Document Document Title
US09949479B2 Metconazole-containing pesticide composition for preventing and controlling fusarium head blight and application thereof
It relates to a pesticide composition for preventing and controlling fusarium head blight, which contains 1 to 150 parts by weight of jinggangmycin and 1 to 20 parts by weight of metconazole per mu. The pesticide composition of the present invention has an obvious synergistic effect when used for preventing and controlling fusarium head blight, and can remarkably enhance the effect of preventing and controlling head blight, increasing the ability of the human being in preventing and controlling head blight of triticeae crops.
US09949478B2 Herbicidal combination with herbicidal active fatty acids and an ALS-inhibitor
The present invention relates to a herbicide combination comprising at least two α-monocarboxyl fatty acids having, independently of one another, a hydrocarbon chain having 8 to 10 carbon atoms, and at least one ALS inhibitor.
US09949471B2 Vented propane combustion chamber for insect attractant engine
A vented combustion chamber for an insect attractant engine is provided for a flying insect trapping device of the type that relies upon combustion of a fuel to generate a flow of carbon dioxide to attract flying insects. The combustion chamber, which is generally tubular and horizontally oriented in operation, is vented through a hole formed in one side of the chamber wall that extends from the outer surface of the chamber into the interior thereof. During operation of the device, this through-hole allows gas inside the chamber to be vented to the outside, changing the effective length of the combustion chamber for the purposes of wave generation is changed so that creation of a resonance cycle or standing wave, and the resulting acoustic phenomenon of howling, is prevented.
US09949467B2 Fishing line guide
Provided is a fishing line guide that can be manufactured in a simple manner. The fishing line guide according to an embodiment is a fishing line guide mounted on a tip portion of a fishing rod, the fishing line guide including a tubular member where a through-hole extending along an extension direction is formed, a plurality of slits extending while facing each other along the extension direction on an end surface of one end being formed in the tubular member, and a frame member where a through-hole allowing a fishing line to be inserted and guided is formed, a supporting portion engaged with the through-hole and the plurality of slits of the tubular member being formed in the frame member.
US09949466B2 Fishing rod
To provide a fishing rod having a flexible tip rod less prone to breakage, and desired degrees of the flexibility and strength can be obtained at a required portion of the tip rod. A fishing rod includes a tip rod made of a fiber-reinforced resin material. The tip rod is formed of a short-fiber reinforced resin material in which short fibers are dispersed in a matrix resin material, the average fiber diameter of the short fibers is 3 to 15 μm, the average fiber length of the short fibers is 0.5 to 10 mm, and the content of the short fibers is 3 to 50 wt %, and a periphery of the short-fiber reinforced resin material is at least partially covered with a prepreg sheet in which reinforced fibers are aligned and extended in one direction and impregnated with a synthetic resin.
US09949451B2 Bioreactor using macroalgae
The disclosure features a bioreactor for the growth of macroalgae and methods for using the bioreactor to maintain optimal nutrient levels for the organisms in an aquarium or aquaculture system. The devices and methods of the disclosure provide for the bioremediation of excess nutrients in order to maintain nutrient balance in an aquarium or aquaculture system that facilitates growth and/or health of one or more of the organisms that reside therein.
US09949450B2 Soil moisture probe and system with temperature adjustment
A plurality of wireless transmitters tethered to a plurality of soil moisture probes, each of said probes having first and second elongate conductive materials encapsulated in a non-conductive substrate, coupled to a power source and configured to be placed in the soil to form a capacitor. An irrigation control box is equipped with a receiver and a processor coupled to a plurality of irrigation control valves, each irrigation control valve corresponding to an irrigation zone wherein at least one probe is placed. The processor converts signal data received from the plurality of transmitters into a soil moisture value and (i) opens a control valve corresponding to the zone to which the probe corresponds upon detecting that the soil moisture value in the zone has dropped below a threshold value and (ii) closes the control valve upon detecting that the soil moisture value has raised above a threshold value.
US09949449B2 Gardening devices for the efficient watering of plants
Embodiments are directed to a fluid-emission device. An example fluid-emission device includes a tubular body, a fluid-source coupler, and a tip member disposed opposite the tubular body from the fluid-source coupler. A fluid-transmission lumen in the tubular body fluidly couples the tip member to the fluid-source coupler. The tip member includes a plate having a plurality of fluid-emission lumens that fluidly couple the fluid-transmission lumen to an environment outside the tubular body. The tip member includes a spearhead disposed opposite the plate from the fluid-transmission lumen. The tip member has a spacer disposed between the plate and the spearhead to separate the spearhead from the fluid-emission lumens. The fluid-emission device can be used by inserting the tip member into material and delivering fluid to a target, such as delivering water or fertilizer to plant roots or the like.
US09949434B2 Crop residue spreader
A crop residue spreader including at least one impeller, at least one radial housing, and at least one blower outlet opening. The at least one radial housing includes a crop residue outlet opening. The at least one impeller is configured to be rotatably driven around a rotation axis such that a crop residue flow is ejected through the crop residue outlet opening of the at least one radial housing, such that the crop residue flow is converted from an incoming crop residue flow into a wider outgoing crop residue flow. The at least one separate blower outlet opening is separate from the crop residue outlet opening of the at least one radial housing. The at least one blower outlet opening is configured to provide an outgoing airflow to accelerate the crop residue flow.
US09949432B2 Land roller with chopping blades
A vegetation chopping roller for an agricultural land roller implement including a drum body having an outer periphery which is generally cylindrical about a drum axis of rotation and a plurality of protruding mounting flanges upon which chopping blades are mounted using threaded fasteners. A seating surface is fixedly supported in relation to the drum body in association with each blade which receives the inner edge of the associated blade abutted thereon such that the threaded fasteners are substantially isolated from shear forces by the abutment of the blades with the seating surfaces.
US09949429B2 Adjustable guided rake apparatus and method
An adjustable guided rake apparatus and method, which enable an adjustable guided rake user to configure an adjustable rake guide to a specified height in relation to a secondary surface, which will then define the height of the grading edge of the grading rake head in relation to a primary surface. The adjustable guided rake user is able to move the grading rake head along a primary surface, in order to shift material along the surface, while the adjustable rake guide runs along the secondary surface, guiding the grading rake head.
US09949426B2 Seed delivery apparatus, systems, and methods
A seed delivery apparatus and methods in which a seed conveyor delivers seed from a metering device to a furrow in a controlled manner to maintain seed placement accuracy within the furrow.
US09955613B2 Cooler and power electronic module having the same
The present disclosure provides a power electronic module that includes a first power device having a first switching element and a second power device having a second switching element. The power electronic module further includes a cooler having a coolant passage to cool the first and second power devices. The cooler includes a first inner fin and a second inner fin in the coolant passage. The first power device and the second power device are disposed along a flow direction of the coolant passage so that the first power device is arranged on an upstream side of the coolant passage from the second power device. The first inner fin and the second inner fin are disposed along the flow direction corresponding to the first and second power devices so that the first inner fin is arranged on the upstream side from the second inner fin. The first inner fin has a corrugated passage and a straight passage. The straight passage bypasses the corrugated passage along the flow direction of the coolant passage.
US09955611B2 Pressure structure and pressure unit
A pressure structure which is arranged between a first pressed body and a second pressed body facing the first pressed body and applies a pressure to the first pressed body and the second pressed body includes: a first spring member including a center portion which is in contact with the first pressed body, two end portions, each of which is in contact with the second pressed body, and two arm portions which extend from the center portion toward the different end portions; and a second spring member including a center portion which is in contact with the second pressed body, two end portions, each of which is in contact with the first pressed body, and two arm portions which extend from the center portion toward the different end portions.
US09955601B2 Electrical device for mounting inside a cabinet
The invention relates to an electrical device (1) for installation in the interior of an electrical enclosure that has at least one single- or multiple-pole plug (3) accommodated in a housing (2) of the device (1) to connect an electrical conductor having an easily accessible plug opening (6) via one side (4, 5) of the plug (3) wherein the at least one plug (3) has no less than two positions or orientations with respect to the housing (2).
US09955596B2 PCBA cartridge sub-assembly
A memory cartridge for use during assembly of a storage drive apparatus. The memory cartridge includes a first memory printed circuit board (PCB). The memory cartridge also includes a second memory PCB, where the second memory PCB is operatively coupled to the first memory PCB by a first flexible connection. The memory cartridge also includes a chassis configured to fasten to the first memory PCB and to the second memory PCB such that the first and second memory PCBs have a spaced relationship to each other, and where the spaced relationship defines a gap.
US09955594B2 Operation device
An operation device driven by an internal battery includes: a casing; an operation element; a mechanical switch; a pressing part; and a support part. The operation element is located on a plane continuing from a front surface of the casing. The mechanical switch is disposed in the casing such that a distance between the mechanical switch and the operation element is fixed. The mechanical switch has a flexible region located to oppose to a rear surface of the casing. The pressing part is located between the mechanical switch and an attachment surface, and presses the flexible region from a side opposite from the operation element. The support part supports the casing such that a distance between the operation element and the attachment surface is changeable.
US09955590B2 Redistribution layer structure, semiconductor substrate structure, semiconductor package structure, chip structure, and method of manufacturing the same
The present disclosure relates to redistribution layer structures useful in semiconductor substrate packages, semiconductor package structures, and chip structures. In an embodiment, a redistribution layer structure includes a dielectric layer, an anti-plating layer, and a conductive material. The dielectric layer defines one or more trenches. The conductive material is disposed in the trench(es), and the anti-plating layer is disposed on a surface of the dielectric layer.
US09955589B2 Electrical interconnect formed through buildup process
This disclosure relates generally to an electronic chip package that can include a die and a buildup layer substantially enveloping the die. Electrical interconnects can be electrically coupled to the die and passing, at least in part, through the buildup layer. An optical emitter can be electrically coupled to the die with a first one of the electrical interconnects and configured to emit light from a first major surface of the electronic chip package. A solder bump can be electrically coupled to the die with a second one of the electrical interconnects and positioned on a second major surface of the electronic chip package different from the first major surface.
US09955584B2 Stamp for printed circuit process and method of fabricating the same and printed circuit process
A stamp that is configured to be employed in a printed circuit process, a method of fabricating the stamp, and a printed circuit process are provided, and the stamp includes a main structure, a micro-protrusion structure, and a plurality of nano-conical structures. The micro-protrusion structure is located on the main structure. The nano-conical structures are located on the main structure and surround the micro-protrusion structure.
US09955582B2 3-D stacking of active devices over passive devices
Single-die or multi-die packaged modules that incorporate three-dimensional integration of active devices with discrete passive devices to create a package structure that allows active devices (such as, silicon or gallium-arsenide devices) to share the same footprint area as an array of passive surface mount components. In one example, a module includes at least one active device stacked on top of an array of passive surface mount components on a substrate. A conductive or non-conductive adhesive can be used to adhere the active device to the array of passive devices.
US09955579B2 Printed circuit board having reduced loss of electric signal and method of manufacturing the same
A printed circuit board includes first and second insulating layers, a wiring trace, a metal thin film, and a connection terminal. The wiring trace is formed on the first insulating layer. The metal thin film is formed on the wiring trace, and has a thickness larger than 0 nm and not more than 150 nm. The second insulating layer is formed on the first insulating layer to cover the metal thin film. The connection terminal is formed on the first insulating layer to be electrically connected to the wiring trace and exposed from the second insulating layer.
US09955570B2 Features of a flexible connector in a portable computing device
The subject matter of this disclosure relates to a flexible circuit for carrying a signal between electrical components that includes boosting circuitry for mitigating the effects of signal degradation. More particularly the flexible circuit can carry a signal between a main logic board and an input/output board supporting input/output ports of a portable electronic device. The flexible circuit can be configured with bends in order to meet packaging constraints such as avoiding contact with components obstructing a direct path between connectors of the electrical components. Additional bends can also be included in the flexible that facilitate the assembly of the portable electronic device.
US09955564B2 Dielectric barrier discharge device
A dielectric barrier discharge actuator comprising a first electrode disposed adjacent on a surface of a dielectric; a second electrode disposed under the surface and downstream of the first electrode, relative to a flow direction of an ionized layer; an electrical ballast, a third electrode disposed on the surface of the dielectric downstream from the second electrode, connected to the second electrode through the ballast; a series of equal potential strips disposed across the surface of the dielectric and aligned perpendicular to the flow direction of the ionized layer; and a voltage source for applying a voltage across the first and second electrodes, to cause ionization of air between the first electrode and the surface of the dielectric, and to accelerate the ions across the surface of the dielectric; whereby an ionized layer is created when the first electrode is energized by the voltage source.
US09955562B2 Engine and method of production of engine
An engine comprising an engine body and a nonconductive engine part attached to the engine body which are positively charged. A self-discharge type static eliminator is provided which, if placed on the nonconductive engine part, can lower the amount of carried charge on the wall surface of the nonconductive engine part in a limited range centered about the location of the placement of the static eliminator. The self-discharge type static eliminator is placed on the outer wall surface of the connecting part of the engine part to the engine body to whereby eliminate a static electricity from the engine body.
US09955561B2 Electrodeless fluorescent ballast driving circuit and resonance circuit with added filtration and protection
A ballast circuit for a lighting system using an induction fluorescent lamp utilizes an AC-DC rectification circuit, a DC-DC boost power conversion circuit, a DC-AC half bridge inverter circuit, and a resonating circuit to ignite the lamp and maintain substantially constant power output of the lamp, while the DC-AC half bridge inverter circuit is further comprised of a gate isolation transformer connected in a half bridge inverter schematic which uses a ballast integrated circuit (IC) to drive a high side MOSFET and a low side MOSFET and the gate isolation transformer electrically isolates a gate signal to the high side MOSFET.
US09955558B1 Self-contained, removable, wireless turn signal system for motor vehicles and trailers
A remote-controlled turn signal unit for a vehicle or trailer is provided. In one embodiment, an LED array and digital transceiver are embedded into a traditional bulb housing. This bulb can then be placed into existing tail or other light sockets on the exterior of a vehicle and can serve as turn signals being actuated by radio. This bulb can also be part of a self-contained magnetic housing that can be attached temporarily to the vehicle. This self-contained unit contains miniature digital radio, rechargeable battery, and LED light assembly, but does not rely upon or required modification of the vehicle's electrical system.
US09955555B2 Intelligent lighting control multi-switch apparatuses, systems, and methods
The present disclosure provides lighting control system multi-switch apparatuses and methods. The apparatus includes a lighting control module including at least three electrical terminals. The lighting control module configured to cause a transmission of a quantity of electrical energy to a lighting circuit of a light fixture electrically connected to the lighting control module. The apparatus includes a detector circuit positioned in the lighting control module. The apparatus includes a controller in electrical communication with the detector circuit, the controller specially programmed to cause a call signal to be transmitted to a switch connected to the traveler terminal, the call signal configured to request the switch connected to the traveler terminal transmit a response signal to the controller to identify the switch connected to the traveler terminal.
US09955548B2 Wireless control device
A wall-mountable wireless control device may include an enclosure, a bezel, a metal yoke, a slot antenna, a radio-frequency communication circuit, and one or more conductive elements. The bezel and the enclosure may define a space. The slot antenna may be located within the space defined by the enclosure and the bezel. The slot antenna may be configured to communicate radio-frequency signals. The radio-frequency communication circuit may be configured to transmit or receive the radio-frequency signals via the slot antenna. The one or more conductive elements may be electrically coupled to the yoke, and may be configured to re-radiate the radio-frequency signals transmitted by the slot antenna. The one or more conductive elements may include a conductive backer in electrical connection with the metal yoke, where in some instances, the conductive backer is electrically connected to the metal yoke via a single electrical connection.
US09955544B1 Autonomous distributed lighting system
A system and method that uses a tag-driven network architecture controlled by one or more central controllers. Unique tags are associated with various system components such as remote switches, sensors and other peripherals. A tag is assigned to a node when the node is first entered into the network. A distributed policy creates relationships between tags of various different equipment. The tag typically defines what the policy is for a particular local node. The node executes the policy that is supplied in its tag by accessing a recipe associated with that tag. If a device is not working, other similar devices can take over its task simply by executing the recipe associated with the failed device's tag instead of their own.
US09955542B2 Apparatus and method for driving LED display panel
The present disclosure provides devices, circuits, and methods for driving an LED display panel, so as to ensure the delivery of equal global charge at minimum gray scale. In one example, the circuit of the present disclosure includes a current source, a detection module, and a measurement module. The current source is configured to generate a current signal for the LEDs. The detection module is configured to detect a forward voltage of the LEDs in response to a low current applied to the LEDs. The detection module is further configured to hold the detected forward voltage. The measurement module is configured to measure a time period for an anode voltage of the LEDs to rise to the detected forward voltage in response to a display current applied to the LEDs.
US09955533B2 Induction shield and its method of use in a system
An induction shield is configured to substantially reduce emissions emitted from an induction heat source (e.g., coil) during use. The shield is positioned adjacent to a vessel (e.g., in an injection system) having a melting portion configured to receive meltable material to be melted therein and an induction heat source positioned adjacent the vessel configured to melt the meltable material received in the melting portion of the vessel. The shield may include a tube configuration configured to flow liquid therein to absorb heat emitted from the heat source. The tube configuration can comprise a single tube or multiple tubes. The shield can be positioned adjacent the induction source in a helical manner, for example, or at ends of the vessel. The shield can be used during melting of amorphous alloy and for forming a part.
US09955531B2 Manufacturing method of PTC element using polymer aqueous emulsion conductive composite, PTC element manufactured by manufacturing method, and planar heating element including PTC element
A manufacturing method of a PTC (Positive Temperature Coefficient) element includes: producing a polymer aqueous emulsion solution; producing a polymer aqueous emulsion conductive composite by mixing the polymer aqueous emulsion solution with a conductive agent; and producing the PTC element by coating a substrate with the polymer aqueous emulsion conductive composite, or print the polymer aqueous emulsion conductive composite on the substrate, or dipping the substrate in the polymer aqueous emulsion conductive composite and drying the substrate. Here, the polymer aqueous emulsion solution includes an adhesive polymer, a cross-linking agent, an initiator, and water. The substrate is film, non-woven, textile, inflexible plate, and the like, which are formed of polymer resin.
US09955523B2 Adaptively changing availability of NAN devices for post NAN activities
This disclosure describes systems, methods, and computer-readable media related to adaptively changing availability of neighbor awareness networking (NAN) devices for post-NAN activities. In some embodiments, a first NAN enabled device may generate a NAN service discovery frame. The first NAN enabled device may transmit the NAN service discovery frame to a plurality of NAN enabled devices during a discovery window of the NAN. A request frame from a second NAN enabled device may be received based at least in part on transmitting the NAN service discovery frame. A response frame may be transmitted to the second NAN enabled device. A second NAN service discovery frame may be generated and include an updated availability bitmap based at least in part on data received in the request frame from the second NAN enabled device. The first NAN enabled device may transmit the second NAN service discovery frame.
US09955501B2 Scheduling enhancement in wireless communication
The subject matter described herein relates to scheduling enhancement in wireless communication. A scheduling grant including an indicator can be generated, for example, at the base station (BS). The indicator included in the scheduling grant identifies multiple carriers to be scheduled with the scheduling grant. Upon receiving the scheduling grant, a device, for example, UE can recognize the multiple carriers scheduled with the single scheduling grant, and can detect corresponding data transmission in the multiple carriers accordingly. Compared with scheduling each carrier with independent scheduling grant, the proposed solution saves control signaling overhead, and thereby alleviates the problems caused by control signaling capacity limitation, and increase peak data rate and system throughput.
US09955496B2 Mobile communication system, user terminal, and network apparatus
A controller performs a mediation of an assigned radio resource such that the radio resource assigned to each of a plurality of other user terminals does not overlap each other, in a case where a transmission of user data is not performed among each of the plurality of other user terminals through D2D communication, and in a case where each of the plurality of other user terminals assigns the radio resource for transmitting the user data through the D2D communication.
US09955494B2 WWAN and Wlan cooperative support of multi-SIM devices
A user equipment (UE) may communicate over a first wireless wide area network (WWAN). The first WWAN may be supported by a first subscriber identity module (SIM) of the UE. The UE may also communicate simultaneously over a second WWAN supported by a second SIM. The UE may process the second WWAN communication with a portion of a WWAN module and a portion of a wireless local area network (WLAN) module.
US09955491B2 Method and apparatus for initial access in mobile communication system
A terminal receives access priority information on a plurality of sub-beams configuring a beam from a base station, selects one of a plurality of beams, and selects one of a plurality of sub-beams of the selected beam on the basis of the access priority information to perform a random access.
US09955485B2 Method for D2D communication performed by terminals in wireless communication system, and devices for supporting same
Provided are a method for device-to-device (D2D) communication performed by terminals in a wireless communication system, and terminals for supporting the method. The method comprises: receiving resource assignment information for D2D communication; and performing the D2D communication by using resources indicated by the resource assignment information, wherein the validity of the resource assignment information is determined on the basis of the type of the cell from which the terminals receive services, and the D2D communication is performed only if the resource assignment information is valid.
US09955484B2 Position information based access to a shared radio access channel
A mobile radio device uses its own location/position information to itself select a radio access resource from a plurality of radio access resources shared among a plurality of mobile radio devices; and sends a transmission on a wireless shared radio access channel using the selected radio access resource. In non-limiting embodiments: the location/position information represents global/absolute physical position, or a position relative to a local reference location within an access region which may be a cell, building, roadway, etc.; and the radio access resources are time slots; frequency blocks; and/or preambles. The examples have a map or algorithm stored in the device's local memory that associates different access resources to different discrete location areas within the access region; the algorithm identifies the location area that corresponds to the location/position information and outputs the selected access resource (or an index/identifier of it) associated with the identified location area.
US09955482B2 Long term evolution interference management in unlicensed bands for Wi-Fi operation
Systems and methods for improved interference management by Wi-Fi devices are disclosed. The interference management may be achieved by monitoring, by the Wi-Fi device, signaling energy on a communication channel in a frequency band associated with the Wi-Fi device, comparing the monitored signal energy with a known waveform signature corresponding to Long Term Evolution (LTE) operation, and identifying a presence of an LTE interferer on the communication channel in the frequency band associated with the Wi-Fi device based on the comparison.
US09955481B2 Opportunistic carrier aggregation using short range extension carriers
Systems and methods for providing opportunistic carrier aggregation to short range or low power extension carriers are generally disclosed herein. One embodiment includes data traffic offload techniques to offload data communicated in a Wireless Wide Area Network (WWAN) from a primary cell to a secondary cell. For example, the primary cell may be provided by a LTE/LTE-A base station operating in licensed spectrum, and the secondary cell may be provided by a low-power extension carrier operating in unlicensed spectrum using a LTE/LTE-A standard. The low-power extension carrier may be activated as needed to offload data transfers from the primary cell, in download-only, upload-only, and time-division LTE (TD-LTE) modes. Configurations involving multimode base stations, multi mode user equipment (UE), relay extension carriers, and remote radio equipment are also described herein, in conjunction with deployment of opportunistic carrier aggregation using extension carriers.
US09955480B2 Method and apparatus for resource allocation satisfying multiple performance constraints
A low-complexity, efficient Radio Resource Allocation method performed by a base station of a wireless communication network allocates a first plurality of frequency resources among a second plurality of requesting mobile terminals. Each mobile terminal employs a service such that two or more services are represented in the second plurality. The RRA method satisfies all of an exclusivity constraint that each frequency resource is allocated to only one mobile terminal, an adjacency constraint that all frequency resources allocated to any given mobile terminal are contiguous in a frequency domain, and a minimum service requirement constraint that a predetermined number of the mobile terminals employing each service be granted a required data rate. The RRA method comprises two phases: Unconstrained Maximization and Reallocation. In the Unconstrained Maximization phase, frequency resources are iteratively allocated to mobile terminals in an opportunistic way, obeying the exclusivity and adjacency constraints but without concern for the minimum service requirement constraint; the resulting allocation is tested for fulfillment of the minimum service requirement constraint; and one or more mobile terminals are removed from the allocation based on the minimum service requirement constraint test. In the Reallocation phase, frequency resources from one or more mobile terminals that have their required data rate fulfilled are reallocated to one or more mobile terminals that do not have their required data rate fulfilled.
US09955473B2 Method for processing physical downlink control channel data, transmitting end, and user equipment
A method for processing physical downlink control channel data, a transmitting end, and a user equipment are provided and relate to the field of communications, which can extract a scrambling sequence in multiple modulation modes, so that scrambling and descrambling are performed on physical downlink control channel data in multiple modulation modes. The method includes: generating a scrambling sequence corresponding to a control channel element according to an index number of the control channel element and/or a modulation mode used by the control channel element; performing scrambling on physical downlink control channel data by using the scrambling sequence; and sending the scrambled physical downlink control channel data to a user equipment. The embodiments of the present application are used to perform scrambling and descrambling on physical downlink control channel data.
US09955467B2 Method and BS for transmitting control information to UE, and method and UE for handling control information
The present disclosure relates to a method used in a BS for transmitting control information to a UE, and an associated BS. The method includes: generating a first indication indicating whether data, which are downlink data transmitted from the BS to the UE or uplink data transmitted from the UE to the BS, are in an initial transmission or a retransmission, the first indication being comprised in the control information; if the data are in the initial transmission, generating a second indication for determining modulation mode and Transport Block, TB, size of the data, the second indication being comprised in the control information; and transmitting the control information to the UE.
US09955457B2 Terminal for user, driving method thereof, and computer readable recording medium
A user terminal apparatus, a driving method of the user terminal apparatus and a computer readable recording medium thereof are provided, in which the user terminal apparatus is configured to perform communication with a first external device and a second external device and includes a first communication interface performing communication with the first external device, a second communication interface performing communication with the second external device, and a controller determining characteristics of the received signals when signals of the second external device are received at currently operating channel which performs communication with the first external device through the first communication interface while performing communication with the first external device, and controlling the second communication interface to perform communication with the second external device according to a determining result.
US09955456B2 Network discovery in low-power and lossy networks
In one embodiment, a device in a network determines a first channel hopping schedule for the device to receive unicast communications from one or more neighbors of the device. The first channel hopping schedule differs from channel hopping schedules used by the one or more neighbors to receive unicast communications. The device determines a second channel hopping schedule for the device that includes a common channel that is common to the device and the one or more neighbors at any given point in time, wherein the second channel hopping schedule is self-generated by each of the device and the one or more neighbors. The device switches from the first channel hopping schedule to the second channel hopping schedule, in response to a network event. The device causes a particular neighbor to join the network using the second channel hopping schedule.
US09955451B2 Event tagging for mobile networks
Improved network event tagging for mobile communications is described herein. By way of example, a mobile network can be configured to take periodic geographic positions of a mobile terminal operating within the mobile network. Network events occurring between the periodic geographic positions, otherwise partially unknown in position, can be estimated by referencing topographical information and estimating a route of travel of the mobile device. Estimated speed of the mobile device can be utilized to place the mobile device on a road network, cycling route, pedestrian walkway, or the like, and refine the estimated position of the mobile device at the time of the network event. Such estimates can be refined from traffic information or other real-time travel data. An estimated position of the mobile device can be output as an approximation of the network event to facilitate event modeling for the mobile network.
US09955450B2 Geo-localization assembly and methodology
A geo-localization device and methodology use a plurality of wireless localization technologies, predictive methods and filtering to deliver accurate and reliable 3-dimensional positioning data for static and moving objects both outdoor and indoor.
US09955442B2 Synchronization channel design for new carrier type
Certain aspects of the present disclosure relate to synchronization channel design for a new carrier type. In certain aspects, a User Equipment (UE) may first search for legacy locations of PSS (Primary Synchronization Signal) and SSS (Secondary Synchronization Signal), and attach to a cell that transmits the legacy PSS/SSS. Then the UE may be provided with information indicating a search space for PSS and SSS of a new carrier. The UE may then search for the PSS and SSS for the new carrier based on the received information. The relative spacings in time between the PSS and SSS for the first carrier may be different from the relative spacings in time between the PSS and SSS for the second carrier. In alternative aspects, the UE may receive a frequency offset value and determine PSS/SSS locations for the new carrier based on the frequency offset value and spaced center frequencies.
US09955441B2 Receiving method and apparatus
Provided is a receiver configured to perform automatic gain control (AGC), the receiver including a first variable gain amplifier configured to amplify, according to a first variable gain, a signal of a first frequency band, a second variable gain amplifier configured to amplify, according to a second variable gain, a signal of a second frequency band generated by frequency converting the amplified signal of the first frequency band, and an AGC circuit configured to control a total gain by controlling a gain ratio between the first variable gain and the second variable gain to be within a set target range by adjusting at least one of the first variable gain and the second variable gain.
US09955432B2 Method and system for adaptive cell size management
The present disclosure discloses a method and system for adaptive cell size management. The system can determine a minimum SNR value and one or more current environmental factors for a particular environment. Also, the system dynamically determines a minimum signal strength value for receiving wireless signals based on the minimum SNR value and the one or more current environmental factors, and configures a network device to receive signals with the minimum signal strength value. Alternatively, the system can estimate a particular coverage area such that a first set of wireless signals transmitted by devices located within the particular coverage area reach a network device at a minimum signal strength. The system then computes a transmission power such that a second set of wireless signals transmitted by the network device at the transmission power reaches an edge of the particular coverage area at a particular signal strength value.
US09955431B2 Method and apparatus for power headroom reporting during multi-carrier operation
A method in a wireless communication terminal supports aggregated carrier access. The terminal is configured to transmit a power headroom report of a first type, determine that a condition for transmission of a power headroom report of a second type is satisfied, and transmits a power headroom report of the second type. In other embodiments, essential power headroom reports are prioritized over non-essential power headroom reports.
US09955428B1 Optimizing scheduled charging of battery enabled devices based on a predicted battery consumption factor for an area
A power service receives, from one or more battery enabled mobile devices, battery usage information for one or more locations within an area. A power service identifies, from the battery usage information, one or more battery usage impact factors that are location based that consume additional battery power for the area. A power service predicts, based on the one or more battery usage impact factors for the area a predicted battery consumption factor in the area. A power service updates one or more user schedules of users with one or more events scheduled in the area with an alert identifying the predicted battery consumption factor in the area.
US09955420B2 Systems and methods for reducing power consumption in wireless devices
A first device including a controller and a transmitter. The controller generates a communication schedule based on a profile. The communication schedule specifies a first duration to transfer data between the first device and a second device using a wireless protocol. The profile indicates (i) a start time, (ii) a duration, and (iii) a periodicity of communication between the first device and the second device using the wireless protocol. The transmitter transmits the communication schedule via a message from the first device to the second device using the wireless protocol. The message is a pre-defined message specified by the wireless protocol. The pre-defined message is dedicated to communicate information about interference present in an operating environment of the first device and the second device.
US09955415B2 Radio link establishment method, apparatus, and system
Embodiments of the present invention relate to the communications field, and provide a radio link establishment method, apparatus, and system, which are used to save radio link overhead. The method includes: determining a first supporting user equipment UE; determining a first beneficial UE served by the first supporting UE; configuring synthesis layer information of the first supporting UE and first synthetic bearer information of the first supporting UE for the first supporting UE according to radio bearer information of the first beneficial UE; configuring synthesis layer information of the first beneficial UE for the first beneficial UE according to the radio bearer information of the first beneficial UE; and configuring synthesis layer information of the base station according to the radio bearer information of the first beneficial UE. The present invention is applicable to a scenario of communication between the UE and the base station.
US09955414B2 Selecting a network for a wireless device
Disclosed is an apparatus, system, and method for a wireless device to select a network. The wireless device receives a request from a user to access a network site. The wireless device then selects a network based upon a predefined weighted criteria setting that was previously selected by the user.
US09955412B2 Selecting a network
For selecting a network, a method is disclosed that includes associating interface executable code with one or more network interfaces, selecting one of the network interfaces responsive to detecting network communication originating at the executable code, and directing the network communication to the selected network interface.
US09955411B2 Transmitter for transmitting discovery signals, a receiver and methods therein
A transmitter and a method therein for transmitting discovery signals to a receiver. The transmitter and the receiver are comprised in a radio communications system. The transmitter transmits two or more discovery signals over two or more directions. Each discovery signal is configured to span over a fraction of a carrier bandwidth.
US09955410B2 Method, apparatus, and system for collecting information about wireless local area network access point
A method, an apparatus, and a system for collecting information about a wireless local area network (WLAN) access point (AP). The method specifically includes: a user equipment (UE) receives WLAN AP request information from a base station in a Minimization of Drive Tests (MDT) measurement configuration process, collects WLAN AP information according to the WLAN AP request information, and sends the WLAN AP information to the base station, wherein the WLAN AP request information is used to request the UE to report WLAN AP information. By using an MDT measurement configuration process, a UE may collect and report WLAN AP information based on architecture of a mobile communications network. In this way, WLAN AP information can be conveniently collected.
US09955404B2 Dynamic router functionality in cellular networks
A wireless remote communication unit for communicating with a cellular network node and other wireless remote communication units is described. The wireless remote communication unit comprises: at least one receiver configured to receive first messages using a first technology from at least one other wireless remote communication unit and configured to receive second messages using a second technology from the cellular network node; at least one transmitter configured to transmit first messages using the first technology to at least one other wireless remote communication unit and configured to transmit using the second technology to the cellular network node; and a processor coupled to the at least one receiver and the at least one transmitter and arranged to configure the wireless remote communication unit as a router to support mesh network communications using the first technology based on, at least in part, information obtained from the received first messages from at least one other wireless remote communication unit.
US09955403B2 Method for communicating in wireless communication system supporting multiple access network and apparatus supporting same
Provided is a method for communicating carried out by a terminal in a wireless communication system supporting a multiple access network. The method comprises receiving a traffic routing configuration from a first access network, wherein the traffic routing configuration involves specifying traffic routing criteria, searching a second access network, determining whether a second access network entity discovered by the search satisfies the traffic routing criteria, and processing traffic on the first access network through the second access network entity when the traffic routing criteria are satisfied.
US09955402B2 Information processing method, communications method, communications node, system, and computer product
When a first sensor node has a large power consumption, an information processing apparatus propagates a portion of request information for a data process having the request recipient set to a second sensor node, through a path that does not pass through the first sensor node. For example, the information processing apparatus changes a division rate at a third sensor node acting as a branching point for the request information for the data process having the request recipient set to the second sensor node to thereby change the distribution of the transferred data amount and equalize the power consumption of the sensor nodes in a sensor network.
US09955394B2 Method and apparatus for performing handover between core network entities in a packet-switched network
A method and apparatus for performing a L3 handover between CNs in a packet-switched network are provided. When a UE moves from an old RAN to a new RAN, the UE sends a measurement report message including cell information to the old RAN. The old or new RAN determines whether to perform a L3 handover. If the L3 handover is required, a tunnel is established between the new RAN and a new CN. The UE performs a handover from the old RAN to the new RAN, without establishing a tunnel between the new RAN and an old CN. Upon detection of the movement of the UE, the new RAN sends a L2 handover complete message to the old RAN. After moving to the new RAN, the UE acquires a new IP address, performs the L3 handover, and communicates with the new CN through the new RAN.
