a person is authorized or unauthorized based upon the person carrying a token in an area being monitored for security. The intrusion detector may include: an interface and processor. The interface may receive video stream data from a camera and token data. The processor may execute operations including: receiving the video stream data and the token data and determining whether a person in the video stream data is carrying a token based upon whether the token data is associated with the person. If the person is determined to not be carrying a token, the person may be displayed as unauthorized.
US09325942B2 Displaying video call data
A device comprising: a display; an interface configured to exchange video data between the device and a network during a video call between a user of the device and at least one further user; a memory storing information identifying at least one display element each associated with one of the at least one further user; and a processor configured to run a client application operable during the call to: display received video in a first UI window on the display; detect the user navigating to a second UI window comprising one of the at least one display element; query the memory to determine a location for the display of the received video, and in response, display the second UI window and control the video received from the further user associated with the display element of the second user interface window to be displayed at a location of the display element.
US09325941B2 Communication channel management for real-time applications
Conducting a real time application between a mobile device and a remote device. A first one or more messages may be transmitted to the remote device to establish a primary channel of communication for the real-time application. The primary channel may use a first radio access technology (RAT), such as WiFi or a cellular RAT. A second one or more messages may be transmitted to the remote device to establish a secondary channel of communication for the real-time application. The secondary channel may use a second RAT that is different from the first RAT. Data of the real-time application may be transmitted over both the primary channel and the secondary channel in a concurrent or redundant fashion.
US09325938B2 Video chat picture-in-picture
A computer-implemented technique includes initiating, at a computing device having one or more processors, a video chat session with another computing device via a network. The technique includes displaying, at the computing device, a video chat window in response to initiating the video chat session, the video chat window displaying a video stream received from the other computing device. The technique includes detecting, at the computing device, a lack of interaction between a user of the computing device and the video chat window. The technique also includes in response to detecting the lack of interaction between the user and the video chat window, at least one of automatically resizing and automatically repositioning, at the computing device, the video chat window.
US09325934B2 Image processing system and method
An image processing system comprises a first video camera arranged to have a first width of field of view, and operable to capture a first image, a second video camera arranged to have a second width of field of view narrower than that of the first video camera, and operable to capture a second image substantially at the same time that the first camera captures the first image, and an image processing unit operable to access scene geometry for a known scene, with the first video camera and the second video camera being arranged in a pre-set positional relation to each other; the image processing unit is arranged in operation to map scene geometry onto the first image captured by the first video camera, and the image processing unit is arranged in operation to map onto the second image captured by the second video camera at least part of the scene geometry mapped onto the first image, in dependence upon the pre-set positional relation of the first and second video cameras and their respective widths of field of view.
US09325931B2 Content display-playback system, content display-playback method, recording medium having content display-playback program recorded thereon, and operation control apparatus
A content display-playback system includes at least one server that distributes audio-visual content via streaming, and at least one client that plays back, by streaming, the content distributed via streaming from the server, and the server and client are connected. The client beforehand makes settings regarding a client operation to be performed for submitting a streaming distribution request to the server to perform playback by streaming
US09325930B2 Collectively aggregating digital recordings
Digital recordings of an event are collectively aggregated to improve the quality of the recordings. A user recording of an event by a user recording device is evaluated to determine a subject and quality of the user recording. Other recording devices in the vicinity of the user recording device that are recording the same subject concurrently are identified to expand the capabilities of the user recording device through crowdsourcing. An aspect of recordings from the other recording devices is analyzed to determine if it is superior in quality to the user recording according to crowdsourced quality assessments. Feedback is sent to the user recording device to expand the capabilities of the user recording device and to improve the quality of the user recording. All recordings of the event are pooled to create a higher quality composite recording using digital improvement techniques and the composite recording is offered for download.
US09325923B2 Systems and methods to mitigate transient current for sensors
A sensor system includes a pixel array, column units and a compensation circuit. The pixel array is configured to provide pixel column data. The column units are configured to generate an offset data out signal from the pixel column data. The offset data out signal includes digital offsets. The compensation circuit is configured to remove the digital offsets from the offset data out signal. The compensation circuit is also configured to generate a data out signal.
US09325921B2 Method for manufacturing an imaging apparatus having a frame member covering a pad
A solid-state imaging apparatus includes: a solid-state imaging device mounted on a substrate; a bonding wire that electrically connects a pad formed on the solid-state imaging device to a lead island formed on the substrate; a frame member that has a frame-like shape and surrounds side portions of the solid-state imaging device; and a light-transmissive optical member so accommodated in the frame member that the optical member faces an imaging surface of the solid-state imaging device, wherein the frame member has a leg portion extending from the side where the optical member is present toward the imaging surface, and the frame member is integrally fixed to the solid-state imaging device with an end of the bonding wire that is connected to the pad covered with the leg portion.
US09325918B2 Image processing apparatus, imaging apparatus, solid-state imaging device, image processing method and program
An image processing apparatus includes: a shaking estimating unit configured to estimate the shaking information of an image generated within a predetermined period of time; a short-time-exposure shaking correcting unit configured to correct the shaking of a plurality of short-time-exposure images generated due to intermittent exposure within the predetermined period of time based on the estimated shaking information; a long-time-exposure shaking correcting unit configured to correct the shaking of a long-time-exposure image generated due to consecutive exposure within the predetermined period of time based on the estimated shaking information; and an image synthesizing unit configured to synthesize the corrected short-time-exposure images and the corrected long-time-exposure image.
US09325916B2 Cinematic image blur in digital cameras based on exposure timing manipulation
Cinematic motion blur and other cinematic effects are enabled during image capture through exposure timing manipulation. The resulting captured images and videos include one or more cinematic effects without the need for a user to impose the cinematic effects post-capture.
US09325908B2 Image-capturing apparatus including shutter unit with pre-driving operation
An image-capturing apparatus includes an image-capturing device having an image-capturing surface, a shutter unit having an aperture configured to allow light from an object to pass through the aperture, and a controller that controls the shutter unit. The shutter unit includes a curtain unit that selectively executes an opening operation of opening the aperture and a closing operation of closing the aperture, and an actuator that drives the curtain unit. The controller is operable to control the shutter unit to execute: an image-capturing operation in which the shutter unit executes the closing operation after resetting an electric charge stored in the image-capturing device; and a pre-driving operation in which the actuator drives the curtain with a small motion before executing the image-capturing operation.
US09325904B2 Image processing device, image processing method and program
An image processing device may include a control unit. The control unit may be operable, in a first mode, to control display on a display screen of a representative image of a group of images and, in a second mode, to control display on the display screen of an image of the group of images corresponding to a posture of the device. In addition, the control unit may be operable to switch between operation in the first mode and the second mode.
US09325895B2 Digital photographing apparatus and control method thereof
A digital photographing apparatus that recommends a suitable auto focus (AF) candidate area to a user before photographing, allows a user to select an AF area or automatically selects the AF area, and allows a user to conveniently and accurately capture a desired image, and a method of controlling the digital photographing apparatus are disclosed. A method is provided that includes calculating information about a distance to an object existing in an image stereoscopically input through a first lens and a second lens; matching the information about the distance to red green blue (RGB) information of the image; displaying a plurality of AF candidate areas on the image based on the matched RGB information; and capturing an image centered on an AF candidate area having a first priority when a photographing button is pressed.
US09325891B2 Simulated large aperture lens
A camera apparatus includes a photogrammetric range sensor, small aperture lens and a processor configured to carry out a method for simulating a large aperture lens. The method includes capturing a photographic image data of a scene using the camera with the lens set to a small aperture size. Simultaneously or near-simultaneously with capturing the image, the camera captures photogrammetric range data pertaining to depth of objects in a field of view of the camera, using the range sensor. The processor then processes the photographic image data using the photogrammetric range data to obtain second photographic data simulating an image captured using a lens set to an aperture size larger than the small aperture size.
US09325890B2 Method and system to control a camera of a wireless device
Apparatuses and methods for a wireless device to provide receiving a signal to control an operation of an image capture device of a wireless device, the signal including an identifier to identify an intended recipient of the signal, operating the image capture device, in accordance with the received signal, to capture at least one image, and transmitting a message from the wireless device, the transmitted message including the at least one captured image.
US09325885B2 Image stabilization apparatus and control method therefor
An image stabilization apparatus mounted on an image capturing apparatus, comprises a correction member capable of changing a position of an image on an image sensing plane by moving in a direction perpendicular to an optical axis, a position detection unit configured to detect a position of the correction member, a control unit configured to control driving of the correction member so as to have an amplitude larger than a pixel pitch of an image sensor, and an exposure control unit configured to control exposure of the image sensor, wherein the exposure control unit performs the exposure when the position of the correction member detected by the position detection unit moves by the pixel pitch.
US09325881B2 Imaging mechanism and endoscope apparatus
An imaging mechanism and an endoscope apparatus include: an image sensor including a sensor face and a plurality of input/output leads, a holding member having a sensor contact face, a circuit board that is secured to an outer face of an opposite side of the holding member to the sensor contact face, and a contact-point part disposed on a side face of the circuit board intersecting with a mount face, and in a region where the outline of the circuit board is inside the outline of the holding member. At least one of the holding member and the circuit board includes a relay wiring part which the contact-point part and at least one of the input/output leads are electrically connected to.
US09325877B2 Email to fax processing system
An email-to-facsimile (fax) processing system efficiently services requests issued by customers of the system in a fair and impartial manner. The system illustratively includes a plurality of components configured to provide email-to-fax processing services over a network. The components of the email-to-fax system include computer nodes executing software processes and/or services embodied as one or more FaxEmail routers, FaxEmail pollers, Rendering servers and Fax assemblers. The email-to-fax processing services provided by the components illustratively include email storage and retrieval services, email-to-fax conversion services and fax organizational transmission services. One or more of these services may be performed by the components in a randomized fashion to ensure that the customer requests, such as email-to-fax requests, may be fairly and impartially processed by the system.
US09325872B2 Image processing apparatus
An image processing apparatus, includes: an acceptance unit that accepts image data and reading data; an extraction unit that extracts rectangular images by segmenting one image of the image data and the reading data; a first searching unit that selects at least one of the rectangular images extracted by the extraction unit, set a search range calculated from the error, searches for a matching position of the selected rectangular image in the other image of the image data and the reading data; an estimation unit that estimates a matching position of a rectangular image in the other image on the basis of the matching position of the selected rectangular image in the other image; and a second searching unit that searches for a matching position of the other rectangular image in the other image using the matching position estimated by the estimation unit as a reference.
US09325870B2 Image reading apparatus
An image reading apparatus includes a main body and a reading unit. The reading unit includes: a document table; a lower supporting member that supports the document table from below; an upper supporting member that contacts an upper side of the document table and clamps the document table with the lower supporting member; and a reading device. The main body includes an exterior member arranged in a position adjacent to the upper supporting member when the reading unit is in a close position. One of the upper supporting member and the exterior member includes an abutting portion and the other includes an abutted portion so as to configure a positioning mechanism for establishing positioning of a relative position between the upper supporting member and the exterior member in an up-down direction.
US09325866B2 Image forming apparatus having various setup parameters being used by a mobile terminal carried by a user and method for controlling the same
An image forming apparatus and method are provided. The image forming apparatus includes an image forming unit to form an image on a recording medium, a communication unit to receive setup information related to an image forming operation from a mobile terminal, a storage unit to store data related to the image forming operation; and a controller to determine a user authority on the basis of identifier (ID) information of the mobile terminal and to store at least some parts from among the received setup information in the storage unit according to the determined user authority. The image forming apparatus receives setup information stored in the user's mobile terminal through a near field communication (NFC) scheme, such that the user can easily and quickly change setup information of the image forming apparatus.
US09325854B1 Structure and method for echo reduction without loss of information
An echo reduction method stores a received audio information stream. A sound detection flag is activated following detection of locally generated sound. Output based on the received audio information stream is muted in response to the activating the sound detection flag. Rendering status of the received audio information stream is saved, in response to the activating the sound detection flag, to reduce loss of audio information. At least a portion of the stored received audio information stream is rendered following inactivation of the sound detection flag.
US09325850B2 Method and system for modifying mobile device functions
This provides for controlling mobile device functions and features. For example, it limits or disables the use of some of mobile device features which could cause distraction to the user, when the user is engaged in another activity. In an example, it enables other mobile device features based on occurrence of events related to the user or environment. Another example addresses controlling the mobile device features, such as SMS, while the user is in a vehicle or driving. Another example restricts the ability of the driver of a vehicle to text, while the vehicle is in motion, by automatically disabling the texting ability of mobile device within and around the perimeter of the driver's seat. Other variations, examples, improvements, detection mechanisms, models, techniques, calculations, verification mechanisms, and features are also described in details.
US09325845B2 Method and apparatus for diverting callers to Web sessions
A customer support system diverts a customer to an integrated support service to serve the customer better in situations where the use of a single mode of interaction is insufficient. Embodiments of the invention find use where an email or SMS is sent to a customer's smart devices with a link to visual content which helps customer better understand the information.
US09325842B1 Systems and methods for associating a string with a content item
Systems and methods for associating a string with a content item. A phone number of a content item provider may be extracted from a content item. The content item provider is contacted via the phone number and a connection to an automated system comprising a menu tree is verified. An endpoint of the automated system is determined and a string representing the phone number and the sequence of inputs required to reach the endpoint is generated and associated with the content item.
US09325830B2 Method and apparatus for providing idle mode service
A method for providing an idle mode service uses an idle mode service server system interlocking with a contents provider server and at least one mobile communication terminal. State information is received from the at least one mobile communication terminal, and a push message is transmitted to the at least one mobile communication terminal in consideration of the sate information upon receiving a push message transmission request from the contents provider server. Thereafter, contents are transmitted to the at least one mobile communication terminal according to the push message transmission. Also, specific contents can be provided with or without the request and consent of a user. Consequently, the system and method according to the present invention can control an idle-screen application through a combination between interworking systems.
US09325828B1 Headset operable with mobile terminal using short range communication
A headset disclosed herein relates to a headset capable of sensing an insertion or separation of earphones, and includes a wireless communication unit provided in a body wearable on a user's body to receive a wireless signal from a connected mobile terminal, a microphone provided in the body to receive a user's voice, a plurality of earphones coupled to the body and insertable into the user's ears, respectively, and a controller configured to activate a function of controlling an operation of the mobile terminal based on the user's voice input through the microphone with connecting a call with respect to the mobile terminal, when one of the plurality of earphones inserted is separated during the call. Here, the controller may control the user's voice input through the microphone to be transferred to a counterpart terminal corresponding to the call when the one earphone is reinserted.
US09325823B2 Visual address book and dialer
A method may include associating a plurality of graphical images with a plurality of contacts in a device having contact management functionality and displaying the plurality of graphical images to a user. The method may further include receiving a user selection of one of the plurality of graphical images; and initiating voice-based communication with the contact associated with the selected graphical image.
US09325819B2 Distributed computing for portable computing devices
This disclosure describes a distributed reader architecture for a mobile computing device such as cellular telephone handset. One claim recites a method for identifying a content item from a host signal captured on a mobile telephone handset, comprising: from the handset, receiving filtered data from the host signal for use in identifying the content item; processing the filtered data to compute a content fingerprints; using the content fingerprints to determine an action associated with the content item, in which said determining utilizes information pertaining to an operating system associated with the mobile telephone handset; and communicating information associated with the action to the mobile telephone handset. Of course, other claims and combinations are provided as well.
US09325818B2 Dedicated processor for camera functions in host devices
Embodiments generally relate to a camera. In one embodiment, the camera includes a lens for enabling the camera to capture at least one image. The camera also includes a connector for mounting the camera onto a phone and for enabling the camera to communicate with the phone. The camera also includes a shutter button for triggering the camera to capture the least one image. The camera also activates the phone and puts the phone into a camera mode when the shutter button is pressed.
US09325814B2 Wireless SNMP agent gateway
A system for managing communications between a group of remote machine-to-machine devices and a management platform is described where the remote devices may have disparate communication protocols. An agent gateway sits in the communication path between the remote devices and the management platform and communicates wireless with the remote devices using the native communication protocols of each device. The agent gateway includes a translator function connected to a management information base, wherein the management information base contains information relating to each machine-to-machine device and its native protocol. The agent gateway translates the messages into a standard protocol, such as SNMP, used by the network management platform allowing the network management platform to monitor and manage the remote devices using the standard network protocol.
US09325800B1 Generating a visitation schedule
The method includes identifying a location of an individual and an amount of time the individual will be in the location. The method further includes identifying one or more contacts of the individual that are within a threshold distance of the identified location of the individual during the identified amount time the individual will be in the location. The method further includes generating a first visitation schedule and corresponding visitation route for the individual based upon the identified status for the one or more contacts of the individual based upon social media activity, the identified frequency of interaction between the individual and the identified one or more contacts of the individual, and the determined distances from the individual to the identified one or more contacts and between each of the identified one or more contacts.
US09325795B2 Method of and system for providing application store service
A method of providing an Application Store (AppStore) service is provided. The method includes executing searching application, transmitting first request message to a directory service server, the first request message including a request for an AppStore list, receiving a first response message including the AppStore list from the directory service server, transmitting a second request message to at least one AppStore server that is selected from the AppStore list, the second request message including a request for a browser application, receiving a second response message including the browser application from at least one AppStore server, and creating items corresponding to the browser application and displaying the items as a list.
US09325794B2 Method and system for providing IMS session continuity to a user equipment across a plurality of communication networks
A method and system for providing IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) session continuity to a User Equipment (UE) across a plurality of communication networks is provided. The UE traverses from a first communication network to a second communication network. A public user identity associated with a private user identity of the UE is registered with the first communication network by using a first address. The method includes generating (404) a complimentary private user identity associated with the public user identity. The method also includes obtaining (406) a second address from the second communication network when the UE traverses from the first communication network to the second communication network. Moreover, the method includes registering (408) the public user identity associated with the complimentary private user identity with the first communication network by using the second address.
US09325790B1 Servicing of network software components of nodes of a cluster storage system
Described herein are method and apparatus for servicing software components of nodes of a cluster storage system. During data-access sessions with clients, client IDs and file handles for accessing files are produced and stored to clients and stored (as session data) to each node. A serviced node is taken offline, whereby network connections to clients are disconnected. Each disconnected client is configured to retain its client ID and file handles and attempt reconnections. Session data of the serviced node is made available to a partner node (by transferring session data to the partner node). After clients have reconnected to the partner node, the clients may use the retained client IDs and file handles to continue a data-access session with the partner node since the partner node has access to the session data of the serviced node and thus will recognize and accept the retained client ID and file handles.
US09325781B2 Audio sharing
One aspect of the disclosure relates to obtaining at least some audio information, at least partially at a shared audio device. The aspect of the disclosure also relates to temporally coordinating transmitting at the shared audio device the at least some audio information and at least some temporally-associated dissimilar-media information that can be received by at least one other shared audio device such that corresponding segments of the at least some audio information can be received at the at least one other shared audio device substantially temporally corresponding to when corresponding segments of the at least some temporally-associated dissimilar-media information can be received at the at least one other shared audio device.
US09325779B2 Information processing device, information processing method, and computer program
An apparatus and method allowing for high-quality data acquisition and playback processing based on content information transmitted from a server to a client are provided. Property information constituting meta-information corresponding to content-associated attribute information stores data-scheme information on original content held by the server, such as file format information, codec information representing an encoded-data scheme, and reformation information. In response to a content information acquisition request from the client, content information including the data-scheme information on the original content is generated and is transmitted to the client. This structure allows the client to output a content transmission request in which the optimum data scheme is determined based on the data scheme of the original content. Therefore, high-quality data acquisition and playback can be achieved.
US09325777B2 Machine, computer readable medium, and computer-implemented method for file management, storage, and display
File management machines, computer readable media, and methods of file management, are provided. An exemplary file management machine includes a file management server configured to receive or retrieve user files through an electronic communication/computer network to provide categorical organization and establishment of albums. The file management server can also function to create member user and visitor accounts. The visitor accounts can be provided individual custom access by the member user to provide individualized tailored access to a subset of the files uploaded by the member user. The visitor accounts can be used as to gather information about the file unknown to the member user.
US09325772B2 Method and apparatus of providing messaging service and callback feature to mobile stations
Disclosed are an apparatus and method of performing automated administrative operations on a mobile device. One example method may include determining via a hosted server that an action needs to be performed by a mobile device under management. The method may further include generating a message via the hosted server, the message includes the action, and transmitting the message to the mobile device under management, and receiving a result message from the mobile device under management responsive to the transmitted message, the result message indicating that the action has been satisfied.
US09325771B2 Systems and methods for data management
Systems and methods for managing data are disclosed. One method can comprise receiving a data request at a first data agent and determining whether the first data agent is configured to satisfy the data request. If the first data agent is configured to satisfy the data request, the data request can be processed via the first data agent. If the data agent is not configured to satisfy the data request, the data request can be transmitted to a second data agent.
US09325766B2 Deploying a portion of a streaming application to one or more virtual machines
Profile data for streaming operators is collected and classified according to the function and relationship of operators, and split rules are constructed for the operators. A streams manager monitors performance of a streaming application, and when the performance needs to be improved, the streams manager determines from the split rules how to split the flow graph for the streaming application. The streams manager requests virtual machines from a cloud manager. In response, the cloud manager provisions one or more virtual machines in a cloud. The streams manager then modifies the flow graph so a portion of the flow graph is deployed to the one or more virtual machines in the cloud. In this manner a streaming application can dynamically evolve to increase its performance as needed.
US09325765B2 Multimedia stream buffer and output method and multimedia stream buffer module
A buffer and output method and a buffer module for a multimedia stream are provided, wherein multimedia stream packets are received and stored into a first buffer, and when an actual remaining time calculated according to an accumulated idle time and a buffer time, is greater than a remaining time threshold value, following steps are performed. A first present time is read, and a sleep instruction is executed, so as to wait for a preset idle time. A second present time is read, and an actual idle time different from the preset idle time is calculated according to the first present time and the second present time. A part of buffer units are enabled according to the accumulated idle time accumulated according to the actual idle time, to output the stored multimedia stream packets to a second buffer of a player.
US09325763B2 Inmate information center for correctional facility processing
A platform application and methods of operation that integrate both native and third-party modules into an integrated environment on an inmate computing device is disclosed. Third-party modules or systems are applications meant to operate independent from the platform application. Information is communicated between the platform application and third-party module or system to add audit, alarm and other functions across all modules or systems controlled by the platform software. The third-party module or system is audited to allow triggering of rules that cause remedial action to be taken. Triggers can be on actions not monitored by a particular third-party module or system.
US09325759B2 Methods and apparatus for generating graphical and media displays at a client
The invention generally relates to generating a display having graphical and/or media components at a client. In one aspect, a method for generating a graphical display at a client includes transmitting output from an application program executing on a server to the client, identifying a non-textual element within the application output, retrieving a compressed data format associated with the non-textual element, and transmitting to the client the compressed data format in place of the non-textual element. In another aspect, a method for generating a media presentation at a client includes transmitting output from an application program executing on a server to the client, identifying a media stream within the application output, intercepting an original compressed data set representing at least a portion of the media stream before processing by the application program, and transmitting the original compressed data set to the client.
US09325752B2 Private interaction hubs
In embodiments of private interaction hubs, a mobile device has memory storage to maintain hub data that is associated with a private interaction hub, where the hub data includes multiple types of displayable data that is editable by different types of device applications. The memory storage at the device also maintains private data that is displayable and is viewable with one of the device applications. The mobile device also includes a display device to display the multiple types of the hub data in a hub user interface of a hub application. The display device can also display the private data and a subset of the hub data that are both associated with a device application in a device application user interface.
US09325750B2 Method and system for viewing a contact network feed in a business directory environment
Systems and methods are provided for viewing a contact network feed in a business directory environment. A system searches, based on a user specified search, a business directory to determine contacts, identifies network feeds associated with the contacts, and outputs the network feeds. For example, the system outputs network feeds from data center managers identified by the business directory. The system filters, based on a user specified filter, the network feeds to determine filtered network feeds, and outputs the filtered network feeds to a display device. For example, the system outputs the network feeds from data center managers that mention a specific product. The system can enable communication with a contact using contact information from the business directory. The system can subscribe a user to the network feed of a contact, wherein the user receives updates for the network feed of the contact via a feed to a display device.
US09325748B2 Characterizing service levels on an electronic network
The described implementations relate to processing of electronic data. One implementation is manifest as a system that that can include an event analysis component and one or more processing devices configured to execute the event analysis component. The event analysis component can be configured to obtain events from event logs, the events reflecting failures by one or more network devices in one or more data centers and characterize a service level of an application or a network device based on the events. For example, the event analysis component can be configured to characterize the availability of an application based on one or more network stamps of the application.
US09325744B2 Method, device, and system for controlling IPTV (internet protocol television) content reporting configuring updates
The present invention relates to the multimedia field, and discloses a method, a device, and a system for controlling content report behavior. The method includes: receiving a request for subscribing to a configuration update notification, in which the request is sent by the terminal or the media control function, and a configuration update request that is sent by an SCF and carries the new content report configuration information, and sending a configuration update notification message to the terminal or the media control function, where the configuration update notification message carries the new content report configuration information or acquiring information thereof. The method of the present invention avoids using the message body of the SIP message to transmit the content report configuration information, is compliant and compatible with logic for processing a SIP INFO message specified in the RFC 2976.
US09325743B2 Information processing apparatus, method, and program
An information processing apparatus includes: a memory configured to store a first group of character strings each of which corresponds to a header name defined in accordance with a communication protocol for communication, a second group of character strings each of which corresponds to a character string that is obtained by converting the character strings of the first group into lower case letters or upper case letters, and a third group of character strings each of which is not identical to any of the character strings of the first group, the character strings of the third group being extracted from a signal received; an extracting unit configured to extract a header value from another signal received from the other communication apparatus when a header name included in the other signal is identical to any character string of the first group, or the third group, or the second group.
US09325742B1 Adding an encryption policy in a streaming environment
A plurality of processing elements may include a first processing element having a first stream operator configured to transmit at least a portion of the tuples to a second stream operator. A first rule of an encryption policy may be determined to require encrypting at least a first value of a first attribute. The first value may be within a first tuple of the portion of the tuples. Each tuple of the portion of the tuples may include the first attribute and a second attribute. A first connection may be established for transmitting from the first stream operator to the second stream operator. The first connection may be an encrypted connection. The first value may be extracted from the first tuple and transmitted to the second stream operator via the first connection. The first stream operator may perform the extracting and transmitting.
US09325739B1 Dynamic security policy generation
A user interface is described, such as a graphical user interface (GUI), operable to receive a representation of a security policy expressed in a first policy language, where that security policy will be supported by policy evaluation engines (or other such components) that are configured to operate using security policies expressed using a second (different) policy language. The representation of the security policy is persisted in a data store in accordance with the first policy language. Subsequently, in response to receiving a request to access a resource, a second representation of the security policy is generated by translating the content of the security policy into a second policy language that is associated with the policy evaluation engine. The second representation of the security policy is then evaluated by the policy evaluation engine to grant or deny access to the resource.
US09325738B2 Methods and apparatus for blocking unwanted software downloads
Methods and systems for blocking unwanted software downloads within a network. Such methods may thereby prevent (i) downloads of spyware from one or more identified locations, and/or (ii) certain outbound communications from the network and/or may also permit software downloads only from specified locations. In general, the policies are defined by rules specified by a network administrator or other user.
