Document Document Title
US09370132B2 Homogeneous EMI vent panel and method for preparation thereof
A homogeneous EMI shielded vent panel is provided. The vent panel has an interior porous section and an exterior frame for attachment to an opening of an electronic enclosure. The vent panel can be fabricated using selective laser sintering technology to avoid the use of multiple parts and components which can generate harmful foreign object debris during fabrication and mounting of the vent panel.
US09370128B2 Display apparatus
A display apparatus and a method of spreading heat in the display apparatus are provided. The display apparatus includes: a display panel which display an image on a front surface thereof; an intermediate panel disposed on a rear surface, opposite the front surface, of the display panel; and a heat spreader disposed on the rear surface of the intermediate panel and which spreads heat, the heat spreader extending in a longitudinal direction from a first position of the rear surface of the intermediate panel in which the heat is present to a second position of the rear surface of the intermediate panel.
US09370125B2 Hive of smart data center tiles
A smart tile system and methodology, each tile having a sensor device and control unit for monitoring an environmental condition of a room or space. A plurality of smart tiles form a hive community resulting in a tightly coupled sensor network configured to communicate in clusters and collaborate to accomplish missions. One of the missions is environmental control which is communicated to a tile in the form of a policy. The tiles around one piece of equipment in the room or space may control the regulating of cooling/heating for just that one piece of equipment allowing little to not impact of other equipment(s) in the room. The smart tile of the hive communicate over a mesh network protocol, and one or more smart tiles comprise a vent under actuator control wherein the tile is configured to receive commands to adjust the vent opening according to a desired setting.
US09370124B2 Cooling an electronic device
The invention relates to the cooling of the item of electronic equipment comprising an electronic compartment formed from a housing and at least one electronic board assembled in the housing. The board is intended to be assembled in a removable manner in the housing by a movement of translation along a groove in order to reach an operating position, the assembly of the board (11) being carried out through an insertion face of the housing. According to the invention, the item of equipment comprises a heat sink of elongate shape disposed along the groove making it possible to collect the heat emitted by the components and means of extraction of the heat collected by the heat sink, the extraction means being located outside of the electronic compartment.
US09370123B2 System and methods for reduced power consumption and heat removal in optical and optoelectronic devices and subassemblies
A heat removal system for use in optical and optoelectronic devices and subassemblies is provided. The heat removal system lowers the power consumption of one or more active cooling components within the device or subassembly, such as a TEC, which is used to remove heat from heat generating components within the device or subassembly. For any particular application, the heat removal system more efficiently removes the heat from the active cooling component, by using a heat transfer assembly, such as a planar heat pipe type assembly. The heat transfer assembly employs properties like, but not limited to, phase transition change and thermal conductivity to move heat without external power. In some embodiments, the heat transfer assembly can be used to allow the active cooling component, such as a TEC to be removed, leaving the heat transfer assembly to remove the heat from the device or subassembly.
US09370120B2 Slide assembly
A slide assembly used for installing a chassis to a rack includes an engaging member which includes a body portion, a first fastening portion and a second fastening portion. The first and second fastening portions are perpendicularly connected to an end of the body portion. The second fastening portion bends and extends from an end of the first fastening portion. An engaging space is bounded by the second fastening portion and the rack when the slide assembly is installed to the rack. A hook portion of the chassis can be inserted into the engaging space to contact against the second fastening portion so that the chassis is not allowed to be pulled out from the rack when the chassis is installed to the rack.
US09370118B2 PCB plug mechanism, finished board, and subrack
An embodiment of the present invention discloses a PCB board plug mechanism configured to implement hot plug of a PCB board, and including an output end that moves along a second direction when the input end moves. The second direction is at an angle with the first direction. The connector for connecting the to-be-plugged PCB board is disposed at the output end. In a process in which the output end moves along the second direction, the PCB board can be driven to perform a corresponding hot plug action.
US09370112B2 Impact absorption member and display device including the same
An impact absorption member includes an impact absorption sheet having an elastic material and including a plurality of bubble outlets penetratively extending in a thickness direction of the impact absorption sheet. Each of the bubble outlets includes a plurality of inclination areas inclined to have different inclination angles in the thickness direction.
US09370098B2 Package substrates and integrated circuit packages including the same
Packages substrates are provided. The package substrates may include a substrate and a set of leads disposed on the substrate. The set of lead may include a first lead, a second lead and a third lead, which are sequentially disposed along a first direction. Each of the first lead, the second lead and the third lead may extend along a second direction that is different from the first direction. The first lead and the second lead may be spaced apart at a first distance, and the second lead and the third lead may be spaced apart at a second distance that is less than the first distance.
US09370096B2 Method of making conducting polymer nanofibers
Provided are conducting polymer nanofibers, methods of making conducting polymer nanofibers, and uses thereof. The conducting polymer nanofibers can be formed by, for example, electrospinning, force spinning, and centrifugal spinning using a spinning dope. The conducting polymer nanofibers can be used in devices, such as a radiation detecting device.
US09370087B2 Plasma gate
A plasma gate includes at least one conductive input line having a corresponding at least one terminal end, a plurality of conductive output lines having a corresponding plurality of input ends, and a plasma gap having opposite first and second ends, where the plasma gap extends between the terminal ends of the input lines and the input ends of the output lines. A plasma-generating gas is resident in the plasma gap. At least one field generator having a field-generating distal end is mounted so as to position the distal end of the field generator adjacent the plasma gap. The output lines are arrayed along the plasma gap in a spaced apart array. The distal end of the field generator is positioned at least at the first end of the plasma gap.
US09370085B2 Compact, all-optical generation of coherent X-rays
A method for generating coherent, polarized, and tunable X-rays using a single laser pulse is provided. An ultrashort laser pulse is fired into a plasma. As the laser beam travels through the plasma, some of its photons are backscattered, e.g., through Raman backscattering, to generate a counter-propagating photon beam that is co-linear with the original laser beam. When the backscattered photons interact with high-energy accelerated periodic electron bunches, coherent X-rays are generated through Compton backscattering of the photons off of the electrons. The energy of the backscattered X-rays can be tuned by tuning one or more characteristics of the laser pulse and/or the plasma.
US09370083B2 Grounded diode pack
The present disclosure relates to generators and their components. Specifically, a grounded diode pack is disclosed herein. A design to accommodate non-damaging dissipation static charge build-up is disclosed. Non-damaging dissipation of accumulated charge involves the provision of a suitable electrical path that will allow charges to flow to ground.
US09370082B2 Light source control apparatus and light source control method
A controller determines whether parallel-connected light sources include a faulty light source. When a faulty light source is included, the controller controls at least one of a current supply unit and a switching unit such that a current is continuously supplied to normal light sources being light sources of the light sources except for the faulty light source.
US09370079B2 Methods and apparatus for automatically adapting light output of a lighting unit
Methods and apparatus related to controlling illumination on a lighting unit (10). The method includes reading orientation data from an orientation sensor (17) on the lighting unit as well as reading distance data from a distance sensor (15) on the lighting unit. A controller (63) is provided to control various light output surfaces (12) on the lighting unit. Once the controller determines the orientation of the lighting unit as well as distance data of the lighting unit from external structures or luminaire structures, the controller adjusts various light output characteristics of the lighting unit. The method may additionally include a memory storage which allows the controller to compare read data with stored data to determine an associated light fixture type for automated commissioning. Alternatively, the lighting unit can reconfigure itself to output light in various orientations based upon said read data.
US09370077B2 Robust daylight integration with the aid of coded light
The present invention relates to a method of controlling a dimmable luminaire co-arranged with a light sensor at a first level of a room and illuminating a second level of the room, comprising: determining an output path parameter representing a relation between the amount of light emitted from the luminaire and a luminaire illumination value at the second level, which results from the emitted amount of light; and repeatedly: determining an external illumination value at the second level, which external illumination value represents illumination by other sources than the luminaire, by means of values of the presently emitted amount of light, the output path parameter, and light information originating from the light sensor; and controlling the dimming level of the luminaire on basis of the external illumination value in order to meet a predetermined illumination condition for the total illumination at the second level.
US09370076B2 Method for controlling display power supply of terminal and terminal for performing the method
Provided are a method of controlling a power supply of a display unit of a terminal which can automatically restore the power supply of the display unit, and a terminal for performing the method. The method includes shutting off the power supply of the display unit within a preset time when a power supply shut-off event of the display unit occurs, and restoring the power supply of the display unit when a preset restoration condition is satisfied. Accordingly, even in a case in which a predetermined control application installed in the terminal is shut down due to unknown reasons, the power supply of the display unit may be automatically restored when a preset time arrives, thereby preventing the display unit from being continuously shut off.
US09370074B2 Display device with imaging function and method for driving the same
To achieve desired display on a display surface and accurate image capture in a display device with an imaging function. A light source for display (a first light-emitting element) and a light source for image capture (a second light-emitting element) that does not adversely affect display when it is on are separately provided in the display device with an imaging function. In the display device, an image can be appropriately captured using the light source for image capture in a period during which display is performed using the light source for display. Consequently, desired display on the display surface and accurate image capture can be achieved in the display device.
US09370073B2 Solid-state lighting systems having intelligent controls
Techniques, systems and devices are described for controlling the adjustment of colors and optical power of output light of solid-state lighting devices for improved lighting performance. In one aspect, a solid-state lighting system includes a lighting device and a control panel, the lighting device including solid-state light emitters, driver circuits, line sensing electronics that receives signal modulation on a power line connecting the lighting device, a digital controller that decodes the signal modulation into a digital command, and a memory that stores the decoded digital command. The control panel sends the digital command to the lighting device via the power line and modulates electrical power to produce the signal modulation that carries the digital command. In some implementations, a visual indicator may be generated when the control panel receives a digital command from a user to acknowledge the receipt of the digital command.
US09370072B2 Solid-state sources of light for preferential colour rendition
Polychromatic light sources of white light, which have spectral power distributions composed of at least three different components, such as clusters of colored light-emitting diodes (LEDs) or LEDs with partial or complete conversion in phosphors. Disclosed are the peak wavelengths and relative partial radiant fluxes of the spectral components that allow rendering certain fractions of an extended color palette with high fidelity and with increased chromatic saturation, respectively, and hence meeting subjective preferences to color quality of illumination.
US09370069B2 Multi-function pin for light emitting diode (LED) driver
Techniques are described for a multi-function pin of a light emitting diode (LED) driver. The techniques utilize this multi-function pin for switching current that flows through one or more LEDs, as well as for charging the power supply of the LED driver. The techniques further utilize this multi-function pin to determine whether the voltage at an external transistor is beginning to oscillate, and utilize this multi-function pin to determine whether the current through the one or more LEDs has fully dissipated to an amplitude of zero.
US09370068B2 Dimming and control arrangement and method for solid state lamps
A system and method are disclosed for dimming light emitting diode (LED) lamps. A control unit is coupled to a dimmer and LED lamp. The dimmer receives power from an AC source and determines a phase angle of the AC power. The dimmer provides DC power to the lamp based on the phase angle. The control unit sends a control signal to the dimmer during a first portion of each half sine-wave of the received AC power. The control signal causes the dimmer to modify at least one function of the lamp. A plurality of LED lamps may be associated with a single dimmer, and the dimmer may individually instruct the lamps to modify their operational characteristics. The dimmer may send an operational signal back to the control unit. The operational signal may represent end of life information for the associated LED lamp. Other embodiments are described and claimed.
US09370064B2 LED driver having non-linear compensation
A device driver which includes an input driver configured to produce a sequence of uncompensated drive signals along with compensation circuitry connected to receive the uncompensated drive signals and to produce corresponding compensated drive signals. The compensation circuitry is capable of storing two or less control points that define a single compensation curve such as a Bezier curve, with the compensation circuitry converting the uncompensated drive signals to the corresponding compensated drive signals utilizing the control points. An output driver is configured to drive a device such as one or more light emitting diodes to be connected to the output driver with the compensated drive signals.
US09370062B2 LED lighting apparatus comprising an energy storage module and method for operating the LED lighting apparatus
An LED lighting apparatus is provided. The apparatus has an LED luminous unit having multiple plurality LEDs and a switching arrangement. The LED luminous unit has different forward voltages in different switching states. The apparatus also has a control device for driving the LED luminous unit and a current sink device in a normal operating mode, in which the forward voltage and the LED current of the LED luminous unit are adapted to an instantaneous value of a supply voltage. An energy storage module of the apparatus provides a storage voltage and supplies the storage voltage to the LED luminous unit. The control device drives the LED luminous unit and the current sink device in a storage operating mode, such that the forward voltage and the LED current of the LED luminous unit are adapted to an instantaneous value of the storage voltage.
US09370059B2 Driving apparatus for a light emitting device and method for the same
A driving apparatus configured to drive a light emitting device includes a driving current source module operable to supply current to the light emitting device via a node during operation. A protection module coupled to the node and the driving current source module selectively injects current to the node during operation. The driving current source module is controlled based on a detection result of a voltage on the node.
US09370056B2 Driving apparatus and method for dimmable LED
A driving apparatus and method for a dimmable LED is provided. The apparatus includes a dimmer switch which controls connection or disconnection of an LED series. The apparatus further includes: a boost circuit electrically coupled to the LED series; a comparator electrically coupled to the boost circuit, the comparator receiving a triangle wave signal to generate a PWM signal, the PWM signal controlling the boost circuit; and a RC circuit electrically coupled to the comparator, the RC circuit utilized to output a charging curve signal to the comparator when the dimmer switch disconnects, thereby improving noise and electromagnetic interference of the boost circuit.
US09370053B2 Method for controlling a melt process in an arc furnace and signal processing component, program code and data medium for performing said method
A method for controlling a melt process in an arc furnace, including a signal processing component, program code, and data medium for performing the method. Sound signals or vibrations from the interior of the furnace container are captured by solid-borne sound sensors, from which characteristic values can be derived representing the distribution of melting material, melt, and slag in the furnace fill. A characteristic values are generated in priority sequence for: thermal radiation impinging on the furnace wall of the container, the lumpiness of the melting material in the volume of furnace fill, and the change to the portion of solid melting material contacting the furnace wall. The energy distribution at the electrodes is chanced by a control system based on the characteristic values in priority sequence, such that thermal load peaks are dampened or even completely prevented.
US09370044B2 Thermal storage device controller
A controller providing selective activation of thermal storage devices within a network to balance requirements of a user to manage their heating and the network operator to balance the load available with the load on the network.
US09370042B2 Terminal apparatus and storage medium
There is provided a terminal apparatus including a search unit configured to search for an apparatus group including an input apparatus or an output apparatus, the input apparatus and the output apparatus being wirelessly connectable to the terminal apparatus, a recommendation unit configured to recommend, to a user, a predetermined input apparatus or a predetermined output apparatus from the apparatus group that has been searched for by the search unit, in accordance with current time, a place in which the user is currently present, or an attribute of the user, and a setting unit configured to set the predetermined input apparatus or the predetermined output apparatus as an input unit or an output unit of the terminal apparatus, respectively, the predetermined input apparatus and the predetermined output apparatus having been recommended by the recommendation unit.
US09370027B2 Method and apparatus for reliable broadcast/multicast service
A method is provided for use by a user terminal operating an IP-based multimedia broadcast/multicast service. The method comprises storing information relating to user service registrations performed using an IP connection such as a Packet Data Protocol, PDP, context established to enable connectivity between the user terminal and a service node for the broadcast/multicast service. The information is of a type to enable re-registration of at least some of any of the user services affected by a loss of the IP connection. In one embodiment, the multimedia broadcast/multicast service is a 3GPP Multimedia Broadcast/Multicast Service, MBMS, the user terminal is a User Equipment, UE, and the service node is a Broadcast/Multicast Service Center, BM-SC. In another embodiment, the multimedia broadcast/multicast service is an Open Mobile Alliance Broadcast, OMA BCAST, service, the user terminal is a Terminal, and the service node is an OMA BCAST Subscription Management, BSM, node.
US09370026B2 Communication stations and methods for transmitting additional information on an enhanced random access channel
Example communication stations and methods for transmitting additional information on an enhanced random access channel (RACH) are disclosed herein. An example method performed by a device involves generating an initial access burst for transmission on an enhanced RACH and transmitting the initial access burst using a timing advance. The timing advance is to cause the initial access burst to be received at the network within a single time slot of the enhanced RACH. The initial access burst includes at least one of information about capabilities of the device or information identifying the device. The example method also involves receiving a temporary block flow (TBF) assignment from the network in response to sending the at least one of the information about the capabilities of the device or the information identifying the device.
US09370019B2 Time-shared and concurrent multi-protocol beacon transmission design
A base station in a cellular wireless communications system uses one or more control algorithms to control a transmission pattern of a 1×RTT or DO discovery beacon. The transmission pattern enables access terminals using any one of multiple wake-up periods and wake-up offsets to discover all macrocell frequencies in a finite amount of time. In addition, for base stations allocating a single transmit chain to both 1×RTT and DO beacons, the transmission pattern enables a definite maximum discovery time for both 1×RTT and DO beacons for all access terminals entering the base station coverage.
US09370013B2 Wireless communication method, base station, wireless communication system, and communication apparatus
Provided are a wireless communication method, a base station, a wireless communication system and a communication apparatus whereby an interference power is calculated from an estimated propagation channel estimation result and the transmission power is controlled based on the interference power or the interference is suppressed by controlling the directivity, thereby increasing the transmission capacity. A propagation channel estimation circuit performs propagation channel estimation from a response signal transmitted from a terminal station and estimates a propagation channel estimation result. An interference power calculation circuit measures each interference power from a signal of each sub-carrier received by each of wireless units, and calculates an interference power for each sub-carrier from the propagation channel estimation result estimated by the propagation channel estimation circuit. When the calculated interference power is equal to or more than a predetermined threshold, an interference suppression signal generation circuit changes the transmission power and generates an interference suppression signal.
US09370011B2 Techniques to provide physical resource allocation using a tree-based structure and communicate a channel quality indicator
In a wireless network, simultaneous support of distributed and contiguous sub-carrier allocation may be accomplished in the same sub-frame or time zone. Techniques are described herein that can be used to allocate distributed and/or contiguous basic (physical) resource blocks to users by specifying a codebook index and parent node. Techniques are described herein that can be used to flexibly set a number of sub-channels over which a subscriber station indicates a channel quality indicator to a base station. Sub-channels may be represented as nodes and may be grouped to include a parent node and child nodes. By specifying a code book to use and a parent node, the channel quality indicator of the parent and children nodes can be indicated.
US09370005B2 Relay station, base station, and band frequency allocation method
A relay station to which network sharing is applied, wherein it is possible to appropriately allocate between multiple operators a shared band frequency shared by the multiple operators, and to improve the frequency use efficiency. In a relay station (100), a band frequency allocation determination unit (107) determines the bandwidth for each operator within a shared band frequency, which is shared by multiple operators and used between the relay station (100) and a mobile station, on the basis of the quality of a first line between the relay station (100) and the base stations of the operators and on the basis of the status of a second line between the relay station (100) and the mobile stations of the operators. A signal generation unit (108) allocates the signal of the operators to a resource on the basis of the bandwidth for each operator in the shared band frequency.
US09370001B2 Method and wireless device for transmitting data packet
Provided are a method and a wireless device for transmitting a data packet in a wireless communication system. The wireless device engages in peer discovery with a receiver and monitors whether transmission (TX) scheduling information from a base station is received. A data packet is transmitted to the receiver on the basis of the TX scheduling information. The TX scheduling information comprises resource allocation information indicating resource allocation for transmitting the data packet, identification information indicating an identifier for the receiver; and information indicating whether the TX scheduling information is for TX scheduling or reception (RX) scheduling.
US09370000B2 Method and apparatus for downlink control channel allocation in a wireless communication system
Provided are a method and an apparatus for downlink control channel allocation in a wireless communication system. A base station allocates a downlink control channel which supports a multi-node system to a data region within an resource block (RB), and transmits a downlink control signal to a user equipment through the allocated downlink channel. The multi-node system comprises a plurality of nodes connected to one macro node, and the macro node and the plurality of nodes have the same cell identifier (ID).
US09369995B2 Systems, methods, apparatuses, devices and associated computer-readable media for providing 6LoWPAN data access
A scheme for providing access to 6LoWPAN data in a wireless access network. In one embodiment, a Radio Unit (RU) of the access network is provided with IP bridging functionality for packaging 6LO data as a control channel message. When the RU element receives 6LO data from an external router, the data is packaged in a format specified for a control channel associated with an Ethernet cable link coupling the RU element to a 6LO endpoint of the access network. The bridging functionality is operative to transmit the control channel message (including the packaged 6LO data packets) to the 6LO endpoint based on an address mapping between the destination IP address of the 6LO data packets and the 6LO endpoint's address.
US09369994B2 Uplink control information transmitting/receiving method and device in a wireless communication system
The present invention relates to a method of transmitting acknowledgement information in a wireless communication system including: transmitting the acknowledgement information by using the PUCCH format and the resource. If there is no Semi-Persistent Scheduling releasing Physical Downlink Control Channel (PDCCH) in a downlink subframe set, if the acknowledgement information corresponds to one Physical Downlink Shared Channel (PDSCH) having no corresponding PDCCH received on only a Primary Cell (PCell) in the downlink subframe set, and if one PDSCH indicated by detection of a corresponding PDCCH received on only a PCell in the downlink subframe set and a Downlink Assignment Index value of the PDCCH is 1, the acknowledgement information and the scheduling request may be transmitted in the one uplink subframe by using PUCCH format 1b.
US09369991B2 Hybrid communications for devices on vehicles
Techniques for providing hybrid communications to devices on vehicles include using a forward link to deliver data, that is intended to be received by an on-board device, onto a vehicle, and using a reverse link in a different frequency band to send reverse data from the vehicle. A subsequent forward link is selected, based on the reverse data, from a plurality of forward links, each of which is supported by a different frequency band. Forward data may be multiplexed and/or multicast, and in some cases, multiple forward links may be used for distributed forward data delivery. These techniques allow for efficient data delivery to the vehicle, and in particular while the vehicle is in transit and link conditions are dynamic.
US09369990B2 Multi-carrier design for control and procedures
A method, an apparatus, and a computer program product operable in a wireless communication system are provided in which a pairing is determined between one or more uplink carriers and one or more downlink carriers. The one or more uplink carriers and the one or more downlink carriers include at least three carriers. On which carrier to exchange control information on one or more of the carriers is based on the pairing or an anchor carrier designation.
US09369988B1 Push reporting
Push Reporting is disclosed. A first payload comprising feature reporting information and meta information is received from a first device at a first time. A second payload comprising feature reporting information and meta information is received from a second device at a second time. At respective third and fourth times, respective third and fourth payloads are received from the first and second devices, respectively. The third and fourth payloads include additional feature reporting information and meta information. The processing of the information received from the first and second devices is coordinated. A request for information is received. Metrics are provided as output. The metrics are based at least in part on the processing of the information received from the first and second devices.
US09369987B2 Method and system for estimating distance between two devices in wireless environment
Disclosed is a method of determining a distance between a first device and a second device in a wireless environment. The method includes steps of obtaining environmental parameters in a LOS propagation environment; determining whether the environment between the first device and the second device is the LOS propagation environment or a NLOS propagation environment; and calculating, based on the determination result of the determining step, the distance between the first device and the second device by utilizing the environmental parameters in the LOS or NLOS propagation environment as well as a path loss model.
US09369975B2 Apparatus for configuring radio access overlay broadcast network
An apparatus for configuring an overlay broadcast network is provided. The apparatus includes: an overlay broadcast server that receives broadcast contents information from a contents server, receives traffic information from a plurality of heterogeneous radio access network, and configures an overlay broadcast network by overlaying the plurality of heterogeneous radio access networks based on the broadcast contents information and the traffic information. The present invention can secure a technology for distributing the load distribution of traffic, securing the broadcast quality by reducing the interference signals, transmitting the multi-screen contents by configuring the overlay broadcast network integrating and using each radio access network under the environment in which various radio access networks are present, increase the frequency use efficiency of the overall radio access network, and save the broadcast communication costs of the user due to the introduction of a virtual mobile communication network provider.
US09369970B2 Method and device for denoising in channel estimation, and corresponding computer program and computer readable storage medium
The embodiment of the invention discloses a method, device and computer program for denoising in channel estimation. The method comprises steps of: calculating a noise power value and a power value of each path in each user window based on a channel estimation result, the user window is referred to channel impulse response window corresponding to this user; calculating a denoising threshold factor based on the noise power value and the power value of each path in each user window; calculating a denoising threshold value based on the noise power value and the denoising threshold factor; and performing a denoising processing on the channel estimation result by using the denoising threshold value.
US09369955B2 Method, device, and system for regulating power consumption
A method, device and system for regulating power consumption are provided in the embodiments of the present invention. A method for regulating power consumption includes: obtaining, by a base station, an application point and a configuration parameter; sending, by the base station, an indication message to a terminal according to the application point and configuration parameter; regulating, by the base station, the power consumption of the base station by using the configuration parameter at the application point; the configuration parameter comprises cell antenna information or system bandwidth information; the indication message instructs the terminal to use the configuration parameter at the application point. Under the condition that user's normal communication is remained, the number of cell antennas or the cell bandwidth is dynamically changed. This reduces the power consumption of the network device.
US09369948B2 Method and related mobile device for cell search in multi radio access technology systems
In one implementation, a radio is tuned to a frequency and bandwidth such that it can accommodate a plurality of frequency channels of a plurality of RATs. Radio samples are acquired by the radio and stored to an input memory. The RAT specific cell search further includes performing a RAT specific frequency scan on the set of radio samples to detect candidate frequencies for each RAT. Performing the RAT specific frequency scan may comprise dividing the set of radio samples into the plurality of frequency channels for each RAT, sensing the energy for each channel for each RAT, determining a set of frequency channels having highest energy for each RAT and attempting to detect candidate frequencies having highest energy for each RAT.
US09369939B2 Apparatus and method for device-to-device communication route establishment in a mobile communication system
The invention concerns a method and an apparatus for device-to-device communication route establishment within a mobile communication system. In the method a mobile node determines that a remote node is within radio coverage of the mobile node. The mobile node determines a need to transmit a data message to a destination node. The mobile node transmits a request message to the base station. In reply the mobile node receives a message including a route to the destination node. The route includes at least an identifier of the remote node. The mobile node obtains a radio resource for radio communication between the mobile node and the remote node from the base station. Thereupon, the mobile node transmits the data message to the remote node using the radio resource obtained.
US09369935B2 Fast acquisition of systems using a prioritization and a combination of recently found systems and recently used systems
Methods, systems, and devices for improved acquisition of wireless communication systems or networks are described. A wireless communication device may be connected to a first network that uses a first radio access technology (RAT). When a failure occurs (e.g., lost connection), the device may attempt to acquire a cell or channel of another network that uses a second RAT. The time consumed for acquiring the channel of the second RAT may be reduced by providing a suitably prioritized list of channels. In some examples, the device may identify a channel for initial access or following a call failure based on prior successful access on that channel, or based on information provided by a server, or both.
US09369934B2 Method and arrangement in a wireless communication system
A method in a network node for handling a cache session between the network node and a user equipment during a handover of the user equipment from a source cell of a first RAT to a target cell of a second RAT being different from the first RAT is provided. The user equipment and the network node are comprised in a wireless communications system. The network node receives (704) an identifier. The identifier identifies a cache session in the network node. The cache session is associated with a play-out for a media stream to the user equipment via a source base station serving the user equipment in the source cell. The network node identifies (705) the cache session as pertaining to the user equipment subject to said handover, by means of the received identifier. The network node then continues (708) the identified cache session via a target base station serving the target cell, when the handover of the user equipment from the source cell to the target cell has been performed.
US09369913B2 Method and apparatus for controlling issuance of packet data protocol context
A method and an apparatus for controlling issuance of a PDP context. The method includes: receiving a GPRS location updating request of a user sent by an SGSN; acquiring, according to the GPRS location updating request, an issuance control condition of a PDP context to which the user has subscribed; and determining, according to the issuance control condition, whether to send the PDP context to the SGSN. According to the method and the apparatus for controlling issuance of a PDP context in the embodiments of the present invention, issuance of a PDP context is controlled based on an issuance control condition of the PDP context, which can avoid generation of unnecessary traffic, improve service experience of a user, and reduce the customer service workload of an operator, thereby lowering the operating cost of the operator.
US09369910B2 Methods, systems, and computer readable media for dynamically controlling congestion in a radio access network
Methods, systems, and computer readable media for dynamically controlling congestion in a radio access network are disclosed. According to one aspect, a system for dynamically controlling congestion in a radio access network includes a policy and charging rules function (PCRF) for receiving, from a node for communicating with user equipment via a radio access network, admission requests, and, in response to receiving the admission requests, installing, on the node, subscriber-specific policies to control congestion in the radio access network.
US09369907B2 Method of performing a minimization of drive test (MDT) for specific area in wireless communication system
Disclosed is a wireless communication system and terminal for providing a wireless communication service, and more particularly, a method of effectively perform an operation of MDT (Minimization Driving Test) for a specific area or a specific cell in an Evolved Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (E-UMTS) evolved from a UMTS, Long Term Evolution (LTE) System or LTE-Advanced (LTE-A) system.
US09369895B2 Method and device for channel measurement in a wireless LAN system
The present invention relates to a method and device for channel measurement in a wireless LAN system. A station (STA) receives a plurality of sounding frames from an access point (AP), estimates the plurality of sounding frames in order to generate long-term channel state information (LCSI), provides the generated LCSI to the AP as feedback, and receives from the AP a group identifier (ID) management frame comprising information on a group ID determined on the basis of the LCSI.
US09369891B2 Sensing proximity utilizing a wireless radio subsystem
In one embodiment, a method includes, by an RF transceiver of a wireless communications device associated with a first user of an online system, transmitting an RF reference signal to each antenna of multiple antennas coupled to the transceiver. The method also includes, by a processor of the wireless communications device, determining, for each antenna of the multiple antennas, at least one characteristic of the RF reference signal reflected back from the antenna. The method further includes, by the processor of the wireless communications device, characterizing, based on the at least one determined characteristic, at least one aspect of an environment around the device to determine that an object is approaching the device. The method also includes, by the processor of the wireless communications device, retrieving from the online system, based on determining that the object is approaching the device, information associated with the first user.
US09369886B2 Methods and apparatus for implementing a self optimizing-organizing network manager
In some embodiments, an apparatus includes a management module implemented in at least one of a memory or a processing device. The management module is configured to receive a signal associated with a value of a performance indicator that a first process module is configured to optimize using a metric. The management module is configured to optimize a value associated with the metric based at least in part on the value of the performance indicator that the first process module is configured to optimize and a value of a performance indicator that a second process module is configured to optimize using the metric. The management module is configured to send a signal to the first process module such that the first process module modifies a value of the metric based on the value associated with the metric.
US09369879B2 Method for avoiding interferences in frequency division duplex operating areas
The method comprises coordinating the use of radio resources between different network elements including a macro base station and SCENs deployed in the coverage area of the macro base station, operating in FDD mode, by means of the sending of messages between part or all of the network elements through a synchronized TDD air interface, unidirectionally, by broadcasting, or bidirectionally, through dedicated channels.The system comprises: several network elements including: a macro base station operating in FDD mode; and a plurality of SCENs deployed within the coverage area of the macro base station and also operating in FDD mode; and means for coordinating the use of radio resources between different network elements by the sending of messages between part or all of the network elements through a synchronized TDD air interface.
US09369873B2 Network application function authorisation in a generic bootstrapping architecture
A method of authorizing a subscriber user equipment to access a Network Application Function, NAF, in a Generic Bootstrapping Architecture, GBA. The method includes, at a Bootstrapping Server Function, BSF, receiving a request for key material for the subscriber user equipment from the NAF, wherein the NAF is associated with one or more NAF identifiers, NAF_IDs, obtaining subscriber information from a Home Subscriber System, HSS, the information including one or more NAF_IDs that are valid for the subscriber, authorizing the subscriber user equipment on the basis of the identity of said NAF and the NAF_ID(s) included within the subscriber information. In the event that the subscriber user equipment is authorized, key material is derived using a NAF_ID that is contained within said subscriber information; and the key material is sent to the NAF.
US09369862B2 Vehicle communication system
A vehicle communication system is disclosed, for use on e.g. trains, ferries and busses. The system includes an internal local area network (LAN) arranged within the vehicle; at least one antenna for wireless communication with external wide area networks (WAN) outside the vehicle; and a data communication router for providing data communication between said internal LAN and said external WANs. The data communication router includes a plurality of modems for communication with said external WANs, a subscriber identity module (SIM) pool including a plurality of SIMs, and a controller capable of periodically assigning SIMs within said SIM pool to any one of said modems. Hereby, a very efficient use of the modems and SIMs is obtained, leading to a less costly system and a more efficient communication.
US09369860B2 Method for data communication, system for communication and related devices
A data communication method, a communication system, and related devices are configured to establish a transaction identifier (TI) in a user equipment (UE). The data communication method includes the following steps. A mobility management entity (MME) receives a request message and obtains ability information of the UE. If the UE has an ability to access a Universal Terrestrial Radio Access Network/GSM/EDGE Radio Access Network (UTRAN/GERAN), the MME generates the TI. A communication system and related devices are also provided. Thus, the TI is effectively established in the UE, so as to ensure normal processing of the UE.
US09369855B2 Using physical gestures to initiate call transfers between devices
Various technologies described herein pertain to using detected physical gestures to cause calls to transfer between client devices. A physical gesture between a first client device and a second client device can be detected (e.g., utilizing the first client device, the second client device, a disparate client-side device, a server, etc.). The first client device participates in a call, while the second client device is not participating in the call at a time of the detection of the physical gesture. Responsive to detection of the physical gesture, participation of the second client device in the call can be initiated. Participation of the second client device in the call can be initiated by causing the call to transfer from the first client device to the second client device or causing the second client device to join the call while the first client device continues to participate in the call.
US09369847B2 Ad hoc formation and tracking of location-sharing groups
Methods, systems, and computer-readable media for forming and tracking a location-sharing group are disclosed. The location-sharing group can be performed ad hoc without the assistance of a central server. A geofence can be defined that encloses the current locations of the participating devices in the location-sharing group. The geographic location of the location-sharing group as a whole can be tracked and provided to the participating devices in the location-sharing group. Group-level location-sharing can be enabled. Departure of a participating device from the location-sharing group can be detected based on the current location and the coverage radius of each device in the location-sharing group. Entry of points of interest into the geofence of the location-sharing group can be detected and notified to the participating devices in the location-sharing group.
US09369839B2 Network architecture for synchronized display
Systems and methods are provided that couple one or more devices to one or more presentation screens and to one or more servers via network connections. Various devices can be identified on a network and location data regarding each of the mobile devices can be delivered to the servers. Data can be displayed on a presentation screen based on mobile devices in its proximity, for example.
US09369837B2 Method and apparatus for using service capability information for user plane location
Techniques for supporting location services in a user plane location architecture such as Secure User Plane Location (SUPL) are described. In an aspect, a terminal informs a location server of service capabilities of the terminal. The location server uses the service capabilities to request only location services supported by the terminal and to avoid requesting unsupported location services. The terminal generates a message containing its service capabilities and sends the message via a user plane, e.g., SUPL. The location server receives the message, obtains the service capabilities of the terminal, and stores these service capabilities for future network-initiated location sessions with the terminal. The location server determines whether a location service is supported by the terminal based on the service capabilities of the terminal. The location server communicates with the terminal via the user plane for the location service if supported by the terminal.