US09955383B2 Method and apparatus for transmitting cell load information in wireless communication system
A method and apparatus for transmitting cell load information in a wireless communication system is provided. A mobility management entity (MME) of an evolved UMTS terrestrial radio access network (E-UTRAN) system receives cell load information of a cell in a universal mobile telecommunications system (UMTS) system, from a radio network controller (RNC) of the UMTS system, and transmits the received cell load information to a plurality of eNodeBs (eNBs) of the E-UTRAN system, respectively.
US09955379B2 Methods and apparatus for wireless coexistence based on transceiver chain emphasis
Methods and apparatus for reduction of interference between a plurality of wireless interfaces. In one exemplary embodiment, a device having a first (e.g., Wi-Fi) interface and a second (e.g., Bluetooth) interface monitors interference between its interfaces. A reduction in transmit power of the Wi-Fi module causes a disproportionately larger reduction in undesirable interference experienced at the Bluetooth antennas. For example, when the Bluetooth interface detects interference levels above acceptable thresholds, the Wi-Fi interface adjusts operation of one or more of its transmit chains based on various conditions such as duty cycle, Received Signal Strength Indication (RSSI), etc. Various embodiments of the present invention provide simultaneous operation of WLAN and PAN interfaces, without requiring time division coexistence, by reducing power on a subset of interfering antennas.
US09955378B2 Connection node providing supplemental bandwidth for mobile units
A connection node provides a high bandwidth connection on demand to mobile units that are in need of increased bandwidth for data transfers. In this manner, the connection node can supplement the bandwidth available to a mobile unit so that large volumes of data can be communicated to and from the mobile unit. A movable antenna automatically focuses its reception area on the mobile unit's location, after which, a high bandwidth connection can be established for high-speed data transfer. The high bandwidth connection is maintained, such as by tracking the mobile unit with the antenna, even if the mobile unit is moving.
US09955377B2 Transmission control method for buffer status report, user equipment, and mobile communication system
A transmission control method for buffer status reporting includes the steps of, by a network, configuring inter-site uplink carrier aggregation based upon at least one of a data size accumulated in a buffer of user equipment in communication with a first radio base station of a serving cell or a quality of a cell under a second radio base station, sending information of the configuration of the inter-site uplink carrier aggregation from the first radio base station to the user equipment, and transmitting a buffer status report from the user equipment to the second radio base station upon configuration of the inter-site uplink carrier aggregation.
US09955376B2 Apparatus and method for performing measurement report considering in-device coexistence interference
The present invention relates to an apparatus and a method for performing measurement reporting considering in-device coexistence interference. The present invention provide a user equipment transmitting a measurement report in a wireless communication system, comprising an interference detection unit, an assistant information generation unit, a measurement controller and a transmitter. According to the present invention, a measurement procedure can be clearly defined in an interference delicate band where in-device coexistence interference occurs and scheduling restrictions on an eNodeB due to measurement reporting about an interference delicate band can be reduced.
US09955371B1 Method for testing a device under test, electronic device, and measurement unit
A test method for testing a device under test with a measurement unit comprises transmitting a number of test commands from the measurement unit to the device under test via a test interface of the device under test, generating in the device under test in response to the test commands respective communication signals, emitting by the device under test the generated communication signals via a wireless communication interface, receiving signals from the device under test in the measurement unit, and evaluating the received signals in the measurement unit.
US09955359B2 Location services with multiple devices
A location services system used with a wireless LAN network provides wireless LAN Internet access in a venue, and also provides location-based analytics and services. The system monitors the locations of individuals using devices that communicate with a network, and maintain statistics for analytical purposes, and can provide services, such as special promotions and discounts. The system can determine whether a single person is carrying multiple devices, e.g., a user carrying a cellphone (including a smartphone) and a tablet or a laptop; and can also determine whether multiple people are within the venue as a temporary logical group, such as a family or group of friends. These capabilities allow the system to adjust how it communicates with users, and also allows it to adjust the analytics.
US09955354B2 Apparatus and method for controlling security mode in wireless communication system
Disclosed is a method for controlling a security mode by a user equipment (UE) in a wireless communication system, including performing a camp-on process and a cell update process with a network when an out-of-service (OOS) situation has occurred, receiving one of a signaling connection release (SCR) message and a first protocol data unit (PDU) which corresponds to the SCR message from the network, receiving a security mode command (SMC) message from the network if the SCR message is received, performing an integrity process on the SCR message using an old security configuration, and performing a rollback process to discard a new security configuration included in the SMC message if a result of the integrity process result an integrity check success, and updating a security configuration to the old security configuration.
US09955353B2 Delegated profile and policy management
Identities of mobile communications devices and subscription credentials are maintained by an enterprise server. The subscription credentials are operative to enable access to subscription services of a mobile network operator. Control of the subscription credentials is delegated from the mobile network operator to the enterprise server. The enterprise server determines which of the mobile communications devices are to be provisioned by the subscription credentials. Policies for use of the subscription credentials by the determined mobile communications devices are identified. The subscription credentials and policies are applied to the mobile communications devices.
US09955341B2 Method for preventing call-up operation errors and system using the same
A method for preventing call-up operation errors and system using the same are provided. The method includes the steps of: (S1) a proximity sensor continuously detecting a proximity or distant state of an obstruction; (S2) when detecting that the obstruction approaches, uploading the proximity state in drive program to an upper layer; (S3) when detecting that the obstruction moves far away, the proximity sensor first skipping reporting the distant state at this time, and increasing the transmission power of the proximity sensor; (S4) determining whether the reflection intensity signal exceeds a setting threshold; and (S5) if the obstruction is near the proximity sensor of the mobile phone, the proximity sensor skips uploading the distant state, and the display screen will not light up, if the obstruction is far away from the proximity sensor, the proximity sensor uploading the distant state and then lighting up the display screen.
US09955338B2 Operator-assisted device-to-device (D2D) discovery
A method and system for operator-assisted device-to-device (D2D) discovery is disclosed, which method may be executed as instructions on a machine, where the instructions are included on at least one computer readable medium. The method can include a transmission station in an operator network receiving a request for data service from a requesting wireless device. The transmission station can identify a serving wireless device to provide the data service for the requesting wireless device. The transmission station can transmit a device discovery message to the requesting wireless device and the serving wireless device. The device discovery message provides a device discovery period for communication via an ad-hoc, D2D network between the requesting wireless device and the serving wireless device. The ad-hoc, D2D network provides for device-to-device communication.
US09955337B2 UE identification in WLAN
Mechanisms are provided to enable the identification of a UE in both the cellular network (e.g., a 3GPP network) and the WLAN. In some aspects, the UE is provided with information enabling it to find the transport network layer, TNL, address (e.g., an IP address) of the WT and an identifier of the UE. Using the TNL of the WT, the UE can establish a connection towards the WT (either connectionless or connection oriented) and provide the UE identity. The WT and eNodeB exchange information about the UE ID, and the UE is identified in both the 3GPP network and the WLAN. The WT is a logical node and may be integrated in the eNodeB, in a WLAN node (e.g. access controller, access point), standalone or somewhere else. Once identified, user data can be sent to the UE via the WT.
US09955336B2 Method for transmitting/receiving discovery signals in D2D communication and devices for supporting same
Provided are a method for transmitting/receiving discovery signals in a wireless communication system and user equipment for supporting same. The method involves receiving a discovery request signal from user equipment, and determining whether or not to transmit a discovery response signal in response to the discovery request signal on the basis of the determination of the validity of proximity of the user equipment.
US09955331B2 Methods for prioritizing and routing audio signals between consumer electronic devices
Methods for prioritizing and routing audio signals between consumer electronic devices using wireless communication standards are provided. In one embodiment, a method for prioritizing and routing audio signals between consumer electronic devices includes receiving a device prioritization designation for at least two connectivity technology-enabled devices. The prioritization designation designates a first of the at least two connectivity technology-enabled devices as having a higher priority than another of the at least two connectivity technology-enabled devices. The method further includes connecting with each of the at least two connectivity technology-enabled devices and providing an audio signal to the first of the at least two connectivity technology-enabled devices.
US09955330B2 Distributed computing task costing with a mobile device
Distributed computing task costing is disclosed. Costing can be employed to determine if a task will be passed to a distributed computing cluster including mobile devices. Costing can include determining a base cost value predicated on a selectable level of utility to a user of a burdened device, a base time value related to completing the task without the use of the cluster, determining a delay cost, and any monetary costs associated with performing the task without the use of the cluster. Costing can further include demining a relief cost that can include the selectable level of utility, a relief time value related to completing the task with the cluster, the delay cost, an incentive cost based on the sum across a set of relief devices and their corresponding parameters for cluster participation, and any remaining monetary costs borne by the burdened device. Where the base cost value and relief cost value satisfies conditions, a task can be divided into subtasks that can be distributed to the cluster to accomplish the task in a distributed computing environment.
US09955321B2 Regrouping push-to-talk groups
A network node communicates data of a first push-to-talk (PTT) group using a first multimedia broadcast/multicast service (MBMS) bearer, and data of a second PTT group using a second MBMS bearer. Responsive to a regrouping of the first PTT group and the second PTT group to form a regrouped PTT group, the network node communicates data of the regrouped PTT group using at least one of the first and second MBMS bearers.
US09955315B2 Indoor location detection using combined radio frequency signal and audio frequency signal beacon system
A mobile terminal is operated by receiving a first signal and a second signal, determining a signal strength of the first signal, and determining an indoor location of the mobile terminal based on the signal strength of the first signal and the second signal. The first signal is a radio frequency signal and the second signal is an audio frequency signal.
US09955314B1 Specifying a map of available locations for recharging battery enabled devices based on a schedule of predicted locations for a user
A power service receives, from battery enabled devices, battery charging information for multiple locations, wherein the battery charging information specifies the type of power source a device is being charged from and an amount of time charged. The power service analyzes the battery charging information for the locations to identify moving charging locations that change location. The power service filters the locations to identify locations where the type of power source is a power outlet. The power service filters the locations against a security map to identify a first selection of locations that are publicly accessible and a second selection of locations that require a security authorization. The power service generates a base map of the selection of locations. The power service specifies the base map for each user based on a schedule of the user identifying predicted locations and whether each particular user has a required security authorization.
US09955308B2 Method and apparatus for providing directional participant based image and video sharing
Methods for processing a media content are disclosed. For example, a method captures the media content, determines a direction from which the media content is captured, encrypts the media content, and sends the media content that is encrypted toward a receiving device in the direction from which the media content was captured. Another method captures the media content, determines a direction from which the media content is captured, encrypts the media content and uploads the media content that is encrypted to a data store. The method then sends a notification toward a receiving device in the direction from which the media content was captured. The notification identifies that the media content that is encrypted has been uploaded to the data store.
US09955307B1 Distributed relative positioning
A method is disclosed for relative positioning performed by a first mobile device that is one of a plurality of mobile devices. The method determines a first probe signal parameter that is indicative for a distance between the first mobile device and a second mobile device. The method obtains one or more further probe signal parameters. Each further probe signal parameter is indicative for a distance between two of the plurality of mobile devices. The method selects probe signal parameters of the first probe signal parameter and the further probe signal parameters for determining one or more relative positions between two or more of the plurality of mobile devices. The method determines one or more relative positions between two or more of the plurality of mobile devices at least based on the selected probe signal parameters. A corresponding apparatus, system and computer readable medium are also disclosed.
US09955272B2 Audio connector and circuitry
A device (10) for connection to an audio accessory (20) comprising: a jack socket (14) for connection to a jack plug (25) of the audio accessory (20), a ground connection to a first socket contact (428) which is positioned to mate with a ground return pole of the plug (25). The jack socket (14) comprises a second contact (432) also positioned to mate with the ground return pole of the plug (25). Driver amplifiers (416, 418) comprise an input coupled to the second contact (432) and are configured to superimpose a signal present at the second contact (432) onto received speaker signal. It may achieve reducing the crosstalk which could distort or blur the stereo image.
US09955271B2 Suspended components in auditory prostheses
In bone conduction auditory prostheses, a suspension of the electronic components relative to the vibrating mass is beneficial for a number of reasons. The suspension systems depicted also function as a seal, so as to prevent infiltration of direct, water, or other contaminants into the housing. The present technology utilizes a combination suspension and sealing system that seals the housing of an auditory prosthesis while still providing sufficient suspension functionality.
US09955270B2 Bone conduction device fitting
Methods and systems for fitting a bone conduction device are provided herein. These methods and systems comprise obtaining dynamic range parameters for a bone conduction device. These dynamic range parameters may include threshold and a maximum comfort levels for the bone conduction device. Once determined, the bone conduction device may use the dynamic range parameters in applying stimulation to a recipient.
US09955267B1 Film speaker
A film speaker includes a metal foil; a diaphragm apart from and opposed to the metal foil, an elastomer for supporting the diaphragm, and a voice coil disposed on the metal foil for producing magnetic field. The diaphragm includes a number of diaphragms. The elastomer includes a main body and a number of partition portions for dividing the elastomer into a number of vibration areas, each of the vibration areas corresponding to one of the number of diaphragms. The voice coil includes a number of voice coils corresponding to the vibration areas. Each of the diaphragms includes a substrate layer and a magnetic material layer attached to a surface of the substrate layer for interacting with the magnetic field produced by the voice coils so as to drive the diaphragms to vibrate for generating sound.
US09955261B2 Method and apparatus for adjusting a cross-over frequency of a loudspeaker
A method and apparatus for adjusting a cross-over frequency of a loudspeaker system. The loudspeaker system includes at least a first loudspeaker for frequencies below the cross-over frequency and a second loudspeaker for frequencies above the cross-over frequency. A level of the first loudspeaker is matched with the second loudspeaker using a first test signal and a room response is compensated in the loudspeaker system on the basis of the first test signal. The compensated room response is measured using a second test signal. A maximum frequency for the first loudspeaker and a minimum frequency for the second loudspeaker are determined. A cross-over frequency that results in a minimum cumulative total harmonic distortion energy at one or more sound pressure levels is searched between the minimum and maximum frequency.
US09955257B2 Class-D audio amplifier
The present disclosure relates to a class-D audio amplifier. When the class-D audio amplifier is powered on, an auxiliary power amplifier and an auxiliary feedback circuit constitute an auxiliary close loop so that a control loop is established in advance. The auxiliary close loop is disconnected after various circuit modules reach their steady operation points, and the class-D audio amplifier operates at a normal state. A soft start circuit is provided for suppressing noise which occurs when the class-D audio amplifier is powered on. Thus, the class-D audio amplifier suppresses POP noise at an output terminal when the class-D audio amplifier is powered on.
US09955256B2 Speaker protection based on output signal analysis
In accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure, a system may include a controller configured to be coupled to an audio speaker, wherein the controller receives an output signal indicative of a physical quantity associated with the audio speaker, compares the output signal to an audio input signal to determine if differences between the output signal and the audio input signal are present indicating at least one of distortion of the output signal, non-linearities of the audio speaker, and overexcursion of the audio speaker, and controls an audio signal communicated from the controller to the audio speaker and based on the audio input signal responsive to determining that differences between the output signal and the audio input signal are present indicating at least one of distortion of the output signal, non-linearities of the audio speaker, and overexcursion of the audio speaker.
US09955253B1 Systems and methods for directional loudspeaker control with facial detection
Systems and methods are proposed for adjusting the coverage pattern of a directional loudspeaker array. The methods may comprise adjusting a coverage pattern of a loudspeaker array based on a distribution of audience members. The audience distribution may be determined by imaging a venue with a camera, performing facial detection on the resultant image, and processing the facial detection results to obtain the distribution.
US09955250B2 Low-latency multi-driver adaptive noise canceling (ANC) system for a personal audio device
A personal audio device including multiple output transducers for reproducing different frequency bands of a source audio signal, includes an adaptive noise canceling (ANC) circuit that adaptively generates an anti-noise signal for each of the transducers from at least one microphone signal that measures the ambient audio to generate anti-noise signals. The anti-noise signals are generated by separate adaptive filters such that the anti-noise signals cause substantial cancelation of the ambient audio at their corresponding transducers. The use of separate adaptive filters provides low-latency operation, since a crossover is not needed to split the anti-noise into the appropriate frequency bands. The adaptive filters can be implemented or biased to generate anti-noise only in the frequency band corresponding to the particular adaptive filter. The anti-noise signals are combined with source audio of the appropriate frequency band to provide outputs for the corresponding transducers.
US09955246B2 Gradient micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS) microphone with varying height assemblies
In at least one embodiment, a micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS) microphone assembly is provided. The assembly comprises an enclosure, a single micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS) transducer, a substrate layer, and an application housing. The single MEMS transducer is positioned within the enclosure. The substrate layer supports the single MEMS transducer. The application housing supports the substrate layer and defining at least a portion of a first transmission mechanism to enable a first side of the single MEMS transducer to receive an audio input signal and at least a portion of a second transmission mechanism to enable a second side of the single MEMS transducer to receive the audio input signal.
US09955244B2 Electronic device with speaker enclosure sensor
An electronic device may have a speaker for presenting audio to a user. The speaker may have a speaker diaphragm mounted in a speaker enclosure and driven using a speaker driver. A sensor such as a gas sensor, particulate sensor, or other environmental sensor may be mounted within the speaker enclosure. Control circuitry in the electronic device may move the speaker diaphragm to draw fresh air into the speaker enclosure or to capture a sample of liquid while using the environmental sensor to make sensor measurements. The control circuitry may use a display, other visual output devices, audio output devices, and/or vibrating output components to present alerts to the user based on environmental data from the environmental sensor.
US09955238B2 Methods and systems for wireless transmission of data between network nodes
A network of environmental sensor nodes is proposed in which data is transmitted wirelessly between the nodes using a rateless erasure code with a redundancy which is matched to the effective data rate, thereby permitting distanceless link transmissions. The wireless sensor networks is suitable to be sparsely deployed over wide area. A communication protocol is proposed to efficiently coordinate the distanceless link transmissions. A new metric (expected distanceless transmission time) is proposed for routing selection. The distanceless transmissions are well-adapted to low duty-cycled sensor networks.
US09955234B2 Image reception apparatus, parameter setting method, and additional information displaying system including a calibration operation
The video receiving apparatus is capable of transmitting and receiving data via a communications network. The video receiving apparatus includes a video extractor, a controller, a calibration executor, and an input unit to which a video signal is input. The video extractor extracts a partial video, which is to be used for video recognition processing, from the video signal. The controller controls the following operations: That is, the controller transmits, to a video recognition apparatus, either the partial video or content recognition information formed from the partial video, thereby requesting the video recognition apparatus to perform the video recognition processing. The controller acquires a result of the video recognition processing from the video recognition apparatus, and acquires the additional information based on the video recognition processing from an additional-information delivering apparatus. The calibration executor performs calibration processing in cooperation with the video recognition apparatus, thereby setting the predetermined parameter.
US09955231B2 Relevant video content pushed to a mobile phone
The present disclosure relates to systems and methods used to identify video content that may be of interest to a viewer by examining the viewing habits of the viewer's geographic marketing area, recommendations from the viewer's social media sites, the viewer's past viewing patterns, the viewer's demographic information, the viewer's preferences, and the viewer's past purchase history.
US09955230B2 OFDM based broadcast communication system
FDM based broadcast transmitter arrangement for transmitting a digital audio/video information signal, wherein an encoded version of the digital audio/video information signal is encapsulated in a network layer encapsulation step in accordance with DAB, DVB-T or DVB-T2 to obtain a network layer information signal. The network layer information signal is then converted in a Data Link Layer conversion step to obtain a Data Link Layer information signal, which is subjected in a Physical Layer conversion step to obtain a broadcast information transmission signal.
US09955227B2 System and method for communicating alerts through a set-top box
A system and method for distributing an alert to a set-top box. Media content is received for communication to one or more set-top boxes. Data is extracted from the media content. A determination is made whether the extracted data is associated with one or more alert profiles. The alert is generated in response to the extracted data being associated with the one or more alert profiles. The alert is distributed to one or more set-top boxes in response to generating the one or more alert profiles.
US09955218B2 Smart mechanism for blocking media responsive to user environment
Systems and methods are described herein for blocking sections of media using censoring techniques adaptive to context of the user environment. For example, by first determining features of the user environment such as location, time of day, attention level of the user, number of users, the type of media system being used, or the layout of a user environment, different methods of censorship and blocking may be implemented. A group of friends watching television with rapt attention may be shown a highlight reel; a single user not paying attention to a movie may be shown a synopsis of the plot; or a child watching a cartoon on a smart-phone may be presented with a social media update to seamlessly distract their attention. Thus unwanted content is blocked in an intelligent fashion, and overall user experience is enhanced.
US09955209B2 Immersive viewer, a method of providing scenes on a display and an immersive viewing system
An apparatus, a method of providing scenes on a display and an immersive viewing system is disclosed. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes: (1) a movement detector configured to monitor movement of a user with respect to a display, wherein the movement detector is disengaged from the user and includes a distance sensor configured to detect a distance of the user from the display and (2) an active screen displayer configured to navigate an active scene on the display based on changes in the distance and dynamically provide an updated view of the active scene on the display based thereon.
US09955205B2 Method and system for improving interactive media response systems using visual cues
Embodiments of the present invention recite a method and system for providing visual cues in an interactive media response system. In one embodiment, at least one visual prompt for display on a thin device is generated. The visual prompt is then sent to the thin device where it is displayed.
US09955201B2 Using aspect-ratio transitions to output an alert indicating a functional state of a back-up video-broadcast system
In one aspect, an example method for outputting an alert indicating a functional state of a back-up video-broadcast system involves: a computing device receiving a first video-stream that represents first video-content; the computing device generating a first signature based, at least in part, upon an extent of aspect-ratio transitions included within the first video-content; the computing device receiving a second video-stream that represents second video-content; the computing device generating a second signature based, at least in part, upon an extent of aspect-ratio transitions included within the second video-content; the computing device making a determination that the generated first-signature and the generated second-signature lack a threshold extent of similarity; and responsive to the determination that the generated first-signature and the generated second-signature lack the threshold extent of similarity, the computing device outputting an alert.
US09955199B2 Transfer of consumable data to vehicles
Consumable data objects are transferred from a source server to a vehicle server. The availability of a first data communications link from the source server to a vehicle server is detected and a count of consumable data objects stored on the vehicle server is generated. If the first data communications link is detected, the count is transmitted to the source server over the link. An identifier of the vehicle server is derived from the first data communications link, and this identifier is associated with the count. A consumable data object replenishment count is generated based upon an evaluation of the count in relation to historic use data derived from past counts.
US09955197B2 Encrypted screencasting
Encryption and encoding of video and/or audio may be implemented on an integrated circuit before being transmitted wirelessly to a remote adapter for display.
US09955194B2 Server GPU assistance for mobile GPU applications
Various technologies described herein pertain to performing collaborative rendering. A GPU of a mobile device can generate a mobile-rendered video stream based on a first instance of an application executed on the mobile device. A GPU of a server can generate one or more server-rendered video streams based on instance(s) of the application executed on the server. Based on the one or more server-rendered video streams, the server can generate a compressed server-manipulated video stream. The mobile device can further combine the mobile-rendered video stream and the compressed server-manipulated video stream to form a collaborative video stream, and a display screen of the mobile device can be caused to display the collaborative video stream. The mobile-rendered video stream can have a first level of a quality attribute and the collaborative video stream can have a second level of the quality attribute greater than the first level of the quality attribute.
US09955190B2 Method and apparatus for managing video transport
A method and apparatus for managing video transport is disclosed. A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a server having a controller to predict visibility to a viewer of packet loss impairment for communicated video content based at least in part on scene information for one or more packets of the video content. Other embodiments are disclosed.
US09955189B2 Content injection system and methodology
A method, and an associated system, for sending to a first group of recipients only the content portions of a continuity source data-flow which takes the form of ordered, successive, alternating content and non-content segments. From a methodologic point of view, the invention involves, in a manner which utilizes content-segment material buffering, delivering fully, and in correct order, to the first recipient group the material in each content segment, via steps including (a) bridging each gap between next-adjacent content segments at least partially with transmitted injection material that differs from the non-content segment material in the gap, which injection material ends in time no sooner than the end of the gap, and (b) employing, as needed, and as a part of such full delivering of content-segment material, time-progressive, time-length-variable buffering, and subsequent, progressive buffer-delivering, of any content-segment material which overlaps in time with the transmission of injection material.
US09955188B2 Deblocking filtering control
A first filter decision value is calculated for a block of pixels in a video frame based on pixel values of pixels in a first line of pixels in the block. A second filter decision value is also calculated for the block based on pixel values of pixels in a corresponding first line of pixels in a neighboring block in the video frame. The first filter decision value is used to determine how many pixels in a line of pixels in the block to filter relative to a block boundary between the block and the neighboring block. The second filter decision value is used to determine how many pixels in a corresponding line of pixels in the neighboring block to filter relative to the block boundary.
US09955187B2 Method and apparatus for encoding of video using depth information
A method of encoding an image using a depth information includes: extracting a depth value distribution information of a current largest coding unit (LCU); predicting a plurality of division structure candidates of the LCU based on the depth value distribution information; and determining an optimum division structure among the plurality of division structure candidates of the LCU based on at least one of coding efficiency and image quality.
US09955183B2 Open to closed group of pictures conversion in interframe video compression
Methods of converting an open group of pictures (GOP) to a Closed GOP are described that remove backward references to the GOP prior to the GOP undergoing conversion in an Open GOP interframe-encoded video stream. Within the GOP undergoing conversion, bipredictive frames with backward references to the prior GOP are replaced with frames referring only to the I frame of the GOP undergoing conversion, which is flagged as an IDR frame. Consolidation and assembly of video clips that are encoded using Open GOP compression schemes generally result in broken interframe references between GOPs. To address this, existing methods involve significant decoding and re-encoding of edited video sequences. The described methods serve to break the backward chain of references in the encoded stream, resulting in reduced re-encoding requirements, with attendant reduced quality degradation of the edited sequence.
US09955171B2 Image decoder, image decoding method, image encoder, and image encode method
A prediction set determining section selects a prediction set from a prediction set group including a plurality of prediction sets having different combinations of prediction modes corresponding to different prediction directions. Further, a prediction mode determining section selects a prediction mode from the prediction set thus selected. An entropy encoding section encodes the prediction set thus selected, the prediction mode thus selected, and residual data between an input image and a predicted image formed on the basis of the prediction set and the prediction mode. This allows an image encoding device to carry out predictions from more various angles, thereby improving prediction efficiency.
US09955169B2 Intra prediction mode encoding/decoding method and apparatus
An intra prediction mode encoding and decoding method, an image decoding device, and an image encoding device operate by deriving most probable modes (MPMs) from surrounding prediction units adjacent to a current prediction unit and deriving an intra prediction mode of the current prediction unit on the basis of an MPM flag indicating whether an MPM having the same prediction mode as the intra prediction mode of the current prediction unit exists among the derived MPMs.
US09955163B2 Two pass quantization of video data
Disclosed is a method for encoding a block of video. The method includes identifying, by a processor, a transformed video data block including a plurality of transformed video data, identifying a first portion of the plurality of transformed video data, identifying a second portion of the plurality of transformed video data, determining a plurality of quantized values based on the second portion of the plurality of transformed video data, and generating a quantization coefficient data block including a first portion of a plurality of quantized data values corresponding to the first portion of the plurality of transformed video data and set to a default value and including a second portion of the plurality of quantized data values corresponding to the second portion of the plurality of transformed video data and set to the plurality of quantized values.
US09955160B1 Video encoding using adaptive pre-filtering
Approaches for digital video encoding based, at least in part, on adaptive pre-filtering of the digital video. A user may select values for a plurality of video quality preference categories. An adaptive video preprocessor determines adaptive preprocessor information for the digital video, based, at least in part, on the current video complexity of the digital video and an output bit rate. The encoder encodes the digital video to produce encoded digital video using the adaptive preprocessor information. In this way, for example, the encoder may dynamically adjust how the digital video is encoded based on a selection, made by the user, regarding a stress bias video quality preference.
US09955155B2 Method for encoding video information and method for decoding video information, and apparatus using same
Disclosed herein is a method for coding image information, including: generating prediction information by predicting information on a current coding unit; and determining whether the information on the current coding unit is the same as the prediction information, wherein when the information on the current coding unit is the same as the prediction information, a flag indicating that the information on the current coding unit is the same as the prediction information is coded and transmitted, and when the information on the current coding unit is not the same as the prediction information, the flag indicating that the information on the current coding unit is not the same as the prediction information and the information on the current coding unit are coded and transmitted.
US09955138B2 Information processing apparatus, information processing method and program
Disclosed herein is an information processing apparatus, including: a displaying controlling section adapted to control a display section to display a stereoscopic image based on stereoscopic image information; a detection section adapted to detect a change of the eyeballs of a user when the stereoscopic image is displayed on the display section; and a correction section adapted to correct the position of a material body included in the stereoscopic image in the depthwise direction based on the detected change of the eyeballs.
US09955137B2 Method and apparatus for displaying a 3D image in a mobile terminal
A method and apparatus are provided for displaying a three dimensional (3D) image in a mobile communication terminal. The method includes displaying an image comprising at least one object; sensing a touch gesture selecting an object for changing a three dimensional depth of the object among the at least one object with the image displayed; checking the three dimensional depth of the selected object; determining the three dimensional depth of the selected object based on the checked three dimensional depth; and displaying the selected object reflecting the determined three dimensional depth.
US09955130B2 Image display control device, image display system, and image display control method
An image display control device for displaying an image that is easy to view for a person is provided. The image display control device includes: an entry detector that detects, based on an image captured by an imaging device, an entry position through which a person entered a range of imaging; an entry direction identifying unit that identifies, based on the detected entry position and a center position of a region including a range of projection by a projecting device, an entry direction in which the person entered the range of imaging; a renderer that performs on an image data item a rotational rendering process in which an image to be projected by the projecting device is rotated according to the identified entry direction; and an output unit that outputs to the projecting device the image data item on which the rotational rendering process has been performed.
US09955129B2 Light source device and projector
A light source device according to the invention includes a light source, a light separating/combining element including a dichroic layer, a wavelength conversion layer, and a diffusely reflecting element. A bundle of light beams emitted from the light source includes a first light bundle and a second light bundle. The first light bundle enters the wavelength conversion layer via the dichroic layer. The second light bundle enters the diffusely reflecting element without entering the dichroic layer, and is converted into diffusely reflected light. The dichroic layer combines the third light bundle from the wavelength conversion layer and the diffusely reflected light from the diffusely reflecting element with each other.
US09955124B2 Sensor placement determination device and sensor placement determination method
This sensor placement determination device is provided with an external storage device (15) in which traffic data, i.e. the actual paths taken by people, is recorded in a planned target area in which sensors are to be arranged, a traffic simulation observation unit (100) which, for candidate arrangement positions of the sensors in the target area, generates, on the basis of the traffic data, information about the passage of people through the monitoring area of the sensors, a traffic estimation unit (102) which, with the passage information as a constraining condition, generates candidate paths by which people might pass through the target area, an estimated error calculation unit (104) which, for the traffic through the monitoring area of the sensors, calculates an estimated error between the number of people passing along the candidate paths and the number of people passing along the actual paths, and an additional camera determination unit (106) which determines a sensor arrangement position that minimizes the calculated estimated traffic error.
US09955112B2 Digital-image transmission apparatus which performs communication, self-diagnosis, and control
Provided is a digital-image transmission apparatus including a transmitting unit connected to a host device and a receiving unit connected to a display device. The transmitting unit includes a host-side additional-communication control unit that controls additional communication for digital image transmission. The host-side additional-5 communication control unit performs communication with an external device to diagnose an operation state of the transmitting unit, transmit a diagnosis result to the external device, and control an operation of the transmitting unit.
US09955111B2 Electronic apparatus and display control method
An image display apparatus includes a data acquisition unit configured to acquire pieces of LF image data in which a corresponding focus position being an in-focus position in a depth direction is changeable after image capturing, and pieces of added data each of which is associated with a position in the depth direction, a group identification unit configured to identify a group to which at least one of the pieces of added data belongs, an image generation unit configured to generate, from pieces of image data associated with one or more pieces of added data belonging to an identified group, each of a plurality of refocused images with a corresponding focus position set to a position associated with one or more pieces of added data belonging to the group, and a display control unit configured to display the plurality of refocused images on a screen.
US09955108B2 Miniature high definition camera for visible, infrared, and low light applications
A miniature high definition camera system which converts parallel data to serial data at the camera and then back to parallel data at a remote digital video recorder to avoid signal attenuation issues known to occur with parallel data transmitted across data cables. The camera system features video sensors to permit recording in visible, infrared, and ultraviolet wavelengths as well as in low light for night vision.
US09955106B1 Television support mounting system that attaches to a clamp and employs a tension pole as a base
A support system for supporting a television, said support system comprising a mounting bracket and at least one universal clamp. The mounting bracket is fixedly mountable to said universal clamp and comprises a mounting plate provided with a hole-pattern spaced for mounting to the universal clamp; and bracket arms adapted to be attachable to a back of the television. The support system further comprises at least one mounting structure defining a longitudinal axis, having a length adjustable along said longitudinal axis and is adapted to be tension mounted. The universal clamp is adapted to allow movement along and about the longitudinal axis of the at least one mounting structure and is fastenable thereto using a lever movement. The support system is adapted to prevent movement of the television relative to the at least one mounting structure when the universal clamp is fastened thereto.
US09955104B2 Power supply for television and television including the same
Provided is a television apparatus including: a display panel which displays an image; a front cover which covers a front side of the television apparatus such that the display panel is exposed; a rear cover which is opposed to the front cover; a power supply which is supported between the front cover and the rear cover and includes an input connector mounted thereon to receive an input AC power for the display panel; an output connector configured to detachably coupled with the input connector to supply the input AC power, wherein the rear cover includes an inwardly-depressed portion at which a cover insertion hole is formed such that the output connector is coupled to the input connector through the cover insertion hole.
US09955098B2 Imaging element, imaging device, electronic device, and imaging method to improve speed of analog to digital conversion
To improve the speed of AD conversion. An amplifier amplifies, by a magnification larger than 1, signals of a pixel that outputs a signal in which there is no accumulation of a charge by a photon as a reset signal, and outputs a signal in which there is accumulation of a charge by a photon as an accumulation signal. A calculation unit generates an offset amount signal corresponding to an amount of own offset component using the amplified signal, and calculates a digital value corresponding to the own offset component using the generated offset amount signal and accuracy set for AD conversion of the amplified accumulated signal.
US09955096B2 System and method for high-speed down-sampled CMOS image sensor readout
A system and method of routing multiple pixels from a single column in a CMOS (complementary metal-oxide semiconductor) image sensors (CIS) to a plurality of column analog-to-digital converters (ADCs) is disclosed. The CIS includes an array of pixel elements having a plurality of rows and a plurality of columns. A plurality of column-out signal paths is coupled to each of the plurality of columns of the array of pixel elements. A column routing matrix is coupled to each plurality of column-out signal paths for each of the plurality of columns. A plurality of analog-to-digital converters (ADCs) are coupled to the column routing matrix. The column routing matrix is configured to route at least one column-out signal path to each of the plurality of ADCs during a down-sampling read operation.
US09955094B2 Imaging apparatus and signal processing method
An imaging apparatus includes an imaging unit including a plurality of pixels each including a first photoelectric conversion unit, a second photoelectric conversion unit, and a microlens collecting light to the first photoelectric conversion unit and the second photoelectric conversion unit, and a first mixing unit configured to mix output signals from the first photoelectric conversion units of the plurality of pixels to generate a first signal and configured to output the first signal and a second signal based on the output signal from the first photoelectric conversion unit and an output signal from the second photoelectric conversion unit from each of the plurality of pixels, an image processing unit configured to generate an image based or the second signal, and a focus detection processing unit configured to perform focus detection based on the first signal and the second signal.