US09325737B2 Security based network access selection
A method and wireless device select a set of secure network connections (230) between a wireless device (108) in a wireless communication system and a target destination system (238). A first security assessment (708) associated with each of a plurality of base station connections associated with respective each of a plurality of base stations (116) available for wireless communications with the wireless device (108) is performed. A second security assessment (716) associated with each of a plurality of subsequent network connections available between the plurality of base stations (116) and a target destination system (238) is performed. A set of base station connections from the plurality of base station connections are prioritized according to predetermined security criteria associated with the wireless device (108). A set of subsequent network connections from the plurality of subsequent network connections (230) are prioritized according to predetermined security criteria associated with the wireless device (108).
US09325731B2 Identification of and countermeasures against forged websites
A system, a method, and computer program product identify a website that is a forgery of a primary website. Client side executable code is included in a page of the primary website, which page is copied in the forged website. The client side code, when executed by a client device, determines whether the domain from which the page is served is an authorized domain. Where the serving domain is not authorized, the client device is configured to alter the execute countermeasures against the forged website, such as altering operation of the forged page.
US09325716B2 Method, apparatus and computer program for enabling access to remotely stored content
A method, and apparatus and computer program for enabling the method, the method comprising: detecting a user input at a first apparatus and, in response to the detection of the user input, selecting content wherein the content is stored at a remote server; establishing a communication link with a second apparatus wherein the second apparatus is different from the first apparatus; transmitting information indicative of the location of the selected stored content over the established communication link to the second apparatus; receiving identification information from the second apparatus over the established communication link wherein the identification information enables at least the user of the second apparatus to be identified; and transmitting information to the remote server to enable a user associated with the received identification information to access the selected stored content.
US09325713B2 Systems and methods for controlling email access
Embodiments of the disclosure relate to proxying at least one email resource from at least one email service to at least one client device, identifying at least one resource rule associated with the email resources, and adding at least one URL to the email resources in accordance with the resource rules.
US09325707B2 Method for identifying/authenticating a person using the venous network thereof
A person may be identified by at least an identification system including a device for capturing an image of a venous network of a finger and a database containing reference venous network images partitioned by class according to topological characteristics and for each class reference topological characteristics. In one embodiment, an image of the venous network is captured, transmitted to the processing unit, centered relative to a display window, and cut into at least two bands parallel to the finger's axis. A set of each band's topological characteristics is extracted. A distance between the extracted set and all reference topological characteristics of the class is calculated, for each class. The venous network image is classified in the class corresponding to the smallest distance and is compared with each reference venous network image in the class. The authenticity of the person from the result of the comparison step is decided.
US09325699B2 Method for apparatus for routing application programming interface (API) calls
A method and apparatus for routing Application Programming Interface (API) calls from a partner entity to a telephony service provider (TSP) network are provided herein. In some embodiments, a method for routing API calls may include receiving a first message including an API call and a partner API key used to authenticate the partner entity on the TSP network to access a partner API layer disposed on the TSP network, extracting the partner API key from the first message, performing an authentication process to authenticate an identity of the partner entity using at least the extracted partner API key, and routing the first message based on results of the authentication process. In some embodiments, the first message is routed to the partner API layer disposed on the TSP network when the identity of the partner entity is authenticated.
US09325690B2 Verification service
Concepts and technologies are disclosed herein for verifying sender information. According to various embodiments of the concepts and technologies disclosed herein, a verification service can determine, receive a request, or receive a call to verify sender information associated with data. The server computer generates and delivers a verification message to a sender device in response to determining that sender information verification is to be provided. The server computer receives a response indicating if the data was sent by the sender device. If the response indicates that the sender device did not send the data, the server computer can block delivery of the data, generate alarms or alerts, take other actions, and/or take no action. If the response indicates that the sender device sent the data, the server computer can deliver the data, provide a verification response to the recipient device, take no action, and/or take other actions.
US09325676B2 Systems and methods for protecting communications between nodes
Systems and methods for protecting communications between at least two nodes protect the identity of a node requesting information, provide content of communications being sent and/or obscuring a type of communications being sent. Varying degrees of protection options including encryption, intermediate node termination and direct node communications are provided.
US09325673B2 Communication system and communication method
The present embodiments relate to a communication system, communication method, information processor, method, device, program, and recording medium which permit plural algorithms to be treated and which can impart expansibility to communications.A capability list stores a capability list in which capabilities regarding algorithms for encryption and decryption treated by a reader/writer are described. Similarly, a capability list stores a capability list in which capabilities regarding algorithms for encryption and decryption treated by an IC card are described. The reader/writer and the IC card exchange their mutual capability lists, select algorithms capable of securing a security level according to the importance of the data sent and received, and perform communications based on the selected algorithms. The present embodiments can be applied, for example, to a device that performs communications by the NFCIP method.
US09325672B2 Digital encryption shredder and document cube rebuilder
A method of storing a document includes converting the document into a table of symbols and shredding the table into a plurality of randomly selected strips of symbols. The method further includes randomly selecting a plurality of storage locations and storing the strips of data in the plurality of locations. The method generates a key including pointers to the plurality of locations and encrypts the key.
US09325661B2 System and method for managing a contact center with a graphical call connection metaphor
Disclosed herein are systems, methods, and non-transitory computer-readable storage media for managing communications in a callcenter. The method includes presenting via a GUI to a callcenter agent a set of connected graphical elements representing a structure of a communication session including the callcenter agent and a caller, receiving input via the GUI from the callcenter agent to manipulate at least one graphical element, and performing an action based on the input. Further disclosed herein are systems, methods, and non-transitory computer-readable storage media for monitoring communications in a callcenter. The method includes presenting via a GUI a plurality of sets of connected graphical elements, wherein each set of connected graphical elements represents a structure of a communication session including the callcenter agent and a caller, receiving a selection via the GUI based on at least one graphical element to listen in on an associated communication, and monitoring the associated communication session.
US09325658B2 Providing contextual relevance of an unposted message to an activity stream after a period of time elapses
A method, system and computer program product for providing contextual relevance of an unposted message to an activity stream after a period of time elapses. A comparison is made between the current state of the activity stream at a second point in time with respect to the state of the activity stream at a first point in time, which includes an unposted message. The relevance of the unposted message with respect to a current topic of interest in the activity stream at the second point in time is quantified. If the contextual relevance of the unposted message with respect to the current topic of interest in the activity stream at the second point in time is less than a threshold, then the user is presented with an indication of the contextual relevance of the unposted message to the activity stream.
US09325655B1 User notification digestion
A system, computer program product and method for dynamically digesting one or more user notifications based at least in part on one or more rules are disclosed. In some implementations, the system includes a notification receiver module, a rule application module and a notification digestion module. The notification receiver module receives notifications including a first notification. The rule application module obtains rules for determining a send condition including a delay time and a maximum delay time, sets the delay time and the max delay time, determines whether another notification is received within the delay time, resets the delay time responsive to another notification being received within the delay time, and repeats the determination and delay time reset until a send condition occurs. The notification digestion module, responsive to the send condition occurring, digests the notification(s) received prior to the send condition and sends a digested notification to the user.
US09325650B2 Vehicle telematics data exchange
A system may include a message publisher and a message recipient. The message publisher may be configured to identify a message to be published to a topic of a topic tree maintained by a message broker, the topic being associated with a type of the message identified to be published and an intended recipient of the message; pack data elements into the message according to a name/value pair message schema of the system; and publish the message via the message broker to the topic.
US09325646B2 Providing contextual messages relating to currently accessed content
One or more first devices may receive, from a second device, program information as part of a request to provide a contextual message, associated with particular content corresponding to the program information, to a third device. The program information may identify a time, a geographic location, and a television channel identifier associated with the particular content. The one or more devices may cause the particular content to be identified based on a fingerprint of the particular content; receive the contextual message that was identified based on the fingerprint; provide the contextual message to the third device; and provide, for storage in a content schedule, information identifying the particular content, a time period during which the particular content is broadcasted, the geographic location, and the television channel identifier. The content schedule may be used to identify the particular content after the particular content has been initially identified based on the fingerprint.
US09325645B2 Method and system for communicating within a messaging architecture using dynamic form generation
A method, system, and computer-program product for communicating within a messaging architecture using a structured data object are disclosed. The method includes assembling a dynamic form object and submitting dynamic form information, associated with the dynamic form object, into a messaging session. The assembling includes an assembly operation, which, in turn, includes identifying an input field of an interface of an application, transferring input field information to a messaging system, and generating an element of the dynamic form object. The input field information is associated with the input field, and the generating uses the input field information. Further, the submitting includes transferring a message via the messaging system, the message including the dynamic form information.
US09325641B2 Buffering schemes for communication over long haul links
A switching apparatus includes multiple ports, each including a respective buffer, and a switch controller. The switch controller is configured to concatenate the buffers of at least an input port and an output port selected from among the multiple ports for buffering traffic of a long-haul link, which is connected to the input port and whose delay exceeds buffering capacity of the buffer of the input port alone, and to carry out end-to-end flow control for the long haul link between the output port and the input port.
US09325639B2 Hierarchical caching system for lossless network packet capture applications
A system for providing lossless hierarchical caching is disclosed. The system may process, in a first thread, a first set of a plurality of packets in a first cache. Then, the system may determine if a condition associated with processing the first set of the packets indicates that there is potential for packet loss. If the system determines that there is potential for packet loss, a copy of a portion of the first set of the packets may be transmitted to a second cache. The system may process, in a second thread, the copy of the portion of the first set of the packets in the second cache. Additionally, the system may transmit a subset of packets from the first set of packets to a reorder queue for reordering the subset of packets if the subset of packets contain an identifier associated with the reorder queue.
US09325638B2 Conversational asyncronous multichannel communication through an inter-modality bridge
A communications apparatus is configured to bridge modalities and different communications formats. The apparatus may include a bridge to receive an input through a modality gateway and to deliver an output through an output channel, a communication engine configured to manipulate the input into the output, a router configured to route the configured output to a respective output channel, and a controller configured to control the bridge. The controller may determine a new modality depending on a context of the communications apparatus.
US09325634B2 Method and apparatus for adaptive traffic management in a resource-constrained network
An electronic device may utilize or support adaptive traffic management in a resource-constrained network. The adaptive traffic management may comprise applying a multi-stage filtering to packets received by the electronic device, wherein each stage of the multi-stage filtering may comprises a validation check and a failure of any validation check of any stage when handling a packet terminates the handling of the packet. The adaptive traffic management may comprise apply an adaptive search function, whereby when the number of search responses received by the electronic device exceeds a particular maximum response threshold, one or more criteria for modifying search requests may be selected, to reduce number of expected search responses, and the modified search criteria may be applied to generated modified search command(s) that are applied in the search function.
US09325632B2 Multi-tenancy support for enterprise social business computing
Mechanisms are provided for enabling collaboration across tenants in a multi-tenant environment using single sign-on (SSO) authentication/authorization. Various examples provide for creating a user account and provisioning a subscription to a user (e.g., to enable single sign-on authentication/authorization). The user is allowed to access services (e.g., collaborative services) in a multi-tenant environment by utilizing a subscription authorization of the user without prompting the user to authenticate by logging-in again (that is, without prompting the user to log-in again after the user has already logged-in and been authenticated for a given session). Other examples provide for mapping webspaces through URL hosts where each organization (that is, tenant) has its own set of namespace(s).
US09325629B2 Data processing apparatus and program
When a fixed-cycle transmission timing arrives, a fixed-period communication processing section transmits data in a shared memory to a BCM. An event table storage section stores an event table that indicates a condition of data to be transmitted by an event communication processing section and a permitted delay time, which is the period of time permitted starting from when the data satisfying the condition is extracted, until the data is transmitted. An event detecting section extracts the data in the shared memory satisfying the condition indicated by the event table. The event communication processing section transmits to the BCM the data extracted by the event detecting section, before the arrival of the transmission timing of the fixed-period communication processing section, and by the timing at which the permitted delay time elapses from the time of the data extraction by the event detecting section.
US09325628B2 Packet handling method, forwarding device and system
A packet handling method, comprising: receiving a TCP ACK packet currently sent by a client; searching in a storage device for a TCP packet requested for retransmission by the TCP ACK packet when it is determined that the Acknowledge Number field value in the TCP header of the TCP ACK packet currently sent by the client is equal to that previously sent by the client over the same TCP connection; discarding the TCP ACK packet and transmitting the TCP packet to the client when the TCP packet requested for retransmission is found in the storage device. In comparison to the prior art, where the TCP packet at anytime is directly transmitted by a server to the client via the forwarding device, bandwidth between the server and the forwarding device is saved, thereby network congestion is reduced, and network resource utilization is increased.
US09325627B2 Method for packet network traffic regulation
A method of traffic regulation in a packet communication network involves a token bucket associated with a subscriber. Packets arriving at the regulator are handled in accordance with the token bucket configuration. The method involves measuring a demand placed on the network by the subscriber. The token bucket configuration is dynamically adjusted based on the demand. Another method of traffic regulation handles packets arriving at the regulator in accordance with first and second token bucket configurations. The first token bucket regulates packet rate while the second token bucket regulates data rate. Another method of traffic regulation involves handling packets in accordance with a token bucket configuration, where the amount of tokens to be removed is based on the amount of the flow and is further based on a classification of the flow. Packet-level devices for traffic regulation are also contemplated.
US09325624B2 System and method for enabling dynamic multi-modal communication
A system and method that includes receiving a messaging request that includes communication intent parameters and a set of communication destinations, wherein the messaging request is authenticated as a request of a first account; dynamically transforming messages according to individual communication destinations, wherein for the set of communication destinations: selecting a communication mode according to communication intent parameters, transforming content of the messaging request, and transmitting transformed content to a destination endpoint in the selected communication mode.
US09325622B2 Autonomic traffic load balancing in link aggregation groups
Mechanisms are provided for performing traffic load balancing on ingress traffic directed to a Link Aggregation Group (LAG). The mechanisms monitor a ingress traffic load across a plurality of links of the Link Aggregation Group (LAG). The mechanisms determine if the ingress traffic load across the plurality of links is unbalanced. Moreover, the mechanisms, in response to determining that the ingress traffic load across the plurality of links is unbalanced, send a message to a switch associated with the LAG requesting the switch to modify routing of ingress traffic to the LAG to perform ingress traffic load balancing.
US09325621B1 Wireless device offload
Examples disclosed herein provide systems, methods, and software for directing access nodes to offload users based on congestion. In one example, a method of operating a home access node includes determining that wireless usage in the home access node meets a congestion threshold. The method further includes, in response to meeting the congestion threshold, communicating an offload request to a roaming access node requesting that the roaming access node assist with serving a plurality of wireless devices. The method also includes receiving a response from the roaming access node indicating that the roaming access node can assist with serving the plurality of wireless devices, and directing at least a subset of the plurality of wireless devices to the roaming access node until an offload capacity specified by the roaming access node is reached.
US09325607B2 Transport control server, transport control system, and backup path setting method
Transport control server (TCS) in a network system including a first backup path (FBP) with predetermined first bandwidth (PFB) secured or reserved between any node pair, second backup path (SBP) with predetermined second bandwidth (PSB) secured or reserved between any node pair, the FBP and SBP sharing a link, each node forwards data according to path setting information. The TCS including: a storage section storing, for each path, an identifier for each node through which the path passes; and a control processing section performing: upon switchover of first active path to FBP, judging whether PSB of SBP can be secured or reserved by the bandwidth of the shared link through which the FBP passes, by referring to the storage section; if not, identifying nodes through which the SBP passes, by referring to the storage section; and transmitting a setting change notification to delete the SBP to the identified nodes.
US09325602B2 Low-risk deployment of web services
There are provided systems and methods for providing low-risk deployment of a web service. In one implementation, such a method includes testing the web service on one or more virtual machines assigned to a testing environment of the system, and reassigning the one or more virtual machines to a production environment of the system configured to service live traffic for the web service. The method also includes hosting the web service using the same one or more virtual machines used to test the web service.
US09325596B2 Adaptive signaling for network performance measurement, access, and control
Systems and methods are provided for initiation, use, access, and control of functionality of a network. In one aspect, the systems and methods can be utilized to generate information defining signaling or control performance and operational characteristics associated with the functionality in a variety of network environments. In another aspect, based on such information, adaptive signaling can be utilized to monitor, analyze and detect specific signaling signatures associated with the functionality. Managing signaling or control messages in response to information collected by monitoring and analyzing the adaptive signaling permits originating or requesting the functionality without conventional operation of a network component.
US09325595B1 Method and apparatus for identifying available work stations
A processing device of an information processing system is configured to automatically determine availability status for multiple work stations of an enterprise by monitoring information technology resources associated with respective ones of the work stations. The processing device is further configured to generate availability indicators for the respective work stations based on the determined availability status, and to provide the availability indicators for presentation to one or more users. For example, the processing device may be configured to automatically determine availability status of the work stations by monitoring network ports associated with respective ones of the work stations, with a given one of the work stations being considered unavailable if the corresponding network port is in use and otherwise being considered available. The processing device may deliver the availability indicators to a client application running on a user device in order to facilitate user selection of an available work station.
US09325591B1 Automatic analysis and quality detection of media
This disclosure generally relates to systems and methods that facilitate producing one or more reference or non-reference metrics related to media content in a large scale content server, analyzing the metrics in view of one or more evaluation criteria, and generating results indicative of the quality of the media based upon the analysis.
US09325589B1 Audible network traffic notification system
A network traffic notification system is disclosed that monitors network traffic and provides sound alerts for varying degrees of threatening/non-threatening network traffic. Furthermore, the network traffic notification system will prioritize and analyze data, associating the network activity to various sounds which may correspond to different levels of suspicious or non-suspicious activity. Sounds for threatening activity will be very distinct in order to notify the user of possible security risks.
US09325581B2 Context-aware management of applications at the edge of a network
A method, system and computer program for operating and managing data and application services at an edge of a network. An example method includes executing an application on an edge node. The edge node provides services to mobile device end users on the edge of a network. The method may include identifying an operating context for executing an application on an edge node. A management step manages the operation and lifecycle of the application on the edge node in response to the identified operating context.
US09325569B2 Implementing a software defined network using event records that are transmitted from a network switch
Each of a plurality of data packets that is received on a network switch can be associated with a corresponding event record that identifies one or more flow table rules for that data packet. A plurality of event records, which individually can correspond to one or more of the data packets, is transmitted to a programmable resource for use in controlling a Software Defined Network.
US09325566B2 Seamless Wi-Fi subscription remediation
The exemplary embodiments include a method to perform, based on at least one of hypertext transport protocol and non-hypertext transport protocol traffic tests failing, sending an hypertext transport protocol message to a subscription remediation server URI that carries a package1 message, receiving an hypertext transport protocol response from the subscription mediation server with a package2 message, and automatically replacing a password with a new value, automatically initiating creation of a new client certificate, or launching a browser to a URI provided in the response to enable user intervention. In addition, to receive an access request from a device, determining whether credentials are valid, and if the credentials are determined valid, sending an access-accept message with a success indication, and if the credentials are determined not valid, sending an access-accept message with a success indication and an indication that access by the device is limited to only a subscription remediation server.
US09325565B2 Cloud service packet redirection method and system and cloud gateway
The present invention provides a cloud service packet redirection method and system, and a cloud gateway, the method performed by the cloud gateway includes, if the cloud gateway determines that a DNS packet that is forwarded by a router in a redirection manner is a cloud service-related DNS packet, a record is maintained in a cloud IP table of the cloud gateway according to the DNS packet. Policy route configuration information is sent to the router according to the record maintained in the cloud IP table to instruct the router to maintain a policy route. The policy route instructs the router to redirect, to the cloud gateway, a cloud service packet that is indicated by the DNS packet.
US09325564B1 GRE tunnels to resiliently move complex control logic off of hardware devices
A forwarding device, such as a router, in a network may communicate with a service device according to a networking protocol. According to exemplary embodiments, logic for communicating according to the networking protocol may be relocated from the forwarding device to one or more remote controllers. The remote controllers may encapsulate networking messages and forward the networking messages to the forwarding device using a tunnel, thereby allowing the messages to follow the same path through the network as the messages would have followed if the messages had originated at the forwarding device. Accordingly, the forwarding device can be made simpler, updates to the networking protocol or remote controllers may be made without ceasing operations at the forwarding device, errors in the network may be quickly diagnosed, and a backup remote controller may take responsibility for communications in the network if a primary controller is rendered inoperable.
US09325553B2 Direct conversion receiver circuit for concurrent reception of multiple carriers
A receiver circuit comprising a connection portion for guiding each one of a first predefined number of carrier signals of multiple carriers to one of a number of receive branches, each receive branch comprising at least one amplifier load structure, the number of receive branches being equal to the first predefined number. The receiver circuit also comprises a mixing portion for generating a second predefined number of mixed carrier signals on each receive branch by mixing a carrier signal on each one of the receive branches with a number of local oscillator frequencies equal to the second predefined number, and a selection portion for selecting one of the second predefined number of mixed carrier signals on each receive branch to be output via a number of output paths equal to the first predetermined number to a digital data path.
US09325552B2 Extended duration cyclic prefix with low overhead for LTE broadcast
Extended duration cyclic prefixes with lower overhead are disclosed in which an integer multiple sequence of carriers above the nominal 300 carrier-per-25 resource blocks (RBs) definition are selected to reduce the cyclic prefix overhead below the normative 20%. Sets of durations are then provided associated with each such integer multiple sequence of carriers that allow for the combined duration of the symbol duration and extended duration cyclic prefix to result in an integer number of carriers for each RB.
US09325546B1 Data rate and PVT adaptation with programmable bias control in a SerDes receiver
Described embodiments provide for, in a SerDes device, an adaptation process that adjusts data path gain through programmable-bias based on process, voltage, temperature (PVT) and data rate changes. Such adaptation process extends bias current dynamic range, and low frequency gain can be programmed to a desired target range of values for a given variable gain amplifier (VGA) setting at any PVT and data rate corner. A receive (RX) data path structure auto-adapts data path gain through programmable bias based on sensed PVT and data rate changes. The low frequency attenuation/gain range is extended, and can be programmed to a desirable targeted range by a SerDes device RX adaptive process for a given VGA and linear equalizer (LEQ) setting at any given PVT and data rate condition.
US09325545B2 System and method for generating an on-demand modulation waveform for use in communications between radios
A method and apparatus for managing communications between communications systems is provided. A set of data channels available for use in exchanging data between a communications system and a set of communications systems is identified. A number of constraints for a modulation waveform are identified based on the set of data channels identified and environmental information about a communications environment for the communications between a radio and a set of radios. The modulation waveform that meets the number of constraints is identified. The modulation waveform is configured for use in exchanging the data between the communications system and the set of communications systems over the set of data channels.
US09325540B2 Method and apparatus for mitigating interference in a wireless network through use of transmit beamforming
In a method for reducing interference in wireless communications, a beamforming matrix is determined at a first communication device based on an estimate of a multiple input, multiple output (MIMO) communication channel between the first communication device and a second communication device. Both the first communication device and the second communication device belong to a first wireless network. Alternatively, the beamforming matrix may be generated based on the estimate of the MIMO communication channel and received at the first communication device. The beamforming matrix is used at the first communication device for the purpose of reducing interference to a second wireless network. where the interference is caused by the first communication device transmitting to the second communication device via the MIMO communication channel.
US09325538B2 Precoding in high-order MIMO
A high-order Multiple-Input-Multiple-Output (MIMO) transmitter implementing a covariance-based precoding scheme that exploits transmit channel correlation and a method of operation thereof are provided. In one embodiment, covariance-based precoding is performed at the high-order MIMO transmitter based on feedback from a remote high-order MIMO receiver regarding a covariance-based precoding matrix. The covariance-based precoding matrix is, or is derived from, a transmit channel correlation matrix determined by the high-order MIMO receiver for the high-order MIMO transmitter. The covariance-based precoding provides a beam-forming effect when there is a relatively high degree of transmit channel correlation, thereby improving performance of the high-order MIMO transmitter. Further, because changes in the transmit channel correlation occur relatively slowly over time, feedback overhead requirements are substantially reduced as compared to that required for traditional MIMO precoding schemes.
US09325532B2 Method and apparatus for communicating symbols in a multiple input multiple output communication system using interleaved subcarriers across a plurality of antennas
A method and apparatus are provided for transmitting one or more symbols in a multiple antenna wireless communication system. Subcarriers from one or more symbols are interleaved across a plurality of antennas. The symbols may be, for example, long or short training symbols based on a single-antenna long or short training symbol, respectively, and wherein each subsequent subcarrier from the single-antenna training symbol is positioned in a training symbol for a logically adjacent antenna. One or more additional subcarriers may be inserted in at least one of the plurality of symbols to allow nulled subcarriers to be estimated using an interpolation-based channel estimation technique. The remaining portions of a header, as well as the data sequences of a packet, may also be diagonally loaded.
US09325530B2 Management of virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI) sessions using real-time network conditions
Devices, methods and instructions encoded on computer readable medium are provided herein for management of virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI) sessions in a VDI system based on real-time network conditions. In one example, a request for allocation of bandwidth to a first VDI session configured to operate in parallel with a plurality of other VDI sessions in a network is received at a network device. The real-time conditions of the network are detected, and the network device uses these real-time network conditions to determine if sufficient bandwidth is available to satisfy the request for allocation of bandwidth to the first VDI session. A determination is then performed, based on one or more provisioned policies, to determine how bandwidth is to be allocated between the first VDI session and the other parallel VDI sessions. Bandwidth may then be allocated to the first VDI session.
US09325529B2 Hybrid type telephony system
A hybrid type telephony system capable of establishing a connection between conventional type telephone sets contained in an exchange unit and LAN type telephone sets contained in an IP network, the system comprising: a gateway circuit connected between the exchange unit and the IP network and performing voice data format conversion, and a central control unit connected to the LAN of the IP network for establishing a communication path to the exchange unit via a control bus, controlling switching of IP packets of the IP network, managing IP address information of the LAN type telephone sets and the gateway circuit via the LAN, and controlling connection between the LAN type telephone sets and connection between the LAN type telephone sets and the gateway circuit.
US09325527B2 Optimised bandwidth utilisation in networks
A multimedia delivery network, comprising network resource allocation means for allocating bandwidth to a network session between a UE (user equipment) device on the network and a delivery server, wherein the allocation means is adapted to reserve a nominal bandwidth for the network session when the session is opened, which permits delivery of data from the delivery server to the UE at a nominal service rate, and wherein the delivery server is adapted to increase the bandwidth of the session, to a higher bandwidth once the session has been opened, so as to permit delivery of data from the delivery server to the UE at a burst delivery rate higher than the nominal rate.
US09325522B2 Minimizing interference between communication networks
Methods, systems, and devices are described for minimizing mutual interference between networks that implement different protocols. In one embodiment, a first network device of a first network may exchange coexistence information with a second network device of a second network to determine whether to share resources or reduce transmit power based, at least in part, on the interference detected at the first network device from a transmission of the second network device. In one embodiment, both the first and the second network devices may independently and iteratively reduce their respective transmit power to minimize interference between the interfering networks. The first network device may reduce its transmit power based on an interference of the second network device and vice versa. In another embodiment, the network device with a lower priority may minimize its transmit power to reduce interference with the network device with a higher priority.
