Document	Document Title
US09374770B2	Communications methods and apparatus that facilitate discovery of small coverage area base stations A communications system includes a plurality of different types of small coverage area base stations, e.g., femto cell base stations, WiFi access points and Bluetooth access points within a macro cell. Different user equipment (UE) devices, e.g., different smartphones, include different capabilities. In order for UE devices and small coverage area base stations with compatible capabilities to efficiently discover one another, the various small coverage area base stations and various UE devices utilize the macro cell communications band and macro cell communication protocol to coordinate device discovery and exchange discovery information and control information which allows a UE device to access a compatible small coverage area base station and subsequently communicate user data, e.g., traffic data, with the UE device.
US09374769B2	Enhanced higher priority public land mobile network (HPPLMN) search Embodiments provide an enhanced approach for Higher Priority Public Land Mobile Network (HPPLMN) search. In one embodiment, information acquired during a search (for each detected cell per frequency channel) is saved in a database and persisted in the database based on a validity time. An idle mode-to-connected mode transition by the UE, rather than aborting the search, only suspends the search for it to be resumed at a later time upon a connected mode-to-idle mode transition by the UE. Saved search data that is valid at the time of the transition is maintained and the frequency channel(s) associated with it is not re-searched in the current search. In an embodiment, the search is resumed based on weights that are associated with frequency channels, where a weight indicates a priority for visiting the frequency channel.
US09374762B2	Electronic device and wireless communication method utilizing geolocation service provider The present invention provides an electronic device including an internet module. The internet module includes a microprocessor and a memory. The memory stores a predetermined regulatory domain and a predetermined communication channel corresponding to the predetermined regulatory domain. The microprocessor connects to a geolocation service provider through the internet, obtains location information from the geolocation service provider, obtains a detection regulatory domain according to the location information, and provides a detection communication channel corresponding to the detection regulatory domain.
US09374758B2	Enhanced dedicated-channel reporting for UMTS A method for a mobile communication system, the mobile communication system defining a dedicated channel (DCH) active set and an enhanced-dedicated channel (E-DCH) active set, the method including performing a power measurement of a pilot signal from a cell that is not included in the E-DCH active set but included in the DCH active set, and performing a power measurement of a pilot signal from a cell that is included in the E-DCH active set.
US09374755B2	Method and apparatus for handover in wireless communication network with carrier aggregation The invention proposes a method to support a handover of a service of a user equipment between a source eNB and a destination eNB in a wireless communication network with carrier aggregation, which includes the steps of: the destination eNB determining a primary component carrier jointly with the source eNB; transmitting a handover command to be transmitted to the user equipment to the source eNB, the handover command including indication information of the primary component carrier and dedicated preamble assignment information; the source eNB receiving the handover command to be transmitted to the user equipment from the destination eNB and forwarding the handover command to the user equipment; and then the user equipment accessing the destination eNB in response to the handover command. Also apparatuses performing the foregoing method in the source eNB, the destination eNB and the user equipment are proposed correspondingly. The technical solution of the invention improves the smoothness and efficiency of handing over a service of a user equipment between two eNBs in a carrier aggregation scenario and simplifies data transmission between the source eNB and the destination eNB in the handover procedure of the user equipment.
US09374744B2	Apparatus and method for seamless handoff of a service between different types of networks Apparatus and method for seamless handoff of a service between different types of networks. The system may include a first user equipment, a second user equipment, a first network, a second network, and an application server. The first user equipment and the second user equipment may be configured to communicate with each other initially through a first data path of the service. The first network may be configured to determine whether the first user equipment should change its access network from the first network. The second network may be configured to allocate a new bearer and a second network IP address to the first user equipment when the first network requests the first user equipment to change its access network from the first network to the second network. The application server may be configured to modify the first data path based on the second network IP address and the new bearer, to form a second data path of the service through which the first user equipment and the second user equipment communicate after handoff of the service from the first network to the second network. The first data path of the service may pass through the first network and the second data path of the service may be formed to pass through the second network.
US09374743B2	Method of handing over UE to small-scale cell in macro cell and environment in which small-scale cell coexists The present invention relates to a method of providing, by a UE served in a small-scale cell, information about surrounding UEs in a wireless communication system in which a macro cell and the small-scale cell coexist. The method can include the steps of: carrying out a handover from the macro cell to the small-scale cell; after completion of the handover, overhearing a signal transmitted by the UE; measuring signal intensities of the surrounding UEs; and, if the signal intensities meet predefined conditions, delivering information about the surrounding UEs to the small-scale cell.
US09374732B2	Common pilot gating in a multi-antenna wireless communication system A multi-antenna base station (16) is configured to transmit a plurality of common pilot channels. The base station (16) obtains information that indicates when the base station (16) is to gate the transmission of a subset of the common pilot channels. The base station (16) also receives from a wireless device (12) a channel state information (CSI) report for a current reporting period. This CSI report was generated by the wireless device (12) based on one or more measurements of one or more of the common pilot channels. The base station (16) notably also determines based on the obtained information and for each of the measurements, whether the base station (16) gated the transmission of the subset when that measurement was performed. Then, depending on that determination, the base station (16) selectively performs data transmission scheduling at the base station (16) based on one or more CSI reports received from the wireless device (12) for one or more previous reporting periods.
US09374730B2	Method and apparatus for handover in a mobile station supporting radio access technology A method and apparatus supports Inter-Radio Access Technology (IRAT) Packet Switch (PS) handover during a simultaneous voice and data (SVD) mode in a mobile station that supports a Radio Access Technology (RAT). The method includes determining a state in which a data call is connected through a first system and a voice call is connected through a second system. The MS determines whether handover to the second system should be performed for the data call. A measurement report message that indicates a set of active base stations (BSs) of voice call connection in the second system is generated. And the measurement report message is transmitted to a serving BS of the data call connection in the first system.
US09374726B2	Load estimation and load management in a cellular communications network A cellular communications network 10 comprises a plurality of basestations 12, 14, 16 and 18 connected to each other through an interface and to a core network through another interface. Each basestation has a coverage area referred to as a cell k. There are provided methods for estimating the load imparted on a cell in the cellular communications network by user equipments in the cell. The methods make it possible to estimate any potential increase in the load that may impact onto a target cell due to the handover of a UE from a serving cell.
US09374721B1	Dynamic management of base station radiation pattern based on feedback from adjacent base station Methods and systems for reducing interference between base stations are disclosed herein. In accordance with an example method, a first base station iterates through emitting of a plurality of different radiation patterns from the first base station. The first base station also receives, from a second base station, feedback based on evaluation by the second base station of noise floor respectively for each of the different radiation patterns emitted from the first base station. Based on the received feedback, the first base station then sets itself to operate with a particular one of the radiation patterns. Example base stations and communication networks operable to perform the disclosed methods are also disclosed.
US09374706B2	Wireless sensor network and central node device thereof The invention is directed to a wireless sensor network system. The wireless sensor network system is adapted for a medication information security environment, and the wireless sensor network system comprising a first sensor node, a second sensor node and a central node. The first sensor node sends a request for registration and a user identification. The central node generates and stores a first set of random number and a second set of random number when receiving the request for registration and the user identification. The central node sends the first set of random number and the second set of random number to the first sensor node and the second sensor node respectively.
US09374702B2	Technique for operating a network node during a mobile terminating roaming forwarding procedure A technique for operating a network node during a Mobile Terminating Roaming Forwarding (MTRF) procedure is described. The MTRF procedure involves a first MSC paging a Mobile Subscriber (MS) and a second MSC where the MS is performing a location update. A method implementation of the technique performed by the first MSC includes receiving an information request message, receiving from the second MSC, a Mobile Subscriber Roaming Number (MSRN) associated with the call to the MS, and sending, in response to the information request message, the MSRN towards a Gateway MSC.
US09374701B2	Extending EARFCN value range in GERAN An E-UTRAN neighbor cell list is broadcast in a GERAN network using the extended EARFCN value ranges (i.e., 18 bits). Extending the EARFCN value ranges in GERAN and signaling EARFCN values within the extended EARFCN value range to inter-RAT-capable UEs that camp in GERAN allow GERAN to support continued inter-RAT mobility between GERAN and E-UTRAN networks. E-UTRAN neighbor cell information may be communicated to UEs in the GERAN network by System Information message broadcasts using the extended EARFCN value ranges.
US09374699B2	Proximity-based service registration method and related apparatus A Proximity-based Service (ProSe) registration method for a user equipment (UE) of a wireless communication system, used in a Mobility Management Entity (MME) of the wireless communication system is disclosed. The method includes: receiving an attach request or a tracking area update request for requesting ProSe UE registration from the UE; retrieving ProSe subscription information and ProSe preference settings related to the UE from a home subscriber server (HSS) of the wireless communication system and storing the ProSe subscription information and the ProSe preference settings related to the UE as a ProSe context of the UE; and transmitting a ProSe registration request including a ProSe identifier of the UE and the ProSe preference settings related to the UE to a ProSe server of the wireless communication system.
US09374694B2	Social network service providing system and method for setting relationship between users based on motion of mobile terminal and information about time A social network service providing system and method for setting a relationship between users based on a motion of a mobile terminal, and information about time. The social network service providing system may include a request receiver to receive, from a mobile terminal, a request generated in accordance with a motion of the mobile terminal, an information providing unit to provide location information of the mobile terminal, and information about at least one of a local time when the request is transmitted by the mobile terminal, and an arrival time when the request is received, a mobile terminal identifying unit to identify at least one other mobile terminal based on the location information and the information about the at least one of the local time and the arrival time, and a user information providing unit to provide information about a user of the at least one other mobile terminal.
US09374691B2	Mobile station and information delivery server Provided are a mobile station and an information delivery server that are capable of continuously providing a non-voice service, particularly a message service, even when being transitioned between areas of different radio access technologies. A UE (100) determines that an SMS over IP is in an unavailable state through communication via a radio access network. When a determination is made that the SMS over IP is in an unavailable state, even if the UE (100) is set to use the SMS over IP with higher priority than an SMS over NAS, the UE (100) uses the SMS over NAS to execute a short message service.
US09374690B2	Generating conversation threads for a unified messaging system Methods and systems directed to assigning individual messages and call log data into an aggregated conversation thread on both client and server devices for a user interface having a conversations view including all the communications a given users has with his or her contacts across multiple communication means and protocols. Messages between a user and a particular contact are threaded together, regardless of their format or protocol in order to provide the user with a quick history of all communications with his or her contacts.
US09374681B2	Mobile device originated multicast broadcasting Content originated by a mobile device may be transmitted, via multicast, to one or more other mobile devices. In one implementation, a method may include receiving, from a mobile device attached to a wireless network, a request to initiate a multicast transmission of content generated by the mobile device. The method may further include determining one or more wireless coverage areas to which the multicast transmission of the content is to be provided; receiving, from the mobile device, a unicast transmission of the content; and distributing the received content, via one or more multicast data channels that are broadcast in the one or more wireless coverage areas.
US09374674B2	Method and apparatus for recognizing indoor location using received signal strength intensity map An apparatus for recognizing an indoor location using an RSSI (Received Signal Strength Intensity) map, includes an environment information acquirer configured to acquire indoor environment information and store the acquired indoor environment information on a node basis; a numerical map creator configured to create a numerical map; a field intensity creator configured to create the RSSI map; a dead-reckoning sensor configured to locate an area less than several meters within which the environment information acquire is actually located to locate a more accurate location within the area; a path information producer configured to produce path information including movable potential trajectories; and an initializer configured to initialize an initialization location of one or more candidate entities and fingerprint information.
US09374670B2	System and method for determining a location-based preferred media file A system and method for determining a location-based preferred media file includes a position module and a processor communicatively coupled to the position module. The processor configured to execute instructions to determine a current position of the mobile device based at least partially on data from the position module, to request data for a preferred media file associated with the determined current position of the mobile device, and to receive data representative of the preferred media file. The preferred media file can be a video file or an audio file that is selected based upon frequency that the media file has been played within a predetermined distance from the determined current position of the mobile device. The frequency can be based upon the total number of plays of the media file, the number of unique plays of the media file, or from trend data received from an external resource.
US09374669B2	Adaptive assistance data for tiered service and efficiency in indoor positioning A method for requesting assistance data includes, at a mobile device, determining an expected quality of service information, transmitting a request for assistance data, transmitting the expected quality of service information, and receiving an assistance data file comprising heat map information, wherein the heat map information includes a heat map grid resolution and a suitable quantization precision level for heat map values as determined, at least in part, based on the expected quality of service information.
US09374666B1	Beacon communication system and methods A system and method for providing a communications link between an owner of a lost article and a person that finds the lost article. The method includes detecting at a communication device of the person that finds the lost article, a beaconing signal generated by an electronic beacon device when the communication device is in proximity of the communication device. The beaconing signal is associated with an owner of the electronic beacon device. The communication device may transmit, to a server, location information and identification information inherent within the beaconing signal. The server may return one or more communication options enabling a user of the communication device to contact the owner of the electronic beacon device. Such communication options may comprise, for example, voice communication, video communication or communication via text message. In one embodiment the communication options enable communication to occur while maintaining the anonymity of the owner.
US09374665B2	Location option control for minimization of drive test in LTE systems A method of providing location option control for Minimization of Drive Test (MDT) in LTE systems is provided. In one embodiment, a UE or an eNB receives an MDT location request that comprises an MDT location option configuration having one or more location options. The UE or eNB determines a first location option based on the MDT location option configuration and initiates positioning for MDT measurements, reporting, and logging according to the first location option. In one novel aspect, each location option is associated with a priority. In addition to MDT measurements, reporting, and logging, a UE determines the best positioning procedure from a list of available location options. In one novel aspect, under a specific positioning objective, the UE prioritizes the list of available location options based on the signal strength and/or quality of cellular and WLAN signals.
US09374664B2	Venue-specific wi-fi connectivity notifications A method includes receiving a wireless connection request at a backend computing device from a user device to allow wireless connection of the user device to a network through an access point located at a venue. The connection request includes a user identifier. The method includes validating the user identifier and granting wireless access of the user device to the access point when the user identifier is valid. The method further includes transmitting a venue-specific notification to the user device when the user device connects to the network.
US09374659B1	Method and apparatus to utilize location data to enhance safety A method comprising tracking signal quality received by a mobile device, and flagging a location when a change in signal quality is detected.
US09374658B2	Digital image viewing system, a cellar phone and a digital photo frame A digital image viewing system comprises a wireless phone unit, a battery charger for the wireless phone unit and a digital photo frame in short-range wireless communication with the wireless phone unit. The digital photo frame may include phone function unit. Usual slide show is played on display of digital photo frame and replaced by a special image when a speaker of digital photo frame plays a ringer melody. The special image relates to a person causing the ringer melody. An operation at the wireless phone unit is transmitted to the digital photo frame through the short-range wireless communication to change the special image back to the usual slide show. Upon receipt of e-mail with image data attached, cellar phone automatically but conditionally opens the e-mail and takes out the image data to transmit it to digital photo frame through the short-range wireless communication or direct contact with battery charger.
US09374657B2	Bluetooth transceiver, wired headphone module, and mobile device module A Bluetooth transceiver is compatible for usage with a wired headphone, in which the wired headphone has a signal transmission line, at least one speaker, a plug and a control interface for generating a trigger signal to control the operation of a mobile device having Bluetooth wireless communication capabilities. The Bluetooth transceiver includes a headphone jack, a processing unit and a Bluetooth module. The headphone jack is accommodates the plug so that the Bluetooth transceiver is electrically connected to the wired headphone. The processing unit receives and decodes the trigger signal to generate a control code. The processing unit selects a control command according to the control code from a lookup table. The Bluetooth module is electrically connected to the processing unit. The Bluetooth module receives the control command and transmits the control command to the mobile device. The mobile device executes the corresponding functions according to the received control command.
US09374644B2	Acoustic transducer and microphone An acoustic transducer has a vibrating film and a fixed film formed above an opening portion of a substrate, and at least a first sensing portion and a second sensing portion that detect sound waves using change in capacitance between a vibrating electrode provided in the vibrating film and a fixed electrode provided in the fixed film, convert the sound waves into electrical signals, and output the electrical signals. In the first sensing portion and the second sensing portion, the fixed film is used in common, and the vibrating electrode is divided into a first sensing region and a second sensing region that respectively correspond to the first sensing portion and the second sensing portion. In the first sensing portion, a protrusion portion that protrudes toward the vibrating electrode is provided on a region of the fixed film that opposes the first sensing region.
US09374642B2	Multipurpose connector for multiplexing headset interface into high-definition video and audio interface, and handheld electronic device The present invention provides a multipurpose connector for multiplexing a headset interface into a high-definition video/audio input interface and a handheld device including the multipurpose connector. The multipurpose connector includes a headset connector, a selecting switch, a high-definition video/audio transceiver, and an audio output module. The headset connector includes a first audio terminal and a second audio terminal. The audio output module is configured to output an audio signal of the headset. The selecting switch includes first and second lines. When the selecting switch communicates with the first line, the first audio terminal and the second audio terminal are coupled to a pair of differential transmission lines respectively, and the pair of differential transmission lines is configured to transmit high-definition video/audio data output by the high-definition video/audio transceiver. When the selecting switch communicates with the second line, the first audio terminal is coupled to the audio output module.
US09374639B2	Audio apparatus and method of changing sound emission mode An audio apparatus includes a main body, a plurality of speakers provided in the main body, a storage section configured to store a conversion table which indicates a correspondence between postures of the main body and control contents of audio signals to be supplied to the speakers, and a control section configured to refer to the conversion table of the storage section, and control the audio signals to be supplied to the speakers in accordance with a posture of the main body.
US09374636B2	Hearing device, method and system for automatically enabling monitoring mode within said hearing device Aspects of the invention relate to a hearing device for automatically enabling monitoring within the hearing device including an electronic module arranged for collecting environment data of the hearing device, wherein environment data is based on events in the vicinity of the hearing device, at least one sound reproducing unit arranged for receiving a first audio signal, wherein the electronic module includes a processor arranged to mix the received first audio signal and a monitored ambient sound signal based on the collected environment data. Aspects of the invention also related to a system and a method for automatically enabling monitoring within the hearing device.
US09374632B2	Sound generator for an anti-noise system for influencing exhaust noises and/or intake noises of a motor vehicle A sound generator for influencing sound waves propagating in exhaust or intake systems of combustion engine driven vehicles includes: an enclosure having a port opening for communication with an exhaust and/or intake system; a loudspeaker basket supported by the enclosure; a membrane and a permanent magnet supported by the loudspeaker basket; and a voice coil supported by a voice coil carrier. The voice coil is disposed in a constant magnetic field created by the permanent magnet and is connected to the membrane. The membrane is located between the port opening and the permanent magnet. The membrane is funnel-like or dome-like, with the top or top face of the funnel-like membrane or the geometric center of the dome-like membrane facing away from the permanent magnet. An anti-noise system using the sound generator, and a vehicle using the anti-noise system are also provided.
US09374626B2	Use of digital TV bandwidth for web cache pre-loading Generally, this disclosure provides systems, devices, methods and computer readable media for the use of digital TV (DTV) bandwidth for web cache pre-loading. A system may include a receiver module configured to receive a digital television (DTV) signal. The system may also include a data extraction module configured to extract the web cache data from the DTV signal, wherein the web cache data is encoded within the spectral bandwidth of the DTV signal. The system may further include a network interface configured to transmit the extracted web cache data to a device that includes a web cache pre-loading service.
US09374623B2	Interactive television application with navigable cells and regions An interactive television application with mosaic browsing is provided. Selectable cells that may be associated with entities are used to display information corresponding to the entities. Information may include brand marks such as logos or any other suitable entity identifier. A cell may be in focus or it may not be in focus. When a cell is in focus the information displayed in the cell may be different than the information displayed when the cell is not in focus. Users may navigate among cells. The cells may be grouped into regions based on, for example, their association with similar entities.
US09374615B2	Parallel rate control for digital video encoder with multi-processor architecture and picture-based look-ahead window A method of operating a multi-processor video encoder by determining a target size corresponding to a preferred number of bits to be used when creating an encoded version of a picture in a group of sequential pictures making up a video sequence. The method includes the steps of calculating a first degree of fullness of a coded picture buffer at a first time, operating on the first degree of fullness to return an estimated second degree of fullness of the coded picture buffer at a second time, and operating on the second degree of fullness to return an initial target sized for the picture. The first time corresponds to the most recent time an accurate degree of fullness of the coded picture buffer can be calculated and the second time occurs after the first time.
US09374614B2	Method and system for enabling video communication via ethernet utilizing asymmetrical physical layer operations Signals may be communicated between a video source and a video rendering device via and asymmetrical multi-rate Ethernet physical layer (PHY). The asymmetric multi-rate PHY may support multiple rates. The asymmetrical multi-rate Ethernet PHY may handle compressed and/or uncompressed, encrypted and/or unencrypted video signals and may handle audio/video bridging. One or more of the communicated signals may be modified by an echo cancellation operation, a near end cross talk (NEXT) cancellation operation, equalization, a far end cross talk (FEXT) cancellation operation and/or a forward error correction (FEC) operation. An aggregate communication rate may be evenly or unevenly distributed among one or more links coupling the video signal source to the video rendering device. A plurality of links coupling the video signal source to said video rendering device may also be aggregated.
US09374608B2	System and method for creating individualized mobile and visual advertisments using facial recognition A computer implemented advertisement method for matching a user with a computer generated advertisement that is compatible to a users of the methods preferred aesthetic. In one example the method comprises: receiving a profile generated by recording user choices from a field of images displayed to the user; applying a logistics regression model to the image choices to create a baseline aesthetic template used to determine the most appropriate model or actor to be inserted into the background of a still or video advertisement. Any results within a desired confidence level are returned to the user as and advertisement with the appropriate model or actor inserted by means of current and available technology into the ad to be displayed on the user's mobile or video device.
US09374593B2	Data decompressing device and non-transitory computer readable medium for detecting whether initial portion of compressed image data corresponds to specific pattern A data decompressing device includes an effective code length detector and a determining unit. The detector detects an effective code length of an initial portion of compressed image data to be decompressed, and supplies the detected effective code length to a decompressing unit to decompress data having the effective code length from a head of the image data. The determining unit determines whether or not the initial portion of the image data corresponds to a specific pattern in which a block end code follows a code representing a specific DC difference value, and if having determined that the initial portion of the image data corresponds to the specific pattern, notifies the decompressing unit of the detection of the specific pattern without waiting for the detection of the effective code length, to allow the decompressing unit to output a predetermined decompression result corresponding to the specific DC difference value.
US09374579B2	Method and apparatus for encoding video, and method and apparatus for decoding video Disclosed is a method of encoding a video, the method including: splitting a current picture into at least one maximum coding unit; determining a coded depth to output a final encoding result according to at least one split region obtained by splitting a region of the maximum coding unit according to depths, by encoding the at least one split region, based on a depth that deepens in proportion to the number of times the region of the maximum coding unit is split; and outputting image data constituting the final encoding result according to the at least one split region, and encoding information about the coded depth and a prediction mode, according to the at least one maximum coding unit.
US09374574B2	Three-dimensional video display apparatus and three-dimensional video display method A three-dimensional (3D) video display apparatus includes: a viewing action detecting unit which detects whether or not a viewing state of a user who views a plurality of 3D video display screens with a viewing target being changed between the 3D video display screens has changed a predetermined number of times or more in a predetermined time period; and a control unit which restricts user's viewing action of viewing a 3D video image displayed by an image display unit when the viewing action detecting unit detects that the viewing state of the user has changed the predetermined number of times or more in the predetermined time period.
US09374572B2	Image pickup apparatus, image pickup system, method of controlling image pickup apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable storage medium An image pickup apparatus (100) that generates a three-dimensional image, includes an image pickup element (114) including a micro lens (2) and a pixel unit cell (1) including a plurality of pixels (1a, 1b) arranged to receive light from the microlens (2), wherein the image pickup element is configured to output separated first image and second image signals for respective pixels of the pixel unit cell, a parallax detector (123) configured to calculate a parallax comprising an image shift amount between the first image signal and the second image signal, and an image correcting portion (120) configured to perform a correction to change the parallax, wherein the amount of change of the parallax depends on a change of the aperture stop (111).
US09374565B2	System and method for multi-material correction of image data A method includes acquiring projection data of an object from a plurality of detector elements, reconstructing the acquired projection data into a first reconstructed image, and performing material characterization of an image volume of the first reconstructed image to reduce a number of materials analyzed in the image volume to two basis materials. Performing material characterization includes utilizing a generalized modeling function to estimate a fraction of at least one basis material within each voxel of the image volume. The method also includes generating a re-mapped image volume for the at least one basis material of the two basis materials, performing forward projection on at least the re-mapped image volume for the at least one basis material to produce a material-based projection, and generating multi-material corrected projections based on the material-based projection and a total projection attenuated by the object, which represents both of the two basis materials.
US09374552B2	Streaming game server video recorder A content provider may operate computing nodes configured to provide graphics rendering services to a client running a game or other application. A graphics frame may be rendered and encoded in a format compatible with a client's display device. A second version of the frame may be encoded in a format having selected storage characteristics and compatible with a plurality of display types. The frame may be added to the end of a video stored by the content provider. Frames may be deleted from the video to prevent the video from exceeding a maximum length.
US09374551B2	Personal video recording with messaging Personal video recording including identifying a message point in operation of a PVR and transmitting a message. Embodiments include associating a message type with the message point and selecting, in dependence upon the message type, a message to be transmitted. Embodiments include receiving a response to the message; selecting, in dependence upon the response, a command to be executed; and executing the selected command.
US09374549B2	Head mounted display and method of outputting audio signal using the same The invention relates to a head mounded display that outputs an audio signal of an external digital device according to whether the audio signal is directional output signal.
US09374546B2	Location-based context for UI components An Intelligent TV having a silo manager, a panel manager and a panel controller. The various managers and controllers managing a global panel and an application panel. The global panel includes various types of information and the various types of input and content available. The global panel includes various information including, for example, Live TV information, on demand information, media center information, application information, HDMI 1 information, HDMI 2 information, HDMI 3 information, component 1 information, component 2 information, AV 1 information, AV 2 information, VGA information, as well as an option to hide undetected inputs. The application panel is dynamic and can optionally change based on one or more of context and content of the underlying application being viewed. The application panel can include various subcategories of information, with the number and type of the subcategories also capable of being dynamic based on the underlying context or content.
US09374545B2	Amplifier adapted for CMOS imaging sensors A column readout amplifier and imaging array using the same method are disclosed. The column readout amplifier includes a signal amplifier having an amplifier signal output, a first filter capacitor, a buffer amplifier having a buffer amplifier input and a buffer amplifier output, and a switching network. The switching network connects the amplifier signal output to the buffer amplifier input and the buffer amplifier output to the first filter capacitor during a first time period, and connects the amplifier signal output directly to the first filter capacitor during a second time period. The time periods can be of fixed duration or determined by the difference in potential between the input and output of the buffer amplifier. The column readout amplifier can be used in an imaging array to readout columns of pixels.
US09374544B2	Image capture device, image processing method, and program According to the present invention, provided is an image capture device, an image processing method, and a non-transitory computer readable medium storing a program capable of detecting a direction of incidence of abnormal oblique incident light and reducing an effect of color mixture caused by the abnormal oblique incident light. An image capture device 10 includes an abnormal oblique-incident-light detection portion 34 and a correction portion 36. An abnormal oblique-incident-light detection portion 34 detects abnormal oblique incident light originated from a first direction by comparing the pixel data of first first-direction same-color adjacent pixels, second first-direction same-color adjacent pixels, first first-direction different-color adjacent pixels, and second first-direction different-color adjacent pixels.
US09374542B2	Image signal processor with a block checking circuit An image signal processor is described. The image signal processor includes a block checking circuit. The block checking circuit comprises comparison circuitry to compare a block of luminous pixel values against respective blocks of luminous pixel values that are processed by the image signal processor after the block of luminous pixel values. The block checking circuitry further comprises circuitry to record an entry in a table if one of the blocks of respective luminous pixel values match the block of luminous pixel values. The image signal processor is to store an image signal processing resultant of the block of luminous pixel values and present the stored resultant as a respective resultant for the one of the blocks of respective luminous pixel values if the one of the blocks of respective luminous pixel values matches the block of pixel values.
US09374524B2	Method and system for video processing to remove noise from a digital video sequence containing a modulated light signal In one aspect, the present disclosure relates to a method for removing noise from a digital video sequence containing a modulated light signal emitted from a beacon light source. In some embodiments, the method includes electronically receiving, by an image sensor of a device, a digital video sequence of a scene, calculating noise from the digital video sequence, wherein the noise comprises information within the digital video sequence corresponding to the un-modulated illumination of the scene, reducing the noise from the digital video sequence to obtain an isolated digital video sequence of the modulated illumination of the scene, and demodulating the emitted light signal from the isolated digital video sequence.
US09374517B2	Guided photography and video on a mobile device In an example embodiment, an item listing process is run in an item listing application. Upon reaching a specified point in the item listing process, a camera application on the user device is triggered (or the camera directly accessed by the item listing application) to enable a user to capture images using the camera, wherein the triggering includes providing a wireframe overlay informing the user as to an angle at which to capture images from the camera.
US09374516B2	Auto-focus in low-profile folded optics multi-camera system An image capturing system and a method of autofocusing are disclosed such that, for example, when a folded optics configuration is used, a field corrector lens can be placed on the image sensor of the system and a plurality of lenses can be placed perpendicular to the image sensor. The plurality of lenses can be movable relative to the image sensor such that acceptable MTF curve performances can be obtained when the image capturing system is focused at reference distances.
US09374507B2	Method to improve accuracy and reliability of motion estimated with phase correlation A method of improving accuracy and reliability of motion estimation is described herein. In one aspect, a 2D neighborhood of phase correlation peak is approximated with an outer-product of two 1D vectors to eliminate the sub-pixel error. In another aspect, estimation of reliability is improved. In yet another aspect, two-pass phase correlation is implemented to eliminate sub-pel motion bias.
US09374503B2	Illusion analyzing apparatus, apparatus for generating illusion-considered image for which illusion is taken into consideration to allow perception according to original image, illusion analyzing method, method of generating illusion-considered image for which illusion is taken into consideration to allow perception according to original image, and program According to the present invention, multiresolution decomposition is performed on a color component of image data by using a wavelet frame with orientation selectivity or a filter bank with orientation selectivity and subband signals are obtained; and when reconstructing an image by summing the obtained subband signals, coefficient processing is performed, between a decomposition phase and a synthesis phase in the multiresolution decomposition, on decomposition detail coefficients that are output from the decomposition phase such that the larger the energy of the decomposition detail coefficients is, the more small values are further reduced, and the smaller the energy of the decomposition detail coefficients is, the more small values are increased, or vise versa.
US09374491B2	Sensor device, image forming apparatus, and control method for light source A sensor device includes an irradiation unit that includes a light source and irradiates an object with light, an optical detection unit disposed on an optical path of light emitted from the irradiation unit and reflected at the object, at least one object sensor that detects presence of the object, and a controller that controls the light source based on output from the object sensor.
US09374489B2	Image forming apparatus capable of setting initial display screen, method of controlling the same, and storage medium An image forming apparatus equipped with a customization function and a resume function, which is capable of enabling a user to select one of these functions and thereby displaying an initial display screen intended by the user. A user is prompted to make a selection as to whether to display a user-customized screen or to display a screen displayed at logout time, as an initial screen to be displayed after start or reactivation of the image forming apparatus. The display of the initial screen after the start or reactivation of the image forming apparatus is controlled based on the selection made by the user.
US09374482B2	Image processing apparatus, method for displaying preview image, and recording medium When an input unit receives a predetermined operation on a preview image during execution of a real-time preview, an image processing apparatus stores information that specifies the preview image for which the predetermined operation has been received, in a specific information storage unit. The image processing apparatus executes a first preview display of displaying a preview image for which the predetermined operation has been received or a preview image for which the predetermined operation has not been received among preview images of a job after completion of the real-time preview, based on the information stored in the specific information storage unit.
US09374479B2	Integrated document delivery method and apparatus A document delivery network server having a set of integrated functions including sending, receiving, routing and filing of FAXes and e-mails to other users which achieves numerous advantages over the prior art. The document delivery system is based on a client/server model having both analog and digital Fax line capabilities. The server side provides very highly integrated systems functionality based on industry standard, commercially available hardware and a mix of industry standard and proprietary software components including integrated FAX/modem modules, an embedded OS, embedded plug-and-play driver sets, embedded e-mail gateways, an embedded FAX archive, embedded back-up/restore, proprietary high efficiency line utilization and highly efficient load balancing.
US09374472B2	Relaying device The present invention relates to a relaying device which performs the individual calling in response to not only a call incoming from a telephone but also a call incoming from a transceiver. When receiving a communication request from another device over a network, the relaying device determines if this communication request is accompanied by the wireless-device specifying information (ID). When the communication request is not accompanied by the ID, the relaying device sends a signal for prompting another device to input the ID. When the ID is sent in response to the sent signal, the relaying device instructs the relaying wireless device to call the wireless terminal device specified by this ID. In addition, when the communication request is accompanied by the ID, the relaying device instructs the relaying wireless device to call the wireless terminal device specified by this ID.
US09374457B2	Phone number verification method and system Verifying an association between a phone number provisioned by a voice network and a phone device is useful on a synthetic communication network that reuses the phone number to transmit text and other media over a data network between devices registered on the synthesized network. Upon receiving a request to add a phone device registered with a voice network to the synthesized network, the phone number is presumed to be unconfirmed on the synthesized network. A verification message addressed to the phone device is transmitted through a data channel within the voice network. If the phone number is associated with the device, the message returns to the phone device over the data channel. If the message is received by the phone device, the phone number is confirmed as associated with the phone device, and the synthetic network authorizes communication between the device and other devices registered on the synthetic network.
US09374453B2	Audio processing for multi-participant communication systems Audio processing is provided to determine whether an audio issue is present within a multi-participant communication system such as a teleconference or videoconference bridge or a trunk dispatch system. Audio issues such as background noise, background conversations, or other unwanted audio that is being interjected into the multi-participant conversation and that may be dominating the audio are detected by measuring characteristics of audio samples taken from the communication ports of the multi-participant communication system. A correction may then be applied to the audio received through the communication port by a processor of the multi-participant communication system without intervention by an administrator, such as by muting the port, applying a noise cancellation to audio from the port, or time-shifting the audio from the port.
