US09439014B2
The present invention discloses a microphone detection circuit for detecting whether an external device includes a microphone. The microphone detection circuit comprises: an audio circuit for receiving an analog input signal which is a signal from the external device or a preset signal. The audio circuit comprises: an analog-to-digital conversion unit to generate a digital audio signal according to the analog input signal; a decision unit, coupled to the analog-to-digital conversion unit, to determine whether the digital audio signal satisfies a predetermined threshold to thereby generate an analysis result, wherein if the digital audio signal satisfies the predetermined threshold, the analysis result indicates that the external device includes a microphone; and a control unit, coupled to the decision unit, to control an operation of the audio circuit according to the analysis result.
US09439012B2
A method and an apparatus for audio testing are provided. The method is adapted to an electronic device with a first and second audio receive devices and a first and second audio send devices. The method includes following steps. A first and second audio testing signals are sent to the first and second audio receive devices of the electronic device. The electronic device has a first loop forming by connecting the first audio receive device and the first audio send device electrically, and has a second loop forming by connecting the second audio receive device and the second audio send device electrically. The first and second audio send devices send a first and second response signals respectively. The first and second response signals are received and analyzed to test functions of the first and second audio receive devices and the first and second audio send devices.
US09438997B2
A diaphragm includes a paper layer and a skin layer. The paper layer includes natural fibers and synthetic fibers formed of thermoplastic resin. The paper layer is formed by mixing the natural fibers and the synthetic fibers in water, and thinly spreading a resultant mixture on a mesh. The skin layer is formed on one surface of the paper layer. Note here that the skin layer is formed of the same resin as that of the synthetic fibers.
US09438995B2
An audio signal processing circuit includes: a first low-pass filter configured to pass a component whose frequency is in a band lower than a lowest reproducible frequency of a speaker out of an audio signal inputted for reproduction by the speaker; a first high-pass filter substantially similar in phase characteristics to the first low-pass filter configured to pass a component whose frequency is in a band higher than the lowest reproducible frequency of the speaker out of the audio signal inputted for reproduction by the speaker; a harmonic generation unit configured to generate a harmonic from the audio signal having passed through the first low-pass filter; and a first addition unit configured to add the audio signal according to an output of the harmonic generation unit to the audio signal according to an output of the first high-pass filter.
US09438989B2
A headphone structure for adjusting audio frequencies is provided, which comprises a front housing, a rear housing, a sound-producing unit in the front housing and an elastic ear-contacting body sleeving the front housing. The front housing has at least one slot or recess, and the elastic ear-contacting body sleeves the front housing to form at least one gap. The headphone structure for adjusting audio frequencies of the present invention has better results for the adjustment of bass frequencies. In addition, the headphone structure of the present invention is not complicated and is easy to manufacture. The headphone structure of the present invention can be applied to various types of headphone, such as in-ear headphones and circumaural headphones.
US09438978B2
A microphone includes a base seat, a tube unit connected the base seat, a sound head, and a cable. The base seat includes a surrounding wall that is formed with at least one through hole, and a base wall that cooperates with the surrounding wall to define a receiving space therebetween, and that has a conical surface for reflecting sound waves toward the through hole. The sound head is disposed in the receiving space, and is spaced apart from the base wall of the base seat. The cable is electrically connected to the sound head and extends through the tube unit.
US09438975B2
A novelty article of attire including a novelty device. The novelty device includes a visual output/illumination feature; a processor controlling the novelty device; an actuator associated with the processor and actuating the visual output/illumination feature; a sound receiver operably connected to the actuator and the processor; and a power source.
US09438971B2
A selection device 80 outputs domain information that indicates a management system 50 capable of executing control associated with the start of communication using a selected relay device 30. Consequently, the control associated with the start of communication using the selected relay device 30 can be executed by any of the management systems 50 indicated by the domain information. That is, a load based on the control of the start of communication can be dispersed into a plurality of management systems 50, and thus there is an effect of reducing a load to the management systems 50.
US09438966B2
The subject matter disclosed herein relates to distribution of media content and a system and method for presenting a user-selectable option to permit a user to change a setting for an advertising experience during presentation of such an advertising experience.
US09438962B2
A system which correlates across multiple images to find commonalities among the images and compresses according to those commonalities. The commonalities can be across multiple different images which are unrelated. The information is quantized according to the client that will display the images, and then, and luminance in common color areas are encoded as a single encoding. A WAP application may also be downloaded.
US09438960B2
In an Internet protocol television network, a set-top box includes a social network interface module and a remote control interface module. The social network interface module receives a first selection of a content item from the remote control interface module, and receives a second selection of a comment from the remote control interface module. The social network interface module also posts the second selection on a social network system.
US09438958B2
A method and mechanism for automating user input in an interactive television system. An interactive application is conveyed concurrently with a broadcast programming stream in an interactive television system to a receiver. The interactive application is configured to provide added content to a television viewer upon a request by the viewer. In order to request the display of the available added content, a viewer may provide an indication that the use of a script is desired. Subsequently, a script corresponding to the interactive application is utilized to provide input to the interactive application in lieu of the viewer actively providing the input necessary to display the added content. In addition, a viewer may configure the receiver to indicate default preferences for the use of scripts. The receiver may then utilize a standardized script to provide input to interactive applications having added content available for viewing. Further, a corresponding program, interactive application, added content, and script may be received and stored on a mass storage device. Subsequently, the stored material may be retrieved for display and execution.
US09438957B2
A method and apparatus for serving targeted advertising to a user via a user device are described including receiving content provided by a content provider, rendering the provided content, viewing a commercial, wherein the commercial was spliced into the content based on a default commercial selection algorithm at a commercial break, determining if the user wants to rate the commercial, accepting the user's rating of the commercial if the user wants to rate the commercial and communicating the user's rating of the commercial to the content provider.
US09438956B2
A system, method and various user interfaces enable association of advertising content with requested shared video content for access via a web-based video player. Advertising content is provided selectively in conjunction with playback of video content. Selection of how and where advertising is displayed is based on a flexibly managed balance between providing sufficiently noticeable opportunities to access advertising information and preserving a satisfying viewer experience in watching requested video content.
US09438947B2
A content annotation tool is disclosed. In a configuration, a portion of a movie may be obtained from a database. Entities, such as an actor, background music, text, etc. may be automatically identified in the movie. A user, such as a content producer, may associate and/or provide supplemental content for an identified entity to the database. A selection of one or more automatically identified entities may be received. A database entry may be generated that links the identified entity with the supplemental content. The selected automatically identified one or more entities and/or supplemental content associated therewith may be presented to an end user.
US09438943B2
A method for providing customized information to a plurality of portable communication devices. A customer premises equipment (CPE) synchronizes with at least one of the plurality of portable communication devices. The CPE extracts descriptive data of media content stored in the at least one portable communication device. The CPE searches for a descriptive data of content available at the CPE based on the descriptive data extracted from the at least one portable communication device. The CPE determines that the extracted descriptive data matches the descriptive data of content available at the CPE. The CPE makes the content available to the at least one portable communication device.
US09438939B2
An example apparatus includes a meter to generate first information indicative of a media presentation mode of a media presentation application executed by a wireless communication device during a presentation of the media content received and presented via the wireless communication device, the media content comprising scheduled programming that is broadcasted or multicasted simultaneously to a plurality of other wireless communication devices during a pre-scheduled time; and generate second information indicative of the media content presented via the wireless communication device. A memory is to store the first information in association with the second information in the wireless communication device; and store third information in association with the first and second information. The third information is indicative of at least one of a location of a cell tower used to transmit the media content, an identifier of the cell tower, or an identifier of a wireless network access point.
US09438938B2
Embodiments include an overlay multicast network. The overlay multicast network may provide a set of features to ensure reliable and timely arrival of multicast data. The embodiments include a congestion control system that may prioritize designated layers of data within a data stream over other layers of the same data stream. Each data stream transmitted over the network may be given an equal share of the bandwidth. Addressing in routing tables maintained by routers may utilize summarized addressing based on the difference in location of the router and destination address. Summarization levels may be adjusted to minimize travel distances for packets in the network. Data from high priority data stream layers may also be retransmitted upon request from a destination machine to ensure reliable delivery of data.
US09438931B2
A method of transmitting a broadcast signal includes encoding mobile service data to build a Reed-Solomon (RS) frame according to an RS frame mode, wherein the mobile service data is either a mobile service data of a base layer or a mobile service data of the base layer and at least one enhancement layer, wherein each layer is specified by a layer identifier, wherein a layer identifier value of the base layer is set to 0 and a layer identifier value of the at least one enhancement layer starts from 1; and encoding signaling data, wherein the signaling data includes fast information channel (FIC) data and transmission parameter channel (TPC) data, and the FIC data includes information for rapid mobile service acquisition.
US09438928B2
A mechanism for performing a motion vector search at a current block within a current frame of video data. For each test vector position v of a plurality of test vector positions, compute a rate distortion value J(v) based on a combination of a distortion value D(v) and a bit cost value R(v,p,C). The distortion value D(v) represents a measure of distortion of the current block relative to a corresponding block Bv in the reference frame. The bit cost value R(v,p,C) depends on the test vector position v, a prediction vector p for the current block and a set C of one or more vectors c1, c2, . . . , cn. The one or more vectors c1, c2, . . . , cn are estimates (or predictions) of statistically-popular motion vectors for the current frame. The test vector position v* that gives a minimum rate-distortion value J(v*) is selected as the motion vector for the current block.
US09438927B2
A motion estimation apparatus and method are disclosed. The motion estimation apparatus includes processing element (PE) array units, sub-SAD calculation units, motion vector calculation units, and a minimum motion vector selector. The PE array units each perform parallel processing for each of the three types of coding units. The sub-SAD calculation units calculate respective SAD values for the three types of coding units. The motion vector calculation units calculate respective motion vectors for the three types of coding units. The minimum motion vector selector selects a minimum motion vector from among the motion vectors.
US09438918B2
Described herein are techniques related to frame-level quantization parameter (QP) adjustment in video encoding. In particular, a method of implementing a bit rate control (BRC) algorithm is described to dynamically control the QP during the video encoding.
US09438917B2
System and method embodiments are provided for adaptive bandwidth management for transporting rendered graphics in a virtual desktop infrastructure. The embodiments include a video detection algorithm that enables a driver for a graphics processor at the server's end to identify displayed video data at the user'send. The driver identifies video traffic that is sent to the user device by tracking repeated bitmap operations at the same display area or block of an application displayed window at the user device. When the number of bitmap operations reaches a pre-determined threshold, then the corresponding area is considered a video display area. When detecting that a bandwidth threshold for transporting graphics data from the server to the device is reached, the data corresponding to the detected video area is compressed using a higher compression rate, thus increasing the loss rate of transferred video data to improve playback experience for the user.
US09438915B1
Blocks of a frame of a video stream can be encoded using various prediction modes followed by transforming the predicted blocks. Increasing coding efficiency may be achieved by indicating a default transform mode in a frame header. The default transform mode is a maximum transform size for all blocks of the frame or a per-block transform mode that determined the transform size on a per-block basis. For encoded blocks of the frame, identify a prediction mode is identified by inspecting a block header of a current encoded block, the block header of the current encoded block is inspected if the default transform mode is the per-block transform mode so as to identify a transform size for the current encoded block, and otherwise the transform size for the current encoded block is the maximum transform size, and the current encoded block is decoded using the prediction mode and the transform mode.
US09438913B2
A method for evaluating quality of video streams includes: obtaining video streams; obtain coding information of video frames in the video stream; evaluating the single frame quality according to the coding information of the video frames; and evaluating the sequence quality according to the single frame quality evaluation result. An apparatus and a system for evaluating quality are also provided. Thus, the quality of video data packets transmitted in a channel can be predicted accurately, and the single frame quality evaluation result of the video frames can be obtained immediately.
US09438906B2
A method of encoding an image into a coded image, the method comprising: writing a quantization offset parameter into the coded image, determining a prediction mode type for coding a block of image samples of the image into a coding unit of the coded image, determining a quantization parameter for the block of image samples, and determining if the prediction mode type is of a predetermined type, wherein if the prediction mode type is of the predetermined type, the method further comprises: modifying the determined quantization parameter using the quantization offset parameter, and performing a quantization process for the block of image samples using the modified quantization parameter, and wherein if the prediction mode type is not of the predetermined type, the method further comprises: performing a quantization process for the block of image samples using the determined quantization parameter.
US09438895B2
The receiving apparatus according to the present invention includes a demultiplexer (104) that obtains video signal including data of image for right eye and data of image for left eye, a CPU (102) that obtains display control information included in the video signal, a digital tuner (126) that switches the video signal, and a 3D signal processing unit (130) that controls output of the video signal when switching the video signal based on the display control information.
US09438892B2
A video display device is provided to achieve local control for a high-quality 3D image while reducing extraneous radiation. A video display device that receives video signals from two video signal lines with an identical frame period and is capable of displaying a stereoscopic image based on left-eye and right-eye images, the video display device including: a liquid crystal drive unit; a liquid crystal panel; an LED backlight that has a plurality of light emission areas; a combination unit that generates a composite video signal by combining the video signals with the identical frame period; a local control unit that detects a video feature quantity such as the intensity value of the composite video signal and determines the light-emission intensity value of the light emission area; and an LED driver.
US09438891B2
Aspects of the present invention comprise holocam systems and methods that enable the capture and streaming of scenes. In embodiments, multiple image capture devices, which may be referred to as “orbs,” are used to capture images of a scene from different vantage points or frames of reference. In embodiments, each orb captures three-dimensional (3D) information, which is preferably in the form of a depth map and visible images (such as stereo image pairs and regular images). Aspects of the present invention also include mechanisms by which data captured by two or more orbs may be combined to create one composite 3D model of the scene. A viewer may then, in embodiments, use the 3D model to generate a view from a different frame of reference than was originally created by any single orb.
US09438890B2
An image processor 7 includes: an in-focus area extracting section 72 that extracts an in-focus area of two images with parallax; a color conversion matrix calculating section 73 that obtains a color conversion matrix between the two images by reference to information about the colors of pixels that are included in the in-focus area of the two images; and a color conversion section 74 that converts the color of one of the two images by using the color conversion matrix.
US09438885B2
The 3D image capture device includes a light-transmitting section with n transmitting areas (where n is an integer and n≧2) that have different transmission wavelength ranges and each of which transmits a light ray falling within a first wavelength range, a solid-state image sensor that includes a photosensitive cell array having a number of unit blocks, and a signal processing section that processes the output signal of the image sensor. Each unit block includes n photosensitive cells including a first photosensitive cell that outputs a signal representing the quantity of the light ray falling within the first wavelength range. The signal processing section generates at least two image data with parallax by using a signal obtained by multiplying a signal supplied from the first photosensitive cell by a first coefficient, which is real number that is equal to or greater than zero but less than one.
US09438880B2
There is provided an image processing apparatus that includes a depth-adjustment-amount determination section configured to determine a depth adjustment amount of an input image, an evaluation function storage section configured to store an evaluation function, the evaluation function representing a relationship of a subjective depth amount of the image to a color-saturation component thereof, the subjective depth amount being a depth amount subjectively felt by a user, an input-value-adjustment-amount determination section configured to determine an input-value adjustment amount based on the evaluation function, the input-value adjustment amount representing a retina's response to the color-saturation component corresponding to the determined depth adjustment amount, an adjustment gain calculation section configured to calculate each spatial-frequency-component adjustment gain based on the determined input-value adjustment amount, and a gain superimposition section configured to superimpose each of the calculated spatial-frequency-component adjustment gains on the color-saturation component of the input image.
US09438879B2
Three dimensional [3D] image data and auxiliary graphical data are combined for rendering on a 3D display by detecting depth values occurring in the 3D image data and setting auxiliary depth values for the auxiliary graphical data adaptively in dependence of the detected depth values. The 3D image data and the auxiliary graphical data at the auxiliary depth value are combined based on the depth values of the 3D image data. First an area of attention in the 3D image data is detected. A depth pattern for the area of attention is determined, and the auxiliary depth values are set in dependence of the depth pattern.
US09438873B2
A projector includes an OSD image generation section that generates an OSD image, an OSD processor that generates a combined image in which the OSD image is superimposed on an input image, a light source section that outputs a light flux, a light modulator that modulates the light flux in accordance with the combined image to produce image light, a projection system that projects the image light, and a placement detector that detects whether an additional lens that changes the ratio between values in intersecting two direction in the image light has been inserted into the optical path of the projection system, and when the placement detector detects that the additional lens has been inserted, the OSD image generation section generates the OSD image in accordance with the inserted additional lens.
US09438867B2
A portable hand held optical reader having a specially constructed two-dimensional image sensor array is operational in a bar code decoding mode and in a picture taking mode. The specially constructed image sensor array, in one embodiment, is a hybrid monochrome and color image sensor pixel array, wherein a first subset of the pixels are monochrome pixels devoid of wavelength selective color filter elements and a second subset of the pixels are color sensitive pixels including wavelength selective color filter elements.
US09438865B2
Systems and methods for cloud-based surveillance for a target surveillance area are disclosed. At least two input capture devices and at least one user device are communicatively connected to a cloud-based analytics platform. At least one input capture device is a mobile device with visual sensors. The cloud-based analytics platform automatically analyzes received 2-Dimensional (2D) video and/or image inputs for generating 3-Dimensional (3D) surveillance data and providing 3D display for a target surveillance area.
US09438863B2
A position recognition apparatus and method for determining the position of an object by using a camera are provided. The object may include a controllable light source, and the position recognition apparatus may store identification information of the object. The position recognition apparatus may obtain a spatial image by capturing an image of a place where the object is located, may extract the position of the object by processing the spatial image, and may correlate the extracted position with the object, thereby completing a position map.
US09438860B2
A system and method may include receiving a media stream via a media delivery network, the media stream comprising a plurality of media segments, measuring a plurality of characteristics of a media segment of the plurality of media segments, and assigning a characteristics score to each of the plurality of characteristics. The system and method may further include applying a filter to the media segment to generate a media segment score based on the characteristics scores and to compare the media segment score with a threshold, and outputting a filtered media stream from the filter.
US09438850B2
Disclosed are various embodiments for identifying importance of scenes or moments in video content relative to one another. Closed captioning data is extracted from a video content feature. A textual analysis of the closed captioning data is performed. The importance level of scenes can be ranked with respect to one another.
US09438847B2
An information processing device includes a position acquisition unit to acquire position information periodically. A generating unit generates log data by associating each of the position information with date and time information indicating a date and time at which the position information was acquired. A control unit controls processing for establishing a connection with an image capturing device, and transmitting position information included in the log data to the image capturing device, to add the position information to images recorded on the image capturing device. The control unit performs control so that position information acquired after a predetermined timing, out of position information acquired during connection with the image capturing device, is not transmitted to the image capturing device. The position acquisition unit acquires the plurality of position information before the connection with the image capturing device is established and while the connection with the image capturing device is established.
US09438838B2
An imaging element includes a pixel array which has a plurality of pixels arranged in a two-dimensional matrix, and a plurality of signal output terminals which are provided to correspond to the pixel columns of the pixel array and output the signals of the pixels in the pixel columns. In the plurality of signal output terminals, each predetermined number of signal output terminals is arranged as a set in the column direction of the pixel array. The sets of the predetermined number of signal output terminals are arranged in the row direction of the pixel array.
US09438836B2
A solid-state image sensor has a plurality of pixels including at least a first pixel configured to detect light in a first wavelength range and a second pixel configured to detect light in a second wavelength range, the second wavelength range including a wavelength range on a longer-wavelength side than the first wavelength range. The sensor includes a control portion configured to supply a control signal to the first and second pixels such that a charge accumulation period of the first pixel is different from a charge accumulation period of the second pixel.
US09438817B1
Disclosed are various embodiments of a studio arrangement and a method of capturing images and/or video. One embodiment of the disclosure includes a key light source aimed at a subject, and an image capture position that includes an image capture device aimed at the subject. The subject is placed on an elevated platform. The background behind the elevated platform is a reflective material. The studio arrangement achieves a desired effect of a white background where a rear edge of the elevated platform is imperceptible to the image capture device positioned at the image capture position.
US09438816B2
Multiframe reconstruction combines a set of acquired images into a reconstructed image. Here, which images to acquire are selected based at least in part on the content of previously acquired images. In one approach, a set of at least three images of an object are acquired at different acquisition settings. For at least one of the images in the set, the acquisition setting for the image is determined based at least in part on the content of previously acquired images. Multiframe image reconstruction is applied to the set of acquired images to synthesize a reconstructed image of the object.
US09438813B2
A novel lighting system includes an image capture device, an image processor, and an image projector. In a particular embodiment, the image capture device captures and converts images of a subject into image data, the image processor generates illumination patterns based on the image data, and the image projector projects the illumination patterns onto the subject. Optionally, the lighting system includes a controlled feedback mechanism for periodically updating the illumination pattern. In a more particular embodiment, the lighting system continually updates the illumination pattern to illuminate the subject in real-time.
US09438811B2
There is provided an exposure control apparatus including a photometry amount acquisition unit for acquiring a measured light amount as a photometry amount; a light emission amount control unit for increasing a light emission amount of a light emission unit as the photometry amount is smaller when the photometry amount is within a certain light amount range; and a gain control unit for increasing a gain to an output signal of an image sensor as the photometry amount is smaller when the photometry amount is not within the light amount range and setting the gain to a constant value when the photometry amount is within the light amount range, an image capturing apparatus including the exposure control apparatus, and a method of controlling exposure using the apparatus.
US09438810B2
A dual sensor camera that uses two aligned sensors each having a separate lens of different focal length but the same f-number. The wider FOV image from one sensor is combined with the narrower FOV image from the other sensor to form a combined image. Up-sampling of the wide FOV image and down-sampling of the narrow FOV image is performed. The longer focal length lens may have certain aberrations introduced so that Extended Depth of Field (EDoF) processing can be used to give the narrow FOV image approximately the same depth of field as the wide FOV image so that a noticeable difference in depth of field is not see in the combined image.
US09438809B2
A mobile device includes an embedded digital camera that is configured to capture a burst of N images. The mobile device includes processing circuitry comprising a registration module configured to, for each image within the burst of images: analyze an amount of warp of the image and generate a set of affine matrices indicating the amount of warp of the image. The processing circuitry includes a High Fidelity Interpolation block configured to, for each image within the burst of images: perform affine transformation using the set of affine matrices associated with the image, apply an aliasing-retaining interpolation filter, and implement rotation transformation and sub-pixel shifts, yielding an interpolated image. The processing circuitry includes a blending module configured to receive the N interpolated images and blend the N interpolated images into a single-blended image having a user-selected digital zoom ratio.
US09438801B2
A camera module includes a lens barrel including at least one lens group; a moving frame that includes the lens barrel and moves in an optical axis direction and in a first direction and a second direction that are perpendicular to the optical axis direction; a fixed frame that movably supports the moving frame and provides the moving frame with a driving force in the optical axis direction, a driving force in the first direction, and a driving force in the second direction; and a base that fixes the fixed frame and includes an image sensor that is spaced apart from the at least one lens group in the optical axis direction.
US09438796B2
An imaging system comprising a panoramic visual image display, an associated directional sound playback device, and an associated motion reproduction device is disclosed. The imaging system conveys visual, sound and motion information related to a particular viewing direction to provide a realistic experience for the viewer. The imaging system can also comprise a panoramic visual image recording device capable of recording panoramic images, an associated directional sound capturing device capable of recording sound, and an associated directional motion capturing device capable of recording motion. Recorded panoramic images, sound and motion can be synchronously recorded to a common time code for simultaneous playback.
US09438795B1
A computer-implemented method for method for detecting features in an image. The method includes receiving first and second images at one or more processors. The method also includes processing the first and second images to detect one or more features within the first and second images respectively. The method further includes generating a third image based on processed portions of the first and second images and outputting the third image to another processor. A mobile computing device and GPU are also provided.
US09438792B2
An image-processing apparatus obtains first image data having a first angle of view and second image data having a second angle of view smaller than the first angle of view. The image-processing apparatus then generates third image data by performing weighted combination of the first image data and the second image data, the third image data having a third angle of view determined according to a user command and being smaller than the first angle of view but larger than the second angle of view. Weights used in this weighted combination are such that the closer the third angle of view is to the second angle of view, the larger is the weight on the second image data relative to the weight on the first image data.
US09438791B2
A method, computer program product, and system is described. An aspect of an image is identified. One or more other images are identified based upon, at least in part, the one or more other images including one or more other aspects similar to the identified aspect of the image. One or more image filters associated with the one or more other images, including a first image filter, are identified. The first image filter is applied to the image.
US09438775B2
One variation of a real-time 3D capture system for a mobile electronic device having a camera includes an infrared projector that projects a pattern onto an imaging target; an infrared sensor that captures the pattern; a control module that controls the projector and sensor, takes data from the sensor, determines depth information from the data, and transmits the depth information to the mobile electronic device; a battery that provides power to the projector, sensor, and control module; a software module connected to the mobile electronic device that controls communication of data from the camera and depth information between the control module and the mobile electronic device; a mounting bracket that removably attaches the apparatus to the mobile electronic device such that the capture system when attached maintains alignment with the camera; and a chassis that holds the projector, sensor, control module, and battery, and attaches to the mounting bracket.
