US08510561B2

Embodiments described herein are generally directed to methods and devices in which computing devices, and mobile devices in particular, establish a shared encryption key for a device group comprising at least three mobile devices. In accordance with one example embodiment, a public key of a mobile device is computed using a shared password as performed in accordance with authentication acts of a password-authenticated key exchange protocol, and transmitted to at least one other mobile device of the group. A public value is computed as a function of a mobile device private key and of a public key of at least one other mobile device of the device group, in accordance with a group key establishment protocol. The public values of the mobile devices of the device group are used to compute a shared encryption key.
US08510553B2

Apparatus and methods associated with providing secure credential management are described. One apparatus embodiment includes a data store to store authentication data and an authentication supplicant (AS) logic to provide a response to an authentication communication (ACM) received from an authentication process. An authentication management (AM) logic may receive the ACM from a connection management (CM) logic associated with a host operating system (HOS), provide the ACM to the AS logic, and provide the response back to the CM logic. The apparatus may include a device management (DM) client logic to provide a secure connection to an operator DM server associated with the authentication process and to store authentication data provided by the operator DM server in the data store. The AS logic, AM logic, and DM logic may reside in firmware that is not accessible to the HOS.
US08510541B2

An information processing apparatus includes a main switch configured to receive on/off-instructions for power supply from a user, a predicting section configured to predict a time period during which a possibility that the main switch receives an on-instruction is high, a connector section capable of connecting an electronic apparatus including a display screen, a communication establishing section configured to execute processing to establish a state allowing communication with an electronic apparatus connected to the connector section, a black-screen output section capable of outputting a black-screen signal to the electronic apparatus via the connector section, and a startup section configured to start, during a time period predicted by the predicting section and when the main switch is off, the communication establishing section and the black-screen output section, and to cause the black-screen output section to continue to output the black-screen signal until the main switch is turned on.
US08510532B2

A method for making memory more reliable involves accessing data stored in a removable storage device by translating a logical memory address provided by a host digital device to a physical memory address in the device. A logical memory address is received from the host digital device. The logical memory address corresponds to a location of data stored on the removable storage device. A physical memory address corresponding to the local address is determined by accessing a lookup table corresponding to the logical zone.
US08510531B1

A method for storing information may include determining whether a received data object fits inside a particular one of a plurality of free blocks in a memory bitmap. Each of the plurality of free blocks may include a column of the memory bitmap with a top margin, a bottom margin, and a predetermined width. If the received data object fits, the received data object may be stored in the particular one of the plurality of free blocks, starting at the top margin of the particular one of the plurality of free blocks. The particular one of the plurality of data blocks may be resized by moving the top margin to start below the stored received data object. The determining may include, for each of the plurality of free blocks, a height of the received data object may be compared with a height of each of the free data blocks.
US08510527B1

Method and system for migrating information from a source storage device to a destination storage device via a router is provided. The method includes selecting the source storage device for migrating information from; selecting a destination storage device and concluding upon validation that the destination storage device is configured to operate as a thin provisioned storage device for storing information; and reading information from the source storage device and if the read information is zero, then reading a corresponding segment of the destination storage device and if non-zero information is read from the corresponding segment, then setting an indicator for indicating that the destination storage device is not configured as the thin provisioned storage device.
US08510521B2

In an embodiment, a memory controller includes multiple ports. Each port may be dedicated to a different type of traffic. In an embodiment, quality of service (QoS) parameters may be defined for the traffic types, and different traffic types may have different QoS parameter definitions. The memory controller may be configured to schedule operations received on the different ports based on the QoS parameters. In an embodiment, the memory controller may support upgrade of the QoS parameters when subsequent operations are received that have higher QoS parameters, via sideband request, and/or via aging of operations. In an embodiment, the memory controller is configured to reduce emphasis on QoS parameters and increase emphasis on memory bandwidth optimization as operations flow through the memory controller pipeline.
US08510511B2

Processing within a multiprocessor computer system is facilitated by: deciding by a processor, pursuant to processing of a request to update a previous storage key to a new storage key, whether to purge the previous storage key from, or update the previous storage key in, local processor cache of the multiprocessor computer system. The deciding includes comparing a bit value(s) of one or more required components of the previous storage key to respective predefined allowed stale value(s) for the required component(s), and leaving the previous storage key in local processor cache if the bit value(s) of the required component(s) in the previous storage key equals the respective predefined allowed stale value(s) for the required component(s). By selectively leaving the previous storage key in local processor cache, interprocessor communication pursuant to processing of the request to update the previous storage key to the new storage key is minimized.
US08510500B2

A device driver including a flash memory file system and method thereof and a flash memory device and method thereof are provided. The example device driver may include a flash memory file system configured to receive data scheduled to be written into the flash memory device, the flash memory file system selecting one of a first data storage area and a second data storage area within the flash memory device to write the received data to based upon an expected frequency of updating for the received data, the first data storage area configured to store data which is expected to be updated more often than the second data storage area. The example flash memory device may include a first data storage area configured to store first data, the first data having a first expected frequency for updating and a second data storage area configured to store second data, the second data having a second expected frequency of updating, the first expected frequency being higher than the second expected frequency.
US08510495B2

In a data processing system, a buffer integrated-circuit (IC) device includes multiple control interfaces, multiple memory interfaces and switching circuitry to couple each of the control interfaces concurrently to a respective one of the memory interfaces in accordance with a path selection value. A plurality of requestor IC devices are coupled respectively to the control interfaces, and a plurality of memory IC devices are coupled respectively to the memory interfaces.
US08510487B2

Embodiments of the invention are generally directed to a hybrid interface for serial and parallel communication. An embodiment of a method includes initializing a first apparatus for transmission of data to or reception of data from a second apparatus, switching an interface for the first apparatus to a first mode for a parallel interface, the parallel interface including a first plurality of pins, and transmitting or receiving parallel data in the first mode via the first plurality of pins. The method further includes switching the interface of the first apparatus to a second mode for a serial interface, the serial interface including a second plurality of pins, the first plurality of pins and the second plurality of pins both including an overlapping set of pins, and transmitting or receiving serial data in the second mode via the second plurality of pins.
US08510483B2

There is provided a transmitter device including an interface unit that is an interface for connection to a receiver device via a transmission path, a pre-emphasis unit configured to generate a pre-emphasis signal, the pre-emphasis signal being obtained by adding to an input signal another signal for compensating for a high-frequency component of the input signal, and a transmission control unit configured to acquire identification information indicating whether the receiver device is capable of performing a process of receiving the pre-emphasis signal, switch the receiver device to a state in which the receiver device is capable of performing the process of receiving the pre-emphasis signal in accordance with the identification information, and control the pre-emphasis unit to generate the pre-emphasis signal.
US08510481B2

A method and system for accessing a computer system memory without processor intervention is disclosed. In one embodiment, the method includes initiating a predetermined communication protocol between a first device and a second device, the first device including a first processor, a first memory and a first communication interface, the second device including a second processor, a second memory and a second communication interface. The predetermined communication protocol enables an access operation to be performed on the first or second memory without intervention by the first or second processor. In one embodiment, the predetermined communication protocol utilizes a plurality of predefined packet types which are identified by a packet header decoder.
US08510480B2

A memory system and method includes a unidirectional downstream bus coupling write data from a memory controller to several memory devices, and a unidirectional upstream bus coupling read data from the memory devices to the memory controller. The memory devices each include a write buffer for storing the write data until the respective memory device is no longer busy processing read memory requests. The downstream bus may also be used for coupling memory commands and/or row and column addresses from the memory controller to the memory devices.
US08510474B2

A method for supporting a 6to4 tunneling protocol across a network address translation mechanism. The method comprises the steps of receiving an outbound IPv6 packet encapsulated into an IPv4 packet, translating the private IPv4 source address in the IPv4 header of the outbound packet into a public IPv4 source address, transmitting the translated packet over the IPv4 network; and is characterized in that it further comprises the step of storing an association of the private IPv4 address and the Interface ID value of the 6to4 source address for opposite address translation of inbound packets. A corresponding device is also claimed.
US08510463B2

Systems and methods for facilitating communication with a Fieldbus device are described. A first command formatted in accordance with a protocol other than a Fieldbus protocol may be received by a controller from an external computer, such as a human machine interface computer. The controller may determine that the received command is associated with the Fieldbus device. Based upon the determination and information included in the received first command, the controller may generate a second command formatted in accordance with the Fieldbus protocol. The second command may be output by the controller for communication to the Fieldbus device.
US08510455B2

A communication network system having capability for IP mobility management selection. The communication system includes a server, a network entity, and at least one mobile node. The network entity is configured to provide its IP mobility management information to the server, whereas the mobile node is configured to provide its IP mobility management information to the server. In the communication system, the server is configured to make a selection of IP mobility management mechanism based on the information provided by the network entity and the mobile node. The server then sends the selection to the network entity. In a specific embodiment, the server can be an Authentication, Authorization and Accounting (AAA) server. Here, the IP mobility management information includes one or more supported IP mobility management protocols. For example, the supported IP mobility management protocols can include mobile IPv4, mobile IPv6, dual stack mobile IP, and proxy mobile IP, etc.
US08510446B1

A method and apparatus for dynamically populating an identity-correlation data store and using the identity-correlation data store to correlate external identifiers and unique internal identifiers are described.
US08510444B2

A data processing apparatus that enables a client to identify services which can be provided under a current status of the data processing apparatus by reflecting dynamically changing status information, such as equipment information, in a WSDL file. An equipment information acquisition device 1211 acquires status information relating to the status of an image processing apparatus 100. A WSDL generator 1212 generates service description information containing information pertaining to at least one service provided by the image processing apparatus 100 and described in a predetermined language, in accordance with the status information acquired by the equipment information acquisition device 1211. The service description information is referred to by a host computer 200 to use the at least one service. A Web server 1213 transmits the service description information generated by the WSDL generator 1212 to the host computer 200.
US08510441B2

The present invention relates to a sending apparatus that efficiently sends content provided by a viewer/listener to a sender and that performs live distribution using the content. Program content to be live-distributed by a user terminal (10) serving as the sender and sender specific information for specifying the user terminal (10) on the Internet (11) are distributed to a client terminal (12) via a streaming distribution server (13). Content provided by the client terminal (12) is directly sent to the user terminal (10) on the basis of the sender specific information. The user terminal (10) performs live distribution using the content that has been sent from the client terminal (12).
US08510427B1

A method and apparatus for identifying referenced content within an online presentation environment. Upon entry of a statement related to specific content being presented within the online presentation environment, the method and apparatus identify the specific content within the presentation and, upon subsequent selection of the statement, display the specific content.
US08510426B2

Technologies are described herein for providing communication and coordination between web services in a cloud-based computing environment. A call to an available events operation is executed in a web service to request subscription event identifiers corresponding to available events at the web service. The subscription event identifiers are received. A subscribe operation is populated with a relevant subscription event identifier related to a subscribed event from the subscription event identifiers. A call to the subscribe operation is executed in the web service to establish a subscription to the web service. A subscription identifier corresponding to the subscription is received. Notifications related to the subscribed event at the web service are received while the subscription is active.
US08510423B2

An install system includes a host device, a portable device configured to connect with the host device, and a host device application providing system to which the host device is accessible via a network. The host device includes a host device application execution unit configured to execute host device applications as applications for host devices and an automatic install unit. The portable device includes a portable device application execution unit configured to execute portable device applications as applications for portable devices. The host device application providing system includes a host device application database for storing install data on host device applications contained therein and a host device application download server for transferring the install data on the host device applications stored in the host device application database, to the host device.
US08510421B2

A system including a server holding content and a terminal using the content, whereby the terminal is registered in the server if a communication time between the terminal and the server is less than or equal to a reference value. A measuring unit of the server measures a communication time from transmitting measuring information to the terminal until receiving response information from the terminal, and repeats the transmission, the reception, and the measurement until the measured communication time is less than or equal to the reference value. An elapsed-time measuring unit measures an elapsed time from when the measuring unit first begins measuring the communication time, and a transmission unit transmits, to the terminal, status notification information showing a processing status depending on the elapsed time. A response unit of the terminal receives measuring information from the server and transmits response information to the server when the measuring information is received.
US08510419B2

Embodiments of identifying a subnet address range from DNS information are disclosed.
US08510418B2

A technique for providing podcasts via an Internet Protocol Television (IPTV) is provided. A network-based technique provides digital media podcasts. The technique includes receiving a request to render podcast on a communications device authenticated on an IPTV network, retrieving the podcast from the IPTV network, and providing the podcast to the communications device.
US08510416B2

A system including a plurality of remotely configurable telephone network communication terminals (102) is adapted to communicate with a programming terminal (134) over a data network (222) by adding a remote interface means (RIM) (202) for each terminal to convert communications between the terminal to or from a format adapted for transmission over the data network, the programming terminal having a modem emulator (202) having communication and programming capabilities to interface the programming terminal with the network; by converting the programming terminal data to a network compatible format, obtaining an address for the RIM, connecting the programming terminal and the RIM via the data network, connecting the RIM and the communication terminal, transmitting the converted programming terminal data to the RIM, reconstituting the converted data to a format suitable for the communication terminal, and transmitting the reconstituted data to the communication terminal.
US08510415B2

A data distribution method, a data distribution system and relevant devices in an edge network are provided. The method includes: obtaining a data download request from a client, and obtaining a content ID of data under a certain protocol, where the content ID is carried in the download request; and searching for an edge network content ID that corresponds to the content ID and uniquely identifies a data content in an edge network, obtaining corresponding client information by using the edge network content ID as an index, and returning data source information that carries the client information to the client. Therefore, the data is sharable as far as possible throughout the edge network, and the impact on the backbone network is relieved effectively.
US08510413B1

The present invention relates to a computer system and method for promoting on-line activities on desired sites via a virtual entertainment system that provides games, interactions or activities that take place either partially or fully on the partner's website or within the virtual space associated with the partner's website. According to one aspect, the invention drives on-line traffic to partner sites using Virtual Collectibles and other prizes rewarded for participation in Internet-based games. The games are designed to promote users to visit and/or perform other activities on the partner sites, and can include giveaways, special offers, treasure hunts, combo puzzles, among many other types of games. According to other aspects, the games can be played by users in the course of, or with very little effort in addition to casually surfing the web.
US08510410B2

A method is described for access to a directory by an application (410). A function library (412) handles a first request from the application for fetching the information from a server. The first request is forwarded from the function library (412) to the server by a client module (414). A request identifier (420) is sent from the function library to the application when the first request is forwarded to the server. A response signal (422) to the first request is sent from the server and received by the application. The response signal comprises a response identifier. The response identifier is checked to match the response signal (422) to the first request. A function from the function library is called (424) by the application for decoding the response signal. The decoded response signal is returned (426) from the function library to the application. A device and a program are also described.
US08510405B2

In connection with the supply of data tokens identifying the forthcoming delivery of audio/video content, a method for obtaining content access data relating to forthcoming content is provided, together with a method for supplying such data and apparatus supporting the methods. Where a remote resolution utility (12) is available to supply access data, in the form of time and channel for broadcast, for example, in response to supply of an appropriate content identifier, the method comprises capturing, other that directly via the mechanism by which content is to be delivered, of a content identifier (16) for an item of content; determining from said content identifier said resolution utility; transmitting the captured content identifier to said resolution authority; and receiving the access data returned by said resolution utility.
US08510403B2

A network interface card may issue interrupts to a host in which the determination of when to issue an interrupt to the host may be based on the incoming packet rate. In one implementation, an interrupt controller of the network interface card may issue interrupts to that informs a host of the arrival of packets. The interrupt controller may issue the interrupts in response to arrival of a predetermined number of packets, where the interrupt controller re-calculates the predetermined number based on an arrival rate of the incoming packets.
US08510402B2

Aspects of the invention provide apparatuses, systems, and computer readable media for supporting redundant network management. When the primary device (101, 103) fails, its Ethernet IP address is transferred or controlled by a backup Ethernet device. System information is provided to a network adapter so that programmable logic controllers are in agreement about the mode of operation. A central processing unit (201, 203) determines a calculated mode of operation from the operational statuses of the programmable logic controller and the mated programmable logic controller. The central processing unit provides an address indication (503) based on the calculated mode of operation and a selection indication (501) that is indicative of a selected address criterion. The corresponding network adapter determines the assigned network address from the selection indication and the address indication.
US08510401B2

Disclosed are a method and a system for transmitting a file folder from the sending end to the receiving end. The system uses a file folder transmission unit at the sending end side to generate a directory structure file of the file folder. The directory structure file may have properties such as the size of the file folder, paths and path lengths of the files in the file folder. The sending end then sends the directory structure file to the receiving end through the file folder transmission unit to allow the system to determine which files in the file folder need to be transmitted. The needed files in the file folder are then transmitted to the receiving end according to the determination. The sending end and the receiving end may communicate using an instant messaging tool. The disclosed method and system allow a faster and more convenient file folder network transmission.
US08510400B2

An acceleration engine that stores context data is operatively disposed between a network and at least one web server. Incoming requests from the network are inspected by the acceleration engine and passed on to the web server. If the inspection reveals a reference to context data, the acceleration engine retrieves the context data and asynchronously sends the context data to the web server. The web server synchronizes that request and context data and generates a response message accordingly. The response message is forwarded back to the initiator of the request with or without interception by the acceleration engine. Should context data be generated during processing of the request, such context data is sent to the acceleration engine for updating purposes.
US08510389B1

Various methods and systems for automatically ranking electronic communications such as emails based on both content and social factors are disclosed. One method assigns a rank to an electronic communication, where assigning the rank involves both assigning a content-based rank to the electronic communication and assigning a social rank to the electronic communication. The rank assigned to the electronic communication can include both the content-based and social rank. Alternatively, the rank can be derived from the content-based and social ranks (e.g., the rank can be an average of the content-based and social ranks).
US08510380B2

A social networking service allows a user of the service to create an interest list associated with a topic of interest, where the interest list includes members that may post content via the social networking service. Members of the interest list may post content associated with the topic. Other users of the social network service may subscribe to the list, and these subscribers may then receive a feed that contains the content posted by the members of the interest list.
US08510377B2

Methods and systems are described for exploring a corpus of content items stored in one or more information repositories within a distributed communications system.
US08510376B2

Provided are a method, system, and program for processing requests transmitted using a first communication directed to an application that uses a second communication protocol. A request is received from one of a plurality of client computers over a network in a first communication protocol, wherein the client computers communicate over the network in the first communication protocol. A determination is made as to whether the request includes an identifier of an application indicated in a data structure. A socket is processed that enables communication between the application identified by the identifier in response to determining that the identifier included in the request is indicated in the data structure. The socket is provided to the application identified in the request to enable the application to communicate with the client over the network using a second communication protocol. The application transmits a response to the request using the second communication protocol and the provided socket, wherein the request from the client in the first communication protocol is sent to a first communication protocol server managing communication using the first communication protocol, wherein communication with the client following the response to the request is conducted using the second communication protocol and the socket and bypasses the first communication protocol server.
US08510371B2

A method of application object management. The method comprises initializing and managing at least one application object on a server, forwarding a command indicative of a state of the at least one application object to a client hosting a browser and a kernel so as to allow the kernel to render the at least one application object according to the state by the browser, receiving, from the client, at least one client event pertaining to the at least one rendered application object, and updating the state by processing the at least one client event on the server.
US08510365B2

This method for determining locations of service instances for optimising distribution of a service in a network, from a source to a plurality of clients each having predetermined requirements, wherein the network can be modelled by means of a graph, comprises steps of: placing a service instance in each leaf in the graph; and, starting from the leaves, for each service instance: checking whether the service instance when placed in a vertex on the next higher level can fulfill the requirements of all clients to be served by said service instance; and moving or not the service instance one level higher, depending on the result of the checking step.
US08510360B2

Techniques are disclosed for calculating large precision common logarithms. A common logarithm may be calculated using addition and/or subtraction of known logarithm values. Embodiments of the invention permit calculation of common logarithms of real numbers stored within character arrays, where each element of the array corresponds to a digit in the real number.
US08510349B1

A facility for representing a set of items each potentially having a value for each of a group of attributes is described. The items are represented in a database made up of two or more discrete components. Each component corresponds to a proper subset of group of attributes, and represents for every item of the set the values of its proper subset of attributes. Every component is organized such that data items are represented within it in the same order.
US08510344B1

A blob transaction component is a tiered middleware framework component that facilitates data transactions across arbitrary data blobs in an optimistically consistent manner. The component receives a request to transact data across multiple stored data blobs. For each stored data blob, the component creates a duplicate data blob. The component then creates a record blob that includes a pointer to the duplicate data blob. The stored data blob is then modified by the component to point to the record blob using optimistic locking. The component then creates a new data blob that includes modified data. The component further updates the record blob to include a pointer to the new data blob using optimistic locking. Following locking of the record blob, the stored data blob is updated with the modified data by the component, and the record blob, the duplicate data blob, and the new data blobs are deleted.
US08510343B2

User experience in a designer tool manages cogeneration of a database application and a database accessible through the application. A user places a visual representation of an application element designed to control a relational or hierarchical dataset. Code is automatically called to add the application element to the application, and automatically invoked to create database schema elements designed to implement the dataset in the database under application element control. Users verify that an application element has been automatically added, and confirm that database schema elements implementing the dataset(s) under control of the application element have been automatically created. A tutorial illustrates a workflow utilizing a designer tool to cogenerate a database application and a database without a data design step. A wizard utilizes the designer tool to cogenerate a database application and a database that collectively implement a calendar, a diagram, a tree, a wiki, and/or a list.
US08510340B2

A computer implemented method for generating a report that includes latent information, comprising receiving an input data stream that includes latent information, performing one of normalization, validation, and extraction of the input data stream, processing the input data stream to identify latent information within the data stream that is required for generation of a particular report, wherein said processing of the input data stream to identify latent information comprises of identifying a relevant portion of the input data stream, bounding the relevant portion of the input data stream, classifying and normalizing the bounded data, activating a relevant report template based on said identified latent information, populating said template with template-specified data, and processing the template-specified data to generate a report.
US08510330B2

A configurable search engine is provided in which, in an embodiment, by running the search engine an administrator can configure the search options available to a user by selecting from a choice of options without writing code. The user may be able to further configure the search options. In an embodiment, the search engine combines searches of multiple tables in a manner that appears seamless to the user.
US08510329B2

The various embodiments of the invention provide a data processing system and method, for applications such as marketing campaign management, speech recognition and signal processing. An exemplary system embodiment includes a first data repository adapted to store a plurality of entity and attribute data; a second data repository adapted to store a plurality of entity linkage data; a metadata data repository adapted to store a plurality of metadata modules, with a first metadata module having a plurality of selectable parameters, received through a control interface, and having a plurality of metadata linkages to a first subset of metadata modules; and a multidimensional data structure. The control interface may modify the plurality of selectable parameters in response to received control information. A plurality of processing nodes are adapted to use the plurality of selectable parameters to assemble a first plurality of data from the first and second data repositories and from input data, to reduce the first plurality of data to form a second plurality of data, and to aggregate and dimension the second plurality of data for storage in the multidimensional data structure.
US08510322B2

A search environment of an embodiment includes name mining and matching features used in part to identify people-centric queries and provide an enriched search experience, but is not so limited. A method of an embodiment operates to provide an expanded query based in part on a geometric similarity measure, an edit distance measure, a string similarity measure, and a cumulative similarity measure. A search system of an embodiment includes a mined candidate generator component and a name matcher component used in part to identify name queries and provide an expanded query that includes original query terms and one or more valid mined names. Other embodiments are also disclosed.
US08510320B2

The present disclosure describes methods, systems, and computer program products for migrating business process content. One method includes (i) identifying a rule set associated with at least one process binary, the at least one process binary comprising a compiled business process model for runtime execution, (ii) identifying at least one deployed process binary associated with the identified rule set; and (iii) modifying a portion of the at least one retrieved deployed process binary based on the identified rule set. In some implementations, the rule set may include at least one matching clause identifying a portion of a particular process binary for modification, as well as at least one transformation function for modifying the identified portion of the particular process binary. The at least one transformation clause can correspond to the at least one matching rule of the identified rule set.
US08510319B2

Systems, methods, and software for identifying location based rules related to a network connected device are described. A network connected device may transmit a set of data identifying the location of the device and an identifier unique to the device to a server. The server may also receive an action request, wherein the action request is associated with the identifier. The server may select a rule in a database to address the action request, the rule applicable to the identifier and location of the device. Various embodiments related to financial card transactions, access to financial information, emergency services contact, and electronic message filtering are also addressed.
US08510316B2

Provided is a database system in which sorting of query results is sped up. The database system stores storage location information in which storage locations of the pieces of data are recorded in a given order. When there is no second task, which is executed based on data that is fetched in a first task, whether every piece of data requested in a third task, which is executed before the first task, has been fetched is determined. In the case where every piece of data requested in the third task has been fetched, data fetched in the first task is output. In the case where some of the data requested in the third task has not been fetched, data fetched in the first task is kept in a temporary buffer until every piece of data requested in the third task is fetched, and then output.
US08510313B2

Various embodiments provide a Web browser that employs a relevancy algorithm to make an educated guess as to the likelihood of a user's intended destination when the user begins to enter text into a browser's address bar. In one or more embodiments, the relevancy algorithm employs various parameters and assigns weights to the parameters to arrive at a collection of suggestions to provide to the user. By using various rules, associated weightings, and the relevancy algorithm, relevant suggestions can be provided to a user to facilitate their navigation activities.
US08510311B2

A pattern search apparatus includes a storage unit, a distribution acquisition unit, a hash function unit, a training unit, and a search unit. A cumulative probability distribution of the training pattern on an arbitrary axis is obtained, and hash function each of which divides a probability value are defined based on the cumulative probability distribution.
US08510303B2

Systems and methods are provided in which a content guide includes one or more tags associated with a single user, a group of users or a channel subscribed to by users that enables the retrieval of content for subsequent viewing and which can be supplemented by recommendations and data from other sources.
US08510302B2

Techniques are described for performing synthesis of relationships between a plurality of concept definitions automatically derived from a faceted domain of information. Some embodiments involve identifying at least one facet attribute in an active concept definition specified by user input. In response to determining that at least one explicit relationship and/or at least one implicit relationship exist(s) between the active concept definition and a first concept definition of the plurality of concept definitions, a relationship is synthesized between the active concept definition and the first concept definition.
US08510299B2

A method and apparatus for providing a user traffic weighted search in a network are disclosed. For example, the method receives a query from a customer and determines whether the customer has opted-in for a service for traffic data monitoring. The method then provides one or more search results to the customer in response to the query, where the one or more search results are prioritized in accordance with collected user usage data if the customer has opted-in for the service for traffic data monitoring.
US08510266B1

Access to first data is provided to a first user and to a second user. A specified change is received from the first user. Access to second data generated based on the first user's specified change is provided only to the first user. The first data is updated based on the specified change, in response to a selection by the first user of an option to apply the specified change to the first data. Simultaneous access to the updated first data is provided to the first user and to the second user.
US08510261B1

A system and method of outputting data from an in-memory database. The method includes converting a first data model (which is unable to be used by the in-memory database) into a second data model (which is), and outputting data according to the second data model. In this manner, a user does not have to rewrite the first data model in order to access the in-memory database.
US08510260B2

A request is received to sort multiple e-mail documents according to least frequently used words in the multiple e-mail documents. The multiple e-mail documents are analyzed to identify which of the multiple e-mail documents use at least one of the least frequently used words. The multiple e-mail documents are sorted, according to the least frequently used words, to create alphabetically sorted e-mail documents, and the alphabetically sorted e-mail documents are then displayed.
US08510256B2

In general, embodiments provide an inter-facility movement estimation apparatus including: a movement map which stores location information about facilities and movement times therebetween; a positioning unit which obtains user's location information when starting a movement; a movement candidate list which stores given movement path candidates; a movement situation estimating unit which estimates a user's movement situation; a movement path estimating unit which selects, whenever the movement situation is changed, estimated movement path candidates from the given movement path candidates based on the nearest facility and the user's movement situation; and an adjusting unit which changes the likelihoods of the estimated movement path candidates, wherein one of the estimated movement path candidates having a highest likelihood thereamong is specified as an actual movement path of the user.
US08510254B2

An engineering analysis tool comprises a unified resource model-based (URM) objective and tool mapping capability for linking engineering analysis objectives to analysis tools. A Markov chain-based analysis plan generator (APTG) for reusing engineering analysis plans may be included in the engineering analysis tool. Further, the engineering analysis tool comprises a graphic symptom capturer (GSC) that auto-captures engineering perceived fault symptoms from engineering data analysis (EDA) tools.
US08510239B2

Embodiments of the invention relate to producing spike-timing dependent plasticity using electronic neurons interconnected in a crossbar array network. The crossbar array network comprises a plurality of crossbar arrays. Each crossbar array comprises a plurality of axons and a plurality of dendrites such that the axons and dendrites are transverse to one another, and multiple synapse devices, wherein each synapse device is at a cross-point junction of the crossbar array coupled between a dendrite and an axon. The crossbar arrays are spatially in a staggered pattern providing a staggered crossbar layout of the synapse devices.
US08510234B2

A real time kernel for deploying health monitoring functions in Condition Base Maintenance (CBM) and Real Time Monitoring (RTM) systems is disclosed in this invention. The Optimized Neuro Genetic Fast Estimator (ONGFE) allows embedding failure detection, identification, and prognostics (FDI&P) capability by using Intelligent Software Element (ISE) based upon Artificial Neural Network (ANN). ONGFE enables embedded fast and on-line training for designing ANNs, which perform very high performance FDI&P functions. An advantage is the optimization block based on pseudogenetic algorithms, which compensate for effects due to initial weight values and local minimums without the computational burden of genetic algorithms. It provides a synchronization block for communication with secondary diagnostic modules. Also a scheme for conducting sensor data validation is embedded in Smart Sensors (SS). The algorithms are designed for a distributed, scalar, and modular deployment. The system electronics is built upon a network of smart sensors and a health monitoring computer for providing data acquisition capability and distributed computational power.
US08510225B2

Authenticity of a proposed future or current participant in a multi-party dialog is checked by splitting an authenticity challenge query into at least two portions wherein none of the portions individually contains sufficient information to fully define the challenge query. These separated portions are then sent to another dialog participant over at least two different communication channels thus enhancing the probability that a successive challenge response is authentic. The authenticity challenge query and splitting thereof into plural portions may include formation of a logical combination (e.g., exclusive-OR) of first and second data strings (one of which may be a challenge question) to produce a resultant third data string where the separated and separately communicated portions include the first and third data strings as separate portions as being sent over respectively different communication channels.
US08510206B2

Certain embodiments provide consolidated price level expansion. Data associated with the individual price levels represented by a consolidated price level is expanded and provided through an expanded consolidated price level interface. In certain embodiments, the expanded consolidated price level interface includes a pop-up interface. In certain embodiments, the expanded consolidated price level interface includes an in-line interface. In certain embodiments, an order may be entered using the expanded consolidated price level interface.
US08510204B2

A method and system for facilitating the execution of transactions in a decentralized market are provided herein. The decentralized market includes a number of execution points each associated with and maintained in a secure environment by a single participant. Each participant is able to control the amount of data that is made publicly available, if at all, regarding any transactions that are conducted at that participant's execution point.
US08510200B2

A method of geospatial data based assessment driver behavior to improve driver safety and efficiency is disclosed. A method of a server device may comprise determining that a telemetry data is associated with a vehicle communicatively coupled with the server device and comparing the telemetry data with a driver objective data. A variance between the telemetry data and the driver objective data may then be determined. A performance score may be generated upon comparison of the variance to a threshold limit and/or the driver objective data. The performance score may be published along with other performance scores of other drivers in other vehicles also communicatively coupled with the server device to a reporting dashboard module. Elements of game theory may be implemented to create a team driving challenge and/or a driver performance program to generate the performance score to improve driver safety and efficiency for commercial fleets.
US08510198B2

A system and method for comparing retirement plans against a selected group of similar plans is disclosed. In one embodiment, a computer system for evaluating a retirement plan comprises a computer server having a database comprising a plurality of data defining a plurality of characteristics of each of a plurality of retirement plans, software configured for identifying a subset of the plurality of retirement plans having characteristics comparable to characteristics of a selected retirement plan, software configured for permitting the selection of at least one report from a plurality of report types, and software configured for automatically generating the selected at least one report, where the at least one report comprises an evaluation of the characteristics of the selected retirement plan against the characteristics of the subset of the plurality of retirement plans.
US08510194B1

Systems and methods for providing the dynamic configuration of software agents for transfer operations are described. The apparatus may include a transaction processor to receive and execute transfer requests, an object execution engine to retrieve one or more software objects and a data store to store the one or more software objects. The method may include receiving a transfer transaction request, retrieving a software object, executing the software object, performing a transfer and terminating the software object.
US08510191B2