US09374445B2	Casing for portable device A box-shaped metal structure is formed by press-working or the like, and a resin shell is integrally molded to the periphery of the metal structure by extrusion molding a resin. A flexible circuit board for key switches is disposed on a switch-receiving surface of the metal structure. The resin shell and the box-shaped metal structure are not bonded together, but the resin fills the connecting holes in the metal structure, whereby the shell and the metal structure are kept together after molding. A casing for a portable device having a structure suitable for obtaining reduced thickness and size reduction is thereby obtained.
US09374438B2	Systems and methods for caching augmented reality target data at user devices Systems and methods are disclosed for transmitting, to user devices, data for potential targets predicted to be identified in an augmented reality application. One method includes receiving a request for target data related to at least one physical object within an image of a real-world environment captured at the device; identifying a current target representing the physical object within a virtual environment corresponding to the real-world environment; determining at least one potential future target to be identified at the device based on identified coincident target requests; and sending to the device target data for each of the current and potential future targets based on the determination, wherein the device presents the target data for the current target within the virtual environment displayed at the device and store the target data for the potential future target in a local memory of the device.
US09374433B2	Method and mobile terminal for displaying terminal information of another party using presence information When a user terminal makes contact with another party using a phone call, a video communication, a short message service, a multimedia message service, an instant message service, or an e-mail, functions supported by the other party's terminal are displayed on the user terminal using presence information. When a type of preferred contact is detected, a menu based on the detected preferred contact type is provided. In the user terminal, a transceiver receives the presence information and a controller displays the menu listing the functions supported by the other party's terminal in a desired method using the presence information. The controller extracts information about the detected preferred contact type set by the other party's terminal from the received presence information and displays the menu in a desired method based on the extracted information.
US09374431B2	Frequent sites based on browsing patterns Various embodiments provide a frequent sites module which is designed to generate frequent sites for a user that include websites that are relevant to the user based on browsing patterns of the user. In one or more embodiments, the frequent sites are generated from user-engagement data that indicates engagement by the user with websites identified in the user's browsing history. A web platform, e.g., a web browser, can display the frequent sites for the user in a frequent sites user interface container to enable the user to efficiently navigate to the websites that are relevant to the user by selection of websites from the frequent sites user interface container. Various embodiments describe other aspects of frequent sites based on browsing patterns, including multiple-device frequent sites, device-specific frequent sites, domain-specific frequent sites, URL-specific frequent sites, decaying of frequent sites, recent frequent sites, and contextual frequent sites.
US09374430B2	Social badging for electronification of paper Embodiments of the invention are directed to systems, methods and computer program products for social badging. An exemplary apparatus is configured to: receive information associated with a user's interaction with an entity; determine or receive a rating based on the interaction, wherein the rating indicates an environmental impact of the interaction; and broadcast the rating on a social network.
US09374429B2	System and method for sharing event information using icons Thus, in one embodiment an apparatus includes at least one processor, at least one display controlled by the processor, and at least one wireless transceiver communicating with the processor. The processor is configured to transmit a message accessible to at least one recipient that includes data representing at least one non-alphanumeric who icon representing a person, at least one non-alphanumeric what icon representing an event and/or activity, and at least one non-alphanumeric when icon representing a time associated with the event and/or activity. Furthermore, at least one of the following represented by data included in the message is modifiable based on input from at least one recipient: the at least one who icon, the at least one what icon, and the at least one when icon.
US09374428B2	Distance-dependent or user-dependent data exchange between wireless communication devices In one embodiment, a method includes identifying a second user of a social-networking system authorized to receive data of a first data type from a first wireless device, the identifying based on one or more attributes of one or more edges between nodes in a social graph of the social-networking system, one of the nodes corresponding to a first user and another of the nodes corresponding to the second user. The method also includes determining a distance between the second user and the first wireless device. The method further includes sending the data of the first data type when the distance is less than a specific distance.
US09374426B2	Remote-session-to-go method and apparatus Examples of systems and methods are provided for communication and for facilitating establishing a remote session between a client device and a remote server. The system may facilitate establishing a trusted relationship between the client device and a host device. The system may be configured to receive login information from the host device for a first remote session established between the host device and the remote server. The system may facilitate continuing the first remote session previously established between the host device and the remote server as a continued remote session between the client device and the remote server.
US09374418B2	Systems, methods and algorithms for logical movement of data objects The present disclosure relates generally to the field of logical movement of data objects. In various examples, the logical movement of data objects may reduce or eliminate network hotspots (e.g., avoid formation of hotspots, remove existing hotspots and/or reduce the magnitude of hotspots). In various examples, the logical movement of data objects may be implemented in the form of systems, methods and/or algorithms.
US09374416B2	Universal architecture for client management extensions on monitoring, control, and configuration Provided are techniques for, under control of an agent: receiving a request from a first database client to access a service from a set of services, wherein the agent is associated with the service; receiving a request from a second database client to access the service, wherein the agent is shared by the first database client and the second database client; combining information from the first database client and the second database client; and sending the combined information to the service using a single physical connection in a client-side Client Management Extension (CMX) connection, wherein the first database client and the second database client share the single physical connection.
US09374415B1	Remote peripheral controller A system and method for remote peripheral control are presented. Network access protocols are detected for accessing a network from a server device. An application program is activated on the server device in response to an application activation command from a peripheral device. The application program is interfaced with server application commands from the peripheral device using the network access protocols. A remote server interface control module is interfaced with the server device via the network access protocols. The application program on the server device is activated with the application activation command. The application program is controlled with the server application commands using the network access protocols, and a custom user interface configured to the application program is provided for a user to control the application program without configuring network access to the server device.
US09374414B2	Embedding global and collective in a torus network with message class map based tree path selection Embodiments of the invention provide a method, system and computer program product for embedding a global barrier and global interrupt network in a parallel computer system organized as a torus network. The computer system includes a multitude of nodes. In one embodiment, the method comprises taking inputs from a set of receivers of the nodes, dividing the inputs from the receivers into a plurality of classes, combining the inputs of each of the classes to obtain a result, and sending said result to a set of senders of the nodes. Embodiments of the invention provide a method, system and computer program product for embedding a collective network in a parallel computer system organized as a torus network. In one embodiment, the method comprises adding to a torus network a central collective logic to route messages among at least a group of nodes in a tree structure.
US09374407B2	Mobile device application streaming Technology for decomposing an application into fragments and streaming the application in fragments is disclosed herein. According to at least one embodiment, a computer-implemented method includes steps of determining multiple application fragments of a computer application, wherein each application fragment of the application fragments includes a code to present at least one interface of the computer application; storing the application fragments at a storage device; generating a resource dependency data structure, wherein for each specific application fragment of the application fragments, the resource dependency data structure includes identifications of resources that are needed for running the specific application fragment; and streaming, via a network component, at least one application fragment of the application fragments to a computing device.
US09374402B2	Apparatus, system and method of supporting streaming over a protocol adaptation layer (PAL) Some demonstrative embodiments include apparatuses, systems and/or methods of supporting streaming over a Protocol Adaptation Layer (PAL). For example, an apparatus may include a first 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, between a first device and a second device, the PAL is above a layer of the communication link, the PAL traffic comprising data to be communicated between the first device and one or more endpoints via the second device, wherein the first PAL communication unit is to communicate an endpoint open stream request and an endpoint open stream response with the second PAL communication unit over the communication link.
US09374401B2	Communication traffic management A computer-implemented method, computer program product, and computing system is provided for managing communication traffic relaying in a multiparty communication session. In an implementation, a method may include receiving a request from a first computing device to join a multiparty communication session. The method may also include associating the first computing device with a second computing device for the multiparty communication session, the second computing device participating in the multiparty communication session via a multipoint control unit. The method may further include relaying communication traffic for the multiparty communication session from the multipoint control unit to the first computing device by the second computing device.
US09374399B1	Social group suggestions within a social network In one example, a method includes receiving, by a first computing device and from a second computing device, an image comprising an object. A user may be associated with a social networking service and the second computing device. The method further includes selecting a social group associated with the user in the social networking service. The selection may be based at least in part on one or more characteristics associated with the object. The method also includes sending, by the first computing device to the second computing device, an indication of the social group selected by the first computing device.
US09374397B2	Method and system for searching, sensing, discovering, screening, enabling awareness, alerting, sharing, sending, receiving, buying, selling, and otherwise transmitting stories, content, interests, data, goods and services among known and unknown devices in a communication network Systems, method and apparatus are provided for searching, sensing, discovering, screening, enabling awareness, alerting, sharing, sending, receiving, buying, selling, and otherwise transmitting stories, content, interests, data, goods and services among known and unknown devices in a communication network. Humans have a core desire to communicate and share with those around them—both nearby and around the globe—to enhance their individual, social and shared experiences. Social networks and related technologies have provided their subscribers with new technologies to share their stories with their friends and certain third-parties, but are limited in two crucial respects: they require prior membership, subscription or enrollment; and, in order to execute communications with friends and certain third parties, social networks require use of both (a) a user's existing contact information, and (b) the social network's platform. By using improved methods for searching, detecting, sensing, and discovering attributes, characteristics, parameters and other data between devices among known and unknown devices, then people, businesses and organizations will be able to sense, learn and act on the interests, attributes, stories, content and products of others, enabling enhanced forms of communications and new methods of business.
US09374394B2	Methods and systems for online counseling sessions and clinics Methods and systems for online counseling sessions conducted over the Internet are disclosed. In some configurations, a method for remotely conducting counseling sessions between a client and an expert using an IP-based network includes providing a website accessible to the network wherein the expert and a client both have access to the website. In such configurations, upon accessing and logging into the website, the client is permitted to search a database for online experts and select an appropriate expert for a counseling session. In some configurations, the client initially completes various intake and/or registration forms in a virtual waiting room, wherein such forms are customized per the relevant expert. The method continues as an expert remotely conducts a counseling session with the client via remote means, including video conferencing. Following the counseling session, the client is automatically returned to the virtual waiting room and provided with subsequent counseling based options.
US09374365B2	Pushing a virtual desktop session from an authenticated device using image scanning Image scanning and encoding technologies can be utilized to authenticate devices to virtual desktops and to transfer virtual desktop sessions between devices. One device (e.g., PC or laptop) may encode certain information into an image that is displayed on a display screen, while another mobile device equipped with a digital camera (e.g., mobile phone or tablet) can be used to scan the image on the display screen. Once the image is scanned, it can be decoded by the mobile device to get the information encoded in the image (e.g., device ID, session ID, etc.). The information obtained from the image can be used to authenticate a device or to transfer a virtual desktop session between the devices.
US09374362B2	Method and apparatus for providing radio communication with an object in a local environment A method and apparatus for providing radio communication with an electronic object in a local environment are disclosed. For example the method receives via a mobile endpoint device of a user at least one first digital certificate associated with the local environment from a trusted source, and a second digital certificate from the electronic device deployed in the local environment via a wireless connection. The method then authenticates the electronic device using the at least one first digital certificate and the second digital certificate.
US09374353B2	Enabling dynamic authentication with different protocols on the same port for a switch The invention enables a client device that does not support IEEE 802.1X authentication to access at least some resources provided through a switch that supports 802.1X authentication by using dynamic authentication with different protocols. When the client device attempts to join a network, the switch monitors for an 802.1X authentication message from the client device. In one embodiment, if the client fails to send an 802.1X authentication message, respond to an 802.1X request from the switch, or a predefined failure condition is detected the client may be deemed incapable of supporting 802.1X authentication. In one embodiment, the client may be initially placed on a quarantine VLAN after determination that the client fails to perform an 802.1X authentication within a backoff time limit. However, the client may still gain access to resources based on various non-802.1X authentication mechanisms, including name/passwords, digital certificates, or the like.
US09374348B2	System and method to enable unlicensed mobile access across terminals A method and apparatus is provided for establishing a Global System for Mobile communications (GSM) call through an Unlicensed Mobile Access (UMA) Network by enabling Voice over IP (VoIP) access into a GSM network from various IP-enabled mobile device terminals and a mechanism to authenticate and use such terminals without any change to the UMA or GSM network.
US09374345B2	Transparent encryption/decryption gateway for cloud storage services A mechanism is provided for secure data storage in a distributed computing system by a client of the distributed computing system. A gateway device intercepts a data file from at least a portion of stream data during transmission. If the destination of the data file is the storage, the gateway device selects a set of analysis algorithms to determine whether the data file comprises sensitive data.
US09374339B2	Authentication of remote host via closed ports A method, system and apparatus for authenticating a communication request sent from a client computing device. The communication request is initially blocked by a firewall preventing delivery to a server. A first logging event corresponding to the communication request is created. The communication request and the logging event are stored in a firewall. The server is notified of the first logging event. The communication request corresponding to the first logging event is authenticated. A port in the firewall is enabled if the communication request is authenticated.
US09374334B2	Programmatic message partner list management Embodiments of the present invention address deficiencies of the art in respect to instant messaging and real-time communications systems and provide a method, system and computer program product for automated partner list management in a real-time communications system. In one embodiment, a real-time communications data processing system can include a real-time communications server, a history log configured to record user interaction records for different users of the real-time communications server, a set of partner lists for the different users, and partner list management logic coupled to each of the real-time communications server and history log. The partner list management logic can include program code enabled to remove individual ones of the different users from a single one of the partner lists which individual ones of the different users meet at least one configurable criteria.
US09374328B1	Selective messaging using online presence information Described herein are devices and techniques for automatically determining in a presence-enabled messaging service, the presence status of at least one subscriber identified in a user's list of user contacts, and for filtering subsequent transmission of related network messages (packets) responsive to each user contact's presence status. In preparation for the real-time text exchange between such messaging (e.g., IM or chat) subscribers, an initializing user requests presence status for all user contacts. An association of presence status formed in response to replies to the user probe. Such associations can be stored as a data structure, such as a Bloom filter, a hash table, a list, or the like. Subsequent presence messages (e.g., broadcasts, probes) from the initialized user are filtered, in response to the associated contact status. For example, subsequent presence messages are only sent to those user contacts believed to be online.
US09374326B2	Providing information for shared content Various embodiments can enable a content item associated with a sharer account of a content management system to be shared with a recipient account of the content management system. The content item can be analyzed to determine at least some information about the content item, which can include one or more properties associated with the content item, one or more representations of one or more content portions present in the content item, or any combination thereof. A communication can notify the recipient account that the sharer account has shared the content item with the recipient account. The communication can further comprise the determined information about the content item, which can include the one or more properties and/or the one or more representations of the content portions. This information can enable the recipient to make a better decision regarding whether or not to accept the share invitation.
US09374320B2	Investigating the integrity of forwarding paths within a packet switching device In one embodiment, the integrity of forwarding paths within a packet switching device is investigated. A packet switching device creates a probe packet. The packet switching device then communicates the probe packet within the packet switching device in a normal forwarding manner, while monitoring at multiple positions along forwarding paths through the packet switching device for the appearance of the probe packet. The traveling within the packet switching device of the probe packet, including as identified by the monitored positions, is analyzed to identify whether or not the probe packet was correctly forwarded at one or more locations within the packet switching device.
US09374319B2	Operation content evaluation system and storage medium An operation content evaluation system for evaluating an operation content for controlling computer resources, the operation content evaluation system including: a content site including a content management server for distributing operation contents for controlling computer resources; and a user site including a content evaluation server for evaluating one of the operation contents and computer resources, wherein the content management server holds catalogs associated one-to-one with the operation contents and each of the catalogs includes prerequisites for executing an operation content and evaluation elements for the operation content, wherein the content evaluation server holds configuration information collected from the computer resources in resource management information, and wherein the content evaluation server acquires the catalogs from the content management server, selects a catalog associated with the operation content to be evaluated from the catalogs, and evaluates the operation content by comparing the selected catalog with the resource management information.
US09374316B2	Interoperability for distributed overlay virtual environment A method includes forwarding a request to a distributed overlay virtual Ethernet (DOVE) connectivity service (DCS) cluster for tunnel information by a source switch. In response to the request for tunnel information, the tunnel information and end point information are received. A common tunnel type supported by the source switch and a destination switch is selected. A packet is encapsulated with the common tunnel type supported by the source switch and the destination switch for a destination virtual machine (VM).
US09374315B2	Spare resource election in a computing system A computing system comprising multiple computing resources in which one resource assumes spare status using a spare election algorithm. According to the algorithm each computing resource on initialization requests permission to assume spare state from the other computing resources. Then if all of the other computing resources grant the permission the requesting computing resource assumes spare state. If one of the other computing resources does not grant the permission to the requesting resource then the requesting resource assumes normal state.
US09374313B2	System and method to prevent endpoint device recovery flood in NGN A mechanism is provided for recovering from a catastrophic failure that results in a large number of user endpoints attempting to come on line simultaneously after an NGN is restored. In an enhanced DNS load balancer, DNS queries from the user end points relating to a particular NGN edge device are selectively dropped if a rate of queries for the particular edge device suddenly increases or exceeds a threshold. The query dropping may also be based in part on the class of service assigned to the user endpoint.
US09374310B2	Systems and methods of inter data center out-bound traffic management An information handling system is provided. The information handling system includes a first network device that forms at least part of a first set of network devices. The first network device provides an interface between a local first server rack and a cloud and has one or more processors in communication with a memory. The first network device is configured to receive information from a second set of network devices that identifies a default gateway for a virtual machine running on a remote server rack. The first network device is also configured to create a local destination address entry associated with information, to store the entry in an address table in the memory, and to receive a packet having the information identifying the default gateway as a destination address. The first network device is further configured to forward the packet into the cloud on in proxy for the default gateway.
US09374303B1	Method and apparatus for processing multicast packets Packets received via ports coupled to network links are processed to determine target ports to which the packets are to be forwarded. Appropriate control paths in a network device are selected for processing multicast packets from among a plurality of different control paths having respective processing latencies, the different control paths providing alternative processing paths for processing control information for multicast packets. Multicast packets are further processed using the selected control paths.
US09374300B2	Methods, systems, and computer readable media for regulation of multi-priority traffic in a telecommunications network Methods, systems, and computer readable media for network traffic regulation of multi-priority traffic in a telecommunications network are disclosed. According to one aspect, a method for regulation of multi-priority traffic in a telecommunications network includes, at a node for processing messages in a telecommunications network, receiving a message having an intended destination, determining a priority of the message, and obtaining, from a plurality of threshold values, each threshold value being associated with one of a plurality of message priorities, a threshold value that is associated with the determined priority. The number of messages that have been allowed during a current measurement period is determined, an action to perform on the message is selected based a relationship between the threshold value and the message count, and the selected action is performed. The method includes detecting a refresh condition, and, in response to detecting the refresh condition, starting a new measurement period.
US09374298B2	Grace state and pacing in link aggregation In one embodiment, one or more indicia of stress are monitored. Based on the one or more indicia of stress, it is determined a stress condition exists. In response to the stress condition, one or more link aggregation actors and partners are caused to enter a grace state for a grace period. While the one or more link aggregation actors and partners are in the grace state, link aggregation formation is paced on a plurality of links by delaying formation of one or more new link aggregation groups on the plurality of links until a hold is released. Upon expiration of the grace period, the grace state is exited.
US09374294B1	On-demand learning in overlay networks Systems, methods, and non-transitory computer-readable storage media for on-demand learning of routing information. The system receives a first packet directed to an endpoint device in a network, the first packet including a destination address associated with the endpoint device. Next, the system determines that the destination address does not have an associated network node identified in a routing table, and lists the destination address in a pending learning cache table to yield a pending learning entry. Based on the pending learning entry, the system then modifies the routing table to identify a network address of the associated network node for the destination address, wherein modifying the routing table is performed in response to receiving a second packet from the endpoint device, and wherein the network address of the associated network node is identified based on the second packet.
US09374274B2	System and method for automated DCB configuration of access switches A system and method of automated Data Center Bridging (DCB) configuration of an access switch includes a control unit, a memory, and a port configured to couple the access switch to a peer device. The control unit is configured to operate the port according to a state machine including a DCB disabled state, a DCB downstream state, and a DCB upstream state. When the port is in the DCB disabled state, the control unit exchanges network traffic on the port without any DCB extensions. When the port is in the DCB upstream state, the control unit exchanges network traffic on the port using DCB extensions based on the DCB configuration and receives the DCB configuration from the peer device. When the port is in the DCB downstream state, the control unit exchanges network traffic on the port using the DCB extensions and transmits the DCB configuration to the peer device.
US09374271B2	Field device, communication system, and method for controlling field device A communication system includes a plurality of field devices connected to a field network, and a controller configured to communicate with the field devices via the field network to control the field devices. The field device is configured to communicate with the controller via the field network, and to perform a predetermined processing using information obtained by a communication between the field devices via a local network.
US09374260B2	Method and apparatus for directly detected optical transmission systems based on carrierless amplitude-phase modulation Methods and apparatus for directly detected optical system based on gapped CAP modulation and DSP Methods for generation and reconstruction of gapped CAP signal are disclosed. An apparatus for direct detection transmission for CAP modulated signal with two unbalanced optical sidebands separated by gaps is disclosed, in which a gapped CAP signal is generated, converted, and passed to an optical filter for unbalanced sidebands generation and wavelength locking before being transmitted over an optical link. Direct detection is performed on the optical signal and passed to gapped matching filters. Channel equalization is performed and the signal information is decoded to binary data.
US09374259B2	Physical downlink control channel decoding Methods and apparatuses to reduce resource consumption by a mobile wireless device when decoding control channel information, such as a physical downlink control channel (PDCCH), in a subframe received from an LTE wireless network are disclosed. Representative methods include demodulating a first set of one or more PDCCH OFDM symbols contained in the subframe based on a first channel estimate; obtaining a second channel estimate based on a second OFDM symbol before demodulating a second set of one or more PDCCH OFDM symbols contained in the subframe based on both the first channel estimate and the second channel estimate. When the PDCCH indicates no downlink assignments for the subframe, the mobile wireless device enters a reduced power consumption mode after demodulating the PDCCH.
US09374252B2	Generating parallel binary representation of HDBaseT physical modulation Method and devices for generating a parallel binary representation of an HDBaseT® physical modulation. The method and devices include generating series-consisting-4-binary-symbols, each represents a physical modulation of one HDBaseT compliant symbol. The series-consisting-4-binary-symbols are transmitted over eight binary channels, where each series-consisting-4-binary-symbols is transmitted serially over one of the binary channels using transmission rate that is twice the HDBaseT rate.
US09374248B2	Receiver circuit and method performed by a receiver circuit for determining a channel estimate A method includes a step of correlating a received signal with a pilot sequence to determine a correlation result. The method further includes a step of determining a channel estimate based on a Minimum Mean Square Error scheme that is conditional to an observed parameter, wherein the observed parameter includes the correlation result.
US09374247B2	Channel estimation method and device A channel estimation method including: a channel estimation device employs a two-dimensional channel estimation method and utilizes the channel estimate of an original pilot frequency to conduct channel estimation on an encrypted pilot frequency, so as to obtain the channel estimate of the encrypted pilot frequency; the channel estimation device employs a one-dimensional channel estimation method and utilizes the channel estimate of the encrypted pilot frequency to conduct channel estimation on all resources, so as to obtain the channel estimates on all resources.
US09374232B2	Method and a device for optimizing large scaled video conferences The embodiments herein disclose a system and a method for optimizing large scaled video conferences.
US09374229B1	Graphical user interface for digital certificate profile configuration A graphical user interface can be provided for creating a digital certificate profile for a digital certificate. In one embodiment, the graphical user interface presents a plurality of certificate profile attributes selectable by the user. A security metric using at least two attributes of the plurality of certificate profile attributes is calculated. The security metric indicates the vulnerability of the digital certificate having the digital certificate profile. A usability metric using at least two other attributes of the plurality of certificate profile attributes is calculated. The usability metric indicates the vulnerability of the digital certificate having the digital certificate profile. A graphical representation of the security metric and the usability metric is provided in the graphical user interface.
US09374209B2	Transmission signal generation apparatus, transmission signal generation method, reception signal apparatus, and reception signal method Multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) communication is provided which allows high accuracy estimation of frequency offset, high accuracy estimation of a transmission path fluctuation and high accuracy synchronization/signal detection. Pilot symbol mapping is provided for forming pilot carriers by assigning orthogonal sequences to corresponding subcarriers among OFDM signals which are transmitted at the same time from respective antennas in the time domain. Even when pilot symbols are multiplexed among a plurality of channels (antennas), this allows frequency offset/phase noise to be estimated with high accuracy.
US09374203B2	Method and device for allocating multi transmission timing to at least one timing advance group in a wireless access system for supporting carrier aggregation The present invention relates to methods of allocating a Timing Advance (TA) value used for at least one timing advance group in a wireless access system for supporting carrier aggregation (CA). According to one embodiment of the present invention, a method of adjusting transmission timing for at least one TA group in a wireless access system for supporting CA includes: receiving, by a terminal, a physical downlink control channel (PDCCH) signal including a reserved bit indicating at least one TA group; receiving a medium access control (MAC) message including at least one TA value corresponding to at least one TA group; and transmitting an uplink signal by applying a TA value corresponding to a TA group in the TA group that the reserved bit indicates. At this point, each of the at least one TA group may include at least one primary cell.
US09374196B2	System and method for digital memorized predistortion for wireless communication A power amplifier system includes an input operable to receive an original value that reflects information to be communicated and an address data former operable to generate a digital lookup table key. The power amplifier system also includes a predistortion lookup table coupled to the address data former and a power amplifier having an output and coupled to the predistortion lookup table. The power amplifier system further includes a feedback loop providing a signal associated with the output of the power amplifier to the predistortion lookup table and a switch disposed in the feedback loop and operable to disconnect the predistortion lookup table from the output of the power amplifier.
US09374193B2	Systems and methods for communication of channel state information Aspects of the present disclosure relate to techniques for communicating Channel State Information (CSI) feedback. According to certain aspects, a method for wireless communications is provided. The method may include determining a modulation coding scheme (MCS) or a rate for receiving channel state information. The method may further include transmitting a frame comprising a control field indicating the determined MCS or the determined rate and at least one field indicating that at least a portion of channel state information is requested.
US09374189B2	Method and apparatus for interference mitigation in time division duplex systems Methods and apparatus at an evolved Node B (eNB) and user equipment (UE) in cells operating in time division duplex with a first configuration and having a neighbor cell eNB operating in time division duplex with a second configuration, the methods and apparatus: identifying potential eNB-to-eNB; UE-to-UE; eNB-to-UE; and UE-to-eNB interference. Further methods and apparatus to report interference including enumerated interference types to neighbor cell eNBs. Further, methods and apparatus for interference mitigation.
US09374183B2	Broadcast source identification based on matching via bit count An end user can sample a radio or television broadcast, generate a user representation of the broadcast sample, and send the user representation to a comparison system, which also receives known representations of content broadcast by multiple different stations. The known representations are stored in a continuous fashion, and represent actually broadcast content. The comparison system identifies the source of the broadcast sample by comparing the user representation to the known representations associated with each of the different stations using a bit count method, such as the Hamming distance. By comparing two representations of content that was actually broadcast, a broadcast source can be identified without requiring the use of watermarks, timestamps, or a database of discreet content items.
US09374180B2	System and method for broadcast station adjacency Disclosed herein are systems, methods, and non-transitory computer-readable storage media for broadcasting a local signal B that corresponds to a coverage hole in a remote signal B. The system includes a first transmitter at a first location and a second transmitter at the first location that transmits local signal B corresponding to remote signal B transmitted from a remote transmitter. The second transmitter broadcasts the local signal B to at least part of a coverage hole in a coverage area of remote signal B. Also disclosed is a method for consolidating allocated wireless spectrum. The method includes identifying a guard band in an allocated band of wireless spectrum, reassigning an existing channel occupying a portion of the allocated band of wireless spectrum to the guard band via selective single frequency network infill to yield a reassigned channel, and freeing the portion of the allocated band of wireless spectrum.
US09374175B2	Joint spatial processing for space frequency block coding and/or non space frequency block coding channels Certain aspects of the present disclosure relate to methods and apparatus that may be used to perform joint spatial processing for space frequency block coding and/or non-space frequency block coding channels in a wireless communications system. In aspects, apparatus and methods are provided for wireless communications, comprising receiving a signal from a serving cell and zero or more interfering cells, and processing the received signal, wherein the processing includes joint processing of at least two Resource Elements (REs), selected to conform to a Space Frequency Block Coding (SFBC) scheme in which transmitted data is modulated across two REs, to detect an interfering cell signal and canceling of the detected interfering cell signal from the received signal.
US09374167B2	Level spacing for M-PAM optical systems with coherent detection An apparatus includes an optical transmitter configured to provide an optical signal amplitude-modulated among M different levels. A constellation control module is configured to provide a drive signal to control the optical signal. A feedback module is configured to receive a measure of spacing between amplitude peaks of a symbol constellation of the optical signal. The feedback module is further configured to regulate the constellation control module to adjust the optical signal in response to the measure of spacing.
US09374165B2	Transceiver and interface for IC package An interconnect system includes a first circuit board, first and second connectors connected to the first circuit board, and a transceiver including an optical engine and arranged to receive and transmit electrical and optical signals through a cable, to convert optical signals received from the cable into electrical signals, and to convert electrical signals received from the first connector into optical signals to be transmitted through the cable. The transceiver is arranged to mate with the first and second connectors so that at least some converted electrical signals are transmitted to the first connector and so that at least some electrical signals received from the cable are transmitted to the second connector.
US09374164B2	Optical access system An optical access system is provided that enables subscriber terminals or termination devices to be interconnected via dedicated lines as needed, with respect to subscriber terminals or termination devices participating in an optical network.The optical network is a network connecting a plurality of accommodating stations, and in this network, the accommodating stations have a plurality of optical line termination devices and optical path selection means, the subscriber side optical terminals or optical line termination devices are connected in single star optical paths, and the optical line termination devices in the accommodating stations are connected with the above mentioned optical terminals or optical line termination devices via the optical path selection means. In this optical network, in the case of a subscriber side optical terminal or optical line termination device (A) connecting to an optical line termination device (B) in an accommodating station (X), a dedicated optical line is established via the optical path selection means in the accommodating station, and in the case of a subscriber side optical terminal or optical line termination device (A) connecting to an optical line termination device (C) in another accommodating station (Y), a dedicated optical line is established via the optical path selection means in the accommodating station (X), the optical network, and the optical path selection means in the other accommodating station (Y).
US09374161B2	System and method for satellite link budget analysis (LBA) optimization A method of optimizing a link budget analysis comprising performing a first LBA based on a target modulation and coding pair (MODCOD), the MODCOD having a symbol energy to noise density ratio (Es/No), a target setting of a power amplifier, or a target antenna size, determining an excess margin and increasing or decreasing a maximum available MODCOD accordingly, iteratively performing a second LBA, calculating a ratio of allocated bandwidth to PEB and adjusting at least one of the MODCOD, amplifier power, and antenna size, summing a contribution to a final ratio of allocated bandwidth to PEB of the plurality of communications links, accessing a look up table and selecting a new MODCOD or adjusting the amplifier size or antenna size is based on the ratio of allocated bandwidth to PEB and altering one or more transmission or receiving parameters to apply the optimal MODCOD, amplifier size, or antenna size.
US09374159B2	Reception display apparatus, information transmission apparatus, optical wireless communication system, reception display integrated circuit, information transmission integrated circuit, reception display program, information transmission program, and optical wireless communication method A reception display apparatus and the like which display display information regarding an information transmission apparatus blocked by an obstacle, on an image representing a taken video image, such that the display information corresponds to the position of the information transmission apparatus, are provided. A reception section time-sequentially takes an image and receives, from an apparatus, direct-transmission information including information regarding the apparatus, and forwarding information which includes information regarding an apparatus and relative position information indicating a relative position of the apparatus with respect to the apparatus. A measurement section measures a relative position of the apparatus with respect to the own apparatus. An information processing section superimposes the information regarding the apparatus included in the direct-transmission information, and calculates a coordinate position of the apparatus on the taken image, to display the information regarding the apparatus included in the forwarding information.
US09374155B2	Apparatus and method for reducing TDMA noise in terminal An apparatus for reducing TDMA noise in a terminal transceiving a wireless signal in a TDMA scheme, includes an interface unit in which an output accessory is mounted, an audio processor including a virtual ground and transceiving an audio signal to and from an output accessory through the interface unit, a switch unit provided between the interface unit and the audio processor and switching such that a ground terminal of the interface unit is connected to one of a real ground or a virtual ground of the audio processor, and a controller controlling the switch unit to connect the ground terminal of the interface unit to the virtual ground when a call function using the output accessory is activated, in which the switch unit is configured by two or more switches which are connected to each other in a parallel connection.
US09374151B2	Coverage extension level for coverage limited device Generally discussed herein are systems, apparatuses, and methods that can provide a coverage enhancement to a coverage limited device. According to an example a method can include repeating a Physical Broadcast Channel (PBCH) data transmission multiple times over multiple sub-frames to a coverage limited Machine Type Communication (MTC) User Equipment (UE), or repeating the PBCH data transmission two or three times within one sub-frame to the coverage limited MTC UE.
US09374149B2	Receiver circuit and reception method First and second transmission channel correction circuits generate a corrected data signal and a corrected control signal by executing a transmission channel correction to a data signal transmitted by a first modulation method and a control signal transmitted by a second modulation method that is more tolerant to noise than the first modulation method. The data signal and control signal are included in reception signals received by first and second antennas. First and second quality information calculation circuits calculate quality information indicating quality of the reception signal on the basis of the corrected control signal. A combination ratio calculation circuit calculates a combination ratio of the corrected data signals generated by the first and second transmission channel correction circuits, on the basis of two types of quality information calculated by the first and second quality information calculation circuits. A combination circuit executes combination at the combination ratio.
US09374147B2	Base station and method of calculating correction value In a base station, a downlink radio resource and an uplink radio resource to be used for transmission of a known signal from a communication terminal are associated for null steering to be performed based on the known signal. A correction value calculating unit calculates a first correction value used to correct a downlink quality value obtained by a communication terminal. The correction value calculating unit calculates a second correction value used to correct a downlink quality value obtained by a communication terminal.