US09369828B2 Radio network with a low power consumption and method for operating such a radio network
In a radio network having a low power consumption—a so-called Low Rate Wireless Personal Area Network (LR-WPAN)—a first network unit is arranged above a first physical transmission unit and a first data link unit connected thereto, a first network link having a first switch having echo suppression based on the Low Rate Wireless Personal Area Network being arranged between the first data link unit and the first network unit, and being connected to a second network link having a second switch having echo suppression based on the Low Rate Wireless Personal Area Network via a subsequent connection structure. In this arrangement, this connection structure connects a second network unit to the first network unit for the purpose of communication based on the Low Rate Wireless Personal Area Network.
US09369822B2 Reporting power disruptions of machine-to-machine devices
Embodiments of the present disclosure describe device, methods, computer-readable media and system configurations for communication of notifications of unexpected power disruptions of machine-to-machine (“M2M”) devices among network entities. In various embodiments, an M2M device may be configured to detect an unexpected power disruption and notify a wireless network access node of the detected unexpected power disruption. In various embodiments a wireless network access node may be configured to receive a notification of an unexpected power disruption of an M2M device and communicate, to a plurality of M2M devices, a notification of the unexpected power disruption. Other embodiments may be described and/or claimed.
US09369820B2 Mobile communication device and application interface switching method
A mobile communication device and an application interface layout switch method are disclosed in the invention. The mobile communication device includes a connection interface unit, a layout library, a display panel and a touch sensing module. The connection interface unit is configured for connecting the mobile communication device to an external device. The layout library is configured for storing a plurality of application interface layout templates. The application interface layout templates are different from each other. The display panel can be configured for displaying according to a selected application interface layout template out of the application interface layout templates. The input sensing module is configured for generating a user input signal based on the selected application interface layout template.
US09369818B2 Filtering with binaural room impulse responses with content analysis and weighting
A device comprising one or more processors is configured to apply adaptively determined weights to a plurality of channels of the audio signal to generate a plurality of adaptively weighted channels of the audio signal. The processors are further configured to combine at least two of the plurality of adaptively weighted channels of the audio signal to generate a combined signal. The processors are further configured to apply a binaural room impulse response filter to the combined signal to generate a binaural audio signal.
US09369813B2 BTE hearing aid having two driven antennas
A behind the ear hearing aid includes: a signal processor for processing a first audio signal into a second audio signal compensating a hearing loss of a user of the hearing aid; a receiver that is connected to an output of the signal processor for converting the second audio signal into an output sound signal; and a transceiver for wireless data communication interconnected with an antenna for emission and reception of an electromagnetic field; wherein the antenna comprises a first actively fed resonant structure provided proximate a first side of the hearing aid, a second actively fed resonant structure provided proximate a second side of the hearing aid, and a conducting segment short circuiting the first resonant structure and the second resonant structure to provide a current bridge between the first side of the hearing aid and the second side of the hearing aid.
US09369804B2 MEMS membrane overtravel stop
A micro electrical mechanical system (MEMS) device in one embodiment includes a substrate defining a back cavity, a membrane above the back cavity, a back plate above the membrane, and a first overtravel stop (OTS) positioned at least partially directly beneath the membrane and supported by the back plate.
US09369796B2 Electronic device
There are provided an oscillation device that outputs a sound wave; a recognition unit that recognizes a direction in which sound output targets (80), for which a sound is to be output, are located; a selection unit that selects at least one of the sound output targets (80); a distance calculation unit that calculates a distance to the sound output target (80); and a control unit that controls the oscillation device to adjust sound pressure of the sound wave. The oscillation device outputs an ultrasonic wave for a sensor and a sound wave for sound reproduction. The distance calculation unit calculates a distance between the oscillation device and an object to be selected (82) by detecting the ultrasonic wave for a sensor reflected from the object to be selected (82) selected by the selection unit. The control unit adjusts the magnitude of the output of the sound wave for sound reproduction on the basis of the calculated distance between the oscillation device and the object to be selected (82).
US09369793B2 Audio playback system, earphone and method for controlling audio playback system
An audio playback system includes an earphone and an audio device. The earphone includes a first earphone body, a second earphone body, a first sensing unit mounted in the first earphone body, a second sensing unit mounted in the second earphone body, a first plug, and a second plug electronically connected to the first sensing unit and the second sensing unit. The audio device includes a first jack, a second jack configured to receive the second plug, and a control unit. The first sensing unit and the second sensing unit output sensing signals which indicate whether the earphone is used. The control unit receives the sensing signals from the second jack and controls a working state of the audio device.
US09369774B2 System and method for controlling home network devices using multicast enabled remote controls
A system, method, and article of manufacture for controlling home network devices using a multicast enabled remote control. The system includes a plurality of home network devices capable of receiving and/or transmitting multicast input and/or output signals and a home gateway to receive audio/video signals generated outside of the home and to transform the audio/video signals into multicast output signals. The system also includes a multicast enabled remote control to detect, aggregate, store and display all audio/video multicast output signals on the multicast enabled remote control, to enable a user to redirect an audio/video multicast output signal to one or more of the plurality of home network devices capable of receiving multicast input signals, and to control the plurality of home network devices capable of receiving and/or transmitting multicast input and/or output signals. Other embodiments may be described and claimed.
US09369771B2 Apparatus and method for file size estimation over broadcast networks
The apparatus and method for estimating the size of content being received before the actual transmission of the data utilizes Electronic Service Guide (ESG) information. The ESG information assists a client device in obtaining file information before the file is actually transmitted by the source of the same. In this manner, the power supply of the user device can be managed more efficiently and provide the user with the ability to make storage determinations at their user device before expending the power resources necessary to obtain (i.e., download) and store a particular file of interest to the user without requiring any user intervention.
US09369761B2 Display device and play-back device having respective first and second interfaces
A display device includes a first interface, a second interface and a display circuit. The display device transmits a first connection confirmation signal to confirm connection, via the first interface to a playback device and receives a response signal in reply to the first connection confirmation signal, transmits a second connection confirmation signal to confirm connection, via the second interface to the playback device and receives a response signal in reply to the second connection confirmation signal, and makes a function to use the first and second interfaces between the display device and the playback device available if both response signals in reply to the first and second connection confirmation signals are received.
US09369758B2 Multifunction multimedia device
A method for interpreting messages, user-defined alert conditions, voice commands and performing an action in response is described. A method for annotating media content is described. A method for presenting additional content associated with media content identified based on a fingerprint is described. A method for identifying that an advertisement portion of media content is being played based on a fingerprint derived from the media content is described. A method of one media device recording particular media content automatically in response to another media device recording the particular media content is described. A method of concurrently playing media content on multiple devices is described. A method of publishing information associated with recording of media content is described. A method of deriving fingerprints by media devices that meet an idleness criteria is described. A method of loading, modifying, and displaying a high definition frame from a frame buffer is described. A method of recording or playing media content identified based on fingerprints is described.
US09369756B2 Selectively blocking the recording of contents available also on demand
A device receives a request for a digital video recorder (DVR) to record digital contents. The device identifies the digital contents using metadata included in the request, such as a channel and a time associated with the digital contents, to access additional metadata from an electronic program guide (EPG), such as an identifier. The device uses the additional metadata from the EPG to determine whether the digital contents are available via video on demand (VOD). For example, the device may compare the identifier and/or other metadata for the digital contents to metadata associated with VOD content, such as a VOD catalog. The device may selectively prevent the DVR from recording the digital contents if the digital contents are available via VOD.
US09369750B2 Electronic device and data control method thereof
An electronic device and data control method are provided. The electronic device includes a connector which is connected to an external storage medium storing media data therein; an identification unit which identifies a storage identifier (ID) of the external storage medium connected to the connector; and a controller which performs a media function corresponding to the media data stored in the external storage medium whose storage ID is identified by the identification unit.
US09369742B2 System and method to estimate end-to-end video frame delays
System and method to calculate video frame delay in a video stream received by a telecommunications endpoint, the method including: locating reference features characteristic of content in the received video stream; calculating, by use of a processor, reduced reference features from the located reference features; receiving reduced reference features of a transmitted video stream, the transmitted video stream corresponding to the received video stream; calculating, by use of a processor, a received trajectory of the reduced reference features from the received video stream; calculating, by use of a processor, a transmitted trajectory of the reduced reference features from the transmitted video stream; and calculating, by use of a processor, video frame delay as a time shift between the received trajectory and the transmitted trajectory.
US09369739B2 Preserving dynamic range precision in integer image formats
High dynamic range media sensor output is encoded using a hybrid transfer function. The hybrid transfer function conforms to existing industry standards over standard brightness level ranges, such as between black and white reference points, and uses a different function to encode captured signals having intensities below the black point and above the white point. Precision over the expanded dynamic range of captured image data is optimally preserved using a two-byte per pixel representation. The transfer function varies across the full dynamic range without clamping off below the maximum value of the expanded captured intensity range. One hybrid transfer function conforms to BT.1886 up to the white point, and uses a linearly varying encoding gamma above the white point up to 1300% IRE, producing encoded values in a 2.14 fixed point representation. The hybrid transfer function is continuous at the white point, and may also have a continuous gradient there.
US09369725B1 Method of efficiently implementing a MPEG-4 AVC deblocking filter on an array of parallel processors
A method for implementing a deblocking filter including the steps of (A) reading pixel values for a plurality of macroblocks of an unfiltered video frame from an input buffer into a working buffer, where the working buffer has dimensions determined by a predefined input region of the deblocking filter and a portion of the working buffer forms a filter output region of the deblocking filter, (B) sequentially processing the pixel values in the working buffer through a plurality of filter processing stages using an array of software-configurable general purpose parallel processors, where each of the plurality of filter processing stages operates on a respective set of the pixel values in the working buffer, and (C) writing filtered pixel values from the filter output region of the working buffer to an output buffer after the plurality of filter processing stages are completed.
US09369724B2 Decoding and synthesizing frames for incomplete video data
Embodiments are directed to decoding incomplete video data. In one scenario, a computer system receives a piece of a frame (e.g. a video frame). The frame includes multiple frame pieces, where each frame piece is encoded so as to be individually decodable. The computer system decodes the received frame pieces while waiting for at least one additional frame piece to be received. Then, when a condition occurs indicating that the frame is incomplete, the computer system synthesizes frame pieces to replace the additional frame piece that has not yet been received.
US09369720B2 Image coding apparatus and image coding method
An image coding apparatus and an image coding method allow selecting, according to an image in a macroblock to be coded, a most appropriate intra prediction mode for controlling the amount of generated code. The image coding apparatus includes a block feature quantity calculator which calculates, based on pixel values of pixels in the current macroblock in an input image, statistical information of each of the pixel values; and an intra-prediction block size determiner which determines, based on the calculated statistical information, an intra-prediction block size according to a predetermined reference such that a larger intra-prediction block size is more likely to be selected when a degree of change in the pixel value corresponding to a predetermined direction in the current macroblock is smaller. A encoder which performs intra-prediction coding on the current macroblock, in units of the intra-prediction block having the determined size.
US09369708B2 Depth coding modes signaling of depth data for 3D-HEVC
Techniques are described for encoding and decoding depth data for three-dimensional (3D) video data represented in a multiview plus depth format using depth coding modes that are different than high-efficiency video coding (HEVC) coding modes. Examples of additional depth intra coding modes available in a 3D-HEVC process include at least two of a Depth Modeling Mode (DMM), a Simplified Depth Coding (SDC) mode, and a Chain Coding Mode (CCM). In addition, an example of an additional depth inter coding mode includes an Inter SDC mode. In one example, the techniques include signaling depth intra coding modes used to code depth data for 3D video data in a depth modeling table that is separate from the HEVC syntax. In another example, the techniques of this disclosure include unifying signaling of residual information of depth data for 3D video data across two or more of the depth coding modes.
US09369707B2 Global motion vector estimation
An image sequence comprises at least a first image and a second image. A motion vector (MV(1)) is associated to these first and second images and is defined in a coordinate system having at least a first direction and a second direction, the second direction being different from said first direction. This motion vector has a first previous component value (MVD1(0)) in the first direction. A method processes both images in order to determine an estimate of the motion vector based on the first previous component value. To this purpose, the method defines a first image portion in the first image and a second image portion in the second image based on the first previous component value of the motion vector. Then, the method determines a first characteristics vector for the first image in the first image portion and a second characteristics vector for the second image in the second image portion. The first and second characteristics vectors are compared to estimate a first shift value between the first and second images. At last, a second current component value and a first current component value are obtained and the motion vector is defined by these first and second current component values.
US09369700B2 Systems and methods for lens characterization
Methods and systems for analyzing camera lenses and presenting information regarding camera lenses performance are described. An interactive user interface is provided over a network for display on a user terminal by a computer system. A user request is received at the computer system from the user terminal for lens data from a first lens. Lens data, including test data obtained via a first digital image captured using the first lens at the first focal length setting and the first aperture setting is accessed from memory and transmitted to interactive user interface. The interactive user interface is configured to display an identification of the first camera body, an identification of the first lens, the first focal length setting used to capture the image, and the first aperture setting used to capture the image. Using the lens test data, the interactive user interface generates and displays sharpness graph data.
US09369698B2 Imaging apparatus and method for controlling same
The imaging element of the imaging apparatus is provided with pixels respectively having multiple photoelectric conversion units that generate image signals by photoelectrically converting light fluxes that transit different regions dividing an exit pupil of an imaging optical system to a single micro lens. The imaging apparatus generates left-eye image data and right-eye image data for three-dimensional display based on image signals output by the imaging element, and generates combined image data for two-dimensional display by additively combining the left-eye image data and the right-eye image data. The imaging apparatus compresses the combined image data at a first compression rate, compresses the left-eye image data and the right-eye image data at a second compression rate that is higher than the first compression rate, and records the respectively compressed image data in the same image file.
US09369688B2 3D user personalized media templates
In one aspect, the present disclosure relates to a method for providing a user with three dimensional user personalized video. In some embodiments, the method includes providing, from a web server, a user with a selection of video clips stored in a database; receiving at the web server a selection of a video clip; receiving at the web server data from the user, wherein said data can be a plurality of symbols to personalize the video clip; rendering, using a rendering module, a three dimensional personalized video clip using the selected movie clip and the plurality of symbols; and providing, from the web server, the three dimensional personalized video clip to the user.
US09369687B2 Multimedia distribution system for multimedia files with interleaved media chunks of varying types
Methods, systems, and computer readable media for encoding, distributing, and decoding multimedia files with interleaved video, subtitle, and audio chunks are provided. Multimedia files in accordance with embodiments of the present invention can contain multiple video tracks, multiple audio tracks, multiple subtitle tracks, data that can be used to generate a menu interface to access the contents of the file and ‘meta data’ concerning the contents of the file. In one embodiment, the generated ‘audio,’ ‘video’ and ‘subtitle’ chunks are interleaved so that the ‘audio’ and ‘subtitle’ chunks are located within the file prior to the ‘video’ chunks containing information concerning the video frames to which they correspond. In other embodiments, the ‘audio’ and ‘subtitle’ chunks can be located after the ‘video’ chunks to which they correspond. One embodiment of a multimedia file in accordance with the present invention includes a series of encoded video frames and encoded menu information.
US09369685B2 Mobile electronic device having camera with improved auto white balance
An improved mobile electronic device and camera provide an improved auto white balance system where constraints can be imposed the correlated color temperature (CCT) that is employed by the auto white balance system. For instance, if a distance between a subject and the camera is determined to exceed a threshold for closeness, the CCT can be constrained so that it is above a preset CCT that corresponds with sunrise or sunset. Other distance thresholds and the content of an image, as well as the brightness of the image, can be further employed in determining the CCT to employ.
US09369684B2 Image tone adjustment using local tone curve computation
Image tone adjustment using local tone curve computation may be utilized to adjust luminance ranges for images. Image tone adjustment using local tone curve computation may reduce the overall contrast of an image, while maintaining local contrast in smaller areas, such as in images capturing brightly lit scenes where the difference in intensity between brightest and darkest areas is large. A desired brightness representation of the image may be generated including target luminance values for corresponding blocks of the image. For each block, one or more tone adjustment values may be computed, that when jointly applied to the respective histograms for the block and neighboring blocks results in the luminance values that match corresponding target values. The tone adjustment values may be determined by solving an under-constrained optimization problem such that optimization constraints are minimized. The image may then be adjusted according to the computed tone adjustment values.
US09369671B2 Method and system for handling content in videoconferencing
A technique allows delivering content in a videoconference among a plurality of conferees in multiple quality levels. Content distributed from a multipoint control unit that is connected to an endpoint that delivers the content to receiving endpoints may have two or more quality levels. The quality level can be adapted to the capabilities of the receiving endpoints and the current quality of the connection that is used to deliver the content toward the receiving endpoints. The quality level associated with an endpoint may change during a session dynamically, adapting the delivery mode to changes in the condition of the connection between the receiving endpoints and the multipoint control unit.
US09369653B2 Solid-state imaging apparatus
There is a need to provide a solid-state imaging apparatus capable of highly accurately analog-to-digital converting an analog voltage output from a pixel circuit. The solid-state imaging apparatus supplies a counter code to an integral A/D converter. The counter code CD includes 3-phase clock signals and gray signals. The clock signals each have a cycle equal to specified cycle multiplied by 8 and allow phases to shift from each other by specified cycle. The gray signals linearly increase count values at a cycle equal to specified cycle multiplied by 4. The counter code reverses only the logical level of a signal when a count value changes. A count value error can be limited to a minimum.
US09369650B2 Imaging device and camera system with photosensitive conversion element
An imaging device including a pixel array section functioning as a light receiving section which includes photoelectric conversion devices and in which a plurality of pixels, which output electric signals when photons are incident, are disposed in an array; a sensing circuit section in which a plurality of sensing circuits, which receive the electric signals from the pixels and perform binary determination regarding whether or not there is an incidence of photons on the pixels in a predetermined period, are arrayed; and a determination result integration circuit section having a function of integrating a plurality of determination results of the sensing circuits for the respective pixels or for each pixel group, wherein the determination result integration circuit section derives the amount of photon incidence on the light receiving section by performing photon counting for integrating the plurality of determination results in the plurality of pixels.
US09369646B2 Sensor dark pixel offset estimation
Examples of systems and methods to provide estimates of dark current for pixels of a photosensor as a function of the temperature of the sensor and the gain applied to the photosensor are described. In various implementations, the dark current estimated for each pixel can depend at least partly on a global scale factor and a global bias that depend on temperature and gain and a temperature-independent and gain-independent offset value for each pixel. The scale, bias, and offsets may be determined from multiple dark field images taken by the sensor over a range of operating temperatures. In some cases, the scale and bias can be determined using a subset of less than all the image pixels. Scale and bias derived for a particular sensor can be used in the calibration of different sensors.
US09369644B2 A/D converter, solid-state image pickup device and driving method of the same, and electronic apparatus
The present technology relates to an A/D converter, a solid-state image pickup device and a method of driving the same, and an electronic apparatus which are capable of reducing power consumption while reducing a circuit size. A comparator compares a reference voltage with an input voltage, the reference voltage having a ramp waveform whose voltage value varies with time, a lower-bit storage element holds a count value in a predetermined count pattern, based on an output signal from the comparator, a Gray code binary conversion circuit converts the count value in the count pattern held by the lower-bit storage element into binary data, and a storing operation control circuit supplies a pulse signal corresponding to the binary data obtained by conversion in the Gray code binary conversion circuit to a lower-bit U/D CNT. The present technology is applicable to, for example, an image sensor storing a count value in a storage element with use of a Gray code or a phase shift code as a clock signal.
US09369638B2 Methods for extracting objects from digital images and for performing color change on the object
Operating a system displaying a mirror-mimicking image on the monitor to enable a user to try a clothing item, by: obtaining digital images of a live video feed of length of N seconds from the camera; saving the digital images in the memory; flipping the images about a vertical axis so as to reverse right and left sides of the image; applying a transformation mapping to the images to modify the images such that they appear to mimic a reflection of a mirror, to thereby obtain transformed images; displaying the transformed images on the monitor to thereby replay the video feed of N seconds using the transformed images; wherein the length of N seconds is configured to be enough time to allow the user to get a good impression on the way the clothing item looks.
US09369626B2 Electronic device and imaging apparatus that prevent processing related to an invalid function
An electronic device issues a command for setting a function when the function of the electronic device is set by a user by executing software, executes the function in response to the issued command, stores information relating to an invalid function, detects the fact that the issued command is a command for setting the invalid function based on the stored information, and controls so as not to execute the function set by the user in response to the detection that the issued command is a command for setting the invalid function.
US09369624B2 Imaging apparatus, imaging system, imaging method, and computer program product saving program
An imaging apparatus includes an imaging module configured to continuously generate a live image and perform capture to generate still images, an operation interface configured to receive an operation of a user who inputs a first capturing command, a communication module configured to transmit the live image to a display apparatus and receive a second capturing command from the display apparatus, a transmission detection unit configured to detect whether the live image is being transmitted to the display apparatus, an information addition unit configured to add transmission information indicating whether the transmission of the live image is being performed before the first capturing command is input or the second capturing command is received to the still images generated based on the first capturing command or the second capturing command, and a storage module configured to store the still images with the transmission information.
US09369621B2 Devices and methods for high-resolution image and video capture
In various example embodiments, an imaging system and method are provided. In an embodiment, the system comprises a first image sensor array, a first optical system to project a first image on the first image sensor array, the first optical system having a first zoom level. A second optical system is to project a second image on a second image sensor array, the second optical system having a second zoom level. The second image sensor array and the second optical system are pointed in the same direction as the first image sensor array and the first optical system. The second zoom level is greater than the first zoom level such that the second image projected onto the second image sensor array is a zoomed in on portion of the first image projected on the first image sensor array. The first image sensor array includes at least four megapixels and the second image sensor array includes one-half or less than the number of pixels in the first image sensor array.
US09369615B1 Camera for handheld device
A frame that has a camera is slid onto a handheld computer. The frame also has an interface for communicatively connecting the camera to the handheld computer. The frame may be used for sending images taken from the camera to the handheld computer, which optionally may be further processed. Optionally, the frame may also have a microphone for recording sounds.
US09369608B2 Printing methods and apparatus
A method of generating a printable image from a base image includes identifying parameters of a printer on which the printable image is to be printed, and creating a bit map image from a plurality of sub-cells, the identified parameters, and the base image.
US09369603B2 Image forming apparatus and diagnosing method thererof
An image forming apparatus and diagnosing method are provided. The image forming apparatus includes a scanner configured to scan a manuscript disposed on an upper surface of a plate by using a scan module, and a cover unit disposed on the upper surface of the plate and configured to block external light from being supplied to the scan module while the scanner scanning the manuscript. The cover unit is disposed such that a sheet used for diagnosis and correction for the image forming apparatus disposed corresponds to the plate.
US09369601B2 Image reading apparatus having a flexible flat cable
An image reading apparatus includes a platen on which a document is placed, an image reading unit configured to be movable under the platen, to receive light reflected by the document placed on the platen, and to output an image signal, a flexible flat cable configured to transfer the image signal output from the image reading unit, and a holding member configured to hold the flexible flat cable and attached to the image reading unit. The image reading unit includes a connection portion to which the flexible flat cable is connected, and, when the image reading unit is moved, a curvature portion of the flexible flat cable is formed opposite the connection portion across the image reading unit in a direction in which the image reading unit is moved.
US09369600B2 Image forming system and image forming device for performing control in accordance with user authentication information
An image forming system includes a plurality of image forming devices connected in data communication with each other via a network. Each of the image forming devices includes a storage unit, an operational unit, and a controller. If one user logs into a first image forming device among the image forming devices, a controller of the first image forming device checks for the existence of a second image forming device into which the user has logged. If the controller of the first image forming device determines the second image forming device into which the user has logged, the controller transmits a logout instruction of the user to the second image forming device.
US09369597B2 Image processing apparatus and method for controlling thereof
An image processing apparatus includes a function selection receipt screen display part, a function selection object management unit; an editing receipt part that receives an editing instruction for editing a function selection receipt screen that is for editing the functions related to the information processes, or for editing an arrangement position of the function selection objects on the function selection receipt screen. The function selection object management unit edits the screen configuration information based on the editing instruction received by the editing receipt part, and the function selection receipt screen display part displays the function selection receipt screen based on the screen configuration information managed by the function selection object management unit.
US09369588B2 Determining compensation for use of a shared frequency in multiple jurisdictions
One or more devices may be configured to store jurisdiction information that associates each of a plurality of base stations with at least one jurisdiction. The one or more devices may establish a session, between a first base station and a user device, that uses a frequency. The one or more device may record handover information based on the first base station handing over the session to a second base station. The handover information may indicate an amount of data used while the session is hosted by the first base station. The one or more devices may determine a particular jurisdiction associated with the first base station based on the jurisdiction information. The one or more devices may cause a particular rights holder to be compensated for use of the frequency based on the amount of data used while the session is hosted by the first base station.
US09369580B2 System and method to detect and correct IP phone mismatch in a contact center
System and method to detect misconfiguration in a contact center, the method including: assigning, by a processor coupled to a memory, a workstation IP address to an agent workstation in the contact center; receiving a workstation login request from an agent; associating the workstation IP address to the agent; receiving an application program login request from an agent; extracting a source IP address for the application program login request; comparing the workstation IP address to the source IP address for the application program login request; and allowing agent access if the workstation IP address matches the source IP address for the application program login request.
US09369576B2 Phone system with methodology for call parking
A phone system with a methodology for call parking is described. According to one embodiment of the present invention, a user of a communications endpoint device can use a user interface at the communications endpoint device to select persons to notify of a parked call. Upon successfully parking the call, the phone system notifies the selected persons in the manner specified in their account profiles. Such manner can include sending an e-mail to the selected person or sending a text message to the selected person. Advantageously, the manner for notifying the selected persons of the parked call is determined by the selected persons themselves through configuration of their account profiles thereby alleviating the user parking the call from having to determine the manner for notifying the selected persons.
US09369575B2 Dynamic VoIP location system
A system for determining dynamically any given registered wireless device VoIP location, whereby the dynamic method reports the VoIP address return path as being the VoIP Location into a database. Applications of the system can access the database to contact each individual, specific, fixed or wireless device by VoIP for any data exchange.
US09369570B1 Concurrent recordings of telephonic interactions
A method comprising that in response to a beginning of a telephonic interaction in a local telephony system concurrently activating recordations of the telephonic interaction in a plurality of recorders operative parallelly and independently to obtain a plurality of recordings of the interaction corresponding to the plurality of recorders, and further in response to an ending of the telephonic interaction in the local telephony system concurrently terminating the recordations of the telephonic interaction in the plurality of the recorders, thereby providing the plurality of recordings of the interaction corresponding to the plurality of recorders, and subsequently selecting at least one recording among the plurality of the recordings of the interaction based on acquired data related to the quality of recordings associated the recordations, and an apparatus for performing the same.
US09369563B2 Intelligent terminal with electronic ink display device
An intelligent terminal with an electronic ink display device is provided. The intelligent terminal includes a terminal body and a display protection cover. A side of the display protection cover is coupled to a side of the terminal body. A front of the display protection cover has an electronic ink display screen disposed thereon, and the electronic ink display screen performs data communication with the terminal body via a spring probe. In the present invention, the electronic ink display screen is disposed on the display protection cover, so that the function of the E-Ink display can be achieved on a user's own mobile phone or other mobile terminals.
US09369551B2 Apparatus, system and method of protocol adaptation layer (PAL) communication to indicate transitioning a device to a default state
Some demonstrative embodiments include apparatuses, systems and/or methods of transitioning a device to a default state. For example, an apparatus may include a first Protocol Adaptation Layer (PAL) communication unit to communicate PAL traffic with a second PAL communication unit over a communication link, the PAL traffic comprising traffic of a PAL connection over a PAL, the PAL is above a layer of the communication link, wherein the first PAL communication unit is to communicate a device reset request and a device reset response with the second PAL communication unit over the communication link, the device reset request indicating transitioning of a peripheral device to a default state, the device reset response in response to the device reset request, the device reset response indicating whether the device reset request is successfully handled.
US09369550B2 Protocol for layer two multiple network links tunnelling
A method and system for using tunnel association information to allow network device to transfer and receive layer two packets through provide a layer two tunnel between different layer two networks through multiple network links. Layer 3 packets are used to encapsulate layer two packets. The tunnel association information includes a network link identification and a tunnel sequence number. The network link identification is used to identify the network link and virtual private tunnel said one or more layer three packets belonging to and the tunnel sequence number is used to identify the sequence of said one or mow layer three packets in a network link.
US09369543B2 Communication between avatars in different games
Synchronous and asynchronous communications between avatars is allowed. For synchronous communications, when multiple users are playing different games of the same game title and when the avatars of the multiple users are at the same location in their respective games they can communicate with one another, thus allowing the users of those avatars to communicate with one another. For asynchronous communications, an avatar of a particular user is left behind at a particular location in a game along with a recorded communication. When other users of other games are at that particular location, the avatar of that particular user is displayed and the recorded communication is presented to the other users.
US09369542B2 Network-based processing of data requests for contact information
A system, method and computer-readable media for managing contact information via a network-based interface. A network resource transmits a data request to a contact information processing service. The contact information processing service processes the data request in accordance with the parameters included in the data request and information maintained by the contact information processing service. Examples of the processing facilitated by the contact information processing service include contact identification routines, contact verification routines, group-based information routines, and communication information routines. The contact information processing service returns the results to the requesting network resource.
US09369525B2 Highly resilient protocol servicing in network-attached storage
A mechanism is provided in a data processing system for protocol servicing in network-attached storage. A protocol service executing in the data processing system in a clustered file system establishes a high priority recovery thread. The high priority recovery thread monitors health counters that count total requests in and total requests out for a client accessing a network-attached storage device via the protocol service. The high priority recovery thread determines a category of health of the protocol service based on the health counters. The mechanism takes corrective action based on the category of health of the protocol service.
US09369522B2 Scalable network apparatus for content based switching or validation acceleration
A network apparatus is provided that may include one or more security accelerators. The network apparatus also includes a plurality of network units cascaded together. According to one embodiment, the plurality of network units comprise a plurality of content based message directors, each to route or direct received messages to one of a plurality of application servers based upon the application data in the message. According to another embodiment, the plurality of network units comprise a plurality of validation accelerators, each validation accelerator to validate at least a portion of a message before outputting the message.
US09369521B2 Naming of distributed business transactions
The present technology monitors a web application provided by one or more services. A service may be provided by applications. The monitoring system provides end-to-end business transaction visibility, identifies performance issues quickly and has dynamical scaling capability across monitored systems including cloud systems, virtual systems and physical infrastructures. In instances, a request may be received from a remote application. The request may be associated with a distributed transaction. Data associated with the request may be detected. A distributed transaction identifier may be generated for a distributed transaction based on the data associated with the request.
US09369519B2 Network-aware structured content downloads
A request for content is received at a content server via a first network connection from a client device. The content includes a set of portions represented within a root document that are each configurable with assigned download constraints that specify network characteristics under which the individual portions of the content are downloadable. A determination to defer at least one portion of the content for download is made based upon a network characteristic of the first network connection not satisfying a configured download constraint assigned to the at least one portion of the content. The root document is sent with each deferred portion of the content replaced with a content stub within the root document. Each content stub identifies the respective deferred portion of the content as a deferred content portion and includes a deferred content portion identifier of the respective deferred portion of the content.
US09369506B2 Insertion of supplementary content into a segmented content stream
Techniques for insertion of supplementary content into a segmented content stream are described. In at least some embodiments, a content stream includes primary content, such as streaming web content, a movie, an event broadcast (live and/or recorded), a television program, and so on. The content stream can be segmented, such as via techniques for adaptive bitrate streaming. Techniques discussed herein enable supplementary content, such as an advertisement, to be inserted into the content stream. The supplementary content can be inserted at any specified time point, even if the specified time point falls within a segment of the content stream. Techniques further enable playback of the content stream to be paused during playback of the supplementary content, and to resume after playback of the supplementary content.
US09369502B2 Method and apparatus for enabling multimedia synchronization
Methods and apparatus are described for synchronizing a media presentation on a plurality of wireless transmit/receive units (WTRUs). A media session may be replicated from a first WTRU onto a second WTRU. The second WTRU replicates the presentation of the media program from the first WTRU at least in part by receiving a networked bookmark from an Internet Protocol (IP) Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) network, wherein the networked bookmark comprises a suggested presentation offset that indicates an offset in time from a bookmark-created time to a bookmark presentation time at the first WTRU; the second WTRU determining a second-WTRU-presentation offset based at least in part on the suggested presentation offset; and the second WTRU presenting the media program with the determined second-WTRU presentation offset from the beginning of the media program.
US09369501B2 Transmission system, method and program
A transmission system for managing communication between a first terminal and a second terminal includes a reception unit configured to receive request information from the first terminal, the request information indicating a category of a request of a first user of the first terminal; and a transmission unit configured to transmit an output request to the second terminal. The second terminal outputs image data to be displayed on the first terminal according to the category of the request of the first user of the first terminal upon receiving the output request.
US09369488B2 Policy enforcement using natural language processing
A term of use policy document defines permissible actions that may be implemented by a user using a computing device. A natural language processing (NLP)-based question and answer (Q&A) system is trained to understand the policy document. The device includes a management application that interacts with the Q&A system to identify a policy violation. When the user performs an action on the device, the application converts that action into an NLP query directed to the Q&A system to determine whether the action constitutes a violation. The query may be accompanied by metadata associated with the user, the device or its state. Upon receipt of the query and any associated metadata, the Q&A system determines if the user action is compliant with the policy and returns a response. Based on the response, the user's computing device may take an enforcement action, e.g., restricting or disabling functionality, or issuing a warning.
US09369479B2 Detection of malware beaconing activities
Malware beaconing activity detection is disclosed, including: monitoring a plurality of conversations between an internal device and one or more external destinations; extracting feature sets based at least in part on the plurality of conversations; and determining that a conversation of the plurality of conversations is anomalous based at least in part on the extracted feature sets.
US09369477B2 Mitigation of path-based convergence attacks
Technologies are generally described for mitigation of a convergence attack in a network portion that includes multiple nodes interconnected by links in a closed configuration. In some examples, the attack may be detected by a detection module of an attack mitigation system in response to a determination that received average time to live (TTL) values of data packets are substantially decreased over the multiple nodes of the network portion. An identification module of the system may identify one or more potential attack links causing the attack, and generate a list from the potential attack links. The identification module may iterate the list across the potential attack links to gather traffic statistics of the network portion, and determine one or more attack links based on the traffic statistics. User-specific data traffic throttling to the attack links may then be enforced by a throttling module of the system to mitigate the attack.