US09325520B2 System and method for an asynchronous processor with scheduled token passing
Embodiments are provided for adding a token jump logic to an asynchronous processor with token passing. The token jump logic allows token forward jumps and token backward jumps over a cascade of token processing logics in the processor. An embodiment method includes determining, using a token jump logic coupled to a cascade of token processing logics, whether to administer a token forward jump or a token backward jump of a token signal passing through the token processing logics. The token forward jump and token backward jump allow the token signal to skip one or more token processing logics in the cascade. The method further includes monitoring, for each of the token processing logics, a polarity status of a token sense logic, and inverting the polarity status according to the determination at the token jump logic.
US09325515B2 Distributed CCAP cable modem termination system
Distributed CMTS device for a HFC CATV network serving multiple neighborhoods by multiple individual cables, in which at least some and often all of the QAM modulators that provide data for the individual cables are remote QAM modulators ideally located at the fiber nodes. A CCAP set of IP/on-demand data is transmitted to the nodes using an optical fiber, often using digital protocols such as Ethernet protocols. Optionally a basic set of legacy CATV QAM data, transmitted using RF waveforms transposed to optical frequencies, may also be transmitted to the nodes using either the same or different optical fiber. The nodes extract the data specific to each neighborhood, and inject this data into unused cable QAM channels along with any optional legacy CATV QAM waveforms as desired, thus achieving improved data transmission rates through finer granularity. A computerized “virtual shelf” control system for this system is also disclosed.
US09325514B1 Apparatus for managing local devices
An apparatus for managing local devices, wherein the apparatus is operatively connectable with a network to manage network traffic. The apparatus can include computer instructions to identify and track a Media Access Control identifier using the network. The apparatus can also include computer instructions to direct traffic to a path associated with the Media Access Control identifier, computer instructions to measure the bit rate passing through the path associated with the Media Access Control identifier; and computer instructions to adjust the bit rate allowed to pass through the path. The decision to adjust the bit rate allowed to pass through the path can be determined using rolling quotas.
US09325506B2 Cryptographically enforcing strict separation of environments
A system and method are disclosed for enforcing site or organization localized provisioning policy using cryptography. In an exemplary method, a signing key is used to generate a signature for an application. The signature of the application is verified using a verifying key in order to determine whether the application adheres to the site or organization localized provisioning policy. The verifying may be performed during initialization of a computing device or during runtime of an operating system at the computing device.
US09325500B2 Providing support for multiple authentication chains
A method and system to support multiple chains of authentication modules. The method may include receiving a user login request, and identifying multiple chains of authentication modules to be performed prior to allowing a user to login, where each chain of authentication modules is associated with a chain manager. The method further includes determining dependencies between chain managers, invoking the chain managers in the order defined by the dependencies, andresponding to the user login request based on execution results of the authentication modules.
US09325495B2 Encrypted server-less communication between devices
In some examples, a device may include an accelerometer configured to provide a measurement of vibration created by relative contact with another device, and a processor, operatively coupled to the accelerometer, configured to: create an encryption key based on, at least, the measurement of the vibration, receive an output encrypted with the encryption key from the another device, and verify the identity of the encryption key by which the output received from the another device is encrypted.
US09325494B2 Method for generating a bit vector
A method and a circuit configuration for generating a bit vector are described. At least two configurations, each having state machines of the same design, are used, to whose inputs an input signal is sent and which generate an output signal as a function of their state, each state machine always having a different state than the other state machine of one configuration, so that the bit vector is generated by a linear gating of the output signals of the state machines of different configurations.
US09325489B2 Data receivers and methods of implementing data receivers in an integrated circuit
A data receiver implemented in an integrated circuit is described. The data receiver comprises an input receiving a data signal; a first equalization circuit coupled to receive the data signal, wherein the first equalization circuit is used to receive the data of the data signal; and a second equalization circuit coupled to receive the data signal, wherein the second equalization circuit is used to adjust a clock phase offset.
US09325486B2 Bidirectional communication
A two-way communication device has a master transmitter connected to at least one slave transmitter by an active connection wire. The master transmitter and the slave transmitter have a common reference. The master transmitter can transmit a master signal to the slave transmitter and the slave transmitter can transmit a slave signal to the master transmitter. The master signal is a digital modulation in voltage. The slave signal is a digital modulation in current.
US09325484B2 Method to enable rapid scanning by cognitive radios
A cognitive radio scanning method is disclosed that enables cognitive radios to rapidly scan for neighboring channels by staggering the position of beacons across the frame relative to other channels and intelligently allocate the bandwidth across super frames such that a device has the ability to switch and scan multiple beacons both within and across multiple super frames.
US09325477B2 Alternate channel for carrying selected message types
A method is implemented by a subscriber unit in a wireless communication for establishing a network session. The subscriber unit encodes an acknowledgment message for transmission on a shared reverse link channel to a base station. Acknowledgment information associated with a received session tag at the subscriber unit to the base station is transmitted over the shared reverse link channel, on a condition that the session tag is received from a network server via the base station on a forward link channel and identified by the subscriber unit. The acknowledgment is transmitted on a reverse traffic channel on a condition that the session ID tag is not identified by the subscriber unit.
US09325472B2 Method and apparatus for signal transceiving in wireless communication system
An embodiment of the present invention is a method for receiving a signal from a plurality of transmission points in a wireless communication system, the method for receiving a signal comprising the steps of: blind decoding a first search space of a subframe received from a first transmission point; and blind decoding a second search space of a subframe received from a second transmission point, wherein the combination of the first search space and the second search space is equivalent to a search space that results when a signal is received from only one transmission point from among the plurality of transmission points.
US09325470B2 Method and device for sending pilot signal
Embodiments of the invention disclose a method and device for sending a pilot signal. The method includes: generating a sub-frame carrying user-specific pilot signals, wherein the sub-frame includes one or more resource blocks, the resource block includes a plurality of resource elements in a symbol-subcarrier plane, locations of the resource elements in the symbol-subcarrier plane are determined by an OFDM symbol and subcarrier, a first part of the user-specific pilots signal are carried by the resource elements of the initial one or more OFDM symbols in the resource block, and a second part of the user-specific pilot signals are carried by resource elements of other OFDM symbols in the resource block; and sending the sub-frame carrying the user-specific pilot signals. The methods and devices are capable of improving the precision of channel estimation.
US09325466B2 Signaling for ePDCCH resource mapping in the support of CoMP
Communication systems may benefit from signaling for resource mapping. For example, third generation partnership project (3GPP) long term evolution advanced (LTE-Advanced) may benefit from signaling for enhanced downlink control channel (ePDCCH) resource mapping in support of coordinated multipoint (CoMP) transmission.
US09325465B2 Method and base station for controlling interference
A method and base station (600) of a first cell (602), for—controlling inter-cell interference in a cellular network when Discontinuous Reception, DRX, is applied for User Equipments, UEs. The base station selects a DRX scheme with active periods that are separated in time from active periods of a DRX scheme used for UEs in DRX mode in a neighboring second cell (806). The selected DRX scheme is then used for a first UE (604) in DRX mode in the first cell to avoid interference between transmissions of signals in the active periods to the first UE in the first cell and transmissions of signals in active periods to the UEs in the neighboring second cell.
US09325426B2 Burst-mode receiver having a wide dynamic range and low pulse-width distortion and a method
A burst-mode Rx is provided that has a wide dynamic range, low pulse-width distortion and low technological overhead. The Rx is capable of processing signals having levels that range from low noise levels up to high noise levels. In addition, the Rx is capable of quickly and simultaneously adapting the TIA gain and the bit decision threshold level, thereby eliminating the need to transmit and receive a training bit sequence prior to transmitting and receiving actual data. By simultaneously adapting the TIA gain and the bit decision threshold level on the first bit of actual data received in the Rx, the Rx is capable of being used with short packets and with packets of varying lengths transmitted from different types of transmitters located in the same network.
US09325425B2 Method and apparatus for demodulating and regenerating phase modulated optical signals
A DPSK/DQPSK receiver includes an optical splitter that separates the received DPSK/DQPSK optical signal according to an optical power splitting ratio into a plurality of received optical signals. A plurality of optical filters passes a plurality of filtered received optical signals. A plurality of optical detectors generates a plurality of electrical detection signals, each with a power that is related to a power of a respective filtered optical signal. A plurality of amplifiers generates a plurality of amplified electrical signals. At least one electrical signal combiner combines the plurality of amplified electrical detection signals generated by the plurality of optical amplifiers into a combined reception signal.
US09325424B2 Optical phase compensation device, optical receiver, and optical phase compensation method
An optical phase compensation device included in an optical receiver employing an intradyne detection method, includes a first optical phase error calculator configured to calculate a first optical phase error by averaging signal symbols of a first number of input main signals, a second optical phase error calculator configured to calculate a second optical phase error by averaging signal symbols of a second number of the main signals, wherein the second number is smaller than the first number, and a subtractor configured to subtract, from optical phase components of the main signals, one of a difference between the first optical phase error and the second optical phase error and a value obtained by multiplying the difference by a gain relative to the difference.
US09325423B1 Systems and methods for complementary signal transmission
This disclosure provides systems, methods, and apparatus for improving a signal-to-noise ratio of a signal transmitted over a communication link. The communication system can include a transmitter, a receiver and a communication link for communicating data between the transmitter and the receiver. In some implementations, the transmitter employs a modulator for generating a modulated data signal and a complementary modulated data signal and send over the fiber link through two orthogonal polarizations. The receiver utilizes both the modulated data signal and the complementary modulated data signal for regenerating the transmitted data at the receiver. In some implementations, the receiver determines and transmits a polarization parameter to the transmitter, which adjusts the polarizations of the transmitted modulated and complementary modulated data signals to compensate for polarization angle rotation introduced by the communication link.
US09325421B1 Burst-mode laser control circuit and the method thereof
A burst-mode laser control circuit and related methods thereof are disclosed. Using an APC loop with an additional burst-mode control circuit, and a switch in series with a diode and in parallel with the laser, a continuous-mode laser driver is enabled to operate in burst-mode by turning the switch on or off via external logic. Burst-mode control manages the switch, and a bandwidth-select circuit using a high or low logic level input, wherein the laser is disabled and the bandwidth-select circuit enters a fast-track mode when the external logic signal has a first level. The laser provides regular optical signals, and the bandwidth-select circuit enters a slow-track mode, thereby enabling the APC loop to operate normally, when the external logic signal has a second level. In addition to a low cost and simple implementation, the control circuit and method provide lasers with a fast response capability using one or more externally-controlled switch circuits to meet demands of PON systems for burst-mode ONUs.
US09325408B2 Satellite receiver module for telecommunication equipment
A satellite receiver module for telecommunication equipment includes circuitries configured to receive timing information from one or more satellites and to form timing messages based on a clock signal in accordance with the received timing information. The clock signal is a stream of temporally successive clock pulses and the pulse-rate of the clock signal is accordant with a pace indicating signal received. from a body device of the telecommunication equipment. The satellite receiver module further includes a data interface including a connector for detachably attaching to the body device and for transferring the timing messages to the body device. Because the pulse-rate, i.e. the frequency, of the clock signal is accordant with the pace indicating signal received from the body device, a high-quality local oscillator is not necessary in the satellite receiver module.
US09325407B2 Providing network connectivity and access to content and communications via moving objects
Various techniques for providing network connectivity are described herein. In one example, a moving object includes an uplink device of the moving object to connect the moving object to a publicly available computer network. The moving object also includes a downlink device of the moving object to be communicatively coupled to a remote device at a specific segment along a route of the moving object. The remote device is to provide data received via the downlink device to a user. The moving object also further includes a cache store communicatively coupled to the uplink device and the downlink device. Implementations include the use of commercial airplanes for providing connectivity via intermittent access and refreshing of a cache store that makes content available to end users.
US09325406B2 Data relay mobile apparatus, data relay method, and computer program product thereof for a wireless network
A data relay mobile apparatus and a data relay method for a wireless network and a computer program product thereof are provided. The wireless network comprises a first mobile node and a second mobile node. The data relay mobile apparatus receives first status information and second status information from the first mobile node and the second mobile node, respectively. The data relay apparatus relays data according to the first status information and the second status information. With the aforesaid method, the present invention can effectively reduce the problems caused from shadow fading.
US09325389B2 Reducing distortion in radio communication for high speed vehicle
For a wireless communication between a high speed vehicle and a base station, communication signals received by two or more antennas at different locations of the high speed vehicle may be combined and further processed to reduce the distortion caused by some natural phenomena including the Doppler Effect.
US09325372B2 Upstream power amplifier
A communication device includes a communication interface, a number of variable power amplifiers (VPAs), and a processor. Some of the VPAs are configured to process analog signals to generate processed analog signals (e.g., each VPA configured to process one of the analog signals to generate one of the processed analog signals based on a respective VPA control signal). A composite VPA processes a summation of the processed analog signals, which are generated by certain of the VPA, to generate a processed composite signal based on a composite VPA control signal. The processor generates the a first, a second, and a composite VPA control signals based, at least in part, on configuration information from another communication device via the communication interface. The processor may be configured to consider other information as well, such as locally generated information (within the communication device), operational history, current operating conditions, etc.
US09325371B2 Method for managing data transport using crosstalk data
A method and device are provided for affecting data conveyance within a cable comprising a plurality of copper wire lines. The method comprises: providing information about crosstalk interference experienced by the copper wire lines; for each copper wire line experiencing crosstalk interference (interfered line), identifying which other copper wire lines induce crosstalk interference to that interfered line; partitioning the copper wire lines into interference groups, where each interference group comprises at least one copper wire line, wherein at least one of the interference groups comprises at least three copper wire lines, and wherein in case that a given interference group comprises more than two copper wire lines, then each of the copper wire lines belonging to that interference group is subjected to interference induced by another copper wire line that belongs to that interference group; and based on the partitioning step, changing operational settings of at least one copper wire line.
US09325369B2 Methods and devices for mitigating interference with FHSS signals
Methods and devices for mitigating interference with a signal of a frequency hopping spread spectrum system are disclosed. A second signal is detected, and a property of the second signal is determined. At least one of a set of designated frequency channels used by the frequency hopping spread spectrum system is determined as having a property most similar to that of the second signal. The usage, by the frequency hopping spread spectrum system, of the at least one most similar designated frequency channel is then modified, for communication of data.
US09325362B2 Rectification circuit and wireless communication apparatus using the same
A rectification circuit includes a first field-effect transistor and a bias voltage generation circuit. The field-effect transistor includes a first gate terminal, a first source terminal, a first source region having a first p-type diffusion layer and connected to the first source terminal, a first drain terminal, and a first drain region having a first n-type diffusion layer and connected to the first drain terminal. The bias voltage generation circuit is configured to apply a DC voltage between the first gate terminal and the first drain terminal.
US09325356B2 Single-sideband transmitter using class-S amplifier
An SSB transmitter includes a digital-to-digital converter generating first and second real signal components as a function of a complex input signal supplied to the transmitter, and a digital Hilbert transformation module coupled with the digital-to-digital converter and operative to generate first and second transformed signals as a function of the first and second real signal components. The transmitter further includes first and second bit-stream generators operative to generate first and second analog signals as a function of the first and second transformed signals, respectively. The transmitter includes first and second amplifiers. The first amplifier is operative to generate a first amplified signal as a function of the first analog signal. The second amplifier is operative to generate a second amplified signal as a function of the second analog signal. An analog hybrid coupler is connected with the first and second amplifiers and operative to perform an analog Hilbert transformation.
US09325355B2 Methods and apparatus for performing impedance matching
A system that incorporates teachings of the subject disclosure may include, for example, determining a first voltage standing wave ratio (VSWR), selecting a VSWR circle from among a group of VSWR circles based on the first VSWR, identifying a group of sets of tuning settings for variable reactance elements of a matching network of the communication device where the identifying of the group of sets of tuning settings is based on each set of tuning settings of the group of sets of tuning settings being associated with the VSWR circle, and selecting a set of tuning settings from among the group of sets of tuning settings responsive to a second VSWR determined for the set of tuning settings satisfying a VSWR threshold. Other embodiments are disclosed.
US09325354B2 Wideband frequency shift modulation using transient state of antenna
Described herein are architectures, platforms and methods for implementing modulating a radiating signal of a high Q antenna in order to transmit from one frequency to one or more different frequencies which may be in the same narrow band frequency spectrum or in a wide band frequency spectrum.
US09325353B2 Architecture for a radio frequency front-end
An architecture for a radio frequency (RF) front-end is disclosed. The architecture for the RF front-end includes a circuit module that includes a plurality of dies partitioned on the circuit module. A plurality of filter banks with individual ones of the plurality of filter banks disposed on each of the plurality of circuit dies is also included. Further included is a plurality of switches having individual ones of the plurality of switches coupled to corresponding ones of the plurality of filter banks and in at least one embodiment a control system is configured to open and close selected ones of the plurality of switches.
US09325351B2 Adaptive multi-core, multi-direction turbo decoder and related decoding method thereof
A turbo decoder includes a plurality of decoder cores arranged for parallel decoding of a plurality of code segments of a code block in an iteration. Each of the decoder cores is arranged to decode a corresponding code segment according to a sliding window having a window size smaller than a length of the corresponding code segment in most cases, and sequentially generate a plurality of decoded soft outputs each derived from decoding an encoded soft input selected from the corresponding code segment by the sliding window.
US09325346B1 Systems and methods for handling parity and forwarded error in bus width conversion
Systems and methods are provided for encoding forwarded error for data bus width conversion. Input data and input forwarded error information are received. System input parity information is computed based on the input data and the input forwarded error information. Output data based on the input data and system output parity information based on the system input parity information are provided, and it is determined whether to indicate a forwarded error output based on the output data and the system output parity information.
US09325325B2 Method and device for managing the time transition of a CMOS logic circuit as a function of temperature
A method includes generation of a first current proportional to absolute temperature and formation of a second current representative of the temperature variation of the threshold voltages of the transistors of the inverter and limited to a fraction of the first current. This fraction is less than one. The inverter is supplied with a supply current equal to the first current minus the limited second current.
US09325322B2 Synchronization system and frequency divider circuit
In a synchronization system, a frequency divider circuit generates a divided clock by dividing a reference clock in a first division ratio. First and second devices operate in synchronization with the reference clock and the divided clock. A division ratio detection circuit, for each period of the divided clock, detects a division ratio of the divided clock based on a count value counted in synchronization with the reference clock and output the division ratio as a second division ratio. A decoder generates a strobe signal, which is for controlling a timing at which the first device transmits and receives a signal to and from the second device, based on the count value and the second division ratio. The first device communicates with the second device through a bus, which operates in synchronization with the divided clock, based on the strobe signal.
US09325319B1 Continuous time linear equalization for current-mode logic with transformer
The present invention is directed to data communication systems and methods. More specifically, embodiments of the present invention provide a CML that uses one or more equalization modules to apply equalization via secondary windings of transformers that are coupled, directly or indirectly, to the CML outputs. The equalization modules comprises a DAC component that generates switching signals based on control signals received from an external equalization module. The equalization module also includes switchable resistors and/or capacitors. The switching signals are used to select switchable resistors and/or capacitors. By switching resistors and/or capacitors at the equalization module, the outputs of the CML are equalized. There are other embodiments as well.
US09325316B1 Low-power high swing CML driver with independent common-mode and swing control
A low-power high-swing current-mode logic (CML) driver circuit includes a first differential-pair and a second differential-pair. The first differential-pair includes first transistors, and is coupled to a first voltage supply that supplies a first voltage. The second differential-pair includes second transistors, and a common node of the second differential-pair is coupled to a second voltage supply. The second voltage supply supplies a second voltage that is higher than the first voltage. Control terminals of the first transistors are coupled to control terminals of the second transistors to form input nodes of the driver circuit.
US09325314B2 Integrated circuit including circuits driven in different voltage domains
Provided is an integrated circuit including circuits driven in different voltage domains. The integrated circuit includes a logic circuit configured to be driven by a first power supply voltage having a first power supply voltage level, and a memory circuit configured to be driven by a second power supply voltage having a second power supply voltage level different from the first power supply voltage level. The memory circuit includes a circuit configured to interface with the logic circuit, configured to be supplied with power at the second power supply voltage level in response to an output signal, and configured to shift a level of a signal having the first power supply voltage level received from the logic circuit to the second power supply voltage level. The first power supply voltage corresponds to a first voltage domain, and the second power supply voltage corresponds to a second voltage domain.
US09325309B2 Gate driving circuit and driving method thereof
A gate driving circuit and a driving method thereof are provided. The gate driving circuit includes a control signal generator and at least one gate channel set, each of the at least one gate channel set includes a plurality of gate channels, and the plurality of gate channels share a level shifter. The driving method includes generating a plurality of first control signals and a plurality of second control signals according to a gate driver start pulse, and determining that one of the gate channels uses the level shifter during a time period according to the plurality of first control signals and the plurality of second control signals. Therefore, the number of the level shifters can be decreased.
US09325308B2 Semiconductor device and cascode circuit
A semiconductor device and a cascode circuit are disclosed herein. The semiconductor device includes a first transistor and a second transistor. The first transistor includes a first electrode, a second electrode, a control electrode, and a control pad. The second transistor includes a first electrode, a second electrode, a control electrode, and a control pad. The second electrode of the first transistor is configured to receive a first predetermined voltage. The control electrode of the first transistor is configured to receive an input signal. The first electrode of the second transistor configured to receive a second predetermined voltage. The second electrode of the second transistor is electrically coupled to the first electrode of the first transistor. The control pad is disposed between the first electrode of the second transistor and the control electrode of the second transistor, and is configured to receive a first adjust signal.
US09325307B2 Semiconductor device
The semiconductor device includes first and second output terminals each coupled to one end side and another end side of an inductive or capacitive load, a first MOS transistor coupled between a first voltage and the first output terminal, a second MOS transistor coupled between a second voltage and the first output terminal, a third MOS transistor coupled between the first voltage and the second output terminal, a fourth MOS transistor coupled between the second voltage and the second output terminal, and a drive circuit driving the first to fourth MOS transistors for controlling the inductive or capacitive load, and further includes first and second bypass transistors for bypassing a forward current of a parasitic diode of a PN-junction formed in the MOS transistor in the dead-off period.
US09325300B2 Method for the operation of electrostatic precipitators
The disclosure relates to a method for the scheduling and/or the operation of a system of at least two power supplies (11) providing DC pulses to a consumer (5), typically an electrostatic precipitator, wherein the power supplies (11) are energized by a common feeding (1). According to the proposed method one power supply (11) is defined to be the reference power supply, and the initial pulses of each further power supply (11) are shifted by controlled delays (δPri) with respect to the pulses of the reference power supply so as to fill the gaps between the pulses of the reference power supply by the pulses of the further power supplies (11).
US09325289B2 Coaxial-impedance synthesizer
The invention relates to a coaxial-impedance synthesizer, comprising: a longitudinal central (0x) conductor (1); an outer conductive tube (2) arranged coaxially to the conductor (1); and at least one probe (4) mounted so as to longitudinally translate around the conductor (1), the coaxial-impedance synthesizer being characterized in that the outer tube (2) includes two separable half-tubes, such that the probe (4) is permitted to move longitudinally, relative to the central conductor (1), to a desired position when the two half-tubes are spaced apart from each other, and when the two half-tubes are near each other, the outer periphery of the probe (4) and the inner wall of the outer tube are in contact with each other.
US09325287B2 Programmable gain amplifier with controlled gain steps
Provided is a programmable gain amplifier that includes controlled gain steps that dynamically control an output voltage in real-time. The programmable gain amplifier includes a first transistor and a second transistor that includes respective control ports, input ports, and output ports. The programmable gain amplifier also includes a resistor connected to the output ports of the transistors. Further, at least a third transistor is connected to the output ports, in parallel with the resistor. On applying a control voltage to the third transistor and applying an input voltage to the first control port, the second control port is selectively modified by the control voltage to produce a desired output at the first input port and the second input port.
US09325280B2 Multi-way doherty amplifier
An electronic circuit has a multi-way Doherty amplifier. The multi-way Doherty amplifier comprises a two-way Doherty amplifier with a main stage and a first peak stage that are integrated in a semiconductor device; and at least one further peak stage implemented with a discrete power transistor.
US09325279B1 Integrated power device with a metal oxynitride active channel for power switching and microwave amplification
One object of this invention is to provide a structure of integrated power transistor device having low thermal budget metal oxynitrides as the active channel on a CMOS logic and control circuit chip to form an integrated intelligent power switching module for power switching. The other object of this invention is to provide a structure of integrated power amplifier transistor device having low thermal budget metal oxynitride active channel layer on a CMOS logic and control circuit chip to form an integrated intelligent microwave power amplifier for RF power amplification.
US09325276B2 Methods and apparatus for clock oscillator temperature coefficient trimming
Apparatus and methods are provided for a temperature-compensated oscillator adapted to receive an input reference current. The apparatus and methods include or provide a temperature coefficient control circuit adapted to adjust the input reference current based on temperature information, wherein the temperature coefficient control circuit receives a first signal corresponding to the temperature information at a first signal node, and a second signal corresponding to a trimmed bias signal at a second signal node.
US09325267B2 Diagnosis of over-current conditions in bipolar motor controllers
A circuit for controlling a load current through a coil is connected to an output port of a transistor H-bridge that includes two low side transistors and two high side transistors. A current sense circuit is coupled to the H-bridge and configured to provide a representation of the load current provided by the output port. A current regulator is configured to generate a modulated signal dependent on the representation of the load current and a current set-point. The modulated signal has a duty-cycle. A gate control logic drives the individual transistors of the H-bridge on and off in accordance with the modulated signal. A direction signal provides the load current to the coil. The direction signal determines the direction of the load current. An over current detection circuit is coupled to each individual transistor and is configured to signal an over-current by providing an active over-current failure signal when a transistor current through the respective transistor exceeds a respective maximum value.
US09325254B2 SCR dimming circuit and dimming control method
A silicon-controlled rectifier (SCR) dimming circuit and a dimming control method are disclosed. The SCR dimming circuit includes a SCR element, a rectifier circuit, a filter circuit, a power converter, and a dimming control circuit. The dimmer control circuit includes a phase angle detection circuit, an output current feedback control circuit, an input current control circuit, a maximum operation time detection circuit, and a logic operator. An input current sampling signal fluctuates near a predetermined value after the SCR element is turned off by turning on and off the power converter, so that the input AC current is less than a holding current of the SCR element. The present SCR dimming circuit and the present dimming control method can avoid repeatedly turning on the SCR element in cycles of an operating frequency. Thus, the linearity of dimming is improved and the flicker of an LED lamp is eliminated.
US09325250B2 Method and system for polarity independent step-up converter capable of operating under ultra-low input voltage condition
Apparatus and method for a polarity independent step-up converter capable of operating with ultra low input voltage. The step-up converter as disclosed herein receives an input source having a variable polarity and includes a first core circuit coupled to the input source and an output of the step-up converter and a second core circuit coupled to the input source and the output of the step-up converter. The first core circuit is configured to be active for a first input voltage polarity to output a first step-up voltage and the second core circuit is configured to be active for a second input voltage polarity to output a second step-up voltage.
