US08726043B2
Techniques described herein generally relate to methods, data processing devices and computer readable media to ensure that data stored in a remote backing storage device are in encrypted form before that data is transferred to another device or over a network. In some examples, the methods, data processing devices and computer readable media may be arranged to encrypt the data passed to the network when the data stored in the backing storage device is in unencrypted form. Also disclosed are methods, data processing devices and computer readable media that identify when the data stored in the backing storage device is in unencrypted form, including methods that may detect that the data may appear to be in encrypted form as a result of the data being compressed.
US08726039B2
In a storage system, using a pool of encryption processing cores, the encryption processing cores are assigned to process either encryption operations, decryption operations, and decryption and encryption operations, that are scheduled for processing. A maximum number of the encryption processing cores are set for processing only the decryption operations, thereby lowering a decryption latency. A minimal number of the encryption processing cores are allocated for processing the encryption operations, thereby increasing encryption latency. Upon reaching a throughput limit for the encryption operations that causes the minimal number of the plurality of encryption processing cores to reach a busy status, the minimal number of the plurality of encryption processing cores for processing the encryption operations is increased.
US08726018B2
An electronic authorization system comprising a data source system configured to transmit transaction data. A secure data system is coupled to the data source system over an open network, the secure data system is configured to receive the transaction data from the data source system, generate a unique encrypted identifier for the transaction data and to transmit the unique encrypted identifier to the data source system. The data source system is configured to receive the unique encrypted identifier and replace payment card data associated with the transaction data in a database with the unique encrypted identifier.
US08726017B2
A system and method for data storage and removal includes providing databases and providing encryption keys. Each database is associated with a database time period and each encryption key is associated with an encryption time period. Data items are received and each data item is encrypted using the encryption key associated with the encryption time period that corresponds to a time associated with the data item. Each encrypted data item is stored in the database associated with the database time period that corresponds to the time associated with the data item. Each encryption key is deactivated at a predetermined time after the associated encryption time period ends. Each database is made irretrievable upon a determination that all of the encryption keys associated with the data items stored in that database have been deactivated.
US08726006B2
A system and method for establishing a virtual private network (VPN) between a client and a private data communication network. An encrypted data communication session, such as a Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) data communication session, is established between a gateway and the client over a public data communication network. The gateway then sends a programming component to the client for automatic installation and execution thereon. The programming component operates to intercept communications from client applications destined for resources on the private data communication network and to send the intercepted communications to the gateway via the encrypted data communication session instead of to the resources on the private data communication network.
US08726001B2
A configurator is provided with the ability to enable a customer to configure a system based upon selection of components to reside within the system. Based upon selected components, the customer is presented with systems in which the selected components can reside.
US08725993B2
Various systems, processes, products, and techniques may be used to manage thread transitions. In particular implementations, a system and process for managing thread transitions may include the ability to determine that a transition is to be made regarding the relative use of two data register sets and determine, based on the transition determination, whether to move thread data in at least one of the data register sets to second-level registers. The system and process may also include the ability to move the thread data from at least one data register set to second-level registers based on the move determination.
US08725990B1
A configurable SIMD engine in a video processor for executing video processing operations. The engine includes a SIMD component having a plurality of inputs for receiving input data and a plurality of outputs for providing output data. A plurality of execution units are included in the SIMD component. Each of the execution units comprise a first and a second data path, and are configured for selectively implementing arithmetic operations on a set of low precision or high precision inputs. Each of the execution units have a first configuration and a second configuration, such that the first data path and the second data path are combined to produce a single high precision output in the first configuration, and such that the first data path and the second data path are partitioned to produce a respective first low precision output and second low precision output in the second configuration.
US08725983B2
A system, comprising: a plurality of modules, each module comprising a plurality of integrated circuits devices coupled to a module bus and a channel interface that communicates with a memory controller, at least a first module having a portion of its total module address space composed of first type memory cells having a first maximum access speed, and at least a second module having a portion of its total module address space composed of second type memory cells having a second maximum access speed slower than the first access speed.
US08725982B2
Memory management includes identifying a region of virtual memory to be reclaimed, the region including an object that is currently located at an original virtual memory location, and the region being supported by at least a portion of a memory resource; relocating the object from the original virtual memory location to a target virtual memory location; releasing the portion of the memory resource so that the portion of memory resource can be reused; and after the portion of the memory resource is released, replacing a reference of the object that points to the original virtual memory location with a reference of the object that points to the target virtual memory location.
US08725974B2
A method, apparatus and computer program product for providing page-protection based memory access barrier traps is presented. A value for a user-mode bit (u-bit) is computed for each extant virtual page in an address space, the u-bit indicative that an object on the virtual page is being moved by a Garbage Collector process. An instruction is executed which causes an access protection fault. The state of the u-bit for the virtual page associated with the access protection fault is consulted when the access protection fault is encountered. Additionally, the access protection fault is translated into a user-trap (utrap) and the utrap is serviced when the u-bit is set.
US08725971B2
A drop in the access performance to a source volume is prevented by executing various control methods according to the snapshot usage method. A storage apparatus comprises one or more storage devices which provide storage areas; and a controller which creates a logical volume in the storage area provided by the one or more storage devices, and which reads and writes data from/to the logical volume according to a request from a host, wherein the controller acquires one or more snapshots which are data images at certain time points of the logical volume, wherein the controller determines whether the logical volume is subject to abrupt load fluctuations on the basis of performance information of the logical volume and the snapshots, and wherein, if the logical volume is subject to abrupt load fluctuations, the controller executes predetermined control processing according to usage cases of the snapshots.
US08725965B2
Systems and methods are provided for storing and restoring digital data. In some implementations, a method is provided. The method includes detecting a remote storage device, prompting the user to use the detected remote storage device for backup operations, receiving a user input to use the detected remote storage device for backup operations, and automatically configuring backup operations using the remote storage device. Other embodiments of this aspect include corresponding systems, apparatus, computer program products, and computer readable media.
US08725953B2
A data processing system including a plurality of processors 4, 6, 8 each having a local cache memory 10, 12, 14 is provided. A cache coherency controller 16 serves to maintain cache coherency between the local cache memories 10, 12, 14. When one of the processors 4, 6, 8 is placed into a low power state its associated local cache memory 10, 12, 14 is maintained in a state in which the data it is holding is accessible to the cache coherency controller 16 until a predetermined condition has been met whereupon the local cache memory 10, 12, 14 concerned is placed into a low power state. The predetermined condition can take a variety of different forms such as the rate of snoop hits falling below a threshold value, the ratio of snooping hits to snoop requests falling below a threshold value, a predetermined number of clock cycles passing since the associated processor for that local cache memory was powered down as well as other possibilities.
US08725952B2
An address comparator stores an address of data read out by a host system. Also, a buffer reads out the data from a memory and stores the data. If an address of data which is expected to be newly read out by the host system is included in addresses which have already been stored in the address comparator, the host system 1 newly reads out the data from the buffer, not from the memory. As a result, it is possible to eliminate or lessen the possibility of unintentional rewriting of data which is likely to be caused due to repeated readout of data.
US08725945B2
A method and system for manipulating a spin state of each disk in a drive array is disclosed. In one embodiment, a method includes monitoring input/output (I/O) requests to each disk drive in a disk array and identifying any disk drive as an inactive disk drive based on a number of I/O requests directed to said any disk drive for a given time interval. The method further includes moving data from the inactive disk drive to an active disk drive having a free disk space to store the data and updating metadata associated with the data using a log-structured file system for the disk array. Further, the method includes manipulating a spin state of the inactive disk drive by spinning down the inactive disk drive to conserve power. Furthermore, the method includes redirecting subsequent I/O requests for the inactive disk drive to the active disk drive by accessing the metadata of the log-structured file system.
US08725939B1
A method, computer program product, and computing system for receiving a read request on a first cache system, wherein the read request identifies previously-written content included within a data array. If the previously-written content identified in the read request is stored within the first cache system in a compressed format, and the previously-written content identified in the read request is stored within the data array in an uncompressed format; a determination is made as to if it is less computationally expensive to obtain from the data array the previously-written content in an uncompressed format.
US08725926B2
In order to provide an inexpensive way to share an I/O device loaded in an I/O drawer among a plurality of blades, in a server system including a plurality of servers, a PCI device, and a manager for initializing a PCI switch, the PCI device has a plurality of virtual functions (VFs). The PCI switch, which has VF allocation information which indicates association between the servers and the VFs, is configured to: receive a transaction from one of the servers or from the PCI device; when the received transaction is a transaction sent from the one of the servers, remove a server identifier with which a sender server is identified and transfer the received transaction to the PCI device; and when the received transaction is a transaction sent from the PCI device, attach a server identifier that is determined based on the VF allocation information.
US08725925B2
A structure for transmitting signals of PCI express and a method thereof provides a converting device and a high-definition multimedia interface (HDMI) cable. The converting device has a plug connector to into a PCI express slot, along with a HDMI connector. The signal converting circuit connects the signal pins of the PCI express slot to the signal pins of HDMI connector. One end of the HDMI cable is connected with the HDMI connector of the converting device. The present invention can extends the signal distance of the PCI express to exactly perform the signal test.
US08725922B2
Provided are a data processor, and a control system, in which an interrupt controller and an event link controller are adopted. The event link controller responds to a generated event signal to output a start control signal for controlling start of an operation of a circuit module. The circuit module is able to generate an event signal. The event link controller generates the start control signal according to the correspondences between event signals and start control signals which are defined by event control information. The links between the event signals and start control signals can be prescribed by the event control information. Therefore, operations of circuit modules prescribed by such links can be controlled sequentially. The control neither involves save and return processes by CPU as in the interrupt processing, nor needs priority level control as executed on competing interrupt requests.
US08725921B2
A virtual multi-processor system includes a plurality of logic processors. Moreover, the virtual multi-processor system includes a logic processor controller configured to allocate a time slice to each of the logic processors to control the logic processors so that the logic processors sequentially run in a time-sharing manner. When a request for interrupt processing occurs, an external interrupt controller performs control so that a logic processor that has a time slice within which the interrupt processing is possible and that runs next executes the interrupt processing.
US08725916B2
In embodiments of host side implementation for HID I2C data bus, a computing system includes a human interface device (HID) software stack that implements device software, such as for embedded devices, that interfaces the computing system to a peripheral device via HID over I2C. An HID I2C driver interfaces the HID software stack with the peripheral devices that each include an HID I2C interface to a device that communicates data in the computing system via an I2C data bus. The HID I2C driver is compatible and interfaces with I2C controller drivers and GPIO controller drivers of the devices, where the I2C controller drivers and the GPIO controller drivers may each have a different implementation configuration.
US08725912B2
A method for binding input/output (I/O) objects to nodes. The method includes receiving, by an I/O Subsystem, a request to use an I/O device from a process, determining a first resource to service the request, and generating a first I/O object corresponding to the first resource. The method includes sending the first I/O object to a NUMA I/O Framework, obtaining a first I/O object effective load from the first I/O object, and obtaining a first I/O load capacity of a first NUMA node of a plurality of NUMA nodes. The method includes comparing the first I/O load capacity and the first I/O object effective load, selecting the first NUMA node based on a determination that the first I/O load capacity is greater than the first I/O object effective load, binding the first I/O object to the first NUMA node, and processing the first resource corresponding to the first I/O object.
US08725906B2
A Storage Area Network (SAN) system has host computers, front-end SAN controllers (FE_SAN) connected via a bus or network interconnect to back-end SAN controllers (BE_SAN), and physical disk drives connected via network interconnect to the BE_SANs to provide distributed high performance centrally managed storage. Described are hardware and software architectural solutions designed to eliminate I/O traffic bottlenecks, improve scalability, and reduce the overall cost of SAN systems. In an embodiment, the BE_SAN has firmware to recognize when, in order to support a multidisc volume, such as a RAID volume, it is configured to support, it requires access to a physical disk attached to a second BE_SAN; when such a reference is recognized it passes assess commands to the second BE_SAN. Further, the BE_SAN has firmware to make use of the physical disk attached to the second BE_SAN as a hot-spare for RAID operations.
US08725902B2
Changing a network configuration to restore compliance to one requirement may invalidate the network compliance with another requirement. A method changes a configuration to restore compliance to all requirements at minimum cost. The requirements are a hybrid of symbolic, arithmetic and bit-vector constraints, so traditional optimization techniques such as linear programming, that work only for purely arithmetic constraints, do not apply. The requirements are represented as SMT (satisfiability-modulo-theory) constraints on configuration variables, and then a weighted Max-SAT solver is used to compute the optimal configuration changes in order to minimize the cost.
US08725901B2
A method and apparatus for transforming message events between applications running on a computing device into a form that appears as network events between multiple virtual network access devices. These “network events” may then be processed by known network software protocol analyzers.
US08725900B2
The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for pipelined processing of data. When a data packet containing information is received by a processor operating according to pipelined processing, bits are added to the data packet and an intermediate packet, comprising more bits than the received data packet, is generated. To the intermediate packet is associated information reference, the information reference comprising information regarding the length and position of the information in the intermediate packet. As the intermediate packet is processed, changes to the intermediate packet resulting in changes of the length or the position of the information in the intermediate packet will trigger changes of the information reference. When the intermediate packet exits the processor, superfluous bits are removed.
US08725897B2
Address information of an external device is registered as address information to refuse reception or to permit reception in a filtering address storage unit, and additional address information held by an external device having the registered address information is obtained. Then, the obtained additional address information is registered in association with the address information in the filtering address storage unit. In a case that information is received from an external device, it is determined whether or not the address information of the external device is stored in the storage unit so that information from the external device is refused.
US08725889B2
The present invention provides an electronic message management system (EMS) that includes a real-time feedback loop where data is collected from the electronic messages on incoming connection attempts, outgoing delivery attempts, and message content analysis, and written to a centralized data matrix. A separate process accesses the data matrix and analyzes trends in that data. The detected data patterns, trends or behavior is based on configuration parameters for the recipient. Based on these determinations, the process is able to instruct components in the EMS to accept, redirect, refuse, modify, defer, or otherwise dispose of the connection request, the delivery attempt, or the message. Associated methods for managing the transmission of electronic messages are also disclosed.
US08725883B2
The invention relates to a method where a first address (121) from a first network (185) is obtained to a mobile node (180). Network address translation information is received from a network node (140) to the mobile node (180), the network node (140) being connected to a second network (150). An address mapping is indicated between the first address (121) and a second address (101) to the network node (140), the second address (101) being associated with the second network (150). A session establishment request is obtained. The request comprises instances of the first addresses (121) and third addresses (120). The first addresses (121) are replaced with the second addresses (101) in the request. An address mapping is indicated between the third address (120) and a fourth address (100) to the first network node (140). The session establishment request is sent to a remote network node (190) from the mobile node (180).
US08725882B2
Methods, devices, and computer-readable media are provided for restoring state that was built up on a first session between a first server instance and a client to a second session between a second server instance and the client. Non-transactional session state that existed for the first session is preserved by repeating non-transactional commands in the second session. Transactions are executed in the second session when the transactions did not complete in the first session. The first server instance sends, to the client in the first session, information to maintain for a possible replay of commands that were sent in a request to the first server instance for execution in the first session. If the first session becomes unavailable, the maintained information may be used by the second server instance to restore the database session, masking the outage from users, applications, and clients.
US08725880B2
A method and apparatus for assisting in establishing an online communication session between client computing devices. An online communication session invite request message is received from an initiating client computing device, the message includes connection data of the initiating computing device and an online communication session endpoint identifier for an intended recipient. A set of one or more push tokens that are associated with the identifier is determined, where each of the push tokens identifies a client computing device. An online communication session invite message that includes the connection data of the initiating client computing device is transmitted to a set of intended recipient client computing devices that correspond with the set of push tokens. An invite accepted message is received from at least one of the set of intended recipient client computing devices that includes connection data of that computing device. An invite accepted message is transmitted to the initiating computing device that includes the connection data of each accepting computing device to allow the initiating computing device and each accepting computing device to establish a direct peer-to-peer online communication session.
US08725878B1
Methods and apparatus to create zones for ports from a storage layer to a compute layer both coupled to a storage area network switch. In one embodiment, the storage layer includes ports in field replaceable unit (FRU) port groups, the port groups in FRU adapters, and the adapters in FRU adapter groups. The ports can be selected to minimize single points of failure.
US08725870B2
A system including a first apparatus including a first processor, a first storage device, and a first communication interface and a second apparatus including a second processor and a second communication interface is provided. The first processor measures traffic of data communicated via a predetermined communication path in each of a plurality of time ranges, stores the data communicated in each of the plurality of time ranges in the first storage device, and performs a control processing to cause the first communication interface to transmit the measured data traffic to the second apparatus, and when the second processor receives the measured data, the second processor performs control processing to cause the second communication interface to transmit to the first apparatus designation information designating one of the plurality of time ranges in which protection target data not to be deleted from the first storage device has been communicated.
US08725868B2
In one implementation, an interactive service management system includes a performance profile module and a performance evaluation module. The performance profile modules defines a performance measure of an interactive service based on a quality assessment associated with the interactive service. The performance evaluation module compares the performance measure with performance target associated with the interactive service, and modifies the performance target associated with the interactive service based on the comparison of the performance measure and the performance target.
US08725861B2
A CDN service provider shares its CDN infrastructure with a network to enable a network service provider (NSP) to offer a private-labeled network content delivery network (NCDN or “private CDN”) to participating content providers. The CDNSP preferably provides the hardware, software and services required to build, deploy, operate and manage the CDN for the NCDN customer. Thus, the NCDN customer has access to and can make available to participating content providers one or more of the content delivery services (e.g., HTTP delivery, streaming media delivery, application delivery, and the like) available from the global CDN without having to provide the large capital investment, R&D expense and labor necessary to successfully deploy and operate the network itself. Rather, the global CDN service provider simply operates the private CDN for the network as a managed service.
US08725844B2
A method and system are provided for proposing advice consisting of corrective actions and enhancements to address a detected problem or measured degradation in the operation of a computer based on collected configuration and performance data. After the advice is proposed, the method and/or system automatically detects when and in what form the advice was implemented, and rates the efficacy of the implementation action based on subsequent collection and measurement of performance. The method and/or system is then able to adjust the importance of the advice relative to other advice.
US08725843B2
A method, device, and computer readable medium for adaptively configuring a router in a communication system having a plurality of network devices. Data packets passing through the router are examined in order to determine network parameters associated with the plurality of network devices. A plurality of network interfaces in the router are then adapted to the network parameters so that the router is operatively coupled to the plurality of network devices.
US08725841B2
Data indicates characteristics of a user's multiple media files. The multiple media files are associated with a media library. At least one of the multiple media files matches content in a master media file. The content in the matching media file is of a quality that is lower than the quality of the master media file. The user can provide payment for access to the master media file and, if the user does so, the master media file is associated with the media library and the user is provided with access to the master media file.
US08725839B2
Methods, systems and computer products are provided for imposing pre-installation prerequisite checks on the install user to ensure a higher rate of installation success. Projected failure rates are calculated for scenarios in which a user opts to not perform one or more prerequisite activities prior to the installation. The system prompts the user to perform the prerequisites, and provides installation advices showing the projected failure rates in the event the user opts out of performing one or more prerequisites. The system may not allow the user to bypass some prerequisites designated as being mandatory to the installation.
US08725833B2
Comparing usage of items at a location associated with a sensor network to attributes of a selected item is disclosed. A client device captures an item descriptor associated with a selected item. An item identifier is extracted from the item descriptor and transmitted from the client device to an item information server to retrieve data describing attributes of the selected item. The client device transmits an account identifier to an account server, which uses the account identifier to retrieve data from a sensor network describing usage of items at a location associated with the sensor network. The account server transmits to the client device a comparison of one or more attributes of the selected device with usage of items at the location associated with the sensor network.
US08725818B1
A conversation server stores a hosted conversation. The conversation has an attachment that is stored at the conversation server. The conversation has an automated participant, where the automated participant is a computer-implemented participant that operates in accordance with instructions stored on an automated participant server that is distinct from the conversation server. The conversation server provides the automated participant with access to the attachment and subsequently receives, from the automated participant, a request to modify the attachment. In response to the request, the conversation server modifies the attachment in accordance with the request.
US08725803B2
An interactive, computer network based system presents consumers with multimedia brand information via a browser-based interface called the GraffitiWall®. Consumers can use the GraffitiWall® to modify and display a sponsor's brand information in any way desired, including use of avatars. Consumer modifications are immediately communicated to the other member consumers and the advertiser/sponsor. Consumers can rate the GraffitiWall®, or portions thereof, and email the GraffitiWall®. An archive of GraffitiWalls™ is maintained by the system. Consumers participate in online focus groups, one-to-one interviews and discussions, as well as games and promotions pertaining to the brand. Interaction with consumers through focus groups, one-to-one interviews, discussions, games and promotions allows the hosting company to reinforce brand equities; speak directly to their target audience; test new and updated products and services; and encourage participation to a brand via purchases and signups by rewarding the participant with coupons, samples, gift certificates, and the like. An ongoing dialogue between business and consumer, as well as consumer-to-consumer, nurtures customer participation, loyalty and satisfaction, and builds a community housed within the company's brand.
US08725802B2
A method for transferring a file in a conference system is provided, which includes the following steps. A file sending UE sends a conference identification of the conference to the file receiving UE through a conference server; and sends the file to the file receiving UE through the conference server. A conference server, and a file sending and receiving UE are also provided. In the present invention, when a user sends a file to another user in a conference, a conference identification of the conference, together with the file, is sent to the file receiving user, so that the file receiving user can get to know the conference associated with the file when receiving the file, thereby enhancing the experience enjoyed by the file receiving user.
US08725799B2
A computer implemented method of adjusting for varying delays in communication of a batch of actions uploaded for processing from a client application to a server application. The method includes receiving the batch of actions to be processed, the batch of actions including the actions, action time stamps, and an upload time stamp, generating a receipt time stamp for receipt of the batch, estimating times of occurrences of actions in the batch based on a base time and the action time stamps, and adjusting a process running on a server based on the estimated times. The base time is estimated by estimating when a first action in the batch occurred and, if a time between two adjacent actions in the batch exceeds a predefined limit, the base time is re-estimated by estimating when a second of the two adjacent actions occurred.
US08725782B2
This document describes techniques for effecting a virtual disk. In an exemplary configuration, a virtual disk file can be associated with a log that acts as both a log and a check point record. When a log entry is generated, information that identifies the tail can be stored therein. This information can be used in the event that virtual disk file is improperly closed, i.e., a crash or power failure occurs, to discover a sequence of log entries to replay. In addition to the foregoing, other techniques are described in the claims, detailed description, and figures.
US08725778B2
Methods and apparatus to provision network resource records are described. An example method includes creating a statement representative of a plurality of numbers to be provisioned to a plurality of users via an iterative process; and, for each iteration of the iterative process, generating an instance of the statement to form a resource record by replacing a first character in a domain name segment of the statement with a first version of a respective one of the numbers; replacing a second character in a resource identifier segment of the statement with a second version of the respective one of the numbers different than the first version; and storing the instance of the statement as a resource record in connection with the respective one of the numbers.
US08725774B2
A system and method generate an ontology of linked resources. The method includes providing a policy comprising at least one logical rule which is to hold across an ontology of linked resources and initializing a set of resources with an initial subset of the set of resources, each resource in the initial subset being identified by a respective link. Each of the resources in the subset is processed, which includes populating the ontology with a corresponding member of a resource class, for a resource that is valid against a schema, asserting the member's class as a class specific to the schema of the validated resource in the ontology and providing a dependency specification for extracting links within the resource, each extracted link identifying one of the set of resources. A link property is asserted in the ontology for a link between the resource of the subset containing an extracted link and the resource identified by the extracted link and the ontology populated with a member of the resource class for each newly identified resource. A verification that the at least one logical rule holds across the set of resources in the ontology is performed.
US08725771B2
Methods and systems for searching over large (i.e., Internet scale) data to discover relevant information artifacts based on similar content and/or relationships are disclosed. Improvements over simple keyword and phrase based searching over internet scale data are shown. Search engines providing accurate and contextually relevant search results are disclosed. Users are enabled to identify related documents and information artifacts and quickly, ascertain, via visualization, which of these documents are original, which are derived (or copied) from a source document or information artifact, and which subset is independently generated (i.e., an original document or information artifact).
US08725770B2
A flexible and extensible architecture allows for secure searching across an enterprise. Such an architecture can provide a simple Internet-like search experience to users searching secure content inside (and outside) the enterprise. The architecture allows for the crawling and searching of a variety or of sources across an enterprise, regardless of whether any of these sources conform to a conventional user role model. The architecture further allows for security attributes to be submitted at query time, for example, in order to provide real-time secure access to enterprise resources. The user query also can be transformed to provide for dynamic querying that provides for a more current result list than can be obtained for static queries.
US08725764B2
A method and apparatus for searching message data in a portable electronic device are provided. A threaded message inbox is provided at a display of the device, the message data grouped as threads. Search criteria are received and a search of an index of the threaded message inbox is initiated using the search criteria, the index comprising key words extracted from the message data. Additional message data is received while the search is being performed, the additional message data belonging to a given thread. Additional message data is searched in addition to the index. Search results are generated based on whether at least one of data from additional message data and data from the index meets the search criteria. Search results are provided in threads at the display. Search results are automatically updated in response to receiving additional message data when the additional message data meets the search criteria.
US08725751B1
One embodiment relates to an apparatus for blocking or blurring unwanted image features. The apparatus includes at least a memory, a processor, a browsing application, and an image blocking component. The image blocking component is configured to block or blur images with unwanted image features before the images are displayed by the browsing application. Another embodiment relates to a process for blocking or blurring unwanted image features prior to displaying web pages. A web page including an image is received, but it is not displayed the image until after checking the image for unwanted image features. Image features are extracted from the image, and the extracted image features are compared against features in a customized image feature database. The image is displayed if no match is found during said comparison. The image is blocked or blurred if a match is found during said comparison. Other embodiments are also disclosed.
US08725750B1
A method receives a specification for processing beacons. The beacons are associated with an event occurring at a client while a user is interacting with a web application and include unstructured data. The method parses the specification to determine an object model including objects determined from the specification where different specifications are parsed into a format of the object model. A generator is determined and each generator is configured to process the format of the object model to generate a different type of target program to process the beacons and multiple generators can process different specifications that are parsed into the format of the object model. The method runs the generator with the object model to generate a target program configured to identify the beacons for the specification, determine unstructured data in the beacons that were specified in the specification, and transform the unstructured data into structured data.
US08725747B2
A computer-readable medium, computer-implemented method, and system are provided for filtering of custom attributes. A custom attribute is an attribute of an object defined by a user. Once a user has defined one or more custom attributes, the user can filter a set of objects based on a criteria that includes a value for one or more custom attributes. The filtering can be dynamic so that when the set of objects is modified (such as creating a new object, deleting an existing object, or modifying an existing object), the filter is automatically updated. Furthermore, a filtering criteria can be based on the set of objects present in the system, so that any filter that is defined returns at least one object. In addition, once a filter is applied, any additional filter applied to the original filter can have a filtering criteria based on the subset of objects returned by the original filter.
US08725745B2
Embodiments related to the provision of applications to mobile devices are disclosed. One embodiment provides a mobile device application server system, comprising a database, a processor, and memory comprising instructions stored thereon that are executable by the processor to perform a method of providing applications to mobile devices. The method comprises receiving a first application configured to be run on a first mobile device type, storing the first application, receiving a second application configured to be run on a second device mobile device type, and storing the second application. The method further comprises receiving a request for the first application from a first mobile device of the first mobile device type, providing the first application to the first mobile device, receiving a request for the second application from a second mobile device of the second mobile device type, and providing the second application to the second mobile device.
US08725735B2
A difference in tendency of times associated with combinations of content clusters and user clusters among the user clusters is reflected in a result of correspondence between the content cluster and the user cluster. A data acquisition unit acquires association data indicating a combination of a content belonging to the content cluster, a user belonging to one of a plurality of user clusters, and a time relating to a combination of the content and the user. A dividing unit divides, under a condition that the tendency of the times associated with the users in the association data differs among the plurality of user clusters to which the users belong, the content cluster into a plurality of clusters each corresponding to at least one of the plurality of user clusters.
US08725734B2
A method and system for sorting data of an input file containing multiple records associated with multiple tables of a database. The multiple records include key values. The key values are segmented into ranges of key values for each table. Each range of key values for each table is a segment having a segment value. Multiple key values are selected for the multiple records. A block number, which contains a unique permutation of the segment values of the segments, is generated. The segment values denote the ranges of key values encompassing the multiple key values in each record. A sort key value for each record is ascertained, based on the generated block number for each record, and added to each record. The multiple records are sorted according to the sort key values in the multiple records. The sorted multiple records are stored in an output file.
US08725732B1
Systems, methods and program products for classifying text. A system classifies text into first subject matter categories. The system identifies one or more second subject matter categories in a collection of second subject matter categories, each of the second categories is a hierarchical classification of a collection of confirmed valid search results for queries, in which at least one query for each identified second category includes a term in the text. The system filters the identified categories by excluding identified categories whose ancestors are not among the first categories. The system selects categories from the filtered categories based on one or more thresholds in which a threshold specifies a degree of relatedness between a selected category and the text. The selected categories are a sufficient basis for recommending content to a user, the content being associated with one or more of the selected categories.
US08725731B2
A data retrieval system comprising a first computing device communicatively coupled to a second computing device; the first computing device having a processor that supports operation of at least one software application that is used for retrieving data; the second computing device communicatively coupled to one or more storage media; the software application having a retrieval module for retrieving data from the one or more storage media; a storage and backup map that maps to the second computing device; and a data index stored on the second computing device that indicates to the retrieval module a particular location of the data that is to be retrieved by the retrieval module.
US08725728B1
A computer-based apparatus for compiling and evaluating character traits, including at least one processor for at least one specially programmed computer arranged to: transmit a plurality of queries regarding a plurality of character traits; receive a first response, from a first user, to the plurality of queries, including a respective first evaluation, by the first user, of the first user with respect to the character traits; generate, using the first response, a self-rating score regarding the character traits; transmit the queries to a second user; receive, from the second user a second response to the plurality of queries, the second response including a respective second evaluation, by the second user, of the first user with respect to said each character trait; generate, using the second response, an outside review score regarding the character traits; and transmit the self-rating score and the outside review score for display by at least one graphical user interface.
US08725724B2
An association method for analyzing a dataset and grouping its objects in homogeneous groups. Multiple grouping algorithms of the art are performed against the dataset, each producing its own grouping results. All the distributions (groupings) are ordered in a matrix, where each distribution suggested by a specific algorithm and/or parameters is presented in a column of the matrix, and each object is presented in a row of the matrix. The association method is applied to the grouping results and associates similar groups among different grouping methods. The best grouping of the objects is determined according to one or more quality criteria. The various grouping results are represented by colors in the matrix such that similar colors, even on different rows, represent similar grouping recommendations.
US08725720B1
A query is received. It is determined that the query includes an inner join between a parent table and a child table. It is determined that the following relationships exist between the parent table and the child table: referential integrity (“RI”) between a primary key attribute (pk) in the parent table and a foreign key attribute (fk) in the child table, where “attribute” is defined to mean one or more columns; and a temporal relationship constraint (“TRC”) between a period attribute in the parent table and a TRC-attribute in the child table, the TRC-attribute being a date or time attribute. It is determined that the query does not access any attribute in the parent table other than the pk. It is determined that the query specifies an equality predicate of the form pk=fk. It is determined that the query specifies a condition that requires the TRC-attribute value to be contained in the parent table's period attribute duration. It is determined that the query contains no other qualification conditions on the parent table's period attribute. The inner join is eliminated when planning execution of the query. The query is executed to produce a result. The result is saved.
US08725712B2
The invention allows location and other context based presentation of media content while capturing new content with a mobile device. First media content is captured with the mobile device located at a current location. A current context of the mobile device is determined. Second media content is retrieved based on the determined current context of the mobile device. Then, the captured first media content is presented concurrently with the retrieved second media content.