US09369476B2 System for detection of mobile applications network behavior-netwise
The invention is a system for protecting mobile devices in cellular networks from unauthorized harmful applications and for protecting cellular network infrastructure from targeted or benign overloads. The system comprises mobile cellular devices and a cellular network infrastructure. Some of the mobile devices comprise an application manager, which is adapted to manage the aggregation and learning processes, and a detection manager, which is adapted to analyze network behavior and detect deviations. The application manager and the detection manager are adapted to monitor the applications running on a device, learn the patterns of mobile applications network behavior and detect meaningful deviations from the application's observed normal behavior. The cellular network infrastructure comprises a services module, a logic module, and a database access unit adapted for aggregation and analysis of an application's network traffic patterns for numerous users.
US09369473B2 Method and system for extending network resources campus-wide based on user role and location
A method, system, and computer readable medium is disclosed which utilizes the LISP control plane to increase communications and access to enterprise resources in a network with multiple subnetworks, such as a university setting. As a result, the various embodiments of the present invention provide a routing and services dimension to enterprise discovery protocol traffic, such as Apple Bonjour traffic. A LISP instance ID, which is carried in the LISP header, is used to associate one or more end user devices with specific enterprise resources in a particular subnetwork or a service domain, wherein these resources may be accessed by the end user device even if the end user device migrates to another subnetwork. Another embodiment of the invention limits routing services advertisements from enterprise services to a subset of end user devices associated with particular user EIDs by using L2-LISP multicast techniques.
US09369464B2 Scalable authentication system
Disclosed is a key management method for administering a token with an administrative server and an authentication server wherein a set of keys stored therein in use differs so that at least a mutually exclusive key is stored in each of the token, the administrative server or the authentication server, the method comprising the steps of: the token transmitting an identity proxy ID 1 encrypted with an encryption key Key 1; the administrative server generating data Key 1a and Key 1b from Key 1 stored therein, whereby Key 1a and Key 1b can be used in conjunction to derive Key 1 but not separately; the administrative server generating an identity proxy ID 2 and an encryption key Key 2, whereby the administrative server records a token profile comprising an association information among ID 2, Key 1b and Key 2; the administrative server communicating ID 2, Key 1a and Key 2 to the token and the token storing ID 2, Key 1a and Key 2 wherein Key 2 is stored therein encrypted with Key 1; the administrative server communicating the token profile to the authentication server and deleting Key 1b and Key 2 from its records thereafter; the authentication server requesting ID 2 from the token and the token transmitting ID 2 thereto; the authentication server identifying Key 1b and Key 2 associated with the transmitted ID 2 and generating a new encryption key Key 3; the authentication server recording Key 3's association with ID 2 in the token profile and communicating Key 3 to the token; and the token storing Key 3 therein encrypted with Key 2, whereby the administrative server stores ID 1, ID 2 and Key 1, the authentication server stores ID 2, Key 1b, Key 2, and Key 3, and the token stores ID 1, ID 2, Key 1a, Key 2, and Key 3, wherein the token stores Key 2 encrypted with Key 1 and stores Key 3 encrypted with Key 2 therein.
US09369461B1 Passcode verification using hardware secrets
A hardware secret is securely maintained in a computing device. The hardware secret is used to generate a hash of a passcode that is persistently stored for later use in verification. When a passcode is received as part of an authentication attempt, the hardware secret is used to generate a reference hash of the received passcode that is then compared with the persistently stored hash to determine whether there is a match.
US09369457B2 Mobile multifactor single-sign-on authentication
Features are disclosed for authentication of mobile device applications using a native, independent browser using a single-sign-on system. An authentication module within the mobile application can direct the mobile device's native browser to a URL to initiate authentication with an authentication appliance. The mobile browser can receive and store a browser-accessible token to indicate previous authentication performed by the user. The mobile application can receive from the application appliance and store a client application ID token that may be presented to network services for access. A second mobile device application may direct the same browser to the authentication appliance. The authentication appliance may inspect the persistent browser-accessible token and issue a second client application ID identity to the second application without collecting additional authentication information, or collecting additional authentication information that is different from the first authentication information.
US09369447B2 System and method to securely transfer data
Various embodiments of the invention achieve optimal data security by adding a security layer to data at the point of generation. Some embodiments add a security feature to data that controls or configures a device at a physical interface.
US09369444B1 Remote access service inspector
A method, system, and computer program product for providing protected remote access from a remote access client to a remote access server over a computer network through a plurality of inspections. A remote access configuration file is created for the remote access client. A digital hash of the configuration file is then generated. The digital hash is compared with a configuration file stored at a predefined web location. If the comparison results in a match between the digital hash and the stored configuration file, a digital hash comparison is performed between an encrypted remote access configuration file and an encrypted configuration file stored at the predefined web location. If the plurality of inspections are passed, the remote access client is released from a quarantine state and a virtual private network (VPN) connection to the remote access server is established.
US09369442B2 System and method for the safe spontaneous transmission of confidential data over unsecure connections and switching computers
Disclosed is a method and system for transmitting data. The system includes at least one first stationary and/or mobile communication terminal at least one further second communication terminal and a switching unit reachable by all communication terminals via a data network. The communication terminals send data to the switching unit, which data are encrypted with a symmetric encryption method, and send the symmetric key encrypted with a public key of a key pair to the switching unit, so that the same can send it to other communication terminals, which in possession of an associated private key then are capable of accessing the information stored at the switching unit and decrypt the same.
US09369430B2 Method and arrangement for allowing enterprise and personal domains in the IMS
The present invention relates to a method and an arrangement for allowing private domains in the IMS, which makes it possible to use a SIP URI like ID@private-domain.TLD. This is achieved by providing an administration support and an interface to the IMS interconnect DNS and the DNS system of the operator network. The identity associated with private domain is established as a Private domain name based IMPU. The private domain name based IMPU and the Operator domain name based IMPU is associated by using the implicit registered identity set provided by the IMS.
US09369425B2 Email and instant messaging agent for dialog system
Provided are methods and systems for email communication and instant messaging through a dialog system. The method may commence with enabling a user to create a personal account with a server. The personal account may be associated with the user and with the dialog system. The method may continue with enabling the user to establish a list of trusted email addresses. The method may further include receiving a notification from the server. The notification may be associated with a communication addressed to the user from one of the trusted email addresses. Upon receiving the notification, a first message associated with the notification may be delivered to the user. Upon receiving of an instruction associated with the notification from the user, an inquiry to receive the communication may be sent to the server. The method may further include delivering a second message associated with the communication to the user.
US09369419B2 Method and an apparatus in a communication node for identifying receivers of a message
The present invention relates to a method and an arrangement in a communication node for creating a group of contacts to receive a message from a user of a user device. The method includes receiving a tag indicating conditions for the message, and obtaining characteristics of primary contacts of the user. Primary contacts are selected for receiving the message by matching the conditions of the tag with the characteristics of the primary contacts, and primary contacts are selected which have characteristics that match the conditions of the tag. A group including the selected primary contacts is initiated.
US09369415B2 Marking electronic messages to indicate human origination
Systems and methods for marking electronic messages to indicate human origination are provided. According to one embodiment, an electronic message and information verifying the electronic message is human originated are received. Then, the fact that the electronic message is human originated is conveyed to one or more recipients of the electronic message by associating with the electronic message a human origination indication.
US09369414B2 Method and communication device for processing data for transmission from the communication device to a second communication device
A method and communication device for processing data for transmission from the communication device to a second communication device is provided. It is detected that the data comprises an attachment. An address of a copy of the attachment is determined, the attachment present on a storage device external to the communication devices. An address of the copy of the attachment is substituted in the data such that the copy is retrievable at the second communication device via the address. The data is then transmitted to the second communication device.
US09369408B1 High performance and resilience in wide area networking
Aspects and implementations of the present disclosure generally relate to use of a multi-chassis link aggregation for high performance and resilience in wide-area networking. In one aspect, the disclosure relates to a system that includes a switch fabric. The fabric includes at least a plurality of edge network devices, a set of internal switch devices, and a plurality of internal network links coupling each edge network device to at least a subset of the set of internal switch devices. The system includes a network controller coupled to the switch fabric, configured to maintain at least one link aggregation comprising a logical grouping of externally facing network interfaces of at least two of the plurality of edge devices. The network controller is configured to monitor internal link performance characteristics and determine throughput characteristics for each link aggregation over time based at least in part on current internal link performance characteristics.
US09369401B2 Method, server and computer storage medium for logging in
A method, server and computer storage medium for logging in, the method includes: receiving a login request including user's identification; assigning a body identification corresponding to the user's identification according to the login request, and generating a success login message that includes the body identification; returning the success login message including the body identification. The method distributes a corresponding body identification after receiving a login request that includes user's identifications, then returns a success login message containing the body identification to the client. When a same user's identification logs in different terminal clients, corresponding body identifications are distributed to every client, thereby the same user's identification can log in different terminal clients simultaneously without forcing other user's identifications which have logged in other terminals to be logged out.
US09369398B2 Method, device, and system to prioritize encapsulating packets in a plurality of logical network connections
Methods, network devices, and systems which transmit and receive packets with priority by receiving a packet via one of the plurality of network interfaces; determining a global sequence number and a priority level of the packet; storing the packet; encapsulating the packet in encapsulating packets; transmitting the encapsulating packets via a plurality of logical network connections to the second network device according to the global sequence number and the priority level; receiving the encapsulating packets; decapsulating the packet from the encapsulating packets; and transmitting the packet to the intended receiver according to the global sequence number and the priority level.
US09369387B2 Segment routing based wide area network orchestration in a network environment
An example method for segment routing based wide area network (WAN) orchestration in a network environment is provided and includes monitoring a segment routing (SR) enabled WAN environment in at least near real-time by a path computation element (PCE) located outside the WAN, receiving an event notification at the PCE, and performing traffic engineering using SR to reroute traffic off shortest paths. In one embodiment, where a current state of the WAN is not pre-computed, performing traffic engineering comprises optimizing routes to remove violation of any utilization policies, deploying the optimized routes in the WAN, re-optimizing routes for other parameters, and further deploying the re-optimized routes in the WAN. In another embodiment, performing traffic engineering comprises optimizing routes to remove violation of any utilization policies and for other parameters, and deploying the optimized routes in the WAN. In another embodiment, performing traffic engineering comprises deploying optimized routes in the WAN.
US09369384B2 Server system connection process method preventing network congestion
A server connection process method that can prevent network congestion is adopted for use on a server system which includes client ends, an Internet and a server host. The server host includes a dynamic port allocation module, a plurality of question and answer process units and a plurality of application service units. Each client end has a port preset selection unit to preset and automatically select an idle question and answer port in the dynamic port allocation module to form connection to the question and answer process unit to process requirement questions, then select an idle application port in the dynamic port allocation module to connect to a required application service unit to process required services. Through the dynamic port allocation module under TCP/IP, the invention allows the client end to have multiple ports for selection.
US09369383B2 Method and system for overlay routing with VXLAN
In general, embodiments of the invention relate to routing packets between hosts or virtual machines in different layer 2 domains. More specifically, embodiments of the invention relate to using overlay routing mechanisms in an Internet Protocol (IP) fabric to enable communication between hosts or virtual machines in different layer 2 domains to communication. The overlay routing mechanisms may include direct routing, indirect routing, naked routing, or a combination thereof (e.g., hybrid routing).
US09369380B1 Handling entropy labels when stitching label-switched paths
In one example, a stitching point routing device, which stitches a previous segment of an end-to-end label-switched path (LSP) to a next segment of the end-to-end LSP, includes network interfaces configured to receive packets via the previous segment and send packets via the next segment, and one or more processors configured to determine whether the next segment supports entropy labels, determine whether a packet received from the previous segment is encapsulated by a label stack including an entropy label, when the next segment does not support entropy labels and when the packet is encapsulated by the label stack including the entropy label, remove the entropy label from the label stack, when the next segment supports entropy labels and when the packet is not encapsulated by the label stack including the entropy label, add an entropy label to the label stack, and forward the packet along the next segment.
US09369377B2 System analyzer and method for analyzing an impact of a change in a component of a distributed control system
A system analyzer and a method for analyzing an impact of a change in a component of a distributed control system (DCS) are disclosed. The system can collect and store data representing the DCS components and their interconnection as well as signals of the DCS components. The DCS can be graphically modeled with nodes and directed edges, wherein a node represents either a type of DCS component or a signal of a DCS components, and wherein an edge is an “influence”-edge, or a “contains”-edge. Information on a change of a DCS components is received, a depth first or breadth first search is performed over the “influence”-edges and “contains”-edges and determine unchanged DCS components which would be affected by a malfunction, a removal or a taking out of operation of the at least one DCS component, and information on the affected DCS components is transmitted to an operator interface.
US09369370B2 Systems and methods for jointly optimizing WAN and LAN network communications
Described are systems and methods for jointly optimizing Wide Area Network (WAN) and Local Area Network (LAN) network communications. In one embodiment, a management device communicatively interfaced with a WAN and a LAN includes a collection module to collect LAN information from the LAN and WAN information from the WAN; an analysis module to jointly analyze the collected WAN information and the collected LAN information to identify an operational condition; and an implementation module to initiate a management event responsive to the operational condition being identified. In one embodiment, the management event includes generating and transmitting a diagnostics report responsive to a fault being identified. The management device may further generate and execute instructions to remedy the diagnosed fault.
US09369359B2 Diagnostic system
A transmission source node transmits diagnostic frames where a TTL value is set to the number of hops that is counted until an intermediate node. A relay node decrements the TTL value of the received diagnostic frames, counts the number of diagnostic frames where the decremented TTL value is 0, and recognizes continuity between the transmission source node and the relay node based on the number of transmitted diagnostic frames transmitted from the transmission source node and the number of diagnostic frames where the decremented TTL value is 0.
US09369357B2 Method, system, and computer readable medium for remote device management
The present disclosure enables remote device management. A programmatic interface is associated with each application plug-in. A web server included with the on-device agent provides access to the programmatic interfaces according to open standards such as HTML or XML. The present disclosure enables access to remote devices through existing infrastructure without the need for proprietary systems. An IT administrator or other administrator may remotely access and update software and hardware, track device data plan usage statistics, provide live support, and track current and historical device locations. Further, through the use of the present disclosure developers may provide customizable applications employing plug-ins on the remote device targeted for their own system.
US09369350B2 Method and system of network transfer adaptive optimization in large-scale parallel computing system
A method and system for performing network transfer adaptive optimization in a large-scale parallel computing system. The method of network transfer adaptive optimization includes forming a message to be transferred through the network based on obtained information related to a task executed by computing nodes, wherein the message includes identification information of the computing nodes to perform data transfer and corresponding sink nodes, and an amount of data the computing nodes to transfer to the corresponding sink nodes; transferring the message to a network layer; and forming a new data transfer pattern for data transfer between the computing nodes and the corresponding sink nodes in accordance with the received message.
US09369349B2 Automatic extraction, modeling, and code mapping of application user interface display screens and components
Managing user applications is provided. Images are captured of displayed user interface display screens of a running user application on the data processing system. An embedded instrumentation library in the running user application is used to capture the images of the displayed user interface display screens. Screen position coordinates corresponding to components within the displayed user interface display screens of the running user application are calculated. A display screen data package is generated that includes the captured images of the displayed user interface display screens of the running user application and the calculated screen position coordinates corresponding to the components within the displayed user interface display screens.
US09369347B2 Service to node resolution
An apparatus and method for resolving services to nodal segments. The method involves receiving an advertisement. The advertisement includes a service address associated with a service. The method further involves identifying an originator node for the service, where the originator node is associated with a nodal segment identifier. The method further involves updating the advertisement. Updating the advertisement involves adding information identifying the originator node to the advertisement.
US09369346B2 Selective computation using analytic functions
A method for selective computation using analytic functions is provided in the illustrative embodiments. An object graph and information about a change therein is received. The object graph includes several objects representing several resources in an environment as well as a set of analytic function instances in relation to the objects. A set of analytic function dependencies is determined. A first analytic function instance in the set of analytic function instances that has to be re-executed based on the change is identified. A re-computation graph is computed using the analytic function instance and presented. The change may be an addition, a deletion, a modification, or a combination thereof. The change may be a change in an object, in a relationship between two objects, in a relationship between an object in and an analytic function instance in the set of analytic function instances, or in an analytic function instance.
US09369339B2 Virtual cable modem termination system
A method, a system, and an apparatus provide for a cable modem termination system (CMTS). The CMTS may include a virtual machine configured to provide a plurality of virtual CMTSs (vCMTSs). The CMTS may also include a plurality of subscriber groups. Each subscriber group of the plurality of subscriber groups may be assigned to a vCMTS of the plurality of vCMTSs. Additionally, each vCMTS is configured to provide a process.
US09369338B1 Network link capacity determination
A system and method is provided for identifying network links for augmentation based on potential link failures. In one aspect, the links are selected by identifying multiple shortest paths between a node pair and generating augmentation recommendations for a single link by accumulating recommendations based on multiple node pairs.
US09369337B2 Electronic patch device, network system, and operation method in network system
Provided are an electronic patch device, network system, and operation method in the network system. The network system includes n (n is a natural number equal to or greater than 1) network equipments, a backup network equipment used for backing up one of the n network equipments, n terminals connected to the n network equipments respectively, and a distributor connecting respective lines between the n network equipments and the n terminals and replacing one of the n network equipments with the backup network equipment according to necessity. Here, a plurality of the distributors are connected in parallel.
US09369319B1 Wireless communication device and method for identifying the type of modulation among a plurality of modulation types in a near filed communication device
A method for configuring a first near-field communication device according to a modulation type transmitted by a second device, wherein: a decoder of the first device is configured to decode an overcoded type-B modulation; a signal received during a first time slot corresponding to the duration of a symbol of an initialization frame is decoded; and the first device is configured according to the value of the decoded symbol to determine the modulation type.
US09369312B1 Low EMI signaling for parallel conductor interfaces
Methods are disclosed for creation of vector signaling codes having reduced or minimized electromagnetic emissions when transmitted over multiple conductor communications media such as microstrip channels. Particular code formulation constraints are shown to correlate with physical propagation characteristics leading to beneficial cancellation of far fields from adjacent signal conductors, and the number of such constraints may be chosen to balance EMI characteristics with information encoding capacity in the resulting code.
US09369304B2 Subnet scoped multicast/broadcast packet distribution over a routed network
In one embodiment, a subnet-scoped multicast packet is received on an interface of a forwarding device that is connected to a host device of a subnet of a forwarding domain. The received subnet-scoped multicast packet is transmitted from one or more other interfaces of the forwarding device that are connected to one or more other host devices of the subnet. The received subnet-scoped multicast packet is also encapsulated with an additional header. The encapsulated subnet-scoped multicast packet is forwarded from the forwarding device to an intermediate router which routes the encapsulated subnet-scoped multicast packet to one or more other forwarding devices configured to decapsulate the encapsulated subnet-scoped multicast packet and transmit the decapsulated subnet-scoped multicast packet to one or more connected host devices of an additional portion of the subnet.
US09369294B2 Reverse 911 using multicast session internet protocol (SIP) conferencing of voice over internet protocol (VoIP) users
A reverse 911 system uses voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP)/Session Internet Protocol (SIP) conferencing. An emergency alert message may be a text, video, MMS, hyperlink and/or image communicated simultaneously to multiple VoIP users via a SIP conference. Multiple SIP conferences may be cascaded to communicate with a larger number of users in a relevant group of users to be communicated with.
US09369293B2 Compressing singly linked lists sharing common nodes for multi-destination group expansion
A multi-destination expansion table is stored that comprises a first database containing data representing all nodes in a singly linked list that is a superset of nodes for a plurality of multi-destination groups and a second database storing data representing multi-destination group specific arcs across one or more nodes. The singly linked list is traversed to determine how to replicate a packet for a particular multi-destination group. The packet is replicated based on interface data stored in the first database associated with the current node address. When a match is found in the second database, a next node address is determined from the second database. When a match is not found in the second database, a next node address determined from accessing the first database. Traversing of the singly linked list is terminated when the next node address is determined to be invalid or null.
US09369290B2 Challenge-response authentication using a masked response value
Challenge-response authentication protocols are disclosed herein, including systems and methods for a first device to authenticate a second device. In one embodiment, the following operations are performed by the first device: (a) sending to the second device: (i) a challenge value corresponding to an expected response value known by the first device, and (ii) a hiding value; (b) receiving from the second device a masked response value; (c) obtaining an expected masked response value from the expected response value and the hiding value; and (d) determining whether the expected masked response value matches the masked response value received from the second device. The operations from the perspective of the second device are also disclosed, which in some embodiments include computing the masked response value using the challenge value, the hiding value, and secret information known to the second device.
US09369283B2 Method for entering password and portable electronic device and unlocking method and data authenticating method
A method for entering password and a portable electronic device using the same, a method for unlocking the portable electronic device and a data authenticating method are provided, wherein the portable electronic device includes a touch screen. The method includes displaying an interface for entering a somatosensory password, measuring and recording at least one angle variation of the portable electronic device on at least one dimension, and generating a somatosensory signal data set according to the at least one angle variation of the portable electronic device on the at least one dimension. The method further includes generating a user password data according to the somatosensory signal data set, encrypting the user password data according to an encryption algorithm to generate an encrypted user password data, and transmitting the encrypted user password data to an authentication unit.
US09369277B2 Encryption code generation using spin-torque NANO-oscillators
Embodiments include apparatuses, methods, and systems for generation of an encryption key. In various embodiments, an authentication circuit may include a first bank of spin-torque nano-oscillators (STNOs) including a plurality of STNOs to generate respective oscillation signals and a second bank of STNOs including a plurality of STNOs to generate respective oscillation signals. The authentication circuit may further include a key generation circuit to select a first oscillation signal from the plurality of oscillation signals associated with the first bank of STNOs and a second oscillation signal from the plurality of oscillation signals associated with the second bank of STNOs. The key generation circuit may generate an encryption key based on a frequency of the first oscillation signal and a frequency of the second oscillation signal.
US09369275B2 Key agreement in wireless networks with active adversaries
A network and related methods for transmitting processes in a network secretly and securely is described. The network use keys, through path-key establishment and a key pool bootstrapping, to ensure that packets are transmitted and received properly and secretly in the presence of one or more adversarial nodes.
US09369274B2 Cipher text translation
A computer system includes memory configured to store information regarding predetermined conditions of an encryption operation and a processor configured to analyze an inbound key and an outbound key of the encryption operation. The processor is also configured to determine that the encryption operation includes a translation from a first class of encryption to a second class of encryption based on the analyzing the inbound key and the outbound key, and to determine whether the translation is permitted based on the predetermined conditions.
US09369270B1 Dual-coupled phase-locked loops for clock and packet-based synchronization
A Synchronous Ethernet (SyncE) network device includes a pair of phase-locked loops including a first phase-locked loop responsive to a SyncE input clock and a second phase-locked loop coupled to the first phase-locked loop. The second phase-locked loop is configured to be simultaneously lockable to both the SyncE input clock via the first phase-locked loop and an IEEE 1588 packet stream, during a locked mode of operation, and also lockable to the SyncE input clock during a holdover mode of operation which is triggered in response to a failure of the IEEE 1588 packet stream.
US09369265B1 Data receiver
A data receiver includes a sampling clock generator configured to generate a sampling clock signal from an internal clock signal according to a data strobe signal, and a sampler configured to sample a data signal according to the sampling clock signal.
US09369263B1 Calibration of sampling phase and aperature errors in multi-phase sampling systems
Method and apparatus to calibrate sampling phases of a multi-phase sampling system. The method includes on-chip generating a pristine phase reference pattern signal for use in generating at least one reference output signal from a data path; sampling, responsive to a clock signal, the at least one reference output signal to obtain samples; and modifying a phase of the clock signal to align the obtained samples to pattern edges of at least one reference output signal. Both symmetric and asymmetric duty cycle distortion are removed from the pristine phase reference pattern signal input to the data path. The effects of asymmetric distortion in the data path output signal upon the phase calibration are cancelled by periodically inverting the at least one reference output signal. The method adjusts a first phase sampling clock signal output of an electronic phase rotator device to provide an initial alignment setting against a first edge of the reference output signal; and then implements phase calibration logic to align a second phase sampling clock signal against a second edge.
US09369261B2 Circuit for baseband harmonic rejection
A circuit for reducing counter-intermodulation in a modulated signal caused by an oscillator frequency and harmonics of a baseband signal is disclosed. The circuit comprises a first and a second baseband section arranged for generating a first and a second version of a baseband signal, the second version being phase shifted with respect to the first version. The circuit further comprises three signal paths comprising mixers for multiplication of the first and second version of the baseband signal with a local oscillator signal, so that three upconverted signals with rotated phase with respect to each other are obtained, and arranged for applying a scaling with a scaling factor corresponding to the rotated phases. The circuit further comprises a combination unit arranged for combining the three upconverted signals.
US09369259B2 W-band combiner-splitter fabricated using 3-D printing
Methods and systems are disclosed for scalable antenna arrays that may be built up using pluggable tiles that have low distortion, flat band high gain, and structured to channelize the signals into narrow bands that may be 40 MHz or even smaller bandwidth apart. Antenna array tiles may employ traveling wave tube (TWT) components and wafer scale arrays. H-topology, equal length, feed networks connect the signals to antenna elements. The fractal-like, recursively repeating at different size scales, structure for the H-tree feed networks, implemented using pluggable tiles, facilitates the scalability of the high gain waveguide antenna array. System integration across the 75-115 GHz spectral band implements scalable aperture architecture with emphasis on addressing considerations of the TX power requirement, feed network, channelizing signals at different frequency bands using specially designed diplexers and combiners, cooling, component placement, and isolation.
US09369257B2 Base station, mobile station, control method, and communication system
A base station communicates with a mobile station consecutively transmitting a predetermined number of data for each predetermined time interval. The base station includes a measuring unit that using a predetermined threshold value, determines reception quality of the predetermined number of data that are consecutive and received from the mobile station; and a control unit that in response to a result of the measurement by the measuring unit, executes control to output any one among first notification information to cause the mobile station to transmit the same data, for the predetermined time interval and second notification information to cause the mobile station to transmit plural data that are different from one another, for the predetermined time interval.
US09369251B2 Apparatus and method for transmitting muting information, and apparatus and method for acquiring channel state using same
The present disclosure relates to an apparatus and a method for transmitting muting information in a wireless communication system, and to an apparatus and a method for acquiring channel state using same. In an exemplary embodiment, muting information includes: a first data field, having a serving cell for receiving from peripheral cells in a multi-cell environment, at least one of a CSI-RS pattern, the number of CSI-RS antenna ports, a CSI-RS duty cycle, and CSI-RS transmission subframe offset information, and using same for expressing the cycle and the offset of muting subframes, which pertain to information on a resource block that can generate interference between the peripheral cells and CSI-RS; and a second data field for expressing a specific muting pattern, which must be muted within the muting subframes, having either 12 bits or 28 bits that display muting application in a bitmap format.
US09369249B2 Terminal inter-application network resource allocation method and device thereof
A terminal inter-application network resource allocation method comprises the following steps: a terminal determining, according to a set ratio, an allocation ratio of network bandwidth resources for network applications running at the foreground, and according to a statistical result, obtained by the terminal, of operational behavior performed by a user on each network application, determining an allocation ratio of unallocated network bandwidth resources for each network application; the terminal allocating network bandwidth resources to each network application according to the allocation ratio of the network bandwidth resources for each network application. According to the application, bandwidth allocation can be dynamically adjusted in real time according to user operations, so as to solve the problem that, when multiple applications are enabled, the data communication time of a current application increases because the network resources are occupied by other background applications.
US09369248B2 Method and communication node for mapping an enhanced physical downlink control channel, EPDCCH, message
A method in a communication node for mapping symbols of an Enhanced Physical Downlink Control Channel, EPDCCH, message is provided. The EPDCCH comprises one or more aggregation levels. For each aggregation level, an EPDCCH message is constituted by a set of Control Channel Elements, eCCEs. Each eCCE is mapped to a set of multiple enhanced Resource Element Groups, eREGs, wherein each eREG is a group of Resource Elements, REs, in a Physical Resource Block, PRB, pair. The communication node maps the symbols of the EPDCCH message to the set of REs that constitutes the multiple eREGs that the set of eCCEs correspond to. The order in which the EPDCCH symbols are mapped to the set of REs is dependent on the aggregation level.
US09369244B2 Method for reducing inter-Femtocell interference and Femtocell base station
The present invention discloses a method for reducing inter-Femtocell interference, including: obtaining an average channel gain of all available channels; determining whether the average channel gain is greater than a preset threshold; if the average channel gain is greater than the preset threshold, determining, by using spectrum sensing, a P channel and an N channel, where the P channel is one or more available channels causing greatest interference and the N channel is one or more available channels suffering greatest interference; and transmitting or receiving a signal in an available channel other than the P channel and the N channel.
US09369243B2 Method and apparatus for allocating and signaling ACK/NACK resources in a wireless communication system
Methods and apparatus are provided for receiving a physical downlink control channel in a wireless communication system. The physical downlink control channel is received. The physical downlink control channel is decoded. A scheduling type is determined using scheduling type information in the physical downlink control channel. Scheduling information is determined for a data channel according to the scheduling type.
US09369241B2 HARQ frame data structure and method of transmitting and receiving with HARQ in systems using blind detection
A HARQ frame data structure and methods of transmitting and receiving with HARQ in systems using blind detection. In one embodiment, a method of transmitting over a channel using HARQ includes transmitting a first frame containing data toward a blind detection receiver, and transmitting a second frame containing at least a portion of the data and information about the first frame toward the blind detection receiver.
US09369235B2 Maximizing data rate by adjusting codes and code rates
The present invention provides for making code rate adjustments and modulation type adjustments in a pseudonoise (PN) encoded CDMA system. Coding rate adjustments may be made by changing the number of information bits per symbol, or Forward Error Code (FEC) coding rate. A forward error correction (FEC) block size is maintained at a constant amount. Therefore, as the number of information bits per symbol are increased, an integer multiple of bits per epoch is always maintained. The scheme permits for a greater flexibility and selection of effective data rates providing information bit rates ranging from, for example, approximately 50 kilobits per second to over 5 mega bits per second (Mbps) in one preferred embodiment.
US09369233B2 Link adaptation in a wireless telecommunications system
The invention relates to control of link resources in a wireless telecommunications system, in which instant channel feedback information is transmitted from a mobile terminal in response to receipt of a selection message from a basestation, and the instant channel feedback information is used for real-time resource allocation and adaptation at the basestation. The feedback information includes channel quality information derived from pilot signals and from pre-allocated transmission weights.
US09369224B2 Clock synchronization method and device
Embodiments of the present invention provide a clock synchronization method and device. The method includes: receiving, a preconfigured multi-protocol label switching (MPLS) capability parameter and a traffic engineering (TE) capability parameter, and establishing, based on the MPLS capability parameter and the TE capability parameter, an MPLS tunnel interface; establishing, an MPLS TE tunnel whose bidirectional paths are consistent between the first clock synchronization device and a second clock synchronization device; and performing, clock synchronization message interaction with the second clock synchronization device through the established MPLS TE tunnel. In the embodiments of the present invention, by establishing the MPLS TE tunnel whose bidirectional paths are consistent between the first clock synchronization device and the second clock synchronization device which perform clock synchronization message interaction, symmetry of clock synchronization message interaction paths is ensured, and therefore, a time error in clock synchronization resulting from asymmetry of the paths is avoided.
US09369220B2 Receiving device
A receiving device that receives a signal in a receiving antenna. The receiving device includes a gain controller that adjusts a gain in the receiving device in response to information related to power of the signal, and a signal detector that determines whether, within a predetermined period after the information related to the power of the signal exceeds a first threshold value, the information related to the power of the signal exceeds a second threshold value which is larger than the first threshold value. The gain controller adjusts a search range of the gain in the receiving device based on a determination result of the signal detector with respect to the information related to the power of the signal.
US09369207B2 Apparatus and method for two-stage optical network
A manner of providing an energy-efficient two-stage PON using a multistage-PON repeater to forward data traffic and other communications between the first stage and the second stage. The multistage-PON repeater receives BI-PON transmission frames from and OLT and decimates them, forwarding data intended for end devices of the second stage. The multistage-PON repeater rate adapts the transmissions so that faster speeds may be associated with PON first stage communications and slower speeds are associated with PON second stage communications. Many though not all of the multistage-PON components are configured to operate at the slower clock speed, conserving energy. Upstream transmissions from the end devices of the second stage are buffered in the multistage-PON repeater and forwarded to the OLT according to an allocation schedule received from the OLT in a BI-PON frame.
US09369195B2 Satellite having a plurality of directional antennas for transmitting and/or receiving air-traffic control radio signals
The invention comprises a satellite (1) having at least one transmitting and/or receiving unit (2), which has an antenna assembly (3) for transmitting and/or receiving air-traffic control radio signals (4), wherein the antenna assembly (3) has a plurality of directional antennas (6a to 6c), which each form a respective transmitting and/or receiving sector (7a to 7c, 22a to 22e) within a defined transmitting and/or receiving area (21) and are designed to transmit and/or receive air-traffic control radio signals (4) in the respective transmitting and/or receiving sector (7a to 7c, 22a to 22e) of the directional antenna.
US09369188B2 Link prediction based re-beamforming triggering algorithm for 60 ghz communication links
A system and method are provided to trigger re-beamforming based on an algorithm that assesses various link characteristics. The algorithm is based on the ability of a 60 GHz receiving device to track and feedback a Received Signal Strength Indication (RSSI) to a 60 GHz data packet transmitter. By automatically analyzing RSSI values across a range of data packets, including consecutive data packets, a link degradation trend is predicted. When link degradation crosses, or is predicted to cross, a predetermined threshold, re-beamforming is triggered by the algorithm. Variables in the algorithm and the predetermined thresholds used by the algorithm can be automatically or manually modified to maintain a balance between appropriately triggering the re-beamforming when the conditions arise without unnecessarily triggering the re-beamforming thereby causing unneeded interruptions in regular data flow.
US09369178B2 PLC/power-supply hybrid device and device with communication function
A PLC/power-supply hybrid device includes a power supply circuit. The power supply circuit includes a switching part for chopping a voltage of a voltage input terminal side, and a control circuit that controls the chopping by controlling switching of the switching part. The control circuit is operated in a normal mode and a transmission mode. The normal mode is a mode in which voltage conversion is performed. The transmission mode is a mode in which data transmission is performed through PLC using a power line that leads to the voltage input terminal. In the transmission mode, the control circuit modulates the switching of the switching part in accordance with transmission data.
US09369171B2 Multi-standard in building mobile radio access network
A multi-standard indoor mobile radio access network is provided. Preferred embodiments of the present invention operate in accordance with a plurality of radio heads and at least one gateway/router. In one embodiment of the present invention, each radio head is configured to use a signal received from a wireless device to detect a corresponding service provider. Each radio is also configured to detect a power level of the signal, as received. Data is then communicated to the gateway/router, including at least radio head identification numbers, z-axis information (e.g., as stored in each radio head, etc.), the channels used, service provider identifiers, and power levels (e.g., as received by each radio head). The gateway/router is then configured to use at least the power levels and z-axis information provided by the plurality of radio heads to determine a location (e.g., z-axis location, or floor) of the wireless device.
US09369167B2 Cellular-phone case having retractable card holding structure
A cellular-phone case having a retractable card holding structure, intended to hold a card in such a way that the card is put into or taken out from the case. The cellular-phone case includes a case body and a card holding means. The case body has a seating space to allow a cellular phone to be seated therein, with an outlet formed at a predetermined position on a back portion of the case body in such a way as to communicate with the seating space. The card holding means includes a support panel fitted into the outlet, the card being disposed on the support panel, and an actuating body provided on a side of the support panel so as to be locked to the outlet. The outlet is provided in the case body, and the card holding means is provided to move into and out of the outlet.