US09325249B2 Single stage boost-asymmetric LLC
An AC/DC power converter utilizing a single stage boost-asymmetric LLC topology is disclosed. The converter uses a combined pulse width modulation (PWM) and frequency modulation (FM) to achieve dual control for a single main magnetic element (transformer). The transformer provides an output voltage regulation throughout the primary-secondary isolation operating in resonant mode (LLC) by means of frequency modulation, while at the same time its magnetizing inductance is conditioning the input current and providing a boosted high voltage for energy storage purpose by means of duty cycle control. A single pair of complementary primary switches is used to drive the primary winding of the transformer in order to achieve both voltage regulation and power conditioning. The secondary side capacitors and the resonant inductor, which may be either integrated into the transformer or external to the transformer, achieve the resonant function of the transformer.
US09325244B2 Power supply system
A power supply system includes a plurality of DC-DC converters and at least one operating unit. The DC-DC converters are connected in parallel to one another. The at least one operating unit operates the DC-DC converters such that power is supplied through the DC-DC converters to a predetermined power-supplied object. The at least one operating unit includes a voltage controller, a current limiter, and an increasing unit. The voltage controller operates the DC-DC converters such that output voltages thereof are controlled to be respective target voltage. The current limiter limits output currents of the DC-DC converters so that they are limited with respect to a respective specified value. The increasing unit increases a specified value for at least one DC-DC converter of the DC-DC converters, when all of the plurality of DC-DC converters are activated and output current of at least one other DC-DC converter of the DC-DC converters reaches a specified value for the at least one other DC-DC converter.
US09325239B2 Power supply device, control circuit, electronic device and control method for power supply
A power supply device that includes a switch circuit to which an input voltage is supplied, a coil coupled between the switch circuit and an output terminal from which an output voltage is outputted. A voltage adding circuit adds a slope voltage to a reference voltage. A control unit compares a feedback voltage corresponding to the output voltage and the reference voltage and switches the switch circuit at a timing corresponding to a comparison result of the feedback voltage and the reference voltage. A slope adjustment circuit differentiates a current flowing in the coil and adjusts a slope amount of the slope based on a differentiation result of the current.
US09325236B1 Controlling power factor in a switching power converter operating in discontinuous conduction mode
A power system includes a controller to control a switching power converter, and the controller is configured to automatically transition operation of the switching power converter, during each cycle of an input voltage to the switching power converter, between operating in discontinuous conduction mode and critical conduction mode.
US09325235B2 Adaptive nonlinear current observer for boost PFC AC/DC converters
Systems, methods, and devices which estimate the inductor current in a power factor correction (PFC) converter for use with AC/DC converters. A control system for use with the PFC takes as input the input voltage and the output voltage of the PFC. Control signals for power semiconductor subcircuits in the PFC are then output from the control system. The control system uses an adaptive observer sub-circuit that estimates the inductor current and the bus voltage. The adaptive observer uses an adaptive updater which uses both the estimates and the estimate error to update the adaptive observer's estimates.
US09325226B2 Electric motor having a commutator and brushes in sliding contact therewith
An electric motor for moving a vehicle part, the electric motor having a stator with a stator housing, a drive shaft rotatable with respect to the stator, a rotor on the drive shaft and having a rotor winding, a commutator on the drive shaft for supplying an electric current to the rotor winding, at least two brushes mounted on the stator housing, the brushes in sliding contact with the commutator for supplying electric current to the rotor winding, a bushing mounted on the drive shaft adjacent to the commutator, and a cone element mounted on the drive shaft adjacent to the bushing on a side of the bushing facing away from the commutator, the cone element having an outer surface which conforms to the shape of a cone concentrical to the drive shaft and having a tip pointing away from the bushing.
US09325220B2 Propulsion and control for a magnetically lifted vehicle
Electromechanical systems using magnetic fields to induce eddy currents and generate lift are described. Magnet configurations which can be employed in the systems are illustrated. The magnet configuration can be used to generate lift and/or thrust. Lift and thrust predictions for various magnet configurations are provided. Arrangements of hover engines, which can employ the magnet configurations, and an associated guidance, navigation and control system, are described. Finally, a number of different applications, such as trains, elevators and printing, which utilize embodiments of the electromechanical systems described herein, are presented.
US09325219B2 Magnetic motor and method of use
Embodiments of the present invention may include a method of producing mechanical power by moving a coil coupled to a shaft partially into a magnetic cylinder having a magnetic end cap containing a plurality of stacked magnetic forces, changing the magnetic polarity of the shaft, moving the coil out of the magnetic cylinder. In other embodiments, there is an electric motor apparatus comprising a magnetic cylinder, a coil coupled to a shaft, and a means for reversing the magnetic polarity of the shaft.
US09325211B2 Wave winding coil for rotary electrical machine
A wave winding coil for a rotary electrical machine includes a coil conductor including coil side portions and coil end portions, the coil conductor being wound to include a wave winding configuration, a relational expression expressing a total number of the coil side portions included in a phase coil is expressed by a mathematical expression 1 m×k=n×q×2p, and m refers to the number of the phase unit coils that are parallelly connected to each other, k refers to the number of the coil side portions that are serially connected to each other, q refers to the number of serially-connected-conductors per magnetic pole, the serially-connected-conductor belongs to one of the kinds of the coil side portions, 2p refers to the number of the magnetic pole, m refers to a common divisor between q×2p and n.
US09325207B2 Power supplier and receiver and mobile device
An arrangement place for a device such as a rectifier and a power storage device is easily secured. At the time of power supply using a resonance phenomenon, a power-receiving device generates a magnetic field space having a lower magnetic field strength than other parts at or around the inner side of the power-receiving module, and this magnetic field space is used as the arrangement place of an electronic component. The power-receiving module includes a power-receiving resonance coil which is resonated with a power-supplying module and a power-receiving coil which partly overlaps the power-receiving resonance coil in a coil diameter direction and receives and supplies power from and to the power-receiving resonance coil.
US09325202B2 Power control device, power control method, and feed system
Provided is a power control device including a power path switching unit, a voltage conversion unit, a characteristic measurement circuit, and a control unit, wherein the power path switching unit forms a path in which an output of the power generating element is connected to the storage element side by connecting the power generating element to the voltage conversion unit, or a path in which the power generating element is directly connected to the storage element side according to the path switching signal.
US09325200B2 Charger, control method and terminal apparatus
A charger includes a contactless charging unit that contactlessly charges an apparatus to be charged, a position aligning unit that performs position aligning of the apparatus to be charged, and a reducing unit that reduces an effect of the position aligning unit.
US09325196B2 Wireless power transmission apparatus for mobile device
A wireless charging apparatus includes a charging unit configured to transmit power wirelessly to a mobile device, and a power supply unit configured to supply power to the charging unit. The wireless charging apparatus further includes a connecting unit configured to connect the charging unit to the power supply unit such that a position and an angle of the charging unit are adjustable.
US09325190B2 Power storage system having current limiting means to control multiple parallel connected battery packs
A power storage system has a plurality of secondary battery packs and a host device. The secondary battery packs each have: secondary batteries; a charge switch means that turns a charging path to the secondary batteries ON and OFF; a discharge switch means that turns a discharging path from the secondary battery ON and OFF; and a current-limiting means that causes the secondary battery to discharge while limiting the current to, or below, a fixed value. When switching from the secondary battery pack connected to the input/output terminals of the system to a first secondary battery pack in which voltage is higher than in the second secondary battery pack, the host device causes the charge switch means of the second secondary battery pack to turn OFF the charging path while in a state in which the current limiting means of the first secondary battery pack will cause a discharge operation to begin while limiting the flow of current.
US09325189B2 Battery, and method, device, and system for battery protection
A battery for electronic equipment includes: a rechargeable power supply; and a battery chip, wherein: the rechargeable power supply is configured to supply power to the electronic equipment; and the battery chip is configured to detect whether the rechargeable power supply has started to supply power to the electronic equipment and, if a detection result is that the rechargeable power supply has started to supply power to the electronic equipment, transmit a customized signal to the electronic equipment through a predetermined transmitting pin.
US09325188B2 Power recovery controller
The inventive subject matter provides a circuit and a method for efficiently charging a battery. In one aspect of the invention, the circuit includes an oscillator that generates a series of current pulses at a frequency that corresponds to a resonant frequency of the battery. In some embodiments, the series of current pulses includes constructive resonant ringing that is constructive with respect to the charging of the battery. The constructive resonant ringing includes decaying oscillation of currents generated in response to a current pulse.
US09325185B2 Charging device applied to a portable mobile communication device
A charging device applied to a portable mobile communication device is disclosed in the present invention. The charging device includes a base, a supporter and a transmission module. The supporter and the transmission module are disposed on the base in a detachable manner. The transmission module includes a first connector, a second connector and a transmission cable. The first connector is disposed on an opening on the supporter for electrically connecting to a terminal of the portable mobile communication device. The second connector disposed inside an accommodating structure of the base for electrically connecting to an external electronic device. Two ends of the transmission cable are respectively connected to the first connector and the second connector, so that the external electronic device and the portable mobile communication device can transmit electric power via the transmission module.
US09325183B2 Reducing inductive heating
An apparatus including a magnet assembly having at least two magnet assembly components; and an eddy current heating reduction system configured to reduce heating of the magnet assembly by magnetic fields. The eddy current heating reduction system includes electrical insulation between the at least two magnet assembly components, and includes at least one of the at least two magnet assembly components having a divided current loop area at least two spaced subsections.
US09325181B2 Battery overcharge monitoring system and method
An exemplary battery charge monitoring method includes, among other things, calculating expected charge data for a battery using at least a capacity of the battery and a charge rate, and comparing actual charge data to the expected charge data to identify differences between the actual charge data and the expected charge data.
US09325179B1 Apparatus for generating a voltage surge from low voltage batteries that are charged in parallel and discharged in series
Apparatus for generating a voltage surge which can be in the form of a voltage pulse. More specifically, the invention is an apparatus in which low voltage sources charge in parallel and discharge in series to generate a voltage sufficient to drive devices such as, but not limited to, a solenoid. The low voltage sources can be rechargeable batteries such as, but not limited to, 1.5 V or 9 V batteries or a combination of different voltage rechargeable batteries. The apparatus comprises one or more modules in which a battery is directed to charge in parallel but discharge in series. The switch-over from charging to discharging is by means of transistors in each module that cause the modules to discharge in unison thereby creating a voltage surge which can be in the form of a voltage pulse.
US09325173B2 Utilization of distributed generator inverters as STATCOM
The invention provides a method and system for operating a solar farm inverter as a Flexible AC Transmission System (FACTS) device—a STATCOM—for voltage control. The solar farm inverter can provide voltage regulation, damping enhancement, stability improvement and other benefits provided by FACTS devices. In one embodiment, the solar farm operating as a STATCOM at night is employed to increase the connectivity of neighboring wind farms that produce peak power at night due to high winds, but are unable to connect due to voltage regulation issues. The present invention can also operate during the day because there remains inverter capacity after real power export by the solar farm. Additional auxiliary controllers are incorporated in the solar farm inverter to enhance damping and stability, and provide other benefits provided by FACTS devices.
US09325166B2 Disconnection of a string carrying direct current power
A direct current (DC) power combiner operable to interconnect multiple interconnected photovoltaic strings is disclosed. The DC power combiner may include a device adapted for disconnecting at least one photovoltaic string from the multiple interconnected photovoltaic strings, each photovoltaic string connectible by a first and second DC power line. The device may include a differential current sensor adapted to measure differential current by comparing respective currents in the first and second DC power lines. A first switch is connected in series with the first DC power line. A control module is operatively attached to the differential current sensor and the first switch. The control module may be operable to open the first switch when the differential current sensor measures the differential current to be greater than a maximum allowed current differential, thereby disconnecting the photovoltaic string from the interconnected photovoltaic strings.
US09325160B2 While-in use cover with splash guards
A while-in use electrical box cover is provided which includes at least one integral splash guard that covers at least one cord exit aperture for a power cord which is plugged into an electrical outlet on which the WIU electrical box cover is mounted when the WIU cover is in the closed position.
US09325159B2 Power conducting device for large angles of twist
A power conducting device guides lines, hoses or the like between a stationary connection point and a moving connection point. The power conducting device includes a first line guiding device having a first end link, a second end link, and a section that deflects between the links and is connected to the links. The line guiding device defines a channel for receiving lines, hoses or the like. The power conducting device further includes a first guiding channel, which defines a first inner ring and a first outer ring. The first line guiding device is arranged in the first guiding channel. The first end link connects to the first inner ring and the second end link connects to the first outer ring. At least one second guiding channel defines a second outer ring and a second inner ring. Certain channels can be rotated about a common axis.
US09325155B2 Lightning protection apparatus
A lightning protection apparatus is provided, including a substrate and multiple passive elements, where multiple paired first electrical contacts and multiple paired second electrical contacts are disposed on the surface of the substrate, each pair of first electrical contacts is disposed to form a gap with an adjacent pair of second electrical contacts, and the passive element is separately coupled between each pair of the first electrical contacts and each pair of the second electrical contacts, so that a discharging gap is formed between a passive element on a pair of the first electrical contacts and a passive element on a pair of the second electrical contacts adjacent to the pair of the first electric contacts.
US09325153B2 Method to control transmitter optical module
An optical module capable of monitoring an inner temperature thereof by a simple arrangement is disclosed. The optical module installs an avalanche photodiode (APD). The APD generates the first photocurrent under a bias where the APD shows the multiplication factor thereof M equal to the unity, and the second photocurrent under another bias where the multiplication factor becomes greater than the unity. The operating temperature of the laser diode (LD) may be estimated from a ratio of the first photocurrent to the second photocurrent.
US09325152B2 Raman distributed feedback fiber laser and high power laser system using the same
A Raman distributed feedback (DFB) fiber laser is disclosed. It includes a pump source and a Raman gain fiber of a length smaller than 20 cm containing a distributed feedback (DFB) grating with a discrete phase structure located within no more than 10% off the center of the grating and wherein the Raman DFB fiber laser generates a laser signal with an optical spectrum, which has an optical bandwidth at half maximum optical intensity of less than 1 gigahertz (GHz) (wherein a maximum intensity frequency is different from the frequency of the pump laser). The Raman laser includes compensation for the nonlinear phase change due to Kerr effect and thermal effect resulting from absorption of the optical field, thus enhancing the conversion efficiency.
US09325151B1 Systems and techniques for compensation for the thermo-optic effect in active optical fibers
A technique is described for providing compensation for the thermo-optic effect in a large-mode-area optical fiber, filter fiber, or the like. An optical fiber is provided having a refractive index profile with ambient temperature loss characteristics including a low loss for a first type of light and a high loss for a second type of light. A hot region of the fiber connected into an optical system is identified, in which a thermal index gradient is induced in the fiber. The thermal index gradient, in the absence of a compensating index gradient, would result in degradation of the fiber's ambient temperature loss characteristics. The fiber is arranged according to a layout having a position-varying bending diameter. Throughout the identified hot region, the fiber has a compensating bending diameter that induces a compensating index gradient in the fiber. Outside of the identified hot region, the fiber has an applied operating bending diameter that maintains the fiber's ambient temperature loss characteristics.
US09325148B2 High power femtosecond laser with variable repetition rate
Designs and techniques for constructing and operating femtosecond pulse lasers are provided. One example of a laser engine includes an oscillator that generates and outputs a beam of femtosecond seed pulses, a stretcher-compressor that stretches a duration of the seed pulses, and an amplifier that receives the stretched seed pulses, amplifies an amplitude of selected stretched seed pulses to create amplified stretched pulses, and outputs a laser beam of amplified stretched pulses back to the stretcher-compressor that compresses their duration and outputs a laser beam of femtosecond pulses. The amplifier includes a dispersion controller that compensates a dispersion of the amplified stretched pulses, making the repetition rate of the laser adjustable between procedures or according to the speed of scanning. The laser engine can be compact with a total optical path of less than 500 meters, and have a low number of optical elements, e.g. less than 50.
US09325135B2 Device for connecting an electrical connector to an electrical contact part
In a method for connecting an electrical conductor to an electrical contact part, wherein the contact part has deformable legs the legs are deformed by means of a bending die in such a way that the legs press the conductor with the contact part in a force-locked manner, wherein the contact part is acted upon in so that at least the legs are materially connected to each other. A device includes a bending die for connecting an electrical conductor to an electrical contact part, wherein the contact part has deformable legs and the bending die is designed to deform the legs in such a way that the legs press the conductor with the contact part in a force-locked manner, and wherein the device also includes a laser welding device designed to act on the contact part so that at least the legs are materially connected to each other.
US09325131B2 Electrical receptacle or switch with foldable mounting tabs
An electrical assembly for a building power circuit includes an electrical component having front and rear ends, a centerline extending generally between the front and rear ends, two opposing side ends, and a front surface extending between the two side ends, the component including a switch or/and a socket. Two mounting tabs each have an inner end connected, preferably pivotally, with a separate component side end, an opposing outer end connectable with a mounting box, and a front surface extending between the inner and outer ends. At least one mounting tab is movable toward the centerline between a first position, at which the mounting tab front surface extends generally parallel with respect to the component front surface, and a second position at which the tab front surface extends generally perpendicular with respect to the component front surface, such that the component is disposable within the cavity of a mounting box.
US09325130B2 Distributor having a power connection with a plug
A distributor is proposed, comprising a power connection having a plug (1) and being connected to at least two socket connectors (3) via an electric conductor (2). In order to provide the highest level of variability concerning the extension length it is proposed that the socket connectors (3) are associated with separate sockets (4) which can be detachably interconnected or detachably connected to a housing (6) and which are each connected one to the other or to the housing (6) by an extension lead (5).
US09325127B2 Patch panel structure
A patch panel structure includes a circuit board, a plurality of first RJ45 sockets, and a plurality of second RJ45 sockets. The circuit board has a first end and a second end opposite to each other. A plurality of first conducting points are formed at the first end. A plurality of second conducting points are formed at the second end. Each of the first RJ45 sockets forms a first interface and is electrically connected to each of the first conducting points. Each of the second RJ45 sockets forms a second interface, is electrically connected to each of the second conducting points, and is disposed in a parallel and symmetrical manner with respect to each of the first RJ45 sockets. Each of the first interfaces of the first RJ45 sockets is disposed in a back-to-back and spaced-apart manner with respect to each of the second RJ45 sockets.
US09325115B2 Electrical connector
An electrical connector includes an insulative housing, a plurality of terminals retained in the insulative housing. The insulative housing has a receiving room and a mating part received in the receiving room, the mating part defines a mating hole and a pair of receiving grooves extending rearward on two lateral sides of the mating hole. The terminals include a detecting terminal received in the mating hole and a pair of power terminals received in the receiving grooves. The mating part further defines a pair of guiding surfaces on two sides of the mating hole and a pair of stiffening ribs on two sides of the receiving groove, which can reduce the mating force during the mating process and protect the mating part.
US09325111B2 Electrical center and connector assembly system
An electrical junction box has a connector retainer assembly with a first contact surface, as well as a connector housing assembly with a pivotal lever arm. The lever arm has a first engagement surface. The connector retainer assembly and the connector housing assembly configured so that when the lever arm is moved in a single direction relative to the connector housing assembly, the first engagement surface engages the first contact surface and the connector housing assembly moves relative to the connector retainer assembly from a pre-staged position to an assembled position.
US09325110B2 Input/output module
An input/output (I/O) device for an automation control system may include a terminal base configured to physically and communicatively connect with an I/O module. The I/O module may include I/O communication circuitry and a latching mechanism that may allow the securing or releasing of the I/O module from the terminal base. The latching mechanism may include a release lever urged to a biased latched position by integral springs and a latch element with latching extensions configured to interact with the terminal base.
US09325107B2 Electrical connector assembly for neural monitoring device and method of using same
An electrical connector assembly comprising an electrode interface board with a socket portion of a subminiature dual-row electrical connector attached to the top surface of a first printed circuit board and a first plurality of magnets attached to the bottom surface. The socket portion comprises a plastic housing and a plurality of female contacts with protruding contact points. The connector assembly further comprises a head stage with a top socket, connector and a second printed circuit board. A plug portion of the electrical connector is attached to the bottom surface of the second printed circuit board and a second plurality of magnets is attached to the bottom surface. The plug portion comprises a plastic housing and a plurality of male contacts with detents. The male contacts mate with the female contacts so that the protruding contact point of each female contact touches an inside distal surface of a male contact.
US09325103B2 Connector having a housing and a sealing member with contact portion and accomodated portion held in an accomodation portion of the housing
This connector is capable of engaging with a mating-side connector along the vertical direction. The connector is provided with a housing, a plurality of contacts, and a seal member. The housing has a top surface in the vertical direction, and an accommodation part recessed downward from the top surface. The contacts are held in the housing. The contacts are partially accommodated in the accommodation part. The seal member has a contact part and an accommodated part. The contact part is located on the top surface of the housing. The accommodated part extends from the contact part into the accommodation part. The accommodated part is held inside the accommodation part.
US09325101B2 Adapter for a recording medium
An adapter device includes a cover that covers an inserted recording medium, a cover urging portion that urges the cover in a direction of the recording medium and causes the cover to be in press contact with the recording medium, and a connector conversion section that connects a terminal portion of the recording medium to a connector on an apparatus side having a different physical specification.
US09325100B2 Adapter frame with integrated EMI and engagement aspects
A receptacle assembly with improved EMI leakage reduction and construction is described. The assembly includes a housing in the form of a guide frame that has a hollow interior which accommodates the insertion of an electronic module therein. A heat sink is provided to dissipate heat generated during operation of a module and the heat sink has a base portion that defines a ceiling of the hollow interior. An opening in the top of the guide frame provides an attachment location for the heat sink. A separately formed base plate is inserted into the housing and it defines a bottom of the interior of the housing.
US09325094B2 Device for powering battery dependent equipment with AC power
A device for powering battery dependent equipment with AC power includes faux batteries that correspond with standard and non-standard battery sizes and configurations; cables; and a means for connecting the faux batteries to an outlet. Instead of inserting batteries into the battery compartment of equipment, a user inserts the faux batteries, plugs the inventive device into a wall socket, and uses the device as usual. A variety of different configurations and components ensure safety and deliver the desired output.
US09325090B2 Card edge connector with a metal member
A card edge connector includes an insulative housing, a number of contacts retained in the insulative housing and an ejector retained the insulative housing to lock an electronic card. The insulative housing includes a central slot for receiving the electronic card and two end portions located on opposite sides of the central slot respectively. The card edge connector also includes a metal member located on the end portion of the insulative for electrically connecting to the metal member. Thus, The card edge connector having a higher electrical function.
US09325089B2 Connecting structure and connecting method of flat circuit body and terminal
A portion of a flat conductor of a flat circuit board is exposed from an insulating layer covering at least one of surfaces of the flat conductor. A terminal includes a bottom plate on which the exposed portion of the flat conductor is provided, and crimp claws which are raised at two side edges of the bottom plate so that the exposed portion of the flat conductor is disposed therebetween. A spacer member is provided on the exposed portion of the flat conductor, and is configured to be plastically deformed so as to contact with inner surfaces of the crimp claws when the crimp claws are crimped onto the spacer member, thereby the terminal is crimped to the flat conductor in a state where the exposed portion of the flat conductor is in surface contact with the bottom plate.
US09325080B2 Electronic device with shared antenna structures and balun
An electronic device may be provided with shared antenna structures that can be used to form both a near-field-communications antenna such as a loop antenna and a non-near-field communications antenna such as an inverted-F antenna. The antenna structures may include conductive structures such as metal traces on printed circuits or other dielectric substrates, internal metal housing structures, or other conductive electronic device housing structures. A main resonating element arm may be separated from an antenna ground by an opening. A non-near-field communications antenna return path and antenna feed path may span the opening. A balun may have first and second electromagnetically coupled inductors. The second inductor may have terminals coupled across differential signal terminals in a near-field communications transceiver. The first inductor may form part of the near-field communications loop antenna.
US09325079B2 Mobile terminal
A mobile terminal includes a terminal body, a multi-layered circuit board mounted onto the terminal body and having a first ground and a second ground laminated on each other, a first antenna device connected to the first ground, and a second antenna device connected to the second ground, whereby antennas can be implemented more efficiently within a small space with maintaining performance of the antennas, resulting in size reduction of the mobile terminal.
US09325078B2 Node for high-rise building coverage
The present invention relates to a communication node (1) comprising at least one antenna arrangement (2) with two horizontal and two vertical array antennas. A first horizontal antenna port (4) and a second vertical antenna port (10) are connected to a first polarization (P1). A first vertical antenna port (8) and a second horizontal antenna port (6) are connected to an orthogonal second polarization (P2). Each port is connected to corresponding antenna elements. Said first horizontal antenna port (4) and said first vertical antenna port (8) are connected in phase. Said second horizontal antenna port (6) and said second vertical antenna port (10) are connected with opposite phases. A plurality of antenna element symmetry pairs (11a, 12a; 11b, 12b; 11c, 12c; 11d, 12d; 13a, 14a; 13b, 14b; 13c, 14c; 13d, 14d) are formed with respect to a common symmetry point (15). Certain weights are applied to the antenna elements of each symmetry pair, where a weight for a certain polarization (P1, P2) in an antenna element in a symmetry pair comprises the complex conjugated weight for an orthogonal polarization (P2, P1) in the other antenna element in the symmetry pair.
US09325075B1 Antennae formed using integrated subarrays
An antenna subarray is disclosed that includes a main board comprising a first substrate, a patterned conductive layer coupled to the first substrate, and a first antenna element coupled to the first substrate. The subarray also includes at least one ancillary board comprising a second substrate coupled to and extending outward from the first substrate and a second antenna element coupled to the second substrate and coupled through a soldered connection to the patterned conductive layer.
US09325071B2 Patch antenna
A patch antenna includes a dielectric substrate having a body that extends a thickness from a first side to a second side that is opposite the first side. The body of the substrate has a perimeter that is defined by at least one side wall that extends along the thickness of the substrate from the first side to the second side. The body of the substrate has a dielectric constant that is greater than air. The patch antenna also includes a radiating patch positioned on the first side of the body of the substrate, a ground plane positioned on the second side of the body of the substrate, and at least three feed probes electromagnetically coupled to the radiating patch such that the patch antenna is configured to generate a circularly polarized radiation pattern. The feed probes are positioned relative to the body of the substrate such that adjacent feed probes are spaced apart from each other along the body. The feed probes are configured to feed the radiating patch at at least three points with approximately equal power amplitude.
US09325065B2 Shared antenna arrays with multiple independent tilt
A feed network for use with an antenna array includes at least first and second RF inputs, a combiner network and a beamforming network. In some examples, additional RF inputs are provided. Each RF input corresponds to a sub-band. The first RF input for a first sub-band signal is coupled to a first sub-band parameter control; the second RF input for the second sub-band signal is coupled to a second sub-band parameter control. The combiner network is coupled to the first sub-band parameter control and to the second sub-band parameter control. The combiner network also has at least one output comprising a combination of the first sub-band signal and the second sub-band signal. The beamforming network is coupled to the combiner network and has a plurality of RF outputs. The first and second sub-band parameter controls are independently adjustable. In one example, the beamforming network comprises a Butler matrix.
US09325053B2 Method for producing a radio frequency identification (RFID) transponder
A method for producing an RFID transponder. An RFID chip is attached onto a conductive sheet. A portion of an antenna element is cut from the conductive sheet using a laser beam after the RFID chip has been attached to the conductive sheet.