US08725710B2
A method for generating a probabilistic relational database based on a previous relational database, wherein the probability estimation is carried out within the relational paradigm. The method may include frequency-based and information theoretic based (idf-based) estimation of tuple probabilities. The method generalises the use of information retrieval ranking methods such that these and new ranking methods are available for relational databases.
US08725708B2
A method for resolving a unit of work involving a plurality of participants, for use in a publish/subscribe system having a plurality of participants that subscribe to a first topic and at least one component having access to an outcome associated with the unit of work. The component publishes, to the first topic, a first message comprising a first outcome associated with the unit of work. If there is a failure associated with a first participant, a second participant use the published outcome to recover the unit of work.
US08725702B1
A computer-implemented method for repairing system files may include 1) identifying a request to repair a corrupted system file in an operating system, 2) receiving file metadata describing the corrupted system file and system metadata describing the operating system, 3) identifying an uncorrupted version of the corrupted system file by i) identifying a series of matching tests for matching the corrupted system file with the uncorrupted version, the series of matching tests including at least one file metadata item from the file metadata and at least one system metadata item from the system metadata, and ii) applying the series of matching tests in a predetermined order to a database of uncorrupted system files until a matching test matches the corrupted system file with the uncorrupted version of the system file. Various other methods, systems, and computer-readable media are also disclosed.
US08725701B2
Systems and methods are provided that perform data validation in real time. By uploading the source data from spreadsheets or entering the data directly into an application, the required validations can be run and reported in real time. Users can then either extract the data back into spreadsheets for manipulation, and then re-upload it, or correct the data directly within the application. Once the data set has passed all validations, it is then passed to the technical team for upload into the transactional system.
US08725700B2
A computerized system, method and process allows telecommunications carriers to find, evaluate and select locations for equipment through direct access to end users, while providing citizens the opportunity to offer the use of their dwelling or other assets to carriers. The system and method further provides a computerized mechanism for (a) creating an inventory and marketplace for available properties for use in telecommunications networks, (b) providing quality and/or performance monitoring and control for wireless communication systems based on data in the clearinghouse, and (c) providing localized content over wireless networks using the clearinghouse.
US08725697B2
Techniques for cloud data backup are disclosed. Example methods may store backup data from a client computer on portions of data storage media associated with peer computers. In some example embodiments, a file may be encoded into segments using an error-tolerant encoding scheme, and the segments may be stored on peer computers. In some example embodiments, individual segments may be stored on more than one peer machine and/or an individual peer machine may not receive all of the segments associated with the file.
US08725695B2
A storage system comprises a second NAS storage apparatus comprising a processor and a storage medium and a third NAS storage apparatus for migrating an object managed by a first NAS storage apparatus. The processor stores path information of an object for which migration has started after including the path information in object management information, in the storage medium prior to migrating the object entity to the third NAS storage apparatus. The processor, after receiving the object entity from the first NAS storage apparatus and migrating the object entity to the third NAS storage apparatus, stores the third NAS storage apparatus path information to the object entity in the object management information, and reflects the management information in the third NAS storage apparatus.
US08725685B2
An information-processing apparatus includes a networking device that communicates with an external apparatus. The information-processing apparatus also includes a storage that stores an album of a plurality of content data and a transfer log indicating whether each of the content data has been transferred to the external apparatus. The information-processing apparatus additionally includes a processing unit that identifies certain content data from the content data of the album when the transfer log indicates that the certain content data has never been transferred to the external apparatus and controls a display of information about the album. Further, the processing unit starts a transfer of the certain content data to the external apparatus, when the album has been selected and the certain content data has never been transferred to the external apparatus, and updates the transfer log when the networking device transfers the certain content data to the external apparatus.
US08725683B2
A really simple syndication (RSS) feed generator provides a set of data related to an entity to a user in the form of a really simple syndication (RSS) feed in a manner so that the set of data includes entity information at the feed-level. A user of the RSS feed may use the feed-level entity information to consume the set of data in a number of different ways. In an embodiment, the feed-level entity information includes meta-data defining the entity such that a user may use the metadata to display the entity on the client side. The RSS feed generation system allows a user to manipulate a copy of an instance of entity data as necessary for a client.
US08725669B1
A signal processing method and system combines multi-scale decomposition, such as wavelet, pre-processing together with a compression technique, such as an auto-associative artificial neural network, operating in the multi-scale decomposition domain for signal denoising and extraction. All compressions are performed in the decomposed domain. A reverse decomposition such as an inverse discrete wavelet transform is performed on the combined outputs from all the compression modules to recover a clean signal back in the time domain. A low-cost, non-drug, non-invasive, on-demand therapy braincap system and method are pharmaceutically non-intrusive to the body for the purpose of disease diagnosis, treatment therapy, and direct mind control of external devices and systems. It is based on recognizing abnormal brainwave signatures and intervenes at the earliest moment, using magnetic and/or electric stimulations to reset the brainwaves back to normality. The feedback system is self-regulatory and the treatment stops when the brainwaves return to normal. The braincap contains multiple sensing electrodes and microcoils; the microcoils are pairs of crossed microcoils or 3-axis triple crossed microcoils.
US08725664B1
An apparatus includes an analytic network process (ANP) storage memory that stores an ANP weighted supermatrix representing an ANP model; and a processor in communication with the ANP storage memory. The processor is configured to facilitate measuring how alternatives synthesize with respect to a fixed node in the stored ANP weighted supermatrix to determine a perspective metric vector for the fixed node. Also, the processor maintains a same proportionality in the stored ANP weighted supermatrix for the measuring of the perspective metric vector for the fixed node.
US08725661B1
Self-terminating prediction trees are a generalization of decision trees in which each node is associated with a real-valued prediction. Instead of having a separate pruning phase, a self-terminating tree may be constructed by applying various limits during tree growth that prevent nodes that add little or no additional decision power from being grown within the tree. The prediction tree is learned by performing a penalized empirical risk minimization task, based upon the use of prediction values and functional tree complexity. A separate pruning phase is not required, since the tree self-terminates further growth.
US08725634B2
A method and system for electronic deferred check processing is disclosed. A processing center receives an account identifier and a plurality of deferred payment amounts. The deferred payment amounts may be specified in a check, which can be digitized and electronically transmitted for further processing. The account identifier is correlated to a purchaser checking account. The deferred payment amounts are transferred to a merchant account in accordance with one of a plurality of predefined merchant transfer schedules, and each transfer may have a fee associated therewith that is deductable from the deferred payment amounts. The funds corresponding to the deferred payment amounts are also transferred from the purchaser checking account according to a predefined deduction schedule.
US08725633B1
A system and method for facilitating debit card transactions is disclosed. According to one embodiment, a method for facilitating debit card transactions may comprise the steps of: issuing, by a first financial institution, a debit card to a cardholder, the debit card being associated with a financial account held at or administered by a second financial institution that is different from the first financial institution; receiving a transaction request for a card transaction initiated by the cardholder, the transaction request indicating a mode for processing the transaction request as specified by the cardholder; routing the transaction request, based at least in part on the specified processing mode; processing the transaction request against the financial account to approve or reject the transaction request; and debiting an amount of an approved transaction request from the financial account, the debiting occurring either immediately upon or subsequent to the approval.
US08725630B1
A method of processing a phone call, the method including: from a trunk interface, receiving an inbound communication from which a number is detected, the number sufficient to identify a location of a caller, and by a digital electrical computer system including a memory storing phone numbers for a plurality of credit counseling services, querying the memory by using the detected number to select at least three phone numbers for credit counseling services associated with the location of the caller and outputting a sequence of the phone numbers automatically selected for the credit counseling services associated with the location of the caller.
US08725612B2
A personalized real-time location-based travel management method, the method including the steps of (a) defining a departure point and a destination for multimodal travel, (b) computing in an IT system (30) a list of candidate routes between said departure point and said destination, based on schedule information available to said IT system; (c) making travel information relating to a selected route available to a user's personal travel assistant (40) or a database (31) while traveling; and (d) detecting in said IT system an unexpected event during said travel, and computing an alternative list of candidate routes or routes segments in response to said unexpected event.
US08725611B1
A system and method providing a borrowing scheme. The method comprises the steps of: determining a designated event using the programmed computer processor; determining parameters associated with the designated event using the programmed computer processor; providing incentives to the user via the network, wherein the incentives comprise upgrades, discounts or access associated with the designated event; determining whether a transaction is associated with the designated event using the programmed computer processor; rewarding at least one benefit to the transactions associated with the designated event using the programmed computer processor; and allowing a user to selectively pay down transactions or balance amount(s) associated with the designated event.
US08725610B1
Methods, systems, and articles of manufacture consistent with the present invention provide for managing privacy in a data processing system having an offering platform. A privacy policy is mapped to a data elements that are transmitted to remote offering platforms. The remote offering platform complies with the privacy policy to ensure data security.
US08725603B1
A method and system are provided for helping a user configure her paycheck deductions and disbursements. Paycheck information is retrieved (e.g., from an aggregator, from benefits providers, from the user) and a tool is activated to present an electronic paycheck summary to the user. A tax engine is invoked to determine whether her net pay can be increased by reducing the amount of pay withheld for taxes. The user is then invited to change any or all of the benefit deductions taken from her pay. For example, she may be invited to select from a number of insurance plans (e.g., medical, dental, life insurance), select a level of contribution to a retirement account, open an investment account, and so on. Action to implement some or all of the user's selected deductions may then be initiated electronically. Alternatively, she may be presented with a checklist of actions she needs to take.
US08725600B2
In an embodiment, articles are left in storage areas, such as lockers or other receptacles that may be associated with a household services company. A divided storage receptacle is discussed. The receptacle is divided by an angled plane such that the top portion may be used to hang clothes of various lengths thereby utilizing the space efficiently.
US08725596B2
A computerized vehicle control system and device for limiting the functionality of a mobile asset (e.g., vehicle) capable of performing a plurality of mobile asset functions. The device includes an asset monitor, a mobile wireless transceiver, and a mobile asset processor. The asset monitor is in communication with a first mobile asset for collecting monitored data associated with the first mobile asset. The mobile wireless transceiver is adapted to interface with a management computer. The mobile asset processor is adapted to receive the monitored data from the asset monitor; determine that a first mobile asset function of the plurality of mobile asset functions should be limited; and limit operation of the first mobile asset function. The mobile asset control device can be adapted to override the functionality of the mobile asset, based on the navigation, relative location of the mobile asset, or business rules.
US08725590B2
A computer-implemented method for generating a customized user plan based on corresponding creator plans and user data. The creator plans is generated by experts in their respective fields, by businesses, and by users of the system. The creator plans is available for selection or purchase by users. A system may propose creator plans to a user. Once the one or more creator plans are identified for a particular user, the system generates a customized user plan based on these creator plans and corresponding user data, such as user input, user state, and privacy settings. External data and other plans of this and other users may also be used in generating the customized user plan. A single customized user plan may integrate multiple creator plans and set multiple goals for the user. The user plan may be dynamically generated and updated based on, for example, changes to the user data.
US08725589B1
Exemplary embodiments provide a transaction card that may have multiple layers contained therein. The layers may include a metal sub-assembly core. The transaction card may be engraved, prior to providing to a cardholder, with a replica of the cardholder's actual signature. Additional items may be personalized upon the transaction card. The transaction card may also be incorporated into a system whereupon the transaction card may be triggered to perform an action such as emitting an audible tone or an electronic communication being sent to the cardholder.
US08725587B2
According to one embodiment, a method of managing access to a trading network is provided. A first network login request for a first user is received from a client application. The first network login request includes first authentication information. Based at least on the first authentication information, the first network login request is approved, which authorizes the first user to access the trading network. One or more associated users for which the first user is authorized to act as a proxy is identifying from a plurality of users. User profile information for one of the associated users is obtained and communicated to the client application. The user profile information includes information regarding the second user that can be used to allow the first user to engage in trading activity via the trading network on behalf of the second user.
US08725581B2
Apparatus and methods for efficient delivery of a plurality of information regarding items for auction. In one embodiment, the apparatus comprises a server entity adapted to communicate with a plurality of information sources (such as sources having vehicle history information, estimated valuation information, etc.) The server entity compiles information received from the plurality of sources and formats the information for efficient delivery to a client device via e.g., SMS based text messaging, internet-based instant messaging, or the like. In another salient aspect of the invention, a client enters an auction identification number (AID) rather than a longer alpha-numeric VIN or other identification number. The server entity may also calculate and communicate estimates and/or alerts/reminders of when bidding will begin for particular items for auction which the client has expressed interest in. Exemplary client interface and business methods are also given.
US08725580B2
A method and system for routing transactions to a mobile-commerce platform is described. One illustrative embodiment receives, via a network, a purchase request from a user's mobile communication device; authenticates the user to the mobile-commerce platform; generates a one-time-use perishable transaction code associated with the purchase request; prefixes to the transaction code an Issuer Identification Number (IIN) corresponding to the mobile-commerce platform to form a combined number; returns the combined number to the user's mobile communication device via the network to enable the user to provide the combined number to a merchant's point-of-sale system in connection with a transaction corresponding to the purchase request; and receives, via a payment network in communication with the merchant's point-of-sale system, the transaction code and transaction details associated with the transaction, the IIN informing the payment network to route the one-time-use perishable transaction code and the transaction details to the mobile-commerce platform.
US08725578B2
A system that authorizes a financial transaction is presented. During operation, the system receives a request to authorize accounts associated with one or more financial instruments to be used to fulfill the financial transaction. Next, the system determines a transaction location at which the financial transaction is being performed. The system then determines whether the accounts are authorized to be used at the transaction location. If so, the system authorizes the accounts to be used to fulfill the financial transaction.
US08725573B1
A system and method for creating and maintaining a virtual library is provided. A virtual library includes one or more photographic images of the user's physical library, and an inventory of the products revealed in those images. The virtual librarian facilitates uploading the images, generating an inventory from those images, and locating products in the physical library with reference to the images. The virtual librarian optionally provides the user with an appraisal of the value of their physical library, and advice regarding how to organize the library and whether to make certain acquisitions to complement the existing library.
US08725572B1
Performing an operation is disclosed. A first keyword is received. For the first keyword an associated semantic group of one or more keywords associated by a semantic relationship is identified. An electronic advertising operation is performed using a second keyword associated with the identified semantic group.
US08725567B2
Architecture for presenting advertisements in realtime in retail establishments. A sensor component includes sensors for collecting information about a customer or group of customers as they move through the store. The sensors can include capability for image processing, audio processing, light sensing, velocity sensing, direction sensing, proximity sensing, face recognition, pose recognition, transaction recognition, and biometric sensing, for example. A customer component analyzes the information and generates a profile about the customer. Advertisements are selected for presentation that target the customers as they walk in proximity of a presentation system of the store. An advertisement component facilitates dynamic presentation of a targeted advertisement to the individual as a function of the profile. The customer component can infer information during analysis using machine learning and reasoning.
US08725558B1
Systems and methods are provided for determining an electronic advertisement to be displayed to a highly targeted set of customers. Items are grouped into item groups of related and competing products and advertisers competitively bid against other advertisers having products in the same item group to determine whose advertisement will potentially be shown to customer associated with the item group.
US08725556B2
A healthcare wage index reporting method and system providing questions and tasks to collect information for filling out a wage index and occupational mix report; receiving responses; processing the responses to complete the report; checking the responses to detect errors; generating error notices; tracking progress; and generating a completed report for submission. Electronic data files, including PUFs, can be imported to complete the report, or to pre-populate responses, and the system can generate notifications of differences between the report and the imported file. A dashboard can display progress, and current results. The system can save supporting documents, and supply templates for supporting information. The system can generate prompts based on responses, and determine future questions based on past responses. The system can generate various user-requested reports and can include bulletin board functionality.
US08725554B2
A household member number distribution estimation apparatus of the present invention includes a subscriber information acquisition unit that acquires subscriber information that is information regarding subscribers of mobile terminals of a specific carrier in a region within a predetermined range and with which user IDs and main line numbers of the mobile terminals are associated, a household terminal number extraction unit that, by referring to the subscriber information, extracts the number of household terminals that is the number of the mobile terminals for each main line number, a household number extraction unit that extracts the number of households per number of terminals, and a household number estimation unit that, by using a terminal subscription rate in the region within the predetermined range to correct the number of households per number of terminals, estimates the number of households per number of household members that is the number of households for each of the number of household members constituting a household. Thus, the household member number distribution estimation apparatus enables to obtain the number of households for each of the number of household members with high accuracy on the basis of easily obtainable data.
US08725552B2
A method for evaluating and/or scoring pharmaceutical/life science technology is provided. The method includes importing data of a publication; transforming the data into a structured schema; ingesting the structured schema to determine a context of the data and draw associations between the data and a plurality of profiles; and generating a score based on the associations between the raw data and the profiles. The method may also include generating meta-data based on the determined context of the data and/or one or more quantitative metrics having a temporal component based on the ingested data. Related apparatus, systems, techniques and articles are also described.
US08725533B2
A method and apparatus for storing electronic healthcare records is disclosed. Embodiments of the invention provide techniques for managing electronic healthcare records in a hybrid domain that includes a high-availability centralized data store and set of distributed data nodes. A set of location policies may be used to determine whether to store an electronic healthcare record in the centralized data store. Over time, events may occur that trigger certain data records to be relocated from the plurality of distributed database nodes to the centralized data store.
US08725532B1
Systems and methods for monitoring controlled substance distribution include receiving a healthcare transaction at a service provider computer. The healthcare transaction may be parsed to determine the healthcare provider submitting the healthcare transaction, the drug being prescribed as part of the healthcare transaction and the class of controlled substance to which the drug being prescribed belongs. Counters associated with total scripts prescribed by the healthcare provider and the class of controlled substance may be incremented upward in view of the healthcare transaction being approved by a claims processor. A current percentage of the class of controlled substances being prescribed can be calculated for the healthcare provider and compared to a threshold percentage for the particular class of controlled substance. If the current percentage violates the threshold percentage, a notification can be sent to a corporate level or management level for the healthcare provider for review.
US08725530B2
A method for presenting a favored treatment includes querying, via an electronic device, a patient regarding a healthcare issue; providing, to the patient via the electronic device, information regarding a favored treatment for the healthcare issue; receiving, from the patient via the electronic device, an indication of a preferred treatment; and effecting printing of a document based on information input by the patient via the electronic device. The document includes an identification of the preferred treatment of the patient.
US08725527B1
A method and apparatus for providing an interactive interface to user health data is described.
US08725516B2
Methods and systems are described in which spoken voice prompts can be produced in a manner such that they will most likely have the desired effect, for example to indicate empathy, or produce a desired follow-up action from a call recipient. The prompts can be produced with specific optimized speech parameters, including duration, gender of speaker, and pitch, so as to encourage participation and promote comprehension among a wide range of patients or listeners. Upon hearing such voice prompts, patients/listeners can know immediately when they are being asked questions that they are expected to answer, and when they are being given information, as well as the information that considered sensitive.
US08725496B2
A method, an apparatus and an article of manufacture for customizing a natural language processing engine. The method includes enabling selection of one or more parameters of a desired natural language processing task, the one or more parameters intended for use by a trained and an untrained user, mapping the one or more selected parameters to a collection of one or more intervals of an input parameter to an optimization algorithm, and applying the optimization algorithm with the collection of one or more intervals of an input parameter to a model used by a natural language processing engine to produce a customized model.
US08725480B2
An exemplary arrangement for determining set point values for controllable elements in a network that includes a management system for driving elements of the network and a plurality of processing units. The arrangement also includes at least one simulation unit with a simulation environment for generating a hydraulic simulation model of the network, and an optimization unit with an optimization environment for converting and simplifying the hydraulic simulation model. The optimization environment receives exported data from the simulation environment, generates a simplified optimization model from the exported data through an algorithm that is implemented through program code executed by a processor, and uses the optimization model and at least one of received additional data and measurement and field data to calculate optimized flow charts as temporally changeable set point value series for driving elements in the network and providing the driven elements to the management system.
US08725479B2
A method and computer-readable medium for establishing an uncertainty for obtained values of a one-dimensional logging parameter mapped to a three-dimensional volume is disclosed. A relation is formed between the obtained values of the logging parameter and a volumetric parameter of the three-dimensional volume. A set of representative data points is obtained that relates the obtained values of the logging parameter to the volumetric parameter by binning the obtained values. A plurality of regression curves are then determined, wherein each regression curve is obtained by adding a random error to the set of representative data points to obtain a set of randomized data points and performing a regression analysis using the set of randomized data points. The plurality of regression curves are used to establish the uncertainty for the values of the logging parameter in the three-dimensional volume.
US08725475B2
A pneumatic device selection system includes a standard circuit selection processor for selecting a cylinder operating system based on input data, an independent characteristic calculation processor for calculating characteristics of the cylinder operating system based on entered usage conditions, a branching and joining circuit processor for selecting a branching and joining circuit based on input data and calculating characteristics of the selected branching and joining circuit, a manifold circuit processor for selecting a manifold circuit based on input data and calculating characteristics of the selected manifold circuit, and a shock absorber selection processor for selecting a shock absorber based on input data and/or a selection result from the standard circuit selection processor.
US08725471B2
A system and method for simulating atmospheric turbulence for testing optical components. A time varying phase screen representing atmospheric turbulence is generated using Karhunen-Loeve polynomials and a splining technique for generating temporal functions of the noise factor for each Zernike mode. The phase screen is input to a liquid crystal spatial light modulator. A computer display allows the user to set geometric characteristics, the severity of the turbulence to be simulated, and to select between methods for generating atmospheric turbulence including Karhunen-Loeve polynomials, Zernike polynomials, and Frozen Seeing.
US08725470B1
A method and associated system for multi-disciplinary optimization of various parameters associated with a space vehicle that experiences aerocapture and atmospheric entry in a specified atmosphere. In one embodiment, simultaneous maximization of a ratio of landed payload to vehicle atmospheric entry mass, maximization of fluid flow distance before flow separation from vehicle, and minimization of heat transfer to the vehicle are performed with respect to vehicle surface geometric parameters, and aerostructure and aerothermal vehicle response for the vehicle moving along a specified trajectory. A Pareto Optimal set of superior performance parameters is identified.
US08725467B2
This method includes: obtaining a first component having a hole among a plurality of components included in a three-dimensional model; determining whether a second component that satisfies a first condition that the second component has a portion that exists within the hole of the first component or a second condition that the second component covers at least a part of an opening portion of the hole included in the first component exists among the plurality of components included in the three-dimensional model; and upon determining that the second component exists, storing data for identifying the hole of the first component into a data storage unit.
US08725464B2
Methods and apparatus for analysis and design of radiation and scattering objects are disclosed. In one embodiment, unknown sources are spatially grouped to produce a system interaction matrix with block factors of low rank within a given error tolerance and the unknown sources are determined from compressed forms of the factors.
US08725452B2
The invention provides a method of confirming motion parameters, an apparatus for the same, and a motion assisting device. The invention obtains and utilizes the motion data of a recognized object sampled at each of the sampling time, comprising the acceleration of the recognized object sampled by a tri-axial accelerometer, the angular velocity of the recognized object sampled by a tri-axial gyroscope, and the angle of the recognized object corresponding to a three-dimensional geomagnetic coordinate system sampled by a tri-axial magnetometer. Feedback calculation is utilized to obtain an actual acceleration at each sampling time from the motion original time to the motion end time, and the actual acceleration is obtained by reducing the acceleration of gravity from the acceleration sampled by a tri-axial accelerometer. The invention reduces the complexity of the system, and the accuracy is less affected by environmental factors, particularly light.
US08725446B2
Method for measuring the shape of a workpiece includes a measuring sensor used to find measured values that represent the shape of a workpiece. The shape of the workpiece is determined by an iterative method using the measured values. The shape of the workpiece is determined during machining. The determining of the shape during machining is particularly suited for determining the shape during grinding. The shape determined may be the shape of a pin, especially a crankpin for a crankshaft.
US08725445B2
A method and a video game system that maintain the readings of the accelerometer sensor of the remote controller used in conjunction with the video game system consistent over different controllers and different styles of play. The video game system looks at a predetermined time period, when the largest difference in the acceleration vectors for each frame is within a small limit, indicating that the player is holding the controller relatively idle. Then, the video game system averages the acceleration vectors over this time period, and the inverse of the magnitude of this average is used as a normalization constant.
US08725441B2
A matching network having a pi configuration between an antenna and another component in an RF circuit may be tuned by a process including computing the admittance of the antenna using measured reflection coefficients from three settings of the matching network, and identifying capacitance values for tuning the matching network. Capacitance values for an antenna side shunt and a circuit side shunt are found by computing target susceptance value for the shunts and comparing to a list of available susceptance values. The capacitance values corresponding to the available susceptances closest to the target susceptances are used to tune the antenna side shunt.
US08725434B2
A method for diagnostics of a high integrity protection system (HIPS) for protection of a pipeline downstream of a wellhead includes: monitoring for initiation of an automatic trip or manual safety shutdown or full shut-off test; determining the process safety time (PST) that elapses between the time at which the upstream pressure reached the trip setpoint and the time at which the upstream pressure reaches the maximum allowable piping pressure (MAPP) of the downstream pipeline; and verifying that the safety critical isolation valves stroked to the fully closed position within ½ PST and that the downstream pressure did not exceed the MAPP. If the verification shows that either of those parameters are not met, then the HIPS signals an alarm to operators, and in the case of a manual safety shutdown or full shut-off test, resets the pressure trip setpoint to a lower level.
US08725433B2
A signal processing method, a signal processing apparatus, and a Coriolis flowmeter are capable of always performing measurement with constant precision and performing phase measurement with high filtering performance and a small amount of computation even when a temperature of a fluid to be measured changes, air bubbles are mixed into the fluid to be measured, or the fluid to be measured rapidly changes from a gas to a liquid. The Coriolis flowmeter detects at least one of a phase difference and a vibration frequency proportional to a Coriolis force acting on at least one flow tube or a pair of flow tubes.
US08725424B2
Systems and methods for estimating a physical characteristic of a seafood product are provided. In one system, the estimate is based on a slope defined by a ratio of changes in peak resonant amplitude and frequency of an electromagnetic resonant circuit in loaded and unloaded states. In another system, a first probe of a plurality of probes is driven with a test signal when the plurality of probes is loaded by a seafood product and the estimate is based on received test signals at one or more of the other probes. In another system, the estimate is based on the loading effect of a seafood product on an electromagnetic resonant circuit, which is also used to read an ID from an RFID associated with the seafood product. The systems and methods may be used for individual specimens, or to determine an average estimate for multiple specimens at one time.
US08725420B2
Certain embodiments disclosed herein relate to compositions, methods, devices, systems, and products regarding frozen particles. In certain embodiments, the frozen particles include materials at low temperatures. In certain embodiments, the frozen particles provide vehicles for delivery of particular agents. In certain embodiments, the frozen particles are administered to at least one biological tissue.
US08725419B2
The present invention permits identification of biological materials following recovery of DNA using standard techniques by comparing a mathematical characterization of the unknown sequence with the mathematical characterization of DNA sequences of known genera and species. The clinical identification of infectious organisms is required for accurate diagnosis and selection of antimicrobial therapeutics. The invention allows an ab initio approach with the potential for rapid identification of biological materials of unknown origin. The approach provides for identification and classification of emergent or new organisms without previous phenotypic identification. The technique may also be used in monitoring situations where the need exists for classification of material into broad categories of bacteria which could have an immediate impact on bio-terrorism prevention.
US08725415B2
A long-term navigation method using an inertial unit associated with a system of axes X, Y, Z and mounted on a vehicle traveling relative to the Earth in order to measure its movements relative to an inertial frame of reference having axes Xi, Yi, and Zi. The method includes the steps of acting in permanent manner to measure an orientation of the system of axes X, Y, Z in the inertial frame of reference and applying a predetermined sequence of turnovers to the inertial unit in the inertial frame of reference about first and second axes that are substantially perpendicular to each other and in such a manner that at the end of the sequence the inertial unit is in a final orientation identical to its initial orientation relative to the inertial frame of reference, with the turnovers canceling within the sequence.
US08725413B2
A system and method for estimating location and motion of an object. An image of a ground surface is obtained and a first set of features is extracted from the image. A map database is searched for a second set of features that match the first set of features and a geo-location is retrieved from the map database, wherein the geo-location is associated with the second set of features. The location is estimated based on the retrieved geo-location. The motion of the object, such as distance travelled, path travelled and/or speed may be estimated in a similar manner by comparing the location of extracted features that are present in two or more images over a selected time period.
US08725412B2
A positioning device includes a map data storing unit configured to store map data; autonomous sensors configured to detect behavior information of a moving object; an inertial positioning unit configured to detect an estimated position of the moving object by applying the behavior information detected by the autonomous sensors to positioning results obtained by an electronic navigation positioning unit such as a GPS; a planimetric feature detecting unit configured to detect a planimetric feature located around a road; a planimetric feature position identifying unit configured to identify a position of the planimetric feature; a planimetric feature reference positioning unit configured to estimate a planimetric feature estimated position of the moving object by using the position of the planimetric feature as a reference; and a position estimating unit configured to estimate a position of the moving object by applying the estimated position and the planimetric feature estimated position to a Kalman filter.
US08725409B2
A vehicle navigation system and navigation method thereof are disclosed. The vehicle navigation system comprises a location detector to acquire a current location of a vehicle, a calculation unit to calculate a navigation route from a departure location to a destination, a database including map data and a plurality of restrictions associated with restricted sites on the map data, the calculation unit calculates a navigation route from the departure location to the destination based on the map data and the plurality of restrictions. Thus, the vehicle navigation system may provide the navigation route excluding sites with possible restriction applied thereto.
US08725400B1
A method of determining a position of a target is disclosed. A position of a targeting instrument relative to a friendly asset is established. A signal from the friendly asset is transmitted. The signal from the friendly asset is received at first and second locations associated with the targeting instrument. An orientation of the targeting instrument relative to the friendly asset is determined based on when the signal is received at the first and second locations. The position of the targeting instrument relative to the friendly asset is compared with the orientation of the targeting instrument relative to the friendly asset, to thereby determine the orientation of the target relative to the targeting instrument.
US08725399B2
A map display system according to the present invention includes: a search section searching for a reference point where a map has not changed for approximately the same period as a period during which a map or a landscape of a base point has not changed; and a display section displaying information which represents the searched reference point. Further, a map display method according to the present invention includes: searching for a reference point where a map has not changed for approximately the same period as a period during which a map or a landscape of a base point has not changed; and displaying information which represents the searched reference point.
US08725398B2
Systems and methods are provided for improved traffic flow reporting (e.g., system bandwidth conservation and timely traffic flow updates) using in-vehicle devices, service hub, and communications system for transmitting aggregated traffic flow data to the vehicles. In-vehicle devices store data relating to monitored segments of roadways (e.g., segment identifiers or location codes and designated range(s) of speed), and send messages to the hub when current vehicle speed is not within a selected range designated for the current segment of roadway where the vehicle is located. Vehicles can be configured to send messages based on various criteria. A selected vehicle or group of vehicles can be commanded to send a message to the hub. The hub provides updated traffic flow data based on the messages to the communications system for transmission to the vehicles.
US08725385B2
A method for computing indicated mean effective pressure (IMEP) in an internal combustion engine using sparse input data. The method uses an indirect integration approach, and requires significantly lower resolution crankshaft position and cylinder pressure input data than existing IMEP computation methods, while providing calculated IMEP output results which are very accurate in comparison to values computed by existing methods. By using sparse input data, the indirect integration method offers cost reduction opportunities for a manufacturer of vehicles, engines, and/or electronic control units, through the use of lower cost sensors and the consumption of less computing resources for data processing and storage.