US09369155B2 Apparatus and method for transmitting data using fountain code in wireless communication system
An apparatus and a method for transmitting data using a fountain code are provided. The method for transmitting data includes determining a degree distribution of a fountain code based on erasure rate information regarding at least one receiving end, performing fountain encoding according to the degree distribution, and transmitting symbols generated by the fountain encoding.
US09369152B2 Systems and methods for decoding with late reliability information
Systems and methods are provided for decoding data. A variable node value for a variable node is received at a first time, and reliability data for the variable node is received at a second time. The variable node is decoded using a first decoding scheme after the first time and before the second time, and the variable node is decoded using a second decoding scheme different from the first decoding scheme after the second time.
US09369149B1 Method and apparatus for efficient baseband unit processing in a communication system
The method and apparatus of the present invention provides for reduced power consumption and cost while supporting wide bandwidth signals from a large number of antennas, as is required by next generation systems. In accordance with the present invention, a method and apparatus are provided for processing data in a baseband unit in which compressed signals from remote radio units are sent directly to the switch instead of to a separate conversion device. Thereby, the local input and output bottleneck within processing devices is removed in the data path of the signals between the remote radio units and the baseband unit. This also reduces the number of ports in the switch and bandwidth requirement for the switch.
US09369145B2 Analog conversion device and programmable controller system
An analog conversion device includes an analog-to-digital (A/D) converter; a shared memory that has an A/D conversion-value storage area for storing the converted digital value and a log storage area for logging a digital value that is stored in the A/D conversion-value storage area and that can be read and accessed from a central processing unit (CPU) that controls an entire programmable controller; a logging execution unit that stores the digital value stored in the A/D conversion-value storage area in the log storage area as logging data; a fixed-number logging detection unit that monitors whether the number of the logging data to be stored in the log storage area has reached a predetermined number since the last interrupt generation request has been made; and an interrupt generation unit that makes an interrupt generation request to the CPU when the number of the logging data has reached the predetermined number.
US09369144B2 Analog-to-digital converter, image sensor including the same, and image processing device including the image sensor
An analog-to-digital converter includes a gain amplification unit configured to receive a pixel signal at a first node and to amplify a gain of the pixel signal, a first capacitor connected between the first node and a second node, an amplifier configured to receive and amplify a signal output from the gain amplification unit and the first capacitor, and a conversion circuit configured to convert an output signal of the amplifier to a digital signal based on a reference signal and output the digital signal as a first output signal.
US09369142B2 Multi-channel time-interleaved analog-to-digital converter
The present invention provides a multi-channel time-interleaved analog-to-digital converter, including: a clock generation circuit, configured to generate a work clock of the analog-to-digital converter; a channel ADC group, including M ADC channels, and configured to convert, under the control of the clock generation circuit and in a time division multiplexing manner, one high-speed analog input signal into M low-speed digital output signals; a channel mismatch detection circuit, configured to detect in real time timing skew errors of output signals of the M ADC channels; a signal compensation and reconstruction circuit, configured to perform, according to the timing skew parameters detected, compensation and reconstruction on the digital output signals output by the channel ADC group; and a signal combining circuit, configured to combine the M low-speed output signals that are of the channels and generated after the compensation by the signal compensation and reconstruction circuit.
US09369136B1 Digital phase controlled delay circuit
An adjustable phase clock generator circuit is described that may include a DLL and a phase adjustor to further adjust the phase of a selected clock phase from the DLL. Both the DLL and phase adjustor may be formed from current starved delay elements that are biased from a common bias generator circuit.
US09369133B2 Hybrid quantum circuit assembly
Systems and methods are provided for a hybrid qubit circuit assembly is provided. A first plural set of Josephson junctions is arranged in series on a first path between two nodes of a circuit. A second plural set of Josephson junctions is arranged in parallel with one another to form a direct current superconducting quantum interference device (DC SQUID). The DC SQUID is in parallel with the first plural set of Josephson junctions. A capacitor is in parallel with each of the first plural set of Josephson junctions and the DC SQUID.
US09369125B2 Bidirectional two-base bipolar junction transistor operation, circuits, and systems with collector-side base driven
Methods, systems, circuits, and devices for power-packet-switching power converters using bidirectional bipolar transistors (BTRANs) for switching. Four-terminal three-layer BTRANs provide substantially identical operation in either direction with forward voltages of less than a diode drop. BTRANs are fully symmetric merged double-base bidirectional bipolar opposite-faced devices which operate under conditions of high non-equilibrium carrier concentration, and which can have surprising synergies when used as bidirectional switches for power-packet-switching power converters. BTRANs are driven into a state of high carrier concentration, making the on-state voltage drop very low.
US09369121B2 Driving method and driving circuit for power switching device
According to example embodiments, a method of driving a power switch device includes applying a first voltage to a gate electrode of the power switch device, and applying a drive voltage to the gate electrode of the power switch device after applying the first voltage to the gate electrode of the power switch device. The first voltage is higher than the drive voltage of the power switch device in a turn-on state.
US09369118B2 Duty cycle correction circuit and semiconductor device
According to one embodiment, there is provided a duty cycle correction circuit including an input inverter, an output inverter, a charge distribution unit, and a drawing-off unit. The input inverter includes a PMOS transistor and an NMOS transistor and receives a clock signal. The output inverter outputs a clock signal according to a signal transmitted via a signal line from the input inverter. The charge distribution unit distributes, when one transistor of the PMOS transistor and the NMOS transistor is turned on, charge to capacitance elements selected from among one or more first capacitance elements placed on side of the signal line and among a plurality of second capacitance elements disposed on side of source of the one transistor. The drawing-off unit draws off the distributed charge from the selected capacitance elements while the one transistor is maintained to be on.
US09369115B2 Voltage doubler and nonvolating memory device having the same
A voltage doubler includes first to fourth transistors, a first capacitor connected between a first node and a first clock terminal configured to receive a first clock signal. A second capacitor is connected between a second node and a second clock terminal configured to receive an inverted first clock signal. A first gate control unit is configured to control the first and second transistors using the first clock signal and the inverted first clock signal, and a second gate control unit is configured to control the third and fourth transistors using a second clock signal and an inverted second clock signal. A load capacitor is connected between the output terminal and a ground terminal.
US09369114B2 EMI control method and apparatus, and electronic device
An electromagnetic interference (EMI) control method to adjust initial clock phases of radiation sources of an electronic device, so as to control EMI of the electronic device. The EMI control method includes determining positions of radiation sources; determining a preset angle of the radiation sources; calculating an initial phase difference by position between the radiation sources according to the positions of the radiation sources and the preset angle of the radiation sources; calculating, according to the initial phase difference by position, determined initial clock phases of the radiation sources when a far-field superimposed field strength is a limiting value; and configuring a phase-adjustable clock driver of the electronic device using the determined initial clock phases, so as to adjust initial clock phases of the radiation sources to the determined initial clock phases.
US09369113B2 Impedance adjusting device
An impedance adjusting device includes a power output port, a ground terminal, a capacitor assembly including at least one capacitor, and a power output port. The power input port is electronically connected to a switching power supply, and the capacitor is electronically connected between the power input port and the ground terminal. The capacitor is connected in parallel to an output capacitor of the switching power supply to regulate a flat impedance of the switching power supply when an audio signal is played at full 20 Hz to 20 KHz frequencies at the same output audio voltage level.
US09369106B2 Tunable metamaterials
A metamaterial comprises a support medium, such as a planar dielectric substrate and a plurality of resonant circuits supported thereby. At least one resonant circuit is a tunable resonant circuit including a conducting pattern and a tunable material, so that an electromagnetic parameter (such as resonance frequency) may be adjusted using an electrical control signal applied to the tunable material.
US09369092B2 Feed-forward amplifier device and method thereof
The present application discloses a feed-forward amplifier device and the method thereof. The device comprises: a splitter for splitting an input signal into two portions; a non-linear amplifier for amplifying the input signal and producing inter-modulation products; a carrier canceling unit for generating pure inter-modulation products; a linear amplifier for amplifying the pure inter-modulation products; and a coupler for generating final output signal by counteracting the inter-modulation products with the amplified pure inter-modulation products; wherein the splitter and the carrier canceling unit are provided in digital base band. According to the present disclosure, pure inter-modulation products can be generated and adjusted more flexibly and more accurately in digital base band, and hence ideal output signal may be generated.
US09369084B2 Solar cell module
A transparent protective member includes first main surface and a second main surface, and having a curved surface shape. Solar cell panels are attached to the second main surface of the transparent protective member. An amount member attaches the solar cell panels to the second main surface. A connection member electrically connects the solar cell panels each other. The first main surface serves as a light-receiving surface. Each of the panels comprises a solar cell string including solar cells electrically connected to each other, a transparent first resin base member provided on one side of the solar cell string beside the transparent protective member, a second resin base member on the opposite side of the solar cell string from the first resin base member, and a filler layer provided between the first resin base member and the second resin base member and in which the solar cell string is encapsulated.
US09369076B2 Dynamic braking system for an electric power system and method of operating the same
A dynamic braking system for an electric power system includes a switching device coupled to an electrical conductor. The switching device is configured to open and close with a plurality of predetermined frequencies. The dynamic braking system also includes an inductive device coupled to the switching device. The power losses of the inductive device are at least partially a function of the plurality of predetermined frequencies. The dynamic braking system further includes a dynamic braking controller coupled to the switching device. The dynamic braking controller is configured to open and close the switching device with at least one of the predetermined frequencies to dissipate electric power from the electrical conductor at a predetermined rate by regulating the power losses of the inductive device as a function of the predetermined frequencies.
US09369070B2 Method for correcting torque for substituting permanent-split capacitormotor by electronically-commutated motor
A method for correcting torque including: presetting rotational speed of each gear by corresponding gear input lines of a microprocessor; providing a mechanism to select one rotational speed set; electing N power points within a range of the rated power, acquiring a set of torque data corresponding to each set of the rotational speed at each power point, and storing a total 2×N sets of torque data; allowing the motor to enter the torque correction mode; recording a steady torque Tadj when the motor operates in a steady state; and comparing the steady torque Tadj with a maximum gear torque Tmax, and selecting the set of torque data to which T[M]max belongs when the steady torque Tadj satisfies the relationship: 110%×T[M−1]max
US09369067B2 Vibrational wave driving apparatus
A vibrational wave driving apparatus in the present invention includes an elastic member attached to an electromechanical energy transducing member, a pair of electrodes provided on the electromechanical energy transducing member, a wiring unit connecting the pair of electrodes and a voltage applying unit, and a driven body configured to be pressure contacted with the elastic member. The driven body is relatively driven by mechanical vibration of the elastic member generated when an alternating voltage is applied to the pair of electrodes. The wiring unit includes a pair of wiring portions connected to the pair of electrodes, respectively. The pair of wiring portions includes a pair of film-like bases and a pair of conductors formed on surfaces of the pair of film-like bases. The pair of wiring portions is arranged such that the pair of conductors overlaps each other through insulating layers.
US09369064B2 Current source inverter and operation method thereof
A current source inverter includes a controller, an input unit, a buffer unit, a modulating unit, and a commutator. The controller generates a switch control signal, an inverse switch control signal, a first pulse width modulation control signal, and a second pulse width modulation control signal. The input unit stores and transmits input power of a direct current power supply according to the first pulse width modulation control signal. The buffer unit is coupled to the input unit for receiving and transmitting the input power. The modulating unit generates and outputs a full-wave rectified sinusoidal current according to the second pulse width modulation control signal and the input power. The commutator converts the full-wave rectified sinusoidal current into an alternating current according to the switch control signal and the inverse switch control signal and outputs the alternating current to a load or a utility line.
US09369060B2 Power generation system and package
A power generation system includes an input to receive a low-voltage alternating current and a number N of voltage-conversion modules coupled to the input, each electrically connected in series. Each voltage-conversion module includes a transformer configured to convert the low-voltage alternating current into a high-voltage alternating current. Each voltage-conversion module includes a multiplier configured to convert the high-voltage alternating current from the transformer into a high-voltage direct current. The multiplier includes a positive multiplier part and a negative multiplier part. The positive multiplier part and the negative multiplier part each includes a pair of input terminals connected in parallel with the transform and at least one multiplier stage comprising a single diode and a capacitor assembly. The number N is an even number between 4 and 24.
US09369052B1 Plural commutated-element direct-current current transformer
The present invention provides a plural commutated-element direct-current current transformer (DCCT) that offers wide bandwidth together with freedom from transient disturbances caused by commutation. Plural commutated elements, each comprising a commutating switch and a current transformer each generate, responsive to a commutating signal, a current in a burden, each burden generating in turn a signal representing a DCCT input current. The commutating signal for each element is out of phase with such signals driving other commutated elements. Because of this phase difference, at any given time at least one commutated element is producing a signal free of transient disturbances from commutation. A selector switch, responsive to a selector signal out of phase with all commutating signals, connects to a DCCT output terminal only a burden signal representing the input current that is presently free of transient disturbances.
US09369044B2 Multi-phase power circuit
According to one embodiment, a power circuit includes an input terminal 1 to which a DC input voltage is applied, an output terminal 2, a first DC/DC converter which receives the DC input voltage and supplies a first phase output current to the output terminal 2, a second DC/DC converter which supplies an output current lower than the first phase output current to the output terminal in a second phase which is different from the first phase, and a controller which controls operations of the first and second DC/DC converters.
US09369043B2 Phase current balancing for multiphase converters
A DC-DC converter includes a first differential voltage sensor to detect a first inductor current by sensing a first differential voltage across a first power stage of the DC-DC converter. A second differential voltage sensor detects a second inductor current by sensing a second differential voltage across a second power stage of the DC-DC converter. An integrator stage combines the first differential voltage from the first power stage and the second differential voltage from the second power stage to generate a compensation signal to adjust current balancing for the DC-DC converter.
US09369039B2 Driving device, light-emitting device, projection device, control method, and storage medium
A driving device includes: a power source circuit that converts inputted power to a constant voltage or constant current power, and outputs this converted power; a driver circuit that supplies the power outputted by the power source circuit to a load; and a control unit that receives the voltage or current of the power outputted by the power source circuit, calculates a value by multiplying a control gain by a difference of the detected value and a constant target value, and outputs a feedback signal based on this calculated value to the power source circuit, thereby performing feedback control on the power source circuit, the control unit raising the control gain when the voltage or current of the power outputted by the driver circuit is changed.
US09369028B2 Electronically commutated motor
An electronically commutated motor, including: a motor body and a motor controller. The motor controller includes a control box and a circuit board disposed in the control box. The circuit board includes a microprocessor, an inverter circuit, a gear detection circuit, and a power supply. The gear detection circuit includes a plurality of current sensing units. The output end of the power supply supplies power to each circuit, and a first AC input end of the power supply is connected to a first power input line N. The gear detection circuit is connected to a plurality of gear input lines. At least one of the gear input lines is selected to be in an energized state. Each gear input line is correspondingly connected to a first input end of one of the current sensing units.
US09369009B2 Power transmitting device and power transmission system
A casing of a power transmitting device is provided with a power transmitting device side passive electrode, a power transmitting device side active electrode, and a power transmitting module. A jacket mounted on a terminal is provided with a power receiving device side passive electrode, a power receiving device side active electrode, a power receiving module, and a DC-DC converter. A heat sink portion with fins is formed on a portion of the power transmitting device side passive electrode. When the terminal is mounted on the power transmitting device, the power receiving device side passive electrode is electrically connected to the power transmitting device side passive electrode, and the power receiving device side active electrode faces the power transmitting device side active electrode. In this state, the heat of the power receiving module and the DC-DC converter is dissipated from the power transmitting device side passive electrode.
US09369005B2 Energy extraction
This disclosure describes techniques and systems for extracting energy from the endocochlear potential (EP) in animal subjects (e.g., human subjects) and using the extracted energy to operate circuits (e.g., electronic device, sensors, and transmitters). The subject matter of this disclosure is embodied, for example, in a system for extracting energy from an endocochlear potential of an animal, wherein the system includes a pair of electrodes, and a circuit coupled to the pair of electrodes. The circuit includes a boost converter, an energy buffer component configured to receive voltage from the boost converter, a start-up rectifier configured to provide voltage to the energy buffer component, and a control component configured to provide control signals to the boost converter. The power extracted from the endocochlear potential is equal or larger than the quiescent power of the circuit.
US09368997B2 Systems involving magnetic attachment for portable electronic devices and related methods
Systems involving magnetic attachment for portable electronic devices and related methods are provided. In this regard, a representative system includes: a magnetic attachment system operative to generate a magnetic field, the magnetic attachment system being operative to vary a strength of the magnetic field based, at least in part, on a control input such that a portable electronic device is magnetically attached to the electronic apparatus.
US09368995B2 Lithium ion battery charging method and battery-equipped device
In a charging method for a lithium ion battery, constant current charging of the lithium ion battery is performed. The constant current charging includes at least three consecutive charging stages. The at least three consecutive charging stages include consecutive first, second, and third charging stages. The second charging stage has a set current value which is set lower than set current values of the first and third charging stages.
US09368974B2 Efficient and robust wireless energy transfer
A method or apparatus for wireless transferring energy between a source coil and a drain coil, comprises selling an initial resonant frequency of the source coil as a first condition; setting the source coil and said drain coil in positions relative to each other to define an initial coupling coefficient therebetween, so that the initial coupling coefficient comprises a second condition; and adiabatically changing one or both of the conditions while pumping energy into the source coil. The source coil energy is transferred to the drain coil over the course of the adiabatic change.
US09368971B2 Multiple renewables site electrical generation and reactive power control
A method of configuring a renewable energy curtailment and control system uses a master controller and a plurality of controllers configured to control a cluster of renewable energy resources to deliver predetermined amounts of actual power and reactive power to a point of interconnect with a grid in accordance with contractual requirements with users of electrical power while reducing reactive power flow between renewable resources in the cluster.
US09368967B1 Converter for connecting multiple AC voltage sources to a utility grid without first rectifying the AC to a common DC bus
Diodes and switching means as well as an autotransformer connect multiple AC sources of variable frequency and voltage to the utility grid, without first rectifying and thereby transferring the AC input energy to a common DC bus. Instead, the individual positive and negative AC input half waves or parts of those half waves, if and when they occur during a particular time interval, are injected into the positive or negative half wave of the utility AC power directly and respectively. The amount of energy transferred may be controlled by a microprocessor. Assuming the prime mover that generates AC voltages in multiple coils is a windmill, then the required circuitry to accomplish this energy transfer will be physically small enough to allow that circuitry to reside in the windmill itself, and thereby this energy conversion method significantly simplifies the installation of a windmill that uses this energy conversion method.
US09368964B2 Distributed power system using direct current power sources
A distributed power system including multiple (DC) batteries each DC battery with positive and negative poles. Multiple power converters are coupled respectively to the DC batteries. Each power converter includes a first terminal, a second terminal, a third terminal and a fourth terminal. The first terminal is adapted for coupling to the positive pole. The second terminal is adapted for coupling to the negative pole. The power converter includes: (i) a control loop adapted for setting the voltage between or current through the first and second terminals, and (ii) a power conversion portion adapted to selectively either: convert power from said first and second terminals to said third and fourth terminals to discharge the battery connected thereto, or to convert power from the third and fourth terminals to the first and second terminals to charge the battery connected thereto. Each of the power converters is adapted for serial connection to at least one other power converter by connecting respectively the third and fourth terminals, thereby forming a serial string. A power controller is adapted for coupling to the serial string. The power controller includes a control part adapted to maintain current through or voltage across the serial string at a predetermined value.
US09368940B2 Semiconductor device and manufacturing method of semiconductor device
To provide a semiconductor laser that suppresses end face destruction due to catastrophic optical damage (COD) to a light emission end face and has high output characteristics.An n-type clad layer, a current block layer, an active layer, and a p-type clad layer are provided over an n-type substrate whose major plane has an off-angle in a <1-100> direction from a (0001) plane. For example, the current block layer is arranged on both sides of a current constriction area. Then, the current block layer is arranged so as to be retracted from a cleavage plane (line). In this case, in the active layer having a quantum well structure that is crystal-grown over the n-type clad layer and the current block layer, the layer thickness of a window area from the cleavage plane (line) up to the end part of the current block layer is smaller than the layer thickness of the current constriction area (area between the current block layers). As a result, the band gap of the active layer in the window area becomes large, and thus it is possible to suppress end face destruction due to the COD.
US09368939B2 Manufacturable laser diode formed on C-plane gallium and nitrogen material
A method for manufacturing a laser diode device includes providing a substrate having a surface region and forming epitaxial material overlying the surface region, the epitaxial material comprising an n-type cladding region, an active region comprising at least one active layer overlying the n-type cladding region, and a p-type cladding region overlying the active layer region. The epitaxial material is patterned to form a plurality of dice, each of the dice corresponding to at least one laser device, characterized by a first pitch between a pair of dice, the first pitch being less than a design width. Each of the plurality of dice are transferred to a carrier wafer such that each pair of dice is configured with a second pitch between each pair of dice, the second pitch being larger than the first pitch.
US09368927B2 Connector
A connector is mateable with a mating connector along a mating direction. The mating connector includes a plurality of mating contacts. The connector comprising a plurality of contacts which are held by a housing. Each of the contacts has a contact portion, a terminal portion and an intersecting portion. The terminal portion is positioned at a position different from a position of the contact portion in a pitch direction perpendicular to the mating direction. The intersecting portion is positioned between the contact portion and the terminal portion. The intersecting portions intersect both the mating direction and the pitch direction in a plane which is defined by the mating direction and the pitch direction. The contacts include at least a plurality of first contacts and a plurality of second contacts. The contact portions of the second contacts are positioned apart from the contact portions of the first contacts in a predetermined direction perpendicular to both the mating direction and the pitch direction. The first contacts include signal contacts which constitute at least one differential pair. The signal contacts of the differential pair have shapes same as each other.
US09368925B2 Terminal connector assembly for a medical electrical lead
An IS-4 terminal connector assembly includes three terminal electrodes positioned over an inner tubular member such that they are radially offset from one another. Each of the terminal ring electrodes are configured such that they can withstand both tensile and cyclical bending loads with minimal compromise in their outer geometry. Additionally, each of the terminal electrodes is configured such that they have both an inner and outer geometry that facilitates adequate insulation between a select terminal electrode and an adjacent conductor. Additionally, each of the terminal ring electrodes is configured such that they facilitate an external approach to staking a cable conductor.
US09368914B2 Communication jack having a flexible printed circuit board with jackwire contacts mounted thereon
Communications jacks include at least first through third jackwire contacts and a flexible substrate that has a first finger and a second finger. The first jackwire contact and the third jackwire contact are each mounted on the first finger and the second jackwire contact is mounted on the second finger.
US09368912B1 Jumper cables with keyed connectors
The jumper cables with keyed connectors includes a set of jumper cables that include keyed connectors in-line in order to prevent a short across a vehicular electrical circuit or an explosion of a vehicular battery. The jumper cables with keyed connectors include a positive line and a negative line. Both the positive line and the negative line include male plugs that are keyed to connect with receptacles built onto the vehicular batteries. The plurality of connection units insures that only the appropriate components plug together thereby preventing inadvertent shorting across the jumper cables.
US09368907B2 Connector assembly
A male connector (20) for connection to a female connector (30) to form a water tight connector (40) is disclosed. A plug connector body (2) and a connector overmold (5) are connected together where the plug connector body (2) of hard urethane material is molded with no mold parting lines. The soft connector overmold (5) of soft urethane is fitted about a portion of the plug connector body (2) with heat applied such that the plug body (2) and overmold (5) are fused together along their connecting surfaces so that substantially no water ingress into the connection of plug body (2) and connector overmold (5) is possible. An “O” ring (14) is placed in an annular space (12) defined between facing shoulders of the connector overmold (5) and the plug connector body (2). Annular alignment keyways (16) of; the female connector (30) engage the “O” ring (14) to seal the male connector (20) and female connector (30) from water ingress.
US09368906B2 Electric terminal
A terminal to be inserted into a storage space formed in a housing includes a hollow sheath portion, and a first engagement portion to be engaged with the storage space, the first engagement portion including a first inclining portion, and a first abutment portion extending from an upper end of the first inclining portion towards the sheath portion and making abutment at a lower end thereof with a ceiling of the sheath portion, the terminal being formed of a single metal sheet, the first engagement portion being formed by bending a projecting part around a direction intersecting with the axis of the sheath portion, the projecting part being a part of the metal sheet defining the sheath portion and extending in parallel with a direction in which the terminal is inserted into the housing.
US09368905B2 Potting compound chamber designs for electrical connectors
An electrical chamber is disclosed herein. The electrical chamber can include at least one wall forming a cavity, where the at least one wall includes a first end and an inner surface. The electrical chamber can also include a first isolation zone disposed on the inner surface at a first distance from the first end, where the first isolation zone is formed by a first bridge, a first underhang, and a first isolation zone inner surface, where the first bridge protrudes inward toward the cavity from the inner surface, and where the first underhang extends from a distal end of the first bridge. The cavity can be configured to receive at least one electrical conductor. The cavity and the first isolation zone can be configured to receive a potting compound.
US09368902B2 Connector
A connector according to an aspect of the invention is a connector provided with a rear connector that includes a rear housing, and a front connector that includes a front housing and that is assembled to the rear connector; the rear housing contains a terminal of a cable end, and the front housing contains a mating terminal to be connected to the terminal; and the rear housing is provided with a checking window through which the terminal is exposed to outside and a voltage of the terminal can be checked, and a waterproof lid which closes the checking window in a sealed state.
US09368898B2 Conductive connecting terminals
A conductive connecting terminal has a main body which includes a front section, a rear section and an intermediate section between the front section and the rear section. The conductive connecting terminal also has a sealing member surrounding an outer surface of the intermediate section and forming a transition connecting surface with the outer surface of the intermediate section. The sealing member is inseparably fixed on the intermediate section. The embodiments further provide an array of conductive connecting terminals formed by stamping and having a plurality of conductive connecting terminals arranged in parallel and connected at their respective rear ends through a carrier.
US09368895B2 Terminal and connector
The terminal has a base portion held by a terminal holding member, and a contact arm portion extending from the base portion and contacting the contact portion of another terminal. In this terminal, the contact arm portion includes a cantilevered first frame portion and second frame portion extending from the base portion, a connecting frame portion connecting a free end of the first frame portion and a free end of the second frame portion, a contact protruding portion formed in the first frame portion, and a contact face formed in the contact protruding portion; and the contact face moves in a parallel direction and maintains contact with a contact face of a contact portion of another terminal when the contact arm portion is elastically deformed by contact with the contact portion of the other terminal.
US09368888B2 Electrical connector with a screwing member to fix a load plate to a housing
An electrical connector (100) includes an insulating housing (5) with a plurality of contacts received therein, a load plate (1) covering on the insulating housing (5) and a screwing member (2) assembled to the load plate (1). The screwing member (2) includes a head portion (20) with a plurality of tooth portions (201), the load plate (1) includes a tongue portion (12) with a fixing hole (120) for the screwing member (2) going through, a recess (121) near the fixing hole (120) and a block (1210) in the recess (121), during the process of screwing the screwing member (2), the tooth portions (201) touch with the block (1210) for making a sound.
US09368887B2 Arrangement for connecting a pluggable transceiver
An apparatus including a socket forming at least one compartment together with a printed circuit board assembly. The compartment including a first side wall, a second side wall, a ceiling, and an opening for receiving one pluggable transceiver, such that when the pluggable transceiver is inserted into the opening, a transceiver contact of the pluggable transceiver is connected to a respective board contact of the printed circuit board assembly. A clamping means is arranged along at least one surface of: the first side wall, the second side wall and the ceiling, to exert a pressure on the pluggable transceiver towards a surface that is opposed the surface on which the clamping means is arranged. The opposed being one of: the second side wall, the first side wall, and the printed circuit board assembly, when the pluggable transceiver is inserted into the opening.
US09368883B2 Multi-cable connector
A multi-cable connector includes a main body, a plurality of cable assemblies, and a fixing unit. The cable assemblies are inserted into the main body. Each cable assembly has a connecting head and a cable. The fixing unit is installed on the main body. The fixing unit has a plurality of notches for providing the cables to respectively couple there-through. The fixing unit abuts against the connecting heads for holding the connecting heads between the main body and the fixing unit.
US09368882B2 Electrical device with a busbar assembly having a frame providing access for laser welding
An electrical device having an electrical component, which has an electric terminal, and a busbar assembly having a busbar and a frame. The busbar is formed of a strip of conductive material and has first and second busbar sides that are opposite from one another. The frame has a busbar seat and a cover member. The busbar seat extends through a first frame side of the frame. The busbar is received into the busbar seat and seated to the frame such that the first busbar side is spaced apart from the first frame side so that the busbar is contained wholly within the frame. The cover member abuts the second busbar side and defines an irradiation aperture that is configured to receive a laser beam from a laser welder therethrough. A laser weld fuses the busbar to the electric terminal.
US09368877B2 Multi-array antenna
A multi-array antenna having superior electrical properties is disclosed. The multi-array antenna includes a reflector plate; first radiators arranged over a surface of the reflector plate and configured to form a first beam; and second radiators arranged over a surface of the reflector plate and configured to form a second beam. Here, one of the first radiators and one of the second radiators are arranged in an imaginary first line along a lengthwise direction of the reflector plate, another one of the first radiators and another one of the second radiators are arranged in an imaginary second line, the first radiator arranged in the first line and the first radiator arranged in the second line are positioned in a diagonal direction, and the second radiator arranged in the first line and the second radiator arranged in the second line are positioned in a diagonal direction.
US09368872B2 Methods of encapsulating an antenna
Methods relating to providing a tuned miniature antenna and/or encapsulating such antenna inside the energy storage device.
US09368848B2 Aluminum-halogen fuel cell
An aluminum-halogen fuel cell has a positive electrode (2), a negative electrode (3), and an electrolyte (4) containing an ionic liquid represented by formula (1) or the like. In formula (1), R1 represents an unsubstituted or substituent-containing C1 to C20 alkyl group, R2 represents a C1 to C4 alkyl group or the like, each of R3 and R4 independently represents a hydrogen atom or the like, X represents AlCl4 or the like, and Y represents Al2Cl7 or the like.
US09368841B2 Battery power capability estimation at vehicle start
A vehicle is disclosed comprising a battery and a controller. Projected battery impedance parameters are calculated based on predetermined parameter values and historical parameter values generated by a battery parameter estimation model. The values may be weighted according to time data associated with the historical impedance parameter values and a temperature of the battery. Recent historical impedance parameter values may affect the projected battery impedance parameter values more than older historical impedance parameter values. The model is initialized with projected parameter values at vehicle initialization. Battery power capability is calculated using the projected parameter values for a period of time following vehicle initialization. After the period of time following vehicle initialization, battery power capability is calculated using impedance parameters generated by the model. The period of time following vehicle initialization may end when the model output has converged to a stable solution.
US09368838B2 Battery module providing for disconnection of an abnormal cell
A battery module is configured such that n series blocks 20, each having m cells 10 connected in series, are connected in parallel. Adjacent cells 10 are connected in parallel via a first fusible link 30. One end of each of the series block 20 is connected to an input/output terminal 50 via a second fusible link 40. The number m of the cells 10 and the number n of the series blocks satisfy the formulas (1) and (2): m≦½[Vc/Rc·If1−Rf1/Rc+3]  (1) n≧(Vc+If2·Rc)/[Vc−(m−1)If2·Rc]  (2) where Vc and Rc represent an electromotive voltage and an internal resistance of the cell 10, respectively; Rf1 and If1 represent a resistance and a fuse current of the first fusible link 30, respectively; and If2 represents a fuse current of the second fusible link 40.
US09368836B2 Additive for lithium ion rechargeable battery cells
A lithium ion rechargeable battery cell includes an anode having electroactive material-containing particles wherein the electroactive material is selective from one or more of silicon, germanium, and tin. A cathode includes an active material adapted to incorporate lithium and also to liberate lithium electrochemically. The anode is adapted to incorporate lithium during lithiation. Also provided is an electrolyte, wherein the electrolyte includes both a cyclic carbonate having a vinyl group and a fluorinated cyclic carbonate. The total amount of the cyclic carbonate including a vinyl group and the fluorinated cyclic carbonate together is in the range of 3.5 wt % to 70 wt % based on the total weight of the electrolyte solution.
US09368835B2 Additives for non-aqueous electrolyte and secondary battery using the same
Disclosed are an electrolyte for a secondary battery, and a secondary battery including the same, the electrolyte including an electrolyte salt; an electrolyte solvent; and a compound generating heat through oxidation at voltages higher than drive voltage of a cathode, wherein the compound can decompose or evaporate electrolyte components by oxidation heat, thereby causing gas generation. Also, the compound is included in an internal pressure increase accelerant for a battery. Upon overcharge, since a compound subjected to oxidation at voltages higher than normal drive voltage of a cathode generates heat, electrolyte components can be decomposed or evaporated, thereby generating gas by the oxidation heat. Accordingly, it is possible to operate a safety means of a battery, without using an internal pressure increasing material directly generating gas through oxidation at overcharge voltage as the electrolyte additive, and thus to improve the overcharge safety of a secondary battery.
US09368822B2 Electrolyte membrane for solid polymer-type fuel cell, method for producing same, and solid polymer-type fuel cell
An object of the present invention is to provide an electrolyte membrane that suppresses swelling and shrinkage caused by water retained in the electrolyte membrane for a solid polymer-type fuel cell, improves the durability of the electrolyte membrane, and obtains excellent power generation characteristics with a low resistance. The electrolyte membrane for a solid polymer-type fuel cell includes, as a reinforcing membrane, a nonwoven fabric composed of an electrolyte material and PVDF bicomponent fibers 2a, thereby improving the durability of the electrolyte membrane. Furthermore, the bicomponent fiber 2a has pores 23 that can effectively retain generated water, thereby improving battery performance under the condition of a low humidity.
US09368821B2 Composite electrolyte membrane for fuel cell, method for producing the electrolyte membrane and fuel cell including the electrolyte membrane
Disclosed is a composite electrolyte membrane for a fuel cell. The composite electrolyte membrane includes a polybenzimidazole-based polymer and a metal-grafted porous structure. The composite electrolyte membrane is doped with phosphoric acid. The metal-containing porous structure is present in an amount of 0.1 to 30% by weight, based on the weight of the polymer. The presence of the metal-containing porous structure allows the fuel cell electrolyte membrane to have excellent thermal properties and high proton conductivity.
US09368815B2 Fuel cell
A fuel cell includes a membrane electrode assembly and a separator. The separator includes a reactant gas inlet manifold, a reactant gas outlet manifold, a reactant gas channel, an inlet connection channel, an inlet buffer portion, an outlet buffer portion, and an outlet connection channel. A pressure drop through the inlet buffer portion is less than a pressure drop through the reactant gas channel when a reactant gas flows from the reactant gas inlet manifold to the reactant gas channel. A pressure drop through the outlet buffer portion is less than a pressure drop through the outlet connection channel when the reactant gas flows from the reactant gas channel to the reactant gas outlet manifold.