In one embodiment of the present invention, a method for financing acquisition of a vehicle is disclosed. The method comprises receiving a future interest in a vehicle in consideration for a future interest price upon transfer of a legal title in the vehicle in consideration for a legal title price.
US08510188B2

A method for performing a money transfer initiated by a receiver of the money transfer, wherein the method includes receiving a money transfer initiation request from the receiver and the money transfer initiation request includes an amount of funds to be transferred, receiver information, and sender information. The method also includes staging a money transfer transaction after receiving the money transfer initiation request, wherein the money transfer transaction is pending an authorization by the sender to fund the money transfer. The method further includes providing the sender with a notification of the money transfer transaction, receiving the authorization to fund the money transfer transaction, and executing the money transfer to transfer the funds from the sender to the receiver.
US08510182B2

Methods and system consistent with the present invention facilitate the management of financial information. Such methods and systems may receive transaction data, store the transaction data as a line item in a day ledger, receive a request for a report, the request indicating a financial figure, such as an average daily balance, to be generated over a specified time interval, and generate, substantially in real-time or during run-time per the request, a report with the financial figure over the specified time interval using data from the day ledger.
US08510175B2

Products and processes are provided in which information is received for a post relating to an item to be sold via a posting site. A posting payment amount relating to the post is determined. The posting amount is provided as a credit for purchases. For example, the credit may be a credit that is usable for purchases via the posting site.
US08510164B2

A targeted advertising system and method based on memes contained in content sources are disclosed. Content matching keywords-defining topics are identified from content sources and are further processed to extract the memes. Ad networks servicing the content are also identified and their reach for each meme determined. The system and method extract also viral dynamics of the content associated to a meme and use the aggregation of the viral dynamics as a measure of engagement level for the meme. The system and method allow a Marketer to select a meme based on the engagement level and to run an ad campaign against the meme. The advertisements are delivered through an Ad network and inserted at the meme page level when the content hosting the meme is accessed, the Ad network being selected based on its reach.
US08510158B2

An online reward exchange system and method of operation, which includes an exchange computer that interoperates via a computer network with user computers, reward point issuer computers, and merchant computers. The merchants' products may be purchased by a user by requesting an issuer(s) to redeem reward points in exchange for payment to the merchant for the product. The exchange computer is the gateway to the system and manages various transactions such as providing online product catalogs to users that list the merchants products, as well as displaying to the user the reward points he has available in his reward programs with the issuers. Once a user selects a desired product the exchange computer can mediate or manage the purchase transaction in which reward points are redeemed by the selected issuer and consideration is conveyed to the merchant in exchange for the merchant providing the product to the user.
US08510156B2

Provided is a viewing terminal apparatus that can present an appropriate result of statistics on viewing of a content for diversified viewing modes. The viewing terminal apparatus includes: a category determining unit that determines, as a viewer category, a relationship between viewers who are viewing a content displayed on a display; a transmitting unit that transmits, to the viewing statistics-gathering apparatus, first viewing status information indicating the content that is being viewed by the viewers and the viewer category determined by the category determining unit, the content being associated with the viewer category; and a viewing statistics presenting unit that obtains viewing statistics information from the viewing statistics-gathering apparatus, and presents a result of statistics that is (i) indicated by the obtained viewing statistics information and (ii) a result of statistics on viewing of a content only by viewers who belong to a predetermined viewer category.
US08510155B2

The invention of the wireless electronic vehicle window display system employs the latest technology in electronic paper and low power consumption wireless networking devices. One contemplated embodiment of the present invention consists of three main components: A vehicle information portal, an electronic vehicle window display system subscriber, and the electronic paper. The invention is intended to provide an effective method of displaying pricing, vehicle specifications, promotions, and warranties on vehicles at the dealer's lot. The invention removes the time-consuming and costly tasks of updating information on the current paper-based window sticker.
US08510153B2

A system includes a central server in communication with public agencies through a private network and with local service-providers through a public network. The central server executes a profiling module configured to exchange standardized information with a local service-provider over the public network and with a public agency over the private network; an invoicing module in communication with the profiling module, the invoicing module being configured to process claims submitted by the local service-providers; a compliance module in communication with the profiling module, the compliance module being configured to monitor compliance with contracts between the local service-providers and the public agencies; a demand module in communication with the profiling module for forecasting demand for services; and a procurement module in communication with the profiling module for entering into contracts with the local service-providers.
US08510143B2

Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer program products, for implementing a software architecture design for a software application implementing ad-hoc goods movement. The application is structured as multiple process components interacting with each other through service interfaces, and multiple service operations, each being implemented for a respective process component. The process components include an Accounting process component that records the relevant business transactions for valuation and profitability analysis; an Inventory Processing process component that handles the management of inventory and the recording of inventory changes and may provide services to maintain current stock, handling unit content, logistics operating unit content, and allocation content; a Site Logistics Processing process component that handles the preparation, physical execution, and confirmation of logistics processes within a site; and a Supply and Demand Matching process component that combines the tasks necessary to ensure that sufficient material receipt elements exist to cover material demand while taking available capacity into account.
US08510138B2

Systems and methods are described for barcode verification. Optionally, a barcode scanner/imager is coupled to a verification system over a network. The verification system receives over the network barcode data associated with an item, such as a ticket, and associated information. The verification system uses the barcode data and associated information to determine if the barcode is valid and corresponds to an identified event. The verification system transmits a verification result.
US08510135B1

A method of determining an insurance coverage amount for an insurance plan holder having a health insurance plan using a tangible computer processor, as well as a related system and a non-transitory tangible computer readable storage medium, are provided. The method may include receiving a contribution payment amount from the insurance plan holder, the contribution payment amount including at least an investment payment portion and a premium payment portion, distributing, using the tangible computer processor, the investment payment portion and the premium payment portion between an investment account and a premium account, respectively, and determining, after the distributing, the insurance coverage amount based on an amount of funds present in the investment account and a coverage factor for a predetermined time period.
US08510134B1

A computer system including a server and software, for example, provides items and services for injuries under workman's compensation coverage through a web portal. An automated request to provide an item is transmitted from the server over the network setting a specific price, such that the one or more of a plurality of providers is capable of accepting the automated request using the network connected to the server. A care cart may be customizable by the adjuster or the adjuster's employer. Items are added automatically by the system to a care cart using an automated algorithm relating specific items to both an injury code and a zip code, and the system transmits the care cart to the adjuster portal and presents the adjuster with options.
US08510125B2

A disease-symptom-combination DB storing information obtained by combining each of disease name elements indicative of diseases with one or more symptom elements each indicative of a symptom, and a disease-care-combination DB storing information obtained by combining each of the disease name elements with a plurality of care elements each indicative of a care are stored in a storing unit. A server control unit recognizes one or more symptom elements from the symptom information and detects one disease name element combined with all of the symptom elements from the disease-symptom-combination DB. Further, a plurality of care elements combined with the one disease name element are detected from the disease-care-combination DB. Disease care information obtained by combining the one disease name element with the plurality of care elements is generated and visibly output in a display unit.
US08510119B2

In one embodiment, the method includes receiving an audio signal including a prediction residual of a block of digital audio data and coded coefficient values. Table index information is obtained from the digital audio data. The table index information identifies a table from a plurality of tables to select. A set of prediction coefficient values are reconstructed from the coded-coefficient values. This reconstruction includes selecting a table including offset values and entropy parameters from the plurality of tables based on the table index information, wherein 16, 19, or 20 unique offsets are associated with coded-coefficients of the first twenty coefficients, first entropy decoding the coded-coefficient values using entropy codes defined by the entropy parameters from the selected table, and calculating a set of prediction coefficient values based on the offset values from the selected table and the decoded coded-coefficient values.
US08510105B2

For an enhanced sequential compression of data vectors in a respective compression pass, a current data vector is mapped to at least one current code vector of at least one codebook in at least one quantization stage. The at least one codebook is reordered taking account of at least one intermediate result from the current compression pass and at least one intermediate result from a preceding compression pass. At least one codebook index that is associated in the at least one reordered codebook to the at least one current code vector is then provided for further use. For a decompression of compressed data vectors represented by such codebook indices, at least one codebook index is mapped to at least one code vector of at least one equally reordered codebook.
US08510104B2

A system and method are provided to authenticate a voice in a frequency domain. A voice in the time domain is transformed to a signal in the frequency domain. The first harmonic is set to a predetermined frequency and the other harmonic components are equalized. Similarly, the amplitude of the first harmonic is set to a predetermined amplitude, and the harmonic components are also equalized. The voice signal is then filtered. The amplitudes of each of the harmonic components are then digitized into bits to form at least part of a voice ID. In another system and method, a voice is authenticated in a time domain. The initial rise time, initial fall time, second rise time, second fall time and final oscillation time are digitized into bits to form at least part of a voice ID. The voice IDs are used to authenticate a user's voice.
US08510103B2

Systems and methods are operable to associate each of a plurality of stored audio patterns with at least one of a plurality of digital tokens, identify a user based on user identification input, access a plurality of stored audio patterns associated with a user based on the user identification input, receive from a user at least one audio input from a custom language made up of custom language elements wherein the elements include at least one monosyllabic representation of a number, letter or word, select one of the plurality of stored audio patterns associated with the identified user, in the case that the audio input received from the identified user corresponds with one of the plurality of stored audio patterns, determine the digital token associated with the selected one of the plurality of stored audio patterns, and generate the output signal for use in a device based on the determined digital token.
US08510073B2

An integrated circuit configured to perform hybrid built in self test (BiST) of analog-to-digital converters (ADCs) is described. The integrated circuit includes an ADC. The integrated circuit also includes a BiST controller that controls the hybrid BiST. The integrated circuit further includes a ramp generator that provides a voltage ramp to the ADC. The integrated circuit also includes a first multiplexer that switches an input for the ADC between the voltage ramp and a voltage reference signal. The integrated circuit further includes feedback circuitry for the ramp generator that maintains a constant ramp slope for the ramp generator. The integrated circuit also includes an interval counter that provides a timing reference.
US08510066B2

A voltage sensor consists of a number of capacitive voltage sensors coupled to test points in an electrical power system. The outputs of the voltage sensors are digitized and processed by a digital processor, which determines a normal value for the monitored AC voltages, and then determines if the monitored AC voltages are acceptable based on variations from the normal value.
US08510065B2

Technologies are described herein for wirelessly measuring liquid quantity in an enclosure. According to various aspects, an incident electromagnetic wave is transmitted within a conductive enclosure. One or more rebound electromagnetic waves that correspond to the incident electromagnetic wave are received. Using the rebound electromagnetic waves, a transfer function of the rebound electromagnetic waves is measured and a quantity of liquid stored in the enclosure is calculated based on the measured transfer function.
US08510064B2

A method for determining a condition indicator of a water analysis apparatus includes determining a respective parameter value for each of at least two different technical parameters of the water analysis apparatus. A respective deviation value of each of the parameter values is determined with respect to an associated respective parameter reference value for each of the technical parameters. A respective deviation relevance value from each of the deviation values is determined using a respective parameter-specific deviation relevance function for each of the parameter values, the parameter-specific deviation relevance functions being different from each other. Using an indicator function, a condition indicator is calculated from the determined deviation relevance values.
US08510062B2

In a method for assessing a condition of at least one value document with regard to limpness, there is determined from transmission values representing the ultrasound transmission at different places on the value document a condition value which depends on a variation of the transmission values and characterizes the condition of the value document with regard to limpness. A condition of the value document is determined for the condition value using a preset criterion.
US08510055B2

This invention provides methods for identifying genes associated with cognitive impairment and for identifying compounds useful in the treatment of cognitive impairment. The methods can in particular be used to identify genes associated with, and compounds useful in treating, cognitive impairment in aging.
US08510051B2

Formation fluid salinity is an important parameter in water saturation and formation porosity measurements. Systems and methods are disclosed herein to provide accurate water saturation and/or formation porosity measurements in the presence of unknown or highly variable salinity levels. Some logging tool assembly embodiments include a resistivity tool and an augmented neutron porosity tool. The neutron porosity tool is augmented with a gamma ray detector configured to measure the rate at which hydrogen nuclei capture neutrons from a neutron source. A processing system coupled to the logging tool assembly provides a salt compensated formation porosity log and/or a water saturation log. The logging tool assembly can also include a density logging tool and a natural gamma ray logging tool to provide a salt independent triple-combo log.
US08510048B2

A method for detecting tunnels within an area comprising in one embodiment the steps of providing horizontal tensor gravity gradients for the area, calculating a plurality of gravity gradient vector field pairs from the horizontal tensor gravity gradients, each gravity gradient vector field pair including one gravity gradient vector field and a respective orthogonal gravity gradient vector field, detecting dipolar points and polar source points in each of the one and respective orthogonal gravity gradient vector fields for each gravity gradient vector field pair, identifying the polar source points that are present in one but not in both of the one gravity gradient vector field and the respective orthogonal gravity gradient vector field for each gravity gradient vector field pair to identify endpoints, and distinguishing the endpoints resulting from surface features from the endpoints resulting from tunnels. The polar source points form the endpoints of the tunnels.
US08510037B2

A smart navigation device includes a storage unit for storing map information therein, a positioning module for determining a current location, and a navigation module for generating a navigation route based on a target location, the current location, and the map information. When the navigation route includes a plurality of toll roads and one of which is selected to be excluded from the navigation route, the navigation module re-plans to generate a cost-saving navigation route. Therefore, a user is allowed to select and avoid any toll road on the navigation route. A smart navigation method applicable to vehicle navigation is also disclosed.
US08510030B2

A system for reducing the likelihood of collision between a first vehicle and a second vehicle. Each vehicle includes a device for receiving global positioning system (GPS) signals, generating at least one of a time, position and velocity signal based on the received GPS signals, generating at least one of a time, position and velocity signal based upon the motion of the vehicle, comparing the received and generated signals, generating a corrected vehicle signal, and transmitting the corrected vehicle signal. A transportation network generates transportation network data including at least one of: network capacity data, network layout data, and network traffic data. The second vehicle's device stores the transportation network data, receives the corrected first vehicle signal, and calculates from the transportation network data and corrected first and second vehicle signals the likelihood that the positions of the first and second vehicles will coincide at some time on the transportation network.
US08510014B2

A gas turbine control method and device to restrain combustion vibration more precisely by alleviating the relationship between the composition or heat quantity of the fuel and the combustion vibration characteristic and by grasping the combustion vibration characteristic more accurately. The combustion vibration generated by a burner of the gas turbine and the composition or heat quantity and other plant status amounts of fuel supplied to the burner are detected. The combustion vibration characteristic is grasped based on the detected values. When the combustion flow rate or air flow rate supplied to the burner is increased/decreased to obtain operation condition under which no combustion vibration occurs, the detected values of the combustion vibration as well as the composition or heat quantity and other plant status amounts of the fuel are divided and stored in multiple databases corresponding to the value of the composition or heat quantity of the fuel.
US08510010B2

A vehicle control device for controlling the driving force and the braking force that is applied to a vehicle to approach a target wheel speed includes a plurality of determination parts that determine the wheel speed at a corresponding wheel; and a calculation part that calculates a valid wheel speed threshold for each wheel based on determined wheel speeds. The vehicle control device also includes a decision part that decides whether wheel speed is valid depending on whether the valid wheel speed threshold calculated for each wheel is below a specific speed threshold value, which is below the target wheel speed, and an estimation part that estimates the vehicle speed using the wheel speeds that are determined as being valid.
US08510008B2

A brake system and method includes adjusting an electronic apparatus on a bracket of a bicycle to be in a horizontal state. If the bicycle is downsloped and a gradient value of the electronic apparatus exceeds or equals a predetermined gradient value, a brake operation of the bicycle is detected. If the brake operation is improper, a brake command is sent to a brake device of the brake system, and brake cables of a front wheel and/or a rear wheel of the bicycle are controlled by the brake device according to the brake command.
US08510003B2

A closed loop shift control apparatus and method based on estimated torque in friction elements controls a torque transfer phase when shifting from a low gear configuration to a high gear configuration for an automatic transmission system. When pressure actuated friction elements are selectively engaged and released to establish torque flow paths in the transmission, estimates of torsional load exerted on the off-going friction element are used to predict the optimal off-going friction element release timing for achieving a consistent shift feel. The estimated torque is preferably calculated by using estimated torque signals generated as a function of speed measurements represented either the engine speed and turbine output speed or transmission output speed and wheel speed under dynamically changing conditions.
US08510002B2

An engine speed control device is adapted to control a motor grader including a transmission with a plurality of manually shiftable low speed stages and at least one high speed stage, the transmission being configured to switch between a manual mode for manually selecting one of all the speed stages and an automatic shifting mode for automatically shifting a predetermined speed stage and higher. The engine speed control device includes an upper limit engine speed control unit configured to set an upper limit engine speed to be an out-of-service travelling-use upper limit engine speed at the at least one high speed stage, and set the upper limit engine speed to be a working-use upper limit engine speed at any one of the low speed stages, the working-use upper limit engine speed being lower than the out-of-service travelling-use upper limit engine speed.
US08509997B2

A passenger detection system includes a passenger detecting part including a load detecting section that detects a load caused by a passenger seated on a seat of a vehicle, and a passenger detection controller including a passenger recognizing section, a movement detecting section and an activation determining section. The passenger recognizing section executes a passenger recognition based on a load detection signal outputted from the load detecting section. The movement detecting section detects whether the vehicle is moving based on the load detection signal. The activation determining section determines whether or not to activate an airbag apparatus based on a passenger recognition signal when a movement detection signal outputted from the movement detecting section indicates that the vehicle is stopped, and forgoes executing the determination and holds a determination result from a previous control cycle when the movement detection signal indicates that the vehicle is moving.
US08509996B2

The various embodiments herein provide a safety steering mechanism for an automobile. The mechanism comprises a steering wheel mechanism for changing a direction of movement of the automobile. A jack is connected to an automobile wheel for providing backward and forward movement of an axle with respect to the steering wheel movement. A hydraulic pump is providing in a hydraulic stream. A control valve regulates a direction of motion of the hydraulic stream. A plurality of directional control valves cut a hydraulic stream between the control valve and the jack. A main valve controls the backward and forward motion of the jack. At least one sensor installed on each tire of the automobile generates signals corresponding to a tire pressure. A plurality of electronic units processes signals from the plurality of the sensors and passes an output signal to an electronic control unit (ECU).
US08509994B2

In a method for determining a steering angle for a vehicle, a steering angle is determined using a single-track model of the vehicle, wherein the steering angle is corrected only if the difference between the derivative of a measured steering lock angle and the derivative of a calculated steering lock angle is below a threshold value. Otherwise the measurement is repeated.
US08509988B2

A mobile device stores charge status information of an electric vehicle. The charge status information is received by the mobile device from the electric vehicle via a short range wireless communication protocol in response to a triggering event at the vehicle indicating that the vehicle has been stopped. The mobile device at a later point receives a request from a user, the request involving a current state of charge of the electric vehicle. The mobile device attempts to communicate with electric vehicle to obtain information from the vehicle for responding to the request. If the mobile device is not able to communicate with the vehicle, the mobile device respond's to the user's request using the stored charge status information.
US08509985B2

A method is provided for identifying a root cause of a fault in a serviced vehicle based on analytical symptoms. Parameter identification data associated with identified DTCs is retrieved. Parameter identification data from a plurality of vehicles experiencing the DTCs is collected. A first set of diagnostic rules is generated that identify vehicle operating parameters for executing a DTC algorithm or for triggering a DTC. A second set of diagnostic rules is generated that identify vehicle operating parameters used for selecting field failure data obtained when the DTC is triggered. Statistically significant rules are extracted from the second set of diagnostic rules. The first set of rules and the statistically significant rules are cooperatively applied to the parameter identification data for identifying a subset of the parameter identification data that represents anomalies. A subject matter expert analyzes the anomalies for identifying a root cause of the fault.
US08509984B2

A monitoring apparatus including a catalytic converter, an upstream air-fuel ratio sensor, and a downstream air-fuel ratio sensor; calculates a sub feedback amount to have an air-fuel ratio represented based on an output value of the downstream air-fuel ratio sensor coincide with a stoichiometric air-fuel ratio; and controls an fuel injection amount based on an output value of the upstream air-fuel ratio sensor and the sub feedback amount, in such a manner that an air-fuel ratio of a mixture supplied to an engine coincides with the stoichiometric air-fuel ratio.
US08509973B2

Motor systems are disclosed that include: a motor component, at least one motor stator module, and at least one binary controller, wherein the binary controller is coupled to the at least one module. In some embodiments, a contemplated motor system also comprises at least one primary motor controller, wherein the primary motor controller is coupled to a vehicle speed component. Methods of using these motor systems and motorized vehicles comprising contemplated motor system are also disclosed.
US08509972B2

An electronic pet and a system therewith are provided herein. The electronic pet includes a driving device, a sensing device used to sense light, sound and contact/non-contact stimulations from an external environment, a signal transceiver device used to transceive signals to and from devices other than the electronic pet, and a processor. The pet interaction system includes an electronic pet, a system sensing device used to sense a position of the electronic pet and a physiological status of a user, a dummy, a system signal transceiver device used to transceive signals to and from the electronic pet and the dummy, and a system processor.
US08509970B2

A speed profile for an entire train trip includes a maximum allowable speed at each point of the entire trip, taking into account the ability of the train to comply with speed reductions encountered during the trip. The speed profile includes a braking curve that gradually reduces from a higher speed to a lower speed starting at a point at which the train must begin braking in order to be traveling at the lower speed when the train reaches the point at which the lower speed limit begins. The speed profile is generated on multiple wayside computers, cross checked, and then vitally transmitted to an onboard locomotive control system. The onboard control system includes redundant speed sensors with redundant vital circuits, and also includes redundant speed comparators to ensure that the train doesn't exceed the speed profile. A GPS receiver may be used for greater reliability.
US08509961B2

Methods and apparatus for processing non-authoritative observational data during a coordinated operation, such as a military mission. Actuation of a trigger control initiates a retrieval procedure for collecting observational data from at least one system incorporated in a vehicle. Categories associated with an observational event may be selected to classify the observational data, and the selected category may be stored with the observational data in a memory. The observational data may be stored in the memory as one or more data structures called “tags.” A tag may be transmitted in real time to one or more operators in the coordinated operation via a wireless network. Stored observational information may be reviewed and edited by an operator to add additional annotations to a tag. A secondary review by supervising personnel may determine if the non-authoritative tag should be added to an authoritative source used for planning of future missions.
US08509958B2

A power limiter system is described. The power limiter system is configured to receive a phase locked loop (PLL) error signal; analyze the PLL error signal to identify an occurrence of a grid contingency event; generate a first power command signal corresponding to an occurrence of the grid contingency event; and, transmit the first command signal to a converter interface controller. The system further includes a memory configured to store at least one variable that corresponds to the PLL error signal upon identification of an occurrence of the grid contingency event.
US08509952B2

A method and a valve arrangement are provided for electronic wear state determination of the valve arrangement for controlling a process medium flow. A valve element, which is arranged so as to move axially within a valve housing, is moved via electrically drivable linear drive means on the basis of positioning regulation. The valve element has an essentially constant drive force applied to it, and a position speed profile over the switching travel of the valve element is determined by detecting the speed as a function of the current position of the valve element. A change profile is created by comparing the determined speed profile with previous position speed profiles, as a measure of the position-dependent wear state of the valve mechanism.
US08509951B2

The invention refers to a method for controlling the effector trajectory from a current state to a target state. First invariant control parameters of the trajectory are determined. The effector trajectory is then represented in a task description being void of the invariant control parameters. The effector trajectory is controlled on the basis of this task description. The invention further refers to a method for controlling the effector trajectory wherein the effector trajectory is calculated by mapping increments from a control parameter space on a configuration space. The dimensional difference between the configuration space and the control parameter space leaves redundant degrees of freedom of a Null space. The degrees of freedom of the Null space are increased using a task description being void of invariant control parameters. The invention further refers to a respective computer software program product, a manipulator, an actuated camera system, a robot comprising one or more manipulators and an automobile equipped with a driver support system.
US08509950B2

A desired joint torque output limiting unit limits operations of a desired joint torque output unit and a limit cancellation unit cancels the limitation by the output limiting unit. An actuator of a joint of a robot is controlled in accordance with modified desired joint torque outputted from the output limiting unit, so that the robot can be controlled even upon switching between dynamics parameters.
US08509948B2

Disclosed are a walking robot and a method of controlling the same, in which impedance control and torso tilt control are achieved complementarily such that impedance can be adjusted according to the tilt of a torso or the tilt of the torso can be adjusted according to the impedance. The method includes measuring a moment of a foot; measuring a tilt of a torso; adjusting the scale of the measured moment based on the tilt of the torso, and controlling the foot based on the scale-adjusted moment; and adjusting the scale of the measured tilt based on a ZMP variation amount of the foot, and controlling the tilt of the torso based on the scale-adjusted ZMP variation amount.
US08509946B2

In some embodiments, a system includes a plurality of tape reels positioned on a lower surface; and a tape drive for reading data from a tape on one of the plurality of tape reels. At least one mobile robot is configured for: selectively retrieving at least one of the plurality of tape reels; and transporting the at least one retrieved tape reel to the tape drive. The at least one mobile robot moves unconstrained along an upper surface that overlies the plurality of tape reels. A controller directs movement of the at least one mobile robot.
US08509943B2

A medium is transferred and loaded to a media tray provided with a media processing unit which is operable to perform information processing on the medium, by using a transfer arm of a media transfer mechanism. A distance from a surface of the medium loaded on the media tray to a reference position of the transfer arm is acquired. A difference between the acquired distance and a predetermined distance from a reference surface of the media tray to the reference position of the transfer arm is calculated. It is determined that a double transfer of the medium to the media tray occurs when the calculated difference is larger than a predetermined threshold value.
US08509933B2

The invention provides systems and methods for manufacture of a non-homogeneous article using a 3D voxel-based model of the article and a rapid prototyping device. Use of a voxel-based model provides processing advantages and offers improved realism of the manufactured object with regard to non-homogeneous (i) color, (ii) translucency, and/or (iii) hardness, for example.
US08509929B1

The fantasy sports contest application of the present invention alerts the user of necessary roster changes before an upcoming fantasy sports competition. The fantasy sports contest application may evaluate the user's team roster before an upcoming fantasy sports competition to ensure that all roster spots on the team roster are filled with athletes available for real-life competitions. The fantasy sports contest application may also identify roster changes and roster transactions that may be beneficial to a user's fantasy sports contest team roster.The fantasy sports contest application may recommend roster changes and roster transactions to the user by evaluating the performance of athletes using performance criteria. The performance criteria can be based on the past performance of athletes, either overall, or for certain situations. The performance criteria may be predefined by the system, user-editable, or any suitable combination thereof.
US08509926B2

A method of diagnosing an adaptive process control loop includes measuring process control loop signal data, generating a plurality of process control loop parameters from the process loop signal data and evaluating a condition of the adaptive process control loop from one or more of the plurality of process control loop parameters. The process control loop data is generated as a result of a normal operation of one or more process control devices within the adaptive process control loop when the adaptive process control loop is connected on-line within a process control environment. A self-diagnostic process control loop includes a diagnostic tool adapted to receive a diagnostic index pertaining to a process control loop parameter for each component of the process control loop and for the complete process control loop. Each diagnostic index is generated from signal data by a corresponding index computation tool. The diagnostic tool is further adapted to evaluate a condition of the process control loop from one or more of the diagnostic indices.
US08509921B2

An implantable line, in particular an electrode line and/or sensor line and/or medicine supply line for implantation in the left ventricle of the heart with perforation of the atrial or ventricular septum, includes an elongated flexible line body, an electrode and/or a sensor and/or a medicine administering device at or near the distal end of the line body, and a closure element integrally molded on the line body or connected thereto for sealing the perforation site in the septum.
US08509918B2

In one embodiment, a method, of fabricating a stimulation lead for stimulating tissue of a patient, comprises: providing a lead body, the lead body comprising a plurality of conductors embedded within insulating material; providing a plurality of terminals; electrically coupling the plurality of terminals with the plurality of conductors; providing a plurality of electrodes, the plurality of electrodes comprising a plurality of substantially continuous longitudinal trenches on a surface of the electrodes, the electrodes comprising areas of reflow material forming microstructures substantially continuously along walls of the longitudinal trenches; and electrically coupling the plurality of electrodes with the plurality of conductors.
US08509915B2

Implantable medical device having elongated electric line(s) with function conductors, which are respectively multi-stranded and connected to respective function electrode pole(s) to deliver treatment/record diagnostic signals, wherein a first function conductor has a first strand, which, in the course of the longitudinal extension of the first function conductor in first longitudinal section(s) has a first coupling with a second function conductor suitable for coupling electromagnetic radio-frequency waves guided in the second function conductor at least in part in the first strand(s) of the first function conductor, and wherein the first strand(s) in the course of the longitudinal extension of the first function conductor in second longitudinal section(s) has a second coupling with second strand(s) of the first function conductor, suitable for coupling electromagnetic radio-frequency waves guided in the at least one first strand at least in part in the at least one second strand of the first function conductor.
US08509909B2

Telemetry signal strength is used for positioning a primary recharge coil of a recharging unit at a location proximate to an Implantable Medical Device (IMD) in preparation to recharge a rechargeable power source of the IMD. An antenna of the recharging unit is positioned proximate to the IMD, a telemetry session is initiated between the two devices, and a value indicative of the telemetry signal strength is obtained. Using a known correspondence between telemetry signal strength and recharge coupling efficiency for the IMD/recharging unit pair, the telemetry signal strength value is used to determine whether adequate recharge coupling may be achieved between the pair of devices. If so, a recharge session may be established. Otherwise, the antenna is repositioned and the process is repeated. The correspondence between telemetry signal strength and recharge coupling efficiency for the device pair may be developed empirically or using modeling.
US08509908B2

A device including a first integrated circuit (IC), a second IC configured to provide instructions to the first IC based on received data, wherein the first IC is a high-voltage IC and the second IC is a low-voltage IC, and a communication interface between the first and second ICs including a data bus of parallel data lines. The second IC is configured to select, based on the received data, one of a plurality of different communication modes for providing the instructions to the first IC via the communication interface, wherein each mode is defined by a quantity of address data and a quantity of configuration data used to provide the instructions to the first IC.
US08509902B2

Medical devices and methods for providing breathing therapy (e.g., for treating heart failure, hypertension, etc.) may determine at least the inspiration phase of one or more breathing cycles based on the monitored physiological parameters and control delivery of a plurality of breathing therapy sessions (e.g., each of the breathing therapy sessions may be provided during a defined time period). Further, each of the plurality of breathing therapy sessions may include delivering stimulation after the start of the inspiration phase of each of a plurality of breathing cycles to prolong diaphragm contraction during the breathing cycle.
US08509895B2

An adaptive dual chamber pacemaker and/or cardioverter defibrillator for delivering ventricular stimulation to the heart correlated with hemodynamic performance of the heart, including a hemodynamic sensor for monitoring the hemodynamic performance of the heart, an atrial electrode and a ventricular electrode for sensing ventricular and atrial signals, and a learning module having a spiking neural network processor for learning to associate the ventricular-atrial intervals sensed by the electrodes with the hemodynamic performance sensed by the hemodynamic sensor, calculating ventricular-atrial intervals, replacing the ventricular-atrial intervals calculated from the sensed ventricular and atrial signals with the learned associated ventricular-atrial intervals, and causing delivery according to the learned associated ventricular-atrial intervals of a ventricular stimulation to the heart during atrial fibrillation episodes.
US08509892B2

A cardiac rhythm management system identifies a relationship between one or more hemodynamic parameters sensed from a patient and levels of hemodynamic tolerability of the patient. The identified relationship allows an implantable medical device to control delivery of anti-tachyarrhythmia therapy using the patient's hemodynamic tolerability during a detected tachyarrhythmia episode, in addition to classifying the detected tachyarrhythmia episode by its type and origin.
US08509887B2

A method for collecting, recording, and broadcasting coded human or animal body waveforms. The method consists of placing a contact, which is designed to receive electrical signals, on a portion of the body. The electrical signal is converted into a readable format and is processed and stored in a computer. The electrical signal can be adjusted and rebroadcast into the body to modulate body organ functioning.
US08509881B2

A method and apparatus utilizing a piecewise stitching adaptive algorithm (PSAA) to filter signal artifacts, such as those induced by cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) from sensed signals in real-time. PSAA is a method of estimating artifact component present in a first signal that is highly correlated with a second signal. The PSAA may utilize autocorrelation and cross-correlation calculations to determine signal sample windows in the first and second signals. The PSAA may estimate a signal artifact in a primary signal segment based on the determined correlations between the primary signal and an artifact signal. The PSAA may remove the estimated signal artifact from the primary signal. In the absence of an artifact signal, PSAA is able to estimate artifacts in the first signal utilizing filters. The PSAA may be implemented in Automated External Defibrillators, Monitor Defibrillators or other devices capable sensing highly correlated signals such as, for example, ECG and CPR signals.
US08509870B2