US09438761B1
A method, non-transitory computer readable medium and apparatus for automatically installing a connection to a device on a recipient endpoint device via an email are disclosed. For example, the method includes opening a device list application on an endpoint device, wherein the device list application includes one or more devices that are connected to the endpoint device, receiving an indication to share the one or more devices with the recipient endpoint device, opening an email interface with an attachment containing information associated with the one or more devices, receiving an email address associated with the recipient endpoint device and transmitting the email with the attachment, wherein the attachment is for automatically installing the connection to the one or more devices on the recipient endpoint device when the attachment is activated within a second device list application that is opened on the recipient endpoint device.
US09438760B2
A scanner including: a medium which is conveyed in a first direction along a conveying path; a read unit disposed in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction; a light emitting unit that emits first light to the read unit across the conveying path; and a detection unit that detects a length of the medium in the second direction, based on information on an intensity of the first light detected in the second direction.
US09438758B2
When the reception section has received a duplex printing instruction, the operation control section controls an sheet feeding unit to feed one sheet, and controls an image forming unit to form an image of a first page on one side of the sheet, and controls the sheet conveying unit to discharge the sheet. When the reception section has received an instruction indicating that the discharged sheet is an unused sheet with the formed image, the operation control section controls the sheet feeding unit to feed one sheet set in a manual feed tray, and controls the image forming unit to form an image of a second page on the other side of the sheet. The operation control section controls the feeding unit to feed a sheet, and controls the image forming unit to form images of a third page and subsequent pages on both sides of the sheet.
US09438757B2
An image forming apparatus includes an image reading unit, an image forming unit, a discharge unit, and a discharge tray. The image reading unit is configured to read a document placed on a document placement table by moving and scanning of a scanning body in a sub-scanning direction. The image forming unit is configured to form an image read by the image reading unit on a paper sheet. The discharge unit is configured to discharge the paper sheet on which an image is formed by the image forming unit to a direction perpendicular to the sub-scanning direction. The discharge tray is on which the paper sheet from the discharge unit is to be placed with a space portion at a lower side of the image reading unit. A bottom surface of a housing of the image reading unit facing the discharge tray is constituted of a first surface and a second surface. The first surface is a surface at a front side of the discharge unit in a discharging direction and high with respect to the discharge tray. The second surface is a surface at a back side of the discharge unit in the discharging direction lower than the first surface with respect to the discharge tray. A pulling member and/or a movable wiring are/is arranged at an upper side of the second surface inside the housing. The pulling member is configured to move the scanning body back and forth in the sub-scanning direction. One end portion of the movable wiring is secured to the scanning body.
US09438749B2
The technique relates to a method and system for providing a plurality of telecommunication services from disparate telecommunication service providers. This technique involves authenticating the client at the time of login to the system based on the received user credentials from the client. Displaying a list of available telecommunication services and service providers to the authenticated client and prompting the client to select one or more telecommunication services and service providers from whom the client wishes to avail the selected services. Once the client selects the desired services and service providers, it generates a service request and forward the same to the APIs of the selected service providers for rendering the selected services.
US09438740B2
A method of operating a portable terminal having a dual Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) card is provided. The method includes displaying a message regarding whether to set a dual SIM active function, selecting an area included in the message, and confirming a setting of the dual SIM active function upon the selection of the area included in the message.
US09438738B2
In one embodiment, a method includes determining when an incoming call from a caller to a callee is to be routed for processing by a voice mail arrangement, and obtaining status information associated with the callee when the incoming call is to be routed for processing by the voice mail arrangement. The method also includes generating a first greeting based on the status information, and processing the call. Processing the call includes causing the first greeting to be played for the caller.
US09438737B2
This provides for controlling mobile device functions and features. For example, it limits or disables the use of some of mobile device features which could cause distraction to the user, when the user is engaged in another activity. In an example, it enables other mobile device features based on occurrence of events related to the user or environment. Another example addresses controlling the mobile device features, such as SMS, while the user is in a vehicle or driving. Another example restricts the ability of the driver of a vehicle to text, while the vehicle is in motion, by automatically disabling the texting ability of mobile device within and around the perimeter of the driver's seat. Other variations, examples, improvements, detection mechanisms, models, techniques, calculations, verification mechanisms, and features are also described in details.
US09438736B2
This document discusses, among other things, limiting contact to a networked contact center that is a host to multiple tenants. In an example embodiment, a communication is received by a networked contact center. In determining whether to allow the communication to reach contact center resources, a contact rate value may be examined. The contact rate value may represent an allowable quantity of contact within a time interval. For some example embodiments, a determination of whether the network contact center is to accept or reject the communication is made based on the contact rate value.
US09438730B1
Various embodiments of the invention provide methods, systems, and computer-program products for setting up a callback for a party placed on hold. In particular embodiments, speech analytics is used to listen in on a party once the party has been placed on hold for a keyword spoken by the party indicating the party would like to receive a callback. In response to detecting the keyword spoken by the party, a notification is sent to a component such as an IVR and in turn, the IVR interacts with the party to obtain information from the party with respect to placing a callback to the party. Accordingly, this information is recorded so that a callback can be placed to the party at a later time by some type of call handler component such as, for example, a dialer or PBX.
US09438721B2
Embodiments are provided for distinguishing certain transportation modes for an electronic device based on connection signal data. According to certain aspects, the electronic device may determine (458) that it is being transported by a vehicle. The electronic device searches or detects (460) nearby WLAN and/or WPAN signals and identifies (464), based on the detected signals, how many devices are nearby the electronic device. The electronic device compares (468) the number of nearby devices to a threshold amount and, based on the comparison, either initiates (472) a public transportation mode or initiates (470) a driving mode.
US09438715B2
Embodiments of the present invention disclose a method and an apparatus for controlling a play mode, and a mobile terminal. The method includes: detecting whether a mobile terminal is in a preset status according to an operation of a user on the mobile terminal; if the mobile terminal is in the preset status, acquiring a distance between the user and the mobile terminal; and if the distance between the user and the mobile terminal is smaller than a preset threshold, controlling the mobile terminal to enter an earphone play mode. Trough the present invention, the play mode of the mobile terminal can be effectively and accurately controlled, thereby avoiding unnecessary operations and improving the intelligence of the mobile terminal.
US09438711B2
An object of the present invention is to provide a cellular telephone terminal in which intuitive operation is possible, by providing a rotary dial portion. A cellular telephone terminal is provided with: a body that includes an operation unit side body, a display part side body, and a hinge mechanism that connects the operation unit side body g and the display part side body; a rotary dial portion, which is rotatable around a rotational axis, and which is attached to the body with a standard position; a mark which serves as an indicator for a rotation amount of the rotary dial portion; and a control part that causes one application among a plurality of applications to enter a state in which activation thereof is possible, based on the rotation amount of the rotary dial portion.
US09438709B2
A portable terminal is provided having a front surface and a curved side surface in which the portable terminal is operated in a general mode in which an application is displayed on a main display area of the front surface, and in response to the occurrence of the event while in the general mode, the display is controlled to display event information related to the event on an auxiliary display area of the curved side surface and display the application on the main display area.
US09438705B2
Embodiments relate to data processing. A method includes analyzing a plurality of data items in a relational database, where different portions of the data items are stored in a plurality of servers. The method also includes determining a maximum size of a subset of the data items stored in each of at least two servers among the plurality of servers, calculating a logarithm function based on the maximum size of the subset of the data items in each of the two servers, and calculating a highest number of sequences of communications between the two servers such that when the logarithmic function is iteratively applied, a value of the logarithmic function remains smaller than one. A protocol is then generated between the two servers for performing an intersection operation using the highest number of sequences calculated.
US09438701B2
The present disclosure is directed towards a system and method for providing a SPDY to HTTP gateway via a device intermediary to a plurality of clients and a server. An NPN handshake by the intermediary device may establish SPDY support. The intermediary device may receive and process one or more control frames via SPDY session with the client. The intermediary device may generate and transmit HTTP communication to server corresponding to SPDY control frames. The intermediary device may receive and process one or more HTTP responses from server. The intermediary device may generate and transmit SPDY communication via SPDY session to client corresponding to HTTP response.
US09438700B2
A method of sending alerts from servers to client devices is provided. The alert can be generated with a server application and may include customer information. The alert may then be sent to a message router. The message router receives a station ID of the client device based on the customer information. A communication type of the client device can be determined based on the station ID and one or more of a plurality of protocol gateways can be selected based on the communication type. The alert can be forwarded to the selected one or more of the plurality of protocol gateways where it may be formatted for the selected client device. The formatted alert may then be forwarded via the network to the selected client device.
US09438695B2
In order to improve the safety against unauthorized access and spying in a method and a respective computer program product for the script-controlled execution of at least one application on a computer, using the help of a software robot, which controls a graphic user interface (28, 28a, 28b) by applying pattern recognition, it is provided to install on the computer a terminal server and, preferably by a first program component (18, 18a, 18b), to start a terminal client, which establishes via a remote control protocol a remote connection to the terminal server. Here, the terminal client provides the graphic user interface (28, 28a, 28b) for the software robot. Within a session (24, 24a, 24b) allocated to the terminal client then a second program component (22, 22a, 22b) is started, which calls the software robot and implements a script (26, 26a, 26b) to execute at least one application.
US09438682B2
Method and apparatus for monitoring the status and location of personnel using a remote timer. In some embodiments, a method includes logging in, through a network accessible device, a geo position of a subject to initiate a monitored session associated with the subject. A countdown timer of a remote server is initiated to denote a monitored time interval, the remote server in communication with the network accessible device over a network. A notification is generated and transmitted across the network to a monitoring device responsive to a conclusion of the monitored time interval.
US09438674B2
An appliance interconnection system and method. The system includes a high speed private local area network (LAN) and a logical cluster of appliances comprising a plurality of physical sub-clusters of appliance nodes. Each node of the appliance nodes includes a different generation node. The plurality of sub-clusters are interconnected via the high speed private LAN. A sub-cluster (N) of the plurality of physical sub-clusters comprises a first plurality of nodes of the appliance nodes. The sub-cluster (N) is associated with a plurality of (M) generation appliances of the logical cluster of appliances. Each appliance of the plurality of (M) generation appliances comprises a same type of appliance. (N) comprises a first cluster number and (M) comprises a first generation number of a first generation. The plurality of sub-clusters, in combination, form a single logical cluster.
US09438668B2
Disclosed is a method and system for managing one or more message queues in a peer-to-peer communication network. The system comprises of an initialization module, a queue manager, a load balancing module, a queue monitor and a fault detection and handling module. The initialization module initiates a communication channel between one or more peers through the message queue. The queue manager is configured to manage communication between peers through a unified communication system. The load balancing module uniformly distributes a load across the message queues for a transaction. The queue monitor is configured to monitor the message queues corresponding to a service and a transcode related to the service. The fault detection and handling module is configured to detect state of the server in the unified communication system and dynamically route the messages in the message queue to a next available server.
US09438665B1
A system that implements distributed storage may schedule and track control plane operations for performance at the distributed storage service. Information may be maintained for control plane events detected at a distributed storage system. Resource utilization for currently performing control plane operations and currently scheduled control plane operations of the distributed storage system may be determined. The information about detected control plane events may be analyzed to schedule control plane operations to be performed in response to detecting the control plane events. As part of scheduling control plane operations, resource constraints may be applied to the determine resource utilization for the distributed storage system.
US09438664B2
A method of transmitting content from a server to a client executing an application is disclosed. A request from a client for a file that includes content related to executing an application is received. The request is responded to by transmitting a modified file that includes initial portions of the file that are sufficient to permit initial functioning of the application, wherein the modified file is formatted with at least one placeholder for remaining portions of the file. The application can begin to access the initial portions of the file by accessing the modified file. The application can access the remaining portions of the file using the at least one placeholder.
US09438663B2
A relay apparatus, which communicates with an operation device, operates in cooperation with a first server and a second server to send data identification information that identifies electronic data to be output from an output apparatus to the first server in response to a first request transmitted from the first server, and to send the electronic data obtained by the first server using the data identification information and output apparatus identification information that identifies the output apparatus to the second server in response to a second request transmitted from the second server to control output of the electronic data from the output apparatus.
US09438658B2
Technology to provide streaming with coordination of video orientation (CVO) is disclosed. In an example, a server can include computer circuitry configured to: receive a device capability for a client; and modify streamed content to the client based on an inclusion of a CVO attribute in the device capability.
US09438655B2
A method for positioning video feeds of a video conference on an electronic display. The method includes selecting a first property of the plurality of video feeds used to position the plurality of video feeds on the electronic display. A first and second value of the first property is received from a respective first and second video feed. A request for a layout style of the plurality of video feeds on the electronic display is received. The layout style has a plurality of positions for the plurality of video feeds. Each of the plurality of positions has a criteria of the first property. The first and second video feed belong is positioned on the layout. The positioning is based on a relationship of the criteria of each of the plurality of positions to the first and second values.
US09438654B2
A method of Dynamic Adaptive Streaming over Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP) (DASH) comprising accessing a DASH media presentation at a given time of a period on a media timeline of the DASH media presentation, and determining one or more parameters to express a state of the DASH media presentation, wherein the parameters comprise a temporal parameter that indicates the given time, and wherein the given time is relative to a start of the period.
US09438649B2
Disclosed herein are systems, methods, and software for providing warped event presentations in calendars. A calendar is set to an active time zone and a period of time is identified within which to display a warped presentation of events scheduled to occur outside of the active time zone. For at least an event scheduled to occur outside of the active time zone at a time in a different time zone that falls within the period of time, the event is presented in the calendar as if the event were scheduled for that time, but in the active time zone.
US09438634B1
Systems for providing vulnerability scanning within distributed microservices are provided herein. In some embodiments, a system includes a plurality of microsegmented environments that each includes a hypervisor, an enforcement point that has an active probe device, and a plurality of virtual machines that each implements at least one microservice. The system also has a cloud data center server coupled with the plurality of microsegmented environments over a network. The cloud data center server has a security controller configured to provide a security policy to each of the plurality of microsegmented environments and an active probe controller configured to cause the active probe device of the plurality of microsegmented environments to execute a vulnerability scan.
US09438629B2
A client device (100) determines whether or not access is allowed, based on security levels that are set for an application program and data held in a server device (200), and performs authentication with the server device (200) based on a challenge code generated using packet data from the application program. The server device (200), when the challenge code is transmitted thereto, transmits a preset response code to the client device (100), and permits access by the client device (100) if the server device (200) receives a set response to the response code from the client device (100).
US09438621B2
Artificial Immune Systems (AIS) including the Dendritic Cell Algorithm (DCA) are an emerging method to detect malware in computer systems. An implementation of the DCA may detect anomalous behavior in various embedded network systems. Unlike previous approaches, the DCA implementation may use an inflammation signal to communicate information among the nodes of a distributed or centralized network, where the inflammatory signal indicates a likelihood to the connected nodes that a local node has been attacked by malicious software.
US09438619B1
Systems and methods are described herein for calculating trust score based on crowdsourced information. The trust score may reflect the trustworthiness, reputation, membership, status, and/or influence of an entity in a particular community or in relation to another entity. The trust score may be calculated based on data received from a variety of public and private data sources, including “crowdsourced” information. For example, users may provide and/or comment on attributes, characteristics, features, or any other information about another user. These inputs may serve to both validate the available data as well as provide additional information about the user that may not be otherwise available. The participation of the “crowd” may form a type of validation in itself and give comfort to second-order users, who know that the crowd can spectate and make contributions to the attributes, characteristics, features, and other information.
US09438610B2
A method for preventing tampering with the accessibility of resources specified by Universal Resource Locators (URLs) comprising receiving a primary URL from a web server; creating a unique identifier and associating, in a database, the unique identifier with the received primary URL; creating a secondary URL that includes the unique identifier; and providing the secondary URL to the web server wherein the primary URL is cross referenced to the secondary URL through the unique identifier.
US09438606B1
Aspects of the present disclosure are directed towards environmental based location monitoring. Environmental based location monitoring can include collecting, a first set of image data that corresponds to a first set of environmental characteristics existing within a bounded area encompassing a hardware element of the computer and determining an environmental difference based on a difference between a first location corresponding to a geographic position of the hardware element relative to the first set of environmental characteristics and a second location corresponding to an approved geographic position of the hardware element. Environmental based location monitoring can include determining that the environmental difference does not satisfy a threshold and executing a reaction sequence in the computer, in response to determining that the environmental difference does not satisfy the threshold.
US09438589B2
A method and system are described for authenticating one or more digital files in which a feature, characteristic or a portion of the contents of said files is implanted into one or more biometric information files, which are electronically recorded and transmitted and in which the identity of the originator or a trusted third party and all or part of the feature, characteristic or a portion of the contents of said files is determined from said biometric information files.
US09438584B2
A method of provisioning DRM credentials on a client device, comprising receiving DRM credentials at an update server from a key generation system, the DRM credentials having been encrypted by the key generation system, receiving a DRM credential request from a client device, the DRM credential request comprising a digital signature, a device class certificate, and an authorization token, authenticating the DRM credential request by validating the digital signature and the device class certificate, extracting and validating the authorization token, and providing the DRM credentials to the client device.
US09438582B2
A system, computer-readable storage medium storing at least one program, and a computer-implemented method for controlling a local utility are disclosed. A first request originating from an application and including a first token is received at a local utility. The application received a web page, including a plurality of links and the first token, from a first server. The plurality of links are received by the application from a second server. The first token is authenticated. Authentication includes sending the first token to a third server. In response to authenticating the first token, a second token is generated at the local utility. The second token is sent to the application for inclusion in subsequent requests from the application.
US09438573B2
A cloud server communicates with a network controller over communication channels of a communication network to securely install a new device having a unique identifier and a device key onto a home-control network associated with a network key. The network device sends its unique identifier over the home-control network to the network controller and the network controller passes the unique identifier over the communication channels to the cloud server. the cloud server retrieves a device key associated with the network device based on the unique identifier and transmits the device key to the network controller over the communication channels. The network controller sends a message comprising the device key to the network device over the home-control network. The message is formatted to deliver the network key to the network device to permit the network device to send and receive messages comprising the network key over the home-control network.
US09438570B2
A software system and method for executing secure commercial transactions online is disclosed. The system intercepts and verifies, against consumer provided inputs, Secure Socket Layer (SSL) communications from normal Web browser usage. The system can include a software module loaded onto the consumer's client computer, and which uses independently-derived look-ups to associate a web domain name with its SSL public key to verify that a given web session is appropriately encrypted.
US09438568B2
Exemplary systems and methods are directed to decrypting electronic messages in a network. The system includes a processor configured to receive or monitor message sources for encrypted messages, where private keys associated with the encrypted messages are not previously provided to the system. For each message, extract a set of user certificate identifiers and corresponding encrypted session keys, securely communicate with private key provider to decrypt the encrypted session key with an acquired private key, and decrypt the message with the unencrypted session key.
US09438567B1
Data transfer is effected by a remote packet-communicating device to facilitate the transfer of data from a data source to another device that is local to the remote device. According to an example embodiment of the present invention, a host server provides access to a user's data source (e.g., at a registered user's PC) in response to a request from a remote packet-communicating device. The remote device directs the host server to facilitate the transfer of data from the data source to another device that is local to the remote device. In one implementation, a remote device and a media playback device are in communication on a local area network (LAN), and the remote device controls the communication of data from the data source to the media playback device, by interacting with a host server via a packet-communicating network and a gateway at the LAN.
US09438561B2
Nodes of a per-pattern NFA may be stored amongst one or more of a plurality of memories based on a node distribution determined as a function of hierarchical levels mapped to the plurality of memories and per-pattern NFA storage allocation settings configured for the hierarchical levels. At least one processor may be configured to cache one or more nodes of the per-pattern NFA in the node cache based on a cache miss of a given node of the one or more nodes and a hierarchical node transaction size associated with a given hierarchical level mapped to a given memory in which the given node is stored, optimizing run time performance of the walk.
US09438560B2
The disclosed method may include (1) identifying a data center application whose functionality is provided by a set of systems, (2) organizing, automatically by the computing device, the set of systems into one or more application model groups by, for each system in the set of systems, identifying an attribute of the system that is indicative of a security context under which the system should operate and assigning the system to an application model group for which the security context will be provided, and (3) for each application model group in the one or more application model groups, protecting the application model group by selecting a firewall configuration that will provide the security context for the application model group and by using the selected firewall configuration to protect the application model group. Various other methods, systems, and computer-readable media are also disclosed.
US09438546B2
Disclosed herein are systems, methods, and software for facilitating collaboration within message environments. In an implementation, a message system receives a request to send on behalf of a sender a message having an attachment. In response to the request, the message system generates a collaborative version of the attachment within a location associated with the sender. The collaborative version of the attachment may be modified to reflect updates initiated on behalf of recipients of the message.
US09438543B2
A user selects a content item that he wishes to send. He then performs a gesture to specify a direction toward which the content item is to be sent. For example, he pretends to “throw” his portable communications device toward the West. To receive the content item, potential recipients also make gestures that specify receiving directions. For example, a recipient pretends to “catch” a ball thrown from the East. If the sending and receiving directions are compatible, then the content item is sent from the sender's device to the recipient's device. Enhancements to the basic scheme described above can be made to, for example, specify a dispersion angle for the sending or receiving directions or to include other restrictions so that, for example, only intended recipients can receive the content even if other potential recipients are in the specified sending direction and make appropriate receiving gestures.
US09438539B1
A packet processor includes a packet memory manager configured to receive a single header reference count and a single payload reference count for a packet. A page link list walk for the header under the control of the header reference count is performed in parallel with a page link list walk for the payload under the control of the payload reference count.
US09438538B2
A system for matching data using flow based packet data storage includes a communications interface and a processor. A communications interface receives a packet between a source and a destination. The processor identifies a flow between the source and the destination based on the packet. The processor determines whether some of packet data of the packet indicates a potential match to data in storage using hashes. The processor then stores the data from the most likely data match and second most likely data match without a packet header in a block of memory in the storage based on the flow.
US09438535B2
Methods and systems for a plurality of physical layers for network connection may include coupling a MAC to one of a plurality of PHYs. The coupling to a specific PHY may be based on auto-detection of network activity, or network devices, via the PHYs. Also, one of the PHYs may be coupled to the MAC as a power-up default. The PHYs may be coupled to a same network, by, for example, cables. A first cable to a first PHY may couple it to a first network switch and a second cable to a second PHY may couple it to a second network switch. The first network switch may be rated to handle, for example, a greater data rate than the second network switch. The first cable may not be able to be used as a cable for the second PHY, and vice versa.
US09438531B2
The present disclosure describes methods and systems for enabling a migration of network elements from a first location to a second location remote from the first location without changing the Internet Protocol (IP) addresses, subnet mask, and/or default gateway of the network elements. The first location has a first Locator/Identifier Separation Protocol (LISP) router configured on a stick and the second location having a second LISP router configured on a stick. Both the first LISP router and the second LISP router are on the same subnet. Effectively, LISP provides a Layer 3 extension stretching a subnet across the first location and the second location (Stretched Subnet Mode (SSM)). By implementing LISP routers in this manner, system engineers can migrate network elements easily between two locations.
US09438527B2
In an apparatus for receiving and forwarding data packets on a network, a network device includes a plurality of ports for coupling to the network and for transmitting packets to devices disposed in or coupled to the network. At least one processor configured to process packets received via the network processes packets by selectively forwarding processed packets to one or more of the ports. A plurality of queues are defined in a memory, each configured to store packets to be transmitted by ports in the plurality of ports. A queue manager is configured to selectively assign a subset of the plurality of queues to a subset of the plurality of ports.
US09438524B2
Systems, methods, and non-transitory computer-readable storage media for verifying service contracts by measuring rates of out-of-contract traffic. The method is discussed in terms of a system implementing the method. The system determines, based on packet markings, a number of network packets that are classified as out-of-contract by a network device, wherein the packet markings indicate a classification associated with respective network packets. The packet markings can be Differentiated Services Code Point markings Moreover, the classification associated with respective network packets can include a class of service and at least one of an in-contract status and an out-of-contract status. Next, the system measures network packets sent to the network device. Finally, the system determines how the network device is configured to classify incoming packets based on the number of network packets that are classified as out-of-contract by the network device and the network packets sent to the network device.
US09438518B2
Described is a method for channel management on one or more digital signal processors. The method distinguishes itself by the fact that channel management occurs at any time based on a current load utilization of each digital signal processor, taking into account an actual load requirement of each channel and a maximum total performance capacity of each digital signal processor. The invention also relates to a device for carrying out the method.
US09438516B2
In a secure network where the network characteristics are not known, a call admission control algorithm and a preemption control algorithm based on a destination node informing the source node of the observed carried traffic are used to regulate the amount of traffic that needs to be preempted by the source. The amount of traffic that needs to be preempted is based on the carried traffic measured at the destination node. The traffic to be preempted is based on the priority of the traffic, where the lowest priority traffic is the first to be preempted until the amount of traffic preempted is sufficient to allow the remaining traffic to pass through the network without congestion.