US09955091B1 High dynamic range image sensor read out architecture using in-frame multi-bit exposure control
A pixel circuit includes a photodiode to accumulate image charge in response to incident light. A transfer transistor is disposed between the photodiode and a floating diffusion disposed in the first semiconductor layer to selectively transfer the image charge accumulated in the photodiode to the floating diffusion. A select circuit is disposed in second semiconductor layer coupled to a control terminal of the transfer transistor through a hybrid bond between the first and second semiconductor layers to select between first and second transfer control signals to control the transfer transistor. The select circuit is coupled to output the first transfer control signal in response to a precharge enable signal during a read out operation of a different row, and output the second transfer control signal in response to a sample enable signal during a read out operation of the row.
US09955085B2 Adaptive bracketing techniques
Adaptive bracketing techniques for photography are described. An adaptive bracketing logic/module directs an imaging device to capture an adaptive bracket. The adaptive bracket can include a first image captured at a first exposure value, a second image captured at a second exposure value, and a third image captured at the first exposure value. The first exposure value can be underexposed in comparison to the second exposure value. The adaptive bracketing logic/module can determine that a difference between the first and second images; determine that the third image is more similar to the second image than the first image; and generate a composite image using the first image and the third image. The adaptive bracketing logic/module can also update the adaptive bracket to include the composite image. Optionally, the updated adaptive bracket can be used to generate one or more high dynamic range (HDR) images. Other embodiments are described.
US09955080B2 Image annotation
A mobile terminal includes a display unit, a camera that is configured to capture images, and a controller. The controller is configured to access a preview image that is captured by the camera and that includes an object. The controller is further configured to determine, based on the preview image, whether the camera is focused on the object and a prescribed condition of the object is satisfied. The controller is further configured to output, based on a determination that the camera is focused on the object and the prescribed condition of the object is satisfied, information associated with the object by overlaying the information associated with the object on the preview image.
US09955070B2 Systems and methods for synthesizing high resolution images using image deconvolution based on motion and depth information
Systems and methods for synthesizing high resolution images using image deconvolution and depth information in accordance embodiments of the invention are disclosed. In one embodiment, an array camera includes a processor and a memory, wherein an image deconvolution application configures the processor to obtain light field image data, determine motion data based on metadata contained in the light field image data, generate a depth-dependent point spread function based on the synthesized high resolution image, the depth map, and the motion data, measure the quality of the synthesized high resolution image based on the generated depth-dependent point spread function, and when the measured quality of the synthesized high resolution image is within a quality threshold, incorporate the synthesized high resolution image into the light field image data.
US09955067B2 Initializing camera subsystem for face detection based on sensor inputs
In one embodiment, while a mobile electronic device is in a first operation state, it receives sensor data from one or more sensors of the mobile electronic device. The mobile electronic device in a locked state analyzes the sensor data to estimate whether an unlock operation is imminent, and in response to a positive determination, initializes the camera subsystem so that the camera is ready to capture a face as soon as the user directs the camera lens to his or her face. In particular embodiments, the captured image is utilized by a facial recognition algorithm to determine whether the user is authorized to use the mobile device. In particular embodiments, the captured facial recognition image may be leveraged for use on a social network.
US09955064B2 Mobile terminal and control method for changing camera angles with respect to the fixed body
A mobile terminal including a display unit; a camera configured to capture an image; and a controller configured to control the camera to capture a plurality of images in response to an image capture request, and generate an image including a focused particular graphic object and at least some out of focus portions excluding the focused particular graphic object by combining at least two of the plurality of images.
US09955063B2 Imaging system and imaging terminal
It is possible to further reduce failure of simultaneous imaging performed by a plurality of imaging terminals. A second processor repeatedly transmits a specific multi-address packet in a first duration when a communication connection of a data link level with an imaging terminal 101 is not established. When a time point at which a first communication device 103 has received a specific multi-address packet is referred to as a first time point, a first processor 102 performs imaging control in response to the specific multi-address packet that has been received at the first time point and does not perform the imaging control in response to a specific multi-address packet that is newly received in the first duration after the first time point.
US09955060B2 System and method to control the orientation of a mobile video camera to film athletes moving on a field of play
System and Method to adjust the orientation of a mobile video camera suited to film a pair of athletes moving on a field of play, wherein the position of the athletes is determined relative to a coordinate system integral to the field of play by using radio transmitters, which are applied to the bodies of the athletes, and radio receivers arranged around the field of play, and fixed relative to the field of play and interfaced with a processing and control unit, the processing and control unit determines an intermediate position between the two athletes as a function of the current positions of two athletes, and a motor-driven moving device moves the mobile video camera so as to center the respective camera framing on the intermediate position.
US09955055B2 Array imaging module and molded photosensitive assembly, circuit board assembly and manufacturing methods thereof for electronic device
An array imaging module includes at least two optical lenses and a molded photosensitive assembly, wherein the molded photosensitive assembly includes at least two photosensitive units, a circuit board that electrically couples to the photosensitive units, and a molded base having at least two optical windows. The molded base is integrally coupled at the circuit board at a peripheral portion thereof, wherein the photosensitive units are aligned with the optical windows respectively. The optical lenses are located along two photosensitive paths of the photosensitive units respectively, such that each of the optical windows forms a light channel through the corresponding photosensitive unit and the corresponding optical lens.
US09955051B2 Modular motion camera
Modular digital camera systems are disclosed. The modular digital camera system can include a brain module configured to be releasably coupled to one or more of a port extender module, power module, display module, and handle module. The brain module and other accessory modules can be structured according to some embodiments to increase an ease of coupling and decoupling the modules.
US09955041B2 System and method for tone reproduction curve color resolution enhancement in a three-dimensional object printer
A method of operating a three-dimensional object printer to form printed images on a surface of an object with increased color resolution includes generating a plurality of low-precision tone reproduction curves (TRCs) from a plurality of high-precision color conversion entries that are modified by a plurality of values in a one-to-one correspondence to the TRCs. The method further comprises generating modified contone image and halftone image data for each plane using one of the low-precision TRCs and forming the image from multiple printed layers of ink corresponding to the plurality of planes.
US09955039B2 Image processing device, copy apparatus and copy method with image shifting and filling functions
An image processing device comprises a receiving port, a processor and an output port. The receiving port receives old image data from a peripheral device. The old image data has partial positioning mark data corresponding to a portion of a positioning mark of a document, and partial main image data corresponding to a partial main image of a portion of a main image of the document. The processor electrically connected to the receiving port shifts the partial main image by a calibration distance in a calibration direction to a standard position of a typesetting page according to the partial positioning mark data and the partial main image data, and adds a predetermined image to one side or neighboring two sides of the partial main image to generate new image data. The output port electrically connected to the processor outputs the new image data. Copy apparatus and method are also provided.
US09955037B2 Image forming system, image forming apparatus and program with parameter setting for use in determining abnormalities in scan image
An image forming system includes: an image forming apparatus including an image forming unit for forming an image on a sheet, an image reading unit for reading a sheet surface and generating a scan image, an image inspection unit for detecting abnormalities within the scan image, and a history generating unit for generating detection information of each of the abnormalities and generating a history image by embedding the detection information in the scan image; a storage device for storing the history image; and a user terminal for displaying an abnormality detection result and inputting a user's evaluation of the abnormality detection result, wherein the image forming apparatus further includes a parameter setting unit for finally determining the abnormalities depending on the user's evaluation, and determining and setting abnormality detection parameters such that the abnormalities finally determined are detected, and the abnormalities not finally determined are not detected.
US09955036B2 Image forming apparatus including a first storage, a second storage, and a bus and image forming method using the same
An image forming apparatus, which includes a first storage, a second storage, and a bus, includes a first controller configured to store first image data based on input image data, in the first storage, when the input image data is input via the bus; a second controller configured to store second image data based on the first image data, in the second storage; a third controller configured to store third image data based on the second image data, in the first storage; a fourth controller configured to output output image data based on the third image data; and an image former configured to perform image formation based on the output image data.
US09955033B1 Selection of a preferred image from multiple captured images
Systems, methods, and computer-readable media are disclosed for selection of a preferred image from multiple captured images. An image corresponding to a photograph time t=0 may be retrieved from a circular buffer and stored as a preferred image. Alternative images captures before and after the t=0 image may be retrieves and stored in an alternative image location. The t=0 image and preferred images may be presented to a user in a user interface. The user may select a preferred image for the photograph from among the t=0 image and the alternative images.
US09955031B2 Laser scanning device and image forming apparatus including the same
A laser scanning device includes light source, deflection portion, image forming lens, a block position setting portion, and a light source control portion. The image forming lens condenses a light beam deflected by the deflection portion on a scanned surface, and causes the light beam to be scanned on the scanned surface in a scanning direction at an equal speed. The block position setting portion sets one or more block areas which each include a plurality of section areas sectioned from each other on the scanned surface in the scanning direction. The light source control portion controls the light source to irradiate the light beam to the plurality of section areas at a plurality of irradiation timings that are determined for each of the block areas. The block position setting portion shifts set positions of the block areas along the scanning direction for each scan of at least one line.
US09955030B2 Image forming apparatus and sheet processing apparatus
A printing system includes a printing apparatus that prints an image on a sheet, a sheet processer that executes sheet processing, and a sheet detection sensor that detects a sheet on which the sheet processing is performed not in association with the printing of an image, where the printing of an image is restricted in response to detection of a sheet by the sheet detection sensor.
US09955029B2 Image output system having a customized user interface
An authentication processing portion of an MFP requests user authentication to a server based on user information including at least a user ID input from a mobile terminal apparatus or an operation panel. The server has a user authentication portion which performs the user authentication and a UI instruction portion which specifies, when the user authentication succeeds, a UI image displayed on a display panel of the apparatus for operating the MFP depending on the user ID, and instructs the MFP to display the UI image on the apparatus. The MFP executes image output in accordance with a user operation received from the apparatus through the wireless communication portion in a state where the UI image is displayed on the apparatus.
US09955023B2 System and method for real-time analysis of network traffic
A system for monitoring a live-data flow through a network includes at least one server communicating with the network. A processor within each of the at least one server implements a first processing node for monitoring a mirrored live-data flow of the live-data flow passing through at least one selected point within the network in a non-intrusive manner that does not affect the live-data flow passing through the at least one selected point. The first processing node decodes data within the mirrored live-data flow according to each protocol associated with the data. The first processing node detects at least one predetermined or deduced condition defined by at least one of a plurality of applications implemented on a second processing node and executes at least one predetermined or deduced response responsive to an indication of occurrence of the at least one predetermined or deduced condition within the decoded data. The first processing node also forwards data from the first processing node to a second processing node data from at least one of the plurality of simultaneous live-data flows based upon occurrence of the at least one predetermined or deduced condition. The processor within the at least one server the processor further implements the second processing node for accessing from the second processing node, external data from an external data source. The second processing node also processes at least a portion of the data forwarded from the first processing node using at least one of the plurality of applications implemented on the second processing node and the external data. The processing of the data by the at least one of the plurality of applications and the external data causes execution of the at least one predetermined or deduced response to determine a manner for controlling an operation of the network at a same time the live-data flow is in active transmission between the endpoints in the network. The operation of the network is controlled in response to the executed at least one predetermined or deduced response while events associated with the live-data flow are occurring within the network.
US09955004B2 System and method for utilizing customer data in a communication system
Systems and methods for utilizing customer data in a communication system are provided. In exemplary embodiments, customer records at a customer data warehousing system are accessed. Customer data from the customer records are extracted and associated with a customer identifier. The customer data is then stored to an indexed database, the extracted customer data being indexed according to the identifier. When an incoming communication is received, the communication system will determine a communication identifier of the incoming communication. A lookup and matching process is then performed using the communication identifier in the indexed customer information database. If a matching customer identifier is found, associated customer data may be retrieved and used to provide enhanced communication system services including communication routing and customer data alerts.
US09955002B2 Social caller ID with reverse look-up
Methods and systems directed to a social caller ID application that performs a reverse look up on an incoming communication to determine a specific member of a social networking system associated with the incoming communication, and, based on the social relationship between the detected member and the recipient of the communication, display particular information to the recipient. In this manner, a user is provided a caller ID system that leverages information stored remotely on a social network.
US09954998B2 Method of editing call history information in mobile device and mobile device controlling the same
A method of displaying call history information in a first mobile device communicating with at least one second mobile device. The method according to one embodiment includes displaying a call history screen. The call history screen includes information on an outgoing call history, an incoming call history, a missed call history, and a video call history. The method according to the one embodiment further includes displaying a specific content on the display unit in an activated state in response to a selection of the specific content; displaying at least one edit screen after the specific content is selected; deleting selectively the selected specific content corresponding to a pre-stored name or multiple contents including non-selected content; and changing the pre-stored same name corresponding to the selected specific content into an edited name with changing the pre-stored same name corresponding to all of the non-selected content into the same edited name.
US09954997B2 Method for reproducing music file of mobile communication terminal and mobile terminal implementing the same
An apparatus and method are provided. The method includes reproducing, by a portable phone, multimedia content via an external output device while the portable phone is coupled with the external output device, determining whether the portable phone is decoupled from the external output device, and terminating the reproducing of the multimedia content based at least in part on a determination that the portable phone is decoupled from the external output device.
US09954990B2 Panel speaker ear location
An apparatus including a speaker and a sensor. The speaker includes a vibrating element and a display element. The vibrating element is configured to at least partially move the display element to generate sound waves from the display element. The sensor is configured to sense when an ear of a user is placed at the speaker.
US09954979B2 Protocol selection for transmission control protocol/internet protocol (TCP/IP)
Embodiments relate to protocol selection for transmission control protocol/internet protocol (TCP/IP). An aspect includes tracking connection data corresponding to a plurality of TCP/IP connections in a computer system. Another aspect includes determining, based on the tracked connection data, whether a particular connection of the plurality of TCP/IP connections is appropriate for sockets over remote direct memory access (RDMA) protocol. Another aspect includes, based on determining that the particular connection is appropriate for sockets over RDMA protocol, automatically enabling sockets over RDMA protocol for the connection. Yet another aspect includes, based on determining that the particular connection is not appropriate for sockets over RDMA protocol, automatically disabling sockets over RDMA protocol for the connection.
US09954971B1 Cache eviction in a distributed computing system
A cache server is operative as one of a set of cache servers of a distributed cache. The server includes a processor and a memory connected to the processor. The memory stores instructions executed by the processor to receive a cache storage request, establish a cache eviction requirement in response to the cache storage request, and identify an evict entry within a cache in response to the cache eviction requirement. The evict entry is selected from a random sampling of entries within the cache that are subject to an eviction policy that identifies a probabilistically favorable eviction candidate. The evict entry is removed from the cache. Content associated with the storage request is loaded into the cache.
US09954962B2 Serving anonymous cookies associated with purchasing analytics
Anonymously providing purchasing analytics associated with customer to a website while the customer is accessing the website. Specifically, a financial institution, having access to a customer's transactional data, can analyze the data to determine analytical purchasing data. Once the customer authenticates themselves at a financial institution website, a networked application or the like, an anonymous cookie that is configured to identify the analytical purchasing data is generated and stored in the web browser cache. In response to the customer using the device to access a website that displays advertisements, the anonymous cookie is retrieved from the web browser cache and the analytical purchasing data is provided to the website. In specific embodiments of the invention, the website uses the analytical purchasing data of the customer to determine which of the plurality of advertisements are to be displayed to the customer while they visit the website.
US09954957B2 Terminal control method, terminal control system, and server device
In a system that centrally manages a terminal device group composed of a plurality of terminal devices in a home, a method allows for: determining an instruction to be transmitted to one of the terminal devices according to an operation status acquired from a different one of the terminal devices; specifying, from among the terminal devices, a terminal device as a transmission destination of the instruction, with use of pieces of connection source information specifying the respective terminal devices in a network, and acquisition times of the pieces of connection source information; and transmitting the instruction to the specified terminal device. Upon receiving the instruction, the specified terminal device performs an operation based on the received instruction. The operation is in coordination with the operation status acquired from the different terminal device.
US09954953B2 Distributed load processing using forecasted location-based internet of things device clusters
For distributed processing using forecasted location-based IoT device clusters, at a central IoT device, a data source that is to be used and a duration for processing a workload is determined. A set of IoT devices operating within a threshold distance from the data source at a first time is selected. A first subset of the IoT devices is selected to form a cluster of IoT devices where each IoT device satisfies a clustering condition. A second subset of the first subset is selected to form a sub-cluster of IoT devices where a forecasted travel path of a member IoT device in the second subset keeps the member within the threshold distance from the data source for the duration. A lightweight application is configured at a first IoT device in the second subset which enables the first IoT device to participate in the sub-cluster and process the workload.
US09954952B2 Data transmission for an internet of vehicles system
The present invention discloses a data transmission method and apparatus. The method comprises: obtaining information of a vehicle, the information comprising a current location of the vehicle; predicting a possible location of the vehicle in a future period of time and corresponding communication connection quality; predicting changes of the communication connection quality in the vehicle running course according to the communication connection quality at the current location of the vehicle and the communication connection quality at the predicted location; and according to the changes, determining an adjustment policy of computing resources for processing data uploaded by the vehicle. By means of the method and apparatus of the embodiments of the present invention, computing resources for processing real-time data uploaded by vehicles can be determined dynamically.
US09954949B2 Cloud images
Examples disclosed herein relate to cloud images. The examples enable generating a first cloud image to configure a first node to serve a first role in a cloud infrastructure. The first cloud image comprising a first set of packages may be stored in a first local repository of the first cloud image. The examples further enable generating a second cloud image to configure a second node to serve a second role in the cloud infrastructure where the second cloud image comprises a second set of packages stored in a second local repository of the second cloud image. The examples further enable causing the first cloud image to be deployed to the first node in the cloud infrastructure and causing the second cloud image to be deployed to the second node in the cloud infrastructure.
US09954943B2 Method for configuring multi-vision and electronic device therefor
A method for configuring multi-vision by an electronic device is provided. The method includes obtaining, by the electronic device, a user input, generating first user input information from the obtained user input, determining whether the electronic device is one of a master device and a slave device, when the electronic device is determined to be the master device, obtaining second user input information from one or more other electronic devices, and determining an arrangement structure of one of the master device and the slave device based on one of the first user input information and the second user input information.
US09954937B2 Method for grouping a plurality of devices and grouping system
A grouping method of User Equipment (UE) is provided. The grouping method includes transmitting, to a server, relational data stored in the UE using a first communication mode, and receiving, from the server, generated group information based on relational data of a plurality of UEs, wherein, in response to the first communication mode being unusable, communication is performed using a second communication mode.
US09954928B2 Method and system for causing portable terminal to obtain site page of web server associated with current location
Provided is a method for a portable terminal to acquire Web site pages related to the current position, without a user selecting a site page. A proxy server includes an address correspondence table in which the addresses of the site pages and access points are associated. The portable terminal searches for the access points in the vicinity, receives annunciation signals including access points' addresses, and measures the reception levels. The portable terminal transmits a page acquisition request to the proxy server. The proxy server searches for the address of the site page corresponding to the address of each access point, using address correspondence table, and transmits list information, where the addresses are arranged in descending order of reception levels, to the portable terminal. The portable terminal presents the list information to the user and transmits page acquisition requests having one or more addresses as destinations to the corresponding site servers.
US09954908B2 Systems and methods for collaborating in a non-destructive testing system
A collaboration system may include a computing device that may communicate with the at least one other computing device via a computing network network. The computing device may receive data that has been acquired using one or more non-destructive testing (NDT) inspection devices, receive an input that may cause a list of one or more experts indicated as available to collaborate to be derived. The computing device may also receive a selection of at least one expert from the list of experts. After receiving the expert selection, the computing device may establish a communication connection between the computing device and the at least one other computing device that corresponds to the at least one expert. Here, the communication connection may share data depicted on the computing device with the at least one other computing device.
US09954907B2 Establishing communication links using routing protocols
Systems and methods for facilitating shared access-right evaluation using linked communication channels are provided. A first communication can be received over a first communication link from a first user device, and a second communication can be received over a second communication link from a second user device. The first and second communications can include requests for the assignment of access rights. Map data can be generated and transmitted to each of the first and second user devices. Each user device can display a visual representation of access-right data. Further, a communication session can be facilitated between the first user device and the second user device. The communication session can be presented on the visual representation for each user device so that the first user and the second user can collaboratively evaluate access rights.
US09954902B1 Secure proxy
Methods and systems are provided herein to enable secure proxying of network traffic between trusted and untrusted environments. In particular, a secure proxy may be provided that includes a set of policies. The policies may be applicable to various network protocol layers (e.g., an application layer), network traffic types, and/or endpoint resolution. The set of policies may be used to inspect, restrict and/or modify traffic between the trusted and untrusted environment to ensure data and network security. A proxy device may use the set of policies, for example, to obtain current service-related information (such as the list of IP addresses) currently associated with a computing resource requested by an application. Such endpoint information may be used, in turn, to update a white list.
US09954900B2 Automating the creation and maintenance of policy compliant environments
Embodiments of the present invention provide for a method, system, and apparatus for creating a publishable computer file. The method includes selecting a first computer file encapsulating a source security policy for a computing device and creating a second computer file using the source security policy of the first computer file to create a local security policy and to encapsulate the created local security policy and also an operating system security policy. The method further includes calculating a hash value for the second computer file and storing the hash value in a header for the second computer file. The method yet further includes encrypting the second computer file, wherein the encrypted second computer file once loaded into memory of the computing device is processed by the computing device.
US09954899B2 Applying a network traffic policy to an application session
Embodiments of the present technology relate to a method for applying a security policy to an application session, comprising: determining, by a security gateway, a first user identity and a second user identity from a data packet for an application session; obtaining, by the security gateway, a security policy for the application session; and applying the security policy to the application session by the security gateway. The user identity may be a network user identity or an application user identity recognized from packets of the application session. The security policy may comprise a network traffic policy mapped and/or a document access policy mapped to the user identity, where the network traffic policy is applied to the application session. The security gateway may further generate a security report concerning the application of the security policy to the application session.
US09954897B2 Methods and systems providing cyber security
Methods and systems for providing cyber security, wherein a computer with network access incorporates game theory and utilizes a honeypot to enhance game-theoretic developments over active and passive sensors. To numerically solve the uniquely three-sided game modeled cyber security problem, using a geometric solution based on three-dimensional (3D) action surface and action curve. The methods and systems determine whether the game problem has one Nash equilibrium, multiple Nash equilibriums, or no Nash equilibrium; checks whether the equilibrium is a mixed or pure Nash; and timely computes Nash equilibriums; and follows a fictitious play concept. The solution is adaptive and can be applied for any partially observed cyber security system.
US09954894B2 Webpage security
Aspects of the technology described herein allow webpages to maintain control over content displayed as part of the webpage when viewed on a browser. The technology described herein can send a security script and validation rules along with a webpage to a web browser. The web browser then runs the security script, which monitors content on the webpage. In one aspect, when an add-in attempts to display secondary content, the security script checks identification information associated with the secondary content against the validation rules, which lists authorized content. If the secondary content does not satisfy a validation rule, then the security script can prevent the browser from displaying the secondary content.
US09954886B2 Method and apparatus for detecting website security
The present invention discloses a method and an apparatus for detecting website security. The method includes: performing bypass interception on a network to snatch a hypertext transfer protocol request packet; acquiring a link corresponding to the hypertext transfer protocol request packet; inserting the link into a to-be-scanned queue as a priority task to be scanned if the link is determined to be new; and/or extracting a domain name corresponding to the link, inserting the domain name into the to-be-scanned queue as a priority task to be scanned if the domain name is determined to be new; and performing vulnerability scanning on the task to be scanned in the to-be-scanned queue.
US09954885B2 Software/hardware device with uncertain service function and structural characterization, and scheduling method thereof
The present invention discloses a software/hardware device with uncertain service function and structural characterization and a method for scheduling the same. The device comprises a policy generator, a scheduler and a plurality of heterogeneous functional equivalents with equivalent functions, wherein, the policy generator is configured for providing a scheduling policy for the heterogeneous functional equivalents to the scheduler; the scheduler is configured for receiving an external service request, determining heterogeneous functional equivalents that provide a service to the external service request according to the scheduling policy given by the policy generator, assigning the service request to the determined heterogeneous functional equivalents, and outputting a service response which has an uncertain relation with uncertain structural characterization according to a feedback and the scheduling policy given by the policy generator. Therefore, the service response provided to the service request has an uncertain correspondence relation with feedback results of the heterogeneous functional equivalents of the device, so that the effectiveness of detection or attack on an unknown loophole, trapdoor of the device is greatly lowered, and the protective ability of the software/hardware device is enhanced.
US09954880B2 Protection via webpage manipulation
Techniques are disclosed relating to limiting malicious-code analysis of webpage content. In one embodiment, a computing system receives a webpage requested by a client device. The computing system randomly alters content of the webpage to limit analysis of the content by malicious code such that the altering does not affect how the webpage is displayed by the client device. The computing system may then serve the webpage with the altered content to the client device. In some embodiments, the altering includes searching the webpage for an HTML element that specifies a plurality of attributes in a particular ordering and rearranging the plurality of attributes to have a new ordering different from the particular ordering. In some embodiments, the altering includes parsing the webpage for an HTML element that specifies an identifier attribute and modifying an identifier attribute of the element.
US09954878B2 Multi-factor deception management and detection for malicious actions in a computer network
A network surveillance system, including a management server within a network of resources in which users access the resources in the network based on credentials, including a deployment module planting honeytokens in resources in the network, wherein a honeytoken is an object in memory or storage of a first resource that may be used by an attacker to access a second resource using decoy credentials, and wherein the deployment module plants a first honeytoken in a first resource, R1, used to access a second resource, R2, using first decoy credentials, and plants a second honeytoken in R2, used to access a third resource, R3, using second decoy credentials, and an alert module alerting that an attacker is intruding the network only in response to both an attempt to access R2 using the first decoy credentials, and a subsequent attempt to access R3 using the second decoy credentials.
US09954873B2 Mobile device-based intrusion prevention system
A method for managing network traffic at a portable electronic device connected to a network that includes establishing a virtual network interface to queue network traffic originated by applications running on the device, monitoring the virtual network interface for queued data, assembling a data packet from the queued data, wherein at least some data in the data packet is intended for a node of the network, applying a first set of rules to the data packet, in accordance with a determination that application of the first set of rules triggers a predetermined response associated with the first set of rules, processing the data packet according to the predetermined response, and in accordance with a determination that application of the first set of rules does not trigger the predetermined response, forwarding at least a portion of the data packet to a connection with the node for transmission to the node.
US09954872B2 System and method for identifying unauthorized activities on a computer system using a data structure model
A computer implemented method includes monitoring activity on the virtual machine. A plurality of activities being performed at the virtual machine is identified. Each of the activities includes an activity source, an activity target, and an association between the activity source and the activity target. The activity information is stored in the memory. The one or more of the activity sources, activity targets, and associations are transmitted to prevent future attacks.
US09954871B2 Method and system to protect software-based network-connected devices from advanced persistent threat
A method of protecting a network-connected device from an advanced persistent threat cyber-attack is provided. A network-connected device having an operating system, a memory, memory instructions holding executable program instructions, and being communication enabled, is protected from an advanced persistent threat by steps of detecting the advanced persistent threat due to the presence of rogue software in the memory instructions of the network-connected device and locking-down the communications of the network-connected device. The network-connected device may be provided with low-level routines that are correlated to the memory instructions. Detecting the advanced persistent threat may be comprised of authenticating the memory instructions of the network-connected device by using the installed low-level routines.
US09954865B2 Sensors for a resource
A system may include first sensor to monitor first information relating a volume of information searched by a user, a second sensor to monitor second information relating to a number of requests, made by the user, to access a resource, a third sensor to monitor third information relating to a number of requests, made by the user, from different geographic locations, and a device to receive the first information, the second information, and the third information, and process the first information, the second information, and the third information in connection with the resource.
US09954864B2 Providing safe operation of a subsystem within a safety-critical system
A safety apparatus for providing a safe operation of a subsystem within a safety critical system, SCS is disclosed herein. The safety apparatus includes: a system communication interface for communication with components of the subsystem and other subsystems of the safety critical system; a backend communication interface for communication with a safety cloud backend; an integrated identifier memory storing a unique identifier of the subsystem; and an authorization control unit configured to perform a handshake authorization procedure with another target subsystem of the safety critical system via the system communication interface, and with the safety cloud backend via the backend communication interface to get authorization for the subsystem to execute a safety critical function on the target subsystem of the safety critical system based on the unique identifiers of both subsystems.
US09954862B2 System and method for using resources of a computer system in conjunction with a thin media client
A computer system including a processor and a memory for retrieving digital media content, storing the digital media content in the memory, and providing the digital media content to a thin media client is provided.
US09954860B2 Online secure transaction verification system proxy server and method
In one example, a proxy server acts as a gateway to a website and modifies the traffic between a web browser on a user device and the website server, as necessary to request protection by providing step-up authentication and/or transaction verification. The proxy server blocks transactions when protection is required but has not occurred (either because the authentication was not proper or due to the detection of another problem). Associated methods and systems are also provided.
US09954853B2 Network security
There is described a method for enabling a user of a client computer to securely access a remote server via a network, which is preferably the Internet, by authenticating the user. The method comprises providing a portable apparatus to the user which may communicate with the client computer. It further involves storing on the portable apparatus user credentials required to enable the user to be authenticated at the server and performing an authentication protocol between the client and the server. The authentication protocol includes the transmission to the server of a digest based at least partially on the user credentials; and the user credentials are stored on the portable apparatus in the form of a digest.
US09954852B2 Service-to-service digital path tracing
A service receives from a sender service a digital message and a corresponding trace, which includes an ordered set of digital signatures of one or more services that participated in causing the service to receive the digital message. The trace may further specify an ordering of the one or more services, which may be generated according to the order of participation of these one or more services. The service may compare the received trace to recorded message paths to determine whether the ordering specified within the trace is valid. If the ordering is valid, the service may use one or more digital certificates to further verify the digital signatures included within the trace. If the service determines that these digital signatures are also valid, the service may process the message.
US09954851B2 Method for controlling vehicle security access based on certificate
A method for controlling access security at a vehicle gateway of a vehicle including at least one control unit in communication with the vehicle gateway includes: receiving a certificate from a diagnosis device; recognizing a rating of the certificate; and performing at least one of an integrity checking process and a security key authorization process according to the rating of the certificate to determine whether the diagnosis device is allowed to access to the vehicle.
US09954848B1 Central cryptographic management for computer systems
A system implemented on a server computer for managing digital certificates includes a certificate management agent module, a digital certificate processing module and a configuration module. The certificate management agent module processes requests to create a plurality of certificate management agents. Each of the certificate management agents is configured to manage a lifecycle of a digital certificate for a client electronic device. The digital certificate processing module processes requests from the certificate management agent module for digital certificates for the plurality of certificate management agents. The configuration module receives and processes configuration parameters for the certificate management agents and for the digital certificates.
US09954845B2 Multi-user multi-router network management method and system
A network management method and system for managing multiple routers under a single user log-in. The network management system implements the method, which includes authenticating a user log-in to the system, displaying a listing of routers accessible from the system by the user, and receiving a user selection of a router from the listing of routers. The method further includes displaying a listing of commands implementable by the selected router, receiving a user selection of a command for the selected router, and implementing the selected command on the selected router, without requiring the user log-in to the selected router. In particular, the selected command is implemented using router credentials retrieved from a database of the network management system. Additionally, the system implements aggregation of data allowances for user devices into a data pool, against which device data usage is allocated.
US09954840B2 Generating a negative answer to a domain name system query that indicates resource records as existing for the domain name regardless of whether those resource records actually exist for the domain name
A DNS server receives, from a client device, a DNS query for a resource record type at a domain name. The DNS server determines that the resource record type does not exist at the domain name and generates an answer that indicates that the queried resource record type does not exist at the domain name and also indicates that a plurality of other resource record types exist at the domain name regardless of whether those plurality of other resource record types actually exist at the domain name. The DNS server transmits the generated answer to the client device.
US09954814B1 Systems and methods for verification and mapping of social connections
Systems and methods including computer-executable software for receiving user information, receiving a user request to connect with another user, computing a trust index for the requesting user, and allowing the connection request if the user's trust index is sufficiently high. In some examples, the system includes software for mapping connection and potential connections between the user and a target entity. In some further examples, the systems and methods includes functionality for allowing a user to message other users.
US09954813B2 Method and system for facilitating publication of a media file at a scheduled time
Methods, systems, and techniques for facilitating publication of a media file at a scheduled time. A media aggregation client sends media and a scheduling request to a media scheduling system. The media scheduling system determines when it is time to publish the media and, when the time is appropriate, sends a notification to a media publishing client. In response to the notification, the media publishing client downloads the media to a scheduled publishing application, transfers the media and the metadata to a social network application, and the social network application publishes the media to a social network.
US09954811B2 Email notification on mobile devices
Methods and systems for providing notifications to mobile device utilize a cloud extension agent operating on a corporate network for sending notification requests via a cloud-based service. An application on the user's mobile device is configured to receive push notifications sent via the cloud extension agent, while receiving email messages directly from corporate email server. A user can select notification settings, allowing the cloud extension agent to be configured remotely via a cloud to provide appropriate notifications to the user.
US09954804B2 Method and system for preemptive harvesting of spam messages
A processor attracts and harvests spam messages. The processor simulates a message relay server. The processor receives one or more messages for the message relay server. The processor relays a message that is included in the one or more messages based on a determination that a pattern of the message matches a first identification pattern for probe messages. The processor captures a second message that originated from an IP address of the relayed probe message. The processor processes the one or more messages and the second message to generate an identification pattern that identifies potential spam messages.
US09954800B2 Multi-path network with fault detection and dynamic adjustments
A multi-path network for use in a bridge, switch, router, hub or the like, includes a plurality of network ports; a plurality of network elements; and a plurality of network links interconnecting the network elements and the network ports, for transporting data packets. Each network element has a fault monitor for detecting faults on the network links to which the network element is connected, a plurality of dynamically selectable output ports and output port selection mechanism. Each network element also being adapted to communicate the existence of a fault back to one or more other network elements so that network elements connected to the faulty network link can be bypassed, and each network element being adapted to update the output port selection mechanism when communication of the existence of a fault is received so that only those output ports which ensure the faulty network link is bypassed are dynamically selectable. Also, a method of managing faults in a multi-path network utilizes a similar methodology to insure that identified faults are avoided.
US09954793B2 Chassis controller
A non-transitory machine readable medium storing a program that configures managed forwarding elements to establish tunnels between the managed forwarding elements is described. From a particular managed forwarding element, the program receives information regarding coupling of a network element to the first managed forwarding element. Upon receiving the information, the program generates a set of universal flow entries for configuring another managed forwarding element to establish a tunnel to the particular managed forwarding element.
US09954789B2 Efficient discard mechanism in small cell deployment
The invention relates to a method for efficiently discarding data packets destined to a mobile station connected to both a master base station and a secondary base station. The master base station configures a secondary discard function in a lower layer of the secondary base station, based on the master discard function in the higher layer of the master base station. The master base station forwards the data packet from the higher layer to the lower of the secondary base station. The secondary discard function of the lower layer at the secondary base station discards the received data packet upon expiry of the secondary timer started by the lower layer upon reception of the data packet from the higher layer at the master base station.