US09374142B2	Communicating a feedback data structure containing information identifying coding to be applied on wirelessly communicated signaling To perform wireless communications in a closed loop multiple input, multiple output (MIMO) system, a feedback data structure is communicated over a wireless channel between a first wireless node and a second wireless node, where the feedback data structure contains indicators identifying coding to be applied by the second wireless node on signaling communicated between the second wireless node and the first wireless node, where the information in the feedback data structure is based on wireless channel conditions detected at the first wireless node. The indicators identify different codings to be used for different corresponding bands in the wireless channel.
US09374140B2	Method of, and apparatus for, controlling a wireless connection in a MIMO system using multi-sector directional antennas A method of selecting antenna segments for transmission and/or reception in a MIMO wireless transmission system using sectorized directional antennas, includes the steps of selecting, from an initial set of ranked link antenna patterns, a link antenna pattern having the best average rank, at predetermined time intervals, successively selecting a subset of link antenna patterns having average ranks within a predetermined distance to the best average rank, determining an average link performance of the link antenna patterns selected in the preceding step, determining an average rank of the link antenna patterns, for which the average link performance has been determined in the preceding step, selecting the link antenna pattern having the best average rank, and repeating the process at the next predetermined time interval.
US09374139B2	Multiple-input multiple-output radio transceiver A MIMO radio transceiver to support processing of multiple signals for simultaneous transmission via corresponding ones of a plurality of antennas and to support receive processing of multiple signals detected by corresponding ones of the plurality of antennas. The radio transceiver provides, on a single semiconductor integrated circuit, a receiver circuit or path for each of a plurality of antennas and a transmit circuit or path for each of the plurality of antennas. Each receiver circuit downconverts the RF signal detected by its associated antenna to a baseband signal. Similarly, each transmit path upconverts a baseband signal to be transmitted by an assigned antenna.
US09374129B2	Integrated circuit for controlling selection of random access preamble sequence A sequence allocating method and apparatus wherein in a system where a plurality of different Zadoff-Chu sequences or GCL sequences are allocated to a single cell, the arithmetic amount and circuit scale of a correlating circuit at a receiving end can be reduced. In ST201, a counter (a) and a number (p) of current sequence allocations are initialized, and in ST202, it is determined whether the number (p) of current sequence allocations is coincident with a number (K) of allocations to one cell. In ST203, it is determined whether the number (K) of allocations to the one cell is odd or even. If K is even, in ST204-ST206, sequence numbers (r=a and r=N−a), which are not currently allocated, are combined and then allocated. If K is odd, in ST207-ST212, for sequences that cannot be paired, one of sequence numbers (r=a and r=N−a), which are not currently allocated, is allocated.
US09374122B2	Integrated on-chip duplexer for simultaneous wireless transmission An electrical balancing network combined with coupled inductors (EBN) replaces a transmit/receive switch was used for isolation for time division duplexing transmission techniques. The EBN allows simultaneous transmit operation, or simultaneous receive operation, of multiple wireless technologies that would otherwise have to be scheduled for transmit or receive in a time division multiplexing manner. The wireless technologies may be WLAN, LTE, Bluetooth or other wireless technologies.
US09374114B2	Receiver apparatus with blocker detection path parallel with receiver path and associated blocker detection method A receiver apparatus includes a receiver path and a blocker detection path. The receiver path includes a down-converting stage. The blocker detection path includes a sensing circuit and a blocker detection circuit. The sensing circuit is arranged to sense a received radio frequency signal which has not yet been processed by the down-converting stage and generate a sensed signal accordingly. The blocker detection circuit is arranged to detect existence of a blocker signal according to the sensed signal and generate a blocker detection result indicative of the existence of the blocker signal when receiving the sensed signal.
US09374105B2	Converting time-encoded signal into analog output A converter may generate an analog output that is representative of a time-encoded signal. The circuit may include an input port receiving the time-encoded signal; a time-encoded to digital converter coupled to the input port; and a digital-to-analog converter coupled to the time-encoded to digital converter.
US09374091B2	Input circuit arrangement, output circuit arrangement, and system having an input circuit arrangement and an output circuit arrangement The invention relates to an input circuit arrangement (11), which is designed for operation either in a first or a second operating mode (A, B) and comprises a connection (13) for supplying a connection signal (SWI) and a detection circuit (14). The detection circuit (14) is coupled on the input side to the connection (13) and is designed to put the input circuit arrangement (11) into an operating mode from a group comprising the first and second operating modes (A, B) depending on the steepness of a change of the connection signal (SWI).
US09374081B2	Method for driving a load An electronic switch includes a load path connected in series with the load and a drive terminal for receiving a drive signal. The electronic switch is operable to switch between a first operation state and a second operation state dependent on the drive signal. In a first switching cycle, the electronic switch is switched from the first operation state to the second operation state and a voltage across the load is evaluated during the first switching cycle in order to obtain a measured switching profile. The measured switching profile is compared with a reference profile. A drive profile dependent on the comparison is provided. The drive profile is used to drive the electronic switch in a second switching cycle after the first switching cycle. At least two drive parameters are used at different times in the at least one second switching cycle to drive the electronic switch.
US09374076B2	Solid state relay circuit A solid state relay and method for enabling and disabling power to a load are disclosed. A fast turn-on circuit and fast turn-off circuit receive control signals in an isolated manner. The control signals allow only one of the fast turn-on circuit and fast turn-off circuit to be enabled at a time. A power switching circuit that enables power to be supplied to a load when the fast turn-on circuit is enabled and the fast turn-off circuit is disabled state, and disables the power from being supplied to the load when the fast turn-on circuit is disabled and the fast turn-off circuit is enabled. A power supply circuit provides isolated power used by the fast turn-on and fast turn-off circuits to drive or discharge a gate in the power switching circuit.
US09374072B2	Post fabrication tuning of an integrated circuit An integrated circuit 2 includes a transistor 26 which has a normal switching speed arising during normal operations of that transistor that apply electrical signals within normal ranges. If it is desired to change the speed of operation of the transistor, then speed tuning circuitry 12 applies a tuning electrical signal with a tuning characteristic outside of the normal range of characteristics to the transistor concerned. The tuning electrical signal induces a change in at least one of the physical properties of that transistor such that when it resumes its modified normal operations the switching speed of that transistor will have changed. The tuning electrical signal may be a voltage (or current) outside of the normal range of voltages applied to the gate of a transistor so as to induce a permanent increase in the threshold of that transistor and so slow its speed of switching. Temperature of a transistor may also be controlled to induce a permanent change in performance/speed.
US09374070B2	Ramp generator circuit and solid-state imaging device A ramp generator circuit includes: a reference signal generator circuit which generates a ramp waveform having a slope obtained by multiplication using a power of 2 according to a value of a higher order bit of a gain control signal; a clock control circuit which selectively outputs 2^m kinds of fractional-N clocks according to one of 2^m (natural number) areas obtained by dividing a code range represented by a lower order bit, when a negative gain is set; and a variable gain circuit which sets a ramp waveform according to the value of the gain control signal, and sets a ramp signal amplitude in each area so that a period ratio between ramp driving clocks for adjacent areas and a ratio between an amplitude of a ramp signal when the standard gain is set and a largest amplitude of a ramp signal are equal.
US09374067B2	Optimally factored interpolated FIR filter design A method and system for the design and implementation of an optimally factored interpolated finite impulse response (IFIR) filter is presented. Techniques used to increase the implementation efficiency of the filter include joint sequencing of the filter stages, use of an nested IFIR filter, taming of a stage by relocation of that stage, fusing two or more stages together to form a single stage, and manual manipulation of a post-stage multiplier. IFIR filters using this approach may be realized as low pass filters or high pass filters, and in either analog or digital form.
US09374066B2	Resistance multiplier This document discusses, among other things, a resistance multiplier configured to provide a more specific and controllable resistance value, the resistance multiplier including an amplifier configured to control a resistance across a first transistor using a received reference resistance value and to control a resistance across a second transistor using the resistance across the first transistor and a relationship between the first and second transistors.
US09374056B2	Multiband RF device A device or system for transmission and reception for voice or data communication applications. The device or system is capable of duplex operation and adapted to operate in an environment using a plurality of frequency bands. The present disclosure also relates to a communication means including a transmitter and receiver arrangement and to antennas.
US09374053B2	Resistor network and mixer circuits with programmable gain A resistor network comprises one or more switched resistor branches. Each switched resistor branch comprises a first resistor connected in series with a first switch, wherein a first terminal of the first resistor is connected to the input terminal of the resistor network, a second terminal of the first resistor is connected to a first terminal of the first switch forming a middle node, and a second terminal of the first switch is connected to the output terminal of the resistor network. Each switched resistor branch further comprises a second resistor connected in series with a second switch, wherein the series connected second resistor and second switch is connected between the middle node and a third terminal of the one or more switched resistor branches. The resistor network further comprises a third resistor connected between the input and output terminals of the resistor network.
US09374036B2	Split transformer based LC-tank digitally controlled oscillator A novel and useful LC-tank digitally controlled oscillator (DCO) incorporating a split transformer configuration. The LC-tank oscillator exhibits a significant reduction in area such that it is comparable in size to conventional ring oscillators (ROs) while still retaining its salient features of excellent phase noise and low sensitivity to supply variations. The oscillator incorporates an ultra-compact split transformer topology that is less susceptible to common-mode electromagnetic interference than regular high-Q LC tanks which is highly desirable in SoC environments. The oscillator, together with a novel dc-coupled buffer, can be incorporated within a wide range of circuit applications, including clock generators and an all-digital phase-locked loop (ADPLL) intended for wireline applications.
US09374028B2	Transition scheme for position sensorless control of AC motor drives Motor drive control apparatus and methods are presented for sensorless control of a driven motor using open loop current regulated control during low-speed operation and an EMF-based position observer for position estimation during higher speed operation, with zero feedback speed during low-speed open-loop operation and feedback speed estimated by the EMF-based observer during high-speed operation and with velocity mode control over the full speed range and mode control hysteresis for smooth transitions between open loop and EMF-based observer control.
US09374015B2	Lighting driver having multiple dimming interfaces Lighting control techniques and corresponding drivers and ballasts are disclosed. In some embodiments, the driver or ballast receives multiple dimming inputs and has multiple dimming interfaces that produce initial dimming signals or levels. The initial dimming signals are manipulated by a controller to produce a final output dimming signal or level that is based on the dimming signals received and dims the attached light sources accordingly. The manipulations performed by the controller may include various operations, such as comparisons and calculating the product of the initial dimming signals. In some embodiments, the techniques can be applied to light-emitting diode (LED) drivers or ballasts for fluorescent and other discharge light sources and can be used in smart grid and peak power shaping applications.
US09374014B2	High-voltage power converter The present invention relates to a high-voltage power converter comprising a number of controllable switching valves, each switching valve comprising a plurality of series connected switching units, the high-voltage power converter further comprising a resonance circuit comprising a link inductor and a link capacitor, and a plurality of clamping circuits connected in series, each clamping circuit comprising a clamping capacitor and a clamping switching unit.
US09374011B2	Secondary controller for use in synchronous flyback converter A secondary controller for use in a synchronous flyback converter includes a comparator, a drive circuit, and logic circuitry. The comparator is coupled to generate a compare signal in response to a comparison of a threshold to an input signal representative of a secondary winding voltage of the synchronous flyback converter. The drive circuit is coupled to generate a drive signal to control a first switch to be coupled to a primary side of the synchronous flyback converter. The drive signal is coupled to be generated by the drive circuit in response to a feedback signal representative of an output of the synchronous flyback converter. The logic circuitry is coupled to the drive circuit and coupled to the comparator. The logic circuitry is also coupled to generate a control signal to control a second switch in response to the drive signal and in response to the compare signal.
US09374009B2	Circuits and methods for constant output current in a flyback converter Flyback converters are disclosed herein. An embodiment of a flyback converter includes a transformer having a primary side and a secondary side. A switch is connected to the primary side of the transformer, wherein the switch controls the current in the primary side of the transformer. A resistance is connected between the switch and a common node. The converter also includes a comparator having a first input and a second, the first input being connected between the switch and the resistor. Driver logic controls the state of the switch, wherein the output of the comparator is coupled to the driver logic. A voltage source is connected to the second input of the comparator. An error amplifier compares the voltage at the second input of the comparator to an adjustment voltage, the output of the error amplifier is coupled to the driver logic.
US09374005B2	Expanded range DC-DC converter A DC-DC converter, which provides a converter output voltage using a DC source voltage, is disclosed. The DC-DC converter includes converter control circuitry and a boosting charge pump. The converter control circuitry selects one of a first boost operating mode, a second boost operating mode, and a boost disabled mode based on the DC source voltage. During the boost disabled mode, the boosting charge pump presents a high impedance at a charge pump output of the boosting charge pump. Otherwise, the boosting charge pump provides a charge pump output voltage. During the first boost operating mode, a nominal value of the charge pump output voltage is equal to about one and one-half times the DC source voltage. During the second boost operating mode, a nominal value of the charge pump output voltage is equal to about two times the DC source voltage.
US09374000B1	Controlling DC-to-DC converter duty cycle by shifting PWM ramp A system includes a pulse width modulator and a shift generator. The pulse width modulator receives a saw-tooth signal and generates pulse width modulated pulses based on the saw-tooth signal to regulate an output voltage of a DC-to-DC converter. The shift generator generates a DC voltage in response to a change in an input voltage of the DC-to-DC converter and shifts the saw-tooth signal by the DC voltage to regulate the output voltage of the DC-to-DC converter.
US09373993B2	Haptic actuators A haptic actuator (20(X)) provides compact mounting for a haptically-actuated assembly by mounting at least a portion of the haptically-actuated assembly to magnetic circuit members of the haptic actuator. The haptic actuator comprises a first magnetic member (62); a second magnetic member (60); a field generator (30); and a resilient connector (70). The first magnetic member (62) is configured to have a driven part (124) of the haptically-actuated assembly mounted to the first magnetic member (62). The second magnetic member (60) is selectively separated by at least one air gap from the first magnetic member (62) and is configured to have a stationary part of the haptically-actuated assembly (122) connected to the second magnetic member (62). The second magnetic member (60) is positioned at least partially within the field generator (30) and the first magnetic member (62) is positioned externally to the field generator (30). The resilient connector (70) is configured to connect together the first magnetic member (62) and the second magnetic member (60) in a manner to allow selective closing and opening of the at least one air gap upon selective activation and de-activation of the field generator (30).
US09373990B2	Carbon brush with disconnection apparatus A carbon brush with a disconnection apparatus in a cavity in a brush body includes a disconnection body and a prestressed compression-spring body. The disconnection body consists of an electrically insulating material, and the prestressed compression-spring body is configured to act resiliently on the disconnection body. The compression-spring body is formed together with the disconnection body as a short component with a short axial length. In one embodiment, the compression-spring body is in the form of a spring with a plurality of spring turns which, at least in the prestressed, compressed state, are at least partially located one inside the other, shortening them.
US09373989B2	One-piece voltage regulator/brush-holder assembly for a rotary electrical machine and rotary electrical machine including such an assembly An electrical machine such as an alternator or starter-alternator for a motor vehicle which is fitted with the one-piece voltage-regulator/brush-holder assembly (1). The brush-holder (6) is capable of guiding at least first and second brushes by means of respective first and second longitudinal recesses (7). The recesses are substantially parallelepiped, made of an electrically insulating material and extend substantially in an axial plane of a rotor of the machine. Each recess is provided with at least one respective longitudinal internal groove (9) in communication with at least one channel (11) provided in a body (6) of the assembly (1), in an axial direction (XX′) of the rotor, and intended for a coolant (8) to pass therethrough. A first cross section of the first internal groove is between 5% and 7% of a second cross section of the recesses.
US09373987B2	Integrated flywheels, systems and methods for electric generation and braking of a general purpose engine Systems, devices, and methods for using an engine flywheel can provide both electric power output and braking of powered equipment. In particular, an engine flywheel can include a first rotor element configured to be coupled to a drive shaft for rotation with the drive shaft, one or more magnets carried by the first rotor element, the one or more magnets being configured for positioning with respect to a stator to generate electrical current upon rotation of the first rotor element, and a second rotor element configured to be coupled to the drive shaft for rotation with the drive shaft, the second rotor element including a braking surface configured for engagement with a braking element to slow the rotation of the second rotor element.
US09373985B2	Stator for rotating electric machine A stator includes an annular stator core and a three-phase stator coil. The stator coil is comprised of a plurality of star-connected phase windings. The stator coil further has a plurality of interphase bridging wires to electrically connect neutral point-side ends of the phase windings to each other. The interphase bridging wires are arranged on a coil end of the stator coil. At least one of the interphase bridging wires is made up of at least one busbar. The busbar includes three or four connecting end portions each having a joining surface joined to one of the phase windings, other bridging wires and other busbars. The connecting end portions are arranged so that some of the joining surfaces of the connecting end portions face substantially in the circumferential direction of the stator core, while the other joining surfaces face substantially in a radial direction of the stator core.
US09373983B2	Rotating electrical machine A rotating electrical machine comprising an armature; a yoke; and a plurality of magnets arrayed in a ring shape along an inner peripheral face of the yoke. The magnets are respectively formed in circular arc shapes fit with the inner peripheral face of the yoke, and are fixed to the yoke. The magnets are arrayed along the circumferential direction of the yoke with gaps between each other, a central portion in a circumferential direction of each of the magnets is disposed so as to be opposed in a yoke diameter direction to the gap between other magnets arrayed adjacent to each other, a boundary portion between a pair of magnetic poles in each of the magnets is positioned at central position in the circumferential direction of each of the magnets, and each of the magnets is formed thicker at end portions than at the central portion in the circumferential direction thereof.
US09373966B2	Wireless power and communication systems using magnetic vector potential Apparatuses and methods are provided for driving an input conductor with a signal comprising a series of voltage pulses. The pulses can beneficially invoke the skin effect to generate a time-varying magnetic vector potential that projects radially from a surface of the input conductor. The time-varying magnetic vector potential can provide an electric field for inducing output voltage pulses in an output circuit. The input conductor and output circuit can have various configurations. For example, the input conductor can extend along a plane, and the output circuit can at least partially reside in the plane and extend away from the input conductor in the plane. Such a geometry can reduce any back coupling between the two circuits, e.g., between electromagnetic fields caused by any current in the two circuits. Such a geometry would not normally allow for induction between the two circuits, which can reduce any Lenz effects.
US09373964B2	Optimized control of a power converter in response to load conditions A power converter and a method of operating the same is described, for use in a power conversion system that is capable of receiving power from various sources, including renewable sources, for delivering power to a load. Power type detection circuitry is provided for identifying the type of power source at the input of each power detector, based on attributes of the time-varying power received. The power converter is constructed of a boost stage followed by a galvanically isolated DC-DC converter stage. If a renewable input power source is detected, the boost stage is controlled to operate at a maximum power point, and the DC-DC converter stage is operated in an open loop manner when load exceeds available power at input. The load falls below available input power, the boost stage is controlled to regulate its output voltage and DC-DC converter stage is also placed under closed loop control. If the AC grid is detected as the input power source, the boost stage is controlled to attain maximum power factor, and the DC-DC converter stage is placed under feedback control of the output voltage.
US09373963B2	Energy transfer and storage apparatus for delivery of pulsed power A method and system supply pulsed power. The system includes an inertial energy storage device configured to store inertial energy and an electrochemical energy storage system configured to store electrochemical energy. The system includes a bidirectional energy transfer system. The energy transfer system is configured to receive energy from an energy source. The energy transfer system is configured to transfer at least a portion of the received source energy to the inertial energy storage device. The energy transfer system is configured to transfer at least a portion of the received energy in the inertial energy storage device to the electrochemical energy storage system while controlling a rate at which energy is transferred to the electrochemical energy storage system based on a prescribed charging rate associated with the electrochemical energy storage system. Additionally, the energy transfer system is configured to supply power to one or more loads using the stored energy.
US09373961B2	Adaptive load circuit The present subject matter is directed to an adaptive load circuit for use with traffic light control systems so as to permit operation using low current consumption lamps where the traffic light control systems were originally manufactured for operation with higher current consuming lamps. The adaptive load circuit provides a mechanism whereby an existing traffic light control system is fooled into accepting use of a low current consuming lamp by creating a specifically timed signal during an interval that the traffic light control system normally checks to determined lamp load characteristics.
US09373941B2	Corona ignition device The invention relates to a corona ignition device for igniting fuel in a combustion chamber of an engine by means of a corona discharge, comprising a tubular housing, a coil arranged in the tubular housing, an insulator, which plugs into the tubular housing, and a center electrode, which is connected to the coil, plugs into the insulator and leads to at least one ignition tip. In order to increase the service life of the ignition tip, said ignition tip consists in part or completely of an iridium-based alloy containing 3 to 30% by weight of rhodium or is coated by a burn-up layer.
US09373935B2	Optical lasing device and method for generating a lasing mode in such device An optical lasing device includes a gain medium arranged in a lasing cavity having an optical axis, the gain medium providing light amplification; a periodic grid generator filter arranged in the lasing cavity; a channel selector arranged in the lasing cavity and configured to select a lasing mode of the amplified light corresponding to a frequency channel defined by the periodic grid generator filter according to an optimization criterion; and a band-pass filter arranged in the lasing cavity and configured to suppress lasing modes which are outside of a pass-band of the band-pass filter.
US09373932B2	Semiconductor laser module A semiconductor laser module 1 is mainly composed of a package 3, a semiconductor laser 5, lenses 7, 9, 13, reflecting mirrors 11, an optical fiber 15, and the like. The package 3 is composed of a bottom part and side surfaces 19a, 19b. The side surfaces 19a, 19b stand erect approximately vertical to the bottom part of the package. In the semiconductor laser module 1, a plurality of semiconductor laser installation surfaces 17 are formed in a step-like shape. On each semiconductor laser installation surface 17, a semiconductor laser 5 is installed. A lens 7 is arranged at the anterior (in the emission direction) of the semiconductor laser 5. Moreover, a lens 9 is arranged further to the anterior. A reflecting mirror 11 is fixed to the side surface 19a, which is provided facing the emission direction of the semiconductor laser 5.
US09373928B2	Diffractive optical elements for transformation of modes in lasers Spatial mode conversion modules are described, with the capability of efficiently transforming a given optical beam profile, at one plane in space into another well-defined optical beam profile at a different plane in space, whose detailed spatial features and symmetry properties can, in general, differ significantly. The modules are comprised of passive, high-efficiency, low-loss diffractive optical elements, combined with Fourier transform optics. Design rules are described that employ phase retrieval techniques and associated algorithms to determine the necessary profiles of the diffractive optical components. System augmentations are described that utilize real-time adaptive optical techniques for enhanced performance as well as power scaling.
US09373923B2	Rapid prototype extruded conductive pathways A process of producing electrically conductive pathways within additively manufactured parts and similar parts made by plastic extrusion nozzles. The process allows for a three-dimensional part having both conductive and non-conductive portions and allows for such parts to be manufactured in a single production step.
US09373921B1	Socket device A socket device comprises a socket body including a swerve part, wherein a first socket part extends from an end of the swerve part and a second socket part extends from the other end of the swerve part, an electric power line extends from the interior of the swerve part, an accommodation groove is configured on the lateral wall of the socket body where the electric power line extends out thereby accommodating and attaching the electric power line into the accommodation groove to achieve the objective of electric power line accommodation; meanwhile, the first socket part and the second socket part extending from the two ends of the swerve part can further improve the application flexibility of the socket device.
US09373916B2	Receptacle structure A receptacle structure, which is specifically referred to a joint assembly of terminal with plural signal pins, a main isolator and a metallic casing, wherein the terminal with plural pins is further separated with an upper row terminator and a lower row terminator, the metallic casing is extended with a fixing part at the back side and is configured with an upper rib and at least a spring on the top surface of fixing part, and both laterals are formed as side curvatures with each side opening. Thus, the present invention provides a better shielding protection against ESD—Electrostatic Discharge and enables a high frequency characteristic control which stabilizes the impedance variation within the error range.
US09373914B2	Linkage apparatus for plugging PCB board A linkage apparatus is provided. The linkage apparatus is disposed between a bottom plate and a carrier plate, and the linkage apparatus includes a drag link and an “L” shape swing link. The drag link is rotatably connected to an end of the “L” shape swing link, and the drag link and the bottom plate are connected to a fixing pin by using a horizontal guide groove; a corner in the middle of the swing link is rotatably connected to the bottom plate, and another end is fastened to the carrier plate; another fixing pin connects the bottom plate and the carrier plate. The swing link is driven by the drag link, so that the carrier plate can be driven to vertically move. Therefore, hot plugging of a peripheral component interconnect (PCI) express card fastened on the carrier plate and plugging of another printed circuit board (PCB) that requires two-dimensional plugging can be implemented without interrupting a power supply.
US09373910B2	Connector terminal and manufacturing method of connector terminal A connector terminal (10) which includes a barrel portion (21) to which a core wire (12) exposed from an outer cover (13) of an electric cable (11) is electrically connected, a tab terminal portion (31) that is electrically connected to a mating terminal and, a resin mold which covers and waterproofs the barrel portion (21) and an end portion of the electric cable (11). Before the connector terminal (10) is finalized, the connector terminal (10) is connected to a carrier (42) through an interconnection portion (41) and is separated from the carrier (42) at interconnection portion (41). A cutting groove (44) is formed on the interconnection portion (41) along a width direction thereof.
US09373907B2	Flexible flat cable, electrical connector, and flexible flat cable assembly A flexible flat cable includes conductive wires disposed on a first surface of an insulation layer, and a cover shield covering an opposite second surface and side surfaces of the insulation layer. An electrical connector includes an insulation case defining an insertion space for receiving an insertion portion of the flexible flat cable, conductive terminals disposed on the base and contacting respectively with the conductive wires, and a ground unit. The ground unit includes a contacting portion disposed in the insertion space and contacting with the cover shield of the flexible flat cable, and a conductive portion extending out of the insulation case for grounding the flexible flat cable.
US09373899B2	Butterfly spring connector A butterfly spring connector made from a one-piece blank is disclosed. comprising a The butterfly spring connector includes: a frame, comprising a first, second and third frame pieces defining a bottom plane; a butterfly spring comprising the connection of an upper piece, a lower piece and a lateral piece, wherein the lateral piece extends from the first frame piece to a direction perpendicular to the bottom plane; a support formed at the third frame piece to support the lower piece; and a clip piece formed at the second frame piece, to clip a wire or a cable in association with the upper piece. The support and the clipping piece extend in the same direction of the lateral piece.
US09373897B2	Printed circuit board having a terminal with a fixation leg and a soldering section A printed circuit board with a terminal having a novel structure that enables terminals to stand on their own on the printed circuit board without using a seat, while reducing or eliminating damage to through-hole plating or an inner layer circuit. A printed circuit board with a terminal includes a terminal having soldering sections that are inserted, without being press-fitted, into through-holes of a printed circuit board and are fixed by soldering. The terminal has a fixation leg and the printed circuit board has a press-fit hole, the terminal is positioned and retained on the printed circuit board by the fixation leg of the terminal being press-fitted into the press-fit hole of the printed circuit board, and an inner circumferential surfaces of the through-holes are provided with plating, whereas an inner circumferential surface of the press-fit hole is not provided with the plating.
US09373894B2	Integrated circuit with electromagnetic communication A system for transmitting or receiving signals may include an integrated circuit (IC), a transducer operatively coupled to the IC for converting between electrical signals and electromagnetic signals; and insulating material that fixes the locations of the transducer and IC in spaced relationship relative to each other. The system may further include a lead frame providing external connections to conductors on the IC. An electromagnetic-energy directing assembly may be mounted relative to the transducer for directing electromagnetic energy in a region including the transducer and in a direction away from the IC. The directing assembly may include the lead frame, a printed circuit board ground plane, or external conductive elements spaced from the transducer. In a receiver, a signal-detector circuit may be responsive to a monitor signal representative of a received first radio-frequency electrical signal for generating a control signal that enables or disables an output from the receiver.
US09373880B2	Enhanced hybrid-tee coupler An enhanced hybrid-tee coupler (“EHT-coupler”), the EHT-coupler is described. The EHT-coupler includes a first waveguide, second waveguide, third waveguide, and fourth waveguide. The first waveguide defines a first port and the second waveguide defines a second port. Similarly, the third waveguide defines a fourth port and the fourth waveguide defines a fourth port. The first, second, third, and fourth waveguides meet in a single common junction and the first waveguide and second waveguide are collinear. The third waveguide forms an E-plane junction with both the first waveguide and the second waveguide and the fourth waveguide forms an H-plane junction with both the first waveguide and the second waveguide. The EHT-coupler also includes a first impedance matching element positioned in the common junction where the first impedance matching element includes a base and a tip.
US09373863B2	Barium cerate nanoparticles for use in solid oxide fuel cells A process for forming alkaline earth metal cerate nanoparticles comprises combining a stable cerium oxide aqueous colloidal dispersion with soluble alkaline earth metal salts while maintaining colloidal stability. The resulting alkaline earth metal salts may be calcined to form alkaline earth metal cerate particles having a perovskite structure.
US09373862B2	Thermal management in a fuel cell stack A fuel cell stack comprising multiple arrays of one or more fuel cells, each comprising an electrolyte layer, an anode layer and a cathode layer; gas separator plates between adjacent fuel cells; and oxidant gas distribution passages and fuel gas distribution passages between adjacent fuel cells; and gas separators opening to the cathode layers and the anode layers, respectively, of the fuel cells. The fuel cell arrays comprise at least first stage fuel cell arrays having associated first fuel gas distribution passages to receive fuel gas from one or more fuel gas supply manifolds and second stage fuel cell arrays having associated second fuel gas distribution passages which receive fuel exhaust from the fuel cells of the first stage fuel cell arrays. The second stage fuel cell arrays are interleaved in the stack between first stage fuel cell arrays to improve thermal gradients. Other interleaving arrangements are possible.
US09373858B2	Method for starting fuel cell system and starting apparatus for fuel cell system In a method for starting a fuel cell system, an oxidizer gas bypass passage is operated by an oxidizer gas bypass passage controller to supply oxidizer gas to a diluter from an oxidizer gas supply device under a condition where an oxidizer gas supply passage is sealed by an oxidizer gas supply passage sealing device and an oxidizer exhaust gas exhaust passage is sealed by an oxidizer exhaust gas exhaust passage sealing device. A fuel exhaust gas recirculation passage is operated by a fuel exhaust gas recirculation passage controller to supply fuel gas to the fuel cell from a fuel gas supply device.
US09373853B2	Fuel cell employing multiple reactant supply passages A fuel cell includes a cathode side separator. An oxygen-containing gas flow field is formed on a surface of the cathode side separator. The oxygen-containing gas flow field includes an inlet channel having a plurality of flow grooves connected to the oxygen-containing gas supply passage, an outlet channel having a plurality of flow grooves connected to the oxygen-containing gas discharge passage, and an intermediate channel having flow grooves with both ends connected to the inlet channel and the outlet channel respectively. The flow grooves of the outlet channel are longer than the flow grooves of the inlet channel, and the flow grooves of the outlet channel are narrowed toward the oxygen-containing gas discharge passage.
US09373845B2	Method for producing fluorinated copolymer latex, fluorinated copolymer latex, binder for producing electrode, electrode mixture for storage battery device, and electrode for storage battery device To produce a method for producing a fluorinated copolymer latex with a low content of metal components and with favorable stability of the latex even with a low content of an organic solvent. A method for producing a fluorinated copolymer latex, which comprises emulsion-polymerizing a monomer mixture containing tetrafluoroethylene and propylene in the presence of an aqueous medium, an anionic emulsifying agent and a thermally decomposable radical polymerization initiator at a polymerization temperature within a range of from 50° C. to 100° C., wherein the aqueous medium comprises water alone, or water and a water-soluble organic solvent, and the content of the water-soluble organic solvent is less than 1 part by mass per 100 parts by mass of water; and the amount of use of the anionic emulsifying agent is from 1.5 to 5.0 parts by mass per 100 parts by mass of the fluorinated copolymer to be formed.
US09373841B2	Battery active material, nonaqueous electrolyte battery, and battery pack According to one embodiment, there are provided an active material for a battery having a high effective capacity, a nonaqueous electrolyte battery, and a battery pack. The active material contains a niobium-titanium composite oxide. When the active material is subjected to powder X-ray diffraction (XRD) using a Cu-Kα ray source, a peak appears in a range of 2θ=5°±0.5° in the diffraction pattern.
US09373833B2	Battery pack containing PCM employed with conductive pattern having fusible part A battery pack including a battery cell having an electrode assembly of a cathode/separator/anode structure mounted in a battery case together with an electrolyte in a sealed state, and a protection circuit module (PCM) electrically connected to the battery cell. The PCM includes a protection circuit board (PCB) electrically connected to the battery cell, the PCB being provided on a region where a circuit is connected with a conductive pattern including a fusing part, having relatively high resistance, configured to fuse itself for interrupting the flow of current when a large amount of current is conducted.
US09373830B2	Lithium ion secondary battery, separator thereof, and method for producing each of same This separator is provided at least at one surface thereof with a heat-resistant layer containing inorganic oxide particles and a binder, and the inorganic oxide particles have a component containing gallium in the range of 5 to 200 weight ppm in an aluminum oxide. This lithium ion secondary battery has: an electrode body including a positive electrode plate and a negative electrode plate laminated by interposing the separator therebetween; and a non-aqueous electrolytic solution impregnated in the electrode body. A lithium ion secondary battery using the separator having the heat-resistant layer is therefore less likely to cause a rise in resistance even in use under high-rate conditions.
US09373826B2	Storage battery module A storage battery module is provided in which, even in a case where the storage battery module is formed by integrally assembling a plurality of secondary batteries, the secondary batteries can be compactly assembled while non-uniformity in battery temperature distribution is prevented, and wiring connection work is facilitated. Using a secondary battery RB (RB1 to RB4) including a battery can 10 that houses an electrode group 1 and rectanglar shape two secondary batteries are juxtaposed in parallel, they are spaced by a predetermined distance from each other, and with respect to these juxtaposed secondary batteries as one unit, in a direction in which units of these are stacked, these units are shifted in orientation by 90° from each other, and thus a storage battery module (M1 to M8) having a configuration in which a plurality of secondary batteries are stacked in parallel crosses is obtained.