US09368813B2 Drainage structure for gas outlet region in fuel cell stack
A fuel cell stack includes a laminated body in which a plurality of electricity generation cells are laminated and is provided with a reaction gas discharge through hole which discharges a reaction gas used in an electricity generation reaction. An end plate is arranged at one end in the lamination direction of the laminated body and is provided with a reaction gas outlet which communicates with the reaction gas discharge through hole. A drainage structure has an outlet pipe coupled to the reaction gas outlet. A tip end portion of the outlet pipe on the downstream side in the reaction gas discharge flow direction opens downward. Umbrella-shaped protrusion portions are provided within the outlet pipe. These protrusion portions have a shape which tapers toward the upstream side with respect to the reaction gas discharge flow direction, dividing the continuous flow of the discharged liquid and the reaction gas.
US09368810B2 Interconnect and end plate design for fuel cell stack
Various embodiments include interconnects and/or end plates having features for reducing stress in a fuel cell stack. In embodiments, an interconnect/end plate may have a window seal area that is recessed relative to the flow field to indirectly reduce stress induced by an interface seal. Other features may include a thicker protective coating and/or larger uncoated area of an end plate, providing a recessed portion on an end plate for an interface seal, and/or recessing the fuel hole region of an interconnect relative to the flow field to reduce stress on the fuel cell. Further embodiments include providing intermittent seal support to minimize asymmetric seal loading and/or a non-circular seal configuration to reduce stress around the fuel hole of a fuel cell.
US09368805B2 Catalyst for polymer electrolyte fuel cell and method for producing the same
The present invention provides a catalyst for a polymer electrolyte fuel cell including catalyst particles made of platinum supported on a carbon powder carrier, wherein the carbon powder carrier includes 0.7 to 3.0 mmol/g (based on the weight of the carrier) of a hydrophilic group bonded thereto; and the platinum particles have an average particle size of 3.5 to 8.0 nm and the platinum specific surface area based on CO adsorption (COMSA) of 40 to 100 m2/g. The catalyst for a polymer electrolyte fuel cell according to the present invention is a catalyst excellent in initial activity and satisfactory in durability.
US09368801B2 Spherical, porous carbon structure and a production method therefor
The present application relates to a spherical, porous structure which is formed using a mold taking the form of a spherical nanoparticle aggregate, and relates to a production method therefor. According to one aspect of the present application, the production method for the spherical, porous structure comprises: the use of a mold taking the form of a spherical nanoparticle-carbon precursor aggregate comprising a carbon precursor on the surfaces of a plurality of nanoparticles, formed by removing solvent from droplets comprising the carbon precursor and the plurality of nanoparticles.
US09368792B2 Negative active material for rechargeable lithium battery, method of preparing the same, and rechargeable lithium battery including the same
Disclosed are a negative active material for a rechargeable lithium battery including a spherically-shaped natural graphite-modified composite particle including: a spherically-shaped natural graphite particle where flake-shaped natural graphite fragments build up and assemble into a cabbage or random shape; and amorphous or semi-crystalline carbon, wherein an open gap between the flake-shaped natural graphite fragments is positioned on a surface part or inside the spherically-shaped natural graphite particle, the amorphous or semi-crystalline carbon is coated on the surface of the spherically-shaped natural graphite particle, and the amorphous or semi-crystalline carbon is present in the open gap, and thereby the open gap positioned on the surface part and inside the spherically-shaped natural graphite particle is maintained, a method of preparing the same, and a rechargeable lithium battery including the same.
US09368789B2 Nanocomposite anode materials for sodium-ion batteries
The disclosure relates to an anode material for a sodium-ion battery having the general formula AOx—C or ACx—C, where A is aluminum (Al), magnesium (Mg), titanium (Ti), vanadium (V), chromium (Cr), manganese (Mn), iron (Fe), cobalt (Co), nickel (Ni), zirconium (Zr), molybdenum (Mo), tungsten (W), niobium (Nb), tantalum (Ta), silicon (Si), or any combinations thereof. The anode material also contains an electrochemically active nanoparticles within the matrix. The nanoparticle may react with sodium ion (Na+) when placed in the anode of a sodium-ion battery. In more specific embodiments, the anode material may have the general formula MySb-M′Ox—C, Sb-MOx—C, MySn-M′Cx—C, or Sn-MCx—C. The disclosure also relates to rechargeable sodium-ion batteries containing these materials and methods of making these materials.
US09368781B2 Terminal portion for storage batteries, plastic encapsulated terminal for storage batteries, method for producing the same, storage battery provided with terminal portion, and automobile equipped with storage battery
A storage battery includes a terminal portion for storage batteries having a plurality of bolt insertion holes bored in one or a plurality of directions, a nut insertion opening through which a nut is inserted, a hollow in communication with the bolt insertion holes and the nut insertion opening and the nut having at least one screw hole threaded in a direction coincident with at least one or the plurality of directions. A fixation portion is formed to fix the nut by deforming the terminal portion with the nut being inserted through the nut insertion opening into the hollow and the at least one screw hole of the nut being in communication respectively with the at least one of the plurality of bolt insertion holes.
US09368780B2 Rechargeable battery having pillar terminal and battery module using the same
A rechargeable battery including a pillar terminal electrically connected to a positive or negative electrode. The pillar terminal includes a first section made of a first metal, a second section made of a second metal, and a third section between the first and second sections. The third section is made of the first metal or the second metal. The third section is welded to the first section and is electroplated to the second section.
US09368776B2 Power storage device and manufacturing method therefor
A power storage device having: a laminated body formed by providing a separator layer between a first electrode which is one of a cathode and an anode and a second electrode which is the other electrode; an electrolyte; and a package which houses the laminated body and the electrolyte. At least two first electrode composite sheets are included which are each obtained by integrating a first collector electrode, a first electrode active material layer provided on one principal surface of the first collector electrode, and a separator layer covering at least part of the one principal surface, and the other principal surface of the first collector electrode of one first electrode composite sheet out of the at least two first electrode composite sheets is opposed to, and bonded to, the other principal surface of the first collector electrode of the other first electrode composite sheet.
US09368773B2 Battery cell module, method for producing a battery cell module, battery and motor vehicle
The disclosure relates to a battery cell module including a plurality of lithium ion battery cells, each having a degassing opening, and a cover substantially sealingly connected to a corresponding surface of each of the battery cells. The cover defines a gas receiving space configured to at least temporarily receive gas escaping from the battery cells. The gas receiving space is open in the direction of the battery cells. The opening area of the gas receiving space extends across a plurality of the battery cells. The disclosure further relates to a method for producing a battery cell module, to a battery, and to a motor vehicle having the battery cell module or the battery.
US09368768B1 Method and apparatus for minimizing battery corrosive electrolyte leakage
Battery corrosive electrolyte leak is decreased by using an adjustable mechanical retention device to bias a plurality of batteries toward a first end of the series configuration wherein the adjustable mechanical retention device creates a snug mechanical fit at a bottom surface of the metal can of the terminal battery. When the device in which batteries are being used is a flashlight, a two-piece tail cap can be used, an inner member of which is driven by an outer member, and tail caps of existing flashlights can be replaced so that a strong tail cap spring no longer provides a biasing means against the terminal contact of the terminal battery.
US09368764B2 Sealed battery and method for manufacturing the same
A sealed battery includes a sealing plate 13 sealing a mouth of an outer can, an external terminal 16 attached to the sealing plate 13 and having a connecting terminal 23, and a current interruption mechanism 18 interrupting current in response to pressure increase in the outer can that is installed in a conductive pathway electrically connecting the connecting terminal 23 and an electrode assembly. In the connecting terminal 23, a through-hole 23b continuing to the space on the current interruption mechanism 18 at the side corresponding to the outside of the battery is formed. The through-hole 23b is sealed with a terminal stopper 30 made of an elastic member so as to form a closed space between the terminal stopper 30 and current interruption mechanism 18. An electrolyte or washing solution hardly enters the current interruption mechanism during the manufacture can be provided.
US09368763B2 Nonaqueous electrolyte secondary battery
Provided is a nonaqueous electrolyte secondary battery including a bottomed cylindrical positive electrode casing and a negative electrode casing which is fixed to an opening of the positive electrode casing through a gasket. The opening of the positive electrode casing is caulked to the negative electrode casing side to seal the accommodation space. A shortest distance L1 between a caulking tip end and the negative electrode casing in the opening of the positive electrode casing is equal to or less than 70% of an average sheet thickness of the positive electrode casing, a shortest distance L2 between a tip end of the negative electrode casing and the positive electrode casing is equal to or less than 60% of the average sheet thickness of the positive electrode casing, and a distance L3 between the tip end of the negative electrode casing and the bottom of the positive electrode casing is equal to or less than 110% of the average sheet thickness of the positive electrode casing.
US09368762B2 Active organic electroluminescence device back panel and manufacturing method thereof
An active organic electroluminescence device back panel and a manufacturing method thereof are disclosed. The device back panel includes: a substrate, a plurality of active TFT pixel arrays formed on the substrate, and organic planarization layers, organic electroluminescence electrodes, pixel definition layers, and support bodies formed on the active TFT pixel arrays. Each of the active TFT pixel arrays includes a driving TFT and a switch TFT. The driving TFT has a gate insulation layer that has a thickness greater than a thickness of a gate insulation layer of the switch TFT. Through thickening the gate insulation layer of the driving TFT, the gate capacitance of the driving TFT can be reduced and the sub-threshold swing of the driving TFT is increased to realize well definition of grey levels.
US09368760B2 Organic light emitting diode display
An organic light emitting diode (OLED) display includes: a substrate including a plurality of pixels, a thin film transistor disposed in the pixels; an organic light emitting element connected to the thin film transistor and disposed in the pixels, an encapsulation member located on the organic light emitting element, and an external light blocking member disposed above or under the encapsulation member and including a first portion and a second portion. The first portion has a thickness that is thinner than a thickness of the second portion, and the first portion is disposed in the pixels.
US09368753B2 Display device
A display device includes a first substrate, a second substrate facing the first substrate, a first electrode on the first substrate, a pixel defining layer on the first substrate, the pixel defining layer including an opening corresponding to the first electrode, a light emission layer on the first electrode, a second electrode on the light emission layer, a filler between the first substrate and the second substrate, and scattering particles in the filler, the scattering particles having an average particle diameter that is less than a maximum height of the pixel defining layer.
US09368752B2 Organic light emitting display device and method of manufacturing the same
Disclosed is an organic light emitting display (OLED) device that may include first and second pixels on a substrate, each including a TFT region and a display region, the display region of each of the first and second pixels including a first electrode, an emission layer and a second electrode; a color filter layer in the display region of the second pixel; and a reflection preventing layer in the first and second pixels, substantially excluding the display region of the second pixel.
US09368751B2 Organic light emitting display apparatus and method of manufacturing the same
An organic light-emitting display apparatus includes a thin film transistor on a display region of a substrate, the thin film transistor facing an encapsulation member, an organic light-emitting device on the display region that includes an intermediate layer having an organic emission layer, a sealing member that is between the substrate and the encapsulation member and that surrounds the display region, an internal circuit unit between the display region and the sealing member, a passivation layer that extends to cover the internal circuit unit, a pixel defining layer on the passivation layer, and a getter between the substrate and the encapsulation member, and the getter at least partially overlapping the internal circuit unit.
US09368750B1 Method for fabricating intermediate member of electronic element and method for fabricating electronic element
A method for fabricating an intermediate member of an electronic element, comprises: preparing a glass substrate as a support substrate having a first surface; forming a first inorganic film that contains silicon and has a second surface and a third surface opposite to the second surface, in such a manner that the first surface of the support substrate is in contact with the second surface of the first inorganic film; forming a first polyimide film containing fluorine on the third surface of the first inorganic film; and forming a second inorganic film containing silicon on the first polyimide film.
US09368748B2 Display device and manufacturing method thereof
For a display device and manufacturing method for the display device, the method comprises steps of: disposing a plurality of recesses on the cover body; coating glass frit in the recesses; sintering the glass frit for forming sintered blocks; disposing display auxiliary members on the cover body having the sintered blocks formed thereon; and irradiating the sintered blocks by laser to combine the cover and the display substrate with the sintered blocks.The present invention can prevent the display auxiliary members of the cover from being damaged in the packaging process of the display device.
US09368737B2 Multi-layer gate dielectric field-effect transistor and manufacturing process thereof
A field-effect transistor includes a gate, a source and a drain; a semiconductor layer between the source and the drain; and a gate insulator between the gate and the semiconductor layer. The gate insulator comprises a first layer adjoining the semiconductor layer; and a second layer. The first layer is formed from an amorphous fluoropolymer having a first dielectric constant and a first thickness. The second layer has a second dielectric constant and a second thickness. The first dielectric constant is smaller than 3, the first thickness is smaller than 200 nm, the second dielectric constant is higher than 5, and the second thickness is smaller than 500 nm.
US09368732B2 Heterocyclic compound, light-emitting element, light-emitting device, electronic device, and lighting device
To provide a novel heterocyclic compound capable of being used as a host material in which a light-emitting substance is dispersed. To provide a light-emitting element having a long lifetime. A heterocyclic compound in which a dibenzo[f,h]quinoxalinyl group and a benzo[b]naphtho[1,2-d]furanyl group are bonded through an arylene group having 6 to 13 carbon atoms. The dibenzo[f,h]quinoxalinyl group, the benzo[b]naphtho[1,2-d]furanyl group, and the arylene group separately are unsubstituted or have, as a substituent, an alkyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms or an aryl group having 6 to 13 carbon atoms.
US09368731B2 Organic electroluminescence device
A top-emitting organic electroluminescence device including sequentially a first electrode, one or more organic layers comprising an emitting layer, a second electrode and a capping layer, wherein the capping layer comprises a compound represented by the following formula (1):
US09368728B2 Material for organic electroluminescence device, and organic electroluminescence device
There is provided a material for an organic electroluminescence device, which is a chrysene skeletal structure-containing diarylamine-based organic material as defined in the specification used for deposition of any layer of at least one organic layer contained in an organic electroluminescence device, wherein the water content ratio before deposition as measured by the Karl Fischer's method is from 100 to 1,000 ppm.
US09368726B2 Polymers containing structural units which have electron-transport properties
The present invention relates to a polymer which contains at least one structural unit which has electron-transport properties, to processes for the preparation thereof and to mixtures (blends), solutions and formulations which comprise these polymers. Furthermore, the present invention relates to the use of these polymers in electronic devices, in particular in organic electro-luminescent devices, so-called OLEDs (OLED=organic light emitting diodes), and to these organic electroluminescent devices themselves. The polymers according to the invention exhibit improved efficiency, in particular on use in OLEDs.
US09368722B2 Resistive random access memory and manufacturing method thereof
One embodiment in the present disclosure provides a resistor in a resistive random access memory (RRAM). The resistor includes a first electrode; a resistive layer on the first electrode; an electric field enhancement array in the resistive layer; and a second electrode on the resistive layer. The electric field enhancement array includes a plurality of electric field enhancers arranged in a same plane. One embodiment in the present disclosure provides a method of manufacturing a resistor structure in an RRAM. The method comprises (1) forming a first resistive layer on a first electrode; (2) forming a metal layer on the resistive layer; (3) patterning the metal layer to form a metal dot array on the resistive layer; and (4) forming a second electrode on the metal dot array. The metal dot array comprises a plurality of metal dots, and a distance between adjacent metal dots is less than 40 nm.
US09368721B1 Diamond like carbon (DLC) as a thermal sink in a selector stack for non-volatile memory application
Selector elements that can be suitable for nonvolatile memory device applications are disclosed. The selector element can have low leakage currents at low voltages to reduce sneak current paths for non-selected devices, and higher leakage currents at higher voltages to minimize voltage drops during device switching. The selector element can be based on multilayer film stacks (e.g. metal-semiconductor-metal (MSM) stacks). A structure including diamond-like carbon (DLC) can be used to surround the semiconductor layer of the MSM stack. The high thermal conductivity of the DLC structure may serve to remove heat from the selector device while higher currents are flowing through the selector element. This may lead to improved reliability and improved endurance.
US09368717B2 Magnetoresistive element and method for manufacturing the same
According to one embodiment, a magnetoresistive element is disclosed. The magnetoresistive element includes a reference layer. The reference layer includes a first region, and a second region provided outside the first region to surround the same. The second region contains an element contained in the first region and another element being different from the element. The magnetoresistive element further includes a storage layer, and a tunnel barrier layer provided between the reference layer and the storage layer. The storage layer is free from the another element.
US09368710B2 Transparent flexible nanogenerator as self-powered sensor for transportation monitoring
A traffic sensor includes a flexible substrate having a top surface. A piezoelectric structure extends from the first electrode layer. The piezoelectric structure has a top end. An insulating layer is infused into the piezoelectric structure. A first electrode layer is disposed on top of the insulating layer. A second electrode layer is disposed below the flexible substrate. A packaging layer is disposed around the substrate, the first electrode layer, the piezoelectric structure, the insulating layer and the second electrode layer. In a method of sensing a traffic parameter, a piezoelectric nanostructure-based traffic sensor is applied to a roadway. An electrical event generated by the piezoelectric nanostructure-based traffic sensor in response to a vehicle interacting with the piezoelectric nanostructure-based traffic sensor is detected. The electrical event is correlated with the traffic parameter.
US09368698B2 Converter plate, a radiation-emitting device having such a converter plate and a method of producing such a converter plate
A converter plate adapted to be attached to a radiation-emitting semiconductor chip, the converter plate containing a base material made of glass in which a plurality of openings is arranged, in each of which a converter material is installed.
US09368693B2 Semiconductor structure having nanocrystalline core and nanocrystalline shell paring with compositional transition layer
Semiconductor structures having a nanocrystalline core and nanocrystalline shell pairing compositional transition layers are described. In an example, a semiconductor structure includes a nanocrystalline core composed of a first semiconductor material. A nanocrystalline shell composed of a second semiconductor material surrounds the nanocrystalline core. A compositional transition layer is disposed between, and in contact with, the nanocrystalline core and nanocrystalline shell and has a composition intermediate to the first and second semiconductor materials. In another example, a semiconductor structure includes a nanocrystalline core composed of a first semiconductor material. A nanocrystalline shell composed of a second semiconductor material surrounds the nanocrystalline core. A nanocrystalline outer shell surrounds the nanocrystalline shell and is composed of a third semiconductor material. A compositional transition layer is disposed between, and in contact with, the nanocrystalline shell and the nanocrystalline outer shell and has a composition intermediate to the second and third semiconductor materials.
US09368687B2 Group-III nitride semiconductor light-emitting element and manufacturing method therefor
A group-III nitride semiconductor light emitting element includes a semiconductor layer that includes a light emitting layer, a p-type semiconductor layer and an n-type semiconductor layer, a p-contact electrode that is in contact with the p-type semiconductor layer, an n-contact electrode that is in contact with the n-type semiconductor layer, and a support substrate that supports the semiconductor layer. The p-contact electrode and the n-contact electrode are disposed at a position between the semiconductor layer and the support substrate. In a case where the p-contact electrode and the n-contact electrode are orthogonally projected on a plate surface of the support substrate, the p-contact electrode and the n-contact electrode are formed in a shape in which the orthogonally projected p-contact electrode and the orthogonally projected n-contact electrode are not overlapped with each other.
US09368686B2 Article including a light emitting gadolinium-containing material and a process of forming the same
An article, such as a light emitting device, can include a first material and a second material, wherein the first material is capable of emitting first radiation having a first emission maximum at a first wavelength, and the second material is capable of emitting second radiation in response to capturing the first radiation. The second material can have a second emission maximum at a second wavelength within the visible light spectrum. In an embodiment, the second material can be different from the first material. In another embodiment, a difference between the first wavelength and the second wavelength can be at least approximately 70 nm. Additionally, the second material can include a luminescent material having a formula of Gd3(x)Y3(1-x)Al5(y)Ga5(1-y)O12, where x is at least approximately 0.2 and no greater than approximately 0.99 and y is at least approximately 0.05 and no greater than approximately 0.99.
US09368666B2 Solar cell with reduced absorber thickness and reduced back surface recombination
Manufacture for an improved stacked-layered thin film solar cell. Solar cell has reduced absorber thickness and an improved back contact for Copper Indium Gallium Selenide solar cells. The back contact provides improved reflectance particularly for infrared wavelengths while still maintaining ohmic contact to the semiconductor absorber. This reflectance is achieved by producing a back contact having a highly reflecting metal separated from an absorbing layer with a dielectric layer.
US09368665B2 Solar cell module
A solar cell module includes multiple rectangular solar cells each with chamfered corner portions, wiring members each electrically connecting adjacent ones of the solar cells to each other, and a protective member on a light-receiving surface side of the solar cells. The solar cells are arranged in matrix with spaces therebetween. The wiring member has a reflective surface in a region surrounded by the corner portions of the multiple solar cells. The reflective surface reflects light entering from the light-receiving surface side toward the protective member.
US09368662B2 Photovoltaic junction for a solar cell
A photovoltaic junction for a solar cell is provided. The photovoltaic junction has an intrinsic region comprising a multiple quantum well stack formed from a series of quantum wells separated by barriers, in which the tensile stress in some of the quantum wells is partly or completely balanced by compressive stress in the others of the quantum wells. The overall elastostatic equilibrium of the multiple quantum well stack may be ensured by engineering the structural and optical properties of the quantum wells only, with the barriers having the same lattice constant as the materials used in the oppositely doped semiconductor regions of the junction, or equivalently as the actual lattice size of the junction or intrinsic region, or the bulk or effective lattice size of the substrate. Alternatively, the barriers may contribute to the stress balance.
US09368658B2 Serpentine IR sensor
In one embodiment, a MEMS sensor includes a mirror and an absorber spaced apart from the mirror, the absorber including a plurality of spaced apart conductive legs defining a tortuous path across an area directly above the mirror.
US09368656B2 Back contacted photovoltaic cell with an improved shunt resistance
The invention relates to a photovoltaic cell, comprising a plate shaped substrate of a semiconductor material with a solar face and a connection face, a first volume of the substrate adjacent to the solar face is doped with a first polarity, the second volume is doped with a second polarity and the volumes are separated by a pn-junction, a number of apertures in the substrate extending between both faces and in which a plug has been positioned of which a part is conducting, contact tracks at the solar face of the substrate connected with the first volume and the conducting part of the plug, first contacts at the connection face of the substrate connected with the conducting part of the plug and second contacts located at the connection face of the substrate connected with the second volume, wherein the specific electrical conductivity of the plug decreases from its centre to the contact face with the substrate.
US09368654B2 Photodetector and method for manufacturing the same
A photodetector includes a substrate and an insulating arrangement formed in the substrate. The insulating arrangement electrically insulates a confined region of the substrate. The confined region is configured to generate free charge carriers in response to an irradiation. The photodetector further includes a read-out electrode arrangement configured to provide a photocurrent formed by at least a portion of the free charge carriers that are generated in response to the irradiation. The photodetector also includes a biasing electrode arrangement that is electrically insulated against the confined region by means of the insulating arrangement. The biasing electrode arrangement is configured to cause an influence on a spatial charge carrier distribution within the confined region so that fewer of the free charge carriers recombine at boundaries of the confined region compared to an unbiased state.
US09368652B2 Controlling the direct current flow in a photovoltaic system
The present invention relates to a control device for controlling a direct current generated in a photovoltaic system. The control device is configured to alternately enable a current flow through the photovoltaic system for a first time interval and at least to reduce the current flow for a second time interval. The invention further relates to a photovoltaic system comprising such a control device as well as to a method for controlling a direct current generated in a photovoltaic system.
US09368638B2 Semiconductor device
An object is to provide a highly reliable transistor and a semiconductor device including the transistor. A semiconductor device including a gate electrode; a gate insulating film over the gate electrode; an oxide semiconductor film over the gate insulating film; and a source electrode and a drain electrode over the oxide semiconductor film, in which activation energy of the oxide semiconductor film obtained from temperature dependence of a current (on-state current) flowing between the source electrode and the drain electrode when a voltage greater than or equal to a threshold voltage is applied to the gate electrode is greater than or equal to 0 meV and less than or equal to 25 meV, is provided.
US09368633B2 Oxide material and semiconductor device
An object is to provide a material suitably used for a semiconductor included in a transistor, a diode, or the like. Another object is to provide a semiconductor device including a transistor in which the condition of an electron state at an interface between an oxide semiconductor film and a gate insulating film in contact with the oxide semiconductor film is favorable. Further, another object is to manufacture a highly reliable semiconductor device by giving stable electric characteristics to a transistor in which an oxide semiconductor film is used for a channel. A semiconductor device is formed using an oxide material which includes crystal with c-axis alignment, which has a triangular or hexagonal atomic arrangement when seen from the direction of a surface or an interface and rotates around the c-axis.
US09368631B2 Thin film transistor and display panel including the same
Disclosed is a thin film transistor including a gate electrode on a substrate. A gate dielectric layer is disposed on the gate electrode and the substrate, and source/drain electrodes are disposed on the gate dielectric layer overlying two edge parts of the gate electrode. A channel layer is disposed on the gate dielectric layer overlying a center part of the gate electrode, and the channel region contacts the source/drain electrodes. An insulating capping layer overlies the channel layer, wherein the channel layer includes an oxide semiconductor.
US09368624B2 Method for fabricating a transistor with reduced junction leakage current
A transistor and method of fabrication thereof includes a screening layer formed at least in part in the semiconductor substrate beneath a channel layer and a gate stack, the gate stack including spacer structures on either side of the gate stack. The transistor includes a shallow lightly doped drain region in the channel layer and a deeply lightly doped drain region at the depth relative to the bottom of the screening layer for reducing junction leakage current. A compensation layer may also be included to prevent loss of back gate control.
US09368621B1 Power semiconductor device having low on-state resistance
A power semiconductor device having low on-state resistance includes a substrate having an epitaxial layer formed thereon, a gate structure, a termination structure, and a patterned conductive layer. The epitaxial layer has at least a first trench and a second trench. The gate structure is embedded in the first trench, including a gate electrode and a shielding electrode disposed under the gate electrode. The termination structure is embedded in the second trench, including a termination electrode. The patterned conductive layer is disposed above the epitaxial layer. Specially, the shield electrode of the gate structure and the termination electrode of the termination structure are configured to receive the gate voltage. The patterned conductive layer is configured to electrically contact said gate electrode and termination electrodes by a first contact plug and a second contact plug respectively.
US09368619B2 Method for inducing strain in vertical semiconductor columns
A vertical Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor (MOS) transistor includes a substrate and a nano-wire over the substrate. The nano-wire comprises a semiconductor material. An oxide ring extends from an outer sidewall of the nano-wire into the nano-wire, with a center portion of the nano-wire encircled by the oxide ring. The vertical MOS transistor further includes a gate dielectric encircling a portion of the nano-wire, a gate electrode encircling the gate dielectric, a first source/drain region underlying the gate electrode, and a second source/drain region overlying the gate electrode. The second source/drain region extends into the center portion of the nano-wire. Localized oxidation produces a local swelling in the structure that generates a tensile or compressive strain in the nano-wire.
US09368617B2 Superjunction device and semiconductor structure comprising the same
The present disclosure relates to a superjunction device and a semiconductor structure having the same. The superjunction device includes a body region of a second conduction type, a drain region of a first conduction type, a drift region located between said body region and said drain region. The drift region includes first regions of a first conduction type and second regions of a second conduction type arranged alternately along a direction being perpendicular to the direction from the body region to the drain region, and a plurality of trench gate structures, each of them comprising a trench extending into said drift region from an upper surface of said body region and a gate electrode in said trench surrounded by a first dielectric layer filling said trench, and a source region of a first conduction type embedded into said body region. There is no source region along at least 10% of the total interface length between the first dielectric layer and the body region.
US09368615B2 Trench power field effect transistor device and method
In one embodiment, a structure for a trench power field effect transistor device with controlled, shallow, abrupt, body contact regions.
US09368608B1 Heterojunction bipolar transistor with improved performance and breakdown voltage
Fabrication methods for a device structure and device structures. A trench isolation region is formed that bounds an active device region of a semiconductor substrate. A first semiconductor layer is formed on the active device region and on the trench isolation region. A first airgap is formed between the first semiconductor layer and the active device region. A second airgap is formed between the first semiconductor layer and the trench isolation region. The first airgap extends into the active device region such that the height of the first airgap is greater than the height of the second airgap.
US09368602B2 Method for fabricating IGZO layer and TFT
Methods for fabricating an IGZO layer and fabricating TFT are provided in the present invention. The method for fabricating TFT includes the following steps: (1) depositing an IGZO layer and forming a surface oxidizing gas protective layer on the IGZO layer; (2) coating the IGZO layer with a photoresist, and then subjecting the photoresist to an exposing and developing process to form a photoresist pattern; and (3) subjecting the IGZO layer to an etching process, and then removing the photoresist. By forming an oxidizing gas protective layer, the present methods for fabricating an IGZO layer and fabricating TFT can effectively reduce the effect of hydrogen atom on IGZO layer and avoid the change of IGZO layer from semiconductor to conductor, thereby improving the stability of the IGZO layer and thus the TFT, and reducing the negative bias of threshold voltage generated by the long-term continuous use of the device.
US09368583B2 Field effect transistor with narrow bandgap source and drain regions and method of fabrication
A transistor having a narrow bandgap semiconductor source/drain region is described. The transistor includes a gate electrode formed on a gate dielectric layer formed on a silicon layer. A pair of source/drain regions are formed on opposite sides of the gate electrode wherein said pair of source/drain regions comprise a narrow bandgap semiconductor film formed in the silicon layer on opposite sides of the gate electrode.
US09368582B2 High power gallium nitride electronics using miscut substrates
An electronic device includes a III-V substrate having a hexagonal crystal structure and a normal to a growth surface characterized by a misorientation from the <0001> direction of between 0.15° and 0.65°. The electronic device also includes a first epitaxial layer coupled to the III-V substrate and a second epitaxial layer coupled to the first epitaxial layer. The electronic device further includes a first contact in electrical contact with the substrate and a second contact in electrical contact with the second epitaxial layer.
US09368579B2 Selective area growth of germanium and silicon-germanium in silicon waveguides for on-chip optical interconnect applications
A robust fabrication process for selective area growth of semiconductors in growth windows is provided. Sidewall growth is eliminated by the presence of a spacer layer which covers the sidewalls. Undesirable exposure of the top corners of the growth windows is prevented by undercutting the growth window prior to deposition of the dielectric spacer layer. The effectiveness of this process has been demonstrated by selective-area growth of Ge and Ge/SiGe quantum wells on a silicon substrate. Integration of active optoelectronic devices with waveguide layers via end-coupling through the dielectric spacer layer can be reliably accomplished in this manner.
US09368572B1 Vertical transistor with air-gap spacer
A vertical transistor has a first air-gap spacer between the gate and the bottom source/drain, and a second air-gap spacer between the gate and the contact to the bottom source/drain. A dielectric layer disposed between the gate and the contact to the top source/drain decreases parasitic capacitance and inhibits electrical shorting.
US09368570B2 Integrated circuit of driving device with different operating voltages
An integrated circuit for a driving device is disclosed. The integrate circuit includes a substrate comprising a high-voltage area and a low-voltage area; a plurality of first trenches, formed in the high-voltage area; a plurality of first isolations, formed in the plurality of first trenches of the high-voltage area; a plurality of second trenches, formed in the low-voltage area; and a plurality of second isolations, formed in the plurality of second trenches of the low-voltage area; wherein a depth difference exists between each of the plurality of first trenches and each of the plurality of second trenches.
US09368563B2 Semiconductor device including integrated passive device formed over semiconductor die with conductive bridge and fan-out redistribution layer
A semiconductor device has a first semiconductor die. A first inductor is formed over the first semiconductor die. A second inductor is formed over the first inductor and aligned with the first inductor. An insulating layer is formed over the first semiconductor die and the first and second inductors. A conductive bridge is formed over the insulating layer and electrically connected between the second inductor and the first semiconductor die. In one embodiment, the semiconductor device has a second semiconductor die and a conductive layer is formed between the first and second semiconductor die. In another embodiment, a capacitor is formed over the first semiconductor die. In another embodiment, the insulating layer has a first thickness over a footprint of the first semiconductor die and a second thickness less than the first thickness outside the footprint of the first semiconductor die.
US09368528B2 Light detection device having a semiconductor light detection element and a mounting substrate with quenching circuits
A light detection device 1 has a semiconductor light detection element having a semiconductor substrate, and a mounting substrate arranged as opposed to the semiconductor light detection element. The semiconductor light detection element includes a plurality of avalanche photodiodes operating in Geiger mode and formed in the semiconductor substrate, and electrodes electrically connected to the respective avalanche photodiodes and arranged on a second principal surface side of the semiconductor substrate. The mounting substrate includes a plurality of electrodes arranged corresponding to the respective electrodes on a third principal surface side, and quenching resistors electrically connected to the respective electrodes and arranged on the third principal surface side. The electrodes and the electrodes are connected through bump electrodes.
US09368524B2 Thin film transistor array substrate and method for fabricating the same
A thin film transistor array substrate including a substrate, a gate line intersecting a data line to define a pixel region on the substrate, a switching element disposed at an intersection of the gate line and the data line, a plurality of pixel electrodes and a plurality of first common electrodes alternately arranged on a protective film in the pixel region, a second common electrode overlapping the data line, a first storage electrode on the substrate, a second storage electrode overlapping the first storage electrode, and an organic insulation film on the switching element, the second storage electrode, the data line, a gate pad, and a data pad, wherein the second common electrode covers the data line, the protective film and the organic insulation film, and has inclined surfaces connected to the protective film within the pixel region.
US09368522B2 Display device and manufacturing and testing methods thereof
A display device is disclosed which includes: gate lines and data lines crossing each other to define unit pixel regions in a display area; a pixel electrode in each unit pixel region; a data shorting bar in a non-display area in substantially parallel with the gate lines; a gate shorting bar in the non-display area in substantially parallel with the data lines; gate link lines electrically connecting the gate lines to the gate shorting bar; data link lines electrically connecting the data lines to the data shorting bar; and shield electrodes on at least one of the gate link lines and the data link lines, the shield electrodes including a conductive material that has a higher melting temperature than that of the at least one of the gate link lines and the data link lines.
US09368506B2 Integrated circuits and methods for operating integrated circuits with non-volatile memory
Integrated circuits and methods for fabricating integrated circuits are provided. In an exemplary embodiment, an integrated circuit includes a semiconductor substrate doped with a first conductivity-determining impurity. The semiconductor substrate has formed therein a first well doped with a second conductivity-determining impurity that is different from the first conductivity-determining impurity, a second well, formed within the first well, and doped with the first conductivity-determining impurity, and a third well spaced apart from the first and second wells and doped with the first conductivity-determining impurity. The integrated circuit further includes a floating gate structure formed over the semiconductor substrate. The floating gate structure includes a first gate element disposed over the second well and being separated from the second well with a dielectric layer, a second gate element disposed over the third well and being separated from the third well with the dielectric layer, and a conductive connector.