US09954785B1 Intelligent switching of client packets among a group of servers
The content-aware application switch and methods thereof intelligently switch client packets to one server among a group of servers in a server farm. The switch uses Layer 7 or application content parsed from a packet to help select the server and to schedule the transmitting of the packet to the server. This enables refined load-balancing and Quality of-Service control tailored to the application being switched. In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, a method includes maintaining a server load metric for each server in a group of servers; parsing application content from a packet; selecting a destination server from the group of servers, wherein selecting the destination server is dependent on the server load metric for each server, assigning a priority to the packet, the priority being dependent on the application content; and dropping the packet if the priority comprises at least one of a predetermined type.
US09954779B2 Method, apparatus, and system for supporting flexible lookup keys in software-defined networks
A method is described in a network element for supporting flexible lookup keys in a software-defined network. The method includes receiving a packet to be forwarded and determining a next hop for the packet, which includes parsing the packet to identify a superkey comprising a plurality of header field values of the packet; identifying a superkey mask value and a superkey offset value for a first lookup table of a set of one or more lookup tables; generating a table key for the first lookup table based upon the superkey mask value, the superkey offset value, and the superkey; and performing a lookup in the first lookup table using the table key. The lookup identifies an entry of the first lookup table indicating the next hop for the packet. The packet may then be forwarded to the next hop.
US09954776B2 Transferring data between network nodes
A system comprises: a first network node (3); a second network node (4); at least one communication path (702, 703) connecting the first network node to the second network node; a first cache (706) forming part of the first network node; and a second cache (705) forming part of the second network node, wherein: the first cache is configured to cache data received from a host; the first network node is configured to transmit the data from the first cache to the second network node over the at least one communication path; the second network node is configured to receive the data transmitted by the first network node and to store the received data in the second cache prior to providing the data from the second cache to a connected device; the second network node is configured to use operating parameters of the second cache to calculate a hunger parameter representative of the capability of the second cache to receive more data; the second network node is configured to communicate the hunger parameter to the first network node; and the first network node is configured to use the hunger parameter received from the second network node to change the configuration of the first cache.
US09954773B2 Label switching path establishment method, data forwarding method, and device
Embodiments of the present invention provide a label switching path establishment method, a data forwarding method, and a device. The establishment method includes: determining, by a first service controller, each hop on an LSP from a preset ingress to a preset egress, allocating, from first label space information of each hop, a label to each hop, determining incoming and outgoing information of each hop according to topology information of each hop, generating forwarding data of each hop, and sending the forwarding data of each hop to a node device corresponding to each hop to complete establishment of the LSP. A technical solution of the present invention can alleviate burden of a node device in an MPLS network and increase the number of LSPs that the node device is capable of supporting.
US09954770B2 Rerouting tunnel traffic in communication networks
Methods, apparatus, systems and articles of manufacture (e.g., physical storage media) to reroute tunnel traffic in a network are disclosed. Example methods disclosed herein include, in response to detecting an event associated with routing first traffic in the network, determining a plurality of paths to carry respective traffic for a plurality of tunnels between pairs of routers in the network, the plurality of paths being determined based on a quality metric characterizing an aggregate tunnel bandwidth to be carried by the plurality of paths for the plurality of tunnels. Such disclosed example methods also include sending first routing information describing the plurality of paths to the routers in the network to cause the routers to route the respective traffic for the plurality of tunnels using the plurality of paths.
US09954763B1 Pre-configured virtual gateways for isolated virtual networks
Methods and apparatus for pre-configured virtual gateways for isolated virtual networks are described. An isolated virtual network (IVN) is configured at a provider network on behalf of a customer. The IVN includes one or more devices whose network addresses are not accessible from the public Internet. In response to a request from a connectivity intermediary, a virtual private gateway (VPG) is established, configurable to enable connectivity between IVNs of the provider network and devices outside the provider network. The VPG is included within a set of candidate VPGs indicated programmatically to the customer. Connectivity is established between the customer's IVN and an external device via the VPG.
US09954759B2 Detecting proxy-based communications
Evaluating communications via a computer network for the presence of proxy-based communications, by sending to a computer via a computer network multiple data packets followed by an out-of-sequence data packet that is out-of-sequence relative to any of the multiple data packets, receipt of the out-of-sequence data packet configured to cause the computer to send an acknowledgement via the computer network, and to cause the requestor to send a second data request via the computer and the computer network, detecting receipt of the acknowledgement at a first time, detecting receipt of the second data request at a second time, calculating a time delay between the first time and the second time, performing the sending, detecting and calculating steps multiple times for calculating multiple time delays, and determining whether the requestor is communicating via a proxy by evaluating the multiple time delays with respect to a predefined proxy evaluation criterion.
US09954753B2 Network performance monitoring method and apparatus
Embodiments of the present application provide a network performance monitoring method and apparatus. The apparatus records a time (e.g. a first time) at which a first network device sends a first packet to a second network device, records a time (e.g. a second time) at which the first network device receives a response packet of the first packet, and determines a round-trip delay between the first and second network devices according to the first and second times; within a preset time, the apparatus collects statistics about a quantity (e.g. a first count) of first packets that are sent by the first network device to the second network device, and collects statistics about a quantity (e.g. a second count) of retransmitted packets in the first packets, and determines a packet loss rate from the first network device to the second network device according to the first and second counts.
US09954752B2 Transmission terminal, communication system, communication method, and program
A communication system is provided with a transmission terminal and a reception terminal that communicate over a network, and the transmission terminal includes: an encoded packet generation unit which encodes a predetermined number of packets and transmits the encoded packets to the reception terminal over the network; a network environment measurement unit which measures the state of the network; and a parameter calculation unit which determines the predetermined number of packets by using a characteristics to be guaranteed in regard to delay time required for a packet transmitted from the transmission terminal to arrive at the reception terminal and the state of the network. In the communication system in which the transmission terminal and the reception terminal communicate via the network on which a packet loss may occur, a characteristic regarding a packet delay time specified by a user is guaranteed.
US09954745B2 Rerouting data of a streaming application
A streams manager monitors performance of a streaming application and determines if operators are underperforming according to a threshold. When the performance needs to be improved, the streams manager automatically modifies the flow graph to offload or reroute a stream of data, or part of a stream of data, to a similar operator to more efficiently utilize streaming resources. Operators are provided with multiple ports to allow the streams manager to send additional streams to the operator.
US09954740B2 Performance and security management of applications deployed in hosted computing environments
Systems and methods for performance and security management of the computing infrastructure that supports an application deployed in a hosted computing environment are described. In one embodiment, for example, a system comprises agents installed on hosts. The agents capture and record system events from operating systems on the hosts that result from application component processes executing on the hosts. The system further includes a collection and analysis engine that obtains captured and recorded system events from the agents, identifies captured and recorded system events that pertain to an application transaction, and produces, from the identified system events, metric data reflecting quantity of computing resources used by the application component processes to process the application transaction. The system also includes a web dashboard that presents the metric data to a user, for example, on a web page.
US09954732B1 Hierarchical resource groups for providing segregated management access to a distributed switch
In one embodiment, an apparatus includes a network management module configured to execute at a network device operatively coupled to a switch fabric. The network management module is configured to receive a first set of configuration information associated with a subset of network resources from a set of network resources, the set of network resources being included in a virtual local area network from a plurality of virtual local area networks, the plurality of virtual local area networks being defined within the switch fabric. The first set of configuration information dynamically includes at least a second set of configuration information associated with the set of network resources.
US09954722B2 Method and apparatus for resource dependency planning
Systems, methods, apparatuses, and computer readable media are disclosed for resource dependency planning. A method is provided for resource dependency planning including receiving resource dependency logic. The resource dependency logic may define a dependency relationship among a plurality of resources. The method may also include receiving a set of resource input data. The resource input data may indicate a status of at least one of the plurality of resources. The method may further include determining a status of each of the plurality of resources based on the set of resource input data and the resource dependency logic, and providing the status of the plurality of the plurality of resources via a resource dependency planning interface. Various other means including a system, apparatus, and computer readable medium are also disclosed.
US09954719B2 Data transmission method and device
Embodiments relate to a data transmission method. A relay node receives information that is about an SCMA codebook used by the relay node and that is sent by a destination node. The relay node receives two or more source signals sent by two or more source nodes. The relay node performs network coding on the received two or more source signals. The relay node performs SCMA codebook mapping on a signal obtained after the network coding, so as to obtain at least two modulation symbols. The relay node sends to the destination node, the at least two modulation symbols obtained after the SCMA mapping.
US09954716B2 Method for signaling information by modifying modulation constellations
A wireless device may include processing circuitry that is configured to process a first portion of a packet, the first portion of the packet comprising a legacy signal (L-SIG) field, and determine whether a constellation of a field of a second portion of the packet is binary phase shift keying (BPSK) or quaternary binary phase shift keying (QBPSK). The processing circuitry may be further configured to: process the second portion of the packet in accordance with a packet structure indicated by the constellation.
US09954711B2 Orthogonal frequency division multiple access (OFDMA) structures for high efficiency wireless communications
A wireless communication device (alternatively, device) includes a communication interface and a processor, among other possible circuitries, components, elements, etc. to support communications with other wireless communication device(s) and to generate and process signals for such communications. A device is configured to generate various orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) and/or orthogonal frequency division multiple access (OFDMA) packets (e.g., frames, signals, etc.) that are based on any of group of set of OFDM/A frame structures. Across the various OFDM/A frame structures, the ratio of pilot sub-carriers to data sub-carriers across resource units (RUs) decreases as the total number of sub-carriers across the RUs increases. In addition, some of the OFDM/A frame structures include different total number of sub-carriers yet same number of pilot sub-carriers. The device is configured to perform adaptation among and between the various OFDM/A frame structures based on any one or more considerations.
US09954706B1 Outphased spatial combiner
Spatially combining signals may include receiving a number of RF input signals at a number of RF input connectors. At least one of the RF input signals is a variable envelope signal. A variable envelope signal is converted into two or more outphased constant envelope signals. The two or more outphased constant envelope signals are amplified. The amplified outphased constant envelope signals are radiated. At a spatial combiner aperture, the radiated amplified outphased constant envelope signals are combined to create a combined signal. The combined signal is output onto an output RF connector.
US09954703B2 Compressed preamble for a wireless communication system
One or more long OFDM symbols for a data portion of a data unit data are generated. Each of the one or more long OFDM symbols is generated with a first number of OFDM tones. One or more short OFDM symbols for one or more long training fields of a preamble of the data unit are generated. Each of the one or more short OFDM symbols is generated with a second number of OFDM that is a fraction 1/N of the first number of OFDM tones, wherein N is a positive integer greater than one. The data unit is generated. Generating the data unit includes generating the preamble to include the one or more short OFDM symbols corresponding to the one or more training fields of the preamble and generating the data portion to include the one or more long OFDM symbols.
US09954700B2 Transmitting a frequency-modulated signal
A transmitting apparatus for transmitting a frequency-modulated signal is provided. The transmitting apparatus includes a pilot tone generation device for generating a pilot tone. The transmitting apparatus also includes a modulation device for obtaining the generated pilot tone and a modulating useful signal and for generating a frequency-modulated signal based on a combination of the generated pilot tone and the modulating useful signal. The generated pilot tone has a frequency outside a frequency range of the modulating useful signal in order to vary a frequency range of the frequency-modulated signal.
US09954687B2 Establishing a wireless connection to a wireless access point
A method and apparatus for establishing a wireless connection. A digital certificate having a second name is obtained by a processor unit in response to receiving a selection of a network using a first name broadcast by a wireless access point. A determination is made by the processor unit as to whether the digital certificate is valid. A determination is made by the processor unit as to whether the second name in the digital certificate matches the first name broadcast by the wireless access point. The processor unit establishes the wireless connection to the wireless access point in response to the digital certificate being valid and the second name in the digital certificate matching the first name broadcast by the wireless access point.
US09954673B2 Method for time synchronization in a communication network
A method for time synchronization in a communication network comprising a multiplicity of network nodes, wherein synchronization messages are transmitted in the communication network and the synchronization message received in a slave node contains synchronization information for synchronizing the slave time of the slave node with the master time, i.e., synchronization messages are transmitted in a closed ring or line topology and the slave node receives first and second synchronization messages from different transmission directions, and wherein the slave node synchronizes a first time with the synchronization message from one transmission direction and a second time with the synchronization message from the other transmission direction.
US09954666B2 Downlink subframe shortening in time-division duplex (TDD) systems
A guard period for switching between uplink and downlink subframes is created by shortening a downlink subframe, i.e., by not transmitting during one or more symbol intervals at the end of the subframe. A grant message includes signaling indicating when a shortened subframe is being transmitted. An example method is implemented in a receiving node configured to receive data from a transmitting node in subframes having a predetermined number of symbol intervals. In an LTE system, this receiving node may be a UE, and the subframes are downlink subframes. This example method includes determining 1120 that a received subframe is to be shortened, relative to the predetermined number of symbol intervals and, in response to this determination, disregarding 1130 a last part of the received subframe by disregarding one or more symbols at the end of the received subframe when processing the received subframe.
US09954663B2 System and method for orthogonal frequency division multiple access communications
A method for operating a communications device adapted for orthogonal frequency division multiple access (OFDMA) wireless local area network (WLAN) communications includes generating an OFDMA preamble comprising an OFDMA signal (SIG) field including an indication of an allocation of an OFDMA resource to a station, and transmitting the OFDMA preamble in a frame.
US09954662B2 Board, wireless communications system, and method for channel correction inside or outside board
A board includes: a baseband unit, multiple transmitters, multiple receivers, a multi-antenna array, a correction transceiver, a correction calculation unit, a bidirectional coupler, and a combiner-splitter. The bidirectional coupler is configured to couple radio frequency signals output by the multiple transmitters and then transmit the coupled radio frequency signals to the combiner-splitter, and to couple receiver correction reference signals obtained by performing division by the combiner-splitter and then send the coupled receiver correction reference signals to the multiple receivers; and the combiner-splitter is configured to combine transmitter radio frequency signals coupled by the bidirectional coupler and then transmit the combined transmitter radio frequency signals to the correction transceiver, and to divide a receiver correction reference signal sent by the correction transceiver and then send receiver correction reference signals obtained by performing division to the coupler. Accuracy of channel reciprocity correction of a transmitter and a receiver can be ensured.
US09954653B2 Mobile communication system, base station device, mobile station device, communication method, and integrated circuit
A mobile communication system, a base station device, a mobile station device, a communication method, and an integrated circuit that each can efficiently transmit HARQ-ACK and/or channel state information are provided. A mobile station device includes means for receiving a first parameter that is used for instructing whether simultaneous transmission of information relating to HARQ-ACK and channel state information is allowed or not; and means for receiving a second parameter that is used for instructing whether simultaneous transmission of the information relating to HARQ-ACK and the channel state information is allowed or not, and controls a transmission method of the information relating to HARQ-ACK and the channel state information based on the first parameter, the second parameter, and whether or not the information relating to HARQ-ACK corresponds to transmission on a single physical downlink shared channel only on a primary cell.
US09954634B2 Wireless communication method, and wireless communication apparatus
A wireless communication method including: when transmitting data from at least one of a plurality of transmission apparatuses to a reception apparatus using a radio resource, selecting a first transmission scheme or a second transmission scheme based on a status of transmission from the plurality of transmission apparatuses, the first transmission scheme in which the plurality of transmission apparatuses transmit same data to same reception apparatus using same radio resource, the second transmission scheme in which one transmission apparatus of the plurality of transmission apparatuses transmits the data to the reception apparatus using the radio resource.
US09954630B1 MUX for SerDes transmitter having low data jitter
A multiplexer (MUX) configured to receive a plurality of input data streams and output an output data stream via an output data line based at least in part upon a control signal, includes: a first circuit portion corresponding to a first data stream of the plurality of input data streams, comprising: a first internal node; a first control switch operable to connect the output data line to the first internal node of the first circuit portion based at least in part upon the control signal, wherein the first internal node has a value corresponding to the first data stream when the output data line is connected to the first internal node; and a first reset switch operable to connect the first internal node to a common mode voltage rail based at least in part upon the control signal to remove or reduce residual charge at the first internal node.
US09954628B1 Environment identification based on multiple proximate hubs
An audio/video (A/V) hub that determines an environment of a portable electronic device is described. In particular, the A/V hub may identify the environment based on performance information about communication between the portable electronic device and receiver devices (which was received from the receiver devices), and a history of behavior of an individual associated with the portable electronic device and the A/V hub. Alternatively, the A/V hub may identify the environment based on performance information about communication between the portable electronic device and the A/V hub and the portable electronic device and another A/V hub (which was received from the portable electronic device and/or the other A/V hub), and a history of behavior of an individual associated with the portable electronic device and the A/V hub. Based on the determination, the A/V hub provides an instruction to power on an A/V display device in the environment.
US09954624B2 Angle-based speed estimation of alternating current machines utilizing a median filter
A computer-implemented method for estimating a rotor speed of an alternating current (AC) machine is provided. The method includes determining a stator flux signal based on signals of voltage and current inputs to the AC machine, and determining a rotor flux signal of the AC machine based on the determined stator flux signal. The method includes determining an electrical angle signal based on the determined rotor flux signal, and deriving an electrical frequency signal from the determined electrical angle signal. Subsequently, the method includes sampling the derived electrical frequency signal at a predetermined sampling rate, and storing a predetermined number of sample values. The method further includes evaluating a median value of the predetermined set of electrical frequency sample values, determining a slip frequency value of the AC machine, and determining the rotor speed of the AC machine by subtracting the slip frequency value from the electrical frequency median value.
US09954616B2 Fibre-radio communication network and apparatus and fibre-radio communication method
A fiber-radio communication network includes a base station (300) and wireless access nodes (100) coupled by fiber optic cables (125). The base station (300) includes a switch module (320) arranged to switch Ethernet signals on a local area network, and a media converter rack module (310) comprising media converter units MC1-MC6 arranged to convert between a baseband Ethernet signal carried by the fiber optic cables (125) and an Ethernet digital signal for the switch. The wireless access node (100) comprises a media converter module (120) which converts between a baseband Ethernet signal carried by the fiber optic cables and an Ethernet digital signal; and a wireless access point module (110) comprising a local modem which converts between the Ethernet digital signal received over the fiber optic cables and a wireless transmission in a 60 GHz range for wireless communication with a client terminal (400) in the vicinity of the wireless access node (100).
US09954613B1 Methods and devices for space optical communications using laser beams
Light is used to communicate between objects separated by a large distance. Light beams are received in a telescopic lens assembly positioned in front of a cat's-eye lens. The light can thereby be received at various angles to be output by the cat's-eye lens to a focal plane of the cat's-eye lens, the position of the light beams upon the focal plane corresponding to the angle of the beam received. Lasers and photodetectors are distributed along this focal plane. A processor receives signals from the photodetectors, and selectively signal lasers positioned proximate the photodetectors detecting light, in order to transmit light encoding data through the cat's-eye lens and also through a telescopic lens back in the direction of the received light beams, which direction corresponds to a location upon the focal plane of the transmitting lasers.
US09954607B2 Optical transmission/reception device, optical communication system, and optical communication method
[Problem] To provide an optical transmission/reception device, an optical communication system, an optical communication method, and a program which are capable of securing the confidentiality of information included in an optical signal even when the optical signal is transferred to a device that is not an original transmission destination device.[Solution] This optical transmission/reception device is provided with: a wave separation unit for receiving a wavelength-multiplexed optical signal and separating the same into a plurality of optical signals; a plurality of reception units for receiving each of the plurality of optical signals separated by the wave separation unit; a plurality of output units for outputting optical signals differing in wavelength from each other; a control unit for requesting, in response to the inclusion in the received wavelength-multiplexed optical signal of an optical signal to which a prescribed process has been applied, that a prescribed change be applied to the optical signal outputted by at least one of the plurality of output units; and a wave combining unit for combining the plurality of optical signals outputted from the plurality of output units and outputting the combined signal.
US09954604B2 System and methods for enabling simultaneous transmit and receive in the same WiFi band within a device
Disclosed herein, one embodiment of the disclosure is directed to a system, apparatus, and method for enabling simultaneous transmit and receive in the same Wi-Fi band within a device by first obtaining a first information corresponding to a first set of signals to be transmitted wirelessly by a first antenna of a first device and transmitting, by the first antenna of the first device, the first set of signals. Then, a second set of signals comprising: (a) the first set of signals transmitted by the first antenna of the first device and (b) a third set of signals transmitted by a second device different than the first device are received by a second antenna of the first device. Thereafter, a second information representing the second set of signals received by the second antenna of the first device is obtained. Last, based on the first information and the second information, a third information comprising an estimation of the third set of signals without the first set of signals is determined.
US09954601B2 Access node for end-to-end beamforming communications systems
Methods and systems are described for providing end-to-end beamforming. For example, end-to-end beamforming systems include end-to-end relays and ground networks to provide communications to user terminals located in user beam coverage areas. The ground segment can include geographically distributed access nodes and a central processing system. Return uplink signals, transmitted from the user terminals, have multipath induced by a plurality of receive/transmit signal paths in the end to end relay and are relayed to the ground network. The ground network, using beamformers, recovers user data streams transmitted by the user terminals from return downlink signals. The ground network, using beamformers generates forward uplink signals from appropriately weighted combinations of user data streams that, after relay by the end-end-end relay, produce forward downlink signals that combine to form user beams.
US09954600B2 Servicing cell selection in air to ground communication systems
Selecting serving cells in air to ground communication systems efficiently and with maximum knowledge of forward and return link channel conditions allows maximum throughput available to a user at any point in time, particularly in the presence of high interference. Airborne based and ground based systems may collect forward and return link channel conditions and develop user capacity estimates to be used by aircraft and ground based transceivers. Such user capacity estimates may be shared among distributed air-to-ground networks to ensure the latest channel conditions are available for serving cell selection decisions.
US09954599B2 Method and system to dynamically identify and control a UAV with emitting instruments
A system and methodology to dynamically identify and control a UAV with a beam instrument is provided. Specifically, each UAV is provided with a telecommunication module. User equipment is provided with a beam device capable of measuring the distance, speed and location of a UAV. The user equipment is coupled to a command and control center through a command and control center network that can access a data store storing information about UAVs. Identification of the UAV is obtained through a telecommunication network that communicates with the telecommunication module to obtain location information and identity information for each telecommunication module associated with a UAV. The command and control center acquires the identity information and correlates the identity information with FAA register information from an FAA network. Identification of the target UAV is then communicated to the user equipment.
US09954592B2 Method and apparatus for reporting channel state information in wireless communication system
The present invention relates to a wireless communication system and, more specifically, to a method and an apparatus for reporting channel state information (CSI). According to one embodiment of the present invention, the method by which a terminal of the wireless communication system reports the CSI comprises: a step of receiving a reference signal from a base station; and a step of reporting the CSI generated through the reference signal to the base station. The CSI can include information for indicating a first pre-coding matrix for a first domain of a two-dimensional antenna structure and a second pre-coding matrix for a second domain of the two-dimensional antenna structure. The first pre-coding matrix can be determined on the basis of a coefficient wherein an angle the first domain is determined according to an angle in the second domain.
US09954586B1 Single RF chain transmitter implementing space modulation
The single RF chain transmitter implementing space modulation provides wireless multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) communications that are implemented through a single radio frequency (RF) chain using multiple transmit antennas. A symbol stream is used to provide a single RF signal output modulated by a quadrature or complex symbol stream. An RF switching circuit is used to direct the single RF signal output sequentially to antenna subsets including one or more antennas of a plurality of antennas. An index of the antenna subsets is provided to allow switching by the RF switching circuit according to the index of antenna subsets provides spatial modulation (SM) of the RF signal output as transmitted to through the antennas. The transmitted RF signal output is rendered as a single RF chain through the plurality of antennas as transmitted through the antenna subsets.
US09954585B2 Software configurable distributed antenna system and method for reducing uplink noise
A distributed antenna system includes a master unit including a downlink RF input operable to receive an RF input signal from a downlink port of a base station, a first optical port, and a second optical port. The distributed antenna system also includes a first remote unit coupled to the first optical port. The first remote unit comprises a downlink antenna port and a first uplink antenna port and a second remote unit coupled to the second optical port of the master unit. The second remote unit comprises a downlink antenna port and a second uplink antenna port. The master unit is operable to transmit a first RF signal associated with the first RF uplink signal to a first uplink port of the base station and transmit a second RF signal associated with the second RF uplink signal to a second uplink port of the base station.
US09954581B2 Apparatuses and related methods for communication with a wireless power receiver
A wireless power enabled apparatus may comprise a wireless power receiver that includes a receive coil configured to generate an AC power signal responsive to a wireless power signal, a rectifier including a plurality of switches configured to receive the AC power signal and generate a DC rectified power signal, a regulator operably coupled with the rectifier to receive the DC rectified power signal and generate an output power signal, and control logic configured to generate a communication signal responsive to adjusting an input impedance of the regulator. A method of operating a wireless power receiver includes generating a rectified voltage responsive to receiving a wireless power signal, generating an output voltage from the rectified voltage with a voltage regulator, and controlling the voltage regulator during a communication mode of wireless power receiver to modulate a characteristic of the voltage regulator with data for transmission to a wireless power transmitter.
US09954571B2 Cover for an electronic device
A cover is described that is magnetically attached to a tablet device. The cover includes at least as flap. In the described embodiment, the flap includes a plurality of segments where the first segment includes a first plurality of edge attach magnets arrayed along a first edge of the flap and where a second segment includes a second plurality of edge attach magnets arrayed along a second edge of the flap opposite the first edge.
US09954570B2 Rotatable device
A device can include a processor; memory operatively coupled to the processor; a display operatively coupled to the processor; motion sensing circuitry operatively coupled to the processor; and a planar surface that includes a projection where the projection defines an axis of rotation of the device.
US09954561B2 Systems and methods for parallelizing and pipelining a tunable blind source separation filter
A method of processing a plurality of time-varying signals received at a sensor communicatively coupled to a signal data processor to identify at least one parameter of at least one of the plurality of time-varying signals is provided. The method includes receiving, at a plurality of blind source separation (BSS) modules of the signal data processor, signals derived from the plurality of time-varying signals, each BSS module of the plurality of BSS modules including a filtering subsystem having a pipelined architecture and a parallelized architecture. The method also includes generating a plurality of blind source separated signals, and transmitting at least one pulse descriptor word (PDW) parameter vector signal to a computing device of the signal data processor. The method further includes identifying the at least one parameter from the at least one PDW parameter vector signal, and outputting the at least one parameter from the signal data processor.
US09954560B2 Adaptive/configurable intermediate frequency (IF) wireless receiver and bluetooth device using the same
Techniques pertaining to an adaptive/configurable IF wireless receiver are disclosed. Such an adaptive/configurable IF wireless receiver can be used in a Bluetooth device. According to one embodiment of the present invention, a wireless receiver is designed to include a low noise amplifier configured to amplify an input RF signal; an adjustable local RF synthesizer configured to provide a local RF clock signal with variable frequency; a RF mixer configured to down convert the amplified RF signal to an analog IF signal by mixing the local RF clock signal with the amplified RF signal; a filter configured to filter the analog IF signal; an analog to digital converter configured to convert the filtered analog IF signal to a digital IF signal; an adjustable digital local IF synthesizer configured to provide a digital local IF clock signal with variable frequency; a digital mixer configured to down convert the digital IF signal to a baseband signal by mixing the digital local IF clock signal with the digital IF signal; and an IF configuration unit provided to configure the adjustable local RF synthesizer to vary the frequency of the local RF clock signal, and configure the adjustable digital local IF synthesizer to vary the frequency of the digital local IF clock signal.
US09954557B2 Variable width error correction
Variable width error correction is described. A memory controller can determine, from a memory address, what type of error correction is to be applied for the address region of that memory address and can generate commands for the memory device. An amount of error correction metadata associated with that address region may vary depending on the spatial location of the address region. In some cases, two translations may be performed: one by a processor using information set up by an operating system and another by the memory controller (or the memory device). In other cases, a single translation may be performed, for example by a processor using information set up by the operating system, which can determine the variable error correction during translation of a virtual address region to a real physical address region.
US09954556B2 Scheme to avoid miscorrection for turbo product codes
The present invention discloses a memory system and operating method thereof. The major features of the memory system and the method of operating thereof are identifying a stuck error pattern including failing constituent codes and decoding the stuck error pattern. The decoding the stuck error pattern is achieved by following steps: step 1 of using possible flipping patterns for decoding the failing constituent codes, and the number of the possible flipping patterns is 2 or more in accordance with at least the number of error bits, step 2 of obtaining a number of successfully decoded codewords after using the possible flipping patterns, and step 3 of selecting the most probable codeword from the number of successfully decoded codewords.
US09954547B1 High frequency digital-to-analog conversion by time-interleaving without return-to-zero
An interleaved DAC configured to generate a set of second digital inputs responsive to a set of first digital inputs. Each second digital input is obtained by subtracting the other second digital inputs in the set from the corresponding first digital input. Two consecutive first digital inputs are shifted by a phase of T=1/fs. The second digital inputs are supplied to a set of sub-DACs arrange in parallel. Each sub-DAC operates at a frequency of fs/R, and drives an analog output responsive to each second digital input for a duration of R×T. Clock signals used by two sub-DACs for converting two consecutive second digital inputs are offset by a phase of T. In each interval of T, summation of the analog signals output from the set of sub-DACs produces an analog value of a single first digital input, thereby achieving a data conversion speed of fs.
US09954544B2 CPT resonance generation method, CPT resonance detection method, CPT resonance generation apparatus, atomic oscillator and magnetic sensor
A method for generating a CPT resonance, includes applying an electric current to a laser light-emitting element, to emit laser light having at least two wavelengths. The value of a direct current component of the electric current applied to the laser light-emitting element in a first period is greater than an oscillation threshold for the laser light-emitting element, and the value of the direct current component of the electric current applied to the laser light-emitting element in a second period, following the first period, is less than the value of the direct current component of the electric current in the first period. An alkali metal atom is irradiated with the laser light, the laser light generated in the first period and the laser light generated in the second period entering the alkali metal atom repeatedly a plurality of times to generate a Ramsey resonance.
US09954542B1 Digital linearization technique for charge pump based fractional phased-locked loop
An apparatus includes an oscillator, a frequency divider, a phase circuit, a charge pump, and a filter. The frequency divider may generate an early feedback signal using a clock signal, and may assert a feedback signal a number of periods of the clock signal after asserting the early feedback signal. The phase circuit may generate a charge control signal using a reference clock signal and the feedback signal, and may generate a discharge control signal using the early feedback signal, the reference clock signal, and the feedback signal. The charge pump may charge or discharge a circuit node using the charge control signal and the discharge control signal to generate a frequency control signal. The filter circuit may attenuate at least one frequency component of the frequency control signal. The oscillator circuit may modify a frequency of the clock signal using the frequency control signal.
US09954537B1 Wide frequency range clock generation with phase interpolation
In certain embodiments, an apparatus may comprise a circuit configured to scale a phase control value from an external phase control resolution of an external clock frequency to an internal phase control resolution of an internal clock frequency to generate a target phase control value. The circuit may also determine a difference between a current phase control value and the target phase control value and determine a phase step value based on the difference. Further, the circuit may modify a current phase control value based on the phase step value and generate a phase controlled clock signal at the internal clock frequency using the modified phase control value. Additionally, the circuit may divide the phase controlled clock signal at the internal clock frequency to generate a phase controlled clock signal at the external clock frequency.
US09954533B2 DRAM-based reconfigurable logic
According to one general aspect, an apparatus may include a memory array comprising a plurality of memory sub-arrays. At least one of the sub-arrays may be arranged as a reconfigurable look-up table. The reconfigurable look-up table may include: a plurality of memory cells configured to store data, a local row decoder configured to activate one or more rows of memory cells based upon a set of input signals, a local line selector configured to select a sub-set of the row of memory cells based upon at least one input signal.
US09954521B2 Gate drive circuit for semiconductor switching devices
A gate drive circuit includes first and second transistors for turning on and off semiconductor switching devices. The circuit includes a DC power supply for driving the first and second transistors. The gate drive circuit further includes a third transistor, a fourth transistor, and a DC power supply being a power supply for the third and fourth transistors with a voltage value lower than the voltage value of the DC power supply, thereby making lower the impedance of the path of a current flowing from the DC power supply to the gates of the switching devices through the third transistor than the impedance of the path of a current flowing from the DC power supply to the gates of the switching devices through the first transistor.
US09954506B2 Calculating and adjusting the perceived loudness and/or the perceived spectral balance of an audio signal
The invention relates to the measurement and control of the perceived sound loudness and/or the perceived spectral balance of an audio signal. An audio signal is modified in response to calculations performed at least in part in the perceptual (psychoacoustic) loudness domain. The invention is useful, for example, in one or more of: loudness-compensating volume control, automatic gain control, dynamic range control (including, for example, limiters, compressors, expanders, etc.), dynamic equalization, and compensating for background noise interference in an audio playback environment. The invention includes not only methods but also corresponding computer programs and apparatus.
US09954503B2 Differential amplification circuit and semiconductor integrated circuit
A differential amplification circuit includes: a first transistor and a second transistor of a differential pair; first and second loads; current sources; and a resistor circuit, wherein the resistor circuit includes: a coarse adjustment part and a fine adjustment part, one of the coarse adjustment part and the fine adjustment part includes a first lateral adjustment part and a second lateral adjustment part which have the same configuration, the first lateral adjustment part and the second lateral adjustment part are connected symmetrically to both sides of a central adjustment part, and the central adjustment part has a circuit configuration symmetrical with respect to two connection nodes with the first lateral adjustment part and the second lateral adjustment part.
US09954498B2 Weakly coupled tunable RF receiver architecture
RF communications circuitry, which includes a first tunable RF filter and a first RF low noise amplifier (LNA) is disclosed. The first tunable RF filter includes a pair of weakly coupled resonators, and receives and filters a first upstream RF signal to provide a first filtered RF signal. The first RF LNA is coupled to the first tunable RF filter, and receives and amplifies an RF input signal to provide an RF output signal.
US09954495B1 PVT invariant peaking stage for continuous time linear equalizer
Frequency characteristics of a peaking stage can vary depending on variations in the process used to fabricate the peaking stage. For example, depending on the batch of wafers and where on a wafer the peaking stage is formed, the capacitors and resistors may have different values, thereby changing the frequency characteristics of the peaking stage. The embodiments herein describe a peaking stage that is invariant of the process variation. That is, one or more of the frequency characteristics of the peaking stages do not vary as the values of a capacitor or resistor change. As such, peaking stages formed in different process corners on the wafer have the same frequency characteristics, and thus, function in a similar manner.
US09954492B2 Amplifier circuit and method
An amplifier arrangement comprises N amplifier stages, wherein N is an integer equal or greater than five. The amplifier arrangement comprises a first cascade of quarter wavelength transmission line segments coupled to receive a first set of amplifier stages, and at least a second cascade of quarter wavelength transmission line segments coupled to receive a second set of amplifier stages. The first cascade and second cascade are connected to a common node, for example in parallel to an output node, or in parallel to an intermediate node.