US08725380B2
A method of and system for detecting absolute acceleration along various axes relative to a desired movement vector while moving relative to a gravity source includes steps of determining a vertical acceleration, perpendicular to the desired movement vector and substantially anti-parallel to a gravitational acceleration due to the gravity source; determining a longitudinal acceleration, parallel to the desired movement vector and to output at vertical acceleration signal and a longitudinal acceleration signal; determining an inclination of the desired movement vector relative to the gravitational acceleration; and processing the vertical acceleration signal, the longitudinal acceleration signal, and the inclination signal to produce an absolute vertical acceleration signal and an absolute longitudinal acceleration signal.
US08725376B2
A vehicle can be operated in a first drive mode in which a front differential is set to a non-driven state and a rear differential is set to a differential state, a second drive mode in which the front differential is set to a non-driven state and the rear differential is set to a differential locked state, a third drive mode in which the front differential is set to a differential state and the rear differential is set to a differential locked state, and a fourth drive mode in which the front differential is set to a differential locked state and the rear differential is set to a differential locked state. Transition is allowed only between adjacent drive modes.
US08725366B2
A powertrain control system is disclosed. The powertrain control system may have a power source and a CVT coupled to an output of the power source. The powertrain control system may further have a controller in communication with the power source and the CVT. The controller may have a map with a plurality of speed modes, and, for at least one of the plurality of speed modes, the controller may be configured to vary an actual power source speed based on at least one of a CVT output speed or a ground speed.
US08725361B2
A guidance method and system automatically steers a guided vehicle which moves along a planned path between adjacent crop rows. The vehicle has a frame and steerable wheels. The method includes generating a left crop position signal with a left crop sensor on a left side of the vehicle, generating a right crop position signal with a right crop sensor on a right side of the vehicle, and generating a vehicle position signal with a vehicle position sensor unit. The method also includes generating a difference position signal by subtracting one of the left and right crop position signals from the other of the left and right crop position signals, and converting the difference position signal into a time-varying lateral offset signal. The method also includes offsetting the planned path by the time-varying lateral offset signal, and guiding the vehicle as a function of the offset planned path.
US08725359B2
A traction control device includes: rotation speed detectors provided to wheels; a control-start determiner that determines whether or not to control a braking mechanism and a differential adjusting mechanism based on rotation speeds; a braking mechanism controller that controls the braking mechanism based on a result of the determination of the control-start determiner; and a differential adjusting mechanism controller that controls the differential adjusting mechanism based on the result of the determination of the control-start determiner, in which the control-start determiner includes: a right-left-wheel rotation speed difference calculating section; a front-rear-wheel rotation speed difference calculating section; and a control-start determining section that determines whether or not to start controlling at least one of the braking mechanism and the differential adjusting mechanism when one of rotation speed differences reaches or exceeds a predetermined threshold.
US08725355B2
A motorized vehicle includes a pair of opposed wheels and a seat which is mounted so that it can rotate about a vertical axis. The rotational position of the seat is sensed by at least one sensor, such as a potentiometer or rotary encoder, which produces an output signal. This signal is input into a control system which rotates the wheels to steer the vehicle based on the rotational position of the seat.
US08725352B2
The invention relates to a power assisted steering system (21) that includes an electric assist motor (22) arranged to assist the manual force exerted by a driver on the steering wheel of the automobile, a processing means (23) arranged to control the electric assist motor (22), the processing means (23) including a means (28) for predetermining a signal (S3) for controlling the electric assist motor on the basis of a first operation signal (S1) determined on the basis of the angular position of the electric assist motor, and a second operation signal (S2) determined on the basis of the measurement or calculation of the angular acceleration of the electric assist motor and the measurement or calculation of the assistance torque output by the electric assist motor.
US08725331B2
A charge-discharge management system for a vehicle running using electricity stored in a battery is disclosed. The system creates a charge-discharge schedule of the battery for a travel route of the vehicle according to the travel route of the vehicle and a condition of the vehicle or a road, so that a charge amount of the battery falls within a predetermined range in the travel route. The systems corrects the charge-discharge schedule by comparing between the charge amount actually in the battery and the charge amount in the charge-discharge schedule.
US08725330B2
A method, computer-readable medium, system, and apparatus for increasing vehicle security are disclosed.
US08725322B2
A method and device are provided for determining a target altitude for an emergency descent of an aircraft that is to be reached by the end of the emergency descent. The device determines an updated target altitude which takes into account variations of barometric pressure and which is able to replace the target altitude that must be reached at the end of the emergency descent. The method includes determining an initial target altitude representative of the initial position of the aircraft and then repeatedly determining a current target altitude along a reference horizontal distance. The current target altitude is compared to the initial target altitude and is used to update the emergency descent if the current target altitude is lower than the initial target altitude.
US08725308B2
An exemplary aspect of the invention is a rack mounting position management system including a rack having a plurality of units, and a mounted device mounted in the rack. The rack includes, for each of the units, a signal output unit that outputs a signal having a different value for each of the units of the rack. The mounted device includes a signal acquisition unit that acquires the signal output from the signal output unit, and a control unit that discriminates a mounting position of the mounted device in the rack according to a value of the signal acquired by the signal acquisition unit.
US08725306B2
The present description refers to a computer implemented method, computer program product, and computer system to determine a plurality of electric charging schedules for one or more electric vehicles, determine, for each of the electric charging schedules, a plurality of charging objective values, assign a weight to each of the charging objective values, wherein one set of weights is used for the plurality of electric charging schedules, calculate a fitness value for each of the electric charging schedules based on the plurality of charging objective values for each respective electric charging schedule and the set of weights, identify the electric charging schedule having a highest fitness value, and select the electric charging schedule having the highest fitness value for charging one or more electric vehicles.
US08725298B2
The disclosure provides an HVAC data processing and communication network and a method of manufacturing the same. In one embodiment the network includes a subnet controller, a system device and a gateway. The controller is configured to publish control messages over a data bus. The system device is configured to receive the messages and to provide an HVAC service in response to the messages. A gateway is configured to provide access by a remote user to the network. The access includes operating the network to generate diagnostic data and retrieving the diagnostic data via the gateway.
US08725288B2
Any of various types of mail management information may be synthesized from data associated with physical mail items. For example, addresses, complete with addressee names, could be synthesized from data collected from physical mail items. Confidence information which indicates a measure of confidence that each synthesized address is a valid address could also be generated from the collected data. Intelligence functions may be provided to enhance address synthesis capabilities. More generally, input data for synthesis of mail management information could include data collected from physical mail items, other mail management information, or both. Features such as service delivery compliance management, network proficiency management, delivery route proficiency management, customer compliance management, a visibility service, address cleansing, delivery notification, addressee verification, synthesis of statistics, and/or synthesis of behavioral patterns could be implemented.
US08725284B2
An electromagnetic field tuning and detection apparatus generates in to a material space and in at least two different directions radio frequency electromagnetic fields adapted to resonate in different directions at a different frequency on the basis of a material insertable into the material space; and a signal processing unit configured to determine a moisture content of the material on the basis of a resonance frequency of each electromagnetic field and quality of each resonance in different directions. While controlling a process, a control system comprises a measurement chamber and an electromagnetic field tuning and detection apparatus placed on each material feed line of the process. A controller may control the process on the basis of each determined moisture content on each feed line.
US08725283B2
The present disclosure includes a generalized kinematics library which may be used to control the motion of a machine tool system and to process data for other applications, such as simulation graphics. Methods are disclosed to interpolate the movement of various axes of a machine tool system through a machine singularity point.
US08725278B2
A sound playing system is disclosed. The sound playing system is used for playing sound from a portable media carrier and a personal computer, including a controlling unit and a switching unit. The controlling unit includes an audio signal receiving terminal, a data transmission terminal and a signal switch terminal. The audio signal receiving terminal receives audio signals from the portable media carrier, the data transmission terminal receives data from the personal computer, and the signal switch terminal outputs a switch signal. The switching unit determines a data transmission path according to the switch signal.
US08725273B2
A method for improving situational awareness for teleoperation of a remote vehicle by creating a 3D map display of an area around the remote vehicle comprises: receiving an original image from a stereo vision camera and utilizing the original image to perform visual odometry to determine the x, y, z, roll, pitch, and yaw for the original image; applying a fill-in algorithm to the original image to fill in an estimated depth for areas of the original image for which no depth data is available, which creates an enhanced depth image; combining the enhanced depth image with the x, y, z, roll, pitch, and yaw for the original image to create the 3D map display of the area around the remote vehicle; and displaying the 3D map display on an operator control unit used to control the remote vehicle.
US08725272B2
A high-frequency treatment instrument of the present invention includes: a pair of forceps members that includes a conductive electrode portion and an insulating portion and is supported by the forceps rotation shaft so as to be relatively rotatable; an operation section configured to open and close the pair of forceps members; a link mechanism that is attached to the pair of forceps members and includes a pair of link members; an operation wire that connects the link mechanism to the operation section; a rotation contact member that is rotatably connected to the pair of forceps members; and a regulation wire in which one end thereof is electrically connected to the rotation contact member, a part of an intermediate portion thereof is disposed so as to pass through a space between the respective link members, and the other end thereof is electrically connected to a power supply.
US08725269B2
A user may modify a stimulation parameter in a plurality of stimulation programs with a single adjustment. During stimulation therapy, the user, such as a patient, may desire to change a parameter of the plurality of stimulation programs. The patient may press a single button on an external programmer to make the parameter change, or global adjustment, to all of the plurality of stimulation programs. This global adjustment eliminates the need for the patient to navigate through each of the plurality of stimulation programs separately and adjust the parameter. Additionally, changing the plurality of stimulation programs may be desirable for uniform stimulation therapy between programs used by the patient. The external programmer may calculate an appropriate parameter change for each stimulation program to keep parameter ratios equal between the plurality of stimulation programs.
US08725267B2
The present application discloses systems and methods for engaging in a peer approach to script execution. In accordance with at least one embodiment of the disclosed systems and methods, a hearing prosthesis receives two scripts. Each script defines a different set of instructions to be carried out by the hearing prosthesis. In one embodiment, the command module receives one script and the stimulation module receives the other script. In such an embodiment, each module executes the script at substantially the same time. Furthermore, when one module encounters portions of the script that are somewhat time sensitive (e.g., a portion of a script that dictates to receive a transmission from the other module), the module will pause execution of the script and wait for execution of the other script to catch up.
US08725262B2
A mechanism for transferring energy from an external power source to an implantable medical device is disclosed. A sensor may be used to measure a parameter that correlates to a temperature of the system that occurs during the transcutaneous coupling of energy. For example, the sensor may measure temperature of a surface of an antenna of the external power source. The measured parameter may then be compared to a programmable limit. A control circuit such as may be provided by the external power source may then control the temperature based on the comparison. The programmable limit may be, for example, under software control so that the temperature occurring during transcutaneous coupling of energy may be modified to fit then-current circumstances.
US08725260B2
Systems and methods of performing rhythm discrimination within a patient's body using sensed hemodynamic signals are disclosed. The method can include the steps of receiving an electrical activity signal from an electrode located within or near the heart, detecting an event of the heart based on the received electrical activity signal, sensing one or more mechanical measurements using a sensor located within the body, analyzing a mechanical activity signal received from the sensor, and confirming the type of event based on the mechanical and electrical activity signals. The sensor can comprise a single pressure sensor configured to sense both atrial and ventricular activity within the heart.
US08725255B2
Systems and methods provide for pacing a heart to improve pumping efficiency of the heart, such as by producing a cardiac fusion response for patient's subject to cardiac resynchronization therapy. A pacing parameter, such as an A-V delay, V-V delay, lead/electrode configuration or vector, is adjusted and a cardiac signal vector representative of all or a portion of one or more cardiac activation sequences is monitored during pacing parameter adjustment. A change in a characteristic of the cardiac signal vector is detected in response to an adjusted pacing parameter, the change indicative of a cardiac fusion response. A pacing therapy may be delivered to produce the cardiac fusion response using the adjusted pacing parameter.
US08725248B2
Method for the non-thermal treatment of human or animal tissue with high-voltage electrical discharge plasma is disclosed. The disclosed method employs current through plasma and through tissue not for the purpose of heating the tissue, but instead to maintain the plasma proximate to the tissue being treated. Also disclosed is a method of limiting the current through plasma and through tissue to minimize tissue heating by placement of an insulator or semiconductor between an electrode and tissue resulting in generation of a high-voltage discharge similar to a dielectric barrier discharge. The disclosed non-thermal plasma treatment can be employed to promote coagulation of blood, sterilization, disinfection, re-connection of tissue, and treatment of tissue disorders without causing significant thermal tissue damage.
US08725241B2
Systems and methods can be utilized to visualize physiological data relative to a surface region (e.g., an organ) of a patient. A computer-implemented method can include storing electroanatomic data in memory representing electrical activity for a predetermined surface region of the patient and providing an interactive graphical representation of the predetermined surface region of the patient. A user input is received to define location data corresponding to a user-selected location for at least one virtual electrode on the graphical representation of the predetermined surface region of the patient. A visual representation of physiological data for the predetermined surface region of the patient is generated based on the location data and the electroanatomic data.
US08725236B2
A method for demonstrating pre-emergent pimples is disclosed. The method includes providing a camera having a 25 mm macro lens and a linear polarizing filter including from 10 to 50 narrow band filters in the spectral range of 400-970 nm, and a light source having a linear polarizer oriented vertical to a polarization plane of the camera polarizer; taking a sequence of images of the face of a subject with the camera; creating an erythema map of the imaged area using oxy-hemoglobin values at each corresponding pixel; taking a visible-light image of the face of the subject; and comparing the images to see pre-emergent pimples. The method enables consumers to see pre-emergent pimples and treat them, which results in preventing the pimples from emerging or reducing the emergence of the pimples.
US08725225B2
The invention provides methods for visualizing renal tumors and for staging cysts during an operation by use of a fluorescent dye.
US08725222B2
A payment-enabled mobile device assembly includes a carrying case configured for attachment to a portable electronic device and that includes an aperture for accepting an integrated circuit (IC) identification card. The IC identification card has a card body and includes electronic components, and in some embodiments a shield layer is provided to shield the electronic components of the IC identification card from electronic components of the portable electronic device. In addition, when the IC identification card is inserted into the aperture at least a portion of the front surface is visible through the aperture.
US08725214B1
A Method of Tuning a Frequency Agile Electrically Small Tactical AM Broadcast Band Antenna System (NC#102174) comprising determining a desired operating frequency for a frequency agile electrically small tactical AM broadcast band antenna system; configuring tophat jumpers of the frequency agile electrically small tactical AM broadcast band antenna system to operate near the desired operating frequency; erecting an antenna of the frequency agile electrically small tactical AM broadcast band antenna system; transmitting a signal through the frequency agile electrically small tactical AM broadcast band antenna system; adjusting inductor values of an antenna tuning unit of the frequency agile electrically small tactical AM broadcast band antenna system so that the frequency agile electrically small tactical AM broadcast band antenna system operates at the desired operating frequency.
US08725207B2
A method and apparatus for determining a posture of a mobile terminal are provided. The mobile terminal includes a first camera module located in a rear surface thereof and a second camera module located in a front surface thereof, and the method includes measuring illuminance in each of the first camera module and the second camera module, comparing an illuminance value measured in the first camera module and an illuminance value measured in the second camera module with a predetermined critical value, and determining a posture of the mobile terminal according to a result of the comparison. Therefore, a posture of the mobile terminal can be determined without an acceleration sensor or a gyro sensor.
US08725195B2
There is provided a broadcast reception mobile terminal capable of improving both electric power saving and user-friendliness. A CPU (209) detects that the lid body is opened or closed by a signal from an opening/closing detection switch. In addition, the CPU (209) obtains from an earphone connector (203) information indicating whether or not an earphone is connected. In a case that the CPU (209) detects the lid body being closed during television viewing on the main LCD panel (202a), and performing a TVOFF process if the earphone is not connected, and stopping video display but continuing output of received audio if the earphone is connected.
US08725191B2
To provide appropriate communication quality for a mobile station that is permitted to connect to a femto base station regardless of the place at which the femto base station is installed and the place at which the mobile station is used while reducing the transmission power of the femto base station as much as possible, a femto base station 4 measures the reception quality (e.g., received power or reception SIR) by receiving a common pilot signal from a macro base station 3, and sets the transmission power Ptx of a pilot signal to be transmitted by the femto base station itself based on the received power. Further, the femto base station 4 transmits a common pilot signal with a transmission power Ptx and communicates with a plurality of mobile stations 7-2 to 7-4 within a femtocell 6. Furthermore, the femto base station 4 receives a measurement result of the reception quality level of a common pilot signal transmitted from the femto base station 4 from the mobile stations 7-2 to 7-4, and adjusts the transmission power Ptx of a common pilot signal so that the lowest level among a plurality of reception quality levels gets closer to a predetermined target level.
US08725188B1
Systems and methods for communication in enclosed areas. Implementations may include a high-frequency (HF) conversion side including an HF modulator and HF demodulator which is coupled with an HF antenna. A medium-frequency (MF) conversion side including an MF modulator and an MF demodulator which is coupled with an MF antenna may also be included. The HF conversion side may be coupled to the MF conversion side at the HF demodulator and the HF modulator. The HF conversion side may be physically separate from the MF conversion side.
US08725184B2
A method is provided for encoding characters that specify a source address of an SMS message. The method comprises modifying a type of address field within an originating address field, the modification indicative of an encoding scheme used for the source address of the SMS message.
US08725173B2
Systems and methods related to the provision of location based services via a mobile communications device. A particular system comprises a mobile communications device, a mobile communications base station, and a server computer system. The location of the device may be correlated with certain user preferences stored on the server computer system. Components of the larger system are also described. In some cases, various location related mapping functions for a device are discussed. Systems and methods can also provide for activities to be undertaken based on the location of a device are described. The disclosure also addresses systems and methods of efficiently determining the location of a mobile device. Different notification schemes might be based on the location of a device and specified preferences are described. There can also be keyword monitoring based on the location of a device.
US08725166B2
A mobile phone performs a search operation for searching for a communicable access point when a state of being able to communicate with an access point changes to a state of being unable to communicate. When a search operation is performed, the mobile phone displays that the search operation is being performed. In order to reduce power consumption, when the mobile phone displays that the search operation is being performed, the search operation is halted in response to acceptance of an input of an instruction to halt the search operation.
US08725165B2
Improved approaches for monitoring status of articles being shipped are disclosed. The monitoring can produce notifications to interested parties. The notifications typically contain status information pertaining to the articles being shipped. Alternatively, interested parties can gain access to status information pertaining to the articles being shipped via a website. According to one embodiment, the status information includes at least position (location) information and shipping conditions information.
US08725161B2
To determine the position of a mobile device located within a coverage area of a base station, the time of arrival (TOA) of the CDMA signal received by the mobile device from the base station is reduced in proportion to the received power of the CDMA signal. The mobile device uses the reduced TOA of the CDMA signals together with the received GPS signals to detect its position. Alternatively, the mobile device transmits the TOA and power measurements of the received CDMA signals to a position determination entity (PDE). The PDE biases the TOA to estimate the position of the mobile device and transmits assistance data to the mobile device, thereby enabling the mobile device to receive GPS signals. The received GPS signals alone, or in combination with the biased TOA are then used to recompute the position of the mobile device.
US08725155B2
A location management method for a mobile terminal in a telecommunications network is provided in which when the mobile terminal is traveling from a first cell to a second cell in the network, an identifier associated with the mobile terminal in the cell in which it is located is established. The mobile terminal receives a first identifier associated with the first cell that enables the mobile terminal to be located in the network when it is within the first cell. The mobile terminal receives a second identifier associated with the second cell that enables the mobile terminal to be located in the network when it is within the second cell. The mobile terminal and/or the network store the identifiers in a table of identifiers, in order to use the first identifier or the second identifier depending on whether the mobile terminal is within the first or second cell, respectively.
US08725150B2
A femtocell base station is provided. The base station is switchable in use between a first mode of operation and a second mode of operation. In the first mode of operation only user terminals that are registered with the femtocell base station are connectable to the femtocell base station. In the second mode of operation a user terminal that is not registered with the femtocell base station is connectable to the femtocell base station.
US08725135B2
A system for using at least one mobile terminal in a motor vehicle, such as a passenger automobile or a two-wheeled vehicle in particular, having the at least one mobile terminal and a communication interface between the motor vehicle and the mobile terminal is provided. A software version transmission device transmits a software version message indicating which sequence controllers and/or control unit data are stored and/or installed in one or more control units of the motor vehicle. The software version message is analyzed to ascertain whether the vehicle-external download device has one or more current sequence controllers and/or control unit data ready for downloading, which are downloaded via a communication link and stored in the mobile terminal. An updating device stores and/or installs the sequence controllers and/or control unit data stored in the mobile terminal in the at least one affected control unit.
US08725133B2
A method of transmitting and receiving data between a mobile terminal and a display device is provided. The method establishes network connection for communication with the mobile terminal, detects a touch location of the mobile terminal when the mobile terminal touches the display device, transmits and receives data to and from the mobile terminal over the connected network, and processes the transmitted and received data according to the detected touch location of the mobile terminal.
US08725131B1
A computer-implemented technique is presented. The technique includes determining, at a server including one or more processors, one or more phones associated with a virtual phone number associated with a user. The technique includes determining, at the server, a location for each of the one or more phones. The technique includes receiving, at the server, position information from a mobile phone associated with the user indicating the user crossed a geo-fence corresponding to a specific location of a specific one of the one or more phones. The technique includes determining, at the server, a status of the specific phone associated with the geo-fence based on a previous status of the specific phone and the position information. The technique further includes selectively forwarding, from the server, an incoming phone call to the virtual phone number to the one or more phones based on their respective statuses.
US08725130B2
A wireless device may include logic that enables the wireless device to interface with the external computing device. The wireless device may also include rule logic to direct handling by the external computing device of call events of the wireless device.
US08725124B2
Systems and methods for managing distribution of applications are provided herein. A host server can act as an intermediary between a communications device and an app store in order to manage distribution of applications to the communications device. Thus, the host server can receive from the communications device an app request for an application that resides at the app store. The host server can examine various catalog information and provide a package that includes the application to the communications device.
US08725114B2
A method and apparatus for transferring identity information for temporary use by a wireless device, visiting a foreign operator network, is provided. A user is presented, at a kiosk, with an opportunity to download a temporary identity which is recognized by the operator network as belonging to a local subscriber, and the user may make a request for service. In response to the user-generated request for service, local identity information is transferred to the wireless device for use thereby. The transfer is short-range wireless communication from the kiosk to the wireless device. The temporary identity, once installed on the wireless device, makes the wireless device appear as a local subscriber. Upon termination of use, the temporary identity is returned to a pool and usable for another wireless device.
US08725111B2
A method for providing telematics communications is provided comprising: sending an ignition-on message to a switching server by a telematics device, when an ignition is turned on; sending a switching phone list to the telematics device by the switching server; sending to the switching server, by the telematics device, information about a mobile terminal that a driver or passenger selects from the switching phone list and an authentication number that the driver or passenger inputs; and sending a switching setting result to the mobile terminal by the switching server after performing user authentication by using the authentication number and performing switching setting to allow a telephone number assigned to the selected mobile terminal to be switched to that of the telematics device.
US08725108B2
Information associated with a communication is gathered at a switching point during the routing process to determine subscriber metric information associated with an active service identifier. The information relates to the originator of the communication and the target. The information is compared to a provider database to determine a carrier originally associated with the active service identifier. The information is then compared to a porting database to determine if the active service identifier was ported, and if so, to which carrier the active service identifier was ported. A determination can then be made regarding which carrier is associated with the active service identifier. The data may be aggregated for a large amount of switched communications, representing a large amount of active service identifiers for a given market. Thus, a number of subscribers for a given carrier in a given market may be determined.
US08725106B1
To perform an inter-technology handoff, an indicator in a service request message is received by a mobile switching center (MSC). The indicator is to indicate to the MSC that an inter-technology handoff from a packet-data wireless access network to a circuit wireless access network has been requested. The behavior of the MSC is modified in response to the indicator to reduce the communication silence during the inter-technology handoff.
US08725103B2
A receiver includes a low noise amplifier having an input for receiving a radio frequency signal, and an output. The receiver further includes a tracking filter having an input coupled to the output of the low noise amplifier. The tracking filter including a bandpass filter configured to pass the radio frequency signals. The bandpass filter includes a variable capacitor having a first electrode coupled to the input of the tracking filter for receiving the radio frequency signals, and a second electrode coupled to a power supply terminal. The bandpass filter further includes a transformer having a primary winding including a first terminal coupled to the first electrode of the variable capacitor and a second terminal coupled to a second power supply terminal. The transformer further includes a secondary winding.
US08725096B2
A system, method, and apparatus including a printed circuit board for wireless communication between the various components and devices used in a wireless dental device. The printed circuit board includes a substrate for mounting of a plurality of electronic components. The electronic components include a programmable controller; a radio frequency transceiver; an accelerometer; a wake-up device for generating a wake-up signal to the controller; and a 2.45 GHz antenna communicatively coupled with the RF transceiver. The electronic components are in electronic communication through printed circuit traces on the substrate and configured to communicate with at least one remote wireless controller. The PCB is configured to be mounted within a housing module of the hand-held dental hand piece.
US08725095B2
An embodiment of an antenna includes a radiation frame and a planar inverted-F antenna (PIFA). The radiation frame has a frame shape that defines a central opening. The PIFA includes an antenna arm, a feed arm, and a shorting arm. A distal end of the shorting arm is conductively coupled with the radiation frame. The antenna may be coupled to a substrate of an RF module. The RF module may be included in a system that also includes a non-RF component that produces a signal for transmission. In such a system, the RF module is configured to receive the signal, convert the signal to an RF signal, and radiate the RF signal over an air interface.
US08725093B2
The present invention discloses a multi-mode full frequency band radio frequency transmission device comprising a radio frequency switch chip positioned in the latter stage of the radio frequency main amplifier chip and configured to integrate all solid switch elements. Each of the solid switch elements comprises a transfer switch used when values of a variable capacitor and a variable inductor are controlled. The variable capacitor and the variable inductor are configured to control values of passive elements in an input switch matching circuit/output switch matching circuit to implement a single input/output matching circuit. The present invention further discloses a multi-mode full frequency band radio frequency transmission method comprising controlling values of passive elements in an input switch matching circuit/output switch matching circuit through the variable capacitor and the variable inductor to implement a single input/output matching circuit.
US08725087B2
Provided is a high-frequency module that can prevent a transmission signal from reaching a reception circuit and that can achieve high mounting density. A first duplexer for a first frequency band is mounted on a circuit substrate, and a second transmission filter and a second reception filter that constitute a second duplexer for a second frequency band are embedded in the circuit substrate. The second transmission filter and the second reception filter are embedded in the circuit substrate in locations that overlap at least a part of a projection region that is formed by projecting the first duplexer in a thickness direction of the circuit substrate. The first frequency band and the second frequency band are separated from each other by at least a prescribed frequency range.
US08725084B2
Techniques are provided herein for improving multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) wireless communications, and in particular to dynamically determining when to switch MIMO transmission modes on a communication link between two devices that are capable of supporting multiple MIMO transmission modes. A base station receives from a client device one or more signals containing information representing a first signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) measurement and a second SNR measurement made by the client device. The first SNR measurement is associated with a first MIMO transmission mode and the second SNR measurement is associated with a second MIMO transmission mode. The base station computes a MIMO channel quality indicator from the first SNR measurement and the second SNR measurement, and evaluates the MIMO channel quality indicator to determine whether to switch MIMO transmission modes for transmissions to the client device.
US08725082B2
A dongle and method for operating external input means, and an external input system with the dongle are provided. The dongle includes a wired interface for connecting the dongle to an external input means, the external input means including at least one external input device; a signal converter for converting a wired signal, which is transmitted from at least one external input device connected to the wired interface, into a Radio Frequency (RF) signal; and an RF communication module for transmitting the RF signal to an electronic device via an RF communication channel.
US08725079B2
An interference analysis tool for identifying an interference problem area in a cellular radio network in which at least a first User Equipment (UE1) and a second UE (UE2) operate. The tool receives signal quality measurements and determines uplink or downlink interference severity. For UE2 uplink interference, the tool determines a first uplink Signal-to-Interference-and-Noise-Ratio (SINR) experienced by UE2, wherein the first SINR includes uplink interference from UE1. The tool also determines a second uplink SINR level (SINR0) experienced by UE2, wherein SINR0 does not include the uplink interference from UE1. The tool calculates a difference (ΔSINR) between SINR and SINR0 for UE2, and identifies the area where UE1 is operating as an interference-causing area when the ΔSINR for UE2 is greater than a threshold value. The tool may present interference severity levels to an operator, and may initiate Radio Resource Management (RRM) procedures to mitigate interference problems in the network.
US08725078B2
Embodiments disclosed herein relate to wireless communications, and more particularly to reducing interference in wireless communications. The principal object of this invention is to co-ordinate between two or more communication radios, present within the same device or a plurality of devices present close to each other, without interfering with other non-interfering devices. Embodiments disclosed herein disclose a scheme for reducing interference between any licensed and/or unlicensed radio.
US08725076B2
Provided is a method and apparatus for sharing a frequency in an environment where an incumbent system exists. In a frequency environment where the incumbent system exists, a frequency resource management may be smoothly performed using a plurality of frequency sets classified based on a utilization state of each sub-frequency resource. When a frequency sharing system using the same radio access technology (RAT) as a frequency sharing system to be assigned with a frequency resource exists, it is possible to reduce overhead for frequency sharing by priorly assigning a corresponding frequency resource to to the frequency sharing system to be assigned with the frequency resource.
US08725062B2
An integrated circuit radio transceiver and method therefore includes a wireless access point that is operable to receive media content for subsequent delivery to at least one wireless mobile terminal and to store such media content until a specified delivery time or such media content is requested. The wireless access point is operable to generate transmissions of the media content at an increased power level either directly through attached point-to-point communications that span a super service area that overlaps service areas of other wireless access points or by way of broadcast transmissions at an increased power level that overlap the service areas of other wireless access points.
US08725058B2
Embodiments of the invention describe the implementation and execution of situational response training (SRT). In some embodiments, a sales team can use an SRT to implement real-time, peer-reviewed and/or focused training. For example, a manager can prepare a training situation through a web interface and then verbally record the training through a telephone interface. The training situation can include any number of questions, scenarios, fact patterns, etc. that can require a response by members of the sales team. Once prepared, the manager can send the training situation to his sales team. The sales team can then prepare and respond to the training situation over the phone using an interactive voice response (IVR) system or through another communication channel. For example, the training situation can be sent via email requesting that each member of the sales team respond to the training situation through a telephone interface.
US08725054B2
An image forming device, including: photosensitive bodies arranged in parallel in a predetermined direction; a belt that runs in the predetermined direction to transfer a developer image formed on each of the photosensitive bodies to a sheet-like medium; recovering members that are respectively provided for the photosensitive bodies, wherein each recovering member recovers adhered substances adhered to each photosensitive body after the developer image was transferred to the sheet-like medium; a belt cleaner that removes the adhered substances adhered to the belt; a cleaning process execution unit that executes a cleaning process in which the adhered substances are transferred from each recovering member to the belt via each photosensitive body; and a cleaning time determination unit that determines a time period for which the cleaning process is executed, based on a color of the image formed on the sheet-like medium.
US08725043B2
A charging member includes at least a substrate and a conductive outermost layer that is disposed on the substrate, that comes in contact with a charging object, and that includes (A) a resin and (B) aggregates of a plurality of acicular particles protruding in a radial pattern from a center to an outside. The charging member charges the charging object by coming in contact with the charging object in a state where a voltage is applied to the charging member.
US08725037B2
An image forming apparatus comprising a detachable container storing a toner, the image forming apparatus comprising: a lever part movable in an attaching and detaching direction of the container, the lever part also contacting the container when the container is being detached, thereby moving the container in a detaching direction; and a stopper part being latched to the container and preventing the container from moving, a latching of the stopper part and the container being unlatched by a movement of the lever part when the container is being detached.