An analyte test device is constructed as an integrated, single-use, disposable cartridge which can be releasably installed into a compatible analyte test monitor. In use, the device can be used in conjunction with the monitor to lance the skin of a patient to create a blood sample and, in turn, calculate the concentration of a particular analyte in the expressed blood sample. In one embodiment, the device includes a base and a cover which are affixed together to create a test cartridge which has a substantially flat and low profile design. A lancet carrier is disposed between the base and the cover and includes a anchor fixedly mounted on the base and a lancet support member which is slidably mounted on the base, the anchor and the lancet support member being connected by a spring. A lancet is removably mounted on the lancet support member is disposed directly beneath an analyte test strip which secured to the underside of the cover. In another embodiment, the device includes a cylindrical housing with an open top end and an open bottom end. A spring biased lancet is slidably mounted within the cylindrical housing. An analyte test strip is fixedly mounted within the cylindrical housing and is disposed at an acute angle relative to the lancet.
US08509866B2

Devices and methods for measuring body fluid-related metric using spectrophotometry that may be used to facilitate diagnosis and therapeutic interventions aimed at restoring body fluid balance. In one embodiment, the present invention provides a device for measuring a body-tissue water content metric as a fraction of the fat-free tissue content of a patient using optical spectrophotometry. The device includes a probe housing configured to be placed near a tissue location which is being monitored; light emission optics connected to the housing and configured to direct radiation at the tissue location; light detection optics connected to the housing and configured to receive radiation from the tissue location; and a processing device configured to process radiation from the light emission optics and the light detection optics to compute the metric where the metric includes a ratio of the water content of a portion of patient's tissue in relation to the lean or fat-free content of a portion of patient's tissue.
US08509865B1

A case for a mobile device including a base wall and a plurality of side walls extending from the base wall to cover side surfaces of the mobile device. A plurality of cushion devices may pass through the side surfaces to cushion the mobile device from a force exerted upon the case.
US08509864B1

A case for portable electronic devices including smartphones includes a feature to prevent glare from a flash from affecting images and video captured by a camera lens. Smartphones have telephony, Internet connectivity, and camera and video features. Photos and video can be uploaded through the Internet or sent to other phones. A case has hole for a camera flash of the smartphone to pass through. The edging of the hole is colored black or another dark color to prevent glare from appearing in the photos or video taken by the smartphone when using the camera flash.
US08509844B2

A method is presented for enabling a dual-mode mobile device to access different networks. Subscriber data used for access includes a device identifier for the device and a module identifier for a removable module coupled to the device. The device and removable module respectively have credentials for different types of networks. The device and module identifiers are associated with previously stored information for a subscriber account associated with the device. The device is authorized to access the first type of network based on the stored association and is granted authorization only when subscriber data received from the device for subsequent access requests includes module identifier information matching the module identifier stored in association with the device identifier.
US08509842B2

The present disclosure relates to a mobile phone and a method for answering such a phone automatically without user input. In one embodiment, the mobile phone detects that a call is being received. A proximity sensor is then used to detect the presence of a nearby object. For example, this allows a determination to be made whether the mobile phone is within a pocket of the user while the phone is ringing. Then a determination is made whether the proximity sensor changes states. For example, if a user removes the phone from their pocket, the proximity sensor switches from detecting something proximal to detecting that the phone is no longer in the user's pocket. Next, a determination is made whether the proximity sensor is again next to an object, such as an ear. If so, the mobile phone can be automatically answered without further user input.
US08509840B2

Disclosed is a method for uplink power control in a communication system that includes determining a power control offset for controlling power for traffic to be transmitted by a subscriber station, according to whether a Hybrid Automatic Repeat reQuest (HARQ) is applied to the traffic, and transmitting the power control offset to the subscriber station.
US08509839B2

A method of amplifying signals for transmission includes generating a signal in each of a plurality of subsystems. The subsystems each implement one of a plurality of radio access networks such that at least two different radio access networks are implemented. The method further includes amplifying signals generated by the subsystems with a power amplifier capable of amplifying input signals to a maximum power. The method also includes generating in each subsystem a power demand indicative of a power requested by that subsystem. Additionally, the method includes assigning a portion of the maximum power to each subsystem based upon the demands.
US08509824B2

Processing text messages by a message processing server to translate the text message from a native language to a preferred language. Operation begins with receiving text message delivery language preferences regarding a wireless device, the text message delivery language preferences identifying at least one preferred language for delivery of text messages to the wireless device. Operation continues with receiving a text message intended for the wireless device, the text message in a native language. Further, based upon the text message delivery language preferences regarding the wireless device, operation determines a preferred language for delivery of the text message, the preferred language different than the native language. Then, the text message is translated from the native language to the preferred language and transmitted in the preferred language for delivery to the wireless device.
US08509822B1

Methods of determining and providing location information as to the whereabouts of a wireless device are disclosed which have less geographical precision that those based on GPS or triangulation algorithms, but which are much more scalable, efficient and less costly. The methods make use of SMS paging and in particular obtain cell and cell sector information from a wireless device from a response message to an SMS page to the device. The cell and cell sector is converted to user-friendly geographical information such as an address or name of a building using a database correlating cell sectors to landmarks, location or addresses, and this user-friendly information is returned to the requestor.
US08509812B2

A technique for collecting automobile-related travel data is disclosed. The technique involves initiating a travel data collection function of a smartphone in response to a stimulus that emanates from an automobile. Once the travel data collection function has been initiated, automobile-related travel data is collected using a location detection function of the smartphone and then the travel data is communicated from the smartphone to a recipient according to a travel distribution function of the smartphone.
US08509811B2

In one example, a device includes a first interface to receive a request for a service provider recommendation, the request comprising a first geographic position value and a second, different geographic position value, wherein the service provider recommendation comprises a recommendation for a provider of a wireless service for a mobile device, means for determining aggregate signal quality values for service providers at a first location including the first geographic position and at a second location including the second geographic position, means for determining scores for the service providers based on signal quality values for the service providers at the first location and the second location, means for constructing the service provider recommendation comprising an identification of the service provider having the highest score, and a second interface to output the service provider recommendation.
US08509810B2

A method for estimating a geographic location of a mobile station includes calculating an angular position of a mobile station to a base station based on first and second signal strength measurements and an angular position reference for the base station, the signal strength measurements from the mobile station for RF signals from first and second sector antennas of the base station. Another method includes calculating a radial distance of a mobile station from a base station serving the mobile station, determining a signal strength report from the mobile station includes a signal strength measurement for an RF signal from a first sector antenna of the base station, and identifying a geographic location of the mobile station based on intersection of a circle around the base station with a radius of the radial distance with a sub-sector geographic area in an RF coverage map for the first sector antenna.
US08509809B2

A third party device location estimation mechanism can be implemented in a wireless communication network. In one embodiment, a distance between an observing communication device and a reference communication device and a distance between the observing communication device and a target communication device are determined. An exchange of messages between the target communication device and the reference communication device is detected at the observing communication device. Timing information associated with the exchanged messages is determined at the observing communication device. A distance between the target communication device and the reference communication device is determined at the observing communication device based, at least in part, on the distance between the observing communication device and the reference communication device, the distance between the observing communication device and the target communication device, and the timing information associated with the messages exchanged between the target communication device and the reference communication device.
US08509808B2

A mobile wireless communications device may include wireless transceiver circuitry and a processor coupled to the wireless transceiver circuitry. The mobile wireless communication device may also include a near-field communication (NFC) device coupled to the processor. The NFC device may include an NFC controller, an NFC transceiver coupled to the NFC controller, and a first memory coupled to the NFC controller and configured to store a first plurality of applications. The mobile wireless communications device may also include a second memory configured to store a second plurality of applications. The processor may be configured to select a given application on a respective one of the first and second memories and to disable the other one of the first and second memories.
US08509798B2

A cooperative apparatus and a resource block allocation method thereof for use in a wireless network are provided. The wireless network comprises a plurality of femtocells. The cooperative apparatus groups the femtocells based on signal interferences between the femtocells. The femtocells with higher signal interferences are joined to the same femtocell group. The cooperative apparatus averagely allocates resource blocks to the femtocells in the same femtocell group, and randomly allocates resource blocks to different femtocell groups.
US08509797B2

A method in a user equipment for handling cell selection is provided. While in dedicated mode the user equipment receives from a radio network node a measurement information message which indicates at least two frequencies associated with a respective cell in a respective radio access technology. While it is in dedicated mode, the user equipment performs measurements on the frequencies to obtain a respective measurement value for each one of them, and receives a selection indicator message comprising a respective priority for each one of the frequencies. The user equipment obtains a respective threshold value for each of the frequencies and successively evaluates the frequencies in descending priority order until a frequency is determined for which the measurement value exceeds its respective threshold value. When entering idle mode, the user equipment selects cell based on the evaluation.
US08509796B2

Method, system and devices for managing carrier aggregation in a radiocommunication system. According to the method, the user equipment (3) carries out the steps of: receiving (7;12) a list of multiple carriers in a determined order; and selecting (9;14) one carrier from the list of multiple carriers as a serving carrier, based on a position of said carrier in the list of multiple carriers.
US08509786B2

Methods of routing an incoming call to a mobile telephone received at a wireless enabled private branch exchange (PBX) include issuing a location request query to an element of a wireless communications network to which the mobile telephone may be subscribed, receiving a location request response from the element indicative of a status of the mobile telephone on the wireless communications network, and forwarding the incoming call to a voicemail mailbox associated with the at least one mobile telephone if the location request response indicates that the mobile telephone is not available to receive a call on the wireless communications network. The incoming call is forwarded to a telephone number associated with the mobile telephone on the wireless communications network if the location request response indicates that the mobile telephone is available to receive a call on the wireless communications network. Corresponding communications systems and private branch exchanges are also provided.
US08509779B2

Methods are described for use in a mobile device such that when the mobile device is connected to a generic access network (GAN) cell, the mobile device receives information including characteristics pertaining to one or more neighbor cells in a network that are not GAN cells. The mobile device can then determine at least a list of candidate neighbor cells for handover from the GAN cell to a cell that is not a GAN cell as a function of the information. In some embodiments of the invention the network that is not a GAN is a UTRAN network and a candidate list of 3G cells are generated.
US08509768B2

Various embodiments for providing enhanced power savings in mobile computing devices are described. In one or more embodiments, a mobile computing device may include a motion sensor to detect when the device is in motion. The mobile computing device may include a radio processor that may select from among several signal search procedures based on whether the device is in motion, and whether a signal is detectable and adequate. Other embodiments are described and claimed.
US08509761B2

A technique to gather and assess the quality of a location based services provided to a mobile wireless device via a wireless network includes providing location-based service information by referring to a target location of a requested item of interest within a proximity of the present location of the mobile wireless device. Subjective quality or accuracy information can be submitted to the wireless network from the from the wireless device. The subjective quality or accuracy information is correlated with event and condition information affecting the wireless network. Reports can be generated which indicate the quality and accuracy information of the target location information. The reports are useful for troubleshooting location-based service inaccuracy.
US08509758B2

A memory system is constituted of a file storage flash memory storing a control program required for a control portion and a large amount of data, and a random access memory storing a program used by the control portion and functioning as a buffer memory for received data. Thus, a memory system for a portable telephone capable of storing a large amount of received data at high-speed and allowing reading of the stored data at high-speed is provided.
US08509755B2

The disclosure describes a system and method for activating an electronic device from a low power state. The method comprises: monitoring a motion detection circuit for a signal indicating a movement of the device; analyzing the movement of the device and if the movement matches a profile for an activation movement for the device then activating a component on the device; and if the movement does not match the profile, then monitoring for additional movement signals for the device and providing data relating to the additional movement signals to a microprocessor in the device at an instance where the microprocessor is expected to be monitoring for receipt of a synchronization signal from a network in communication with the device is expected and when the instance is passed, the device is placed in second power operating mode, the second power operating mode consuming less power than the first power operating mode.
US08509753B2

Described herein are technologies that facilitate transfer of data-intensive content between portable telephones. Phones are configured to transmit data indicative of phone location to a proxy server by way of respective cellular network data connections. When a user of a phone wishes to acquire content that is labeled as shareable on another phone, the user of the phone initiates a location-based request, which causes the proxy server to provide a list of phones that are estimated to be in Wi-Fi range of such phone. The user thereafter selects a particular phone, and the proxy server instructs that phone to activate its Wi-Fi radio. The phone of the user additionally activates its Wi-Fi radio, and a peer-to-peer connection between phones is established. Thereafter, rich content is transferrable between the phones.
US08509750B2

A system for targeting advertising content includes the steps of: (a) receiving respective requests for advertising content corresponding to a plurality of mobile communication facilities operated by a group of users, wherein the plurality includes first and second types of mobile communication facilities with different rendering capabilities; (b) receiving a datum corresponding to the group; (c) selecting from a first and second sponsor respective content based on a relevancy to the datum, wherein each content includes a first and second item requiring respective rendering capabilities; (d) receiving bids from the first and second sponsors; (e) attributing a priority to the content of the first sponsor based upon a determination that a yield associated with the first sponsor is greater than a yield associated with the second sponsor; and (f) transmitting the first and second items of the first sponsor to the first and second types of mobile communication facilities respectively.
US08509738B2

An electronic device comprises: a memory having one or more class capabilities look-up tables; a communication port that enables connection of the electronic device to a device interface mechanism of a cradle accessory; an accessory authentication mechanism including configuration logic that, responsive to detection of an electrical coupling of the electronic device to the cradle accessory: initiates an authentication protocol that authenticates the cradle as an approved device for communicatively connecting with the electronic device; receives, from the cradle, N device status bits having a first set of M class bits that identify a class type of the cradle and a second set of P capabilities bits that identify which capabilities available to devices in that class type are supported by the cradle; and activates, on the electronic device and cradle, the one or more specific capabilities supported by the cradle, based on the class type and associated capabilities.
US08509721B2

A method and apparatus for non-linear frequency control tracking of a control loop of a voltage controlled oscillator (VCO) in a wireless mobile device receiver is provided. A channel metric based on one or more channel quality indicators associated with a received radio frequency channel is determined and a state metric associated with the current operating state of the control loop are determined. One or more state metric threshold value associated with the determined channel metric, providing hysteresis between operating states, are determined wherein each state metric threshold value is associated with a transition to a possible operating state of the control loop. The control loop transitions from the current operating state to the operating state associated with an exceeded state metric threshold value. Coefficients are provided to an adaptive loop filter of the control loop, wherein the coefficients coefficient are associated with the transitioned operating state.
US08509714B2

In a wideband mobile communication system, a signal transmitting apparatus separates an envelope curve signal which is size information and a phase signal which is phase information from a signal to transmit, and compares the envelope curve signal with a predetermined voltage. The signal transmitting apparatus performs active bias control that amplifies and outputs an envelope curve signal according to different driving voltages based on a comparison result, and supplies a bias voltage to a power amplifier that amplifies a phase signal based on the amplified signal.
US08509712B2

A radio transmission system comprising a plurality of Volterra Engine (VE) linearizers; a power amplifier (PA) coupled to the YE linearizers; a feedback circuitry coupled to the VE linearizers and the PA; and at least one adaptive controller coupled to the feedback circuitry, wherein each VE linearizer is coupled to at least another VE linearizer in series, in parallel, or both, and is configured to compensate for at least one distortion aspect of an output signal from the PA.
US08509708B2

A multi-antenna station has multiple remote front-ends coupled to multiple antennas. Each remote front-end includes a power amplifier (PA), a low noise amplifier (LNA), and first and second coupling units. On the transmit path, a first RF signal is received via a first port, routed by the first coupling unit to the power amplifier, amplified to obtain the desired output power level, and routed by the second coupling unit to a second port for transmission via the antenna. On the receive path, a second RF signal is received via the second port, routed by the second coupling unit to the LNA, amplified to obtain a higher signal level, and routed by the first coupling unit to the first port for transmission to the transceiver.
US08509695B2

In some embodiments, a method of identifying at least one transmission frequency in a set of carrier frequencies can include: (a) determining a first signal strength for each carrier frequency in the set of carrier frequencies; (b) choosing a first transmission frequency from the set of carrier frequencies at least partially based on the first signal strength of each of the carrier frequencies of the set of carrier frequencies; and (c) broadcasting electrical signals over the first transmission frequency. Other embodiments are disclosed herein.
US08509675B2

An image forming apparatus includes an image bearing member to bear an electrostatic latent image on the surface thereof, a transfer-fixing member disposed adjacent to the image baring member, including a transfer surface onto which the toner image is transferred from the image bearing member, a first pressure member to meet and press against the transfer-fixing member to form a nip therebetween, a heating member to heat a recording medium, provided upstream of the nip in a direction of transport of the recording medium, and a transport guide member to change a contact area of the recording medium and the heating member in accordance with a thickness or a resilience of the recording medium. When the recording medium passes the nip, the toner image is pressed and fixed on the recording medium.
US08509674B2

An image forming system is provided, which, if a jam occurs, enables the next fed sheet to be properly fed correctly. The image forming system can use an inserter. To allow an interrupted job to be properly processed, whether or not a recovery operation is to be carried out for the interrupted job is determined based on whether or not the interrupted job uses the inserter.
US08509670B2

An image bearing member including an electroconductive substrate, a photosensitive layer provided overlying the electroconductive substrate, an optional layer overlying the photosensitive layer, and boron nitride attached to at least part of the surface of an outermost layer.
US08509664B2

An image forming apparatus includes a compressed air generator, a nozzle, a tube, a cooling device, and a drain discharging portion. The compressed air generator generates and injects compressed air onto at least one of a recording medium and components in the image forming apparatus. The compressed air is injected from the nozzle. The tube connects the compressed air generator and the nozzle, and the compressed air passes through the tube. The cooling device cools at least a portion of the tube. The drain discharging portion discharges drain fluid generated in the tube during cooling by the cooling device.
US08509655B2

An image forming apparatus, having: an image carrier configured by a positively charged single-layer electrophotographic photosensitive body; a charging device which is based on a contact charging method for charging a circumferential surface of the image carrier while making contact with the circumferential surface of the image carrier; a developing roller which is disposed so as to oppose the image carrier and carry and convey toner on the circumferential surface; and a voltage application unit which applies a developing bias to the developing roller, wherein the frequency of an AC component of the developing bias applied by the voltage application unit is 2.6 to 4.2 kHz.
US08509654B2

An image forming apparatus is provided. The image forming apparatus includes an image forming unit, a door to cover an opening in a chassis, a fixing unit, a frame, a linear motion member to linearly move along with the door, a guiding member to guide the linear motion member to move linearly, a coupler assembly to couple the door with the linear motion member and move the linear motion member, and a manipulation member being movable according to movement of the linear motion member. The linear motion member includes a contact portion, with which the manipulation member comes in contact along an intersecting direction. The guiding member includes a slider plane to slidably support the linear motion member. The linear motion member is slidably supported by the slider plane of the guiding member at a surface which is on an opposite side from the surface having the contact portion.
US08509652B2

An image forming apparatus according to this invention includes a first movement mechanism, a preliminary charger, and a second movement mechanism. The first movement mechanism moves a primary transfer section between a first position at which an intermediate transfer member is brought into pressure contact with a photoreceptor and a second position at which the intermediate transfer member is spaced apart from the photoreceptor. The preliminary charger is disposed in the motion direction of the intermediate transfer member between the primary transfer section and a secondary transfer section, and disposed at a predetermined position relative to the intermediate transfer member. The preliminary charger applies a charge to a toner image on the intermediate transfer member. The second movement mechanism moves the preliminary charger as the primary transfer section is moved by the first movement mechanism, while maintaining the preliminary charger at the predetermined position relative to the intermediate transfer member.
US08509651B2

An image forming apparatus includes an image forming portion with a plurality of image bearing members and a plurality of developing devices, a plurality of cartridges, a maintenance door allowing access to the image forming portion for a maintenance operation, a plurality of first doors, remainder detecting means for detecting information relating to amounts of the developers in the cartridges, locking means for locking the first doors, a controller, a moving mechanism, and a second door capable of opening and closing to cover the first doors. The first doors open and close respective openings for insertion of the cartridges into the main assembly independently from each other, without access via the maintenance door. The controller controls the locking means to release a locking of a first door corresponding to a cartridge which requires exchange, on the basis of a detection result of the remainder detecting means.
US08509648B2

An image forming apparatus is provided. The image forming apparatus includes a chassis having a first opening on a first side, a cover, movable between an open position and a closed position, a plurality of photosensitive members, an intermediate transfer belt, a plurality of primary-transfer members, a secondary-transfer roller, a first feed roller, a cleaner device, a waste toner container, which is removably installed in the chassis through the first opening and settled in a position opposite from the plurality of photosensitive members across the intermediate transfer belt, to store residual toner collected by the cleaner device, a connector, a first feeding path, a second feeding path, and a second feed roller. The second feed roller is rotatably supported by the cover and movable along with the cover to yield the first opening to the waste toner container when the cover is in the open position.
US08509643B2

A fixing apparatus includes a heating roller, a fixing roller, a fixing belt that is wound around the heating roller and the fixing roller and circulates between the heating roller and the fixing roller, a pressing roller to press the fixing roller through the fixing belt, a first heater that is included in the heating roller and mainly heats a center part of the heating roller, a second heater that is included in the heating roller and mainly heats a peripheral part of the heating roller, and a temperature control unit to control a temperature of the heating roller by an on/off control of the first heater and the second heater, and the temperature control unit performs the on/off control in which when one of the first heater and the second heater is turned on, the other is turned off.
US08509639B2

According to one embodiment, transit time taken for a recording medium passing through a nip portion to transit a predetermined distance is measured. A nip width adjusting mechanism adjusts a nip width on the basis of the transit time of the recording medium over the predetermined distance.
US08509638B2

In a method or system for regulation of real values of toner concentration and fill level in a mixing unit to predetermined desired values in a developer station of an electrographic printing apparatus, the real value of the toner concentration in the mixing unit is adjusted with a first control unit by supplying toner concentrate from a first reservoir. A desired toner concentrate value is determined from the predetermined desired values of the toner concentration and the fill level. A real concentrate value is also determined from the real values of the toner concentration and the fill level measured in the mixing unit. With the first control unit, a feed of toner concentrate into the mixing container is regulated depending on a difference between the real toner concentrate value and the desired toner concentrate value. The real value of the fill level in the mixing unit is also adjusted with a second control unit by supplying carrier fluid from a second reservoir. A desired carrier fluid value is determined from the predetermined desired values of the toner concentration and the fill level. A real carrier fluid value is also determined from the real values of the toner concentration and the fill level measured in the mixing unit. With the second control unit, a feed of carrier fluid into the mixing unit is regulated depending on a difference between the real carrier fluid value and the desired carrier fluid value.
US08509635B2

Methods forming a durable combination print and a printed article are provided. In one aspect, a first receiver is provided with a first thickness at a first edge and having a first toner image on a first side with toner at least in an overlap area proximate the first edge and toner forming a toner edge shield. The first edge and overlap area are overlapped with a second receiver having a second thickness at a second edge; and, the first receiver and the second receiver are fused to cause the toner in the overlap area to bond the first receiver to the second receiver. The first toner image includes a toner edge shield with a first end confronting the second edge that extends from the first side of the first receiver to at least about 50% of the second thickness and has a deflection surface sloped toward a second end.
US08509632B2

An image forming apparatus includes a two-component developing devices for each of a plurality of photoreceptors and a motor for the developing device. A transmission can assume a coupled state where the transmission transmits driving force of the motor to the developing device and a separated state where the transmission does not transmit the driving force of the motor to the developing device. A toner agitating mechanism stirs toner inside the developing device. A permeability sensor detects permeability inside the developing device and outputs a signal according to a ratio of the toner to the carrier. A coupling judging section judges that the coupling state exists when a variation of a signal value outputted by the permeability sensor equals or exceeds a predetermined value and judges that the separated state exists when the variation of the signal value outputted by the permeability sensor is lower than the predetermined value.
US08509629B2

The invention relates to amplifiers and in particular, to a transimpedance amplifier for high rate applications. Disclosed is a two stage transimpedance amplifier having a first stage comprising an amplifier and a load and a second stage comprising an amplifier and a resistor. Negative feedback is provided through a feedback resistor. Only two voltage conversions occur which reduces phase distortion, as compared to three stage transimpedance amplifiers which perform 3 voltage conversions.
US08509627B2

A semiconductor optical amplifier (SOA) is used in a double pass configuration with one of the output ports followed by an attenuator, which is followed by a modulator with a reflective facet. The variable loss between the SOA and the modulator is optimised, so that the SOA can be operated in a highly saturated regime without distorting the modulated signal. The SOA is firstly saturated by the input carrier, (21) in FIG. 2, which has a constant power and hence does not introduce patterning of the SOA gain. On the contrary the saturation induced by the carrier creates a clamping effect that prevents patterning for signals with input put power comparable with or less than the input optical carrier power. The optical carrier amplified by the SOA (22) then travels through the attenuator section and it is attenuated (23). The carrier (23) then enters the modulator section where it is modulated with the data signal (24). After being reflected by the high reflectivity facet the modulated signal (25) propagates again through the modulator section. If the modulator section length is short compared to the modulation bit rate, the double passing increases the modulation depth or extinction ratio without introducing distortion. The modulated signal (26) travels a second time through the attenuator and then enters the SOA (27).
US08509615B2

Consistent with the present disclosure, an optical amplifier is provided that is configurable in one of two modes. In both modes, the optical service channel (OSC) may be dropped and converted to an electrical signal. In the first mode, the electrical signal is subject to further processing and the monitoring and/or control information carried by the OSC may be updated with new data. Such updated monitoring and control information is then supplied to an OSC transmitter and modulated onto an OSC output from the optical amplifier. In a second mode of operation (“loop back” mode), however, the monitoring and/or control information bypasses the processing noted above is looped back to the OSC transmitter unchanged. Accordingly, OSC monitoring and control information or data can be rapidly passed through the optical amplifier with little delay. Moreover, the optical amplifier may be configured to operate in either the first or second modes by appropriately configuring a switch. Thus, a standard optical amplifier can be used as a both a line amplifier, in which OSC data is processed and updated, as well as a booster amplifier in which such updating does not occur, for example, but the OSC data may be propagated to other amplifiers with little delay.
US08509605B2

An amplifier includes a first reception section which receives multimedia data via the Internet, a first separation section which separates sound data from the multimedia data, a synchronization data generation section which generates synchronization data based on the sound data, and a synchronization data transmission section which transmits the synchronization data to a set-top box via an infrared communication channel; and the set-top box includes a second reception section which receives the multimedia data via the Internet, a second separation section which separates image data from the multimedia data, a synchronization data reception section which receives the synchronization data via the infrared communication channel, and a matching section which determines reproduction target image data based on the synchronization data.
US08509599B2

There is provided a recording and reproducing apparatus comprising, an extracting unit that extracts program data containing commercial message sections and main sections from a video signal, a recording unit that records the program data extracted by the extracting unit, an analyzing unit that analyzes the program data to identify the commercial message sections and the main sections and generates clip attribute information for the identified commercial message sections, a data processing unit that adds skip information indicating that skipping is requested to the clip attribute information based on a skip request signal input by a viewer; and a reproduction control unit that controls the reproduction of the commercial message sections depending on the skip information when reproducing the program data recorded in the recording unit.
US08509596B2

A BD-ROM contains a plurality of titles which can be branched among, and a Java application. The Java application is a program described in a programming language for a virtual machine. A life cycle where execution by the virtual machine is enabled is predetermined. Each of the titles contains an application management table indicates an application that has a life cycle bound to the title.
US08509586B2

The invention relates to a terminal box (1) for fiberoptic cables, comprising an at least two-part housing with a lower part (3) and a cover (2), the cover (2) being arranged pivotably on the lower part (3), at least one receptacle for a splice, at least one feed (10) for a fiberoptic cable and a receptacle (11) for a coupling, the side faces (5, 6) of the cover (2) being longer than the end faces (7, 8) of the cover (2), a pivot bearing of the cover (2) being arranged on an end face (8) of the cover (2), and to a panel for accommodating a terminal box (1) for fiberoptic cables.
US08509582B2

An optical noise reduction mechanism for reducing undesired frustration of total internal reflected light. Such optical noise may stem from defects in waveguide construction. Such optical noise may also stem from the difference in refractive index between any cladding layers disposed onto the planar waveguide and the refractive index of the medium (e.g., air) between the light sources and the light insertion surface of the planar waveguide. By interposing a material of appropriate refractive index, either as a thin layer onto the light insertion surface of the waveguide or filling the space between the waveguide and the light source, the planar waveguide becomes more tolerant of geometry errors and cladding layer properties because a safe operating area is established between the unadjusted critical angle of the system and the actual range of ray angles allowed admittance into the waveguide.
US08509579B2

A multiplicity of Fresnel lenses are attached to tubular branches of a tree-like support structure. Fiber optic bundles are connected to the Fresnel lenses and routed inside the tubular branches and collected as a larger fiber optic bundle inside a main trunk structure to which each of the branches is connected. The larger fiber optic bundle may be connected to a remotely located power generating plant or other processing facility via a fiber optic transmission network. A domed solar energy collector includes an outer dome and one or more inner domes concentrically nested therewith, one or more Fresnel lenses being positioned on the hemispherical surface of each of the outer and inner domes to thereby multiply the solar energy focused through each of the domes to a collection area within the innermost dome.
US08509578B2

A method for carrying out electromagnetic cloaking using metamaterial devices requiring anisotropic dielectric permittivity and magnetic permeability may be emulated by specially designed tapered waveguides. This approach leads to low-loss, broadband performance in the visible frequency range, which is difficult to achieve by other means. We apply this technique to electromagnetic cloaking. A broadband, two-dimensional, electromagnetic cloaking is demonstrated in the visible frequency range on a scale ˜100 times the wavelength. Surprisingly, the classic geometry of Newton rings is suited for an experimental demonstration of this effect.
US08509576B2

An optical switch includes electro-optic crystal, and electrode unit including a plurality of electrodes arranged on the same plane in electro-optic crystal to extend in parallel to one another. A refractive index of a part of electro-optic crystal is changed by an electric field generated at electrode unit, thereby switching transmission and reflection of light incident on electro-optic crystal. Electro-optic crystal has an entrance surface through which light enters and an exit surface from which light exits. Electrode unit is located between the entrance surface and the exit surface. An angle θx formed between a longitudinal direction of electrodes and at least one surface from among the entrance surface and the exit surface is set near an angle that satisfies the expression θx=90°−Sin−1[ cos(Tan−1(n))] in a wavelength of light to be modulated.
US08509575B2

A temperature control module and a support block are mounted on a metal stem. A dielectric substrate is mounted on a side surface of the support block. A support block is mounted on a cooling surface of the temperature control module. A dielectric substrate is mounted on a side surface of the support block. A semiconductor optical modulation element is mounted on the dielectric substrate. A lead pin and a signal line are connected through a bonding wire. The signal line and a signal conductor are connected through a bonding wire. The signal conductor and the semiconductor optical modulation element are connected through a bonding wire.
US08509567B2

Methods and an apparatus are provided for interpolation of pixels in a pixel array having rows and columns of pixels. The apparatus includes a shift register array to shift pixel values of the pixel array, the shift register array including two or more shift registers; an interpolation filter array interconnected to the shift register array, the interpolation filter array including one or more interpolation filters; and a controller configured to provide pixel values in columns of the pixel array from the shift register array to respective interpolation filters in a first mode and configured to provide pixel values in rows of the pixel array from the shift register array to respective interpolation filters in a second mode. The controller may be configured to supply vertical sub-pixel values from the shift register array to the interpolation filters to generate diagonal sub-pixel values.
US08509566B2

Systems, methods, and apparatuses, including computer program products, are provided for re-layout of composite images. In some implementations, a method includes identifying geometric transformations corresponding to multiple images from a collection of images, where a geometric transformation reorients a corresponding image in relation to a common reference frame when applied and identifying a reference image for the multiple images in the collection of images. The method also includes determining overlapping image regions for the multiple images starting from the reference image, the determining based on the identified geometric transformations, determining additional transformations of a specified type for the multiple images based on the overlapping image regions, where an additional transformation lays out a corresponding image in relation to the reference image when applied, and making the additional transformations available for further processing and output with respect to the collection of images.
US08509558B2