US09438515B2
A method and apparatus are provided for monitoring resource utilization within a connection oriented switch. An operator defines a utilization threshold in terms of percentage of maximum capacity, and a connection resource tracker determines whether utilization of specified resources within the switch have exceeded this threshold. The switch then either sends a report to the operator identifying all such resources, or generates an alarm, revealing sources of congestion within the switch without requiring the operator to manually query each resource. The method and apparatus can alternatively be used to monitor for underutilization of resources. The method and apparatus allow rapid diagnostic and simplified monitoring of connection oriented switches.
US09438514B2
The present invention discloses a wireless electronic device including an adaptive antenna device, a wireless communication module and a processing unit. The adaptive antenna includes a horizontal antenna module arranged to transmit data in a plurality of certain horizontal directions and a vertical antenna module arranged to transmit data in a plurality of certain vertical directions. The processing unit enables the wireless communication module to enable the horizontal antenna module to scan signals along the certain horizontal directions to obtain a horizontal scan result when the wireless electronic device is powered up. The processing unit further determines whether at least one electronic device is available in at least one of the certain horizontal directions according to the horizontal scan result, and enables the horizontal antenna module and the vertical antenna module to directionally transmit data to the electronic device in the certain horizontal directions.
US09438512B2
Presented herein are techniques useful in a network comprising a plurality of network nodes each configured to apply one or more service functions to traffic that passes through the respective network nodes. A network node receives packets encapsulated in a service header that includes information defining a first set of context headers stacked into an association of metadata that is relevant to one or more service functions within a service path comprised of one or more network nodes. The network node performs at least one of the service functions in the service path and rewrites the service header with a second set of context headers. The second set of context headers include metadata derived from performing the service function(s) at the network node.
US09438510B2
According to an example, in a method for calculating a route, a first network device may add a protocol attribute supported by a link to a link state protocol data unit (LSP) of the first network device according to a protocol attribute supported by a port of the first network device and a protocol attribute supported by a port of a neighbor network device when establishing an adjacency, and may flood the LSP. The first network device may receive a LSP from a neighbor network device, parse a protocol attribute supported by a link contained in the received LSP, record the protocol attribute supported by the link contained in the received LSP in local network topology information, to obtain updated network topology information. And the first network device may calculate a route according to the updated network topology information. A network device and a computing device may calculate a route.
US09438505B1
A multi-stage TCAM may include a plurality of tables on a pipeline and may store flow rules, including a key, an action, and a priority. The flow rule's key, which may consist of a number of bits, may be divided into several buckets. For each bucket, a hardware table on the multi-stage TCAM may be created. The first bucket may be used as a lookup key to the first table, and an output from this first table may be used as a lookup key to the next table on the pipeline. Because the full flow key need not be stored in a single TCAM table, a capacity of the TCAM can be maximized with its width minimized.
US09438485B1
A computer readable storage medium with executable instructions specifies the execution of a state machine operating across a set of computing nodes in a distributed computing system. The executable instructions execute a set of operators, where the execution of each operator is under the control of a state machine that periodically invokes pause control states to pause the execution of an operator in response to a violation of a service level agreement specifying an operating condition threshold within the distributed computing system. Partitions of input data are formed that are worked on independently within the distributed computing system. A set of data batches associated with the input data is processed. Data partition control states to process the partitions associated with the set of data batches are specified. Key control states to process a set of keys associated with a data partition of the partitions are defined.
US09438481B2
Methods and system for sample-driven visual programming system. A Parser Utility and a Trigger Utility are provided. The Parser is defined based on a sample output from a device in real time, and data are parsed into a set of variables. The Trigger Utility visually displays the set of variables and automatically encodes a set of logic loops to analyze the data. A network engineer is therefore liberated from writing scripts for network data analysis. A system is provided to run in debugging mode for visually debugging the automatically generated programs.
US09438480B2
A method includes performing operations as follows on a processor: communicating with a data processing system to collect empirical data associated with operations of the data processing system, communicating with a customer feedback system to collect user sentiment data associated with the data processing system, generating an operational status of the data processing system based on the empirical data, generating a sentimental status of the data processing system based on the user sentiment data, and generating a composite status of the data processing system based on the operational status and the sentimental status.
US09438479B1
In an approach for distributed management of a network, a processor discovers a network, wherein the network is comprised of a plurality of nodes and an at least one switch. A processor identifies a first port associated with the at least one node. A processor identifies a link between the first port and a second port within the network. A processor determines the at least one link is properly configured. A processor selects a first node of the plurality of nodes to be a master node, wherein the master node is configured to manage the network. A processor initializes a routing table, wherein the routing table contains locations of each node in the plurality of nodes and a location of the at least one switch. A processor adjusts by the first node, the routing table based on the change to the network.
US09438475B1
Techniques described herein provide enhanced address allocation services in a network. A switch device in communication with a host device is configured as an address relay device and receives an address request message from the host device. The switch device modifies the address request message to include a response address that uniquely identifies the switch device. The switch device adds in a field of the address request message subnetwork information that identifies a subnetwork to which the host device belongs. The switch device sends the modified address request message to an address server.
US09438469B2
An auto-configuration server (ACS) and a management method of customer premises equipments (CPEs) thereof are provided, and the ACS includes a sub server communication module and a group management module. When an online message is received from a new CPE, the management method includes performing an extension procedure including the following steps. A health value of the ACS is calculated. When the health value of the ACS is less than or equal to a health threshold, a new group and a sub server corresponding to the new group are added and the new CPE is managed by the sub server corresponding to the new group.
US09438458B1
A method and system are provided for converting wideband analog radio frequency (RF) signals to a digital domain. In an implementation, the system comprises: an amplifier for receiving and amplifying a first wideband analog RF signal comprising one or more first narrowband analog RF signals, each first narrowband analog RF signal occupying a distinct non-overlapping spectral band within a spectrum of the first wideband analog RF signal; N down converter modules; N analog-to-digital converters (ADCs); and a cross-connect for connecting any one of the N down converter modules to one or more of the N ADCs to analog-to-digital convert only the first narrowband analog RF signals occupying the distinct non-overlapping spectral bands. The method and system of the present disclosure track the occupied bandwidth of the narrowband analog RF signals that make up a wideband analog RF signal rather than a total bandwidth of the wideband analog RF signal.
US09438457B2
A transmitter comprises a first peak-to-average-power ratio (PAPR) suppression circuit, a second peak-to-average-power ratio (PAPR) suppression circuit, and a first modulator. The first PAPR suppression circuit may receive a first sequence of time-domain symbols to be transmitted, alter the first sequence based on each of a plurality of symbol ordering and/or inversion descriptors to generate a corresponding plurality of second sequences of time-domain symbols, measure a PAPR corresponding to each of the second sequences, select one of the plurality of symbol ordering and/or inversion descriptors based on the measurement of PAPR, and convey the selected one of the symbol ordering and/or inversion descriptors to the second PAPR suppression circuit. The second PAPR suppression circuit may receive the first sequence of time-domain symbols to be transmitted, and alter the first sequence based on the selected one of the symbol ordering and/or inversion descriptors to generate a reordered and/or inverted symbol sequence.
US09438455B2
An orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) modulation method, which includes phase modulating both the real and imaginary components of an OFDM signal.
US09438451B2
A system and a method is disclosed for selecting at least one vertical precoding vector of a three-dimensional Multiple Input Multiple Output (3D-MIMO) configuration based on Channel State Information-Reference Signal (CSI-RS) information that is feedback from a wireless terminal device to an evolved Node B (eNB). The 3D-MIMO CSI-RS process is configured for a plurality of CSI-RS ports in which the plurality of CSI-RS ports that are grouped into a plurality of CSI-RS port groups and in which corresponds to the 3D arrangement of antennas. CSI configuration information for the different CSI-RS port groups can be a time-domain-based CSI-RS process, a frequency-domain-based CSI-RS process, a code-domain-based CSI-RS process, or a combination thereof. CSI-RS information is measured for each CSI-RS group and feedback for selection of the at least one vertical precoding vector.
US09438450B1
A receiver is provided. The receiver includes a CTLE receiving a received signal, and generating a first equalized signal by processing the received signal according to a pole and a boost level; a slicing circuit coupled to the CTLE, generating a data signal according to the first equalized signal and a feedback equalization signal; a DFE coupled to the slicing circuit, generating the feedback equalization signal by processing the data signal according to a DFE coefficient set. Furthermore, the boost level is adjusted according to a first DFE coefficient of the DFE coefficient set, while the pole is adjusted according to the second and third DFE coefficients.
US09438449B2
The present invention relates to a data sampling method: sampling a physical quantity according to a sampling frequency fs≦fsh, fsh=ζmax/ε being the upper limit of the sampling frequency; and a data sampling method and system: sampling a physical quantity with a sampling frequency satisfying Nyquist theorem, firstly performing low-pass filtering on an obtained sampled sequence, and then re-sampling, the re-sampling frequency fs≦ζmax/ε, where ε is the Z-domain error of a sampling system, and ζmax the maximum error of an S-domain. The present invention also relates to a parameter identification method and system which firstly adopt the above data sampling method and system to obtain sampled data, and then utilize the sampled data to perform dynamic and/or static parameter identification. The data sampling method and system and the parameter identification method and system of the present invention solve technical difficulties such as relatively large errors in sampled data, digital control instability, and parameter identification failure.
US09438441B2
An intelligent switch control system (10) mainly includes a mobile information apparatus (101) and a wireless control apparatus (102). The wireless control apparatus (102) is assembled and arranged in a rotary switch (201) to detect a rotation angle or a rotation position of the rotary switch (201) to monitor a usage status of an equipment (20) having the rotary switch (201). The wireless control apparatus (102) detects a switch status information and sends the switch status information to the mobile information apparatus (101), so that the user can receive an instant status by the mobile information apparatus (101) and controls the rotary switch (201) from a far-end side by the mobile information apparatus (101).
US09438438B2
Disclosed is a method for determining whether or not a machine-to-machine (M2M) group identifier (MGID) for identifying a multicast service flow shared by a group of M2M communication terminals in an M2M group zone allocated to a terminal is supported in a wireless access system that supports M2M communication. The method comprises the steps of: receiving, from a first base station, an ID of an M2M group zone to which the first base station belongs; receiving, from the first base station, an MGID and an ID of an M2M group zone in which the MGID is supported; receiving, from the first base station or from a second base station, an ID of an M2M group zone to which the second base station belongs; and determining whether or not the received MGID is supported on the basis of the received ID of the M2M group zone to which the second base station belongs.
US09438436B2
A multicast status availability indication from an anchor (24) is provided to a plurality of base nodes (22) that are part of a multicast group serviced by the anchor (24). The availability status indication in one example is sent autonomously by the anchor (24) independent of any inquiry or attempted setup of a new session with that anchor by a base mode (22). The base modes (22) maintain a candidate anchor set that includes information regarding currently available anchors for establishing new sessions, for example.
US09438431B2
A method 10 of transmitting traffic in a communications network. The method comprises receiving client signal having a client bit rate and comprising traffic to be transmitted 12 and monitoring an indicator indicative of said client bit rate 12. The method further comprises setting a transmission bit rate at which to transmit the traffic 16. The transmission bit rate is set in dependence on said client bit rate. The method further comprises generating and transmitting a control signal arranged to cause a transmission apparatus to transmit the traffic at the transmission bit rate 18.
US09438428B2
The present invention uses Server-based Certificate Validation Protocol (SCVP) to validate the public key digital signature certificate of an email signer (or the public key encryption certificate of an email recipient) by using a modified SCVP server such that a trustworthiness indicator based on certificate policies is included in an SCVP server response that maps the certificate policies asserted in the public key certificate of the email signer (or email recipient(s)) to graphically represent the degree of trust that can be attributed to the identities bound to public key certificates containing one or more certificate policies. The graphical representation of a trust level may appear directly in an email client and is based on the level of trust attributable to the binding between the public key distributed via a public key certificate (for signing or encryption) and the identity/attributes of the “subject” or “entity” contained in that certificate.
US09438417B2
A method of generating cryptographic keys includes generating, with a first processor in a first computing device, error correction data corresponding to first sensor data that are stored in a memory, generating a first cryptographic key with reference to a first hashed value of the first sensor data, generating a first message authentication code (MAC) with reference to the first cryptographic key and the error correction data, and transmitting with a first I/O device in the first computing device the error correction data and the first MAC through a communication channel to a second computing device. The transmitted data enable the second computing device to generate a second cryptographic key with reference to second sensor data.
US09438415B2
A home gateway, which enables communication with a plurality of devices, recovers a root-content key from a key server of a service provider for secure delivery of content requested by a client device. The recovered root-content key is utilized to generate a content key for corresponding content scrambling. The home gateway communicates the scrambled content to the client device. The home gateway utilizes the RSA protocol to request the root-content key from the key server. The root-content key is recovered from the received key index. The content key is encrypted utilizing a public key and delivered to the client device. The key server distributes the public key to the gateway through authentication messages. The client device utilizes its own private key to recover the content key by decrypting the encrypted content key. The scrambled content from the home gateway is descrambled using the recovered content key for content consumption.
US09438402B2
A method and apparatus are described for a User Equipment (UE) to transmit in a control channel ACKnowledgement signals associated with a Hybrid Automatic Repeat reQuest process (HARQ-ACK signals) in response to receiving Transport Blocks (TBs) transmitted from a base station. The UE conveys the HARQ-ACK information by selecting one resource from multiple resources in the control channel and by selecting a constellation point of the modulation scheme for the HARQ-ACK signal. Transmission diversity is supported using different control channel resources that are already available to the UE without configuring additional resources. Design principles are described to optimally map the HARQ-ACK information to control channel resources and modulation constellation points for a Time Division Duplex (TDD) system and for a Frequency Division Duplex (FDD) system.
US09438395B2
The present invention relates to a method for receiving a reference CSI configuration information and a following CSI configuration information which is configured to report a same RI (Rank Indicator) as the reference CSI configuration information, receiving a first CSI-RS (Channel State Information-Resource Signal) configuration information associated with the reference CSI configuration and a second CSI-RS configuration information associated with the following CSI configuration, number of CSI-RS antenna ports according to the second CSI-RS configuration information is same as number of CSI-RS antenna ports according to the first CSI-RS configuration information; and transmitting CSI determined based on at least one of the first CSI-RS configuration information and the second CSI-RS configuration information.
US09438384B2
One feature provides for a method operational at an access point in communication with a destination station where the access point receives a stream of data including at least one media access control protocol data unit (MPDU) having a Differentiated Services Code Point (DSCP) field value, provides a retransmission policy to the MPDU based on the DSCP field value, and transmits the MPDU to the destination station via a wireless local area network. The stream of data may include a stream of video data having a layered modulation scheme, where the DSCP field value identifies at least one layer of the layered modulation scheme. The access point may use deep packet inspection to retrieve the DSCP value from the MPDU. In this fashion, multiple retransmission policies may be provided for a single data stream by mapping DSCP field values to MPDU bit fields, such as the Traffic Identifier field.
US09438376B2
There are various drawbacks by using existing OTN (Optical Transport Network) frames for communication between OTN cards. Such drawbacks might for example include high latency, low robustness, and/or high coding rate. According to embodiments of the present disclosure, systems and methods are provided for modifying an OTN frame (or creating a new frame with data from the OTN frame) prior to transmission by an OTL (Optical channel Transport Lane) in order to address some or all of the foregoing drawbacks. Note that this embodiment can make use of existing hardware (e.g. hardware used for generating the OTN frame, and the OTL used for transmission).
US09438365B2
A client signal mapping circuit for accommodating a client signal in a transmission frame, including: a buffer unit configured to temporarily store the client signal; a buffer used amount monitoring unit configured to report a used amount of the buffer unit; a stuff processing determination unit configured to compare the used amount of the buffer unit with a predetermined reference value, and a pseudo random sequence signal and the comparison result; an overhead insertion unit configured to add an overhead to the client signal read from the buffer unit to form a transmission frame; and a reading control unit configured to perform control for reading the client signal from the buffer unit based on determination by the stuff processing determination unit.
US09438362B2
An audio mixing device includes: an adder that adds a plurality of PDM signals each converted from a plurality of digital audio signals; a D/A converter that performs D/A conversion on a digital audio signal outputted from the adder and outputs an analog audio signal; and a synchronization device that is provided prior to the adder, and that synchronizes each of a plurality of digital signals with one another by use of the same predetermined synchronization timing signal and outputs each of them to the adder.
US09438359B2
The automated switching of broadcast sources of an audio content stream based on the geographic location of the physical unit that is receiving the audio content stream. For instance, while rendering a particular audio content stream from a first broadcasting source, a system may have an identity of one or more alternative possible broadcasting sources available for the same audio content stream for that relative geographic location. In response to some decision making, the system may decide to switch broadest sources for that audio content stream. Thus, the user continues to listen to the audio content stream without being subject to possible negative consequences of continuing to listen to the audio content stream as received from the original broadcast station. Data transmitted by the broadcast stations themselves need not be relied upon. Thus, the automated switching is accomplished even outside of regions in which broadcast stations transmit such data.
US09438350B1
In some embodiments, an apparatus includes an optical transmitter module that can be electrically coupled to an electrical serializer/deserializer and a controller. The optical transmitter module can include an electrical detector that can receive an in-band signal. The electrical detector can send to the controller a first power error signal and a second power error signal based on the in-band signal. The controller can send a correction control signal to the electrical serializer/deserializer based on the first power error signal and the second power error signal such that the electrical serializer/deserializer sends a pre-emphasized signal to the optical transmitter module based on the correction control signal. In such embodiments, the first power error signal, the second power signal and the correction control signal are out-of-band signals.
US09438349B2
Embodiments of the present invention disclose an optical module, a line card and an optical communications system, which are used to implement that the optical module is used on a line card of different service rates, so as to reduce a development cost. The optical module includes: more than two male sockets are disposed, where the more than two male sockets are configured to plug-connect to female sockets disposed on a line card, and the line card is a line card of various different service rates; and the more than two male sockets include at least one first male socket, where the first male socket is configured according to the Multisource Agreement (MSA) for a dense wavelength division multiplexing (DWDM) optical module of a 100G service rate.
US09438344B2
Novel tools and techniques providing for the robust wireless distribution of communications signals from a provider to multiple customer premises. Certain embodiments comprise one or more modular communications apparatuses which are located near to customer premises. The modular communications apparatuses features an enclosure which is, at least in part, transparent to radio frequencies. A modular communications apparatus also typically includes one or more communications radios or transmitter/receiver devices within the enclosure. The apparatus also includes at least one and possibly more than one antenna located within the enclosure along with wire or cable-based signal output apparatus.
US09438343B2
A transmitting device includes a transmitter configured to transmit signal light to an external receiver over a medium included in a transmission line; and a controller configured to control a transmission level of the signal light in accordance with a reception level of probe light which is input from the receiver over the medium in the transmission line.
US09438341B2
The present disclosure describes an automated, cognitive based computing system using artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning algorithms to sense, predict, and infer network conditions, configured to dynamically manage transmission of information between communication nodes. The communication nodes comprise orbital nodes positioned in orbit above earth and terrestrial nodes coupled with earth interconnected via a hybrid mesh network topology. One or more automated, cognitive based physical computing processors, using artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning algorithms to sense, predict, and infer network conditions, determine a target terrestrial node to receive information initially stored on a first orbital node; determine transmission conditions between the target terrestrial node and the first orbital node based on output signals from sensors; dynamically determine whether transmission conditions between the first orbital node and the target terrestrial node prevent optical transmission of the information directly from the first orbital node to the target terrestrial node; and, responsive to a determination that transmission conditions prevent optical transmission of the information to the target terrestrial node from the first orbital node, automatically transmit the information along an alternate route between the first orbital node and the target terrestrial node, wherein the alternate route includes transmission between some orbital node and an alternative target terrestrial node other than the target terrestrial node.
US09438338B1
A free-space laser communication system for bidirectional transmission of telemetry data in Gigabit Ethernet (GBE) protocol using a dual atmospheric effect mitigation approach. This free-space bidirectional GBE laser communication system utilizes an Optical Combining Receiver Array and a Framer/Forward Error Correction/Interleaver (FFI) device to mitigate the combined effects of atmospheric turbulence and channel fading. Since the FFI device is designed for Synchronous Optical Network (SONET) protocol, an intelligent (or smart) media converter is used to convert GBE telemetry data to SONET frames, which enables the FFI device to perform an error correction algorithm and provide a seamless error-free GBE laser communication link for distance over a kilometer. This bidirectional laser communication system can be implemented with low-cost commercially available components.
US09438332B2
A wireless networking method includes placing a master device and at least one peripheral device within proximity of each other. A radio frequency request for proximity pairing is transmitted from the peripheral device to the master device. Radio frequency proximity pairing signals implementing the proximity pairing are transmitted from the master device to the peripheral device. The proximity pairing signals are transmitted with a first level of transmission power. After the proximity pairing is complete, operational signals are transmitted from the master device to the peripheral device. The operational signals are transmitted with a second level of transmission power greater than the first level of transmission power.
US09438326B2
The present invention relates to a wireless communication system, and more specifically, to a method and an apparatus for transmitting an RS (Reference Signal) from a transmission end. The present invention relates to an RS transmission method and an apparatus therefore, comprising the steps of: confirming RS resources which are defined according to each layer; and transmitting the precoded RS for the layers to a receiving end through a multiple antenna, wherein the RS resource includes a 1st index for indicating an RS resource pattern group in which the precoded RS is mapped within a resource block and a 2nd index for indicating a code resource for multiplexing the precoded RSs within the RS resource pattern group.
US09438323B2
Disclosed are a method and device for sending a user-specific reference signal. The method provided in the present invention includes: determining a modulus identification, and performing interference elimination processing on a user-specific reference signal according to the modulus identification to obtain the user-specific reference signal after the interference elimination processing; performing beamforming processing on the user-specific reference signal after the interference elimination processing to obtain a beamforming reference signal; and performing inverse fast fourier transform (IFFT) and digital-analog conversion on the beamforming reference signal to obtain an analog signal of the user-specific reference signal, and sending the analog signal to a user terminal.
US09438319B2
A system that incorporates teachings of the subject disclosure may include, for example, an antenna system coupled with the transceiver that includes a first antenna and a second antenna where one of the first or second antennas is operating as a primary antenna and the other of the first or second antennas is operating as a diversity antenna. The system can include an RF switch connected with the antenna system, where the RF switch has a first position in which the first antenna is the primary antenna and the second antenna is the diversity antenna, and wherein the RF switch has a second position in which the second antenna is the primary antenna and the first antenna is the diversity antenna. The system can include a controller coupled with the matching network and with the RF switch, where the controller receives first reflection measurements associated with the antenna system, and where the controller adjusts the RF switch to select between the first and second positions according to the first reflection measurements.
US09438314B2
A method for wirelessly receiving energy and data, including: a resonation operation of resonating a first frequency power signal transmitted from a transmission apparatus; a reception operation of receiving a second frequency data signal transmitted from the transmission apparatus; a first matching operation of matching input/output impedance upon receiving the first frequency power signal; a rectification operation of rectifying impedance-matched power signal from the first matching operation into a DC current; a second matching operation of matching input/output impedance upon receiving the second frequency data signal; an oscillation operation of outputting a second frequency signal by using the first frequency signal output from the resonation operation, as a reference frequency; and a frequency mixing operation of mixing the impedance-matched data signal from the second matching operation with the signal output from the oscillation operation to restore a baseband data signal.
US09438311B1
A method of communication between a plurality of network devices and an external electronic device is provided. The method includes receiving, at a first network device, device information and power information from a second network device, where the received device information and power information is transferred over a first communication link on a first network, where the first communication link is formed between a first transceiver of the first network device and a first transceiver of the second network device. The method further includes comparing the received power information with power information of the first network device. The method further includes transferring a portion of the received device information from the first network device over a second communication link on a second network when it is determined based on the comparison that the first network device is better suited than the second network device to communicate on the second network.
US09438310B2
Embodiments of the invention provide multiple cyclic prefix lengths for either both the data-payload and frame control header or only the data payload. Frame control header (FCH) and data symbols have an associated cyclic prefix. A table is transmitted in the FCH symbols, which includes a cyclic prefix field to identify the cyclic prefix length used in the data payload. A receiver may know the cyclic prefix length used in the FCH symbols in one embodiment. In other embodiments, the receiver does not know the FCH cyclic prefix length and, therefore, attempts to decode the FCH symbols using different possible cyclic prefix lengths until the FCH symbols are successfully decoded.
US09438309B2
Apparatus (and related methods) for a power line communication network include a processor configured to receive beacons over a communication interface. The processor determines a link quality indicator (LQI) for each received beacon and ignores the beacons for at most a predetermined maximum number of beacon receptions when each LQI is below a threshold. The processor responds to a received beacon if the LQI for such received beacon exceeds the threshold or if a predetermined maximum number of beacons have been received with LQIs below the threshold.
US09438300B1
Sensor fusion for antenna tuning for wireless devices is provided to enhance antenna tuning and reduce power consumption of wireless devices. A sensor management component (SMC) obtains sensor information from sensors associated with a wireless device and determines position and/or orientation of the wireless device in relation to the user, and/or tracks movement of the wireless device. The SMC communicates sensor-based information relating to the position, orientation, and/or movement associated with the wireless device to a tuner management component (TMC) associated with a tuner component and a set of antennas. The TMC determines electrical measurements of the signal from the set of antennas, and determines a tuning setting for the set of antennas based on the sensor-based information and/or the electrical measurements. The TMC provides control information to the tuner component to adjust the tuning of the set of antennas based on the tuning setting.