US09373820B2	Substrate for organic electronic device The present application relates to a substrate for an organic electronic device, an organic electronic device, and a lighting device. In an embodiment of the present application, a substrate or an organic electronic device which may form an organic electronic device capable of ensuring performance including light extraction efficiency or the like and reliability by applying a scattering layer capable of exhibiting different scattering properties according to an angle of incident light may be provided.
US09373816B2	Organic light emitting diode display and manufacturing method of organic light emitting diode display An organic light emitting diode (OLED) display includes: a substrate; an organic light emitting diode on the substrate; and a thin film encapsulation layer including a first inorganic layer having a first density on the substrate and a second inorganic layer having a second density on the first inorganic layer, the second density being different from the first density, and the organic light emitting diode being encapsulated between the thin film encapsulation layer and the substrate.
US09373815B2	Sealing layer of organic EL device Provided is an organic EL device which can prevent invasion of moisture to an organic EL element. The organic EL device has an organic EL element in which a first electrode layer, a functional layer, and a second electrode layer are stacked in sequence on a transparent substrate having a planar expanse, and an inorganic sealing layer for sealing at least an emission area of the organic EL element. A soft adhesion layer is stacked directly onto the inorganic sealing layer with a planar expanse, and the soft adhesion layer is made of a resin, and has flexibility.
US09373803B2	Electronic device package and manufacturing method thereof An electronic device package of the disclosure includes a gas barrier substrate, a base layer, an electronic device and a barrier film. The base layer is disposed on the gas barrier substrate and made of a light curing material. The electronic device is disposed on the base layer. The barrier film is disposed on the gas barrier substrate, in which the barrier film and the gas barrier substrate clad the electronic device and the base layer. The disclosure also provides a manufacturing method of an electronic device package.
US09373794B2	Phosphorescent compounds and organic light emitting diode devices using the same A phosphorescent compound is disclosed. The phosphorescent compound represented by the following Chemical Formula 1, where X, Y, and Z are each selected from the group consisting of carbon and nitrogen, and when x, y, and z are all carbon, R is any one selected from the group consisting of carbazole, α-carboline, β-carboline, γ-carboline, fluorine, dibenzothiophene, dibenzofuran, triphenylsilane, tetraphenylsilane, pyridine, quinoline, isoquinoline, pyrimidine, diphenylphosphineoxide, and substituents thereof.
US09373780B2	Co/X and CoX multilayers with improved out-of-plane anisotropy for magnetic device applications A MTJ for a spintronic device is disclosed and includes a thin seed layer that enhances perpendicular magnetic anisotropy (PMA) in an overlying laminated layer with a (Co/X)n or (CoX)n composition where n is from 2 to 30, X is one of V, Rh, Ir, Os, Ru, Au, Cr, Mo, Cu, Ti, Re, Mg, or Si, and CoX is a disordered alloy. The seed layer is preferably NiCr, NiFeCr, Hf, or a composite thereof with a thickness from 10 to 100 Angstroms. Furthermore, a magnetic layer such as CoFeB may be formed between the laminated layer and a tunnel barrier layer to serve as a transitional layer between a (111) laminate and (100) MgO tunnel barrier. The laminated layer may be used as a reference layer, dipole layer, or free layer in a MTJ. Annealing between 300° C. and 400° C. may be used to further enhance PMA in the laminated layer.
US09373777B2	Co/Ni multilayers with improved out-of-plane anisotropy for magnetic device applications A MTJ for a spintronic device includes a thin seed layer that enhances perpendicular magnetic anisotropy (PMA) in an overlying laminated layer with a (Co/Ni)n composition or the like where n is from 2 to 30. The seed layer is preferably NiCr, NiFeCr, Hf, or a composite thereof with a thickness from 10 to 100 Angstroms. Furthermore, a magnetic layer such as CoFeB may be formed between the laminated layer and a tunnel barrier layer to serve as a transitional layer between a (111) laminate and (100) MgO tunnel barrier. There may be a Ta insertion layer between the CoFeB layer and laminated layer to promote (100) crystallization in the CoFeB layer. The laminated layer may be used as a reference layer in a MTJ. Annealing between 300° C. and 400° C. may be used to further enhance PMA in the laminated layer.
US09373769B2	Solar receiver design for thermoelectric power generation and waste heat utilization A solar energy heat to electricity conversion device is provided that includes a thermally conductive solar receiver having a cylinder with an open end and a cup-shape closed end and a thermally conductive fin disposed on an outside surface of the cup-shape closed end, where the thermally conductive solar receiver is capable of absorbing solar energy directed into the cylinder, a thermoelectric module (TEM) that includes a first plate and a second plate, where the first plate is in contact with a surface of the thermally conductive fin, where the conductive fin is capable of transferring heat to the first plate, and a thermally conductive water block in contact with the TEM that is capable of cooling the TEM, where the water block includes a fluid input and a fluid output, where the TEM generates electricity according to a temperature difference between the first plate and the second plate.
US09373768B2	Flip-chip light-emitting diode unit A flip-chip light-emitting diode (LED) unit includes a substrate, an electrode pad set disposed on the substrate, and three flip-chip LEDs disposed on the electrode pad set in a flip-chip manner and including one first LED and two second LEDs that are spaced apart from the first LED and that are electrically coupled to the first LED in a series configuration.
US09373764B2	Semiconductor light emitting element A semiconductor light emitting element includes: a laminated semiconductor layer in which an n-type semiconductor layer, a light emitting layer and a p-type semiconductor layer are laminated; plural n-side electrodes that are laminated on the n-type semiconductor layer, electrically connected to the n-type semiconductor layer and arranged to surround at least a partial region of the light emitting layer and the p-type semiconductor layer as viewed from a lamination direction; and a p-side electrode that is provided on the p-type semiconductor layer, provided with a reflective property to light outputted from the light emitting layer and electrically connected to the p-type semiconductor layer, the p-side electrode including a connecting portion, which is used for electrical connection with an outside, at a region surrounded by the plural n-side electrodes as viewed from the lamination direction.
US09373756B2	Light emitting device and light emitting device package having the same Disclosed are a light emitting device. The light emitting device includes first and second light emitting cells on a conductive support member and having a hole. The first and second light emitting cells includes first and second semiconductor layers, and an active layer. First and second conducive layers are between the first light emitting cell and the conductive support member, and a third and fourth conductive layers are between the second light emitting cell and the conductive support member. First insulating layer is between the second and fourth conductive layers and the conductive support member. Second insulating layer is disposed in the hole. The second conductive layer is electrically connected to the first light emitting cells through the hole and the third conductive layer.
US09373754B2	Enhanced light output from a LED containing laminate A laminate capable of emitting light comprises a reflective layer. The reflective layer increases the amount of light output from the laminate. A lighting apparatus containing the improved laminate is also provided.
US09373750B2	Group III nitride semiconductor light-emitting device The present invention provides a Group III nitride semiconductor light-emitting device which exhibits improved light emission efficiency. The light-emitting layer has a MQW structure in which a plurality of layer units are repeatedly deposited, each layer unit comprising a well layer, a capping layer, and a barrier layer sequentially deposited. The well layer is formed of InGaN, the capping layer has a structure in which a GaN layer and an AlGaN layer are deposited in this order on the well layer, and the barrier layer is formed of AlGaN. The AlGaN layer has a higher Al composition ratio than that of the barrier layer. The AlGaN layer in the former portion has a lower Al composition ratio than that of the AlGaN layer in the latter portion when the light-emitting layer is divided into a former portion at the n-cladding layer side and a latter portion at the p-cladding layer side in a thickness direction.
US09373745B2	Luminous element A light emitting device according to the embodiment includes a first conductive semiconductor layer; an active layer over the first conductive semiconductor layer; a second conductive semiconductor layer over the active layer; a bonding layer over the second conductive semiconductor layer; a schottky diode layer over the bonding layer; an insulating layer for partially exposing the bonding layer, the schottky diode layer, and the first conductive semiconductor layer; a first electrode layer electrically connected to both of the first conductive semiconductor layer and the schottky diode layer; and a second electrode layer electrically connected to the bonding layer.
US09373743B2	Silicon heterojunction photovoltaic device with wide band gap emitter A photovoltaic device including a single junction solar cell provided by an absorption layer of a type IV semiconductor material having a first conductivity, and an emitter layer of a type III-V semiconductor material having a second conductivity, wherein the type III-V semiconductor material has a thickness that is no greater than 50 nm.
US09373739B2	Conversion of solar energy A solar energy plant/system includes different combinations of solar energy receivers and arrangements of the receivers that make it possible to optimize solar energy collection and conversion into other forms of energy to maximize value.
US09373737B2	Biaxially stretched polymer film comprising a decarboxylation catalyst, its use in electrical insulation applications, and process for its production Biaxially stretched film with polymeric constituents formed mainly of polyester in which the film includes at least one copper salt and one halide, with the resulting film having an AC (alternating current) dielectric strength of at least 100 kV/mm at 23° C. and 50 Hz. The invention further relates to the use of the film of the invention, in particular in solar modules, and also to a process for its production.
US09373731B2	Dielectric structures in solar cells A dielectric, structure and a method of forming a dielectric structure for a rear surface of a silicon solar cell are provided. The method comprises forming a first dielectric layer over the rear surface of the silicon solar cell, and then depositing a layer of metal such as aluminum over the first dielectric layer. The metal layer is then anodized to form a porous layer and a material layer is deposited over a surface of the porous layer such that the material deposits on the surface of the porous layer without contacting the silicon surface.
US09373718B2	Etching method for forming grooves in Si-substrate and fin field-effect transistor An etching method adapted to forming grooves in Si-substrate and FinFET transistor manufactured thereof are provided. The etching method includes providing a silicon substrate, at least two gate structures formed on the silicon substrate and at least two gate spacer structures disposed on the silicon substrate; performing a first etching process on the silicon substrate to form a first groove, which has a base and two inclined sidewalls, ascending to respective bottoms of the gate structures, and are interconnected with the base, respectively; and performing a second etching process on the silicon substrate at the base of the first groove, so as to form a second groove in an inverted -symbol shape, wherein the two inclined sidewalls of the first groove are interconnected with the second groove respectively, and the first etching process is substantially different from the second etching process.
US09373717B2	Stress-inducing structures, methods, and materials Stress-inducing structures, methods, and materials are disclosed. In one embodiment, an isolation region includes an insulating material in a lower portion of a trench formed in a workpiece and a stress-inducing material disposed in a top portion of the trench over the insulating material.
US09373711B2	Semiconductor device Disclosed is a semiconductor device including two oxide semiconductor layers, where one of the oxide semiconductor layers has an n-doped region while the other of the oxide semiconductor layers is substantially i-type. The semiconductor device includes the two oxide semiconductor layers sandwiched between a pair of oxide layers which have a common element included in any of the two oxide semiconductor layers. A double-well structure is formed in a region including the two oxide semiconductor layers and the pair of oxide layers, leading to the formation of a channel formation region in the n-doped region. This structure allows the channel formation region to be surrounded by an i-type oxide semiconductor, which contributes to the production of a semiconductor device that is capable of feeding enormous current.
US09373678B2	Non-planar capacitors with finely tuned capacitance values and methods of forming the non-planar capacitors Disclosed are non-planar capacitors with finely tuned capacitances and methods of forming them. The capacitors each incorporate one or more semiconductor bodies and one or more gate stacks traversing the one or more semiconductor bodies. At least one first semiconductor body is etched so that it is shorter in length than the others, which are incorporated into other non-planar devices and/or into the same non-planar capacitor. Additionally, at least one gate stack can be formed so that it traverses a first portion and, particularly, an end portion of the shortened semiconductor body and further so that it extends laterally some distance beyond that first portion. In such capacitors, the length of the first portion of the shorted semiconductor body, which corresponds to a capacitor conductor and which is traversed by the gate stack, which corresponds to a capacitor dielectric and another capacitor conductor, is predetermined to achieve a desired capacitance.
US09373674B2	Sandwich damascene resistor A method is provided for forming sandwich damascene resistors in MOL processes and the resulting devices. Embodiments include forming on a substrate a film stack including an interlayer dielectric (ILD), a first dielectric layer, and a sacrifice layer (SL); removing a portion of the SL and the first dielectric layer, forming a first cavity; conformally forming a layer of resistive material in the first cavity and over the SL; depositing a second dielectric layer over the layer of resistive material and filling the first cavity; and removing the second dielectric layer, the layer of resistive material not in the first cavity, and at least a partial depth of the SL
US09373660B2	Method of forming a low profile image sensor package with an image sensor substrate, a support substrate and a printed circuit board An image sensor package, and method of making same, that includes a printed circuit board having a first substrate with an aperture extending therethrough, one or more circuit layers, and a plurality of first contact pads electrically coupled to the one or more circuit layers. A sensor chip mounted to the printed circuit board and disposed at least partially in the aperture. The sensor chip includes a second substrate, a plurality of photo detectors formed on or in the second substrate, and a plurality of second contact pads formed at the surface of the second substrate which are electrically coupled to the photo detectors. Electrical connectors each electrically connect one of the first contact pads and one of the second contact pads. A lens module is mounted to the printed circuit board and has one or more lenses disposed for focusing light onto the photo detectors.
US09373659B2	Method of manufacturing solid-state image pickup apparatus One or more methods of manufacturing a solid-state image pickup apparatus and one or more methods of manufacturing a light reflection member are provided herein, and one or more embodiments thereof may include forming a first insulating film and forming a photoresist pattern on the first insulating film. Furthermore, one or more embodiments of such methods may include forming an opening portion by removing the first insulating film while having the photoresist pattern serve as a mask and forming a light reflection member on a sidewall of the opening portion formed in the first insulating film.
US09373656B2	Image sensor and method of manufacturing the same Image sensor and method of manufacturing the same are provided. The image sensor includes a semiconductor substrate including a pixel area, a voltage connection area, and a pad area, a plurality of photoelectric conversion devices in the pixel area, an anti-reflective layer on a back side of the semiconductor substrate and on the plurality of photoelectric conversion devices, a device isolation structure between the plurality of photoelectric conversion devices, at least one voltage connection structure in the voltage connection area, and electrically connected to the device isolation structure, at least one voltage applying device electrically connected to the at least one voltage connection structure, an internal circuit including at least one conductive inner wire and at least one conductive inner via in an insulating layer, and a through via structure in the pad area.
US09373655B2	Imaging device and electronic apparatus An imaging device includes: a photoelectric conversion region that generates photovoltaic power for each pixel depending on irradiation light; and a first element isolation region that is provided between adjacent photoelectric conversion regions in a state of surrounding the photoelectric conversion region.
US09373649B2	Array substrate and method for manufacturing the same, and display device The invention belongs to the field of display technology, and particularly provides an array substrate and a method for manufacturing the same, and a display device. The array substrate includes a base substrate, and a thin film transistor and driving electrodes provided on the base substrate, the thin film transistor includes a gate, a gate insulating layer, an active layer, a source and a drain, the driving electrodes include a slit-shaped electrode and a plate-shaped electrode which are located in different layers and at least partially overlap with each other in the orthographic projection direction, the source, the drain and the active layer are formed so that part of their bottom surfaces are located in the same plane, and a resin layer is further provided between the thin film transistor and the plate-shaped electrode.
US09373645B2	Voltage programmed pixel circuit, display system and driving method thereof A voltage programmed pixel circuit, display system having the pixel circuit and driving method thereof is provided. The pixel circuit includes a light emitting device, a driving transistor connected to the light emitting device and a programming circuit. The programming circuit adjusts a pixel current during a programming cycle of the pixel circuit.
US09373637B2	Epitaxial semiconductor resistor with semiconductor structures on same substrate An electrical device is provided that includes a substrate having an upper semiconductor layer, a buried dielectric layer and a base semiconductor layer. At least one isolation region is present in the substrate that defines a semiconductor device region and a resistor device region. The semiconductor device region includes a semiconductor device having a back gate structure that is present in the base semiconductor layer. Electrical contact to the back gate structure is provided by doped epitaxial semiconductor pillars that extend through the buried dielectric layer. An epitaxial semiconductor resistor is present in the resistor device region. Undoped epitaxial semiconductor pillars extending from the epitaxial semiconductor resistor to the base semiconductor layer provide a pathway for heat generated by the epitaxial semiconductor resistor to be dissipated to the base semiconductor layer. The undoped and doped epitaxial semiconductor pillars are composed of the same epitaxial semiconductor material.
US09373636B2	Methods of forming semiconductor constructions Some embodiments include a semiconductor construction having a stack containing alternating levels of control gate material and intervening dielectric material. A channel material panel extends through the stack and along a first direction. The panel divides the stack into a first section on a first side of the panel and a second section on a second side of the panel. Memory cell stacks are between the channel material panel and the control gate material. The memory cell stacks include cell dielectric material shaped as containers having open ends pointing toward the channel material panel, and include charge-storage material within the containers. Some embodiments include methods of forming semiconductor constructions.
US09373633B2	Methods of forming non-volatile memory devices including vertical NAND strings A NAND based non-volatile memory device can include a plurality of memory cells vertically arranged as a NAND string and a plurality of word line plates each electrically connected to a respective gate of the memory cells in the NAND string. A plurality of word line contacts can each be electrically connected to a respective word line plate, where the plurality of word line contacts are aligned to a bit line direction in the device.
US09373630B2	Method of manufacturing semiconductor device To improve a semiconductor device having a nonvolatile memory. A first MISFET, a second MISFET, and a memory cell are formed, and a stopper film made of a silicon oxide film is formed thereover. Then, over the stopper film, a stress application film made of a silicon nitride film is formed, and the stress application film over the second MISFET and the memory cell is removed. Thereafter, heat treatment is performed to apply a stress to the first MISFET. Thus, a SMT is not applied to each of elements, but is applied selectively. This can reduce the degree of degradation of the second MISFET due to H (hydrogen) in the silicon nitride film forming the stress application film. This can also reduce the degree of degradation of the characteristics of the memory cell due to the H (hydrogen) in the silicon nitride film forming the stress application film.
US09373611B2	Semiconductor integrated circuit device First, second, and third power wirings and plurality of first signal wirings are formed on the upper layer of a semiconductor substrate, and at least one second signal wiring is formed on the upper layer of the plurality of first signal wirings. First and second power wirings are mutually separated in the cell height direction and extended in the cell width direction. Third power wiring extends between the first and second power wirings in the cell width direction. The plurality of first signal wirings are separated from first, second, and third power wirings, and electrically connected to at least one of the plurality of circuit elements. At least one second signal wiring extends in the cell width direction, and electrically connected to at least one of the plurality of circuit elements and the plurality of first signal wirings.
US09373610B2	Process for forming package-on-package structures A device includes an inter-layer dielectric, a device die under the inter-layer dielectric; and a die-attach film under the inter-layer dielectric and over the device die, wherein the die-attach film is attached to the device die. A plurality of redistribution lines includes portions level with the die-attach film. A plurality of Z-interconnects is electronically coupled to the device die and the plurality of redistribution lines. A polymer-comprising material is under the inter-layer dielectric. The device die, the die-attach film, and the plurality of Z-interconnects are disposed in the polymer-comprising material.
US09373605B1	DIE packages and methods of manufacture thereof Die packages and method of manufacturing the same are disclosed. In an embodiment, a method of manufacturing a die package may include forming an encapsulated via structure including at least one via, a polymer layer encapsulating the at least one via, and a first molding compound encapsulating the polymer layer; placing the encapsulated via structure and a first die stack over a carrier, the at least one via having a first end proximal the carrier and a second end distal the carrier; encapsulating the first die stack and the encapsulated via structure in a second molding compound; and forming a first redistribution layer (RDL) over the second molding compound, the first RDL electrically connecting the at least one via.
US09373602B2	Wire structure and semiconductor device having the same, and method of manufacturing the wire structure According to example embodiments, a wire structure includes a first wire that includes a first wire core and a first carbon shell surrounding the first wire core, and a second wire that extends in a longitudinal direction from the first wire. The first wire core has a wire shape. The first carbon shell contains carbon.
US09373599B2	Methods and apparatus for package on package devices Package on package (PoP) devices and methods of packaging semiconductor dies are disclosed. A PoP device is formed by connecting a top package and a bottom package together using a plurality of PoP connectors on the bottom package connected to corresponding connectors of the top package. The PoP device further comprises a plurality of dummy connectors contained in the bottom package and not connected to any corresponding connector in the top package.
US09373595B2	Mounting structure and manufacturing method for same In a provided mounting structure, an electronic component such as a semiconductor chip having a fragile film is mounted on a substrate such as a circuit board with higher connection reliability. A junction that connects an electrode terminal (4) of an electronic component (1) and an electrode terminal (5) of a substrate (2) contains an alloy (8) and a metal (9) having a lower modulus of elasticity than the alloy (8). The junction has a cross section structure in which the alloy (8) is surrounded by the metal (9) having the lower modulus of elasticity.
US09373590B1	Integrated circuit bonding with interposer die A method of bonding components is disclosed. One embodiment of such a method includes applying both heat and pressure to a stack of components that includes an interposer with a reduced degree of warpage. Reducing the distance between the interposer and a first component of the stack of the components until a spacer prevents further reduction of that space. Then, cooling the stack of components while the pressure is maintained such that the degree of warpage of the interposer remains reduced.
US09373583B2	High quality factor filter implemented in wafer level packaging (WLP) integrated device Some implementations provide an integrated device that includes a capacitor and an inductor. The inductor is electrically coupled to the capacitor. The inductor and the capacitor are configured to operate as a filter for an electrical signal in the integrated device. The inductor includes a first metal layer of a printed circuit board (PCB), a set of solder balls coupled to the PCB, and a second metal layer in a die. In some implementations, the capacitor is located in the die. In some implementations, the capacitor is a surface mounted passive device on the PCB. In some implementations, the first metal layer is a trace on the PCB. In some implementations, the inductor includes a third metal layer in the die. In some implementations, the second metal layer is an under bump metallization (UBM) layer of the die, and the third metal is a redistribution layer of the die.
US09373570B2	Semiconductor module and driving device for switching element A semiconductor module includes: a semiconductor element; first and second main current passages for energizing the semiconductor element, the first and second main current passages being opposed to each other in such a manner that a first energization direction of the first main current passage is opposite to a second energization direction of the second main current passage, or an angle between the first energization direction and the second energization direction is an obtuse angle; and a coil unit sandwiched between the first and second main current passages. The coil unit includes a coil, which generates an induced electromotive force when a magnetic flux interlinks with the coil, the magnetic flux being generated when current flows through the first and second main current passages.
US09373566B2	High power electronic component with multiple leadframes In an embodiment an electronic component includes a semiconductor die having a first surface, the first surface including a first current electrode and a control electrode. The electronic component further includes a die pad having a first surface, a plurality of leads and a gull-wing shaped conductive element coupled to a first lead of the plurality of leads. The first current electrode is mounted on the die pad and the gull-wing shaped conductive element is coupled between the control electrode and the first lead.
US09373563B2	Semiconductor assembly having a housing A semiconductor assembly, power semiconductor module, a housing and methods for assembling the power semiconductor housing is disclosed. One embodiment provides an electrically insulating substrate has an inner housing having a cover and a peripheral rim, and at least one pressure element arranged adjacent a side-face of the peripheral rim. The pressure element is resiliently coupled to the inner housing.
US09373561B1	Integrated circuit barrierless microfluidic channel A structure and method for fabricating a continuous cooling channel in the back end of line wiring levels of an integrated circuit (IC) chip is provided. This continuous cooling channel may provide a path for a cooling source such as a fluid pumped from an external fluidic-cooling circulation driver to make physical contact locally with and cool the back end levels within the IC chip that may generate heat as a byproduct of the IC device's routine operations. Such a cooling structure is achieved by removing a horizontal portion of a barrier layer from an intermediate region of an interlevel interconnect structure, selective to a vertical portion of the barrier layer located on a sidewall of the interlevel interconnect structure, using gas cluster ion beam etching as well as removing the bulk conductor by additional means.
US09373560B2	Drive circuit device A drive circuit device includes a circuit board having a multilayer structure, which includes first to fourth circuit conductor layers, and first to third insulating layers; and heat sinks that dissipate heat of the circuit board to an outside. An upper FET state is embedded in the first insulating layer, and a lower FET state is embedded in the second insulating layer. The upper FET and the lower FET are disposed so that a region in which the upper FET is positioned and a region in which the lower FET is positioned overlap each other in a stacking direction. A lead-out portion is formed at a second circuit pattern of the circuit conductor layer, the lead-out portion extending from the circuit board in a direction orthogonal to the stacking direction, and being connected to the heat sinks so that heat is transferred to the heat sinks.
US09373559B2	Low-stress dual underfill packaging The present invention relates generally to flip chip technology and more particularly, to a method and structure for reducing internal packaging stresses, improving adhesion properties, and reducing thermal resistance in flip chip packages by using more than one underfill material deposited in different regions of the flip chip interface. According to one embodiment, a method of forming a first underfill in an interior region of an interface such that a periphery region of the interface remains open, and forming a second underfill in the periphery region is disclosed.
US09373554B2	Organic light emitting diode fabrication with hole transport/injection layer thickness measurement A method of monitoring an OLED production process for making an OLED device is disclosed. According to the method, at least one reference OLED device similar to said OLED device is fabricated. Said at least one reference OLED device has a layered structure corresponding to said OLED device and a range of hole injection and/or transport layer thicknesses. A spectral variation of a light output of said at least one reference OLED device with respect to variation in said hole injection and/or transport layer thickness is characterized. A said OLED device is partially fabricated by depositing one or more layers comprising at least said hole injection and/or transport layer and a thickness of said one or more layers is measured such that a light output for said partially fabricated OLED device can be predicted, in a target color space, from said measuring, using said characterized spectral variation.
US09373553B2	Resin application apparatus, optical property correction apparatus and method, and method for manufacturing LED package A resin application apparatus includes: an optical property measurement unit measuring an optical property of light emitted from a light emitting diode (LED) chip which is mounted on a package body and to which transparent resin is not applied; and a resin application unit applying light conversion material-containing transparent resin to the LED chip in accordance with a resin application amount which is decided depending on the optical property measured by the optical measurement unit.
US09373545B2	Semiconductor structure including a through electrode, and method for forming the same A semiconductor structure including a through electrode includes a lamination body including at least three layers, including respective vertically aligned electrode parts, the electrode part on the surface of an uppermost layer and including an aperture, the electrode part of the intermediate layer having an aperture smaller than the aperture of the uppermost layer; a through-hole extending from the aperture of the electrode part on the uppermost layer to the surface of the electrode part on a lowermost layer, the through-hole having a depressed part on a side wall thereof between the electrode parts therein; an insulating layer disposed on the entire side wall in the through-hole at a part other than on surfaces of the electrode parts; and a conductive material filling the through-hole from the surface of the electrode part on the lowermost layer to the surface of the electrode part on the uppermost layer.
US09373532B2	Guide apparatus, exposure apparatus, and method of manufacturing article The present invention provides a guide apparatus including a guide member located on a base, and a moving member movable along the guide member. The guide apparatus comprising a plurality of plate members each including a portion facing the base and extending from the portion in a direction to separate from the base, wherein the plurality of plate members are located apart from each other in a direction to separate from the moving member.
US09373523B2	Semiconductor device manufacturing method A semiconductor device manufacturing method includes performing reactive ion etching of the film containing a metal disposed on the bottom of the first groove and the film containing a metal disposed on the bottom of the second groove under a same condition in a state where the substrate is heated to the target temperature.
US09373516B2	Method and apparatus for forming gate stack on Si, SiGe or Ge channels Provided are methods and apparatus for functionalizing a substrate surface used as the channel in a gate stack. Silicon, germanium and silicon germanium substrates surfaces are functionalized with one or more of sulfur and selenium by plasma processing.
US09373511B2	Methods for crystallizing a substrate using energy pulses and freeze periods Apparatus and methods of treating a substrate with an amorphous semiconductor layer, or a semiconductor layer having small crystals, to form large crystals in the substrate are described. A treatment area of the substrate is identified and melted using a progressive melting process of delivering pulsed energy to the treatment area. The treatment area is then recrystallized using a progressive crystallization process of delivering pulsed energy to the area. The pulsed energy delivered during the progressive crystallization process is selected to convert the small crystals into large crystals as the melted material freezes.
US09373506B2	Method for treating surface of diamond thin film, method for forming transistor, and sensor device A method for treating a surface of a diamond thin film according to one aspect of the present invention performs one of a first substitution process for substituting part of hydrogen-terminals of a diamond thin film with fluorine-terminals in the absence of a fluorocarbon deposition on the surface of diamond thin film and a second substitution process for substituting part of hydrogen-terminals of a diamond thin film with fluorine-terminals in the presence of the fluorocarbon deposition on the surface of diamond thin film based on required surface properties of the diamond thin film.
US09373504B2	Method for forming an epitactic silicon layer The present invention relates to a method for manufacturing an epitactic silicon layer made up of crystallites with a size no lower than 20 μm, including: providing a layer of crystallized silicon the surface of which, being inhomogeneous in terms of the size of the crystallites, is made up of large crystallites with a size no lower than 20 μm, and small crystallites of a smaller size; forming, on the surface of the inhomogeneous silicon layer, a layer of at least one non-nucleating material for the silicon, the thickness of which is adjusted such to cover the entire outer surface of the small crystallites, while leaving all or part of the outer surface of the large crystallites accessible; and carrying out epitaxial growth of a silicon layer on the surface of the assembly obtained at the end of step, under conditions that are suitable for forming the expected epitactic layer.
US09373501B2	Hydroxyl group termination for nucleation of a dielectric metallic oxide A surface of a semiconductor-containing dielectric material/oxynitride/nitride is treated with a basic solution in order to provide hydroxyl group termination of the surface. A dielectric metal oxide is subsequently deposited by atomic layer deposition. The hydroxyl group termination provides a uniform surface condition that facilitates nucleation and deposition of the dielectric metal oxide, and reduces interfacial defects between the oxide and the dielectric metal oxide. Further, treatment with the basic solution removes more oxide from a surface of a silicon germanium alloy with a greater atomic concentration of germanium, thereby reducing a differential in the total thickness of the combination of the oxide and the dielectric metal oxide across surfaces with different germanium concentrations.
US09373498B2	Method of operating vertical heat treatment apparatus, vertical heat treatment apparatus and non-transitory recording medium A method of operating vertical heat treatment apparatus includes: cleaning interior of vertical reaction chamber by supplying cleaning gas; pre-coating the interior of the reaction chamber by performing, a plurality of times, a cycle including alternately supplying the first gas and supplying the second gas while generating plasma from the second gas; eliminating charges by loading substrate holding unit holding a dummy semiconductor substrate or a conductive substrate into the reaction chamber and supplying the second gas while generating plasma from the second gas without supplying the first gas; loading the substrate holding unit holding a plurality of product semiconductor substrates into the reaction chamber; and forming thin film in the reaction chamber by performing, a plurality of times, a cycle including alternately supplying the first gas and supplying the second gas while generating plasma from the second gas.
US09373497B2	Methods for stripping photoresist and/or cleaning metal regions Methods are provided for cleaning metal regions overlying semiconductor substrates. A method for removing material from a metal region comprises heating the metal region, forming a plasma from a gas comprising hydrogen and carbon dioxide, and exposing the metal region to the plasma.
US09373496B2	Substrate recycling method and recycled substrate Exemplary embodiments of the present invention provide a substrate recycling method and a recycled substrate. The method includes separating a substrate having a first surface from an epitaxial layer, performing a first etching of the first surface using electrochemical etching, and performing, after the first etching, a second etching of the first surface using chemical etching, dry etching, or performing, after the first etching, chemical mechanical polishing of the first surface.
US09373492B2	Microscale mass spectrometry systems, devices and related methods Mass spectrometry systems or assemblies therefore include an ionizer that includes at least one planar conductor, a mass analyzer with a planar electrode assembly, and a detector comprising at least one planar conductor. The ionizer, the mass analyzer and the detector are attached together in a compact stack assembly. The stack assembly has a perimeter that bounds an area that is between about 0.01 mm2 to about 25 cm2 and the stack assembly has a thickness that is between about 0.1 mm to about 25 mm.
US09373489B2	Ion guiding device An ion guiding device is disclosed comprising a first ion guide which is conjoined with a second ion guide. Ions are urged across a radial pseudo-potential barrier which separates the two guiding regions by a DC potential gradient. Ions may be transferred from an ion guide which has a relatively large cross-sectional profile to an ion guide which has a relatively small cross-sectional profile in order to improve the subsequent ion confinement of the ions.
US09373486B2	Species detection using mass spectrometry Systems and methods are provided for species detection using mass spectrometry. In various embodiments, a multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) experiment is performed on a sample targeting one or more peptide transitions that are unique to one or more species using a tandem mass spectrometer. One or more measured product ion spectra are received from the tandem mass spectrometer using the processor. The one or more measured product ion spectra are compared to product ions of the one or more peptide transitions that are unique to one or more species using the processor. One or more species of the sample are detected by reporting product ions of the one or more peptide transitions that are unique to one or more species that match the one or more measured product ion spectra using the processor.
US09373482B2	Customizing a particle-beam writer using a convolution kernel An exposure pattern is computed which is used for exposing a desired pattern on a target in a charged-particle multi-beam processing apparatus so as to match a reference writing tool, possible of different type: The desired pattern is provided as a graphical representation suitable for the reference tool, such as a raster graphics, on the image area on the target. A convolution kernel is used which describes a mapping from an element of the graphical representation to a group of pixels which is centered around a nominal position of said element. A nominal exposure pattern is calculated by convolution of the graphical representation with the convolution kernel, said nominal exposure pattern being suitable to create a nominal dose distribution on the target when exposed with the processing apparatus.
US09373473B2	Mechatronic circuit breaker device and associated tripping method and use thereof in interrupting a high direct current The invention relates to a new mechatronic circuit-breaker and its associated triggering method for breaking either alternating currents or direct currents at high voltages.