Methods, apparatuses (100, 400, 1000), and computer program products for generating an enhanced digital image (490, 495, 1022) comprising a plurality of pixels are disclosed. Using a first digital image (420, 1020) captured from a first camera (124) and parity bits (410, 415, 1010) generated from a second digital image captured by a second camera (122, 126), a third digital image (445, 447, 1045) is constructed. The second camera (122, 126) captures the second image at a resolution different to the resolution of the first camera (124) capturing the first image (420, 1020). A disparity map (455, 457, 1055) between the first image (420, 1020) and the third image (445, 447, 1045) is determined (450, 452, 1050). One of the first image (420, 1020) and the third image (445, 447, 1045) is enhanced (470, 472, 1070) dependent upon the determined disparity map (455, 457, 1055) to generate the enhanced digital image (490, 495, 1022).
US08509555B2

Methods, apparatus and computer program products are provided that generate a plurality of code words representative of data to be encoded. The code words may be generated to have first and second portions with each first portion including information that is representative of a predetermined characteristic of an associated second portion and each second portion including information that is representative of a respective portion of the data. A plurality of blocks may also be defined with each block including one or more bitplanes of the second portions of the code words. The plurality of blocks may be sequenced to achieve progressive representations of the encoded content in accordance with schemes to order the data according to priority of content. Content may be provided a level of error protection commiserate with its priority.
US08509550B2

In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a decoder. The decoder is configured to obtain first and second motion vectors and a reference picture index of at least one block other than the current block. The other blocks neighbor the current block. The decoder configured to determine a direction of the first and second motion vectors of the other blocks. The decoder is configured to determine first and second motion vectors of the current block based on the determined directions using the first and second motion vectors of the other blocks. This determination includes applying a median operation to the first motion vectors of the other blocks and applying a median operation to the second motion vectors of the other blocks.
US08509544B2

A template matching apparatus includes a template input unit configured to input the template image; a signal input unit configured to input an image to be matched; a template scaling unit configured to scale the template image; a matching unit configured to match a scaled template image and an input image; a scaling factor determining unit configured to determine a scaling factor of the template image on the basis of a similarity obtained by matching; and a result output unit configured to output a result of matching when matching within a range of a predetermined scaling factor is completed.
US08509542B2

A method and system for calculating oblong-shape rotation angles from binary images of arbitrary size using running sums is described without the need of eigenvector routines and storage of the image data. The oblong shape may be of arbitrary size and location and need not be precisely elliptical. A few running sums are calculated and stored throughout each scan, and the results are obtained in closed form by simple post-scan computation. An algorithmic embodiment can execute on one or more hardware processors with limited or otherwise constrained computation power, available instruction cycles, available memory, etc. Hardware processors may CPUs found in desktops, laptops, tablets, or handheld computing devices. The resulting arrangement may be used for touch or optical user interfaces, real-time image recognition, real-time machine vision, and other purposes.
US08509540B2

A perimeter around a detected object in a frame of image data can be generated in a first coordinate system. The perimeter can be converted from the first coordinate system into a second coordinate system having the same aspect ratio as the first coordinate system. A first metadata entry can include dimensions of image data in the second coordinate system. A second metadata entry can provide a location and dimensions of the converted perimeter in the second coordinate space. Additional metadata can indicate matching objects between frames, position of an object relative to other objects in a frame, a probability that an object is correctly detected, and a total number of objects detected across multiple frames of image data.
US08509527B1

Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a method comprising accessing a first pixel that is neighboring to a second pixel of an image, the first pixel including a plurality of color fields, each color field of the plurality of color fields associated with a respective color plane, wherein the second pixel is to be processed as a target pixel; quantizing the plurality of color fields to generate a corresponding plurality of quantized color fields, wherein said quantizing the plurality of color fields is based on a contribution of individual color planes of the plurality of color planes towards an intensity of the image; and processing the target pixel based at least in part on the plurality of quantized color fields. Other embodiments are also described and claimed.
US08509526B2

A system and method to detect objects in a digital image. At least one image representing at least one frame of a video sequence is received. A given color channel of the image is extracted. At least one blob that stands out from a background of the given color channel is identified. One or more features are extracted from the blob. The one or more features are provided to a plurality of pre-learned object models each including a set of pre-defined features associated with a pre-defined blob type. The one or more features are compared to the set of pre-defined features. The blob is determined to be of a type that substantially matches a pre-defined blob type associated with one of the pre-learned object models. At least a location of an object is visually indicated within the image that corresponds to the blob.
US08509521B2

A method of generating a three dimensional image from a two dimensional image having a background and a first foreground object and a second foreground object. The method includes determining whether the first and second foreground objects occlude, and generating an occluded combination of the first and second object to form a third foreground object when occlusion occurs. The method further includes applying a transformation to the third foreground object, and generating a copy of the third foreground object with the transformation applied thereto. Then, the third foreground object is generated stereoscopically for display based on the transformed third foreground object displaced relative to the copy of the third foreground object.
US08509517B2

A method and apparatus for identifying suspect layout features from a plurality of layout features of an integrated circuit (IC) layout. A plurality of snippet images is generated, each of which depicts at least a portion of a suspect layout feature which is different from suspect layout features depicted in others of the plurality of snippet images. The suspect layout features are determined based on the diagnosis of a plurality of defective ICs manufactured in accordance with the IC layout. A plurality of clusters is generated, and each of the clusters contains a group of the plurality of snippet images based on similarities between the snippet images.
US08509516B2

Provided is an examination technique to detect defects with high sensitivity at an outer-most repetitive portion of a memory mat of a semiconductor device and even in a peripheral circuit having no repetitiveness.A circuit pattern inspection apparatus comprises an image detection unit for acquiring an image of a circuit pattern composed of multiple die having a repetitive pattern, a defect judgment unit which composes, in respect of an acquired detected image, reference images by switching addition objectives depending on regions of repetitive pattern and the other regions and compares a composed reference image with the detected image to detect a defect, and a display unit for displaying the image of the detected defect.
US08509514B2

A method for reconstructing a high quality image from undersampled image data is provided. The image reconstruction method is applicable to a number of different imaging modalities. Specifically, the present invention provides an image reconstruction method that incorporates an appropriate prior image into the image reconstruction process. Thus, one aspect of the present invention is to provide an image reconstruction method that requires less number of data samples to reconstruct an accurate reconstruction of a desired image than previous methods, such as, compressed sensing. Another aspect of the invention is to provide an image reconstruction method that imparts the signal-to-noise ratio of a prior image to the desired image being reconstructed. Another aspect of the invention is to provide an image reconstruction method that, when practiced in the field of x-ray imaging, allows for exposing a subject to substantially less radiation dose than is required in conventional x-ray imaging techniques.
US08509506B2

The invention relates to a system (200) for delineating an anatomical structure in an image computed from a slice of image data, the system (200) comprising a partition unit (210) for partitioning the image into a plurality of image portions, each image portion depicting a portion of the anatomical structure, and an adaptation unit (220) for adapting a template to the image based on a criterion function, the criterion function being a function of template parameters and of image values and their relative positions in the image, and on a criterion to be satisfied by a computed value of the criterion function, wherein the criterion function is defined on the basis of the plurality of image portions. Having a criterion function defined on the basis of the plurality of image portions allows computing optimal contributions to the criterion function value within each portion of the image. This is proven to be particularly useful for extracting myocardial contours in a slice of the LEMR short-axis volume image data in the presence of scar tissues. The invention allows optimizing the treatment of portions of the image comprising scar tissue in the myocardium.
US08509498B2

An image processing apparatus for tracking faces in an image stream iteratively receives an acquired image from the image stream including one or more face regions. The acquired image is sub-sampled at a specified resolution to provide a sub-sampled image. An integral image is then calculated for a least a portion of the sub-sampled image. Fixed size face detection is applied to at least a portion of the integral image to provide a set of candidate face regions. Responsive to the set of candidate face regions produced and any previously detected candidate face regions, the resolution is adjusted for sub-sampling a subsequent acquired image.
US08509492B2

The present invention provides a method and apparatus for determining the presence of Color Shifting Elements (CSE) such as optically variable inks and foils on documents such as bank notes. The invention comprises passing a document past an image sensor such as a line scan camera while sequentially illuminating the document from at least two alternating azimuths. The light source at each azimuth alternates between different colors, producing an image that is interleaved according to color and azimuth of illumination. The invention calculates a reflected color value for each azimuth and compares the color values of the different azimuths to each other. A difference in color between azimuths of illumination indicates the presence of a CSE on the document.
US08509478B2

A method to detect objects in a digital image. At least one image representing at least one frame of a video sequence is received. A given color channel of the image is extracted. At least one blob that stands out from a background of the given color channel is identified. One or more features are extracted from the blob. The one or more features are provided to a plurality of pre-learned object models each including a set of pre-defined features associated with a pre-defined blob type. The one or more features are compared to the set of pre-defined features. The blob is determined to be of a type that substantially matches a pre-defined blob type associated with one of the pre-learned object models. At least a location of an object is visually indicated within the image that corresponds to the blob.
US08509469B2

An implantable microphone is disclosed having an external diaphragm and housing that forming chamber capable of being pressurized by deformational movement of the diaphragm induced by pressure waves (e.g., acoustic signals) propagating through overlying tissue. The chamber is shaped such that the volume of the chamber upon deflection of the diaphragm is reduced compared to a static volume of the chamber (i.e., volume of the chamber with no diaphragm deflection). As a result, the change in pressure within the chamber for a given diaphragm displacement is greater than it would be within a chamber having a cylindrical volume, leading to greater microphone sensitivity. In one arrangement, the chamber is shaped such that it is deeper at its center than at its edges, for example, to form a conical or paraboloidal volume.
US08509464B1

A method for processing audio signals can include applying at least one front perspective filter to each of left and right front audio signals to yield filtered left and right front output signals, where the left and right front output signals each drive a front speaker. Moreover, the method can include applying at least one rear perspective filter to each of left and right rear audio signals to yield left and right rear output signals, where the left and right rear output signals each drive a rear speaker to simulate a rear surround sound effect when positioned in front of a listener.
US08509457B2

A constant balance volume control according to the present disclosure may provide a user with the ability to listen to program material originally mixed at a known “reference” level at any other suitable level without experiencing a substantial shift in tonal balance. A constant balance volume control may include two 2nd order biquad filters that are controlled in a continuous manner by the volume control of a system. The filters could be implemented in analog or digital form.
US08509451B2

A noise suppressing device includes: a suppressing unit for suppressing noise by subtracting a noise component derived on the basis of a plurality of sound signals output by a sound receiving unit from the sound signals; a variation deriving unit for deriving a degree of variation by numerically quantizing the variation on the basis of a spectrum obtained by converting the plurality of sound signals to components on a frequency axis; a determining unit for determining that wind noise is occurring due to wind blowing against the sound receiving units when the degree of variation is equal to or greater than a value; and an adjusting unit for adjusting an amount of suppression according to the decision of the determining unit; wherein the suppressing unit suppresses noise by subtracting the noise component from the sound signals based on the amount of suppression adjusted by the adjusting unit.
US08509443B2

A rekey index generation method and a rekey index generation apparatus are provided. The rekey index generation method includes inserting join information to a first field of a rekey index when new members join a group; and inserting node numbers, corresponding to each of the new members, into a second field of the rekey index for a receiver to select a necessary key from among transmitted encoded keys.
US08509442B2

Methods, devices, and systems are provided facilitating security within a network managed by a central coordinator. In some embodiments, the exchange of security keys is performed within one or more time slots that are defined by the central coordinator and known to stations exchanging these security keys. Furthermore, security, e.g., association may be initiated by one user action.
US08509439B2

Secure communications may be implemented by transmitting packet data units with information sufficient to enable a receiving entity to reconstruct a nonce. That is, rather than transmitting all of the bits making up the nonce, some of the bits may be transmitted together with an identifier that enables the rest of the bits of the nonce to be obtained by the receiving entity.
US08509433B2

A method and an apparatus are provided for generating an encryption key for broadcast encryption. The method of generating the encryption key for the broadcast encryption includes generating a first encryption key with respect to all nodes, configured in a plurality of depths, from a root node to a plurality of leaf nodes, and generating a second encryption key with respect to each intermediate node between the root node and the plurality of leaf nodes, wherein the generation of the second encryption key comprises generating any one of first and second keys using the first encryption key depending on whether a first child node, connected to a sibling node of the intermediate node, is on a left path or a right path of the intermediate node.
US08509430B2

A storage device may include a storage unit that stores data transmitted via a plurality of first wires; and a security control unit that controls connection between each of a plurality of second wires connected to an external device and each of the plurality of first wires by programming a plurality of switching devices according to an encryption key.
US08509428B2

There is provided a high-speed pipelined ARIA encryption apparatus. The high-speed pipelined ARIA encryption apparatus includes a round key generator for generating a plurality of round keys required for performing an encryption operation using a master key formed to have uniform bits, a plurality of round units whose number is in proportion to the number of times of round operations corresponding to the number of bit of an input value to receive the round keys and the input value and to perform the round operations, and a plurality of pipelined register provided between the round units to transmit the output value of a previous round unit as the input value of the next round unit. A plurality of round units are provided and pipelined registers are inserted between the round units so that it is possible to improve the performance of processing a large amount of data and to perform ARIA encryption at high speed.
US08509423B2

A synchronous pull device for slide cover mechanism includes two guide members, two slide seats and two pull assemblies. Slide guide sections are disposed on each guide member, whereby the slide seats can slide along the slide guide sections. First connection ends and second connection ends are respectively disposed on opposite sides of the slide seats. Each pull assembly includes at least two idlers, a middle idler and a pull cord. The two idlers are positioned beside two different ends of two different slide guide sections on opposite sides of the two guide members. The middle idlers are disposed between the two guide members near two ends of the slide guide sections. Each pull cord sequentially goes from the first connection end of one of the slide seats through one idler, the middle idler and the other idler to connect with the second connection end of the other slide seat.
US08509422B2

System and method for encoding status signals in DC voltage levels is provided. The value of a status indicator received on status signals are encoded as a series of pulses, and the voltage level from a power source, such as a power supply or a rechargeable battery, is modulated in accordance with the series of pulses. In an embodiment, the voltage level from the power source is varied between two levels, both of which are acceptable power levels. The drops in the voltage levels represent the value of the status indicator. On the receiving end, the power signal is translated into a logical voltage level and converted to a digital value. The digital value is decoded into the status indicator.
US08509421B2

In a method for checking a subscriber line with a first and a second electrical line, wherein each line is connected to an encoder/decoder via a subscriber line circuit, the first line is connected to ground, a resistance of the second line is increased, an audio signal is outputted from the encoder/decoder to the first line; and a first frequency-selective signal is measured at a point at which the encoder/decoder is connected to the first line. Further, the second line is connected to ground, a resistance of the first line is increased, a further audio signal is output from the encoder/decoder to the second line, and a second frequency-selective signal is measured at a point at which the encoder/decoder is connected to the second line. An amplitude difference between the first and second frequency-selective signals is ascertained.
US08509415B2

A system and method for operating a telephony application platform including a load balancer that receives application requests, a scalable plurality of telephony resources that includes a communication gateway to at least one application server and a communication gateway to at least one telephony device, and a resource allocation that scales the plurality of telephony resources according to capacity requirements of the application requests. A telephony resource of the plurality of telephony resources processes an application session initiated from an application request of a load balancer.
US08509412B2

A system and method providing real-time position information of one party to another party by utilizing a conventional telecommunication network system (e.g., the telephone network, a mobile telecommunications network, a computer network, or the Internet). The present invention allows a caller and a receiver of a telephone call to provide to and receive from each other position information related to the caller and/or receiver's location, including address information, GPA coordinates, nearby fixed locations (e.g., a parking structure), etc. The present invention allows a caller and receiver to retrieve routing instructions or maps for travelling to/from one another. A party may locate the position of another party via entry of the other party's unique identifier (e.g., a phone number of the other party's mobile phone). The position information of a party may be concurrently delivered to another party's computer terminal whereby the other party can process the information in further detail.
US08509411B2

A location-based triggering system and method allow location-based triggers to be created and associated with POI, landmark, and/or location-based information categories comprised of a plurality of POIs, landmarks, and/or location-based information, POI, landmark, and/or location-based information sub-categories, as well as POI, landmark, and location-based information searches. A trigger is created, where the trigger comprises trigger criteria. At least one POI, landmark, and/or location-based information database containing a plurality of POIs, landmarks, and/or location-based information data is monitored for a match between the trigger criteria and at least one POI, landmark, and/or location-based information category. If a match exists, the trigger is activated, thereby executing a related action or event. Furthermore, additional search criteria can be combined with the trigger criteria to enhance the LBT process.
US08509410B2

The present invention, relating to the field of communications, discloses a method, device and system for call establishment, wherein the method includes: obtaining the pre-configured binding relationship between conference rooms and terminals; setting the correspondences between terminals of a calling conference room and terminals of a called conference room according to said binding relationship; and establishing media communication with the terminals provided with the correspondences. Embodiments of the present invention also provide a call establishment device and a call establishment system. Embodiments of the present invention overcome various limits and defects due to the fact that calls between other corresponding terminals can only be established via a particular terminal in each conference room in the prior art, and enable a code stream to be transmitted in the shortest path, thereby greatly reducing the path delay and improving the video conference system scalability.
US08509406B2

A method for integrating presence services into a telecommunications system that includes a presence server. The method includes receiving a query, by the presence server from service logic, the query including call parameters and call information, regarding a call from a session initiator to a session terminator. The method also includes comparing, by the presence server, the call parameters and the call information with a stored presence profile established for the session terminator, the stored presence profile including preferred treatment information. The method further includes collecting usage information of the session terminator, and automatically generating the preferred treatment information, when the preferred treatment information has not been established. The method then determines a treatment of the call, by the presence server, based upon the stored presence profile and the preferred treatment information.
US08509400B2

A method and system for adaptively configuring a remote control includes analyzing a log of events, maintained by the remote control, which indicate how the remote control and the devices it controls are used by a user. Once the analysis is performed, the system and method can suggest alternative configurations of the remote control to the user. The range and type of alternative configurations is not particularly limited and can include changing which devices are employed for various user activities and/or how those activities are performed, the placement and hierarchy of commands in a menu tree and/or troubleshooting and set up configurations. The analysis can be performed either partially or totally within the remote control, or at, or in conjunction with, a service to which the remote control connects through a network.
US08509389B2

Systems and methods for performing loop length estimation are described. One embodiment includes a method which comprises receiving an echo signal for a loop under test where the echo signal is a per-port calibrated echo response obtained using frequency domain reflectometry single-ended line testing (FDR-SELT). The method further comprises analyzing characteristics of the echo signal to perform a loop length estimation based on data relating to ripple frequency as a function of loop length.
US08509377B2

Example embodiment fuel bundles use multiple types of spacers within the same fuel bundle. The type for each spacer location may be determined based on the axial position of the spacer, the characteristics of the spacer type, and the location and coolant characteristics for the particular example fuel bundle including the spacers. Historic performance data for the particular bundle location, predictive modeling, etc. may be used to determine what spacer types at which locations result in the best operating conditions and margins for example fuel bundles.
US08509368B2

Systems and methods that provide clock jitter compensation architectures that improve the performance of direct radio frequency (RF) receivers by injecting a calibration tone into the received radio frequency (RF) signals in order to help identify and then compensate for the clock jitter noise. After injecting the tone, the jitter noise going through the direct RF bandpass sampling receiver is estimated using a narrow bandwidth filter, and the received signals are further processed and demodulated depending on the Nyquist zone of the received signal. The relative modulation factor for the modulation is computed and then applied to the Nyquist zone to de jitter that particular Nyquist zone.
US08509363B2

A system for tuning a radio receiver includes a radio receiver configured to provide a downconverted digital error signal, a digital synthesizer circuit configured to generate a first local oscillator control signal, a digital automatic frequency control (AFC) circuit configured to generate a second local oscillator control signal, wherein the digital synthesizer circuit is enabled to generate the first local oscillator control signal when the digital AFC circuit is disabled, the first local oscillator control signal corresponds to an estimate of a desired local oscillator frequency, the digital AFC circuit is enabled to generate the second local oscillator control signal when the digital synthesizer circuit is disabled and the second local oscillator control signal corresponds to the desired local oscillator frequency.
US08509361B2

An acquisition scheme is provided for receiving a Bluetooth basic data rate (BDR) or enhanced data rate (EDR) packet. An acquisition apparatus for a Bluetooth receiver includes: a phase differentiator; a plurality of basic building blocks; a plurality of 1-bit switches; and a correlation computation equation. It features an acquisition circuit implementation with 1-bit correlator hardware shared by access code and EDR synchronization sequence correlation computations.
US08509349B2

A transmitter, when the power changes at a certain timing, adjusts the gain for the transmission signal before the application of the distortion compensation process correspondingly to the amplitude of the transmission signal at the certain timing based on the average of the power of a transmission signal before application of the distortion compensation process, obtains a distortion compensation coefficient corresponding to the value of the power of the adjusted transmission signal from the LUT, applies the distortion compensation process to the transmission signal using the obtained distortion compensation coefficient, calculates an update for a distortion compensation coefficient corresponding to the obtained distortion compensation coefficient and stored in the LUT based on an error between the power of the transmission signal amplified by an amplifier and the power of the transmission signal before the application of the distortion compensation process, and updates the LUT using the calculated update.
US08509340B2

A system is operated to transmit signals from a transmitter to a receiver. The transmitter is muted. A receiver transfer function for the receiver is adjusted so that an output signal of the receiver is minimized. A transmitter transfer function of the transmitter is set to be inverse to the adjusted receiver transfer function.
US08509338B2

A method for two component feedback in wireless communication systems is disclosed, with a wireless communication device sending a first representation of a first matrix chosen from a first codebook, wherein the first matrix has at least two columns, the wireless communication device sending a second representation of a second matrix chosen from a second codebook, and the base station obtaining a precoder from the first representation and the second representation.
US08509337B2

The present invention relates to a method for transmitting a synchronization channel for using a synchronization channel as a phase reference when decoding a broadcast channel, the method includes using a pre-decided shift value for each antenna, where the shift value is pre-decided with a user equipment, so as to apply circular shifts to sequences of the synchronization channel, and transmitting the sequences having the circular shifts applied thereto from a base station to the user equipment. In performing time/frequency domain synchronization in the synchronization channel, regardless of the number of transmission antennae used by the base station when transmitting signals, the synchronization process may be performed.
US08509336B2

Disclosed is a transmitting/receiving method in a multi-user multiple-input multiple-output (MU-MIMO) channel. The transmitting method includes: performing QR decomposition on a Hermitian transpose matrix of a channel matrix to obtain a first matrix and a second matrix as a triangular matrix; obtaining a preprocessing matrix by using the first matrix; and forming an effective channel based on the preprocessing matrix by a block triangulation technique.
US08509332B2

A method for generating a codebook and a method and an apparatus for data transmission are provided. The method includes: receiving a label of a codeword sent by a User Equipment (UE); selecting the codeword identified by the label from the codebook for eight-antenna; and coding data to be sent by using the codeword. The codebook for eight-antenna includes at least one rank-8 codeword for eight-antenna. The rank-8 codeword for eight-antenna is generated by multiplying an inverse matrix of a rotation matrix for eight-antenna with an eight-dimensional matrix formed by rank-4 codewords for four-antenna; or generated by extending rank-4 codewords for eight-antenna, where the rank-4 codeword for eight-antenna is generated according to codewords for four-antenna. Therefore, the codeword in the codebook for eight-antenna is applicable to scenarios including dual-polarization strong correlation, dual-polarization weak correlation, single-polarization strong correlation, and single-polarization weak correlation, etc.
US08509327B2

Disclosed herein is a receiving apparatus including a preamble analyzer configured to receive a frame of DVB-T2 made up of an OFDM signal and analyze a preamble contained in the received frame; an offset detector configured to detect a fine offset and a coarse offset on the basis of the analyzed preamble; a carrier frequency corrector configured to execute carrier frequency correction on an OFDM time domain signal obtained by quadrature demodulation on the basis of the detected fine offset and the detected coarse offset; a determiner configured to determine whether the detection of the coarse offset has been completed; and a control signal outputter configured, if the detection of the coarse offset is determined to be completed, to output a control signal for feeding back the fine offset detected on the basis of an OFDM frequency domain signal obtained by FFT computation to the carrier frequency corrector.
US08509316B2

In digital video image encoding and decoding, a filter type is selected based on symmetrical properties of the images and coefficient values of an interpolation filter are calculated based on the selected filter type. Coefficient values, filter tap-length and selected filter-type are provided in the encoded video data. Coefficient values are also calculated based on a prediction signal representative of the different between a video frame and a reference image. The prediction signal is calculated from the reference image based on a predefined base filter and motion estimation performed on the video frame. The predefined base filter has fixed coefficient values. Coefficient values are selected from interpolation of pixel values in a selected image segment in the video frame. Symmetry properties of images can be a vertical symmetry, a horizontal symmetry and a combination thereof, so that only a portion of the filter coefficients are coded.
US08509312B2

An encoding apparatus and an encoding method, a decoding apparatus and a decoding method, a recording medium, and a program suitable for encoding image signals with a higher compression ratio for transmission or accumulation. In an arithmetic coding section, from among the syntax elements of input image compression information, the frame/field flag is first encoded by a frame/field flag context model. When the macroblock to be processed is subjected to frame-based encoding, a frame-based context model, specified in the current H.26L standard, is applied. On the other hand, when the macroblock to be processed is subjected to field-based encoding, a field-based context model is applied for the syntax elements described below. The present invention is applied to an encoder for encoding image information and a decoder for decoding image information.
US08509311B2

An encoding apparatus and an encoding method, a decoding apparatus and a decoding method, a recording medium, and a program suitable for encoding image signals with a higher compression ratio for transmission or accumulation. In an arithmetic coding section, from among the syntax elements of input image compression information, the frame/field flag is first encoded by a frame/field flag context model. When the macroblock to be processed is subjected to frame-based encoding, a frame-based context model, specified in the current H.26L standard, is applied. On the other hand, when the macroblock to be processed is subjected to field-based encoding, a field-based context model is applied for the syntax elements described below. The present invention is applied to an encoder for encoding image information and a decoder for decoding image information.
US08509308B2

Provided are a lift-based wavelet transform apparatus and method, a scalable video coding apparatus and method using the same, and a scalable video decoding apparatus and method. The lifting-based wavelet transform apparatus includes: a prediction unit which performs bi-directional motion compensation on odd-indexed frames based on even-indexed frames and generates high-frequency frames using differential frames from which most of energy is removed; an update determination unit which, in the even-indexed frame, determines whether to update each target block at which a reference block indicated by a motion vector is placed; and an update unit which updates a target block of the even-indexed frame which is determined to be updated by adding the differential frame to each target sub-block included in the target block and generates low-frequency frames.
US08509301B2

Provided is an audio and video synchronizing method in a transcoding system, which compensates for lossy audio frames and lossy video frames according to a relative time at an early encoding stage, corrects a jitter of audio frames and readjusts a jitter of video frames in order to correspond to the audio frames having the corrected jitter at a multiplexing stage that is a later encoding stage, thereby minimizing a variation of the duration of the video frames and preventing audio and video from being unsynchronized when a media file is reproduced.
US08509300B2

The application refers to an apparatus comprising, a signal generator (102, 102a) configured to generate a signal, a first pulse width modulating unit (106) configured to modulate the signal, an amplifier unit (110) configured to amplify the modulated signal, a feedback loop path (108a) configured to correct the modulated signal using an error signal, wherein the apparatus comprises a second pulse width modulating (108) unit configured to modulate the error signal onto the modulated signal.
US08509293B2

A method for estimating timing in a wireless communication comprises the steps of receiving a plurality of symbol bursts corresponding to a plurality of time slots and selecting a subset of symbols from a first symbol burst of the plurality of symbol bursts. The subset comprises a first midamble symbol. The method further comprises the steps of calculating, for each symbol in the subset, a corresponding midamble estimation error, and determining the lowest calculated midamble estimation error to determine a timing for the first symbol burst. The method further comprises the steps of processing the first symbol burst utilizing the timing determined for the first symbol burst, and processing a second symbol burst of the plurality of symbol bursts utilizing the timing determined for the first symbol burst.
US08509283B2

A method for a base station to receive a reference signal sequence from one or more devices within a cell of the base station in a multiple cell environment includes providing the one or more devices with information about the reference signal sequence, wherein the reference signal sequence is defined by a cyclic shift of a base sequence, wherein the base sequence is one of a plurality of base sequences divided into groups, wherein each of the groups comprises at least one base sequence for each length (N), wherein each length (N) corresponds to (12*n), (n) being a positive integer, and receiving the reference signal sequence from one or more of the one or more devices.
US08509272B2

A laser beam combining and power scaling device and method. A first highly reflective mirror residing perpendicular to the first optical axis reflecting radiation emitted from the first laser head. A first Q-switch in alignment with the first optical axis interposed between the first highly reflective mirror and the first laser head. A second highly reflective mirror residing perpendicular to the second optical axis reflecting radiation emitted from the second laser head. The second Q-switch in alignment with the second optical axis is interposed between the second highly reflective mirror and the first laser head. A third optical axis is coincident with the first optical axis. A third highly reflective mirror residing perpendicular to the third optical axis in alignment therewith. The third optical axis may include a third diode pumped laser head and Q-switch. A beam splitter resides at the intersection of the axes.
US08509267B2

To support cell search, multiple (e.g., two) synchronization transmissions are sent in a frame with non-uniform spacing. Information is conveyed via the non-equal distances between consecutive synchronization transmissions. Multiple levels of non-uniform spacing may be used to convey different types of information. In one design, the multiple synchronization transmissions are sent in different subframes of a frame, and each synchronization transmission is sent in one of multiple symbol periods in a respective subframe. The synchronization transmissions may be sent in non-evenly spaced subframes to convey frame boundary. One synchronization transmission may be sent in one of multiple possible symbol periods depending on the information, e.g., a particular group of cell IDs, being conveyed. The distances between synchronization transmissions may also be used to convey cyclic prefix length. A secondary synchronization transmission carrying a cell ID may be sent at a predetermined offset from one of the multiple synchronization transmissions.
US08509266B2

A method and apparatus for using network traffic logs for search enhancement is disclosed. According to one embodiment, network usage is tracked by generating log files. These log files among other things indicate the frequency web pages are referenced and modified. These log files or information from these log files can then be used to improve document ranking, improve web crawling, determine tiers in a multi-tiered index, determine where to insert a document in a multi-tiered index, determine link weights, and update a search engine index.
US08509257B2

A Controller Area Network (CAN) node includes a conversion and retransmission unit which retransmits a transmit message if the transmit message carries a retransmission ID out of ID codes, by changing the ID code of the transmit message to a retransmission-specific ID corresponding to the retransmission ID, where the ID codes indicate priorities of transmit messages, the retransmission ID indicates that the transmit message is to be retransmitted, and the retransmission-specific ID is an ID code specifically for use in retransmission, and a conversion and reception unit which checks whether an original message corresponding to a retransmit message has been received successfully, the retransmit message being a receive message carrying the retransmission-specific ID, and discards the retransmit message if the original message corresponding to the retransmit message has been received successfully, but converts the ID code of the retransmit message into a retransmission ID corresponding to the retransmission-specific ID if the original message corresponding to the retransmit message has not been received successfully.
US08509255B2

Method and system for hardware packet pacing using a direct memory access controller in a parallel computer which, in one aspect, keeps track of a total number of bytes put on the network as a result of a remote get operation, using a hardware token counter.
US08509252B2

A packet contains an array of processing operations that are to be performed by a node of a data forwarding network. Each node in a data forwarding network receiving performs the processing it has to the packet and perform in accordance with the array of the processing operations contained in the packet.
US08509248B2

Methods, apparatus, and products for routing frames in a network using bridge identifiers, wherein the network includes a plurality of bridge nodes. At least one of the bridge nodes operates as an ingress bridge node through which frames are received into the network. At least one of the bridge nodes operates as an egress bridge node through which frames are transmitted out of the network. One of the bridge nodes receives, from the ingress bridge node, a frame for transmission to a destination node. The destination node connects to the network through the egress bridge node. The frame includes an ingress bridge identifier and an egress bridge identifier. The bridge that received the frame then routes the frame to the egress bridge node through which the destination node connects to the network in dependence upon the ingress bridge identifier and the egress bridge identifier included in the frame.
US08509244B2

A method implemented in a host node for communicating with a corresponding node through one of a plurality of available networks that includes: receiving a request to initiate a connection with the corresponding node from an application executing on a host node, sending a request to a DNS64 node for an address of the corresponding node, receiving a virtual IPv6 address for the corresponding node with a generic prefix, selecting a connection to one of the plurality of networks through which the data is to be forwarded to the corresponding node, and sending the data to the corresponding node using a virtual IPv6 address for the corresponding node with the prefix of the NAT64 node in the network of the selected connection, whereby the host node is able to maintain connectivity with the corresponding node despite having connections to the plurality of networks that each have NAT64 nodes.
US08509240B2