US09368501B2 Semiconductor memory device including stacked sub memory cells
A semiconductor memory device which includes a memory cell including two or more sub memory cells is provided. The sub memory cells each including a word line, a bit line, a first capacitor, a second capacitor, and a transistor. In the semiconductor device, the sub memory cells are stacked in the memory cell; a first gate and a second gate are formed with a semiconductor film provided therebetween in the transistor; the first gate and the second gate are connected to the word line; one of a source and a drain of the transistor is connected to the bit line; the other of the source and the drain of the transistor is connected to the first capacitor and the second capacitor; and the first gate and the second gate of the transistor in each sub memory cell overlap with each other and are connected to each other.
US09368497B2 Fin field-effect transistors and fabrication method thereof
A method for fabricating fin field-effect transistors includes providing a semiconductor substrate; and forming a plurality of fins on a surface of the semiconductor substrate. The method also includes forming dummy gates formed over side and top surfaces of the fins; forming a precursor material layer with a surface higher than top surfaces of the fins to cover the dummy gates and the semiconductor substrate; performing a thermal annealing process to convert the precursor material layer into a dielectric layer having a plurality of voids; and planarizing the dielectric layer to expose the top surfaces of the dummy gates. Further, the method also includes performing a post-treatment process using oxygen-contained de-ionized water on the planarized dielectric layer to eliminate the plurality of voids formed in the dielectric layer; removing the dummy gates to form trenches; and forming a high-K metal gate structure in each of the trenches.
US09368496B1 Method for uniform recess depth and fill in single diffusion break for fin-type process and resulting devices
Methods for creating uniform source/drain cavities filled with uniform levels of materials in an IC device and resulting devices are disclosed. Embodiments include forming a hard mask on an upper surface of a Si substrate, the hard mask having an opening over a STI region formed in the Si substrate and extending over adjacent portions of the Si substrate; forming low-k dielectric spacers on a lower portion of sidewalls of the opening, the spacers being formed between the sidewalls and the STI region; filling the opening with an oxide; removing the hard mask; removing an upper portion of the oxide and a portion of the low-k dielectric spacers; revealing a Si fin in the Si substrate; forming equally spaced gate electrodes, each having sidewall spacers, over the Si fin and the oxide; and forming source/drain regions in the Si fin between each pair of adjacent gate electrodes.
US09368488B2 Efficient integration of CMOS with poly resistor
Device and methods for forming a device are presented. The method includes providing a substrate. The substrate includes a resistor region defined by a resistor isolation region. A resistor gate is formed on the resistor isolation region. An implant mask with an opening exposing the resistor region is formed. Resistor well dopants are implanted to form a resistor well in the substrate. The resistor well is disposed in the substrate below the resistor isolation region. Resistor dopants are implanted into the resistor gate to define the sheet resistance of the resistor gate. Terminal dopants are implanted to form first and second resistor terminals at sides of the resistor gate. A central portion of the resistor gate sandwiched by the resistor terminals serves as a resistive portion.
US09368487B1 Semiconductor device with dynamic low voltage triggering mechanism
An electrostatic discharge (ESD) protection device is disclosed, which includes a substrate of a positive dopant type; a p-well defined in the substrate; a depletion inducing structure of a negative dopant type having a gap defined in a bottom portion thereof disposed in the p-well, and a n-channel device disposed in a planar encircled region defined by the depletion inducing structure. The well region is in connection with the substrate through the depletion inducing structure. Upon an ESD stress, the depletion inducing structure induces an expanded depletion region in the substrate under the well region, thus providing a substrate trigger mechanism that reduces the triggering voltage of the ESD protection device.
US09368484B1 Fin type electrostatic discharge protection device
A fin type ESD protection device includes at least one first fin, at least one second fin, and at least one gate structure. The first fin is disposed on a semiconductor substrate, and a source contact contacts the first fin. The second fin is disposed on the semiconductor substrate, and a drain contact contacts the second fin. The first fin and the second fin extend in a first direction respectively, and the first fin is separated from the second fin. The gate structure is disposed between the source contact and the drain contact. The first fin is separated from the drain contact, and the second fin is separated from the source contact.
US09368477B2 Co-support circuit panel and microelectronic packages
A circuit panel can include contacts exposed at a connection site of a major surface thereof and configured to be coupled to terminals of a microelectronic package. The connection site can define a peripheral boundary on the major surface surrounding a group of the contacts that is configured to be coupled to a single microelectronic package. The group of contacts can include first, second, third, and fourth sets of first contacts. Signal assignments of the first and third sets of first contacts can be symmetric about a theoretical plane normal to the major surface with signal assignments of the respective second and fourth sets of first contacts. Each of the sets of first contacts can be configured to carry identical signals. Each of the sets of first contacts can be configured to carry address information sufficient to specify a location within a memory storage array of the microelectronic package.
US09368475B2 Semiconductor device and manufacturing method thereof
A manufacturing method of a semiconductor device is provided. First, a mould is provided. The mould has a chamber, patterns in the chamber, and protrusions in the chamber. A carrier substrate having at least one die located thereon is disposed in the chamber, and the protrusions surround the die. A thermosetting material is injected into the chamber and is cured. The cured thermosetting material is separated from the mould, so as to form an interposer substrate. A plurality of through holes corresponding to the protrusions and a plurality of grooves corresponding to the patterns are formed on the interposer substrate. A conductive material is filled into the through holes and the grooves to form a plurality of conductive pillars and a first conductive pattern layer on a first surface of the interposer substrate. The first conductive pattern layer is electrically connected with the conductive pillars.
US09368472B2 Flip-chip assembly process for connecting two components to each other
The invention relates to a flip-chip assembly process for connecting two microelectronic components (1, 2) to each other. According to the invention, it is possible either to proportion the spacers (24) so that they are smaller than the interconnect bumps (22) or to oversize the latter so that their deformation, after having been plastic during the insertion of connective inserts (12), returns to the elastic regime once assembly contact between components (1,2) has been reached. Thanks to the invention, it is possible to control with great precision the gap between the two components during their assembly, and this without adding any additional steps to their manufacturing or to the assembly process.
US09368468B2 Thin integrated circuit chip-on-board assembly
An integrated circuit assembly includes an insulating layer having a having a first surface and a second surface, where the first surface of the insulating layer is less than 10 microns below an upper plane of the integrated circuit assembly. An active layer contacts the first surface of the insulating layer. A metal bond pad is electrically connected to the active layer and formed on the second surface of the insulating layer, and is also electrically connected to a printed circuit board.
US09368466B2 Bump I/O contact for semiconductor device
A bump contact electrically connects a conductor on a substrate and a contact pad on a semiconductor device mounted to the substrate. The first end of an electrically conductive pillar effects electrical contact and mechanical attachment of the pillar to the contact pad with the pillar projecting outwardly from the semiconductor device. A solder crown reflowable at a predetermined temperature into effecting electrical contact and mechanical attachment with the conductor is positioned in axial alignment with the second end of the pillar. A diffusion barrier electrically and mechanically joins the solder bump to the second end of the pillar and resists electro-migration into the first end of the solder crown of copper from the pillar. One diffusion barrier takes the form of a 2-20 micron thick control layer of nickel, palladium, titanium-tungsten, nickel-vanadium, or tantalum nitride positioned between the pillar and the solder crown.
US09368465B2 Method of forming bump pad structure having buffer pattern
The method includes forming an upper layer on a lower layer, forming a metal interconnection in the upper layer, forming a passivation layer exposing a center part of the metal interconnection on the upper layer, forming a buffer pattern exposing the center part of the metal interconnection, and selectively and asymmetrically covering a peripheral region of the metal interconnect and a part of the passivation layer, forming a wrapping pattern covering the buffer pattern and exposing the center part of the metal interconnection on the passivation layer, and forming a pad pattern on the center part of the metal interconnection.
US09368458B2 Die-on-interposer assembly with dam structure and method of manufacturing the same
A semiconductor package includes an interposer chip having a frontside, a backside, and a corner area on the backside defined by a first corner edge and a second corner edge of the interposer chip. A die is bonded to the frontside of the interposer chip. At least one dam structure is formed on the corner area of the backside of the interposer chip. The dam structure includes an edge aligned to at least one the first corner edge and the second corner edge of the interposer chip.
US09368445B2 E-fuse structure of semiconductor device
Provided is an e-fuse structure of a semiconductor device. the e-fuse structure may include a fuse link formed of a first metal material to connect a cathode with an anode, a capping dielectric covering a top surface of the fuse link, and a dummy metal plug penetrating the capping dielectric and being in contact with a portion of the fuse link. The dummy metal plug may include a metal layer and a barrier metal layer interposed between the metal layer and the fuse link. The barrier metal layer may be formed of a second metal material different from the first metal material.
US09368435B2 Electronic component
In an embodiment, an electronic component includes a dielectric layer, a semiconductor device embedded in the dielectric layer, an electrically conductive substrate, a redistribution layer having a first surface and a second surface providing at least one outer contact, and a first electrically conductive member. The semiconductor device has a first surface including at least one first contact pad and a second surface including at least one second contact pad. The second contact pad is mounted on the electrically conductive substrate. The first electrically conductive member includes at least one stud bump and extends between the electrically conductive substrate and the first surface of the redistribution layer.
US09368429B2 Interposer for hermetic sealing of sensor chips and for their integration with integrated circuit chips
Integration of sensor chips with integrated circuit (IC) chips. At least a first sensor chip including a first sensor is affixed to a first side of an interposer to hermitically seal the first sensor within a first cavity. An IC chip is affixed to a second side of the interposer opposite the first sensor, the IC chip is electrically coupled to the first sensor by a through via in the interposer. In embodiments, the first sensor includes a MEMS device and the IC chip comprises a circuit to amplify a signal from the MEMS device. The interposer may be made of glass, with the first sensor chip and the IC chip flip-chip bonded to the interposer by compression or solder. Lateral interconnect traces provide I/O between the devices on the interposer and/or a PCB upon which the interpose is affixed.
US09368427B2 Integrated circuit film and method of manufacturing the same
An integrated circuit film and a method of manufacturing the same are disclosed. The integrated circuit film includes a circuit board containing a circuit route; a first set of pads located on a first surface of the circuit board and configured to be applicable to ISO 7816 standard; and a semiconductor device mounted on the circuit board for communicating with at least one of the first set of pads. The first set of pads are arranged in two rows and the semiconductor device is mounted on the circuit board in a space between the two rows of pads.
US09368423B2 Semiconductor device and method of using substrate with conductive posts and protective layers to form embedded sensor die package
A semiconductor device has a substrate including a base and a plurality of conductive posts extending from the base. A semiconductor die is disposed on a surface of the base between the conductive posts. An interconnect structure is formed over the semiconductor die and conductive posts. An adhesive layer is disposed over the semiconductor die. A conductive layer is disposed over the adhesive layer. An encapsulant is deposited over the semiconductor die and around the conductive posts. One or more conductive posts are electrically isolated from the substrate. The conductive layer is a removable or sacrificial cap layer. The substrate includes a wafer-shape, panel, or singulated form. The semiconductor die is disposed below a height of the conductive posts. An interconnect structure is formed over the semiconductor die, encapsulant, and conductive posts.
US09368422B2 Absorbing excess under-fill flow with a solder trench
One embodiment sets forth an integrated circuit package that includes a substrate, one or more devices mounted on the substrate, a layer of under-fill configured to secure the one or more devices on the substrate, and a solder trench formed in the substrate, where the aggregate volume of the solder trench is large enough to capture a flow of excess under-fill during fabrication. One advantage of the disclosed integrated circuit package is that the solder trench is used in lieu of solder dam structures, thereby allowing a stencil to be lowered closer to the substrate surface during fabrication, which facilitates depositing solder paste during fabrication.
US09368420B2 Flexible, stretchable electronic devices
Fabrication methods are disclosed that facilitate the production of electronic structures that are both flexible and stretchable to conform to non-planar (e.g. curved) surfaces without suffering functional damage due to excessive strain. Electronic structures including CMOS devices are provided that can be stretched or squeezed within acceptable limits without failing or breaking. The methods disclosed herein further facilitate the production of flexible, stretchable electronic structures having multiple levels of intra-chip connectors. Such connectors are formed through deposition and photolithographic patterning (back end of the line processing) and can be released following transfer of the electronic structures to flexible substrates.
US09368417B2 Contact test structure and method
A system and method for testing electrical connections is provided. In an embodiment one or more floating pads may be manufactured in electrical connection with an underbump metallization structure. A test may then be performed to measure the electrical characteristics of the underbump metallization structure through the floating pad in order to test for defects. Alternatively, a conductive connection may be formed on the underbump metallization and the test may be performed on the conductive connection and the underbump metallization together.
US09368416B2 Continuous voltage product binning
A binning process uses curve fitting to create and assign one or more bins based on testing data of operating voltage versus leakage current for test integrated circuits. Each bin is created by assigning an initial operating voltage to the bin and fitting a curve to the testing data population. An equation is generated describing the fitted curve. Integrated circuits are binned by measuring the leakage current at a selected operating voltage and testing the integrated circuit at one or more operating voltages determined based on the fitted curves. The integrated circuits are assigned a maximum operating voltage that corresponds to the lowest tested operating voltage at which the integrated circuit passes the test.
US09368410B2 Semiconductor devices having tensile and/or compressive stress and methods of manufacturing
A semiconductor device and method of manufacturing is disclosed which has a tensile and/or compressive strain applied thereto. The method includes forming at least one trench in a material; and filling the at least one trench by an oxidation process thereby forming a strain concentration in a channel of a device. The structure includes a gate structure having a channel and a first oxidized trench on a first of the channel, respectively. The first oxidized trench creates a strain component in the channel to increase device performance.
US09368409B2 Semiconductor structure and fabrication method
The present disclosure provides a method for fabricating semiconductor devices. The method includes providing a substrate with a gate electrode film on the substrate and a gate electrode pattern film on the gate electrode film; forming at least one pattern layer on the gate electrode pattern film; and using the at least one pattern layer as the etch mask to etch portions of the gate electrode pattern film to expose portions of the gate electrode film and form a gate electrode pattern layer on the gate electrode film, the gate electrode pattern layer including a hard mask layer and a silicon layer, and sidewalls of the silicon layer in a direction perpendicular to a first direction having a first poly line width roughness. The method also includes performing an etch-repairing treatment on the sidewalls of the silicon layer in the direction perpendicular to the first direction.
US09368408B2 Method of manufacturing a semiconductor device with buried channel/body zone and semiconductor device
A semiconductor device includes a source zone of a first conductivity type formed in a first electrode fin that extends from a first surface into a semiconductor portion. A drain region of the first conductivity type is formed in a second electrode fin that extends from the first surface into the semiconductor portion. A channel/body zone is formed in a transistor fin that extends between the first and second electrode fins at a distance to the first surface. The first and second electrode fins extend along a first lateral direction. A width of first gate sections, which are arranged on opposing sides of the transistor fin, along a second lateral direction perpendicular to the first lateral direction is greater than a distance between the first and second electrode fins.
US09368404B2 Method for dicing a substrate with back metal
The present invention provides a method for dicing a substrate with back metal, the method comprising the following steps. The substrate is provided with a first surface and a second surface wherein the second surface is opposed to the first surface. A mask layer is provided on the first surface of the substrate and a thin film layer is provided on the second surface of the substrate. The first surface of the substrate is diced through the mask layer to expose the thin film layer on the second surface of the substrate. A fluid from a fluid jet is applied to the thin film layer on the second surface of the substrate after the thin film layer has been exposed by the dicing step.
US09368395B1 Self-aligned via and air gap
Provided are approaches for forming a self-aligned via and an air gap within a semiconductor device. Specifically, one approach produces a device having: a first metal line beneath a second metal line within an ultra low-k (ULK) dielectric, the first metal line connected to the second metal line by a first via; a dielectric capping layer formed over the second metal line; a third metal line within first and second via openings formed within a ULK fill material formed over the dielectric capping layer, wherein the third metal line within the first via opening extends to a top surface of the dielectric capping layer, and wherein the third metal line within the second via opening is connected to the second metal by a second via passing through the dielectric capping layer; and an air gap formed between the third metal line within the first and seconds via openings.
US09368390B2 Semiconductor apparatus
A method for fabricating a semiconductor apparatus including providing a first silicon substrate having a first contact, wherein providing the first silicon substrate comprises forming a silicide layer between the first silicon substrate and a first metal layer. The method further includes providing a second silicon substrate having a second contact comprising a second metal layer and placing the first contact in contact with the second contact. The method further includes heating the first and second metal layers to form a metallic alloy, whereby the metallic alloy bonds the first contact to the second contact.
US09368387B2 Method of forming shallow trench isolation structure
A method of forming a shallow trench isolation (STI) structure in a substrate includes forming a pad oxide layer over the substrate. The method includes forming a nitride-containing layer over the pad oxide layer, wherein the nitride-containing layer has a first thickness. The method further includes forming the STI structure extending through the nitride-containing layer, into the substrate. The STI structure has a height above a top surface of the pad oxide layer. The method includes establishing a correlation between the first thickness, the height of the STI structure above the top surface of the pad oxide layer, and an offset between the first thickness and the height of the STI structure above the top surface of the pad oxide layer. The method includes calculating the height of the STI structure above the pad oxide layer based on the correlation, and selectively removing a determined thickness of the STI structure.
US09368385B2 Manufacturing method for semiconductor integrated circuit device
A method for manufacturing a semiconductor integrated circuit device includes the step of forming an SOI device region and a bulk device region on an SOI type semiconductor wafer. The method includes: removing a BOX layer and an SOI layer in a bulk device region; and thereafter forming an STI region in both the SOI device region and the bulk device region. In the method, the STI region in the SOI device region is formed to extend through the BOX layer.
US09368384B2 Substrate conveying method, recording medium in which program is recorded for causing substrate conveying method to be executed, and substrate conveyor
A substrate conveying method conveying a layered body having first and second substrates stacked with a spacer member provided between their respective bottom surfaces facing each other includes receiving the first substrate by holding the first substrate from below its bottom surface using a first holding mechanism provided on a side of a first fork provided above a second fork, and turning the first fork upside down and placing the received first substrate on the second fork; receiving the spacer member held in a substrate holding part by holding the spacer member from above using a second holding mechanism provided on the same side of the first fork as the first holding mechanism, and placing the received spacer member on the first substrate; and holding the second substrate from above its top surface using the first holding mechanism, and placing the received second substrate on the spacer member.
US09368379B2 Systems and methods of controlling semiconductor wafer fabrication processes
A system and method of controlling a semiconductor wafer fabrication process. The method includes positioning a semiconductor wafer on a wafer support assembly in a wafer processing module. A signal is transmitted from a signal emitter positioned at a predetermined transmission angle relative to an axis normal to the wafer support assembly to check leveling of the wafer in the module, so that the signal is reflected from the wafer. The embodiment includes monitoring for the reflected signal at a predetermined reflectance angle relative to the axis normal to the wafer support assembly at a signal receiver. A warning indication is generated if the reflected signal is not received at the signal receiver.
US09368377B2 Plasma processing apparatus
The present invention provides a temperature control unit for an electrostatic adsorption electrode that is capable of controlling the wafer temperature rapidly over a wide temperature range without affecting in-plane uniformity while high heat input etching is conducted with high wafer bias power applied. A refrigerant flow path provided in the electrostatic adsorption electrode serves as an evaporator. The refrigerant flow path is connected to a compressor, a condenser, and a first expansion valve to form a direct expansion type refrigeration cycle. A second expansion valve is installed between the electrostatic adsorption electrode and the compressor to adjust the flow rate of a refrigerant. This makes it possible to compress the refrigerant in the refrigerant flow path of the electrostatic adsorption electrode and adjust the wafer temperature to a high level by raising the refrigerant evaporation temperature. Further, a thin-walled cylindrical refrigerant flow path is employed so that the thin-walled cylinder is deformed only slightly by the refrigerant pressure.
US09368376B2 Mechanical debonding method and system
A mechanical debonding method and system are provided. A mechanical debonding method, used to debond temporary bonding wafers formed by bonding a device wafer and a carrier wafer by an adhesive, includes: obtaining the height position of the adhesive through a thickness measurement apparatus; moving a cutting apparatus to a position between the device wafer and the carrier wafer based on the height position of the adhesive, then removing the adhesive at the edge of the temporary bonding wafers by the cutting apparatus; removing the carrier wafer from the temporary bonding wafers; cleaning the adhesive left on the surface of the device wafer.
US09368369B2 Methods for forming a self-aligned contact via selective lateral etch
In some embodiments methods of processing a substrate include: providing a substrate having a contact structure formed on the substrate, wherein the contact structure comprises a feature defined by gate structures, a silicon nitride layer disposed on a upper surface of the gate structures and on sidewalls and a bottom of the feature, and an oxide layer disposed over the silicon nitride layer and filling the feature; etching an opening through the oxide layer to the silicon nitride layer disposed on the bottom of the opening, wherein a width of the opening is less than a width of the feature; expanding the opening in the oxide layer to form a tapered profile; exposing the substrate to ammonia and nitrogen trifluoride to form an ammonium fluoride gas that forms an ammonium hexafluorosilicate film on the oxide layer; and heating the substrate to a second temperature to sublimate the ammonium hexafluorosilicate film.
US09368366B2 Methods for providing spaced lithography features on a substrate by self-assembly of block copolymers
A method of forming a plurality of regularly spaced lithography features, the method including providing a self-assemblable block copolymer having first and second blocks in a plurality of trenches on a substrate, each trench including opposing side-walls and a base, with the side-walls having a width therebetween, wherein a first trench has a greater width than a second trench; causing the self-assemblable block copolymer to self-assemble into an ordered layer in each trench, the layer having a first domain of the first block alternating with a second domain of the second block, wherein the first and second trenches have the same number of each respective domain; and selectively removing the first domain to form regularly spaced rows of lithography features having the second domain along each trench, wherein the pitch of the features in the first trench is greater than the pitch of the features in the second trench.
US09368362B2 Semiconductor devices including a capping layer and methods of forming semiconductor devices including a capping layer
Methods of forming a semiconductor device are provided. A method of forming a semiconductor device may include forming a capping layer on a metal pattern and on an adjacent portion of an insulating layer, the capping layer comprising a first etch selectivity, with respect to the insulating layer, on the metal pattern and a second etch selectivity, with respect to the insulating layer, on the portion of the insulating layer. Moreover, the method may include forming a recess region adjacent the metal pattern by removing the capping layer from the portion of the insulating layer. At least a portion of the capping layer may remain on an uppermost surface of the metal pattern after removing the capping layer from the portion of the insulating layer. Related semiconductor devices are also provided.
US09368361B2 Method of making a semiconductor device
In one embodiment, a method for forming an electronic device includes providing a substrate having a plurality of electronic devices formed therein, forming a protective layer over a major surface of the substrate containing the plurality of electronic devices, forming a mold layer over the protective layer, thinning a major surface of the substrate opposite to the major surface containing the plurality of electronic devices, and removing the adhesive layer and the mold layer. In another embodiment, a zone coating layer can be included between the protective layer and the mold layer.
US09368358B2 Method of manufacturing a semiconductor device
A method of manufacturing a semiconductor device includes: (a) supplying a halogen-based source gas containing a first element to a substrate; (b) supplying a reaction gas containing a second element to react with the first element to the substrate; (c) forming a first layer containing the first element and the second element by time-dividing and performing (a) and (b) a predetermined number of times; (d) supplying an organic source gas containing the first element to the substrate; (e) supplying the reaction gas to the substrate; (f) forming a second layer containing the first element and the second element by time-dividing and performing (d) and (e) a predetermined number of times; and (g) forming a thin film containing the first element and the second element on the substrate by time-dividing and performing (c) and (f) a predetermined number of times.
US09368357B2 Directional pre-clean in silicide and contact formation
A method includes etching a dielectric layer to form an opening, with an underlying region underlying the dielectric layer exposed to the opening, and performing a bombardment to bombard a surface region of the underlying region through the opening. After the bombardment, the surface region is reacted with a process gas to form a reaction layer. An anneal is then performed to remove the reaction layer.
US09368349B2 Cut last self-aligned litho-etch patterning
The present disclosure relates to a method of performing a self-aligned litho-etch (SALE) process. In some embodiments, the method is performed by forming a spacer material over a substrate having a multi-layer hard mask with a first layer and an underlying second layer to provide a first cut layer, and forming a reverse material over the spacer material to form a second cut layer. A second plurality of openings, cut according to the second cut layer, are formed to expose the second layer at a positions corresponding to a second plurality of shapes of a SALE design layer. A first plurality of openings, cut according to the first cut layer, are formed to expose the second layer at a positions corresponding to a first plurality of shapes of the SALE design layer. The second layer is etched according to the first and second plurality of openings.
US09368345B2 Method of manufacturing silicon carbide semiconductor substrate and method of manufacturing silicon carbide semiconductor device
A step of preparing a silicon carbide substrate, a step of forming a first silicon carbide semiconductor layer on the silicon carbide substrate using a first source material gas, and a step of forming a second silicon carbide semiconductor layer on the first silicon carbide semiconductor layer using a second source material gas are provided. In the step of forming a first silicon carbide semiconductor layer and the step of forming a second silicon carbide semiconductor layer, ammonia gas is used as a dopant gas, and the first source material gas has a C/Si ratio of not less than 1.6 and not more than 2.2, the C/Si ratio being the number of carbon atoms to the number of silicon atoms.
US09368332B2 Microchannel plate devices with tunable resistive films
A microchannel plate includes a substrate defining a plurality of channels extending from a top surface of the substrate to a bottom surface of the substrate. A resistive layer is formed over an outer surface of the plurality of channels that provides ohmic conduction with a predetermined resistivity that is substantially constant. An emissive layer is formed over the resistive layer. A top electrode is positioned on the top surface of the substrate. A bottom electrode positioned on the bottom surface of the substrate.
US09368329B2 Methods and apparatus for synchronizing RF pulses in a plasma processing system
A synchronized pulsing arrangement for providing at least two synchronized pulsing RF signals to a plasma processing chamber of a plasma processing system is provided. The arrangement includes a first RF generator for providing a first RF signal. The first RF signal is provided to the plasma processing chamber to energize a plasma therein, the first RF signal representing a pulsing RF signal. The arrangement also includes a second RF generator for providing a second RF signal to the plasma processing chamber. The second RF generator has a sensor subsystem for detecting values of at least one parameter associated with the plasma processing chamber that reflects whether the first RF signal is pulsed high or pulsed low and a pulse controlling subsystem for pulsing the second RF signal responsive to the detecting the values of at least one parameter.
US09368320B2 Stage apparatus, and charged particle beam apparatus using same
The purpose of the present invention is to provide a stage apparatus that effectively suppresses the transmission of heat generated by a drive mechanism to a sample, and a charged particle beam apparatus using the same. In order to achieve the purpose, there are proposed a stage apparatus and a charged particle beam apparatus. The stage apparatus comprises a table; a drive source that drives the table in a predetermined direction; a first connection member provided between the table and the drive source; a second connection member provided between the table and the drive source and closer to the drive source than the first member; a slide unit supported by the second connection member; and a rail guiding the slide unit in a predetermined direction, the first connection member comprising a member having a relatively low heat conductivity with respect to the second connection member.
US09368317B2 Balancing of a rotating anode
A rotating anode disk is balanced in a state where the rotating anode disk is mounted inside an X-ray tube. An adjustment device (54) balances the rotating anode disk in an operating state. The adjustment device includes at least a first plurality (72) of balancing elements (74) which are attached to at least one circular ring structure (76). The balancing elements each include a balancing portion (80) mounted to the circular ring structure via a bending portion (82). The bending portions are configured to be heated to a bending temperature to allow a radial pivoting movement (84) of the balancing portion from a first state (86) into a second state (88) caused by centrifugal forces upon rotation. A center of mass of the balancing portion is closer to a center (90) of the circular ring structure in a first state than the second state.
US09368315B2 Streak tube with connection lead to reduce voltage propagation differences
A steak tube has a container with an entrance plate and an output plate, a photocathode disposed in the container and configured to emit electrons according to light to be measured, the light having been incident through the entrance plate, and a sweep electrode disposed in the container, having a pair of deflection plates for generating an electric field and a connection lead connected to each deflection plate, and configured to sweep the electrons in a sweep direction along the output plate. An opposing of edges of the deflection plate in a direction of the output plate are formed so as to extend in a direction from the entrance plate to the output plate, the connection lead has a first connection portion electrically connected to the deflection plate, and the first connection portion is connected to the opposing of edges.
US09368308B2 Fuse in chip design
In order to produce a cost-effective fuse in chip design, which is applied to a carrier substrate made of a Al2O3 ceramic having a high thermal conductivity, and which is provided with a fusible metallic conductor and a cover layer, in which the melting point of the metallic conductor may be defined reliably, it is suggested that an intermediate layer having low thermal conductivity be positioned between the carrier substrate and the metallic conductor, the intermediate layer being formed by a low-melting-point inorganic glass paste applied in the screen-printing method or an organic intermediate layer applied in island printing. Furthermore, a method for manufacturing the fuse is specified.
US09368307B2 Single-channel safety output
A safety switching device for fail-safely switching on and off an electrical load, and to a system comprising at least two safety switching devices which interact in a fail-safe manner via a single-channel. The safety switching device comprises a fail-safe control unit, a first and a second electronic switching element connected with a first and a second output terminal; and at least one input terminal for receiving a first switching signal that causes a switching of said switching elements. Said first and second switching elements each comprise an output which provides depending on the first switching signal an output signal having a first or second potential. A third output terminal connects said safety switching device to a second safety switching device, providing a clocked signal depending on the first switching signal and being monitored by said control unit for performing a cross fault detection.
US09368299B1 Thin keyboard having keycaps including integrated inner frames
A thin keyboard depressing structure includes a circuit board and a frame. The circuit board includes a plurality of trigger portions each can be triggered to generate a keyboard signal. The frame is stacked over the circuit board and forms an outer frame, a plurality of inner frames and a plurality of keycaps in an integrated manner. The outer frame has a plurality of holding zones corresponding to the trigger portions. Each keycap is held in one holding zone corresponding to one trigger portion. The outer frame and the keycap are bridged by one inner frame. Each inner frame has at least two first connecting portions connected to the outer frame and at least two second connecting portions connected to the keycap. Each first connecting portion and each second connecting portion are bridged by a support portion.
US09368298B2 Switch and manufacturing method of switch
A switch includes a case, fixed electrodes, a movable electrode and a pressing member. The fixed electrodes and the movable electrode are arranged inside the recess. The pressing member is arranged so as to cover at least a part of the recess, and displaces the movable electrode from the second position to the first position by a pressing force from the outside. The pressing member includes a first bent part and a second bent part, and a deforming part disposed therebetween. The deforming part is opposed to the movable electrode with a gap in a state where the movable electrode is in the second position. The deforming part is configured to be flexibly deformed toward the outside of the case in a state where the movable electrode is in the first position in which the fixed electrodes are in a conductive state.
US09368296B2 Fusible switch assemblies, and load base assemblies, line base assemblies, line bus connector assemblies, fuse clip assemblies, fuse clip and lug assemblies, and operational methods thereof
A fusible switch assembly including a line base assembly and load base assembly is disclosed. Line base assembly includes a low-profile fuse clip assembly and line bus connector assembly with single-piece connector body and sliding nuts. Load base assembly includes a fuse clip and lug assembly having a lug body including a multiple lugs and a fuse clip at least partially formed by the lug body. Line base assemblies, load base assemblies, fuse clip assemblies, line bus connector assemblies, fuse clip and lug assemblies, and methods of operating line base assemblies are provided, as are other aspects.
US09368294B2 Solenoid operated device
A solenoid operated device includes: a fixed iron core formed of a horizontal iron core portion and vertical iron core portions; a movable iron core disposed in an axially displaceable manner with respect to the fixed iron core; a magnet coil disposed between the movable iron core and the vertical iron core portions of the fixed iron core; and a drive shaft installed at an axial center portion of the movable iron core and driving a switchgear to open and close a switch thereof. The solenoid operated device is provided with a stopper installed on the drive shaft in a shaft portion penetrating through the horizontal iron core portion of the fixed iron core and regulating an opening direction position of the movable iron core by abutting on the horizontal iron core portion of the fixed iron core during an opening operation of the switchgear.
US09368279B2 Electronic part
An electronic part that includes an electronic part main body and an external electrode on the surface of the electronic part main body. The external electrode includes at least one alloy layer selected from among a Cu—Ni alloy layer and a Cu—Mn alloy layer, and a Sn-containing layer on the outer side of the alloy layer. The Sn-containing layer is the outermost layer of the external electrode. The Sn-containing layer is in contact with the alloy layer.
US09368277B2 Method for producing RFeB-based magnet
Provided is a method for producing an RFeB-based magnet, the method including: disposing a nozzle so as to be opposed to an attachment surface of a base material that is a sintered magnet or hot-plastic worked magnet composed of an RFeB-based magnet containing a light rare earth element RL that is at least one element selected from the group consisting of Nd and Pr, Fe, and B; ejecting a mixture, from the nozzle, obtained by mixing an organic solvent and an RH-containing powder containing a heavy rare earth element RH that is at least one element selected from the group consisting of Dy, Tb and Ho so as to attach the mixture to the attachment surface; and heating the base material together with the mixture.
US09368270B2 Planar transformer assemblies for implantable cardioverter defibrillators
A planar transformer assembly, for use in charging capacitors of an ICD, includes windings arranged to minimize voltage across intervening dielectric layers. Each secondary winding of a preferred plurality of secondary windings is arranged relative to a primary winding, in a hierarchical fashion, such that the DC voltage, with respect to ground, of a first secondary winding, of the plurality of secondary windings, is lower than that of a second secondary winding, with respect to ground, wherein the first secondary winding is in closest proximity to the primary winding. The primary winding and each secondary winding are preferably formed on a corresponding plurality of dielectric layers.
US09368263B2 Magnet assembly
A magnet assembly, having a disk-shaped magnet, which is made predominantly of metal material and has a through-hole and, by the through-hole, can be placed onto a region of a shaft made of plastic by a press fit. In the region of the magnet placed onto the shaft, the shaft has a diameter that is smaller than the diameter of the through-hole. The shaft has a plurality of radially protruding projections in the region of the magnet placed onto the shaft. The projections are distributed evenly on the circumference of the shaft and, with respect to the longitudinal axis of the shaft, having a radius, the double of which is oversized relative to the diameter of the through-hole before the magnet is placed onto the projections of the shaft.
US09368252B2 Method for forming vapor grown graphite fibers composition and mixture formed by the same and applications thereof
A method for forming a vapor-grown graphite fibers (VGGF) composition and a VGGF composition formed by the method are provided. In this method, a transition metal compound catalyst and three organic co-catalysts are mixed with a hydrocarbon compound, and then are delivered into a tubular reactor and pyrolized and graphitized to produce the VGGF composition. The VGGF composition includes a carbon ingredient containing a carbon content of at least 99.9 wt %. The carbon ingredient has a graphitization degree of at least 75%, and the carbon ingredient includes non-fibrous carbon and fibrous VGGF, wherein an area ratio of the non-fibrous carbon to the fibrous VGGF is about equal to or smaller than 5%. The fibrous VGGF include graphite fibers having a 3-D linkage structure, wherein the content of the graphite fibers having the 3-D linkage structure in the fibrous VGGF is about between 5 area % and 50 area %.