US09373470B2	Electrical relay with header connectors A disclosed electrical relay may include a line electrical terminal adapted for connection to an electrical conductor carrying an electrical voltage, a normally-closed connector and a normally-open connector each having a housing and multiple electrical terminals arranged within a cavity of the housing, and a switching element. The switching element is configured to electrically connect the line electrical terminal to at least one of the electrical terminals of the normally-closed connector when not enabled, and to electrically connect the line electrical terminal to at least one of the electrical terminals of the normally-open connector when enabled. The normally-closed connector and the normally-open connector may be tab header connectors, and may be adapted to receive plug connectors of different devices. The electrical relay may include two normally-open connectors each having three electrical terminals, where corresponding electrical terminals of the normally-open connectors are electrically connected to one another.
US09373463B2	Systems and methods for providing inputs to an electronic device with a button assembly This is directed to systems and methods for providing inputs to an electronic device with a button assembly. The button assembly may include a center region, a first end region that may extend from a first side of the center region, and a second end region that may extend from a second side of the center region. Each one of the first end region and the second end region may include a first flexibility, and the center region may include a second flexibility that may be less than the first flexibility.
US09373461B2	Switch unit A switch unit including a case that has an opening and a switch, two terminals that partially project to an outside of the case from the opening, a gasket configured to seal the opening, the gasket including two through-holes through which the terminals extend, a base member, and a pressing member that is arranged between the terminals, where the gasket is in close contact with the terminals at the through-holes, a region between the through-holes of the gasket is pressed while nipped between the pressing member and the base member, and a surrounding region in the gasket is pressed while nipped between an inside surface of the case and the base member.
US09373460B2	Method for manufacturing a high-capacitance RF MEMS switch Systems and methods for providing high-capacitive RF MEMS switches are provided. In one embodiment, the invention relates to a micro-electro-mechanical switch assembly including a substrate, an electrode disposed on a portion of the substrate, a dielectric layer disposed on at least a portion of the electrode, a metal layer disposed on at least a portion of the dielectric layer, and a flexible membrane having first and second ends supported at spaced locations on the substrate base, where the flexible membrane is configured to move from a default position to an actuated position in response to a preselected switching voltage applied between the flexible membrane and the electrode, and where, in the actuated position, the flexible membrane is in electrical contact with the metal layer.
US09373450B2	Photoelectric conversion element A photoelectric conversion element is provided. The photoelectric conversion element includes a first electrode and a second electrode. The first electrode is covered with an electron transport layer. The electron transport layer is covered with a material represented by the following formula (1): wherein each of R1 and R2 independently represents a straight-chain or branched-chain alkyl group, Ar represents a substituted or unsubstituted aryl group, each of X1 and X2 independently represents a substituted or unsubstituted aryl group or a substituted or unsubstituted saturated hydrocarbon group, n represents an integer of from 1 to 3, and Ar may share bond connectivity with X1 or X2 to form a ring. The second electrode is facing the electron transport layer.
US09373443B2	Electromagnetic coil system for driving control of micro-robot An electromagnetic coil system for driving control of a micro-robot includes pairs of X-axis and Y-axis Helmholtz coils whose winding central axes are placed on an X axis and Y axis respectively, a position recognition system that detects a position and direction of the micro-robot in a workspace, a controller that controls an amount of supply of electric currents flowing to the X-axis or Y-axis Helmholtz coils in order to control movement of the micro-robot based on information about the movement of the micro-robot and previously input information about a path of the micro-robot, and a current amplifier that supplies the electric currents to the respective Helmholtz coils. The pairs of X-axis and Y-axis Helmholtz coils are disposed so as to face each other, and the X-axis Helmholtz coils and the Y-axis Helmholtz coils are vertically crossed and installed so as to form the workspace of the micro-robot.
US09373442B2	On-load tap changer The invention relates to an on-load tap changer for step transformers, which has one main current branch and one auxiliary current branch for each of the two winding taps to be switched. In each main current branch and auxiliary current branch, switching is accomplished by means of a vacuum switching tube. According to the invention, an additional mechanical contact is provided in each of the main current branches and in each of the auxiliary current branches between the respective winding tap to which said branch is electrically connected and the respective vacuum switching tube in said branch. Said mechanical contacts are switched in such a way that the vacuum switching tubes in the main current branch and the auxiliary current branch of the unconnected winding tap can be galvanically isolated from the unconnected winding tap.
US09373440B2	Composite transformer with a longer creepage distance A composite transformer with a longer creepage distance includes a primary winding rack and an insulation support rack mounted onto the primary winding rack. The insulation support rack includes a first insulation half shell and a second insulation half shell that have respectively a first encasing portion and a second encasing portion to encase the primary winding rack. The first and second encasing portions have respectively a first insulation portion and a second insulation portion, and a first isolating portion and a second isolating portion extended respectively from the first and second insulation portions. The first isolating portion has a first covering section extended towards the second isolating portion to cover the second isolating portion. The second isolating portion has a second covering section extended towards the first isolating portion to cover the first isolating portion.
US09373427B2	Flexible circuits Methods and devices for transporting and/or providing electricity are provided herein. In some embodiments, this includes a flexible conduit and charge carrying microparticles provided therein. In some embodiments the microparticles are charged at a first charging terminal, moved to a new location where there is a charge collecting terminal, where the charge on the microparticle can then be discharged.
US09373423B2	Method of accessing a core of a nuclear reactor A telescoping guide for extraction and reinsertion support handling of in-core instrument thimble assemblies in the area above the upper support plate in the upper internals of a pressurized water reactor. The telescoping guides extend between the upper ends of the upper internals support columns and an axially movable instrumentation grid assembly which is operable to simultaneously raise the telescoping guides and extract the in-core instrument thimble assemblies from the reactor fuel assemblies.
US09373421B2	Semiconductor apparatus with repair information control function A semiconductor apparatus may include a global line configured to enable electrical coupling between a memory block and an input/output terminal, a fuse array configured to store and to transmit repair information through the global line, and a control unit configured to selectively enable or disable signal paths among the input/output terminal, the global line, and the fuse array according to an operation mode of the semiconductor apparatus.
US09373412B2	System and method of programming a memory cell An apparatus includes a semiconductor transistor structure. The semiconductor transistor structure includes dielectric material, a channel region, a gate, a source overlap region, and a drain overlap region. The source overlap region is biasable to cause a first voltage difference between the source overlap region and the gate to exceed a breakdown voltage of the dielectric material. The drain overlap region is biasable to cause a second voltage difference between the drain overlap region and the gate to exceed the breakdown voltage. The apparatus includes a well line coupled to a body of the semiconductor transistor. The apparatus includes circuitry configured to apply a voltage to the well line to prevent a breakdown condition between the channel region and the gate.
US09373403B1	3D NAND memory device and operation thereof The present invention relates to 3D memory devices and methods for programming such devices, and more particularly to memory devices having control circuitry which is responsive to the indicator memory to apply a first control voltage to a selected one of the horizontal structures, apply a second control voltage to a non-selected one of the horizontal structures, and apply a third control voltage to an excluded one of the horizontal structures.
US09373396B2	Side wall bit line structures Methods for reducing leakage currents through unselected memory cells of a memory array during a memory operation are described. In some cases, the leakage currents through the unselected memory cells of the memory array may be reduced by setting an adjustable resistance bit line structure connected to the unselected memory cells into a non-conducting state. The adjustable resistance bit line structure may comprise a bit line structure in which the resistance of an intrinsic (or near intrinsic) polysilicon portion of the bit line structure may be adjusted via an application of a voltage to a select gate portion of the bit line structure that is not directly connected to the intrinsic polysilicon portion. The intrinsic polysilicon portion may be set into a conducting state or a non-conducting state based on the voltage applied to the select gate portion.
US09373389B2	Semiconductor memory device A semiconductor memory device having a memory cell array in which a plurality of memory cells are arranged in columns and rows to form a matrix pattern includes read word lines, read bit lines, and read source lines. Each of the plurality of memory cells includes: first and second inverters which are cross-coupled to each other; a first transistor which is connected between a read bit line and a read source line and of which the gate is connected to the output terminal of the first inverter; and a second transistor which is connected in series to the first transistor and of which the gate is connected to a read word line.
US09373386B2	Dual-port SRAM systems Schematic circuit designs for a dual-port SRAM cell are disclosed, together with various layout schemes for the dual-port SRAM cell. The dual-port SRAM cell comprises: a data latch storage unit comprising a first terminal and a second terminal; a first dummy circuit coupled to the first terminal of the data latch storage unit, the first dummy circuit comprising a first partial dummy transistor and a second partial dummy transistor, wherein the first partial dummy transistor is formed in a first active area of a substrate and the second partial dummy transistor is formed in a second active area of the substrate; and a first gate electrode extending over an edge of the first active area and over an edge of the second active area, wherein the edges of the first active area and the second active area are disposed within a width of the first gate electrode.
US09373378B1	Semiconductor device for driving sub word lines The semiconductor device incorporates a selected sub word line driver and a first voltage switching circuit. The selected sub word line driver has an input node connected to a selected main word line, an output node connected to a selected sub word line, a reference node supplied with a common reference voltage, and a power node. The first voltage switching circuit selectively supplies a first power voltage, a second power voltage, or the common reference voltage to the power node of the selected sub word line driver. In an active mode, the first voltage switching circuit supplies the first power voltage to pull the selected sub word line to a logic high level. In a precharge mode, the first voltage switching circuit supplies the common reference voltage and then supplies the second power voltage, thereby pulling the selected sub word line to a logic low level. A voltage level of the second power supply node is lower than a voltage level of the first power voltage and higher than the common reference voltage.
US09373374B2	Semiconductor apparatus capable of self-tuning a timing margin A semiconductor apparatus may include a delay-locked loop configured to generate a delay-locked clock signal through a delay locking operation of an internal clock signal and an external clock signal, and delay an internal read command by a delay time tuned in the delay locking operation and generate a delay-locked internal command. The semiconductor apparatus may include a tuning control block configured to generate the internal read command in response to a self-tuning enable signal generated by determining a delay locking completion time of the delay-locked loop. The semiconductor apparatus may include a timing tuning block configured to generate delay control signals according to a phase difference of the delay-locked clock signal and the delay-locked internal command, and tune a delay time of the internal read command according to the delay control signals and generate a timing-tuned read command.
US09373373B2	Stack type semiconductor apparatus The invention may include a semiconductor apparatus comprising: a first die configured to latch and output external input data according to a strobe signal, to detect a valid pulse from among pulses of the strobe signal, and to generate a valid signal; and a second die configured to write data transmitted from the first die in response to the valid signal.
US09373366B2	Nonvolatile memory device and method of operating the same A nonvolatile memory device may include a power-on reset signal generation unit suitable for receiving a power supply voltage, and generating a power-on reset signal that changes based on the power supply voltage, and a discharging signal generation unit suitable for generating a discharging signal for discharging a word line to be activated earlier than an activation timing of the power-on reset signal when the power supply voltage decreases.
US09373365B2	Method and apparatus for dynamically adjusting voltage reference to optimize an I/O system Described herein is an apparatus for dynamically adjusting a voltage reference level for optimizing an I/O system to achieve a certain performance metric. The apparatus comprises: a voltage reference generator to generate a voltage reference; and a dynamic voltage reference control unit, coupled with the voltage reference generator, to dynamically adjust a level of the voltage reference in response to an event. The apparatus is used to perform the method comprising: generating a voltage reference for an input/output (I/O) system; determining a worst case voltage level of the voltage reference; dynamically adjusting, via a dynamic voltage reference control unit, the voltage reference level based on determining the worst case voltage level; and computing a center of an asymmetrical eye based on the dynamically adjusted voltage reference level.
US09373364B2	Semiconductor memory and method of operating semiconductor memory Deterioration of holding characteristics due to fluctuations in power supply voltage VDD is prevented. During writing or reading in one of memory circuits, a pair of bit lines in the other memory circuit is controlled to a dummy-bit-line voltage ranging from a ground voltage to ½×VDD. In a subsequent precharge period, a pair of bit lines in one of the memory circuits and the pair of bit lines in the other memory circuit are coupled to a reference voltage generating circuit.
US09373357B1	Error protection of data stored using variable-length headers In one embodiment, a system includes logic configured to cause data, organized into a plurality of logical arrays including rows and columns of symbols, to be written to a first write section of a magnetic medium as a plurality of CWI-4 sets, each row of the logical arrays including four interleaved headerized C1′ codewords (a headerized CWI-4), where each CWI-4 set includes M concurrently written rows of a logical array having M corresponding first headers, and cause some of the data to be written to a rewrite section of the magnetic medium as one or more rewritten CWI-4 sets, where a length of at least one rewritten row is greater than at least one of: a length of another rewritten row in the same rewritten CWI-4 set, and a length of at least one row in a CWI-4 set stored to the first write section of the magnetic medium.
US09373355B1	Compensating for interference via a multi-reader system The disclosure is related to systems and methods of compensating for interference via a multi-reader system. A transducer or read/write head may include a write element and multiple read elements. A compensation circuit can be configured to process read signals from the multiple read elements to reduce noise within the read signals, such as caused by the writer being simultaneously active or for other reasons. The read signals may be combined to produce a compensated read signal that has less noise than the original read signals.
US09373354B2	Method and system for preventing unreliable data operations at cold temperatures Systems and methods for reducing problems and disadvantages associated with protecting data during cold excursions are provided. A method for preventing unreliable data operations at cold temperatures may include determining whether a first internal temperature of a hard disk drive (HDD) is below a threshold temperature. The method may also include initiating an artificial seek operation if the first internal temperature is below the threshold temperature.
US09373353B2	Negative select access mechanism A technique for storage and retrieval of objects is provided. A holding structure is configured to hold the objects, and the objects are stored in the holding structure such that the objects can slide in and out of the holding structure. An elastic mechanism is at the back of the holding structure, and the elastic mechanism pushes the objects toward the front of the holding structure such that the objects are accessible at the front of the holding structure. A selector mechanism is positionable to push the objects that are adjacent to a selected object to be retrieved toward the back of the holding structure, and the selector mechanism exposes a portion of the selected object so that the selected object can be engaged at the exposed portion. A gripper is configured to engage the exposed portion of the selected object and pull the selected object from the holding structure.
US09373351B2	System and method for dual-beam recording and readout of multilayered optical data storage media A system and method of operating a dual-beam detection system of a holographic data storage disc, including: impinging a data beam on a data layer of the holographic data storage disc; impinging a tracking beam on a tracking element of the holographic data storage disc; detecting a reflection of the tracking beam from the tracking element; and coordinating position of the data beam relative to the tracking beam.
US09373350B2	Optical medium reproducing apparatus and optical medium reproducing method An optical medium reproducing apparatus that optically reproduces an optical medium on which a plurality of tracks is formed in which a beam returning from the optical medium is divided into a first region of an outside portion and a second region of an inside region, according to the shape of the pupil of an object lens, and crosstalk between the tracks is reduced by using a first detection signal of the first region and a second detection signal of the second region.
US09373348B2	Storage medium with layer(s) for enhanced heating An apparatus that includes a storage layer and a heating assistance element. The heating assistance element is adjacent to the storage layer or doped into the storage layer. The heating assistance element is configured to enhance spatial confinement of energy from a field to an area of the storage layer to which the field is applied.
US09373344B2	Two side by side MIMO read sensors fabricated by self-aligned processing The present invention generally relates to a read head in a magnetic recording head. The read head has side-by-side sensors that are formed of the same width by initially forming a single sensor and then removing selected portions of either the pinned or free magnetic layer of the sensor. Then, insulating material is filled into the area from where the selected portions have been removed. A hardmask may be necessary to properly define the side-by-side sensors to ensure that the selected portions of either the pinned or free magnetic layer are removed. The hardmask may be formed by blanket depositing hardmask material and then selectively removing the hardmask material such that the remaining hardmask material is equal to the width of the side-by-side sensors.
US09373339B2	Speech intelligibility enhancement system and method A speech intelligibility enhancement (SIE) system and method is described that improves the intelligibility of a speech signal to be played back by an audio device when the audio device is located in an environment with loud acoustic background noise. In an embodiment, the audio device comprises a near-end telephony terminal and the speech signal comprises a speech signal received over a communication network from a far-end telephony terminal for playback at the near-end telephony terminal.
US09373337B2	Reconstruction of a high-frequency range in low-bitrate audio coding using predictive pattern analysis A predictive pattern high-frequency reconstruction system and method that finds patterns in high-frequency components of an audio signal, encodes the audio signal into an encoded bitstream along with pattern information, and then uses the patterns to reconstruct the high-frequency components during decoding. The high-frequency components can be reconstructed using the pattern information alone. Embodiments of the system and method map normalized subband signals of the audio signal to a scaled representation of a time-frequency grid containing multiple tiles and perform statistical analysis on each tile to estimate subband parameters and determine whether a pattern exists. If a pattern does exist, it can be encoded in the encoded bitstream, transmitted, and used to reconstruct the high-frequency components at the decoder. A direct search technique and a fast Fourier transform (FFT) technique may be used to perform the statistical analysis.
US09373335B2	Processing audio objects in principal and supplementary encoded audio signals Methods and apparatuses are disclosed that can combine audio content from two encoded input signals into a new encoded output signal without requiring a decode or re-encode of audio content in either encoded input signal. Encoded data representing audio content and spatial location of audio objects in two different input encoded signals are combined to generate an encoded output signal that has encoded data representing audio objects from both of the input encoded signals.
US09373333B2	Method and apparatus for processing an audio signal A method for decoding an audio signal, receiving a downmix signal having at least one independent object and a background object downmixed therein receiving object information and enhanced object information, wherein the object information includes at least one of level information and correlation information between the independent object and the background object, wherein the enhanced object information includes a residual signal extracting the at least one independent object and the background object from the downmix signal using the object information and the enhanced object information receiving mix information from a user, the mix information being usable to control gain or panning of the independent object or the background object generating downmix processing information using at least one of the object information and enhanced object information processing at least one independent object and the background object using at least one of the downmix processing information and the mix information.
US09373332B2	Coding device, decoding device, and methods thereof Provided are a coding device, a decoding device, and methods thereof, with which it is possible to implement high sound quality coding and decoding in layered coding (scalable coding or embedded coding) wherein each layer comprises a plurality of bit rates (multi-rate). In the coding device (100), a feature analysis unit (101) extracts feature values of an input signal. Then a bit rate determination unit (102) determines, on the basis of the feature values of the input signal, a combination of a coding rate (low region coding rate) of a low region signal coding unit (104) which carries out coding of a low region part of the input signal and a coding rate (high region coding rate) of a high region signal coding unit (105) which carries out coding of a high region part of the input signal.
US09373331B2	Error concealment method and apparatus for audio signal and decoding method and apparatus for audio signal using the same An error concealment method and apparatus for an audio signal and a decoding method and apparatus for an audio signal using the error concealment method and apparatus. The error concealment method includes selecting one of an error concealment in a frequency domain and an error concealment in a time domain as an error concealment scheme for a current frame based on a predetermined criteria when an error occurs in the current frame, selecting one of a repetition scheme and an interpolation scheme in the frequency domain as the error concealment scheme for the current frame based on a predetermined criteria when the error concealment in the frequency domain is selected, and concealing the error of the current frame using the selected scheme.
US09373323B2	System and method for generating manually designed and automatically optimized spoken dialog systems Disclosed herein are systems, computer-implemented methods, and tangible computer-readable storage media for generating a natural language spoken dialog system. The method includes nominating a set of allowed dialog actions and a set of contextual features at each turn in a dialog, and selecting an optimal action from the set of nominated allowed dialog actions using a machine learning algorithm. The method includes generating a response based on the selected optimal action at each turn in the dialog. The set of manually nominated allowed dialog actions can incorporate a set of business rules. Prompt wordings in the generated natural language spoken dialog system can be tailored to a current context while following the set of business rules. A compression label can represent at least one of the manually nominated allowed dialog actions.
US09373322B2	System and method for determining query intent A method for training a system is provided. The method may include storing one or more backend communication logs, each of the one or more backend communication logs including a user query and a corresponding backend query. The method may further include parsing the one or more backend communication logs to extract statistical information and generating a mapping between each user query and a corresponding set of language tags. The method may also include sorting the one or more backend communication logs based upon, at least in part, the extracted statistical information.
US09373315B1	Cartridge receiver for a tone effects system A cartridge receiver for a tone effects system used with an electric instrument that allows for reduced or eliminated signal loss before sound effects are applied. The cartridge receiver is integrated into the body of a desired electric instrument, while an effects cartridge is attached to the electric instrument via the cartridge receiver; the cartridge receiver providing electronic connections between the electric instrument and the effects cartridge. The effects cartridge provides an effects circuit for manipulating the received electronic signal, as well as an at least one effects control for adjusting the extent to which the effect is applied to the electronic signal. The cartridge receiver can be internally mounted within the electric instrument, wherein the cartridge receiver is fully recessed, or the cartridge receiver can be externally mounted to the electric instrument.
US09373313B2	System and method of storing and accessing musical performance on remote server A musical system uses a musical instrument with a first communication link and music related accessory with a second communication link for transmitting and receiving the audio signal and control data. A controller within the musical instrument or music related accessory is coupled to the first communication link for receiving control data to control operation of the musical instrument and transmitting an audio signal originating from the musical instrument through the first communication link as a cloud storage recording on a server connected to the first communication link. The cloud storage recording is initiated by detecting motion of the musical instrument or presence of the audio signal. The cloud storage recording is terminated a predetermined period of time after detecting no motion of the musical instrument or absence of the audio signal. A user control interface configures the musical instrument and the music related accessory.
US09373312B1	Stable positioning harness for suspending a musical instrument on the player A harness for suspending a large stringed instrument on the player. A peg belt wraps around and secures the harness to the peg box. A strap assembly stretches diagonally across the player's back from the peg belt to the endpin or anchor. The strap assembly has a central sash with a bottom extension and a top extension. Optional detachable sash cushions attach to the inner surface of the sash. An eyelet in the bottom extension attaches at the endpin. A neck connector extends from the outer surface of the sash near the top end of the sash. The free end of the neck connector loops between the neck/fingerboard and instrument body and detachably attaches to the free end of the top extension. The peg belt detachably attaches to the neck connector. An optional chest cushion hangs from the instrument where the neck/fingerboard attach to the instrument body.
US09373307B2	Apparatus and method for reducing current consumption in portable terminal with flexible display A portable device with a flexible display and a method for displaying information in the portable device with a flexible display are provided. The portable device includes a sensor for detecting at least one of a user's face and an ambient brightness, the flexible display including a first area and a second area, and a controller for displaying information in the first area when at least one of the user's face is detected and the ambient brightness has a value greater than a threshold, and for displaying the information in the second area when at least one of the user's face is not detected and the ambient brightness has value less than the threshold.
US09373305B2	Semiconductor device, image processing system and program An image processing device includes a display panel operable to provide an input interface for receiving an input of an adjustment value of at least a part of color attributes of each vertex of n axes (n is an integer equal to or greater than 3) serving as adjustment axes in an RGB color space, and an adjustment data generation unit operable to calculate the degree of influence indicative of a following index of each of the n-axis vertices, for each of the n axes, on a basis of a distance between each of the n-axis vertices and a target point which is an arbitrary lattice point in the RGB color space, and operable to calculate adjusted coordinates of the target point in the RGB color space.
US09373297B2	Power saving drive mode for bi-level video Liquid crystal display (LCD) driver circuits, and corresponding driving methods, having selectable grayscale and bi-level modes, that also provide DC restore are presented, including an example embodiment driver circuit having selectable direct current (DC) restore voltage switches including a digital to analog converter, a high voltage video signal path including a high voltage video amplifier, a set of high voltage level switches, a high voltage capacitor and a low voltage video signal path including a low voltage video amplifier, a set of low voltage level switches, a low voltage capacitor. Advantages include, for some applications, a display operates in a bi-level mode saving power relative to operating in a grayscale mode, while also being able to offer full grayscale mode in other applications. Further, advantages of some example embodiments include an extended DC-restore mode providing a longer period of DC restore voltage.
US09373292B2	Liquid crystal display device An object of the present invention is to provide a small-sized active matrix type liquid crystal display device that may achieve large-sized display, high precision, high resolution and multi-gray scales. According to the present invention, gray scale display is performed by combining time ratio gray scale and voltage gray scale in a liquid crystal display device which performs display in OCB mode. In doing so, one frame is divided into subframes corresponding to the number of bit for the time ratio gray scale. Initialize voltage is applied onto the liquid crystal upon display of a subframe.
US09373290B2	Display module with E-paper display component and auxiliary display component A display module is disclosed herein. The display module includes a substrate, an auxiliary display component, and an e-paper display component. The auxiliary display component is disposed on the substrate. The e-paper display component is disposed on the auxiliary display component. In a shutter mode, the e-paper display component is substantially transparent, such that an image displayed by the auxiliary display component can pass along the e-paper display component and can be presented on a viewing side of the display module.
US09373285B2	Display device for vehicle Provided is a display device for a vehicle such that the life of display elements can be made long even when used in a high temperature environment and, further, unpleasant sensations due to changes in brightness of display images can be prevented. A control unit (90) provides a display period (Fa) in which an illumination control unit (91) turns on light sources (11), and a display control unit (92) generates a display image (M) in display elements (30) within a frame (F) that constitutes the display image (M) on the basis of a display image signal and a non-display period (Fb) in which the illumination control unit (91) turns off all light sources (11). When the display control unit (92) changes the display period proportions (A) for mirrors (E) for the display elements (30) according to prescribed conditions, drive currents (I) and drive periods (H) for the light sources (11) are changed simultaneously such that brightness is not changed.
US09373278B2	Scanning drive circuit and display device including the same A display device, including display elements two-dimensionally disposed in a matrix; scanning lines, initialization control lines, and display control lines extending in a first direction; data lines extending in a second direction different from the first direction; and a scanning drive circuit.
US09373276B2	LED block display apparatus for providing educational function and control method thereof According to one embodiment of the present invention, an LED block display apparatus for providing an educational function comprises: a plurality of LED blocks that include a plurality of color LEDs; and a controller for providing a text completion function using the LED blocks. The controller transmits a text display signal for displaying glow text to the LED blocks so that the text can be displayed as being glow by the LED blocks. When the LED block related to the text display signal is clicked, the controller transmits a first color change signal for changing color to the clicked LED block, and outputs a notification signal when colors of the LED blocks related to the text display signal are all changed.
US09373275B2	Level shifter of driving circuit and operating method thereof A level shifter applied in a driving circuit of a display is disclosed. The level shifter includes a first stage of level shifting unit and a second stage of level shifting unit and used to convert an input voltage signal with low voltage level into an output voltage signal with high voltage level. In one example, the total number of the transistors needed by the level shifter is much fewer than that of the prior art, and additional voltage sources are not needed to provide middle voltages. The manufacturing cost of the exemplary level shifter can be reduced and the signal level shifting efficiency of multi-power domain can be enhanced.
US09373273B2	Marketing information display assembly An assembly includes an electronic price label having an outer casing, a cover attached to the electronic price label and a marketing sign that highlights the electronic price label. The outer casing of the electronic price label module houses a display screen and circuitry for sending and receiving data signals over a network. The cover includes a front panel having a window. The window exposes the display screen of the electronic price label and a sensor on the electronic price label that sends and receives the data signals over the network. The marketing sign includes an opening defined by a perimeter. The perimeter surrounds the outer casing of the electronic price label and at least a portion of the marketing sign is located behind the front panel of the cover.
US09373264B2	Internet-based educational framework for the correlation of lessons, resources and assessments to state standards An apparatus assists educators in selecting achievement tools to meet an applicable one of a plurality of sets of educational standards. A first table holds a plurality of educational standards and a plurality of linked keywords. A second table holds a plurality of achievement tools, such as lesson plans, assessments and resources, and a plurality of linked keywords. A table manipulator program permits an educator to select an educational standard and shows achievement tools applicable to the selected educational standard by having a matching of keywords linked to the achievement tools to keywords linked to the educational standards.
US09373263B2	Dynamic and individualized scheduling engine for app-based learning Systems and methods can dynamically set user-specific schedules for prompting users to access educational content objects. An educational performance metric is identified for a user. A learning schedule is accessed that includes an identification of a plurality of learning episodes. Each of the plurality of learning episodes is associated with a time-related variable indicative of when the learning episode is to occur and a substance-related variable indicative of a learning substance for the learning episode. The learning schedule is adjusted based on the identified educational performance metric and associated with the user. A presentation time is identified based on a time-related variable in the learning schedule. An electronic content object associated with the presentation time is identified based on a substance-related variable the learning schedule. A notification with an offer to access the identified electronic content object is presented at the presentation time via a device of the user.
US09373261B2	Secure notification messaging with user option to communicate with delivery or pickup representative Systems and methods are disclosed for automated computer based notification systems. The systems and methods enable secure notification communication sessions. A representative method, among others that are disclosed herein, can be broadly summarized by the following steps: enabling a first party associated with a personal communication device (PCD) to input or select authentication information for use in connection with a subsequent notification communication session involving advance notice of a delivery or pickup of a good or service at a stop location by a mobile thing (MT); storing the authentication information; monitoring location or travel information in connection with the MT; causing initiation of the notification communication session to the PCD, in advance of arrival of the MT at the stop location, based at least in part upon the location or travel information associated with the MT; during the notification communication session, providing the authentication information to the PCD that indicates to the first party that the notification communication session was initiated by an authorized source; and during the notification communication session, enabling the first party to select whether or not to communicate with a second party having access to particulars of the pickup or delivery. An embodiment of a related system, among others, has a computer-based architecture with computer software, or code, that is stored in one or more memories and executed by one or more processors for performing the foregoing steps. Yet another embodiment of a related system can be implemented in software and/or hardware and has a means for performing each of the aforementioned steps.
US09373244B2	Base and display device having a sensing component for detecting a remote controller The present invention provides a base, which includes a base body used to support a display panel, wherein the base further includes an alarm device being capable of emitting an alarm signal. The alarm device includes an alarm element and a sensing component for detecting a remote controller. A placement groove is capable of accommodating the remote controller therein is provided in the base body. The sensing component is provided in the placement groove, and the alarm element is capable of emitting the alarm signal in the case of the sensing component failing to detect the remote controller after the display panel is powered off. (FIG. 1)
US09373228B2	Pooled currency delivery system A centralized currency delivery system is provided. The system may include two or more transaction stations. Each transaction station may be deployed in a banking center. A banking transaction may be initiated using the transaction stations. Each transaction station may not able to process paper items. The system may include a shared resource. The shared resource may include a shared cash recycler. The shared cash recycler may receive banking transaction information from the transaction stations. Based on authentication information presented at the shared cash recycler, the shared cash recycler may complete the banking transaction initiated at the transaction stations. The shared cash recycler may include two or components that are dedicated to a received banking transaction. The components may remain dedicated to the banking transaction until the banking transaction is completed. Entitlements associated with a transaction station may control use of the components.
US09373227B2	Slot machine capable of keeping constant order or constant tempo of stopping rotation reels A slot machine of the present invention comprises a plurality of rotation reels rotatably installed in a casing; an input device operable by a player; a memory for storing stop positions of the plurality of the rotation reels in a previous game; and a controller, the controller programmed to execute processing of (A) determining the stop positions of the plurality of the rotation reels conditionally on an input from the input device, (B) stopping each of the rotation reels in rotation at the stop position determined in the processing (A), according to the stop position of each of the plurality of the rotation reels in the previous game preliminary stored in the memory and the stop position of each of the rotation reels in a present game determined in the processing (A).
US09373224B2	Configuring and controlling wagering game compatibility A wagering game system and its operations are described herein. In some embodiments, the operations can include presenting a primary wagering game and receiving a request to present a secondary game in connection with the primary wagering game. The primary wagering game and the secondary game can be separate applications that require interactivity with each other (e.g., provide required functionality to each other, communicate shared data with each other, etc.). The operations can further include determining that an application programming interface (“API”) provides the required interactivity so that the secondary game can function in conjunction with the primary wagering game without problems (e.g., can successfully plug-in to the primary wagering game). The operations can further determine optional and non-optional requirements and determine compatibilities based on the optional and non-optional requirements. Further, the operations can add functionality to the primary wagering game, the secondary game, or the API, to enable compatibility.
US09373221B2	Method and system for paying out credit by means of game machines A method pays out credit via a system having a server and a number of game machines connected to the server and operated by a player. A game machine has a game unit and a payout unit that can be activated by a player for paying out a credit via a confirmation ticket or a data storage medium. When a credit is present, the game unit allows a game to be played, and when a credit is present and the payout unit is activated, a data set is transmitted to the server, the data set contains the amount of the credit. The data set is stored upon being deposited in the server, and a release data set is transmitted back to the game machine if the data set is stored. A confirmation ticket is provided when the release data set is deposited at the respective game machine, and the confirmation ticket is dispensed to the player.
US09373211B2	Large bottle vending apparatus and method A combination vending/return apparatus and method. The apparatus includes a series of rows and columns for receiving, storing and dispensing unfilled and filled large-volume water-containing bottles from and to consumers. The apparatus includes a computer-operated vending keyboard for making bottle selections for purchase and returns, and to handle electronic payment and credit transactions. Also included is a method to vend large-volume water bottles and retrieve used and emptied large-volume water bottles.
US09373210B2	Apparatus and method for single or multiple temperature zone(s) in refrigerated vending machine An automated vending machine that can be selectively configured to include one or several temperature zones. A single refrigeration system and universal interior allows easy and economical assembly into a one, two, or three temperature zone machine. Thermal breaks and dividers are used to partition zones, when needed. The basic vending machine cabinet, dispensers, and controls are not changed between configurations. In one aspect, a universal air duct can be used for all three configurations, with minor changes.
US09373208B2	Secure remote control for operating closures such as garage doors Actuation of an access closure such as a garage door may be initiated by a remote control (RC) if a correct authentication code is received by the RC and/or if a designated authorization device such as a mobile phone is within near field communication transceiver range of the RC.
US09373207B2	Central network for the automated control of vehicular traffic Methods and systems for a traffic control system provide arrangements and processes for managing automated vehicles. The traffic control system can register vehicles and then control the operation of the vehicles through a section of roadway. The automated control includes the communication of directions and other messages that ensure the proper function of the vehicle while under the guidance of the traffic control system.