US08725035B2
A developing unit and image formation device in which a developer carrier is reliably pressed towards and separated from an image carrier is described. A separation and pressing mechanism is provided for separating and pressing the developer carriers of developing cartridges installed in a drum unit onto image carriers. This separation and pressing mechanism has a pair of direct cam members. Each direct cam member has a release action portion that engages with the releasing projection of a developing cartridge when the developer carrier is to be separated from the image carrier. Each direct cam member may also have a pressing action portion that engages with the pressing projection of the developing cartridges when the developer carrier is to be pressed onto the image carrier.
US08725032B2
An image forming apparatus includes: a plurality of photoconductor drums; a plurality of exposure members; a drum supporting member having a pair of side walls disposed opposite to each other in an axial direction of the photoconductor drum and configured to support the photoconductor drums and the exposure members between the side walls; a belt disposed below and opposite to the photoconductor drums; a pair of guide members configured to support the drum supporting member while allowing rectilinear movement of the drum supporting member; and a main body circuit board provided in the main body and connected to the exposure members via a cable. The main body circuit board is arranged above the drum supporting member.
US08725011B2
A toner transportation device includes a first toner case that contains toner; a second toner case including a main body containing toner transported from the first toner case, a second discharge port located in the main body that discharges toner, and a second transportation unit rotatably positioned in the main body, and that transports toner to the second discharge port; a second driving unit that drives the second transportation unit; a detecting unit that detects the number of rotations of the second transportation unit and outputs a rotation detection signal; and a control unit that estimates the amount of toner remaining in the first toner case based on an accumulated number of rotations represented by the rotation detection signal.
US08725010B2
A print device with a surface identifying function includes a feed roller assembly, a print assembly, and a printed surface identifying assembly. The feed roller assembly feeds the paper into the print device when receiving a printing task. The printed surface identifying assembly identifies whether one or both surfaces of a sheet of paper have already been printed, generates and sends a result to a processing unit. The processing unit determines whether the paper is available for printing according to the result, and control the print assembly not to perform the printing task and the feed roller assembly to take the paper out of the print device when the paper is unavailable for printing. A printing method is also provided.
US08725002B2
The present invention discloses a method and system for accurate time transfer in PON. An Optical Line Terminal (OLT) ranges Optical Network Units (ONUs) and obtains ranging information, then, triggered by the periodic Pulse per n Second (PPnS), generates a PPnS timestamp based on the local reference counter and the Time of Day (TOD) above second; OLT transmits the ranging information, the periodic PPnS timestamp and TOD to ONUs; ONUs predicts the time of the next second according to said periodic PPnS timestamp, TOD and ranging information, and outputs the corresponding PPnS. The invention is characterized by the combination of the features of PON point to multi-point and PON ranging into its time transfer method, the high accuracy of time transfer, and the low hardware costs for OLT and ONU, as well as the extremely small bandwidth occupancy.
US08724995B2
Provided is a passive optical network system for operating a mixture of PONs with differing transmission speeds and is capable of reducing power consumption on the basis of the amount of signals being transmitted. The master station of the passive optical network system, which determines the amount and timing of signals sent thereto by each of a plurality of slave stations on the basis of the requests of the plurality of slave stations and receives signals from the plurality of slave stations via an optical fiber network, is equipped with a control unit that determines in each set cycle the amount, transmission timing, and transmission speed of the signals that each slave station is permitted to transmit to said master station on the basis of the amount of signals that each of the plurality of slave stations has requested to transmit, and that notifies such to each slave station. Additionally, each of the plurality of slave stations is equipped with a control unit that transmits signals to the master station at a first transmission speed or a second transmission speed that is faster than the first transmission speed, and is configured to transmit signals with either the first transmission speed or the second transmission speed on the basis of notifications from the master station.
US08724988B2
A synchronous packet switch comprises output modules, input modules, optical connections and a switch control unit. The output modules comprise optical receivers each configured to receive optical signals at a different wavelength. The input modules receive electric signals carrying data cells to be routed. Each input module comprises optical transmitters, each configurable to generate an optical signal at a different wavelength, and routing apparatus comprising output ports. Each output module has at least one output port allocated to it. The routing apparatus is configurable to route a received optical signal to a selected output port. The optical connections are arranged to couple output ports to respective output modules. The switch control unit controls routing of the optical signals from the transmitters to the output modules and generates a routing control signal for configuring the routing apparatus to route an optical signal from a transmitter to a selected output port.
US08724975B2
A light and fragrance producing device includes an electrically powered light source and a separate electrically powered heating element. The device also includes a fragrance disk that can emit fragrances when heated by the heating element. The fragrance disk also can be configured to remain solid while heated by the heating element rather than melting or evaporating. The device can also include a decorative outer housing that can be interchangeable.
US08724968B2
The total running time of an original program signal, with related embedded ancillary data is altered to generate a time-shortened (or time-lengthened) program signal. The video signal embedded ancillary data packets are subject to separate processing without decoding payload text strings and caption information. The video portion of the original program signal is processed by deleting (or adding) individual frames on a manual, periodic or automatic basis. As fields or frames are removed (or added), corresponding ancillary data packets and text-based payload information are temporarily stored and analyzed such that data can be reassembled within the time-altered video program. Embedded circuitry determines the type of caption and subtitle information (HD/SD) and location within the Vertical Ancillary (VANC) and Horizontal Ancillary (HANC) packets for processing coupled with the original video signal. All captions, subtitles and text-based information associated with the original program signal are preserved and caption information is automatically aligned to the time-altered video signal.
US08724961B2
A terminal device, upon each receiving of an operation regarding a viewing of a content from a user, stores history information indicating the history thereof. Then upon receiving an instruction for writing a content onto an external recording medium, the terminal device creates preference information based on the history information having been collected therein. The terminal device then writes the content specified by the writing instruction and the created preference information onto the external recording medium.
US08724957B2
The invention relates to a method of selecting parts of an audiovisual document. First, the document is analyzed by at least two subdividing means in order to extract from it at least two groups of audiovisual sequences. Then, selection criteria associated with each of the two subdividing means are entered. Finally, a list of sequences responding to all the selection criteria entered previously is generated.According to a refinement, the sequences are concatenated in a chronological order in order to generate an audiovisual document representative of the audiovisual document.The invention also relates to a device for displaying the sequences selected according to the method.
US08724952B2
A polarization-maintaining (PM) optical fiber has a pure silica core surrounded by a cladding having a region with randomly arranged voids. Stress members are arranged in the cladding on opposite sides of and in line with the core, and impart birefringence to the PM optical fiber. The PM optical fiber is resistant to aging effects and has a broad single-mode spectral range of 400 nm to 1,600 nm.
US08724941B2
An aspect of the present disclosure may include an apparatus having an optical waveguide. The optical waveguide may have a distal end surface non-normal to a longitudinal centerline of a distal end portion of the optical waveguide, wherein the distal end surface may define a portion of an interface configured to redirect electromagnetic radiation propagated from within the optical waveguide and incident on the portion of the interface to a direction offset from the longitudinal centerline. The apparatus may further include a capillary component which may have a first portion of an inner surface heat-fused to a portion of an outer surface of the optical waveguide. The apparatus may also include a reinforcement component which may have a proximal end surface disposed distal to the distal end surface of the optical waveguide such that the distal end surface of the optical waveguide and the proximal end surface of the reinforcement component may be separated by a non-zero distance, and wherein a portion of an outer surface of the reinforcement component may be heat-fused to a second portion of the inner surface of the capillary component.
US08724931B2
A method for automated user information provision using an image includes requesting at least one user information image in response to receiving a user information form from a requesting entity over a network. The at least one user information image is received from a camera. The at least one user information image is analyzed using a processor to determine that the at least one user information image includes requested user information in at least one request section of the user information form. The requested user information is automatically provided into the at least one request section of the user information form. The user information form including the requested user information in the at least one request section is displayed on a display. The user information form may then be sent over the network to provide the requested user information to the requesting entity.
US08724929B2
Conditions regarding attributes of images for generating multi-frame image data including plural frames of images in one file from image data are previously stored. When image data is received, multi-frame image data is generated from the received image data based on incidental information included in the image data and the previously stored conditions. Then, the generated multi-frame image data is archived. When a request for an image is made by a certain terminal, an application functioning on the terminal is identified, and multi-frame image data compliant with the application is transmitted from among the generated multi-frame image data.
US08724925B2
A correction-coefficient calculating unit calculates a correction coefficient to correct misalignment between a first print image and a second print image. A correcting unit corrects the first print image based on the correction coefficient to obtain a corrected first image. A pixel-value determining unit assigns a pixel value based on pixel-value matching state at corresponding positions in the corrected first image and the second print image. An image generating unit generates a misalignment display image from the corrected first image and the second print image that is assigned a predetermined pixel value. An output unit that outputs the misalignment display image.
US08724920B2
An image processing device includes a component separation section configured to separate an original image signal into a plurality of components including a first component that is a framework component and a second component obtained from a residue corresponding to the original image signal from which the first component has been excluded, an edge information acquisition section configured to obtain edge information from the first component included in the plurality of components, a fluctuation-component reduction section configured to reduce a fluctuation component at least of the second component included in the plurality of components, a parameter acquisition section configured to acquire a parameter for the fluctuation-component reduction section based on the obtained edge information, and a component synthesis section configured to synthesize the first component and the component other than the first component in which the fluctuation component has been reduced.
US08724912B2
Costs are reduced, by decreasing the number of encoders used to compress images when compressing two or more images at different compression rates. A region of interest is detected within a processing target image, and a region of interest image is generated. A reduced image is generated by reducing the size of the processing target image. The reduced image and the region of interest image are multiplexed in an image space to generate a multiplex image. The multiplex image is compressed to generate compressed image data.
US08724909B2
For generating a pictorial reference database from a plurality of digital images, distributed geographical sub-areas are defined (S1). For the geographical sub-areas, selected (S2) from the plurality of digital images are images with a geo-tag located in the respective geographic sub-area. Feature vectors are generated (S31) for localized visual features of the selected images. Based on the feature vectors, matching features are determined (S32) for pairs of the selected images. For pairs with matching features, in each case, a measure of visual similarity is computed (S33) based on different geometric arrangements of the localized visual features. Based on the visual similarity, clusters of images with matching objects are determined (S5) and stored (S6) in the pictorial reference database. The pictorial reference database can be generated automatically from a huge collection of images by dividing the images into geographical subsets which can be processed individually and possibly in parallel.
US08724904B2
A system, method, and computer program product for detecting anomalies in an image. In an example embodiment the method includes partitioning each image of a set of images into a plurality of image local units. The method further includes clustering all local units in the image set into clusters, and consequently assigning a class label to each local unit based on the clustering results. The local units with identical class labels having at least one substantially related image feature. Further, the method includes assigning a weight to each of the local units based on a variation of the class labels across all images in a set of images. The method further includes performing a clustering over all images in the set by using a distance metric that takes the learned weight of each local unit into account, then determining the images that belong to minorities of the clusters as anomalies.
US08724896B2
Methods and apparatus for color grading stereoscopic and autostereoscopic (multi-view) view video content are provided. Video content for one view is adjusted so that a histogram of the adjusted video data is more similar to a target histogram than the original, unadjusted video content for the one view. The adjusted video content is automatically color graded based on a color grading of video content for another view. The target histogram may be calculated for the video content for the other view.
US08724894B1
A method for colorizing a monochrome image is provided. The method includes the step of transforming the monochrome image to a luminance color domain and also transforming a color sample corresponding to the monochrome image to the luminance color domain. The method also includes the step of mapping the transformed color sample on to the transformed monochrome image and merging the transformed color sample with a lightness channel of the transformed monochrome image to yield a final image. A further step of the method involves transforming the final image to a color space.
US08724890B2
A method is provided for training and using an object classifier to identify a class object from a captured image. A plurality of still images is obtained from training data and a feature generation technique is applied to the plurality of still images for identifying candidate features from each respective image. A subset of features is selected from the candidate features using a similarity comparison technique. Identifying candidate features and selecting a subset of features is iteratively repeated a predetermined number of times for generating a trained object classifier. An image is captured from an image capture device. Features are classified in the captured image using the trained object classifier. A determination is made whether the image contains a class object based on the trained object classifier associating an identified feature in the image with the class object.
US08724888B2
A dice recognition system and a dice recognition method for uncontrolled environments are provided. In the present invention, the number of dot on a dice is automatically recognized in an uncontrolled environment by using multiple cameras. The present dice recognition system is different in at least two aspects from any existing automatic dice recognition system which uses a single camera for recognizing dice in an enclosed environment. Firstly, an existing automatic dice recognition system uses a single camera to obtain planar images for dice recognition, while the present dice recognition system uses multiple cameras to obtain different viewpoints images for dice recognition. Secondly, the present dice recognition system is designed for uncontrolled environments, and which can be applied to an open-table game in a general gambling place for dice recognition without changing the original dice, dice cup, and other related objects.
US08724883B2
An inspection method for inspecting a device mounted on a substrate, includes generating a shape template of the device, acquiring height information of each pixel by projecting grating pattern light onto the substrate through a projecting section, generating a contrast map corresponding to the height information of each pixel, and comparing the contrast map with the shape template. Thus, a measurement object may be exactly extracted.
US08724880B2
According to one embodiment, a gain adjustment unit executes gain adjustment for 3D B-mode data using gain adjustment values respectively decided for the depth on each scanning line, azimuth direction and elevation direction in a scanned region. A threshold decision unit decides a threshold used for discriminating lumen and non-lumen regions in the scanned region using the gain-adjustment-executed 3D B-mode data. A threshold processing unit executes threshold processing to discriminate data concerning the non-lumen region from the gain-adjustment-executed 3D B-mode data, using the threshold. An image generation unit generates an ultrasonic image concerning the lumen region based on the threshold-processing-executed 3D B-mode data.
US08724878B2
An apparatus for segmenting ultrasound image data including an ultrasound imaging system configured to generate imaging data of a patient. The ultrasound imaging system includes a transducer, a processing unit and a display. The processing unit is operably coupled to the transducer to receive the generated imaging data. The processing unit is configured to analyze the received imaging data and identify an anatomical element. The processing unit includes instructions to segment the anatomical element utilizing as an initial seed segmentation data for the same anatomical element obtained from a different imaging system.
US08724876B2
Streak artifacts arise in helical CT reconstruction with cone beam weighting (CBW) with helical pitch ratio between 0.5 and 1.0 in a prevalent 2PI mode. The sreak artifacts are substantially removed by applying upsampling to the measured data in the segment direction before weighting. Furthermore, by making the upsampling adaptive to the view Z-position, an amount of extra processing is greatly reduced to near 1%.
US08724875B2
When correcting for attenuation in a positron emission tomography (PET) image, a magnetic resonance (MR) image (24) of a subject is generated with spectroscopic data (38) describing the chemical composition of one or more of the voxels in the MR image. A table lookup is performed to identify a tissue type for each voxel based on the MR image data and spectral composition data, and an attenuation value is assigned to each voxel based on its tissue type to generate an MR attenuation correction (MRAC) map (30). The MRAC map (30) is used during reconstruction of the nuclear image (37) to correct for attenuation therein. Additionally, attenuation due to MR coils and other accessories that remain in a nuclear imager field of view during a combined MR/nuclear scan is corrected using pre-generated attenuation correction maps that are applied to a nuclear image after executing an MR scan to identify anatomical landmarks, which are used to align the pre-generated attenuation correction maps to the patient.
US08724867B2
A method of distributing an image study to a chosen image reader is disclosed having steps of receiving an image study from an image producer at a third party communication module, sending a receive notification message to a messaging layer, sending a study available notification message from the messaging layer to a workload distribution engine wherein the available notification message includes extracted image study information pulled from study headers of the image study, identifying image study rules from the extracted image study information, applying an image study complexity to the image study based on the image study rules, calculating image reader complexities for a plurality of image readers subscribed to receive image studies from the image producer, each of the image reader complexities calculated using the image study complexity and an Image reader profile assigned to each of the plurality of accredited image readers, selecting the chosen image reader from the plurality of image readers based on the image reader complexities, assigning the image study to the chosen image reader, and displaying the image study on a user interface to the chosen image reader.
US08724865B2
A method computer program for displaying relative movement between vertebrae or other medical objects is provided. The method generally includes acquiring at least two images of adjacent vertebrae, wherein the at least two images are acquired from a substantially similar acquisition position and illustrate the vertebrae in two different positions. The method further includes displaying a first image to a user on a screen, displaying a second image to the user overlaid onto the first image, translating, via user input, the first or second image to align a stationary feature present in both the first and second images, and alternately displaying the translated first and second images to display relative movement between the stationary feature and adjacent features.
US08724862B2
An image processing apparatus includes a central-portion extracting unit, a classifying unit and a determining unit. The central-portion extracting unit extracts edges from an image area and extracts a plurality of central portions of areas each of which is sandwiched between the edges. The classifying unit groups the central portions by classifying adjacent central portions that have no edge therebetween into a single group. The determining unit determines an area of finger, the area of finger being surrounded by the central portions classified into a group by the classifying unit and peripheral edges of the central portion, the area of finger being an area where a ratio of a luminance gradient in a short side direction to a luminance gradient in a long side direction is within a predetermined threshold.
US08724860B2
Apparatus for measuring a pattern in a surface of an object, comprising a plurality of pixel or sensor elements being responsive to a physical parameter of the object surface, and means for establishing an overall, segmented picture related to said pattern, and also comprising at least one diode functionally associated with each sensor element for contributing to one or more of the following functions: selectively addressing said sensor element; activating said sensor element; and sensing of said physical parameter.
US08724850B1
A small object detection using meaningful features and generalized histograms includes providing at least one pixilated image. A region of interest is extracted from the pixilated image. A statistogram of the region of interest is generated. The statistogram is searched to determine at least one maximal meaningful interval of the region of interest. The maximal meaningful interval is output in a tangible medium.
US08724845B2
A non-transitory computer-readable medium storing a content determination program causes a computer to perform processes of detecting persons appearing in chronologically photographed images, detecting a position of each of the persons, calculating a moving velocity of each of the persons, setting a group including a part of the persons on the basis of the moving velocities and the positions, acquiring attribute information of the group on the basis of a person image corresponding to the each of the part of the persons included in the group, and determining, on the basis of a correspondence relationship between the attribute information of the group and attribute information of content images stored in a storage unit, one of the content images to be projected to a position which each of the part of the persons of the group recognizes.
US08724839B2
A unidirectional microphone includes a cylindrical capsule, a front plate blocking one end of the cylindrical capsule, a front plate sound hole formed in the front plate, a vibrating membrane and a first rear pole plate that are housed in the cylindrical capsule and form capacitance, a substrate blocking another open end of the capsule, and a rear plate sound hole formed in the substrate. The front plate sound hole and the rear plate sound hole are placed on mutually opposite sides of a central axis of the capsule so as to be offset relative to the central axis. The directional axis can be significantly offset relative to the central axis of the microphone using the microphone alone.
US08724838B2
A speaker system includes a case having a receiving chamber; a variable mechanism received in the receiving chamber for dividing the receiving chamber into a first chamber and a second chamber and being capable of varying a volume of the first chamber; and a speaker unit is received in the first chamber and defining an acoustic port facing an exterior of the case. The separating wall alternatively inserts into one of the receiving member for placing the separating wall precisely at specific locations. Thus, it is easy to vary the volume of the first chamber for achieving an excellent acoustic capability of the speaker system.
US08724834B2
An acoustic user interface system and method for tracking spatial location data. A location tracking unit provides location information with respect to an object in an environment. The location information may be further employed to synthesize a perception of three-dimensional spatial location data with respect to multiple objects in the environment. The acoustic user interface communicates the three-dimensional spatial location data via an auditory channel to a stereophonic device based on a human stereophonic perception of one or more acoustic signal variable correlated with a relative location of the objects in order to co-ordinate and communicate location information effectively.
US08724832B2
This disclosure provides systems, methods and apparatus for sense elements in an electromechanical microphone device. In one aspect, a piezoelectric sense element may include a glass substrate, electrode layers, piezoelectric layers, and elastic layers. The elastic layers may serve to modify the neutral plane of the piezoelectric sense element. Including an elastic layer or layers to modify the neutral plane of the piezoelectric sense element may serve to configure the sense element such that the piezoelectric layer generates a voltage in response to a sound wave or may serve to increase the sensitivity of the sense element.
US08724824B2
A portable electronic device includes an earphone jack circuit for receiving an earphone plug, a control circuit and a switch circuit. The control circuit sends audio to or receives audio from the earphone plug by the earphone jack. The switch circuit is set between the earphone jack and the control circuit including a first mode and a second mode. The control circuit identifies a type of the earphone plug, and switches the switch circuit to a corresponding mode according to the type of the earphone plug.
US08724823B2
An input signal is processed through noise suppression (NS) and echo control (EC) via a multipath model that reduces noise pumping effects while maintaining EC performance. A copy of a “noisy” input signal is sent to an EC component before the noisy signal is sent to a NS component, which processes the signal first, when there is a consistent noise level for estimation. The copy of the pre-processing noisy signal is sent to the EC component along with a “clean” or “noise-suppressed” signal output from the NS component. The EC component analyzes the noisy signal as if the EC was the first component in the signal chain to determine what actions to take. The EC component then applies these actions to the clean signal received from the NS component.
US08724821B2
A sound field controller includes: a sound field generation section which generates an effect sound signal for giving a sound field effect sound to an audio signal; an acquisition section which acquires a measurement signal indicating sound pressure levels of a direct sound and a reflected sound which are collected when a test sound is emitted in a reproduction environment; an identification section which identifies a maximum reflected sound whose sound pressure level is the maximum in a given time period after a collecting timing of the direct sound from the measurement signal; an adjustment section which adjusts the effect sound signal based on a ratio of the sound pressure level of the direct sound to the sound pressure level of the maximum reflected sound; and an output section which outputs the audio signal input to the input section and the effect sound signal adjusted by the adjustment section.
US08724820B2
A method of reproducing audio signals includes the steps of supplying a predetermined audio signal to a speaker array to synthesize surface wavefronts and forming a virtual sound source by the wavefront synthesis; and controlling the audio signal in order to change the position of the virtual sound source in the vicinity of the virtual sound source.
US08724816B2
A security service control method and a WLAN terminal are provided, and the method includes: stopping a WPI service between a WLAN terminal and an AP when the WLAN terminal creates a security service of an IP layer and/or a layer above the IP layer, wherein the WPI service comprises: encrypting a data link layer message to be transmitted, and decrypting a received data link layer message. After the WPI service is stopped, when the WLAN terminal cancels the security service of the IP layer and/or the layer above the IP layer, the WLAN terminal completes processes of removing association, association, user authentication and key negotiation in turn with the WLAN AP, and uses a session key obtained through the key negotiation to recover the WPI service. The calculating resources can be saved by using the present invention.
US08724814B2
A system and a method are provided for activating one or more security functions of a mobile electronic device. The system and method provide for the activation of one or more security functions when the mobile electronic device is stored in a mobile electronic device holder. Security functions include, for example, closing a data item currently being displayed on the mobile electronic device, erasing decrypted information stored on the mobile electronic device, locking the mobile electronic device, and performing a secure garbage collection operation.
US08724805B2
A security label generation apparatus for scalable content distribution, includes a scalable content transmitter for receiving service level requirements of a user and network bandwidth information over a network and generating security labels and encrypted scalable units. Further, the security label generation apparatus includes a scalable content receiver for receiving the encrypted scalable units and the security labels from the scalable content transmitter and for decrypting, decoding, playing, modifying, storing or redistributing the encrypted scalable units based on the security labels. Furthermore, the security label generation apparatus includes scalable content storage for searching for scalable content and metadata corresponding to a request of the scalable content transmitter.
US08724798B2
A method and apparatus for canceling an echo in audio communication is disclosed. The method comprises receiving an audio signal from a network and subsequently detecting a mixture audio signal comprising a target audio signal and an echo audio signal, the echo signal corresponding to the received audio signal. The method then comprises estimating the target audio signal by determining magnitude spectrograms for the mixture and received audio signals respectively, estimating a magnitude spectrogram of the target audio signal dependent on those of the mixture and received audio signal, and generating an output audio signal that estimates the target audio signal, the output audio signal being dependent on the estimated magnitude spectrogram.
US08724789B2
Methods and apparatuses to connect people for real time communications via optional advertisements presented via directory assistance. One embodiment includes: receiving a directory assistance request from a user over a telephonic connection with the user; providing directory assistance information responsive to the directory assistance request; presenting an option related to an advertisement to the user; if the user declines the option, charging the user a fee for providing the directory assistance information; and if the user accepts the option, reducing the fee for providing the directory assistance information.
US08724782B2
System of subsidized phone calls, is essentially a system (S) made possible by means of telecommunication networks in general to be used with great efficiency, using the existent technical resources that, organized of new way, allows the execution of calls with part or all of the chargeable time subsidized by a sponsor through the sending of advertising and/or institutional messages to the calling subscriber.
US08724780B2
The present invention discloses a voice interaction method of a mobile terminal based on VoiceXML and a mobile terminal, which comprises: converting received voice information into a VoiceXML document, parsing the VoiceXML document according to a preset VoiceXML document framework, searching the information of the function which needs to be realized by the voice information corresponding to the VoiceXML document; mapping found function information to the function corresponding to the particular function of the man-machine interface, and informing the mapped function to the man-machine interface; performing VoiceXML response document conversion on the response information from the man-machine interface, and playing the conversion result via a corresponding voice information. According to the technical solution of the present invention, the advanced intelligence and complex voice interaction can be realized, and the transportability of voice interaction is improved.
US08724779B2
A small baseline audio sample is sampled when a person initially calls in and the sample is held only for the duration of the call. For each subsequent transfer, a comparison is made to the baseline established from the initial call and at the end of the call the voice sample is discarded so no resources need to be maintained. Speaker verification and VOIP technologies are used to persist the customer's verification information as service representative hand-offs occur.
US08724778B1
Systems and methods for secure recording in a customer center environment are provided. The system receives data related to a communication at a media distribution device. A key is provided by a key server to the media distribution device to encrypt the received data. In addition, an identifier may be associated with the received data. The key and the identifier are stored in a database associated with the key server. The encrypted data is recorded the a recorder, where it is accessible to authorized users within the customer center. Upon request, the key is provided to the authorized user to decrypt the encrypted data for play back. The customer center environment may include a user interface for viewing customer contacts. The contact may be organized into folders and annotations associated with the customer contacts may be received.
US08724776B2
An x-ray focusing device and method for adjustably focusing x-rays in two orthogonal directions simultaneously. The device and method can be operated remotely using two pairs of orthogonal benders mounted on a rigid, open frame such that x-rays may pass through the opening in the frame. The added x-ray flux allows significantly higher brightness from the same x-ray source.
US08724775B2
Among other things, an applicator means (20) for x-ray radiation therapy for the irradiation of surfaces, as well as a radiation therapy device are described, having an applicator element (21) for taking up a probe tip or a radiation source element of a radiation source means (11). In order to further develop applicator means (20) in such a way that it is especially suitable also for the irradiation of surfaces, it is provided that applicator element (21) for adjusting different beam characteristics has at least one element (27) for influencing the beam, in particular a lens element, which is disposed in an exchangeable manner at/in applicator element (21). In addition, an advantageous fastening means is described, by means of which applicator means (20) can be attached and fixed on the surface to be treated.
US08724772B2
An X-ray fluoroscopic radiographing apparatus comprises a display unit that processes a received X-ray moving image and instantaneously displays the moving image; a storing unit that stores the received moving image as a non-processed raw image; an instructing unit that instructs the raw image to be referred to from the stored raw images; a second display unit that processes the instructed raw image and displays the processed raw image; a changing unit that changes the image process in the second display unit; a second storing unit that stores image process information obtained by the changing unit in association with the instructed raw image; a second instructing unit that instructs the raw image to be transferred from the stored raw images; and a transferring unit that executes the image process associated by the second storing unit to the instructed raw image and transfers the processed raw image to a destination.
US08724765B2
The present invention provides a locking method and system, and the method includes: a locking system performing a phase discrimination and conversion process to an input signal Fi of an external standard source and a feedback output signal F0 of a local thermostatic crystal oscillator which pass through a frequency division, to generate a clock signal clk and a signal sign which is used to denote a frequency size relationship between the signal Fi and the signal F0, and performing a filtering process to the signal clk and the signal sign, and performing a voltage controlled oscillation process to a signal ahead used to denote that the frequency of the signal F0 is lower than the frequency of the signal Fi and a signal lag used to denote that the frequency of the signal F0 is higher than the frequency of the signal Fi, to implement a locking of the signal F0 and the signal Fi.
US08724760B2
GPS aided precision timing uses GPS to generate synchronized timing pulses by various nodes. One of the nodes is designated as a master node and the remaining nodes are designated as auxiliary nodes. Each node tracks the carrier phases of satellite signals transmitted by a plurality of GPS satellites relative to a carrier phase of a reference oscillator in the respective node. The master node provides the tracked phase measurements along with its position information to all of the auxiliary nodes. Each auxiliary node determines the phase offset of its reference oscillator relative to the reference oscillator of the master node to “align” its phase to the phase of the master node. The phase of a time pulse signal generator in each node is then aligned to the phase of its reference oscillator for generating synchronized timing pulses based on the aligned phases.
US08724757B2
Embodiments include methods and apparatus for performing symbol timing synchronization for a symbol-bearing signal. The symbol-bearing signal is sampled to produce a plurality of symbol samples. First-direction interpolation processes are performed on the plurality of symbol samples in a first temporal direction, where the first temporal direction is a direction from a first sampling time towards a second sampling time. In addition, second-direction interpolation processes are performed on the symbol samples in a second temporal direction, where the second temporal direction is a direction from the second sampling time towards the first sampling time, resulting in a set of interpolated symbol samples.
US08724748B2
A wireless communication terminal includes an antenna selecting unit that selects, for each packet, an antenna for use in receiving signals from among a plurality of a plurality of antennas; a packet-destination judging unit that judges whether a packet obtained by demodulating a signal received by the receiving antenna selected by the antenna selecting unit is destined for the wireless communication terminal; and a stand-by-antenna determining unit that determines a stand-by antenna for use in receiving a packet to be received next based on a result of selection made by the antenna selecting unit and a result of judgment made by the packet-destination judging unit.
US08724747B2
A SAW-less receiver includes an FEM interface module, an RF to IF receiver section, and a receiver IF to baseband section. The RF to IF receiver section includes inverter based LNA modules, a mixing module, and transimpedance amplifier modules. The inverter based LNA modules amplify inbound RF signal to produce a positive leg current RF signal and a negative leg current RF signal. The mixing module converts the positive and negative leg current RF signals into an in-phase (I) mixed current signal and a quadrature (Q) mixed current signal. The transimpedance amplifier modules convert the I mixed current signal into an I mixed voltage signal and the Q mixed current signal into a Q mixed voltage signal. The receiver IF to baseband section converts the I and Q mixed voltage signals into one or more inbound symbol streams.
US08724718B2
In OFDMA wireless communications systems, pilot pattern design is optimized based on predefined resource block size. The number of pilots and the spacing between pilots within a resource block is determined based on a set of system requirements. In one novel aspect, if resource block size is smaller than three in either frequency or time domain, then the pilots are allocated such that average pilot-to-data distance is minimized and that pilot-to-pilot distance is as large as possible. In one example, m pilots are allocated in an i×j resource block. The resource block is partitioned into n equal sub blocks, where m is a multiple of n. Within each sub block, m/n pilots are positioned such that average pilot-to-data distance is minimized. On the other hand, if resource block size is larger than or equal to three in both frequency and time domain, then pilots are allocated to avoid channel extrapolation.
US08724717B2
In OFDMA wireless communications systems, pilot pattern design is optimized based on predefined resource block size. The number of pilots and the spacing between pilots within a resource block is determined based on a set of system requirements. In one novel aspect, in a high-rank MIMO system, pilots are allocated within a resource block to avoid channel extrapolation in frequency domain only. Because high-rank MIMO only supports low-mobility environment, time-domain extrapolation is no longer a dominant factor. For uplink transmission, one or more frequency tones at one or more edges of the resource block are reserved to be pilot-free to reduce multiuser synchronization error effect. When continuous resource blocks are jointly used for channel estimation, the upper and lower edges of each resource block are left with blanks such that edge pilots of adjacent resource blocks are not too close to each other to improve channel estimation.