US09325042B2 RF front end module and mobile wireless device
A wireless communication module comprising including a first transmission bandpass filter that takes a first transmit frequency band as a passband; a second transmission bandpass filter that takes a second transmit frequency band as a passband; a first reception bandpass filter that takes a first receive frequency band as a passband; a second reception bandpass filter that takes a second receive frequency band as a passband; and a plurality of switches, each switch connected to a single one of the bandpass filters.
US09325031B2 Battery
According to one embodiment, there is provided a battery including a positive electrode, and a negative electrode. The positive electrode contains a lithium-cobalt composite oxide and a lithium-manganese composite oxide. The negative electrode contains a lithium titanium composite oxide. The battery satisfies the following formula (1). In addition, an open circuit voltage (OCV) of the positive electrode when the battery is discharged to 1.8 V at 0.2 C is 3.6 V (Li v.s. Li+) or more. (Qp/Qn)>1.1  (1) Qp is a charge capacity (mAh/m2) of the positive electrode per unit area, and Qn is a charge capacity (mAh/m2) of the negative electrode per unit area.
US09325017B2 Method for controlling ionomer and platinum distribution in a fuel cell electrode
One embodiment of the invention includes a method including applying a first ink comprising carbon over a substrate and drying the first ink to form a first electrode layer, applying a second ink including a second catalyst over the first electrode layer and drying the second ink to form a second electrode layer, and applying a third ink comprising an ionomer solution over the second electrode layer and drying the third ink to form an ionomer overcoat.
US09325014B2 Branched nanostructures for battery electrodes
The invention relates to electrochemical electrodes containing branched nanostructures having increased surface area and flexibility. These branched nanostructures allow for higher anode density, resulting in the creation of smaller, longer-lasting, more efficient batteries which require less area for the same charging capacity. Also disclosed are methods for creating said branched nanostructures and electrodes.
US09325012B1 Carbon composites
A carbon composite comprises carbon microstructures having interstitial spaces among the carbon microstructures; and a binder disposed in at least some of the interstitial spaces; wherein the carbon microstructures comprise unfilled voids within the carbon microstructures.
US09325011B2 Cathode active material for lithium secondary battery
Disclosed herein is a cathode active material for a lithium secondary battery, including lithium transition metal oxide, where the lithium transition metal oxide is coated with carbon particles and a polymer resin at a surface thereof, and the polymer resin is a substance inactivated by an electrolyte for a lithium secondary battery and an organic solvent and has a melting point of at least 80° C. A lithium secondary battery having the disclosed cathode active material has advantages of improving rate properties and high temperature stability, so as to provide excellent cell characteristics.
US09325009B2 Cathodic active material for nonaqueous electrolyte secondary battery, cathode for nonaqueous electrolyte secondary battery, and nonaqueous electrolyte secondary battery
A cathodic active material for a nonaqueous electrolyte secondary battery according to the invention includes a lithium-containing transition metal phosphate containing Li and a transition metal. A transition metal site and P site of the lithium-containing transition metal phosphate are replaced by elements other than elements contained in the lithium-containing transition metal phosphate, and the quantity of P site is excessive with respect to a stoichiometric proportion of the lithium-containing transition metal phosphate. With this cathodic active material, a high-power and high-capacity secondary battery which is superior in safety and cost and has superior rate performance can be provided.
US09325006B2 Method for preparing positive active material for lithium ion secondary battery, positive active material prepared thereby, and lithium ion secondary battery including the same
A method for preparing a positive active material for a lithium ion secondary battery, the method including obtaining a mixture by mixing a lithium containing compound and metal oxide, distributing powder of a lithium containing compound into a furnace, and heat treating the mixture in the furnace, wherein a thermal decomposition temperature of the lithium containing compound power distributed into the furnace is lower than that of the lithium containing compound mixed with the metal oxide.
US09325003B2 Negative electrode active material for electric device
A negative electrode active material for an electric device includes an alloy containing, in terms of mass ratio, 35%≦Si≦78%, 7%≦Sn≦30%, 0%
US09325000B2 Cathode active material and the secondary battery comprising the same
Disclosed is a cathode active material comprising a lithium nickel manganese composite oxide with a spinel structure represented by the following Formula 1, wherein the cathode active material is surface-coated with a silane compound and a silicon content of the silane compound is 0.01 to 5% by weight, based on the total amount of the cathode active material: LixMyMn2−yO4−zAz  (1) wherein 0.9≦x≦1.2, 0
US09324998B2 Method for manufacturing of slurry for production of battery film
The present invention relates to a method for manufacturing slurry for coating of electrodes for use in lithium ion batteries, wherein the method comprises mixing active materials with a binder into a binder solution, and adding an organic carbonate to the binder solution to generate the slurry. The present invention also relates to a method for manufacturing electrodes for a lithium battery cell, wherein the method comprises mixing active materials with a binder into a binder solution, adding an organic carbonate to the binder solution to generate slurry, wherein the above adding step is carried out at temperature above melting temperature of the organic carbonate, coating electrode material with the slurry, drying the coating on the electrode material by drying the organic carbonate, and surface treatment of the slurry so that the electrode is prepared for use in a lithium ion battery cell. Further, the invention also relates to a method for manufacturing a lithium ion battery cell.
US09324992B2 Hybrid radical energy storage device and method of making
Hybrid radical energy storage devices, such as batteries or electrochemical devices, and methods of use and making are disclosed. Also described herein are electrodes and electrolytes useful in energy storage devices, for example, radical polymer cathode materials and electrolytes for use in organic radical batteries.
US09324988B2 Rechargeable battery
A rechargeable battery including: an electrode assembly including a negative electrode and a positive electrode; a case receiving the electrode assembly; a terminal electrically connected to the electrode assembly and protruding outside the case; a current collecting member electrically connecting the terminal and the electrode assembly to each other; and an insulating member partially enclosing the current collecting member, and the current collecting member includes a plurality of fuse parts including a first fuse part enclosed by the insulating member, and a second fuse part that is not enclosed by the insulating member and is exposed.
US09324986B2 Battery module
A battery module including: a plurality of battery cells aligned in a direction, the battery cells each including a terminal portion on a surface thereof; and a bus bar configured to connect between the terminal portions of battery cells of the plurality of battery cells, the bus bar including through-regions through which the terminal portions of the battery cells respectively pass, and a connection region connecting the through-regions, and a through-region of the through-regions has two or more through-holes corresponding to each other and through which one of the terminal portions passes, and the terminal portions are forcibly inserted into the bus bar.
US09324982B2 Battery module
A battery module including a plurality of unit batteries disposed in one direction, and barriers between the plurality of unit batteries, each barrier including an inner region and an outer region, the inner region having elasticity and the outer region being located in a vicinity of the inner region and having greater hardness than the inner region.
US09324981B2 Cell frame for extended range electric vehicle battery module
A foldable frame for a battery cell assembly includes a one-piece main body. The main body has a first section, a second section, and a third section. The first section is coupled to each of a second section and a third section with living hinges. The first section is configured to receive a first battery cell. The second section is configured to receive an expansion unit and a second battery cell. The second section folds over the first battery cell. The third section is configured to fold over the second battery cell, thereby securing each of the first battery cell, the expansion unit, and the second battery cell within the foldable frame.
US09324979B2 Slidable battery door assembly
A slidable battery door assembly is described. In implementations, the slidable battery door assembly (hereinafter “door assembly”) includes a door that is slidable to control access to a battery compartment for a device. Also included is a battery contact inside the battery compartment that is coupled to the door. When the door is closed, the battery contact holds a battery in place and serves as a portion of an electrical circuit that includes the battery. The door may be slidably opened such that the battery contact releases the battery, allowing the battery to be removed from the battery compartment. Thus, the door assembly enables easy installation and removal of a battery. Further, the door assembly can be positioned to hold a battery securely in place and provide an electrically conductive connection between the battery and an electrical circuit.
US09324975B2 Card battery having smart card functions
Disclosed is a card type battery that has both functions of a smart card and a battery. The card battery can prevent a short caused by contact with an external device, reduce a total thickness of the battery and improve bonding strength between internal elements of the battery.
US09324974B2 Laser induced thermal imaging apparatus and laser induced thermal imaging method using the same
A laser induced thermal imaging apparatus includes a nozzle part disposed over a donor film in a vacuum chamber so as to be spaced apart from the donor film, and configured to spray an inactive gas onto an upper surface of the donor film. Also included is a shielding layer disposed on the upper surface of the donor film to make contact with the donor film and shaped so as to be positioned along a circumference or outer edge of the donor film.
US09324973B2 Apparatus for forming organic light emitting layer and method of forming organic light emitting layer using the same
An organic light-emitting layer forming apparatus includes a stage supporting an intermediate product of an organic light emitting device, which includes a substrate, and a pixel defining layer including first openings. The apparatus includes a first mask disposed over the stage and including second openings, and a second mask disposed over the first mask and including third openings. The second mask is movable relative to the first mask between first and second positions. The third openings do not overlap the second openings in the first position while overlapping the second openings in the second position. The apparatus includes an inkjet head unit disposed over the second mask and supplying an organic material to the third openings of the second mask in the first position. The second mask moves to the second position to transfer the organic material through the second openings.
US09324969B2 Lighting apparatus and lighting unit
A lighting apparatus and a lighting unit. The lighting apparatus includes: a first substrate; an organic light-emitting diode (OLED) which is disposed on the first substrate to define an emission region and emits light; a second substrate which faces the first substrate with the OLED interposed therebetween; and a sealant which is disposed between the first substrate and the second substrate, bonds the first substrate and the second substrate together, and surrounds the OLED at a set or predetermined distance from the OLED, wherein the sealant includes first light-scattering particles which are dispersed in the sealant and diffuse light incident to the sealant.
US09324967B2 Method of manufacturing organic light-emitting display apparatus
A method of manufacturing an organic light-emitting display apparatus includes disposing a low melting glass (LMG) thin film to cover a display unit disposed on a substrate, and radiating an energy beam onto the LMG thin film. Accordingly, an encapsulation layer having excellent sealing characteristics may be rapidly formed, and thus manufacturing process efficiency and product reliability may be improved.
US09324966B2 Thin-film transparent conductive structure and devices made therewith
A transparent conductive structure useful in the fabrication of electrical, electronic, and optoelectronic devices is provided by a mesh-like metallic structure in the form of a thin film having a plurality of apertures, e.g. one having an average size of 250 nm to 425 nm as measured in the largest dimension and an average nearest-neighbor spacing of 300 nm to 450 nm. In another aspect, the metallic thin film has plural sublayers of different metals, and may have apertures up to 2 μm in size and an average nearest-neighbor spacing of up to 2.5 μm. The metallic thin film may be 20 to 200 nm thick, and may be formed on a flexible or rigid substrate or on a device itself. The structure exhibits a transparency enhanced over a value determined simply by the fraction of the area of the metallic film occupied by the apertures.
US09324960B2 Semiconducting alloy polymers formed from orthocarborane and 1,4-diaminobenzene
Novel semiconducting polymers have been formed via the electron-induced cross-linking of orthocarborane B10C2H2 and 1,4-diaminobenzene. The films were formed by co-condensation of the molecular precursors and 200 eV electron-induced cross-linking under ultra-high vacuum (UHV) conditions. Ultraviolet photoemission spectra show that the compound films display a shift of the valence band maximum from ˜4.3 eV below the Fermi level for pure boron carbide to −1.7 eV below the Fermi level when diaminobenzene is added. The surface photovoltage effect decreases with decreasing B/N atomic ratio. A neutron detector comprises the polymer as the p-type semiconductor to be paired with an n-type semiconductor.
US09324954B2 Materials for organic electroluminescent devices
The present invention relates to compounds of the formula (1) and formula (2) which are suitable for use in electronic devices, in particular in organic electroluminescent devices.
US09324948B2 Compound for organic optoelectronic device, organic light emitting diode including the same and display including the organic light emitting diode
A compound for an organic optoelectronic device, an organic light emitting diode including the same, and a display device including the organic light emitting diode are disclosed and the compound for an organic optoelectronic device represented by the following Chemical Formula 1 or 2 provides an organic light emitting diode having life-span characteristics due to excellent electrochemical and thermal stability, and high luminous efficiency at a low driving voltage.
US09324937B1 Thermally assisted MRAM including magnetic tunnel junction and vacuum cavity
A thermally assisted magnetoresistive random access memory (TAS-MRAM) device includes a magnetic tunnel junction interposed between a first electrical contact and a second electrical contact. The TAS-MRAM device further includes a dielectric layer that is formed on an upper surface of the first electrical contact and that encapsulates the second electrical contact. The dialectic layer has at least one vacuum cavity between an adjacent outer wall of the magnetic tunnel junction and the dielectric layer.
US09324936B2 Magnetic logic unit (MLU) cell and amplifier having a linear magnetic signal
A magnetic logic unit (MLU) cell includes a first and second magnetic tunnel junction, each including a first magnetic layer having a first magnetization, a second magnetic layer having a second magnetization, and a barrier layer; and a field line for passing a field current such as to generate an external magnetic field adapted to adjust the first magnetization. The first and second magnetic layers and the barrier layer are arranged such that the first magnetization is magnetically coupled antiparallel with the second magnetization through the barrier layer. The MLU cell also includes a biasing device arranged for applying a static biasing magnetic field oriented substantially parallel to the external magnetic field such as to orient the first magnetization at about 90° relative to the second magnetization, the first and second magnetizations being oriented symmetrically relative to the direction of the external magnetic field.
US09324932B2 Piezoelectric device
A piezoelectric device includes a nanoimprinted film which is made from a ferroelectric polymer having a first conformation state and coated on a substrate. The ferroelectric polymer is heated at a temperature between a Curie point (Tc) and a melting point (Tm) of the ferroelectric polymer to cause a change in conformation of the ferroelectric polymer from the first conformation state to a second conformation state, and is then subjected to a nanoimprinting process at an imprinting temperature lower than Tc to cause a change in conformation of the ferroelectric polymer from the second conformation state to a third conformation state that is different from the first conformation state, thereby obtaining the nanoimprinted film.
US09324927B2 Semiconductor light emitting device with thick metal layers
A device according to embodiments of the invention includes a semiconductor structure including a light emitting layer sandwiched between an n-type region and a p-type region and first and second metal contacts, wherein the first metal contact is in direct contact with the n-type region and the second metal contact is in direct contact with the p-type region. First and second metal layers are disposed on the first and second metal contacts, respectively. The first and second metal layers are sufficiently thick to mechanically support the semiconductor structure. A sidewall of one of the first and second metal layers comprises a three-dimensional feature.
US09324926B2 Wavelength converted light emitting device
A structure according to embodiments of the invention includes a plurality of LEDs attached to a mount. A wavelength converting layer is disposed over the LEDs. A transparent layer is disposed over the wavelength converting layer. Reflective material is disposed between neighboring LEDs.
US09324920B2 Optoelectronic semiconductor component having a transparent oxide connector and method for fabricating the same
An optoelectronic semiconductor component includes an optoelectronic semiconductor chip and an optical element. A connecting layer includes a transparent oxide arranged between the semiconductor chip and the optical element. The connecting layer directly adjoins the semiconductor chip and the optical element and fixes the optical element on the semiconductor chip. A method for fabricating an optoelectronic semiconductor component is furthermore specified.
US09324908B2 Nitride semiconductor light-emitting element
Provided is a nitride semiconductor light-emitting element including in order a first n-type nitride semiconductor layer, a second n-type nitride semiconductor layer, an n-type electron-injection layer, a light-emitting layer, and a p-type nitride semiconductor layer, wherein the average n-type dopant concentration of the second n-type nitride semiconductor layer is 0.53 times or less as high as the average n-type dopant concentration of the first n-type nitride semiconductor layer, and the average n-type dopant concentration of the n-type electron-injection layer is 1.5 times or more as high as the average n-type dopant concentration of the second n-type nitride semiconductor layer.
US09324901B2 Precursor solution for forming a semiconductor thin film on the basis of CIS, CIGS or CZTS
The present invention relates to a precursor solution for forming a semiconductor thin film on the basis of CIS, CIGS or CZTS by printing, comprising metal complexes of at least two different metal cations, wherein the first metal cation is a copper cation and the second is selected from the group consisting of (i) In, (ii) a combination of In and Ga, and (iii) a combination of Zn and Sn, wherein Cu and Sn, if Sn is present, is/are complexed by at least one sulfur or selenium containing anionic complex ligand or polyanion selected from the group consisting of trithiocarbonate, polysulfide or the selenium analogs thereof. If In, In with Ga, or Zn is present, their cations are complexed by an excess of trithiocarbonate and/or triselenocarbonate, and a solvent. A method for preparing such solutions and their use for manufacturing a solar cell or optoelectronic device is provided.
US09324892B2 Solar panel support with integrated ballast channels
A solar panel support sub-assembly includes a bottom rail, a first top rail and a second top rail, each rail having first and second longitudinally opposite ends. The first end of the bottom rail is pivotally coupled to the first end of the first top rail and the second end of the bottom rail is pivotally coupled to the first end of the second top rail. The sub-assembly also includes a ballast rail having a first end that is pivotally coupled to the bottom rail at a first location intermediate the first and second longitudinally opposite ends of the bottom rail. The sub-assembly may be unfolded for assembly by pivoting the first and second top rails within a first plane and pivoting the ballast rail within a second plane that is normal to the first plane.
US09324881B2 Semiconductor device and manufacturing method thereof
A semiconductor device includes an oxide semiconductor layer including a crystalline region over an insulating surface, a source electrode layer and a drain electrode layer in contact with the oxide semiconductor layer, a gate insulating layer covering the oxide semiconductor layer, the source electrode layer, and the drain electrode layer, and a gate electrode layer over the gate insulating layer in a region overlapping with the crystalline region. The crystalline region includes a crystal whose c-axis is aligned in a direction substantially perpendicular to a surface of the oxide semiconductor layer.
US09324877B2 Semiconductor device, power diode, and rectifier
An object is to provide a semiconductor device having electrical characteristics such as high withstand voltage, low reverse saturation current, and high on-state current. In particular, an object is to provide a power diode and a rectifier which include non-linear elements. An embodiment of the present invention is a semiconductor device including a first electrode, a gate insulating layer covering the first electrode, an oxide semiconductor layer in contact with the gate insulating layer and overlapping with the first electrode, a pair of second electrodes covering end portions of the oxide semiconductor layer, an insulating layer covering the pair of second electrodes and the oxide semiconductor layer, and a third electrode in contact with the insulating layer and between the pair of second electrodes. The pair of second electrodes are in contact with end surfaces of the oxide semiconductor layer.
US09324872B2 Back gate single-crystal flexible thin film transistor and method of making
A gate dielectric material and a gate conductor portion are formed on a single-crystal semiconductor material of a substrate. A dielectric structure is then formed surrounding the gate conductor portion and thereafter a stressor layer is formed on the dielectric structure. A controlled spalling process is then performed and thereafter a material removal process can be used to expose a surface of the single-crystal semiconductor material. A source region and a drain region are then formed on the exposed surface of the single-crystal semiconductor material, which exposed surface is opposite the surface including the gate dielectric.
US09324871B2 Semiconductor device
A semiconductor device including a transistor having excellent electrical characteristics is provided. Alternatively, a semiconductor device having a high aperture ratio and including a capacitor capable of increasing capacitance is provided. The semiconductor device includes a gate electrode, an oxide semiconductor film overlapping the gate electrode, an oxide insulating film in contact with the oxide semiconductor film, a first oxygen barrier film between the gate electrode and the oxide semiconductor film, and a second oxygen barrier film in contact with the first oxygen barrier film. The oxide semiconductor film and the oxide insulating film are provided on an inner side of the first oxygen barrier film and the second oxygen barrier film.
US09324867B2 Method to controllably etch silicon recess for ultra shallow junctions
A method of forming a semiconductor device that includes forming a germanium including material on source and drain region portions of a silicon containing fin structure, and annealing to drive germanium into the source and drain region portions of the fin structure. The alloyed portions of fin structures composed of silicon and germanium are then removed using a selective etch. After the alloyed portions of the fin structures are removed, epitaxial source and drain regions are formed on the remaining portions of the fin structure.
US09324866B2 Structure and method for transistor with line end extension
The present disclosure provides a semiconductor structure. The semiconductor structure includes a semiconductor substrate; an isolation feature formed in the semiconductor substrate; a first active region and a second active region formed in the semiconductor substrate, wherein the first and second active regions extend in a first direction and are separated from each other by the isolation feature; and a dummy gate disposed on the isolation feature, wherein the dummy gate extends in the first direction to the first active region from one side and to the second active region from another side.
US09324862B2 Semiconductor device
To prevent a current leak in an impurity region surrounding a transistor, in a region where a portion, of a second conductivity type region, extending from a first circuit region side toward a second circuit region side and an element separation film overlap each other in plan view, a field plate and conductive films are provided alternately from the first circuit region side toward the second circuit region side in plan view. Further, in this region, there is a decrease in the potential of the field plate and the potentials of the conductive films from the first circuit region toward the second circuit region. Further, at least one of the conductive films has a potential lower than the potential of the field plate adjacent to the conductive film on the second circuit region side in plan view. Further, this conductive film covers at least a part of the second conductivity type region without space in the extension direction of the second conductivity type region.
US09324858B2 Trench-gated MIS devices
In a trench-gated MIS device contact is made to the gate within the trench, thereby eliminating the need to have the gate material, typically polysilicon, extend outside of the trench. This avoids the problem of stress at the upper corners of the trench. Contact between the gate metal and the polysilicon is normally made in a gate metal region that is outside the active region of the device. Various configurations for making the contact between the gate metal and the polysilicon are described, including embodiments wherein the trench is widened in the area of contact. Since the polysilicon is etched back below the top surface of the silicon throughout the device, there is normally no need for a polysilicon mask, thereby saving fabrication costs.
US09324850B2 Integrated circuit devices and fabricating method thereof
An integrated circuit device includes a first transistor having a first channel between a first source/drain, and a second transistor having a second channel between a second source/drain. The first transistor operates based on a first amount of current and the second transistor operates based on a second amount of current different from the first amount of current. The first and second channels have fixed channel widths. The fixed channel widths may be based on fins or nanowires included in the first and second transistors.
US09324849B2 Structures and techniques for using semiconductor body to construct SCR, DIAC, or TRIAC
Switch devices, such as Silicon Controlled Rectifier (SCR), DIAC, or TRIAC, on a semiconductor body are disclosed. P/N junctions can be built on a semiconductor body, such as polysilicon or active region body on an insulated substrate, with a first implant in one end and a second implant in the other end. The first and second implant regions are separated with a space. A silicide block layer can cover the space and overlap into both implant regions to construct P/N junctions in the interface.
US09324845B2 ESD protection structure, integrated circuit and semiconductor device
Implementations are presented herein that include an ESD protection structure. The structure may include a plurality of first doped regions forming first terminals of a plurality of transistors, a plurality of second doped regions forming second terminals of the plurality of transistors, and a third doped region surrounding the plurality of first doped regions and the plurality of second doped regions to form a common third terminal of the plurality of transistors. The plurality of first doped regions and the plurality of second doped regions may be arranged in an alternating pattern such that an ESD discharge current received on any one of the plurality of first doped regions dissipates through at least two of the plurality of second doped regions.
US09324842B2 Buried local interconnect in finfet structure and method of fabricating same
A method for fabricating a finfet with a buried local interconnect and the resulting device are disclosed. Embodiments include forming a silicon fin on a BOX layer, forming a gate electrode perpendicular to the silicon fin over a portion of the silicon fin, forming a spacer on each of opposite sides of the gate electrode, forming source/drain regions on the silicon fin at opposite sides of the gate electrode, recessing the BOX layer, undercutting the silicon fin and source/drain regions, at opposite sides of the gate electrode, and forming a local interconnect on a recessed portion of the BOX layer.
US09324831B2 Forming transistors without spacers and resulting devices
Methods for forming gates without spacers and the resulting devices are disclosed. Embodiments may include forming a channel layer on a substrate; forming a dummy gate on the channel layer; forming an interlayer dielectric (ILD) on the channel layer and surrounding the dummy gate; forming a trench within the ILD and the channel layer by removing the dummy gate and the channel layer below the dummy gate; forming an un-doped channel region at the bottom of the trench; and forming a gate above the un-doped channel region within the trench.
US09324815B2 Semiconductor device
According one embodiment, a semiconductor device includes: a first electrode; a second electrode; a first semiconductor layer provided between the first electrode and the second electrode and being in contact with the first electrode; a second semiconductor layer including a first part and a second part, and the second part being contact with the first electrode, and the second semiconductor layer having an effective impurity concentration lower than an effective impurity concentration in the first semiconductor layer; a third semiconductor layer provided between the second semiconductor layer and the second electrode, and having an effective impurity concentration lower than an effective impurity concentration in the second semiconductor layer; and a fourth semiconductor layer provided between the third semiconductor layer and the second electrode, and being in contact with the second electrode.
US09324805B2 Flexible graphene switching device
Provided is a graphene switching device including: a graphene layer formed on a substrate; a plurality of semiconductor nanowires on the substrate; a first electrode connected to a second end of the graphene layer; a second electrode on the substrate to face the first electrode so as to be connected to the plurality of semiconductor nanowires; a gate insulating layer on the substrate to cover the graphene layer; and a gate electrode on the gate insulating layer. The gate electrode and the plurality of semiconductor nanowires face each other with the graphene layer therebetween. At least one of the plurality of semiconductor nanowires is connected to at least one of the second electrode, the graphene layer, and the other of the plurality of semiconductor nanowires.
US09324800B1 Bidirectional MOSFET with suppressed bipolar snapback and method of manufacture
A bidirectional trench FET device includes a semiconductor substrate, a trench in the substrate extending vertically from the surface of the substrate, and a body region laterally adjacent the trench. A source region is disposed in the semiconductor substrate between the body region and the surface of the substrate. A dielectric layer is disposed over the surface and a body electrode is disposed over the dielectric layer. A body contact plug extends through the dielectric layer to interconnect the body region with the body electrode, and the body contact plug is electrically isolated from the source region. Two separate metal layers are implemented to make multiple body and source contacts electrically isolated from one another throughout the active area of the device. The low resistive path by the body contact plug and the separate metal layers enables suppression of bipolar snapback without losing bidirectional switching capability.
US09324795B2 Gate-all-around nanowire MOSFET and method of formation
A method for fabricating a semiconductor device comprises forming a nanowire on an insulator layer at a surface of a substrate; forming a dummy gate over a portion of the nanowire and a portion of the insulator layer; forming recesses in the insulator layer on opposing sides of the dummy gate; forming spacers on opposing sides of the dummy gate; forming source regions and drain regions in the recesses in the insulator layer on opposing sides of the dummy gate; depositing an interlayer dielectric on the source regions and the drain regions; removing the dummy gate to form a trench; removing the insulator layer under the nanowire such that a width of the trench underneath the nanowire is equal to or less than a distance between the spacers; and forming a replacement gate in the trench.
US09324792B1 FinFET including varied fin height
According to another embodiment, a semiconductor finFET device includes a semiconductor substrate. The finFET device further includes at least one first semiconductor fin on the semiconductor substrate. The first semiconductor fin comprises a first semiconductor portion extending to a first fin top to define a first height, and a first insulator portion interposed between the first semiconductor portion and the semiconductor substrate. A second semiconductor fin on the semiconductor substrate has a second semiconductor portion extending to a second fin top to define a second height, and a second insulator portion interposed between the second semiconductor portion and the semiconductor substrate, the second height being different from the first height.