US09438297B2
A protective case for an electronic device includes a PCB and other components and devices. The other components and devices arranged on the case are connected to the PCB, the devices include a battery, a socket configured to accommodate a wireless communication device, a data connector, a wireless communication module, and a control module. The control module controls the battery to charge the electronic device and activates the wireless communication module to connect to the electronic device through the data connector, if the data connector is in use. The wireless communication module is controlled to communicate with the wireless communication device if the wireless communication device is removed from the socket and the battery is controlled to supply power to the wireless communication device if the wireless communication device is inserted into the socket.
US09438295B1
The present invention relates to a mobile phone case having detachable cable. More specifically, the mobile phone case having detachable cable allow the users to conveniently carry the USB cable along with the mobile phone by attaching the cable onto the mobile phone cover. The cable is to connect the mobile phone to any external device such as a computer or a battery charger. The mobile phone case having a detachable cable includes a cover to cover the sides of a mobile phone; a cable housing to receive a detachable cable therein; and a cable having a USB connector to be connected to a USB port of an external device, a mobile phone connector to be connected to a port of the mobile phone, and a data cable connecting the two connectors and transmitting data between external devices to the mobile phone.
US09438286B2
Described herein are technologies related to an implementation of de-sensitization estimation in a receiver of a portable device.
US09438283B2
An apparatus that enables baseband time domain cancellation of data bus interference is described herein. The apparatus includes a wireless receiver and a cancellator. The cancellator is to determine an estimate of wireless interference in a baseband time domain on data to be received by the wireless receiver and to subtract the estimate of wireless interference from the data.
US09438281B2
Disclosed is a distortion compensation apparatus that, by appropriately generating a distortion-compensation coefficient, makes it possible to obtain a desired transmission output, and substantially reduce the amount of power leakage to an adjacent channel. Reception section (103) of the distortion compensation apparatus acquires and demodulates a transmission signal to generate a demodulation signal. Delay adjustment section (104) computes the delay amount of the demodulation signal with respect to the baseband signal, eliminates the delay of the demodulation signal with respect to the baseband signal based on the delay amount, and outputs the baseband signal and the demodulation signal in which the delay is eliminated. Distortion compensation section (101) determines a distortion compensation coefficient in an adaptive digital predistortion process based on the baseband signal and the demodulation signal output by delay adjustment section (104), and multiplies the input signal by the distortion compensation coefficient.
US09438278B2
In one example, the present disclosure describes an antenna system with at least two linear antenna arrays, each having a plurality of antenna elements. Each array is designed to transmit and receive signals from different respective spectrum bands. The first antenna array and second antenna array are arranged to form one longer, combined linear array of antenna elements. In addition, at least one antenna element is shared between the first and second antenna arrays. In one example, the first antenna array is connected to a first RF distribution and phase-shifting network to distribute RF power and impart a phase profile across the first antenna array and the second antenna array is connected to a second RF distribution and phase-shifting network to distribute RF power and impart a phase profile across the second antenna array.
US09438277B2
Systems and methods for bandpass sampling of a continuous analog signal according to several embodiments can use a linear relationship between sampling frequency and intermediate frequency f IF = ( - 1 ) n + 1 ( - ⌊ n 2 ⌋ F S + f C ) where fIF is the intermediate frequency and FS is the sampling frequency of the bandpass sampling, fC is the carrier frequency, B is a bandwidth and fU is an upper frequency for the signal, and n is an integer such that 1 ≤ n ≤ ⌊ f U B ⌋ . The sampling frequency FS can be chosen first and the IF can be calculated without iteration using the relationship above. Or, when fIF is the most important design parameter, fIF can be selected first, and sample frequencies which will not cause aliasing can be solved by calculating FS given IF using the equation above, for all values of n so that 1 ≤ n ≤ ⌊ f U B ⌋ , and then selecting a particular FS. fIF can be chosen to be FS/4.
US09438263B1
A controllable opto-electronic time stretcher comprising a first wave guide and a second waveguide coupled to the first waveguide along a coupling portion; wherein at least one of the first and second waveguides in the coupling portion has a controllable refractive index.
US09438261B2
A capacitance-to-digital converter (10) comprises a capacitor arrangement (30), a converter (1) that is coupled on its input side to the capacitor arrangement (30) and a calibration unit (13) that is coupled on its input side to the converter (1). The capacitor arrangement (30) comprises an input capacitor (16).
US09438257B1
A programmable frequency divider includes a cascade of frequency-dividing units, each capable of dividing by a first or a second factor. Each unit receives an input clock and generates a divided output clock. Each unit receives a mode control signal that specifies when to divide its input clock by the second factor if a control input allows it, otherwise dividing the input clock by the first factor. The frequency divider is designed to support a range of divide ratios that requires one or more of the units to be non-operative or unused in some intervals. The final divided clock is generated using the mode control signal of the lowest unit in the cascade and the mode control signal of the highest unit that is never set to be non-operative or unused in supporting the range. As a result, duty-cycle variations of the final divided clock are minimized.
US09438249B1
Certain aspects of the present disclosure provide methods and apparatus for temperature-dependent adjustment of a resonant circuit, such as that found in a voltage-controlled oscillator (VCO). Such adjustment may be performed in an effort to compensate for the frequency drift of the resonant circuit due to temperature changes. One example adjustment circuit for temperature-dependent adjustment of a resonant circuit generally includes at least one varactor and two sets of semiconductor devices configured to apply, across the at least one varactor, a differential adjustment voltage based on an ambient temperature of the semiconductor devices to adjust a capacitance of the at least one varactor, wherein each device in the sets of semiconductor devices has a temperature-dependent junction and wherein the two sets of semiconductor devices are configured such that voltage changes of the temperature-dependent junctions in the two sets of semiconductor devices are added in the differential adjustment voltage.
US09438248B2
An n-bit counter is formed from cascading counter sub-modules. The counter includes combinatorial control logic coupled to a lower-order counter sub-module. The control logic includes a clock-gating integrated cell arranged to clock gate at least one higher-order counter sub-module dependent on a logical combination of outputs of the lower-order counter sub-module and to provide a multi-cycle path for resolution of a logical combination of outputs of any subsequent cascaded counter sub-modules. The control logic does not include any intervening memory device between the lower-order counter sub-module and the clock-gating integrated cell for use in determining a later control logic output.
US09438247B2
The present disclosure relates to an apparatus for simplification of input signal configured to simplify a process of microprocessor and to enhance a speed by transforming six input modes of 1-phase/2-input/1-multiplication mode, 1-phase/2-input/2-multiplication mode, CW/CCW mode, 2-phase/1-multiplication mode, 2-phase/2-multiplication mode and 2-phase/4-multiplication mode to a same shape according to types of encoder connected to a PLC high speed counter, and transmitting to the microprocessor, and by adding the six types of input modes to a logic gate circuit of a high speed counter input circuit.
US09438245B2
A mechanism relates a superconductor circuit. A Δ circuit includes a first node connecting a Purcell capacitor to a qubit coupling capacitor, a second node connecting the Purcell capacitor to a readout coupling capacitor, and a third node connecting the qubit coupling capacitor to the readout coupling capacitor. A qubit is connected to the first node and has a qubit frequency. A readout resonator connects to the third node combining with the Purcell capacitor to form a filter. Capacitance of the Purcell capacitor is determined as a factor of the qubit frequency of the qubit and blocks emissions of the qubit at the qubit frequency. Capacitance of the Purcell capacitor causes destructive interference, between a first path containing Purcell capacitor and a second path containing both the qubit coupling capacitor and readout coupling capacitor, in order to block emissions of the qubit at the qubit frequency to the external environment.
US09438224B2
An embodiment of a device includes a terminal, an active transistor die electrically coupled to the terminal, a detector configured to sense a signal characteristic on the terminal, and control circuitry electrically coupled to the active transistor die and to the detector, wherein the active transistor die, detector, and control circuitry are coupled to a package. The control circuitry may include a control element and a control device. Based on the signal characteristic, the control circuitry controls which of multiple operating states the device operates. A method for controlling the operating state of the device includes sensing, using the detector, a signal characteristic at the terminal, and determining, using the control device, whether the signal characteristic conforms to a pre-set criteria, and when the signal characteristic does not conform to the pre-set criteria, modifying the state of the control element to alter the operating state of the device.
US09438223B2
A device for switching a radio frequency (RF) signal includes two or more field-effect transistor (FET) unit cells in a stacked or chain topology, and gate or body node filtration circuitry that preserves RF equipotential nodes. The filtration circuitry may be capacitive or resistive-capacitive. The filtration circuitry may be included in each unit cell of the device or in a gate or body bias network that is common to all unit cells in the device.
US09438222B2
A method for switching a cycle in a power transistor circuit is created, especially in a parallel circuit of power transistors. The method includes the step of specifying a switching time difference and the switching of the power transistors of two switching times which are separate from one another by use of the switching time difference.
US09438215B2
A buffer circuit includes an amplifying unit suitable for comparing an input voltage of an input terminal with an output voltage of an output terminal, a current sinking unit suitable for controlling a sinking current of the amplifying unit when the input voltage is varied, and a current compensation unit suitable for uniformly maintaining a sinking current amount of the current sinking unit.
US09438214B2
A DC offset cancellation circuit is provided. A first DC current and a first sensing current are superposed with each other to generate a first superposed current. A second DC current and a second sensing current are superposed with each other to generate a second superposed current. The first superposed current is converted into a first voltage signal. The second superposed current is converted into a second voltage signal. After the first voltage signal and the second voltage signal are received by a differential amplifier, an output signal is generated. The output signal is processed into a DC value. The DC value is converted into a DC current signal. The superposing unit generates the first DC current and the second DC current according to the DC current signal, so that the first superposed current and the second superposed current have the same DC offset.
US09438208B2
A duty cycle correction circuit includes a rising edge variable delay circuit and a falling edge variable delay circuit. The variable delay for each delay circuit depends upon an uncorrected duty cycle for an uncorrected clock signal being corrected by the duty cycle correction circuit into a corrected clock signal having a desired duty cycle.
US09438200B2
In various embodiments, a broadband matching circuit is disclosed. In one embodiment. the broadband matching circuit comprises a low-pass matching section, a quarter-wavelength transformer, and a high-pass matching section.
US09438192B2
An apparatus includes an operational amplifier and a plurality of capacitors coupled to an input terminal of the operational amplifier and configured to be selectively coupled to receive one of an input voltage signal and an output voltage signal of the operational amplifier.
US09438189B2
A low voltage multi-stage amplifier is described. The low voltage multi-stage amplifier includes one or more prior stages. The low voltage multi-stage amplifier also includes a supply stage. The low voltage multi-stage amplifier further includes an output stage that operates with a supply voltage as low as a sum of a threshold voltage of a first transistor in the output stage and a saturation voltage of a second transistor of the supply stage. The supply stage supplies the output stage.
US09438179B2
An amplifier apparatus includes a differential input pair, a current source, and a load. The differential input pair includes first and second transistors, and an auxiliary transistor. A control terminal of the first transistor receives a reference voltage. A first terminal of the second transistor is coupled to the first terminal of the first transistor, and a control terminal of the second transistor receives an input voltage. A first terminal of the auxiliary transistor is coupled to a first terminal of the first transistor, a second terminal of the auxiliary transistor is coupled to a second terminal of the first transistor, a control terminal of the auxiliary transistor receives a control voltage, and a base terminal thereof receives a power supply voltage. The current source and load are respectively coupled to the first terminals and second terminals of the first and second transistors.
US09438176B2
Provided is a low noise amplifier. The low noise amplifier includes an input transistor receiving and amplifying a signal, an output transistor amplifying the signal amplified by the input transistor, and an inverting unit inverting the signal which is amplified by the input transistor and applying the inverted signal to a gate of the output transistor.
US09438171B2
A circuit having a first transistor being a common gate connected transistor and a second transistor, the second transistor being M times the size of the first transistor, the first and second transistors having commonly connected gates and commonly connected drains, wherein an apparatus is provided to regulate the source voltage of the second transistor to track the source voltage of the first transistor, wherein the current gain of the circuit is M+1.
US09438167B2
An oscillation circuit includes: an oscillation unit which includes a first terminal and a second terminal connected to a resonator, a third terminal, a fourth terminal to which at least one of a power supply potential and a signal for inspecting the resonator is applied, a first switching unit which switches modes of electrical connection between the first terminal and the third terminal, and a second switching unit which switches modes of electrical connection between the second terminal and the fourth terminal.
US09438161B2
A device for attaching a junction box to a photovoltaic. The photovoltaic panel has a photovoltaic side and a non-photovoltaic side. The device includes a bracket with a first side attachable to the junction box and a second side attachable to the non-photovoltaic surface of the photovoltaic panel. A central fastener is attachable at one end to the bracket and a plate is adapted for connecting to the other end of the central fastener and for mounting on the photovoltaic side of the photovoltaic panel. One or more rotatable spacers, connectible to the central fastener, may be located on the non-photovoltaic side of the photovoltaic panel. One or more fixed spacers may be located on the non-photovoltaic side connectible to the bracket.
US09438157B2
In a method for operating a multiphase electrical machine, which includes a rotor and a rotary encoder operatively connected to the rotor, an actual rotational angle of the rotor is determined from a measured rotational angle determined by means of the rotary encoder and a rotational angle offset. To determine the rotational angle offset the rotor is brought to a specific rotational speed and then an active short circuit of the electrical machine is initiated, wherein an actual current vector is determined, using a dq-transformation, from the current intensities of the currents flowing in at least two of the phases of the electrical machine and the measured rotational angle determined by means of the rotary encoder, and wherein the rotational angle offset is calculated from the actual current vector and a reference current vector.
US09438153B2
A rotary electric machine control device that controls a rotary electric machine that includes a rotor in which a permanent magnet is disposed so as to provide magnetic saliency, and that performs feedback control on the rotary electric machine on the basis of a deviation between a current command and a feedback current from the rotary electric machine in a d-q-axis vector coordinate system defined by a d-axis which extends in a direction of a magnetic field produced by the permanent magnet and a q-axis which is orthogonal to the d-axis.
US09438152B2
An electronically commutated electric motor includes a stator and a rotor formed as a permanent magnet. A control unit is connected to the stator and configured to energize the stator to produce a rotating magnetic field. The electric motor further includes at least one Hall sensor configured to detect at least a magnitude of a sensor magnetic field produced by a sensor magnet connected to the rotor. The electric motor also includes at least one magneto resistive sensor configured to detect an alignment of a total magnetic field during a rotor revolution of the rotor and to generate a rotor position signal representing this alignment. The total magnetic field includes the sensor magnetic field and an interference magnetic field superimposed thereon. The control unit is further configured to determine the rotor position of the rotor at least depending on the alignment of the total magnetic field.
US09438142B2
A main control circuit (11) for driving a motor is configured so as to have: a Pch FET (T11), which is provided in series with a diode (D1), and the source (S) of which is connected to a secondary-side contact (MC2) of a main contactor (MC) while the drain (D) is connected to the anode (A) of the diode (D1); and a gate voltage generation circuit (12) for the Pch FET (T11). The gate voltage generation circuit is formed so as to have a first resistor (R11), one end (R11a) of which is connected to the source (S) of the Pch FET (T11), and the other end (R11b) of which is connected to the gate (G) of the Pch FET (T11), and a second resistor (R12), one end (R12a) of which is connected to the gate (G) of the Pch FET (T11) and the other end (R12b) of which is connected to the negative-electrode-side line (L2) of a battery.
US09438138B2
The device generates electrical energy from mechanical motion. The device includes at least one magnetostrictive element and at least one force modifier. The force modifier is coupled to the magnetostrictive element. The force modifier receives an input force and applies a modified force to the magnetostrictive element.
US09438131B2
An alternating current to direct current (AC-DC) converter is provided. The converter includes a rectifying unit configured to rectify an AC voltage that is being input, a boost converter unit connected to the rectifying unit and provided with a single inductor, a first switch, and a second switch formed thereto, a smoothing unit configured to smooth the voltage passing through the boost converter unit, and a control unit configured to control an ON/OFF of the first switch and the second switch such that the boost converter unit is operated as a power factor correction circuit or as an inrush current limiting circuit, so that the inrush current is stably controlled by reducing additional circuit structures configured for limiting an inrush current.
US09438128B2
A synchronous rectifier controller is provided on a secondary side of an insulation-type synchronous DC/DC converter and controls the synchronous rectifier transistor. A driver circuit controls the synchronous rectifier transistor. A photo coupler connection terminal is coupled to an input side of the photo coupler. An error amplifier amplifies an error between a voltage detection signal according to an output voltage of the DC/DC converter and its target voltage, and to draw a current according to the error from an input side of the photo coupler via the photo coupler connection terminal.
US09438126B2
A power conversion method of a power conversion device including a plurality of primary side ports disposed in a primary side circuit and a plurality of secondary side ports disposed in a secondary side circuit magnetically coupled to the primary side circuit with a transformer, the power conversion device adjusting transmission power transmitted between the primary side circuit and the secondary side circuit by changing a phase difference between switching of the primary side circuit and switching of the secondary side circuit, the power conversion method including: calculating a transmission efficiency setting an adjustment value of the phase difference to a value obtained by dividing the transmission efficiency by a specified efficiency; and setting the phase difference to a value obtained by dividing the calculated value by the adjustment value when the adjustment value is less than the specified value.
US09438122B2
A power converter controller asserts a leading edge signal when a leading edge of a voltage signal is detected. The voltage sense signal is representative of an input voltage of the power converter. A trailing edge signal is asserted when a trailing edge of the voltage signal is detected. A first state of a threshold signal is generated when the voltage sense signal is at or above an upper threshold and generating a second state of the threshold signal when the voltage sense signal is at or below a lower threshold. A conduction signal is updated in response to the leading edge signal, the trailing edge signal, and the threshold signal. The conduction signal is for controlling a switch coupled to regulate an output of the power converter.
US09438118B2
In one embodiment, a boost-buck converter can include: (i) first and second switches coupled in series between input and an output of the boost-buck converter; (ii) a first inductor coupled to the input and third and fourth switches, where the third switch is coupled to ground, and the fourth switch is coupled to the output; (iii) a second inductor coupled to the output and a common node of the first and second switches; and (iv) a control circuit configured to control switching of the first, second, third, and fourth switches according to the input and output voltages, such that the boost-buck converter operates in at least one of: a buck mode and a boost mode.
US09438104B2
A charge pump is designed to be capable of quick start up. When the enable signal of the charge pump is arrived, the pump capacitor and the load capacitor of the charge pump can be charged in a short time, referred to as a pre-charging stage. During the normal working period, the pump capacitor and the output capacitor are controlled by the proper switch that is configured into the connection relationship that the charge pump can normally work in order to make the charge pump work normally. As a result of the pre-charge operation, embodiments disclosed herein can reduce the time of the output capacitor for reaching a steady state value.
US09438101B1
The invention discloses a high speed switching solid state relay circuit with a switching section, a current limiting section and a voltage limiting section. The switching section comprises a bridge rectifier receiving the load voltage inputs, a MOSFET with a source connected to the negative voltage of the load through the bridge rectifier, a drain connected to the load voltage output, and a gate. The switching section further includes an isolator circuit comprising an optically-coupled LED. The isolator circuit is configured to receive a logic input signal and generate an isolated output signal based on the logic input signal, and the gate of the MOSFET is driven by the isolated output signal. The current limiting section includes a first set of resistors connecting the voltage drop across the load to the gate of the MOSFET through diodes. The voltage limiting section comprises a Zener diode connected to the gate of the MOSFET.
US09438093B2
A voice coil motor (VCM) is disclosed, the VCM including: a rotor including a bobbin accommodated by a lens, and a coil block arranged at a periphery of the bobbin, a base formed with an opening for exposing a lens and a first foreign object penetration prevention unit formed along an upper edge, a stator including magnets wrapping the coil block and a housing formed with an opening for fixing the magnets and formed at a bottom surface with lateral surfaces formed with a second foreign object penetration prevention unit coupled to the first foreign object prevention unit, and an elastic member coupled to the bobbin to elastically support the bobbin.
US09438080B2
An electric machine includes an end frame having a shaft bore extending therethrough. The end frame includes a first side and a second side. A shaft extends through the shaft bore. A bearing is supported by the end frame and is coupled to the shaft to support the shaft for rotation about a longitudinal axis. A first seal is fixedly attached to the end frame and includes an internal bore that is sized to cooperate with the shaft to form a seal point therebetween. The first seal is disposed on the first side of the end frame. A second seal is fixedly attached to the second side of the end frame. The second seal includes a movable portion in direct contact with the shaft to define a second seal point. The first seal point is on a first side of the bearing and the second seal point is on a second side of the bearing.
US09438079B2
An electric motor is provided including a stator and an armature received within the stator for rotational movement within the stator. The armature includes an armature shaft on which a commutator is mounted, and a lamination stack also mounted on the armature shaft and having radially extending teeth. The armature includes an end insulator arranged at an end of the lamination stack, the end insulator having a base portion fitted around the armature shaft and insulating teeth corresponding to the radially extending teeth of the lamination stack. A set of coils are wound in the lamination stack slots and the end insulator slots. At least a portion of the insulating teeth has a greater thickness than at least a portion of the base portion. Alternatively, at least one of the insulating teeth has a greater thickness than at least another of the insulating teeth.
US09438069B2
A vehicle-mounted charger which performs wireless charging includes a control unit which controls energization of a primary coil, a position detection unit which detects a positional relationship between the primary coil and a secondary coil of an apparatus to be charged such as a mobile phone, and a notification unit which performs notification to the user. In a state where the energization of the primary coil is not performed, the control unit acquires the positional relationship between the primary coil and the secondary coil which is detected by the position detection unit, and controls the notification unit to notify of the positional relationship.
US09438063B2
A charge apparatus including a natural energy conversion module, an energy converter, an energy transmitter, an energy receiver, and an electricity storage device is provided. The natural energy conversion module receives the natural energy and converts the natural energy into a first electric energy. The energy converter is electrically connected to the natural energy conversion module and converts the first electric energy into a wireless energy. The energy transmitter is electrically connected to the energy converter and transmits the wireless energy. The energy receiver receives the wireless energy and converts the wireless energy into a second electric energy to charge an external apparatus. The energy transmitter monitors the current charge status of the external apparatus so as to adjust transmitting the wireless energy. The electricity storage device is electrically connected to the natural energy conversion module to store the first electric energy.
US09438061B2
Even when current values of a current that flows to a plurality of cell modules connected in parallel are different, efficient charging is performed. A charge control device that controls a charging current to be supplied to a plurality of cell modules connected in parallel compares a maximum current value, selected from current values detected by a current sensor provided in each of a plurality of the cell modules, with a reference current value predetermined as a maximum current value of the current to be supplied to secondary batteries, and controls the charging current to be supplied to a plurality of the cell modules based on a comparison result.
US09438059B2
It is intended to prevent degradation of battery cells (cells). A battery control apparatus obtains a cell voltage value of each of the cells (201) (S1), calculates a cell SOC at each of the cells based on the measured cell voltage value (S2), calculates an integrated current value (Ah) by integrating current values of a battery pack (2) configured with a plurality of the cells (201), calculates a cell capacity value of each of the cells (201) based on the integrated current value and the cell SOC (S3), calculates a dischargeable cell capacity value from the cell capacity value and the cell SOC (S4), and controls charging/discharging of the battery pack (2) based on the dischargeable cell capacity value (S5).
US09438056B2
A battery pack includes: a cell module including a plurality of battery cells; an antenna connected to each of the battery cells; and a waveguide installed at one side of the cell module and having the antenna housed therein.
US09438051B2
A power outlet/charger for a portable electronic device, the power outlet/charger comprising an electrically insulating housing having a proximal end having an opening and a distal end having a first electrical connector; an electronic converter circuit fixedly housed in the housing for receiving a first voltage from a vehicle electrical power source through the first connector and for converting the first voltage to a second voltage compatible with the USB (Universal Serial Bus) standard; and a USB connector disposed through the proximal end opening and connected to receive the second voltage; the housing being sized to directly replace a standard vehicle electrical cigar lighter socket/power outlet and fit into an opening in a vehicle panel for the standard vehicle electrical cigar lighter socket/power outlet, the first electrical connector being connectable to an electrical wiring harness of the vehicle having a connector that releasably connects with the first connector. Preferably, the first connector comprises a US-CAR connector.
US09438047B2
A method for monitoring charge level or remaining capacity of a battery pack, a disposable battery or a rechargeable battery, which is used to supply energy for an automation technology, field device having a data storage unit associated with the battery pack, disposable battery or rechargeable battery. Specific information about the battery pack, disposable battery or rechargeable battery is stored in the data storage unit and process-specific and operation-specific information about energy consumption is written to the data storage unit. In the case of the battery pack, disposable battery or rechargeable battery being used in a second automation technology field device, remaining service life of the battery pack, the disposable battery or the rechargeable battery is calculated and output on the basis of the process- and operation-specific information.