US09373201B2	Rental/car-share vehicle access and management system and method A rental/car-share (RCS) vehicle access and management system and method, in some embodiments, utilizes barcodes, QR codes (or NFC/RFID), GPS, and a mobile app coupled with a wireless network to enable customers to bypass the reservation desk and pickup and drop off reserved RCS vehicles using a mobile phone, tablet or laptop. The QR code, RFID, or NFC communication with the mobile application allows for identification of the vehicle by a mobile application, which, if authorized, can access the vehicle via a temporary access code issued by remote servers. The remote servers and/or mobile application communicates with a control module that plugs into the on-board diagnostics module of the rental/car-share (RCS) vehicle and includes a host processing unit with a processor, an accelerometer, data storage, a GPS with internal GPS antenna; a wireless modem with internal antenna, and CAN bus transceivers connected with the processor, and a USB programmable interface.
US09373200B2	Monitoring vehicle usage A method for monitoring vehicle usage is described. In one embodiment, the method includes detecting a vehicle event and detecting a query from a mobile device. The query includes a Wi-Fi probe request or Bluetooth inquiry. The method includes identifying a mobile device identifier from the query and associating the mobile device identifier with the vehicle event.
US09373191B2	Generating an exterior geometry of a building based on a corresponding collection of interior geometry The disclosed subject matter relates to computer implemented methods for generating an exterior geometry of a building based on a corresponding collection of interior geometry. In one aspect, a method includes receiving a collection of interior geometry data of a building. The interior geometry data of the building corresponds to one or more levels. Each of the level(s) is associated with a corresponding vertical span, and to one or more 2-D section polygons. The method further includes extruding the 2-D section polygons into 2.5-D section polygons, by assigning to each of the 2-D section polygons, the vertical span associated with the level(s) to which the 2-D section polygons correspond. The method further includes constructing a 2.5-D merged polygon set based on the extruded 2.5-D section polygons. The outer shell of the 2.5-D merged polygon set corresponds to an exterior geometry corresponding to the building.
US09373187B2	Method and apparatus for producing a cinemagraph Method and apparatus for producing a cinemagraph, wherein based on received user input an image from a sequence of images is selected as a baseframe image. The baseframe image is segmented and at least one segment is selected based on user input. A mask is created based on the selected segments and at least one image most similar to the baseframe is selected from the sequence of images using the mask. The selected images are aligned the baseframe image a first cinemagraph is created from the selected images and the baseframe image using the mask.
US09373183B2	Removing an occlusion from an image Systems, methods, and devices for reducing an occlusion in an image are described herein. For example, one or more embodiments include a method including providing image information from a first image taken from a light field camera, analyzing image information from multiple sub-aperture images extracted from the image information of the first image to separate foreground and background appearance information, creating a mask of an occlusion based on the separated foreground and background appearance information, and rendering a second, modified image where the mask has been applied to reduce the occlusion in the modified image.
US09373174B2	Cloud based video detection and tracking system A method for detecting and tracking multiple moving targets from airborne video within the framework of a cloud computing infrastructure. The invention simultaneously utilizes information from an optical flow generator and an active-learning histogram matcher in a complimentary manner so as to rule out erroneous data that may otherwise, separately, yield false target information. The invention utilizes user-based voice-to-text color feature description for track matching with hue features from image pixels.
US09373173B2	Method and system for atlas-based segmentation A method for atlas-based segmentation is provided where a patient image is rigidly registered with each of a plurality of atlas images. Based on the rigid registration results, which indicate a degree of similarity for each atlas, an atlas image is selected for deformable registration where the rigid registration result is used as initialization. Regions of interest are segmented in the patient image using the results of the deformable registration.
US09373170B2	Product image interpolating device, method, and non-transitory information recording medium A product imaging device (121) is provided which facilitates a user to capture the image sequence of entire surroundings of a product. An image sensor unit (201) senses incident light from the external world where the product is disposed and outputs an image representing a result of the sensing. An instruction receiving unit (202) receives an image-capture instruction from the user. A memory unit (203) stores the image sensed by the image sensor unit (201) upon reception of an image-capture instruction. A finder display unit (204) synthesizes the image stored in the memory unit (203) with an image presently sensed by the image sensor unit (201) and displays a synthesized image on a finder screen.
US09373162B2	Auto-contrast enhancement system An auto-contrast enhancement system includes a human visual system (HVS)-based local difference (LD) histogram unit configured to build a LD histogram with respect to intensity values; a histogram classifier configured to categorize histograms of input images based on distribution properties; and a histogram equalization (HE) unit configured to process the input image according to a result of the HVS-based LD histogram unit and the enhancement level determined in the histogram classifier.
US09373160B2	System, method and computer-accessible medium for restoring an image taken through a window Systems, methods and computer-accessible mediums for modifying an image(s) can be provided. For example, first image information for the image(s) can be received. Second image information can be generated by separating the first image information into at least two overlapping images. The image(s) can be modified using a prediction procedure based on the second image information.
US09373151B2	Image processing device and image processing method An image processing device includes a processor; and a memory which stores a plurality of instructions, which when executed by the processor, cause the processor to execute, taking an image containing an imaging lens; and embedding information in a display image based on image information of an object contained in the image.
US09373140B2	Generation of an interface with computer-executable options and visual elements based on collected social network data A network device is configured to receive purchase information and receive, from a social networking server, information regarding a friend of the user. The network device is further configured to receive additional purchase information associated with the friend. The network device is further configured to generate, based on a result of comparing the purchase information and the additional purchase information, a recommendation, and send the recommendation to a user device associated with the user.
US09373129B2	System and method of delivering collective content based advertising A system and method is disclosed for presenting relevant advertising to user search queries. The ads are based on content which is derived from a set of documents/pages from websites forming a collective.
US09373127B2	Matching advertising to game play content An advertisement is associated with a particular user move in a gaming environment where playing of the user move by a user results in the advertisement being displayed at the user's gaming device. With multiple users, each play of a unique user move results in a corresponding uniquely targeted advertisement being displayed at the respective gaming device of each user. User moves and associated advertisements are bound to one another based on a frequency of use of the user move in game play and the desirability of the advertiser to associate the advertisement with the user move.
US09373121B1	User communication device control with operating system action request messages In a communication system, a device control system determines an action request message for a software operating system in a user communication device and associates the action request message with a URI. A user communication device displays a prompt for the URI, receives a user input to prompt, and transfers a request for the URI responsive to the user input. The device control system receives the URI and responsively transfers display data indicating the action request message. The user communication device receives the display data, displays a user prompt, receives another user input, and processes the action request message in the software operating system responsive to the other user input.
US09373113B2	Payment terminal sharing Methods, systems, and computer program products for payment terminal sharing. A payment terminal is configured to become usable as a payment terminal shared by a plurality of operators with cryptographic segregation between the different operators of the payment terminal. An operator- and terminal-specific transport key is provided to the payment terminal. An operator- and terminal-specific initial-encryption key is derived, by the payment provider, from an operator-specific base-derivation key using the terminal-identification number, or an additional identification number of the payment terminal. The operator- and terminal-specific initial-encryption key is transmitted to the payment terminal, and is decrypted at the payment terminal. An operator- and transaction-specific encryption key is derived, both at the payment provider and the payment terminal, from the operator- and terminal-specific initial-encryption key using a transaction-specific number associated with this transaction, when performing a transaction with the payment terminal.
US09373107B2	Method and system for funding mobile gaming In a gaming method and system, a player is permitted to move funds from a gaming machine at a casino, such as funds won at the gaming machine or input into the gaming machine, with a funds account which the player can utilize to fund remote or mobile gaming. When a player of a gaming machine is identified, such as by detecting or sensing the player's mobile communication device or by a player's use of a player card or the like, a gaming machine may be configured or triggered to activate one or more funds association options, such as to offer the player the opportunity to associate funds provided to the gaming machine with their account for use in remote or mobile gaming.
US09373106B1	Tracking the download and purchase of digital content Provides a consumer of digital products with an experience like that of visiting a shopping mall, where a product may be “tried on,” or downloaded, without having to pay until it's actually used. A consumer may download three identical copies of an item, but not be billed for any of the downloads until one of the copies of the item is actually installed or used on the client device. At that point, a purchase of that particular copy of the item is deemed to have occurred and the user is billed for that particular copy. The sale is credited to the provider that the particular copy is associated with, based on a transaction identifier that associates that particular copy of the item with the client device and the provider. The unused copies of the item may automatically be deleted or disabled once the purchase has occurred.
US09373096B2	Smart cloud workload balancer A method and system for dynamically optimizing workload of a cloud computing system. The cloud computing system is configured into an operative status by defining a virtual machine (VM) topology representing a respective virtual machine assignment for each physical server of the cloud computing system. An objects database (ODB) stores: business policies, a respective software cost per software application in one or more software license pools, and a power cost of the cloud computing system. It is determined that the cloud computing system does not perform optimally with respect to a total cost of the cloud computing system, which is a sum of the respective software cost and the power cost. The workload of the cloud computing system is distributed pursuant to a new VM topology that has a minimum total cost of the cloud computing system pursuant to the business policies stored in the ODB.
US09373078B1	Methods and systems for predictive alerting Systems and methods to provide predictive alerting are disclosed. Trends and characteristics in the data may be identified in advance of actual occurrence, with an expected event being predicted or extrapolated based on data and a predictive model associated with stored and/or incoming data. This may be done by, for example, developing a set of rules associated with the model that may then be used to trigger predictive alerts based on predicted trends. Various data and associated characteristics may be determined based on past data and/or analogous data taken from similarly modeled systems. For example, seasonal trends may be factored into the model so that a prediction is based on both a received set of data and expected seasonal (or other temporal) trends. Various other characteristics may also be used in the predictive model.
US09373073B2	Time-division multiplexed neurosynaptic module with implicit memory addressing for implementing a universal substrate of adaptation Embodiments of the invention relate to a time-division multiplexed neurosynaptic module with implicit memory addressing for implementing a universal substrate of adaptation. One embodiment comprises a neurosynaptic device including a memory device that maintains neuron attributes for multiple neurons. The module further includes multiple bit maps that maintain incoming firing events for different periods of delay and a multi-way processor. The processor includes a memory array that maintains a plurality of synaptic weights. The processor integrates incoming firing events in a time-division multiplexing manner. Incoming firing events are integrated based on the neuron attributes and the synaptic weights maintained.
US09373058B2	Scene understanding using a neurosynaptic system Embodiments of the invention provide a method for scene understanding based on a sequence of image frames. The method comprises converting each pixel of each image frame to neural spikes, and extracting features from the sequence of image frames by processing neural spikes corresponding to pixels of the sequence of image frames. The method further comprises encoding the extracted features as neural spikes, and classifying the extracted features.
US09373057B1	Training a neural network to detect objects in images Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on computer storage media, for training a neural network to detect object in images. One of the methods includes receiving a training image and object location data for the training image; providing the training image to a neural network and obtaining bounding box data for the training image from the neural network, wherein the bounding box data comprises data defining a plurality of candidate bounding boxes in the training image and a respective confidence score for each candidate bounding box in the training image; determining an optimal set of assignments using the object location data for the training image and the bounding box data for the training image, wherein the optimal set of assignments assigns a respective candidate bounding box to each of the object locations; and training the neural network on the training image using the optimal set of assignments.
US09373042B2	Subject change detection system and subject change detection method The invention detects a change in a subject by detecting the subject from an image, acquiring a feature quantity distribution that indicates shape information of the detected subject, accumulating the shape information that is indicated by the acquired feature quantity distribution and comparing the shape information a predetermined period of time before with the current shape information by using the accumulated shape information. Here, the invention acquires the feature quantity distribution of the subject from a processing target area extracted from an image area that includes the subject. The invention detects a change in the subject by using accumulated shape change information acquired from the shape information. The invention detects a change in the subject by using averaged shape change information obtained by averaging the shape change information.
US09373041B2	Distance measurement by means of a camera sensor The invention relates to a distance-determining method by means of a camera sensor, wherein a distance between the camera sensor and a target object is determined on the basis of camera information, which method is defined by the fact that the camera information comprises a spatial extent of the region covered by the target object on a light sensor in the camera sensor.
US09373035B2	Image capturing method for image recognition and system thereof An image capturing method includes providing at least three image capturing devices arranged along a same direction and an image processor, the at least three image capturing devices capturing at least three first images, determining a target object in the at least three first images, activating a first pair of image capturing devices of the at least three image capturing devices according to shooting angles of the target object in the at least three first images in order to capture a first pair of motion images, and the image processor performing image recognition to the target object of the first pair of motion images.
US09373034B2	Apparatus and method for tracking object A method of tracking an object includes obtaining an image captured by a camera, setting a plurality of patterns having various sizes, according to a distance from a horizon in the image to a plurality of pixels in the image, extracting an object matching one of the plurality of patterns having various sizes, while scanning the image using the plurality of patterns having various sizes, and displaying information about a position of the extracted object in the image.
US09373033B2	Assisted surveillance of vehicles-of-interest A computer-implemented image processing method includes accessing image data representing a plurality of images of a plurality of vehicles and reading a data model representing a predefined vehicle attribute. The method further includes processing a portion of the image data to detect a vehicle feature of at least one of the vehicles represented in at least one of the images based on the predefined vehicle attribute, and processing the portion of the image data to generate vehicle data representing the detected vehicle feature.
US09373030B2	Automated document recognition, identification, and data extraction A method for automated document recognition, identification, and data extraction is described herein. The method comprises receiving, by the processor, an image of a document associated with a user. The image is analyzed using optical character recognition to obtain image data, wherein the image data includes text zones. Based on the image data, the image is compared to one or more document templates. Based on the comparison, a document template having the highest degree of coincidence with the image is determined. The text zones of the image are associated with text zones of the document template to determine a type of data in each text zone. The data is structured into a standard format to obtain structured data.
US09373028B2	Handwriting input system and handwriting input method A handwriting input system includes a handwriting pen, a handwriting plate and a processing unit. The handwriting pen includes a pen body, a first sensing unit and a first communication unit. The first sensing unit senses an action of the pen body to generate a sensing data. The handwriting plate includes a touch unit, a display unit and a second communication unit. The touch unit senses a contact trajectory and a contact time while the handwriting pen contacts the handwriting plate. The processing unit is selectively disposed in one of the handwriting pen and the handwriting plate. The processing unit calculates a tilt angle of the pen body according to the sensing data, determines a contact shape according to the tilt angle, determines an ink output amount according to the contact time, and determines a handwriting image according to the contact trajectory, the contact shape and the ink output amount.
US09373025B2	Structured lighting-based content interactions in multiple environments Information from a position and/or gesture detection system can be embedded in a Web page, or other such presentation of content, and used to select or otherwise interact with content on the page. In some embodiments, video is captured and displayed showing a current view of the user. Position data corresponding to the video is provided and used to determine directions and extents of motion without having to do significant amounts of image processing. The position data is used to determine locations on the page where the user is attempting to provide input, such as to select an item of content. The content can be modified and/or rendered to appear to be associated with the user in the rendered view. Information from multiple gesture systems can be combined on a single page, and information from one or more gesture systems can be shared among multiple pages and devices.
US09373024B2	Method and apparatus for automated analysis and identification of a person in image and video content A method, apparatus, and computer readable medium for identifying a person in an image includes an image analyzer. The image analyzer determines the content of an image such as a person, location, and object shown in the image. A person in the image may be identified based on the content and event data stored in a database. Event data includes information concerning events and related people, locations, and objects determined from other images and information. Identification metadata is generated and linked to each analyzed image and comprises information determined during image analysis. Tags for images are generated based on identification metadata. The event database can be queried to identify particular people, locations, objects, and events depending on a user's request.
US09373016B2	Image capturing device An image capturing device includes an image forming device including a sensor defining an optical reception axis, at least one reading distance, and a region framed by the sensor on a substrate at said at least one reading distance. An illumination device includes an array of adjacent light sources defining an optical illumination axis. The light sources are individually drivable, and each light source is adapted to illuminate an area of a size much smaller than the size of said region framed by the sensor. The illumination axis does not coincide with the reception axis. A driver of the light sources is adapted to drive the light sources so as to switch off at least the light sources that illuminate outside of the boundary of the region framed by the sensor on the substrate at said at least one reading distance.
US09373007B2	Low-cost capacitive sensing decoder A low-cost system comprising a pattern arranged to encode information and a decoder for decoding the information encoded in the pattern is described. In particular, the mechanism employs a capacitive sensing technique. Electrodes are arranged (or stimulated, during operation) to each generate an electric field, and sense disturbances on the electric field caused by the pattern when the pattern is positioned over the electrodes. The spatial arrangement of the pattern allows information to be encoded on a strip or surface and decoded by capacitive sensors arranged to detect disturbances caused by possible patterns. The resulting solution is cheaper and less complex than optical solutions, e.g., barcodes and optical barcode readers. The mechanism may be used in a glucose meter for encoding and decoding an identifier for distinguishing batches of glucose meter test strips.
US09373006B2	Card payment system In one example embodiment, a card payment apparatus includes a member having a magnetic strip reader configured to read account information from a magnetic strip of a first payment card and an integrated chip (IC) reader configured to read account information from an IC chip of a second payment card; a sliding face configured to allow the first payment card to slide thereon, when the magnetic strip reader reads the account information from the magnetic strip; and a card receptacle configured to receive the second payment card, when the IC reader reads the account information from the IC chip.
US09372999B2	Method and system for child authentication Methods and systems for child authentication are described. In one embodiment, a communication enablement request may be received to enable electronic communications between a first child and a second child. A confirmation acceptance code may be electronically generated. The confirmation acceptance code may be associated with the first child and the second child. The confirmation acceptance code may be received from a parental representative of the second child. The electronic communication may be enabled between the first child and the second child based on the receiving of the confirmation acceptance code from the parental representative of the second child. Additional methods and systems are disclosed.
US09372998B2	Client-side encryption in a deduplication backup system Client-side encryption in a deduplication backup system. In one example embodiment, a method includes a backup phase in which various steps are performed for each allocated plain text block stored in a source storage. One step includes hashing, using a first cryptographic hash function, the plain text block to generate a first hash. Another step includes hashing, using a second cryptographic hash function, the first hash to generate a second hash. Another step includes searching a key-value table of a deduplication storage to determine whether the second hash matches any key in the key-value table. Another step includes, upon determining that the second hash does not match any key in the key-value table, encrypting, using an encrypt/decrypt function, the plain text block using the first hash as an encryption password and inserting a key-value pair into the key-value table with the key being the second hash and the value being the encrypted block.
US09372989B2	Robust malware detector A system, method and computer readable medium for detecting and diffusing malware on a computer. Malware is analyzed to generate signatures and determine a fixing moment. All of the system calls of the operating system of a client computer are hooked and processed without emulation or the need for unpackers or decrypters, and a multi-level filter removes all system calls that are not associated with malware. The resulting system calls are accumulated on a per-thread basis and scanned, and the relevant threads are compared with the signatures to match with malware. The threads associated with malware are addressed at the fixing moment before the malware can operate to cause undesirable effects on the client computer.
US09372986B1	Selective password synchronization A mechanism is provided for selective password synchronization. An indication is received that a password is to be changed for an account in a plurality of accounts associated with an individual, where the indication includes a new password. Responsive to receiving the indication of the password change, the account is grouped with one or more other accounts in the plurality of accounts thereby forming a first subset of accounts, where grouping the account with the one or more other accounts in the plurality of accounts excludes at least one account in the plurality of accounts thereby forming a second subset of accounts. The new password is propagated to the first subset of accounts according to a first policy. The new password is propagated to a second subset of accounts of the plurality of accounts according to a second policy, where the second policy is different from the first policy.
US09372970B2	Gesture entry techniques Techniques are provided for entering and saving a gesture on a touch-sensitive display device. In one embodiment, the device displays an array of visible graphical elements and may detect a gesture based on a user's touch of the visible graphical elements as well as on hidden areas not displayed to the user. For example, the device may detect a user's touch over hidden dots between the visible graphical elements or through hidden lines connecting the visible graphical elements. Some embodiments may include algorithms for improving accuracy in detecting the intended gesture. For example, the device may estimate possible or probable paths based on a current user touch position. In some embodiments, the visible graphical elements may be illuminated when a touch of the visible graphical elements is detected, or a disc representing a user's touch may be displayed as the user enters a gesture.
US09372946B2	Defect injection for transistor-level fault simulation Aspects of the invention relate to techniques of defect injection for transistor-level fault simulation. A circuit element in a circuit netlist of a circuit is first selected for defect injection. Next, a defect is determined based on whether the selected circuit element is a design-intent circuit element or a parasitic circuit element. After the defect is determined, the defect is injected into the circuit netlist and then the circuit is simulated.
US09372933B2	Personalized quantitative measure of accessibility A mechanism is provided in a data processing system for personalized quantitative measure of accessibility. For a given web site or web application, the mechanism accesses existing crowd sourced user ratings. The mechanism generates a crowd source score for the given web site or web application based on the crowd sourced user ratings. The mechanism generates a compliance score for the given web site or web application based on compliance data published for the given web site or web application. The mechanism obtains a static analysis score for the given web site or web application. The mechanism generates weights for a given user based on user profile information of the given user and applies the weights to the crowd source score, the compliance score, and the static analysis score to form weighted data. The mechanism generates a personalized accessibility score based on the weighted data.
US09372928B2	System and method for parallel search on explicitly represented graphs One embodiment of the present invention provides a system for partitioning a graph representing customer purchases to facilitate parallel computations. During operation, the system initially receives graph data indicating vertices and edges of the graph, wherein the vertices represent customers and products and the edges represent purchases. Next, the system partitions edges of the graph to generate a partitioned graph such that each edge of the graph is a member of a respective partition. The system may then perform parallel computations on the graph data in one or more partitions to determine product recommendations.
US09372923B2	Systems and methods for analyzing documents Systems and methods are provided for analyzing documents. In one implementation, a computer implemented method is provided for analyzing a patent application and providing a visual representation. According to the method, a selection is received from a user to view claims of the patent application in a claim tree hierarchy and a computer displays the claims in the claim tree hierarchy on a display. The claim tree hierarchy visually depicts relationships between the claims. The method identifies one or more words of at least one of the claims that constitutes an element and displays, in the claim tree hierarchy, the words constituting the element in association with the claim.
US09372911B2	System and method for performing replica copying using a physical copy mechanism A system that implements a data storage service may maintain tables in a data store on behalf of clients. The service may maintain table data in multiple replicas of partitions of the data that are stored on respective computing nodes in the system. In response to detecting a failure or fault condition, or receiving a service request from a client to move or copy a partition replica, the data store may copy a partition replica to another computing node using a physical copy mechanism. The physical copy mechanism may copy table data from physical storage locations in which it is stored to physical storage locations allocated to a destination replica on the other computing node. During copying, service requests to modify table data may be logged and applied to the replica being copied. A catch-up operation may be performed to apply modification requests received during copying to the destination replica.
US09372909B2	Defining a set of data across mutiple databases using variables and functions A method for defining grouping of data, across multiple data sources using variables and functions, may include defining grouping of data corresponding to one or more entities across multiple data sources, using a generic language that relates to multiple entities. The method may include providing access to the data based on Data-Dependent Routing (DDR), using variables and functions defined by the generic language. According to example embodiments, the system may include a user interface to receive one or more statements belonging to the generic language and present data accessed via the one or more statements. The system may also include a processor to execute statements and to provide access to the data. The system may further include a server to host the multiple data sources.
US09372907B2	Table placement in distributed databases A node type of a plurality of distributed nodes to which a table to be added to a distributed database should be assigned can be identified by applying a set of placement rules defined for the table. The set of placement rules can also be applied to determine whether the table should be partitioned into more than one partition. A table group name associated with the table can be obtained and used in conjunction with the node type and determination of whether to partition the table to store the table in the distributed database on at least one node of the plurality of nodes as one or more partitions.
US09372903B1	Data lineage in an intelligent data integration system A computer-executed method includes storing in a data store data attributes, data objects, and a data analysis tool (DAT). Each data object has an attribute set and an identifier set. The method includes identifying each data object that has an attribute set comprising a data attribute matching each reference data attribute associated with the DAT, and selecting an identified data object as an input data object for the DAT. The DAT generates a new data object as a function of the input data object, which includes analyzing the input data object with reference to an auxiliary data object and creating an identifier set for the new data object that includes an identifier of the new data object for distinguishing the new data object from each other data object in the data store, and the identifier of the auxiliary data object. The new data object is stored in the data store.
US09372886B2	Data filtering in the internet of things This invention relates to the Internet of Things (IOT), and discloses a method and apparatus of data filtering in the IOT, where the IOT includes a plurality of sensor devices. The method includes: inputting an application deployed rule; converting the rule into at least one sub-predicate expression having static predicates and dynamic predicates; inputting data collected by the sensor devices; matching the collected data with the static predicates and the dynamic predicates of the sub-predicate expression in sequence; and distributing matched data to the application. In this invention, a rule is divided into static and dynamic predicates, and a match is performed on static predicates before dynamic predicates, so that the speed of predicate match can be improved and fast and efficient data filtering in the IOT can be achieved.
US09372880B2	Reclamation of empty pages in database tables Provided are techniques for reclamation of empty pages in database tables. In response to receiving a plurality of records for insertion into a database table, the plurality of records are inserted into one or more contiguous pages. In response to at least some of the plurality of records being deleted from the database table, the one or more contiguous pages are reclaimed by: relocating any records from the plurality of records remaining in the one or more contiguous pages and releasing the one or more contiguous pages.
US09372879B1	Balanced append tree data structure Techniques are described for employing a substantially self-balanced append tree data structure to store and access information. The append tree data structure is a hierarchical data structure in which a leaf node or a parent node may be added to expand the append tree data structure. The determination to add a leaf node or a parent node may be based on a counter for leaf nodes present in the append tree data structure. Nodes in the append tree data structure may be blocks in memory, with each block corresponding to a plurality of positions that may be employed to tracking message identifiers in a messaging service.
US09372877B2	Sparse datatable data structure A sparse dataset structure is created by creating column vectors for one or more columns in a dataset that have at least one significant value. Each column vector includes data values for columns of the dataset. Each column vector that is a sparse column vector includes a look-up index array and a value array. Entries in the look-up index array represent columns. The value array includes values for a row in a column. Each entry in the value array points to a row entry in the look-up index array. A side structure includes a row index and a column index. The row index includes a location for an entry for each row where entries point to a location in the column index that identifies a column that has a first significant entry for a row. Alternatively a sparse dataset could be constructed with sparse rows.
US09372869B2	Method for intelligently categorizing data to delete specified amounts of data based on selected data characteristics A method assigns stored documents within a distributed storage system (DSS) to various document categories to enable a target number of documents to be deleted. An intelligent storage management (ISM) utility identifies a data storage threshold value used to control data storage within the DSS. If a current storage usage exceeds the data storage threshold value, the ISM utility calculates, based on the current storage usage, a target number of documents that can be deleted from the DSS. The ISM utility utilizes a recursive process which includes assigning stored documents to groups including a set of document categories based on data characteristics of the stored documents. The ISM utility further utilizes the recursive process to delete, based on an established ordering of the groups, all of the stored documents assigned to a subset of the groups in order to remove the target number of stored documents.
US09372859B1	Methods, devices, and mediums for displaying information having different formats A first document may be identified, wherein the first document may be created in a first file format. A second document may be identified, wherein the second document may be created in a second file format. A page of the first document may be linked with a page of the second document. The page of the first document may be stored with the page of the second document in a file. The page of the first document may be displayed. An input may be received selecting the page of the second document and the page of the second document may be displayed in response to the input.
US09372857B2	Information processing apparatus, trail collection system, information processing method, and non-transitory computer readable medium An information processing apparatus includes a sample extracting unit, a trail information memory, a trail acquisition instructing unit, a trail accepting unit, and a trail determining unit. The sample extracting unit extracts samples from a population. The trail information memory stores information about trails. The trail acquisition instructing unit provides an instruction to acquire a trail for a sample extracted by the sample extracting unit. The trail accepting unit accepts trails. The trail determining unit determines, every time the trail accepting unit accepts a trail, whether the accepted trail is valid or invalid in accordance with the information stored in the trail information memory. If the trail determining unit determines that the accepted trail is invalid, the trail acquisition instructing unit provides again an instruction to acquire a trail.
US09372849B2	Dynamic highlighting of repetitions in electronic documents In a method for dynamically highlighting repetitive text in electronic documents, obtaining one or more user preferences related to a user reading an electronic document. The method further includes determining whether the electronic document contains one or more repetitive text associations, wherein a repetitive text association is data that provides one or more indications of repetitive text segments interspersed within a document. In response to determining that the electronic document contains one or more repetitive text associations, the method further includes identifying one or more repetitive text segments in the electronic document corresponding to the one or more repetitive text associations and determining a time duration expended by the user reading an instance of the identified one or more repetitive text segments within the electronic document. The method further includes highlighting the identified one or more repetitive text segments within the electronic document based one or more obtained user preferences.
US09372848B2	Systems and methods for language detection Implementations of the present disclosure are directed to a method, a system, and a computer program storage device for detecting a language in a text message. A plurality of different language detection tests are performed on a message associated with a user. Each language detection test determines a set of scores representing a likelihood that the message is in one of a plurality of different languages. One or more combinations of the score sets are provided as input to one or more distinct classifiers. Output from each of the classifiers includes a respective indication that the message is in one of the different languages. The language in the message may be identified as being the indicated language from one of the classifiers, based on a confidence score and/or an identified linguistic domain.
US09372840B1	Method and system for accelerated transformation of content based on predictive chunking A stored document is converted into a “web-friendly” format by dividing the conversion job into chunks. Each chunk specifies a subset of the document pages to be converted. The result of processing a chunk is a set of “web-friendly” page images. The page images are stored in a repository and are available for viewing at the client. The remaining chunks are processed in a similar manner. The perceived performance of the system is enhanced because a chunk can be processed much faster than the entire document. If the user happens to advance to a page in the document that is not yet processed, a real-time request is made to process a particular subset of pages that includes the page advanced to.
US09372838B2	Systems and methods for content extraction from mark-up language text accessible at an internet domain Systems and methods are presented for content extraction from markup language text. The content extraction process may parse markup language text into a hierarchical data model and then apply one or more filters. Output filters may be used to make the process more versatile. The operation of the content extraction process and the one or more filters may be controlled by one or more settings set by a user, or automatically by a classifier. The classifier may automatically enter settings by classifying markup language text and entering settings based on this classification. Automatic classification may be performed by clustering unclassified markup language texts with previously classified markup language texts.
US09372831B2	Remote starter A remote starter transmits vehicle position information at a time of parking start to an information processor upon the parking start of a vehicle. The information processor judges whether to transmit a request for starting of the vehicle based on the vehicle position information and mobile-terminal position information upon reception of the request for starting of the vehicle and the mobile-terminal position information from a mobile terminal.
US09372822B2	Mathematical expression display control apparatus, mathematical expression display control method, and computer readable medium recording mathematical expression display control program A mathematical expression display control apparatus includes a mathematical expression input unit, a mathematical expression display control unit, a cursor display control unit, an inverse number function input unit, an inverse number target detection unit and an inverse number display control unit. The mathematical expression input unit recognizes a mathematical expression. The mathematical expression display control unit displays the recognized mathematical expression on a display unit. The cursor display control unit moves and displays a cursor in the displayed mathematical expression. The inverse number function input unit recognizes an inverse number function. The inverse number target detection unit detects a chunk region of the mathematical expression as a target of the inverse number function. The inverse number display control unit replaces the detected chunk region with a fraction having the detected chunk region as a denominator and 1 as a numerator to display.
US09372815B2	Estimating processor load using peripheral adapter queue behavior Techniques for estimating processor load by using queue depth information of a peripheral adapter provides processor loading information that can be used to adapt interrupt latency to improve performance in a processing system. A mathematical function of the depth of one or more queues of the adapter is compared to its historical value in order to provide an estimate of processor load. The estimated processor load can then be used to set a parameter that controls the frequency of an interrupt generator. The mathematical function may be the ratio of the transmit queue depth to the receive queue depth and the historical value may be predetermined, user-settable, obtained during a calibration interval or obtained by taking a long-term average of the mathematical function of the queue depths.
US09372804B2	Cache memory for hybrid disk drives A method for data storage in a data storage system, which includes a main storage device and a non-volatile memory, includes assessing quality levels of respective memory blocks of the non-volatile memory. One or more of the memory blocks whose assessed quality levels are lower than a predefined quality threshold are identified. The identified memory blocks are assigned to serve as read cache memory. Data is read from the main storage device via the read cache memory, including the assigned memory blocks.
US09372796B2	Optimum cache access scheme for multi endpoint atomic access in a multicore system The MSMC (Multicore Shared Memory Controller) described is a module designed to manage traffic between multiple processor cores, other mastering peripherals or DMA, and the EMIF (External Memory InterFace) in a multicore SoC. The invention unifies all transaction sizes belonging to a slave previous to arbitrating the transactions in order to reduce the complexity of the arbitration process and to provide optimum bandwidth management among all masters. The two consecutive slots assigned per cache line access are always in the same direction for maximum access rate.
US09372795B2	Apparatus and method for maintaining cache coherency, and multiprocessor apparatus using the method Provided are an apparatus and method for maintaining cache coherency, and a multiprocessor apparatus using the method. The multiprocessor apparatus includes a main memory, a plurality of processors, a plurality of cache memories that are connected to each of the plurality of processors, a memory bus that is connected to the plurality of cache memories and the main memory, and a coherency bus that is connected to the plurality of cache memories to transmit coherency related information between caches. Accordingly, a bandwidth shortage phenomenon may be reduced in an on-chip communication structure, which occurs when using a communication structure between a memory and a cache, and communication for coherency between caches may be simplified.
US09372792B1	Advanced management of a non-volatile memory A method of managing a non-volatile memory module, the method may include: receiving data sectors during a set of at least one write transactions; selecting, out of the currently buffered portions, to-be-merged memory space portions and to-be-cleaned memory space portions; merging, for each to-be-merged memory space portion and before the buffer becomes full, data sectors that belong to the to-be-merged memory space portion into a sequential portion of the non-volatile memory module, wherein the sequential portion differs from the buffer; and copying, for each to-be-cleaned memory space and before the buffer becomes full, data sectors that belong to the to-be-cleaned memory space portion into a buffer block of the buffer.