US09324788B2 Semiconductor device
In a semiconductor device, a lightly doped second semiconductor layer of a first conductive type is joined with a heavily doped first semiconductor layer of the first conductive type. A power transistor having a first conductive type channel and a transistor are formed in surface regions of the second semiconductor layer, respectively. A first diffusion layer of a second conductive type is formed in a surface region of the second semiconductor layer to provide a boundary between the power transistor and the transistor. The first semiconductor layer functions as a drain of the power transistor. The first diffusion layer region is set to the same voltage as that of the drain.
US09324785B2 Semiconductor device and method for fabricating the same
A semiconductor device includes: a plurality of stacked semiconductor layers; a plurality of composite doped regions separately and parallelly disposed in a portion of the semiconductor layers along a first direction; a gate structure disposed over a portion of the semiconductor layers along a second direction, wherein the gate structure covers a portion of the composite doped regions; a first doped region formed in the most top semiconductor layer along the second direction and being adjacent to a first side of the gate structure; and a second doped region formed in the most top semiconductor layer along the second direction and being adjacent to a second side of the gate structure opposite to the first side thereof.
US09324784B2 Electronic device having a termination region including an insulating region
An electronic device can include an electronic component and a termination region adjacent to the electronic component region. In an embodiment, the termination region can include an insulating region that extends a depth into a semiconductor layer, wherein the depth is less than 50% of the thickness of the semiconductor layer. In another embodiment, the termination region can include a first insulating region that extends a first depth into the semiconductor layer, and a second insulating region that extends a second depth into the semiconductor layer, wherein the second depth is less than the first depth. In another aspect, a process of forming an electronic device can include patterning a semiconductor layer to define a trench within termination region while another trench is being formed for an electronic component within an electronic component region.
US09324783B2 Soft switching semiconductor device and method for producing thereof
A semiconductor device has a semiconductor body with a first side and a second side that is arranged distant from the first side in a first vertical direction. The semiconductor device has a rectifying junction, a field stop zone of a first conduction type, and a drift zone of a first conduction type arranged between the rectifying junction and the field stop zone. The semiconductor body has a net doping concentration along a line parallel to the first vertical direction. At least one of (a) and (b) applies: (a) the drift zone has, at a first depth, a charge centroid, wherein a distance between the rectifying junction and the charge centroid is less than 37% of the thickness the drift zone has in the first vertical direction; (b) the absolute value of the net doping concentration comprises, along the straight line and inside the drift zone, a local maximum value.
US09324774B2 Organic light emitting diode display and method for manufacturing the same
An organic light emitting diode (OLED) display and a method for manufacturing the same are provided. The OLED display includes a substrate, an active layer and a capacitor lower electrode positioned on the substrate, a gate insulating layer positioned on the active layer and the capacitor lower electrode, a gate electrode positioned on the gate insulating layer at a location corresponding to the active layer, a capacitor upper electrode positioned on the gate insulating layer at a location corresponding to the capacitor lower electrode, a first electrode positioned to be separated from the gate electrode and the capacitor upper electrode, an interlayer insulating layer positioned on the gate electrode, the capacitor upper electrode, and the first electrode, a source electrode and a drain electrode positioned on the interlayer insulating layer, and a bank layer positioned on the source and drain electrodes.
US09324771B2 Organic light-emitting display apparatus and method of manufacturing the same
An organic light-emitting display apparatus includes a first substrate including a display unit having a light-emitting region and a non-light-emitting region, a second substrate parallel to the first substrate, and a reflective member on a surface of the second substrate that faces the first substrate, the reflective member corresponding to the non-light-emitting region of the display unit and being configured to sense touch, and the reflective member including a plurality of first pattern parts electrically connected along a first direction and a plurality of second pattern parts electrically connected along a second direction.
US09324768B1 System and method of shared bit line MRAM
An STT magnetic memory includes adjacent columns of STT magnetic memory elements having a top electrode and a bottom electrode. A shared bit line is coupled to the top electrode of the STT magnetic memory elements in at least two of the adjacent columns. The bottom electrodes of the STT magnetic memory elements of one of the adjacent columns are selectively coupled to one source line, and the bottom electrodes of the STT magnetic memory elements of another among the adjacent columns are selectively coupled to another source line.
US09324767B1 Superconducting junctions
Provided are superconducting tunnel junctions, such as Josephson tunnel junctions, and a method of fabricating thereof. A junction includes an insulator disposed between two superconductors. The junction may also include one or two interface layers, with each interface layer disposed between the insulator and one of the superconductors. The interface layer is configured to prevent oxygen from entering the adjacent superconductor during fabrication and operation of the junction. Furthermore, the interface layer may protect the insulator from the environment during handling and processing of the junction, thereby allowing vacuum breaks after the interface layer is formed as well as new integration schemes, such as depositing a dielectric layer and forming a trench in the dielectric layer for the second superconductor. In some embodiments, the junction may be annealed during its fabrication to move oxygen from the superconductors and/or from the insulator into the one or two interface layers.
US09324756B2 CIS chips and methods for forming the same
A device includes a semiconductor substrate, an image sensor at a front surface of the semiconductor substrate, and a plurality of dielectric layers over the image sensor. A color filter and a micro lens are disposed over the plurality of dielectric layers and aligned to the image sensor. A through via penetrates through the semiconductor substrate. A Redistribution Line (RDL) is disposed over the plurality of dielectric layers, wherein the RDL is electrically coupled to the through via. A polymer layer covers the RDL.
US09324752B2 Image sensor device with light blocking structure
The disclosure provides an image sensor device and a manufacturing method. The image sensor device includes a semiconductor substrate and a light sensing region in the semiconductor substrate. The image sensor device also includes a light blocking structure in the semiconductor substrate and adjacent to the light sensing region. A sidewall of the light blocking structure is a curved surface.
US09324751B2 Image sensor, production method therefor, and inspection apparatus
[Object]To provide an image sensor having high light collection efficiency and less crosstalk among pixels, a production method therefor, and an inspection apparatus.[Solving means]In an image sensor including a light source conversion unit that includes a plurality of light-receiving devices and converts incident light into an electric signal, a plurality of lenses that are provided in an immediately-above area of the light-receiving devices and collect light toward a light-receiving unit of the light-receiving devices positioned right below the lenses, and an insulation layer that is formed of an optically-transparent material and formed above the lenses, detection areas are provided on a surface of the insulation layer while being apart from one another for each of the light-receiving devices, a center of each of the detection areas being positioned on an extended line connecting a center of the light-receiving unit of each of the light-receiving devices and a center of the lens provided right above each of the light-receiving devices. In addition, a sample as a detection target is fixed to at least the detection areas.
US09324748B2 Semiconductor package including an image sensor and a holder with stoppers
A semiconductor package includes a substrate, an image sensor chip mounted on the substrate, a holder disposed on the substrate and surrounding the image sensor chip, and the holder has an inner surface facing the image sensor chip and an outer surface opposite to the inner surface. The semiconductor package further includes a transparent cover combined with the holder, and the transparent cover is spaced apart from and faces the substrate. The holder includes: a hole penetrating the holder from the inner surface to the outer surface. In addition, the semiconductor package further includes a first stopper disposed in the hole and a second stopper disposed at a position corresponding to the hole on the outer surface of the holder.
US09324738B2 Pixel circuit and display device
A pixel circuit includes: a switching transistor whose conduction is controlled by a drive signal supplied to the control terminal; a drive wiring adapted to propagate the drive signal; and a data wiring adapted to propagate a data signal. The drive wiring is formed on a first wiring layer and connected to the control terminal of the switching transistor. The data wiring is formed on a second wiring layer and connected to a first terminal of the switching transistor. A multi-layered wiring structure is used so that the second wiring layer is formed on a layer different from that on which the first wiring layer is formed.
US09324736B2 Thin film transistor substrate having metal oxide semiconductor and manufacturing the same
The present disclosure relates to a thin film transistor substrate having a metal oxide semiconductor for flat panel displays and a method for manufacturing the same. The present disclosure suggests a thin film transistor substrate including: a gate electrode on a substrate; a gate insulating layer covering the gate electrode; a source electrode overlapping with one side of the gate electrode on the gate insulating layer; a drain electrode being apart from the source electrode and overlapping with other side of the gate electrode on the gate insulating layer; an oxide semiconductor layer contacting an upper surface of the source electrode and the drain electrode, and extending from the source electrode to the drain electrode; and an etch stopper having the same shape with the oxide semiconductor layer, and contacting an upper surface of the oxide semiconductor layer.
US09324733B2 Controlled buckling structures in semiconductor interconnects and nanomembranes for stretchable electronics
In an aspect, the present invention provides stretchable, and optionally printable, components such as semiconductors and electronic circuits capable of providing good performance when stretched, compressed, flexed or otherwise deformed, and related methods of making or tuning such stretchable components. Stretchable semiconductors and electronic circuits preferred for some applications are flexible, in addition to being stretchable, and thus are capable of significant elongation, flexing, bending or other deformation along one or more axes. Further, stretchable semiconductors and electronic circuits of the present invention are adapted to a wide range of device configurations to provide fully flexible electronic and optoelectronic devices.
US09324726B2 Method for manufacturing a semiconductor device
The performances of a semiconductor device are improved. In a method for manufacturing a semiconductor device, in a memory cell region, a control gate electrode formed of a first conductive film is formed over the main surface of a semiconductor substrate. Then, an insulation film and a second conductive film are formed in such a manner as to cover the control gate electrode, and the second conductive film is etched back. As a result, the second conductive film is left over the sidewall of the control gate electrode via the insulation film, thereby to form a memory gate electrode. Then, in a peripheral circuit region, a p type well is formed in the main surface of the semiconductor substrate. A third conductive film is formed over the p type well. Then, a gate electrode formed of the third conductive film is formed.
US09324716B2 Semiconductor device and fabricating method thereof
A semiconductor device includes an interlayer insulating film formed on a substrate and including a trench, a gate insulating film formed in the trench, a work function adjusting film formed on the gate insulating film in the trench along sidewalls and a bottom surface of the trench, and including an inclined surface having an acute angle with respect to the sidewalls of the trench, and a metal gate pattern formed on the work function adjusting film in the trench to fill up the trench.
US09324714B2 Semiconductor device
In one embodiment, a semiconductor device includes a semiconductor substrate, and first and second transistors of first and second conductivity types on the substrate. The first transistor includes a first gate electrode on the substrate, a first source region of the second conductivity type and a first drain region of the first conductivity type disposed to sandwich the first gate electrode, and a first channel region of the first or second conductivity type disposed between the first source region and the first drain region. The second transistor includes a second gate electrode on the substrate, a second source region of the first conductivity type and a second drain region of the second conductivity type disposed to sandwich the second gate electrode, and a second channel region disposed between the second source region and the second drain region and having the same conductivity type as the first channel region.
US09324713B1 Eliminating field oxide loss prior to FinFET source/drain epitaxial growth
Method for forming FinFET source/drain regions with reduced field oxide loss and the resulting devices are disclosed. Embodiments include forming silicon fins separated by a field oxide on a silicon substrate; recessing the field oxide to reveal an upper portion of the silicon fins; forming a spacer layer conformally over the upper portion of the fins and over the field oxide; filling spaces between the fins with a material having high selectivity with the spacer layer; recessing the material; removing the spacer layer above an upper surface of the material; removing the material; recessing the upper portion of the fins; and epitaxially growing source/drain regions on the recessed fins.
US09324708B2 Power semiconductor device
An exemplary power semiconductor device with a wafer having an emitter electrode on an emitter side and a collector electrode on a collector side, an (n-) doped drift layer, an n-doped first region, a p-doped base layer, an n-doped source region, and a gate electrode, all of which being formed between the emitter and collector electrodes. The emitter electrode contacts the base layer and the source region within a contact area. An active semiconductor cell is formed within the wafer, and includes layers that lie in orthogonal projection with respect to the emitter side of the contact area of the emitter electrode. The device also includes a p-doped well, which is arranged in the same plane as the base layer, but outside the active cell. The well is electrically connected to the emitter electrode at least one of directly or via the base layer.
US09324701B2 Diode circuit layout topology with reduced lateral parasitic bipolar action
Diode circuit layout topologies and methods are disclosed that exhibit reduced lateral parasitic bipolar characteristics at lateral parasitic bipolar circuit emitter edges during ESD or other voltage events as compared to conventional circuit layout topologies. The disclosed diode circuit layout topologies may be implemented to recess parasitic emitter ends relative to surrounding well ties, for example, to reduce or substantially eliminate parasitic bipolar action at lateral emitter edges of the circuitry during ESD events so as to provide higher current threshold for device failure, allowing for smaller device area and/or improved ESD robustness for a given circuit device.
US09324693B2 Folded 3-D light sheets containing printed LEDs
A method of forming a light sheet includes printing a layer of inorganic LEDs on a first conductive surface of a substrate, depositing a first dielectric layer, and depositing a second conductor layer over the LEDs so that the LEDs are connected in parallel. At least one of the first conductive surface or the second conductor layer is transparent to allow light to escape. A phosphor layer may be formed over the light sheet so that the LED light mixed with the phosphor light creates white light. The flat light sheet is then folded, such as by molding, to form a three-dimensional structure with angled light emitting walls and reflective surfaces to control a directionality of the emitted light and improve the mixing of light. The folds may form rows of angled walls or polygons.
US09324691B2 Optoelectronic device
An optoelectronic device comprising: a substrate; a plurality of semiconductor units electrically connected with each other and disposed jointly on the substrate, wherein each semiconductor unit comprises a first semiconductor layer, a second semiconductor layer, and an active region interposed between thereof; a plurality of first electrodes disposed on each first semiconductor layer respectively; and a plurality of second electrodes disposed on each second semiconductor layer respectively, wherein at least one of the first electrodes comprises a first extension, and at least one of the second electrodes comprises a second extension, wherein at least one of the first extension and the second extension comprises a curve which is not parallel to the edge of the semiconductor units.
US09324677B2 Semiconductor device and method for manufacturing semiconductor device
A semiconductor device is provided with a semiconductor element having a plurality of electrodes, a plurality of terminals electrically connected to the plurality of electrodes, and a sealing resin covering the semiconductor element. The sealing resin covers the plurality of terminals such that a bottom surface of the semiconductor element in a thickness direction is exposed. A first terminal, which is one of the plurality of terminals, is disposed in a position that overlaps a first electrode, which is one of the plurality of electrodes, when viewed in the thickness direction. The semiconductor device is provided with a conductive connection member that contacts both the first terminal and the first electrode.
US09324676B2 Packaged microelectronic devices and methods for manufacturing packaged microelectronic devices
Packaged microelectronic devices and methods of manufacturing packaged microelectronic devices are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a method of manufacturing a microelectronic device includes forming a stand-off layer over a plurality of microelectronic dies on a semiconductor workpiece, and removing selected portions of the stand-off layer to form a plurality of stand-offs with the individual stand-offs positioned on a backside of a corresponding die. The method further includes cutting the semiconductor workpiece to singulate the dies, and attaching the stand-off on a first singulated die to a second die.
US09324673B2 Integrated circuit packaging system with wafer level reconfiguration and method of manufacture thereof
A method of manufacture of an integrated circuit packaging system includes: removing a portion of a leadframe to form a partially removed region and an upper portion of a peripheral lead on the leadframe first side; mounting a first integrated circuit over the partially removed region with a first adhesive; forming a first molding layer directly on the first integrated circuit and the peripheral lead; removing a portion of a leadframe second side exposing the first adhesive; mounting a second integrated circuit on the first adhesive of the first integrated circuit; forming a first interconnection layer directly on the first integrated circuit with the first integrated circuit and the peripheral lead electrically connected; and forming a second interconnection layer directly on the second integrated circuit with the second integrated circuit and the peripheral lead electrically connected.
US09324669B2 Use of electrolytic plating to control solder wetting
A method including forming a copper pillar, electroplating a metal layer on a top surface and a sidewall of the copper pillar, and electroplating a metal cap above the top surface of the copper pillar in direct contact with the metal layer. The method further including forming an intermetallic by heating the metal layer and the copper pillar in a non-reducing environment, the intermetallic including elements of both the copper pillar and the metal layer, where molten solder will wet to the metal cap and will not wet to the intermetallic.
US09324663B2 Semiconductor device including a plurality of magnetic shields
A semiconductor device includes a semiconductor chip having a first main surface, a second main surface opposite to the first main surface, a side surface arranged between the first main surface and the second main surface, and a magnetic storage device, a first magnetic shield overlaying on the first main surface, a second magnetic shield overlaying on the second main surface, and a third magnetic shield overlaying on the side surface. The first and second magnetic shields are mechanically connected via the third magnetic shield.
US09324658B2 High speed, high density, low power die interconnect system
A system for interconnecting at least two die each die having a plurality of conducting layers and dielectric layers disposed upon a substrate which may include active and passive elements. In one embodiment there is at least one interconnect coupling at least one conducting layer on a side of one die to at least one conducting layer on a side of the other die. Another interconnect embodiment is a slug having conducting and dielectric layers disposed between two or more die to interconnect between the die. Other interconnect techniques include direct coupling such as rod, ball, dual balls, bar, cylinder, bump, slug, and carbon nanotube, as well as indirect coupling such as inductive coupling, capacitive coupling, and wireless communications. The die may have features to facilitate placement of the interconnects such as dogleg cuts, grooves, notches, enlarged contact pads, tapered side edges and stepped vias.
US09324656B1 Methods of forming contacts on semiconductor devices and the resulting devices
One method of forming a transistor device comprised of a source/drain region and a gate structure includes forming a dielectric layer above the gate structure and the source/drain region. A first opening is formed in at least the dielectric layer to expose the gate structure. A first spacer is formed on sidewalls of the first opening. After forming the first spacer, a second opening is formed in at least the dielectric layer to expose a portion of the source/drain region. The first spacer at least partially defines a spacing between the first opening and the second opening. A conductive gate contact is formed in the first opening and a conductive source/drain contact is formed in the second opening.
US09324645B2 Method and system for co-packaging vertical gallium nitride power devices
An electronic package includes a leadframe and a plurality of pins. The electronic package also includes a first gallium nitride (GaN) transistor comprising a source, gate, and drain and a second GaN transistor comprising a source, gate, and drain. The source of the first GaN transistor is electrically connected to the leadframe and the drain of the second GaN transistor is electrically connected to the leadframe. The electronic package further includes a first GaN diode comprising an anode and cathode and a second GaN diode comprising an anode and cathode. The anode of the first GaN diode is electrically connected to the leadframe and the cathode of the second GaN diode is electrically connected to the leadframe.
US09324641B2 Integrated circuit packaging system with external interconnect and method of manufacture thereof
A method of manufacture of an integrated circuit packaging system includes: providing a routable distribution layer on a leadframe; mounting an integrated circuit over the routable distribution layer; encapsulating with an encapsulation over the routable distribution layer; peeling the leadframe away from the routable distribution layer with a bottom distribution side of the routable distribution layer exposed from the encapsulation; and mounting an external interconnect on the routable distribution layer.
US09324639B2 Electronic device comprising an improved lead frame
An electronic device includes a chip and a support element which supports the chip. Leads are provided to be electrically coupled to at least one terminal of the chip. A coupling element is mounted to a free region of the support element that is not occupied by the chip. The coupling element includes a conductive portion electrically connected to at least one lead and to the at least one terminal of the chip to obtain an electrical coupling.
US09324634B2 Semiconductor interconnect structure having a graphene-based barrier metal layer
An interconnect structure and method for fabricating the interconnect structure having enhanced performance and reliability, by utilizing a graphene-based barrier metal layer to block oxygen intrusion from a dielectric layer into the interconnect structure and block copper diffusion from the interconnect structure into the dielectric layer, are disclosed. At least one opening is formed in a dielectric layer. A graphene-based barrier metal layer disposed on the dielectric layer is formed. A seed layer disposed on the graphene-based barrier metal layer is formed. An electroplated copper layer disposed on the seed layer is formed. A planarized surface is formed, wherein a portion of the graphene-based barrier metal layer, the seed layer, and the electroplated copper layer are removed. In addition, a capping layer disposed on the planarized surface is formed.
US09324633B2 Multi-level package assembly having conductive vias coupled to chip carrier for each level and method for manufacturing the same
A package assembly and a method for manufacturing the same are disclosed. The package assembly includes semiconductor chips, encapsulant layers, and a chip carrier. The plurality of semiconductor chips are stacked in a plurality of levels, including a lowermost level and at least one upper level. The plurality of encapsulant layers cover respective levels of semiconductor chips. The chip carrier is used for mounting lowermost-level semiconductor chips. At least one upper-level semiconductor chips are electrically coupled to the chip carrier by conductive traces. The conductive traces include extension conductors on a surface of a lower-level encapsulant layer and conductive vias which penetrate the lower-level encapsulant layer and are exposed at a bottom surface of the package assembly. The package assembly has improved high-frequency performance while having a small size and supporting multifunctionality.
US09324629B2 Tooling for coupling multiple electronic chips
A method for use with multiple chips, each respectively having a bonding surface including electrical contacts and a surface on a side opposite the bonding surface involves bringing a hardenable material located on a body into contact with the multiple chips, hardening the hardenable material so as to constrain at least a portion of each of the multiple chips, moving the multiple chips from a first location to a second location, applying a force to the body such that the hardened, hardenable material will uniformly transfer a vertical force, applied to the body, to the chips so as to bring, under pressure, a bonding surface of each individual chip into contact with a bonding surface of an element to which the individual chips will be bonded, at the second location, without causing damage to the individual chips, element, or bonding surface.
US09324628B2 Integrated circuit heat dissipation using nanostructures
An approach for heat dissipation in integrated circuit devices is provided. A method includes forming an isolation layer on an electrically conductive feature of an integrated circuit device. The method also includes forming an electrically conductive layer on the isolation layer. The method additionally includes forming a plurality of nanowire structures on a surface of the electrically conductive layer.
US09324609B2 Methods of manufacturing semiconductor devices having high aspect ratio
Methods of forming a hard mask capable of implementing an electrode having a high aspect ratio are provided. A molding layer may be formed on a substrate. A sacrificial layer may be formed on the molding layer. First mask patterns may be formed in parallel in the sacrificial layer. After the first mask patterns are formed, second mask patterns, which cross the first mask patterns and are in parallel, may be formed in the sacrificial layer. The first mask patterns and the second mask patterns may have materials more opaque than the sacrificial layer. Upper surfaces of the sacrificial layer, the first mask patterns and the second mask patterns may be exposed at the same horizontal level. The sacrificial layer may be removed. Openings, which pass through the molding layer, may be formed using the first mask patterns and the second mask patterns as etch masks. Electrodes may be formed in the openings.
US09324608B2 Method for via plating with seed layer
Presented herein is a method for plating comprising providing a substrate having a dielectric layer formed over a trace, and forming a via/trench opening extending through the dielectric layer, the via/trench opening exposing a surface of the trace. The method further comprises forming a seed layer in the via/trench opening and contacting the trace and forming a protection layer over the seed layer. The protection layer is removed and a conductive layer deposited on the seed layer in a single plating process step by applying a plating solution in the via/trench opening.
US09324607B2 GaN power device with solderable back metal
A method for fabricating a vertical gallium nitride (GaN) power device can include providing a GaN substrate with a top surface and a bottom surface, forming a device layer coupled to the top surface of the GaN substrate, and forming a metal contact on a top surface of the vertical GaN power device. The method can further include forming a backside metal by forming an adhesion layer coupled to the bottom surface of the GaN substrate, forming a diffusion barrier coupled to the adhesion layer, and forming a protection layer coupled to the diffusion barrier. The vertical GaN power device can be configured to conduct electricity between the metal contact and the backside metal.
US09324605B2 Method of fabricating a vertically oriented inductor within interconnect structures and capacitor structure thereof
The present disclosure involves a method of fabricating a semiconductor device. The method includes providing a substrate having a horizontal surface. The method includes forming an interconnect structure over the horizontal surface of the substrate. The forming the interconnect structure includes forming an inductor coil that is wound substantially in a vertical plane that is orthogonal to the horizontal surface of the substrate. The forming the interconnect structure includes forming a capacitor disposed proximate to the inductor coil. The capacitor has an anode component and a cathode component. The inductor coil and the capacitor each include a plurality of horizontally extending elongate members.
US09324603B2 Semiconductor structures with shallow trench isolations
A method is disclosed that includes the operations outlined below. An insulating material is disposed within a plurality of trenches on a semiconductor substrate and over the semiconductor substrate. The first layer is formed over the insulating material. The first layer and the insulating material are removed.
US09324599B2 Container opening/closing device
The present invention provides a container opening/closing device for opening and closing a lid of a container. The container comprises a container body including an opening and the lid detachably attached to the opening. The device comprises an opening/closing mechanism including a holding portion for holding the lid and a pressing mechanism. The opening/closing mechanism opens and closes the opening by moving the holding portion between a closing position and an open position. The pressing mechanism presses a peripheral edge of the holding portion toward the container body when the opening/closing mechanism moves the lid from the open position to the closing position.
US09324595B2 Load port apparatus and method of detecting object to be processed
To enable appropriate wafer mapping in the case where a wafer is stored at the highest level, which is provided as a reserve, of a pod, a load port apparatus drives a mapping frame that supports a sensor by a first driving unit that drives the mapping frame in a first direction parallel to the direction along which wafers in the pod are arranged in an overlapping manner and a second driving unit that drives the mapping frame in a second direction that crosses the first direction in such a way as to form an acute angle in the side in which the sensor starts the mapping.
US09324589B2 Multiplexed heater array using AC drive for semiconductor processing
A heating plate for a substrate support assembly in a semiconductor plasma processing apparatus, comprises multiple independently controllable planar heater zones arranged in a scalable multiplexing layout, and electronics to independently control and power the planar heater zones. A substrate support assembly in which the heating plate is incorporated includes an electrostatic clamping electrode and a temperature controlled base plate. Methods for manufacturing the heating plate include bonding together ceramic or polymer sheets having planar heater zones, branch transmission lines, common transmission lines and vias. The heating plate is capable of being driven by AC current or direct current phase alternating power, which has an advantage of minimizing DC magnetic field effects above the substrate support assembly and reduce plasma non-uniformity caused by DC magnetic fields.
US09324585B2 Semiconductor package and method of fabricating the same
A method of fabricating a semiconductor package is provided, including: disposing a plurality of semiconductor elements on a carrier through an adhesive layer in a manner that a portion of the carrier is exposed from the adhesive layer; forming an encapsulant to encapsulate the semiconductor elements; removing the adhesive layer and the carrier to expose the semiconductor elements; and forming a build-up structure on the semiconductor elements. Since the adhesive layer is divided into a plurality of separated portions that will not affect each other due to expansion or contraction when temperature changes, the present invention prevents positional deviations of the semiconductor elements during a molding process, thereby increasing the alignment accuracy.
US09324582B2 Semiconductor package and fabrication method thereof
A fabrication method of a semiconductor package is disclosed, which includes the steps of: disposing a plurality of first semiconductor elements on an interposer; forming a first encapsulant on the interposer for encapsulating the first semiconductor elements; disposing a plurality of second semiconductor elements on the first semiconductor elements; forming a second encapsulant on the first semiconductor elements and the first encapsulant for encapsulating the second semiconductor elements; and thinning the interposer, thereby reducing the overall stack thickness and preventing warpage of the interposer.