US09438046B1
A MPPT management method in a receiver used for wireless power transmission may include the monitoring of the power extracted from RF waves at a dedicated antenna element in the receiver; detecting MPPT at an intelligent input boost converter in the receiver; comparing the detected MPPT with MPPT tables stored or calculated within a main system micro-controller in the receiver; adjusting the MPPT at the intelligent boost converter to find a suitable maximum peak that may enable an optimal power extraction from RF waves.
US09438045B1
A MPPT management method in a receiver used for wireless power transmission may include the monitoring of the power extracted from RF waves at a dedicated antenna element in the receiver; detecting MPPT at an intelligent input boost converter in the receiver; comparing the detected MPPT with MPPT tables stored or calculated within a main system micro-controller in the receiver; adjusting the MPPT at the intelligent boost converter to find a suitable maximum peak that may enable an optimal power extraction from RF waves.
US09438043B2
A system has a power source connected to power access points and at least one environmental control system. A threshold compare device is effective to compare the proportional load on the environmental control systems to a preset threshold. If the threshold is exceeded, unused power access points are disabled. This prevents such access points from placing additional loads on the environmental control systems. Conversely, when the proportional load on the environmental control systems drops below a preset threshold, power can be restored to the disabled power access points. A master control unit can monitor the load on the environmental control systems and either or both the environmental conditions in environment zones or the power loading of the power access points and determine whether to disable unused power outlets.
US09438036B2
A system having voltage regulator bypass means provides a means for preventing a voltage regulator to be bypassed in a power system when the difference between a load side voltage of the voltage regulator and a source side voltage of the voltage regulator is not below a certain threshold or substantially small. A voltage regulator controller can also prevent the voltage regulator from being bypassed when a tap changer of the voltage regulator is not in a neutral position.
US09438026B2
In at least some embodiments, a system includes a plurality of circuit breakers and trip control logic external to and coupled to the circuit breakers. The trip control logic enables a plurality of different tripping options to be selected for each of the circuit breakers.
US09438009B2
There is presented a method of providing a wavelength tunable photon source (200), comprising bonding a first element (101) with a first mirror (106), a second element (102) with a second mirror (108) and a third element (103) with a photon emitter together in a structure enclosing an inner volume (214) being a sealed volume, and forming a bonding interface (212) which is gas-tight, so that the first mirror (106) is placed in the inner volume (214) so the first mirror (106) may move within the inner volume (214). The method provides a relatively simple way of obtaining a tunable photon source where the inner volume is sealed. The invention furthermore relates to a corresponding photon source, and use of such photon source.
US09438007B2
An optical modulator including an information-containing radio frequency signal input; a semiconductor device having an optical input optically for receiving the coherent light beam, and a electrode connected to said radio frequency signal input and having a modulated bias potential so that current is generated in the second semiconductor device and extracted therefrom, while the coherent light beam is optically modulated by the signal changing the carrier density in the semiconductor device.
US09438006B2
According to an embodiment of the disclosure, a Raman generator includes a Raman medium and one or more optical elements. The Raman medium is configured to receive a pump pulse at a first wavelength and shift at least a portion of the pump pulse energy or power into a Stokes-shifted pulse at a second wavelength. The one or more optical elements are configured to pass the pump pulse and the Stokes-shifted pulse multiple times through the Raman medium. Each pass of the pulses through the Raman medium follows a path. Each path is parallel or anti-parallel to the other paths.
US09438004B2
A spatially multiplexed optical link having a plurality of transmission paths, wherein at least one transmission path is configured to carry an optical-pump signal while one or more other transmission paths carry data-bearing signals. Disposed within the optical link are an optical signal-distribution module and an amplifier module. The optical signal-distribution module is configured to couple portions of the optical-pump signal into the data-bearing transmission paths. The amplifier module is configured to amplify the data-bearing signals using these portions of the optical-pump signal as a power source in a suitable all-optical amplification scheme. The optical-pump signal can optionally be tapped and applied to a photovoltaic element configured to directly power a device, e.g., an optical performance monitor, or to charge the battery of that device to enable its autonomous operation if external electrical power is not available where the device is deployed.
US09437997B2
Systems, methods and apparatuses for attaching devices to ends of a circuit board. An exemplary method includes removing or creating at least a portion of a sacrificial part of a circuit board based on a predefined pattern, inserting a holder device into a remaining portion of the sacrificial part of the circuit board, placing a device at a predefined location on the circuit board, wherein the device is at least partially supported by a portion of the holder device, attaching the device to the circuit board and removing the holder device and the sacrificial part of the circuit board.
US09437996B2
A rotary device for providing continuous electrical connections between dynamic, rotationally engaged connector components. The rotary device includes a rotor assembly comprising a plurality of slip ring elements electrically connected to a connector or cable at the rotor end of the device. The rotary device also includes a stator assembly configured to receive the rotor assembly, with slide contacts electrically connected to a connector or cable at the stator end of the device. The rotor assembly is rotationally coupled to the stator assembly, and the slip rings and slide contacts maintain electrical contact during rotation of the rotor assembly relative to the stator assembly. A first electronic device and a second electronic device connected using the rotary device can be freely rotated without twisting of the cable between the two devices. A method for assembling a rotary device configured based on the devices to be connected.
US09437985B2
A connector with an integral fuse holder is described herein. The connector can include a portion having a fuse receiver disposed within a cavity and coupled to an electrical connection feature. The connector can include an end coupled to the portion, where the end includes a wall that forms a cavity. The connector can further include a fuse assembly having a contact member, a fuse, a fuse holder, and a conductor receiver. The contact member can couple to the electrical connection feature. The fuse holder can include a first end that couples to a top end of the fuse and the contact member, and a second end that couples to a bottom end of the fuse. The conductor receiver can couple to the second end of the fuse holder and to the bottom end of the fuse. A receiving feature of the conductor receiver can couple to a conductor.
US09437982B2
A cable connector assembly includes a connector comprising an insulative body, a number of conductive terminals received in the insulative body, and a printed circuit board (PCB) electrically connected with the conductive terminals; a cable having a plurality of core wires; and a number of electronic components disposed on the PCB. The insulative body includes a front face and a rear face opposite to the front face. The PCB has a front portion electrically connected with the conductive terminals, a rear portion electrically connected with the core wires, and a middle portion connecting the front portion and the rear portion. The rear portion has a number of first pads electrically connected with the core wires. The front portion and the middle portion are disposed in the insulative body and the rear portion is disposed outside of the insulative body.
US09437974B2
An electrical terminal assembly includes a connector body having a passageway formed therein and an electrical terminal. The electrical terminal includes a contact portion having a contact arm and a spring arrangement having a spring arm engaged with the contact arm. The electrical terminal assembly further includes a one way installation feature preventing the electrical terminal from being inserted into the passageway in an incorrect orientation.
US09437969B2
A connection mechanism between two components may use one or more metallic pins that are magnetically extended when the components are engaged, the pins extending into one or more slots. The components are attached in place by the pins extended into the slots during attachment. The connection mechanism may include one or more magnets mounted on either or both components. The magnets may be arranged to attract the components when the components are in the locking orientation and to repel the components when the components are in an unlocked position. The connection mechanism may include electrical connections between the components.
US09437966B2
A plug housing includes an ejector mechanism and a controller electrically coupled to the ejector mechanism for detaching electrical conductive blades of the plug from a mated connection with a female connector. In response to a switch signal from the controller, a solenoid is activated to release a latch in the mechanism, thereby permitting the force of a compressed spring to impel a structure outwardly from the plug. The controller may be located remotely from the plug and superimpose control signals to the plug over the power lines within the cord.
US09437965B2
A connector includes a shell having a mating end configured to be mated with a mating connector and that holds at least one contact. A coupling mechanism is rotatable about the shell. The coupling mechanism includes an inner coupling nut and an outer coupling nut separate from the inner coupling nut. The inner coupling nut has threads configured to be threadably coupled to a mating connector. The inner coupling nut has a track defined by track walls formed into an outer surface of the inner coupling nut. The outer coupling nut has a cavity receiving the inner coupling nut. The outer coupling nut has a post extending into the cavity and being received in the track. The post engages the track walls and is released from the track wall into the track when the connector is fully mated to the mating connector.
US09437957B2
The present invention is to provide a waterproof connector having internally concealed grounding pin, which includes an outer housing having an isolation layer covered on a metal frame thereof by injection molding to form at least one grounding part exposed to a first accommodating space therein and at least one outer grounding pin exposed out of the isolation layer; an inner casing made of metal material and having at least one inner grounding pin abutted against the grounding part when the inner casing is mounted inside the outer housing; a terminal block formed by plastic integrally, having a plurality of connection terminals passing therethrough, and mounted inside the inner casing; and a waterproof glue layer watertightly filled in the rear ends of the outer housing and inner casing. Since the inner grounding pin is fully concealed inside the outer housing, the moisture can no more pass through the connector accordingly.
US09437951B2
A plug connector has a housing and a plurality of metallic plug connections in the housing together with a plurality of contact feet which project from the bottom face of the housing in order to make electrical contact and be mechanically fixed to a support of a heating apparatus which is electrically connected to the plug connector. A contact foot has a U-shaped foot end with two limbs and with a cutout in-between, an upper limb merging with the contact foot, and a lower limb being provided on that side which faces away from the housing.
US09437947B2
An electrical connector include a movable hold down member that is configured to receive a fastener so as to secure the electrical connector to an underlying substrate to which the electrical connector is mounted.
US09437942B2
A battery assembly includes: a receptacle connector including a receptacle contact with a bolt hole for bolting formed therein, a receptacle housing attached to the receptacle contact; a battery having an upper surface on which the receptacle contact of the receptacle connector is attached by the bolting, and a right side surface roughly perpendicular to the upper surface. The receptacle housing of the receptacle connector is formed so as to extend in an elongated shape along the tangent direction of an imaginary circle C centered on the central axis of the bolt hole of the receptacle contact of the receptacle connector as viewed in the central axis direction of the bolt hole, and is capable of coming into contact with the right side surface of the battery at the time of the bolting.
US09437941B1
A splitter type terminal block connector having front metal contact pieces while each of them has two front wire connection metal blocks each having a front rectangular frame, a front resilient metal strip curled upward from the bottom side of one end of the front rectangular frame to abut against an inner top side of the front rectangular frame, a long pin and a short pin provided at another end of the front rectangular frame, and a front hole; also having a rear metal contact piece each having two rear wire connection metal blocks while each of them has a rear rectangular frame, a rear resilient metal strip curled upward from the bottom side of one end of the rear rectangular frame to abut against an inner top side of the rear rectangular frame, two rear pins provided at another end of the rear rectangular frame, and a rear hole.
US09437939B2
A grounding block is provided. The grounding block includes a means for fastening and a formed metallic block. The formed metallic block further comprises two or more flanges, where each flange is configured to accept the means for fastening. The formed metal block further comprises a uniform clearance formed into the underside of the grounding block between the flanges and a hole formed through the grounding block configured to accept a bolt. Various embodiments include angled surfaces to optimize assembly ergonomics and variable depth to optimize the mass of the blocks.
US09437936B2
A mobile communication device includes a case member, a circuit module and a radiating arm. The case member includes first and second case portions, each made of a metallic material. One of the first and second case portions has a feed-in portion configured to be fed with a radio frequency signal. One of the first and second case portions has a ground portion. The circuit module includes a radio frequency circuit and a ground conductor. The radio frequency circuit is coupled with the feed-in portion and is con figured to generate the radio frequency signal. The ground conductor is coupled to the ground portion and the first case portion. The radiating arm is coupled to the second case portion.
US09437934B2
A computing device includes a body, the body having a first and second portion. The computing device further includes a directional antenna, the directional antenna transmitting a signal having a preferred direction, the directional antenna located in the first portion of the body. The computing device further includes a reflector for reflecting the signal, the reflector located in the second portion of the body, the body having a first configuration where the first portion is aligned with the second portion such that the preferred direction is not aligned to intersect the reflector, the body having a second configuration where the first portion is aligned with the second portion such that the preferred direction is aligned to intersect the reflector.
US09437931B2
A mobile device includes an antenna structure, a signal source, and an IPMC (Ionic Polymer Metal Composite). The signal source is configured to excite the antenna structure. The IPMC is configured as a flexible actuator to adjust a resonant length of the antenna structure in such a manner that the antenna structure is capable of operating in multiple bands.
US09437928B2
The present disclosure relates to the field of antenna technologies and discloses a feeding matching apparatus of a multiband antenna, a multiband antenna, and a radio communication device to improve a bandwidth and efficiency of a lower frequency band. The feeding matching apparatus of a multiband antenna includes: a grounding portion; a feeding portion connected to a signal source, where a signal of the signal source is input into the feeding portion; and two or more ground cable branches with different lengths, where one end of each ground cable branch is electrically connected to the feeding portion, the other end is electrically connected to the grounding portion, at least one ground cable branch is connected in series to a signal filtering component, and the signal filtering component is capable of preventing a signal lower than a frequency point corresponding to the signal filtering component from passing through it.
US09437927B2
A bar antenna comprises: a bar core configured to connect at least two of core pieces in series, a bobbin covering at least a portion of the bar core, a winding wound in a predetermined range of the bobbin, and a case having the bar core and the bobbin disposed therein, wherein the bar core and the bobbin are sealed by filling in the case with a potting material, and the bar core is configured to be bendable with respect to a predetermined external force at a connection portion of the at least two of core pieces.
US09437920B2
A push-button switch includes a wiring board having a first surface on which electronic components are mounted. The push-button switch is used for an immobilizer system and supplies power to a portable device from the first surface side of the wiring board. The push-button switch includes a coil antenna and a conductor pattern. The coil antenna includes a magnetic core and a coil conductor wound around the magnetic core. The coil antenna is attached to a second surface of the wiring board. The conductor pattern is formed in at least one wiring layer so as to surround the coil conductor in plan view. The wiring board has an inner layer including the at least one wiring layer. A direction of current flowing through the coil conductor is the same as a direction of current flowing through the conductor pattern.
US09437919B2
Information equipment according to an embodiment includes a display housing with a display unit, a first radio communication antenna disposed at an end part of the display housing, a second radio communication antenna using a frequency band adjacent to or overlapped with that of the first radio communication antenna, and a third radio communication antenna disposed at an end part between the first and the second radio communication antennas, and uses a frequency band not adjacent to nor overlapped with those of the first and the second radio communication antennas.
US09437918B1
An antenna mounting bracket with adjustable azimuth settings and a method and medium for using the antenna mounting bracket are provided. The antenna mounting bracket includes a fixed bracket assembly coupled to a support structure, and a movable bracket assembly to which an antenna is mounted. The movable bracket assembly is rotatably coupled to the fixed bracket assembly by a pivot rod. Locking pins associated with the fixed bracket assembly can be used to reversibly secure the movable bracket assembly at a certain azimuth. A gearbox assembly associated with the movable bracket assembly can be actuated to angularly rotate the movable bracket assembly a predetermined number of degrees relative to the pivot rod when the movable bracket assembly is not secured to the fixed bracket assembly by the locking pins. Rotation of the movable bracket assembly causes the mounted antenna to angularly rotate to a new azimuth.
US09437916B2
A multi-mode cavity filter having a dielectric resonator body incorporating a piece of dielectric material, the piece of dielectric material having a shape such that it can support at least two substantially degenerate resonant modes; and a coupling structure comprising a plurality of independent coupling elements for coupling signals to the piece of dielectric material.
US09437914B2
A power processing circuit includes a first portion, a second portion, a third portion, a resistor, a first coupling portion, and a second coupling portion. The first portion, the second portion, and the third portion are connected to respective external components. The resistor is used for isolating signals between the second portion and the third portion. The first coupling portion and the second coupling portion are substantially U-shaped coupling structures and are positioned at different sides of the resistor. The first coupling portion is connected to the first portion, the second portion, and ground. The second coupling portion is connected to the first portion, the third portion, and ground.
US09437913B2
Provided is an input/output structure for a dielectric waveguide, comprising a rectangular-parallelepiped-shaped dielectric block, a plate-shaped dielectric plate, and a feeder line comprising a line-shaped electrically conductive foil sandwiched between the dielectric block and the dielectric plate.
US09437899B2
Embodiments of a solid-state electrolyte comprising magnesium borohydride, polyethylene oxide, and optionally a Group IIA or transition metal oxide are disclosed. The solid-state electrolyte may be a thin film comprising a dispersion of magnesium borohydride and magnesium oxide nanoparticles in polyethylene oxide. Rechargeable magnesium batteries including the disclosed solid-state electrolyte may have a coulombic efficiency ≧95% and exhibit cycling stability for at least 50 cycles.
US09437894B2
An electrode layer is provided by forming first and second sublayers containing input passages and exhaust passages, respectively. Electrode material is positioned around a first portion of first and second pluralities of spaced-apart removable physical structures to at least partially surround the structures thereby forming an active cell portion in each sublayer. Ceramic material is positioned around second portions to form a passive support structure in each sublayer. Another passive support structure is formed opposite the first, with the active cell portion therebetween. The sublayers are laminated, the physical structures are pulled out, and the laminated sublayers are sintered to reveal spaced-apart input passages from one end of the layer through the active cell portion, and spaced-apart exhaust passages from the active cell portion to a side of the layer adjacent the other end, the input and exhaust passages embedded in and supported by the sintered electrode and ceramic materials.
US09437880B2
A method of manufacturing a solid oxide fuel cell stack having an electrically conductive interconnect, including the steps of: (a) providing a first fuel cell and a second fuel cell, (b) providing a substrate having an iron-chromium alloy, (c) depositing a layer of metallic cobalt over a portion of substrate surface, (d) subjecting the layer of metallic cobalt to reducing conditions, (e) then exposing the remaining portion of the layer of metallic cobalt to oxidizing conditions for a predetermined time and temperature, such that the surface portion of the layer of metallic cobalt is oxidized to cobalt oxide, thereby forming the electrically conductive interconnect having a layer of metallic cobalt sandwiched between a surface layer of cobalt oxide and the layer of cobalt-iron-chromium alloy, and (f) sandwiching the substrate between the first and second fuel cells.
US09437879B1
Methods and systems for oxidizing an interconnect for a fuel cell stack include introducing at least one interconnect to an oxidizing gas containing water vapor, the oxidizing gas being at least substantially free of nitrogen, and oxidizing the at least one interconnect in the presence of the oxidizing gas at an elevated temperature. The oxidation may be performed at a sub-atmospheric pressure. The oxidation of the interconnect may be a controlled oxidation that is performed prior to incorporating the interconnect into a fuel cell stack.
US09437871B2
A sulfur based active material has a core-shell structure including a hollow core and a porous carbon shell surrounding the hollow core. Sulfur is present in a portion of the hollow core. A polymer shell coating is formed on the porous carbon shell. The polymer shell coating includes nitrogen atoms that bond to carbon atoms of the porous carbon shell so that the porous carbon shell is a nitrogen-confused porous carbon shell.
US09437862B2
An energy storage device having a container containing an electrolyte includes: a through hole formed in the container, for injecting the electrolyte; a sealing member that covers the through hole; and a full penetration weld portion formed by full penetration welding the sealing member to the container.
US09437850B2
A battery module includes a battery management system disposed in a housing of the battery module. The battery management system is configured to monitor an operational parameter of the battery module. The battery management system is electrically coupled to a positive terminal and a negative terminal of the battery module. The battery module also includes a connector disposed in an outer surface of the housing. The connector includes a plurality of electrical contacts and is electrically coupled to the battery management system.
US09437849B2
The present disclosure provides systems and methods for indicating battery damage. A battery may comprise an odorant and/or visible indicator material configured to be released in response to battery damage. The battery may be configured to release the odorant and/or visible indicator in response to damage to the battery housing, a cell or cells in the battery, a seal of the battery, or any other specific component of the battery. The odorant and/or visible indicator may be stored in free space in the battery housing, a battery cell, or other battery component. The battery may be configured to emit an audible and/or visible indication of battery damage in addition to releasing the odorant and/or visible indicator.
US09437847B2
A battery pack includes a battery group including battery rows consecutively disposed adjacent to each other, with the battery rows including secondary batteries disposed parallel to each other and spaced apart from each other, a frame for surrounding the battery group, and a plurality of first ribs that are each disposed between adjacent battery rows. The first ribs include supporting grooves that are formed in lateral surfaces of the first ribs and accommodate portions of edges of the secondary batteries, and ends of each of the first ribs are coupled to the frame.
US09437846B2
Provided is a secondary battery including: an electrode assembly; a case housing the electrode assembly and having a case opening; a cap plate substantially sealing the case opening; a first terminal plate on the cap plate; a first collector terminal coupling the electrode assembly to the first terminal plate; and a seal gasket between the first collector terminal and the cap plate, wherein the first collector terminal includes: a lower terminal adjacent the electrode assembly, and an upper terminal adjacent the first terminal plate, the upper terminal including a first metal different from a second metal of the lower terminal, and contacting the lower terminal at an interface between the first metal and the second metal, and wherein the seal gasket covers at least a portion of a side surface of the interface between the first metal and the second metal.
US09437842B2
Disclosed are light-emitting transistors having novel structures that can lead to enhanced device brightness, specifically, via incorporation of additional electrically insulating components that can favor charge localization and in turn, carrier recombination and exciton formation.
US09437839B2
On a support substrate, an adhesive layer is formed from a material which decreases an adhesion force thereof to the support substrate when absorbing moisture. In addition, a resin substrate is formed on the adhesive layer, and a sealing layer is formed which seals at least a portion of a laminate structure including the adhesive layer and the resin substrate at which the adhesive layer is exposed. An electronic element is formed above the resin substrate. After a part of a sealing structure including the sealing layer and the support substrate is removed so as to expose the adhesive layer, moisture is supplied to the adhesive layer. An electronic device including the electronic element and the resin substrate is peeled away from the support substrate.
US09437838B2
An organic light emitting diode display device is provided, which comprises: a first substrate; a second substrate opposite to the first substrate; an organic light emitting layer disposed between the first substrate and the second substrate; and a glass-forming sealant disposed between the first substrate and the second substrate and around the organic light emitting layer. Herein the glass-forming sealant comprises: a first portion adjacent to the first substrate, and a second portion adjacent to the second substrate. A first angle is included between the first portion and the first substrate, which is smaller than 90°; a second angle is included between the second portion and the second substrate, which is smaller than 90°; and the first angle is different from the second angle.
US09437828B2
In OLEDs, improved efficiency is obtained by compounds which can form inter alia electron injection layers of the formula (I) wherein R1 is a 1-5 ring aryl (including polycyclic), aralkyl or heteroaryl group which is optionally substituted with one or more C1-C4 alkyl, alkoxy or cyano; R2 and R3 together form a 1-5 ring aryl (including polycyclic), aralkyl or heteroaryl group which is optionally substituted with C1-C4 alkyl, alkoxy or cyano; R4 is hydrogen, C1-C4 alkyl or aryl; and Ar is monocyclic, bicyclic or tricyclic aryl or heteroaryl which is optionally substituted with one or more C1-C4-alkyl or alkoxy groups, or an oligomer thereof.
US09437823B2
The present invention relates to a production device for graphene thin film. The production device for graphene thin film according to the present invention may comprise a deposition plate in contact with a substrate at an obtuse or acute angle, wherein the substrate is coated with a graphene oxide solution; and a reciprocating linear motion device connected to the deposition plate to put the deposition plate into reciprocating linear motion.
US09437819B2
A donor substrate includes a base layer, a light-to-heat conversion layer disposed on the base layer, a buffer layer disposed on the light-to-heat conversion layer and a transfer layer disposed on the buffer layer. The buffer layer includes a cross-linked polymer, a spacer polymer bonded to the cross-linked polymer, and a perfluoroalkyl alcohol group bonded to the spacer polymer.
US09437817B2
The present disclosure relates generally to Hf-comprising materials for use in, for example, the insulator of a RRAM device, and to methods for making such materials. In one aspect, the disclosure provides a method for the manufacture of a layer of material over a substrate, said method including a) providing a substrate, and b) depositing a layer of material on said substrate via ALD at a temperature of from 250 to 500° C., said depositing step comprising: at least one HfX4 pulse, and at least one trimethyl-aluminum (TMA) pulse, wherein X is a halogen selected from Cl, Br, I and F and is preferably Cl.
US09437802B2
Multi-layered thin film piezoelectric material stacks and devices incorporating such stacks. In embodiments, an intervening material layer is disposed between two successive piezoelectric material layers in at least a portion of the area of a substrate over which the multi-layered piezoelectric material stack is disposed. The intervening material may serve one or more function within the stack including, but not limited to, inducing an electric field across one or both of the successive piezoelectric material layers, inducing a discontinuity in the microstructure between the two successive piezoelectric materials, modulating a cumulative stress of the piezoelectric material stack, and serving as a basis for varying the strength of an electric field as a function of location over the substrate.