US09372786B1	Constructing state-transition functions for mobile devices Disclosed are various embodiments for a state monitoring application. A state monitoring application initiates the execution of test operations on a client device. States of the client device are monitored to determine when the client device is at risk of entering an unresponsive state. When the client device is at risk, the state monitoring application initiates the execution of remedy operations to prevent the client device from becoming unresponsive.
US09372780B2	Breakpoint continuation for stream computing A first stream operator in a stream computing application receives and processes a first stream of tuples. The processing at the first stream operator is paused in response to receiving a first one of the tuples in the first stream that triggers a breakpoint in the first stream operator. A determination of whether a condition to release the breakpoint is met is made, and the breakpoint is released in response to determining that the condition is met. The condition to release the breakpoint may be that a count of tuples of the first stream is outside of a threshold. A second stream of tuples may be received for processing at a second stream operator. The condition to release the breakpoint may be that a count of tuples of the second stream is outside of a threshold.
US09372775B1	Method and apparatus for providing at risk information in a cloud computing system having redundancy Methods and apparatus for generating at risk probabilities for a pre-integrated cloud computing system. In one embodiment, a system determines a revised overall risk index after at least two component failures in at least two of the compute domain, storage domain, and storage paths to assist a user in selecting a first one of the at least two component failures to fix first.
US09372774B2	Redundant computing architecture A redundant computing architecture includes a first control unit, a second control unit, and a switch. The first control unit is configured to provide a first control signal in response to a sensory input and is further configured to provide a health status indicator that is indicative of a fault condition within the first control unit. Additionally, the second control unit is configured to provide a second control signal in response to the sensory input. Each of the first and second control signals is respectively operative to control an actuator. The switch is configured to: receive the health status indicator, the first control signal, and second control signal; provide the first control signal to the actuator if this health status indicator does not indicate a fault: and provide the second control signal to the actuator if this health status indicator does indicate a fault.
US09372769B2	Server and inspecting method thereof Disclosed herein are a server and an inspecting method thereof. The server comprises a baseboard management controller (BMC), a non-volatile memory coupled with the baseboard management controller, and a basic input/output system. After the server is powered on, the basic input/output system starts running, performs power-on self-test for the server to generate current hardware configuration data. The BMC then determines whether preset hardware configuration data, stored beforehand in the non-volatile memory, and the current one agree. If the preset and the current hardware configuration data have one or more mismatches, the BMC records the mismatch or mismatches in an event log.
US09372762B2	Systems and methods for restoring application data A computer-implemented method for restoring application data may include (1) receiving a request to restore resource data for a resource to a selected state, (2) identifying a plurality of backup datasets, each backup dataset within the plurality of backup datasets including at least a portion of backed up data for the resource, (3) determining an order in which to restore the plurality of backup datasets in order to restore the resource data to the selected state, and (4) restoring the resource data for the resource to the selected state by restoring the plurality of backup datasets in the order as determined. Various other methods, systems, and computer-readable media are also disclosed.
US09372751B2	Free space collection in log structured storage systems A mechanism is provided for optimizing free space collection in a storage system having a plurality of segments. A collection score value is calculated for least one of the plurality of segments. The collection score value is calculated by determining a sum, across tracks in the segment, of the amount of time over a predetermined period of time during which the track has been invalid due to a more recent copy being written in a different segment. Segments are chosen for free space collection based on the determined collection score value.
US09372738B2	Data processing method and system for acquiring drawing data A data processing method comprises: an Adobe Flex acquiring a user drawing command, the drawing command comprising an initial end serial number and a termination end serial number; the Adobe Flex searching for drawing data in a buffer according to the initial end serial number and the termination end serial number; when some drawing data corresponding to the initial end serial number and the termination end serial number is only found, the Adobe Flex sending a data acquisition request to java swing by using javascript, the data acquisition request comprising an initial end serial number and a termination end serial number corresponding to drawing data that are not found; and the java swing returning the corresponding drawing data to the Adobe Flex according to the initial end serial number and the termination end serial number corresponding to the drawing data that are not found. Also provided is a corresponding data processing system. In the embodiments, data required by a graph is acquired by an interval, and data to be acquired by javascript is reduced, thereby effectively solving the problem that the drawing speed under a large data amount is slow due to slow javascript data processing speed.
US09372737B2	Video stream management for remote graphical user interfaces Embodiments enable display updates other than a video stream in a graphical user interface (GUI) to be rendered, encoded, and transmitted exclusive of the video stream. A virtual machine generates a GUI that includes an encoded video stream and other display updates. A virtual graphics processing unit (VGPU) stack associated with the VM renders the other display updates of the GUI to a framebuffer. The rendered display updates are encoded and transmitted to a client for display. The encoded video stream, or a modified (e.g., reduced bit rate) version of the encoded video stream, may be transmitted to the client, such that the client can display the encoded video stream within the GUI. For example, the encoded video stream may be selectively transmitted to the client based on the performance capabilities of the client.
US09372736B2	Leveraging path information to generate predictions for parallel business processes Systems and methods for determining a representation of an execution trace include identifying at least one execution trace of a business process model, the business process model including parallel paths where a path influences an outcome of a decision. Path information of the business process model is determined using a processor, the path information including at least one of task execution order for each parallel path, task execution order across parallel paths, and dependency between parallel paths. A path representation for the at least one execution trace is selected based upon the path information to determine a representation of the at least one execution trace.
US09372734B2	Outage window scheduler tool An apparatus for determining a future outage window in which to perform work on a server may include an input for receiving historical performance data about at least one server, a non-transitory memory and a processor communicatively coupled to the input and the memory. The processor may be configured to use instructions stored in the memory to predict one or more likely future time windows to be recommended as possible outage windows in which to perform work on the server. The processor may analyze historical performance data about the at least one server to determine one or more historical time windows corresponding to low CPU utilization of the at least one server. In some cases, the processor may then predict one or more future time windows to be recommended for use as the outage window using, at least in part, the determined historical time windows.
US09372730B1	Method, system and computer readable medium for notification delivery In a system, method and computer readable medium for managing message delivery, message delivery jobs are dynamically prioritized into a plurality of priority queues based on a delivery timeframe for each job. A delivery manager controls delivery of the message delivery jobs through a number of delivery channels and ports. A priority manager reviews jobs pending in the queues. If the priority manager determines that a message delivery job will not be completed within its delivery timeframe, the priority manager assigns a higher priority to the message delivery job.
US09372724B2	System and method for conditional task switching during ordering scope transitions A data processing system includes a processor core and a hardware module. The processor core performs tasks on data packets. The hardware module stores a first ordering scope identifier at a first storage location of the ordering scope manager. The first ordering scope identifier indicates a first ordering scope that a first task is operating in. The ordering scope manager increments the first ordering scope identifier to create a new ordering scope identifier. In response to determining that the processor core is authorized to transition the first task from the first ordering scope to a second ordering scope associated with the new ordering scope identifier, the ordering scope manager provides hint information to the processor core. The processor core transitions from the first ordering scope to the second ordering scope without completing a task switch in response to the hint information.
US09372718B2	Virtualizable advanced synchronization facility A system and method for executing a transaction in a transactional memory system is disclosed. The system includes a processor of a plurality of processors coupled to shared memory, wherein the processor is configured to execute a section of code, including a plurality of memory access operations to the shared memory, as an atomic transaction relative to the execution of the plurality of processors. According to embodiments, the processor is configured to determine whether the memory access operations include any of a set of disallowed instructions, wherein the set includes one or more instructions that operate differently in a virtualized computing environment than in a native computing environment. If any of the memory access operations are ones of the disallowed instructions, then the processor aborts the transaction.
US09372713B2	Optimizing virtual storage size in a virtual computer system based on information related to virtual machines, user inputs and/or configuration parameters A method for optimizing virtual storage in a virtual computer system including at least one virtual machine, each virtual machine being associated with one or more virtual disks. A target set of virtual machines among the virtual machines comprised in the virtual computer system is determined based on information related to the virtual machines and on shrinking constraints. For each virtual machine in the target set of virtual machines, each virtual disk associated with the virtual machine is identified. Furthermore, for each virtual disk associated with the virtual machine, the following occurs: the virtual disk is analyzed, a virtual disk saving quantity based on the virtual disk analysis is estimated, a resized virtual disk based on the estimated virtual disk saving quantity is generated, and the current virtual disk is replaced with the resized virtual disk.
US09372699B2	System and method for processing requests to alter system security databases and firmware stores in a unified extensible firmware interface-compliant computing device A mechanism for allowing firmware in a UEFI-compliant device to implement the UEFI specification driver signing and Authenticated Variable elements while at the same time protecting the system security database holding the library of approved keys and lists of allowed and forbidden programs from unauthorized modifications is discussed.
US09372690B2	Analysis of data integration job A request for analysis of a data integration job is received that includes one or more features and criteria for the analysis. Each feature is extracted from a job model representing the job by invoking a corresponding analytical rule for each feature. The analytical rule includes one or more operations and invoking the analytical rule performs the operations to analyze one or more job components associated with the corresponding feature as represented in the job model and to extract information pertaining to that feature.
US09372685B1	Impact prediction of software change deployment on customer systems Analysis of the expected impacts of deployment of a software change as well as the frequency of end user use of features of an application can be used to better guide development of software changes.
US09372678B2	Compiler optimization for complex exponential calculations Technologies for optimizing complex exponential calculations include a computing device with optimizing compiler. The compiler parses source code, optimizes the parsed representation of the source code, and generates output code. During optimization, the compiler identifies a loop in the source code including a call to the exponential function having an argument that is a loop-invariant complex number multiplied by the loop index variable. The compiler tiles the loop to generate a pair of nested loops. The compiler generates code to pre-compute the exponential function and store the resulting values in a pair of coefficient arrays. The size of each coefficient array may be equal to the square root of the number of loop iterations. The compiler applies rewrite rules to replace the exponential function call with a multiplicative expression of one element from each of the coefficient arrays. Other embodiments are described and claimed.
US09372648B2	Image forming device capable of exchanging print data with another image forming device, and control method and storage medium therefor An image forming device capable of acquiring to-be-printed data from any of external image forming devices, without making inquiries about the presence or absence of the to-be-printed data to all the external image forming devices. An image forming apparatus receives, from another image forming apparatus that has received print data, bibliographic information containing identification information that identifies the another image forming apparatus, and registers the received bibliographic information. When receiving a bibliographic information acquisition request, the image forming apparatus transmits bibliographic information, among pieces of bibliographic information registered in the image forming apparatus, to the image forming apparatus that has transmitted the bibliographic information acquisition request.
US09372647B2	Image forming apparatus capable of printing image data associated with print right, method of controlling the same, and storage medium An image forming apparatus capable of providing security for print right-associated image data. An image forming apparatus is capable of communicating with a management server that manages print rights. When printing image data stored in the storage section, a CPU determines whether a print right is associated with the image data. Whenever it is determined that a print right is associated with image data, the CPU makes an inquiry of the management server about print permission of the image data associated with the print right. A printer section prints an image represented by the image data when a response from the management server indicates that the image data associated with the print right is permitted to be printed.
US09372646B2	Storage medium storing device registration program and method for device registration A device registration program causes a computer in a mobile terminal to function as a device detecting section, a designated device discriminating section, a display control section, and a device registration section. The device detecting section detects any devices communicable with the mobile terminal. The designated device discriminating section discriminates a device designated according to an orientation of the mobile terminal on the basis of location information and orientation information of the mobile terminal and location information of each of the detected devices. The display control section causes display of a list of icons indicating models of the detected devices and display of an icon of the discriminated device in a different manner than the other icons in the list. The device registration section registers the discriminated device.
US09372644B2	Sending a job processing notice to a social network contact In one embodiment, a directive is received at a computer system. The directive is to send to social network contacts of a sharer user, via a web application, processing information relating to print or scan jobs associated with the sharer user. Data is received, the data indicative of first processing of a print or scan job associated with the sharer user. A notice of the first processing is sent to a first social network contact of the sharer user via the web application.
US09372633B2	Indication of a destructive write via a notification from a disk drive that emulates blocks of a first block size within blocks of a second block size A disk drive receives a request to write at least one block of a first block size, wherein the disk drive is configured to store blocks of a second block size that is larger in size than the first block size. The disk drive stores a plurality of emulated blocks of the first block size in each block of the second block size. The disk drive generates a read error, in response to reading a selected block of the second block size in which the at least block of the first block size is to be written via an emulation. The disk drive performs a destructive write of selected emulated blocks of the first block size that caused the read error to be generated. The disk drive writes the at least one block of the first block size in the selected block of the second block size.
US09372628B1	Deduplication tracking for accurate lifespan prediction Various embodiments for predicting hardware lifespan by a processor device. For a solid state drive (SSD) device configured with data deduplication mechanisms, a useful remaining lifespan is estimated by examining actual drive write operations in view of prevented drive write operations, thereby obtaining trend information to be applied to at least one drive constant data to predict the useful remaining lifespan of the SSD drive device.
US09372625B2	Controller, data storage device, and data communication system having variable communication speed Apparatuses having variable communication speeds are disclose. In one example, an apparatus may comprise a controller configured to: receive a signal from a host, the signal being compatible with a data communication protocol at a first data communication speed; selectively implement a first data communication protocol from a plurality of data communication protocols to communicate with a first memory or implement a second data communication protocol from the plurality of data communication protocols to communicate with a second memory based on the data communication speed; store data in the first memory via the first data communication protocol when the data communication speed is a first speed; and store data in the second memory via the second data communication protocol when the data communication speed is a second speed that is different than the first speed.
US09372624B2	Control of virtual object using device touch interface functionality A virtual object can be controlled using one or more touch interfaces. A location for a first touch input can be determined on a first touch interface. A location for a second touch input can be determined on a second touch interface. A three-dimensional segment can be generated using the location of the first touch input, the location of the second touch input, and a pre-determined spatial relationship between the first touch interface and the second touch interface. The virtual object can be manipulated using the three-dimensional segment as a control input.
US09372617B2	Object control method and apparatus of user device An object control method and apparatus of the user device using hovering gestures are provided. The object control method includes displaying at least one object on a display screen, detecting a multi-finger hovering gesture for selecting the object on the display screen, activating a camera upon detection of the multi-finger hovering gesture, recognizing a hand in a picture input through the camera, and entering, when the hand disappears out of a viewing angle of the camera, a file transfer standby state for transmitting the selected object.
US09372615B2	Method and apparatus for touch input for electronic device An apparatus and a method for a touch screen in an electronic device. The method includes determining whether a constant touch input is detected. The method also includes, when a constant touch input is detected, determining whether an input of an additional key button of the device is detected. The method further includes, when the input of the additional key button is detected, performing a second function that is different than a first function of the additional key button. Since a separate new additional function may be intuitively performed besides a unique function of the additional key button by pressing the touch screen and the additional key button together, user convenience of the device increases.
US09372613B2	Scrolling method and electronic device thereof A method and an electronic device for scrolling a display on a touchscreen are disclosed. The scrolling method for the electronic device includes setting a scroll direction based on a first touch input movement direction, and scrolling a display image in the scroll direction, based on a second touch input movement distance, irrespective of a second touch input movement direction.
US09372611B2	Electronic device Disclosed is an electronic device. The electronic device comprises a display device; an input/output device which is separated from the display device and which operates as a means for providing visual information and as a means for inputting information through touch; and a controller which changes configuration setting value based on the touch on the input/output device, and which, upon receiving a predetermined form of touch through the input/output device, changes the sensitivity on the change of the configuration setting value relative to the touch on the input/output device.
US09372610B2	Media system controller interface Embodiments are provided for media playback controller interfaces, interface layouts, and interactions for facilitating a user's navigation and control of a media playback system. Implementation of a controller interface may involve displaying in an information window, content associated with a first tab at a position directly above the information window, displaying a second tab at a position directly below the information window, and in response to a first input, causing (i) the second tab to be displayed at a position directly below the first tab, (ii) the information window to be displayed at a position directly below the second tab, and (iii) the information window to display content associated with the second tab. Other configurations of tab and information window displays, some of which may be modified in response to user interactions with the controller interface, are also provided.
US09372609B2	Asset-based animation timelines An asset-based animation timeline is provided that displays information for a selected visual asset, such as information associated with one or more motion effects which are applied to the asset. Because the asset-based animation timeline is configured to provide information for only the selected visual asset, complexities associated with overlapping assets, sequential assets, and large numbers of assets are eliminated. The asset-based animation timelines disclosed herein can be configured to provide direct access to tools that allow a user to manipulate the motion effects that are applied to a given asset and to add additional motion effects to a selected asset. Animation timelines for other assets included in a given animation production can be accessed by selecting a different asset from an animation canvas. A user can interact with the various asset-based animation timelines disclosed herein using gestures, thus making such embodiments particularly well-suited for implementation using a touch-based interface.
US09372604B2	Adaptive intervals in navigating content and/or media The present embodiments provide methods and apparatuses for use in navigating through content. Some embodiments provide methods for use in navigating through content that receive an initial first directional control command, activate a seek mode upon receipt of the initial first directional control command comprising advancing over a first amount of content in a first direction from a first point in the content to a second point in the content, receive an initial second directional control command following the receipt of the initial first directional command, and activate a search mode upon receipt of the initial second directional control command, comprising advancing back over a second amount of the first amount of the content where the second amount is less than the first amount of the content.
US09372603B2	Data sampling method for determining salient values in a large data stream Techniques are disclosed for presenting users with relevant data and statistics related to the operations of an industrial system. Data obtained by a SCADA system may be stored in a real-time status database (which reflects the current process data of the industrial system) and a historian database (which archives the process data from the industrial system as it changes over time). A user may request from the SCADA system process data obtained during a specified period of time. The request may be subdivided into a plurality of time intervals, and process data associated with each time interval may be analyzed to determine one or more salient values that are representative of the interval. The salient values associated with each time interval then may be transmitted to the user in response to the process data request.
US09372600B2	Screen display method and apparatus of a mobile terminal A screen display method and apparatus of a mobile terminal is provided for changing a screen represented by an index to another screen represented by a newly selected index. A screen display method of a mobile terminal includes displaying a page represented by an index, the page including an index region having a plurality of indices and a content region displaying content corresponding to the index highlighted in the index region, selecting a new index in the index region according to a selection input, and changing the page represented by the highlighted index for a new page represented by the new index, the new page appearing in a direction from a position of the new index to a position of the highlighted index.
US09372590B2	Magnifier panning interface for natural input devices A magnifier movement system is described herein that provides a more user-friendly experience for users of natural input devices when moving the magnifier and interacting with magnified user interface elements. The system receives an indication that a user has touched the screen with a natural input device at a particular location. The system displays a drag control for moving the magnifier, but does not move the magnifier unless the user selects the drag control and moves the natural input device. If the drag control is unselected and the system receives additional natural input, then the system passes the input on to the magnified application. Thus, the magnifier movement system provides a more satisfying user experience for users of natural input-based computer systems and screen magnifiers.
US09372588B2	Pressure-sensitive multi-touch device A pressure-sensitive multi-touch device is provided. The multi-touch device includes a matrix of pressure-sensitive cells, each pressure-sensitive cell configured to change a resistance of the cell inversely proportional to an amount of force applied to that cell. The multi-touch device further includes a force-spreading layer configured to diffuse a force of a touch input at a contact area to two or more pressure-sensitive cells within the matrix of pressure-sensitive cells.
US09372583B2	Display device having a touch screen and method of driving the same A display device including a touch screen and method of driving the same are provided. In a method of driving display device including a touch screen, the display device including a panel including a plurality of gate lines, and a plurality of electrodes respectively corresponding to the plurality of gate lines, the method includes: applying, by a touch sensing unit, a touch scan signal to a display driving unit, applying, by the display driving unit: a gate signal to a subset of the plurality of gate lines, a common voltage to a first subset of the plurality of electrodes, corresponding to the subset of the plurality of gate lines, and a touch scan signal to a second subset of the plurality of electrodes, other than the first subset of the plurality of electrodes.
US09372582B2	Self-capacitance measurement In one embodiment, a method includes modifying an amount of charge of a capacitance of a touch sensor. The modified amount of charge resulting in a voltage at the capacitance being a first pre-determined voltage level. The method also includes applying a first pre-determined amount of charge to the capacitance. The application of the first pre-determined amount of charge to the capacitance modifying the voltage at the capacitance from the first pre-determined voltage level to a first charging voltage level. The method also includes determining a first difference between the first charging voltage level and a reference voltage level; and determining whether a touch input to the touch sensor has occurred based on the first difference.
US09372581B2	Interference estimation and adaptive reconfiguration of a capacitive touch controller Adaptive reconfiguration of a capacitive touch controller is implemented by estimating the interference spectrum of the signal received by the touch controller. The spectrum of the received signal is used to determine a desired frequency, and the touch panel transmitter is configured to use that desired frequency. The spectrum of the received signal is also used to determine an desired filter transfer function. A filter in the touch panel received signal path is configured to use that desired filter transfer function. The adaptive reconfiguration is focused on improving the signal to noise ratio of the received signal without the need for shielding the touch panel, performing additional scans of the touch panel, or using components that operate at higher power levels.
US09372579B2	Touchscreen electrode arrangement A touchscreen display assembly has an array of first electrodes distributed across an active area of the touchscreen display assembly such that the density of first electrodes increases in a first direction across the touchscreen. An array of second electrodes is distributed across an active area of the touchscreen display assembly such that the density of second electrodes decreases in the first direction across the touchscreen. The position in the first direction of an input on the touchscreen can be determined by the proportion of first and second electrodes density in the area of the input.
US09372569B2	Liquid crystal display device with a built-in touch panel A difference between a length Ls of a slit and a length Ld of a dummy electrode is within ±15% of the length Ld. A difference between a length Le in the first direction of a portion between the slits adjacent to each other in the first direction in a detection electrode and the length Ld of the dummy electrode is within ±15% of the length Ld. A difference between a width Ws of the slit and a gap Dde between the dummy electrode and the detection electrode adjacent to each other in the second direction is within ±15% of the gap Dde. A difference between a width We in the second direction of a portion obtained by dividing the detection electrode by the slit and a width Wd of the dummy electrode is within ±15% of the width Wd.
US09372545B2	Mobile terminal and method of controlling therefor The present invention relates to a wearable mobile terminal of a glasses form enabling a user to more conveniently use the terminal and a method of controlling therefor. According to at least one of embodiments of the present invention, various functions of the wearable mobile terminal can be executed based on a simple and easy gesture of the user.
US09372543B2	Presentation interface in a virtual collaboration session Systems and methods for a presentation interface in a virtual collaboration session. In some embodiments, a method may include receiving, from a gesture capture system, an indication of a body movement performed by a participant of a virtual collaboration session; receiving, from a drawing control system, an indication of a drawing characteristic associated with the participant of the virtual collaboration session, and identifying an intent of the participant based upon a combination of the indications.
US09372540B2	Method and electronic device for gesture recognition Provided are a method and an electronic device for gesture recognition capable of dividing a display into a plurality of display regions assigned to a plurality of users, recognizing gestures of the plurality of users, and controlling the display regions assigned to the users who have made a gesture according to the recognized gestures. The method for gesture recognition includes: dividing a display into a plurality of display regions assigned to a plurality of users; recognizing gestures made by the plurality of users, respectively; and controlling the plurality of display regions respectively assigned to the plurality of users who have made the gestures according to the respective recognized gestures.
US09372534B2	Interactive wearable videogame through the use of wireless electronic sensors and physical objects The invention is an interactive wearable video game (1), in which one or more players interact with physical objects through physical actions/contact/physiological signals to control a video game. The apparatus includes a series of wireless electronic sensors (7 to 16) to be placed in the user's body/surrounding environment, detecting the user's input actions in real time—output result is visualized on a binocular see-through display glasses system (2). The invention allows for the players to move around by connecting with the physical space, and to use their full bodies to control the game, exercise and share interactions. It allows for the connection between both virtual and physical realities—mixed reality concept by augmenting the user's perceptions among the surrounding environment. Users can either communicate from maximum physical proximity through a Web connection. The invention is rechargeable by converting produced solar energy into electric energy.
US09372533B1	Facial movement measurement and stimulation apparatus and method An illustrative embodiment of a facial movement measurement and stimulation apparatus includes at least one facial movement sensor adapted to sense facial movement in a subject and a wearable computing device interfacing with the facial movement sensor or sensors and adapted to receive at least one signal from the facial movement sensor or sensors and indicate facial movement of the subject on a display of the wearable computing device. A facial movement measurement and stimulation method utilizing the wearable computing device is also disclosed.
US09372528B2	Universal serial bus (USB) 3.0 compatible host with lower operation power consumption and method for reducing operation power consumption of a USB 3.0 compatible host A USB 3.0 host with low power consumption includes a super speed circuit, a non-super speed circuit, and a control module. The super speed circuit is used for transmitting data at a first transmission speed. A default state of the super speed circuit is turning-off. The non-super speed circuit is used for transmitting data at a second transmission speed, a third transmission speed, or a fourth transmission speed. The first transmission speed is faster than the second transmission speed, the third transmission speed, and the fourth transmission speed. The control module is used for detecting whether a USB peripheral device is connected to the USB 3.0 host, and controlling turning-on and turning-off of the super speed circuit.
US09372522B2	Overvoltage protection systems and method A power supply system and method are disclosed. The system includes a power supply to generate an output voltage in response to a pulse-width modulation (PWM) signal and a DC main voltage. The system also includes an AC/DC converter to generate the DC main voltage based on an AC input voltage. The system further includes a power supply controller to generate the PWM signal based on feedback associated with the output voltage. The power supply controller includes a fault controller to detect an overvoltage condition associated with the power supply and to cause the AC/DC converter to disable the DC main voltage in response to the overvoltage condition.
US09372521B2	Systems and methods for providing auxiliary reserve current for powering information handling systems Systems and methods are disclosed for providing auxiliary reserve current to power a system load of an information handing system using an auxiliary energy storage power source as an energy cache to selectably provide auxiliary reserve current to at least partially supplement the normal operating power supply (e.g., battery pack, AC adapter, AC/DC power source, etc.) of an information handling system during temporary times of increased current need by the system load of the information handling system.
US09372509B2	Touch panel A touch panel includes a substrate, first electrodes, second electrodes, third electrodes, and fourth electrodes. The substrate includes a first touch region, a second touch region, and a first touch folding region disposed between the first touch region and the second touch region. The first electrodes extending from the first touch region to the first touch folding region and the second electrodes are disposed in the first touch region on the substrate. The third electrodes extending from the second touch region to the first touch folding region and the fourth electrodes are disposed in the second touch region on the substrate. The first electrodes and the third electrodes are not intersected with one another. A ratio of any side length of the touch panel to a distance between the first touch region and the second touch region is between 9.5 and 95.
US09372505B2	Displays with polarizer windows and opaque masking layers for electronic devices An electronic device may have a display. Inactive portions of the display such as peripheral portions of the display may be masked using an opaque masking layer. An opening may be provided in the opaque masking layer to allow light to pass. For example, a logo may be viewed through an opening in the opaque masking layer and a camera may receive light through an opening in the opaque masking layer. The display may include upper and lower polarizers, a color filter layer, and a thin-film transistor layer. The opaque masking layer may be formed on the upper polarizer, may be interposed between the upper polarizer and the color filter layer, or may be interposed between the color filter layer and the thin-film transistor layer. The upper polarizer may have unpolarized windows for cameras, logos, or other internal structures.
US09372495B2	dB-linear voltage-to-current converter A dB-linear voltage-to-current (V/I) converter is amenable to implementation in CMOS technology. In a representative embodiment, the dB-linear V/I converter has a voltage scaler, a current multiplier, and an exponential current converter serially connected to one another. The voltage scaler supplies an input current to the current multiplier based on an input voltage. The current multiplier multiplies the input current and a current proportional to absolute temperature and supplies the resulting current to the exponential current converter. The exponential current converter has a differential MOSFET pair operating in a sub-threshold mode and generating an output current that is proportional to a temperature-independent, exponential function of the input voltage.
US09372494B2	Current regulator The present application describes a current regulator for providing a regulated current from an input voltage. The current regulator comprises a voltage regulator circuit, operable to provide a regulated voltage, which comprises a plurality of Zener diodes connected in parallel.
US09372491B2	Maintaining the resistor divider ratio during start-up Circuits and methods to maintain a resistive voltage divider ratio during start-up of an electronic circuit comprising a feed-forward capacitor across a feedback resistor using a dynamic start-up circuit are disclosed as e.g. a LDO or an amplifier. In a preferred embodiment of the disclosure is applied to an LDO. Modification of the resistive voltage divider ratio caused by the feed-forward capacitor during start-up is prevented while the voltage level of a voltage access point of the voltage divider on the feed-forward capacitor is maintained. A start-up circuit comprises a start-up capacitor and a start-up comparator.
US09372488B1	Method and apparatus for managing oxygen generating system A controller device for managing an oxygen generating system. The controller device is configured to: receive a first pressure signal associated with a first pressure; determine the first pressure to be less than or equal to a startup threshold pressure, said first pressure associated with a pressure of an oil-less tank; send a signal to switch a first circuit on, said first circuit for providing electrical power to a bank of oxygen generators; send a signal to switch a second circuit on, said second circuit for providing electrical power to an oil-less air compressor; receive a second pressure signal associated with a second pressure; determine the second pressure to be greater than or equal to a shutoff threshold pressure, said second pressure associated with a pressure of the oil-less tank; send a signal to switch the first circuit off; and send a signal to switch the second circuit off.
US09372480B2	Method for configuring a communication interface module in a control or automation system A method and system for configuring at least one communication interface module in a control or automation system includes a communication interface module for coupling at least two field bus systems. At least one first functional unit integrated in the communication interface module implements a connection to a configured superordinate controller via a first communication link on the basis of a first field bus protocol. At least one second functional unit integrated in the communication interface module implements a connection for field devices via a second communication link on the basis of a second field bus protocol. At least one further, third functional unit integrated in the communication interface module is configured to connect further field devices via input and/or output functionalities integrated in the communication interface module, and at least one serial interface integrated in the communication interface module can be used to configure the communication interface module.
US09372478B2	Control system for a power application A control system for a power application is provided, including a control module and a configuration tool. The control module is in communication with the power application. The control module includes control logic for controlling the power application by a plurality of frame states. All of the frame states are executed within a period of time referred to as a frame rate. The control module includes control logic for allotting an adjustable amount of time for each of the frame states. The configuration tool is in communication with the control module. The configuration tool includes control logic for modifying the adjustable amount of time of each of the plurality of frame states without modifying the frame rate.
US09372465B2	Cooling device and image forming apparatus including same A recording-material cooling device is disposed downstream from a fixing device in a transport direction of a recording material. The fixing device includes a fixing member and a pressing member to fix an unfixed toner image on the recording material. The recording-material cooling device includes a first cooling unit disposed at a same side as the pressing member relative to the recording material, a second cooling unit disposed at a same side as the fixing member relative to the recording material, and a third cooling unit disposed at the same side as the pressing member relative to the recording material. The first cooling unit, the second cooling unit, and the third cooling unit are arranged in an order of the first cooling unit, the second cooling unit, and the third cooling unit from upstream to downstream in the transport direction of the recording material.
US09372461B2	Determination apparatus for determining type of recording medium A transmission unit transmits an ultrasonic wave by a drive signal being supplied to two terminals. A reception unit receives the ultrasonic wave transmitted from the transmission unit and to output a reception signal from two terminals in accordance with the received ultrasonic wave. A change unit changes a determination scheme for determining a type of a recording medium, based on information indicating a relation between a polar character of the transmission unit and a polar character of the reception unit, the information having been acquired from the reception signal.
US09372457B2	Fixing device and image forming apparatus A fixing device includes a fixing belt, a pressuring member, a heat source, a pressing member, a heating stop device, shape restricting members and biasing members. The fixing belt is provided to be rotatable around a rotation axis. The pressing member is provided to be rotatable and to come into pressure contact with the fixing belt so as to form a fixing nip. The heat source heats the fixing belt. The pressing member presses the fixing belt to a side of the pressuring member. The heating stop device faces an outer circumferential face of the fixing belt and to operate at an operating temperature so as to stop the heat source from heating the fixing belt. The shape restricting members are attached to both end parts of the fixing belt and restricts a shape of the fixing belt.
US09372454B2	Fixing device comprising heat insulating member interposed between rotating member and bearing and rotated around rotation axis and image forming apparatus including the same A fixing device includes a rotating member, a bearing and a heat insulating member. The rotating member fixes a toner image onto a recording medium. The bearing rotatably supports the rotating member. The heat insulating member is interposed between the rotating member and the bearing and rotated around a rotation axis. A notch part is arranged in a portion in a circumferential direction of the heat insulating member so as to continue from an end part at an inside to an end part at an outside in a direction of the rotation axis. At least one groove part is formed in a contact portion with the rotating member or the bearing in a circumference face of the heat insulating member.
US09372450B2	Image forming apparatus An image forming apparatus includes: heating and pressing rollers for fixing a toner image; a contacting and spacing portion for contacting and spacing between the rollers; an air feeder for cooling the pressing roller during a job; a guide for the sheet having been subjected to an image fixing process; an acquiring portion for acquiring the temperature of the guide: and an executing portion for executing a warming-up process of the heating roller and the pressing roller to raise the temperatures of the heating roller and the pressing roller. The executing portion controls the contacting and spacing portion and the air feeder so that the air is fed toward the guide through between the heating roller and the pressing roller at least in a part of the warming-up process, when the temperature is lower than a predetermined temperature upon activation of a main voltage source.
US09372448B2	Image heating apparatus An image heating apparatus includes: first and second rollers; an external heating unit including a heating belt, first and second supporting rollers for urging the belt toward the first roller, an urging member for urging the first supporting roller away from the second supporting roller, a holder for the first and second supporting rollers and for permitting movement of the first supporting roller relative to the second supporting roller, and a temperature sensor, provided interposing the belt between itself and the first supporting roller; and a moving mechanism for moving the unit between a first position where the belt contacts the first roller and a second position where the belt does not. The temperature sensor is disposed such that the detected temperature at a predetermined position between the first position and the second position is higher than those at the first position and the second position.