US09954483B2 Solar cell module and method of fabricating the same
A solar cell module according to the embodiment includes a support substrate having a single hole at a peripheral region of the support substrate; solar cells at an upper portion of the support substrate; a bus bar electrically connected to the solar cells; and a junction box connected to the bus bar, wherein the junction box includes an insertion part partially inserted in the single hole.
US09954481B2 Linear drive apparatus and method of controlling and using same for solar energy tracking
A linear drive apparatus is provided. The linear drive apparatus may include an outer tube, a sealing end cap provided at the end of the outer tube, a screw provided in the outer tube, a drive nut provided on the screw in a threaded fit, an extension rod provided between the outer tube and the screw, a sealing assembly provided between the extension rod and the sealing end cap, and a waterproof and oil-proof ventilation stopper provided on the outer tube. One end of the screw may be connected to a drive mechanism. One end of the extension rod may be connected to the drive nut. The other end of the extension rod may pass through the sealing end cap.
US09954479B1 Mounting apparatus to secure solar panel rails to flat tile roofs
A mounting apparatus to secure a pair of solar panel rails to a flat tile roof and minimize penetrations or damage to the roof's rafter is provided. The mounting apparatus includes a lower hook assembly with a plurality of arm members continuously connected together, the plurality of arm members having a first end coupled to the rafter of the flat tile roof and a second end, and an upper arm assembly coupled to the second end of the plurality of arms of the lower hook assembly, the upper arm assembly having a generally U-shaped member comprising a first symmetric half member and a second symmetric half member, each symmetric half member having a slot to receive a fastener that secures one of the pair of solar panel rails thereto, thereby permitting the mounting apparatus to support the pair of solar panel rails above the flat tile roof.
US09954476B2 Motor driving apparatus
A TH terminal receives an analog control voltage VTH which indicates a rotational speed. With a first platform, a capacitor and a discharging resistor are connected in parallel between an OSC terminal and the ground. A charging resistor and a first switch are arranged in series between the OSC terminal and a reference voltage line via which a stabilized voltage is supplied. When an oscillator voltage VOSC that occurs at the OSC terminal reaches an upper-side threshold VH, a switching circuit turns off the first switch. When the oscillator voltage VOSC falls to a lower-side threshold value VL, the switching circuit turns on the first switch. The oscillator voltage VOSC is compared with the voltage at the TH terminal, so as to generate a pulse-modulated control pulse S3.
US09954474B2 Motor driver and a method of operating thereof
A driver circuit for driving an electrical motor coil is provided which comprises combined switched inductance boost voltage converter circuitry and switched inductance buck voltage converter circuitry. An input node of the driver circuit is provided to be coupled with the electrical motor coil, which provides the inductive element of both the boost and buck circuitry. Further the boost and buck circuitry share a storage capacitor, which provides the capacitive element of each circuitry, and a voltage developed across the storage capacitor by the boost circuitry forms an input of the switched inductance buck voltage converter circuitry. Bidirectional driving of the electrical motor coil is thus provided from a driver circuit which only need be supplied with a single unidirectional supply and the current drawn from that supply is significantly reduced because of the manner in which the boost and buck circuitry operate synergistically to recycle electrical power which is moved back and forth between the electrical motor coil and the storage capacitor. A corresponding driver board, electrical motor driver apparatus, method of operating a driver circuit and apparatus are also provided.
US09954471B2 Motor control unit
A motor control unit includes an H-bridge circuit, a current detection part and a control part. The current detection part includes current detection resistors provided at both sides of a DC motor. The control part feedback-controls high-side arm switches and low-side arm switches of the H-bridge circuit so that a detection value of the current detection part follows a target value. In the feedback control, normal control and current circulation control are performed alternately. In the current circulation control, either the high-side arm switches or the low-side arm switches are turned on for both of normal rotation time and reverse rotation time. The control part performs the feedback control based on a detection value of the current detection resistor, which has the same potential reference between the normal control and the current circulation control under the same rotation direction.
US09954468B2 Image forming apparatus, motor control apparatus and motor control method
An image forming apparatus includes an engine unit to perform an image forming job; an engine control unit to control the operation of the engine unit; a brushless direct current (BLDC) motor to drive the engine unit; a sensor unit to sense electric angle information and driving velocity information of the BLDC motor; a communication interface to receive a digital control command with respect to the BLDC motor from the engine control unit; a driving signal unit to generate a driving signal to control the BLDC motor; and a digital control unit to control the operation of the driving signal unit in a digital phase locked loop (PLL) manner for feedback controls the BLDC motor, based on the received digital control command, the detected electric angle information and the driving velocity information and a digital gain value as a control factor with respect to the BLDC motor.
US09954466B2 Unmanned aerial vehicle and data processing method thereof
The present disclosure discloses an unmanned aerial vehicle comprising at least two controllers, at least two electronic speed controllers and at least two motors, wherein: the at least two electronic speed controllers are electrically connected with the at least two controllers to obtain at least two sets of control data respectively from the at least two controllers, select optimal control data from the at least two sets of control data, and control a rotation speed of the corresponding motor according to the optimal control data. The present disclosure further discloses a data processing method of an unmanned aerial vehicle. The electronic speed controllers of the present disclosure may be able to receive data directly from the controllers and select the optimal control data for controlling the rotation speed of the motors, thereby effectively reducing design costs and safety risks.
US09954463B2 Energy conversion device using change of contact surface with liquid
The present invention relates to an energy conversion device using a change of a contact surface with liquid and, more specifically, to a method and a device for converting mechanical energy into electrical energy by applying an opposite phenomenon to an electrowetting phenomenon. The energy conversion device having a simplified structure and reduced manufacturing costs with minimal malfunctions by changing a contact surface with liquid between a pair of electrodes and using the change of the contact surface with the liquid to generate electrical energy such that channel blocking can be prevented or a lubricating layer or electrodes complicatedly patterned on a channel are not required.
US09954462B2 Converter topologies and control
Systems, methods, and articles of manufacture are provided wherein inverter topologies and inverter control employ primary and secondary windings with a half-bridge circuit and an unfolding bridge circuit positioned between the second winding and an AC grid. Certain topologies may employ control circuits for controlling the bridges suitable for a phase angle of the AC grid.
US09954454B2 DC/DC converter and electrical storage system
A DC/DC converter is able to step down a voltage value of a high-voltage battery, and is able to step up a voltage value of a low-voltage battery. The low-voltage battery is a battery that provides a lower voltage value than the high-voltage battery. The DC/DC converter includes a transformer, a third diode and a reactor. The transformer includes a first coil and a second coil. The first coil is connected to the low-voltage battery. The second coil is connected to the high-voltage battery. An anode of the third diode is connected to one end of the first coil. One end of the reactor is connected to a cathode of the third diode, and the other end of the reactor is connected to a positive electrode terminal of the low-voltage battery.
US09954452B2 Low voltage direct current (DC)-DC converter
Disclosed herein is a low voltage direct-current (DC)-DC converter. The low voltage DC-DC converter includes a switching portion which includes a first switching portion and a second switching portion and changes a high voltage provided from a high voltage battery to an alternating current (AC) voltage, a transformer which converts the AC voltage output from the switching portion into a low voltage, and a switching portion zero voltage switching auxiliary circuit portion which is connected between the high voltage battery and the switching portion and operates when operations of the first and second switching portions change to consume residual energy in the switching portion.
US09954451B2 Programmable frequency decrease circuit for a programmable power supply
A control circuit and a method for a programmable power supply are provided. The control circuit and the method modulate a switching frequency of a switching signal in response to a feedback signal and an output voltage of the programmable power supply. The switching signal is used for switching a transformer and regulating an output of the programmable power supply. The level of the feedback signal is related to the level of an output power of the programmable power supply. The output voltage of the programmable power supply is programmable. Further, the control circuit and the method modulate a maximum switching frequency of the switching signal in response to the output voltage of the programmable power supply for stabilizing the system.
US09954444B1 Pfm-pwm control for power regulators
A method includes generating output power based on a switching signal, comparing the output power to a target power, increasing the output power using a pulse frequency modulation (PFM) and pulse width modulation (PWM) when the output power is less than the target power, and decreasing the output power using the PFM and PWM when the output power is greater than the target power. An apparatus includes a power regulator configured to generate output power based on a switching signal, and a pulse frequency and width modulation (PFWM) controller coupled to the power regulator, and configured to compare the output power to a target power and to increase or decrease the output power using a PFM and pulse PWM according to the comparison result.
US09954438B2 Electronic controller with automatic adjustment to unknown input and load voltages
Methods, devices, techniques, and circuits are disclosed for current control of a buck converter. In one example, a device is configured to receive a selected average current value for a current driver. The device is further configured to determine a set of parameters for the current driver. The device is further configured to generate an output to the current driver to cause the current driver to output a switching signal with an average current that corresponds to the selected average current value.
US09954436B2 Single μC-buckboost converter with multiple regulated supply outputs
The detailed description described embodiments of highly efficient power management systems configurable to simultaneously generate various output voltage levels for different components, sub-assemblies, and devices of electronic devices, sub-systems, and systems. In particular, the described embodiments include power management systems that substantially reduce or eliminate the need for inductors, large numbers of capacitors, and complex switching techniques to transform an available voltage level from a system power source, such as a battery, to more desirable power supply voltages. Some described embodiments include a charge pump that uses only two flying capacitors to simultaneously generate multiple supply outputs, where each of the multiple supply outputs may provide either the same or a different output voltage level. The described embodiments also include efficient power management systems that flexibly provide highly accurate voltage levels that are substantially insensitive to the voltage level provided by a system power source, such as a battery.
US09954435B2 Calibration of a load control device for a light-emitting diode light source
A load regulation device for controlling the amount of power delivered to an electrical load may be able to calibrate the magnitude of an output voltage of the load regulation device in order to control the magnitude of a load voltage across the electrical load to a predetermined level. The load regulation device may receive the feedback from a calibration device adapted to be coupled to load wiring near the electrical load. The feedback may indicate when the magnitude of the load voltage across the electrical load has reached a predetermined level. The load regulation device may gradually adjust the magnitude of the output voltage, receive the feedback from the calibration device, and then use the feedback to determine the magnitude of the output voltage corresponding to when the magnitude of the load voltage across the electrical load has reached the predetermined level.
US09954419B2 Rotating electrical machine
A mist is generated by scooping up cooling oil using a lower end portion of a non-load side end plate. Air containing this mist is circulated by a centrifugal fan provided to a load side end plate to form a recirculating air current flowing through first through-holes in a rotor core and through a ventilation passage on the outside of a rotor in opposite directions. According to a cooling mechanism as above, a mist generated in at least one point in the housing can be supplied with the recirculating air current to every point across a whole area within the machine. Hence, both of the rotor and a stator can be cooled efficiently with a small amount of mist.
US09954414B2 Subsea compressor or pump with hermetically sealed electric motor and with magnetic coupling
A submersible fluid system for operating submerged in a body of water includes a fluid-end with a fluid rotor disposed in a fluid-end housing. An electric machine housing is coupled to the fluid-end housing and has a hermetically sealed cavity containing a fluid at a pressure less than a hydrostatic pressure at a specified depth at which the submersible fluid system is designed to operate. An electric machine is disposed in the cavity of the electric machine housing and includes an electric machine rotor coupled to the fluid rotor and an electric machine stator.
US09954411B2 Actuating drive having an electrical plug-in connection
An actuating drive contains a housing which has a first housing part and a second housing part. The two housing parts each have an edge, each edge having an end face, and the two end faces face each other when the two housing parts are joined. The first housing part and the second housing part can be detachably joined. The actuating drive is configured to accommodate an exchangeable connection module for a cable feed. The exchangeable connection module can be inserted into an opening of the first edge of the first housing part and the exchangeable connection module can be connected in a form-closed manner to the end faces of the edges in a region of the opening when the two housing parts are joined. Thus, an actuating drive, in particular for ventilation flaps or fire dampers, having high flexibility in the electrical connection contacting is provided.
US09954410B2 Motor
The motor comprises a rotary unit, a stationary unit disposed around the rotary unit, and a bearing mechanism. The rotary unit comprises a plurality of magnets, a rotor core, a resin portion which covers the plurality of magnets and the rotor core. The rotor core comprises a ring-shaped inner core portion disposed at a radially inner side of the plurality of magnets, an outer core portion, and a plurality of connecting portions which radially connects the plurality of core elements, which are disposed between the plurality of magnets, and the inner core portion. The resin portion comprises an upper resin portion and a lower resin portion. The upper resin portion includes a plurality of gate holes. The lower resin portion is disposed at a more radially inner side than the plurality of outer core elements, and further comprises a first core support mark which exposes a part of the bottom surface of the rotor core, and a second core support mark disposed in the outer core part, and exposes a part of the bottom surface of the rotor core.
US09954405B2 Electromagnetic system with magnetically coupled rotors
A magnetic rotor arrangement is provided, having a primary rotor including an array of magnets arranged to provide alternating polarity around the outside of the primary rotor and at least one auxiliary rotor including an array of magnets arranged to provide alternating polarity around the outside of the auxiliary rotor. The primary rotor and each auxiliary rotor are arranged such that when the primary rotor is rotated, the rotation of the primary rotor magnetically induces rotation of each auxiliary rotor.
US09954402B2 Reducing corruption of communication in a wireless power transmission system
An embodiment of the invention provides a method for reducing data corruption in a wireless power transmission system. Power is transmitted from a primary coil to a secondary coil by induction. The voltage induced on the secondary coil by induction is rectified. The change in current supplied to a load configured to be coupled to the wireless power transmission system is limited.
US09954393B2 Power distribution systems
A power distribution system is described. The system includes a main ac busbar and an emergency ac busbar. A hybrid drive system includes an induction electrical machine and a prime mover, the rotor of the electrical machine and the driving end of the prime mover being mechanically coupled to a load by means of a mechanical linkage such as a gearbox. The system includes a first active rectifier/inverter having ac input terminals electrically connected to the main ac busbar, and dc output terminals. The system includes a second active rectifier/inverter having dc input terminals electrically connected to the dc output of the first active rectifier/inverter by a dc link, and ac output terminals electrically connected to the induction electrical machine. A blackout restart system includes a rectifier having ac input terminals selectively electrically connectable to the emergency ac busbar and dc output terminals selectively electrically connectable to the dc link.
US09954385B2 EMI suppression with wireless charging
A computing device includes a charging coil for producing a charging current when placed in a magnetic field of a wireless power transmitter. A wireless charging operating frequency is associated with wireless charging of a battery of the computing device by the charging coil and the wireless power transmitter. An electrically conductive substrate has a plurality of gaps for reducing eddy currents when the electrically conductive substrate is disposed between the charging coil and the wireless power transmitter during charging of the battery. A plurality of filters each electrically bridge a respective one of the gaps. Each filter attenuates signals within a range of frequencies including the wireless charging operating frequency.
US09954376B2 Method and apparatus for controlling wireless power transmission
A wireless power transmission controlling apparatus and method are provided. The apparatus includes a communication unit; and a controller configured to compute an amount of transmission power to be transmitted, based on information received from a wireless power receiving apparatus; output a wireless power transmission control signal corresponding to the computed amount of transmission power; filter the wireless power transmission control signal and pass a harmonic wave corresponding to a predetermined communication frequency band; and control the communication unit to transmit the wireless power transmission control signal based on the harmonic wave.
US09954370B2 Electrical grid control system, electrical grid control method, and power conversion apparatus
An electrical grid control system includes a plurality of power conversion apparatuses each storing active power relationship information indicating a relationship between an active power control level representing a level of control for active power output to an electrical grid, and a connection point frequency being a frequency at a connection point to the electrical grid; and a control apparatus that repeatedly receives information indicating a system frequency measured in the electrical grid, determines the active power control level based on the system frequency, and transmits the active power control level to the plurality of power conversion apparatuses. Each power conversion apparatus repeatedly measures the connection point frequency, receives the active power control level from the control apparatus, and controls the active power based on the measured connection point frequency, the received active power control level, and the active power relationship information.
US09954366B2 Grid power factor control system
Various embodiments of the invention include a system including: at least one computing device operably connected with a location on a power grid, the at least one computing device configured to control a power factor at the location on the power grid by performing actions including: determining a phase angle at the location on the power grid in degrees; converting the phase angle to radians from degrees; determining a reactive power exported at the location on the power grid based upon the phase angle in radians and an exported mega-watt measurement at the location on the power grid; and determining the power factor at the location on the power grid based upon the phase angle in radians and the reactive power exported at the location on the power grid.
US09954358B2 Control circuit
The control circuit includes first and second primary terminals for connection to a DC network, a secondary terminal connected in series between the first and second primary terminals and at least one auxiliary energy conversion element and an auxiliary terminal. The first and second primary terminals have a plurality of modules and a plurality of primary energy conversion elements connected in series therebetween to define a current transmission path, each module including at least one energy storage device, each energy storage device being selectively removable from the current transmission path. The plurality of modules include a first module and a second module the first module being connected in series with at least one primary energy conversion element between the first primary terminal and the secondary terminal to define a first current transmission path portion, and the second module being connected in series with at least one other primary energy conversion element between the second primary terminal and the secondary terminal to define a second current transmission path portion. The auxiliary energy conversion element is connected in series between the secondary and auxiliary terminals, the auxiliary terminal being for connection to ground.
US09954354B2 Methods and apparatus for mitigation of damage of power line assets from traveling electrical arcs
A power distribution monitoring system is provided that can include a number of features. The system can include a plurality of power line sensing devices configured to attach to individual conductors on a power grid distribution network. The sensing devices can be configured to measure and monitor, among other things, current and electric-field on the conductors. The system can further include one or more arc shields positioned near the sensing devices and configured to prevent damage to the conductor or sensing device in the event of a traveling arc. Methods of installing and protecting the system are also discussed.
US09954351B2 System for implementation of I2t trip characteristic
There is provided a protection circuit configured to indicate an overcurrent condition of a conductor conducting a load current, the protection circuit including a first current integrator and a second current integrator, each of the first and second integrators being configured to integrate an input voltage proportional to the load current, a summing amplifier configured to receive an offset voltage, to amplify a signal from the second integrator, and to generate a trip threshold based on the input voltage and the offset voltage, and a comparator configured to compare an output of the first current integrator and the trip threshold, and to generate a trip signal at a trip time when the trip threshold is equal to an output of the first integrator, the trip signal indicating an overcurrent condition.
US09954349B2 Two-part snap-together feedthroughs
A feedthrough for feeding signals through a panel having opposite sides includes first and second parts. The first part can include a first body configured to be disposed in a first portion of an opening in a panel, a first lumen disposed within the first body, and a first engagement area comprising a first contact area. The second part can include a second body configured to be disposed in a second portion of the opening in the panel, a second lumen disposed within the second body, and a second engagement area configured to engage the first contact area, wherein engaging the first contact area with the second engagement area causes deformation of the first part, the second part, or both to hold the first part and the second part within the opening such that the first lumen and the second lumen are disposed generally concentrically with each other.
US09954345B2 Panelboard, and switchgear assembly and stab assembly therefor
A stab assembly includes at least one bus bar having and an elongated extension, and a number of line terminals including at least one twofold line terminal. The twofold line terminal has a plug-on portion having an engaging portion. The engaging portion substantially overlays and engages the elongated extension.
US09954340B2 Excimer laser apparatus and excimer laser system
Problem: to suppress the number of times complete gas replacement in a laser chamber.Solution: this excimer laser apparatus may include a gas supply unit, connected to a first receptacle that holds a first laser gas containing halogen gas and a second receptacle that holds a second laser gas having a lower halogen gas concentration than the first laser gas, that supplies the first laser gas and the second laser gas to the interior of the laser chamber. Then, gas pressure control in which the gas supply unit supplies the second laser gas to the interior of the laser chamber or a gas exhaust unit partially exhausts gas from within the laser chamber, and partial gas replacement control in which the gas supply unit supplies the first laser gas and the second laser gas to the interior of the laser chamber and the gas exhaust unit partially exhausts gas from within the laser chamber sequentially, may be selectively performed.
US09954326B2 Cable end connector with a plurality of contact modules, shielding shells and grounding means
A cable end connector and the method of making the same are disclosed. The connector includes a first contact module, a second contact module, a central grounding unit, a grounding means, and a shielding shell electrically connecting with the grounding means. The first contact module includes first contacts and a first insulator retaining the first contacts. The first insulator has a first tongue section and a first assembling section. The second contact module includes second contacts and a second insulator retaining the second contacts. The second insulator has a second tongue section and a second assembling section. The shielding shell has a front shell and a rear shell partially overlapped on the front shell. The front shell substantially encloses the first and the second tongue sections of the first and the second contact modules, the central grounding unit and the grounding means. The rear shell covers the first and the second assembling sections of the first and the second contact modules.
US09954317B2 Electrical connector having an insulative outer cover and a bracket insert molded with the outer cover
An electrical connector includes: a contact module including an insulative housing and an upper and lower rows of contacts, the insulative housing having a base and a tongue; a shielding shell enclosing the contact module and having a pair of soldering legs; an insulative outer cover enclosing the shielding shell; and a pair of brackets insert-molded with the outer cover; wherein each of the pair of brackets is locked to the insulative housing to prevent a corresponding soldering leg from moving outwardly.
US09954315B2 Grounding link for electrical connector mechanism
A grounding link for use with an elbow-type power cable electrical connector. The grounding link includes a bushing interface portion, a cap receiving portion, and a tap portion, wherein the grounding link further includes a grounding element extending between the bushing interface portion and a cap receiving portion, and wherein the bushing interface portion of the grounding link is configured for insertion into a bore in elbow-type power cable electrical connector. The grounding element includes an exposed portion projecting above a surface of the grounding link, wherein the exposed portion of the grounding element is configured for attachment by a grounded hot line clamp to ground the electrical connector assembly. The tap portion is configured for receipt of a second elbow connector to conductively couple the second elbow connector to the elbow-type power cable electrical connector.
US09954314B2 Electrical connector having a locking and extraction device with mobile gripping jaws mounted on a pivot and actuated by a lever for rotation
The general field of the invention is that of the locking and extraction devices for an electrical connector in an electronic casing, said electronic casing comprising the electrical socket corresponding to said electrical connector, the connection and the extraction of the electrical connector being performed in a determined direction, parallel to the electrical contacts of the electrical connector. The connector according to the invention is mounted in a mechanical assembly comprising at least one shoulder. The electronic casing comprises a mechanical structure comprising at least one mobile gripping jaw arranged so as to grasp the shoulder of the connector and to impart thereon a translational movement in said determined direction, thus facilitating the connection or the extraction of said electrical connector in its electrical socket.
US09954303B2 Waterproof electrical connector assembly
An electrical connector assembly includes an electrical connector and an outer cover over-molding the electrical connector. The electrical connector include: an insulative housing having a base, a front tongue, and a rear extension; an upper and lower rows of contacts mounted in the insulative housing and exposed to the tongue, each of the upper and lower rows of contacts having a tail; a metallic plate positioned between the upper and lower rows of contacts; and a shielding shell enclosing the insulative housing. The outer cover is over-molded with the shielding shell to seal a rear of the electrical connector while exposing the rear extension of the insulative housing and the tails of the contacts.
US09954302B2 Contact and connector including contact
A contact increased in contact reliability by suppressing variation in contact area between the contact and a mating contact. A contact body including a contact portion that is brought into contact with a contact portion of a male-side contact, and a supporting member formed separate from the contact body, for receiving therein the contact portion and movably supporting the contact portion form a female-side contact. The supporting member includes a supporting member body for receiving therein the contact portion and the contact portion, first and second spring portions and provided on the supporting member body, for bringing the contact portion inserted in the supporting member body and the contact portion into contact with each other, and restricting portions provided on the supporting member body, for restricting movement of the male-side contact in a spring portion-bending direction of the first and second spring portions.
US09954301B2 Connector with TPA
A connector has a housing and a TPA member. The housing has a base which includes a first and second sides and a top surface that extends between the sides. The base further includes a channel. The TPA member is operatively associated with the housing and has at least one hinge which extends from the top surface. The at least one hinge has top and bottom portions. The bottom portion is provided proximate to the base and the top portion has a portion thereof cutout to provide a weakened portion of the at least one hinge. The TPA member further includes a rearwardly extending L-shaped feature. Upon a force being applied to the TPA member, the at least one hinge is configured to first rotate about the weakened portion and, thereafter, is configured to rotate about the bottom portion, thereby allowing the L-shaped feature to be inserted into the channel.
US09954296B2 Connector with sliding tap
The disclosed embodiments relate generally to a modular connector for a multi-conductor ribbon cable provided for power and data transmission to a network of devices. The modular connector is coupled to the conductors in the ribbon cable by insulation displacement members. The connector contains both fixed and movable conductor punches used to configure a network interface.
US09954289B2 Terminal with wire, manufacturing method of terminal with wire, and wire harness
A terminal with a wire having a high sealing property, a manufacturing method thereof, and a wire harness are provided. The terminal with the wire includes an aluminum wire and a crimp terminal. A resin covering member is removed from the aluminum wire to form a conductor exposed portion (a wire forming process). The crimp terminal is connected to the conductor exposed portion to form a wire-terminal connection portion (a wire-terminal connection process). Then, an anticorrosion portion is formed such that a voltage is applied between the crimp terminal and a metal nozzle and an electrified anticorrosion material is supplied from the metal nozzle to the wire-terminal connection portion in a state of being attracted (an anticorrosion material supply process). Further, the anticorrosion portion is formed by irradiating the anticorrosion material with an ultraviolet ray to be UV-cured (an anticorrosion material curing process).
US09954287B2 Apparatus for converting wireless signals and electromagnetic waves and methods thereof
Aspects of the subject disclosure may include, for example, a waveguide including a plurality of devices that facilitate generating scattered electromagnetic waves from electromagnetic waves propagating on a surface of a transmission medium. The scattered electromagnetic waves combine to generate a wireless signal having a directionality based on a separation between plurality of devices and a wavelength of the electromagnetic waves. Other embodiments are disclosed.
US09954281B2 Antenna device and portable information terminal
An antenna device includes a feed terminal configured to feed a first radio-frequency signal at one end part of an antenna element having both end parts, a feed terminal capable of feeding a second radio-frequency signal concurrently with the first radio-frequency signal at the other end part, and a grounding terminal configured to connect to a grounding point at a substantially center part. Based on this, signals in plural frequency bands are allowed to be concurrently used in common in one antenna element.
US09954268B2 Display screen with transparent antenna structure and portable device having the display screen
A display screen and a portable device are disclosed. The display screen includes a display region and a non-display region surrounding the display region, the display region includes at least one transparent antenna structure, the antenna structure includes an antenna and a capacitor which are located in a same layer, and the capacitor is electrically connected to the antenna. The portable device includes the display screen. The display screen and the portable device simplify the manufacturing process and also reduce the manufacturing difficulty.
US09954259B1 Thermal event management system for an electric vehicle
A method of controlling the battery system of an electric vehicle includes detecting a thermal event in a first battery pack of a plurality of battery packs of the battery system, and at least partially powering down the electric vehicle automatically in response to the detected thermal event. The method may also include initiating a thermal rejection scheme in response to the detected thermal event.
US09954257B2 Fluorescent indicator of lithium ions and related methods
A lithium ion indicator material for a lithium ion battery is provided, the material comprising a lithium ion battery material and Li+ profluorophore dispersed within or on the lithium ion battery material, wherein the Li+ profluorophore comprises a 2-(naphtho[2,3-d]oxazol-2-yl)phenolate moiety or a derivative thereof, or a 2-(naphtho[2,3-d]oxazol-2-yl)phenol moiety or a derivative thereof. Lithium ion batteries comprising the lithium ion indicator material are also provided.
US09954246B2 Liquid electrolyte for lithium battery and lithium battery
An object of the present invention is to provide a liquid electrolyte for a lithium battery in which lowering of reactivity of a Li ion and an electrode active material due to a glyme is suppressed. In the present invention, the above object is achieved by providing a liquid electrolyte for a lithium battery comprising: a glyme represented by general formula: R1—O(CH2CH2O)n—R2 (in which R1 and R2 each independently represent an alkyl group with 4 or less carbon atoms or a fluoroalkyl group with 4 or less carbon atoms, and n is in the range of 2 to 10); a Li amide salt having a Li ion and a sulfonylamide anion; and a fluoride salt represented by XF (in which X represents Li, Na, K, Rb, or Cs).
US09954230B2 Current collector for lithium ion secondary batteries and positive electrode for lithium ion secondary batteries
A current collector for a lithium ion secondary battery, on which an electrode mixture layer is formed, satisfies A≥0.10 μm and 6≤(B/A)≤15 when assuming that a three-dimensional center plane average roughness SRa of a surface of at least one side of the current collector on which the electrode mixture layer is formed is A and a ratio of an actual surface area of the surface of at least one side of the current collector to a geometric area of the surface of at least one side of the current collector, which is (actual surface area)/(geometric area), is B.
US09954229B2 Electrolyte for stable cycling of high-energy lithium sulfur redox flow batteries
A device comprising: a lithium sulfur redox flow battery comprising an electrolyte composition comprising: (i) a dissolved Li2Sx electroactive salt, wherein x≥4; (ii) a solvent selected from dimethyl sulfoxide, tetrahydrofuran, or a mixture thereof; and (iii) a supporting salt at a concentration of at least 2 M, as measured by moles of supporting salt divided by the volume of the solvent without considering the volume change of the electrolyte after dissolving the supporting salt.
US09954219B2 Electric storage device and manufacturing method thereof
Provided is an electric storage device including: a first electrode plate, a second electrode plate having a polarity opposite to that of the first electrode plate, and a separator interposed between the first electrode plate and the second electrode plate, wherein the first electrode plate includes a current collector, a conductive layer laminated onto the current collector, and a mixture layer laminated onto the conductive layer, the mixture layer contains a binder and primary particles of an active material as its constituents, and the primary particles as a constituent of the mixture layer are partially retained in the conductive layer.
US09954212B2 Battery, electrolyte, battery pack, electronic device, electric motor vehicle, electrical storage device, and power system
A battery includes electrodes including a positive electrode and a negative electrode; and a particle-containing insulating part that is provided between the positive electrode and the negative electrode and includes particles and a resin, wherein the particles are a material capable of undergoing an endothermic dehydration reaction and have a flat shape with an aspect ratio of 2/1 or more.
US09954205B2 Slotted battery cavity for multiple cell sizes
A battery compartment for a device has a single cavity that is segmented into discrete slots, each slot associated with projections that secure and immobilize any batteries inserted into the compartment. Each slot is sized to receive a different size of battery, and the slots are positioned relative to one another to prevent batteries of different sizes from being inserted into the compartment. A shelf may be integrated within the slot(s), and the shelf may include a channel or a multi-planar yet unitary contact member to establish a single point of electrical connection between the battery compartment and the device.
US09954204B2 Curved secondary battery
A curved secondary battery including an electrode assembly having a curved shape, and a pouch sealing the electrode assembly. The pouch includes a first sealing sheet on a first surface of the electrode assembly, a second sealing sheet on a second surface of the electrode assembly, the first sealing sheet and the second sealing sheet sealing the electrode assembly, and a wing portion formed on a side of the electrode assembly by bound-together edges of the first sealing sheet and the second sealing sheet. The wing portion includes a body portion bent in a first direction and a reinforcement portion that is continuous with the body portion and is bent in a second direction to overlap the body portion. The second direction may be opposite to the first direction.
US09954197B2 Organic light-emitting diode (OLED) display and method of fabricating the same
An organic light-emitting diode (OLED) display and method of fabricating the same are disclosed. In one aspect, the OLED display includes a first substrate including a display area and a peripheral area surrounding the display area. The display area includes a plurality of pixels each including an OLED and the peripheral area includes a signal driver electrically connected to the pixels. A conductive layer is formed over the signal driver and on opposing sides of the signal driver and a second substrate is formed over the first substrate. The OLED display further includes a first seal interposed between the first and second substrates in the peripheral area and substantially sealing the first and second substrates and a second seal surrounding the first seal and formed over the signal driver.
US09954192B2 Blue organic electroluminescent device and preparation method thereof, display panel and display apparatus
Embodiments of the invention provide a blue organic electroluminescent device and a preparation method, a display panel and a display apparatus. The blue organic electroluminescent device comprises: a substrate and an anode, a hole injection layer, a hole transport layer, a light emitting layer, an electron transport layer, an electron injection layer and a cathode arranged on the substrate successively, the light emitting layer comprises a lower surface layer, an upper surface layer and an intermediate layer; host emitters of the lower surface layer, the upper surface layer and the intermediate layer are all doped with guest emitters, at least one of the doping concentrations in the lower surface layer and the upper surface layer is greater than a doping concentration in the intermediate layer. The power consumption of the blue organic electroluminescent device is greatly reduced; and the efficiency is increased significantly.
US09954185B2 Organic thin film transistor, organic semiconductor thin film, and organic semiconductor material
An organic thin film transistor containing a compound represented by the following formula in a semiconductor active layer has a high carrier mobility and a small change in the threshold voltage after repeated driving. Z represents a substituent having a length of 3.7 Å or less, and at least one of R1 to R8 represents -L-R wherein L represents alkylene, etc., and R represents alkyl, etc.
US09954183B2 Intermediate for heteroacene compound and synthetic method of heteroacene compound using its intermediate
An intermediate of a heteroacene compound is represented by Chemical Formula 1.
US09954177B2 Light-emitting element, display device, electronic device, and lighting device
A light-emitting element containing a fluorescent material and having high emission efficiency is provided. The light-emitting element contains the fluorescent material and a host material. The host material contains a first organic compound and a second organic compound. The first organic compound and the second organic compound can form an exciplex. The proportion of a delayed fluorescence component in light emitted from the exciplex is higher than or equal to 5%, and the delayed fluorescence component contains a delayed fluorescence component whose fluorescence lifetime is 10 ns or longer and 50 μs or shorter.
US09954167B2 Memory device including a layer including hafnium oxide and method for manufacturing the same
According to one embodiment, a memory device includes a first layer, a second layer, and a third layer provided between the first layer and the second layer. The first layer includes first interconnections and a first insulating portion. The first interconnections extend in a first direction. The first insulating portion is provided between the first interconnections. The second layer includes a plurality of second interconnections and a second insulating portion. The second interconnections extend in a second direction crossing the first direction. The second insulating portion is provided between the second interconnections. The third layer includes a ferroelectric portion and a paraelectric portion. The ferroelectric portion and the paraelectric portion include hafnium oxide.
US09954156B2 Body heat powered wireless transmitter
A Body Heat Powered Portable Wireless Transmitter contains a Thermo Electric Generator, an energy Harvesting System, a Control System and a Wireless Transmitter. The Wireless transmission medium could include but not exhaustively, RF, Ultrasonic or Infrared. The application can range from a keyfob transmitter or a Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System for a car, an infrared remote control for a TV or Hi-Fi or a person location device which can be worn around the wrist like a watch to allow hospital staff to track Alzheimer's patients, allow parents to track their children, detect trapped people from the effects of earthquakes and Tsunamis or an RF ID tag for security purposes. The device can also be used for sensor applications (Wireless Data Capture) such as a fitness tracker or health monitor such as a wireless ECG (Electrocardiogram) monitor to collect patient vitals and wirelessly transmit the data to hospital staff.