The present disclosure relates to a gateway, base station and method for window-based content synchronization technology. The gateway according the present invention comprises; a receiving unit for receiving a data packet; a window counting unit for counting the data packet, such that a predetermined number of packets forms a window, the number being a window size; a sequence number counting unit for generating a sequence number of the packet; a timestamp setting unit for setting a timestamp for the packet; and a processing unit for including the generated sequence number, the timestamp and a byte count in the packet to be transmitted. The base station according to the present invention comprises: a receiving unit for receiving a data packet; an information extracting unit for extracting a sequence number, a timestamp and byte count information from the data packet; a window counting unit for counting the received packets based on the extracted sequence number so as to form a window; and a processing unit for setting an anticipated air interface transmission time for the packets in the current window based on the extracted timestamp. The gateway or base station according to the present invention operates well with statistical multiplexing and has an improved overall performance in terms of synchronization processing delay and control packets load.
US08509233B2

According to at least one particular embodiment of the present invention, in an ASM-based RP, when the RP receives a multicast transmission request from a multicast source, it processes said multicast transmission request of the multicast source according to the multicast transmission request and remaining resources available for multicast forwarding in the RP. When using the methods and apparatuses provided in the present invention, by means of reasonable controls on the multicast transmission request conducted by the RP according to its resource situation, the hardware processing loads and the port traffic load of RP can be effectively maintained within an appropriate range, thereby avoiding resource exhaustion, and the disadvantageous impact of new multicast services on the existing services can be also avoided.
US08509229B2

In a relay station, a packet fragmented by a sending station is received. The fragmented packet is selectively further fragmented into a plurality of refragmented packets. Identification information (FSN) is added to each of the refragmented packets and to a non-refragmented packet not fragmented. Each of the packets to which the identification information (FSN) has been added is transmitted to a receiving station. This makes it possible to prevent a conflict of information (FSN) between packets due to the packet refragmentation in the relay station.
US08509224B2

Systems and methods are provided for forwarding cellular signaling across a packet-switched network. The system generates signaling according to a cellular protocol for a mobile device and exchanges the cellular signaling with a base station of a home mobile network of the mobile device. The system further detects a triggering condition, encapsulates the cellular signaling in a packet wrapper, and forwards the encapsulated signaling to a virtual base station for the home network via a packet-switched network.
US08509218B2

A method includes receiving, at a session controller, session data from a session-detail record. The session data is associated with at least a portion of a call over a Session over Internet Protocol (SoIP) network. A priority indicator associated with an Internet Protocol (IP) packet transmitted over the call is modified at the session controller based on the session data. The priority indicator indicates a priority to transmit the IP packet.
US08509210B2

Differentiating wireless uplink bandwidth request by connection priority. Embodiments herein relate to wireless communications, and more particularly to bandwidth management in wireless communications. Embodiments herein focus on multiplexing bandwidth requests on a common random access channel; specifically on contention resolution protocols for a common random access channel. Embodiments herein propose a differentiated back-off timer scheme to address the problems of QoS insensitivity and delay inequity, a set of back-off parameters to implement this scheme and a method of implementing existing well-known back-off strategies within this scheme's framework.
US08509208B2

Aspects relate to frequency estimation and tracking. Frequency information is extracted based on an observation of a single symbol carrying pilot tones, which can be at any bandwidth location. Specifically, the frequency error information is extracted after selecting tones assigned to a specific user. The frequency error can be corrected based on the estimation. Further, the disclosed aspects can be applied to multi-path environments.
US08509204B2

The invention relates to a method of sending control information from a first node to a second node in a communications system providing a plurality of resource units for the transmission of data. The control information is sent by use of a code book comprising at least one code word identifying control information relating to data transmission over a resource unit. The code book is dynamically updated by means of repeatedly transmitting an updated version of code book information from the first node to the second node. The invention also relates to a first communications node comprising means for transmitting control information to a second node. The means for transmitting control information is adapted to transmitting the control information by use of a code book; and to repeatedly transmitting an updated version of code book information in order to achieve that the code book is dynamic.
US08509197B2

A media access control method in a wireless network is provided. Each of devices in the wireless network determines one of a plurality of beacon slots within a beacon period as a beacon slot of the device. The devices in the wireless network determine a data transmission order in accordance with the slot numbers of the beacon slots of the devices in a reserved period of a data transmission period. Data is transmitted in the unreserved period in accordance with the determined data transmission order.
US08509189B2

A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a base station having a wireless transceiver operable in compliance with a Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access protocol, and a controller to manage the wireless transceiver. The controller can be operable to receive a request from a communication device to access the base station, and to direct the communication device to a second base station upon determining that granting wireless access to the communication device reduces an operating performance of the base station below an operating threshold of the base station. Additional embodiments are disclosed.
US08509188B1

In a communication system, a core network interface receives user data for a wireless communication device and transfers the user data to the device over a first access network. A second access network receives a service request from the wireless communication device and transfers a buffer initiation signal to the core network interface. The second access network establishes a wireless link to the wireless communication device and transfers a packet connection request to the core network interface. The core network interface receives more user data for the wireless communication device, buffers the additional user data responsive to the buffer initiation signal, and transfers the user data to the first access network for delivery to the device. The core network interface establishes a packet connection to the wireless communication device and transfers the buffered user data to the device over the second access network.
US08509184B2

A data forwarding apparatus and method for reducing a HandOver (HO) interruption time in a wireless communication system where a macro cell and a femto cell coexist are provided. An operation method of a Mobile Station (MS) for data forwarding in a wireless communication system includes synchronizing with a serving Base Station (BS) after completing a HO procedure with a target BS, and receiving data packets existing in a queue through an air link directly from the serving BS.
US08509176B2

A method of transmitting and receiving data in a wireless communication system is disclosed. In the method of transmitting the data in the wireless communication system, a base station transmits downlink data to a first terminal supporting a first system through a first zone of a frame, and transmits downlink data to a second terminal supporting a second system through a second zone located at a location separated from the first zone backwardly by a frame offset on a time axis. The wireless communication system may support a bandwidth of 8.75 MHz, the frame offset is an offset between a start point of a frame for the first system and a start point of a frame for the second system, and the first zone includes 3+6*(frame offset−1) Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM) symbols.
US08509172B2

A method wherein: a base station assigns resource to an uplink channel sounding reference signal (SRS) of a UE, sends the SRS configuration parameters to the UE, wherein the SRS configuration parameters include SRS bandwidth parameter BSRS and an SRS frequency domain position parameter nRRC; after receiving the SRS configuration parameters, the UE calculates the frequency domain starting position of the SRS of the resource used for sending the SRS according to the SRS configuration parameters, and sends the SRS to the base station using the resource; wherein the frequency domain resource assigned to the SRS by the base station corresponds to a node of a tree structure configured by an SRS bandwidth, and the configured BSRS corresponds to the level on which the node is located, while the configured nRRC corresponds to the index of a branch node on the lowest level of the node in the tree structure.
US08509170B2

Preamble transmission in a broadband wireless communication system is provided. A method for transmitting a preamble includes determining a sequence as the preamble according to a transmit bandwidth, allocating sub-blocks of the sequence to a plurality of transmit antennas used to transmit the preamble, the number of the sub-blocks allocated to each antenna falling within two consecutive integers, and transmitting the preamble through the plurality of the transmit antennas according to the allocation result of the sub-blocks.
US08509153B2

In view of the technical problems that exist during implementing IP address anti-spoofing in an access node device in an IPv6 access network, the present invention proposes a packet forwarding method and apparatus in an IPv6 Access Node, for forwarding a packet from a Residential Gateway. In the method, the access node device first receives a packet from the Residential Gateway, then obtains a network prefix in a source UPv6 address of the packet, judges whether the network prefix in the source IPv6 address of the packet is a valid network prefix of a CPN corresponding to the Residential Gateway, and if yes, forwards the packet finally. Particularly, in the present invention the access node device can automatically obtain valid network prefix using technical means such as snooping a network prefix allocation reply message. Therefore, the present invention greatly increases operation efficiency and security of the IPv6 access network and simplifies network management of the IPv6 access network.
US08509143B2

A method of efficiently combining data from at least a plurality of a first type of data source and a second type of data source. The method comprises synchronizing the plural first type of data sources to thereby generate a synchronized data rate, providing a frame having plural bit positions, assigning the synchronized first type of data in ones of the bit positions of the frame, and arranging the second type of data in the frame as a function of the synchronized data rate.
US08509141B2

Provided is a radio communication base station device which can prevent lowering of use efficiency of a channel communication resource for performing a frequency diversity transmission when simultaneously performing a frequency scheduling transmission and the frequency diversity transmission in a multicarrier communication. In the device, a modulation unit (12) executes a modulation process on Dch data after encoded so as to generate a Dch data symbol. A modulation unit (22) executes a modulation process on the encoded Lch data so as to generate an Lch data symbol. An allocation unit (103) allocates the Dch data symbol and the Lch data symbol to respective subcarriers constituting an OFDM symbol and outputs them to a multiplexing unit (104). Here, when a plurality of Dch are used for a Dch data symbol of one mobile station, the allocation unit (103) uses Dch of continuous channel numbers.
US08509140B2

A method of processing a message in a relay network comprises determining if a destination node is within range; if the destination node is not in range, identifying one or more network member aircraft within range; selecting one of the one or more network member aircraft within range; authenticating membership of the selected network member aircraft if membership of the selected network member aircraft has not been previously authenticated; and transmitting the message to the selected network member aircraft in order to relay the message to the destination node at least in part via the selected network member aircraft.
US08509139B2

A method for transmitting data over a network is disclosed along with destination and source terminals in a data communication network. The method comprises receiving a connection request at a destination terminal; determining, at the destination terminal, a field length for the recording of an element in a data packet to be transmitted to the destination terminal; and sending a connection reply indicating the field length. The destination terminal comprises a processor for determining a field length upon receipt of a connection request from a source terminal, where the field length is used by the source terminal for recording a element in a data packet to be transmitted to the destination terminal. The source terminal comprises a processor for recording an element in a field of a data packet having a field length determined by a destination terminal. The elements in a field of a data packet include, without limitation, a sequence number in a sequence number field, a source identifier in a source identifier field, and a first packet offset in a first packet offset field.
US08509112B2

In a wireless communication system, a method and apparatus for closed loop transmission is disclosed. In accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present invention, a time frequency portion of an uplink frame is dynamically reserved as a sounding zone for uplink channel sounding. A first message is transmitted to a first subscriber station in a downlink frame assigning a time-frequency resource within the sounding zone, and a sounding waveform. Furthermore, a signal is received from the subscriber station within the assigned time-frequency resource, a partial channel response is determined from the received sounding signal, and the subsequent transmission to the subscriber station is tailored based on the at least partial channel response.
US08509110B2

Provided are a cell searching method and an apparatus in a multi-carrier system. A terminal acquires a first physical cell identity (PCI) for a first downlink component carrier, and acquires an expanded PCI for a second downlink component carrier. A first downlink reference signal through the first downlink element carrier is transmitted on the basis of the PCI, and a second downlink reference signal through the second downlink component carrier is transmitted on the basis of the expanded PCI.
US08509107B2

Disclosed herein are methods and systems for receiving an encoded data packet, one or more activation commands, and a communication identifier, decoding the received data packet, validating the decoded received data packet, and executing one or more routines associated with the respective one or more activation commands.
US08509106B2

Techniques for detecting and responding to attacks on computer and network systems including denial-of-service (DoS) attacks. A packet is classified as potentially being an attack packet if it matches an access control list (ACL) specifying one or more conditions. One or more actions may be performed responsive to packets identified as potential attack packets. These actions may include dropping packets identified as potential attack packets for a period of time, rate limiting a port over which the potential attack packets are received for a period of time, and other actions.
US08509096B2

A method and apparatus to activate over the air a wireless communication device by using a client-initiated bootstrap server and without the use of a provisioning server, a provisioning session and a provisioning protocol implementation at one or more servers of the wireless network. The client-initiated bootstrap server sends a bootstrap script and/or document to the wireless communication device to set an activation flag with commands included in the bootstrap scrip.
US08509089B2

A method selects a path for forwarding a data packet in a wireless communication system. A system capacity versus delay impact curve is calculated for a direct path to mobile station. The direct path has a capacity cost based on communication quality of a direct link between a base station and the mobile station. This curve is shifted by a predetermined time corresponding to an additional delay over a relay path to produce a projected capacity curve for the relay path having a second capacity cost determined according to a combined measure of signal quality of multiple links in the relay path. The second capacity cost is multiplied by a capacity cost ratio to produce a relay capacity curve. The direct path or the relay path is selected based on a comparison of the system capacity versus delay impact curve and the relay capacity curve according to a QoS requirement.
US08509077B2

A switch for connection in a network of other like switches and includes memory for storing data packets, a control system arranged to control the switch to, upon receipt at one of the ingress or egress ports of notification of congestion at a downstream congested port, either store at said ingress port or egress port data packets received for said congested port or to communicate with an upstream port for storage at said upstream port of data packets destined for the congested port, and in dependence on the current of stored data, to send a message to a further upstream port informing the further upstream port of the congestion downstream. The memory is provided substantially only at the ingress ports or the egress ports of the switch.
US08509076B2

A wireless transmit/receive units (WTRUs) receives a downlink transmission from a Node-B and decodes the downlink transmission. If the decoding is not successful, the WTRU sends a pre-defined burst signifying a negative acknowledgement (NACK) to the Node-B via a contention-based shared feedback channel. The pre-defined burst may be sent only once without requiring an acknowledgement. The Node-B calibrates a downlink transmit power so that the downlink transmission is transmitted to the WTRUs with a high likelihood. The Node-B may send a downlink transmission including multiple data streams processed using different modulation and coding schemes so that a WTRU having a high signal quality decodes all data streams while a WTRU having a low signal quality decodes less than all data streams. The Node-B sends a channel quality indicator (CQI) threshold so that each WTRU determines a data stream to report feedback based on the CQI threshold and a measured CQI.
US08509070B2

A method for configuring service curves for managing the output port of a networking device includes the following steps. A multitude of traffic classes is defined, each traffic class being characterized by a bandwidth and a delay priority. A multitude of traffic service curves is computed, each of the plurality of traffic service curves is associated with a different one of the multitude of traffic classes. At least one of the multitude of traffic classes service curves is characterized by a shifted two-piece linear function shifted such that the service curve limits service to during a nonzero time period prior to the start of the two-piece linear function.
US08509062B2

A telecommunications system includes a network for transporting packets on a path between selected subscriber end points. The network has multiple nodes connected by links, with each node (a) pairing the forward and backward paths of a connection and (b) allowing for the injection of messages in the backward direction of a connection from any node in the path without needing to consult a higher OSI layer. A system is also provided for protecting connection paths for transporting data packets through an Ethernet telecommunications network having a multiplicity of nodes interconnected by a multiplicity of links. Primary and backup paths are provided through the network for each of multiple connections, with each path including multiple links. Data packets arriving at a first node common to the primary and backup paths are duplicated, and one of the duplicate packets is transported over the primary path, the other duplicate packet is transported over the backup path, and the duplicate packets are recombined at a second node common to the primary and backup paths.
US08509061B2

The present disclosure provides systems and methods for scaling performance of Ethernet Ring Protection Protocol. Specifically, the systems and methods may apply to G.8032 and may provide protection switching control plane performance scaling benefits. In an exemplary embodiment, the present invention summarizes the per “virtual” ring control plane protocol into a single logical ring control plane protocol. Advantageously, the present invention transforms the G.8032 protocol from a per-virtual ring protocol to a per-logical ring control protocol. The mechanism/methodology that is used is to include minimal per-virtual ring instance information in to the Ring Automated Protection Switching (R-APS) (control) frames. Additionally, the present invention cleanly decouples the placement of the R-APS (control) channel block location on the ring from that of the virtual channel data blocks. Current G.8032 specifications tightly couple the location of each R-APS (control) channel block and the virtual channel block that it is managing.
US08509052B2

Provided are a channel information generation apparatus and a method for spatial division multiplexing in a wireless communication system and a data transmission apparatus and a method using generated channel information. The channel information generation apparatus performs spatial division multiplexing in an OFDM-based wireless communication system. The channel information generation apparatus includes a codebook storage unit for storing a predefined codebook, a channel correlation information unit that receives channel information corresponding to each of a plurality of sub-carriers and calculates channel correlation coefficient information between the sub-carriers based on the received channel information, and an index calculation unit that calculates an index of an optimal matrix of matrices stored in the codebook storage unit based on the channel information, the channel correlation coefficient information, and the codebook.
US08509048B2

A storage device includes a storage medium and a plurality of probes. The probes each have a recording/reproducing portion. The probes include a first probe, a second probe spaced from the first probe in a first direction, and a third probe spaced from the first probe in the first direction and in a second direction different from the first direction. A distance Xp1 in the first direction between the portions of the first and second probes, a distance Xp2 in the first direction between the portions of the first and third probes, and a distance Yp2 in the second direction between the portions of the first and third probes satisfy the following formulae: Xp1=n×Xm Xp1=Xm Yp2=Ym/n  [Math 1] (, provided that n=2, 3, 4, - - - ), where Xm and Ym are lengths of each area in the first and second directions, respectively.
US08509030B2

A positioning system has at least one underwater apparatus, which includes an acoustic receiver and a computer. The system includes a base station placed in the sea environment, the base station transmitting an acoustic signal received by the acoustic receiver, wherein the acoustic receiver includes a hydrophone, the base station includes at least two acoustic transmitters forming an antenna, the distances between the acoustic transmitters of the antenna being known and the transmitters being synchronized therebetween. According to the invention, the computer includes an element for calculating differences in arrival time and differences in phases of acoustic signals coming from the base station transmitters, and an element for calculating the possible geometric loci of the position of the apparatus relative to the base station and to the orientation thereof, and the position of the underwater apparatus is predetermined from these possible geometric loci.
US08509028B2

The invention discloses a way to recover separated seismograms with reduced interference noise by processing vibroseis data recorded (or computer simulated) with multiple vibrators shaking simultaneously or nearly simultaneously (200). A preliminary estimate of the separated seismograms is used to obtain improved seismograms (201). The preliminary estimate is convolved with the vibrator signature and then used to update the seismogram. Primary criteria for performing the update include fitting the field data and satisfying typical criteria of noise-free seismograms (202). Alternative ways to update are disclosed, including signal extraction, modeled noise extraction, constrained optimization based separation, and penalized least-squares based separation. The method is particularly suited for removing noise caused by separating the combined record into separate records for each vibrator, and is advantageous where the number of sweeps is fewer than the number of vibrators (200).
US08509027B2

A technique includes receiving seismic data acquired in a survey of a region, the region being associated with locations; processing the seismic data to estimate at least one frequency dependent surface wave property over the region; based at least in part on the estimated frequency dependent surface wave property(ies), determining a frequency dependent data processing geometry for each location; and processing the seismic data based at least in part on the determined data processing geometries to derive a spatially continuous representation of a surface wave property across the region.
US08509026B2

A word line boost circuit including a first address transfer detector, a second address transfer detector and a boost operation unit is provided. The first address transfer detector generates a first detection pulse in response to variation of a row address signal. The second address transfer detector generates a second detection pulse in response to variation of a column address signal. Moreover, the boost operation unit generates a selection voltage by using a boost voltage according to the first detection pulse, and determines whether or not to use the boost voltage to generate the selection voltage according to a delay time between the first detection pulse and the second detection pulse.
US08509025B2

Circuits and methods are described for decoding exemplary memory arrays of programmable and, in some embodiments, re-writable passive element memory cells, which are particularly useful for extremely dense three-dimensional memory arrays having more than one memory plane. In addition, circuits and methods are described for selecting one or more array blocks of such a memory array, for selecting one or more word lines and bit lines within selected array blocks, for conveying data information to and from selected memory cells within selected array blocks, and for conveying unselected bias conditions to unselected array blocks.
US08509020B2

A data processing system includes a first semiconductor device that has a plurality of blocks each including plural data, and a second semiconductor device that has a first control circuit controlling the first semiconductor device, and the first control circuit issues a plurality of commands to communicate with the first semiconductor device in units of access units including a plurality of first definitions that define a plurality of burst lengths indicating numbers of different data, respectively, and a plurality of second definitions that define correspondences between certain elements of data among the plural data included in the blocks, respectively, and arrangement orders in the numbers of different data that constitute the burst lengths, respectively, and communicates with the first semiconductor device through the plural data in the numbers of different data according to the first and second definitions.
US08509010B2

A system includes a controller which is capable of operating at one of a first speed and a second speed slower than the first speed; a semiconductor memory apparatus operating at the first speed; and an input/output device which is connected between the semiconductor memory apparatus and the controller, and configured to control input/output of signals between the controller and the semiconductor memory apparatus, wherein the input/output device operates in a normal mode which corresponds to the input/output of the signals between the controller operating at the first speed and the semiconductor memory apparatus and a test mode which corresponds to the input/output of the signals between the controller operating at the second speed and the semiconductor memory apparatus.
US08509009B2

A device includes a first internal voltage generation circuit generating a first internal voltage in response to an external power supply voltage, a second internal voltage generation circuit generating a second internal voltage in response to the external power supply voltage, the second internal voltage being different in voltage level from the first internal voltage, and a preset signal generation circuit responding to a power-on of the external power supply voltage to the device and generating, independently of the first internal voltage, first and second preset signals that bring the first and the second internal voltage generation circuits into respective initial states, the preset signal generating circuit stopping generation of the first preset signal when the external power supply voltage reaches a first voltage level and stopping generation of the second preset signal when the external power supply voltage reaches a second voltage level different from the first voltage level.
US08508997B2

Embodiments of the invention pertain to vertical memory structures. Embodiments of the invention describe memory nodes comprising two memory cells on opposing sides of a vertical channel separating a source region and a drain region. Embodiments of the invention may utilize floating gate NAND memory cells, polysilicon diodes, MiM diodes, or MiiM diodes. Embodiments of the invention may be used to form flash memory, RRAM, Memristor RAM, Oxide Ram or OTPROM.
US08508989B2

A method of storing and reading data, using a memory that includes a plurality of cells (e.g. flash cells), such that data are stored in the cells by setting respective values of a physical parameter of the cells (e.g. threshold voltage) to be indicative of the data, and such that data are read from the cells by measuring those values. One of the cells and its neighbors are read. The data stored in the cell are estimated, based on the measurements and on respective extents to which the neighbors disturb the reading. Preferably, the method also includes determining those respective extents to which the neighbors disturb the reading, for example based on the measurements themselves.
US08508987B2

A write disturbance margin of reference cells that generate reference current during read is improved. A bit line forms a clad interconnect structure in the normal cell region where normal cells are disposed, and a partially clad or non-clad interconnect structure in the reference cell region where a reference cell is disposed. Thus, a writing magnetic field intensity applied to the reference cell is smaller than the write magnetic field intensity applied to a normal memory cell during identical write currents.
US08508982B2

A semiconductor device includes a first memory cell, a first line, a second line and a first capacitor. The first line is coupled to the first memory cell. The first line supplies a first voltage to the first memory cell. The second line is supplied with a fixed voltage. The first capacitor is coupled between the first and second lines.
US08508979B2

According to one embodiment, a magnetic recording element includes a stacked body. The stacked body includes a first and a second stacked unit. The first stacked unit includes first and second ferromagnetic layers and a first nonmagnetic layer. The first nonmagnetic layer is provided between the first and second ferromagnetic layers. The second stacked unit is stacked with the first stacked unit and includes third and fourth ferromagnetic layers and a second nonmagnetic layer. The fourth ferromagnetic layer is stacked with the third ferromagnetic layer. The second nonmagnetic layer is provided between the third and fourth ferromagnetic layers. An outer edge of the fourth ferromagnetic layer includes a portion outside an outer edge of the first stacked unit in a plane. A magnetization direction of the second ferromagnetic layer is determined by causing a spin-polarized electron and a rotating magnetic field to act on the second ferromagnetic layer.
US08508971B2

A one-time programmable (OTP) memory cell includes two transistors including a dual gate transistor. The dual gate transistor is formed using the same processing operations used to form floating gate transistors in other areas of the semiconductor device. The dual gate transistor includes an upper gate isolated from a floating gate by a floating gate oxide, the combination of which produces an anti-fuse. The nonvolatile memory device may include a plurality of such OTP memory cells and one or more OTP memory cells are selected and programmed by applying a voltage sufficient to blow the anti-fuse by causing the floating gate oxide layer to break down and the upper gate to become shorted to the floating gate.
US08508957B2

A power conversion device includes an inverter for converting DC power to AC power to supply the AC power to a load, a converter for converting AC power from an AC power supply to DC power to supply the DC power to the inverter, a DC voltage converter for converting a voltage value of power stored in a storage battery to supply DC power from the storage battery to the inverter when power supply by the AC power supply is abnormal, and a filter which includes a reactor and a capacitor and removes harmonics generated by the inverter. The inverter includes a three-level circuit constituted of an arm and an AC switch.
US08508943B2

In one aspect, an assembly includes a panel that includes a first surface. The panel also includes a first active circuit coupled to the first surface of the panel and a cold plate having a first bore. The cold plate includes a first inner surface exposed by the first bore. The panel further includes a first thermally conductive material in contact with the first inner surface of the cold plate and the first active circuit.
US08508938B2

A portable computer includes a host module having a host housing. A slot is formed on the host housing, and the slot includes a first fixing end and a second fixing end. The portable computer further includes a display module pivoted to the host module, and a heat dissipating stand installed inside the slot on the host housing in a slidable manner. When an end of the heat dissipating stand is fixed on the first fixing end of the slot, the heat dissipating stand is contained inside the slot completely. When the end of the heat dissipating stand is fixed on the second fixing end of the slot, the other end of the heat dissipating stand protrudes out of the slot and is disposed under the host housing so as to lift the host module.
US08508933B2

A docking station which is electrically connected to a computer main body unit of a portable computer, the docking station includes a docking main body which supports a rear area of the computer main body unit against an installation surface and is electrically connected with the computer main body unit, and an angle adjusting unit which is rotatably coupled to the docking main body to adjust an installation angle of the docking main body with respect to the installation surface.
US08508931B2

A recorder set includes: a recorder which has a connection terminal electrically connected to external equipment, and a casing; and a holder which maintains an attitude of the recorder. The casing has an accommodation unit which accommodates the connection terminal therein, and an opening which allows the connection terminal to externally project therethrough. The holder includes an attachment unit which allows the recorder to be attached thereto in a predetermined attitude. The attachment unit includes a fit member which has an inner wall fitting the connection terminal in geometry. The fit member has an outer wall fittable in the opening.
US08508923B2

An electronic device includes an enclosure. The enclosure includes a main base and a cover rotatably secured to the main base. The main base includes a bottom plate. The cover includes a first section and a second section rotatably connected to the first section. The second section is rotatable relative to the first section between a first position, where the second section is at an acute angle to the first section; and a second position, where the second section is substantially parallel to the bottom plate, and the first section and the second section are located on a same plane and covers the main base.
US08508910B2

A MEMS device includes a substrate, a fixed electrode that is provided on the substrate and allows a signal to pass therethrough, a movable electrode that is provided above the substrate in a manner to face the fixed electrode and allows a signal to pass therethrough, a driving line that is provided inside the substrate and used to apply a driving voltage to displace the movable electrode, and a resistance that is provided in a first via hole formed inside the substrate and used to cutoff a signal. The fixed electrode or the movable electrode is connected to the driving line through the first resistance.
US08508909B2

A duct frame includes: a first airflow path configured to include a first outlet; a second airflow path configured to include a second outlet disposed close to the first outlet; an ion generator configured to be provided in the second airflow path and to divide the second airflow path into a first divided flow path and a second divided flow path; and a minute flow path configured to provide under the ion generator and to have a flow path resistance higher than the flow path resistance of the first divided flow path of the second airflow path.
US08508904B2

A surge arrester includes a housing with a tubular insulating body and at least two electrodes. A layer sequence includes at least one electrically conductive or semiconductive layer, at least one electrically conductive layer and at least one insulating layer and is arranged at least in sub-areas on the inside of the insulating body.
US08508897B2

Upon detecting a fault, a circuit testing closer is operable to open contacts to isolate the fault. Next, the circuit testing closer tests the faulted phase to determine whether the fault has cleared. The circuit testing closer may employ one or more dynamic thresholds to determine the existence of a fault.
US08508895B2

This disclosure is directed to techniques for protecting a sensor from a short to a power supply. According to one example consistent with these techniques, a circuit or device may include a sensor unit and a short protection unit. The sensor unit may generate at least one signal indicative of at least one measured property. The sensor unit may be configured to communicate the at least one generated signal via an output node coupled to the sensor unit. The short protection unit may determine whether the output node is electrically coupled to a power supply input. The short protection unit may, if the output node is electrically coupled to the power supply input, provide at least one auxiliary load between the sensor unit and the output node, and thereby protect the sensor unit to prevent the sensor unit from operating undesirably and/or to prevent the sensor unit from damage.
US08508892B2

An integrated circuit (10) for use in a DC-DC converter is protected against damage from electrostatic discharge when not in use in the DC-DC converter. The integrated circuit includes a control circuit (11) and a switching transistor (12, 20) coupled between a first and second terminal (10a, b) of the integrated circuit (10). During DC-DC conversion the control circuit controls periodic switching of the switching transistor. The integrated circuit (10) furthermore comprises an electrostatic discharge (ESD) protection circuit, with a high pass filter circuit (160, 162) with inputs between terminals (10a, b) of the integrated circuit (10) and an output coupled to a detector transistor (164). The detector transistor (164) charges a chargeable circuit (17). From a node between the detector transistor (164) and the chargeable circuit (17) the switching transistor (12, 20) is made conductive when the detector transistor (164) becomes conductive. By using a high pass filter circuit (160, 162) the ESD protection circuit is made to work outside normal use. When the DC-DC converter contains multiple switching transistors all are preferably made conductive upon detection of ESD.
US08508887B2

A magnetic tape head including a transducer disposed between a substrate, a recession between the transducer and the substrate, where the recession is formed at least by wear from a magnetic tape. The magnetic tape head also includes a heater disposed in the transducer. The heater thermally expands the transducer at a particular location such that the recession is reduced at the particular location.
US08508874B2

An optical mirror element includes an optically transmissive element having a first surface and a second surface, and a reflective coating layer on the first surface that defines a mirror surface. A first portion of the first surface does not include the reflective coating layer such that the first portion defines an optically transmissive window in the mirror surface. Q method of forming an optical mirror element having a window portion includes providing an optical element, masking a first portion of a first surface of the optical element, and thereafter applying a reflective coating to the first surface so as to define a reflective surface, wherein the masked portion defines a transmissive region in the reflective surface. The exposed portion of the first surface may be coated with an anti-reflective coating, either before or after the reflective coating is applied.
US08508871B2

Provided is a lens barrel comprising a lens holding member that holds a lens; a guide bar that has a magnetic pattern in which a pair of magnetic poles repeat in a longitudinal direction and that has the longitudinal direction thereof oriented in a direction of an optical axis of the lens to guide the lens holding section to move in the direction of the optical axis; a control portion that is disposed on an outer circumferential surface of the lens holding member and that includes a magnetic body generating magnetic force between itself and the magnetic pattern of the guide bar; and a drive coil that is arranged in a manner to not contact the guide bar and that generates magnetic drive force between itself and the guide bar.
US08508870B2

The present invention provides a supporting device that supports an optical element, comprising: a first supporting member that is fixed to an outer circumference of the optical element; a plurality of members that is connected to an outer circumference of the first supporting member; and a second supporting member that supports the first supporting member via the plurality of members, wherein each of the plurality of members is configured such that the a rigidity thereof in a first direction inclined relative to a direction orthogonal to an optical axis of the optical element in a plane including the optical axis is lower than a rigidity thereof in each of two directions that are orthogonal to the first direction and that are orthogonal to each other.
US08508869B2

An exemplary lens module includes a first lens array, a second lens array, an electrostrictive member and a power supply. The first lens array includes first lenses, and the second lens array includes second lenses, an optical axis of each second lens being aligned with that of the corresponding first lens. The electrostrictive member is made from an artificial muscle material spacing the first lens array and the second lens array. A thickness direction of the electrostrictive member is parallel to optical axes of the first lenses and second lenses, and the electrostrictive member is deformable along the thickness direction thereof when an electric current is applied thereon, thereby driving the first and second lens arrays to move toward or away from each other. The power supply is electrically connected to the electrostrictive member to provide the electric current to the electrostrictive member.
US08508865B2