US09437799B2
An integrated circuit containing CMOS transistors and an embedded thermoelectric device may be formed by forming field oxide in isolation trenches to isolate the CMOS transistors and thermoelectric elements of the embedded thermoelectric device. N-type dopants are implanted into the substrate to provide at least 1×1018 cm−3 n-type dopants in n-type thermoelectric elements and the substrate under the field oxide between the n-type thermoelectric elements. P-type dopants are implanted into the substrate to provide at least 1×1018 cm−3 p-type dopants in p-type thermoelectric elements and the substrate under the field oxide between the p-type thermoelectric elements. The n-type dopants and p-type dopants may be implanted before the field oxide are formed, after the isolation trenches for the field oxide are formed and before dielectric material is formed in the isolation trenches, and/or after the field oxide is formed.
US09437797B2
A cooling structure of a heating element includes: the heating element having at least one cooling surface from which a plurality of pin fins project; a heat receiving plate which has a shape complying with the cooling surface and in which holes are formed at positions facing each pin fin, each pin fin being movably inserted into the holes; a cooler which has a pair of clamping members that sandwich therebetween the heating element and the heat receiving plate while pressing the heating element and the heat receiving plate, and which cools the heat receiving plate; and a space securing part which is provided on the heat receiving plate and suppresses a distance between the pair of clamping members so as not to apply a pressing force by the clamping members to the heating element.
US09437794B2
A method for fabricating a flip chip light emitting diode (FCLED) die includes forming an epitaxial stack on a carrier substrate having an n-type confinement layer, a multiple quantum well (MQW) layer, and a p-type confinement layer, forming a mirror layer on the p-type confinement layer, forming an n-trench in the n-type confinement layer, forming an n-conductor layer in the n-trench on the n-type confinement layer, forming a p-metal layer on the p-type confinement layer, forming a first electrical isolator layer on the n-conductor layer and a second electrical isolator layer on the p-metal layer, forming a p-pad on the first electrical isolator layer, and forming an n-pad the second electrical isolator layer.
US09437792B2
An optoelectronic semiconductor component includes: at least one optoelectronic semiconductor chip, a leadframe having one a plurality of leadframe parts, at least two electrical connection means via which the semiconductor chip is electrically contact-connected to the leadframe, and a potting body, which is fitted to the leadframe and mechanically supports the latter, wherein the one or at least one of the leadframe parts is provided with a reflective coating at a top side, the semiconductor chip is fitted on the reflective coating at the top side, the leadframe includes at least two contact locations, onto which the connection means are directly fitted, and the contact locations are formed from a material that is different from the reflective coating.
US09437789B2
A light generating device and a method of manufacturing the light generating device are disclosed. The light generating device includes a p-type semiconductor layer, an n-type semiconductor layer, an active layer, a p-type electrode and an n-type electrode. The active layer is disposed between the p-type semiconductor layer and the n-type semiconductor layer. The p-type electrode provides the p-type semiconductor layer with holes. The n-type electrode provides the n-type semiconductor layer with electrons. At least one of the p-type electrode and n-type electrode has a protrusion protruding toward p-type semiconductor layer and the n-type semiconductor layer, respectively. Therefore, light efficiency is enhanced.
US09437787B2
A semiconductor light emitting device includes: a semiconductor light emitting element including a transparent substrate; a reflective substrate on which the semiconductor light emitting element is mounted; an adhesive layer containing a fluorescent substance, for fixing the semiconductor light emitting element on the reflective substrate; and a sealing member containing a fluorescent substance, for sealing the semiconductor light emitting element. In the semiconductor light emitting device, the adhesive layer has a thickness equal to or smaller than average particle size of the fluorescent substance contained in the sealing member.
US09437778B2
The semiconductor light-emitting element includes: a substrate; a semiconductor layer that is provided over the substrate; a first electrode that is provided in contact with part of an upper surface of the semiconductor layer and includes a current supply part; a second electrode that is provided in part of a region vertically below a region where the current supply part is not provided, that is in contact with part of the semiconductor layer; and a first current blocking layer that is provided in a region including a region vertically below the current supply part and that is in contact with part of the semiconductor layer, wherein a contact resistance at an interface between the first current blocking layer and the semiconductor layer is higher than that at an interface between the second electrode and the semiconductor layer.
US09437759B2
A Ge-on-Si photodetector constructed without doping or contacting Germanium by metal is described. Despite the simplified fabrication process, the device has responsivity of 1.24 A/W, corresponding to 99.2% quantum efficiency. Dark current is 40 nA at −4 V reverse bias. 3-dB bandwidth is 30 GHz.
US09437751B2
A non-volatile memory device includes a charge trapping layer for trapping charges. The charge trapping layer includes a linker layer formed over a substrate and including linkers to be bonded to metal ions metallic nanoparticles formed out of the metal ions over the linker layer and a nitride filling gaps between the metallic nanoparticles.
US09437750B1
A method for forming a TFT includes providing a substrate, and forming a gate electrode, an electrically insulating layer, a semiconductor layer, an etch stop layer and a photoresist layer successively on the substrate. A photolithographic process is performed to the photoresist layer by using a half-tone mask to thereby configure the photoresist layer to have two recesses in a top thereof. Two lateral ends of the etch stop layer are etched away to form an etch stop pattern. The photoresist layer is heated to flow downwardly. Two lateral ends of the semiconductor channel are etched away to become a channel layer. An ashing is performed to the photoresist layer to have the recesses thereof communicate atmosphere with the etch stop pattern. The etch stop pattern is etched to define first and second through holes. Source and drain electrodes are formed to electrically connect with the channel layer.
US09437748B2
To provide a method by which a semiconductor device including a thin film transistor with excellent electric characteristics and high reliability is manufactured with a small number of steps. After a channel protective layer is formed over an oxide semiconductor film containing In, Ga, and Zn, a film having n-type conductivity and a conductive film are formed, and a resist mask is formed over the conductive film. The conductive film, the film having n-type conductivity, and the oxide semiconductor film containing In, Ga, and Zn are etched using the channel protective layer and gate insulating films as etching stoppers with the resist mask, so that source and drain electrode layers, a buffer layer, and a semiconductor layer are formed.
US09437747B2
A transistor having high field-effect mobility is provided. In order that an oxide semiconductor layer through which carriers flow is not in contact with a gate insulating film, a buried channel structure in which the oxide semiconductor layer through which carriers flow is separated from the gate insulating film is employed. Specifically, an oxide semiconductor layer having high conductivity is provided between two oxide semiconductor layers. Further, an impurity element is added to the oxide semiconductor layer in a self-aligned manner so that the resistance of a region in contact with an electrode layer is reduced. Further, the oxide semiconductor layer in contact with the gate insulating layer has a larger thickness than the oxide semiconductor layer having high conductivity.
US09437728B2
A first semiconductor device of an embodiment includes a first semiconductor layer of a first conductivity type, a first control electrode, an extraction electrode, a second control electrode, and a third control electrode. The first control electrode faces a second semiconductor layer of the first conductivity type, a third semiconductor layer of a second conductivity type, and a fourth semiconductor layer of a first conductivity type, via a first insulating film. The second control electrode and the third control electrode are electrically connected to the extraction electrode, and face the second semiconductor layer under the extraction electrode, via the second insulating film. At least a part of the second control electrode and the whole of the third control electrode are provided under the extraction electrode. The electrical resistance of the second control electrode is higher than the electrical resistance of the third control electrode.
US09437721B2
In the reverse-conducting IGBT according to the present invention, an n-type buffer layer surrounds a p-type collector layer. A p-type separation layer surrounds an n-type cathode layer. The n-type buffer layer separates the p-type collector layer and the p-type separation layer from each other. The p-type separation layer separates the n-type cathode layer and the n-type buffer layer from each other. Therefore, the present invention makes it possible to reduce snapback.
US09437717B2
Methods of fabricating bipolar junction transistors, bipolar junction transistors, and design structures for a bipolar junction transistor. A first portion of the intrinsic base layer is masked while a second portion of an intrinsic base layer is etched. As a consequence of the masking, the second portion of the intrinsic base layer is thinner than the first portion of the intrinsic base layer. An emitter and an extrinsic base layer are formed in respective contacting relationships with the first and second portions of the intrinsic base layer.
US09437716B2
According to one embodiment, a semiconductor device includes a catalyst underlying layer formed on a substrate including semiconductor elements formed thereon and processed in a wiring pattern, a catalyst metal layer that is formed on the catalyst underlying layer and whose width is narrower than that of the catalyst underlying layer, and a graphene layer growing with a sidewall of the catalyst metal layer set as a growth origin and formed to surround the catalyst metal layer.
US09437713B2
Devices and methods for forming semiconductor devices with wider FinFETs for higher tunability of the varactor are provided. One method includes, for instance: obtaining an intermediate semiconductor device; applying a spacer layer over the semiconductor device; etching the semiconductor device to remove at least a portion of the spacer layer to expose the plurality of mandrels; removing the mandrels; etching the semiconductor device to remove a portion of the dielectric layer; forming at least one fin; and removing the spacer layer and the dielectric layer. One intermediate semiconductor device includes, for instance: a substrate; a dielectric layer over the substrate; a plurality of mandrels formed on the dielectric layer, the mandrels including a first set of mandrels and a second set of mandrels, wherein the first set of mandrels have a width twice as large as the second set of mandrels; and a spacer layer applied over the mandrels.
US09437706B2
A microelectronic device may be formed with at least one transistor having a source region and a drain region, wherein an interlayer dielectric layer may be formed adjacent the transistor. A trench may be formed through the first interlayer dielectric layer to at least one of the source region and the drain region and a conductive contact may be formed in the trench, wherein the conductive contact comprises a conformal conductive layer separated from the at least one of the source region and the drain region by a conformal insulating layer.
US09437705B2
A method of manufacturing a spacer for an electronic memory including a substrate; a first gate structure; a stack including a plurality of layers whereof at least one of the layers is able to store electric charges, the method including depositing a spacer material layer, at least on the area covered by the stack; ion beam machining the spacer material layer, the ion beam machining being carried out with controlled stopping so as to preserve a residual portion of the thickness of the spacer material layer covering the stack; plasma etching the residual portion of the thickness of the spacer material layer.
US09437704B2
Provided is a semiconductor device including a metal film which can be formed with lower costs but still mange to have a necessary work function and oxidation resistance. The semiconductor device includes an insulating film disposed on a substrate; and a metal film disposed on the insulating film. The metal film includes a stacked structure of: a first metal film disposed on the insulating film to directly contact the insulating film; a second metal film disposed on the first metal film to directly contact the first metal film; and the first metal film disposed on the second metal film to directly contact the second metal film, the second metal film having a work function greater than 4.8 eV and being different from the first metal film in material, wherein an oxidation resistance of the first metal film is greater than that of the second metal film.
US09437703B2
A non-volatile memory device includes a floating gate for charging and discharging of charges over a substrate. The floating gate comprises a linker layer formed over the substrate and including linkers to be bonded to metal ions and metallic nanoparticles formed out of the metal ions over the linker layer.
US09437696B2
A semiconductor device includes a substrate having an element isolation region, a trench formed on the element isolation region, a gate electrode buried in the trench, and a plurality of active regions formed on both ends of the gate electrode, wherein a pin is formed under the gate electrode between the active regions.
US09437694B1
A transistor is formed by defining a gate stack on top of a semiconductor layer. The gate stack includes a gate dielectric and a gate electrode. A layer of a first dielectric material, having a first dielectric constant, is deposited on side walls of the gate stack to form sacrificial sidewall spacers. Raised source-drain regions are then epitaxially grown on each side of the gate stack adjacent the sacrificial sidewall spacers. The sacrificial sidewall spacers are then removed to produce openings between each raised source-drain region and the gate stack. A layer of a second dielectric material, having a second dielectric constant less than the first dielectric constant, is then deposited in the openings and on side walls of the gate stack to form low-k sidewall spacers.
US09437687B2
The invention provides semiconductor materials including a gallium nitride material layer formed on a silicon substrate and methods to form the semiconductor materials. The semiconductor materials include a transition layer formed between the silicon substrate and the gallium nitride material layer. The transition layer is compositionally-graded to lower stresses in the gallium nitride material layer which can result from differences in thermal expansion rates between the gallium nitride material and the substrate. The lowering of stresses in the gallium nitride material layer reduces the tendency of cracks to form. Thus, the invention enables the production of semiconductor materials including gallium nitride material layers having few or no cracks. The semiconductor materials may be used in a number of microelectronic and optical applications.
US09437683B2
The present disclosure describes a fin-like field-effect transistor (FinFET). The device includes one or more fin structures over a substrate, each with source/drain (S/D) features and a high-k/metal gate (HK/MG). A first HK/MG in a first gate region wraps over an upper portion of a first fin structure, the first fin structure including an epitaxial silicon (Si) layer as its upper portion and an epitaxial growth silicon germanium (SiGe), with a silicon germanium oxide (SiGeO) feature at its outer layer, as its middle portion, and the substrate as its bottom portion. A second HK/MG in a second gate region, wraps over an upper portion of a second fin structure, the second fin structure including an epitaxial SiGe layer as its upper portion, an epitaxial Si layer as it upper middle portion, an epitaxial SiGe layer as its lower middle portion, and the substrate as its bottom portion.
US09437682B2
The invention provides an ultra-low-on-resistance, excellent-reliability semiconductor device that can finely be processed using SiC and a semiconductor device producing method. A semiconductor device includes: a silicon carbide substrate; a first-conductive-type first silicon carbide layer provided on a first principal surface of the silicon carbide substrate; a second-conductive-type first silicon carbide region formed at a surface of the first silicon carbide layer; a first-conductive-type second silicon carbide region formed at a surface of the first silicon carbide region; a second-conductive-type third silicon carbide region formed below the second silicon carbide region; a trench piercing through the second silicon carbide region to reach the third silicon carbide region; a gate insulating film; a gate electrode; an interlayer insulating film with which the gate electrode is covered; a first electrode that is formed on the second silicon carbide region and the interlayer insulating film in a side surface of the trench while containing a metallic element selected from a group consisting of Ni, Ti, Ta, Mo, and W; a second electrode that is formed on the third silicon carbide region in a bottom portion of the trench and the first electrode while containing Al; a first main electrode formed on the second electrode; and a second main electrode formed on a second principal surface of the silicon carbide substrate.
US09437676B2
A layer system having a layer region whereby the layer region has a single-crystal silicon substrate with a front side and a back side, and whereby a textured surface is formed on the front side and the textured surface has a topography with different heights and a thin film layer of a metal oxide and/or an oxide ceramic is formed on the textured surface, whereby the thin film layer covers the textured surface.
US09437673B2
Aspects of the present disclosure describe an integrated circuit comprises a substrate of a first conductivity type semiconductor, a lightly doped semiconductor layer of the first conductivity type semiconductor disposed over the substrate, a driver circuit, an electrically conductive interconnect structure formed over the semiconductor layer and electrically connected to the driver circuit at one end, at least one guard structure formed in the semiconductor layer and under the interconnect structure and a well region of the first conductivity type semiconductor formed in a top portion of the semiconductor layer, between the driver circuit and the at least one guard structure and under the interconnect structure. The guard structure is electrically floating. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with rules requiring an abstract that will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims.
US09437661B2
A thin film transistor substrate includes a semiconductor pattern on a base substrate, a first insulation member disposed on the semiconductor pattern, a second insulation pattern disposed on the first insulation member, and a gate electrode disposed on the first insulation member and the second insulation pattern. The second insulation pattern overlaps a first end portion of the semiconductor pattern, and exposes a second end portion of the semiconductor pattern opposite to the first end portion. The gate electrode overlaps both the first insulation member and the second insulation pattern.
US09437659B2
An organic electroluminescent display device includes: a substrate; plural anodes that are formed in respective pixels; pixel separation films that cover at least an edge of the respective anodes between the respective pixels; an organic layer that covers a display area over the plurality of anodes, and the pixel separation films, and includes at least a light emitting layer; a cathode that is formed on the organic layer; and a counter substrate that is arranged on the cathode so as to face the substrate, in which the anodes each include: a contact area that comes in contact with the organic layer, and faces a corresponding pixel of the counter substrate, and a peripheral area that is formed around the contact area, and faces pixels around the corresponding pixels of the counter substrate. The organic electroluminescent display device can realize higher definition, higher luminance, and prevention of color mixture.
US09437651B2
One portion of a first insulator film, which is positioned on a second semiconductor region, and another portion of the first insulator film, which is positioned on a third semiconductor region, are removed, while a first portion of the first insulator film, which is positioned on a first semiconductor region is remained, one portion of a second insulator film, which is positioned on the first semiconductor region, and another portion of the second insulator film, which is positioned on the second semiconductor region, are removed, while a second portion of the second insulator film, which is positioned on the third semiconductor region is remained, and a metal film that covers the first portion, the second semiconductor region, and the second portion, and the second semiconductor region are caused to react with each other and a metal compound layer is formed.
US09437640B2
Backside illuminated sensors and methods of manufacture are described. Specifically, a backside illuminated sensor with a dipole modulating layer near the photodiode is described.
US09437637B2
A method for manufacturing a semiconductor device comprising, forming a first photoresist pattern by exposing and then developing a first photoresist film formed on a substrate, irradiating the first photoresist pattern with UV light to cure its surface, forming a second photoresist film so as to cover the substrate and the first photoresist pattern, forming a second photoresist pattern and performing ion implantation in the substrate using the second photoresist pattern. The second photoresist pattern is not subjected to UV irradiation after the second photoresist film has been developed and before the ion implantation is performed, or is irradiated with the UV light, after the second photoresist film has been developed and before the ion implantation is performed, under a reduced condition relative to that for the first photoresist pattern.
US09437628B1
Substantially biodegradable microwave integrated circuits and method for making the microwave integrated circuits are provided. The integrated circuits, which have applications in high performance flexible microwave and digital electronics, utilize biobased, biodegradable cellulose nanofibril films as a substrate and comprise only very small amounts of potentially toxic inorganic materials.
US09437625B2
A display panel includes a first pixel electrode electrically connected to a first switching electrode, and includes a plurality of first branches forming micro slits, a second pixel electrode electrically connected to a second switching electrode, and including a plurality of second branches forming micro slits, and a third pixel electrode electrically connected to a third switching electrode, and including a plurality of third branches forming micro slits. The first branches are spaced apart from each other by a first space, and have a first width. The second branches are spaced apart from each other by a second space, and have a second width. The third branches are spaced apart from each other by a third space, and have a third width. At least one of the first width, the second width and the third width is different from the other widths.
US09437613B2
In one aspect, a method of forming a multiple VT device structure includes the steps of: forming an alternating series of channel and barrier layers as a stack having at least one first channel layer, at least one first barrier layer, and at least one second channel layer; defining at least one first and at least one second active area in the stack; selectively removing the at least one first channel/barrier layers from the at least one second active area, such that the at least one first channel layer and the at least one second channel layer are the top-most layers in the stack in the at least one first and the at least one second active areas, respectively, wherein the at least one first barrier layer is configured to confine charge carriers to the at least one first channel layer in the first active area.
US09437611B1
A semiconductor device and a manufacturing method of a semiconductor device thereof are provided. The manufacturing method includes the following steps. A bottom insulating layer is formed on a substrate. Two stacked structures are formed on the bottom insulating layer. Each of the stacked structures includes a plurality of gate layers, a plurality of gate insulating layers, a top insulating layer and a conductive mask layer. Each of the charge trapping structures includes a plurality of first dielectric layers and a plurality of second dielectric layers. Part of each of first dielectric layers is etched. Part of each of second dielectric layers is etched to expose part of the channel layer. A landing pad layer is formed on the conductive mask layer, the first dielectric layers and the second dielectric layers to connect the conductive mask layer and the channel layer.
US09437605B2
Roughly described, a memory device has a multilevel stack of conductive layers which are divided laterally into word lines. Vertically oriented pillars each include series-connected memory cells at cross-points between the pillars and the layers. String select lines run above the conductive layers and define select gates of the pillars. Bit lines run above the SSLs. The pillars are arranged on a regular grid having a unit cell area α, and adjacent ones of the string select lines have respective widths in the bit line direction which are at least as large as (α/pBL). Ground select lines run below the conductive layers and define ground select gates of the pillars. The ground select lines, too, may have respective widths in the bit line direction which are at least as large as (α/pBL).
US09437599B2
According to an embodiment, a nonvolatile semiconductor memory device comprises: a semiconductor layer; a first gate insulating film; a plurality of floating gate electrodes; a second gate insulating film; a plurality of control gate electrodes; and an upper insulating film. The semiconductor layer is provided on a substrate and extends in a first direction. The floating gate electrode is formed on the semiconductor layer via the first gate insulating film. The control gate electrode faces the upper surface of the floating gate electrode via the second gate insulating film. Moreover, the control gate electrode extends in a second direction intersecting the first direction. The upper insulating film is formed on an upper portion of the plurality of control gate electrodes. Moreover, a height of an upper surface of the upper insulating film changes along the second direction.
US09437598B2
A semiconductor device manufacturing method includes: forming a first well of the first conductivity type in a substrate; forming a second well of the first conductivity type in a first region of the substrate; forming a third well of the second conductivity type underneath the second well in the first region of the substrate in a position overlapping with the first well located underneath the second well in the first region of the substrate; forming a fourth well, that surrounds the second well and has the second conductivity type, in the first region of the substrate; forming a fifth well of the first conductivity type above the first well in the second region of the substrate; and forming a sixth well of the second conductivity type above the first well in the second region of the substrate.
US09437593B2
A preferred embodiment includes a method of manufacturing a fuse element that includes forming a polysilicon layer over a semiconductor structure, doping the polysilicon layer with carbon or nitrogen, depositing a metal over the polysilicon layer; and annealing the metal and polysilicon layer to form a silicide in an upper portion of the polysilicon layer.
US09437587B2
A semiconductor device package comprises a lead frame having a die paddle comprising a first chip installation area and a second chip installation area, a recess area formed in the first chip installation area, and multiple metal pillars formed in the recess area, a notch divides the first chip installation area into a transverse base extending transversely and a longitudinal base extending longitudinally, and separates the recess area into a transverse recess part formed in the transverse base and a longitudinal recess part formed in longitudinal base; a portion of a transverse extending part connecting to an external pin extends into a portion inside of the notch.
US09437586B2
Provided is a semiconductor package in which a cell array region and a peripheral circuit region are formed as different semiconductor chips, respectively. First semiconductor chips including memory cells and a second semiconductor chip including only peripheral circuitry common to the first semiconductor chips are electrically connected to each other. Thus, a loading capacitance of the semiconductor package may be reduced. As a result, an RC delay of the semiconductor package may be reduced, thereby improving an operating speed of the semiconductor package.
US09437582B2
A microelectronic assembly includes units superposed on one another to form at least one stack having a vertical direction. Each unit includes one or more microelectronic devices and has top and bottom surfaces. Top unit terminals are exposed at the top surfaces and bottom unit terminals are exposed at the bottom surfaces. The top and bottom unit terminals are provided at a set of ordered column positions. Each top unit terminal of the set, except the top unit terminals at the highest ordered column position, is connected to a respective bottom unit terminal of the same unit at a next higher ordered column position. Each bottom unit terminal of the set, except the bottom unit terminals of the lowest unit in the stack, is connected to a respective upper unit terminal of the next lower unit in the stack at the same column position.
US09437579B2
A microelectronic assembly can include a substrate having first and second surfaces each extending in first and second transverse directions, a peripheral edge extending in the second direction, first and second openings extending between the first and second surfaces, and a peripheral region of the second surface extending between the peripheral edge and one of the openings. The assembly can also include a first microelectronic element having a front surface facing the first surface, a rear surface opposite therefrom, and an edge extending between the front and rear surfaces. The assembly can also include a second microelectronic element having a front surface facing the rear surface of the first microelectronic element and projecting beyond the edge of the first microelectronic element. The assembly can also include a plurality of terminals exposed at the second surface, at least one of the terminals being disposed at least partially within the peripheral region.
US09437577B2
A package on package (POP) structure includes at least a first package and a second package. The first package has a plurality of pillar bump pins. The second package has a plurality of pads connected to the pillar bump pins, respectively. A method of forming a package on package (POP) structure includes at least the following steps: providing a first package with a plurality of pillar bump pins; providing a second package with a plurality of pads; and forming the POP structure by connecting the pillar bump pins to the pads.
US09437576B1
A semiconductor device package includes a substrate, a first electrical component, a second electrical component, and a conductive frame disposed on a top surface of the substrate. The conductive frame has a top portion and a rim substantially perpendicular to the top portion. The conductive frame covers the first electrical component, and includes at least one opening in the top portion of the conductive frame, one of which openings exposes the second electrical component. A top surface of the top portion of the conductive frame is substantially coplanar with a top surface of the second electrical component. The semiconductor device package further includes an electromagnetic interference shield in contact with the top surface of the top portion of the conductive frame, an outer lateral surface of the rim of the conductive frame, and the top surface of the second electrical component.
US09437570B2
In one implementation, a power semiconductor package includes a conductive carrier including a switch node segment and a power output segment. The power semiconductor package also includes an integrated output inductor stacked over the conductive carrier and configured to couple the switch node segment to the power output segment. The power semiconductor package further includes a power stage stacked over the integrated output inductor.
US09437560B2
A semiconductor device includes conductive lines spaced from a substrate, and an insulating spacer structure between the conductive lines and defining a contact hole. The insulating spacer structure is adjacent a side wall of at least one of the conductive lines. The device also includes an insulating pattern on the conductive lines and insulating spacer structure, and another insulating pattern defining a landing pad hole connected to the contact hole. A contact plug is formed in the contact hole and connects to the active area. A landing pad is formed in the landing pad hole and connects to the contact plug. The landing pad vertically overlaps one of the pair of conductive line structures.