US09954143B2 Light emitting device and optical device
The present invention provides a light emitting device which is capable of enhancing the radiant intensity on a single direction. The light emitting device comprises a substrate, a lens bonded to the substrate, and an LED chip bonded to the substrate and exposed in a gap clipped between the substrate and the lens, wherein the lens has a light output surface which bulges in a direction that is defined from the substrate toward the LED chip and is contained in a thickness direction of the substrate to transmit the light emitted from the LED chip.
US09954142B2 Material layer stack, light emitting element, light emitting package, and method of fabricating light emitting element
Disclosed herein are a material layer stack, a light emitting element, a light emitting package, and a method of fabricating a light emitting element. The material layer stack includes: a substrate having a first lattice constant; and a semiconductor layer grown on the substrate, the semiconductor layer having a second lattice constant that is different from the first lattice constant. Using the material layer stack, a light emitting element having a low leakage current, a low operation voltage, and an excellent luminous efficiency can be obtained.
US09954134B2 Optical biosensor and manufacturing method thereof
An optical biosensor, and a method of manufacturing the same, includes a first layer, a second layer stacked on the first layer, a first grating coupler within the first layer and the second layer, and a second grating coupler within the first layer. The first grating coupler is configured to couple a light pattern provided to a front side of the optical biosensor. The second grating coupler is configured to output the light pattern coupled by the first grating coupler to a photoelectric conversion element on a rear side of the optical biosensor.
US09954133B1 P-type chalcogenide and N-type silicon heterojunction infrared photodiodes and method of manufacturing thereof
A photodetector comprising a region of a p-type phase-change chalcogenide material forming a heterojunction with a region of n-type Silicon; wherein the p-type phase-change chalcogenide material comprises one of GeTe and SbTe.
US09954131B2 Optoelectronic devices including heterojunction and intermediate layer
Embodiments generally relate to optoelectronic semiconductor devices such as solar cells. In one aspect, a device includes an absorber layer made of gallium arsenide (GaAs) and having only one type of doping. An emitter layer is located closer than the absorber layer to a back side of the device and is made of a different material and having a higher bandgap than the absorber layer. A heterojunction is formed between the emitter layer and the absorber layer, and a p-n junction is formed between the emitter layer and the absorber layer and at least partially within the different material at a location offset from the heterojunction. An intermediate layer is located between the absorber layer and the emitter layer and provides the offset of the p-n junction from the heterojunction, and includes a graded layer and an ungraded back window layer.
US09954128B2 Structures for increased current generation and collection in solar cells with low absorptance and/or low diffusion length
The present disclosure generally relates to a solar cell device that a first Bragg reflector disposed below a first solar cell and a second Bragg reflector disposed below the first Bragg reflector, wherein the first solar cell comprises a dilute nitride composition and has a first bandgap, wherein the first Bragg reflector is operable to reflect a first range of radiation wavelengths back into the first solar cell and the second Bragg reflector is operable to reflect a third range of wavelengths back into the first solar cell, and the first Bragg reflector and the second Bragg reflector are operable to cool the solar cell device by reflecting a second range of radiation wavelengths that are outside the photogeneration wavelength range of the first solar cell or that are weakly absorbed by the first solar cell.
US09954124B1 Thermo-compensated silicon photo-multiplier with on-chip temperature sensor
A silicon photomultiplier (SiPM) device is provided with a SiPM matrix and a temperature compensation circuit fabricated on a substrate. The temperature compensation circuit can include a temperature sensor, a bias adjustment circuit and a current source. The current source can provide a current to the temperature sensor and the temperature sensor can provide a temperature dependent signal to the bias adjustment circuit. The bias adjustment circuit can adjust a bias voltage provided to the SiPM matrix in response to the signal from the temperature sensor in order to maintain a predefined overvoltage value at the SiPM matrix.
US09954116B2 Electrostatically enhanced fins field effect transistors
Non-planar semiconductor devices including semiconductor fins or stacked semiconductor nanowires that are electrostatically enhanced are provided. The electrostatic enhancement is achieved in the present application by epitaxially growing a semiconductor material protruding portion on exposed sidewalls of alternating semiconductor material portions of at least one hard mask capped semiconductor-containing fin structure that is formed on a substrate.
US09954113B2 Transistor including oxide semiconductor, semiconductor device including the transistor, and electronic device including the transistor
A transistor with favorable electrical characteristics is provided. A transistor with stable electrical characteristics is provided. A semiconductor device having a high degree of integration is provided. Side surfaces of an oxide semiconductor layer in which a channel is formed are covered with an oxide semiconductor layer, whereby impurity diffusion from the side surfaces of the oxide semiconductor into the inside can be prevented. A gate electrode is formed by a damascene process, whereby transistors can be miniaturized and formed at a high density.
US09954104B2 Multiwidth finFET with channel cladding
An improved structure and methods of fabrication for finFET devices utilizing a cladding channel are disclosed. A staircase fin is formed where the fin comprises an upper portion of a first width and a lower portion of a second width, wherein the lower portion is wider than the upper portion. The narrower upper portion allows the cladding channel to be deposited and still have sufficient space for proper gate deposition, while the lower portion is wide to provide improved mechanical stability, which protects the fins during the subsequent processing steps.
US09954100B2 Method and apparatus for high voltate transistors
A method includes forming a gate spacer along sidewalls of a gate structure, forming a source region and a drain region on opposite sides of the gate structure, wherein a sidewall of the source region is vertically aligned with a first sidewall of the gate spacer, depositing a dielectric layer over the substrate, depositing a conductive layer over the dielectric layer, patterning the dielectric layer and the conductive layer to form a field plate, wherein the dielectric layer comprises a horizontal portion extending from the second drain/source region to a second sidewall of the gate spacer and a vertical portion formed along the second sidewall of the gate spacer, forming a plurality of metal silicide layers by applying a salicide process to the conductive layer, the gate structure, the first drain/source region and the second drain/source region and forming contact plugs over the plurality of metal silicide layers.
US09954098B1 Semiconductor structure and method of manufacturing the same
A semiconductor structure and a method of manufacturing the semiconductor structure are provided. The semiconductor structure includes at least a substrate, an isolated structure, a gate, a source, a drain, a deep well, and a body well. The deep well extends under the isolated structure, and the body well is formed in the deep well between the gate and the isolated structure, wherein the body well has a convex region extending under the isolated structure. The deep well has a drive-in region outside the convex region of the body well, and the drive-in region has a lower doping concentration than remainder of the deep well.
US09954095B2 Semiconductor device and method of manufacturing same
To provide a semiconductor device less affected by noise without making a manufacturing process more complicated and increasing a chip area. The device has a semiconductor substrate having first and second surfaces, a first-conductivity-type drain region on the second surface side in the semiconductor substrate, a first-conductivity-type drift region on the first surface side of a substrate region, a second-conductivity-type base region on the first surface side of the drift region, a first-conductivity-type source region on the first surface of the semiconductor substrate sandwiching a base region between the source and drift regions, a gate electrode opposite to and insulated from the base region, a wiring on the first main surface electrically coupled to the source region, and a first conductive film on the first main surface, opposite to and insulated from the wiring, and electrically coupled to the substrate region.
US09954093B2 Method of manufacturing a super junction semiconductor device and super junction semiconductor device
A semiconductor device is manufactured by: i) forming a mask on a process surface of a semiconductor layer, elongated openings of the mask exposing part of the semiconductor layer and extending along a first lateral direction; ii) implanting dopants of a first conductivity type into the semiconductor layer based on tilt angle α1 between an ion beam direction and a process surface normal and based on twist angle ω1 between the first lateral direction and a projection of the ion beam direction on the process surface; iii) implanting dopants of a second conductivity type into the semiconductor layer based on tilt angle α2 between an ion beam direction and the process surface normal and based on twist angle ω2 between the first lateral direction and a projection of the ion beam direction on the process surface; and repeating i) to iii) at least one time.
US09954087B2 Field effect transistor, and multilayered epitaxial film for use in preparation of field effect transistor
In a group III nitride-type field effect transistor, the present invention reduces a leak current component by conduction of residual carriers in a buffer layer, and achieves improvement in a break-down voltage, and enhances a carrier confinement effect (carrier confinement) of a channel to improve pinch-off characteristics (to suppress a short channel effect). For example, when applying the present invention to a GaN-type field effect transistor, besides GaN of a channel layer, a composition-modulated (composition-gradient) AlGaN layer in which aluminum composition reduces toward a top gradually or stepwise is used as a buffer layer (hetero buffer). To gate length Lg of a FET to be prepared, a sum a of layer thicknesses of an electron supply layer and a channel layer is selected so as to fulfill Lg/a≥5, and in such a case, the layer thickness of the channel layer is selected in a range of not exceeding 5 times (about 500 Å) as long as a de Broglie wavelength of two-dimensional electron gas accumulated in the channel layer in room temperature.
US09954086B2 Semiconductor device having multiple field stop layers
A semiconductor device of the present invention is structured such that in a surface layer of a first principal surface of a semiconductor substrate, an n-type drift layer, a p-type base layer, a p-type floating layer, an n-type emitter layer, an emitter electrode, and a trench in which a gate electrode is embedded with a gate insulating film is disposed therebetween are formed from a front surface side. Further, in a surface layer of a second principal surface of the semiconductor substrate, a p-type collector layer and a collector electrode contacting the-type collector layer are formed, and in a direction from the p-type collector layer toward a surface, an n-type selenium-doped field stop layer and an n-type proton doped field stop layer are formed, whereby IGBT turn OFF oscillation, oscillation at diode reverse recovery, and increases in leak voltage can be suppressed, and electrical loss can be reduced.
US09954077B2 Apparatus and method for multiple gate transistors
A method comprises etching away an upper portion of a substrate to form a trench between two adjacent isolation regions, wherein the substrate has a first crystal orientation and is formed of a first semiconductor material, growing a first semiconductor region in the trench over the substrate, wherein the first semiconductor region is formed of a second semiconductor material and an upper portion of the first semiconductor region has a second crystal orientation and growing a second semiconductor region over the first semiconductor region, wherein the second semiconductor region is formed of a third semiconductor material.
US09954075B2 Thyristor random access memory device and method
Memory devices and methods of making memory devices are shown. Methods and configurations as shown provide folded and vertical memory devices for increased memory density. Methods provided reduce a need for manufacturing methods such as deep dopant implants.
US09954072B2 Silicon-carbide semiconductor device and manufacturing method thereof
A silicon-carbide semiconductor device that relaxes field intensity in a gate insulating film, and that has a low ON-resistance. The silicon-carbide semiconductor device includes: an n-type silicon-carbide substrate; a drift layer formed on a topside of the n-type silicon-carbide substrate; a trench formed in the drift layer and that includes therein a gate insulating film and a gate electrode; a p-type high-concentration well region formed parallel to the trench with a spacing therefrom and that has a depth larger than that of the trench; and a p-type body region formed to have a depth that gradually increases when nearing from a position upward from the bottom end of the trench by approximately the thickness of the gate insulating film at the bottom of the trench toward the lower end of the p-type high-concentration well region.
US09954069B2 Semiconductor device and method of forming vertical structure
A semiconductor device includes a source/drain region, a barrier layer, and an interlayer dielectric. The barrier layer surrounds the source/drain region. The interlayer dielectric surrounds the barrier layer. As such, the source/drain region can be protected by the barrier layer from oxidation during manufacturing of the semiconductor device, e.g., the formation of the interlayer dielectric.
US09954058B1 Self-aligned air gap spacer for nanosheet CMOS devices
A semiconductor structure is provided that contains a plurality of vertically stacked and spaced apart semiconductor nanosheets in which an inner dielectric liner and an air gap are present. Collectively, each inner spacer and air gap combination provides an inner spacer structure that separates a portion of a functional gate structure that surrounds each semiconductor nanosheet from a portion of a source/drain (S/D) semiconductor material structure that is present on each side of the functional gate structure.
US09954047B2 Organic light emitting display apparatus and method of manufacturing the same
An organic light emitting display (OLED) device includes an organic light emitting diode having an anode and a cathode. The organic light emitting diode is configured to receive a reference voltage. A control transistor includes a first control electrode and a first semiconductor active layer. The control transistor is configured to receive a control signal. A driving transistor includes a second control electrode that is electrically connected to the control transistor, an input electrode that is configured to receive a power voltage, an output electrode that is electrically connected to the anode of the organic light emitting diode, and a second semiconductor active layer that includes a different material from that of the first semiconductor active layer. A shielding electrode is disposed on the second semiconductor active layer, overlapping the driving transistor, and configured to receive the power voltage.
US09954046B2 Display apparatus, manufacturing method of display apparatus, and electronic device
A display apparatus including: a display region provided with a plurality of pixel portions; wires installed to the respective pixel portions within the display region from an outside of the display region for transmitting a signal to drive the respective pixel portions; connection pads provided on the outside of the display region and serving as input portions to provide the wires with a signal while electrically conducting with the wires; switch elements provided on the outside of the display region in a middle of the wires; and a light shielding covering portion shielding the switch elements from light and formed to cover the connection pads while electrically conducting with the connection pads.
US09954045B2 Electroluminescence device and method for producing same
Provided is an organic EL display device (electroluminescence device) including a TFT substrate (substrate) and an organic EL element (electroluminescence device) provided on the TFT substrate, wherein the organic EL display device includes a sealing layer that seals the organic EL element. The sealing layer is provided with a first, a second, and a third sealing film that are sequentially stacked from the organic EL element side, the first and third sealing films are each formed of an inorganic film, and the second sealing film is formed of an octamethylcyclotetrasiloxane film.
US09954041B2 Organic electroluminescence display device
An organic electroluminescence display device includes a substrate; a thin film transistor that is formed on the substrate; a light emitting region that has a lower electrode, a light emitting layer, and an upper electrode formed for each of a plurality of pixels arranged in a matrix shape on the thin film transistor; and a contact hole that is formed on the outside of the light emitting region in one corner portion of the pixel and connects the thin film transistor and the lower electrode for each pixel in a plan view. Only one pair of pixels of four pixels that share an intersection point of boundaries of the pixels arranged in the matrix shape, which are arranged in a diagonal manner have the contact holes at the corner portions having the intersection point.
US09954025B2 Pixel having two semiconductor layers, image sensor including the pixel, and image processing system including the image sensor
An image sensor having pixels that include two patterned semiconductor layers. The top patterned semiconductor layer contains the photoelectric elements of pixels having substantially 100% fill-factor. The bottom patterned semiconductor layer contains transistors for detecting, resetting, amplifying and transmitting signals charges received from the photoelectric elements. The top and bottom patterned semiconductor layers may be separated from each other by an interlayer insulating layer that may include metal interconnections for conducting signals between devices formed in the patterned semiconductor layers and from external devices.
US09954024B2 Semiconductor device, solid-state image sensor and camera system
The present invention relates to a semiconductor device, a solid-state image sensor and a camera system capable of reducing the influence of noise at a connection between chips without a special circuit for communication and reducing the cost as a result. The semiconductor device includes: a first chip; and a second chip, wherein the first chip and the second chip are bonded to have a stacked structure, the first chip has a high-voltage transistor circuit mounted thereon, the second chip has mounted thereon a low-voltage transistor circuit having lower breakdown voltage than the high-voltage transistor circuit, and wiring between the first chip and the second chip is connected through a via formed in the first chip.
US09954016B2 Germanium-silicon light sensing apparatus
An image sensor array including a carrier substrate; a first group of photodiodes coupled to the carrier substrate, where the first group of photodiodes include a first photodiode, and where the first photodiode includes a semiconductor layer configured to absorb photons at visible wavelengths and to generate photo-carriers from the absorbed photons; and a second group of photodiodes coupled to the carrier substrate, where the second group of photodiodes include a second photodiode, and where the second photodiode includes a germanium-silicon region fabricated on the semiconductor layer, the germanium-silicon region configured to absorb photons at infrared or near-infrared wavelengths and to generate photo-carriers from the absorbed photons.
US09954011B2 Display device
Provided is a display device with high resolution, high display quality, or high aperture ratio. A pixel includes three subpixels and is electrically connected to two gate lines. One of the gate lines is electrically connected to a gate of a transistor included in each of the two subpixels, and the other gate line is electrically connected to a gate of a transistor included in the other subpixel. Display elements of the three subpixels are arranged in the same direction. Three pixel electrodes of the three subpixels are arranged in the same direction.
US09954008B2 Liquid crystal cell panel including substrates having corner patterns
A liquid crystal cell panel includes a first substrate from which is formed a thin film transistor array substrate, the first substrate including a plurality of unit cells and test terminals which respectively correspond to the unit cells, and a second substrate which faces the first substrate and from which is formed a color filter substrate. The first substrate further includes a first cutting pattern at each of a plurality of corners thereof, and the second substrate includes a second cutting pattern at each of a plurality of corners thereof, the second cutting patterns corresponding one-to-one with the first cutting patterns. Corresponding first and second cutting patterns cross each other in a plan view, and the crossing first and second cutting patterns expose a test terminal adjacent to the crossing first and second cutting patterns to outside the liquid crystal cell panel.
US09954006B2 Thin film transistor array substrate and method of manufacturing the same
A TFT array substrate includes a semiconductive oxide layer disposed on an insulating substrate and including a channel portion, a gate electrode overlapping the semiconductive oxide layer, a gate insulating layer interposed between the semiconductive oxide layer and the gate electrode, and a passivation layer disposed on the semiconductive oxide layer and the gate electrode. At least one of the gate insulating layer and the passivation layer includes an oxynitride layer, and the oxynitride layer has a higher concentration of oxygen than that of nitrogen in a location of the oxynitride layer closer to the semiconductive oxide layer.
US09953995B2 Independent vertical-gate 3-D NAND memory circuit
A memory array provided on a semiconductor substrate includes: (a) channel structures arranged in multiple layers above the semiconductor substrate, each channel structure extending along a first direction substantially parallel a surface of the semiconductor substrate; (b) gate structures each extending along a second direction substantially transverse to the first direction and each being adjacent one of the channel structures, separated therefrom by a layer of memory material; and (c) conductors provided to connect the gate structures with circuitry fabricated in the semiconductor substrate, wherein at each location where one of the gate structure adjacent one of the channel structures, a portion of the gate structure, a portion of the channel structure and the layer of memory material constitute a memory cell of the memory array. Two or more memory cells sharing a channel structure are connected in series to form a NAND string.
US09953994B2 Semiconductor memory device and structure
A semiconductor device, including: a plurality of non-volatile memory cells including a first memory cell and a second memory cell, where the plurality of non-volatile memory cells includes source diffusion lines and drain diffusion lines, at least one of the source diffusion lines and drain diffusion lines are shared by the first memory cell and the second memory cell, where the first memory cell includes a thin tunneling oxide of less than 1 nm thickness, and where the second memory cell includes a thick tunneling oxide of greater than 2 nm thickness.
US09953986B2 Method and apparatus for improving read margin for an SRAM bit-cell
Described is a 6T SRAM cell which comprises: a first n-type transistor with a gate terminal coupled to word-line, source/drain terminal coupled to a first bit-line and drain/source terminal coupled to a first node; and a second n-type transistor with a source terminal coupled to a first supply node, a drain terminal coupled to the first node, and a gate terminal for coupling to multiple terminals, wherein the gate terminal includes a capacitor to increase coupling capacitance of the second n-type transistor. Described is a method which comprises: forming a metal gate in a first direction; forming a first spacer in the first direction on one side of the metal gate, the first spacer having a first dimension; and forming a second spacer in the first direction on another side of the metal gate, the second spacer having a second dimension which is substantially different from the first dimension.
US09953984B2 Tungsten for wordline applications
Disclosed herein are methods and related apparatus for formation of tungsten wordlines in memory devices. Also disclosed herein are methods and related apparatus for deposition of fluorine-free tungsten (FFW). According to various embodiments, the methods involve deposition of multi-component tungsten films using tungsten chloride (WClx) precursors and boron (B)-containing, silicon (Si)-containing or germanium (Ge)-containing reducing agents.
US09953974B2 Tipless transistors, short-tip transistors, and methods and circuits therefor
An integrated circuit can include a plurality of first transistors formed in a substrate and having gate lengths of less than one micron and at least one tipless transistor formed in the substrate and having a source-drain path coupled between a circuit node and a first power supply voltage. In addition or alternatively, an integrated circuit can include minimum feature size transistors; a signal driving circuit comprising a first transistor of a first conductivity type having a source-drain path coupled between a first power supply node and an output node, and a second transistor of a second conductivity type having a source-drain path coupled between a second power supply node and the output node, and a gate coupled to a gate of the first transistor, wherein the first or second transistor is a tipless transistor.
US09953970B2 Semiconductor device having ESD protection structure
The present disclosure relates to a semiconductor device with an ESD protection structure. The semiconductor device includes a high-voltage power device 101, the ESD protection structure is a NMOS transistor 102, a drain of the NMOS transistor is shared by a source of the power device as a common-drain-source structure 107, substrate leading-out regions of the power device 101 and the NMOS transistor are coupled to the source 106 of the NMOS transistor as a ground leading-out. In the present disclosure, the drain of the NMOS transistor is shared by the source of the power device, so the increased area of the device with the ESD protection structure incorporated is small. In addition, the holding voltage at the source of the high-voltage power device is relatively low, which helps to protect the gate oxide and improve the source reliability.
US09953961B2 Semiconductor device and method for manufacturing the same
A semiconductor device can reduce the number of bonding wires. The semiconductor device includes two or more semiconductor elements each of which has electrodes on a first main surface and a second main surface, an electrode plate that has one surface which is bonded to electrodes on the first main surfaces of the semiconductor elements, with a first bonding material layer interposed therebetween, and extends over the electrodes on the first main surfaces of the two or more semiconductor elements, and a conductive plate that includes a first lead terminal and a semiconductor element bonding portion which is bonded to electrodes on the second main surfaces of the semiconductor elements. A second bonding material layer is interposed therebetween, and is connected to the electrodes on the second main surfaces of the two or more semiconductor elements.
US09953958B2 Electronic component device
An electronic component device includes a first electronic component, a second electronic component disposed on and connected to the first electronic component, a first underfill resin filled between the first electronic component and the second electronic component, the first underfill resin having a base part arranged around the second electronic component and a convex portion formed on an upper surface of the base part, a third electronic component disposed on and connected to the second electronic component with being in contact with the convex portion of the base part at a peripheral edge portion thereof, and a second underfill resin filled between the second electronic component and the third electronic component.
US09953954B2 Wafer-level chip-scale package with redistribution layer
A Wafer-level chip scale package (WLCSP) includes a semiconductor structure and a first bonding pad formed over a portion of the semiconductor structure. The WLCSP further includes a passivation layer formed over the semiconductor structure and the first bonding pad, exposing portions of the first bonding pad. The WLCSP further includes a conductive redistribution layer formed over the passivation layer and the portions of the first bonding pad exposed by the passivation layer. The WLCSP further includes a planarization layer formed over the passivation layer and the conductive redistribution layer, exposing a portion of the conductive redistribution layer. The WLCSP further includes an under-bump-metallurgy (UBM) layer formed over the planarization layer and a conductive bump formed over the UBM layer.
US09953950B2 Nitride-enriched oxide-to-oxide 3D wafer bonding
A semiconductor structure comprising a first semiconductor structure; a second semiconductor structure; and a silicon-nitride layer configured to bond the first semiconductor structure and second semiconductor structure together. The first semiconductor structure comprises a first wafer; a first dielectric layer; a first interconnect structure; and a first oxide layer. The second semiconductor structure comprises a second wafer; a second dielectric layer; a second interconnect structure; and a second oxide layer. The structure further comprises a first nitride layer residing on a top surface of the first oxide layer formed by a nitridation process of the top surface of the first oxide layer; and a second nitride layer residing on a top surface of the second oxide layer formed by the nitridation process of the top surface of the second oxide layer. Further, the silicon-nitride layer comprises the first nitride layer and the second nitride layer.
US09953948B2 Pillar design for conductive bump
A system and method for conductive pillars is provided. An embodiment comprises a conductive pillar having trenches located around its outer edge. The trenches are used to channel conductive material such as solder when a conductive bump is formed onto the conductive pillar. The conductive pillar may then be electrically connected to another contact through the conductive material.
US09953947B2 Anisotropic conductive film and connection structure
An anisotropic conductive film whereby electrically conductive particles can be sufficiently captured at each connection terminal while suppressing the occurrence of shorts and conduction reliability can be improved even in cases where connecting finely pitched connection terminals. The anisotropic conductive film has a structure in which electrically conductive particle units in which electrically conductive particles are arranged in a row, or electrically conductive particle units in which electrically conductive particles are arranged in a row and independent electrically conductive particles are disposed in a lattice form in an electrically insulating adhesive layer. The shortest distance La between electrically conductive particles selected from adjacent electrically conductive particle units and the independent electrically conductive particles is not less than 0.5 times the particle diameter of the electrically conductive particles.
US09953939B2 Conductive contacts having varying widths and method of manufacturing same
A bump structure includes a contact element formed on a substrate and a passivation layer overlying the substrate. The passivation layer includes a passivation opening exposing the contact element. The bump structure also includes a polyimide layer overlying the passivation layer and an under bump metallurgy (UBM) feature electrically coupled to the contact element. The polyimide layer has a polyimide opening exposing the contact element, and the under bump metallurgy feature has a UBM width. The bump structure further includes a copper pillar on the under bump metallurgy feature. A distal end of the copper pillar has a pillar width, and the UBM width is greater than the pillar width.
US09953927B1 Liner replacements for interconnect openings
Structures for a liner replacement in an interconnect structure and methods for forming a liner replacement in an interconnect structure. A metallization level is formed that includes a conductive feature. A dielectric layer is formed on the metallization level. The dielectric layer includes an opening that extends vertically through the dielectric layer to the conductive feature. An adhesion layer is formed on area of the conductive feature exposed at a base of the opening. The adhesion layer has a thickness equal to a monolayer or a fraction of a monolayer. Another layer (e.g., barrier layer) of a different composition (e.g., TiN) may be deposited on the adhesion layer before the opening is filled with metal deposited by chemical vapor deposition.
US09953926B2 Methods of depositing cobalt manganese films
Described are semiconductor devices and methods of making semiconductor devices with a barrier layer comprising cobalt and manganese nitride. Also described are semiconductor devices and methods of making same with a barrier layer comprising CoMn(N) and, optionally, an adhesion layer.
US09953924B2 Semiconductor devices including a capping layer
Methods of forming a semiconductor device are provided. A method of forming a semiconductor device may include forming a capping layer on a metal pattern and on an adjacent portion of an insulating layer, the capping layer comprising a first etch selectivity, with respect to the insulating layer, on the metal pattern and a second etch selectivity, with respect to the insulating layer, on the portion of the insulating layer. Moreover, the method may include forming a recess region adjacent the metal pattern by removing the capping layer from the portion of the insulating layer. At least a portion of the capping layer may remain on an uppermost surface of the metal pattern after removing the capping layer from the portion of the insulating layer. Related semiconductor devices are also provided.
US09953916B2 Critical dimension shrink through selective metal growth on metal hardmask sidewalls
A method for fabricating a self-aligned via structure includes forming a tri-layer mask on an ILD layer over a lower metal wiring layer, the tri-layer mask includes first and second insulating layers and a metal layer in between the insulating layers; defining a trench pattern through the first insulating layer and metal layer, the trench pattern having a first width; defining a first via pattern in a lithographic mask over the trench pattern, the first via pattern having a second width that is larger than the first width; growing a metal capping layer on an exposed sidewall of the trench pattern to decrease the first width to a third width that defines a second via pattern; transferring the trench pattern into the ILD layer to form a trench; and transferring the second via pattern through the ILD layer and into the metal wiring layer to form a via.
US09953913B1 Electronics package with embedded through-connect structure and method of manufacturing thereof
An electronics package includes an insulating substrate, a semiconductor device having a top surface coupled to a first side of the insulating substrate, and a pass-through component coupled to the first side of the insulating substrate. The pass-through component includes an insulating core and at least one through-hole structure comprising a conductive body extending through the thickness of the insulating core. A metallization layer is formed on a second side of the insulating substrate and extends through at least one via in the insulating substrate to electrically couple at least one conductive pad on the top surface of the semiconductor device to the at least one through-hole structure. An insulating material surrounds the semiconductor device and the insulating core of the pass-through component.
US09953912B2 Work pieces and methods of laser drilling through holes in substrates using an exit sacrificial cover layer
Work pieces and methods of forming through holes in substrates are disclosed. In one embodiment, a method of forming a through hole in a substrate by drilling includes affixing an exit sacrificial cover layer to a laser beam exit surface of the substrate, positioning a laser beam in a predetermined location relative to the substrate and corresponding to a desired location for the through hole, and forming the through hole by repeatedly pulsing the laser beam into an entrance surface of the substrate and through a bulk of the substrate. The method further includes forming a hole in the exit sacrificial cover layer by repeatedly pulsing the laser beam into the through hole formed in the substrate such that the laser beam passes through the laser beam exit surface of the substrate and into the exit sacrificial cover layer.
US09953905B2 Semiconductor device
A semiconductor device includes a substrate, a semiconductor element, a terminal and a solder outflow prevention part. The semiconductor element is fixed on one side of the substrate via a first solder layer. The terminal that is fixed on the one side of the substrate via a second solder layer. The solder outflow prevention part is formed between the semiconductor element and the terminal in the one side of the substrate and is configured to prevent the first solder layer and the second solder layer from outflowing. A distance between the solder outflow prevention part and the semiconductor element is longer than a thickness of the first solder layer.
US09953893B2 Power electronic assembly
A method of producing a power electronic assembly and a power electronic assembly including a power electronic module incorporating multiple of semiconductor power electronic switch components, the power electronic module including a base plate with a bottom surface, the power electronic assembly includes further a cooling arrangement for cooling the power electronic module, the cooling arrangement including a cooling surface adapted to be attached against the bottom surface of the base plate of the power electronic module, wherein the power electronic assembly includes further a thermal interface material arranged between the bottom surface of the base plate of the power electronic module and the cooling surface of the cooling arrangement to transfer heat from the power electronic module to the cooling arrangement, the thermal interface material includes a metal foil and a solid lubricant coating.
US09953886B2 Single-wafer real-time etch rate and uniformity predictor for plasma etch processes
The present disclosure relates to semiconductor manufacturing, in particular to a real-time method for qualifying the etch rate for plasma etch processes. A method for testing a semiconductor plasma etch chamber may include: depositing a film on a substrate of a wafer, the wafer including a center region and an edge region; depositing photoresist on top of the film in a pattern that isolates the center region from the edge region of the wafer; and performing an etch process on the wafer that includes at least three process steps. The three process steps may include: etching the film in any areas without photoresist covering the areas until a first clear endpoint signal is achieved; performing an in-situ ash to remove any photoresist; and etching the film in any areas exposed by the removal of the photoresist until a second clear endpoint is achieved. The method may further include determining whether both endpoints are achieved within respective previously set tolerances, and, if both endpoints are achieved within the previously set tolerance, qualifying the plasma etch chamber as verified.
US09953876B1 Method of forming a semiconductor device structure and semiconductor device structure
The present disclosure provides a method of forming a semiconductor device structure including forming a first gate stack comprising a first gate dielectric material and a first gate electrode material over a first active region in an upper portion of a substrate, forming a first spacer structure adjacent to the first gate stack, and forming first raised source/drain (RSD) regions at opposing sides of the first gate stack on the first active region in alignment with the first spacer structure. Herein, forming the first spacer structure includes forming a first spacer structure on sidewalls of the first gate stack, the first gate dielectric extending in between the first spacer and the upper surface portion, patterning the first gate dielectric material, and forming a second spacer over the first spacer and the patterned first gate dielectric material.
US09953875B1 Contact resistance control in epitaxial structures of finFET
A method of forming a semiconductor device includes forming fin regions on a substrate, forming a patterned polysilicon structure over the fin regions, and etching back portions of the fin regions to form recessed fin regions. The method further includes forming a merged epitaxial region on the recessed fin regions and forming a capping layer on the merged epitaxial region using an etching gas and a deposition gas. The forming of the capping layer may include epitaxially growing a material of the capping layer faster along a first crystal direction of the capping layer than a second crystal direction of the capping layer by adjusting a ratio of a concentration of a first element in the etching gas to a concentration of a second element in the deposition gas, the first and second elements being different from each other, the first and second crystal directions being different from each other.
US09953873B2 Methods of modulating the morphology of epitaxial semiconductor material
Chip structures and fabrication methods for forming such chip structures. A first device structure has a structural feature comprised of a first dielectric material and a second device structure has a structural feature comprised of a second dielectric material. A semiconductor layer has a first section adjacent to the structural feature of the first device structure and a second section adjacent to the structural feature of the second device structure. The first section of the semiconductor layer has a popped relationship relative to the structural feature comprised of the first dielectric material. The second section of the semiconductor layer includes a portion that has a pinned relationship relative to a portion of the structural feature comprised of the second dielectric material.
US09953869B2 Semiconductor device with reduced via resistance
A semiconductor interconnect structure that has a first portion included in an upper interconnect level and a second portion included in a lower interconnect level. The semiconductor interconnect structure has a segment of dielectric capping material that is in contact with the bottom of the first portion, which separates, in part, the upper interconnect level from a lower interconnect level. The second portion is in electrical contact with the first portion.
US09953864B2 Interconnect structure
Semiconductor structures include a patterned interlayer dielectric overlaying a semiconductor substrate. The interlayer dielectric includes a first dielectric layer and at least one additional dielectric layer disposed on the first dielectric layer, wherein the patterned interlayer dielectric comprises at least one opening extending through the interlayer dielectric to the semiconductor substrate. Chemically enriched regions including ions of Si, P, B, N, O and combinations thereof are disposed in surfaces of the first dielectric layer and the at least one dielectric layer defined by the at least one opening. Also described are methods of for forming an interconnect structure in a semiconductor structure.
US09953863B1 Methods of forming an interconnect structure
A method of forming an interconnect structure is provided. The method includes forming a first dielectric layer, and forming an opening in the first dielectric layer. The method also includes applying a gas to the first dielectric layer adjacent to the opening, where after applying the gas to the first dielectric layer adjacent to the opening, a bottom surface of the opening has been planarized. The method also includes etching the first dielectric layer through the opening to expose a first contact underlying the first dielectric layer, and forming a conductive line in the opening.
US09953859B2 SOI wafer manufacturing process and SOI wafer
Provided is an SOI wafer manufacturing method that allows production of an SOI wafer having a high gettering ability and a small resistance variance in a thickness direction of an active layer, at high productivity. The SOI wafer manufacturing method includes a first step of implanting light element ions to a surface of at least one of a first substrate and a second substrate to form, on the at least one of the first substrate and the second substrate, a modified layer in which the light element ions are present in solid solution, a second step of forming an oxide film on a surface of at least one of the first substrate and the second substrate, a third step of bonding the first substrate and the second substrate according to a bonding thermal processing, and a fourth step of obtaining an active layer by thinning the first substrate.
US09953854B2 Method of adsorbing target object on mounting table and plasma processing apparatus
A method of adsorbing a target object on a mounting table is provided. The mounting table is provided within a processing vessel that partitions a depressurizable space in a processing apparatus which processes a processing target object within the space. Further, the processing apparatus serves as a plasma processing apparatus. The method includes mounting the target object on an electrostatic chuck of the mounting table; and applying three AC voltages having different phases to three electrodes of the electrostatic chuck, respectively.