An imaging lens includes, from an object-side to an image-side: an aperture stop, a first lens of positive refractive power with two convex surfaces along the optical axis of the imaging lens, a meniscus second lens of negative refractive power with a convex surface on the object-side, a meniscus third lens of positive refractive power with a convex surface on the image-side, a meniscus fourth lens of negative refractive power with a convex surface on the object-side. Specified conditions are satisfied in order to reduce aberrations and an Fno (focal ratio number) and enhance wide-angle view.
US08508863B2

This invention provides an image lens system comprising: a first lens element with positive refractive power; a second lens element with negative refractive power having a concave object-side surface and a concave image-side surface, both the object-side and image-side surfaces thereof being aspheric and made of plastic; a third lens element with positive refractive power; and a fourth lens element with negative refractive power, and at least one inflection point is formed on at least one of the object-side and image-side surfaces thereof; wherein, the region of the image-side surface of the second lens element near the optical axis is concave, but the off-axis region thereof is convex. By such arrangement, not only the photosensitivity and total track length of the system can be reduced, but also better image quality can be obtained.
US08508862B2

An image pickup lens having a four lens configuration in which a bi-concave first lens, a bi-convex second lens, a bi-concave third lens, and a positive fourth lens are disposed in this order from an object side. Here, at least one of the first, second, third, and fourth lenses has an aspherical surface on each side. The image pickup lens satisfies Conditional Expression (1) given below when a refractive index of the second lens with respect to d-line is taken as Nd2. 1.6
US08508853B2

A projection lens consists of first and second les groups and a stop. The first lens group is formed of a negative lens. The second lens group is formed of three positive lenses and a negative lens. The stop is disposed between the first and second lens groups or in the second lens group. The first and second lens groups are arranged in order from a magnification side. The projection lens is telecentric on a reduction side. The projection lens is configured to satisfy the following conditional expressions (1) and (2): 1.0≦f2h/f≦5.0  (1) −2.5≦f1/f≦−0.8  (2) where f2h is a focal length of an aspheric lens of at least one of the first and second positive lenses of the second lens group, f is a focal length of the whole system, and f1 is a focal length of the first lens group.
US08508850B2

Disclosed herein is a multi-layered light diffusion plate, in which the multi-layered light diffusion plate is manufactured by coextruding a transparent layer comprising an amorphous transparent thermoplastic resin and a light diffusion layer comprising an amorphous transparent thermoplastic resin and transparent particles, so that the manufacturing process thereof is simple and efficient, and which has excellent light transmissivity and light diffusivity, high brightness, and high brightness uniformity, thereby improving viewing angle characteristics, and to a liquid crystal display device comprising the same.
US08508845B2

Producing a scaled multiple parallax compound lens is accomplished by providing an insect eye having multiple ommatidia and creating a polymer mold of the insect eye. A casting is then created from the polymer mold with an expandable polymer which is then linearly expanded to provide a form for creating a second polymer mold. A second casting is then created from the second polymer mold. Duplication of the process can be accomplished for further scaling up of the compound lens with the final casting created using a durable polymer having appropriate optical properties for the lens.
US08508844B2

A master oscillator power-amplifier stages includes multiple stages of fiber-amplification with a final power amplifier stage in the form of a multi-pass amplifier. With a thin-disk gain medium in one example the thin-disk amplifier includes a common optical arrangement for providing multiple incidences of radiation to be amplified and multiple incidences of a pump-radiation beam on the thin-disk gain medium.
US08508839B2

A system and method for improving conversion efficiency of a difference frequency generator (DFG) and/or for outputting a desired shape of the output signal, where the method includes providing a pump source, modifying the pump pulse temporal shape for optimal DFG conversion efficiency, and providing the modified pump pulse to the DFG. The pump source may be, for example, a MOPA laser or a diode or any other suitable source. In one embodiment, the pump pulse shape is modified such that an initial gain within the DFG is high, followed by a lower level signal for efficient conversion within the DFG. An example of such a shape is a double square pulse. Other configurations are possible as well such as a single rectangular pulse shape.
US08508835B2

A display structure is described comprising a displaying medium, a backplane provided with an active matrix and a pixel pad comprising a plurality of pixels having an inter-pixel spacing, said pixel pad superposing the active matrix, wherein the inter-pixel spacing is in the range of 2.5-40 micrometers, preferably in the range of 8-20 micrometers.
US08508832B2

An electro-optic system is provided that includes a front element a rear element, and an electro-optic medium, the electro-optic medium is adapted to be in at least a high transmittance state and a low transmittance state. The electro-optic system further includes a display device in optical communication with the electro-optic element, the display device including at least one light source and is configured to emit at least a first primary and a second primary, the first and second primaries each having a first hue (hab) when viewed through the electro-optic element in approximately the high transmittance state and a second hue (hab′) when viewed through the electro-optic element in approximately the low transmittance state, wherein a change in the first and second hues (Δhab) for both first and second primaries is less than approximately 31 degrees.
US08508824B2

A scanning lens apparatus with a bimorph actuator is provided. The scanning lens apparatus includes: a housing having a hollow cylindrical shape; a first suspension and a second suspension which are parallel to each other, and a first end of each of the first suspension and the second suspension is fixed on an inner surface of the housing; first bimorphs disposed on first surfaces of the first and second suspensions and second bimorphs disposed on second surfaces facing the first surfaces of the first and second suspensions; a first lens which is fixed between a second end of the first suspension and a second end of the second suspension; a second lens fixed parallel to the first lens between the first and second suspensions; and an object lens disposed on an end of the housing to face the second lens with respect to the first lens.
US08508820B2

A transported material transporting device including: a power transmission switching mechanism configured to switch the transmission of the power between the intermediate gear and the cam drive gear between a transmitted state and a blocked state; a detection lever provided in the reversing path and configured to detect the presence or absence of the material to be transported which enters the reversing path; and a blocked-state locking mechanism configured to lock the blocked state of the power transmission switching mechanism when the discharging roller is in the released state, wherein the locked state of the blocked-state locking mechanism is released and the power transmission switching mechanism is switched from the blocked state to the transmitted state upon detection of the position of the trailing end of the material to be transported entering the reversing path by the detection lever.
US08508811B2

An image forming apparatus to copy a two-sided card is disclosed. The image forming apparatus includes a user interface unit to adjust a layout for copying both sides of the two-sided card, an image reading unit to read the both sides of the two-sided card and generates scanned images, a controlling unit to generate image data where the scanned images are laid out on at least one page according to the adjusted layout, and an output unit to output the image data generated by the controlling unit. Accordingly, the both sides of the two-sided card may be laid out and output in various types.
US08508801B2

A method includes applying at least one medium to a substrate with a printing device to form a symbol. The perceived reflectance properties of the symbol are provided by an amount of the at least one medium applied to the substrate.
US08508796B2

Disclosed is an image forming apparatus and method of controlling same for forming an image on a print medium using a non-transparent recording agent and a transparent recording agent. If the gloss level of an image to be formed is designated, the image is formed upon deciding whether or not image formation using the transparent recording agent is to be carried out, this decision being made based upon the designated gloss level and stored type information of the print medium used in image formation.
US08508794B2

An image forming apparatus sets one of a plurality of modes including a monochrome mode of forming a monochrome image, converts a multivalued luminance signal into signal values of color material amounts to be used to form the image and forms the image using color materials based on the signal values. The color materials used in the forming when the monochrome mode is set include an achromatic color material and at least two auxiliary color materials which have hues opposite to each other and a chroma larger than that of the achromatic color material.
US08508784B2

An image forming system may be configured to compensate for and register various sizes of recording media on which image formation data may be recorded. For example, the image formation data may be edited with application software for various sizes of recording media. Accordingly, the image forming system may include a size detecting unit configured to detect size information of the recording medium and/or a registration unit configured to register the size information detected by the size detecting unit as setting information. The image forming system may further include a reflecting unit configured to reflect a selected setting information within the application software (e.g., an editing function thereof) with which the information terminal device can edit the image formation data so as to conform to the size information.
US08508782B2

A method for securing a computer device against malicious code, the method including the steps of: executing a computer program on the computer device, the computer device having a central processing unit, which carries out instructions of the computer program, and wherein at least a portion of the computer program is executed by one or more tasks, each of the one or more tasks having a task stack associated therewith; and managing the central processing unit such that the central processing unit does not execute machine code from the task stacks associated with each of the one or more task so as to secure the computer device against malicious code from the task stack.
US08508778B2

When a monochromatic copy mode is to be executed, a control section sets a read mode in a scanner section so as to enable the scanner section to read an image at high speed by means of only a line sensor K, sets in an image processing section an image process that can print monochromatic image information, which is sent from the scanner section, with a single black color in the printer section, and sets in the printer section a monochromatic print mode that can print a black image at high speed, thereby controlling a monochromatic copy operation.
US08508776B2

An image processing apparatus including: an assignment portion that, when a plurality of dynamic reconfigurable processors (DRPs) execute image processes by a pipeline process mode based on a print job, assigns identification numbers identifying the DRPs to the DRPs based on the number of DRPs; a first change portion that changes an assignment process by the assignment portion, based on whether a DRP of a final stage in the DRPs is connected to an outputting portion, the outputting portion outputting the results of the image processes to an outside; and a second change portion that, when the DRP of the final stage in the DRPs is disconnected from the outputting portion, further changes the assignment process by the assignment portion based on whether the DRPs are placed on only a single substrate.
US08508766B2

Systems, devices, and methods for global enterprise workflow management are disclosed. The system may include a communications module, memory, and processor for executing a method of managing job information. The system receives job information and uses a model to identify a desirable resource to execute the job. Then the system sends the job information to the identified resource for execution. The resource may send back information associated with the running and/or completion of the job. Various models may be used in identifying a desirable approach, including a cost model, a staffing model, and other models.
US08508760B2

An output device, such as a multifunction peripheral, prints data transmitted from a portable terminal device via contactless communication in such a manner as to prevent leakage of the data from a medium on which the data is printed, while the convenience of outputting data via wireless communication is maintained. A multifunction peripheral includes plural communication units having different communication areas. A determination unit of the multifunction peripheral identifies one of the communication units that receives the data from the portable terminal device. Based on the type of the identified communication unit, such as a Bluetooth communication unit, it is determined whether the portable terminal device is within a predetermined communication area. When the portable terminal device is within the predetermined communication area, a granting unit grants output of the received data from the output device.
US08508759B2

A communication apparatus includes a first reception unit which receives an instruction from a server, a second reception unit which receives an instruction from a path other than the server, an executing unit which executes a function when the first reception unit receives a first execution instruction from the server or when the second reception unit receives a second execution instruction from the path other than the server, and a display control unit which displays a display instruction correspondence screen when the first reception unit receives a display instruction from the server, and which displays an execution correspondence screen when the executing unit executes the function. During a time period while the display instruction correspondence screen is being displayed, the display control unit displays the execution correspondence screen when receiving the first execution instruction, but doesn't display the execution correspondence screen when receiving the second execution instruction.
US08508756B2

To convert a source document having an additionally-handwritten portion into PDF data, an image forming apparatus scans the source document and reads it, and extracts an additionally-written region from image data. Additionally, based on a position of the additionally-written region, the image forming apparatus sets an annotation frame, which is a size of a region on the PDF data for inserting the additionally-written region into the PDF data as an annotation, and a position where the data is displayed.
US08508752B2

An image data producing apparatus includes: a page dividing portion that divides data described in a page description language into a page unit; a plurality of image processors that form raster data from divided data; and a controlling portion that allocates pages on which the raster data is formed to each of the plurality of the image processors, and causes each of the plurality of the image processors to execute registration of a printing resource on respective pages with at least a change of the printing resource by controlling each of the plurality of the image processors irrespective of a page allocation.
US08508749B2

A method of measuring a deviation of an optical surface from a target shape and a method of manufacturing an optical element. This method of measuring the deviation includes: performing a first interferometric measurement using a first diffractive measurement structure, which is arranged to cover a first area of the optical surface, to provide a first interferometric measurement result, performing a second interferometric measurement using a second diffractive measurement structure, which is arranged to cover a second area of the optical surface different from the first area, to provide a second interferometric measurement result, and determining a deviation of the optical surface from the target shape.
US08508742B2

A device and method detect a feature of a fluid or a target element in the fluid by contacting the fluid to a sensing surface on a substrate. A mechanical wave comprising shear-vertical wave components is propagated through the substrate to mix the fluid, conduct desorption of at least one non-target element from the sensing surface, and/or impede adsorption of the non-target element to the sensing surface. The feature of the fluid or the target element in the fluid is then detected on the sensing surface, wherein the detection is accelerated by the above-mentioned mixing of the fluid, desorption of at least one non-target element from the sensing surface, and/or impeding of the adsorption of the non-target element to the sensing surface.
US08508741B2

An apparatus and method for estimating a parameter of interest in a downhole fluid using fluid testing module. The fluid testing module may include: a substrate comprising at least one microconduit, and a sensor. The sensor may be disposed within the at least one microconduit or external. The apparatus may include a fluid transporter for moving fluid within the microconduit. The method includes estimating a parameter of interest using the fluid testing module.
US08508731B2

A spectrometer capable of eliminating side-tail effects includes a body and an input section, a diffraction grating, an image sensor unit and a wave-guiding device, which are mounted in the body. The input section receives a first optical signal and outputs a second optical signal travelling along a first light path. The diffraction grating receives the second optical signal and separates the second optical signal into a plurality of spectrum components, including a specific spectrum component travelling along a second light path. The image sensor unit receives the specific spectrum component. The wave-guiding device includes first and second reflective surfaces opposite to each other and limits the first light path and the second light path between them to guide the second optical signal and the specific spectrum component. The first and second reflective surfaces are separated from a light receiving surface of the image sensor unit by a predetermined gap.
US08508718B2

Methods and apparatus allow a liquid to be substantially contained between a lens and a wafer table assembly of an immersion lithography system. According to one example, an exposure apparatus includes a lens and a wafer table assembly. The wafer table assembly has a top surface, and is arranged to support a wafer to be moved with respect to the lens as well as at least one component. The top surface of the wafer and the top surface of the component are each at substantially a same height as the top surface of the wafer table assembly. An overall top surface of the wafer table assembly which includes the top surface of the wafer, the top surface of the wafer table assembly, and the top surface of the at least one component is substantially planar.
US08508717B2

An illumination optical system for illuminating an irradiated plane M with illumination light provided from a light source includes a spatial light modulator, which is arranged in an optical path of the illumination optical system and forms a desired light intensity distribution at a pupil position of the illumination optical system or a position optically conjugated with the pupil position, and a diffuser, which is arranged at an incidence side of the spatial light modulator through which the illumination light enters.
US08508708B2

A liquid crystal layer sandwiched by a lower substrate 1 and an upper substrate comprises cross-shaped supports, a wall surface structure, and a seal member. The supports 15 are provided at the four sides of each pixel. Contiguous pixels are linked via openings between supports. The wall surface structure is provided in the periphery of the supports arranged in the form of a grid. The supports and the wall surface structure are a same member having adhesiveness. A portion of the wall surface structure is an inlet of liquid crystal. A seal member is provided at the perimeter of the wall surface structure 17. The liquid crystal poured from the inlet is poured into all of pixels via openings. A black matrix in the form of a grid, which covers the top side of all of the supports, is provided on the upper substrate.
US08508707B2

In one embodiment, a liquid crystal display device includes a liquid crystal display panel having an active area for displaying images. The active area has pixels arranged in a matrix shape. The liquid crystal display device includes a first substrate having pixel electrodes of the pixels, a second substrate having a plurality of colored layers arranged side by side, and a counter electrode arranged on the colored layers facing the respective pixel electrodes. A seal element is arranged on a seal portion surrounding the active area and attaching the first substrate and the second substrate. A liquid crystal layer is held between the first substrate and the second substrate. The second substrate includes a convex portion arranged between the seal element and the active area, and the convex portion is formed of the same material as one of the plurality of colored layers.
US08508701B2

The display device according to the present invention is a display device having a display panel and a front window (FW) provided on a front surface side of the display panel, and has: a colored portion 20 having a thickness of 20 μm or more printed on a rear surface of the front window and formed around a display region of the display panel; a first adhesive film 31 having approximately the same thickness as the colored portion placed inside the colored portion so as to not overlap the colored portion; and a second adhesive film 32 placed so as to cover the colored portion 20 and the first adhesive film 31.
US08508700B2

It is an object of the present invention to provide a liquid crystal display device which has a wide viewing angle and less color-shift depending on an angle at which a display screen is seen and can display an image favorably recognized both outdoors in sunlight and dark indoors (or outdoors at night). The liquid crystal display device includes a first portion where display is performed by transmission of light and a second portion where display is performed by reflection of light. Further, a liquid crystal layer includes a liquid crystal molecule which rotates parallel to an electrode plane when a potential difference is generated between two electrodes of a liquid crystal element provided below the liquid crystal layer.
US08508693B2

Disclosed is a backlight unit provided with an improved external appearance and uniform brightness is disclosed. The backlight unit includes a light source, and a light guide plate configured to primarily and secondarily reflect light from the light source and to convert the reflected light into two dimensional light. One side portion of the light guide plate is formed to provide an undercut space enough to accommodate the light source.
US08508692B2

A backlight unit capable of improving contrast properties by implementing a local dimming method while making the backlight unit slim, and a liquid crystal display using the same are provided. The backlight unit includes a first light guide plate array including a plurality of first light guide plates arranged in parallel in a first direction to define a first light guide channels; a second light guide plate array including a plurality of second light guide plates arranged in parallel in a second direction intersected with the first direction to a second light guide channels; a first light array arranged near at least one end of the first light guide plate array to illuminate light to the at least one end of the first light guide plate array; and a second light array arranged near at least one end of the second light guide plate array to illuminate light to the at least one end of the second light guide plate array.
US08508688B2

An illuminating lens has a light entrance surface and a light exit surface. The light exit surface has a first light exit surface recessed toward a point on an optical axis A and a second light exit surface extending outwardly from the periphery of the first light exit surface. The first light exit surface includes a transmissive region located in the center of the first light exit surface and a total reflection region located around the transmissive region. The transmissive region transmits light that has been emitted from a starting point Q, which is the position of a light source on the optical axis A, at a relatively small angle with respect to the optical axis A. The total reflection region totally reflects light that has been emitted from the starting point Q at a relatively large angle with respect to the optical axis A.
US08508683B2

A flat panel display having an improved picture quality is disclosed. In on embodiment, a first pixel electrode and a second pixel electrode are formed in each subpixel area. The electrodes enclose an open space (gap) such that their outer boundary has a substantially rectangular shape. The flat panel display may also include a capacitance electrode coupled to the second pixel electrode to form a coupling capacitor. In use, the coupling capacitor operates such that a magnitude of a voltage applied to the first pixel electrode is lower than an applied data voltage, and a magnitude of a voltage applied to the second pixel electrode is higher than an applied voltage. The different voltages operate such that a tilt direction of LC molecules disposed above the first pixel electrode differs from a tilt direction of LC molecules disposed above the second pixel electrode.
US08508682B2

The present invention provides a simplifying method for a peeling process as well as peeling and transcribing to a large-size substrate uniformly. A feature of the present invention is to peel a first adhesive and to cure a second adhesive at the same time in a peeling process, thereby to simplify a manufacturing process. In addition, the present invention is to devise the timing of transcribing a peel-off layer in which up to an electrode of a semiconductor are formed to a predetermined substrate. In particular, a feature is that peeling is performed by using a pressure difference in the case that peeling is performed with a state in which plural semiconductor elements are formed on a large-size substrate.
US08508679B2

A semitransparent display (100), suitable for use with an electronic device (700), is provided. The semitransparent display (100), in one embodiment, includes a cholesteric liquid crystal display layer (101) and a translucent electroluminescent layer (102), such as an organic light emitting diode device. Control circuitry (109) is coupled to each layer, and is configured to selectively actuate each layer. The cholesteric liquid crystal display layer (101) can be operated in any of a planar mode (201), a focal conic mode (202), or a homeotropic mode (203). Segments of the cholesteric liquid crystal display layer (101) can be selectively actuated so as to hide and reveal user actuation targets. Capacitive sensors (620, 621) can be included so that the semitransparent display (100) works as a touch sensitive user interface. A user can see an object, such as a hand (105) or stylus, from above the semitransparent display (100) when the hand (105) or stylus is placed beneath the semitransparent display (100).
US08508676B2

An anti-reflective thin film coating formed on an optical surface, comprising a multilayer thin-film stack arranged to suppress reflection of incident polarized light within an incident light wavelength range. The multilayer thin-film stack further provides a reflectance edge transition at a wavelength band that lies outside the incident light wavelength range. The reflectance edge transition is arranged to provide phase difference compensation to the polarized light within the incident polarized light wavelength range.
US08508675B2

A liquid crystal projector includes: an illumination system; a liquid crystal optical element; an inorganic polarizer arranged on the emission side of the liquid crystal optical element; and a projection system arranged on the emission side of the inorganic polarizer, the inorganic polarizer includes a substrate, a plurality of reflective layers arranged on the substrate, a dielectric layer formed on each reflective layer, and an inorganic particulate layer formed on the dielectric layer to be shifted in a first direction from a center line that bisects the corresponding reflective layer in a short-side direction, at least one of a optical axis of the illumination system and a optical axis of the projection system is shifted with respect to a center axis of the liquid crystal optical element.
US08508662B1

A system and method for motion adaptively filtering a de-interlaced video signal. This motion adaptive filtering may be accomplished by using a motion value determined during motion adaptive de-interlacing. The motion value may be used to adjust the amount of filtering to be applied to the de-interlaced signal. Edges in the signal representing motion my be filtered more than static regions. A pixel by pixel difference between multiple signal frames, calculated during motion adaptive de-interlacing, may be used to determine the motion value. A motion adaptive filter may be implemented either separately from the motion adaptive de-interlacer or incorporated as part of the motion adaptive de-interlacer.
US08508652B2

An autofocus method includes acquiring multiple images each having a camera lens focused at a different focus distance. A sharpest image is determined among the multiple images. Horizontal, vertical and/or diagonal integral projection (IP) vectors are computed for each of the multiple images. One or more IP vectors of the sharpest image is/are convoluted with multiple filters of different lengths to generate one or more filtered IP vectors for the sharpest image. Differences are computed between the one or more filtered IP vectors of the sharpest image and one or more IP vectors of at least one of the other images of the multiple images. At least one blur width is estimated between the sharpest image and the at least one of the other images of the multiple images as a minimum value among the computed differences over a selected range. The steps are repeated one or more times to obtain a sequence of estimated blur width values. A focus position is adjusted based on the sequence of estimated blur width values.
US08508621B2

Certain embodiments of the present disclosure provide a flexible memory input/output controller that is configured to the storing and reading of multiple types of pixels and pixel memory formats. For instance, the memory I/O controller may support the storing and reading of raw image pixels at various bits of precision, such as 8-bit, 10-bit, 12-bit, 14-bit, and 16-bit. Pixel formats that are unaligned with memory bytes (e.g., not being a multiple of 8-bits) may be stored in a packed manner. The memory I/O controller may also support various formats of RGB pixel sets and YCC pixel sets.
US08508620B2

A controller of a cellular phone acquires data of a date and a time when an object is captured from a clock part, in addition to image data of the object captured in an image capture mode by a camera part, and stores those data as image capture date data and image capture time data in a storage part in association with the image data in addition to the image data. Furthermore, when image capture date data of the image data stored in the storage part match date data outputted from the clock part in a standby mode, then the controller reads the image data and the image capture date and the image capture time corresponding to the image data from the storage part and controls a display part to display the image data with superimposing the image capture date and the image capture time thereon. The image data is displayed on the display part while the image capture date and the image capture time corresponding to the image data are superimposed on the image data.
US08508616B2

A white balance correction apparatus may include a dividing unit, a white evaluation unit, a white balance correction unit, and a camera orientation discrimination unit. The dividing unit divides an image into a plurality of divided areas. The white evaluation unit determines whether image data within every divided area is indicative of a color white according to white detection regions in a color temperature range defined based on a position of each divided area in the image. The white balance correction unit performs a white balance correction based upon image data determined to be indicative of the color white. The camera orientation discrimination unit discriminates orientation of a camera. In accordance with the discriminated orientation, the white evaluation unit changes a combination of position of each divided area and condition used.
US08508607B2

A method and system for a programmable camera for a configurable security and surveillance system are provided. A programmable sensor agent for video surveillance may comprise a network interface, a processor, an image processor, and an image sensor. The image processor may comprise at least one configurable device. A device programming file may be received by the network interface from a system manager and may be programmed into at least one configurable device in the image processor via a JTAG interface in the processor. The processor may also verify that the programming has been completed successfully. The programmable sensor agent may also comprise a display interface. The device programming file may be selected via the system manager and/or via the display interface in the programmable sensor agent. The programmable sensor agent may also comprise a battery for backup power, a wireless processor, and/or a global positioning system (GPS) processor.
US08508606B2

An image deblurring system deblurs motion blurred images of a video stream captured from a moving object. An image deblurring method selects a blurred image from the video stream, selects blurred pixels from the blurred image, and calculates a movement offset for each of the blurred pixels according to coordinates of the blurred pixel in a frequency domain during the movement of the moving object. The method generates a point spread function according to the movement offset, and generates an image conversion formula according to the point spread function. The method converts each of the blurred pixels into a sharp pixel according to the image conversion formula, and generates a sharp image based on all of the sharp pixels.
US08508604B2

An anti-shake apparatus comprises an angular velocity sensor and a controller. The angular velocity sensor detects an angular velocity. The controller controls the angular velocity sensor and performs an anti-shake operation based on the output signal from the angular velocity sensor. The controller calculates an angular velocity signal, based on the output signal from the angular velocity sensor before a predetermined period which is longer than a predetermined time interval and the output signal from the angular velocity sensor after the predetermined period, at the predetermined time interval, during the predetermined period.
US08508597B2

A method and system for automated video quality assessment which reduces the adverse effects of sub-field/frame misalignments between the reference and test sequences. More particularly, the invention provides for misalignments down to a sub-field/frame level to be handled by individually matching sub-field/frame elements of a test video field/frame with sub-field/frame elements from a reference video field/frame. The use of a matching element size that is significantly smaller than the video field/frame size enables transient sub-field/frame misalignments to be effectively tracked.
US08508592B2

The invention provides a spatially-selective reflective structure for the detection of submillimeter electromagnetic waves and systems and methods incorporating spatially-selective reflective structures. One aspect of the invention provides a spatially-selective reflective structure including a partially-conducting slab and a modulating reflector disk adjacent to the partially-conducting slab. The modulating reflector disk includes a plurality of modulations. Another aspect of the invention provides a submillimeter imaging device including submillimeter wave optics, a spatially-selective reflective structure located in the focal plane of the submillimeter wave optics, a submillimeter wave receiver positioned to capture waves reflected from the spatially-selective reflective structure, and a motor configured to rotate the spatially-selective reflective structure. The spatially-selective reflective structure includes a partially-conducting slab and a modulating reflector disk adjacent to the partially-conducting slab. The modulating reflector plate includes one or more modulations.
US08508586B2

Liquid crystal spectacles are provided for three-dimensional viewing of digital video content from a projector. The viewing spectacles include a first rectilinear polariser and a second rectilinear polariser respectively having polarisation axes P1 and P2, the polarisation axes P1 and P2 being parallel or perpendicular relative to each other. Furthermore, the liquid crystal has an adapted intrinsic tilt angle and is used in a half-wave blade configuration. The liquid crystal further includes first and second separate areas, each respectively located opposite a vision axis. The first area includes a first director and the second area includes a second director. The first and second directors are oriented so as to define an adapted angle between them. This enables a “non-one-eyed” vision while waiting for the projection of the film to start, and to obtain the best possible contrast between the two eyes of the user when viewing the digital video content.
US08508585B2

A three-dimensional video reproduction apparatus includes: a video decoder unit which generates a right-eye video signal and a left-eye video signal; a graphics decoder unit which generates a right-eye graphics signal and a left-eye graphics signal; a synthesizing unit which synthesizes the right-eye video signal and the right-eye graphics signal and synthesizes the left-eye video signal and the left-eye graphics signal, to generate a right-eye output signal and a left-eye output signal; and an output unit which reproduces the three-dimensional video by alternately outputting the right-eye and left-eye output signals. When two adjacent pixels in the right-eye or left-eye output signal are represented by a common chrominance signal, and are generated respectively using a video signal and a graphics signal, the synthesizing unit generates the common chrominance signal such that a synthesis ratio of the video signal and the graphics signal is biased in favor of one of these.
US08508583B2

A three-dimensional video image projecting device and projecting method uses video image projectors to project a three-dimensional video image on a cylindrical screen face which can be three-dimensionally viewed through three-dimensional glasses having a first polarizing filter and a second polarizing filter arranged thereon. A plurality of video image projectors are disposed to be opposed to respective regions of the screen face, and the video image projectors produce a continuous, three-dimensional video image in a circumferential direction, by projecting, from the video image projectors, three-dimensional video images, each of which has an angle of 30 degrees or less in a circumferential direction of the screen face, arranged along the circumferential direction of the screen face.
US08508582B2

A method of creating a three-dimensional image signal including receiving a first image component, receiving a second component for creating a three-dimensional image in combination with the first image component, receiving a text component for including in the three-dimensional image, receiving a data component comprising location information describing the location of the text component within the three-dimensional image, and creating a three-dimensional image signal comprising the first image component, the second component, the text component, and the data component. The signal is rendered by rendering a three-dimensional image from the first image component and the second component, the rendering including rendering the text component in the three-dimensional image. The rendering of the text component includes adjusting three-dimensional parameters of the three-dimensional image in the location of the rendered text component.
US08508580B2

Methods, systems, and computer program products for generating three-dimensional images of a scene are disclosed herein. According to one aspect, a method includes receiving a plurality of images of a scene. The method also includes determining attributes of the plurality of images. Further, the method includes determining, based on the attributes, a pair of images from among the plurality of images for use in creating a three-dimensional image. A user can, by use of the subject matter disclosed herein, use an image capture device for capturing a plurality of different images of the same scene and for converting the images into a three-dimensional, or stereoscopic, image of the scene. The subject matter disclosed herein includes a three-dimensional conversion process. The conversion process can include identification of suitable pairs of images, registration, rectification, color correction, transformation, depth adjustment, and motion detection and removal.
US08508563B2

An image display apparatus has a correction unit that performs a correction process on image signals so as to suppress luminance fluctuation caused by capacitive coupling between adjacent column wirings. The correction unit includes: a correction value generation unit that determines a correction value for a pixel to be corrected on the basis of a combination of a signal value of the pixel to be corrected and signal values of adjacent pixels which are on a column wiring next to a column wiring on which the pixel to be corrected is, and on the basis of a position of the pixel to be corrected in a column direction; and a correction operation unit that corrects a signal of the pixel to be corrected using the correction value generated by the correction value generation unit.
US08508554B2

A display device and a driving method thereof are provided. The display device includes an image signal processor that is supplied with original image signals for various frames and generates interpolation signals used to display images corresponding to interpolation frames, and a display panel that displays images corresponding to the respective various frames and images corresponding to the respective interpolation frames, wherein the images displayed in the respective frames are images corresponding to a first gamma curve corrected based on an original gamma curve, the images displayed in the respective interpolation frames are images corresponding to a second gamma curve corrected based on the original gamma curve, and the first gamma curve is different from the second gamma curve.
US08508547B2

There is provided a method of changing a theme for a user interface of a computer system comprising receiving an identification of an image with which to define a color palette of a theme for rendering elements of a user interface on a color display of the computer system; analyzing the image to determine at least one predominant color; and defining the color palette in response to the analysis. The image may comprise a background image selected by a user for display by the computer system. Dynamic generation of the color palette matches the user interface to colors to provide flexible and appealing themes. A computer readable memory having recorded thereon instructions to carry out this method is also provided, as well as a device comprising such memory.
US08508546B2

Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer program products feature identifying a first plurality of pixels in a raster image as foreground pixels and a distinct second plurality of pixels in the raster image as background pixels. Each of the foreground and background pixels have a respective color value. The color values of the foreground pixels and the color values of the background pixels are used to solve for a color model of opacity. The color model of opacity is used to determine an opacity value for a pixel in the raster image.
US08508539B2

A method of server site rendering 3D images on a server computer coupled to a client computer wherein the client computer instructs a server computer to load data for 3D rendering and sends a stream of rendering parameter sets to the server computer, each set of rendering parameters corresponding with an image to be rendered; next the render computer renders a stream of images corresponding to the stream of parameter sets and the stream of images is compressed with a video compression scheme and sent from the server computer to the client computer where the client computer decompresses the received compressed video stream and displays the result in a viewing port. The rendering and communication chain is subdivided in successive pipeline stages that work in parallel on successive rendered image information.
US08508538B2