US09437556B2
The reliability of a semiconductor device is improved. Further, miniaturization of the semiconductor device is attained. A sealring is formed in a wiring structure provided over a semiconductor substrate. The sealring has a structure in which sealring wirings respectively formed in a plurality of wiring layers included in the wiring structure are laminated. The position of a side surface on the inner peripheral side of a sealring wiring formed in the wiring layer at the uppermost layer in the wiring layers is located more outside than the position of a side surface on the inner peripheral side of a sealring wiring formed in the wiring layer located one layer lower than the wiring layer at the uppermost layer. The width of the sealring wiring at the uppermost layer is smaller than the width of the sealring wiring located one layer lower than the wiring layer at the uppermost layer.
US09437536B1
A method of making an assembly can include forming a circuit structure defining front and rear surfaces, and forming a substrate onto the rear surface. The forming of the circuit structure can include forming a first dielectric layer coupled to the carrier. The first dielectric layer can include front contacts configured for joining with contacts of one or more microelectronic elements, and first traces. The forming of the circuit structure can include forming rear conductive elements at the rear surface coupled with the front contacts through the first traces. The forming of the substrate can include forming a dielectric element directly on the rear surface. The dielectric element can have first conductive elements facing the rear conductive elements and joined thereto. The dielectric element can include second traces coupled with the first conductive elements. The forming of the substrate can include forming terminals at a surface of the substrate.
US09437534B2
A flip chip package includes: a carrier coupled to a die. The carrier includes: at least a via, for coupling the surface of the carrier to electrical traces in the carrier; and at least a capture pad electrically coupled to the via, wherein the capture pad is plated over the via. The die includes: at least a bond pad formed on the surface of the die; and at least a copper column, formed on the bond pad for coupling the die to the capture pad on the carrier, wherein part of the copper column overhangs the via opening.
US09437524B2
Embodiments of the present invention provide a novel process integration for air gap formation at the sidewalls for a Through Silicon Via (TSV) structure. The sidewall air gap formation scheme for the TSV structure of disclosed embodiments reduces parasitic capacitance and depletion regions in between the substrate silicon and TSV conductor, and serves to also reduce mechanical stress in silicon substrate surrounding the TSV conductor.
US09437522B2
A semiconductor device according to the present invention has a semiconductor module 2; a cooling unit 3, the semiconductor module 2 being joined to an upper surface of the cooling unit 3, and a pipe 14, 15 for circulating a refrigerant being fixed to a side surface 20, 22 of the cooling unit 3; and a resin mold layer 4 that covers outer peripheries of the semiconductor module 2 and the cooling unit 3. Further, a protruding portion 25, 26 that protrudes from the side surface 20, 22 of the cooling unit 3 and surrounds the pipe 14, 15 is provided on the side surface 20, 22 of the cooling unit 3.
US09437514B2
A semiconductor package including an integrated device, the package having a front side, a back side and side walls linking the front and back sides, wherein each side wall is coated, to at least 80% of its area, with a coating material different from the material(s) of the back and front sides. A method of manufacturing a semiconductor package by providing an assembly containing an array of the packages, the assembly having thickness d0 and being attached to a dicing tape of thickness dd, fabricating a set of first dicing streets with width w1 and depth d1<(d0+dd), filling the first dicing streets at least partially with a coating material, and fabricating, in the coating material in each first dicing street, a second dicing street with width w2≦w1 and depth d2≧d0 but <(d0+dd).
US09437509B2
A package for electronic components that suppresses multipactor discharge is disclosed. The package includes a metal base and a casing. The metal base provides a pocket in the side thereof. The casing, mounted on the metal base to surround electronic components therein, provides a lead terminal connecting the electronic components to the outside and a feedthrough to isolate the lead terminal from the metal base. The pocket in the metal base is positioned beneath the lead terminal with an insulator therebetween.
US09437506B2
The defect-containing die identified from an inspection layer analysis subsequent to a manufacturing step for a wafer including a plurality of die and as well as the faulty die identified from a fault testing of the wafer are processed to identify a subset of the die that both contain a defect and are faulty. A probability analysis is performed to determine a confidence level of whether the die in the subset are faulty due to their defects.
US09437504B2
On a first semiconductor material substrate, an overlying sacrificial layer formed of a second semiconductor material is deposited. In a first region, a first semiconductor material region is formed over the sacrificial layer. In a second region, a second semiconductor material region is formed over the sacrificial layer. The first semiconductor material region is patterned to define a first FinFET fin. The second semiconductor material region is patterned to define a second FinFET fin. The fins are each covered with a cap and sidewall spacer. The sacrificial layer formed of the second semiconductor material is then selectively removed to form an opening below each of the first and second FinFET fins (with those fins being supported by the sidewall spacers). The openings below each of the fins are then filled with a dielectric material that serves to isolate the semiconductive materials of the fins from the substrate.
US09437503B1
A method of forming a variable spacer in a vertical transistor device includes forming a first source/drain of a first transistor on a substrate; forming a second source/drain of a second transistor on the substrate adjacent to the first source/drain, an isolation region arranged in the substrate between the first source/drain and the second source/drain; depositing a spacer material on the first source/drain; depositing the spacer material on the second source/drain; forming a first channel extending from the first source drain and through the spacer material; forming a second channel extending from the second source/drain and through the spacer material; wherein the spacer material on the first source/drain forms a first spacer and the spacer material on the second source/drain forms a second spacer, the first spacer being different in thickness than the second spacer.
US09437498B2
A method is for forming at least two different gates metal regions of at least two MOS transistors. The method may include forming a metal layer on a gate dielectric layer; and forming a metal hard mask on the metal layer, with the hard mask having a composition different from that of the metal layer and covering a first region of the metal layer and leaving open a second region of the metal layer. The method may also include diffusion annealing the intermediate structure obtained in the prior steps such as to make the metal atoms of the hard mask diffuse into the first region, and removal of the hard mask.
US09437490B2
A semiconductor device includes a first substrate including a surface, and a pad array on the surface of the substrate, wherein the pad array comprises a first type pad and a second type pad located on a same level. The semiconductor device further includes a conductive bump connecting either the first type pad or the second type pad to a second substrate and a via connected a conductive feature at a different level to the first type pad and the via located within a projection area of the first type pad and directly contacting the first type pad. The semiconductor device also has a dielectric in the substrate and directly contacting the second type pad, wherein the second type pad is floated on the dielectric.
US09437487B2
Embodiments of the disclosure disclose an array substrate and a fabrication method thereof, and a display device. The fabrication method of the array substrate comprises: forming a thin film transistor; forming a passivation layer covering the thin film transistor, the passivation layer having a via hole and the via hole exposing at least a portion of a drain electrode of the thin film transistor; forming a via-hole conductive layer, the via-hole conductive layer covering the portion of the drain electrode exposed at the via hole and connected to the drain electrode; treating the via-hole conductive layer, so that a reflectivity of the via-hole conductive layer is lower than a reflectivity of the drain electrode; and forming a pixel electrode, the pixel electrode being connected with the drain electrode through the via-hole conductive layer.
US09437481B2
One method includes forming a mandrel element above a hard mask layer, forming first and second spacers on the mandrel element, removing the mandrel element, a first opening being defined between the first and second spacers and exposing a portion of the hard mask layer and having a longitudinal axis extending in a first direction, forming a block mask covering a middle portion of the first opening, the block mask having a longitudinal axis extending in a second direction different than the first direction, etching the hard mask layer in the presence of the block mask and the first and second spacers to define aligned first and second line segment openings in the hard mask layer extending in the first direction, etching recesses in a dielectric layer disposed beneath the hard mask layer based on the first and second line segment openings, and filling the recesses with a conductive material.
US09437479B2
Embodiments of methods for forming interconnect patterns on a substrate are provided herein. In some embodiments, a method for forming an interconnect pattern atop a substrate includes depositing a porous dielectric layer atop a cap layer and a plurality of spacers disposed atop the cap layer, wherein the cap layer is disposed atop a bulk dielectric layer and the bulk dielectric layer is disposed atop a substrate; removing a portion of the porous dielectric layer; removing the plurality of spacers to form features in the porous dielectric layer; and etching the cap layer to extend the features through the cap layer.
US09437478B2
A chip package including a chip is provided. The chip includes a sensing region or device region adjacent to an upper surface of the chip. A sensing array is located in the sensing region or device region and includes a plurality of sensing units. A plurality of first openings is located in the chip and correspondingly exposes the sensing units. A plurality of conductive extending portions is disposed in the first openings and is electrically connected to the sensing units, wherein the conductive extending portions extend from the first openings onto the upper surface of the chip. A method for forming the chip package is also provided.
US09437471B2
A method of manufacturing shallow trench isolations is provided in the present invention, which includes the steps of providing a substrate, performing a zero etch to form preliminary trenches in the substrate, performing a STI etch to the preliminary trenches to form final trenches, where the final trenches are deeper and steeper than the preliminary trenches, and filling up the final trenches with insulating material to form shallow trench isolations.
US09437459B2
An electronic component package that includes a package substrate having an aluminum bond pad formed from an aluminum clad copper structure. The aluminum clad copper structure is attached to a dielectric layer. An electronic component is attached to the substrate and includes a conductive structure electrically coupled to the aluminum bond pad. The aluminum bond pad, the electronic component, and at least a portion of the substrate are encapsulated with an encapsulant.
US09437453B2
CMP selectivity, removal rate, and uniformity are controlled both locally and globally by altering electric charge at the wafer surface. Surface charge characterization is performed by an on-board metrology module. Based on a charge profile map, the wafer can be treated in an immersion bath to impart a more positive or negative charge overall, or to neutralize the entire wafer before the CMP operation is performed. If charge hot spots are detected on the wafer, a charge pencil can be used to neutralize localized areas. One type of charge pencil bears a tapered porous polymer tip that is placed in close proximity to the wafer surface. Films present on the wafer absorb ions from, or surrender ions to, the charge pencil tip, by electrostatic forces. The charge pencil can be incorporated into a CMP system to provide an in-situ treatment prior to the planarization step or the slurry removal step.
US09437445B1
A technique for forming a semiconductor device is provided. Sacrificial mandrels are formed over a hardmask layer on a semiconductor layer. Spacers are formed on sidewalls of the sacrificial mandrels. The sacrificial mandrels are removed to leave the spacers. A masking process leaves exposed a first set of spacers with a second set protected. In response to the masking process, a first fin etch process forms a first set of fins in the semiconductor layer via first set of spacers. The first set of fins has a vertical sidewall profile. Another masking process leaves exposed the second set of spacers with the first set of spacers and the first set of fins protected. In response to the other masking process, a second fin etch process forms a second set of fins in semiconductor layer using the second set of spacers. The second set of fins has a trapezoidal sidewall profile.
US09437441B2
A method of etching a substrate using a metal-assisted chemical etching process is provided. The method may include forming a metal catalytic layer to a predetermined thickness on a substrate and reacting the metal catalytic layer with the etching solution to form a porous surface in the metal catalytic layer and etch the substrate. When the metal catalytic layer is reacted with an etching solution, a porous surface may be formed on the metal catalytic layer.
US09437439B2
A wafer processing method for reducing the thickness of a wafer to a predetermined thickness, the wafer having a chamfered portion along the outer circumference thereof. The wafer processing method includes a stacked wafer forming step of attaching a support substrate to the front side of the wafer to thereby form a stacked wafer, and a chamfered portion removing step of positioning a cutting blade having a rotation axis parallel to the stacking direction of the stacked wafer formed by the stacked wafer forming step so that the outer circumference of the cutting blade faces the chamfered portion of the wafer, and then making the cutting blade cut into the wafer from the outer circumference toward the center thereof to thereby partially remove the chamfered portion in the range corresponding to the predetermined thickness from the front side of the wafer.
US09437436B2
A field effect transistor device includes a fin including a semiconductor material arranged on an insulator layer, the fin including a channel region, a hardmask layer arranged partially over the channel region of the fin, a gate stack arranged over the hardmask layer and over the channel region of the fin, a metallic alloy layer arranged on a first portion of the hardmask layer, the metallic alloy layer arranged adjacent to the gate stack, and a first spacer arranged adjacent to the gate stack and over the metallic alloy layer.
US09437431B2
New methods are provided for manufacturing a semiconductor device. Preferred methods of the invention include depositing a photoresist on a semiconductor substrate surface followed by imaging and development of resist coating layer; applying a curable organic or inorganic composition over the resist relief image; etching to provide a relief image of the resist encased by the curable composition; and removing the resist material whereby the curable organic or inorganic composition remains in a relief image of increased pitch relative to the previously developed resist image.
US09437430B2
Semiconductor structures are fabricated to include strained epitaxial layers exceeding a predicted critical thickness thereof.
US09437429B2
In order to obtain a polycrystalline silicon rod having an excellent shape, the placement relation between a source gas supplying nozzle 9 and metal electrodes 10 that are provided in a reactor is appropriately designed. The area of a disc-like base plate 5 is S0. An imaginary concentric circle C (radius c) centered at the center of the disc-like base plate 5 has an area S=S0/2. Further, a concentric circle A and a concentric circle B are imaginary concentric circles having the same center as that of the concentric circle C and having a radius a and a radius b, respectively (a
US09437428B2
To provide a method for manufacturing a semiconductor device including an oxide semiconductor film having conductivity, or a method for manufacturing a semiconductor device including an oxide semiconductor film having a light-transmitting property and conductivity. The method for manufacturing a semiconductor device includes the steps of forming an oxide semiconductor film over a first insulating film, performing first heat treatment in an atmosphere where oxygen contained in the oxide semiconductor film is released, and performing second heat treatment in a hydrogen-containing atmosphere, so that an oxide semiconductor film having conductivity is formed.
US09437424B2
High mobility P-channel power metal oxide semiconductor field effect transistors. In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, a power MOSFET is fabricated such that the holes flow in an inversion/accumulation channel, which is along the (110) crystalline plane, or equivalents, and the current flow is in the [110] direction, or equivalents, when a negative potential is applied to the gate with respect to the source. The enhanced channel mobility of holes leads to a reduction of the channel portion of the on-state resistance, thereby advantageously reducing total “on”resistance of the device.
US09437421B2
A substrate processing apparatus includes a process chamber in which a substrate is accommodated; a source gas supply system configured to supply a source gas onto the substrate; first and second reactive gas supply systems configured to supply a reactive gas onto the substrate via first and second interconnected reactive gas supply pipes, wherein a gas storage unit is installed at the second reactive gas supply pipe to store the reactive gas and the reactive gas is supplied onto the substrate via the gas storage unit; and a control unit configured to control the source gas supply system to supply the source gas onto the substrate and to control the first and second reactive gas supply systems to supply the reactive gas onto the substrate via the first and second reactive gas supply pipes.
US09437416B2
According to one embodiment, a supercritical drying method for a semiconductor substrate includes introducing a semiconductor substrate formed with a metal film into a chamber, the surface of the substrate being wet with alcohol, supplying a supercritical fluid of carbon dioxide into the chamber, setting a temperature inside the chamber to a predetermined temperature, to replace the alcohol on the semiconductor substrate with the supercritical fluid, and discharging the supercritical fluid and the alcohol from the chamber while keeping the temperature inside the chamber at the predetermined temperature, to lower a pressure inside the chamber. The predetermined temperature is not lower than 75° C. but lower than a critical temperature of the alcohol.
US09437414B2
A pattern forming device uses a template having a plurality of protrusions and recesses configured to imprint a reverse image thereof on a resin on a substrate. The pattern forming device has a holding part, a stage, a driving part, and a curing part. The holding part includes a contact portion having a friction reducing contact portion, which is configured to engage against the template to hold the template. The stage carries the substrate. The driving part is configured to move at least one of the holding part and the stage to have the pattern in contact with the resin. The curing part cures the resin. The contact portion has a main body portion configured to move forward/backward with respect to the template and a tip portion arranged on the main body portion.
US09437411B2
A method for separating electrically charged species contained in a solution by an isotachophoresis method applied in an electrophoresis device, the isotachophoresis method being coupled to isotopic measurement using a mass spectrometer. The method notably comprises a step of stopping the voltage applied to the terminal of the electrophoresis capillary and transient application of a counter-pressure making it possible to utilize the length of the capillary several times and extend the separation distance artificially.
US09437408B2
The present invention relates to a method for determining at least one parameter related to charged particles emitted from a particle emitting sample. The method comprises guiding a beam of charged particles into an entrance of a measurement region by means of a lens system, and detecting positions of the particles indicative of said at least one parameter within the measurement region. Furthermore, the method comprises deflecting the particle beam at least twice in the same coordinate direction before entrance of the particle beam into the measurement region. Thereby, both the position and the direction of the particle beam at the entrance of the measurement region can be controlled in a way that to some extent eliminates the need for physical manipulation of the sample. This in turn allows the sample to be efficiently cooled such that the energy resolution in energy measurements can be improved.
US09437400B2
An insulated dielectric window assembly comprising a dielectric window of an inductively coupled plasma processing apparatus; an upper polymeric ring, and a lower polymeric ring. The upper polymeric ring insulates the outer edge of the dielectric window from a cooler ambient atmosphere and the lower polymeric ring insulates the lower surface of the dielectric window from a chamber surface supporting the window.
US09437392B2
One embodiment of this ion implanter includes an ion source and a process chamber. This process chamber is connected to the ion source and separated from the ion source by a plurality of extraction electrodes. A carrier holds multiple workpieces. A mask loader in the process chamber connects a mask to the carrier. A transfer chamber and load lock may be connected to the process chamber. The ion implanter is configured to perform either blanket or selective implantation of the workpieces.
US09437391B2
A carbon nanotube micro-tip structure includes an insulating substrate and a patterned carbon nanotube film structure. The insulating substrate includes a surface. The surface includes an edge. The patterned carbon nanotube film structure is partially arranged on the surface of the insulating substrate. The patterned carbon nanotube film structure includes two strip-shaped arms joined at one end to form a tip portion protruded from the edge of the surface of the insulating substrate and suspended. Each of the two strip-shaped arms includes a plurality of carbon nanotubes parallel to the surface of the insulating substrate.
US09437390B2
An X-ray tube device according to the present invention includes a cathode generating an electron beam, an anode generating an X-ray by collision of the electron beam from the cathode, an envelope internally housing the cathode and the anode, a magnetic field generator including a magnetic pole arranged to be opposed to the envelope, generating a magnetic field for focusing and deflecting the electron beam from the cathode to the anode, and an electric field relaxing electrode arranged between the magnetic pole and the envelope, having an outer surface having a rounded shape. Thus, the magnetic field generator can be placed closer to the envelope while a tip end of the magnetic field generator is suppressed from being a discharge start point, and hence the effect of being capable of downsizing the X-ray tube device is achieved.
US09437367B2
A winding-type solid electrolytic capacitor package structure without using any lead frame includes a winding capacitor and a package body. The winding capacitor has a winding body enclosed by the package body, a positive conductive lead pin extended from a first lateral side of the winding body, and a negative conductive lead pin extended from a second lateral side of the winding body. The positive conductive lead pin has a first embedded portion enclosed by the package body and a first exposed portion exposed outside the package body and extended along the first lateral surface and the bottom surface of the package body. The negative conductive lead pin has a second embedded portion enclosed by the package body and a second exposed portion exposed outside the package body and extended along the second lateral surface and the bottom surface of the package body.
US09437365B2
An electronic component including an electronic component element with an external electrode, a Ni plating film on the external electrode, and a Sn plating film covering the Ni plating film. The Sn plating film has Sn—Ni alloy flakes therein, the Sn—Ni alloy flakes are present in the range from a surface of the Sn plating film on the Ni plating film to 50% or less of the thickness of the Sn plating film, and when Sn is removed from the Sn plating film to leave only the Sn—Ni alloy flakes, an observed planar view of a region occupied by the Sn—Ni alloy flakes falls within the range from 15% to 60% of the observed planar region.
US09437357B2
A rotary input device includes a first annular magnetic body in which a plurality of outward protrusions protruding toward an outside in a radial direction are disposed along a circumferential direction, a second annular magnetic body in which a plurality of inward protrusions formed to oppose the outward protrusions of the first magnetic body are disposed along a circumferential direction, and a rotary knob configured to relatively rotate the first magnetic body and the second magnetic body. The first magnetic body includes a magnet in which opposing surfaces facing each other are vertically disposed and which is magnetized to two poles of an upper pole and a lower pole including the opposing surfaces, a pair of yokes that interposes the opposing surfaces of the magnet vertically, and the outward protrusion formed on the pair of yokes.
US09437346B2
A semiconductor device connected using an anisotropic conductive adhesive composition, the anisotropic conductive adhesive composition including a thermosetting polymerization initiator; and tetrahydrofurfuryl (meth)acrylate or furfuryl (meth)acrylate, wherein the tetrahydrofurfuryl (meth)acrylate or furfuryl (meth)acrylate is present in the composition in an amount of 1 wt % to 25 wt %, based on the total weight of the composition in terms of solid content.
US09437340B2
The invention relates to a leaf module (102) for a multi-leaf collimator (132), comprising a leaf unit (104) and a leaf drive unit (106), wherein the leaf unit (104) comprises a leaf (108) for shielding beams from a selected area, and the leaf unit (104) is mounted displaceably in an adjusting direction (110), wherein the leaf drive unit (106) is designed to displace the leaf unit (104) linearly in the adjusting direction (110), and wherein the leaf drive unit (106) comprises at least one drive mechanism (112), being designed in such a way that the drive mechanism (112) operates based on pneumatic actuation. Furthermore, the invention relates to a multi-leaf collimator (132) comprising a plurality of leaf modules (102) according to the invention. The invention is based on the objective of designing a leaf module (102) and a multi-leaf collimator (132) as compactly as possible, while achieving a simple, reliable and variable adjustability of the leaf unit (104). The invention is regarded to be particularly suitable for implementation in Cobalt-60 or mid- to low-end linac radiotherapy apparatuses.
US09437321B2
Methods for detecting and correcting defects in a memory array during a memory operation are described. The memory operation may comprise a programming operation or an erase operation. In some cases, a Control Gate Short to Substrate (CGSS) defect, in which a control gate of a NAND memory has been shorted to the substrate, may have a defect signature in which a word line shows a deviation in the number of programming loop counts associated with programming data into memory cells connected to the word line. The deviation in the number of programming loop counts may be detected by comparing a baseline programming loop count (e.g., derived from programming a set of one or more word lines prior to programming the word line with the CGSS defect) with a programming loop count associated with programming the word line with the CGSS defect.
US09437315B2
A data storing system includes a semiconductor device suitable for repeatedly performing a read operation by changing a level of a read voltage according to read voltages listed on a read retry table when a read operation on a selected page is passed, in response to a command and an address, and a controller suitable for controlling the read operation of the semiconductor device by generating the command and the address, wherein a read voltage to be used for performing the read operation is determined among the read voltages listed on the read retry table when the semiconductor device performs the read operation based on data read as a result of a predetermined number of read operations.
US09437309B2
A NAND flash memory unit, an operating method and a reading method are provided. The NAND flash memory unit includes a plurality of gate layers, a tunnel layer, a charge trapping layer, a conductor layer and a second dielectric layer. A first dielectric layer is included between two adjacent gate layers among the gate layers. The tunnel layer, the charge trapping layer, the conductor layer, and the second dielectric layer penetrate the gate layers. The charge trapping layer is disposed between the tunnel layer and the gate layers, and the second dielectric layer is disposed between the conductor layer and the tunnel layer. Therefore, an erasing speed may be increased; the charge trapping layer may be repaired; the controllability of the gate layers may be increased.
US09437308B2
According to one embodiment, a nonvolatile semiconductor memory device includes a memory cell array and a control unit. The memory cell array includes a plurality of memory cells arranged in a matrix. The control unit erases data of the memory cells. The control unit interrupts the erase operation of the memory cells and holds an erase condition before the interrupt in accordance with a first command during the erase operation, and resumes the erase operation based on the held erase condition in accordance with a second command.
US09437307B2
A control circuit is configured to execute an erasing operation on a selected cell unit in a selected memory block. In the erasing operation, the control circuit raises the voltage of the bodies of the first memory transistors included in the selected cell unit to a first voltage, sets the voltage of the bodies of the first memory transistors included in the non-selected cell unit to a second voltage lower than the first voltage, and applies a third voltage equal to or lower than the second voltage to the gates of the first memory transistors included in the selected cell unit and the non-selected cell unit.
US09437293B1
Embodiments of the present disclosure describe read and write operations in phase change memory to reduce snapback disturb. In an embodiment, an apparatus includes read circuitry to apply a read voltage to a phase change memory (PCM) cell, setback circuitry to apply a setback pulse to the PCM cell in response to the application of the read voltage, wherein the setback pulse is a shorter set pulse performed for a first period of time that is shorter than a second period of time for a regular set pulse that is configured to transition the PCM cell from an amorphous state to a crystalline state, sense circuitry to sense, concurrently with application of the setback pulse, whether the PCM cell is in the amorphous state or the crystalline state. Other embodiments may be described and/or claimed.