US08724708B2
A segment allocation determination unit of an image decoding device determines an allocation of segments, in accordance with processing capabilities of the image decoding units, so that the processing times of the image decoding units are equal. When a first error detection unit detects an error, a segment allocation determination unit performs control so that the segment including the error is allocated to an image decoding unit to which a predicted reference image of the segment is allocated. When any of second error detection units detect an error, the segment allocation determination unit controls allocation of the next series of segments with consideration to a bit amount skipped due to the error. This enables providing an image decoding device that can efficiently realize decoding with a plurality of image decoding units even when an error is detected.
US08724702B1
A framework for efficient sum of absolute difference (SAD) computations for variable block size, sub-pixel motion estimation is presented. Simultaneous, or parallelized, SAD computations can be performed by storing and re-using previous SAD computational information, which can speed up the performance of a motion estimation module by reducing the number of cycles necessary to perform a particular motion estimation algorithm.
US08724700B2
A method of decoding a video signal is disclosed. The present invention includes obtaining identification information indicating whether a coded picture of a current NAL unit is an inter-view picture group, obtaining interview reference information of the inter-view picture group, and constructing a reference picture list for inter-view prediction using the inter-view reference information according to the identification information, wherein the inter-view reference information includes view identification information of an inter-view reference picture.
US08724697B2
An apparatus performs efficient coding techniques to more efficiently locate motion vector data within neighboring video data units. The apparatus comprises a motion vector (MV) location unit that includes a look-up table (LUT), where the MV location unit obtains video data defining a plurality of video data units and processes the plurality of video data units. The apparatus further includes a geometric resolution unit that determines, while processing a current one of the plurality of video data units, which of the plurality of video data units neighbor the current video data unit. The MV location unit then accesses, for each of the neighboring video data units, the LUT to determine a location of a motion vector within a section of the video data to which the neighboring video data unit is associated.
US08724696B2
A method for offloading decoding of encoded video data from a computer system executing a video player application playing the encoded video data to a remote display terminal still enables the video player application to overlay transparent or semi-transparent graphical elements, such elements, such as user interface controls, onto the video, despite not having access to decoded video data. A video decoding function call from the video player application is intercepted and replacement video data is provided to the video player application rather than a decoded version of the encoded video data. The video player application is thereby able to overlay graphical elements onto the replacement video data to create composite video from which the graphical elements are then able to be subsequently extracted and transmitted with the encoded video data to remote display terminal, which decodes the video data and overlays the graphical elements for display.
US08724695B2
A method and apparatus for determining a type of picture encoding of a decompressed video signal by detecting periodic changes of high frequency content of individual fields of the video signal. The determination may be used in particular to align picture types in successive video compression systems in a video compression concatenation chain.
US08724693B2
The techniques are provided automatically detecting when performing pre-transmission compression on data to be sent over a network connection will be preferable to sending the data uncompressed, and for automatically performing pre-transmission compression only when doing so is determined to be beneficial. The techniques involve performing compression on sample data. The time it takes to perform the compression on the sample data, along with the reduction in size achieved by the compression, are factors used to automatically determine whether compressing data before sending the data over a network connection will achieve better results that sending the data uncompressed. In some embodiments, multiple compression algorithm/compression level combinations are tested at different points in the transmission. At each point, the sending device may switch to the algorithm/level combination that is producing the best results on the current sample.
US08724686B2
Certain aspects of the present disclosure relate to a method for equalizing a pulse signal corrupted by a noise and by various channel effects for obtaining a signal based on the periodic-sinc pulse, which is suitable for Finite Rate of Innovation (FRI) processing applied at a receiver of a pulse-based communication system (e.g., an Ultra-Wideband receiver).
US08724684B2
Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a reporting allocation unit, an indicator interpretation unit and methods of operating a reporting allocation unit and an indicator interpretation unit. In one embodiment, the reporting allocation unit includes an indicator configuration module configured to provide reporting interval and offset values of corresponding rank and channel quality indicators for user equipment. The reporting allocation unit also includes a sending module configured to transmit the reporting interval and offset values to the user equipment.
US08724683B2
Provided is a communication testing circuit that includes a transmitting unit including a spread spectrum clock generator that generates a modulated clock signal by modulating a reference clock signal, a pseudo-random binary sequence generator that generates a pseudo-random pattern, and a signal generator that generates a transmission signal by modulating the pseudo-random pattern based on the modulated clock signal, a receiving unit including a clock and data recovery circuit that receives the transmission signal and recovers the pseudo-random pattern from the transmission signal, and a detector that compares the recovered pseudo-random pattern with a preset pseudo-random pattern and outputs a signal indicating error information, and a control unit that counts a number of errors from the signal indicating error information input from the receiving unit and decides a timing margin based on a counting result.
US08724679B2
Transceiver calibration is a critical issue for proper transceiver operation. The transceiver comprises at least one RF transmit chain and one RF receive chain. A closed loop path is formed from the digital block, the RF transmit chain, the substrate coupling, the RF receive chain back to the digital block and is used to estimate and calibrate the transceiver parameters over the operating range of frequencies. The substrate coupling eliminates the need for the additional circuitry saving area, power, and performance. In place of the additional circuitry, the digital block which performs baseband operations can be reconfigured into a software or/and hardware mode to calibrate the transceiver. The digital block comprises a processor and memory and is coupled to the front end of the RF transmit chain and the tail end of the RF receive chain.
US08724675B2
A method for detecting coherent interference includes the steps of: (a) receiving a signal at a first frequency, (b) forming a set of cross-correlation results by at least cross-correlating the signal with a first known code for a plurality of code offsets, (c) determining a statistical signature of the cross-correlation results, and (d) deciding, based on the statistical signature, whether non-negligible coherent interference is present within a search bin defined by the combination of the first frequency and the first known code.
US08724665B2
Methods and apparatuses to multiplex logic data pseudo synchronously are described. A representation of a multiplexer logic is generated to transmit data items asynchronously relative to a design clock. The data items may be transmitted under control of a transmission clock from a first integrated circuit to a second integrated circuit. A representation of a counter logic may be generated to couple with the multiplexer logic for transmitting the data asynchronously. Additionally, a representation of reset logic may be generated for a configuration to repeatedly reset the counter logic. Synchronization signals may be generated for a design clock cycle of a design clock driving the data items. The synchronization signals may be transmitted via the transmission clock asynchronous with the design clock. The data items may be transmitted via a number of transmission slots determined based on the clock cycles of the transmission clock and the design clock The total time for the transmission slots for transmitting the logic data may be less than the clock cycle of the design clock. One or more transmission slots within the clock cycle of the design clock may be used to transmit the synchronization data to indicate a new cycle to transmit the data items according to the design clock.
US08724661B2
A method for sending uplink burst data in a passive optical network (PON) system includes: sending a synchronization pattern of the uplink burst data, the synchronization pattern being of a length, which is an integer multiple of 66 bits, and being formed by connection of 66-bit unit gene blocks; sending a burst delimiter (BD) of the uplink burst data; sending a forward error correction (FEC)-protected data in the uplink burst data; and sending an end of burst (EOB) delimiter of the uplink burst data. The technical solutions in the embodiments allow the use of a less complex equalizer at the reception end of a high-speed PON system.
US08724654B2
A streaming rewrite method and system that can execute an efficient multiple pattern search method that parses a response in a data structure of an appliance. The method and system can avoid copying to a buffer by parsing data across a data structure to identify search patterns and phrases that may be identified by one or more actions and/or rules of an appliance or system. A parser can input one or more search patterns, and parse a body of a response or one or more packets for the search patterns. The parser can obtain pattern information about the packets and/or the response, and store this information in a database. The appliance can then perform lookups in the database for pattern information and perform rewrites in accordance with the stored pattern information. The rewritten response and/or packets can then be transmitted to a destination.
US08724652B2
Disclosed are an apparatus and method for determining a frame structure for reducing interference between users using the same frequency band in a communication system using a cognitive radio, the method including, collecting channel status information related to a primary user with a priority to occupancy of a predetermined frequency band, executing spectrum sensing for the frequency band to check whether the primary user's traffic exists, deciding a length of a data frame to be transmitted in consideration of interference to the primary user based upon the collected channel status information if a channel in which the primary user's traffic is not present is sensed through the spectrum sensing, constructing a data frame based upon the decided frame length to transmit via the sensed channel, and re-executing the spectrum sensing for the channel, if data to be additionally transmitted exists, and rechecking whether the primary user's traffic is present.
US08724649B2
A novel and useful apparatus for and method of distributed coexistence for mitigating interference in a single chip radio and/or a multi-radio (i.e. multi-transceiver) communications device. The invention enables coexistence ‘friendly’ radio IPs having frequency agility in that they are capable of shifting their clock frequencies thereby avoiding frequency bands of potential victim radios. Frequency agility on the aggressor radio side (rather than by mitigating the effect of interference on the victim radio side) prevents harmonics from the aggressor's clock scheme from falling in the operating frequency band of the victim radio, and in turn causing degradation to its performance. Each aggressor radio, based on information received from other radios, configures the root clock frequency of its RX and/or TX chain clock generation circuits.
US08724648B2
A method includes composing downlink control information having a format configured to support a presence of a plurality of transport blocks in a single subframe, where the downlink control information comprises, for the plurality of transport blocks, a common resource allocation and modulation/coding scheme field and a single cyclic redundancy check field. The method further includes transmitting the composed downlink control information to a relay node over a wireless link that comprises a backhaul link from the relay node.
US08724630B2
A method for network intercommunication is disclosed. The method includes a step of a Locator/ID Separation Protocol (LISP) communication end transmitting a data packet to an internet communication end. Another method for implementing network intercommunication and a corresponding system are also disclosed. The methods and system realize data intercommunication between the existing internet and the LISP network, and extends the applicable scope of the service.
US08724629B1
Techniques are described for supporting metro Ethernet “E-TREE” service over a packet-switched MPLS network, including a VPLS core, in a manner that allows a service provide to easily integrate with different types of technologies deployed by its various customers. Moreover, the techniques described herein provide increased flexibility with respect to the topology of the roots and leafs of the E-TREE service and, in particular, allow roots and leaf nodes to be coupled to a common router that provides access to the VPLS core. An NNI port of a PE router may process network traffic to provide E-TREE service to a bridged network having both leaf nodes and root nodes process and direct traffic between logical interfaces as changed next hops.
US08724607B2
A transmission method and apparatus utilizing Multiple-Input and Multiple-Output (MIMO) precoding based on Distributed Antenna Systems (DASs) are provided. The transmission method includes determining active antenna ports, for a User Equipment (UE) having multiple receive antennas, from among a plurality of Distributed Antenna Ports (DAPs) evenly placed in a service area; assigning a Multiple-Input and Multiple-Output (MIMO) mode to the UE and notifying the UE of the MIMO mode assignment; determining a signal precoding vector on a basis of feedback information for the MIMO mode received from the UE; and precoding a signal using the signal precoding vector and transmitting the precoded signal through the active antenna ports.
US08724600B2
Described herein are systems and methods for providing media playback in a networked environment. In one embodiment, a networked media playback device is configured to provide a web server for delivering data indicative of a browser-renderable control interface for the networked media playback device, or for a related networked media playback system. In overview, the user of a networked device, such as a wireless web enabled device, is able to render the control interface in a web browser, and in this manner control playback of digital media via the networked media playback device or networked media playback system.
US08724598B1
Energy-efficient, traffic-adaptive Cooperative Wireless Sensor Medium Access Control (CWS-MAC) is a traffic-adaptive, flow-specific medium access method capable of providing contention- or non-contention-based medium access service on a per flow basis.
US08724588B2
A system that includes an eNodeB device located in a border region between a first traffic area and a second traffic area, where the first traffic area includes a first pool of mobile management entities (MMEs), where the second traffic area includes a second, different pool of MMEs, and where the eNodeB is associated with the first pool of MMEs and the second pool of MMEs.
US08724581B2
A method of allocating resources in a wireless communication system includes dividing an available frequency band on a logical plane into a distributed zone and a localized zone, dividing the distributed zone into a plurality of subparts in time domain, and dividing the distributed zone and the localized zone into a distributed zone and a localized zone on a physical plane. The plurality of subparts included in one distributed zone on the logical plane is mapped to a different distributed zone on the physical plane.
US08724574B2
A method according to an embodiment includes receiving, from a base station, first component information for transmitting first channel information for a first frequency band; receiving, from the base station, second component information for transmitting second channel information for a second frequency band added to the first frequency band; transmitting the first channel information to the base station in accordance with the first component information; and transmitting the second channel information to the base station in accordance with the second component information. When the point of time of the transmission of the first channel information and the point of time of the transmission of the second channel information coincide with each other, either the first channel information or the second channel information is transmitted in accordance with a predetermined drop rule.
US08724571B2
The present invention relates to a wireless communication system. More particularly, the present invention relates to a method and to an apparatus in which a terminal processes a downlink control channel in a wireless communication system that supports carrier aggregation. The method comprises the steps of: checking a plurality of carrier groups from a plurality of downlink component carriers (DL CCs); receiving a control information region through at least a portion of the plurality of DL CCs; performing blind decoding on control channels in the control information region in a first carrier group; and performing blind decoding on control channels in the control information region in a second carrier group. The present invention also relates to an apparatus for the method.
US08724566B2
A random access method in a wireless communication system is disclosed. The present invention includes transmitting a bandwidth request indicator and a quick access message from a mobile station to a base station and starting a timer having a timer value determined according to an acknowledgement from the base station.
US08724564B2
A method for transmitting uplink control information in a wireless communication system is disclosed. The method includes receiving one or more downlink component carriers among N downlink component carriers created by dividing a multi-carrier by an integer N, and transmitting control information about the received one or more downlink component carriers in one or more uplink component carriers among N uplink component carriers created by dividing a multi-carrier by the integer N, wherein the control information about the received one or more downlink component carriers is distributed equally or unequally to the one or more uplink component carriers and the control information includes at least one of a Channel Quality Information/Precoding Matrix Index (CQI/PMI), an ACKnowledgment/Negative ACKnowledgment (ACK/NACK), and a Rank Indication (RI).
US08724561B2
Apparatus and method for resource allocation information transmission in mobile communication system
An apparatus and method for resource allocation information transmission is provided. The method includes determining a search space for use in a second frequency band using resource allocation information of a first process detected in a first frequency band, detecting resource allocation information using the search space in the second frequency band, and when failing to decode received data according to the resource allocation information detected in the second frequency band, re-detecting resource allocation information of the first process in the second frequency band in a first time interval using the search space without detecting the resource allocation information of the first process in the first frequency band.
US08724559B2
A method and apparatus for a transmission in a bundling mode are provided to prevent a conflict between a bundling transmission resource and other transmission resource in a wireless communication network. A bundling transmission method includes determining whether there is a transmission conflicting with a bundling transmission induced by an uplink grant regarding uplink transmission resources. If it is determined that there is a conflicting transmission, the method disregards at least one of the bundling transmission and the conflicting transmission. A bundling transmission apparatus includes a retransmission unit and a transmission control unit, which are configured to execute the bundling transmission method.
US08724554B2
Devices, methods, and computer-readable media for detecting an attempted use of a data service over a wireless access network by a device, the data service being unavailable to the device in a current state of the device or available to the device at a lower cost within a different service plan than a current service plan associated with the device; initiating communication with one or more network elements to obtain information about a service plan offer for enabling access to the data service; obtaining the information about the service plan offer; in response to the detected attempted use of the data service, presenting, through a user interface of the device, a first notification offering the service plan offer; obtaining a response to the first notification; and sending an indication of the response to the one or more network elements over the wireless access network.
US08724541B2
A method and apparatus may be used for exchanging measurements in wireless communications. The apparatus may receive a request. The request may be a measurement request, and may include a request for a measurement of a parameter. The apparatus may transmit a report. The report may be a measurement report, and may include the requested measurement of a parameter. The apparatus may store the requested measurement of the parameter in a management information base (MIB).
US08724539B2
A wireless communication system, wherein packet transmission operations are carried out in an infrastructure mode, includes: a first terminal station serving as a data transmission source; a second terminal station serving as a data receiving destination; and a control station configured to contain each terminal station and relay a packet transmitted between the two terminal stations; wherein the first terminal station transmits a packet addressed to the second terminal station via the control station, and detects that the second terminal station is within range capable of a direct link, based on the first terminal station receiving a confirmation response packet replied from the second terminal station, the confirmation response packet being replied from the second terminal station upon a predetermined period of time having passed from the time of the control station transferring the packet to the second terminal station address.
US08724530B2
A wireless mesh network comprises a first branch of access nodes and a second branch of access nodes. The first and second branches sharing a common access node and each access node is for facilitating wireless interconnection between a device and the network. The minimum separation distance (d1) between an access node in the first branch and an access node in the second branch is greater than K1/αd0, wherein d0 is the separation distance between a transmitting node and a receiving node in the first branch, K is the signal-to-interference ratio (SIR) and α is the path loss exponential.
US08724525B2
Methods and apparatus for synchronizing frames in wireless networks are disclosed. An example method includes delaying, at a wireless relay station, a start time of a frame. In the example method, the start time of the frame is delayed, such that the relay station receives one or more data symbols from a superordinate wireless station and one or more data symbols from a subordinate wireless station at substantially the same time during the frame.
US08724519B2
A dual homing technique for ensuring loop free transmission of traffic between telecommunication networks such as VPLS by utilizing a loop protocol in the dual homed connection. The technique also provides selective handling of VPLS data streams protected and non-protected by the dual homing loop protocol.
US08724516B2
The present disclosure is directed to a method for forming a connected dominating set (CDS) for a graph. The method may include directing each node of the graph to broadcast a dominating factor and neighboring node information; identifying a dominating set based on the dominating factor of each node in comparison with dominating factors of neighboring nodes according to a dominating set rule definition; identifying a connecting set for connecting nodes according to a connecting set rule definition; and forming the CDS as a union of the dominating set and the connecting set.
US08724511B2
A method and system for provisioning circuits on multiple parallel links with a single setup message is disclosed. A setup message specifying links in a circuit path is transmitted to switches along the circuit path. If a switch determines that a link specified in the setup message has insufficient bandwidth for the circuit, the switch substitutes a parallel link having sufficient bandwidth for the specified link in the circuit path. The setup message can indicate whether substitution for a link is permitted. This can be used to prevent substitution for links when provisioning service routes for new circuits in order to maintain diversity requirements, while allowing substitution for links when provisioning restoration routes for failed circuits in order to reduce restoration time.
US08724509B2
The present invention introduces a method for the network to optimize the route for user's local IP access, without affecting the access to operator's core network. With this mechanism, no excessive signalling is needed for the optimization. The present invention is also applicable to the corporate network that has multiple home NodeBs or home eNodeBs. Finer grain control on the services to be provided over different home NodeB or home eNodeB is also possible. Further, path optimization and continuation of the service upon handover can be controlled, and hence flexibility of the service can be secured.
US08724507B2
A system and method for implementing an automatic discovery function in a DWDM network are provided, wherein the system includes: an optical supervisory channel (OSC) being a bi-directional physical channel, configured to transmit information through multiplexing/de-multiplexing a wavelength independent of a master optical channel with the master optical channel; a first ASON control unit, being located in a first node, configured to interact with a second ASON control unit in an adjacent second node through the OSC channel so as to obtain the information of the second ASON control unit; and the second ASON control unit, being located in the second node, configured to interact with the first ASON control unit in the adjacent first node through the OSC channel so as to obtain the information of the first ASON control unit. Thereby, using the method and system of the present invention, the automatic discovery function can be implemented through the OSC channel transmission mechanism.
US08724506B2
The invention concerns the detecting of a double attachment of an equipment communicating both with a wireless network and with a wired network, in particular when the connections with said networks are established by sending a connection configuration request comprising an identifier of the equipment, such as DHCP Host Name. The invention is characterized in that it consists: a) in detecting, at least on the wireless network, connection configuration requests emitted by the equipments (E10), b) analyzing the contents of the requests and extracting the equipment identifiers (E11), c) from one equipment identifier extracted at step b), determining whether said equipment has additionally sent a connection configuration request at least to the wired network with the same identifier (E13), and d) triggering an alarm if the result at step c) is positive (E16).
US08724502B2
A computer-readable medium stores a testing program that causes a computer having a storage device storing netmask lengths and address block utilization information associated with address blocks, to execute a process that includes acquiring first packets transmitted to a first apparatus, first addresses being regarded as transmission sources; referring to the storage device and acquiring a count of address blocks to which the first addresses belong and a netmask length; calculating based on the acquired address block count and netmask length, the netmask length less a bit count according to the number of the first addresses; referring to the storage device and selecting from among unused address blocks, an address block having a netmask length less than or equal to the calculated netmask length; and transmitting to a second apparatus, second packets obtained by setting the transmission sources of the first packets to second addresses in the selected address block.
US08724497B2
Methods of MDT information logging and reporting are provided. In one embodiment, a method is provided to resolve shortcomings of prior art by correlating UL measurements with QoS information to enable UL performance analysis and accurate detection of coverage problems. In another embodiment, a method is provided to resolve the shortcomings of the prior art by making DL measurements and location information collecting or logging conditional on UL measurements.
US08724490B2
A system and method for managing energy of a home or other structure are disclosed. An energy management system for a home network comprises a central device controller configured to communicate with energy consuming devices, energy generation devices and storage devices at a home. Power/energy measuring devices provide consumption measurements for the home and each device to the controller. A home network router routes communications among various networks for the home. The router provides for a 6LowPan/Zigbee network to communicate with WiFi, Ethernet and the like networked devices of the home.
US08724476B2
A wireless LAN device for wirelessly communicating using a specific frequency channel shared by a radar and a wireless LAN system. The wireless LAN device includes a plurality of antennas; a wireless communication unit including a plurality of transceiver circuits respectively provided for each of the plurality of antennas; and a controller that controls the wireless communication unit. The wireless communication unit wirelessly communicates in accordance with a multiple input multiple output (MIMO) scheme by the plurality of transceiver circuits, and the controller controls the wireless communication unit to execute radar wave monitoring on a frequency channel different from a frequency channel in use for wireless communication using one of the plurality of transceiver circuits when the frequency channel in use for the wireless communication is the specific frequency channel.
US08724468B2
In a mesh network composed of multiple-radio nodes, we assign each radio to one of a plurality of channels, and treat a plurality of links between a pair of nodes as one logical link (bonded link). In some embodiments, the routing protocol is adapted to view each bonded link as one link having a combination of at least some of the properties of the constituent physical links. Traffic sent along a path is dynamically load balanced between the interfaces at each intermediate node based on the current utilization of each interface. In at least some embodiments, route discovery packets record the metrics of each component link of the bonded links leaving a node, but only one route discovery packet per pair of nodes is forwarded, reducing the route discovery packet traffic compared to if each route discovery packet were forwarded over each component link between the pair of nodes.
US08724467B2
A method is provided in one example embodiment and includes identifying an Internet protocol (IP) address for a serving gateway; establishing a link between the serving gateway and a congestion notification element; monitoring packets in order to identify whether a differentiated services code point (DSCP) bit has been set in the packets; determining that a threshold associated with congestion in a network has been exceeded; and communicating a signal to the serving gateway associated with the congestion. The serving gateway can be configured to correlate the congestion with identifiers associated with end users operating in the network, where the serving gateway communicates a signal to a network element to reduce the congestion.
US08724463B2
Systems and methods for managing packet flows in a communication network are provided. Packet information can be cached on different levels and used to avoid external queries. The cache information can also be correlated with other types of information, such as location information, to be able to serve that information quicker than if one or more external queries were to be made. A demux manager can provide routing and session setup, by routing packets that already have a session to the session manager and assigning packets to a session manager if they are not already assigned to a session. The tiered architecture also provides scalability to many users and minimizes delays even during high call volumes because the load can be distributed well across the gateway's resources.
US08724458B2
It is proposed to modify data unit handling on the side of a sender (e.g. a sending end-point or a proxy) by introducing congestion notification prevention information into data units, such that a queue buffer that implements a procedure for performing congestion notification with respect to one or more queued data units (e.g. dropping and/or marking data units with explicit congestion information) is capable of preventing the performance of a congestion notification at least with respect to the data units containing the congestion notification prevention information.
US08724456B1
Techniques are described for selecting an alternate path for end-to-end service data traffic that traverses multi-homed routers that provide the service to customer networks. For example, as described herein, a router that is a member of a first multi-homing set connected to a layer two (L2) network with one of a plurality of first access links. The router advertises a status of one of the first access links to a second multi-homing set connected to the first multi-homing set with one or more core links. A core link database stores advertised status information for access links of the first and second multi-homing set. Upon a link failure, a path selector selects a core link to transport service data traffic and directs a switch module to switch to active a status a first access links that connects to a router in the first multi-homing set connected to the selected core link.
US08724446B2
In a wireless communication system which uses a plurality of guard interval lengths, data format of a fixed guard interval length determined at a constant period is placed for the purpose of enabling the determination of the guard interval length with low power consumption and reduction of the reception station's processing load without increasing the reception station's circuit scale. In addition, in the timing at which this fixed guard interval length placement information is placed, variable guard interval length placement information is multiplexed to a channel for data transmission and transmitted.
US08724443B2
Methods and apparatus for subframe configuration and generation in a multi-cell multi-carrier system. A frame for radio transmission in the system consists of multiple subframes, and each subframe consists of multiple Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM) symbols. Training symbols, frequency-domain data scrambling, size of Fast-Fourier Transform (FFT), or length of cyclic prefix can be configured differently for each subframe to facilitate different applications, such as unicasting or broadcasting.
US08724437B2
Address information that has been error correction encoded is recorded on a second version of a recording medium after being transformed such that such that the address decoding cannot be performed by a playback device that is not compatible with the second version of the recording medium. The address decoding for the second version of the recording medium cannot be performed by the incompatible playback device (for example, a playback device that was manufactured to be compatible only with a first version of the recording medium). In other words, in the playback device that is not compatible with the second version of the recording medium, a state is created in which address errors cannot be corrected, so access is impossible (recording and playback are impossible).
US08724432B2
The invention relates to a timepiece with an analogue display, including a timepiece movement (1) provided with a mechanical output, located on an arbour (2) of said movement, and a display assembly (30) provided with at least one time display device (31, 32, 111, 112) driven by said mechanical output, wherein the display assembly is separate from the timepiece movement (1) and linked to a fixed part (10) of said movement (1) by support means which enables said display device to take several different positions around the output arbour (2) of the movement. According to the invention, the support means of the display assembly includes an intermediate support (34, 70, 72, 70′) secured to the fixed part (10) of the timepiece movement (1) and provided with support members (36, 87, 89, 87′, 89′) allowing said at least one display device (31, 32, 111, 112) to be assembled in several positions on the intermediate support (34, 70, 72, 70′).The invention concerns the field of timepiece display members.
US08724431B2
A temperature-compensated resonator includes a body used in deformation, wherein the core (58, 58′, 18) of the body (3, 5, 7, 15, 23, 25, 27, 33, 35, 37, 43, 45, 47) is formed from a plate formed at a cut angle (θ′) in a quartz crystal determining the first and second orders temperature coefficients (α, β, α′, β′). According to the invention, the body (3, 5, 7, 15, 23, 25, 27, 33, 35, 37, 43, 45, 47) includes a coating (52, 54, 56, 52′, 54′, 56′, 16) deposited at least partially on the core (58, 58′, 18) and having first and second orders Young's modulus variations (CTE1, CTE2, CTE1′, CTE2′) according to temperature of opposite signs respectively to the first and second orders temperature coefficients (α, β, α′, β′) of the resonator so as to render compensated first and second orders temperature coefficients substantially zero.
US08724428B1
Method for separating signals recorded by a seismic receiver and generated with at least two vibratory seismic sources driven with no listening time. The method includes receiving seismic data that includes data d recorded by the seismic receiver and data related to the first and second vibratory seismic sources; computing a source separation matrix based on the data related to the first and second vibratory seismic sources; calculating first and second earth impulse responses HA and HB corresponding to the two vibratory seismic sources, respectively, based on the data d recorded by the seismic receiver, the data related to the two vibratory seismic sources and the source separation matrix; and separating the signals recorded by the seismic receiver based on the first and second earth impulse responses HA and HB such that signals the two vibratory seismic sources are disentangled.
US08724423B1
A memory operative to provide concurrent two-port read and two-port write access functionality includes a memory array comprising first and second pluralities of single-port memory cells organized into a plurality of rows of memory banks, and multiple checksum modules. The second plurality of memory cells are operative as spare memory banks. Each of the checksum modules is associated with a corresponding one of the rows of memory banks. The memory further includes a first controller and multiple mapping tables. The first controller and at least a portion of the first and second pluralities of memory cells enable the memory array to support two-port read or single-port write operations. A second controller is operative to receive read and write access requests, and to map logical and spare memory bank identifiers to corresponding physical memory bank identifiers via the mapping tables to thereby emulate concurrent two-port read and two-port write access functionality.
US08724420B2
An SRAM write assist apparatus comprises a timer unit and a voltage divider. The voltage divider unit is configured to divide a voltage potential down to a lower level. The output of the voltage divider is connected to a memory cell in a write operation. The timer unit is configured to generate a pulse having a width inversely proportional to the voltage potential applied to a memory chip. Furthermore, the timer unit controls the period in which a lower voltage from the output of the voltage divider is applied to the memory cell. Moreover, external level and timing programmable signals can be used to further adjust the voltage divider's ratio and the pulse width from the timer unit. By employing the SRAM write assist apparatus, a memory chip can perform a reliable and fast write operation.
US08724414B2
A system and method to select a reference cell is disclosed. In a particular embodiment, a method is disclosed that includes receiving an address corresponding to a bit cell within a first bank of a memory. The method also includes accessing a second reference cell of a second bank of the memory in response to a first reference cell in the first bank being indicated as bypassed.
US08724408B2
Embodiments described herein relate to systems and methods for testing and assembling memory modules. In at least one embodiment, the method comprises, for each memory device of a plurality of memory devices, based on testing performed on the memory device, determining whether the memory device has any defective memory locations, and if so, identifying the one or more defective memory locations, and generating data that identifies the one or more defective memory locations on the memory device; and assembling a memory module comprising at least one memory device having one or more defective memory locations; wherein the assembling comprises, for each memory device of the memory module having one or more defective memory locations, storing the data that identifies the one or more defective memory locations on the memory device in a persistent store on the memory module.
US08724407B2
To provide a signal processing circuit including a nonvolatile memory circuit with a novel structure, the signal processing circuit includes an arithmetic portion, a memory, and a control portion for controlling the arithmetic portion and the memory. The control portion includes a set of a volatile memory circuit and a first nonvolatile memory circuit for storing data held in the volatile memory circuit, the memory includes a plurality of second nonvolatile memory circuits, and the first nonvolatile memory circuit and the second nonvolatile memory circuit each include a transistor having a channel in an oxide semiconductor layer and a capacitor in which one of a pair of electrodes is electrically connected to a node which is set in a floating state when the transistor is turned off.
US08724406B2
A bidirectional shift register includes a first register circuit and a second register circuit. The first register circuit includes a first register stage and a first output buffer stage with n numbers of scanning signal output ends. The first register stage is electrically coupled to a third voltage source. The first output buffer stage is electrically coupled to a second voltage source and a first voltage source. The second register circuit has a similar circuit structure to the first register circuit; wherein the first register circuit and the second register circuit each use n+1 numbers clock signal lines, and the n is a positive integer.
US08724398B2
A non-volatile semiconductor device and a method for operating the same are disclosed, where the non-volatile semiconductor device includes a gate dielectric layer, a n-type floating gate, a coupling gate, a first n-type source/drain, a second n-type source/drain, a first contact plug and a second contact plug. The gate dielectric layer is formed on a p-type semiconductor substrate. The n-type floating gate is formed on the gate dielectric layer. The first n-type source/drain and the second n-type source/drain are formed in the p-type semiconductor substrate. The first and second contact plugs are formed on the first and second n-type source/drains respectively. The coupling gate consists essentially of a capacitor dielectric layer and a third contact plug, where the capacitor dielectric layer is formed on the n-type floating gate, and the third contact plug is formed on the capacitor dielectric layer.