A display system is disclosed that is capable of switching between graphics processing units (GPUs). Some embodiments may include a display system, including a display, a timing controller (T-CON) coupled to the display, the T-CON including a plurality of receivers, and a plurality of GPUs, where each GPU is coupled to at least one of the plurality of receivers, and where the T-CON selectively couples only one of the plurality of GPUs to the display at a time.
US08508537B2

Aspects include systems, devices, and methods for evaluating a source dependency graph and animation curve with a game system. The dependency graph may be evaluated at an interactive rate during execution of a game. The animation curve may describe change in a state of a control element over time. Subnetworks of the dependency graph may be identified and evaluated using a plurality of processors.
US08508536B2

An information processing apparatus, comprising: a storage unit that records predetermined information about a first user and a second user registered by the first user; a data control unit that generates a video signal that displays objects corresponding to the first user and the second user in a two-dimensional display screen at a distance calculated based on the predetermined information; and a display control unit that displays the video signal in the two-dimensional display screen.
US08508528B2

There is provided an image signal processing apparatus including a receiving unit that receives a display signal including an image signal containing both two-dimensional and three-dimensional images and a region information in each predetermined unit in the image signal and separates the image signal and the region information from the display signal, a display control unit that generates a first display control information for controlling rendering positions of the first and second regions in the image signal according to the region information and a second display control information for selectively displaying a three-dimensional image in a region corresponding to the rendering position of the second region based on the region information, and a processing unit that generates a display image signal indicating an image where the first and second region are arranged according to the first display control information based on the image signal and the first display control information.
US08508526B2

A stereo display including a display panel unit, a shutter glasses unit, and a backlight unit is provided. The display panel unit sequentially displays a right eye image and a left eye image according to a right eye synchronizing vertical signal and a left eye synchronizing vertical signal. The shutter glasses unit has a right eye glass and a left eye glass, wherein the right eye glass is synchronously opened according to the right eye synchronizing vertical signal, and the left eye glass is synchronously opened according to the left eye synchronizing vertical signal. The backlight unit provides a light source to the display panel unit, wherein the backlight unit is synchronously turned on and off according to the right eye synchronizing vertical signal, and the backlight unit is also synchronously turned on and off according to the left eye synchronizing vertical signal.
US08508523B2

A display control unit performs a control of displaying first image information on a display unit. An electric-power supply unit converts thermal energy generated from a body temperature of a user into electric power upon the user contacting the electric-power supply unit, and supplies the electric power to the display control unit. A determination unit determines whether the user is in contact with the electric-power supply unit. When it is determined that the user is not in contact with the electric-power supply unit, the display control unit performs a control of rewriting the first image information displayed on the display unit with second image information.
US08508521B2

Disclosed are a method of driving a display panel and a display apparatus using the same, in which a driving voltage is applied to a transistor provided in each pixel of the display to drive the transistor. A voltage level of the driving voltage applied to the transistor is adjusted every predetermined period and the changed driving voltage is applied to the transistor to prevent the operational reliability of the transistor from being lowered by a shift in the threshold voltage of the transistor.
US08508520B2

A method, apparatus, and system of luminous power control of a light source of a multimedia processing system are disclosed. In one embodiment, a method is described. The method includes capturing a digital image of a face of a user. The method also includes applying, with a processor, an algorithm capable of detecting a digital facial feature of the face of the user based on one or more markers of the digital image. In addition, the method includes determining whether the digital image includes the digital facial feature according to the marker. The method further includes causing a light source to illuminate an electronic display at an active-mode luminous power level that includes a luminous power level different than a power-saving mode luminous power level of the light source when the digital image includes the digital facial feature.
US08508510B2

A stylus pen for a capacitive touch screen that allows delicate input. The stylus pen for the capacitive touch panel includes: a pen having a body extending longitudinally and an input portion positioned at one end of the body to provide touch input to the capacitive type touch panel, wherein the input portion comprises: a center conductor having a connection portion that is combined with the body and a tip portion having a cross-sectional area that is smaller than the cross-sectional area of the connection portion that is connected to the body; and a transparent electrode plate that is connected to an end of the tip portion of the center conductor opposite an end connected to the connection portion, wherein the transparent electrode plate has a cross-sectional area larger than the tip portion while defining a touch surface.
US08508507B2

A method of for identifying multiple optical inputs to a display area with embedded photo sensors includes providing a display area with embedded photo sensors configured to display visual information; receiving a first and a second input optically transmitted to a first and a second location on the display area, respectively; processing the first and second inputs to identify at least one of (1) the location of the first and second inputs relative to the display area; and (2) a timing of the first and second inputs; and determining whether the first and second inputs originated from a single source or multiple sources based on at least their (1) wavelengths; (2) flash or pulse frequencies; (3) durations; (4) timings; (5) intensities; (6) modulation schemes; (7) projected input patterns; and (8) at least one estimated trace of the inputs; and providing first and second input information containing at least (1) their locations and (2) their timings.
US08508506B2

An illumination device is provided which includes: an illumination light source that emits an illumination light; a first position-detecting light source that emits a first position detecting light; a second position-detecting light source that emits a second position detecting light; a first light guide plate which is provided with a first light incident surface that introduces the illumination light and the first position detecting light to an inside thereof and a first light emitting surface that is disposed to cross the first light incident surface while being disposed to be adjacent thereto and that emits therefrom the illumination light and the first position detecting light propagating through the inside; and a second light guide plate which is provided with a second light incident surface that is disposed to overlap with the first light guide plate in plan view and that introduces the second position detecting light to an inside thereof and a second light emitting surface that is disposed to cross the second light incident surface while being disposed to be adjacent thereto and that emits therefrom the second position detecting light propagating through the inside concurrently with the first position detecting light.
US08508489B2

A touch system includes a touch panel having a touch surface and a projector for projecting images onto the touch surface. A computer executing an applications program is coupled to the touch panel and the projector. The computer is responsive to contact output generated by the touch panel in response to proximity of a pointer to the touch surface and updates image data conveyed to the projector so that the images presented on the touch surface reflect the pointer activity. The computer executes a gesture responsive ink injection routine to detect when a selected gesture is made with the pointer on the touch surface. The gesture responsive ink injection routine performs recognition to convert ink drawn on the touch surface into a form suitable for the applications program when the selected gesture is recognized and enters the recognized text into the application.
US08508475B2

User interface elements positioned for display is described. In various embodiment(s), sensor input can be received from one or more sensors that are integrated with a portable device. A device hold position that corresponds to where the portable device is grasped by a user can be determined based at least in part on the sensor input. A display of user interface element(s) can then be initiated for display on an integrated display of the portable device based on the device hold position that corresponds to where the portable device is grasped.
US08508468B2

A display apparatus is disclosed comprising a plurality of electrofluidic chromatophore (EFC) pixel cells, each pixel cell comprising a fluid holder for holding a polar fluid and a non-polar fluid having differing display properties. The fluid holder comprises a fluid reservoir and a channel. The channel is connected to the reservoir so as to enable movement of the polar fluid and non-polar fluid between the channel and the reservoir. A supply voltage applied to the channel results in a movement of the polar fluid to change a cell display property. A circuit board supplies an electrical charge to the pixel cells to generate the supply voltage. A display controller comprises a state lookup table storing, for a respective pixel cell, the current pixel cell display property. The display controller calculates the electrical charge as a function of the current pixel cell display property and the new pixel cell display property.
US08508467B2

A display device (10) includes an upper substrate (first substrate) (2), a lower substrate (second substrate) (3), and a conductive liquid (16) that is movably sealed in a display space (S) formed between the upper substrate (2) and the lower substrate (3). In the display device (10), a signal electrode (first electrode) (4) is provided on the upper substrate (2), and a scanning electrode (second electrode) (5) and a reference electrode (third electrode) (6) are provided on the lower substrate (3). The signal electrode (4) comes into contact with the conductive liquid (16) and is made of a material that is electrochemically inert to the conductive liquid (16).
US08508463B2

The present invention discloses a backlight control circuit, comprising: a voltage supply circuit, under control by a control signal, for receiving an input voltage and generating an output voltage; a plurality of nodes for respectively indicating the current status of corresponding light emission device paths; and a high-low voltage comparison and amplifier circuit for generating the control signal according to a voltage difference between at least two nodes.
US08508460B2

It is an object to realize a gate driver that can cause a scanning signal to quickly fall after a charge period in each row ends.A gate driver is configured by two shift registers. In an n-th stage bistable circuit (SR(n)) in an entire shift register (410), a region netA connected to a gate terminal of a thin-film transistor that increases a potential of an output node for outputting a state signal (Q) based on a first clock (CKA) is set to an on level based on the state signal (Q) outputted from an (n−2)-th stage bistable circuit (SR(n−2), the region netA is set to an off level based on the state signal (Q) outputted from an (n+2)-th stage bistable circuit (SR(n+2)), and the output node is set to an off level based on the state signal (Q) outputted from an (n+3)-th stage bistable circuit (SR(n+3)).
US08508455B2

Provided is a video processing circuit which designates an applied voltage, which is to be applied to a liquid crystal element of each pixel, based on a video signal, including: a first boundary detection portion which analyzes a video signal of a current frame and detects a boundary between a pixel, to which an applied voltage near a maximum grayscale is applied, and a pixel, to which an applied voltage near a minimum grayscale is applied, based on the video signal; a second boundary detection portion which analyzes a video signal of a frame preceding the current frame and detects a boundary between the pixel, to which the applied voltage near the maximum grayscale is applied, and the pixel, to which the applied voltage near the minimum grayscale is applied, based on the video signal; and a correction portion which corrects the applied voltage to a voltage which provides an initial tilt angle to a liquid crystal molecule in a case where the applied voltage designated with the video signal of a pixel adjacent to a portion changed from the boundary detected by the second boundary detection portion among the boundaries detected by the first boundary detection portion is lower than the voltage which provides the initial tilt angle to the liquid crystal molecule.
US08508450B2

An array substrate of an LCD having: a gate line formed along a first direction; a data line formed along a second direction crossing the first direction; first and second pixel electrodes spaced apart from each other; a thin-film transistor includes a gate electrode connected to the gate line; a source electrode connected to the data line and partially overlapping the second pixel electrode; and a drain electrode connected to the first pixel electrode spaced apart from the second pixel electrode along the second direction. The source electrode or the gate electrode overlaps the second pixel electrode but the drain electrode does not overlap the second pixel electrode. Electrical coupling between the first and second pixel electrodes are avoided with such configuration.
US08508446B2

The invention concerns an electronic circuit for dynamic command of light sources in variable message information panels. It includes a number of elementary circuits consecutively connected between them, each having at least one LED connected through respective switchable branches, to a feed voltage, to a LED short-circuiting line, to a contiguous elementary circuit and to a component or a control circuit output. Thus, by commanding the switching elements through the control circuit several elementary circuits can be selectively configured as closed circuits, each of which having a chain of LEDs activated in dynamically variable numbers wherein the feed voltage is applied to the feed branch of the first active LED of the chain and the control circuit output is closed on the last active LED of the activated LEDs chain.
US08508432B2

A multi-display apparatus includes; a first display panel including a first display device, and a second display panel including a second display device, wherein pixels of the first display panel are vertically aligned with pixels of the second display panel in an area where the first display panel and the second display panel overlap.
US08508426B2

A variable directional antenna by means of a microstrip antenna and reactance change. The variable directional antenna has a structure to reduce sidelobes occurring when an element interval is reduced, and is structured in a three-element plane, having a feeding element and non-feeding elements provided at both sides of the feeding element. Each of the non-feeding elements provided at both sides of the feeding element has two split non-feeding elements two-divided into sizes of 1:2 in the lateral direction. The split non-feeding element divided into the size 1 is provided closer to the feeding element, and a reactance variable part is connected with the split non-feeding element divided into the size of 2. Alternatively, each of the non-feeding elements provided at both sides of the feeding element has two split non-feeding elements two-divided into sizes of 2:1 in the lateral direction. The split non-feeding element divided into the size 2 is provided closer to the feeding element, and the reactance variable part is connected either with the split non-feeding element divided into the size of 2 or the split non-feeding element divided into the size 1.
US08508422B2

Methods and systems for converting RF power to DC power utilizing a leaky wave antenna (LWA) are disclosed and may include receiving RF wireless signals utilizing one or more LWAs in a wireless device, and generating one or more DC voltages from the received RF signals utilizing cascaded rectifier cells. A resonant frequency of the LWAs may be configured utilizing micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS) deflection. The LWAs may be configured to receive the RF signals from a desired direction. The LWAs may comprise microstrip or coplanar waveguides, wherein a cavity height of the LWAs is dependent on a spacing between conductive lines in the waveguides. The LWAs may be integrated in one or more integrated circuits, integrated circuit packages, and/or printed circuit boards. The packages may be affixed to one or more printed circuit boards and the integrated circuits may be flip-chip-bonded to the packages.
US08508406B2

A method of estimating a position of a satellite receiver, comprising computing a weight matrix, and computing an estimated position of the satellite receiver based on the weight matrix, wherein computing the weight matrix includes computing quantities indicative of degradations experienced by satellite signals and of multipath interference, and computing the weight matrix based on the computed quantities.
US08508405B2

The present invention relates to a method for protecting a radionavigation receiver user in relation to aberrant pseudo-range measurements. In the method, a measurement error is detected by a statistical estimation scheme based on calculating the residuals of the measurements.
US08508400B2

A SAR ADC is provided. A DAC provides an intermediate analog signal according to an analog input signal, a most significant bit capacitance and a plurality of significant bit capacitances smaller than the most significant bit capacitance. A first switched capacitor array selectively provides the most significant bit capacitance or the significant bit capacitances according to a select signal. Sum of the significant bit capacitances is equal to the most significant bit capacitance. The second switched capacitor array provides the significant bit capacitances when the first switched capacitor array provides the most significant bit capacitance, and provides the most significant bit capacitance when the first switched capacitor array provides the significant bit capacitances. A comparator provides a comparison result according to the intermediate analog signal. A SAR logic provides an digital output signal according to the comparison result.
US08508395B2

A signal-linearization system and method reduces nonlinear distortions in a digitized signal generated by an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) when converting an analog input signal from analog to digital form. A signal adder adds a dither waveform to the analog input signal. An ADC includes sample-and-hold (S/H) circuitry and quantizer circuitry. The ADC converts the analog input signal with the added dither waveform into a digitized signal. The dither waveform operates to suppress nonlinear distortions attributed to the quantizer circuitry. A linearizer processor performs nonlinear equalization (NLEQ) on the digitized signal to suppress nonlinear distortions attributed to the S/H circuitry. A dither waveform removal module removes a digital counterpart of the dither waveform from the digitized signal.
US08508392B2

Disclosed is a pipelined analog-to-digital converter which includes a digital correction circuit configured to measure and correct a pipelined conversion stage gain error and an offset error due to a finite voltage gain operational amplifier and capacitor mismatch. The pipelined analog-to-digital converter includes a pipelined conversion stage error measuring and correcting circuit measuring and correcting an error generated from an conversion stage, so that an error of a conversion stage is minimized and a chip realization area and power consumption are reduced.
US08508384B2

A rearview mirror assembly for a vehicle includes an electro-optic mirror reflective element having a front glass substrate and a rear glass substrate, with no portion of the rear glass substrate extending beyond any portion of the front glass substrate. The reflective element includes a perimeter band disposed around a perimeter border region of a second surface of the front glass substrate. The perimeter band generally conceals the presence of a perimeter seal from view by the driver of the vehicle. A plastic molding may be circumferentially disposed about the circumferential edge of the front glass substrate without overlapping onto the first surface of the front glass substrate. The outermost part of the plastic molding may lack a sharp edge. The plane of the first surface of the front glass substrate may be generally flush with the outermost part of the plastic molding.
US08508379B2

When a wireless communications device is traveling at a speed exceeding a lower threshold but less than an upper threshold, the device is presumed to be traveling in a motor vehicle. In order to inhibit operation of the wireless communication device by a driver without restricting operation by a passenger, access to certain device functions or applications such as e-mail, text messaging, etc. are limited by challenging the user of the device to respond to an ergonomic challenge that requires two-handed user input. Only if two-handed input is received will the wireless communications device grant access to e-mail or instant messaging.
US08508371B2

A multi-secured RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) electronic seal includes a bolt, a bolt pedestal and a RFID system. The bolt has a male bolt portion with an electrical connecting point. The bolt pedestal has a female pedestal portion with several nodes to electrically connect with the electrical connecting point to provide plural selections of connecting and disconnecting. The RFID system includes a RFID chip and a transmission conductor embedded in the bolt, and an antenna installed on the bolt pedestal. When the bolt and the bolt pedestal is securely locked together, whether the RFID chip is electrically connects to the antenna depends on if the electrical connecting point connects a preset node, so that a RFID signal may be selectively transmitted by the RFID chip through the antenna.
US08508360B2

A wireless sensor device capable of constant operation without replacement of batteries. The wireless sensor device is equipped with a rechargeable battery and the battery is recharged wirelessly. Radio waves received at an antenna circuit are converted into electrical energy and stored in the battery. A sensor circuit operates with the electrical energy stored in the battery, and acquires information. Then, a signal containing the information acquired is converted into radio waves at the antenna circuit, whereby the information can be read out wirelessly.
US08508359B2

A method and system for configured one or more fire alarm system devices in a fire alarm system are disclosed. The fire alarm system includes the fire alarm system devices, a fire alarm panel, and a wireless handheld device. The fire alarm system devices communicate with the fire alarm panel via a first communications interface (such as a wired communications interface), and the wireless handheld device communicates with the fire alarm panel via a second communications interface (such as a wireless communications interface). In operation, the fire alarm control panel receives an indication from one of the fire alarm system devices of a user input. In response, the fire alarm panel sends a communication (such as a form) to the wireless handheld device. In response to the communication, the wireless handheld device sends a response to the fire alarm control panel (such as including information in the form). The fire alarm panel may then update its memory with the information sent from the wireless handheld device in order to control the operation of the fire alarm system device.
US08508358B2

A portable terminal includes an alarm control. A method for controlling an alarm includes determining whether an input fact to analyze an exceptional situation of an alarm operation is generated; analyzing the exceptional situation by rule using at least one fact; and when there is an alarm which is placed in the exceptional situation, cancelling the alarm.
US08508353B2

A Driver Risk Assessment System and Method Having Calibrating Automatic Event Scoring is disclosed. The system and method provide robust and reliable event scoring and reporting, while also optimizing data transmission bandwidth. The system includes onboard vehicular driving event detectors that record data related to detected driving events and selectively store or transfer data related to said detected driving events. If elected, the onboard vehicular system will score a detected driving event, compare the local score to historical values previously stored within the onboard system, and upload selective data or data types to a remote server or user if the system concludes that a serious driving event has occurred. Importantly, the onboard event scoring system, if enabled, will continuously evolve and improve in its reliability by being periodically re-calibrated with the ongoing reliability results of manual human review of automated predictive event reports. The system may further respond to independent user requests by transferring select data to said user at a variety of locations and formats.
US08508348B2

A communication unit (32) periodically transmits a request signal toward a prescribed range. When a transmitter (30) exists in the range where the request signal can be received, it sends identification information in a responsive manner. A comparison ECU (48) compares the identification information provided from the communication unit (32) with a predetermined value, and if both of them match with each other, notifies a matching notification to a power source management ECU (44). On receipt of the matching notification from the comparison ECU (48), the power source management ECU (44) notifies a lighting-up request for providing an instruction for lighting-up of a light-emitting unit (202) to a body ECU (46). Upon receipt of the lighting-up request, the body ECU (46) activates a lighting-up command LON. As a result, the light-emitting unit (202) is lit up and notifies a user of the position of a charging port.
US08508342B2

The present invention is concerned with a transmitting/receiving antenna, which includes a dielectric board, a driven loop antenna provided to the dielectric board, transmit processing portion connection terminals connected to the driven loop antenna, a transmitting/receiving loop antenna arranged in close vicinity to the driven loop antenna in a non-contact state, a resonance capacitor connected to both ends of the transmitting/receiving loop antenna, and receive processing portion connection terminals connected to the transmitting/receiving loop antenna. The driven loop antenna is constructed to have a loop wound in a single turn, and the transmitting/receiving loop antenna is constructed to have a loop wound in plural turns. According to this configuration, a wider frequency band of the frequency characteristic and a reduction of the power consumption can be achieved.
US08508340B2

A user interface (20, 20′, 20″, 20′″ for providing authenticated access to medical equipment, data, or records includes a dynamic display (30, 30′″) that selectively shows user options. A touchscreen overlay (40) aligned with the dynamic display identifies a touch location on, in, or adjacent the dynamic display. A fingerprint reader (50, 50′, 50″, 50′″ is triggered by the touchscreen overlay and acquires a fingerprint at the touch location. User authentication, access control and logging are performed based on identifying and authenticating the fingerprint.
US08508336B2

A healthcare management system and method provide efficient and secure access to private information. A portable physical device, referred to herein as a Personal Digital Key or “PDK”, stores one or more profiles in memory. The biometric profile is acquired in a secure trusted process and is uniquely associated with an individual that is authorized to use and is associated with the PDK. The PDK can wirelessly transmit the identification information including a unique PDK identification number and the biometric profile over a secure wireless channel for use in an authentication process. The PDK is configured to wirelessly communicate with a reader. A provider interface coupled to the reader, and the reader is further configured to receive profile information from the PDK. The healthcare management system also includes an auto login server configured to communicate with the provider interface to allow access to information in a patient database.
US08508324B2

A magnetic core includes a first core and a second core made of a material whose magnetic permeability is smaller than that of the first core and having an end. The end of the second core is in contact with the first core so that the first core and the second core cooperate to form a closed magnetic circuit. The area of contact between the end of the second core and the first core is larger than the area of the cross-section of the end as taken perpendicularly to the extending direction of the end of the second core.
US08508322B2

Disclosed is a magnetic element that makes it possible to prevent a coil terminal from being positioned on a ring mount. The magnetic element comprises a first core member, coils, which are disposed in a second core member and a bobbin, and a first mount, on which the first core member is mounted, and possesses a second mount, which is disposed rising up from, and positioned between both edges of, the first mount, and on which the second core member is mounted, and is further equipped with a base, with multiple terminals disposed protruding from the sides thereof. Furthermore, a protrusion is disposed at the edge of the second mount, extending in the direction moving away from said second mount, and this protrusion is smaller than the thickness dimension of the base, and a terminal is positioned on the back surface of the protrusion on the opposite side from the side on which the second core member is mounted, and then bound to the terminals.
US08508321B2

A relay with multiple coils includes a base which has two fixed contacts, a coil assembly which has a U-shaped armature, a U-shaped iron core, two tubular bobbins received between the U-shaped armature and the U-shaped iron core, two coils respectively wound around the tubular bobbins. A spring member is movable above the coil assembly. The spring member has two moving contacts corresponding to the fixed contacts. A coil spring is disposed between the spring member and the coil assembly. When each coil induces a magnetic field by supplying electric current, the coil spring is compressed such that the moving contacts connect with the fixed contacts; when no electric current is supplied, the coil spring provides the restoring force to draw the spring member backward. Therefore, the relay acts as a switch for adapting to open/close a circuit connected to the relay.
US08508320B2

Certain embodiments of the invention may include systems and methods for providing a translating telemetry stationary antenna. According to an example embodiment of the invention, a method is provided for automatically aligning a stationary antenna with a corresponding rotor antenna. The method provides for mounting a stationary antenna with respect to a rotor antenna associated with a rotor. The method includes mounting a stationary antenna to an inner circumference of a support frame, mounting a plurality of radial air bearings to the support frame for maintaining radial alignment of the stationary antenna with respect to the rotor antenna, and mounting a plurality of axial air bearings to the support frame for maintaining axial alignment of the stationary antenna with respect to the rotor antenna.
US08508316B2

A bulk acoustic wave filter of a ladder-type structure includes a series arm and at least a series arm resonator which is disposed in the series arm, such that the series arm is distributed in series arm sections between an input terminal and an output terminal. The bulk acoustic wave filter further includes a first parallel arm that includes a parallel arm resonator and an inductivity connected in series between the series arm and a reference terminal, and at least a second parallel arm that includes a parallel arm resonator. The first parallel arm and the at least one second parallel arm are connected in parallel between a common one of the series arm sections and the reference terminal.
US08508310B2

A PWM signal for driving power transistors of a half-bridge of a converter is generated with the aid of a digital circuit, in which an internal reference value is compared to the counter content of a counting ramp. In this context, a logic state of the PWM signal depends upon whether the internal reference value is greater than the counter content of the counting ramp. After each comparison between the internal reference value and the counter content, an n-bit long data word dependent on the result of this comparison is output serially as PWM signal, n being greater than or equal to 2. The resolution of the PWM signal is thereby improved by the factor n in comparison to conventional systems, without markedly increasing the circuit expenditure.
US08508301B2

A three dimensional on-chip radio frequency amplifier is disclosed that includes first and second transformers and a first transistor. The first transformer includes first and second inductively coupled inductors. The second transformer includes third and fourth inductively coupled inductors. Each inductor includes multiple first segments in a first metal layer; multiple second segments in a second metal layer; first and second inputs, and multiple through vias coupling the first and second segments to form a continuous path between the first and second inputs. The first input of the first inductor is coupled to an amplifier input; the first input of the second inductor is coupled to the first transistor gate; the first input of the third inductor is coupled to the first transistor drain, the first input of the fourth inductor is coupled to an amplifier output. The second inductor inputs and the first transistor source are coupled to ground.
US08508294B2

In one embodiment, an apparatus includes an amplifier circuit having a phase shift. The amplifier circuit amplifies a signal for wireless transmission. A feedback circuit is coupled to the amplifier circuit and includes a capacitor. An input impedance to the amplifier circuit has a same impedance characteristic as a feedback circuit impedance of the feedback circuit. A total phase shift of the signal for the amplifier circuit and the feedback circuit is less than a threshold.
US08508293B2

An ASK demodulator comprises a rectification circuit which receives and rectifies an ASK signal to generate a rectified current; an active load circuit is coupled to the rectification circuit and receives the rectified current and present an impedance which is inversely proportional to at least a part of the rectified current when a frequency of a base band signal meets a preset condition; a comparator is coupled to the rectification circuit and the active load circuit and receives a reference voltage and a voltage generated based on, at least in part, the rectified current and the impedance, and compares the reference voltage and the generated voltage to generate a demodulated signal.
US08508275B2

Implementations of the present disclosure involve a semi-dynamic flip-flop circuit incorporating a partially floating evaluation window that provides a faster data to output delay, a PMOS keeper device may be placed in series with an existing keeper circuit of the semi-dynamic flip-flop circuit. The gate of the PMOS series keeper device may be connected to a shut-off signal of the semi-dynamic flip-flop circuit that provides a three gate delay, self-timed positive pulse to control the keeper circuit. The PMOS series keeper device effectively turns off the keeper circuit when the clock signal rises but turns in back on after a three gate delay to sustain the precharge state of the dynamic node. The effective turning on and off of the keeper circuit portion may decrease the data to output delay of the flip-flop, resulting in higher performing microprocessors.
US08508272B2

A data output circuit and a data output method thereof are provided. The data output circuit includes a delay locked loop, a duty ratio correction block, and an output unit. The delay locked loop corrects a duty ratio of a first internal clock. The delay locked loop includes a correction enable signal output unit configured to output a correction enable signal when the operation of correcting the duty ratio of the first internal clock is completed. The duty ratio correction block corrects the duty ratio of the first internal clock by using a duty ratio detection signal in response to the correction enable signal, and outputs the corrected first internal clock as an output clock. The output unit detects a duty ratio of the output clock, generates the duty ratio detection signal to the duty ratio correction block, and outputs a data strobe signal in response to the output clock.
US08508269B2

An oscillator circuit complementarily increases or reduces, in response to a transition of a signal level of a reference clock, a signal level of a first oscillation signal and a signal level of a second oscillation signal. An oscillation control circuit compares the first and second oscillation signals to a comparison voltage, and transitions the signal level of the reference clock in accordance with a result of the comparison. A reference control circuit increases or reduces the comparison voltage so that a difference between a signal level of an intermediate signal which is proportional to respective swings of the first and second oscillation signals and a reference voltage is reduced. A reference voltage control circuit increases or reduces the reference voltage according to a frequency difference between a basis clock and the reference clock.
US08508267B1

A loop filter of a phase-locked loop (PLL) that uses a current-controlled oscillator (CCO) includes a capacitor, a voltage-to-current (V-to-I) converter, and a charge pump. The input node of the loop filter receives a first current from an external charge pump. The combination of the capacitor and the V-to-I converter generates a first component of the output current of the loop filter based on the first current. The charge pump of the loop filter generates a second component of the output current. The loop filter is implemented without the need for a zero-frequency-determining resistor, the resistor instead being realized by the product of the first current, the second component of the output current and the transconductance of the V-to-I converter. Phase noise reduction in the PLL, as well as implementation of the loop filter with a smaller area, are thus made possible.
US08508264B1

A power on reset (POR) circuit is provided. For the POR circuit, a PMOS transistor is coupled to a first voltage rail at its source. A drive circuit is coupled to the drain of the PMOS transistor and is configured to output a POR signal. A voltage divider is coupled between the drain of the PMOS transistor and the second voltage rail. A switch network is provided as well, which has first and second switches. The first switch is coupled between the gate of the PMOS transistor and the voltage divider, and the second switch is coupled between the gate of the PMOS transistor and the voltage divider. A controller is also coupled to control the first and second switches, wherein the first and second switches are complementary driven.
US08508257B2

An architecture of an integrated circuit allows for the canceling of noise sampled on a capacitor in the integrated circuit, after an input signal has already been sampled. Thermal noise correlated with an arbitrary input signal may be canceled after selectively controlling a plurality of switching devices during a sequence of clock phases. An auxiliary capacitor may be used to store a voltage equal to the thermal noise and enable the cancellation of the thermal noise from the sampled signal in conjunction with a noise cancellation unit.
US08508251B2

Example embodiments disclose a semiconductor device having an on-die termination (ODT) structure that reduces current consumption, and a termination method performed in the semiconductor device. The semiconductor device includes a calibration circuit for generating calibration codes in response to a reference voltage and a voltage of a calibration terminal connected to an external resistor and an on-die termination device for controlling a termination resistance of a data input/output pad in response to the calibration codes and an on-die termination control signal. The termination resistance of the data input/output pad is greater than a resistance of the calibration terminal.
US08508245B1

Thermal control units (TCU) for maintaining a set point temperature on an IC device under test (DUT) are provided. The units include a pedestal assembly comprising a heat-conductive pedestal, a fluid circulation block, a thermoelectric module (Peltier device) between the heat-conductive pedestal and the block for controlling heat flow between the pedestal and fluid circulation block, and a force distribution block for controllably distributing a z-axis force between different pushers of the TCU. Optionally, a swivelable temperature-control fluid inlet and outlet arms may be provided to reduce instability of the thermal control unit due to external forces exerted on the TCU such as by fluid lines attached to the fluid inlet and outlet arms. Also optionally, an integrated means for abating condensation on surfaces of the TCU during cold tests may be provided.
US08508241B2

A vectorial network analyzer including n test ports. With the connection of several different calibration standards to the test ports, several calibration measurements are implemented. For the calibration, different measurements are implemented. Initially, in n calibration measurements, a comb-generator signal is supplied via a direct connection successively to all n test ports. Using a measuring point at the output of the comb generator and the measuring point associated with the respective test port, phase measurements are implemented at all of the frequencies forming the comb-generator signal. A frequency-dependent phase offset is determined from the phase measurements. Moreover, in at least one measurement, all n test ports are terminated successively in each case using known, input impedances, identical within one measurement, of arbitrary transmission properties, wherein successively, all n test ports are excited using a transmission oscillator successively with all frequencies of the comb-generator signal.
US08508230B2

The present invention relates to a microscope apparatus (100) comprising an operating microscope (20), a magnetic resonance or MR apparatus (30), a stand (10) that carries the operating microscope (20) and the MR apparatus (30), at least one detector (14) for determining the spatial position of the MR apparatus (30) relative to the operating microscope (20), a reflecting device (23) for reflecting an image obtained using the MR apparatus (30) into at least one observation beam path of the operating microscope (20), a computer unit (40) which is connected to the at least one detector (14) and is arranged so as to determine the spatial position of the MR apparatus (20) relative to the operating microscope (30), the computer unit (40) being connected to the reflecting device (23) and to the MR apparatus (30) and being arranged so as to provide the image that is to be reflected in for the reflecting device (23) on the basis of the spatial position determined for the MR apparatus (30) relative to the operating microscope (20).
US08508221B2