US09953852B2 Liquid processing aparatus
A liquid processing apparatus of the present disclosure performs a liquid processing by supplying a processing liquid to a substrate that is rotating. A substrate holding unit configured to be rotatable around a vertical axis is provided with a holding surface to attract and hold a bottom surface of the substrate horizontally. A guide unit is formed integrally with the substrate holding unit, disposed around the substrate held in the substrate holding unit, and provided at a position equal to or lower than a height of a top surface of a periphery of the substrate. The guide unit includes a guide surface configured to guide the processing liquid. A rotary cup rotates integrally with the substrate holding unit, and guides the processing liquid towards the cup between the rotary cup and the guide unit.
US09953835B2 Damage free enhancement of dopant diffusion into a substrate
A method of doping a substrate. The method may include implanting a dose of a helium species into the substrate through a surface of the substrate at an implant temperature of 300° C. or greater. The method may further include depositing a doping layer containing a dopant on the surface of the substrate, and annealing the substrate at an anneal temperature, the anneal temperature being greater than the implant temperature.
US09953832B2 Epitaxial base
An epitaxial base is provided. The epitaxial base includes a substrate and a carbon nanotube layer. The substrate has an epitaxial growth surface and defines a plurality of grooves and bulges on the epitaxial growth surface. The carbon nanotube layer covers the epitaxial growth surface, wherein a first part of the carbon nanotube layer is attached to top surfaces of the plurality of bulges, a second part of the carbon nanotube layer is attached to bottom surfaces of the plurality of grooves, the second part of the carbon nanotube layer is separated from the first part of the carbon nanotube layer, and side surfaces of the plurality of grooves are free of carbon nanotubes.
US09953829B2 Image processing apparatus with improved slide printout based on layout data
A semiconductor manufacturing method includes setting a relative position between first through holes of a first plate-shaped part and second through holes of a second plate-shaped part to a first relative position. The method includes supplying a first gas containing a component of the first film onto the semiconductor substrate in a reactor through the first through holes not closed with the second plate-shaped part, to form the first film on the semiconductor substrate. The method includes relatively moving the first plate-shaped part and the second plate-shaped part to change the relative position to a second relative position. The method includes supplying a second gas containing a component of the second film onto the semiconductor substrate through the first through holes not closed with the second plate-shaped part, to laminate the second film on the first film.
US09953826B2 Substrate cleaning method, substrate cleaning system, and memory medium
A method for cleaning a substrate includes supplying to a substrate a film-forming processing liquid which includes a volatile component and forms a film on the substrate, vaporizing the volatile component in the film-forming processing liquid such that the film-forming processing liquid solidifies or cures on the substrate and forms a processing film on the substrate, supplying to the substrate having the processing film a strip-processing liquid which strips the processing film from the substrate, and supplying to the processing film formed on the substrate a dissolving-processing liquid which dissolves the processing film after the supplying of the strip-processing liquid.
US09953822B1 Chromatographic offline sample preparation and storage for sample analysis
A system includes a sample selector device, a chromatographic column selectively connectable to the sample selector device, and a spectrometry analysis device selectively connectable to the sample selector device. The sample selector device is configured to supply multiple individual samples to the chromatographic column to separate components of the individual samples. The sample selector device is also configured to store the separated components of the individual samples. The sample selector device is further configured to supply the separated components of the individual samples to the spectrometry analysis device. In embodiments of the disclosure, the components of the individual samples can be chromatographically separated while the spectrometry analysis device is offline.
US09953819B2 Impactor spray atmospheric pressure ion source with target paddle
An ion source is provided comprising one or more nebulizers and one or more targets, wherein the one or more nebulizers are arranged and adapted to emit, in use, a stream predominantly of droplets which are caused to impact upon the one or more targets and to ionise the droplets to form a plurality of ions. The ion source further comprises one or more electrodes arranged adjacent to and/or attached to the one or more targets wherein the one or more electrodes comprise one or more apertures, notches or cut-outs wherein at least some of the plurality of ions pass, in use, through the one or more apertures, notches or cut-outs.
US09953818B2 Sensor apparatus and method for use with gas ionization systems
An ion mobility gas detector apparatus including a detector core, an inlet gas path, an exhaust gas path, a source of diluent gas, and at least one or more sensors for measuring temperature, pressure and humidity of gas streams. Further included is a mixing mechanism adapted to mix at least first and second gas streams in response to one or more sensor measurements. A controller is provided for applying drive signals to the detector core.
US09953809B2 Apparatus for coating a film in a container and method for coating the film
An apparatus for coating a film in a container and a method for coating a film are provided. The apparatus includes a cylindrical housing having a containing space penetrating through both ends thereof; a first arc-shaped electrode and a second arc-shaped electrode surrounding and covering an outer side of the cylindrical housing with a gap formed between the first and second arc-shaped electrodes such that the first arc-shaped electrode is free from electrically connected to the second arc-shaped electrode; a first conductive ring and a second conductive ring surrounding on the first and second arc-shaped electrodes, respectively; an upper supporting seat and a lower supporting seat disposed at the both ends of the cylindrical housing, respectively, to form a sealed environment for the containing space; and a valve component furnished at the upper supporting seat and inserted into the container for providing a processing gas in a film-coating process.
US09953800B2 Multi-charged particle beam writing apparatus and multi-charged particle beam writing method
According to one embodiment, in a multi-charged particle beam writing apparatus, a blanking plate includes a plurality of first buffers connected in series, second buffers in a plurality of stages connected in series between the first buffer and a blanker, and an error detection processing circuitry performing error detection on data stored in the first buffer and the second buffers. The blanking control data transfers to the corresponding blanker via the first buffer and the second buffers. In a case where the error detection processing circuitry detects an error, the control processing circuitry retransmits the blanking control data to the blanking plate with regard to a shot having the error detected therein and a shot which comes, in a shot order, after the shot having the error detected therein.
US09953799B2 X-ray apparatus and structure manufacturing method
Provided is an X-ray apparatus including: a target configured to generate an X-ray by collision of electrons or transmission of electrons; a filament configured to release the electrons to the target; a housing that has the filament therein; and a first holding member configured to hold a portion of the target disposed on an outer side of the housing on the outer side of the housing.
US09953790B1 Electrical switching apparatus and sensing assembly therefor
A sensing assembly is for an electrical switching apparatus. The electrical switching apparatus includes a base having a pocket portion, and a bus bar coupled to the base. The sensing assembly includes a housing structured to be coupled to the pocket portion, a power harvester coupled to the housing, a current sensor coupled to the housing, and a voltage sensing circuit located internal with respect to the housing and being structured to be electrically connected to the bus bar.
US09953788B2 Electric circuit breaker
An electric circuit breaker including a spring energy store drive having a spring and a manual winding device for manually tensioning the spring. In accordance with an embodiment, the manual winding device includes a rotatable latching disk, a latching pawl arranged next to the disk, and a manual actuating device connected to the latching pawl. The latching pawl is guidable into a latching toothed portion of the disk. The pawl is also capable of moving, owing to an actuation of the actuating device. As a result, the disk is capable of rotating along a preset desired rotation direction for tensioning the spring. The latching toothed portion is asymmetrical and a force transmission from the pawl onto the disk is possible along the desired rotation direction. The disk slides along the pawl when the disk rotates along the desired rotation direction more quickly than the pawl.
US09953779B2 Bypass switch
A bypass switch includes: a casing; a vacuum interrupter disposed inside the casing, the vacuum interrupter being disposed such that a movable contact is movable to a fixed contact; a first fixing bus-bar fixed to the casing; a second fixing bus-bar fixed to the casing to be spaced apart from the first fixing bus-bar; a moving pusher connected to the movable contact; a drive source installed in the casing, the drive source pushing the moving pusher to a position at which the movable contact and the fixed contact are contacted with each other; and a multi-contactor disposed to be contacted with the moving pusher. Accordingly, the moving pusher can rapidly contact the movable contact with the fixed contact. Further, the moving pusher can be moved with a small external force. Thus, it is possible to minimize the size of the drive source and the power used in the drive source.
US09953768B2 Metal-complex dye, photoelectric conversion element, dye-sensitized solar cell, and dye solution containing metal-complex dye
A photoelectric conversion element, a photoelectric conversion element, a dye-sensitized solar cell and a dye solution, having an electrically conductive support, a photoconductor layer containing an electrolyte, a charge transfer layer containing an electrolyte, and a counter electrode, wherein the photoconductor layer contains semiconductor fine particles carrying a metal complex dye; and wherein the metal complex dye has at least a carboxyl group and a salt of the carboxyl group, the salt being selected from the group consisting of a potassium salt, a lithium salt, and a cesium salt, and the ratio α of the number of the salt of the carboxyl group divided by the total number of the carboxyl group and the salt of the carboxyl group to be found in one molecule of the metal complex dye, lying in the range of 0.1 to 0.9.
US09953762B2 Contactless connector, contactless connector system, and a manufacturing method for the contactless connector
The invention relates to a contactless connector (100), a system including the contactless connector (100) and a corresponding mating connector (200), and a manufacturing method for the contactless connector. In order to enable the contactless connector (100) to transmit/receive power to/from the corresponding mating connector (200), the invention suggest providing at the contactless connector an inner ferrite element (102) and an inductive coupling element (110) arranged to at least partially surround the inner ferrite element. An outer ferrite element (107) of the contactless connector is arranged to at least partially surround the inductive coupling element (110), wherein a front end (108) of the outer ferrite element (107) facing the mating (101) end of the contactless connector is recessed in an axial direction of the contactless connector with respect to a front end (103) of the inner ferrite element (102) facing the mating end. A rear end (109) of the outer ferrite element (107) is magnetically connected to a rear end (104) of the inner ferrite element (102). An inductive coupling support element (601) is arranged around the inner ferrite element (102). The inductive coupling element is a wire wound around the inductive coupling support element (6019 to form a coil comprising a plurality of coil windings (115). The inductive coupling support element (6019 comprises an outwardly extending intermediate disc that divides the coil windings (115) into a first and a second coil winding section. The intermediate disc (602) has a slot (603) forming a coil wire passageway through which the coil wire is routed.
US09953759B2 Coil component
A coil component includes a component main body, a coil conductor, first and second external terminal electrodes and first and second extended conductor layers The first and second extended conductor layers are extended in directions toward the first main surface from one end portions of the first and second external terminal electrodes in a state of forming uniform and edges, and connect the one end and the other end of the coil conductor and the first and second external terminal electrodes, respectively, with distances larger than distances extending in normal line directions of outer peripheral edges of the circulating conductor layers and equal to or smaller than distances extending in tangent line directions of the outer peripheral edges of the circulating conductor layers.
US09953758B2 Magnetic element
A magnetic element is disclosed, and includes a magnetic core, at least one winding set and at least one heat conduction pipe. The magnetic core includes two magnetic columns arranged oppositely, and two magnetic plates arranged oppositely. The magnetic plates respectively cover two opposite end surfaces of each magnetic column to mutually form a closed magnetic flux path with the magnetic columns. Each of the magnetic columns includes a plurality of first magnetic blocks stacked together. Each of the magnetic plates includes at least one second magnetic block. The winding set binds one of the magnetic columns. The heat conduction pipe is disposed internally in one of the magnetic columns.
US09953757B2 Laminated coil component and manufacturing method for the same
In a laminated coil component include coil conductors are respectively included on magnetic layers and a carbon paste is included on a magnetic layer. The coil conductors include a partial coil conductor and a partial coil conductor respectively corresponding to an outer side portion circle and an inner side portion circle defining two circles. A width of the carbon paste at least partially overlaps an interval between the outer side portion circle and the inner side portion circle defining the two circles, and extends circularly along the two circles. The carbon paste is shifted to the interval between the outer side portion circle and the inner side portion circle defining the two circles at the time of pressure-bonding the magnetic layers. The carbon paste vanishes when being calcined to define an air gap.
US09953756B2 Radio frequency transformer winding coil structure
An RF transformer is provided. The RF transformer includes a ferrite core and a winding coil structure formed around the ferrite core. The winding coil structure is in electrical contact with a center portion of the ferrite core. The winding coil structure is essentially electrically and physically spaced from external portions of the ferrite core.
US09953743B2 Printed circuit board
A printed circuit board has a printed wiring board and a semiconductor package mounted on the printed wiring board. The printed wiring board and the semiconductor package are connected with a plurality of solder balls. An underfill material covering the plurality of solder balls is filled between the printed wiring board and the semiconductor package. The underfill material has a relative dielectric constant of 8.6 or more and 54.4 or less. Thus, crosstalk noise generated in wiring in the out-of-plane direction is reduced without increasing the mounting area.
US09953736B2 Aluminum electric wire for an automobile and a method for producing the same
An aluminum electric wire includes an annealing conductor that is made up of elemental wires made of an aluminum alloy containing 0.90-1.20 mass % Fe, 0.10-0.25 mass % Mg, 0.01-0.05 mass % Ti, 0.0005-0.0025 mass % B, and the balance being Al and has a tensile strength of 110 MPa or more, a breaking elongation of 15% or more, and an electric conductivity of 58% IACS or more, and an insulating material covering the conductor. The wire is produced by casting an aluminum alloy prepared by rapidly solidifying a molten aluminum alloy having the above composition, producing the wires by subjecting the alloy to plasticity processing, producing the conductor by bunching the wires, subjecting the wires or the conductor to annealing at 250° C. or higher, and then covering the conductor with the insulator.
US09953721B2 Gate driver circuit, touch display device and touch display driving method
Embodiments of the present invention provide a gate driver circuit, a touch display device and a touch display driving method. The gate driver circuit includes a plurality of GOA unit groups arranged successively and control units arranged between every two adjacent GOA unit groups, each of the GOA unit groups comprising a plurality of shift registers which are cascaded. The control unit is configured to output a start control signal at a high level to a signal input end of a first stage shift register of a next GOA unit group corresponding thereto, after a last stage shift register of a previous GOA unit group corresponding thereto completes driving for a corresponding gate line and a predetermined time elapses, so as to pre-charge the first stage shift register of the next GOA unit group.
US09953717B2 NAND structure with tier select gate transistors
Systems and methods for improving performance of a non-volatile memory by utilizing one or more tier select gate transistors between different portions of a NAND string are described. A first memory string tier may comprise a first set of memory cell transistors that may be programmed to store a first set of data and a second memory string tier may comprise a second set of memory cell transistors that are arranged above the first set of transistors and that may be programmed to store a second set of data. Between the first set of memory cell transistors and the second set of memory cell transistors may comprise a tier select gate transistor in series with the first set of memory cell transistors and the second set of memory cell transistors. The tier select gate transistor may comprise a programmable transistor or a non-programmable transistor.
US09953712B2 Nonvolatile memory device and storage device including the nonvolatile memory device
A nonvolatile memory device includes a memory cell array having memory cells, a row decoder circuit connected to the memory cells through word lines, a page buffer circuit connected to the memory cells through bit lines, and a control circuit controlling the row decoder circuit and the page buffer circuit to repeatedly perform an erase loop including an erase and an erase verification with respect to the memory cells. The control circuit is configured to select one of an increase and a decrease of an erase voltage according to a result of the erase verification of a current erase loop and apply the controlled erase voltage to the memory cells in the erase operation of a subsequent erase loop.
US09953707B2 Memory device
According to one embodiment, a memory device includes a sense amplifier including a first input node and a second input node, a first path including a memory cell to be selectively connected to the first input node, and a second path including a reference cell to be selectively connected to the second input node, and is configured to change an input value at the second input node in accordance with the state of the memory cell.
US09953705B2 Planar memory cell architectures in resistive memory devices
To provide enhanced data storage devices and systems, various systems, architectures, apparatuses, and methods, are provided herein. In a first example, a resistive random access memory (ReRAM) array is provided. The ReRAM array includes a plurality of memory cells each comprising resistive memory material formed into a layer of a substrate, with resistance properties of the resistive memory material corresponding to data bits stored by the memory cells. The ReRAM array also includes a plurality of interconnect features each comprising conductive material between adjacent memory cells formed into the layer of the substrate, and gate portions coupled onto the memory cells and configured to individually alter the resistance properties of the resistive memory material of associated memory cells responsive to at least voltages applied to the gate portions.
US09953698B2 Overvoltage protection for a fine grained negative wordline scheme
A fine grained negative wordline scheme for SRAM memories is disclosed. The scheme includes a circuit having a static random access memory (SRAM) cell including at least a wordline coupled to a plurality of NFETs of a transistor array. The circuit further includes a wordline driver including a plurality of inverters coupled between a wordline group decode node, a power supply and the wordline. Overvoltage on the wordline driver and NFETs of the SRAM cell are eliminated by applying a power gating mode and lowering the power supply voltage.
US09953692B1 Spin orbit torque MRAM memory cell with enhanced thermal stability
An in-plane SOT MRAM non-volatile memory cell has enhanced thermal stability due to coercive pinning provided by an adjacent antiferromagnetic layer that has a thickness that is less than a minimum critical thickness needed to provide exchange bias.
US09953686B2 Memory system and data transmission method
A memory system of a high-speed operation can be realized by reducing an influence of reflection signals etc. caused by branching and impedance mismatching in various wirings between a memory controller and a memory module, and an influence due to transmission delays of data, command/address, and clocks in the memory module. To this end, a memory system comprises a memory controller and a memory module mounted with DRAMs. A buffer is mounted on the memory module. The buffer and the memory controller are connected to each other via data wiring, command/address wiring, and clock wiring. The DRAMs and the buffer on the memory module are connected to each other via internal data wiring, internal command/address wiring, and internal cock wiring. The data wiring, the command/address wiring, and the clock wiring may be connected to buffers of other memory modules in cascade. Between the DRAMs and the buffer on the memory module, high-speed data transmission is implemented using data phase signals synchronous with clocks.
US09953684B2 Adhesive cover seal for hermetically-sealed data storage device
A method of assembling a data storage device comprises forming an enclosure by overlapping each of a plurality of sidewalls of a cover with a corresponding sidewall of a base part, dispensing a liquid adhesive between the respective sidewalls of the cover and base part in such a quantity at each of a plurality of locations to promote capillary flow of the liquid adhesive to form a continuous film of liquid adhesive between the sidewalls, and curing the continuous film of liquid adhesive to form a hermetic seal between the cover and the base part. Embodiments may include surface treating the sidewall surface(s), which can help promote the capillary flow of the liquid adhesive. The hermetic seal provides for a lighter-than-air gas to be held therein.
US09953677B1 Device for multiple disc load and unload with a plurality of telescopic sections
The present disclosure relates to a storage and transfer apparatus for mass transfer of a plurality of data discs to trays of a plurality stacked disc drives. The storage and transfer apparatus may store a plurality of discs with the disc hold pins retracted and the telescopic sections collapsed over each other. In such a configuration, the stored discs may lie in contact with each other. The storage and transfer apparatus may transfer the plurality of discs to the trays of the plurality of stacked disc drives with the discs holding pins extended and the telescopic sections extended relative to each other.
US09953667B2 Disk drive system
A head gimbal assembly has a laminate flexure that includes a metallic conductive layer that includes a plurality of electrically conductive traces that are elongated and narrow and electrically connected to the read head, and a metallic structural layer that is stiffer than the conductive layer. A first dielectric layer is disposed between the structural layer and the conductive layer. A second dielectric layer substantially covers the conductive layer in a flexure tail bonding region that overlaps a flexible printed circuit (FPC). The structural layer includes a plurality of flexure bond pads that are aligned with, facing, and bonded to corresponding FPC bond pads. The flexure bond pads in the structural layer are electrically connected to the electrically conductive traces in the conductive layer by vias through the first dielectric layer. In certain embodiments, the flexure tail is folded upon itself in the flexure tail bonding region.
US09953664B1 Automatic record player
A novel automatic record player for playing a phonograph record includes a base, a turntable, an upper hub, a lower hub, a tonearm, a drive unit, a pinion, a control cam, a main arm, an auxiliary arm, first and second micro-switches, a clutch member, a first clutch actuating member, a switch activating member, an actuating pin, a synchronizing unit, a position guide, an angular position setting unit, and an elongated member. With the provision of the angular position setting unit, when the clutch member is actuated by the first clutch actuating member, a forward free end of the tonearm can be more precisely positioned on an outermost groove of the phonograph record.
US09953658B2 Data decoding method and apparatus
A data decoding method and device as well as an intelligent cipher key token are provided. The data decoding method includes: receiving a sinusoidal wave via an audio interface, wherein the sinusoidal wave has a waveform with at least one period, and different periods represent different bit values; processing the sinusoidal wave so as to obtain a first square wave, wherein the first square wave carries data to be decoded; determining whether there is a glitch waveform in the first square wave, based on a preset threshold or based on an adaptive threshold, wherein the adaptive threshold is calculated according to synchronization head data carried in the sinusoidal wave; if there is a glitch waveform in the first square wave, eliminating the glitch waveform from the first square wave so as to obtain a second square wave; and decoding the second square wave so as to obtain decoded data.
US09953654B2 Voice command recognition apparatus and method
A voice command recognition apparatus and method thereof are described. The voice command recognition apparatus includes audio sensors placed at different locations; a context determiner configured to determine user context based on a voice received at the audio sensors, wherein the context comprises a vocalization from a user. A command recognizer in the voice command recognition apparatus is configured to activate to recognize a voice command or remain inactive according to the recognized context.
US09953653B2 Configurable speech recognition system using multiple recognizers
Techniques for combining the results of multiple recognizers in a distributed speech recognition architecture. Speech data input to a client device is encoded and processed both locally and remotely by different recognizers configured to be proficient at different speech recognition tasks. The client/server architecture is configurable to enable network providers to specify a policy directed to a trade-off between reducing recognition latency perceived by a user and usage of network resources. The results of the local and remote speech recognition engines are combined based, at least in part, on logic stored by one or more components of the client/server architecture.
US09953650B1 Systems, apparatus and methods for using biofeedback for altering speech
Biofeedback is used to alter subsequent speech of one or more participants engaged in a discussion. Biofeedback signals can range from simplistic (beeps, flashes, vibrations, etc.) to more complicated images, videos, and music. In one aspect, feedback signals can be rendered to the participant(s) based on the extent to which the discussion relates to one or more goals. Signals can be rendered in any suitable manner, including a visual image rendered by a virtual reality headset or other device, an electronically generated auditory sound, other tactilely perceptible vibrations or other movements, preferably in substantially near real-time.
US09953649B2 System and method for processing multi-modal device interactions in a natural language voice services environment
A system and method for processing multi-modal device interactions in a natural language voice services environment may be provided. In particular, one or more multi-modal device interactions may be received in a natural language voice services environment that includes one or more electronic devices. The multi-modal device interactions may include a non-voice interaction with at least one of the electronic devices or an application associated therewith, and may further include a natural language utterance relating to the non-voice interaction. Context relating to the non-voice interaction and the natural language utterance may be extracted and combined to determine an intent of the multi-modal device interaction, and a request may then be routed to one or more of the electronic devices based on the determined intent of the multi-modal device interaction.
US09953646B2 Method and system for dynamic speech recognition and tracking of prewritten script
A computer-implemented method for dynamically presenting a prewritten text in a graphical user interface is disclosed. The method comprises receiving a text artifact, storing the text artifact in a memory device of a computer, retrieving the text artifact, displaying the text artifact on the display screen of the computer, receiving a vocal input, generating a text file representing the words spoken in the vocal input, comparing a predetermined number of the hypothesis words to a predetermined number of the artifact words, determining a match location in the text artifact where a specific number of the predetermined number of hypothesis words match a specific number of the predetermined number of artifact words, and altering the display on the display screen to display the match location on the display screen of the computer.
US09953641B2 Speech collector in car cabin
An apparatus includes a first microphone disposed near a first seat in a car cabin, the first seat configured to seat a first occupant, a second microphone disposed near a second seat in the car cabin, the second seat configured to seat a second occupant, a processor, and a memory storing a computer program. The computer program, when executed, causes the processor to execute operations including: estimating a first mixed speech using a second signal acquired by the second microphone, the first mixed speech including a first speech that has been uttered by the second occupant and has entered the first microphone, and removing the first mixed speech from a first signal acquired by the first microphone.
US09953635B2 Relative excitation features for speech recognition
Relative Excitation Features, in all conditions, are far superior to conventional acoustic features like Mel-Frequency Cepstrum (MFC) and Perceptual Linear Prediction (PLP), and provide much more speaker-independence, channel-independence, and noise-immunity. Relative Excitation features are radically different than conventional acoustic features. Relative Excitation method doesn't try to model the speech-production or vocal tract shape, doesn't try to do deconvolution, and doesn't utilize LP (Linear Prediction) and Cepstrum techniques. This new feature set is completely related to human hearing. The present invention is inspired by the fact that human auditory perception analyzes and tracks the relations between spectral frequency component amplitudes and the “Relative Excitation” name implies relative excitation levels of human auditory neurons. Described herein is a major breakthrough for explaining and simulating the human auditory perception and its robustness.
US09953634B1 Passive training for automatic speech recognition
Provided are methods and systems for passive training for automatic speech recognition. An example method includes utilizing a first, speaker-independent model to detect a spoken keyword or a key phrase in spoken utterances. While utilizing the first model, a second model is passively trained to detect the spoken keyword or the key phrase in the spoken utterances using at least partially the spoken utterances. The second, speaker dependent model may utilize deep neural network (DNN) or convolutional neural network (CNN) techniques. In response to completion of the training, a switch is made from utilizing the first model to utilizing the second model to detect the spoken keyword or the key phrase in spoken utterances. While utilizing the second model, parameters associated therewith are updated using the spoken utterances in response to detecting the keyword or the key phrase in the spoken utterances. User authentication functionality may be provided.
US09953633B2 Speaker dependent voiced sound pattern template mapping
Various implementations disclosed herein include a training module configured to produce a set of segment templates from a concurrent segmentation of a plurality of vocalization instances of a VSP vocalized by a particular speaker, who is identifiable by a corresponding set of vocal characteristics. Each segment template provides a stochastic characterization of how each of one or more portions of a VSP is vocalized by the particular speaker in accordance with the corresponding set of vocal characteristics. Additionally, in various implementations, the training module includes systems, methods and/or devices configured to produce a set of VSP segment maps that each provide a quantitative characterization of how respective segments of the plurality of vocalization instances vary in relation to a corresponding one of a set of segment templates.
US09953632B2 Keyword model generation for detecting user-defined keyword
According to an aspect of the present disclosure, a method for generating a keyword model of a user-defined keyword in an electronic device is disclosed. The method includes receiving at least one input indicative of the user-defined keyword, determining a sequence of subwords from the at least one input, generating the keyword model associated with the user-defined keyword based on the sequence of subwords and a subword model of the subwords, wherein the subword model is configured to model a plurality of acoustic features of the subwords based on a speech database, and providing the keyword model associated with the user-defined keyword to a voice activation unit configured with a keyword model associated with a predetermined keyword.
US09953629B2 Flexible waveguide band
A flexible waveguide band is provided for that may be worn by a user around their neck, for example. The flexible waveguide band includes a spine, such as a pliable rod; a plurality of vertebrae mounted on the spine, with each vertebra including at least one waveguide channel guide; and an encapsulating potting material. The flexible waveguide band may also be attached to an acoustic pod, including an acoustic driver that may radiate sound waves into said waveguide channels and exit via a sound outlet opening in the flexible band.
US09953624B2 Dynamic music authoring
In some implementations, a computing device can be configured to present a graphical user interface that enables the dynamic authoring of music by a user of the computing device. The computing device can present a grid of cells, where each cell represents a music segment. The cells can be configured to playback the music segment once or playback the music segment in a repeating loop. The user can select (e.g., touch) one or more cells in the grid to cause the corresponding music segment to play. While playing selected cells, the user can provide input selecting various musical effects to apply to the playing music. The user can record a dynamically selected sequence of cells and musical effects to create an original musical product.
US09953623B2 Marching drum which enables forwards and downwards visibility
[Problem] To provide a marching drum which ensures forwards and downwards visibility and ensures the field of view during marching. [Solution] [Effect] By eliminating all or some members of the body of the drum, or by adopting transparent members, this marching drum which enables forwards and downwards visibility ensures the performer's field of view during marching.
US09953621B2 Method and apparatus for shortening image delay, and virtual reality apparatus
A method for shortening image delay includes, but is not limited to refreshing a current frame image from a frame buffer area to the display screen from top to bottom, and notifying an application to draw next frame image when the current frame image is refreshed to a predetermined row. The method further includes updating content in predetermined rows from top of next frame image drawn by the application to the frame buffer area of the system, and replacing content in the predetermined rows of the current frame image that have already been displayed The method further includes updating the content in the remaining rows of next frame image drawn by the application to the frame buffer area, and replacing content in the remaining rows of the current frame image that have already been displayed.
US09953608B2 Driving circuit of display panel and driving module thereof, and display device and method for manufacturing the same
The present invention relates to a driving circuit of a display panel. A plurality of driving units produce a reference driving voltage according to a gamma voltage of a gamma circuit, respectively. A plurality of digital-to-analog converting circuits receive the reference driving voltages output by the plurality of driving units, and select one of the plurality of reference driving voltage as a data driving voltage according to pixel data, respectively. The plurality of digital-to-analog converting circuits transmit the plurality of data driving voltages to the display panel for displaying images. A voltage boost circuit is used for producing a first supply voltage and providing the first supply voltage to the plurality of digital-to-analog converting circuits. At least a voltage boost unit is used for producing a second supply voltage and providing the second supply voltage to the plurality of driving units.
US09953607B2 Array substrate and method for driving the same, and liquid crystal display panel
It is provided an array substrate and a method for driving the array substrate, and a liquid crystal display panel. The array substrate includes: a plurality of sub-pixels formed on a substrate in a matrix form; a plurality of data lines each configured to provide a signal to one column of sub-pixels of the plurality of sub-pixels; and a plurality of gate lines each configured to provide a gate line signal to one row of sub-pixels of the plurality of sub-pixels, wherein each of the plurality of sub-pixels includes at least two sub-pixel electrodes, and each of the at least two sub-pixel electrodes receives a data signal from the same one of the plurality of data lines via a corresponding switching element.
US09953604B2 Display device and driving method performing display scan operation and detection scan operation
Disclosed herein is a display device, including: a display surface; a display functional layer adapted to control the display of a screen viewed from outside the display surface; a drive control section operable to perform display scanning and driving adapted to scan and drive, in the one direction, the plurality of drive electrodes, and also operable to perform, a plurality of times and for M display screens, detection scanning and driving adapted to continuously scan and drive all or part of the plurality of drive electrodes within the period of time; and a plurality of sensor lines arranged in a direction other than the one direction to be separate from each other, which produce an electrical change if an object to be detected comes in contact with or proximity to the display surface while the drive control section performs the detection scanning and driving.
US09953603B2 Display device and method for driving same
An object of the present invention is to prevent occurrence of abnormality such as display misalignment at the time of image update even when pause drive is performed in a display device where data signal lines are driven by a plurality of driver ICs. In a liquid crystal display device which includes a master IC (300L) and a slave IC (300R) as driver ICs and performs pause drive, upon detection of refresh start timing by a REF (Half) of the master IC (300L), the master IC (300L) transmits a refresh control signal RfC to the slave IC (300R), and starts refreshing a left active area of a display portion. Upon receipt of a refresh detection signal RfD indicating refresh start timing detected by a REF (Half) of the slave IC (300R), the master IC (300L) transmits the refresh control signal RfC to the slave IC (300R), and starts refreshing the left active area of the display portion. Upon receipt of the refresh control signal RfC, the slave IC (300R) starts refreshing a right active area of the display portion.
US09953595B2 Liquid crystal display device and method for driving the same
A liquid crystal display device whose power consumption is reduced while image quality is prevented from being degraded is provided. Further, a method for driving a liquid crystal display device whose power consumption is reduced while image quality is prevented from being degraded is provided. The liquid crystal display device includes a transistor whose leakage current in an off state is reduced and a liquid crystal element. The capacitance of a pixel satisfies the formula (1) and the formula (2).
US09953594B2 Liquid crystal display device and method for driving same
When a SLEEPIN Command is inputted to the liquid crystal display device, the liquid crystal display device controls a source driver and a gate driver to generate an alternating current voltage and apply the generated alternating current voltage to a liquid crystal layer, in order to eliminate charge storage due to impurity ions distributed unevenly due to a polarity bias caused by a voltage applied to the liquid crystal layer until a point of time when the Command is inputted. In this manner, the liquid crystal display device shifts to a sleep period in a state where the charge storage due to the unevenly distributed impurity ions is eliminated. Therefore, when the liquid crystal display device resumes from the sleep period, generation of an afterimage due to burn-in of liquid crystal and generation of a flicker due to deviation of an optimum common voltage do not occur.
US09953579B2 Acousto-optic element array, display apparatus including an acousto-optic element array and method for driving an acousto-optic element array
An acousto-optic element array includes: acousto-optic elements each including an acousto-optic generator, a light supply, and a wave transducer; a gate driver that selects an acousto-optic element to be driven from among the acousto-optic elements; an electrical data driver that is connected to an electrical wire and transmits electrical data to an electro-optic modulator configured to control the acousto-optic generator of the selected acousto-optic element; and a wave data driver that is connected to a waveguide and transmits wave data to the wave transducer of the selected acousto-optic element.
US09953578B2 Light emitting period setting method, driving method for display panel, driving method for backlight, light emitting period setting apparatus, semiconductor device, display panel and electronic apparatus
Disclosed herein is a light emitting period setting method for a display panel wherein the peak luminance level is varied through control of a total light emitting period length which is the sum total of period lengths of light emitting periods arranged in a one-field period, including a step of setting period lengths of N light emitting periods, which are arranged in a one-field period, in response to the total light emitting period length such that the period lengths of the light emitting periods continue to keep a fixed ratio thereamong, N being equal to or higher than 3.
US09953573B2 Organic light-emitting diode (OLED) display and method of setting initialization voltage in the same
An organic light-emitting diode (OLED) display is disclosed. In one aspect, the display includes a display panel including a plurality of pixels, each of the pixels including an OLED and a driving transistor, the OLED configured to emit light based on an emission current, the driving transistor configured to control the emission current based on a data signal applied to a gate electrode of the driving transistor. The display also includes a power supply configured to apply a driving voltage to the pixels, apply an initialization voltage to a first electrode of the OLED, control the driving voltage within a first range, and control the initialization voltage such that a voltage difference between the driving voltage and the initialization voltage is substantially constant.
US09953564B2 Image display control apparatus, image display system, image display control method and program
[Object] To provide a technology that can mitigate accurately the ghosting problem.[Solving Means] An image display control apparatus according to the present technology includes a control unit. The control unit switches a first mode for reducing a brightness of an image without inverting the brightness of the image fixedly displayed on a specific area of a screen to a second mode for inverting the brightness of the image and reducing the brightness of the image inverted, and controls a display such that the image is displayed on the area of the screen depending on the mode switched.
US09953563B2 Display device and drive current detection method for same
A data line drive circuit provides a voltage according to a detection voltage and to a reference voltage, between the gate and source of a drive transistor in a pixel circuit, and detects a drive current having passed through the drive transistor and outputted external to the pixel circuit. A threshold voltage correction memory stores, for each pixel circuit, data representing a threshold voltage of the drive transistor. A display control circuit controls the reference voltage based on the data stored in the threshold voltage correction memory. By this, even if the threshold voltage of the drive transistor is changed, the drive current can be detected with a high accuracy. The threshold voltage correction memory may store, for each pixel circuit, data representing a difference between the threshold voltage of the drive transistor and the reference voltage.