US08724393B2
A memory includes an array of memory cells including rows and columns. The memory includes circuitry coupled to the word lines applying a first bias voltage to a first set of spaced-apart locations on a word line or word lines in the array, while applying a second bias voltage different than the first bias voltage, to a second set of spaced-apart locations on the word line or word lines, locations in the first set of spaced-apart locations being interleaved among locations in the second set of spaced-apart locations, whereby current flow is induced between locations in the first and second sets of locations that cause heating of the word line or word lines.
US08724382B2
A Multiple-bit per Cell (MBC) non-volatile memory apparatus, method, and system wherein a controller for writing/reading data to/from a memory array controls polarity of data by selectively inverting data words to maximize a number of bits to be programmed within (M−1) virtual pages and selectively inverts data words to minimize a number of bits to be programmed in an Mth virtual page where M is the number of bits per cell. A corresponding polarity control flag is set when a data word is inverted. Data is selectively inverted according the corresponding polarity flag when being read from the M virtual pages. A number of the highest threshold voltage programming states in reduced. This provides tighter distribution of programmed cell threshold voltage, reduced power consumption, reduced programming time, and enhanced device reliability.
US08724378B2
A spin-torque transfer memory random access memory (STTMRAM) cell is disclosed comprising a selected magnetic tunnel junction (MTJ) identified to be programmed; a first transistor having a first port, a second port and a gate, the first port of the first transistor coupled to the selected MTJ; a first neighboring MTJ coupled to the selected MTJ through the second port of the first transistor; a second transistor having a first port, a second port, and a gate, the first port of the second transistor coupled to the selected MTJ; a second neighboring MTJ coupled to the selected MTJ through the second port of the second transistor; a first bit/source line coupled to the second end of the selected MTJ; and a second bit/source line coupled to the second end of the first neighboring MTJ and the second end of the second neighboring MTJ.
US08724371B2
A semiconductor memory device comprises a plurality of parallel word lines, a plurality of parallel bit lines formed crossing the plurality of word lines, and a plurality of memory cells arranged at intersections of the word lines and the bit lines. Each memory cell has one end connected to the word line and the other end connected to the bit line. The device also comprises a drive circuit operative to selectively apply a voltage for data read/write across the word line and the bit line. It further comprises a sense amplifier circuit connected to the plurality of bit lines and operative to read/write data stored in the memory cell. The device also comprises a bit-line drive auxiliary circuit operative to selectively adjust the potentials on the plurality of bit lines based on data read out of the memory cell by the sense amplifier circuit.
US08724367B2
An FRAM device can comprise a sense amplifier, at least a first bitcell, a first control line, and a second control line. The first bitcell can have a bit line that connects to the sense amplifier via a first isolator and a complimentary bit line that connects to the sense amplifier via a second isolator that is different from the first isolator. The first control line can connect to and control the aforementioned first isolator. And the second control line can connect to and control the second isolator such that the second isolator is independently controlled with respect to the first isolator to facilitate testing the device.
US08724366B2
Various embodiment include optical and optoelectronic devices and methods of making same. Under one aspect, an optical device includes an integrated circuit having an array of conductive regions, and an optically sensitive material over at least a portion of the integrated circuit and in electrical communication with at least one conductive region of the array of conductive regions. Under another aspect, a film includes a network of fused nanocrystals, the nanocrystals having a core and an outer surface, wherein the core of at least a portion of the fused nanocrystals is in direct physical contact and electrical communication with the core of at least one adjacent fused nanocrystal, and wherein the film has substantially no defect states in the regions where the cores of the nanocrystals are fused. Additional devices and methods are described.
US08724349B2
An apparatus and method for output voltage calibration of a primary feedback flyback power module extract the difference between the output voltage of the power module and a target value, and according thereto, calibrate a reference voltage which is used in regulation of the output voltage, to thereby calibrate the output voltage to be the target value.
US08724347B2
In a switching control circuit, a length of a soft start period is set by a time constant of an external circuit that is connected to a soft start terminal of a switching control IC. After a voltage of the soft start terminal has reached a predetermined voltage at the termination of the soft start period, the on-pulse period of a first switching device is limited by a maximum value. When a Zener diode is connected between the soft start terminal and ground, the upper limit voltage of the soft start terminal is a Zener voltage and, hence, the maximum on-pulse period is limited by this voltage. As a result, the switching control circuit and a switching power supply apparatus, which have a soft start function and a power limiting function, are reduced in size and cost by limiting the number of terminals.
US08724340B2
Data carrier for contactless data transmission comprising a substrate, a chip having at least one connection pad, wherein the chip is arranged by its side remote from the connection pad on the substrate and a first copper-coated prepreg layer is arranged on the chip and at least partly on the substrate and has a contact opening to the connection pad. A plated-through hole is situated within the contact opening for producing an electrically conductive connection between the connection pad of the chip and the copper layer of the first copper-coated prepreg layer, wherein a first antenna structure is formed in the copper layer of the first copper-coated prepreg layer.
US08724337B2
The present invention discloses a compact server power supply having high power density has a casing, a main printed circuit board, a sub-printed circuit board, a power supplying circuit, a power output terminal set and a fan. The power supplying circuit has a primary side circuit unit, a transformer and a secondary side circuit unit. Electric elements of the primary and secondary side circuit units and the transformer are soldered on the main printed circuit board except parts of the electric elements of the secondary side circuit unit are soldered on the sub-printed circuit board. The sub-printed circuit board is vertically mounted and soldered on the main printed circuit board, so the length of the main printed circuit board is shortened to implement the server power supply having a compact size and high power density.
US08724336B2
A cardguide to be disposed in a computer chassis during use. The cardguide includes a track to accept an edge of a printed circuit board of a modular computer device to be disposed in the computer chassis during use. The cardguide further comprises an integral clip configured to retain at least a portion of a temperature sensing device during use. The clip provides for positioning the temperature sensing device within the computer chassis during use.
US08724335B2
A lightweight radio/CD player for vehicular application includes a case and frontal interface formed of polymer based material molded to provide details to accept audio devices and radio receivers, as well as the circuit boards required for electrical control and display. The case and frontal interface are of composite structure, including an insert molded electrically conductive wire mesh screen that has been pre-formed to contour with the molding operation. The wire mesh provides shielding and grounding of the circuit boards via exposed wire mesh pads and adjacent ground clips.
US08724332B2
Systems and methods are described for maintaining secure and contiguous guide transitions in the context of modular installations. Embodiments of the guides are configured to automatically register and couple with each other during installation of their respective modules to provide relatively high tolerance guide transitions, even in the context of relatively lower tolerance modular installations. In some embodiments, a guide is configured to be biased in a first position when its respective module is not installed. When its module is located in a partial-install location relative to an adjacent module with the guide in the first position, guide features mechanically register with features of the adjacent module's guide. When moved into a full-install position, the guide moves into a second position causing the guide to finally register and couple with the adjacent guide, thereby manifesting a stable and contiguous transition between the guides.
US08724328B2
An exemplary electronic device includes a shell, a printed circuit board and a solid state disk module provided in the shell. The printed circuit board has a cable. The solid state disk module includes a solid state disk and a fixing structure encapsulating the solid state disk. The solid state disk has ports connected with the cable. The fixing structure includes a bottom panel, a top panel extending from one end of the bottom panel and two lateral panels extending from two lateral sides of the bottom panel. The bottom panel supports the solid state disk. The top panel is bent from the bottom panel and covers the end and a top of the solid state disk. The lateral panels are bent from the bottom panel and cover the solid state disk and connect to the top panel. A handle portion extends beyond the top of the solid state disk.
US08724326B2
A heat dissipation structure includes a heat sink having a base formed with four securing tabs laterally extending from four corners of the base. Four positioning posts upwardly protrude from a printed circuit board. Four spring clips are attached to the four positioning posts respectively. Each of the four spring clips has a resilient piece for exerting a downward force to press a corresponding securing tab, thereby securing the heat sink to the printed circuit board.
US08724323B2
A heat dissipation apparatus for an electronic component mounted in a casing of an electronic device includes a first heat sink attached to the component, a second heat sink located outside the casing, and a heat pipe connected between the first heat sink and the second heat sink. The heat pipe contacts the casing.
US08724320B2
A fan system includes a pulse signal generation portion and a plurality of fans. Each of the plurality of fans preferably includes a motor portion; an impeller arranged to be rotated by the motor portion; a drive circuit arranged to drive the motor portion; a rotation detection portion arranged to detect rotation of the motor portion; and a rotation rate control circuit arranged to, based on a reference pulse signal supplied from the pulse signal generation portion and an actual rotation pulse signal supplied from the rotation detection portion, exercise feedback control on a rotation rate of the motor portion in accordance with a period of the reference pulse signal.
US08724318B2
A portable electronic apparatus and a casing thereof are disclosed. The portable electronic apparatus includes the casing including a base and an upper cover, and an electronic processing module disposed in the base. The base includes a first engagement structure having a lock slot. The upper cover includes a plate member and a second engagement structure mounted on the plate member. The second engagement structure includes a locking part and a detaching part connected to the locking part. The base and the upper cover are engaged such that the locking part is locked in the lock slot. The detaching part can be moved so as to detach the locking part from the lock slot. Therefore, a user can detach the locking part from the lock slot by the detaching part without any tools, which greatly reduces the complexity of the detachment of a casing of a conventional portable electronic apparatus.
US08724314B2
An apparatus for supplemental cooling of a docked mobile device that includes a docking module having a docking interface that provides a communication connection for a separable mobile device having several heat generating electronic components that emanate heat when the separable mobile device is in an operating mode. In addition, the separable mobile device has an integrated heat sink structure that spreads the heat emanating from the operating heat generating electronic components across the entire heat sink structure. An air mover is integrated into the docking module to provide a volume of air flow that is directed to the separable mobile device while it is docked to the docking module. Accordingly, an air mover controller receives a first signal from an input sensor and therein controls the air mover to modulate the volume of air flow according to a predetermined tolerance corresponding to the heat generating electronic components.
US08724313B2
An electric power conversion apparatus is provided which includes electronic components, a cooler, an internal unit, a capacitor, and a case. The internal unit has a frame to which at least one of the electronic components and the cooler are secured and which surrounds all around the one of the electronic components. The frame includes unit fixing sections through which the internal unit is fixed to the case and capacitor fixing sections through which the capacitor is fixed to the internal unit. The capacitor fixing sections are located inward of the frame more than the unit fixing sections. The internal unit is fixed to the case and thus works as a beam to increase the mechanical rigidity of the case. The fixing of the internal unit to the case minimizes external force to be exerted through the case on the electronic component and the cooler.
US08724312B2
A device for use with a portable computer includes a base, a stand having an upper portion and an adjustable linkage, and a connection mechanism. The base is adapted to rest upon a surface and includes a keyboard that is physically integrated with the base. The stand is attached to the base. The upper portion is adapted to provide a surface upon which a portable computer rests. The upper portion includes an attachment mechanism adapted to attach to a portable computer resting upon the upper portion to secure the portable computer physically to the upper portion. The adjustable linkage is connected to the base and is connected to the upper portion of the stand on another end. The adjustable linkage is adapted to position the upper portion of the stand. The connection mechanism provides data communication from the integrated keyboard to a portable computer resting upon the upper portion.
US08724305B2
An electronic device includes a main body, a base, a connecting member, a securing pole, a locking member, a sliding block. The main body includes a securing groove having a securing region, and a securing hole is defined on the bottom of the securing region. The connecting member is mounted between the main body and the base, and the connecting member comprising a channel. The securing pole is slidably received in the channel of the connecting member. The locking member is slidably received between the connecting member and the base, and forces the securing pole to disengage from the securing hole when the locking member is pushed. The locking member includes a second bevel abutting to a first bevel of the sliding block. When the locking member is pushed, the sliding block is actuated to pull the securing pole away from the main body.
US08724303B2
A portable electronic device includes a main body, a first cover and a second cover. The main body includes a display formed on a surface thereof. The first cover is rotatably connected to one end of the main body and the second cover is rotatably connected to another end of the main body. When the first cover and the second cover are in a closed state, the first cover and the second cover are positioned at an opposite surface of the display. When the first cover and the second cover are unfolded like wings to be in an open state, the first cover and the second cover are positioned to extend from opposite sides of the display.
US08724294B2
A solid electrolytic capacitor having an anode element, a dielectric film covering a surface of the anode element, a conductive polymer layer provided on the dielectric film, and a water-repellent portion provided on the dielectric film not in contact with the conductive polymer layer and containing silicone oil is provided.
US08724292B2
A lithium-ion capacitor excellent in durability, which has high energy density and high capacity retention ratio when the capacitor is charged and discharged at a high load, is disclosed. The lithium-ion capacitor includes a positive electrode, a negative electrode and an aprotic organic solvent of a lithium salt as an electrolyte solution. In the lithium-ion capacitor, a positive electrode active material allows lithium ions and/or anions to be doped thereinto and de-doped therefrom, and a negative electrode active material allows lithium ions to be doped thereinto and de-doped therefrom. At least one of the negative electrode and the positive electrode is pre-doped with lithium ions so that after the positive electrode and the negative electrode are shortcircuited, a potential of the positive electrode is 2 V (relative to Li/Li+) or lower. A thickness of a positive electrode layer of the positive electrode is within a range from 18 to 108 μm.
US08724291B2
A laminated electronic component includes outer terminal electrodes including lower plating films including metal particles having an average size of 0.5 μm or less, the lower plating films being formed by directly plating an outer surface of an electronic component body such that the lower plating films are electrically connected to exposed portions of inner conductors. The outer terminal electrodes may further include upper plating films formed on the lower plating films, the upper plating films being defined by one or more layers. Metal particles defining the upper plating films may have an average size of 0.5 μm or less. The metal particles defining the lower plating films may be Cu particles.
US08724287B2
An electronic weapon with an installed deployment unit, from which at least one tethered electrode is launched, provides a stimulus current through a target to inhibit locomotion by the target. The wire tether, also called a filament, conducts the stimulus current. The one or more electrodes, according to various aspects of the present invention, perform one or more of the following functions in any combination: binding the filament to the electrode, deploying the filament from the deployment unit, coupling the electrode to the target, and distributing a current density with respect to a region of target tissue and/or a volume of target tissue. For an electrode that includes a body and a spear, the spear may be implemented with conductive rings or with materials that include integrated conductive and insulative substances (e.g., conductive fibers in insulative composite material). Relatively high electric field flux density at a tip of the spear may be reduced or avoided by practice of the invention.
US08724286B2
An object of the present invention is to provide an ionizer having a cleaning system for cleaning an electrode needle of the ionizer automatically or remotely, while also being compact in size. The cleaning system (6) has a rotating member (61) configured to coaxially rotate with the fan (3), a plurality of rods (62a to 62d) attached to the rotating member (61) such that each rod extends radially from the rotating member, and brushes (63a to 63d) each attached to the end of each rod. The rotating member (61) is driven by an electromagnetic solenoid (64) via a coupling means (66).
US08724275B2
A method includes receiving N power signals, each having a different one of N phases, over N power supply lines, where N is an integer greater than two. The method further includes selectively activating a first switch to allow a first current to flow from a first one of the N power supply lines to a second one of the N power supply lines. The method includes generating a signal based on the first current, and selectively generating a phase failure signal when the signal is less than a predetermined threshold.
US08724262B1
A magnetic head is provided, including a filling layer formed on the side of a spin torque oscillation element between the main magnetic pole and the auxiliary magnetic pole, the filling layer being divided into an insulator region and a metal region from a first interface as a boundary. The insulator region is formed from a side of a spin injection layer to a side of a nonmagnetic interlayer, and to a side of one portion of an oscillation layer. The first interface is closer to the oscillation layer by 0.5 nm or more than a second interface between the nonmagnetic interlayer and the oscillation layer. A magnetic recording/reproduction apparatus having the magnetic head is also provided.
US08724259B1
A perpendicular magnetic recording writer for use in a data storage device, the recording transducer has a magnetic writer pole, a pole tip facing an air bearing surface (ABS). The pole tip has a pole face, leading side wall, a trailing side wall, a first side wall and a second side wall. A trailing side wall nonmagnetic gap layer on the trailing side wall, a first side wall nonmagnetic gap layer deposited on the first side wall, and a second side wall nonmagnetic gap layer deposited on the second side wall. A high magnetic moment seed layer is deposited on the trailing side wall nonmagnetic gap layer, the first side wall nonmagnetic gap layer, and the second side wall nonmagnetic gap layer. In other aspects of the invention shields are provided that have magnetic moments less than the magnetic moment of the seed layers.
US08724258B2
Embodiments provide a slanted bump magnetic shield in a perpendicular write head. The slanted bump magnetic shield provides a small throat height to maximize magnetic flux for writing to a magnetic media such as a magnetic storage disk in a hard disk drive, while avoiding saturation.
US08724254B1
A method of evaluating a dual stage actuator (DSA) servo loop in a disk drive is disclosed. The disk drive comprises a dual stage actuator (DSA) servo loop operable to actuate a head over a disk surface. A first sinusoidal signal A1 is added to a VCM control signal B1 generated by a VCM servo loop. A response of the VCM control signal B1 to the first sinusoidal signal A1 is measured, and a closed loop response of the VCM servo loop is computed in response to A1 and B1. A second sinusoidal signal A2 is added to a microactuator control signal B2 generated by a microactuator servo loop. A response of the microactuator control signal B2 to the second sinusoidal signal A2 is measured, and a closed loop response of the microactuator servo loop is computed in response to A2 and B2.
US08724251B2
Certain embodiments of the present invention are directed to magnetic-tape drives that employ data-set-multiplexing magnetic-tape formats in order to achieve compatibility in magnetic-tape formats with respect to a variety of different magnetic-tape-drive tape-head configurations and dimensions. While previous and current magnetic-tape drives employ magnetic-tape formats that feature linear sequences of data sets along the tracks that are read or written during a single pass, or wrap, magnetic-tape drives of the present invention feature magnetic tape that contains data formatted according to a data-set-multiplexing magnetic-tape format, the data-set-multiplexing magnetic-tape format including, for each multiple-track wrap within a band, two or more parallel sequences of data sets written to the multiple tracks of the multiple-track wrap.
US08724247B2
A transducer head apparatus (140) is disclosed for concurrently transferring data relative to a plurality of tracks on a data carrier. The head apparatus comprises a body (310) extending longitudinally, the body supporting a plurality of longitudinally spaced transducer elements (240, 241, 242, 250, 251, 252, 260, 261, 255, 256, 257, 265, 266, 267), and adjuster apparatus (330) operable to adjust the relative longitudinal dispositions of at least some of the transducer elements.
US08724244B1
Disk drives with preamp rotational parameter control (RPC) using standard digital serial interface lines to the preamp are described. The standard serial interface lines are used to generate a special signal pattern that does not follow the serial communication protocol. The special signal pattern is used to implement RPC when doing so will not interference with other signals, preferably in the read/write recovery gap between the data and the servo field in a standard track format. A value of a selected preamp parameter can be incremented or decremented by one LSB during the read/write gap time in each servo sector as the disk rotates. Embodiments of the invention allow fly-height and write driver parameters to be varied inside of a single disk revolution. Embodiments are described that include two or four parameters in the set, which allows for multiple updates of each parameter per revolution of the disk.
US08724239B2
An optical lens system for image taking includes, in order from an object side to an image side, a first lens element with negative refractive power having a concave object-side surface and a concave image-side surface, a second lens element with positive refractive power having a convex image-side surface, and a third lens element with negative refractive power having a concave image-side surface of the third lens element near an optical axis and a convex image-side surface of the third lens element away from the optical axis. Both the object-side surface and the image-side surface of the third lens element are aspheric. The third lens element is made of plastic.
US08724238B2
A monofocal optical lens system includes, in order from an object side to an image side, a first lens element, a second lens element, a third lens element, a fourth lens element and a fifth lens element. The first lens element with positive refractive power has a convex object-side surface. The second lens element has negative refractive power. The third lens element has refractive power, wherein at least one of the surfaces thereof is aspheric. The fourth lens element with negative refractive power is made of plastic material, and has a concave object-side surface and a convex image-side surface. The fifth lens element with refractive power is made of plastic material, and has a concave object-side surface, wherein the image-side surface thereof is convex or planar at the paraxial region and is convex at the peripheral region, and the surfaces of the fourth through fifth lens elements are aspheric.
US08724231B2
A zoom lens includes a front lens group including a first lens unit and a second lens unit, a reflecting mirror configured to bend an optical path, and a rear lens group including two or more lens units. When the zoom lens is retracted, the reflecting mirror performs at least one of rotation and linear movement to provide space for the front lens group. A focal length of a lens unit having the highest absolute value of refractive power among negative lens units in the front lens group, a focal length of the entire zoom lens at a telephoto end, a maximum value and a minimum value of amounts of movement of the at least two lens units in the rear lens group during zooming, a length of a reflecting surface of the reflecting mirror, and a maximum effective diameter of the first lens unit are appropriately set.
US08724222B2
A Compact Interdependent Optical Laser System and Method is designed for use with wavelength beam combining (WBC) systems that utilize both slow-axis and fast-axis WBC. Multiple optical elements having individual and interdependent functionality allow for the system to compact reducing the overall footprint of the system. Additional, configurations incorporating the compact system described herein allow for high-power and brightness scaling.
US08724216B2
A continuous zoom lens arrangement can image MWIR and LWIR spectral bands to a common image plane. Such an exemplary optical system comprises eight infrared imaging lenses that all transmit over the wavelengths 3.5-11.0 microns and form a collocated image plane for the MWIR and LWIR spectral bands. The lens has six stationary lenses, and two lenses that move in an axial fashion. A cold stop inside the dewar can act as the aperture stop of the system and control the stray light from reaching the FPA. The pupil is reimaged from the cold stop to near the first lens of the system to minimize the size of the lens.
US08724214B2
An optical upconverting nanomaterial includes a nanocrystal, a ligand layer directly bonded to the nanocrystal, and an optical antenna directly or indirectly bonded to the nanocrystal. The nanocrystal includes a transition metal-doped material exhibiting upconversion to optical wavelengths. The transition metal-doped material includes energy transfer facilitating transition metal dopants and (not necessarily distinct) emitter transition metal dopants, where an absorption spectrum of the energy transfer facilitating transition metal dopants overlaps with an emission spectrum of the optical antenna. The optical upconverting nanomaterial has at least one linear dimension (e.g., width or thickness) that is less than 150 nm in extent.
US08724208B2
A method for manufacturing a color display provides a bottom substrate, injects a liquid display media onto the bottom substrate, and disposes a sealing substrate on the liquid display media, such that the liquid display media is contained between the sealing substrate and the bottom substrate. The method also aligns an image device corresponding to the bottom substrate and transfers a color coating onto the sealing substrate by a laser device through a laser thermal transfer process to form a color filter layer on the sealing substrate.
US08724204B2
A system and method for generating an optical comb are provided. The system comprises at least one modulator for modulating a continuous wave sequentially by using at least one signal, respectively so as to generate a comb wave having a first plurality of subcarriers; and a nonlinear medium for causing the respective subcarriers of the comb wave to perform four-wave mixing to thereby generate a comb wave having a second plurality of subcarriers as the optical comb. With the present system and method, an ultra-wide spectrum optical comb with stable frequencies may be generated.
US08724195B2
Methods and systems for accommodating color ranges are provided. A source light-to-dark dynamic range of a first output medium may be obtained with a source white point and a source black point. A destination light-to-dark dynamic range of a second output medium may be obtained with a destination white point and a destination black point. A white point mapping and a black point mapping may be determined. Based on a first representation of an image on the first output medium, a second representation of the image may be created by interpolating the source light-to-dark dynamic range to the destination light-to-dark dynamic range based on the white point mapping and the black point mapping. A computing device may cause the second output medium to produce the representation of the image.
US08724193B2
An image forming device may be provided with a setting data storage device, a preview image creation device, and an output device. The setting data storage device may be capable of storing a plurality of patterns of setting data. The preview image creation device may create, for each pattern of setting data stored in the setting data storage device, a preview image to which the pattern of setting data is reflected. The output device may output the plurality of preview images created by the preview image creation device.
US08724192B2
An image forming apparatus and an image forming system are provided. An image forming apparatus or system includes a reception unit configured to receive a print job; a print unit configured to execute the print job received by the reception unit to print an image; an adjustment unit configured to execute an image quality adjustment for the printing; a determination unit configured to determine whether an adjustment execution condition is to be met during the execution of the print job; and a control unit configured to execute a priority process which, when the determination unit determines that the adjustment execution condition is to be met, causes the adjustment unit to execute the image quality adjustment before a start of the execution of a condition meeting print job, for which the determination unit determines that the adjustment execution condition is to be met.
US08724191B2
An image reading apparatus having a lower unit with a controller and an upper unit rotatably attached to the lower unit to rotate about a rear end of the upper unit is provided. The upper unit includes a sheet conveyer, an upper image reader connected with the controller via a flat cable, and an external covering. A rearward-extending section of the flat cable extends rearward from the upper image reader and is drawn in an area below a part of a frame of the sheet conveyer and to a rear section of the upper unit to reach an inner surface of the external covering at the rear end of the upper unit. A widthwise-extending section of the flat cable extends from the rear end of the upper unit along the inner surface of the external covering in a direction orthogonal to reach an outlet of the upper unit.
US08724189B2
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.
US08724186B2
An image reading device includes a case, a reading section, an engaging section, a guide section, a first deformation characteristic section, and a second deformation characteristic section. The case includes a bottom plate. The reading section moves in a sub-scanning direction. The guide section guides movement of the reading section. When the bottom plate is divided into a first region and a second region with the guide section as a boundary, the first deformation characteristic section is arranged in the first region, and has a deformation characteristic such that the first deformation characteristic section deforms with respect to heat in a first direction that is perpendicular to the bottom plate. The second deformation characteristic section is arranged in the second region, and has a deformation characteristic such that the second deformation characteristic section deforms with respect to heat in a second direction which is opposite to the first direction.
US08724180B2
An image reader is provided, which includes a first analog front end unit configured to perform A/D conversion for analog signals that are output via a first group of channels of a number resulting from rounding up, to a closest whole number, an average value between a number of at least one channel for a first image reading unit and a number of channels for a second image reading unit, among analog signals output from the first image reading unit and the second image reading unit, and a second analog front end unit configured to perform A/D conversion for analog signals that are output via a second group of channels other than the channels in the first group, among the analog signals output from the first image reading unit and the second image reading unit.
US08724176B2
As set forth herein, methods and systems facilitate the fusing of unassociated images into an original document image. An unassociated image is received into a set of unassociated images in computer memory by an associated scanning device, and the size for each unassociated image is determined. The size of each unassociated image is then compared to at least one other known image size, and a matching related unassociated image is retrieved from the set of unassociated images corresponding to each unassociated image based at least in part on an output of the comparison. The matches of related images are then aligned and fused to form an original document image.
US08724173B2
A problem of the present invention is to provide a control apparatus, a controlling method, a program, and a recording medium which can print by using at least one or more special colors in addition to four colors of Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, and Black. To solve the above problem, the control apparatus according to the present invention includes analyzing unit that provides command analysis for a CMYK plate and a clear toner plate, generating unit that generates image data of the CMYK plate based on a result of the command analysis by the analyzing unit, and embedding unit that embeds a clear toner attribute obtained by analyzing the clear toner plate in an attribute flag accompanying each of pixels of the image data of the CMYK plate, which is generated by the generating unit.
US08724156B2
An image forming apparatus includes an image forming unit that forms an image and a controller that controls the image forming unit, wherein the controller includes a first execution unit that executes a first program, a first main memory that includes a first non-volatile memory, is connected to the first execution unit, and stores a first start program, a first transmission and reception controller that is connected to the first bus, controls the transmission and reception of data, and includes a volatile memory, a second execution unit that is connected to the first execution unit and executes a second program, a second main memory that includes a second non-volatile memory, is connected to the second execution unit, and stores a second start program, and a second transmission and reception controller that is connected to the second bus, controls the transmission and reception of data, and includes a third non-volatile memory.
US08724152B2
An image forming device includes a first development unit configured to form a first image on a recording medium with a first developer, a second development unit configured to form a second image on the recording medium with at least one of a plurality of second developers that are different from the first developer, and a print control unit configured to select the at least one of the plurality of second developers for forming the second image. The second developers are transparent developers, and the second image is a transparent image.
US08724151B2
A method for monitoring usage of a home printer in a home-office system, the home-office system including the home printer and a computer of a user, both of which are communicatively coupled to an enterprise server over a network. The method includes generating a print job to be printed on the home printer; determining print job metrics related to the print job, the print job metrics including file information related to at least one file to be printed as part of the print job; and transmitting the print job metrics to the enterprise server over the network. A print management server analyzes the print job metrics to determine whether the print job was work-related or non-work-related.
US08724145B2
A display input device includes a display unit which displays a plurality of types of functions as set items, a program which is called to control the display unit to display a screen for setting set items selected and registered in advance, a storage unit which stores information about whether or not to display a set item when the program is called as contents of the program, an input unit which accepts an input about whether or not to display the set items when the program is called, and a display control unit which controls the display unit not to display a set item that is determined to be no display.
US08724144B2
A facsimile machine that enables to limit a facsimile transmission based on a network address converted from an inputted telephone number, and provides a facsimile transmission based on a network address designated as a destination of received image data. An input unit inputs a telephone number of a transmitting destination. A setting unit sets a transmission limit domain to which a facsimile transmission is limited. An acquisition unit adapted to acquire a network address corresponding to the telephone number inputted via the input unit. A control unit that limits a facsimile transmission of which the transmitting destination is the acquired network address based on a domain of the network address acquired by the acquisition unit and the transmission limit domain set by the setting unit.
US08724143B2
An image communicating apparatus includes: a communicating control unit that controls an internet facsimile communication for transmitting/receiving control information and a packet containing image information based on a T.38 protocol; a loss detecting unit that detects a loss of the packet transmitted from a transmitting side in a stage for receiving the image information through the packet based on the T.38 protocol; a complementing information holding unit that holds complementing information for complementing the image information contained in the lost packet; and a complementation processing unit that complements the image information contained in the lost packet with the complementing information held by the complementing information holding unit if the loss of the packet is detected by the loss detecting unit.
US08724139B2
An electric apparatus and an electric system comprise: a control panel to accept instructions for operations; and a part to detect and control situations of the operations. The operations, carried out by the electric apparatus and the electric system, are in accordance with the instructions. Furthermore, the electric apparatus and the electric system comprise a remote control to accept instructions about situations and setups of the part. It is configured to accept instructions about the situations and setups of the part, only through the remote control.
US08724138B2
An image forming apparatus, an image forming system, and a method to control the same, the method including: adjusting a count of a selected type of job of an image forming apparatus based on a count of another type of job, thereby achieving convenient management of the counts of the plurality of types of jobs.
US08724136B2
An authentication processing portion of an MFP requests user authentication to a server based on user information including at least a user ID input from a mobile terminal apparatus or an operation panel. The server has a user authentication portion which performs the user authentication and a UI instruction portion which specifies, when the user authentication succeeds, a UI image displayed on a display panel of the apparatus for operating the MFP depending on the user ID, and instructs the MFP to display the UI image on the apparatus. The MFP executes image output in accordance with a user operation received from the apparatus through the wireless communication portion in a state where the UI image is displayed on the apparatus.
US08724129B2
The image forming apparatus of the present invention includes an image forming main device which has a control section. The control section (a) obtains, from an external device via a communication device, option information indicative of an at least one optional device and eco-information indicative of an amount of greenhouse-gas emitted due to the at least one optional device, (b) controls a display device to display the option information and the eco-information, and (c) sends, to the external device via the communication device, an order for an optional device selected by a user via the input device out of the at least one optional device indicated by the option information displayed on the display device.