US09368251B2 Multilayer ceramic capacitor with conductive fullerene-filling resin layer, method for same, and mounting board with same
A multilayer ceramic capacitor includes a ceramic body including dielectric layers and internal electrodes, electrode layers connected to the internal electrodes, and a conductive resin layer formed on the electrode layer and containing conductive particles, fullerenes, and a base resin.
US09368248B2 Transparent conductive electrodes comprising metal nanowires, their structure design, and method of making such structures
A method for making a nanowire-based electrode having homogenous optical property and heterogeneous electrical property is disclosed. The method comprises forming a pattern on the electrode using a photolytically process.
US09368246B2 Control device
The invention relates to a control device (10) comprising a radiation source (17) which is embodied, in particular, as an X-ray source for irradiating a pharmaceutical product (1) embodied, in particular as a capsule, a detector (18) for detecting radiation after irradiating the pharmaceutical product (1), a tube or shaft-shaped supply device (15) which is preferably arranged vertically at least in the region of the beam path (16) of the radiation source (17) for feeding the pharmaceutical product (1) into the beam path (16) of the radiation source (17), and means (25) for positioning and releasing the pharmaceutical product (1) in the region of the radiation beam (16) of the radiation source (17). According to the invention, the tube or shaft-shaped supply device (15) has a cross-section in the region of the beam path (16) which is greater than the cross-section of the pharmaceutical product (1), and that during irradiation, respectively only one pharmaceutical product (1) is arranged in the region of the beam path (16) of the radiation source (17).
US09368243B2 Process for processing radioactive waste for shipment and storage
A process for encapsulating a radioactive object to render the object suitable for shipment and/or storage, and including the steps of preparing a plastic material, causing the plastic material to react with a foaming agent, generating a foaming plastic, encapsulating the radioactive object in the foaming plastic, and allowing the foaming plastic to solidify around the radioactive object to form an impervious coating.
US09368238B2 Nuclear reactor melt arrest and coolability device
Example embodiments provide a Basemat-Internal Melt Arrest and Coolability device (BiMAC) that offers improved spatial and mechanical characteristics for use in damage prevention and risk mitigation in accident scenarios. Example embodiments may include a BiMAC having an inclination of less than 10-degrees from the basemat floor and/or coolant channels of less than 4 inches in diameter, while maintaining minimum safety margins required by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission.
US09368234B2 Nonvolatile memory device and method of operating the same
In a method of operating a nonvolatile memory device, an impedance calibration verifying operation is performed based on a data read command. The impedance calibration verifying operation ascertains whether an impedance calibration operation is normally performed for a data input/output (I/O) terminal of the nonvolatile memory device. A detection value is stored in a storage unit. The detection value indicates a result of the impedance calibration verifying operation. The detection value is output based on a first command received after the nonvolatile memory device receives the data read command. A data read operation or the impedance calibration operation is selectively performed based on the detection value.
US09368231B2 Switched capacitor circuit and drive method thereof
A switched capacitor circuit according to the present invention includes: a capacitor including a first terminal to which the input voltage is applied and a second terminal; a capacitor including a third terminal and a fourth terminal; an inverting amplifier including a second output terminal and a second input terminal which is connected to the fourth terminal; a capacitor including a fifth terminal and a sixth terminal; a capacitor including a seventh terminal and an eighth terminal and included in an electrical path between the second output terminal and the fifth terminal; and a capacitor including a ninth terminal and a tenth terminal connected to the second terminal and the sixth terminal, respectively. The third terminal is connected to the second terminal. The sixth terminal is connected to the output terminal.
US09368229B2 Semiconductor integrated circuit device including fuse block
A semiconductor integrated circuit device includes a plurality of column repair address lines configured to cross and a plurality of mat select lines; a fuse set unit including a plurality of latch units electrically coupled with the plurality of column repair address lines and the plurality of mat select lines; a fuse driving unit configured to provide fuse data to the latch units through the plurality of column repair address lines; and an equalizer configured to equalize the fuse data to a same level in response to a select signal of the fuse set unit and a boot-up signal of the fuse set unit.
US09368224B2 Self-adjusting regulation current for memory array source line
To maintain stability of memory array operations, a supplemental current can supply a common source line of a memory array so that the combined current from the memory array and supplemental current is at least a minimum regulation current level. When enabled for sensing operations, a driver circuit maintains the common source line's voltage level. A current subtractor circuit determines the difference between a reference current and a current proportional to the current flowing from the array, where the reference current is proportional to the minimum regulation current. The difference current is then mirrored by a self-adjusting current loop and supplied to the common source line to maintain its current level.
US09368223B2 Memory system and read reclaim method thereof
A memory system includes a nonvolatile memory device including a first memory area formed of memory blocks which store n-bit data per cell and a second memory area formed of memory blocks which store m-bit data per cell, where n and m are different integers, and a memory controller configured to control the nonvolatile memory device. The memory controller is configured to execute a read operation, and to execute a read reclaim operation in which valid data of a target memory block of the second memory area is transferred to one or more memory blocks of the first memory area, the target memory block selected during the read operation. The read reclaim operation is processed as complete when all the valid data of the target memory block is transferred to the one or more memory blocks of the first memory area.
US09368218B2 Fast secure erase in a flash system
A flash memory controller is configured to provide a first erase mode for erasing one or more groups of flash memory cells in a flash memory device using a plurality of erase pulses and a second erase mode for erasing the one or more groups of flash memory cells using a single erase pulse. The controller may receive a fast erase signal to erase the one or more groups of flash memory cells and, in response to the signal, switch operating parameters of the flash memory device from first parameters corresponding to the first erase mode to second parameters corresponding to the second erase mode, and instruct the flash memory device to perform an erase operation on the one or more groups of flash memory cells according to the second parameters. The controller may then verify that the erase operation was completed using the single erase pulse.
US09368217B2 Voltage generator, integrated circuit, and voltage generating method
A voltage generator includes: a first pump configured to generate and output a first voltage to a first node in response to a first clock signal; a second pump configured to generate and output a second voltage to a second node in response to the first clock signal; a third pump configured to generate and output a third voltage to the first and second nodes in response to the first clock signal; a first switch configured to deliver the third voltage to the first node in response to a first control signal; and a second switch configured to deliver the third voltage to the second node in response to a second control signal, in which the first pump has a first drivability, the second pump has a second drivability, and the third pump has a third drivability greater than the first and second drivabilities.
US09368215B2 Method for biasing an embedded source plane of a non-volatile memory having vertical select gates
A method controls a memory that includes twin memory cells formed in a semiconductor substrate. Each memory cell includes a floating-gate transistor including a state control gate, in series with a select transistor that includes a vertical select control gate, common to the twin memory cells, and a source connected to an embedded source line, common to the memory cells. The drains of the floating-gate transistors of the twin memory cells are connected to a same bit line. The method includes controlling a memory cell so as to turn it on to couple the source line to a bit line coupled to the ground, during a step of programming or reading another memory cell.
US09368213B2 Nonvolatile semiconductor memory device with block decoder
A nonvolatile semiconductor memory device includes a memory cell array having multiple blocks each with a plurality of memory strings. Each memory string has multiple memory cells connected in series between first and second selection transistors. The device further includes a row decoder, a block decoder, first and second signal line groups, and a switch circuit. The row decoder has transfer transistors through which voltages are supplied to the selection transistors. The block decoder supplies a selection signal that indicates whether the first group or the second group has been selected. The first and second signal line groups are connected to the selection transistors of the memory strings that are in the respective first and second memory blocks of the first and second groups. The switch circuit connects the first and second signal line groups to the respective first and second memory blocks of the selected group.
US09368206B1 Capacitor arrangements using a resistive switching memory cell structure
In one embodiment, a capacitive circuit can include: (i) a resistive storage element having a solid electrolyte, a first electrode coupled to a first side of the solid electrolyte, and a second electrode coupled to a second side of the solid electrolyte; (ii) the resistive storage element being configured to be programmed to a low resistance state by application of a program voltage in a forward bias direction to form a conductive path between the first and second electrodes, and being configured to be erased to a high resistance state by application of an erase voltage in a reverse bias direction to substantially dissolve the conductive path; and (iii) a first capacitor having the first electrode coupled to a first side of a first oxide layer, and a third electrode coupled to a second side of the first oxide layer.
US09368200B2 Low read current architecture for memory
A low read current architecture for memory. Bit lines of a cross point memory array are allowed to be charged by a selected word line until a minimum voltage differential between a memory state and a reference level is assured.
US09368198B1 Circuits and methods for placing programmable impedance memory elements in high impedance states
A memory device can include a plurality of two terminal conductive bridging random access memory (CBRAM) type memory elements; at least one program transistor configured to enable a program current to flow through at least one memory element in response to the application of a program signal at its control terminal and a program bias voltage to the memory element; and an erase load circuit that includes at least one two-terminal diode-like load element, the erase load circuit configured to enable an erase current to flow through the load element and at least one memory element in a direction opposite to that of the program current.
US09368194B2 Semiconductor integrated circuit device and system with memory cell array
A semiconductor integrated circuit which can respond to changes of the amount of retained data at the time of standby is provided. The semiconductor integrated circuit comprises a logic circuit (logic) and plural SRAM modules. The plural SRAM modules perform power control independently of the logic circuit, and an independent power control is performed among the plural SRAM modules. Specifically, one terminal and the other terminal of a potential control circuit of each SRAM module are coupled to a cell array and a local power line, respectively. The local power line of one SRAM module and the local power line of the other SRAM module share a shared local power line. A power switch of one SRAM module and a power switch of the other SRAM module are coupled in common to the shared local power line.
US09368189B2 Semiconductor device including output circuit constituted of plural unit buffer circuits in which impedance thereof are adjustable
A semiconductor device includes an output circuit having a plurality of unit buffer circuits, an impedance of each unit buffer circuit of the plurality of unit buffer circuits being adjustable, a control circuit configured to selectively activate one or more unit buffer circuits of the plurality of unit buffer circuits, and an impedance adjustment unit configured to adjust the impedance of each of the unit buffer circuits of the plurality of unit buffer circuits. The impedance adjustment unit includes a first power line, a replica circuit, and a load current generation circuit. The replica circuit and the load current generation circuit are coupled in common to the first power line, the replica circuit has a replica impedance that is substantially equal to the impedance of the output circuit, and the load current generation circuit changes current flowing therethrough.
US09368182B2 Memory cell
Nonvolatile storage with long memory endurance having the advantages of easy manufacturability is obtained by using a memory cell having an information storage element including a ferroelectric material, and operating the memory cell in a volatile operating mode and a nonvolatile operating mode. The option of operating the memory cell in the volatile operating mode enables the associated advantages of high memory speed at long endurance, wherein, however, the option of operating the memory cell in the nonvolatile operating mode can bridge gaps in the power supply.
US09368180B2 Variable resistance memory device and storage devices using the same
In an electronic device including a semiconductor memory, the semiconductor memory may include a unit storage cell including a variable resistor having a resistance value that is changed according to current flowing through both terminals of the variable resistor and a selection element that is electrically coupled to one terminal of the variable resistor, a unit current generation section that generates the current flowing through both terminals by using predetermined voltage according to a polarity of current data as compared with existing data, and a pad that receives the predetermined voltage from an exterior and allows the current flowing through both terminals to be measured from an exterior.
US09368177B2 Magnetic resistance structure, method of manufacturing the magnetic resistance structure, and electronic device including the magnetic resistance structure
Provided are a magnetic resistance structure, a method of manufacturing the magnetic resistance structure, and an electronic device including the magnetic resistance structure. The method of manufacturing the magnetic resistance structure includes forming a hexagonal boron nitride layer, forming a graphene layer on the boron nitride layer, forming a first magnetic material layer between the boron nitride layer and the graphene layer according to an intercalation process; and forming a second magnetic material layer on the graphene layer.
US09368175B2 Semiconductor memory device receiving multiple commands simultaneously and memory system including the same
A semiconductor memory device may include: a memory cell array; a first address controller configured to receive a first command and a first address and generate a first control signal in response to the first command; and a second address controller configured to receive a second address and a second command inputted at the same time as the first command, and generate a second control signal in response to the second command.
US09368174B2 Data strobe control device
A control device that comprises a first data strobe input terminal to be connected in common to data strobe terminals that are included respectively in first memory devices, and a plurality of first sub-units each coupled to the first data strobe input terminal and each holding a data strobe delay value corresponding to an associated one of the first memory devices, and the data strobe delay values of the sub-units being independent from each other.
US09368172B2 Read strobe gating mechanism
A memory controller that extends the window when reading data from the memory device to compensate for fluctuations in a read strobe delay. The memory controller includes a communication port that receives a timing reference signal for reading data from a memory device. A control circuit generates a gating signal indicative of a read window. A gating adjustment circuit generates an adjusted gating signal indicative of an adjusted read window based on the gating signal and the timing reference signal. A gating circuit generates a first gated timing reference signal for reading data by gating a delayed version of the timing reference signal with the adjusted gating signal.
US09368163B2 Power consumption control
The present disclosure includes apparatuses and methods for power consumption control. A number of embodiments include determining power consumption information for each phase in a combination of phases of a command, and authorizing execution of at least one of the phases in the combination based, at least partially, on the power consumption information determined for the at least one of the phases.
US09368161B2 Nonvolatile memory cell structure with assistant gate
A nonvolatile memory (NVM) cell includes a semiconductor substrate having therein an N well and a P well; a first oxide define (OD) region and a second oxide define (OD) region disposed within the N well; a PMOS select transistor disposed on the first OD region; a PMOS floating gate transistor serially connected to the select transistor and being disposed on the on the first OD region, wherein the PMOS floating gate transistor comprises a floating gate overlying the first OD region; and an assistant gate protruding from one distal end of the floating gate to one edge of the second OD region such that the assistant gate is capacitively coupled to the second OD region and the N well. The select transistor, the floating gate transistor and the assistant gate disposed on the same N well.
US09368160B2 Memory device
According to one embodiment, a memory device includes first to third interconnects, memory cells, and selectors. The first to third interconnects are provided along first to third directions, respectively. The memory cells includes variable resistance layers formed on two side surfaces, facing each other in the first direction, of the third interconnects. The selectors couple the third interconnects with the first interconnects. One of the selectors includes a semiconductor layer provided between associated one of the third interconnects and associated one of the first interconnects, and gates formed on two side surfaces of the semiconductor layer facing each other in the first direction with gate insulating films interposed therebetween.
US09368157B2 Recorded content repair
A television receiver may detect during a primary recording of particular programming degradation of a received signal quality associated with the particular programming to at or below a predetermined threshold value. The television receiver may instantiate a secondary recording of the particular programming during the primary recording when the particular programming is accessible over at least one terrestrial network. The television receiver may query a computing system to acquire content associated with at least one gap in content within the primary recording present due to received signal quality. The television receiver may output during playback of the primary recording a notification to enable access to the secondary recording when content associated with the at least one gap in content within the primary recording is unavailable over the at least one terrestrial network.
US09368153B2 Disc cartridge and disc device
A disc device records or reproduces information in or from a disc stored in a disc cartridge. The disc cartridge includes a casing having a front face with an opening for receiving the disc; and a cover closing the opening of the casing. The cover includes a slider moving along a side face of the casing, a shutter closing the opening; and a hinge part rotatably coupling the shutter to the slider. The disc device includes a stopper contacting the slider when the disc cartridge is inserted into the disc device to restrict movement of the slider in an insertion direction, and a cam part separating the hinge part from a contact region between the shutter and the casing when or before the casing further moves with the stopper restricting movement of the slider and the shutter is pressed by the casing to rotate about the hinge part.
US09368152B1 Flexible virtual defect padding
Technologies are described herein for performing flexible virtual defect padding of bad sectors on recording media of a storage device. A defective sector on a data track of a recording medium in the storage device is detected. The size and position of a physical defect within the defective sector are determined, and one or more sectors adjacent to the defective sector on the data track are mapped as virtual defects based on the size and position of the physical defect within the defective sector.
US09368146B2 Near-field transducer with multiple heat sinks
An apparatus comprises a writer, a near-field transducer (NFT), a channel waveguide proximate the NFT, a dielectric layer between the NFT and waveguide, and a plurality of heat sinks. A first heat sink comprises a gap and contacts the NFT and the writer. A second heat sink extends across the gap of the first heat sink and between the NFT and a heat reservoir component, such as a return pole of the writer. The channel waveguide may contact the second heat sink, such as by encompassing a peripheral portion of the second heat sink. The second heat sink may have at least an outer surface comprising a plasmonic material, and may be configured to enhance plasmonic excitation of the NFT.
US09368133B2 Unbalanced data writer coil
A data writer may be configured with at least a write pole and a continuous coil with the continuous coil having a first turn with a first cross-sectional shape and a second turn with a second cross-sectional shape that differs from the first cross-sectional shape. The second turn may be positioned proximal a leading edge of the write pole and an air bearing surface while the first turn is positioned distal the air bearing surface.
US09368119B2 Methods and apparatus to convert received graphical and/or textual user commands into voice commands for application control
A method for transmitting communications from a vehicle onboard computer system is provided. The method receives a graphical user command via a user interface; converts the user command into a voice instruction; and transmits the voice instruction to an electronic device, using machine-to-machine (M2M) communication.
US09368117B2 Device and system having smart directional conferencing
Some implementations provide a method for identifying a speaker. The method determines position and orientation of a second device based on data from a first device that is for capturing the position and orientation of the second device. The second device includes several microphones for capturing sound. The second device has movable position and movable orientation. The method assigns an object as a representation of a known user. The object has a moveable position. The method receives a position of the object. The position of the object corresponds to a position of the known user. The method processes the captured sound to identify a sound originating from the direction of the object. The direction of the object is relative to the position and the orientation of the second device. The method identifies the sound originating from the direction of the object as belonging to the known user.
US09368108B2 Speech recognition method and device
A speech recognition method and device are disclosed. The method includes: acquiring a text file specified by a user, and extracting a command word from the text file, to obtain a command word list; comparing the command word list with a command word library, to confirm whether the command word list includes a new command word; if the command word list includes the new command word, generating a corresponding new pronunciation dictionary; merging the new language model into a language model library; and receiving speech, and performing speech recognition on the speech according to an acoustic model, a phonation dictionary, and the language model library. Command words acquired online are closely related to online content; therefore, the number of the command words is limited and far less than the number of frequently used words.
US09368085B2 Method and apparatus for driving active matrix display panel, and display
A method and apparatus for driving an active matrix display panel includes a plurality of scanning lines, a plurality of data lies intersecting the scanning lines, and a plurality of pixel electrodes that are coupled to the scanning lines and the data lines. The method includes activating the scanning lines sequentially, and adjusting common voltages applied to a plurality of common electrodes that are disposed opposite to the pixel electrodes in response to differences in voltage changes generated among the pixel electrodes when the scanning lines changes from an on state to an off state. Therefore a voltage difference between each of the pixel electrodes and a common electrode arranged opposite to the pixel electrode is equal to a target voltage.
US09368083B2 Liquid crystal display device adapted to partial display
A liquid crystal display device includes a liquid crystal display panel; and a driver driving the liquid crystal display panel. The liquid crystal display panel includes: a first substrate on which subpixels each including a pixel electrode are integrated; and a second substrate opposed to the first substrate, a plurality of common electrodes being formed on the second substrate. The display region of the liquid crystal display panel is divided into a plurality of sections respectively corresponding to the common electrodes. When a partial display in which an image is selectively displayed in a selected section is performed, the liquid crystal driver drives the common electrode corresponding to the selected section to a predetermined common voltage level, sets the common electrodes corresponding to the non-selected sections to a predetermined reference level, and sets pixel electrodes of subpixels in the non-selected sections to the reference voltage level.
US09368072B2 Image display device and image display method of a multi-display type with local and global control
Control sections of displays 11 each determine control information Pi used when area-active driving is performed individually and transmit the control information Pi to a multi-display control section 12. The multi-display control section 12 determines control information Ps for the entire device on the basis of the received pieces of control information Pi and transmits the control information Ps to the control sections of the displays 11. All the displays 11 perform area-active driving on the basis of the same control information Ps. In this way, occurrence of a luminance difference or chromaticity difference among display screens of the displays 11 is prevented and the quality of a displayed image is improved.
US09368070B2 Variable resolution seamless tileable display
A tileable display panel includes an illumination layer, a display layer, and a screen layer. The display layer is disposed between the screen layer and the lamp layer and includes pixelets separated from each other by spacing regions. Each of the pixelets is positioned to be illuminated by lamp light from the illumination layer and to project a magnified image sub-portion onto the backside of the screen layer such that the magnified image sub-portions collectively blend together to form a unified image on the screen layer which covers the spacing regions on the display layer. Each of the pixelets includes core pixels having a common size and a first separation pitch and peripheral pixels surrounding the core pixels on two or more sides which provide a higher image resolution in overlap regions on the screen layer when the magnified image sub-portions overlap on the screen layer.
US09368069B2 Stage circuit and organic light emitting display device using the same
A driver includes a first circuit to output a scan signal and a second circuit to output an emission control signal. The first circuit outputs the scan signal based on a first set of clock signals, and the second circuit outputs the emission control signal based on a second set of clock signals. The first set of clock signals and the second set of clock signals have at least one same clock signal and at least one different clock signal. The second circuit receives the scan signal and outputs the emission control signal based on the scan signal. The first circuit may be a scan driver and the second circuit may be an emission control driver of a display device.
US09368066B2 Pixel circuit, organic electroluminescent display panel and display device
A pixel circuit is disclosed. The pixel circuit includes first and second capacitors, and a driving transistor, which generates a driving current. The pixel circuit includes a first transistor, controlled by a first driving signal, and which transmits a data signal to the first capacitor. The pixel circuit includes a second transistor, controlled by a second driving signal, and which transmits the data signal to the driving transistor. The pixel circuit includes a third transistor, controlled by the first driving signal, and which transmits a reference signal to the driving transistor. The pixel circuit includes a fourth transistor, controlled by a third driving signal, and which transmits the driving current to the light emitting element. The first capacitor stores the data signal and stabilizes the voltage between the gate and the source of the driving transistor, and the second capacitor stabilizes a source voltage of the driving transistor.
US09368058B2 Display apparatus
According to one embodiment, a display apparatus includes a plurality of semiconductor layers, a first insulation film, a first conductive layer, a second insulation film and a display element includes a second conductive layer. The first conductive layer and the second conductive layer are opposed to each other to form a capacitance unit.
US09368053B2 Display device
Provided is to secure a data-writing period to a source line and reduce the number of the IC chips used. N image data (e.g., three image data, RGB) are sequentially input to one input terminal. Three switches, three first memory elements, three transfer switches, three second memory elements, and three buffers are connected in parallel to the input terminal. The three switches are turned on respectively. RGB image data are held in the three respective first memory elements. In a selection period of a gate line of an (m−1)-th row, image data of an m-th row are written to the first memory elements. When the three transfer switches are turned on in a selection period of a gate line of an m-th row, the image data are transferred to and held in the second memory elements. Then, the image data are output to each source line through each buffer.
US09368049B2 Lever lock for display structures
A lever lock is used for attaching first and second support elements in a display structure. The lever lock includes a body that attaches to a side of the first support element. A shaft extends from the body and is oriented to pass through the slot. A foot is disposed at an end of the shaft that is remote from the body and is configured to operatively engage a side of the second support element so as to provide a clamping force on the second support element against the first support element. A lever is coupled to the body and configured to rotate between first and second positions. A linkage connecting the lever with the shaft converts the rotation of the lever into a movement of the shaft through a translation and axial rotation so as to move the foot between engaging and disengaging positions.
US09368047B2 Simulation add-on device to allow anterior-posterior and/or anterior-lateral defibrillation
The present invention takes the form of a device for training a user in defibrillation technique. The device includes a non-conductive belt that encircles a chest of a typical training simulator. The device includes conductive studs disposed in the AP or AL position, and therefore allows for training of the AP or AL defibrillation technique, respectively. The device can be used in conjunction with a high-technology simulator. In such a case the conductive studs redirect simulated cardiac rhythm signals and defibrillator electricity, allowing for the simulation of defibrillation in the AP position. The device can also be used in conjunction with a low-technology simulator or a pillow to provide AP and/or AL defibrillation functionality. In such a case, a rhythm simulator is used to simulate heart rhythm and dissipate defibrillation energy.
US09368037B1 System and method of stateful application programming interface (API) training
A stateful application programming interface training system. The system comprises an interface configured for use in a customer facing production environment, wherein an instance of the interface is launched for each student using the training system; and a training application, wherein the application is configured to receive messages from the instances of the user interface, wherein each message invokes one of a plurality of different application programming interface methods, associate each message to one of a plurality of students, maintain a state of a plurality of training scenarios, a separate state of a training scenario for each of the plurality of students based on an identity of the student, determine when a state of a training scenario completes a checkpoint, and in response to a completed checkpoint, return particularized updated information to the instance of the interface associated with the completed checkpoint.
US09368035B2 Method and device for automatically monitoring a flight path of an aircraft during an operation with required navigation performance
A monitoring device including a memory containing a reference path, the memory being separate from a flight management system. The reference path corresponding to a path that is defined during a navigation data validation on ground for the flight management system. A monitoring unit is configured to monitor a current flight path that is determined by the flight management system, by monitoring if this current flight path is in conformity with the reference flight path that is recorded in the memory.
US09368034B2 Rear warning control method and system for vehicle
A rear warning system for a vehicle that detects information regarding an area behind a vehicle and is operated based on the detected information. The system includes sensors configured to detect the information regarding the area behind the vehicle and a guiding device operated by a controller to provide a notification of the information regarding the area behind the vehicle received from the sensors. The sensors include an ultrasonic wave sensor configured to detect a target object spaced farther from the rear of the vehicle than a predetermined distance and a capacitance sensor configured to detect the target object closer than or equal to the predetermined distance.
US09368030B2 Method for making available route information by means of at least one motor vehicle
Current route information about a traffic situation and/or the state of the route itself is made available. A communication link to a peer-to-peer network is set up by a communication device of a motor vehicle, and the motor vehicle is signed on to said peer-to-peer network as a subscriber of the peer-to-peer network, with the result that a communication address of the motor vehicle can be determined by at least one other subscriber of the peer-to-peer network. Furthermore, in each case an interrogation relating to the route information is received by the communication device from the at least one other subscriber. The route information itself is determined by a sensing device of the motor vehicle and is then transmitted to the interrogating subscriber by the communication device.
US09368010B2 Security printing paper based on chipless radio frequency tag and method of manufacturing the same
Security printing paper based on a chipless radio frequency (RF) tag and a method of manufacturing the same are provided. The security printing paper based on a chipless RF tag includes first base paper, second base paper, and one or more chipless RF tags. The chipless RF tags are disposed between the first base paper and the second base paper. At least one layer configured to prevent the locations of the chipless RF tags from being exposed to the outside and to enable the security printing paper to be detected is formed on one or more of the first base paper and the second base paper.
US09368008B2 Electric vehicle supply equipment cable detection
Systems, methods, devices, and computer-readable media detect a status of a cable 204, and in particular, a cable of electric supply equipment. An example of electric supply equipment is electric vehicle supply equipment 200, which may be used for charging an electric vehicle 201. The electric vehicle supply equipment 200 may include a cable 204 for delivering electric power from a power source to the electric vehicle 201. Further, the electric vehicle supply equipment 200 may include a cable detection subcircuit 225 for detecting a status of its cable 204. Specifically, the cable detection subcircuit 225 may detect whether the cable 204 has been removed. Further, the electric vehicle supply equipment 200 may take various actions based on results provided by the cable detection subcircuit 225.
US09368003B2 Automated banking machine that is operable responsive to data bearing records
In an example embodiment, an automated banking machine that operates responsive at least in part to data read from data bearing records. The automated banking machine including a transaction function device, a slot associated with the transaction function device, an indicator adjacent to the slot, the indicator includes at least three different color light emitting diodes (LEDs), and an indicator processor in operative connection with the indicator. The indicator processor is operable to cause the LEDs of the indicator to intermittently illuminate to produce a plurality of blended colors that correspond to a functional status of the transaction function device.
US09367996B2 Systems and methods for all in betting on fantasy sports
Various embodiments described herein provide systems and methods for betting contests relating to sports matches and, in particular, relating to fantasy sports associated with sports matches. For some embodiments, the systems and methods described herein establish and conduct one or more betting contests based on the performance of individual real-world sports players. Additionally, for some embodiments, the performance of an individual real-world sports player is determined using fantasy sports points (hereafter, fantasy points) attributed to the individual real-life sports player by one or more fantasy sports systems.
US09367995B2 Electronic gaming device with turbo boost progressive gaming functionality
Examples disclosed herein relate to an electronic gaming device including a memory, a processor, and a plurality of reels. The memory may include one or more turbo boost progressive feature structures. A processor may generate one or more symbols to be located in the one or more areas. The processor may increase a progressive jackpot amount by a first amount where the first amount is a portion of a wager. The processor may increase the progressive jackpot amount by a second amount based on a turbo boost triggering event.
US09367990B2 User-initiated location determination for a location-based gaming system
A system for providing access to casino gaming and sports booking is provided which permits a gambler to place wagers using a location based mobile gaming unit. The gambler may access the system through a wireless network. Further, the gambler may be positioned anywhere there is an established local gaming server. A gambler profile may be provided wireless access to the local server along with the games available in the local server jurisdiction based on a global positioning of the mobile gaming unit.
US09367989B1 Method, system, and device for managing player data
A method, device, and system for managing player data includes a player device that communicates with a server. The player device is configured to receive an allocation of game resources stored at the server and/or player device to a game feature in a game conducted, at least in part, using a game device. The game device generates and transmits a stream of game data to the server and/or player device for resolution of the game feature.
US09367985B2 System for providing an interface for a gaming device
A device for providing an interface to a gaming machine. The device includes a processor, an ID Card reader coupled to the processor, a display coupled to the processor for displaying a bezel and information within the bezel. The device also including a keypad coupled to the processor for receiving input. The processor instructing the display to display media according to a predetermined set of rules.
US09367972B2 Method to adjust fuel economy readings for stored energy
Methods and systems are provided for compensating an instantaneous fuel economy reading for stored energy. One method comprises, when a vehicle undergoes a sufficient change in one or more of square of vehicle speed and vehicle altitude, estimating a conversion factor for fuel due to stored vehicle energy and adjusting the instantaneous fuel economy reading by the estimated conversion factor. The adjusted instantaneous fuel economy reading may be displayed to an operator of the vehicle.
US09367971B2 Aircraft maintenance method and device
A method for the maintenance of an aircraft including an avionics system including a set of operating units. The avionics system is connected to a ground-based infrastructure via at least one communication medium. Maintenance data stored in the ground-based infrastructure and relating to the malfunction of at least one operating unit are obtained via the at least one communication medium, and at least one operating unit is repaired on the basis of the maintenance data obtained.
US09367969B2 System and method of interlocking vehicle terminal with portable terminal
A system for interlocking a vehicle terminal with a portable terminal includes the vehicle terminal configured to correct vehicle data including mileage, self-diagnosis information, and driving information according to an operation. The portable terminal is physically connected with the vehicle terminal and connected with a service server of a control center through wireless communication. The portable terminal is configured to transmit the vehicle data provided from the vehicle terminal to the service server and receive information and a management service provided from the service server. The portable terminal is provided the information and the management service to the vehicle terminal.
US09367965B2 Systems and methods for generating images of tissue
The invention relates to systems and methods for three dimensional imaging of tissue. The invention provides systems and methods to provide a representation of tissue from three-dimensional data in the form of a montage of images having an indication of a spatial registration among the images.
US09367962B2 Augmented image display using a camera and a position and orientation sensor
An augmented image is generated by capturing a visual image of a site with a digital camera, generating a virtual image or associated information from a digital model of the site, and superimposing the virtual image or associated information on the visual image. To register the digital model with the visual image, a sensor pole is introduced into the field of view, and a combined visual image of the site and an optical target on the sensor pole is captured. The position and orientation of the sensor pole with respect to the site reference frame are measured by sensors mounted on the sensor pole; the position and orientation of the digital camera with respect to the sensor pole are calculated from image analysis of the optical target on the sensor pole; and the position and orientation of the digital camera with respect to the site reference frame are calculated.
US09367954B2 Illumination information icon for enriching navigable panoramic street view maps
Location-mapped environments that provide panoramic and immersive views of street scenes are augmented with modern data visualization displays, to communicate additional information of interest. Specifically, illumination statistics information is mapped onto building facades in the location-mapped environments. The illumination statistics information can include variations of illumination as a function of time of a day and as a function of the season. The illumination statistics information can also include direct illumination statistics information and indirect illumination statistics information. Further, the illumination statistics can be calculated for any window on a building façade to determine natural lighting through that window. The illumination statistics can be employed, for example, to aid users in selection of real estate properties for rental or purchase.
US09367947B2 Remote rendering of three-dimensional images using virtual machines
Remote rendering of three-dimensional images using virtual machines includes using a hypervisor executing on a physical computer to allocate exclusive and direct access to a graphics processing unit in the physical computer, to a first virtual machine. An agent executing on a second virtual machine intercepts three-dimensional draw commands generated by a three-dimensional application and forwards the intercepted draw commands to a rendering agent executing on the first virtual machine. The rendering agent then transmits the intercepted draw commands to the graphics processing unit for rendering upon which the graphics processing unit renders a three-dimensional image from the draw commands. The rendering agent obtains the rendered image from the graphics processing unit and forwards the image to the second virtual machine. Upon receiving the rendered image, the second virtual machine transmits the rendered image to another remote, physical computer where the rendered image is displayed to a user.
US09367945B2 Object information acquisition apparatus, display method, and computer-readable medium storing program
A display control unit included in an object information acquisition apparatus receives information about a depth range, subjected to display of a distribution related to acoustic characteristics, input by a user, and outputs, when the depth range is narrower than a predetermined range, image information for displaying an image of second distribution information subjected to adaptive signal processing in an area corresponding to the depth range or a combined image obtained by combining first distribution information subjected to addition processing with a predetermined weight and the second distribution information.
US09367939B2 Relevance based visual media item modification
A method that receives a visual media item and determines an identity of at least one intended viewer of the visual media item is disclosed. The method may further identify a visual representation of an object that is comprised by the visual media item and determine a relevance of the object based, at least in part, on the identity. The method may further generate a modified visual media item such that the modified visual media item differs from the visual media item, at least, by visual emphasis of the visual representation of the object.
US09367929B2 Monitoring web site content
Systems and methods for monitoring Web page content associated with processing a resource request are provided. A client computing device generates a sample image corresponding to a set of resources rendered in response to a resource request. A processing component, such as an image analysis component, then compares the sample image with an averaged reference image to identify a compared image. The averaged reference image is determined from averaging a pixel intensity value for each pixel in a first reference image with a pixel intensity value for each pixel in a second reference image. These first and second reference images both correspond to the same set of requested resources. The processing component then weights the compared image to produce a weighted compared image and determines whether a sum of the intensity values for each pixel in the weighted compared image exceeds a threshold. Aspects of systems and methods for generating an alert message if the threshold is exceeded are also provided.