US09372446B2	Image forming apparatus An image forming apparatus includes a photosensitive drum; a charger; an intermediary transfer belt; a transfer member; a constant voltage element; a switch for selectively providing a first state using the constant voltage element and a second state not using the constant voltage element; a voltage source for applying a current to the constant voltage element by applying a voltage of a second polarity opposite the first polarity to the transfer member to form a secondary electric field in the secondary-transfer position and a primary electric field in the primary transfer position; and a controller for executing an adjustment applying the second polarity voltage to the transfer member when neither the primary-transfer operation nor the secondary-transfer is carried out, wherein the controller provides the second state using the switching portion in a period in which the second polarity voltage is applied to the transfer member.
US09372437B2	Developing device having developer coating regulation A developing device includes a developer sleeve, a regulating portion including an edge portion at a closest position to a surface of the sleeve or a flat portion tilted, at the closest position, by an angle of 2 degrees or less relative to a contact flat plane contacting the surface of the sleeve, and a rectifying portion connected with the edge or flat portion. The rectifying portion has a concavely curved surface such that a rate of a decrease in a gap between the rectifying portion and the contact flat plane increases toward a downstream side of the developer feeding direction and is formed by smoothly connecting rectilinear or curved lines each of 0.2 mm or less except for the edge portion so that the gap between the rectifying portion and the contact flat plane monotonically decreases toward the downstream side of the developer feeding direction.
US09372435B2	Toner carrier A toner carrier includes a metal core, a barrel formed on an outer circumference of the metal core and including at least an elastic layer, and a coating formed on outer circumferences of both ends of the barrel. The coating has a thickness and a width of an outer circumference of the coating is different from a width of an inner circumference of the coating. The width is from an end surface of the barrel along an axis of the barrel, and the width of the outer circumference is larger than the width of the inner circumference so that the end surface of the coating is reversely inclined.
US09372433B2	Electrostatic latent image forming method, electrostatic latent image forming apparatus, and image forming apparatus An electrostatic latent image forming method for forming, on an image carrier, an electrostatic latent image that has a pattern where there are an irradiated area and a not-irradiated area in a mixed manner, the electrostatic latent image forming method comprises; adjusting an exposure condition of an irradiated area that is included in the irradiated area and is adjacent to the not-irradiated area so that an electric field intensity of an electrostatic latent image that corresponds to the not-irradiated area is increased so as to prevent adhesion of a developer, and irradiating the image carrier with light under the adjusted exposure condition.
US09372427B1	Cleaning member, assembled member, and image forming apparatus Provided is a cleaning member, including a shaft portion, a foam elastic layer that is disposed helically from one end side in an axial direction to the other end side in the axial direction on an outer circumferential surface of the shaft portion, and an adhesive layer that adheres the shaft portion to the foam elastic layer, wherein the foam elastic layer is subjected to a compression process in a radial direction of the shaft portion at a portion of a circumferential direction at an end portion in the axial direction of the shaft portion, and a circumferential direction coverage width of a non-compressed region at the end portion in the axial direction which is subjected to the compression process is wider than a circumferential direction coverage width at a center portion in the axial direction of the shaft portion.
US09372426B2	Ferrite particle having outer shell structure, ferrite carrier core material for electrophotographic developer, and electrophotographic developer It is an object of the present invention to provide a ferrite particle having a low apparent density, and being capable of maintaining various properties thereof in controllable states and filling a fixed volume in a small weight thereof, a ferrite carrier core material and a ferrite carrier for an electrophotographic developer using the ferrite particle, and the like. In order to achieve the object, there are employed the ferrite particle having a porous structure in the interior thereof and an outer shell structure on the outer periphery thereof, the ferrite carrier core material and the ferrite carrier for an electrophotographic developer using the ferrite particle, and an electrophotographic developer using the ferrite carrier.
US09372424B2	Toner A magnetic toner contains magnetic toner particles and silica fine particles. The magnetic toner has a thermal conductivity in the range of 0.230 to 0.270 W/(m·K). Primary particles of the silica fine particles have a number-average particle diameter (D1) in the range of 5 to 20 nm. The coverage X1 of the magnetic toner surface by the silica fine particles ranges from 40% to 75% by area as determined using an X-ray photoelectron spectrometer (ESCA). The diffusion index (X1/X2) satisfies the following formula: Diffusion index≧−0.0042×X1+0.62 wherein X2 denotes the theoretical coverage of the magnetic toner surface by the silica fine particles.
US09372403B2	Chemically amplified photosensitive resin composition and method for producing resist pattern using the same A chemically amplified photosensitive resin composition including a compound represented by formula (1) and/or formula (4), a resin having an acid-dissociative dissolution-controlling group whose solubility in alkali increases under the action of an acid or an alkali-soluble resin, a photoacid generator, and an organic solvent, in which the solid concentration is 40% by mass to 65% by mass. R1, R2, and R3 independently represent a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group, R4 represents a group represented by formula (2) or (3), and R5 and R6 represent a monovalent hydrocarbon group which may have a substituent.
US09372401B2	Method of forming micropatterns A method of forming micropatterns separated over a misalignment margin includes forming a first mold pattern including a main pattern and a separation-assist pattern, forming a first spacer mask having a first width around the first mold pattern, forming a second mold pattern using the first spacer mask as an etch mask, forming a second spacer mask having a second width around the second mold pattern, and forming a target pattern using the second spacer mask as an etch mask.
US09372399B2	Imprint lithography method and imprintable medium An imprint lithography method is disclosed for reducing a difference between an intended topography and an actual topography arising from a part of a patterned layer of fixed imprintable medium. The method involves imprinting an imprint lithography template into a layer of flowable imprintable medium to form a patterned layer in the imprintable medium, and fixing the imprintable medium to form a patterned layer of fixed imprintable medium. Local excitation is applied to the part of the patterned layer to adjust a chemical reaction in the part of the patterned layer to reduce the difference between the intended topography and the actual topography arising from the part of the fixed patterned layer of imprintable medium when this is subsequently used as a resist for patterning the substrate. An imprint medium suitable for imprint lithography with the method is also disclosed.
US09372392B2	Reticles for use in forming implant masking layers and methods of forming implant masking layers In one example, a reticle disclosed herein includes a body having a center, an arrangement of a plurality of exposure patterns, wherein a center of the arrangement is offset from the center of the body, and at least one open feature defined on or through the body of the reticle. In another example, a method is disclosed that includes forming a layer of photoresist above a plurality of functional die and a plurality of incomplete die, exposing the photoresist material positioned above at least one of the functional die and/or at least one of the incomplete die, performing an incomplete die exposure processes via an open feature of the reticle to expose substantially all of the photoresist material positioned above the plurality of incomplete die, and developing the photoresist to remove the portions of the photoresist material positioned above the incomplete die.
US09372390B2	Thermal processor employing radiant heater A thermal processor including a rotatable hollow drum including a drum core having an interior surface and an exterior surface, and a radiant heater positioned within an interior of the drum and configured to provide radiant energy to heat the drum, wherein at least one radiant energy absorption characteristic of the interior of the drum varies across its longitudinal width Wd so that selected areas of the interior of the drum absorb more radiant energy than other areas of the interior of the drum so as to compensate for non-uniform heat loss from the drum and to provide the exterior surface of the drum core at a desired temperature which is substantially uniform across the longitudinal width of the drum core.
US09372376B2	Liquid crystal display device and manufacturing method thereof A method of manufacturing a liquid crystal display device having a substrate with a display area, a control area adjacent to the display area, and terminals. The method includes forming an interlayer insulating film and an a-Si film below an image signal line in the display area and below a line in the same layer as the image signal line in the control area, forming a scribing line outside the terminals, forming a ground line in the same layer as the scan line outside the scribing line, forming the interlayer insulating film outside the terminal, without forming the a-Si film on the interlayer insulating film, forming a static electricity protection line coupled to the terminal on the interlayer insulating film, the static electricity protection line being coupled to other static electricity protection lines outside the ground line, and, after the steps above, separating the substrate along the scribing line.
US09372373B2	Liquid crystal device, driving method thereof, and electronic apparatus capable of improving display quality by suppressing occurrence of display defect In a liquid crystal device according to the embodiment of the invention, a high potential and a low potential relative to the counter electrode potential are alternately applied to the pixel electrode through the switching element. Here, the counter electrode potential is set to be lower than a reference potential, when the reference potential is an electric potential which is obtained by shifting an average electric potential between the high potential and the low potential by an average value between an amount of change in an electric potential of the pixel electrode, caused by a parasitic capacitance of the switching element when the high potential is being applied to the pixel electrode, and an amount of change in the electric potential of the pixel electrode caused by the parasitic capacitance when the low potential is being applied to the pixel electrode.
US09372372B2	Liquid crystal display device A liquid crystal display device includes a first substrate and a second substrate. The first substrate includes a gate line and an auxiliary capacitance line extending in a first direction, a source line extending in a second direction orthogonally crossing the first direction, and a pixel electrode having a main pixel electrode arranged on the auxiliary capacitance line and extending in the first direction. The second substrate includes a common electrode having a main common electrode arranged above the gate line and extending in the first direction. A liquid crystal layer is held between the first substrate and the second substrate having liquid crystal molecules. The liquid crystal molecules are initially aligned in the first direction in a splay alignment state between the first substrate and the second substrate in a state where electric field is not formed between the pixel electrode and the common electrode.
US09372371B2	Liquid crystal display panel, and liquid crystal display device The present invention provides a liquid crystal display panel which is capable of providing a sufficiently high response speed and an excellent transmittance, and a liquid crystal display device. The liquid crystal display panel of the present invention includes a first substrate, a second substrate, and a liquid crystal layer disposed between the substrates. The first substrate and the second substrate have electrodes. The electrodes of the second substrate include a pair of comb-shaped electrodes and a slit-formed electrode.
US09372369B2	Liquid crystal panel and manufacturing method thereof A manufacturing method for a liquid crystal panel, comprising: coating a photoresist layer on a substrate; utilizing a first exposure energy and a first mask for executing a first exposure process to form a spacing column having a first height, wherein, the first mask has a first light transparent area corresponding to a dark area; utilizing a second exposure energy and a second mask for executing a second exposure process to form a spacing column having a second height, wherein, the second mask has a second light transparent area corresponding to the dark area, and the second height is greater than the first height; and removing an unexposed portion of the photoresist layer. Through above way, the present invention can improve the pixel transmittance of the dark area in order to reduce or eliminate the dark area.
US09372368B2	Display panel, display device using the same, and method for manufacturing display panel A display panel, a display device using the same, and a method for manufacturing a display panel are provided. The display panel includes a first substrate (25) and a second substrate (26) disposed oppositely, and spacers located between the first substrate (25) and the second substrate (26). Each of the spacers includes a first part (21) and a second part (22) at locations corresponding to each other, the first part (21) is located on the first substrate (25), the second part (22) is located on the second substrate (26), both the first part (21) and the second part (22) are magnetic bodies, and top ends of the first part (21) and the second part (22) at the locations corresponding to each other contact with each other and have opposite magnetic poles.
US09372366B2	Display device A first substrate includes a first insulating substrate. A first organic insulating film is arranged on the first substrate in a circumference area outside an active area. The first organic insulating film includes a first surface and a first concave portion in the circumference area. A second substrate includes a second insulating substrate. A circumference color filter is laminated on a circumference shield layer and includes a second concave portion arranged facing the first concave portion. The second concave portion spreads toward the first substrate. A second organic insulating film covers the circumference color filter and includes a second surface and a third concave portion covering the second concave portion. A seal material is arranged between the first surface and the second surface, and between the first concave portion and the third concave portion to attach the first substrate and the second substrate.
US09372365B2	Liquid crystal display device A liquid crystal display device is provided in which color unevenness can be reduced and inhibited in the peripheral display area even when the display device has a narrow frame. In the liquid crystal display device, liquid crystal sandwiched between a TFT substrate and a CF substrate and sealed by a seal is disposed in a frame portion. The CF substrate has a BM, a color resist film, an OC, an alignment film, and a wall that inhibits the alignment film from expanding outward. In the area where the wall is disposed, the BM and color resist film on the CF substrate are removed.
US09372357B2	Liquid crystal display An exemplary embodiment of the present invention provides a liquid crystal display including: a liquid crystal panel configured to display an image; a light unit configured to supply light to the liquid crystal panel; and a bottom chassis configured to accommodate the light unit and the liquid crystal panel, wherein the bottom chassis includes an accommodator configured to accommodate the light unit and the liquid crystal panel, and a flange formed outside the accommodator, and the flange is formed at the same position as a bottom surface of the bottom chassis.
US09372346B2	Directional light beams for angle detection An angular detection arrangement for a head mountable display (HMD) comprising a light source or reflective marking and an optical detector, one of the light source or reflective marking and the optical detector being disposed at the HMD and the other being disposed at a fixed point, the light source or reflective marking comprising a directional light source or reflective marking and a substantially non-directional light source or reflective marking such that the separation between the directional and non-directional light sources or reflective markings as detected at the optical detector is dependent upon the relative orientation of the HMD and the fixed point.
US09372343B2	Head-up display, vehicle and controlling method of head-up display A head-up display including a casing, a control circuit board, a display panel, and a plate is provided. The control circuit board is disposed in the casing. The display panel is disposed in the casing and electrically connected to the control circuit board. The plate is fixed to the casing and covers the display panel. The transmittance of the plate is capable of being changed, so that an image displayed on the display panel is projected out through the plate, or external light is stopped from illuminating the display panel through the plate. A vehicle having the head-up display and a controlling method of the head-up display are provided as well.
US09372337B2	Wavelength variable interference filter, manufacturing method of wavelength variable interference filter, optical filter device, optical module, and electronic apparatus A movable substrate of a wavelength variable interference filter includes a movable portion and a groove which is provided outside of the movable portion, in a plan view when the movable substrate is seen from a substrate thickness direction, the groove includes a bottom surface having an even groove depth dimension and a side surface which is continued to the bottom surface, and the side surface is configured with arc-like first curved surface portion and second curved surface portion, in a cross-sectional view when the movable substrate is cut along the substrate thickness direction.
US09372334B2	Microscope and method for fluorescence imaging microscopy A microscope for fluorescence imaging microscopy, in particular for wide-field fluorescence microscopy, including a pulsed light source (1) and an imaging detector (11), is characterized in that means for gating are provided, and in that the gating causes the light source (1) and the detector (11) to be synchronized in order to suppress reflected/scattered light such that suitable fluorescence components are used for evaluation and unsuitable components are rejected. Furthermore, a method is used to perform fluorescence imaging microscopy using the microscope according to the present invention.
US09372321B2	Optical element, holding structure therefor, and optical device An optical element has a first surface, a second surface on the opposite side of the first surface, an optical surface, and a protruding part. The protruding part is held in a prescribed position by being in contact with a holding member. The protruding part comprises a first protruding part and a second protruding part. The first protruding part comprises a first contact part that is a convex circular arc shape on at least one longitudinal plane and partly comes into contact with the holding member. The second protruding part comprises a second contact part that is a convex circular arc shape on at least one longitudinal plane and partly comes into contact with the holding member. A circular arc constitutes the first contact part and a circular arc that constitutes the second contact part are present in at least one cross-section that passes through a contact point between the first contact part and the holding member as well as a contact point between the second contact part and the holding member, and the center of the circular arc that constitutes the first contact part is aligned with the center of the circular arc that constitutes the second protruding part.
US09372316B2	Silicon interface for dielectric slab waveguide The present disclosure relates to an integrated chip having coupling elements that couple electromagnetic radiation having a frequency outside of the visible spectrum between a silicon substrate and a dielectric waveguide overlying the silicon substrate. In some embodiments, the integrated chip has a dielectric waveguide disposed within an inter-level dielectric (ILD) material overlying a semiconductor substrate. A first coupling element couples a first electrical signal generated by a driver circuit disposed within the semiconductor substrate to a first end of the dielectric waveguide as electromagnetic radiation having a frequency outside of the visible spectrum. A second coupling element couples the electromagnetic radiation from a second end of the dielectric waveguide to a second electrical signal. By coupling electromagnetic radiation having a frequency outside of the visible spectrum to and from the dielectric waveguide, the disclosed integrated chip is able to overcome a number of drawbacks of optical integrated waveguides.
US09372308B1	Arrays of integrated analytical devices and methods for production Arrays of integrated analytical devices and their methods for production are provided. The arrays are useful in the analysis of highly multiplexed optical reactions in large numbers at high densities, including biochemical reactions, such as nucleic acid sequencing reactions. The integrated devices allow the highly sensitive discrimination of optical signals using features such as spectra, amplitude, and time resolution, or combinations thereof. The arrays and methods of the invention make use of silicon chip fabrication and manufacturing techniques developed for the electronics industry and highly suited for miniaturization and high throughput.
US09372306B1	Method of achieving acceptable performance in and fabrication of a monolithic photonic integrated circuit (PIC) with integrated arrays of laser sources and modulators employing an extended identical active layer (EIAL) A method provides acceptable performance from a semiconductor transmitter photonic integrated circuit (TxPIC) that contains a plurality of modulated sources each comprising a laser source and an external modulator where each laser source provides a different emission wavelength and each modulated source forms a separate signal channel, comprising the steps of providing at least some of the signal channels with an extended identical active layer (EIAL) so that the modulated sources each have an identical active region wavelength and detuning the laser emission wavelength in each laser source within the EIAL from the laser active region wavelength.
US09372304B2	Apparatus for alignment of a multicore fiber in a multifiber connector and method of using same A multicore fiber alignment apparatus is described, having a chassis into which is mounted ferrule-holding means for holding a multicore fiber ferrule having one or more capillaries extending therethrough. Fiber-holding means for holding one or more multicore fibers in position to be mounted into the ferrule, such that each multicore fiber extends through a respective ferrule capillary. Means are provided for monitoring the rotation angle of each multicore fiber within its respective capillary, relative to a reference rotational orientation. Means are further provided for rotating each of the multicore fibers within its respective capillary. The rotational orientation of each multicore fiber is fixed when its rotation angle is equal to zero.
US09372302B2	Backlight simulating device The present invention provides a backlight simulating device comprising a light source simulating portion, an optical component simulating portion, a first distance measuring unit, and a second distance measuring unit. Multiple movable light-emitting members are equipped to the light source simulating portion. The optical component simulating portion is disposed adjacent to a light-emitting surface of each of the light-emitting members. The optical component simulating portion includes a light guide panel whose position can be changed relative to the light-emitting members. The first distance measuring unit acquires a distance between adjacent two of the light-emitting members. The second distance measuring unit acquires a distance between the light-emitting members and the light guide panel.
US09372296B2	Optically anisotropic film An optically anisotropic film which is superior in light leakage suppression in black display is provided. An optically anisotropic film is provided, which has a refractive index relation of nx>nz>ny, wherein nx−nz is less than 0.005, and nz−ny is less than 0.004, wherein nz represents a refractive index in the thickness direction, nx represents an in-plane refractive index in a direction in which a maximum refractive index is generated in the plane of the film, and ny represents a refractive index in a direction perpendicular to the diction of nx direction in the plane of the film.
US09372293B2	Variable wavelength interference filter, optical module, electronic apparatus, and method of manufacturing variable wavelength interference filter A variable wavelength interference filter includes a first substrate having a stationary mirror, a second substrate bonded to the first substrate and provided with a movable section and a movable mirror fixed to the movable section, and a third substrate bonded to the second substrate on an opposite side to the first substrate, and is provided with a first inner space sandwiched by the first substrate and the second substrate, a first gap, through which the first inner space communicates with the outside, a second inner space sandwiched by the second substrate and the third substrate, and a second gap, through which the second inner space communicates with the outside, and the first gap and the second gap are each sealed by a sealing member.
US09372287B2	Colored, dynamic, and amplified safety film A colored, dynamic, and amplified security film includes a micro lens array layer, a base material layer, and a micro graphic layer. The layers meet the condition of Moore amplified imaging; the micro graphic layer is formed by a background area and a graphic area; the graphic area is distributed in the background area; the micro graphic layer includes a semi-transparent and semi-reflective metal layer, a medium layer, and a metal film layer successively from top to bottom; the metal film layer is of a planar structure; the thickness of the medium layer in the graphic area is greater than the thickness of the medium layer in the background area; and the thicknesses of semi-transparent and semi-reflective metal layers are consistent.
US09372285B2	Production method for optical component and optical component A method for manufacturing a light transmissive optical component, includes a first etching process of forming a depressed portion by applying etching to a silicon region of a plate-shaped member, a thermal oxidation process of forming a silicon oxide film by thermally oxidizing an inner side surface of the depressed portion, and a nitride film formation process of forming a silicon nitride film that covers the silicon oxide film. Accordingly, it is possible to realize a manufacturing method for an optical component which is capable of uniformly forming a silicon oxide film on a semi-transmissive reflecting surface which is largely inclined (or nearly vertical) with respect to a substrate surface, and an optical component produced by this method.
US09372284B2	Copper-free mirror having acrylic and polyurethane paint layers free of alkyd Mirrors with no copper layer according to the present invention comprise a glass substrate, a silver coating layer provided at a surface of the glass substrate and at least two paint layers covering the silver coating layer, the outermost paint layer comprising a polyurethane resin based paint. They are characterized in that the paint layers are free of alkyd resin and in that the first paint layer closest to the silver coating layer has a thickness of at least 10 μm.
US09372281B2	Method for preparing thioepoxy-based optical material and polymerizable composition thereof The present invention relates to a thioepoxy compound for an optical material, a polymerizable composition including the thioepoxy compound, and a method for producing a thioepoxy optical material by polymerization of the polymerizable composition. The polymerizable composition further includes 4.1 to 15% by weight of 2,3-epoxypropyl(2,3-epithiopropyl)sulfide and/or 2,3-epoxypropyl(2,3-epithiopropyl)disulfide. The thioepoxy optical material is free from color instability, demolding, and polymerization imbalance, which are problems encountered in general thioepoxy optical materials.
US09372275B2	Receiver coil assembly with air and ferromagnetic cored sensors for geophysical surveying A receiver coil assembly for performing geophysical surveys, including a hollow outer shell defining a continuous internal passage that forms a loop; a multiturn receiver air coil extending around the continuous internal passage; and a first cored coil comprising multiturn solenoid windings about a ferromagnetic core, the first cored coil having a sensing axis in a different direction than a sensing axis of the air coil.
US09372261B2	Radar device and method of processing signal A radar device according to an embodiment includes a transmission unit, a reception unit, and a processing unit. The transmission unit emits a transmission wave relating to a frequency-modulated transmission signal. The reception unit receives a reflected wave acquired by reflecting the transmission wave on an object as a reception signal. The processing unit detects object data corresponding to the object from the reception signal, outputs the object data to the vehicle control device that controls the vehicle, and removes object data satisfying the removal condition that is a condition used for determining whether or not object data is to be removed from an output target for the vehicle control device and includes at least the distance and the relative speed of the object data with respect to the speed of the vehicle as conditions from output targets for the vehicle control device.
US09372257B2	Method of operating a digital radar or sonar apparatus A radar or sonar system amplifies the signal received by an antenna of the radar system or a transducer of the sonar system is amplified and then subject to linear demodulation by a linear receiver. There may be an anti-aliasing filter and an analog-to-digital converter between the amplifier and the linear receiver. The system may also have a digital signal processor with a network stack running in the processor. That processor may also have a network interface media access controller, where the system operates at different ranges, the modulator may produce pulses of two pulse patterns differing in pulse duration and inter-pulse spacing, those pulse patterns are introduced and used to form two radar images with the two images being derived from data acquired in a duration not more than twenty times larger than the larger inter-pulse spacing, or for a radar system, larger than one half of the antenna resolution time. One or more look-up tables may be used to control the amplifier. The radar system may generate digital output which comprises greater than eight levels of radar video.
US09372251B2	System for spatial extraction of audio signals A sound processing system receives an audio input signal that includes at least two different input channels of audio content. The sound processing system dissects the audio input signal to separate sources of audible sound included in the audio input signal into sound source vectors. Separation of the sources of audible sound into sound source vectors may be based on a perceived location of each of the sources of audible sound within a listener perceived sound stage. The sound source vectors may represent spatial slices across the listener perceived sound stage that may be individually and independently processed with the sound processing system. Following processing, the sound source vectors may be selectively assembled to form an audio output signal having output channels used to drive respective loudspeakers. Since the sources of audible sound are separated and independent, the audible sound sources may be included on any one or more of the output channels.
US09372248B2	Method for evaluating reliability of electrical power measuring device A method is provided for evaluating the reliability of an electrical power measuring device for measuring high-frequency electrical power. To build an evaluation system, the measuring device, together with a reference electrical power measuring device, is arranged between a high-frequency power supply device and an artificial reproduction load, which includes an impedance conversion device and a reference load. Using this system, an uncertainty range of an electrical power measured value measured by the measuring device is calculated, according to a prescribed calculation formula, from the electrical power measured value, and a judgment is made as to whether or not the electrical power measured value measured by the measuring device is within the uncertainty range. If it is within the uncertainty range, the measuring device is evaluated as being reliable, while if it is not within the uncertainty range, the measuring device is evaluated as being unreliable.
US09372246B2	Flow-through NMR analyzer The flow-through NMR analyzer comprises: a solution feeding pipe for flowing a sample; a superconducting magnet that encloses a housing space, which is surrounded by a side wall of the solution feeding pipe, around an axis of the solution feeding pipe such that a static magnetic field is generated along the axis of the solution feeding pipe; a vacuum container which houses the superconducting magnet in a cooled state and which encloses the housing space around the axis of the solution feeding pipe; and an RF coil which applies high-frequency electromagnetic waves to the sample inside the housing space and which detects an NMR signal from the sample. The RF coil is integrally formed with the side wall of the solution feeding pipe in a region of the solution feeding pipe that is enclosed by the superconducting magnet and the magnetic field correcting coil.
US09372240B2	Current sensor A current sensor according to the present invention includes a bus bar, a magnetic sensor element disposed so as to face the bus bar, a wiring board on which the magnetic sensor element is provided, and a signal line electrically connected to the magnetic sensor element. The wiring board includes a base portion facing the bus bar and an extending portion extending from the base portion, and the signal line is connected to the extending portion and provided in a direction intersecting the wiring board.
US09372239B2	Sealed battery manufacturing method and inspection device A method for manufacturing a sealed battery (10) includes the steps of: measuring a voltage of the sealed battery (10) when a charging current of a predetermined value or more is caused to flow to the sealed battery (10) for a predetermined time after initial charging of the sealed battery (10); and determining whether a battery case (11) of the sealed battery (10) is damaged or not based on a change in the measured voltage. When an inclination of the voltage increases in a time change of the measured voltage, it may be determined that a recess (12) is present in the battery case (11) of the sealed battery (10).
US09372237B2	Battery pack having stable measuring unit Disclosed herein is a battery pack including a battery module having a battery cell stack structure in which at least two electrically connected battery cells or unit modules are stacked, a voltage measuring member that measures voltage at an electrode terminal connection part of the battery cells or the unit modules, a voltage measuring circuit that connects the voltage measuring member to a Battery Management System (BMS), a temperature measuring member that measures temperature of the battery cells or the unit modules, a temperature measuring circuit that connects the temperature measuring member to the BMS and that is separated from the voltage measuring circuit, and the BMS electrically connected to the voltage measuring member to control operation of the battery modules.
US09372233B2	Scan test circuit with pulse generator for generating differential pulses to clock functional path A scan test circuit includes: a pulse generator, for generating differential pulses according to a system clock signal; a functional path, including: a D-type latch clocked by the differential pulses; a test path, including: a scan latch clocked by a test clock signal; and a tri-state inverter. When a test enable signal is enabled, the generation of the differential pulses is disabled.
US09372230B2	Substrate with state machine circuitry and tap state monitor circuitry The disclosure describes a process and apparatus for accessing devices on a substrate. The substrate may include only full pin JTAG devices (504), only reduced pin JTAG devices (506), or a mixture of both full pin and reduced pin JTAG devices. The access is accomplished using a single interface (502) between the substrate (408) and a JTAG controller (404). The access interface may be a wired interface or a wireless interface and may be used for JTAG based device testing, debugging, programming, or other type of JTAG based operation.
US09372225B2	Storage device test system A storage device test system includes: a storage device mounting unit configured to mount a storage device therein; a test control unit configured to transmit and/or receive test signals to and/or from the storage device; an interface plug that is electrically connected to the test control unit and coupled to the storage device mounted in the storage device mounting unit; and a plugging driving unit that controls a relative location between the interface plug and the storage device mounting unit. By using the storage device test system, the causes of defects that may occur while using a storage device may be easily detected.
US09372211B2	Electronic apparatus detecting power supply voltage using different levels An electronic apparatus includes a first voltage detection circuit which detects when a voltage, becomes higher than a first level after the voltage starts to be supplied to a peripheral circuit, and detects when the voltage becomes lower than a second level after a supply of the voltage to the peripheral circuit starts to be interrupted, and a second voltage detection circuit which detects when the voltage becomes lower than a reference level while the peripheral circuit operates. The second level is lower than the reference level.
US09372202B2	Packaged device A packaged device of one embodiment includes a device layer section, and first and second packaging members. The device layer section is one where a movable microdevice including a movable part and a terminal part is formed. The first packaging member is joined to the device layer section, and includes a wiring region provided at a position corresponding to the terminal part and a conductive plug extending through the wiring region. The second packaging member is joined to a side of the device layer section opposite the first packaging member.
US09372201B2	Yaw and pitch angles Methods for determining a yaw angle and a pitch angle cycle for a wind turbine are disclosed. The methods comprise measuring during a measuring time a wind speed and a wind direction at a plurality of measuring heights between the maximum and minimum height at the wind site, determining an average wind speed and an average wind direction for each of the measuring heights during the measuring time, and determining a wind speed distribution and wind direction distribution between the maximum height and the minimum height, and determining one or more yaw-pitch combinations of yaw angle and pitch angle cycles as a function of an azimuth position of a rotor blade that lead to a desired angle of attack along the rotor swept area. The present disclosure further relates to methods of operating a wind turbine and suitable wind turbines.
US09372200B2	Rotation speed detecting device and detecting method thereof A rotation speed detecting device is provided. The rotation speed detecting device is electrically connected to a motor of a color wheel, and includes a phase detecting unit and a time calculating unit. The phase detecting unit is suitable for detecting a reference phase point of a rotation information outputted by the motor, and outputting a phase signal according to the reference phase point. The time calculating unit is electrically connected to the phase detecting unit, and calculates a speed information of the motor according to the phase signal. In this way, the rotation speed of the motor of the color wheel is correctly measured.
US09372197B2	Flourescent in-situ detection of lipid particle apolipoproteins within primary electrophoretic matrix The present invention relates to, among other things, a gel electrophoresis system for detecting the level of specific Apolipoproteins and/or lipoprotein particles present in intact lipid particles in a biological sample. The system includes a gel substrate to receive a biological sample, at least two lipoprotein-binding complexes. Each complex includes an antibody that binds a lipoprotein particle or a portion thereof, which is bound to a signal producing molecule capable of producing or causing production of a detectable signal. The system also includes a device for detecting the detectable signal. The present invention also relates to methods of assessing the level of specific Apolipoproteins and/or lipoprotein particles present in a biological sample, determining whether a subject is at increased risk for cardiovascular disease, and monitoring the risk for developing cardiovascular disease.
US09372194B2	Fluorescent dyes, labeled conjugates and analytical methods There are described novel fluorescent dyes, conjugates which include a radical of a dye and a biological or a synthetic moiety and diagnostic and in vivo assays utilizing such conjugates and other products including the dyes and conjugates.
US09372193B2	System and method for determining individualized medical intervention for a disease state A system and method for determining individualized medical intervention for a particular disease state, and especially for cancers, that includes the molecular profiling of a biological sample from the patient, determining whether any molecular findings including one or more genes, one or more gene expressed proteins, one or more molecular mechanisms, and/or combinations of such exhibit a change in expression compared to a reference, and identifying a non-specific disease therapy or agent capable of interacting with the genes, gene expressed proteins, molecular mechanisms, or combinations of such molecular findings that exhibited a change in expression.
US09372191B2	Methods and devices for detecting methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus Provided are methods and devices for detecting methicillin-resistant Staphylcoccus aureus.
US09372182B2	Fuel composition identification system and method and fluid composition identification method This invention refers to a fuel composition identification system and method (2) for an automotive vehicle combustion engine. The system comprises at least a fuel heating resistor (3) arranged in any position in the fuel tank or along the fuel line, in direct contact and exchanging heat with the fuel (2), an electronic control unit (4) connected to the resistor (3), which applies constant power values during time intervals (tn) to the resistor (3), and the metering device (6) for a heating resistor parameter (3) between the current sent to the resistor (3) and the surface temperature of the resistor that sends the measured values to the electronic control unit (4), and monitors the current values measured in the heating resistor (3) during each time interval tn, and when the electronic control unit (4) detects a variation in the value of the heating resistor current in the course of the time interval (tn), it identifies the fuel composition corresponding to the critical heat flow resulting from the power applied to the resistor during that time interval. The method comprises the steps of applying constant power values during time intervals (tn) to the fuel heating resistor (3); heating fuel in contact with the heating resistor (3) through exchanging heat between the heating resistor and the fuel (2); measuring a heating resistor parameter (3) between the current sent to the resistor (3) and the surface temperature of the resistor; monitoring the heating resistor parameter values (3) measured in the course of each time interval (tn), and when a variation in the resistor parameter value is detected in the course of the time interval (tn); identifying the fuel composition corresponding to the critical heat flow resulting from the power applied to the resistor during that time interval.
US09372179B2	Method for measuring cholesterol content of chicken egg by non-destructive means This invention provides a means for measuring a cholesterol content of a chicken egg by a non-destructive means. This invention relates to a method for measuring a cholesterol content of a chicken egg comprising: a step of light irradiation of irradiating the chicken egg with light in the visible to near-infrared wavelength range; a step of light detection of detecting light radiated from the chicken egg caused by that the light irradiated in the step of light irradiation is transmitted through the chicken egg or reflected inside the chicken egg; a step of spectrum acquisition of acquiring a near-infrared spectrum of the light detected in the step of light detection; and a step of cholesterol content determination of determining a cholesterol content of the chicken egg on the basis of the near-infrared spectrum acquired in the step of spectrum acquisition.

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