US08724123B2
A method for determining the rolling radius of a wheel, of a motor vehicle on a road surface, including: projecting a light pattern onto the wheel and road surface; recording a light pattern reflected by the wheel and road surface using an image recording device; determining 3D coordinates of points of the reflected light pattern; identifying points of the reflected light pattern of the wheel; identifying points of the reflected light pattern of the road surface; determining the position of the center of rotation of the wheel from the reflected light pattern points identified as belonging to the wheel; determining the position of the road surface from the reflected light pattern points identified as belonging to the road surface; determining the rolling radius on the contact surface of the wheel as the distance between the center of rotation of the wheel and the position of the road surface.
US08724116B2
Provided is a scanning optical measurement apparatus having super resolution. The scanning optical measurement apparatus includes: a light source; a first lens, which focuses light irradiated from the light source; a first pin hole, which is disposed next to the first lens; a second lens, which diverges light that passed through the first pin hole; a scanning unit, which scans light that passed through the second lens; a first beam splitter, which is disposed between the second lens and the scanning unit; an object lens, which focuses light that passed through the scanning unit on the subject; a slide, where the subject is placed; an optical probe, which reflects the light that passed through the subject after being irradiated from the light source; a second beam splitter, which is disposed between the scanning unit and the object lens; a first optical detector, which detects the light that passed through the first beam splitter after being reflected from the subject and the optical probe; a second pin hole, which is disposed between the first beam splitter and the first optical detector; and a second optical detector, which detects light that passed through the second beam splitter after being reflected from the subject and the optical probe.
US08724113B2
A method for forming a nanostructure penetrating a layer and the device made thereof is disclosed. In one aspect, the device has a substrate, a layer present thereon, and a nanostructure penetrating the layer. The nanostructure defines a nanoscale passageway through which a molecule to be analyzed can pass through. The nanostructure has, in cross-sectional view, a substantially triangular shape. This shape is particularly achieved by growth of an epitaxial layer having crystal facets defining tilted sidewalls of the nanostructure. It is highly suitably for use for optical characterization of molecular structure, particularly with surface plasmon enhanced transmission spectroscopy.
US08724111B2
A pump-probe LFP system is adapted to a substantially lower energy requirement of a pump light source and a probe light source. The LFP system includes a photonic crystal fiber based probe light source, a pump light source adapted to produce light pulses with nanojoule or higher energy, a main laser source to generate a first beam portion to the probe light source and a second beam portion to the pump light source, a delay generator, computer, an optical modulator, and a detector. One or more lenses can be used to focus the light beams to areas less than about 1 micron on a sample, where the sample can be rastered to provide domain specific flash photolysis data of the sample.
US08724103B2
A method and apparatus provide identification of a spherical error of a microscope imaging beam path in a context of microscopic imaging of a sample using a microscope having an objective. A coverslip that carries or covers the sample is arranged in the imaging beam path. A measurement beam is guided through the objective onto the sample in a decentered fashion that is outside an optical axis of the objective. The measurement beam is reflected at an interface of the coverslip with the sample and the reflected measurement beam is guided through the objective onto a detector. An intensity profile of the reflected measurement beam is detected with the detector and a presence of a spherical error from the intensity profile is determined qualitatively and/or quantitatively.
US08724099B2
An object of the present invention is to provide a device which detects matter suspended in air, represented by, for example, ice crystals, volcanic ash, in the forward direction of the flight of an aircraft. A method of detecting matter suspended in air of this invention is characterized in that, in airborne Doppler LIDAR using laser light, components of matter subjected to laser light reflection and scattering are remotely measured on a basis of an angular difference in planes of polarization of transmitted light which is laser light radiated into the atmosphere, and received light scattered by matter suspended in air in a remote region.
US08724098B2
An egg candling method for determining a state of eggs between the 13th and the 17th day of incubation, particularly for identifying with certainty the living or dead state of that egg. The egg is illuminated with a green or blue light to visually show on the shell a shadow of the blood network supplying the embryo of the egg if it is present in the egg. At least one image of the egg is acquired then processed in order to determine a vitality level of the egg, based on the presence or not of this blood network and the size of the veins of said blood network. The method also determines the presence or absence of air cell in the upper portion of the egg and to thus define the inverted or uninverted position of the egg. Finally, the method also makes it possible to detect lesions on an egg shell and particularly cracked shells.
US08724096B2
An optoelectronic sensor for the detection and distance determination of objects in a monitoring area is provided having a light transmitter for transmitting a plurality of light pulses, a rotatable deflecting unit, an angle detector, a light receiver, and an evaluation unit which is configured to collect a plurality of reception pulses in a time histogram to determine the light time of flight from the sensor to an object. The evaluation unit is configured to select a respective group of reception pulses that is collected in a histogram based on the angular position signal and to assign the measured value for the object distance determined from the histogram of the group to a detection angle identified by the angular position signal.
US08724095B2
A compact optical assembly for a laser radar system is provided, that is configured to move as a unit with a laser radar system as the laser radar system is pointed at a target and eliminates the need for a large scanning (pointing) mirror that is moveable relative to other parts of the laser radar. The optical assembly comprises a light source, a lens, a scanning reflector and a fixed reflector that are oriented relative to each other such that: (i) a beam from the light source is reflected by the scanning reflector to the fixed reflector; (ii) reflected light from the fixed reflector is reflected again by the scanning reflector and directed along a line of sight through the lens; and (iii) the scanning reflector is moveable relative to the source, the lens and the fixed reflector, to adjust the focus of the beam along the line of sight.
US08724092B2
An optical signal transmission structure of a laser distance measuring device, comprising: a laser pipe, suspended right above a center of a rotation disk, to emit laser beam downward; a light projector module, provided with at least two reflection plates, to reflect laser beam of said laser pipe onto a target; a lens, disposed on said rotation disk, to receive laser beam reflected from said target; and a circuit board, disposed on a lower side of said rotation disk, so laser beam received by said lens is transmitted onto a light sensor element on said circuit board, to produce at least a photoelectric signal, so that circuits on said circuit board determine distance to said target based on said photoelectric signal.
US08724090B2
A position estimation system comprising a plurality of ‘shaped for depth sensing’ lenses comprising a lens profile directly based on distance estimation propagation of errors; a plurality of light sensing devices associated with the plurality of ‘shaped for depth sensing’ lenses; and a position estimator for estimating a position of at least a first object with respect to a second object based on the plurality of ‘shaped for depth sensing’ lenses and the plurality of light sensing devices.
US08724083B2
In a lithographic apparatus, a localized area of the substrate surface under a projection system is immersed in liquid. The height of a liquid supply system above the surface of the substrate can be varied using actuators. A control system uses feedforward or feedback control with input of the surface height of the substrate to maintain the liquid supply system at a predetermined height above the surface of the substrate.
US08724082B2
A semiconductor laser driver includes a light detection circuit to detect a quantity of light as a detected light emission intensity and output the detected light emission intensity to the control circuit, and a control circuit to control a light emission intensity for the semiconductor laser based on the detected light emission intensity and on a predetermined light emission intensity setting value. The light detection circuit includes a photoelectric conversion element to convert the quantity of light emitted from the semiconductor laser into an electrical current and output the converted electrical current, a current magnification setting circuit to amplify the electrical current output from the photoelectric conversion element to a predetermined amplified current at one of multiple different predetermined magnifications, a detection resistor to convert the amplified current output from the current magnification setting circuit into a voltage and output the voltage as the detected light emission intensity.
US08724080B2
An optical raster element for an illumination system of a microlithographic projection exposure apparatus includes an array of refractive optical elements extending on a planar or curved surface. At least two of the optical elements are arranged side by side along a reference direction with a pitch of less than 2 mm. They have a height perpendicular to the surface of less than 50 μm and a surface profile along the reference direction which includes a central section, two transition sections adjacent the central section and two end sections adjacent the transition sections. The curvatures in the two transition sections are greater than the curvatures in the central section and the end sections. The optical raster element is intended for being used as a first channel plate in an optical integrator (honeycomb condenser) and can reduce the maximum light intensities occurring in or behind the second channel plate.
US08724070B2
A connecting structure of the present invention includes a first substrate, a second substrate on which the first substrate is laminated, and a sheet like connection body having one end connected to one principal surface of the first substrate and another end connected to one principal surface of the second substrate, wherein a lengthwise direction of the sheet like connection body is parallel to a perimeter part of the first substrate, and the sheet like connection body has a slit part extending from one of end portions thereof to a part thereof along the lengthwise direction, and has a first end and a second end divided by the slit part at one of end portions, the first end is connected to a principal surface of the first substrate in vicinity of a peripheral part of the first substrate, and the second end is connected to a principal surface of the second substrate in vicinity of a peripheral part of the first substrate.
US08724062B2
One aspect of the present disclosure relates to a common repair structure for repairing scanning and/or data line defects in a liquid crystal display panel. In one embodiment, the common repair structure includes a plurality of “H” shaped structures, where each “H” shaped structure is placed over a corresponding segment of two neighboring scanning lines located between and associated with two neighboring pixels along the second direction or a corresponding segment of two neighboring data lines located between and associated with two neighboring pixels along the first direction.
US08724061B2
A pixel structure includes a substrate, a scan line, a first data line, a second data line, a first active device, a second active device, a first pixel electrode, and a second pixel electrode. The substrate has a first unit area and a second unit area. The first pixel electrode is disposed in the first unit area and includes a first main portion and first branch portions extending from the first main portion to an edge of the first unit area. The second pixel electrode is disposed in the second unit area and includes a second main portion and second branch portions extending from the second main portion to an edge of the second unit area, wherein at least a part of the first branch portions and at least a part of the second branch portions are asymmetrically arranged at two sides of the second data line.
US08724057B2
A color filter array on pixel array substrate including a substrate, an active device array, a color filter array and a pixel electrode layer is provided. The substrate has a plurality of pixel regions and a light-shielding region. The active device array is disposed on the substrate. The color filter array is disposed on the substrate, and includes a light shielding patterned layer and a plurality of color filter patterns, wherein the light-shielding patterned layer is disposed in the light-shielding region. The color filter patterns are respectively disposed in the pixel regions and extend from the pixel regions into the light shielding regions, wherein the color filter patterns extending from adjacent pixel regions constitute a stacked structure within the light shielding regions. The pixel electrode layer is electrically connected to the active device array.
US08724056B2
A polarizing element includes a plurality of first needle-shaped particles that have transmittance for first polarized light, which is in a first polarization state, that is different from transmittance for second polarized light, which is in a second polarization state different from the first polarization state, in a first wavelength region and a plurality of second needle-shaped particles that have transmittance for the first polarized light that is different from transmittance for the second polarized light, in a second wavelength region different from the first wavelength region.
US08724054B2
A spectral conversion device including a plurality of discrete units dyed with a photoluminescent material at a concentration greater than or equal to an amount sufficient to absorb and convert substantially all input light from a light source to a desired output spectrum, and a coating material disposed around the discrete units, wherein the coating material binds the plurality of discrete units to form a matrix, wherein when the plurality of discrete units are positioned over the light source, the input light passing through the transparent discrete units is not converted, and the input light passing through the doped discrete units is converted to red and green wavelengths, further wherein the emitted input light and the converted red and green light correspond to the desired output spectrum to produce one or more colors. An associated method and an associated device used with flat panel image displays are also provided.
US08724050B2
The present invention discloses an LCD module manufacturing method and an LCD module. The LCD module manufacturing method comprises: arranging a groove for fixing the buffer strip in the surface position of the rubber frame of the LCD module for supporting the LCD panel. In the present invention, because the corresponding position of the rubber frame for supporting the LCD panel is provided with a groove, a region for limiting the position of the buffer rubber strip is formed by using the groove, the arranging position accuracy of the buffer rubber strip is increased, and the product quality is increased.
US08724046B2
The present invention provides a thin liquid crystal display device including a body, a mounting seat mounted to the body, a mounting frame arranged inside the mounting seat, a plurality of circuit boards mounted to the mounting frame and electrically connected to the body, and a cover plate covering the mounting seat. The thin liquid crystal display device of the present invention provides a mounting seat that is mounted to a front shell and located at one side of the body of the liquid crystal display device. The mounting seat receives and retains therein the mounting frame for mounting a plurality of PCBs so that the amount of space required for mounting the PCBs is reduced and overall thinning of the liquid crystal display device is facilitated.
US08724036B2
Disclosed are a broadcasting signal receiving apparatus, a remote controller and a pairing method thereof, the pairing method of the remote controller performing bidirectional communication with the broadcasting signal receiving apparatus and including: sensing a key input for a control instruction for controlling the broadcasting signal receiving apparatus, wherein the key input is selected from among a plurality of keys on the remote controller; transmitting a broadcasting signal to the broadcasting signal receiving apparatus, wherein the broadcasting signal corresponds to the key input and includes first identification information of the remote controller; and storing second identification information of the broadcasting signal receiving apparatus received from the broadcasting signal receiving apparatus. Thus, the identification information for performing the RF communication may be transmitted in response to a voluntary selection on the RF remote controller.
US08724034B2
Apparatuses and methods for scanning channels in a television signal receiver. The apparatuses generally include a first acquisition circuit, a second acquisition circuit, and a controller. The first acquisition circuit is generally configured to determine, during a first time period, whether a selected radio frequency channel has a first format and to produce a first acquisition indicator in response thereto. The second acquisition circuit is generally configured to determine, during a second time period overlapping the first time period, whether the selected radio frequency channel has a second format and to produce a second acquisition indicator in response thereto. The controller is generally configured to scan a plurality of radio frequency channels by operating the first acquisition circuit and the second acquisition circuit for each one of the plurality of radio frequency channels. Embodiments advantageously provides for faster scanning and acquisition of television signals in a mixed-format (e.g., analog and digital) television distribution environment.
US08724029B2
Video content from a layer of multiple multimedia content layers may be moved to a lowest content layer. The region of the multimedia content layer that previously contained the video content may be replaced with a transparent region. Additional layers that exist between the layer from which the video content was removed and the lowest layer may likewise have corresponding regions replaced with transparent regions. The content layers may be composited together at a display time. Accordingly, the video content of the lowest content layer may be viewed through the transparent regions, which may allow the video to be seen as originally authored. The lowest content layer may be rendered independently of other layers. In some embodiments, the content layer containing video may be performed with dedicated hardware (e.g., a GPU).
US08724021B2
According to an aspect, a portable electronic device includes an imaging unit, a moving unit, and a control unit. The imaging unit images a subject in an imaging region. The moving unit changes orientation and/or a position of the portable electronic device. The control unit causes the moving unit to change the orientation and/or the position of the portable electronic device so as to move the imaging region of the imaging unit.
US08724020B1
An apparatus for use with an electronic device having a microphone and a camera. The apparatus comprises a structure configured to detachably couple to the device, and a shutter supported by the structure and comprising a lens shutter configured to obscure a lens of the camera when in an engaged position. A generator is supported by the structure and configured to generate a force that acts on the microphone and renders the microphone unresponsive to voice sounds.
US08724019B2
An electronic apparatus includes a base member, a cover member that is pivotably attached to the base member, a shaft member that is configured to be inserted into the cover member and the base member after the cover member is attached to the base member, and an exterior member that is configured to be attached to the base member after the shaft member is inserted into the cover member and the base member. A recessed portion is formed on the base member. The exterior member is configured to cover the recessed portion, and the shaft member, the cover member, the base member, and the exterior member are configured to be assembled together by inserting the shaft member into the cover member and the base member, then fitting one end of the shaft member into the recessed portion, and then attaching the exterior member to the base member.
US08723998B2
A solid-state image pickup device includes plural pixels, a voltage generator that generates a reference voltage, plural comparators that are aligned in one direction, and compare respective voltages output from the pixels with the reference voltage, a counter that counts in tandem with a change in the reference voltage generated by the voltage generator, plural buffer circuits that are connected in series with the counter, and each sequentially receives an output of the counter; plural latch circuits that take in a value input to an input terminal thereof according to respective trigger signals output from the comparators, a common signal line that is commonly connected to respective inputs of the latch circuits, and plural signal lines that are connected to respective outputs of the buffer circuits, and allow the output of the counter to propagate therethrough.
US08723982B2
An image processing device that corrects an obtained image includes: an image acquisition unit that obtains the image; a region setting unit that sets a first region including a main object and a second region not including the main object on the image; an image characteristic amount calculation unit that calculates a first image characteristic amount respectively in the first region and the second region; a comparison unit that compares the first image characteristic amounts of the first region and the second region; an image processing method setting unit that sets an image processing method to be applied to the image, from a plurality of image processing methods, on the basis of a comparison result obtained by the comparison unit; and an image characteristic adjustment unit that adjusts a second image characteristic amount of the obtained image using the method set by the image processing method setting unit.
US08723974B2
A digital camera has an image pickup unit which can obtain a set of plural input images with different exposure amounts by photographing the same subject; an image synthesizing unit which creates a synthesized image from the set of plural input images; a live-view image output unit which outputs a live-view image on the basis of the synthesized image obtained by synthesizing a set of n pieces of (n is an integer not less than 2) input images with different exposure amounts obtained from the photographing unit during a view display operation; and a recorded image creating unit which creates an image for recording on the basis of the synthesized image obtained by synthesizing a set of m pieces of (m is an integer not less than 2) input images with different exposure amounts obtained from the image pickup unit during main photographing in the image synthesizing unit.
US08723959B2
A technique of enhancing a scene containing one or more off-center peripheral regions within an initial distorted image captured with a large field of view includes determining and extracting an off-center region of interest (hereinafter “ROI”) within the image. Geometric correction is applied to reconstruct the off-center ROI into a rectangular or otherwise undistorted or less distorted frame of reference as a reconstructed ROI.
US08723953B2
The method according to the invention gene rates an aerial image mosaic viewing a larger area than a single image from a camera can provide using a combination of computer vision and photogrammetry. The aerial image mosaic is based on a set of images acquired from a camera. Selective matching and cross matching of consecutive and non-consecutive images, respectively, are performed and three dimensional motion and structure parameters are calculated and implemented on the model to check if the model is stable. Thereafter the parameters are globally optimised and based on these optimised parameters the serial image mosaic is generated. The set of images may be limited by removing old image data as new images are acquired. The method makes it is possible to establish images in near real time using a system of low complexity and small size, and using only image information.
US08723948B2
A system for producing a light beam in the front area of a vehicle includes a headlamp with an LED array, a device for detecting objects in the area, a device for determining the position of a detected object relative to the vehicle. The light beam produced by the array has a horizontal illuminance distribution wherein the horizontal angles of the contributions of at least two LEDs to the illuminance distribution overlap at least partially, each illuminance being selectively varied for different positions in front of the vehicle and different horizontal angles relative to a reference direction. Depending on the detected object's position to the vehicle and an object width, a glare-critical horizontal angle range is determined, and the individual LEDs arc controlled, under consideration of how much the horizontal angle ranges of their contributions to the illuminance distribution overlap, such that an illuminance limit value is not exceeded.
US08723945B2
An optical apparatus and method for simultaneously scanning the profile of at least two adjacent surfaces of an article such as a wooden board moving along a travel path axis passing through an inspection area located at a central plane transverse to the travel path axis, involve first and second scanning zones sufficiently spaced one with another along the travel path axis to substantially prevent mutual scanning interference between the profile sensors used, while providing a compact arrangement of profile sensors. For so doing, one the first sensing field and the first laser beam of the first profile sensor is crossing the central plane toward the other one of the first sensing field and the first laser beam, and one the second sensing field and the second laser beam of the second profile sensor is crossing the central plane toward the other one of the second sensing field and the second laser beam.
US08723942B2
A photomicroscopy system includes a microscope unit which outputs an enlarged image of a subject as a light flux, an image capturing unit which forms an image of the light flux output by the microscope unit and converts the formed image into digital data, a sensitivity changing unit which changes a sensitivity of the image capturing unit, and a computing unit which obtains an exposure time by using the digital data captured by the image capturing unit in a state where the sensitivity is increased to the high sensitivity after instructing the sensitivity changing unit to increase the sensitivity of the image capturing unit to the high sensitivity while calculating the exposure time for obtaining a suitable brightness by the image capturing unit, and sets the sensitivity of the image capturing unit to a low sensitivity after the exposure time is set in the image capturing unit.
US08723940B2
An endoscope apparatus includes: a light source device radiating at least one or more illumination lights having a predetermined wavelength band to a subject, and an image pickup device picking up an image of a return light from the subject. A band decomposition processing section of a video processor performs processing for decomposition into multiple spatial frequency bands, for a first image signal having a peak wavelength of spectral characteristic, between a wavelength band including a maximum value and a wavelength band at a minimum value with regard to an absorption characteristic of living tissue after image pickup by the image pickup device. An emphasis processing section of the video processor performs emphasis processing on the basis of a band image signal with a lowest spatial frequency among multiple band image signals obtained by the decomposition processing to generate an emphasis-corrected image signal.
US08723933B2
A three-dimensional image correction device includes when a displacement amount which is a difference between a convergence angle on a display surface and a convergence angle on a perceived three-dimensional surface based on image information for a three-dimensional image is set as a disparity amount, a width of a depth amount represented by pop-up and pull-in of the three-dimensional image is set as a dynamic range, and display device specification information is set as display device information, a disparity amount detection unit for inputting the image information to detect the disparity amount from the image information, a correction computation unit for adjusting the detected disparity amount on the basis of the display device information to correct the dynamic range, and a disparity amount correction unit for correcting the disparity amount in the corrected dynamic range while corresponding to the display device information.
US08723932B2
General anaglyphs may be rendered using multiple primary colors to display the first and second images of stereoscopic images. Retinal rivalry in the anaglyphs may be avoided by using transformations which balance the brightness contrast in the first and second images. Certain primary colors may be advantageous for rendering anaglyphs in six, five, four, and three primary colors. A white primary color is advantageous for displaying a monochrome second image with a color first image. General anaglyphs may be dynamically created by a display apparatus using certain transformations and communication with external sources. Four-primary-color anaglyphs may be compressed into three channels for transfer to a display apparatus. A user may select the primary colors of the first and second images and the relative brightness of the second image. Several methods to display general anaglyphs are disclosed.
US08723931B2
A stereoscopic image display includes a display panel, which displays a left eye image on odd-numbered lines and displays a right eye image on even-numbered lines, a patterned retarder including a first retarder passing through first polarized light of the left eye image and a second retarder passing through second polarized light of the right eye image, polarized glasses including a left eye polarizing filter and a right eye polarizing filter, and a 3D formatter, which receives 3D image data from a host system, assigns left eye image data of the 3D image data to the odd-numbered lines, and assign right eye image data of the 3D image data to the even-numbered lines.
US08723927B2
There is disclosed a method and apparatus for subtitling stereoscopic imagery. The stereoscopic imagery may include a plurality of paired stereo images having a perspective and providing a stereoscopic scene, wherein each image of a given pair represents a perspective of the imagery as viewed by a single eye of the stereoscopic scene. A subtitle may be presented solely upon one image of the stereo pair of images of at least some of the stereoscopic imagery.
US08723922B2
An example embodiment of the present invention may include an apparatus that captures 3D images having a lens barrel, including a lens disposed at a first end of the lens barrel, an image capture element at the second end of the lens barrel, and a refracting lens positioned along the optical axis of the lens barrel. The image capture device may have an adjustable active region, the adjustable active region being a region capable of capturing an image that is smaller than the total image capture area of the image capture element. The image capture element may capture images continuously at a predetermined frame rate. The image capture element may change the adjustable active region and the set of positioning elements may be adapted to continuous change the position of the refracting lens among a series of predetermined positions at a rate corresponding to the predetermined frame rate.
US08723916B2
A social networking system enables cable television viewers to watch television programs as a virtual group, each watching within his/her own home, while simultaneously communicating with one another, for example, via voice and/or video chat. The system enables a viewer to find friends, or other like-minded viewers not acquainted with the viewer, for virtual communal viewing parties. The system can enable participants in a viewing party to synchronize viewing sessions enabling each participant to share in a common viewing experience. The system can also enable a system operator to recognize communal viewing groups and enable more effective advertisement targeting.
US08723914B2
A method is provided in one example and includes receiving a video input from a camera element; using change detection statistics to identify background image data; using the background image data as a temporal reference to determine foreground image data of a particular video frame within the video input; using a selected foreground image for a background registration of a subsequent video frame; and providing at least a portion of the subsequent video frame to a next destination.
US08723905B2
An optical writing device forms an electrostatic latent image on a photosensitive element by a connected light source controlled by a light source control circuit that includes: a pixel data output unit; a pixel data correcting unit that corrects a skew between main scanning line of electrostatic latent image and photosensitive element and a local deviation of the electrostatic latent image on the main scanning line, and outputs pixel data; a pattern generating unit that outputs pixel data for forming a predetermined pattern in an electrostatic latent image; a first light source control unit for causing a first light source, that needs correction of the local deviation, to emit light; a second light source control unit for causing a second light source, that does not need correction of the local deviation, to emit light; and a switch that switches between a first transmission status and a second transmission status.
US08723903B2
A drive device for outputting a drive signal for driving a plurality of light emitting elements time-divisionally, the drive device includes a plurality of input terminals receiving input of a drive control signal for the light emitting elements, and a plurality of output terminals connected to the light emitting elements, for outputting the drive signal based on the drive control signal input into the input terminals, in which the input terminals and the output terminals are arranged substantially in a line.
US08723887B2
A system for alpha blending at least a portion of an image of a window with a background image, where the image of the window is captured by an alpha blender and blended together with an image of the background also captured by the alpha blender. The resulting alpha-blended image is then displayed within the window to give at least a portion of the window the appearance of smooth, anti-aliased edges.
US08723877B2
A method and an apparatus for a parallel computing program using subbuffers to perform a data processing task in parallel among heterogeneous compute units are described. The compute units can include a heterogeneous mix of central processing units (CPUs) and graphic processing units (GPUs). A system creates a subbuffer from a parent buffer for each of a plurality of heterogeneous compute units. If a subbuffer is not associated with the same compute unit as the parent buffer, the system copies data from the subbuffer to memory of that compute unit. The system further tracks updates to the data and transfers those updates back to the subbuffer.
US08723874B2
Methods and apparatus are provided for efficiently and intelligently communicating characteristic information in video graphics switcher environments. An intelligent video graphics switcher obtains display device characteristic information associated with multiple display devices and maintains updated characteristic information. When an event such as a connection/disconnection or switching event occurs between the video graphics switcher and a display device, the characteristic information is communicated to an appropriate host by triggering a connection/disconnection event with the host.
US08723873B2
Methods and apparatus are provided for efficiently and intelligently communicating characteristic information in video graphics switcher environments. An intelligent video graphics switcher obtains display device characteristic information associated with multiple display devices and maintains updated characteristic information. When an event such as a connection/disconnection or switching event occurs between the video graphics switcher and a display device, the characteristic information is communicated to an appropriate host by triggering a connection/disconnection event with the host.
US08723867B2
A game apparatus includes a first LCD and a second LCD, and on the first LCD, a two-dimensional game screen including objects positioned in a two-dimensional coordinate is displayed. When a two-dimensional coordinate of a specific object out of the objects positioned in the two-dimensional coordinate satisfies a predetermined condition, a three-dimensional coordinate of each of the objects is calculated on the basis of the two-dimensional coordinate of each of the objects. The object is modeled in the calculated three-dimensional coordinate, moved by a predetermined animation, and then shot by a virtual camera. Accordingly, a game screen of an image (animation) of the three-dimensional virtual space shot by the virtual camera is displayed on the second LCD.
US08723860B2
There are provided methods and apparatus for generating a 3-dimensional computer image. The image includes a number of objects and is divided into separate areas. Control data to link to object data stored in a memory for each object is derived for two objects at a time. Two or more separate areas can be processed in parallel by deriving control data for the two separate areas at a time. To avoid fetching data for both areas, which is actually only applicable to one area, encoding is used in the control data. The object data can be stored on one or across two memory pages, and the control data includes one memory page address in the former case and two memory page addresses in the latter case. The object data can also be stored across two non-contiguous memory pages, by using a look-up table with contiguous portions allocated for each object's object data. When partial rendering is used, and partial depth data is stored and subsequently updated, the depth data can be stored across two memory pages using link portions in the memory pages to either indicate the end of data storage or point to the next memory page.
US08723858B2
A control device includes a writing device that writes an image according to image data, through a plurality of frame periods, to a plurality of pixels that compose a display section, and a refresh processing device that performs refreshing a group of pixels that is subject to refreshing among the plurality of pixels when a value concerning the number of times of image writing performed by the writing device since the last refreshing is equal to or greater than a threshold value. While the refresh processing device is performing refreshing, the writing device does not perform image writing with respect to the group of pixels that is subject to the refreshing, but performs image writing with respect to a group of pixels that is not subject to the refreshing.
US08723849B2
Since a first and a second source-follower PMOS transistor in a pixel have gates connected to a first and a second capacitor and are used always in on state, respectively, only respective threshold voltages in the first and second source-follower PMOS transistors are set to be +0.5 V and put in normally-on state. A current value in each of the first and second source-follower PMOS transistors is controlled by a constant current load transistor, and on/off thereof is controlled by the constant current load transistor and each of first and second switching NMOS transistors. Further, each of the first and second switching NMOS transistors intermediates to limit an outputtable voltage range and thereby optimization is performed so as to maximize a range where linearity is secured by shifting the respective threshold voltages of the first and second source-follower PMOS transistors.
US08723847B2
A display device includes: a screen unit; a drive unit; and a signal processing unit, wherein the screen unit includes rows of scanning lines, columns of signal lines, matrix-state pixel circuits and a light sensor, the drive unit includes a scanner supplying a control signal to the scanning lines and a driver supplying a video signal to the signal lines, the screen unit is sectioned into plural regions each having plural pixel circuits, the pixel circuit emits light in accordance with the video signal, the light sensor is arranged with respect to each region and outputs a luminance signal in accordance with the light emission; and the signal processing unit corrects the video signal in accordance with the luminance signal and supplies the signal to the driver.
US08723833B2
Systems and methods for determining a user's touch in a capacitive touch sensor system is provided, including performing a series of potential touch detection tests for a plurality of sensors until a potential touch is detected and measuring a test frequency for one of the sensors, such that a potential touch may be detected when the measured test frequency deviates from a previously measured test frequency for the same sensor. After detecting a potential touch, the method may additionally include performing a series of baseline comparison tests for each of the sensors, for example, measuring a current frequency for one of the sensors, comparing the current frequency to a baseline frequency, and assigning a deviation value based on the comparison the current frequency and the baseline frequency. The method may identify the sensor with the largest deviation value as a touched sensor.
US08723828B2
Provided is a touch sensor-equipped display device that is not susceptible to the effect of noise caused by the reversal of polarity of the common voltage of the display device, without using special circuits. The touch sensor-equipped display device includes: a touch sensor unit 7 having a plurality of sensor electrodes; a sensor output read circuit 21 that is sequentially connected to the respective sensor electrodes and that outputs a signal voltage corresponding to the electrical characteristics of the sensor electrode connected thereto; a sensor control circuit 23 that supplies a control signal to the sensor output read circuit 21; and a coordinate calculation circuit 22 that detects a contact position on the basis of the signal voltage. The coordinate calculation circuit 22 includes: an averaging circuit 221 that calculates an average value for the signal voltage values outputted from the sensor output read circuit 21 over two cycles of the vertical synchronizing signal; and a contact position detection circuit 222 that detects the contact position on the basis of the average value.
US08723822B2
A method includes receiving a touch event, where the touch event includes a plurality of touch lists. The plurality of touch lists includes one or more of: a first touch list for one or more touches associated with a target of the touch event, a second touch list for one or more changed touches, and a third touch list for all touches detected on a touch-sensitive surface. The method includes processing the touch event.