US09367927B2 Moving image region detection device
The moving image region detection device includes an updated block detection means, a natural image updated block determination means, and a moving image block extraction means. The updated block detection means compares pixel values between a frame of an input video and the previous frame, and detects a block including a pixel in which a value having been changed, as an updated block. The natural image updated block determination means calculates an index value representing a degree of continuity of changes in pixel values in the updated block, compares the calculated index value with a threshold, and determines whether it is an updated block of a natural image. The moving image block extraction means extracts a block determined to be an updated block of a natural image a given number of times or more in most recent frames including the frame, as a moving image block of a natural image.
US09367924B2 Method and system for segmentation of the liver in magnetic resonance images using multi-channel features
A method and system for fully automatic liver segmentation in a multi-channel magnetic resonance (MR) image is disclosed. An initial liver boundary in the multi-channel MR image, such as an MR Dixon scan. The segmented initial liver boundary in the multi-channel MR image is refined based on features extracted from multiple channels of the multi-channel MR image using a trained boundary detector. The features may be extracted from an opposed channel and a water channel of an MR Dixon scan.
US09367918B2 Multi-view stereo systems and methods for tube inventory in healthcare diagnostics
A multi-view stereo approach generates an inventory of objects located on an object holder. An object may be a sample tube and an object holder may be a tube rack as used in lab automation for healthcare diagnostics. A processor performs 3D tracking of the object holder and the geometric analysis of multiple images generated by a calibrated camera. A homography mapping between images is utilized to warp a second image to a viewpoint of a first image. Plane induced parallax causes a normalized cross-correlation score between the first image and the warped second image of a location on the holder that has an object that is significantly different from a normalized cross-correlation score of a location that has not an object and enables the processor to infer tube inventory and absence or presence of a tube at a location in a rack.
US09367916B1 Method and system of run-time self-calibrating lens shading correction
A system, article, and method of run-time self-calibrating lens shading correction.
US09367915B2 Method and system for analyzing optical coherence tomography (OCT) results using color reflectivity discretization analysis
A method of analyzing an OCT image. An OCT image has many differently colored dots. The system detects the number of differently colored dots, quantifies them and performs statistical analyses to determine a likelihood of disease. The different colored dots correspond to different retina cell types and structures.
US09367913B2 Choosing anatomical variant model for image segmentation
A system (100) for segmenting an object in an image adapts a first model for segmenting the object to the image. A feature is extracted from the image based on the adapted first model. A second model is selected for segmenting the object from a plurality of models for segmenting the object, based on the feature extracted from the image. The second model includes additional detail of the object. The second model is utilized based on the adapted first model and/or the feature extracted from the image; the initialized second model is adapted to the image. The features extracted from the image based on the adapted first model help the system (100) to select the second model for segmenting the object from a plurality of models for segmenting the object. The adapted first model and/or the extracted features are also used for initializing the second model. Because the second model includes the additional detail of the object, the segmentation result using the second model is more complete than the segmentation result Obtained using the first model. Moreover, the initialization of the second model based on the adapted first model and/or the detected features Improves the accuracy of the second model adaptation.
US09367903B2 Method and apparatus for correcting artifacts during generation of X-ray images, in particular computed tomography, or radiography by means of temporal modulation of primary radiation
Artifacts caused by scattered radiation when generating X-ray images of objects are corrected using a temporally alterable modulation of the primary radiation. A respective set of originally amplitude-modulated modulation projections of the object is generated and a respective scattered image allocated to the respective modulation projections is calculated. The method is particularly suitable for fast CT scans.
US09367902B2 Image processing device, endoscope apparatus, isolated point noise correction method, and information storage device
An image processing device includes an isolated point noise detection section, and an isolated point noise correction section. The isolated point noise detection section determines whether or not isolated point noise is included within a given area based on a first index value that represents the range of first to nth pixel values being obtained by arranging the pixel values of pixels within the given area including an attention pixel in ascending or descending order, and a second index value that represents the range of a pixel value group being obtained by excluding at least one of the first pixel value and the nth pixel value from the first to nth pixel values. The isolated point noise detection section determines whether or not the attention pixel is a pixel that corresponds to isolated point noise when it has been determined that isolated point noise is included within the given area.
US09367891B2 Redundancy method and apparatus for shader column repair
Methods, systems and non-transitory computer readable media are described. A system includes a shader pipe array, a redundant shader pipe array, a sequencer and a redundant shader switch. The shader pipe array includes multiple shader pipes, each of which perform rendering calculations on data provided thereto. The redundant shader pipe array also performs rendering calculations on data provided thereto. The sequencer identifies at least one defective shader pipe in the shader pipe array, and, in response, generates a signal. The redundant shader switch receives the generated signal, and, in response, transfers the data destined for each shader pipe identified as being defective independently to the redundant shader pipe array.
US09367883B2 Shared playlist synchronization
Various embodiments relating to synchronizing changes to a shared list of items between different devices are provided. In one embodiment, a first set of change operations for a first version of a shared list may be received from a first device. The first set of change operations may be performed on the first version of the shared list to produce a second version of the shared list. A second set of change operations for the first version of the shared list may be received from a second device. The second set of change operations may be performed on the second version of the shared list to produce a third version of the shared list that maintains changes that are made by the first set of change operations but that are not made by the second set of change operations.
US09367882B2 Waferstart processes and systems for integrated circuit fabrication
A waferstart process for integrated circuit fabrication includes entering order information from requested wafers into a computer through a data input interface of the computer. A container is provided including supplied wafers and having a machine-readable medium associated therewith. The machine-readable medium is encoded with wafer data pertaining to the supplied wafers. The wafer data is entered from the machine-readable medium associated with the container into the computer. The order information and the wafer data are compared within the computer to create a verified data set in the computer upon the computer determining that the supplied wafers in the container correspond to the requested wafers in the order information. The verified data set is stored in a storage medium within the computer. The supplied wafers are transferred from the container to a front opening unified pod after creating the verified data set.
US09367876B2 Systems and methods for multimedia multipoint real-time conferencing allowing real-time bandwidth management and prioritized media distribution
A system is disclosed for multimedia multipoint real-time conferencing that includes a communication module to receive a request to share media content in a virtual room setting. The content may include an audio, a video, a text, or a HyperText Markup Language (HTML) code referencing a third-party resource. The system may further include a content encoder at the host website to create a data packet encapsulating the transport characteristics and the routing requirements and a multipoint router to share the content via the transport protocol in the real-time group conference associated with the users of the virtual room.
US09367872B1 Systems and user interfaces for dynamic and interactive investigation of bad actor behavior based on automatic clustering of related data in various data structures
Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a data analysis system that may automatically generate memory-efficient clustered data structures, automatically analyze those clustered data structures, automatically tag and group those clustered data structures, and provide results of the automated analysis and grouping in an optimized way to an analyst. The automated analysis of the clustered data structures (also referred to herein as data clusters) may include an automated application of various criteria or rules so as to generate a tiled display of the groups of related data clusters such that the analyst may quickly and efficiently evaluate the groups of data clusters. In particular, the groups of data clusters may be dynamically re-grouped and/or filtered in an interactive user interface so as to enable an analyst to quickly navigate among information associated with various groups of data clusters and efficiently evaluate those data clusters in the context of, for example, a fraud investigation.
US09367871B2 Predicting account holder travel without transaction data
A system, method, and computer-readable storage medium configured to anticipate travel by payment account holders without using payment transaction data.
US09367867B2 System and method for provisioning of internet access services in a guest facility
A system and method for provisioning Internet access services to guests of a facility (e.g., one or more hotel chains). Equipment and devices for access service are installed throughout the facility. Each device that supports the Internet access services has a unique identifier. Zones representing various public and private areas within each facility are defined and one or more devices are associated with each zone. Service offerings for wired and wireless connections are defined and associated with one or more zones. Service offerings are also paired with pricing plans that provide various payment options and amounts. A web-based administration application allows an administrator to define and manage service offerings associated with the zones. The application also allows the administrator to define and manage the pricing plans. The ability to customize offerings in each facility allows development of consistent offerings, regardless of the size or layout of the facility.
US09367860B2 Barcode generation and implementation method and system for processing information
A system and method for generating and implementing a barcode is provided, wherein the system includes a data generation device configured to receive data and generate barcode data response to the received data, a barcode generation device, configured to receive the barcode data and generate a barcode responsive to the received barcode data, a display device, configured to display the barcode and a barcode receiving device, configured to receive the barcode and operate in response to the barcode.
US09367845B2 Messaging customer mobile device when electronic bank card used
A bank customer's CE device is texted by a bank computer when the customer's electronic debit or credit card (“e-card”) is sought to be used so that the customer is alerted to possibly fraudulent “fishing” of the e-card data by a nearby thief device.
US09367836B2 System for processing and tracking merchant deposits
Embodiments of the invention are directed to systems, methods, and computer program products for processing and tracking merchant deposits. An exemplary apparatus is configured to receive a deposit package that contains one or more deposit items which have been placed in the deposit package by a merchant. The deposit package may also contain and/or be coupled with visual indicia that has been created by the merchant. The visual indicia may specify information about the one or more deposit items placed in the deposit package. The apparatus may be further configured to read the visual indicia upon receiving the deposit package and track the deposit package based at least partially on the visual indicia.
US09367832B2 Synchronizing image data among applications and devices
For providing synchronization of image data among diverse devices and applications, exemplary systems include a direct client application providing a user interface operable to allow a user to organize image data according to albums, and to select one or more albums for synchronization with one or more server interfaces that provide various image data manipulation, sharing, and features related thereto. Systems also include an intermediary system to assist in synchronization of select albums with handheld devices, and a notification server to provide scalable notifications of album updates made at server interfaces by users. Exemplary methods include steps providing for selection, from direct client applications, of albums to synchronize with devices, including handheld devices, and various steps of providing updates and notifications among appropriate system components.
US09367830B2 Fulfilling orders for serialized products
Various embodiments are directed to a method for fulfilling orders from an inventory comprising serialized products. For example, a computer system may receive an order and derive from the order a plurality of products, a unit quantity for each of the plurality of products, and a serial identifier referencing a first product unit of at least one of the plurality of products. At least one of the plurality of products may be a non-reserved product. Also, the computer system may determine a first bin selected from a plurality of non-reserved product bins that is associated with product units of the non-reserved product and generate a pick instruction specifying the first bin and the unit quantity of the non-reserved product specified by the order. The computer system may also instruct a robot to retrieve the first product unit from one of the plurality of robot accessible bins. The robot may be programmed to load product units to the plurality of robot-accessible bins and retrieve product units from the plurality of robot-acccessible bins.
US09367827B1 Cross-dock management system, method and apparatus
Disclosed herein is a cross-dock management system comprises: a plurality of movable platforms configured to hold one or more pallets or parcels; at least one barcode or RFID tag positioned on each of said movable platforms, pallets, or parcels, wherein the barcode readers are configured to read the barcodes and RFID readers are configured to read the RFID tags. The data scanned by the barcode readers and RFID readers is stored in a local warehouse database and is used to determine an optimized placement and load for each movable platform in the warehouse.
US09367813B2 Methods and systems for identifying frequently occurring intradomain episodes and interdomain episodes in multiple service portals using average user session length
Methods and systems for scalable extraction of episode rules using incremental episode tree construction in a multi-application event space comprise compiling events from multiple, different domain logs into in a universal log file, rolling domain-dependent and domain-independent windows through the universal log file to identify distinct event-pattern episodes, adding episodes to an episode tree data structure, pruning less frequent episodes from the episode tree, analyzing the episode tree to identify frequent episode rules, and applying the frequent episode rules to future interactions with users.
US09367812B2 Compound selection in drug discovery
Methods and systems for determining the selection criteria that in its embodiments can distinguish compounds that successfully meet an objective from those that do not, determine the importance of selection criterion in selecting test compounds that have a high probability of achieving an objective and automatically apply the selection criteria to select test compounds with a high chance of meeting an objective.
US09367809B2 Contextual graph matching based anomaly detection
Contextual graph matching based anomaly detection may include evaluating computer-generated log file data to create a master directed graph that specifies known events and transitions between the known events. The master directed graph may be processed to determine a plurality of decomposed master graph walks. Incoming computer-generated log file data may be evaluated to create an incoming directed graph that specifies unknown events and transitions between the unknown events. The incoming directed graph may be processed to determine a decomposed incoming walk. Overlap, distance difference, and correlation scores may be determined for each walk pair of a plurality of walk pairs including each of the plurality of decomposed master graph walks and the decomposed incoming walk. One of the decomposed master graph walks may be selected based on the overlap score, the difference score, and the correlation score, to detect an anomaly.
US09367802B2 Determining a preferred node in a classification and regression tree for use in a predictive analysis
Techniques are described for determining what node of a classification and regression tree (CART) should be used by a predictive analysis application. A first approach is to use a standard deviation of the data at a given the level of the CART to determine whether data in the next, lower node is more consistent than the data in the current node. A second approach is to measure a correlation between data points in a given node and the time at which each point was sampled (or other correlation metric) to identify a preferred node.
US09367788B2 Arrangement for connecting set values concerning performance to an electronics device
Arrangement for connecting set values concerning performance relating to an electronics device to the electronics device, more particularly to a power electronics device, such as a frequency converter, which arrangement includes a rating plate part. The rating plate part is a separate unit belonging to the nameplate arrangement of the electronics device, which unit may be affixed to the electronics device. The rating plate part includes a memory member, in which values concerning the performance of the device are recorded. The rating plate part further includes an area in which information corresponding to the information recorded in the memory member is printed and which area remains visible when the rating plate part is affixed to the electronics device.
US09367781B2 Method and system for encoding and decoding mobile phone based two-dimensional code
A method and a system for encoding and decoding a mobile phone based two-dimensional code are provided, by means of obtaining the data information inputted by a user and transforming the data information into a two-dimensional code the encoding of the two-dimensional code is embodied. Furthermore, by means of performing binarization processing on the two-dimensional code image to obtain the binary data information, which is parsed into text information by using the preset decoding algorithm, to facilitate mobile phone users in information exchanging using a two-dimensional code.
US09367773B2 Managing font metrics for a rendering device
A system for printing a document that includes one or more target fonts that are emulated with at least one substitute font in a manner that preserves the original pagination and line breaks of the document. A table is provided that lists strategies/logic for enabling the printing device to emulate each of a plurality of predetermined target fonts with a substitute font. These emulation strategies may include but are not limited to, identifying at least one of a resident font for the printing device, stretchable font, local font, downloadable font, font data provided by a 3rd party, or font data that is embedded in a received document. Target font metrics may be employed as “hints” to refine emulation information for the target font data.
US09367771B2 Apparatus handling codes, method for controlling the same, and program
An apparatus includes an acquisition unit configured to acquire a plurality of pieces of information from a medium, a deletion unit configured to delete a second oldest piece of information, which is next to an oldest piece of information, from the plurality of pieces of information acquired by the acquisition unit, an addition unit configured to add new information to the plurality of pieces of information from which the second oldest piece of information has been deleted by the deletion unit, and a printing unit configured to print on a new medium the plurality of pieces of information resulting from the addition by the addition unit.
US09367767B2 Data processor and computer-readable non-volatile recording medium for storing program for data processing
Provided is a data processor for generating three-dimensional image data from two-dimensional original image data, the three-dimensional image data including depth value, the apparatus comprising: a first clustering processor for dividing the two-dimensional original image data into a first plurality of clusters based on brightness; a three-dimensional data generating unit for setting a predetermined direction as a brighter-to-darker direction, and for generating information, as first depth information, such that depth value for a first cluster among the plurality of clusters is set to be larger than depth value for a second cluster which neighbors the first cluster and is located nearer to a starting point of the brighter-to-darker direction than the first cluster where the brightness of the first cluster is darker than the brightness of the second cluster.
US09367765B2 Method and apparatus for automatic detection of features in an image and method for training the apparatus
In one or more embodiments described herein, there is provided a method of training an apparatus. The method trains the apparatus to automatically detect features of interest in an image. An image is received, the image being of at least one object for inspection, each image comprising a plurality of pixels. The image is segmented into a plurality of superpixels, each superpixel comprising a plurality of pixels which each have similar image data attributes to one another. The superpixels are classified into at least two classes in response to user input identifying at least one feature of interest in one or more of the super-pixels. From a library of image data attributes, a subset of image data attributes is determined that provides preferential discrimination between the at least two classes. The apparatus is then trained using said determined subset of image data attributes to thereby enable the apparatus to classify super-pixels of an image into the at least two classes.
US09367751B2 Object detection device for area around vehicle
This object detection device for the area around a vehicle is provided with an imaging device and an image processing device. The image processing device is configured from a detection area setting unit, three area processing units, and an integration processing unit. The detection area setting unit sets a trio of small, medium, and large detection areas within a one-frame image captured by the imaging device. Detection processing for the presence of objects within the trio of small, medium, and large detection areas is carried out for each detection area simultaneously and in parallel by the three area processing units using pattern matching. The integration processing unit integrates the plurality of detection results resulting from detection processing by the plurality of area processing units and outputs the result. As a result, the present invention makes it possible to reduce the amount of time required for detection processing.
US09367749B2 Object detection apparatus
An object detection apparatus mounted in a vehicle for detecting a target object in various changing environmental conditions. In the apparatus, a storage prestores plural image recognition dictionaries each describing reference data for the target object, and plural image recognition techniques each used to detect the target object from an input image with use of one of the plural image recognition dictionaries. A first acquirer acquires an operating state of a lighting device of the vehicle. A selector selects, according to the acquired operating state of the lighting device, one of the plural of image recognition dictionaries and one of the plural of image recognition techniques. A detector detects the target object in the input image by applying image recognition processing thereto with use of the selected image recognition dictionary and technique.
US09367742B2 Apparatus and method for monitoring object from captured image
An object monitoring apparatus includes: an image receiver to receive at least one frame of captured images; an edge image generator to generate an edge image by detecting edges of objects appearing in the frame; a reference image generator to generate a reference image by detecting a part corresponding to a background in the frame to thereby define the detected part as a background edge; a candidate object extractor to extract one or more candidate object pixels by comparing the edge image with the reference image, and to extract a candidate object by grouping the extracted candidate object pixels into the candidate object; and an object-of-interest determiner to determine whether the candidate object is an object-of-interest based on a size of the candidate object and a duration time of detection of the candidate object.
US09367738B2 Method, apparatus and computer program for calculating current distribution inside brain
Apparatus for calculating current distribution inside brain includes: initial grid setting unit configured to set grid points constituting grid with predetermined pitch; current calculating unit configured to calculate current value at each grid point based on the electromagnetic information, by solving forward problem to obtain lead field matrix and by solving inverse problem to obtain current source vector; sub-grid setting unit configured to set grid points constituting sub-grid with smaller pitch, only for subset of the previously set grid, based on the current value at each grid point calculated in the preceding current calculating step; and calculation executing unit configured to repeat setting the sub-grid and calculating the current source vector by the sub-grid setting unit and the current calculating unit one or more times, after calculation of current source vector corresponding to the initial grid is executed by the initial grid setting unit and the current calculating unit.
US09367735B2 Object identification device
In an object identification device, each score calculator extracts a feature quantity from the image, and calculates a score using the extracted feature quantity and a model of the specified object. The score represents a reliability that the specified object is displayed in the image. A score-vector generator generates a score vector having the scores as elements thereof. A cluster determiner determines, based on previously determined clusters in which the score vector is classifiable, one of the clusters to which the score vector belongs as a target cluster. An object identifier identifies whether the specified object is displayed in the image based on one of the identification conditions. The one of the identification conditions is previously determined for the target cluster determined by the cluster determiner.
US09367733B2 Method and apparatus for detecting people by a surveillance system
Surveillance systems may be found in both private and public spaces. In private spaces, they can be designed to help provide and monitor secure premises. Similarly, public spaces may also use surveillance systems to determine an allocation of public resources. A camera surveillance system according to an embodiment of the invention uses advanced image processing techniques to determine whether an object moving across a scene is a person. The camera surveillance system achieves an accurate and efficient classification by selectively processing a set of features associated with the object, such as features that define an omega shape. By selectively processing the set of features associated with the object, the methods and systems described herein reduce the computational complexity of standard image processing/object detection techniques.
US09367726B1 Barcode reader
A barcode reader may perform image processing functions to generate distinct image data records from the frame of image data of a barcode, select an image data record from the distinct image data records and decode the selected image data record. Each image data record may be generated by applying a distinct image processing function to the frame of image data. The barcode reader may capture multiple frames of image data in sequence based on image capture parameters. At least one of the multiple frames of image data may be captured with a distinct parameter value. The image capture parameters may include an exposure setting, a gain setting, a resolution setting, and/or an illumination setting.
US09367725B2 Method and apparatus for performing different decoding algorithms in different locations
A method and apparatus for decoding codes applied to objects for use with an image sensor that includes a two dimensional field of view (FOV), the method comprising the steps of providing a processor programmed to perform the steps of obtaining an image of the FOV and applying different decode algorithms to code candidates in the obtained image to attempt to decode the code candidates wherein the decode algorithm applied to each candidate is a function of the location of the code candidate in the FOV.
US09367715B2 System for non-contact ID identification and ID card using the same
A system for identifying identity (ID) and an ID card using the same are provided in the present invention. The ID card utilizes a specific ID reader to identify the ID of the ID card. The ID card includes a card case, a plurality of disposing positions for electrodes and at least a specific conductor electrode. The disposing positions are disposed in the card case. The specific conductor electrode(s) is/are disposed on at least one of the disposing positions according to the ID of the ED card. The specific card reader includes a flat panel sensor. When the ID card is close to the flat panel sensor of the card reader, the flat panel sensor senses the position of the conductor electrode(s) to determine the ID of the ID card.
US09367711B1 Battery assisted RFID tag with square-law receiver and optional part time active behavior
Embodiments of the present invention provide RFID systems having battery-assisted, Semi-Passive RFID tags that operate with sensitive transistor based square law tag receivers utilizing a plurality of tag receiver dynamic range states. Embodiments of the present invention are also enhanced with receiver training and synchronizing methods suited to the high tag sensitivity and need for dynamic range state switching. These enhancements may employ pseudo-random sequence based receiver training, activation signaling, and frame synchronizing. Further enhancement is achieved via design of system command sets and tag state machine behavior that control system interference and allow maximum usage of high sensitivity. Command set design also allows for convenient expansion to active transmitters and receivers in tags operating within the same system. Additional enhancement attained via power leveling methods that optimize the amount of transmitted power and interference from a reader in relation to the sensitivity of the RFID tags, their ranges from the reader, and the unique physics of the backscatter RFID radio link.
US09367706B2 Computation to gain access to service
Access to some aspect of a service may be limited until a user has invested in performing some amount of computation. Legitimate users typically have excess cycles on their machines, which can be used to perform computation at little or no cost to the user. By contrast, computation is expensive for for-profit internet abusers (e.g., spammers). These abusers typically use all of their computing resources to run “bots” that carry out their schemes, so computation increases the abuser's cost by forcing him or her to acquire new computing resources or to rent computer time. Thus, the providers of free services (e.g., web mail services, blogging sites, etc.), can allow newly registered users to use some limited form of the service upon registration. However, in order to make more extensive use of the service, the user can be asked to prove his legitimacy by investing in some amount of computation.
US09367699B2 Automating the creation and maintenance of policy compliant environments
Embodiments of the present invention provide for a method, system, and apparatus for creating a publishable computer file. The method includes selecting a first computer file encapsulating a source security policy for a computing device and creating a second computer file using the source security policy of the first computer file to create a local security policy and to encapsulate the created local security policy and also an operating system security policy. The method further includes calculating a hash value for the second computer file and storing the hash value in a header for the second computer file. The method yet further includes encrypting the second computer file, wherein the encrypted second computer file once loaded into memory of the computing device is processed by the computing device.
US09367698B2 Apparatus and method for performing different cryptographic algorithms in a communication system
A communication apparatus performs encryption on data transmitted from another communication apparatus by using first or second cryptographic algorithm, or performs decryption on the data that has been encrypted using the first or second cryptographic algorithm, by using one of the first and second cryptographic algorithms used for the encryption, where the second cryptographic algorithm provides a higher security level than the first cryptographic algorithm. The communication apparatus includes an encryption unit configured to perform, upon receiving the data including a cryptographic class identifying a parameter to be used for performing the encryption or the decryption, the encryption or the decryption by using one of the first and second cryptographic algorithms, based on the cryptographic class.
US09367689B2 Apparatus and method for securing BIOS in a trusted computing system
An apparatus including a BIOS read only memory (ROM) and a tamper detector. The BIOS ROM includes BIOS contents stored as plaintext, and an encrypted message digest comprising an encrypted version of a first message digest that corresponds to the BIOS contents. The tamper detector is coupled to the BIOS ROM, and accesses the BIOS contents and the encrypted message digest upon reset of a microprocessor, and directs the microprocessor to generate a second message digest corresponding to the BIOS contents and a decrypted message digest corresponding to the encrypted message digest using the same algorithms and key that were employed to generate the first message digest and the encrypted message digest, and compares the second message digest with the decrypted message digest, and precludes the operation of the microprocessor if the second message digest and the decrypted message digest are not equal.
US09367685B2 Dynamically optimizing performance of a security appliance
A device may identify a set of features associated with the unknown object. The device may determine, based on inputting the set of features into a threat prediction model associated with a set of security functions, a set of predicted threat scores. The device may determine, based on the set of predicted threat scores, a set of predicted utility values. The device may determine a set of costs corresponding to the set of security functions. The device may determine a set of predicted efficiencies, associated with the set of security functions, based on the set of predicted utility values and the set of costs. The device may identify, based on the set of predicted efficiencies, a particular security function, and may cause the particular security function to be executed on the unknown object. The device may determine whether another security function is to be executed on the unknown object.
US09367683B2 Cyber security
Systems and methods that use probabilistic grammatical inference and statistical data analysis techniques to characterize the behavior of systems in terms of a low dimensional set of summary variables and, on the basis of these models, detect anomalous behaviors are disclosed. The disclosed information-theoretic system and method exploit the properties of information to deduce a structure for information flow and management. The properties of information can provide a fundamental basis for the decomposition of systems and hence a structure for the transmission and combination of observations at the desired levels of resolution (e.g., component, subsystem, system).
US09367666B2 Mapping cognitive to functional ability
Methods, systems, and apparatus, including medium-encoded computer program products, for mapping cognitive to functional ability include receiving data regarding assessments of a cognitive ability and assessments of a functional ability; processing the received data to generate a map of one or more cognitive processes underlying the cognitive ability to a continuous-valued measure of the functional ability; and storing the generated map on a computer-storage medium to be used by a computer device in continuous-valued assessments of the functional ability.
US09367664B2 Mobile apparatus for executing sensing flow for mobile context monitoring, method of executing sensing flow using the same, method of context monitoring using the same and context monitoring system including the same
A mobile apparatus includes a sensing handler and a processing handler. The sensing handler includes a plurality of sensing operators. The sensing operator senses data during a sensing time corresponding to a size of C-FRAME and stops sensing during a skip time. The C-FRAME is a sequence of the sensed data to produce a context monitoring result. The processing handler includes a plurality of processing operators. The processing operator executes the sensed data of the sensing operator in a unit of F-FRAME. The F-FRAME is a sequence of the sensed data to execute a feature extraction operation.
US09367658B2 Method and apparatus for designing and generating a stream processor
Embodiments of the invention provide a method and apparatus for generating programmable logic for a hardware accelerator, the method comprising: generating a graph of nodes representing the programmable logic to be implemented in hardware; identifying nodes within the graph that affect external flow control of the programmable logic; retaining the identified nodes and removing or replacing all nodes which do not affect external flow control of the programmable logic in a modified graph; and simulating the modified graph or building a corresponding circuit of the retained nodes.
US09367655B2 Topography-aware lithography pattern check
The present disclosure provides a method. The method includes obtaining an integrated circuit (IC) layout. The method includes providing a polishing process simulation model. The method includes performing a lithography pattern check (LPC) process to the IC layout. The LPC process is performed at least in part using the polishing process simulation model. The method includes detecting, in response to the LPC process, possible problem areas on the IC layout. The method includes modifying the polishing process simulation model. The method includes repeating the performing the LPC process and the detecting the possible problem areas using the modified polishing process simulation model.
US09367643B2 Methods and apparatus for suppressing network feed activities using an information feed in an on-demand database service environment
Disclosed are systems, apparatus, methods, and computer readable media for suppressing network feed activities using an information feed in an on-demand database service environment. In one embodiment, a message is received, including data indicative of a user action. An entity associated with the user action is identified, where the entity is a type of record stored in a database. A type of the entity is identified. It is determined whether the entity type is a prohibited entity type. When the entity type is not a prohibited entity type, the message data is saved to one or more tables in the database. The tables are configured to store feed items of an information feed capable of being displayed on a device. When the entity type is a prohibited entity type, the saving of the message data, to the one or more tables in the database configured to store the feed items, is prohibited.
US09367632B2 Accession of position-related data
Requests (94) for location-dependant information, received from a mobile device (1) having a location-finding capability (10), are processed by middleware (4, 40) which identifies the handset type and generates instructions (93, 95) specific to the handset type to provide the data (94, 97) required to generate the required data (99) in a format compatible with the handset (1).
US09367624B2 Identity workflow that utilizes multiple storage engines to support various lifecycles
In one embodiment, an indication of a request pertaining to a user account is obtained, where the user account is associated with at least one user. An account type of the user account is determined, where the account type is one of two or more account types. One or more actions indicated by the request are performed based, at least in part, upon the account type.
US09367620B2 Local context search results improvements
A method, system, and/or computer program product handles a query generated by a user of one of multiple local network devices that are coupled to a network. Multiple system queries are autonomously issued, by a computer that is coupled to the network, requesting states of the local network devices. Query statements, responsive to the system queries and being sent to a wide area network search engine, are intercepted. A natural language query, which is a logical query that is answered by one of the multiple query statements, is generated from one of the multiple query statements. An unstructured query, from a user, about a state of a particular device is received. The unstructured query from the user is compared with the natural language query in order to determine if a match between the query from the user with the natural language query exceeds a predetermined threshold value.
US09367618B2 Context based search arrangement for mobile devices
Embodiments are directed towards managing mobile searches by enabling a user to indicate a context of a search query to narrow a scope of the search. A user may fine tune a search by selecting from a plurality of pre-defined contexts for which to perform a search query. In one embodiment, the user may combine two or more pre-defined contexts to create more complex contexts for use in customized context search queries. The user also enters one or more search terms. A subset of databases is selected from a plurality of databases associated with different subject categories. The subset of databases is selected as predefined by an operator based on the user's context, and searched based on the user's entered search terms and selected context. Results are then aggregated and provided to the user. Results may be rank ordered based on the given user context or user's previous search behavior.
US09367616B2 Video descriptor generation device
The video descriptor generation device includes a first extraction unit, a second extraction unit, and a feature combining unit. The first extraction unit extracts a first feature for each picture which is a frame or a field of a video. The second extraction unit extracts a second feature from a region defined by an edge of an image included in the video. The feature combining unit combines the first feature and the second feature to generate a video descriptor.
US09367615B2 Systems and methods for organizing and displaying electronic media content
Systems and methods are disclosed for displaying available or recommended electronic multimedia content to a user, including electronic media content on the Internet. According to one implementation, a method is provided that includes receiving a request from a user, the request specifying electronic media content desired by the user; analyzing an indexed web history of a plurality of other users, based on the request for desired content; and selecting and sorting a subset of available content groups, based on the request for desired content and the indexed web history. The method also includes selecting and sorting, for each selected and sorted content group, a subset of available content; providing instructions to display, to a user, the selected and sorted content groups along a first axis of a two-dimensional grid; and further providing instructions to display, to the user, the selected available content for each content group along a second axis of the two-dimensional grid.
US09367612B1 Correlation-based method for representing long-timescale structure in time-series data
A system identifies a set of initial segments of a time-based data item, such as audio. The segments can be defined at regular time intervals within the time-based data item. The initial segments are short segments. The system computes a short-timescale vectorial representation for each initial segment and compares the short-timescale vectorial representation for each initial segment with other short-timescale vectorial representations of the segments in a time duration within the time-based data item (e.g., audio) immediately preceding or immediately following the initial segment. The system generates a representation of long-timescale information for the time-based data item based on a comparison of the short-timescale vectorial representations of the initial segments and the short-timescale vectorial representations of immediate segments. The representation of long-timescale information identifies an underlying repetition structure of the time-based data item, such as rhythm or phrasing in an audio item.
US09367606B1 Search engine that applies feedback from users to improve search results
The present invention is directed to methods of and systems for ranking results returned by a search engine. A method in accordance with the invention comprises determining a formula having variables and parameters, wherein the formula is for computing a relevance score for a document and a search query; and ranking the document based on the relevance score. Preferably, determining the formula comprises tuning the parameters based on user input. Preferably, the parameters are determined using a machine learning technique, such as one that includes a form of statistical classification.
US09367605B2 Abstract generating search method and system
The present disclosure provides an information search method and system applicable in an information search system wherein each document has corresponding forward index data to address the issue of low search efficiency suffered by existing information search techniques. In one aspect, the method may include: receiving an inquiry word and obtaining one or more keywords contained in the inquiry word by segmentation; searching one or more documents matching the one or more keywords and forward index data corresponding to the one or more documents through the information search system's inverted index data; and determining an abstract of each of the one or more documents according to a corresponding document's forward index data, and outputting the abstract and information of the one or more documents as a search result. The proposed techniques can increase efficiency of information search and, at the meantime, guarantee accuracy of the search to a certain extent.
US09367587B2 System and method for combining inputs to generate and modify playlists
Systems, methods, and computer readable storage mediums are provided for selecting a media content object for a user using a combination of inputs. A media input seed associated with a user is obtained. A plurality of channels of media content objects is obtained. At least one of the plurality of channels is associated with the media input seed. Also, in some embodiments, each media content object of each of those channels has a score specific to that channel. A combination score for a respective media content object is calculated based at least in part on that respective media content object's channel specific score for each of at least two of the plurality of channels. Then at least some of the media content objects are ranked based at least in part on their respective combination scores. Finally, at least one ranked media content object is then selected for transmission.
US09367579B1 System and method for maintaining a file change log within a distributed file system
Various methods and systems for implementing a file change log in a distributed file system are disclosed. In one embodiment, a method involves operating a distributed file system that presents a namespace and maintaining a file change log for the namespace. Operating the distributed file system involves executing an instance of a file system on each of several nodes. Maintaining the file change log can involve maintaining a single file change log for the namespace. Updates to the single file change log can be handled by a primary node or controlled using a locking mechanism. Alternatively, several private file change logs (e.g., one per node) can be maintained, and these private file change logs can be merged into a single file change log (e.g., by a primary node).
US09367575B1 System and method for managing deduplication between applications using dissimilar fingerprint types
The present disclosure provides for a fingerprint service that maintains a fingerprint index configured to support a number of dissimilar fingerprint types. In one embodiment, the fingerprint service receives a lookup request, where the lookup request comprises one or more fingerprint descriptors, and each of the one or more fingerprint descriptors comprises a fingerprint value and a corresponding fingerprint type. A first fingerprint descriptor of the one or more fingerprint descriptors is identified. A first sub-index of a fingerprint index is selected, where the first sub-index is associated with a first fingerprint type of the first fingerprint descriptor. A lookup operation for a first fingerprint value of the first fingerprint descriptor is performed in the first sub-index. In response to the first fingerprint value being present in the first sub-index, information associated with the first fingerprint value is returned.