US09324570B1 Method of manufacturing semiconductor device
The present invention provides a method of manufacturing a semiconductor device including using a first photomask to form a sacrificial block on a hard mask layer in a first region, a first dummy pattern on the sacrificial block, a first spacer on sidewalls of the sacrificial block and a second spacer in a second region; using a second photomask to form a feature mask on the first dummy pattern and a fin cutting mask on the second spacer; and performing a fin cutting process to remove a portion of the first dummy pattern, a portion of the sacrificial block underlying the portion of the first dummy pattern and the first spacer to form a feature spacer and to remove a portion of the second spacer without being covered with the fin cutting mask to form a fin spacer.
US09324569B2 Plasma etching method and plasma etching apparatus
A groove shape can be improved. A plasma etching method includes plasma-processing a photoresist film that is formed on a mask film and has a preset pattern; exposing an organic film formed under the mask film by etching the mask film with the pattern of the plasma-processed photoresist film; and etching the organic film by plasma of a mixture gas containing O2 (oxygen), COS (carbonyl sulfate) and Cl2 (chlorine).
US09324568B2 Method of forming a semiconductor device
A semiconductor device includes an active region, a gate conductor and a source electrode. The active region includes a drain region, a channel region stacked on the drain region, and a source region stacked on the channel region. The active region is formed of a silicon semiconductor layer. The gate conductor is embedded within a trench, which is formed from the source region to the drain region penetrating through the channel region. The source electrode is formed to come in contact with the source region and includes an adhesion layer. The source electrode is formed of a metal layer having a film thickness of 150 Å or smaller. The interface between the source electrode and the source region is silicidized.
US09324564B2 Spalling with laser-defined spall edge regions
Laser ablation can be used to form a trench within at least a blanket layer of a stressor layer that is atop a base substrate. A non-ablated portion of the stressor layer has an edge that defines the edge of the material layer region to be spalled. Laser ablation can also be used to form a trench within a blanket material stack including at least a plating seed layer. A stressor layer is formed on the non-ablated portions of the material stack and one portion of the stressor layer has an edge that defines the edge of the material layer region to be spalled. Laser ablation can be further used to form a trench that extends through a blanket stressor layer and into the base substrate itself. The trench has an edge that defines the edge of the material layer region to be spalled.
US09324551B2 Mass spectrometer and method of driving ion guide
A method of operating an electrode changeover switch which switches the connection state of electrodes, the electrode changeover switch is provided in the wiring path between eight electrodes through, arranged rotation-symmetrically about ion optical axis, and voltage generation switch which generates square wave high voltage ±V. When switch is switched as shown in the drawing, two circumferentially adjacent rod electrodes are connected to form one set, a square wave voltage of opposite phase is applied to circumferentially adjacent sets, and an effectively quadrupole electric field is formed. When switch is switched, a square wave voltage of opposite phase is applied to circumferentially adjacent rod electrodes and an octupole electric field is formed. In this way, by switching the switch according to the mass range, etc., it becomes possible to rapidly switch the number of poles of a multipole electric field and to suitably transport ions.
US09324550B1 Self-shielding flex-circuit drift tube, drift tube assembly and method of making
The present disclosure is directed to an ion mobility drift tube fabricated using flex-circuit technology in which every other drift electrode is on a different layer of the flex-circuit and each drift electrode partially overlaps the adjacent electrodes on the other layer. This results in a self-shielding effect where the drift electrodes themselves shield the interior of the drift tube from unwanted electro-magnetic noise. In addition, this drift tube can be manufactured with an integral flex-heater for temperature control. This design will significantly improve the noise immunity, size, weight, and power requirements of hand-held ion mobility systems such as those used for explosive detection.
US09324548B1 Method and device to increase the internal energy of ions in mass spectrometers
A method and a device increases (e.g., uniformly) the internal energy of ions, in order to remove water shells or adducts, to decompose clusters or molecular agglomerations, to unfold large folded ions, or to prepare ions for fragmentation with high yield. The ions can be heated at a gas pressure of a few hectopascal viscously dragged through a tube comprising on-axis RF fields with strong axial field components. The ions are introduced, as usual together with entraining gas, into a vacuum system of a mass spectrometer through a small hole or capillary, and are driven by the gas flow through the tube with the RF fields. The RF fields decelerate and re-accelerate the ions, which travel through the tube, in rapid succession mainly in forward and backward direction, thus causing high numbers of collisions with the gas molecules and heating up the ions in a uniform manner.
US09324546B2 Integrated capacitor transimpedance amplifier
Spectrometers including integrated capacitive detectors are described. An integrated capacitive detector integrates ion current from the collector (220) into a changing voltage. The detector includes a collector configured to receive ions in the spectrometer, a dielectric (228), and a plate (232) arranged in an overlapping configuration with collector on an opposite side of the dielectric. The detector also includes an amplifier (226).
US09324544B2 Saturation correction for ion signals in time-of-flight mass spectrometers
The invention relates to time-of-flight mass spectrometers in which individual time-of-flight spectra are measured by detection systems with limited dynamic measurement range and are summed to sum spectra. The invention proposes a method to increase the dynamic range of measurement of the spectrum. To achieve this, those ion signals whose measured values display saturation of the analog-to-digital converter (ADC) are replaced by correction values, particularly if several successive measured values are in saturation. The correction values are obtained from the width of the signals, preferably simply from the number of measured values in saturation.
US09324536B2 Dual-energy X-ray tubes
Dual-energy x-ray tubes. In one example embodiment, a dual-energy x-ray tube includes an evacuated enclosure, an anode positioned within the evacuated enclosure, a first cathode positioned within the evacuated enclosure, and a second cathode positioned within the evacuated enclosure. The first cathode and the second cathode are configured to operate simultaneously at different voltages.
US09324535B2 Self contained irradiation system using flat panel X-ray sources
The present disclosure describes a self-contained irradiator comprising at least one X-ray source inside a shielded enclosure, the one or more sources each operable to emit X-ray flux across an area substantially equal to the proximate facing surface area of material placed inside the enclosure to be irradiated. The irradiator may have multiple flat panel X-ray sources disposed, designed or operated so as to provide uniform flux to the material being irradiated. The advantages of the irradiator of the present disclosure include compactness, uniform flux doses, simplified thermal management, efficient shielding and safety, the ability to operate at high power levels for sustained periods and high throughput.
US09324533B2 Medium voltage controllable fuse
An electric fuse, having a first fusible element and a disconnect section electrically connected in series to the first fusible element. The disconnect section is comprised of a first stationary contact, a second stationary contact and a movable contact movable from a first position electrically connecting the first and second stationary contacts to form a conductive path through the disconnect section to a second position electrically separating the first and second stationary contacts from each other and terminating the conductive path through the disconnect section. A retaining element holds the movable contact in the first position, the retaining element operable to release the movable contact from the first position when activated by an electrical (actuation) signal from an external source.
US09324531B2 Fuse unit
A fuse unit is provided having a fuse element (2) in which a first terminal connecting part (4) and second terminal connecting parts (5) are formed and an insulative resin part (20) is formed on the outer surface of the fuse element (2) with insertion molding. Threaded bolt holes (10) are formed in the first terminal connecting part (4) and the second terminal connecting parts (5) of the fuse element (2). Bolts (30) are temporarily fixed to the fuse element (2) by being screwed into the threaded bolt holes (10), and the insulating resin part (20) is formed with insertion molding by using the fuse element (2) to which the bolts (30) are temporarily fixed as an inserted component.
US09324527B2 Arc monitor
An arc monitor for tripping a circuit breaker in the event of an arc occurrence, the arc monitor including at least one arc detector and arranged to be operatively connected to at least one circuit breaker. The arc monitor includes a base unit and at least one extension unit with at least one arc detector input terminal, the at least one arc detector being connectable to the at least one arc detector input terminal, and the base unit includes a control unit. The extension unit is operatively connectable to and arranged to send an arc occurrence signal to the control unit, which is arranged to send a trip signal for tripping the at least one circuit breaker, in the event of an arc occurrence. Also an electrical installation including an arc monitor, and the use of an arc monitor as a supervision and safety equipment in an electrical installation.
US09324526B2 Multi integrated switching device structures
A permanent magnet is pivotally mounted in a top spacer layer of a switching device and rests on a flex arm created in an underlying flex circuit layer. The underside of the flex arm rests on a thin bar formed in a lower spacer layer beneath which lies a base layer including an electromagnet. Activation of the electromagnet causes rotation of the flex arm to thereby close and open electrical contacts formed respectively on the underside of the flex arm and on the top surface of the base layer.
US09324525B2 Electromagnetic relay
An electromagnetic relay has a base having an upper surface, an electromagnet block, formed by winding a coil around a spool with at least one end provided with a guard portion and inserting an iron core through a through hole of the spool, mounted on the upper surface of the base such that a shaft center of the iron core is parallel to the base, a movable contact, provided at a free end of a movable touch piece that rotates based on magnetization and demagnetization of the electromagnet block, that is brought into contact with or separated from a fixed contact, and a press-fitting portion that is press-fitted into a press-fitting hole provided at the edge of the outward surface of the guard portion along the shaft center of the iron core. The press-fitting portion extends to the lateral side from a fixed contact terminal that has the fixed contact.
US09324519B2 Switching device
A low-voltage switching device including a plurality of arc-extinguishing chambers, wherein each of the arc-extinguishing chambers encloses a contacting unit including a stationary contact and a movable contact and arcs are formed when the movable contact is disconnected to the stationary contact, each of the arc-extinguishing chamber including a plurality of U-shaped arc extinguishing plates arranged for splitting, guiding and cooling the arc formed between the contacts and sidewalls provided with guiding means for guiding the arms of the arc extinguishing plates. The guiding means includes a plurality of supporting plates and the supporting plates are arranged protruding towards interior of the arc-extinguishing chamber for receiving the arms of the arc-extinguishing plates and for providing electrical isolation between arms of two adjacent arc extinguishing plates.
US09324518B2 Self-contained link module for gang-style high voltage dead tank breaker
A linkage and operating assembly is provided for a dead tank circuit breaker. The circuit breaker has a plurality of pole assemblies and an actuating assembly associated with each pole assembly for opening and closing a movable electrical contact of the associated pole assembly. The linkage and operating assembly includes a linkage module having a plurality of drive structures. Each drive structure has a portion constructed and arranged to be removably coupled to an associated actuating assembly. An operating mechanism is coupled with the linkage module for causing movement of the drive structures substantially simultaneously. When the portions of the drive structures are decoupled from the associated actuating assemblies, the linkage module together with the operating mechanism is constructed and arranged to be removed as a single unit from the circuit breaker.
US09324516B2 Click module and operation switch
A click module which gives a feeling of click when an operation knob which is tiltably and pivotally supported on a casing of an operation switch is tiltably operated has a click face on which a crest portion or a valley portion is formed, a click element which slides on the click face, and a resilient member which biases the click element to a click face side. The click module is detachably mounted on the casing. The click element and the click face slide relative to each other in an interlocking manner with a tilting operation of the operation knob.
US09324499B2 High capacitance single layer capacitor
A high capacitance single layer ceramic capacitor structure having a ceramic dielectric body containing one or more internal electrodes electrically connected to a metallization layer applied to the side and bottom surfaces and a metallization pad electrically isolated from the metallization side and bottom surfaces positioned on a top surface of the ceramic body.
US09324495B2 Planar inductors with closed magnetic loops
A planar closed-magnetic-loop inductor and a method of fabricating the inductor are described. The inductor includes a first material comprising a cross-sectional shape including at least four segments, at least one of the at least four segments including a first edge and a second edge on opposite sides of an axial line through the at least one of the at least four segments. The first edge and the second edge are not parallel.
US09324493B2 Actuator for a tap changer
An actuator for a tap changer of an electrical transformer, including: a piston, being hollow to define a piston space; a cylinder arranged around the piston such that the piston is arranged to be movable axially into and out of the cylinder; a piston ring fixed to the outside surface of the piston such that a cylinder space is formed between the piston and the cylinder and delimited by the piston ring, the cylinder space having a variable volume which is configured to vary with axial movement of the piston; and a spring engaging both the piston and the cylinder such that the spring is able to be compressed and elongated, respectively, with axial movement of the piston. The piston space is connected to the cylinder space via at least one hole through the hollow piston. The piston space is connected to an outside of the piston.
US09324491B2 Inductor device and electronic apparatus
An inductor device includes a layer-laminated member with laminated base-material layers and a coil with a winding axis coincident with a direction of layer lamination, a smaller-thickness portion near one end portion thereof in the direction of layer lamination, and a greater-thickness portion with more base-material layers than that in the smaller-thickness portion. The coil is located in the greater-thickness portion. The coil is connected, at its one end positioned near one end portion of the layer-laminated member, to a conductor pattern in the smaller-thickness portion. The coil is connected, at its other end positioned near the other end portion of the layer-laminated member, to a conductor pattern in a base-material layer located near the other end portion of the layer-laminated member. The conductor patterns are located at respective different positions in the direction of layer lamination.
US09324488B2 Solenoid assembly
A solenoid assembly includes a coil assembly having a coil and a bobbin surrounding the coil. A first post extends from the bobbin. Electrical current is supplied to the coil through the first post. An armature at least partially surrounds the coil assembly and is configured so that the first post extends through the armature. The armature is configured to translate relative to the pole piece when the coil is energized. A feature is configured to prevent the armature from contacting the first post when the armature translates.
US09324484B2 Nanoferrite flakes
A ferrite layer having a columnar structure is formed, and ferrite flakes are separated from the ferrite layer. The ferrite flakes include a metal oxide having a spinel cubic crystal structure with a stoichiometry represented by AB2O4, where A and B represent different lattice sites occupied by cationic species, and O represents oxygen in its own sublattice.
US09324474B2 Dispersion for the metallization of contactings
A dispersion is provided having a dispersion medium and a plurality of colloid particles finely distributed in the dispersion medium, the colloid particles being electrically conductive, the dispersion being a functional ink for the wetting of an inner wall of a contacting opening of a substrate using a print process.
US09324471B2 Aluminum alloy wire rod, aluminum alloy stranded wire, coated wire, wire harness and manufacturing method of aluminum alloy wire rod
An aluminum alloy wire rod has a composition consisting of 0.1-1.0 mass % Mg; 0.1-1.0 mass % Si; 0.01-1.40 mass % Fe; 0.000-0.100 mass % Ti; 0.000-0.030 mass % B; 0.00-1.00 mass % Cu; 0.00-0.50 mass % Ag; 0.00-0.50 mass % Au; 0.00-1.00 mass % Mn; 0.00-1.00 mass % Cr; 0.00-0.50 mass % Zr; 0.00-0.50 mass % Hf; 0.00-0.50 mass % V; 0.00-0.50 mass % Sc; 0.00-0.50 mass % Co; 0.00-0.50 mass % Ni; and the balance being Al and incidental impurities, wherein at least one or none of Ti, B, Cu, Ag, Au, Mn, Cr, Zr, Hf, V, Sc, Co and Ni is contained in the composition. A dispersion density of an Mg2Si compound having a particle size of 0.5 μm to 5.0 μm is less than or equal to 3.0×10−3 particles/μm2. Each of Si and Mg at a grain boundary between crystal grains of a parent phase has a concentration of less than or equal to 2.00 mass %.
US09324462B2 Reactor head seismic support tie rod system
A quick disconnect for a control rod drive mechanism seismic support tie rod system that is remotely operable from a nuclear power plant's operating deck. A wall mounted anchor in the reactor cavity contains one half of a disconnect coupling that interfaces with the other half of the disconnect coupling on the ends of the tie rods employing a remote winching system that is actuated from the top of the reactor head assembly. A latching mechanism is then actuated from the refueling cavity operating deck to lock the tie rod in place and prevent displacement during a seismic or pipe break event. The tie rod may similarly be unlocked from the wall anchor and raised above the reactor head assembly as part of a reactor head disassembly operation to gain access to the core of the reactor vessel for refueling.
US09324456B2 Self-diagnosing method of a volatile memory device and an electronic device performing the same
In a self-diagnosing method of a volatile memory device, a processor outputs a self-refresh entrance command and enters a power save mode, and a volatile memory device performs a self-diagnosing operation for a plurality of memory cells in response to the self-refresh entrance command while the processor is in the power save mode.
US09324445B2 High-voltage switching circuit for flash memory device
A high-voltage switching device for a flash memory includes at least one pumping transistor which includes one junction terminal and another junction terminal which are commonly connected to a control signal, and a gate terminal connected to a select signal. The high-voltage switching device also includes at least one switching transistor that includes one junction terminal connected to an input signal, another junction terminal connected to an output signal, and a gate terminal connected to the select signal. A layout of the high-voltage switching device includes a pumping active area in which the one junction terminal and the another junction terminal of the pumping transistor are disposed; a control interconnection area in which an interconnection of the control signal is wired; and a select interconnection area in which an interconnection of the select signal is wired.
US09324442B2 Semiconductor memory device
A semiconductor memory device includes a memory cell, a sense amplifier electrically connected to the memory cell, the sense amplifier including a node for sensing a voltage during a sense operation and a data latch electrically connected to the node and configured to hold a first voltage corresponding to a voltage of the node when a strobe signal is issued during a strobe operation, and a controller configured to raise the voltage of the node during the strobe operation before the strobe signal is issued.
US09324441B1 Fast adaptive trimming of operating parameters for non-volatile memory devices
As memory devices scale down, the controller may use different sets of trim values for read/program/erase operations for different blocks based on the amount of wear a block has experienced. To facilitate this process, when the controller issues series of commands, a set of parameters for the operations are initially transferred into latches that are normally used for user data, after which they are transferred into the registers used to hold the parameters while the operation is performed. This allows for read, write and erase parameters to be updated with minimal time penalty and on the fly, allowing for these trim values to be changed more frequently and without the need to add extra registers on the memory circuit.
US09324440B2 Nonvolatile memory devices, operating methods thereof and memory systems including the same
The inventive concept relates to a nonvolatile memory device and methods for operating the same. The nonvolatile memory device comprises a plurality of strings arranged in rows and columns on a substrate, each string including at least one ground select transistor, a plurality of memory cells and at least one string select transistor sequentially stacked on the substrate. The method comprises erasing first memory cells corresponding to an erasure failed row and inhibiting erasure of second memory cells corresponding to an erasure passed row, and performing an erasure verification by a unit of each row with respect to the first memory cells.
US09324433B2 Intelligent flash reprogramming
Apparatus, methods, and computer-readable media for programming, reading, and servicing non-volatile storage device to improve data retention time and data density are disclosed. According to one embodiment, a method of managing a non-volatile memory storage device includes generating output values based on an expected pattern of discrete states stored in memory cells of the storage device, comparing output values for the memory cells to expected output values using a pre-selected threshold, and based on the comparing, programming other memory cells of the storage device to refresh the programming of the other memory cells. Methods of performing service and management operations for interrupting a host system coupled a non-volatile memory storage device are also disclosed.
US09324431B1 Floating gate memory device with interpoly charge trapping structure
A nonvolatile memory cell has a semiconductor substrate, a multilayer stack including a charge trapping layer over a floating gate, a top conductive layer, and circuitry controlling program and erase operations on the nonvolatile memory cell. The program and erase operations change a first charge density on the floating gate by a larger magnitude than a second charge density on the charge trapping dielectric layer.
US09324428B1 Memory device and operation method thereof
An operation method for a memory device is disclosed. An operation state of the memory device is determined. If to be operated in a first operation state, the memory device is applied by a reset pulse. If to be operated in a second operation state, the memory device is applied by the reset pulse and at least a first incremental pulse set verification current, and an allowable maximum current of the first incremental pulse set verification current is lower than a melt current. If to be operated in a third operation state, the memory device is applied by the reset pulse and at least a first identical pulse set verification current, and an allowable maximum current of the first identical pulse set verification current is lower than the melt current. If to be operated in a fourth operation state, the memory device is applied by a set pulse.
US09324427B2 Nonvolatile semiconductor memory device
A nonvolatile semiconductor memory device includes: a cell array including MATs (unit cell arrays) arranged in matrix, each of the MATs having memory cells, each of the memory cells having a variable resistive element of which resistance is nonvolatilely stored as data; and write/erase circuits connected to the MATs and operative to execute data write or erase to the memory cells inside the MATs in accordance with input data. A part of the write/erase circuits writes data to memory cells inside a corresponding MAT while another part of the write/erase circuits erases data from memory cells inside a corresponding MAT at the same time.
US09324425B2 Memory device, method of controlling memory device, and memory system
A memory device according to an embodiment comprises a data processing circuit that includes: a data write pre-processing circuit that processes input data to generate first intermediate data; a data write processing circuit that sequentially sets a voltage difference between a selected row line and a selected global bit line based on the first intermediate data; a data read processing circuit that detects a current flowing in the selected global bit line or a voltage of the selected global bit line and sequentially generates second intermediate data from a result of that detection; and a data read post-processing circuit that processes the second intermediate data to generate output data, the data write pre-processing circuit and the data read post-processing circuit having a correcting function that corrects a difference that may occur between the input data and the output data.
US09324422B2 Adaptive resistive device and methods thereof
A system that incorporates teachings of the subject disclosure may include, for example, a device including a nanoelectrode having a gap, and a resistive change material located in the gap, wherein an application of a voltage potential across first and second terminals of the nanoelectrode causes the resistive change material to modify at least one non-volatile memory state of the resistive change material. Additional embodiments are disclosed.
US09324420B2 Method of estimating deterioration state of memory device and related method of wear leveling
A method of estimating a deterioration state of a memory device comprises reading data from selected memory cells connected to a selected wordline of a memory cell array by applying to the selected wordline a plurality of distinct read voltages having values corresponding to at least one valley of threshold voltage distributions of the selected memory cells, generating quality estimation information indicating states of the threshold voltage distributions using the data read from the selected memory cells, and determining a deterioration state of a storage area including the selected memory cells based on the generated quality estimation information.
US09324410B2 Semiconductor memory device having an output buffer controller
A device includes a data output terminal, an output buffer including n first transistors (n is a natural number greater than 1) connected in parallel with the data output terminal, and a calibration circuit to output an n-bit first code signal for controlling each of the n first transistors. In some embodiments, the calibration circuit includes a first counter circuit to output a k-bit second code signal (k is a natural number less than n), and a first code conversion circuit to convert the k-bit second code signal to the n-bit first code signal. Additional apparatus, systems, and methods are disclosed.
US09324396B2 Semiconductor apparatus and operating method thereof
A sense amplifier control circuit of a semiconductor apparatus includes a driving unit configured to apply a first voltage to a sense amplifier in response to a first driving signal. The driving unit may also be configured to apply a second voltage to the sense amplifier in response to a second driving signal. In addition, the driving unit may also be configured to apply a third voltage to the sense amplifier in response to a third driving signal. A switching unit may be configured to electrically couple a first node to a second node in response to a control signal. The first driving signal is output to the first node, and the second driving signal is output to the second node.
US09324394B2 Strobe signal generation device and memory apparatus using the same
A strobe signal generation device includes an enable signal generating section, a buffering section and a strobe signal driving section. The enable signal generation section generates a division enable signal in response a strobe signal. The buffering section configured to generate a delayed strobe signal from the strobe signal while the division enable signal is enabled. The strobe signal driving section configured to generate a plurality of data strobe signals with a larger pulse width than the delayed strobe signal, in response to the division enable signal and the delayed strobe signal.
US09324388B2 Allocating memory address space between DIMMs using memory controllers
A memory controller enters a memory mode, allocating memory address space within a pair of dual in line memory modules (DIMMs) such that each DIMM of the pair contains unallocated memory address space corresponding to allocated memory space in the other DIMM. The memory controller enters another memory mode, modifying the allocation of the memory address space from a first DIMM of the pair of DIMMs to a second DIMM of the pair of DIMMs. The data is moved from allocated memory address space of the first DIMM to unallocated memory address space in the second DIMM.
US09324373B2 Determining updates for a video tutorial
Embodiments of the present invention disclose a computer implemented method, computer program product, and system for updating a video tutorial. In accordance with an embodiment, the method includes the steps of determining a number of users of a video tutorial that have performed a set of actions that are different than a set of actions displayed in the video tutorial, determining that the number of users of the video tutorial that have performed the set of actions that are different meets a threshold condition, and identifying a segment of the video tutorial to remove, wherein the identified segment includes the set of actions displayed in the video tutorial that are different. The method may further include creating an updated video tutorial by replacing the identified segment of the video tutorial with a video of the set of actions that are different than the set of displayed actions.
US09324370B2 Identifying a defect in a data-storage medium
An embodiment of a data-read path includes a defect detector and a data-recovery circuit. The defect detector is operable to identify a defective region of a data-storage medium, and the data-recovery circuit is operable to recover data from the data-storage medium in response to the defect detector. For example, such an embodiment may allow identifying a defective region of a data-storage disk caused, e.g., by a scratch or contamination, and may allow recovering data that was written to the defective region.
US09324369B2 Data recording medium and method for generating a reference clock signal
Various embodiments provide a recording medium. The recording medium may include a dedicated servo layer for providing servo information. The dedicated servo layer may include a plurality of tracks. A first track may include a first servo signal. A second track may include a second servo signal. The first servo signal and the second servo signal may include a plurality of common transitions. The transitions may be provided at a pre-determined frequency.
US09324360B2 Storage medium having interactive graphic stream and apparatus for reproducing the same
A storage medium including an interactive graphic stream providing menus using various transition effects regardless of reproducing modes of multimedia data and an apparatus for reproducing the same. The storage medium in which multimedia information is recorded includes: video data; and graphic data to provide a menu screen overlaid on an image based on the video data, wherein the graphic data provides a plurality of menu pages. Accordingly, a plurality of menu pages may be provided regardless of application types of a main stream, and various transition effects may be applied when transitions between menu pages are performed.
US09324348B2 Detecting a servo pattern using a data channel in a magnetic tape drive
In one embodiment, a system for processing data includes an equalizer having a finite impulse response (FIR) filter configured to process data read with a channel using servo coefficients to generate equalized data, and one or more low-pass filters configured to filter the equalized data to output filtered data. The one or more low-pass filters is configured to remove high frequency noise from the equalized data. A method for processing data in a read channel, in one embodiment, includes receiving data read from a magnetic tape using the read channel of a magnetic tape drive. A finite impulse response (FIR) filter is applied to the data by an equalizer using servo coefficients to output equalized data. One or more low-pass filters is applied to the equalized data to obtain filtered data, the one or more low-pass filters being configured to remove high frequency noise from the equalized data.
US09324341B2 Magnetic head for perpendicular magnetic recording including a heater
A magnetic head includes a main pole, an expansion member, and a heater. The main pole has an end face located in a medium facing surface. The expansion member is located farther from the medium facing surface than is the main pole and adjacent to the main pole in a direction perpendicular to the medium facing surface. The heater heats the expansion member. The expansion member has a linear expansion coefficient higher than that of the main pole.