US08723820B1
In one general aspect, a computer-readable storage medium can be configured to store instructions that when executed cause a computing device to perform a process. The instructions can include instruction to receive, at a haptic feedback module of the computing device, an indicator of a surface type, and receive a parameter value characterizing an interaction of a drawing device with a touch sensitive display of the computing device. The instructions can include instructions to access a surface definition file from a library of surface definition files at the computing device based on the indicator of the surface type, and define, based on the parameter value characterizing the interaction and based on the surface definition file, a movement instruction configured to trigger a movement in the drawing device. The instructions can include instructions to send the movement instruction to the drawing device.
US08723819B2
A method for analyzing a two-dimensional track to generate at least one non-linear index and a touch control module using the same are provided. The method includes: extracting a two-dimensional track; generating a plurality of displacement units in sequence according to the two-dimensional track, in which each displacement unit includes a displacement amount and a displacement direction of the two-dimensional track moving in a preset time interval; comparing the displacement amount of each displacement unit with a reference value in sequence; calculating an included angle formed between the displacement direction of the displacement unit and a displacement direction of a previous displacement unit, when the displacement amount of the displacement unit is greater than the reference value; accumulating the included angles in sequence to obtain an accumulated angle, in which the accumulated angle includes an accumulated value and a positive or negative sign; and converting the accumulated angle to at least one non-linear index.
US08723814B2
A handheld electronic communication device including a body including an input device facing a first direction, and a display device coupled to the body. The display device has a first display screen and a second display screen. The second display screen faces an opposite direction as the first display screen. The display device is rotatable between a first position in which the first display screen faces the first direction, and a second position in which the second display screen faces the first direction.
US08723813B2
A flat panel display device that can easily determine whether it has been touched or not by sensing a variation in capacitance by using a cushion member. The flat panel display device includes a first face; a frame having a conductive face and supporting the first face and having a conductive face; a cushion member interposed between the first face and the conductive face and formed of a dielectric material, wherein a thickness of the cushion member varies depending on an externally applied pressure, a conductive film interposed between the first face and the cushion member; and a sensor unit electrically connected to the conductive face and the conductive film respectively, which calculates and senses a variation in capacitance of a capacitor comprising the conductive face, the cushion member, and the conductive film.
US08723810B2
A mobile terminal is presented. The mobile terminal includes a touchscreen for receiving an input, an output unit for outputting a vibration while a pointer contacts and moves along an input area of the touchscreen, and a control unit for controlling a characteristic of the vibration according to at least one of an attribute of the pointer, an attribute of the input area, or a combination thereof.
US08723804B2
A transaction terminal (10) having a touch screen (20) disposed in a recess (30) in the terminal housing (12) includes an adaptor (25) for facilitating use of the touch screen by persons that are vision-impaired, hearing-impaired or dexterity-challenged. The adaptor (25) is selectively positionable in operative engagement with the touch screen (20). The adaptor (25) includes an insert (50) and a keypad (60, 160, 260). The insert (50) is supported on terminal housing (12) with deck (52) disposed over and in spaced relationship to the touch screen. The deck (52) has at least one discrete opening therethrough. The keypad includes at least one key juxtaposed relative to said least one discrete opening in said deck of the insert. Upon depression of the key, contact is made with a selected portion of the touch screen (20).
US08723797B2
An information processing apparatus includes: a key array having a key layout in which rows of input keys parallel to a first direction are arranged in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction and the input keys belonging to one row are shifted in the first direction to the input keys belonging to another row; first wiring electrodes routed between the input keys at intervals in the first direction and each having a capacitance changed by proximity of a detection target; second wiring electrodes routed along the first direction to thread through the rows and each having the capacitance; and a control unit to generate a control signal including a first signal on a position of the detection target along the first direction based on the capacitances of the first and second wiring electrodes and a shift amount of the input keys in each row in the first direction.
US08723796B2
A multi-user interactive display system including a soft-copy display including at least an information display region and a command control region, and a digital image capture system positioned to capture a time sequence of images of users located in a field-of-view of the soft-copy display. A time sequence of images is analyzed to detect a plurality of users, and at least one of the users is designated to be a controlling user. The captured images are displayed in the command control region, wherein the detected users are demarked using graphical elements. The captured time sequence of images is analyzed to detect a gesture made by the controlling user and content displayed in the information display region is updated accordingly.
US08723794B2
An input device providing users with a pointing capability includes a sender portion (100) and a receiver portion (200). The sender portion (100) is adapted to be manipulated by a user (the user manipulating button 125) to specify a target point within a target area. The sender portion projects a light beam (light output from light source 115) including a pattern onto the target area. A receiver portion (200) includes one or more sensor units (205, 210, 215) located in or near the target area. At least some of the sensor units (205, 210, 215) receive a portion of the light beam (light output from light source 115) regardless of the location of the target point within the target area. A processing unit (220) in the receiver portion (200) analyzes the portions of the light beam received by one or more sensor units (205, 210, 215) to determine an attribute of the target point. The attribute can be the location or relative motion of the target point. The receiver portion (200) may be integrated with a display device.
US08723789B1
User interaction with a display is detected using at least two cameras whose intersecting FOVs define a three-dimensional hover zone within which user interactions can be imaged. Each camera substantially simultaneously acquires from its vantage point two-dimensional images of the user within the hover zone. Separately and collectively the image data is analyzed to identify therein a relatively few landmarks definable on the user. A substantially unambiguous correspondence is established between the same landmark on each acquired image, and as to those landmarks a three-dimensional reconstruction is made in a common coordinate system. This landmark identification and position information can be converted into a command causing the display to respond appropriately to a gesture made by the user. Advantageously size of the hover zone can far exceed size of the display, making the invention usable with smart phones as well as large size entertainment TVs.
US08723785B2
A liquid crystal display includes: a transmissive liquid crystal display device having a display region made up of pixels arrayed in a matrix fashion. The liquid crystal display device includes a planar light source unit formed of planar light source units corresponding to respective display region units on an assumption that the display region is divided into the display region units and configured in such a manner that each planar light source unit irradiates a corresponding display region unit with light, and a drive circuit driving the liquid crystal display device and the planar light source device. The liquid crystal display device is scanned line-sequentially and the pixels making up each display region unit are scanned line-sequentially. A planar light source unit corresponding to a display region unit is held in a luminous state over a predetermined period since a line-sequential scan on the display region unit has been completed.
US08723777B2
A panel control device includes a programmable array. This programmable array operates in accordance with a configuration code and includes a plurality of first-class elements and at least one second-class element. This provides a panel control device requiring a small circuit area, being suitable for system-on-chip (SoC) mounting, and driving a liquid crystal display device having various specifications also in the future.
US08723771B2
A display apparatus includes a first substrate opposite a second substrate, a plurality of electrode patterns in the second substrate, the plurality of electrode patterns extending along a first direction, a plurality of barrier patterns in the second substrate, the plurality of barrier patterns being insulated from the electrode patterns and extending along a second direction crossing the first direction, and a plurality of pixels, the first and second substrates with the pixels defining a display panel, and each pixel including a gate line extending along a third direction, a data line extending along a fourth direction, and a pixel electrode electrically connected to the gate line and the data line, the pixel electrode being configured to generate an electric field with a corresponding electrode pattern of the plurality of electrode patterns to display an image.
US08723769B2
An organic light-emitting display device including: a substrate including a pixel region and a non-pixel region; a first electrode formed on the pixel region in a first direction; a first wire coupled to the first electrode and formed in the non-pixel region; a second electrode formed in the pixel region in a second direction; a second wire coupled to the second electrode and formed in the non-pixel region; an organic thin film layer formed between the first electrode and the second electrode; a drive circuit coupled to the first wire and the second wire; and a passivation layer formed across the pixel region and the non-pixel region and having an opening to expose at least one of the first wire and the second wire.
US08723766B2
Representative embodiments of the disclosure provide a system and apparatus for controlling an intensity and spectrum of light emitted from a solid state lighting system. The solid state lighting system has a first emitted spectrum at full intensity and at a selected temperature, with a first electrical biasing for the solid state lighting system producing a first wavelength shift, and a second electrical biasing for the solid state lighting system producing a second, opposing wavelength shift. Representative embodiments provide for receiving information designating a selected intensity level and a selected temperature and providing a combined first electrical biasing and second electrical biasing to the solid state lighting system to generate emitted light having the selected intensity level and having a second emitted spectrum within a predetermined variance of the first emitted spectrum over a predetermined range of temperatures.
US08723751B2
An antenna system includes: and antenna module and a system module. The antenna module includes a substrate, and a plurality of planar dipole antennas each including a short-circuit section, two first radiator sections operable in a first frequency band and connected to the short-circuit section, and two second radiator sections operable in a second frequency band and connected to the short-circuit section. The planar dipole antennas are arranged such that geometric centers thereof are respectively spaced apart from a center point bounded by the planar dipole antennas by a predetermined distance, such that each of the planar dipole antennas is spaced apart from an adjacent one of the planar dipole antennas by a predetermined minimum distance. The system module has a grounding plane that faces toward and that is spaced apart from and parallel to the substrate.
US08723745B2
An antenna element has first and second feed ports, and is simultaneously excited through the feed ports so as to simultaneously operate as first and second antenna portions respectively, associated with the feed ports. The antenna element is excited at one of a first frequency and a second frequency higher than the first frequency. An antenna apparatus is provided with: a slit that provides isolation between the feed ports; a trap circuit that allows the slit to provide isolation at the first or second frequency when the antenna element is excited at the first or second frequency; and a reactance element that shifts a frequency at which the slit provides isolation between the feed ports, to the first frequency, when the antenna element is excited at the first frequency.
US08723738B2
A mobile terminal includes a first housing, a second housing, and a connection section. A first antenna that resonates at a prescribed wavelength is arranged in the first housing. A first conductive section is arranged in the second housing. The connection section connects the first housing and the second housing so as to transit between an open state, in which the first housing and the second housing are open, and a closed state, in which the first housing and the second housing are closed. The first conductive section includes a first section formed at a length corresponding to the prescribed wavelength, and a high-impedance section that is arranged on the end of the first section and has a higher impedance than the first section.
US08723719B1
A bistatic radar receiver is centrally located within an array of multiple bistatic transmitters at an airport to precisely determine bird positions and altitudes. Bird target reflections from multiple transmitters are received by the radar receiver. Target location is determined by the transmitter location, receiver location, and measured transmitter-to-target-to-receiver ranges. Target position and altitude accuracy is similar to GPS. The radar receiver antenna is composed of a vertical array of elements and rotated 360 degrees in azimuth. The output of each element is downconverted, digitized, and digitally beamformed to provide multiple simultaneous antenna beams each electronically scanned in elevation. When bistatic transmitters cannot be deployed, a narrow-azimuth wide-elevation transmit antenna beam is overlapped with a wide-azimuth narrow-elevation receive antenna beam electronically scanned in elevation to provide a composite narrow azimuth and elevation beamwidth.
US08723718B2
A method and a device are provided for specifying, in the context of the image generation of ISAR processing, the determination of the aspect angle course subject to which the radar illuminates the vehicle during the exposure and subject to which the vehicle echoes are reflected back to the radar. Using the distance between the radar sensor and the vehicle as well as the change in distance, both of which are determined from the radar data, the position and the velocity of the vehicle are determined at any time during the exposure through linkage with available road information. The aspect angle is then determined from the positions of the sensor and of the vehicle as well as from the direction of movement of the vehicle. The required road information can be acquired from digital maps or images (e.g. aerial photographs, SAR-images).
US08723717B2
An adaptive sensing system including a passive sensor that receives electromagnetic radiation, an active sensor that emits and receives electromagnetic radiation, a detection unit that detects the presence of human beings and objects other than human beings in a region of observation, and a control unit that controls the active sensor and the passive sensor based on a result of the detection by the detection unit.
US08723716B2
A communication device includes an oscillator to generate an oscillation signal; a harmonic generator to generate a higher harmonic wave from the oscillation signal; a first filter to take out a first high frequency signal; a second filter to take out a second high frequency signal; a down conversion mixer to use the second high frequency signal to perform down conversion of a signal obtained by receiving a reflected signal of the first high frequency signal; a hybrid coupler to generate a first intermediate frequency signal and a second intermediate frequency signal, which are orthogonal with each other; a first mixer to take out a first baseband signal by mixing an output from the down conversion mixer with the first intermediate frequency signal; and a second mixer to take out a second baseband signal by mixing an output from the down conversion mixer with the first intermediate frequency signal.
US08723711B1
A stair-step voltage ramp module includes a stair-step voltage ramp generator circuit including at least one clocked first digital to analog converter (DAC) configured to receive digital data signals (codes) and a first clock signal and provide a first stair-step voltage ramp waveform. A programmable gain operational amplifier (op amp) has an input coupled to receive the first stair-step voltage ramp waveform. A second DAC being a current output, multiplying DAC is positioned to provide a gain setting resistance for the op amp. The second DAC and op amp configuration can be changed to provide gain or attenuation, or both. The output of the op amp provides a stair-step voltage ramp output suitable for applications including testing analog to digital converters (ADCs) having 10 or more bits.
US08723704B2
A data packing apparatus for continuously receiving current data is provided. The apparatus includes N barrel shifters, a controller and a packing module. The controller determines a shift amount according to a length of previous residual data, and controls the N barrel shifters to sequentially perform M barrel shifts on current merging data to achieve the shift amount, noting that N is an integer greater than or equal to two, and M is a natural number smaller than or equal to N. The packing module merges the previous residual data and the current merging data passed through the N barrel shifters. The maximum shift amounts of the M barrel shifts are smaller than a threshold associated with a length of an operation cycle. The current merged data is a part or all of the current data.
US08723684B2
A bio-information monitoring system is provided. The bio-information monitoring system comprises a wireless sensor and a first wireless network node. The wireless sensor senses at least a bio-information. The first wireless network node collects the bio-information, wherein the bio-information is monitored in response to a command from a second wireless network node to the first wireless network node.
US08723678B2
A battery load detecting device includes: a battery check pulse generator generating a check pulse in response to a check enable signal; a constant voltage regulator generating a battery status signal in response to a first battery check signal; and a battery detection determining unit comparing a predetermined reference signal with the battery status signal to generate a comparison result signal, using the comparison result signal and the check pulse to generate a second battery check signal, and using the second battery check signal to generate a battery detection signal indicating whether a chargeable battery is electrically connected to the constant voltage regulator.
US08723674B2
Systems, methods, apparatus, and computer program products are provided for tracking the inventory of items. In one embodiment, a compartment comprises a plurality of sensors disposed proximate a surface of the compartment. A container storing items can be disposed above the surface of the compartment. Then, the sensors can detect the presence or absence of items from the container.
US08723666B2
A building (2) having an information facility for use in an emergency and for enabling emergency services to obtain information on the building (2) likely to be necessary for use in tackling the emergency, and the building (2) being such that: (i) the information on the building (2) is accessed via an information container (4); (ii) the information container (4) is on an outside part of a building; (iii) the information container (4) comprises a body (8), a door (10) for closing the body (8), and control means (12) for accessing the information on the building (2); (iv) the information on the building (2) is stored in memory means (14); and (v) the control means (12) electronically accesses the information in the memory means (14).
US08723649B2
An antenna for protecting radio frequency communications includes a masking portion to broadcast a masking signal including a first loop and a second loop connected to the first loop, wherein a current supplied to the masking portion flows in opposite polarity in each of the first and second loops. The antenna includes a reader loop to receive a response signal from a responder and decoupled from the masking signal, wherein the masking signal masks the response signal about the responder.
US08723648B2
A system and a method for determining the location of an RFID reader is provided. The system includes a plurality of transmitters which have a known reference point. Each transmitter includes a circuit for transmitting a sequence of unique RFID pseudo tag signals. Each unique RFID pseudo signal in the sequence has a unique range of transmission. Each unique RFID pseudo tag in the sequence has a tag identification indicating the range of transmission of the pseudo tag signal and a transmitter identification value indicating the transmitter from which the pseudo tag signal was transmitted. An RFID reader receives the unique RFID pseudo tag signals and distinguishes between each received unique RFID pseudo tag signal. A location calculator calculates the location of the RFID reader based on the information received.
US08723643B2
In a method of switching a locked state of an electronic device with a user-verifying function, a biologic feature data from a user is captured while receiving an input from the user for an operation when the electronic device is in a locked state. Whether the biologic feature data conforms to a reference biologic feature data is then determined. If it is determined that the biologic feature data conforms to the reference biologic feature data, the electronic device is switched from the locked state into a non-locked state and directly controls the electronic device to perform the operation according to the input when the biologic feature data is determined conforming to the reference biologic feature data.
US08723637B2
A method for altering a resistance of a resistor including trimming the resistor using a first type of trim approach to increase a resistance measurement of the resistor to above a target resistance value, and iteratively trimming the resistor using a second type of trim approach until a power coefficient of resistance (PCR) or temperature coefficient of resistance (TCR) measurement of the resistor is substantially close to zero.
US08723634B2
A coil-type electronic component has a coil inside or on an outer surface of its base material and is characterized in that: the base material is constituted by a group of grains of a soft magnetic alloy containing iron, silicon and other element that oxidizes more easily than iron; the surface of each soft magnetic alloy grain has an oxide layer formed on its surface as a result of oxidization of the grain; the oxide layer contains the other element that oxidizes more easily than iron by a quantity larger than that in the soft magnetic alloy grain; and grains are bonded with one another via the oxide layer.
US08723631B2
A printed circuit board includes metallization layers are stacked along a vertical direction and separated mechanically from one another by electrically insulating layers. A coil extends along a vertical winding axis and has turns formed by conductive tracks made in respective metallization layers, the turns being electrically connected to one another by pads going through at least one of the electrically insulating layers. A superimposition, in a plane parallel to the metallization layers, of the conductive tracks of the coil, made in a first metallization layer and a second metallization layer, that are immediately consecutive in the vertical direction, forms a pattern having two axial symmetries relative to X and Y axes orthogonal to each other and parallel to the metallization layers. The conductive tracks of each of the superimposed metallization layers are devoid, of themselves, of axial symmetry relative to the X or Y axes.
US08723626B2
An electromagnetic resonance coupler including: a transmitting resonator provided on a transmission substrate and having an open loop shape having an opening, first wiring provided on the transmission substrate and connected to a first connection point on the transmitting resonator, a receiving resonator provided on the reception substrate, second wiring provided on the reception substrate and connected to a second connection point on the receiving resonator, and third wiring provided on the reception substrate and connected to a third connection point on the receiving resonator. When viewed in a direction perpendicular to a main surface of the transmission substrate, the transmission substrate and the reception substrate are provided facing each other so that the transmitting resonator and the receiving resonator are symmetric about a point and have matching contours.
US08723621B2
In an elastic wave device, a first piezoelectric substrate and a second piezoelectric substrate are joined to each other with a joining portion so as to face each other across a cavity. A first set of a plurality of filters located on a facing surface of the first piezoelectric substrate and a second set of a plurality of filters located on a facing surface of the second piezoelectric substrate define a plurality of pairs of filters and face each other across the cavity. An absolute value of a difference between center frequencies of a filter of the first set of filters and a filter of the second set of filters in each pair of filters is larger than a minimum value among absolute values of differences between center frequencies of pairs of filters selected from a group including the first set of filters and the second set of filters.
US08723614B2
A method adjusts a pulse width of a signal. The method provides a fixed voltage input trigger pulse (34), of a certain pulse width, to a pulse width generator circuit (10) and provides an output pulse (52) from the pulse width generator circuit such that a pulse width of the output pulse is longer than the certain pulse width, without changing a voltage or frequency of the input trigger pulse. The method is used to drive an injector of a diesel reductant delivery system to inject fluid into an exhaust flow path.
US08723608B2
Embodiments of the present invention relate to a self injection locked voltage controlled oscillator arrangement, a pair of coupled first and second voltage controlled oscillator devices are arranged on a chip, an amplifier device is arranged on the same of the refection type chip, and an off-chip delay line is arranged with one terminal connected to an output terminal of the coupled first and second voltage controlled oscillator devices, and on terminal adapted to reflect a signal from the output terminal, the amplifier device being arranged to amplify an injection signal from said output terminal and to supply the amplified injection signal to one of said first and second voltage controlled oscillation devices to provide a VCO arrangement that exhibits low phase noise and a small size.
US08723606B2
In accordance with an embodiment, a gain enhancement circuit includes an amplifier having an input terminal, a transistor coupled to the input terminal and a capacitance dynamically coupled to another input terminal of the amplifier by a switch, wherein the capacitance is a parasitic element of the transistor.
US08723604B2
Compensation methods and systems for voltage-feedback amplifiers provide improved dynamic performance (i.e., increased bandwidth and the elimination or alleviation of a slew limitation) at high gains by direct feedback of an AC signal (i.e., an intermediate voltage) to an amplifier input without being attenuated by feedback resistor network.
US08723595B1
The voltage generator provided by the present invention includes: a first current source, a second current source, a first resistor, a reference voltage generator, a first amplifier and a second amplifier. The first current source generates a first current and a second current with a first temperature coefficient according to a first bias voltage. The second current source generates a third current and a fourth current with a second temperature coefficient according to a second bias voltage. The reference voltage generator provides a first reference voltage and a second reference voltage according to the first and third currents. The first amplifier generates the first bias voltage according to the first and second reference voltages. The second amplifier generates the second bias voltage according to the second and third reference voltages. Wherein, the first temperature coefficient and the second temperature coefficient are complementary.
US08723594B2
The semiconductor device includes: a first transistor controlled by a control signal; a sense voltage generating circuit for sensing current flowing through the first transistor, mirroring current flowing through a reference current circuit, and summing the currents to generate voltage based on the summed currents; a reference voltage circuit for mirroring current flowing through the reference current circuit and generating reference voltage; an amplifier for comparing the voltage generated by the sense voltage generating circuit and the reference voltage; and a second transistor which has a gate connected to an output terminal of the amplifier and which can turn off the first transistor.
US08723586B1
An apparatus comprises a comparator that includes a first input, a second input and an output. The comparator is configured for measuring a difference in voltage between a source coupled to the first input and another source coupled to the second input, and providing information associated with the measured difference at the output. The apparatus also comprises a controllable current source coupled to the first input of the comparator and configured for supplying or drawing current. The apparatus also comprises a digital logic circuit that is configured for controlling an amount of current supplied or drawn by the controllable current source. The apparatus is configured for measuring a charge associated with an external source that is coupled to the first input of the comparator.
US08723583B2
An interface circuit includes a receiver, a first terminal resistor, a second terminal resistor, a switch circuit and a switch control circuit. The receiver has a first channel and a second channel. The first channel receives a first channel voltage, and the second channel receives a second channel voltage. According to the first channel voltage and the second channel voltage, the switch control circuit controls the switch circuit to discharge a common mode capacitor before the first terminal resistor or the second terminal resistor couple to the common mode capacitor.
US08723578B1
A pulse generator circuit is disclosed that is optimized for printed, solution-processed thin film transistor processing. In certain embodiments, the circuit comprises dual thin film transistors that operate as a diode and resistor, respectively. Optionally, a third thin film transistor may be provided to operate as a pass transistor in response to an enable signal. The elements of the circuit are configured such that a rising pulse on an input node triggers an output pulse on an output node in the manner of a monostable multivibrator.
US08723575B1
An integrated circuit may include a delay circuit that receives an input signal at a first logic level and produces a delayed output signal at a second logic level at an output terminal. The integrated circuit may include a preset circuit coupled to the delay circuit. The preset circuit may receive the input signal and pre-drive the delayed output signal to an intermediate logic level that lies between the first and second logic levels.
US08723570B2
A delay-locked loop includes a first delay unit, a second delay unit, a third delay unit, a phase detector, and a controller. The first delay unit generates a first delay clock according to a clock and a first delay time. The second delay unit generates a second delay clock according to the first delay clock and a second delay time. The third delay unit generates a third delay clock according to the second delay clock and a third delay time. The phase detector generates a phase detection signal according to the clock and the second delay clock. The controller generates and outputs a phase control signal according to the phase detection signal. The second delay unit and the third delay unit adjust the second delay time and the third delay time respectively according to the phase control signal.
US08723569B2
A signal receiving circuit includes a phase detection unit and a delay control unit. The phase detection unit detects a phase difference between a received signal and a clock signal. The delay control unit receives the phase difference, delays a phase of the received signal in a range not exceeding a delay amount determined by using a predetermined phase difference as a unit, and changes, when the phase difference exceeds the predetermined phase difference, a delay amount of the received signal by using the predetermined phase difference as a unit.
US08723564B2
A driving circuit that drives a semiconductor device includes first to sixth semiconductor devices. A first state and a second state are provided in one cycle in which a voltage is applied to a control terminal of the semiconductor device. In the first state, the first semiconductor device is closed, the third and fourth semiconductor devices are opened, and when the second semiconductor device is structured to have a semiconductor switch, the semiconductor switch is closed. In the second state, the first semiconductor device is opened, and the third and fourth semiconductor devices are closed.
US08723557B2
Circuit includes, in part, random access memory cells, column decoders, row decoders, and write driver circuit. Driver circuit is responsive to data and control signals. Writing data includes multiple write phases, each phase driving predetermined current through selected cell by driver setting predetermined voltages to first and second lines. Voltages are in sets such that sequential voltages of each set correspond to respective phase. During writing of first data to selected cell, driver circuit causes first signal line to be at second voltage set and second signal line to be at first voltage set. Second voltage set is greater than first voltage set. During writing of second data to selected cell, driver cause first signal line to be at third voltage set and second signal line to be at fourth voltage set. Third voltage set is smaller than the fourth voltage set.
US08723543B2
Embodiments disclosed herein are directed to compliant probe structures for making temporary or permanent contact with electronic circuits and the like. Some embodiments are directed to various designs of cantilever-like probe structures while other embodiments are directed to methods for fabricating probe structures. In some embodiments, methods are used to form probe structures from a plurality of planar multi-material layers wherein each probe structure includes a contact tip, a compliant body, and a bonding material that can be used in bonding the probe to a substrate and wherein the compliant body provides for elastic compression of the probe in a plane of primary motion during use and wherein during formation of the layers a stacking direction of the plurality of layers is perpendicular to the plane of primary motion.
US08723529B2
A semiconductor device includes; a first pad that receives an external voltage during a test, a second pad coupled to an external impedance during the test, a voltage-current converter coupled to the first pad and the second pad and generating a bias current substantially in response to only the external voltage and the external impedance, and an internal circuit responsive to a test current during the test, such that the level of the test current is defined by the level of the bias current.
US08723523B2
A magnetic resonance imaging apparatus includes: a pair of static magnetic field generators separately disposed at the top and bottom of an imaging space in which a subject is placed; a shim magnetic material, disposed on the imaging-space side of each of the pair of static magnetic field generators, for generating a magnetic field to adjust the static magnetic field; a gradient magnetic field generator; a high-frequency magnetic field generator; a temperature sensor for directly or indirectly measuring the temperature of the shim magnetic material; and a controller for controlling the gradient magnetic field generator and the high-frequency magnetic field generator to execute an imaging pulse sequence. The controller determines the inhomogeneity of the static magnetic field from the output of the temperature sensor, considering the change in a magnetic field adjustment parameter due to the temperature change of the shim magnetic material, and causes a warning message to be presented if the determined static magnetic field inhomogeneity has exceeded a predetermined allowable value.
US08723515B2
A vertical Hall sensor circuit includes an arrangement comprising a vertical Hall effect region of a first doping type, formed within a semiconductor substrate and having a stress dependency with respect to a Hall effect-related electrical characteristic. The vertical Hall sensor circuit further includes a stress compensation circuit which comprises at least one of a lateral resistor arrangement and a vertical resistor arrangement for generating a stress-dependent lateral resistor arrangement signal based on a reference signal provided to the stress compensation circuit, and for generating a stress-dependent vertical resistor arrangement signal based on the reference signal, respectively. The vertical Hall sensor circuit further includes a first circuit for providing a first signal to the arrangement based on at least one of the stress-dependent lateral resistor arrangement signal and the stress-dependent vertical resistor arrangement signal.
US08723513B2
The present invention discloses an eddy current probe and an eddy current inspection device including the eddy current probe for inspection of surface defect of a rotor wheel including a dovetail coupling part in which a hook is formed. The eddy current probe in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention includes: a main body, a contact part coupled to the main body and having a convex part and a concave part formed thereon corresponding to the hook, and an eddy current sensor being coupled to an end part of the convex part of the contact part. Accordingly, the detectability of a defect and the permeation depth can be enhanced, and the inspection procedures can be simplified.
US08723512B1
A circuit to detect a movement of an object includes a magnetic field sensing element for generating a magnetic field signal proportional to a magnetic field associated with the object and a motion detector to generate a motion signal indicative of the movement of the object. The motion detector includes a peak identifying circuit to provide a peak signal and a peak sample selection module that selects a sample associated with one or more prior cycles of a magnetic field signal to generate a selected peak signal. The motion detector further includes a threshold generator to generate a threshold signal as a function of the selected peak signal and a comparator to compare the threshold signal with the magnetic field signal to generate the motion signal. Peak samples from prior magnetic field signal cycles may be averaged for use to establish the threshold signal. A method associated with the circuit is also described.
US08723509B2
Magnetic tracking systems and methods for determining the position and orientation of a remote object. A magnetic tracking system includes a stationary transmitter for establishing a reference coordinate system, and at least one receiver. The remote object is attached to, mounted on, or otherwise coupled to the receiver. The transmitter can include a set of three mutually perpendicular coils having a common center point, or a set of three coplanar coils with separate centers. The receiver can include a set of three orthogonal coils. The position and orientation of the receiver and the remote object coupled thereto is determined by measuring the nine mutual inductances between the three transmitter coils and the three receiver coils. The magnetic tracking system provides reduced power consumption, increased efficiency, digital compensation for component variation, automatic self-calibration, automatic synchronization with no connections between transmitter and receiver, and rapid low-cost implementation.
US08723508B2
A method for analyzing the DC superposition characteristics of an inductance device using an electromagnetic field simulator, comprising a first step of determining an initial magnetization curve from initial magnetization to saturation magnetization, and pluralities of minor loops at different operating points, on a toroidal core made of the same magnetic material as that of the inductance device, and obtaining point-list data showing the relation between magnetic flux density or magnetic field strength and incremental permeability from the incremental permeability at each operating point; a second step of determining an operating point at a predetermined direct current on each element obtained by mesh-dividing an analysis model of the inductance device by an electromagnetic field simulator based on the initial magnetization curve of the core, allocating the incremental permeability to the operating point from the point-list data, and integrating the inductance of each element obtained from the incremental permeability to determine the inductance of the entire inductance device; and a third step of repeating the second step at different direct current levels to determine the DC superposition characteristics.
US08723505B2
A current sensor structure includes a substantially ring-shaped magnetic core comprising layers of magnetic plates to be accommodated in an insulating case and secured to the case via a molding compound. Projections protruding in the magnetic plate's thickness direction are provided either on a front-side wall portion of the case in the thickness direction or on a surface of the magnetic core in the thickness direction. By virtue of, the surface of the magnetic core is supported by the front-side wall portion via the projections, leaving a gap between this surface and the wall portion to the same height as that of the projections. The gap is filled with the molding compound. Dilative and contractive deformation of the case in the direction orthogonal to the thickness direction is absorbed by the molding compound in the gap to prevent the stress from acting upon the magnetic core.
US08723502B2
A bandgap reference voltage generator is provided. In one embodiment, the bandgap reference voltage generator includes a first current generator, a second current generator, and an output voltage generator. The first current generator generates a first current with a positive temperature coefficient. The second current generator generates a second current with a negative temperature coefficient. The output voltage generator generates a third current with a level equal to that of the first current, generates a fourth current with a level equal to that of the second current, adds the third current to the fourth current to obtain a combined current with a zero temperature coefficient, and generates a reference voltage according to the combined current.
US08723498B2
Systems and methods for increasing power measurement accuracy for power factor correction (PFC) are disclosed. An exemplary method may include providing a PFC circuit for a power supply, the PFC circuit having a bulk capacitor connected to a rectified AC line. The method may also include measuring output load. The method may also include enabling AC wave skipping if the measured output load drops below a threshold value.