A sensor and fabrication process are provided for forming reference layers with substantially orthogonal magnetization directions having zero offset with a small compensation angle. An exemplary embodiment includes a sensor layer stack of a magnetoresistive thin-film based magnetic field sensor, the sensor layer stack comprising a pinning layer; a pinned layer including a layer of amorphous material over the pinning layer, and a first layer of crystalline material over the layer of amorphous material; a nonmagnetic coupling layer over the pinned layer; a fixed layer over the nonmagnetic coupling layer; a tunnel barrier over the fixed layer; and a sense layer over the nonmagnetic intermediate layer. Another embodiment includes a sensor layer stack where a pinned layer including two crystalline layers separated by a amorphous layer.
US08508218B2

A method for sensing an angular orientation of a magnetic field includes providing a set of N≧2 Hall effect devices, each having a detection direction and including two pairs of connectors; providing at least one band pass filter having a fundamental frequency f=1/Tf; providing at least one current source for outputting an electrical current at its output; applying, during a first time period of a duration 0.5 Tf and in a specific sequence of the N Hall effect devices, to each of the N Hall effect devices a respective wiring scheme Wi+, during respective subsequent time periods of durations ti; and applying, during a second time period of a duration 0.5 Tf, subsequent to the first time period of a duration 0.5 Tf, and in the same specific sequence of the N Hall effect devices, to each of the N Hall effect devices a respective wiring scheme Wi−, during respective subsequent time periods of the same durations ti.
US08508199B2

A method and circuits to limit the output load current of a current driven LDO voltage regulator are disclosed. The current through a second pass transistor, being in parallel to a first pass transistor and being a fraction of the current through the first pass transistor is measured and compared with a reference current. In case the current through the second pass transistor is larger than this reference current the current through the gates of both pass devices is reduced and thus the output load current of the voltage regulator is limited.
US08508192B2

A remaining capacity calculating section is provided that acquires a discharged capacity of a rechargeable battery based on a discharging current and a discharging time of the rechargeable battery, and calculates a relative remaining capacity of the rechargeable battery based on the discharged capacity and the fully-charged capacity of the rechargeable battery. The remaining capacity calculating section employs the rating capacity of the rechargeable battery or a learned fully-charged capacity as the fully-charged capacity when a high capacity mode is selected, and employs a capacity obtained by multiplying the rating capacity or learned fully-charged capacity by a predetermined factor not more than 1 as the fully-charged capacity when a long life mode is selected.
US08508187B2

An interactive charging management system and a method thereof are provided. The method is applicable to a plurality of electric vehicles, and which includes dynamically adjusting usable power information respectively provided by a plurality of charging posts respectively corresponding to and coupled to the electric vehicles according to demand power information of the respective electric vehicles; and making the charging posts non-uniformly provide a plurality of charging powers to the respective electric vehicles according to the adjusted usable power information.
US08508180B2

A motor drive apparatus receiving power from a power source and driving a motor with independent polyphase systems of excitation coils, comprises: a control circuit and power converters each corresponding to one system, each including an inverter circuit, an interrupter circuit, and a temperature detector, the inverter circuits being connected in series to the power source and, while not short-circuited, supplying power to the excitation coil, wherein the control circuit detects an operating state of the motor, short-circuits the inverter circuits and interrupts the interrupter circuits for a subset of power converters defined according to the operating state, such that a source voltage is supplied to non-short-circuited inverter circuits, and, when a power converter exceeds a predetermined temperature, the control circuit short-circuits the inverter circuit and interrupts the interrupter circuit thereof, and, in another power converter not exceeding the predetermined temperature, operates the inverter circuit and connects the interrupter circuit.
US08508176B2

A drive apparatus for a stepping motor, including: a current detecting portion which detects a current value of phase current flowing through a phase winding; a constant-current-controlling portion which constant-current-controls the phase current flowing through the phase winding based on a detection result of the current detecting portion; a zero crossing detecting portion which detects a zero cross of the phase current based on the detection result of the current detecting portion; a phase difference detecting portion which detects a phase difference between the edge of a drive control pulse signal for the stepping motor and the zero cross detected by the zero crossing detecting portion; and a control device which causes the constant-current-controlling portion to perform constant-current control with a current value according to the phase difference detected by the phase difference detecting portion.
US08508173B2

A control console to remotely control medical equipment is disclosed having a base with an ergonomically adjustable pedal system. The base further has an opening to receive the pedal system. The pedal system includes a moveable pedal tray with a pedal base. The tray includes a first left pedal assembly and a first right pedal assembly, and an upper tier having a second left pedal assembly and a second right pedal assembly respectively in alignment with and elevated above the first left pedal assembly and the first right pedal assembly. Rollers are rotatable coupled to the moveable pedal tray to allow it roll over a floor. A drive assembly is coupled between the moveable pedal tray and the base. The drive assembly applies a force to the to roll the moveable pedal tray over the floor within the opening of the base.
US08508172B2

A method of actuating a robotic mechanism having a first leg member rotatably coupled to a first side of a chassis and a second leg member rotatably coupled to a second side of the chassis. The method comprises positioning the first leg member and the second leg member generally about 180 degrees with respect to each other and effecting movement of the chassis by rotating both the first leg member and the second leg member with respect to the chassis.
US08508171B2

A position control apparatus calculates a position detection value by adding an output of a first-order delay circuit 17 that receives a difference between a driven member position detection value Pl and a motor position detection value Pm to the motor position detection value Pm, and uses the obtained position detection value as a position feedback value. An aging corrector 30 suppresses low frequency vibrations by controlling a time constant Tp of the first-order delay circuit 17 in such a way as to increase the time constant when a vibratory state of the driven member is detected.
US08508168B2

Linear actuator device, comprising a housing (102,202), a piston rod (109,209), an electrical motor (116,216) and a transmission means (105,106,305,307) adapted to transfer the rotation of the electrical motor to a linear movement of the piston rod, where the linear actuator device comprises an integrated electrical interface having two signal inputs adapted to extend and retract the piston rod and two signal outputs adapted to indicate a retracted end position (122) and an extended end position (121) of the piston rod.
US08508167B2

The invention relates to an actuation device for pull-outs, shelf boards, flaps, or other such elements to be opened, particularly front elements of particularly kitchen and office furniture, kitchen appliances and flush-mounted appliances, product dispensing devices, and the like, having components comprising a corpus, wherein the element to be opened can be transferred into an open position relative to the corpus 2 by way of a drive unit 5, the drive unit 5 can be activated by way of control means, and the control means comprise a front body sound sensor 6 that is associated with the front element 3. In order to create an actuation device, the front surface of which is to be configured in a manner that is free of impairment, the control means have a second corpus body sound sensor 7 (solid body sound sensor) that is disposed at a distance from the front body sound sensor 6 in or on the corpus interior 4, wherein the corpus sound signals of the front body sound sensor 6 and of the corpus body sound sensor 7 can be compared to each other in an analysis unit of the control means, and the drive unit 5 can be activated by way of the control means as a function of the result of the signal comparison.
US08508162B2

Disclosed is a system and a method for controlling torque of induction motor in electric vehicle. The system and method for controlling torque of induction motor in electric vehicle according to the present disclosure has an advantageous effect in that torque control problems caused by saturation of magnetic flux, parameters of induction motor and changes in battery voltages during control of torque in the induction motor can be solved using a look-up table (a type of data table), thereby enhancing accuracy in torque control and improving travel performance and fuel efficiency of the electric vehicle.
US08508159B2

A device for controlling the movement of a both motorically and manually movable vehicle part includes a drive unit controllable in its rotational speed for motorically moving the vehicle part, a coupling device for coupling the drive unit with the vehicle part, and a control unit which controls the drive unit and the coupling device such that during manually moving the vehicle part the coupling device couples the drive unit with the vehicle part if the vehicle part has reached a pre-defined position. The control unit controls the rotational speed of the drive unit depending on the moving speed of the vehicle part. In this way, a device and a method are provided which in an easy and low-wear manner allow for a control of the movement of a both motorically and manually movable vehicle part.
US08508155B2

A system and method for controlling the backlight of a liquid crystal display (LCD) to account for ambient light penetration through the LCD stack and into the backlight cavity. A first light sensing device may be placed to measure the ambient light while a second light sensing device may be placed within the backlight cavity to measure the backlight luminance. A desired display luminance (based on the ambient light) can be converted to a desired backlight luminance. A software driver or microprocessor may drive the LCD backlight to meet the desired backlight luminance. A calibration can be performed to create and store correction factors for the second light sensing device when high ambient light levels create disruptions in the data for the second light sensing device. The correction factors may be used to accurately control the backlight levels and may be based upon incoming data from the first light sensing device.
US08508154B2

A lighting device is provided, having at least one light emitting diode module, a power factor correction circuit, a non-regulated isolation DC to DC converter and at least one regulated non-isolation DC to DC converter. The power factor correction circuit performs a power factor correction on an AC power source and outputs a corrected DC voltage. The non-regulated isolation DC to DC converter generates an output voltage in a predetermined voltage range according to the corrected DC voltage, wherein the non-regulated isolation DC to DC converter is an open-loop controlled buck DC to DC converter. The regulated non-isolation DC to DC converter generates a fixed current or a fixed voltage according to the output voltage output from the non-regulated isolation DC to DC converter, thereby driving the light emitting diode module.
US08508152B1

A method, apparatus, and system for compensating for lamp lumen depreciation. The method includes operating the lamp under rated wattage for a period towards the first part of operating life of the lamp. Operating wattage is increased at one or more later times. Energy savings are realized. The increases also restore at least some light lost by lamp lumen depreciation. The apparatus uses a timer to track operating time of the lamp. A few wattage changes made at spaced apart times can be made in a number of ways, including changing capacitance to the lamp, or using different taps on the lamp ballast. In one aspect the invention pertains to solid state sources. The invention can pertain to a variety of applications including wide area lighting, indoor lighting, pathway lighting, parking lot lighting, street lighting, under-counter or -cabinet lighting, and others.
US08508149B2

An apparatus and method of retrofitting a light fixture are disclosed. One method includes interfacing a retrofit controller with a dimming ballast of the light fixture, connecting the retrofit controller to at least one sensor, and connecting the retrofit controller to a power supply and a network. Another embodiment includes a light fixture retrofit controller and a separate sensor unit. The combination of the retrofit controller and a separate sensor unit are operative to provide power and dimming control of a dimming ballast of an existing light fixture. The dimming control is base on at least one of a signal sensed by the separate sensor unit and control information received from a network.
US08508146B2

An electronic device including a light emitting element. A capacitor is coupled to the light emitting element. A measurement circuit measures a change amount in charge of the capacitor. A control circuit controls a light emission amount of the light emitting element in accordance with a difference of the change amount in the charge and a reference value.
US08508131B2

An electrodeless lighting system is disclosed. A rectangular wave guide is bent substantially at a right angle, and a magnetron and a resonator are disposed at one side based on a wave guide space of the wave guide, thus reducing the space between the magnetron and the resonator and removing an unnecessary space within a casing to reduce the size of the electrodeless lighting system. Accordingly, the amount of space required for installation of the electrodeless lighting system can be reduced and the installation process can be simplified.
US08508126B1

A solid state directional lighting device includes a semiconductor light source emitting a primary short wavelength light and a light collimation component disposed in light-reflecting relation to the light source to generate a collimated light with beam divergence angle less than forty degrees (40°). A luminescent nanocrystal conversion layer is disposed in the path of the collimated light and includes a luminescent nanocrystal conversion layer including luminescent nanocrystal particles with nano-particles sizes less than fifteen nanometers (15 nm). The luminescent nanocrystal particles absorb at least a portion of the collimated short wavelength light and convert the absorbed light into at least one long wavelength spectral light. A mixture of leakage primary short wavelength light and long wavelength light converted by the luminescent nano-particles produces a directional white light with luminous efficacy of at least one hundred lumens per Watt (100 lm/W). Light scattering is reduced due to the nano-particle size.
US08508119B2

An incandescent lamp color light emitting diode lamp comprises a semiconductor blue light emitting diode chip having a center emission wavelength in a range of from 400 nm to 480 nm and a phosphor that absorbs light emitted from the diode chip to emit light having a different wavelength than the light emitted from the diode chip. The phosphor is represented by a general formula of Mp(Si, Al)12(O, N)16:Eu2+q. The main phase is an α-SiAlON phosphor having an α SiAlON structure, wherein M is at least one element of Ca, Y, Mg, Li, Sc, Pr, Nd, Pm, Sm, Gd, Tb, Dy, Ho, Er, Tm, Yb, Lu, and Sr and p is from 0.75 to 1.0; and q is between 0.02 and 0.09. The diode lamp emits light having an emission color produced by a mixture of the light emitted from the semiconductor blue light emitting and the light emitted from the α-SiAlON. The chromaticity range thereof falls within the range defined by chromaticity coordinates (x, y) of (0.4775, 0.4283), (0.4594, 0.3971), (0.4348, 0.4185), and (0.4214, 0.3887) on the XYZ chromaticity diagram.
US08508099B2

A package and method for manufacturing the package using a rivet having a head portion and a core portion protruding from a rear surface of the head portion. The package includes a plurality of substrates bonded to each other and a cavity that houses an object in a sealed state. The core portion is disposed in a through hole in a base substrate and electrically connects the object with the outside. The core portion is inserted into the through hole and a glass frit is formed between the through hole and the core portion and seals the rivet in the through hole. A gas relief passage is formed leading from a base end of the core portion to a surface of the head portion.
US08508098B2

A Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems (MEMS) device for actuating a gimbaled element, the device comprising a symmetric electromagnetic actuator for actuating one degree of freedom (DOF) and a symmetric electrostatic actuator for actuating the second DOF.
US08508093B2

An exemplary heat dissipation fan includes a rotor and a stator. The stator includes a stator core. The rotor is rotatably mounted around the stator. The rotor includes a hub and a magnet ring received in the hub. The hub includes a top wall and a peripheral side wall depending from the top wall. The magnet ring is attached to the side wall and surrounding the stator. The magnet ring has a larger thickness as measured in a radial direction at a first end which is far away from the top wall than a second end which is adjacent to top wall, such that an attracting force formed between the first end of the magnet ring and the stator core is larger than that formed between the second end of the magnet ring and the stator core.
US08508092B2

A rotor for an electrical motor includes a spindle, a plurality of sintered permanent magnets arranged around the spindle, a compacted powdered soft magnetic material at least partially surrounding the plurality of sintered permanent magnets, and a plurality of discrete regions of compacted powdered non-magnetic material at least partially surrounding the plurality of sintered permanent magnets. The discrete regions of non-magnetic material are at least partially embedded in the soft magnetic material and the soft magnetic material and the non-magnetic material couple the plurality of sintered permanent magnets with the spindle.
US08508090B2

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: A lubrication structure of a power transmission apparatus is provided with a lubricating liquid transport pipe for cooling a rotating electrical machine used to allow a lubricated member positioned axially outwardly of the rotating electrical machine to be lubricated in the axial direction.SOLUTION: A lubrication structure comprises an oil pipe 44 having discharge nozzles 44a, 44c positioned vertically above coil ends 20a, 20b and discharge nozzles 44d, 44e axially outwardly of the discharge nozzle 44c in juxtaposed relationship with each other at the other axial end portion of the oil pipe 44, and a guide member 22 radially extending between the discharge nozzles 44d, 44e in the axial direction of a motor M and having a radially inner peripheral portion covering bearings 24, 42. The guide member 22 has a guide rib extending axially outwardly of a flange portion 22a to guide the oil discharged from the discharge nozzle 44e in the axial direction. A cover 13 has a cylindrical portion 13a covering the upper surface of a bearing 43. The cylindrical portion 13a is formed with an oil passage 13b for guiding the oil guided by the guide rib 22d to one axial end portion B of the bearing 43.
US08508087B2

A spindle motor including a base, a bearing housing supported on the base, a bearing provided within the bearing housing, a rotating shaft rotatably supported by the bearing, a stator including a core fixed to the bearing housing and coils wound around the core, a rotor including a rotor yoke fixed to the rotating shaft, and a first magnet installed on the rotor yoke facing the stator, a turntable positioned on the rotor yoke, rotating together with the rotating shaft, a center guide member coupled to the rotating shaft at an upper side of the turntable, an elastic member disposed between the turntable and the center guide member for elastically supporting the center guide member.
US08508084B2

An electric motor for use with a power tool includes a motor housing having a first end and an open second end, a first bearing coupled to the first end of the motor housing, a plurality of magnets coupled to the motor housing, and an armature having a first end and a second end. The first end of the armature is rotatably supported by the first bearing. The second end of the armature protrudes from the open second end of the motor housing without being supported by the open second end of the motor housing. The electric motor also includes a second bearing coupled to the second end of the armature. The motor housing is supportable by a first portion of the power tool housing. The second bearing is supportable by a second portion of the power tool housing.
US08508082B2

A solar electricity system, comprising a solar collection surface adapted to convert light into DC electricity; a power inverter to convert the DC electricity into AC electricity; and a power cable connected to the power inverter, the power cable comprising a male plug on its distal end adapted to mate with a female power receptacle on a building structure.
US08508079B1

An energy-conserving charger controller system, including charge sensing circuitry and operational algorithm, reduces parasitic lost energy by automatically “learning” the unique charging signature of a consumer electronic device (CED) battery to determine and sense when a it is being charged or not, and implementing conversion (from mains AC to DC) to occur only when a device needs charge. The inventive system employs a current measurement circuit, a microprocessor controller including a timing circuit and control algorithm code structure, a TRIAC current switch and an on-board battery. The inventive system and method is universal, being independent of the charger design, and may be an independent device upstream of the charger (between it and the mains power supply), integrated with an AC adapter charger unit, integrated into a CED, or part of a power strip for individually and independently controlling each AC adapter plugged into the strip.
US08508071B1

A system for combining current from solar power arrays comprises a combiner element and a plurality of solar power arrays, including at least a first solar power array and a second solar power array. The combiner element is configured to receive and combine current from the solar power arrays thereby providing a combined current signal that is based on current from each of the solar power arrays. The combiner element has a current sensing element coupled to one of the solar power arrays and is configured to receive current from the one solar power array. The current sensing element also has a sensor configured to sense a magnetic flux induced by the current from the one solar power array, and the sensor is configured to transmit data indicative of the sensed magnetic flux. The current sensing element further has a magnetic core and a conductive coil for carrying the current from the one solar power array. The magnetic core has a plurality of segments, and the conductive coil passes around at least one of the segments. In addition, the sensor is positioned within a gap between at least two of the segments.
US08508070B2

A system, method and product for modifying the volt-ampere reactive (VARs) in a power distribution system is provided. In one embodiment, the method includes determining the VARs at a location on the power distribution system and based on the determined VARs, determining whether to modify the VARs. If it is determined to modify the VARs the method includes identifying a plurality a capacitor banks connected to a power line and from the identified plurality of capacitor banks, generating a list of eligible capacitor banks that satisfy inclusion criteria. If the list of eligible capacitor banks includes at least one capacitor bank the method includes selecting a capacitor bank from the list of eligible capacitor banks and transmitting a switching command for the selected capacitor bank. Generating the list of eligible capacitor banks may include one or more of ensuring the voltage at each capacitor bank is not beyond a threshold, ensuring the total harmonic distortion at each capacitor bank is not beyond a threshold, ensuring the capacitor bank has not been switched within a recent predetermined time period, ensuring the capacitor bank has not been switched more than a predetermined number of times within a recent time period, ensuring that communications with each capacitor bank are viable, and other criteria.
US08508069B2

Vehicular electrical systems are provided. The vehicular electrical systems include a first direct current (DC) voltage supply, a second DC voltage supply coupled to the first DC voltage supply, a first direct current-to-direct current (DC/DC) power converter coupled to the first and second DC voltage supplies, a second DC/DC power converter coupled to first and second DC voltage supplies and the first DC/DC power converter, and a power receptacle electrically connected to the second DC/DC power converter. The second DC/DC power converter is configured to regulate power flow between the first and second voltage supplies and the power receptacle.
US08508063B2

An apparatus and method for converting wave energy using the relative rotational movement between two interconnected float assemblies and the relative rotational movement between each of the float assemblies and a spar which extends from a connection with the float assemblies at the water surface into the water.
US08508059B2

A reaction engine driven electrical generating system comprising an electrical generator having an armature and a reaction engine driven to rotate the armature for generating electricity. The reaction engine drive includes a generally cylindrical housing with an internal truncated cone which internally divides the housing into two sections. A drive shaft extends generally horizontally into the housing and a reaction force rotation unit carrying a plurality of reaction engines is mounted upon the drive shaft. An enlarged air port is fashioned within one end of the housing and cooperates with an air inlet disc fixedly connected to the drive shaft. A plurality of air inlet apertures extend through the air inlet disc and air conduits connect the inlet apertures directly to corresponding intakes of said plurality of reaction engines. A monitor is operably connected to the armature or drive shaft and serves to provide a readout of speed of rotation of the drive shaft and generator armature. A fuel control is then modulated by the speed monitor to control the fuel flow to the reaction engines and maintain a generally constant armature speed over varying conditions of electrical load.
US08508058B2

Energy systems, energy devices, energy utilization methods, and energy transfer methods are described. In one arrangement, energy utilization methods include providing first energy from a power grid to an induction generator at a first moment in time; using the induction generator and the first energy from the power grid, charging an energy storage device; using second energy from the energy storage device, powering a motor causing the induction generator to generate third energy during a second moment in time; and providing the third energy to the power grid. Other arrangements are described.
US08508052B2

A power converter can include an output circuit having a high-side device and a low-side device which can be formed on a single die (a “PowerDie”). The power converter can further include a controller integrated circuit (IC) formed on a different die which can be electrically coupled to, and co-packaged with, the PowerDie. The PowerDie can be attached to a die pad of a leadframe, and the controller IC die can be attached to an active surface of the first die such that the first die is interposed between the controller IC die and the die pad.
US08508051B2

A semiconductor device includes a semiconductor substrate 1, an interlayer insulating film 2, 3 formed on the semiconductor substrate 1, an electrode pad 4 formed on the interlayer insulating film 2, 3, a protective film 6 which is formed on the interlayer insulating film 2, 3 to cover a peripheral portion of the electrode pad 4, and has a first opening 5 which exposes a center portion of the electrode pad 4, a divider 7 which is formed on the electrode pad 4 exposed from the first opening 5, and divides the first opening 5 into a plurality of second openings 5d, and a barrier metal 8 formed on the protective film 6 to fill the second openings 5d. The divider 7 is interposed between the electrode pad 4 and the barrier metal 8.
US08508050B2

A wiring substrate includes a wiring pattern in an uppermost layer that includes pads. A solder resist layer covers the wiring pattern. A recess exposes part of the wiring pattern from the solder resist layer to form pads. The solder resist layer includes a portion formed in a region corresponding to the recess, a portion formed outward from the recess, and a portion formed inward from the recess. The upper surface of the solder resist layer at the portion corresponding to the recess is higher than the upper surface of the pads but lower than the upper surfaces of the other portions of the solder resist layer.
US08508049B2

A method for making one or more nanostructures is disclosed, the method comprising: depositing a conducting layer on an upper surface of a substrate; depositing a patterned layer of catalyst on the conducting layer; growing the one or more nanostructures on the layer of catalyst; and selectively removing the conducting layer between and around the one or more nanostructures. A device is also disclosed, comprising a substrate, wherein the substrate comprises one or more exposed metal islands separated by one or more insulating areas; a conducting helplayer disposed on the substrate covering at least some of the one or more exposed metal islands or insulating areas; a catalyst layer disposed on the conducting helplayer; and one or more nanostructures disposed on the catalyst layer.
US08508045B2

An integrated circuit (IC) package has a package member having a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface. A first plurality of contact members is physically and electrically fixed to the second surface. An interposer substrate having a second plurality of contact members on one surface thereof which make physical and electrical contact with respective ones of the first plurality of contact members. The interposer substrate is configured to have at least one circuit member mounted to a second surface thereof opposite the one surface thereof.
US08508041B2

The present invention discloses a bonding method for a three-dimensional integrated circuit and the three-dimensional integrated circuit thereof. The bonding method comprises the steps of: providing a substrate; depositing a film layer on the substrate; providing a light source to light onto the film layer to form a graphic structure; forming a metal co-deposition layer by a first metal and a second metal that are co-deposited on the film layer; providing a first integrated circuit having the substrate, the film layer and the metal co-deposition layer sequentially; providing a second integrated circuit that having the metal co-deposition layer, the film layer and the substrate sequentially; and the first integrated circuit is bonded with the second integrated circuit at a predetermined temperature to form a three-dimensional integrated circuit.
US08508035B2

Aspects of the present invention are directed to circuits, circuit packages and related methods. In accordance with various example embodiments, respective electrodes are implemented to facilitate contact to a semiconductor device via different surfaces and/or sidewalls, as may be useful in connecting the device to an external package having a plurality of semiconductor devices in which same-surface connections to the devices are spatially restricted. The semiconductor device has opposing surfaces and sidewalls connecting the surfaces, and contacts to respective different regions in the device. Respective electrodes are coupled to the respective contacts and extend along/around the device to provide access to the contacts via different surfaces.
US08508034B2

Various embodiments for molding tools for moisture-resistant image sensor packaging structures and methods of assembly are disclosed. Image sensor packages of the present invention include an interposer, a housing structure formed on the interposer for surrounding an image sensor chip, and a transparent cover. The housing structure may cover substantially all of the interposer chip surface. In another embodiment, the housing structure also covers substantially all of the interposer edge surfaces. The housing structure may also cover substantially all of the interposer attachment surface. An image sensor chip is electrically connected to the interposer with sealed wire bond connections or with sealed flip-chip connections. The housing structure may include runners that enable simultaneous sealing of the interior of the image sensor package and of the transparent cover.
US08508032B2

An electronic device package comprising: a block of insulating material; an electronic device housed within the insulating material and having a set of contact pads thereon; and a set of electrically conductive contact members at least partially housed within the insulating material, each contact member extending between a respective external contact point at which it is exposed at the surface of the block and an internal contact point from which it is electrically coupled to a respective contact pad on the electronic device, each internal contact point being outside the footprint of the electronic device, the set of contact members including: at least one contact member of a first type whose external contact point is located at least partially within the footprint of the electronic device; and at least one contact member of a second type that is wholly outside the footprint of the device.
US08508029B2

Methods and apparatus are disclosed for wirelessly communicating among integrated circuits and/or functional modules within the integrated circuits. A semiconductor device fabrication operation uses a predetermined sequence of photographic and/or chemical processing steps to form one or more functional modules onto a semiconductor substrate. The functional modules are coupled to an integrated waveguide that is formed onto the semiconductor substrate and/or attached thereto to form an integrated circuit. The functional modules communicate with each other as well as to other integrated circuits using a multiple access transmission scheme via the integrated waveguide. One or more integrated circuits may be coupled to an integrated circuit carrier to form Multichip Module. The Multichip Module may be coupled to a semiconductor package to form a packaged integrated circuit.
US08508028B2

According to an embodiment, a chip package is provided, which includes: a substrate having a first surface and a second surface; a device region formed in the substrate; a passivation layer formed overlying the first surface of the substrate; at least a polymer planarization layer formed overlying the passivation layer; a package substrate disposed overlying the first surface of the substrate; and a spacer layer disposed between the package substrate and the passivation layer, wherein the spacer layer and the package substrate surround a cavity overlying the substrate, wherein the polymer planar layer does not extends to an outer edge of the spacer layer.
US08508026B2

A method of manufacture of an integrated circuit packaging system includes: providing a connection structure having a component pad, an outer pad, and an inner pad, the inner pad between the component pad and the outer pad; forming a support structure between the inner pad and the outer pad; mounting an integrated circuit device over the component pad; attaching an interconnect to the integrated circuit device and the outer pad, the interconnect above the inner pad and supported by the support structure; and applying an encapsulation over the connection structure, the interconnect, and the integrated circuit device.
US08508025B2

A multiple die package includes a folded leadframe for interconnecting at least two die attached to another leadframe. In a synchronous voltage regulator the folded leadframe, which is formed from a single piece of material, connects the high side switching device with the low side switching device to provide a low resistance, low inductance connection between the two devices.
US08508023B1

A semiconductor device has a substrate having a plurality of metal traces. A die is electrically attached to a first surface of the substrate. A first plurality of segmented metal traces is formed around a perimeter of the first surface of the substrate, wherein an end section of the first plurality of segmented metal traces is exposed. A mold compound is used for encapsulating the semiconductor device. A first metal plating is formed on a top terminal end section of the first plurality of segmented metal traces. The first metal plating is spread to at least one of the mold compound or the exposed end sections of the first plurality of segmented metal traces. A conductive coating is applied to the mold compound, the exposed end sections of the first plurality of segmented metal traces and to the first metal plating.
US08508022B2

An ultra thin package for an electric acoustic sensor chip of a micro electro mechanical system is provided. A substrate has a first substrate surface and a second substrate surface opposite to the first substrate surface. At least one conductor bump is formed on the second substrate surface. An electric acoustic sensor chip having a first chip surface and a second chip surface opposite to the first chip surface is provided. The first chip surface is electrically connected to the conductor bump. The conductor bump is positioned between the second substrate surface and the first chip surface to create a space. The conductor bump is used for transferring a signal from the sensor chip to the substrate. An acoustic opening passing through the substrate is formed.
US08508019B2

One or more embodiments are related to a semiconductor chip comprising a capacitor, the capacitor comprising: a plurality of conductive plates, each of the plates including a first conductive strip and a second conductive strip disposed over or under the first conductive strip, the second conductive strip of each plate being substantially parallel to the first conductive strip of the same plate, the second conductive strip of each plate electrically coupled to the first conductive strip of the plate through at least one conductive via, the second conductive strips of each group of at least two consecutive plates being spaced apart from each other in a direction along the length of the plates.
US08508015B2

The present invention provides Schottky-like and ohmic contacts comprising metal oxides on zinc oxide substrates and a method of forming such contacts. The metal oxide Schottky-like and ohmic contacts may be formed on zinc oxide substrates using various deposition and lift-off photolithographic techniques. The barrier heights of the metal oxide Schottky-like contacts are significantly higher than those for plain metals and their ideality factors are very close to the image force controlled limit. The contacts may have application in diodes, power electronics, FET transistors and related structures, and in various optoelectronic devices, such as UV photodetectors.
US08508007B2

The solid-state image sensing device is provided with an interconnect substrate, a solid-state image sensing chip and an under-filling resin. The solid-state image sensing chip is flip-chip mounted on the interconnect substrate. The solid-state image sensing chip takes a picture of an object to be imaged by photoelectrically conversion converting light incident on the back surface of the solid-state image sensing chip. An under-filling resin is used to fill the gap between the interconnect substrate and the solid-state image sensing chip. The under-filling resin serves to block light which is used to take an image by the solid-state image sensing chip.
US08508001B2

Disclosed herein is a semiconductor device that includes a semiconducting substrate and a work-function adjusting layer positioned at least partially in the semiconducting substrate, the work-function adjusting layer having a middle section, opposing ends and an end region located proximate each of said opposing ends and a gate electrode positioned above the work-function adjusting layer. Each of the end regions has a maximum thickness that is at least 25% greater than an average thickness of the middle section of the work-function adjusting layer.
US08507999B2

A semiconductor device includes a substrate including a cell area and a peripheral area, the cell area having an active region defined by an isolation region, a cell gate structure below an upper surface of the substrate in the cell area, the cell gate crossing the active region, a bit line structure above an upper surface of the substrate in the cell area, the bit line structure including bit line offset spacers on at least two side surfaces thereof, and a peripheral gate structure above an upper surface of the substrate in the peripheral area, the peripheral gate structure including peripheral gate offset spacers and peripheral gate spacers on at least two side surfaces thereof.
US08507997B2

A mask read-only memory (ROM) includes parallel doping lines of a second conductivity type formed in a substrate of a first conductivity type, a first insulation film formed on the doping lines and the substrate, conductive pads fainted on the first insulation film, a second insulation film formed on the first insulation film and the conductive pads, parallel wires formed on the second insulation film extending perpendicular to the doping lines, contact plugs formed in the first insulation film that connect the doping lines to the conductive pads, and vias formed in the second insulation film that connect the conductive pads to the wires, wherein crossings of the doping lines and the wires define memory cells, contact plugs and vias are formed in memory cells of a first type, and at least one of the contact plug and via are missing from memory cells of a second type.
US08507988B2

A high voltage (HV) device includes a gate dielectric structure over a substrate. The gate dielectric structure has a first portion and a second portion. The first portion has a first thickness and is over a first well region of a first dopant type in the substrate. The second portion has a second thickness and is over a second well region of a second dopant type. The first thickness is larger than the second thickness. A gate electrode is disposed over the gate dielectric structure. A metallic layer is over and coupled with the gate electrode. The metallic layer extends along a direction of a channel under the gate dielectric structure. At least one source/drain (S/D) region is disposed within the first well region of the first dopant type.
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