US09324339B2 Methods and systems for enhancing pitch associated with an audio signal presented to a cochlear implant patient
An exemplary method of enhancing pitch of an audio signal presented to a cochlear implant patient includes 1) determining a frequency spectrum of an audio signal presented to a cochlear implant patient, the frequency spectrum comprising a plurality of frequency bins that each contain spectral energy, 2) generating a modified spectral envelope of the frequency spectrum of the audio signal, 3) identifying each frequency bin included in the plurality of frequency bins that contains spectral energy above the modified spectral envelope and each frequency bin included in the plurality of frequency bins that contains spectral energy below the modified spectral envelope, 4) enhancing the spectral energy contained in each frequency bin identified as containing spectral energy above the modified spectral envelope, and 5) compressing the spectral energy contained in each frequency bin identified as containing spectral energy below the modified spectral envelope. Corresponding methods and systems are also disclosed.
US09324336B2 Method of managing a jitter buffer, and jitter buffer using same
The present invention relates to a method of managing a jitter buffer and a jitter buffer using same. The method of managing a jitter buffer includes the steps of: receiving audio information frames; and adjusting a jitter buffer on the basis of the received audio information frames, wherein the adjusting step of the jitter buffer includes compensation of an audio signal, and the compensation of the audio signal can be performed for each sub frame of the audio information frames.
US09324330B2 Automatic conversion of speech into song, rap or other audible expression having target meter or rhythm
Captured vocals may be automatically transformed using advanced digital signal processing techniques that provide captivating applications, and even purpose-built devices, in which mere novice user-musicians may generate, audibly render and share musical performances. In some cases, the automated transformations allow spoken vocals to be segmented, arranged, temporally aligned with a target rhythm, meter or accompanying backing tracks and pitch corrected in accord with a score or note sequence. Speech-to-song music applications are one such example. In some cases, spoken vocals may be transformed in accord with musical genres such as rap using automated segmentation and temporal alignment techniques, often without pitch correction. Such applications, which may employ different signal processing and different automated transformations, may nonetheless be understood as speech-to-rap variations on the theme.
US09324326B2 Voice agent device and method for controlling the same
A voice agent device includes: a position detection unit which detects a position of a person in a conversation space to which the voice agent device is capable of providing information; a voice volume detection unit which detects a voice volume of the person from a sound signal in the conversation space obtained by a sound acquisition unit; a conversation area determination unit which determines a conversation area as a first area including the position when the voice volume has a first voice volume value and determines the conversation area as a second area including the position and being smaller than the first area when the voice volume has a second voice volume value smaller than the first voice volume value, the conversation area being a spatial range where an utterance of the person can be heard; and an information provision unit which provides provision information to the conversation area.
US09324323B1 Speech recognition using topic-specific language models
Speech recognition techniques may include: receiving audio; identifying one or more topics associated with audio; identifying language models in a topic space that correspond to the one or more topics, where the language models are identified based on proximity of a representation of the audio to representations of other audio in the topic space; using the language models to generate recognition candidates for the audio, where the recognition candidates have scores associated therewith that are indicative of a likelihood of a recognition candidate matching the audio; and selecting a recognition candidate for the audio based on the scores.
US09324320B1 Neural network-based speech processing
Pairs of feature vectors are obtained that represent speech. Some pairs represent two samples of speech from the same speakers, and other pairs represent two samples of speech from different speakers. A neural network feeds each feature vector in a sample pair into a separate bottleneck layer, with a weight matrix on the input of both vectors tied to one another. The neural network is trained using the feature vectors and an objective function that induces the network to classify whether the speech samples come from the same speaker. The weights from the tied weight matrix are extracted for use in generating derived features for a speech processing system that can benefit from features that are thus transformed to better reflect speaker identity.
US09324314B2 System for controlling vehicle interior sound using smart phone and method thereof
A system for controlling vehicle interior sound using a smart phone and a method thereof include a driving information provider to provide driving information while a vehicle is being driven. A smart phone includes a microphone which senses interior noise or sound of the vehicle and generates a sound control signal to diminish or amplify the interior noise based on the driving information from the driving information provider. An audio amplifier amplifies the sound control signal received from the smart phone and outputs an amplified signal though a speaker.
US09324313B1 Methods and systems for implementing bone conduction-based noise cancellation for air-conducted sound
A wearable computing device can receive, via at least one input transducer, a first audio signal associated with ambient sound from an environment of the device. The device can then process the first audio signal so as to determine a second audio signal that is out of phase with the first audio signal and effective to substantially cancel at least a portion of the first audio signal. The device may then generate a noise-cancelling audio signal based on the second audio signal, based on a third audio signal, and based on one or more wearer-specific parameters, where the third audio signal is representative of a sound to be provided by the device. The device may then cause a bone conduction transducer (BCT) to vibrate so as to provide to an ear a noise-cancelling sound effective to substantially cancel at least a portion of the ambient sound.
US09324312B2 Viscoelastic phononic crystal
A sound barrier and method of sound insulation are disclosed. In one aspect of the disclosure, a sound barrier comprises a first, solid medium, such as a viscoelastic solid and a second medium, such as air. At least one of the two media forms a periodic array disposed in the other medium. The solid medium has a speed of propagation of longitudinal sound wave and a speed of propagation of transverse sound wave, the speed of propagation of longitudinal sound wave being at least about 30 times the speed of propagation of transverse sound wave.
US09324310B2 Multi-touch piano keyboard
A musical keyboard touch sensor pad having a plurality of integrated sensors disposed in an array is disclosed. The plurality of integrated sensors represents a keyboard key. A processor is electronically coupled to the plurality of integrated sensors. The processor is programmed to receive signals from several of the plurality of integrated sensors and to generate a sound signal based on input from the several of the plurality of integrated sensors. The output is variable based on the number in the plurality and the location of the plurality in the array. An audio output device is electronically coupled to the processor to generate a sound based on the sound signal. A keyboard using a plurality of the sensor pads as well as a method of generating sounds from the keyboard are also disclosed.
US09324308B1 Guitar string bender
The invention pertains to a string bender device for use with a stringed instrument, particularly with a guitar. The bending device comprises a mount, an activation lever and a spring device coupled therebetween. The string bender further includes an anchoring arrangement to secure the anchor portion of a guitar string to the string bender. When in use the guitar string anchor is attached to the bending device while the free end of the guitar string is wound around a tuning peg of the guitar. The tension of the string is adjusted using the tuning peg until a desired neutral tone of the string is achieved. The position of the spring at this tension is defined as the neutral position of the string. The activation lever can then be moved in a first direction to deform the spring in a first direction and move the anchor of the guitar string away from the tuning pegs, causing an increase in string tension and thus raising the tone of the affected string. Alternatively the activation lever can be moved in a second direction to deform the spring in a second direction and move the guitar string anchor towards the tuning pegs, causing a decrease in tension of the affected string and thus a decrease in tone. The present invention is advantageous in that it can raise or lower the tone of the affected string. Furthermore the string bender of the present invention uses existing structures on traditional guitars to facilitate mounting of the string bender thereto.
US09324306B2 Keyboard device and keyboard instrument
A keyboard device including a plurality of transmission members which are provided corresponding to a plurality of keys arranged in parallel and each of which makes a rotating motion in response to a depression operation on a corresponding key, a plurality of hammer members which are provided corresponding to the plurality of keys and each of which makes a rotating motion in response to the rotating motion of the transmission member and thereby provides an action load to the key, and a plurality of interlock control sections each of which controls the rotating motion of the hammer member made in response to the rotating motion of the transmission member by a relative motion of an interlock projecting section of the transmission member with respect to a guide hole provided in the hammer member.
US09324305B2 Method of synthesizing images photographed by portable terminal, machine-readable storage medium, and portable terminal
A system generates a synthesized image by combining content of a first image with content of a second image where both the first and second images are acquired by a portable terminal, The system identifies a portion of the second image, selects at least a part of the portion of the second image as a region of interest and generates a synthesized image by incorporating content of the first image in the region of interest. The method displays and stores the synthesized image.
US09324300B2 Extending battery life by automatic control of display illumination
A display screen of a computer is segmented into several portions, some of which are marked “used” and others which are marked “unused.” When the system is activated on the computer, the computer will decrease the luminance of unused portions of the display screen to save electricity.
US09324299B2 Atlasing and virtual surfaces
Atlasing and virtual surface techniques are described. In one or more implementations, virtual surface functionality is exposed by an operating system for access by one or more applications of the computing device. A virtual surface is created in response to a request from the one or more applications to be used to render visuals for display by a display device. The virtual surface is allocated in memory of the computing device by the exposed virtual surface functionality to have an area that is larger than an area to be used to display the visuals from the one or more applications.
US09324294B2 Graphics system for supporting multiple digital display interface standards
The present invention sets forth an apparatus for supporting multiple digital display interface standards. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a graphics processing unit (GPU) configured to determine a display device type of a display device that is in connection with a digital display interconnect, receive a display device information associated with the display device, and output a first data signal to the display device. The display device is of display port (DP) digital display interface standard and the digital display interconnect is of digital visual interface (DVI) digital display interface standard. The apparatus further includes a removable adaptor circuitry between the display device and the digital display interconnect.
US09324291B2 LCD device control system and LCD device
A liquid crystal display (LCD) device control system or an LCD device includes a control circuit board includes a sequence control circuit, a panel includes a source drive circuit, and a scalar circuit board includes a first voltage reduction module. The sequence control circuit is configured with a main power end and an auxiliary power end. The main power end of the sequence control circuit and the source drive circuit are coupled to the first voltage reduction module to supply power.
US09324290B2 Liquid crystal display (LCD) and method of driving the same
A liquid crystal display (LCD) and method of driving the same are disclosed. In one aspect, the LCD includes a display panel that includes a plurality of gate lines, a plurality of data lines, and a plurality of pixels each electrically connected to a corresponding gate line and a corresponding data line. The LCD also includes a timing controller that receives present frame data, stores previous frame data, and outputs first line data of the previous frame data and a data driver that converts the first line data to a first previous line data voltage and applies the first previous line data voltage to the data lines during a portion of a vertical blank period between a present frame and a previous frame.
US09324284B2 Liquid crystal display device compensating for common voltage and method of driving the same
There is provided a driving method of a liquid crystal display device that is driven by an inversion method, including: calculating a total sum of changed amounts of data voltages between an (n−1)-th row line and an n-th row line, using image data of the (n−1)-th row line and image data of the n-th row line; generating common voltage data according to the total sum of the changed amounts of the data voltages; compensating for the common voltage data using a characteristic parameter of a liquid crystal panel; and generating a common voltage according to the compensated common voltage data, and outputting the common voltage to the liquid crystal panel.
US09324280B2 Light source apparatus and method of controlling same
A light source apparatus includes: a light-emitting unit which includes a plurality of emission areas emitting light periodically at different phases and in which at least two light sources are disposed in each emission area; a detection unit configured to detect light from the light-emitting unit; and a control unit configured to select the plurality of light sources sequentially and to perform lighting-control of temporarily reducing emission brightness of light sources other than the selected light source, wherein the control unit selects lighting-control target light sources so that lighting-control is sequentially performed on light sources disposed in different emission areas among the plurality of emission areas.
US09324277B2 Backlight driving circuit, liquid crystal display device and drive method
The present invention provides a backlight drive circuit, and a liquid crystal display and a drive method for the same, wherein the backlight drive circuit includes: an error amplification unit configured to receive a feedback voltage from the backlight, and used for comparing the feedback voltage with a basis voltage, adjusting the amplification coefficient and the amplification speed for a comparison result based on the magnitude of the comparison result, and outputting an amplification result as a control signal; and a drive control unit configured to receive the control signal from the error amplification unit, and used for outputting, according to the control signal, a pulse width modulation dimming signal with a corresponding duty cycle to modulate a voltage signal output to the backlight from a power supply. The backlight drive circuit may be applied to driving operation for various display devises and capable of automatically adjusting response rate under different loading modes. Compared with the prior art, the backlight drive circuit has higher response rate and accordingly can improve the display performance of animating images in a display device in an indirect manner.
US09324276B2 Liquid crystal display device and method for automatically controlling brightness
Disclosed herein are a liquid crystal display device including a photosensor for sensing brightness of external light such that the photosensor can stably sense the external light without influence of temperature or external noise, and a method for automatically controlling the brightness, the liquid crystal display device includes a liquid crystal panel having a display area and a non-display area defined therein and including first and second substrates facing each other and a liquid crystal layer filled between the first and second substrates, the first substrate having an outer portion protruding from the second substrate, a gate driver and a data driver formed in the non-display area of the first substrate, a photosensor formed in the outer portion of the first substrate, a dummy sensor formed in the non-display area of the first substrate covered by the second substrate, a backlight unit formed below the liquid crystal panel, and a control unit including a timing controller for controlling the gate driver, the data driver and the backlight unit, and a power supply unit for supplying a power voltage.
US09324273B2 Organic light emitting display and method of driving the same
An organic light emitting display capable of improving data charging time, includes pixels at crossing regions between scan and data lines and configured to control an amount of current supplied from a first to a second power source, a charge unit adjacent to an adjacent pixel of the pixels and coupled to the same data line as the adjacent pixel, a scan driver for supplying scan signals to the scan lines, a data driver for supplying data signals to the data lines in synchronization with the scan signals, and a comparison unit in a channel of the data driver to compare a data signal supplied to a current line with a data signal supplied to a previous line and to control coupling between the charge unit and the data line according to a comparison result in a partial period of a period in which the scan signals are supplied.
US09324272B2 GOA circuit, display substrate and display device
A Gate Driver on Array (GOA) circuit according to this disclosure may include M cascaded GOA units. The M GOA units may have a one-to-one correspondence with M rows of pixels within a pixel region. And a Gate signal and a Reset signal may be outputted from each GOA unit. A Gate signal output from a GOA unit in an n-th row may be an input signal of a GOA unit in an (n+1)-th, where n is a natural number less than M.
US09324268B2 Amoled displays with multiple readout circuits
The OLED voltage of a selected pixel is extracted from the pixel produced when the pixel is programmed so that the pixel current is a function of the OLED voltage. One method for extracting the OLED voltage is to first program the pixel in a way that the current is not a function of OLED voltage, and then in a way that the current is a function of OLED voltage. During the latter stage, the programming voltage is changed so that the pixel current is the same as the pixel current when the pixel was programmed in a way that the current was not a function of OLED voltage. The difference in the two programming voltages is then used to extract the OLED voltage.
US09324266B2 Pixel and organic light emitting display using the same
A pixel capable of being driven at a low driving frequency that includes an organic light emitting diode (OLED), a first transistor for controlling an amount of current supplied from a first power supply coupled to a first electrode thereof to the OLED to correspond to a voltage applied to a first node, a second transistor coupled between a data line and a second node and turned on when a scan signal is supplied to a scan line, a third transistor coupled between the first node and the second node and turned on when a second control signal is supplied to a second control line, a first capacitor coupled between the second node and a fixed voltage source, and a second capacitor and a third capacitor serially coupled between the first node and the first power supply.
US09324265B2 Pixel, display device including the same, and driving method thereof
A plurality of pixels each including a first capacitor coupled between a data line and a first node, a switching transistor for electrically connecting the first node and a second node, a second capacitor coupled between the second node and a third node, an initialization transistor for transmitting a first power source voltage to the second node, and a driving transistor including a gate electrode coupled to the third node to control a driving current to an organic light emitting diode, in which light emission of the organic light emitting diode by the driving current is concurrently performed in the plurality of pixels according to data signals transmitted during a previous frame.
US09324264B2 Pixel and organic light emitting diode display having a bypass transistor for passing a portion of a driving current
A pixel and an organic light emitting diode (OLED) display using the pixel are disclosed. The pixel includes a driving transistor for transmitting a driving current, an organic light emitting diode (OLED) receiving a first portion of the driving current, and a bypass transistor receiving a second portion of the driving current.
US09324259B2 Image display device
The invention provides an image display device that has an especially satisfactory display quality for animated images, and sufficiently suppresses the irregularities of display quality among pixels. The image display device includes a light emitting drive means that drives a light emitting means, based on an analog display signal inputted to the pixels, and a light emitting control switch for controlling a light-on or light-off of the light emitting means on one end of the light emitting drive means in each pixel.
US09324256B2 Liquid crystal display panel
A liquid crystal display panel includes a pixel array, a first shift register, M first output cells, a second shift register, and N second output cells. The first register is disposed on a first side of the pixel array. The M first output cells are coupled to and next to the first shift register for providing M gate signals to M rows of the pixel array according to a first clock signal. The second register is disposed on a second side of the pixel array. The N second output cells are coupled to and next to the second shift register for providing N gate signals to N rows of the pixel array according to a second clock signal. M and N are positive integers.
US09324250B2 High dynamic range displays comprising MEMS/IMOD components
Several embodiments of display systems are disclosed that comprise a backlight source, a first modulator, a second modulator and a controller. The backlight source may further comprise an edge-lit backlighting source that may be controlled to affect a field-sequential illumination for the dual or multiple modulator display system. In another embodiment, the display system may comprise two or more color primary emitters that each comprise a color gamut. When the color gamuts are driven in a field sequential pattern, the resulting overall gamut is substantially wider. Other display systems and methods are disclosed herein that affect a variety of 3D viewing embodiments. Systems, methods and techniques to increase the dynamic range, color gamut and bit precision of display systems comprising MEMS and/or IMODs are presented.
US09324249B2 Electroluminescent display panel with reduced power consumption
An EL light-emitting element is driven digitally to reduce power consumption using a pixel having three transistors and two capacitors. A reset transistor for diode connection writes the threshold voltage of the drive transistor onto a coupling capacitor. The data voltage plus threshold voltage is then written onto the gate of the drive transistor. This reduces the amplitude of the data voltage required, further reducing power consumption.
US09324248B2 Exterior aircraft display system
A method and apparatus for displaying information is presented. The information is sent from a number of sources to a display unit. The information is displayed through pixels located in the display unit. Heat is transferred in the display unit through a conductive path.
US09324247B2 Interactive education system for teaching patient care
An eye assembly for use in a patient simulator is provided. The eye assembly includes an iris diaphragm having a moveable inner portion defining an opening. The inner portion of the iris diaphragm is movable radially from a first position wherein the opening has a first diameter and a second position wherein the opening has a second diameter greater than the first diameter. The iris diaphragm is configured for use in a simulated eye. The eye assembly also includes a dilation actuator in communication with the inner portion of the iris diaphragm for selectively moving the inner portion between the first and second positions to simulate dilation of an eye.
US09324238B2 Dynamic collision avoidance systems and methods
The use of dynamic collision avoidance parameters in connection with automatic dependent surveillance, broadcast, as well as for other purposes in systems and methods may assist collision avoidance and/or advisory systems in properly identifying intruders for reporting to pilots. For example, a method can include monitoring for a triggering event with respect to at least one of geographic coordinates and a flight path of an aircraft. The method can also include detecting the triggering event. The method can further include altering at least one characteristic of at least one of a traffic alerting system and an advisory system based on detecting the triggering event.
US09324236B2 System and methods for situation awareness, advisory, tracking, and aircraft control information
A portable device for presenting situation awareness information is provided. The portable device is operable onboard an aircraft and includes a communications module configured to communicate with a data center to receive situation awareness information that includes at least a real-time position for each of a plurality of additional aircraft, a sensor module configured to determine a real-time position of the portable device, and a display device configured to overlay a moving map display with the situation awareness information and the real-time position of the portable device.
US09324229B2 System and method to display maintenance and operational instructions of an apparatus using augmented reality
A head-mounted display provides a user with an augmented view of an object being viewed; a tracking mechanism such as a camera repeatedly determine the position and orientation of the head-mounted display relative the object being viewed; and a computer system provides information for the augmented view and repeatedly updates the augmented view of the object being viewed based on the determined position and orientation of the display. The head-mounted display may be a see-through display; it may be video-based or optical-based, and it may be monoscopic and stereoscopic. The tracking mechanism determines its position using one or more markers or beacons on the object being viewed. The markers may be active or passive, including light-emitting diodes (LEDs) that emit invisible light.
US09324227B2 Electronic device with environmental monitoring
An environmental monitoring device that includes an acoustic sensor is described. During operation of the environmental monitoring device, the acoustic sensor provides acoustic data based on measurements of sound in an external environment that includes the environmental monitoring device. Based on the acoustic data and predefined characterization of the external environment, a control mechanism determines if an alarm device, which is separate from the environmental monitoring device, is activated. For example, the predefined characterization may include a location of the alarm device. This location may be specified by: an image of the external environment, a positioning system, a communication network, and/or an acoustic latency in the external environment. Alternatively, the predefined characterization may include an acoustic transfer function of the external environment proximate to the alarm device and the environmental monitoring device. Furthermore, if the alarm device is activated, the environmental monitoring device may provide an alert.
US09324222B2 Tamper resistant motion detector
A tamper resistant motion detector is provided that can include a housing, a capacitive sensor, and a microprocessor. The housing can include a window, and the capacitive sensor can be located inside of the housing, behind the window. A capacitance of the capacitive sensor can change when the capacitive sensor detects an object on the window or within a predetermined distance from the window, and the microprocessor can read the capacitance of the capacitive sensor and use the capacitance of the capacitive sensor to determine whether to activate an alarm or to determine whether to activate an anti-mask system.
US09324220B2 Theft detection device and method for controlling same
A theft detection device, configured to be coupled to a product, includes a light sensor, a motion sensor, an emitter configured to emit a signal, and a controller coupled to the light sensor, the motion sensor, and the emitter. The controller is configured to determine a light level sensed by the light sensor. The controller is also configured to determine, via the motion sensor, whether the theft detection device is in motion. Further, the controller is configured to operate the emitter based on the sensed motion of the theft detection device and the light level sensed by the light sensor. The controller is further configured to deactivate the theft protection device when the light sensor detects a coded light sequence.
US09324216B2 Pattern matching slot mechanic
A pattern matching mechanic for touch screen slot machines. A pattern consisting of a sequence of randomly selected cells in a displayed symbol matrix is generated and momentarily displayed to a player as their spin is ending. The sequence can be displayed whether the spin is lost or won. A player sequence is received and compared to the pattern. A reward is provided to the player if the player sequence matches the pattern sequence. The pattern sequence can be generated with a cadence that must be matched by the player sequence. The pattern can be generated at different levels, and the reward based on the level of the pattern generated. The level can be increased when a number of consecutive patterns are matched, and decreased when a number of consecutive patterns are not matched.
US09324212B2 Gaming machine, and control method of same
A gaming machine 1: variably displays a plurality of symbols on a lower image display panel 141 in response to an external input; randomly determining symbols 501 to be rearranged on the lower image display panel 141; determining one of game results based on the symbols 501 randomly determined; execute a common indication effect common to all the game results; and after common indication effect is executed, executes an individual indication effect according to the game result determined while the symbols are variably displayed.
US09324209B2 Methods and architecture for cashless system security
Methods for secure transactions between gaming machines and portable devices are described. A logic device, separate from a master gaming controller on the gaming machine and placed in the gaming machine, may be operable to authenticate a portable device, such as a smart card, and authorize transactions involving transfers of indicia of credit between the portable device and the gaming machine. The logic device may be operable to send authentication information relating to the portable device to a remote host where a value amount of transactions involving the portable device authorized by the logic device may be higher when the logic device and the remote host authenticate the portable device as opposed to when the portable device is only authenticated by the logic device.
US09324206B2 Managing information relating to secure module applications
An apparatus capable of hosting a secure module, which secure module comprises at least one secure module application. The apparatus is configured to provide connectivity to the secure module. A processing module is configured to obtain from the secure module information concerning the at least one secure module application. The processing module is, based on the obtained information, configured to check whether a compatible counterpart application is present in the apparatus. A communication module is configured to obtain the compatible counterpart application from an outside source in case no compatible counterpart application is present in the apparatus.
US09324198B2 Systems and methods for utilizing telematics data to improve fleet management operations
According to various embodiments, a fleet management system is provided for capturing, storing, and analyzing telematics data to improve fleet management operations. The fleet management system may be used, for example, by a shipping entity (e.g., a common carrier) to capture telematics data from a plurality of vehicle sensors located on various delivery vehicles and to analyze the captured telematics data. In particular, various embodiments of the fleet management system are configured to analyze engine idle data in relation to other telematics data in order to identify inefficiencies, safety hazards, and theft hazards in a driver's delivery process. The fleet management system may also be configured to assess various aspects of vehicle performance, such as vehicle travel delays and vehicle speeds. These analytical capabilities allow the fleet management system to assist fleet managing entities, or other entities, in analyzing driver performance, reducing fuel and maintenance costs, and improving route planning.
US09324191B2 Method and arrangement for image model construction
A method for constructing an image model (M1; M) from at least one image data input (IV1; IV1-IVn), comprises the steps of, in an iterative way, determining at least one state (PS1; PS1-PSn) of said at least one image data input (IV1; IV1-IVn), and a state (PSMF) of an intermediate learning model (MF; MIF) determining a target state (TSP) from said at least one state (PS1; PS1-PSn) of said at least one image data input, and from the state (PSMF) of said intermediate learning model (MF; MIF), performing at least one transformation in accordance with the determined target state (TSP) on said at least one image data input (IV1; IV1-IVn), thereby generating at least one transformed image (IV1T; IV1T-IVnT), aggregating said at least one transformed image (IV1T; IV1T-IVnt) with intermediate learning model (MF; MIF; MIT; MFT) information, thereby generating an updated estimate of said image model (M1; M), providing said updated estimate of said image model (M1; M) as said image model (M1; M) while also providing said updated estimate of said image model (M1; M) in a feedback loop to a model object learning module (500) for deriving an update of said intermediate learning model (MF, MIF).
US09324188B1 Manipulation of 3D medical objects
Easy-to-learn, efficient, and/or unambiguous methods for controlling rotation and/or other manipulation of multi-dimensional (for example, 2D and/or 3D) images and/or objects are disclosed. The systems and methods may be used for any type of image display/manipulation on a wide variety of computer systems and coupled displays including personal computers with monitors, phones, tablets, and televisions. In general, a user may select a particular rotation plane (for example, rotation only in x axis) by placement of a cursor, or touch of a finger, over a certain portion of the image such that subsequent movements of the mouse result in only rotations in the particular plane, and unwanted rotations and/or other manipulations in other planes do not occur. In this way, the user can more precisely control rotations of the 3D image and/or object.
US09324186B2 Method for representing terrain, method for creating terrain primitives, and apparatus using the methods
A method for representing a terrain, a method for creating terrain primitives, and an apparatus using the methods are disclosed. The terrain representation method includes: reading digital elevation model (DEM) data of a terrain; extracting feature points of the terrain from the DEM data of the terrain; creating a plurality of terrain primitives according to the feature points of the terrain; storing terrain representation model data based on the plurality of terrain primitives; and converting the terrain primitive based terrain representation model data into DEM data, and visualizing the DEM data.
US09324185B2 Process for creating a model of a surface of a cavity wall
A process for creating a surface model of a surface of a cavity wall (2), especially a heart chamber including the steps of: (a) accessing at least one three dimensional image data record of the cavity; (b) creating a preliminary deformable surface model of the interior surface or the exterior surface of the cavity wall for each three dimensional image data record; (c) dividing the surface of the preliminary surface model into surface segments; (d) defining volume segments each including one surface segment and extending radially inwards and/or outwards from their associated surface segment; (e) statistical analysis of the grey levels of the voxels present in the volume segments for analyzing the volume proportion of the cavity wall, in the respective volume segment; and (f) deforming the surface segments on the basis of the volume proportion thus creating a corrected surface model.