US09953560B2 Display device with solar cell module
The present disclosure provides a display device. A solar cell module is integrated into a body of the display device. A photosensitive control module is configured to detect a brightness value of current ambient light being incident on the display device, and when the detected brightness value meets a predetermined condition, switch a power supply of the display device from a local cell to the solar cell module, so as to supply the electric energy stored in the solar cell module to the display device.
US09953559B2 Source driver, driving circuit and driving method for TFT-LCD
The present invention provides a source driver for use in a TFT-LCD, comprising: a data register, a data latch, a digital-to-analog converter and an output buffer. A first loading pulse is provided to the output buffer, such that the output buffer starts to output the gray-scale voltages of odd output ends to corresponding TFT sources in response to a second edge of the first loading pulse from the second level to the first level, which second edge immediately follows the first edge, and a second loading pulse is provided to the output buffer, such that such that the output buffer starts to output the gray-scale voltages of even output ends to corresponding TFT sources in response to a second edge of the second loading pulse from the second level to the first level, which second edge immediately follows the first edge. At least the second edge of the first loading pulse is not synchronous with the second edge of the second loading pulse. A driving circuit and a driving method are further provided. The source driver, the driving circuit and the driving method can alleviate adverse consequences resulting from too large difference between display data of two adjacent rows.
US09953556B2 Color correction method for optical see-through displays
In a method of correcting a desired color of a pixel to be displayed in an optical see-through display, a binned-display profile of prescribed colors arranged to be rendered by the display include background colors added to it so that the desired color can be matched to a closest one of the resulting predicted color profile of colors which are predicted to be perceived by a user. The display is then instructed to display the prescribed color which corresponds with the closest matching predicted color such that an observer substantially perceives the desired color. Typically the desired color is only compared to a subset of the predicted colors for efficiency. Additional corrections may take place to improve contrast of graphical content compared to the background in some instance.
US09953548B2 Removable tension-pneumothorax-simulator cartridge for use with a patient simulating mannequin
Removable tension-pneumothorax-simulator cartridge for use with a patient simulating mannequin, comprising a rigid body having a hollow cavity therein, the body having two openings in fluid communication with the cavity, the cavity being shaped and dimensioned so as to be capable of receiving therein through the first opening a 14-gauge 3.25 inch needle; the first opening having an associated first-opening closure releasably secured to the body and airtightly sealing the first-opening and including a first material pierceable by the needle when treating a simulation of a tension pneumothorax in the patient simulating mannequin, the first material being self-sealing such that when the needle is withdrawn the first material self-seals, the body being constructed of a second material not pierceable by the needle; the second opening being structured and dimensioned to releasably engage cooperable structure on the mannequin such that when the cartridge is inserted into the mannequin, the cooperable structure on the mannequin engages and airtightly seals the second opening and provides a channel in fluid communication with the cavity of the body for allowing for the entry of a pressured gas into the cavity for use in the simulation of the tension pneumothorax.
US09953542B2 Adaptive interface for continuous monitoring devices
Systems and methods that continuously adapt aspects of a continuous monitoring device based on collected information to provide an individually tailored configuration are described. The adaptations may include adapting the user interface, the alerting, the motivational messages, the training, and the like. Such adaptation can allow a patient to more readily identify and understand the information provided by/via the device.
US09953538B1 Autonomous vehicle notification system
As the number of autonomous vehicles on the road increases, the need to better integrate those vehicles with traffic also increases. As discussed, various entities in common traffic scenarios (e.g., other vehicles, cyclists, pedestrians, etc.) are all accustomed to navigating traffic in particular ways. Embodiments provide techniques, including systems and methods, for autonomous vehicles to identify entities in traffic and communicate messages to those entities based on the autonomous vehicle's planned movements. For example, embodiments allow the use of one or more notification devices distributed across an autonomous vehicle to provide messages to nearby entities. Accordingly, embodiments utilize available sensor data to identify nearby entities and provide messages to these entities.
US09953534B1 Vehicle collision warnings based on a time-to-collision
Method, apparatus, and computer storage media are disclosed for vehicle collision warnings based on a time-to-collision. An example vehicle includes a sensor to detect an object, a speed sensor to measure a current speed, and a collision alerter. The example collision alerter is to determine a distance to the object and determine a time-to-collision based on the distance and the current speed. Also, the example collision alerter is to emit, in response to the time-to-collision being less than or equal to a first collision threshold, a first alarm associated with the first collision threshold.
US09953522B2 Systems and methods for the detection of pedestrians and small vehicles at roadway intersections
A system and method that enables pedestrians or individuals on smaller conveyances to communicate their location and direction of travel to signal light controllers at an intersection, enables traffic networks to receive this communication and output the detected data to the corresponding intersection traffic-signal controller to allow for individuals not in standard motor vehicles to be detected by traffic detection systems.
US09953516B2 Systems and methods for self-administering a sound test
Systems and methods for self-administering a sound test to verify operation of a speaker and/or alarm within a hazard detection system are described herein. The sound test can verify that the audible sources such as the alarm and speaker operate at the requisite loudness and frequencies. In addition, the sound test can be self-administered in that it does not require the presence of a person to initiate or verify that the audible sources are functioning properly.
US09953512B2 Systems and methods for operating remote presence security
A computer-implemented method for remote presence security is described. In one embodiment, an event is detected in relation to a premises. Upon detecting the event, a location of an occupant of the premises is determined in relation to the premises. Upon determining the occupant is a predetermined distance away from the premises, a first type of notification is sent. The first type of notification includes a display of real-time video being captured at the premises.
US09953508B2 Systems and methods for authenticating bulk products
This application generally relates to systems and methods for authenticating a bulk quantity of a consumable product with a corresponding product. More specifically, the invention associates a bulk quantity of the consumable product with a product parameter such as a consumption rate of the consumable product within the corresponding product; provides and authorizes a key and/or reader with the bulk quantity and consumption rate data to a specific corresponding product wherein the bulk quantity and consumption rate data are correlated to a maximum consumption quantity value; monitoring consumption of the consumable product within the corresponding product until the maximum consumption quantity value is reached; and providing an event output to the corresponding product when the maximum consumption quantity value is realized.
US09953501B2 Methods of forming microelectronic smart tags
A method comprises forming a structure, the structure comprising at least one of a wafer, a panel and a roll to roll structure and forming a plurality of integrated circuit chips from the structure. At least a given one of the plurality of integrated circuit chips or a heterogeneous integrated sub-component thereof forms a smart tag comprising a processor, a non-volatile memory, an internal power source, and a transceiver configured for two-way communication with a reader external to the smart tag. The given integrated circuit chip less than 10 cubic millimeters in size.
US09953500B2 Methods, systems, and products for security services
A sensor associated with a security system determines an electrically open circuit. An identifier identifies the open circuit, which may then be used to retrieve video data trained to a surveillance area associated with the sensor.
US09953499B2 Alarm notifying system
A sound amplification apparatus includes one or more microphones that convert collected sound into an audio signal and transmit the audio signal by radio and a sound receiving apparatus that receives the audio signal transmitted from the microphone and amplifies and outputs the sound based on the audio signal. The sound receiving apparatus is configured to perform sound output control in an emergency mode upon receiving an emergency signal transmitted in response to operation of an emergency switch of the microphone. With this configuration, it is possible to perform appropriate sound control in a dangerous situation such as intrusion of a suspicious person.
US09953492B2 Configurable macro button for voice system activation by alarm system operator
An approach for configuring macro buttons for voice system activation in an alarm system by an alarm system operator that simplifies application of multiple activation and deactivation voice messages during fire alarm events and mass notification events.
US09953490B2 Rapid play poker gaming device
Embodiments of this concept are directed to a video poker gaming device that deals five cards to a player and selects five more cards that represent the possible cards used in a later draw. From these ten cards, the gaming device if a winning combination above a threshold amount is possible. If such a winning combination is not possible, in some embodiments, the device automatically ends the game and deals a new hand. If a win over the threshold amount is possible, the gaming device allows the player to hold and draw cards. This increases the speed of play of the poker game and focuses game play on hands where winning combinations are likely.
US09953487B2 Bonus element interleaved wagering system
A bonus element interleaved wagering system is disclosed. The system includes an interactive controller configured to: determine whether a bonus element of an interactive application provided by the interactive controller has been consumed; receive a wager outcome; determine whether to provide a bonus round; provide the bonus round; communicate, to the application controller, bonus round application telemetry associated with the bonus round; and receive a wager outcome based on the bonus round application telemetry. The system also includes a wager controller constructed to: receive a wager request; determine the wager outcome; communicate the wager outcome. The system also includes the application controller operatively connecting the interactive controller and the wager controller, the application controller constructed to: receive the bonus round application telemetry; communicate, to the wager controller, the wager request based on the bonus round application telemetry; receive the wager outcome; and communicate, to the interactive controller, the wager outcome.
US09953485B2 Variable opacity reel in an interactive game
A gambling hybrid game that provides a reel game having a display with changeable opacity is disclosed. The gambling hybrid game includes an entertainment system engine that provides an entertainment game to a user, a real world engine that provides reel games to the user, and a game world engine that monitors the entertainment game and provides the reel game when appropriate. The real world engine provides the reel game including generating a display of the reel game. During provision of the gambling game, the real world engine determines the state of the game and changes the opacity of the display based upon the state of the game.
US09953481B2 Jukebox with associated video server
In certain example embodiments, jukebox systems that have associated video servers for displaying video content on one or more displays or groups of displays external to the jukebox and/or directly on the jukebox are provided. Such video servers may effectively off-load at least some of the video processing load from the jukebox device. Accordingly, video content may be provided to complement and/or further enhance the interactive experience that jukeboxes currently provide, while also enabling patrons not directly in front of the jukebox to participate in the interactive process. Content may be distributed to the jukeboxes and/or video servers via a network. In addition to creating a compelling entertainment experience for patrons, it also is possible to create new revenue opportunities for customers. For example, operators and national account customers and advertising partners may provide additional value to venues through the innovative use of managed video content.
US09953479B1 Controlling access to physical compartment using mobile device and transaction authentication system
Techniques are disclosed relating to securing physical compartments and allowing users access via a mobile device configured to use a mobile authentication system. In some embodiments, a locking device for a physical container is configured to unlock only if both a transaction authentication system confirms successful authentication of a mobile device and an auxiliary key is present. The locking device may receive encrypted data from the mobile device via a short-range wireless connection, transmit the data to the transaction authentication system, and receive a message indicating whether authentication was successful. The mobile device may encrypt the data using a replenishment key from the transaction authentication system; therefore the authentication may decrypt the received encrypted data to confirm an identity of the mobile device. In some embodiments, disclosed techniques may allow users to use their mobile device to unlock a safety deposit box without requiring extensive infrastructure investment, e.g., because the existing authentication network may be utilized.
US09953476B2 Capacitive vehicle entry control
An illustrative example method of operating a capacitive vehicle entry control device includes: determining a plurality of capacitance values of the vehicle entry control device during a measurement period; determining an average capacitance of the plurality of capacitance values; determining whether the determined average capacitance exceeds an average threshold; determining a range of the plurality of capacitance values; determining whether the determined range exceeds a range threshold; and initiating a vehicle entry process when the determined average capacitance exceeds the average threshold or when the determined range exceeds the range threshold.
US09953474B2 Multi-level security mechanism for accessing a panel
A panel associated with maintaining security of mobile devices. The devices such as mobile phones may be registered with user codes at the panel. If a user wants to access the panel, the user may enter a user code corresponding to a number of the device. The device may have a geo-location app in that the panel can track the device. If the user is within the pre-determined range of a protected location, another check about the user may be effected with a face recognition app. A face scan of the user may be compared with a face of an authorized user. If the user is found to be unauthorized anywhere along the above-noted process, then the user may be deemed to be an intruder, and an alert can be sent to a central monitor station, which may take action to remove any threat associated with the intruder.
US09953469B2 Systems and methods for recommending repair facilities to a user based on repair validation/coaching data
Systems and methods for recommending repair facilities to a user based on repair validation/coaching data are disclosed. In one implementation, a repair facility recommendation system receives repair information from a user regarding damage to an automobile, the repair information received via a graphical user interface rendered on a webpage. The repair facility recommendation system identifies a repair facility verified to repair the damage to the automobile based on the repair information and verification information from a verification module, the verification information comprising evaluation information based on evaluation of technicians performing repairs of automobiles at repair facilities. The repair facility recommendation system then provides information regarding the identified repair facility to the user via the graphical user interface.
US09953468B2 Segmenting operational data
Computer program products, methods, systems, apparatus, and computing entities are provided for segmenting operational data and identifying events of interested in the segmented operational data. With the events of interest identified, a total time between the events of interest can be determined.
US09953467B2 Secure vehicular data management with enhanced privacy
The present disclosure is directed to secure vehicular data management with enhanced privacy. A vehicle may comprise at least a vehicular control architecture (VCA) for controlling operation of the vehicle and a device. The VCA may record operational data identifying at least one vehicle operator and vehicular operational data recorded during operation of the vehicle by the at least one vehicle operator. The device may include at least a communication module and a trusted execution environment (TEE) including a privacy enforcement module (PEM). The PEM may receive the operational data from the VCA via the communication module, may generate filtered data by filtering the operational data based on privacy settings and may cause the filtered data to be transmitted via the communication module. The filtered data may be transmitted to at least one data consumer. The privacy settings may be configured in the PEM by the at least one operator.
US09953464B2 Portable occupancy detection methods, systems and processor-readable media
Methods, systems and processor-readable media for portable parking occupancy detection. One or more cameras can be provided on a portable mast for capturing video on parking of a street. Optional attachments to the portable mast can include stabilization base and/or a set of guy ropes for further stabilizing the mast. A power unit can be utilized for delivering power to the system. A video capturing/processing unit either captures and records the video from the camera(s) for offline processing of parking occupancy or processes the videos on-site. Optionally, a wireless communication unit for transmitting either video or processed parking occupancy data to a central location can be employed.
US09953462B2 Augmented reality skin manager
Technologies are generally described for systems, devices and methods effective to set up image data to be processed by an augmented reality device. In some examples, a processor may generate image data from light reflected from a real object. The image data may represent, or may be a digital representation of, the real object. The processor may analyze a skin stack of augmented reality skins and identify one of the augmented reality skins stored in the memory. The augmented reality skin may include instructions effective to modify some of the image data when the image data includes a feature. The processor may create metadata related to the image data. The metadata may relate to the presence of the feature in the image data. The processor may store the metadata in the memory.
US09953460B2 Garment simulation using thread and data level parallelism
Techniques for three-dimensional garment simulation using parallel computing are presented herein. An access module can be configured to access a three-dimensional garment model of a garment. The garment model can include garment points that represent a surface of the garment. A processor, having a plurality of cores, can be configured by a garment simulation module to calculate one or more exerted forces on a subset of garment points. Additionally, the garment simulation module can generate cross pairs and apportion the generated cross pairs among the plurality of cores. Moreover, the garment simulation module can determine, using the plurality of vector execution units in parallel based on an organized data layout, whether boundaries of the first subgroup of cross pairs are overlapping based on the one or more exerted forces. Subsequently, the garment simulation module can calculate one or more simulated forces acting on the garment points based on the determination.
US09953457B2 System, method, and computer program product for performing path space filtering
A system, method, and computer program product are provided for performing path space filtering. In use, a set of light transport paths associated with a scene is sampled. Additionally, a plurality of vertices associated with the sampled set of light transport paths is selected, where each selected vertex has an associated throughput and light contribution. Further, an averaged light contribution of each of the selected plurality of vertices is determined, utilizing one or more weights. Further still, the averaged light contribution of each of the selected plurality of vertices is combined after multiplying the averaged light contribution of each of the selected vertices by the associated throughput of the vertex.
US09953453B2 System for converting biologic particle density data into dynamic images
A system for converting biologic particle density data into a motion image of at least one clinical condition such as sepsis, wherein the system comprises a processor programmed to detect a plurality of perturbations of the biologic particle densities associated with the clinical condition, detect or determine features of the perturbations, and detect or determine patterns of the perturbations. The processor can also be programmed to generate an image of the clinical condition comprised of time image components comprising a two dimensional user-facing map, wherein time extends along an axis away from the user facing map such that the map may be scrolled forward or backward over time to view different two dimensional images of the clinical condition.
US09953451B2 Audio media mood visualization
An audio media visualization method and system. The method includes receiving by a computing processor, mood description data describing different human emotions/moods. The computer processor an audio file comprising audio data and generates a mood descriptor file comprising portions of the audio data associated with specified descriptions of the mood description data. The computer processor receives a mood tag library file comprising mood tags mapped to animated and/or still objects representing various emotions/moods and associates each animated and/or still object with an associated description. The computer processor synchronizes the animated and/or still objects with the portions of said audio data and presents the animated and/or still objects synchronized with the portions of said audio data.
US09953449B2 Character adjustment method for adjusting a character designed in a first pixel matrix so as to output the character to a second pixel matrix of an output device
A character adjustment method is used for adjusting the character so as to output the character to a second pixel matrix of an output device. The character is designed in a first pixel matrix. The method includes determining a constant, an upper density limit and a lower density limit according to at least one feature value of the output device; performing an interpolation calculation for obtaining a variation parameter according to a density of the character in the first pixel matrix, the constant, the upper density limit and the lower density limit; adjusting the character according to the variation parameter; and outputting the adjusted character to the second pixel matrix by the output device.
US09953448B2 Method and system for image processing
Various aspects of a system and method for image processing are disclosed herein. The method, implemented in an image-processing device, comprises computation of a plurality of boundary-connectedness values associated with a plurality of regions in a plurality of Boolean maps. The plurality of Boolean maps corresponds to a plurality of color channels of an image. The plurality of boundary-connectedness values associated with the plurality of regions is compared with a pre-specified threshold value. A first set of regions is identified from the plurality of regions in the plurality of Boolean maps as a set of foreground regions, based on the comparison.
US09953445B2 Interactive data object map
An interactive data object map system is disclosed in which large amounts of geographical, geospatial, and other types of data, geodata, objects, features, and/or metadata are efficiently presented to a user on a map interface. The interactive data object map system allows for rapid and deep analysis of various objects, features, and/or metadata by the user. A layer ontology may be displayed to the user. In various embodiments, when the user rolls a selection cursor over an object/feature an outline of the object/feature is displayed. Selection of an object/feature may cause display of metadata associated with that object/feature. The interactive data object map system may automatically generate feature/object lists and/or histograms based on selections made by the user. The user may perform geosearches, generate heatmaps, and/or perform keyword searches, among other actions.
US09953432B2 Systems and methods of detecting motion
Motion is detected within a defined proximity of a vehicle or fixed location equipped with a recording system by correlating frame-to-frame changes in the video streams of two or more cameras with converging views.
US09953428B2 Digital camera unit with simultaneous structured and unstructured illumination
An apparatus is described. In an embodiment, the apparatus comprises an illumination unit configured to simultaneously illuminate a first portion of a scene with unstructured light and a second portion of the scene with structured light. The apparatus further comprises a digital image capture unit configured to capture at least one image frame of the illuminated scene.
US09953427B2 Method and system for processing an image
A method of processing an image is disclosed. The method comprises decomposing the image into a plurality of channels, each being characterized by a different depth-of-field, and accessing a computer readable medium storing an in-focus dictionary defined over a plurality of dictionary atoms, and an out-of-focus dictionary defined over a plurality of sets of dictionary atoms, each set corresponding to a different out-of-focus condition. The method also comprises computing one or more sparse representations of the decomposed image over the dictionaries.
US09953422B2 Selective local registration based on registration error
For selective local registration based on registration error, a method determines a first registration error between a template image and a source image. The method further warps the source image to compensate for camera motion in response to the first registration error exceeding a registration error threshold. In addition, the method determines a second registration error between the template image and the warped source image. The method generates a pixel difference mask using the template image. The method further selectively performs local registration for the source image based on the pixel difference mask in response to the second registration error exceeding the registration error threshold.
US09953420B2 Camera calibration
First and second angles are measured from a nominal camera centerline to respective first and second positions. The first position is determined by the camera locating a first centerpoint in a first board. The second position is determined by the camera locating a second centerpoint in a second board. The first and second angles, and first and second horizontal distances of the camera from the first board and the second board, respectively, are used to obtain a determined vertical distance and a determined angle. The determined vertical distance measures a distance from the second centerpoint to a point determined by an intersection of a first line through the second board and a second line that is parallel to the floor and has an endpoint at the camera. The determined angle measures an angle of between third line extending from the camera in the nominal position and the second line.
US09953419B2 Method for analyzing microstructure of porous body, and program and microstructure analyzer for the same
A method for analyzing a microstructure of a porous body is, for example, a method using porous-body data in which positional information providing a position of a voxel of a porous body obtained by three-dimensional scanning is associated with voxel type information including information that allows determination as to whether the voxel is a spatial voxel representing a space or an object voxel representing an object. This method includes (a) a step of defining an imaginary surface that is in contact with at least one object voxel present on a surface of the porous body, and identifying, as opening-related voxels, spatial voxels that are in contact with the imaginary surface and spatial voxels that continuously lie in a linear direction from the imaginary surface; and (b) a step of analyzing a microstructure of the porous body on a basis of the opening-related voxels.
US09953414B2 Image processing apparatus and image processing method
An image processing apparatus for reconstructing a tomographic image from a plurality of projection images acquires noise data for a plurality of projection images, respectively, acquires noise reconstruction data by executing reconstruction processing based on the acquired noise data, and reconstructs the tomographic image by executing the reconstruction processing based on the projection images and the noise reconstruction data.
US09953405B2 Process of determining characteristics of a surface of a papermaking fabric
A process of determining features of a fabric. A representation of a portion of a surface of the fabric is formed showing at least one of (i) locations and (ii) sizes of knuckles and pockets in the surface of the fabric. An image is generated of the portion of the surface of the fabric based on the representation. A portion of the image is displayed on a computer screen. An outline is drawn around at least one of the knuckles in the image. Guidelines are drawn such that the guidelines (i) pass through the center of the at least one outlined knuckle, (ii) pass through the other knuckles, or (iii) form shapes that surround areas of the image that correspond to where the pockets are formed between the knuckles. The outline and the guidelines are drawn using an image analysis program.
US09953403B2 Stereoscopic camera and associated method of varying a scale of a stereoscopic image pair
A stereoscopic camera and associated method for capturing a stereoscopic image pair are provided. As an example, a stereoscopic camera includes first and second lenses defining parallel optical axes. The stereoscopic camera also includes first and second image sensors for receiving optical signals from the first and second lenses. The first and second fields of view are defined so as to overlap to define a first area of coincidence when the first and second lenses are spaced apart by a first distance. The first and second lenses are configured to be repositioned to be spaced apart by a second distance with the first and second image sensors being correspondingly repositioned to alter a space therebetween such that the first and second fields of view overlap to define a second area of coincidence when the first and second lenses are spaced apart by the second distance.
US09953401B2 Apparatus and system for determining block averages for film grain simulation
The present invention provides apparatuses and systems for determining block averages in film grain simulation including determining block averages during a display process and determining block averages during a decoding process. The apparatuses and systems of the present invention exhibit different characteristics in terms of memory requirements and computational cost. More specifically, the first apparatus and system use no external memory, but require either extra reads of the blocks, or internal memory in the display pipeline, while the second apparatus and system require extra memory bandwidth and extra external memory (e.g., RAM).
US09953400B2 Adaptive path smoothing for video stabilization
Techniques and architectures for video stabilization can transform a shaky video to a steady-looking video. A path smoothing process can generate an optimized camera path for video stabilization. With a large smoothing kernel, a path smoothing process can remove both high frequency jitters and low frequency bounces, and at the same time can preserve discontinuous camera motions (such as quick panning or scene transition) to avoid excessive cropping or geometry distortion. A sliding window based implementation includes a path smoothing process that can be used for real-time video stabilization.
US09953394B2 Methods and systems for designing correlation filter
This disclosure relates generally to correlation filters, and more particularly to designing of correlation filter. In one embodiment, a system for designing a correlation filter in a multi-processor system includes a multi-core processor coupled to a first memory and one or more co-processors coupled to one or more respective second memories. The multi-core processor partitions each of a plurality of frames associated with media content into a plurality of pixel-columns, and systematically stores said pixel-columns width-wise in a plurality of temporary matrices by a plurality of threads of the multi-core processor. The plurality of temporary matrices are transferred by the multi-core processor to one or more respective second memories in a plurality of streams simultaneously in an asynchronous mode. A plurality of filter harmonics of the correlation filter are computed by performing compute operations involving at least the plurality of temporary matrices, to obtain the correlation filter.
US09953389B2 System for preemptively navigating drivers to passengers based on passenger device activity
In one embodiment information regarding device activity of first subscriber to a transportation service is received. A backend server determines independent of a pending transportation request from the first passenger and based at least on the information regarding the device activity of the first subscriber, to send a driver towards a location based on the location of the first subscriber.
US09953379B2 Annotation-based voting for E-readers and social networking enabled browsers
Techniques for annotation-based voting for online content are provided. In one aspect, a method for voting for online content is provided which includes associating content selected by a voter from a first content set with a user profile of the voter; identifying the selected content in a second content set upon the second content set being accessed by one or more users socially connected to the voter; and visually accenting the selected content in the second content set. The method may include retrieving profile information for the voter; and associating the profile information for the voter with the selected content in the second content set. The method may further include displaying the profile information for the voter along with the selected content in the second content set.
US09953374B2 Work management system and work management method
A work management system (1) includes: an image capturing device (20) worn by a worker; and a server device (60). The image capturing device (20) includes: an image capturing section (21) for capturing an image of a work range of the worker; and a communication section (30) for transmitting, to the server device (60), at least one of (i) the image captured by the image capturing section (21) and (ii) generated information generated in accordance with the image. The server device (60) includes a control section (70) for managing the at least one of the image and the generated information which one is received from the communication section.
US09953367B2 Systems and methods for providing balance and event notifications
The disclosed embodiments include methods and systems for providing account and event status notifications. The disclosed embodiments include, for example, a device including a memory storing software instructions and one or more processors configured to execute the software instructions to perform operations. In one aspect, the operations may include obtaining information identifying an event and a deadline specified by a user. The obtained information may link the event and deadline to corresponding user-specified temporal intervals. The operations may also include determining whether a current date falls within a time period prior to the deadline, the time period being established by the first temporal interval. When the current date falls within the time period, the operations may generate first notification information that, when presented via a client device in accordance with a user-specified indicator type, notified the user that the current sate falls within the first time period.
US09953364B2 Information processing system, information processing system control method, information processing device, information processing device control method, program, and information storage medium
A first display control unit displays, on a display unit, a first screen relating to a list of selection candidates serving as candidates to be selected by a user. The first display control unit displays the first screen on which a plurality of the same or similar selection candidates are aggregated into one representative selection candidate. A display object setting unit sets, as a display object to be displayed on a second screen that is displayed when the user selects the representative selection candidate, any one of the plurality of selection candidates that are aggregated into the representative selection candidate based on information on at least two selection candidates among the plurality of selection candidates. A second display control unit displays, on the display unit, when the user selects the representative selection candidate, the second screen relating to the selection candidate set as the display object.
US09953362B2 Mobile-computing-device-securement apparatus and method
A shopping system may include a mobile shopping aid sized to support thereon or therewithin one or more items to be purchased. A holder may be connected to the mobile shopping aid to travel therewith. The holder may be sized and shaped to hold a mobile computing device. The holder may have a front aperture enabling an owner of the mobile computing device to view a display screen of the mobile computing device while the mobile computing device is being held by the holder. The holder may also have a back aperture enabling a back-facing camera of the mobile computing device to scan one or more barcodes while the mobile computing device is being held by the holder. The system may also include an anti-theft program or module programmed to initiate an alarm protocol in the event that the mobile computing device is untimely removed from the holder.
US09953359B2 Cooperative execution of an electronic shopping list
A computer-implemented method is disclosed herein. The method includes the step of receiving, with a processing device of a commerce server, one or more shopping list signals from an electronic computing device to establish a shopping list of a plurality of items offered for sale in a retail store. The method also includes the step of receiving, with the processing device, one or more consumer signals from a first augmented reality device and a second augmented reality device. Each augmented reality device can be worn by a consumer as the consumer shops in the retail store. The method also includes the step of transmitting, with the processing device, a first procuring signal containing data associated with the shopping list to the first augmented reality device and a second procuring signal containing data associated with the shopping list to the second augmented reality device, such that the consumers can cooperatively shop for items on the shopping list.
US09953358B1 Behavioral filter for personalized recommendations based on behavior at third-party content sites
This disclosure relates to selectively filtering seed behavior, e.g., user activity used to generate item recommendations, based on the availability of item classifications. Seed behaviors and catalog items may be associated with categories in an electronic catalog, and a particular seed behavior may be used to generate user recommendations if it is more recent than a user's last purchase in the category of the seed behavior. For example, a user's activity in the TV category, e.g., viewing various TV models, may not be used to generate recommendations if the activity occurred prior to the user's purchase of a TV. As a result, additional TVs may not appear in the user's recommendations following the purchase of a TV. However, if classification information is unavailable relating to the purchase, seed behavior may be filtered across a set of categories, not just the TV category to reduce the chance of less effective recommendations.
US09953352B2 Third party merchant-funded rewards accrual and redemption network
Systems and methods for administering merchant funded third-party administered rewards programs are provided. The system receives information about a transaction made using a payment device and determines whether the payment device is enrolled in the rewards program. If the payment device is enrolled in the rewards program, the system determines if the transaction qualifies for a reward. If the transaction qualifies for the reward, the system determines a rewards value for the transaction. Thereafter, the system determines a prepaid payment token associated with the payment device and instructs an issuer of the prepaid payment token to load the rewards value onto the prepaid payment token.
US09953347B2 Dynamic binding of live video content
A method of dynamically binding supplemental content to live video content includes receiving the live video content at a device and identifying a description of the live video content. The method also includes obtaining the supplemental content based on the description, where the supplemental content provides additional information about one or more products or services related to the live video content. The method further includes dynamically binding the supplemental content to the live video content and positioning the supplemental content in association with the live video content using a supplemental interactive display.
US09953346B2 Synchronization of home shopping carts with advertisements
Advertisement content is received at a processor that manages inventory of a smart home appliance from an advertising distribution device within a home network. A determination is made to add an advertised item of the advertisement content to a spoke shopping cart based upon commodity data of the managed inventory of the smart home appliance. The advertised item is added to the spoke shopping cart.
US09953343B2 Deal-surfacing button
Auto-detecting an action on a merchant service and rendering an offer button to display an offer redeemable based on the action. A user accesses a merchant service and an indication of the action is communicated to an offer system that maintains an account for the user. The offer system determines whether the user has an offer applicable to a purchase with the merchant. The user device presents an offer button rendered to indicate that the first offer is available for redemption by the user. The user initiates an action on the merchant service and the user device communicates an indication of the action to the offer system. The offer system determines if the user has a second offer applicable to a purchase with the merchant based on the action taken by the user and the offer button is rendered to indicate that the second offer is available for redemption.
US09953342B1 Implicitly associating metadata using user behavior
Social media networking applications, web sites, and services creates implicit relationships between users based on their interest or participation in real-world and optionally virtual or online activities in addition to explicitly defined peer relationships. User profiles, activity entities, and expressions may be associated with metadata to assist in searching and navigation. Metadata is implicitly associated with user profiles, activity entities, expressions, or other data entities based on user behavior using metadata collector. A metadata collector is a poll, survey, list, questionnaire, census, test, game, or other type of presentation adapted to solicit user interaction. A metadata collector is associated with metadata elements. When users interact with a metadata collector, their user profiles and the data entities included in their interactions become associated with the metadata elements of the metadata collector. These metadata element associations may then be used for any purpose.
US09953338B1 Structured content views of web page content
A method is provided. The method includes receiving a request for one or more ads, the request including a first identifier for a first content source, wherein a first set of content is available from the first content source, responsive to the request, determining whether a second set of content is available from a second content source, wherein the second set of content is a structured content version of the first set of content, converting the first identifier for the first content source to a second identifier for the second content source if the second set of content is available from the second content source, receiving the second set of content from the second content source using the second identifier, and selecting the one or more ads using at least some content from the second set of content from the second content source.
US09953335B2 Devices, methods, and computer-readable media for redemption header for merchant offers
Devices, computer-implemented methods, and computer-readable media for a redemption header for merchant offers, such as online coupons, are provided. In some embodiments, an offers website may provide offers, such as online coupons, in a browser executing on a user device. When a user selects an online coupon, the browser is redirected to a merchant website associated with the online coupon and a coupon code value is copied to a clipboard. Additionally, a redemption header having the coupon code and instructions is added in the merchant webpage. A webpage element for the redemption header, such as an inline frame, is created in the merchant webpage and the redemption header is provided based on an offer identifier stored in a browser-accessible storage item such as a cookie.
US09953334B2 Electronic coupon issuance and redemption apparatuses, methods and systems
The ELECTRONIC COUPON ISSUANCE AND REDEMPTION APPARATUSES, METHODS AND SYSTEMS (“ECIR”) transforms user coupon purchase and redemption request inputs via ECIR components into coupon issuance, transaction, and analytics outputs. In some embodiments, the ECIR may receive an inventory request from a coupon program manager, including at least a virtual coupon issue criteria. The ECIR may generate one or more account identifiers, and transmit the account identifiers to the coupon program manager. The ECIR may receive, from the coupon program manager, an issue request along with the purchase information, which may include one or more purchase identifiers corresponding to one or more buyers. The ECIR may determine when the received purchase information satisfies the virtual coupon issue criteria. when it satisfies the criteria, the ECIR may issue one or more virtual coupons having the one or more account identifiers, and transmit the issued virtual cards to the coupon program manager.
US09953330B2 Methods, apparatus and computer readable media to generate electronic mobile measurement census data
Methods and apparatus to generating electronic mobile measurement census data are disclosed. Example disclosed methods involve, when a panelist associated with a client device is determined to be an audience member of the media on the client device, associating demographic information of the panelist with a logged impression associated with the media. The disclosed methods also include when the panelist associated with the client device is determined not to be the audience member of the media at the client device, determining probability scores for respective household members residing in a household with the panelist, the probability scores indicative of probabilities that corresponding ones of the household members are the audience member of the media at the client device, and associating demographic information of one of the household members that has a highest probability score with the logged impression associated with the media.
US09953329B2 System and method for providing preview results for search systems integrating mulitple collections
A system and method for providing previews of search results and, more particularly, to a system and method for providing preview results for search systems integrating multiple collections. The method includes providing search results associated with a first collection based on at least one search term and providing a customizable preview of search results for the at least one search term. The customizable preview of search results is associated with at least a second collection different from the first collection.
US09953324B2 Multi-point authentication for payment transactions
Authentication includes determining that a cardholder payment account is associated with a mobile device. Authentication includes receiving an indication of physical possession of a payment card. Authentication includes receiving a purchase request for an authorization of an exchange of funds from the cardholder account to the merchant. Authentication includes receiving a randomized transaction identifier to the request for the authorization of the exchange. Authentication includes transmitting to the mobile device, information associated with the request. Authentication includes transmitting to the mobile device, a request for confirmation of the authorization from the cardholder from the account of the cardholder to the merchant. Authentication includes receiving an indication, facilitated by the cardholder, that the exchange is authorized. Authentication includes authorizing the exchange of from the payment account of the cardholder to the merchant.