US09437286B2
A method of programming a memory system includes repetitively performing N program loops for a selected memory cell (where N is a natural number equal to or greater than two). Each of the N program loops includes a program operation and a program verify operation. At least one of the N program loops includes performing the program operation on the selected memory cell and on at least one additionally selected memory cell by applying a program voltage to at least one word line to which the selected memory cell and at least one additionally selected memory cell are connected, and performing the program verify operation on the selected memory cell by applying a program verify voltage to a selected word line to which the selected memory cell is connected.
US09437280B2
The disclosed embodiments provide a sense amplifier for a dynamic random-access memory (DRAM). This sense amplifier includes a bit line to be coupled to a cell to be sensed in the DRAM, and a complement bit line which carries a complement of a signal on the bit line. The sense amplifier also includes a p-type field-effect transistor (PFET) pair comprising cross-coupled PFETs that selectively couple either the bit line or the complement bit line to a high bit-line voltage. The sense amplifier additionally includes an n-type field effect transistor (NFET) pair comprising cross-coupled NFETs that selectively couple either the bit line or the complement bit line to ground. This NFET pair is lightly doped to provide a low threshold-voltage mismatch between NFETs in the NFET pair. In one variation, the gate material for the NFETs is selected to have a work function that compensates for a negative threshold voltage in the NFETs which results from the light substrate doping. In another variation, the sense amplifier additionally includes a cross-coupled pair of latching NFETs. These latching NFETs are normally doped and are configured to latch the voltage on the bit line after the lightly doped NFETs finish sensing the voltage on the bit line.
US09437275B2
A memory system may include a memory including a cell array having a plurality of word lines and an address storage unit that stores an address in response to a capture command, wherein the memory sequentially refreshes the word lines in response to a refresh command at a set cycle, and refreshes a word line corresponding to the stored address in response to the refresh command when the address is stored in the address storage unit; and a memory controller transmitting the refresh command to the memory at the set cycle when a word line satisfying one or more of conditions that the number of activation times is equal to or more than a reference number and an activation frequency is equal to or more than a reference frequency is detected, and transmitting the capture command and an address of the detected word line to the memory.
US09437274B1
A memory device may include a plurality of word lines each word line being operably coupled to one or more memory cells; a peripheral circuit suitable for performing first and second refresh operations to the plurality of word lines; wherein the first refresh operation is suitable for preserving stored data for a majority of the memory cells of the memory device and the second refresh operation is suitable for preserving stored data of one or more weak memory cells.
US09437268B2
Synthetic antiferromagnetic (SAF) and synthetic ferrimagnetic (SyF) free layer structures are disclosed that reduce Ho (for a SAF free layer), increase perpendicular magnetic anisotropy (PMA), and provide higher thermal stability up to at least 400° C. The SAF and SyF structures have a FL1/DL1/spacer/DL2/FL2 configuration wherein FL1 and FL2 are free layers with PMA, the coupling layer induces antiferromagnetic or ferrimagnetic coupling between FL1 and FL2 depending on thickness, and DL1 and DL2 are dusting layers that enhance the coupling between FL1 and FL2. The SAF free layer may be used with a SAF reference layer in STT-MRAM memory elements or in spintronic devices including a spin transfer oscillator. Furthermore, a dual SAF structure is described that may provide further advantages in terms of Ho, PMA, and thermal stability.
US09437267B2
A storage element includes a magnetization fixed layer, and a magnetization free layer. The magnetization fixed layer includes a plurality of ferromagnetic layers laminated together with a coupling layer formed between each pair of adjacent ferromagnetic layers. The magnetization directions of the ferromagnetic layers are inclined with respect to a magnetization direction of the magnetization fixed layer.
US09437258B2
Provided is a data readout circuit capable of, even when a high voltage is applied during data read-out operation, preventing erroneous writing of the data and reading out the data correctly. The data readout circuit includes: a non-volatile storage element; a latch circuit including: an input inverter; an output inverter; and a MOS transistor; a first MOS transistor connected between the non-volatile storage element and the latch circuit; a second MOS transistor connected between the latch circuit and the first power supply terminal; a first bias circuit configured to bias a gate of the first MOS transistor; and a second bias circuit configured to bias the MOS transistor in the latch circuit, each of the first bias circuit and the second bias circuit being configured to output a predetermined bias voltage when the data in the non-volatile storage element is read out.
US09437252B2
A semiconductor memory apparatus is capable of improving the alignment margin for a bank and sufficiently ensuring a space for forming a global input/output line. The semiconductor memory apparatus includes a stack bank structure having at least two sub-banks continuously stacked without disconnection of data signal lines, and a control block arranged at one side of the stack bank structure to simultaneously control column-related signals of the sub-banks.
US09437249B1
Disclosed herein are an optical disc drive and a feeding base. The feeding base is coupled to a spindle motor base and a stepping motor base. Main and sub-shafts for guiding inner and outer circumferential movements of an optical pickup unit are mounted on the feed base. The feeding base is made of a steel plate of a rectangular rim shape having an empty center corresponding to a space in which the optical pickup unit moves, the feeding base includes two guides for guiding the coupling location of the spindle motor base, and at least one guide of the two guides is formed by protruding the steel plate to form a funnel shape such that the side cross section of the at least one guide may have a slope section corresponding to a cone and a straight-line section corresponding to a cylinder.
US09437247B2
Some embodiments provide a graphical user interface (GUI) of a media-editing application. The GUI includes a composite display area for displaying a set of media clips that define a composite presentation. The set of media clips includes a particular media clip which includes several different groups of ordered clips that are selectable for use in the composite presentation. The GUI includes a preview display area for simultaneously displaying video images from several of the different groups corresponding to a time in the composite presentation. The displayed video images in the preview display area are selectable to determine which of the groups is for use in the composite presentation.
US09437239B2
Distribution of content stored on read only media, and a system and method by which a consumer who purchased content stored on read only media implements a process in the field by which they alter the storage media and verifiably disable at least a portion of the stored content in support of a transaction. A system and tools are used by the consumer to identify, authenticate, disable, and confirm disablement in exchange for compensation, the acquisition of new usage rights to content, or the ability to restore access to or copy content to new media. The process may be conducted by the consumer in the field without assistance and or visual inspection, or be partially conducted in conjunction with an authorized intermediary. Furthermore, the process may restore access to content stored on new media without the need to transfer copies of content.
US09437235B2
The present invention relates to a method for manufacturing a glass substrate for an information recording medium having a high level of cleanness and superior smoothness. The manufacturing method includes a step for washing a disk-shaped glass plate with an acid washing liquid, a step for removing at least part of a surface layer, which is formed on the surface of the glass plate, by performing grinding with diamond abrasion grains, and a step for washing the surface with a neutral or alkaline washing liquid.
US09437231B1
A data storage device is disclosed comprising a voice coil motor (VCM) and a secondary actuator configured to actuate a head over a disk. A control signal is applied to the secondary actuator while processing a sensor signal generated by the secondary actuator. A vibration signal is generated based on the sensor signal, wherein the vibration signal is a high-pass signal.
US09437224B2
A stack having a seed layer structure with a first part having a first cross-track width and a free layer deposited over the seed layer structure and with a second cross-track width, wherein the first cross-track width is greater than the second cross-track width. In one implementation, the seed layer structure further comprises an antiferromagnetic (AFM) layer and a synthetic antiferromagnetic (SAF) layer. In one alternate implementation, the cross-track width of the seed layer structure is substantially equal to the combined cross-track width of the free layer and cross-track width of two permanent magnets.
US09437209B2
The present invention discloses a speech enhancement method and device for mobile phones. By the method and device provided by the present invention, the mobile phone holding state of a user is detected when the user is talking on the phone, so that different denoising solutions will be employed according to the state of the user in holding the mobile phone. When the user holds the mobile phone normally, a solution integrating multi-microphone denoising and single-microphone denoising will be employed to effectively suppress both the steady noise and the non-steady noise; and when the user holds the mobile phone abnormally, a solution of single-microphone denoising will be employed only to suppress the steady noise. The distortion of speech by multi-microphone denoising is avoided, and the speech quality is ensured.
US09437208B2
Sound decomposition models are described. In one or more implementations, a plurality of individual models is generated for respective ones of a plurality of sound sources. The plurality of models is collected to form a universal audio model that is configured to support sound decomposition of sound data through use of one or more of the models. The plurality of models is not generated using a sound source that originated at least a portion of the sound data.
US09437206B2
A method is provided for enabling or enhancing a use of voice control in a voice controlled application (VCA) via a development framework. The method includes providing in the framework a plurality of action-context pairs usable in a memory of an application development device, which includes a processor. The action-context pairs serve to direct execution of the VCA, wherein the framework context defines a list of parameters related to the action and their respective value types. At least one of a voice recognition engine (VRE) and a natural language library is provided to match each action-context pair with a semantically related vocabulary. A registration mechanism is provided in the framework, which permits an association to be formed between an action-context pair and a handler in the voice controlled application. An associated development system for developing the VCA and user equipment that executes the VCA are provided as well.
US09437194B2
A voice control method is applied in an electronic device. The electronic device includes a voice input unit, a play unit, and a storage unit storing a conversation database and an association table between different ranges of voice characteristics and styles of response voice. The method includes the following steps. Obtaining voice signals input via the voice input unit. Determining which content is input according to the obtained voice signals. Searching in the conversation database to find a response corresponding to the input content. Analyzing voice characteristics of the obtained voice signals. Comparing the voice characteristics of the obtained voice signals with the pre-stored ranges. Selecting the associated response voice. Finally, outputting the found response using the associated response voice via the play unit.
US09437193B2
Computerized estimation of an identity of a user of a computing system. The system estimates environment-specific alterations of a received user sound that is received at the computing system. The system estimates whether the received user sounds is from a particular user by use of a corresponding user-dependent audio model. The user-dependent audio model may be stored in a multi-system store accessible such that the method may be performed for a given user across multiple systems and on a system that the user has never before trained to recognize the user. This reduces or even eliminates the need for a user to train a system to recognize the voice of a user, and allows multiple systems to take advantage of previous training performed by the user.
US09437191B1
Voice command recognition with dialect translation is disclosed. User voice input can be translated to a standard voice pattern using a dialect translation unit. A control command can then be generated based on the translated user voice input. In certain embodiments, the voice command recognition system with dialect translation can be implemented in a driving apparatus. In those embodiments, various control commands to control the driving apparatus can be generated by a user with a dialect input. The generated voice control commands for the driving apparatus can include starting the driving apparatus, turning on/off A/C unit, controlling the A/C unit, turning on/off entertainment system, controlling the entertainment system, turning on/off certain safety features, turning on/off certain driving features, adjusting seat, adjusting steering wheel, taking a picture of surroundings and/or any other control commands that can control various functions of the driving apparatus.
US09437190B2
In accordance with alphabet input method information for each user, a word formed of an alphabet string is registered in a word dictionary, in a state where “dotto” being added before each alphabet and one of a set of alphabets difficult to distinguish from each other like “M and N” and “B and P” is repeated twice. For example, a word “PAM” and a feature of time series corresponding to “dotto P P doddo A dotto M” are registered in association with each other. When a user performs a speech input of “PAM”, in accordance with the user's alphabet input method information, the user utters “dotto P P dotto A dotto M”. A speech recognition is performed on this sound data using the word dictionary corresponding to the user's alphabet input method information.
US09437189B2
Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on a computer storage medium, for generating language models. In some implementations, data is accessed that indicates a set of classes corresponding to a concept. A first language model is generated in which a first class represents the concept. A second language model is generated in which second classes represent the concept. Output of the first language model and the second language model is obtained, and the outputs are evaluated. A class from the set of classes is selected based on evaluating the output of the first language model and the output of the second language model. In some implementations, the first class and the second class are selected from a parse tree or other data that indicates relationships among the classes in the set of classes.
US09437183B2
An embedded acoustic metamaterial lenses allows for ultrasonic beam-forming and high resolution identification of acoustic sources for structural health monitoring. The lenses design provides an alternative to conventional phased-array technology enabling the formation of steerable and collimated (or focused) ultrasonic beams by exploiting a single transducer. The ultrasonic beam can be steered by simply tuning the frequency of the excitation. Also, the embedded lens can be designed to achieve sub-wavelength resolution to clustered acoustic sources which is a typical scenario encountered in incipient structural damage.
US09437180B2
A system utilizing two pairs of microphones for noise suppression. Primary and secondary microphones may be positioned closely spaced to each other to provide acoustic signals used to achieve noise cancellation/suppression. An additional, tertiary microphone may be spaced with respect to either the primary microphone or the secondary microphone in a spread-microphone configuration for deriving level cues from audio signals provided by the tertiary and the primary or secondary microphone. The level cues are expressed via a level difference used to determine one or more cluster tracking control signal(s). The level difference-based cluster tracking signals are used to control adaptation of noise suppression. A noise cancelled primary acoustic signal and level difference-based cluster tracking control signals are used during post filtering to adaptively generate a mask to be applied to a speech estimate signal.
US09437178B2
A storage section stores therein one or more sets of music content and/or function executing programs, at least a part of the sets of music content and/or function executing programs being set in a non-usable state at least in an initial state. An audio signal containing additional information is received from an external electronic audio apparatus, and a determination is made as to whether the additional information satisfies a predetermined condition. If the additional information satisfies the predetermined condition, any of the sets of music content and/or function executing programs, stored in the storage section, that is currently set in the non-usable state is updated to a usable state. A model of the external electronic audio apparatus is identified, and any of the sets of music content and/or function executing programs that corresponds to the identified model is updated to the usable state.
US09437173B2
Obtained is a structure of a piano action by which excellent playing reproducibility is secured even in a case of playing by repeatedly striking a key at an extremely high speed. In a piano action including a plurality of hammers 31 for striking keys, hammer shanks 32 that support the hammers turnably, hammer rails 1 that restrict the hammer shanks 32 from turning after the hammers strike strings, and hammer cushions (shock absorbing materials) 100 that are placed on the hammer rails and absorb motion energy generated by collision with the hammer shanks 32, the hammer cushions (shock absorbing materials) 100 are disposed at an angle so as not to become parallel to contact surfaces of the hammer shanks 32.
US09437171B2
A method of local tone mapping of a high dynamic range (HDR) image is provided that includes dividing a luminance image of the HDR image into overlapping blocks and computing a local tone curve for each block, computing a tone mapped value for each pixel of the luminance image as a weighted sum of values computed by applying local tone curves of neighboring blocks to the pixel value, computing a gain for each pixel as a ratio of the tone mapped value to the value of the pixel, and applying the gains to corresponding pixels in the HDR image. A weight for each value is computed based on distance from the pixel to the center point of the block having the local tone curve applied to compute the value and the intensity difference between the value of the pixel and the block mean pixel value.
US09437170B1
Systems and methods for generating Augmented Reality displays including obtaining a location and an orientation of an electronic device. Geolocation responsive to the location and the orientation of the electronic device and a distance may be obtained. Physical phenomena information of the geolocation may be obtained. The physical phenomena information may be displayed overlaying a view of a physical environment on a display of the electronic device.
US09437167B2
Disclosed is an organic light-emitting display device and operating method thereof that may include an organic light-emitting diode, a first transistor controlled by a sensing signal and connected to a data line, a second transistor controlled by a scanning signal and connected to the data line, and a driving transistor having first to third nodes, wherein a reference voltage is applied to the first node through the first transistor, a data voltage is applied to the second node through the second transistor, and the third node is connected to a driving voltage line.
US09437161B2
In an image processing device which processes a video signal displayed on a display having sub-pixels arranged in a shape of stripes, a pixel scan section scans the video signal by two pixels adjacent in a direction orthogonal to the stripes and detects, in the two pixels, dark sub-pixels continuing by a number equivalent to one pixel or more between two bright sub-pixels each of which has a largest value in each of the two pixels, a correction target determination section determines at least one sub-pixel in the dark sub-pixels to be a correction target, a correction value computation section computes a correction value of the correction-target sub-pixel based on the values of the sub-pixels included in the two pixels, and a sub-pixel correction section increases the value of the correction-target sub-pixel by the correction value.
US09437159B2
A wearable computing device includes a head-mounted display (HMD) that generates a virtual reality environment. Through the generation and tracking of positional data, a the virtual environment may be interrupted or paused. Upon pausing the environment, a user may access a number of ancillary menus and controls not otherwise available during normal operation of the virtual environment.
US09437158B2
A display control method for an electronic device and an electronic device are provided, which can implement interactive program display or interactive picture display, and thus provide good user experience. The method includes: a display unit receives a first operation and generates a first instruction corresponding to the first operation; a process unit responses the first instruction to control the display region, so that the first display region and the second display region perform interactive program display or interactive picture display.
US09437156B2
An electronic apparatus and a method for switching a display mode are provided. The method includes: turning on the electronic apparatus to enter a full-screen display mode; switching the full-screen display mode to a block display mode when a mode-switching signal is triggered; and enabling a corresponding operation interface in the block display mode according to an execution state of an operation system of the electronic apparatus in the full-screen display mode and displaying the operation interface in the designated block of the display unit.
US09437155B2
A touch sensing device is provided. The device includes a substrate; a plurality of first electrodes formed on the substrate and arranged along a first direction without overlapping one another; a first insulating layer formed on the substrate and covering the plurality of first electrodes; and a plurality of second electrodes formed on the first insulating layer and arranged along a second direction without overlapping one another, wherein the first direction is vertical to the second direction.
US09437154B2
Provided for each data signal line drive circuit (6a, 6b, 6c) are: a voltage generation circuit (61a, 61b, 61c) that generates a drive voltage in accordance with an external voltage; and a voltage determination circuit (63a, 63b, 63c) which determines whether or not a voltage level of at least either the external voltage or the drive voltage falls within a range of allowable voltages, in a case where the voltage level does not fall within the range of allowable voltages, operation of the voltage generation circuits (61a, 61b, 61c) being stopped.
US09437153B2
According to one embodiment, a liquid crystal display device includes pixel electrodes arranged in matrix, gate lines, source lines, pixel switches, gate drivers allocated at both ends of a display region, a source driver, image signal transmit lines arranged along the columns in which the pixel electrodes are arranged, each image signal transmit line supplying an image signal to each source line, switches arranged along the row direction, each switch configured to switch a connection between the source line and the image signal transmit line, and control lines configured to output source control signals to switch the switches, each control line outputting a source control signal to switch a plurality of the switches at the same time, wherein each source control signal is input to each control line at a position substantially the center of the gate line in the row direction.
US09437140B2
An electro-optical device including a substrate; an array region which is formed on the substrate and in which a plurality of light emitting pixels are arranged two-dimensionally; first drive lines that are arranged in a row direction and are connected to each of the light emitting pixels; second drive lines that are arranged in a column direction and are connected to each of the light emitting pixels; a drive circuit that supplies a drive signal to at least one of the first drive line and the second drive line; an inspection terminal that is electrically connected to the drive circuit or the second drive lines; and an electrostatic protection circuit that is connected to the inspection terminal, in which at least a part of the electrostatic protection circuit overlaps the inspection terminal in a plan view.
US09437134B2
An organic light emitting display is capable of reducing power consumption. The organic light emitting display includes a scan driver for sequentially supplying scan signals to scan lines, a data driver for supplying data signals to data lines in synchronization with the scan signals, pixels located at crossing regions of the scan lines and the data lines, a timing controller for determining a normal driving mode for displaying a normal image and a standby driving mode displaying less information than the normal image, and a power source for supplying a first power and a second power to the pixels, wherein a voltage difference between the first power and the second power in the normal driving mode is a first voltage, and a voltage difference between the first power and the second power is a second voltage different from the first voltage.
US09437115B2
The invention facilitates asynchronous interaction between a geographically separated facilitator and at least one user. The said invention provides asynchronous interaction between rural classrooms (teacher-student community) and expert teachers to increase the outreach of the expert teachers much beyond that is permitted with the teachings of the prior art.
US09437109B1
An electronic lighted safety marker system used by emergency responders to warn motorists of the presence of an accident scene ahead on or beside the roadway is provided by the invention. Such safety marker can be deployed individually or in groups by the emergency responder along the perimeter of the accident scene and ideally ahead of it along the roadway to provide adequate warning to approaching motorists to avoid the accident scene. The safety marker contains a power source, a light panel, a protective shield for the light panel, and electronic circuitry for controlling the operation of the lights in a predetermined frequency or pattern, and may be automatically actuated and self-righting when it is dropped onto the ground or other hard surface. The safety marker can also contain an incursion warning system against incoming vehicles, an early warning radar transponder for sending a warning message to such incoming vehicles, a GPS location detector and transmitter for providing the location of the safety marker and its associated accident scene to a central dispatcher, and a gunshot sensor for detecting the occurrence of gunfire around the accident scene and its location to provide that information to the central dispatcher.
US09437104B2
A server device receives identity data retrieved from an appliance through use of a physical and logical interconnection referenced to a standard. The identity data is used at the server device to identify within a database having a plurality of appliance records, each of which is cross-referenced to an appliance, an appliance record having data in one or more record fields which matches the identity data retrieved from the appliance. A codeset identifier associated with the identified appliance record is then used to select from a plurality of codesets a codeset for use in configuring the portable device to command functional operations of the appliance.
US09437100B2
In an example implementation, a system includes a control module, one or more electric circuits, each electric circuit including a resistor and one or more notification devices in parallel, and a supervisor module electrically coupled to the control module and the electric circuits. The supervisor module is configured to receive input electric power, the input electric power having a voltage in a range of 12 to 16 VDC, and apply, to each electric circuit, first electric power having a first polarity and a voltage of approximately 12 VDC. The supervisor module is also configured to determine, based on electric power returning from each electric circuit, an operational state of each respective electric circuit, and receive, from the control module, a trigger signal indicative of an alarm event. The supervisor module is also configured to, responsive to receiving the trigger signal, apply, to at least one electric circuit, second electric power having a second polarity opposite the first polarity and a voltage of approximately 12 VDC.
US09437099B2
Concepts and technologies are disclosed herein for detecting presence using a presence sensor network. In some embodiments, a computer executing a presence service generates a user interface for display at a user device. The user interface can include a control that, when selected, generates room data defining a monitored location. The computer can obtain sensor identifier data that identifies a presence sensor located at the monitored location and a location of the presence sensor at the monitored location. The computer can provide the user interface to the user device to obtain the room data and obtain the room data. The computer also can store the room data and the sensor identifier data.
US09437094B2
A smoke detector according to various embodiments discussed herein can use a non-radioactive ionization technique to detect the presence of smoke and/or other particulate matter. A non-radioactive ionizing detector may use a LED such as an ultraviolet light emitting diod in combination with a pair of conductive plates, one of which is coated with a photocatalyst coating. When the light strikes the photocatalyst coating, ions can be generated that change a charge characteristic of the photocatalytic coated plate. The occurrence of an alarm can be detected based on a measured charge magnitude existing between the two plates.
US09437091B2
An object proximity alert system using motion detection having a smart alarm component for receiving a proximity signal from an associated object monitor component. The object monitor includes within its housing a motion detector that monitors the state of motion of the object monitor, and at least one operating instruction that adjusts a property of the transmitted proximity signal in response to a change in the object monitor's motion state. The smart alarm sets off a perceptible alarm through one or more sensory alert mechanisms when the separation distance between the smart charm and object monitor is determined to exceed a threshold alert criterion.
US09437090B2
A deactivator device for a mobile Point of Sale (mPOS) systems includes a pair of spaced apart, fixed position electromagnets positioned and configured such that magnetic fields generated by the electromagnets aid one another to form a combined magnetic field; a battery; a capacitor; and an electronics assembly including a microcontroller configured to control storage of energy from the battery in the capacitor and to selectively provide a deactivation or activation pulse from the capacitor to the electromagnets. The components may be positioned in a housing configured for attachment to a mPOS mobile device.
US09437077B2
The invention includes a system and method for a gaming device to determine when to offer a player an opportunity to play using a “jackpot only” pay table. The player may choose to accept the gaming device's offer to switch from using a conventional pay table to using a pay table that only pays top payout amounts. Play with a jackpot only pay table may only require a small wager amount as compared to play with a conventional pay table. Play with a jackpot only pay table may be automated to generate outcomes quickly to allow a player to relatively inexpensively avoid spending time playing a gaming device perceived to be in a “cold period.”
US09437073B2
The present invention relates to a system and method for integrating player tracking and cash access in a casino or other gaming environment. One aspect of the invention allows for fund access and management wherein gaming machines, such as slot machines or on-line virtual gaming machines, receive playable credits directly from a patron's banking or credit card account. Another aspect of the present invention relates to integrating player tracking and cash access transactions by allowing the players to provide a player tracking card for each financial transaction conducted in a gaming environment. In return, the casino issues gaming or bonus points to the players for allowing their transactions to be tracked. Yet another aspect of the present invention consolidates the players' financial account information into a single casino database. Players can subsequently credit or debit cash from the players' financial accounts using any associated customer identification cards or otherwise receive such credits in other forms that permit negotiations, including quasi-cash documents.
US09437070B2
Disclosed are systems, devices and methods for providing solar lighting and power to a customer by using pay-as-you-go (PAYG) technology. The PAYG technology allows a customer to make incremental payments for a solar energy system that includes a lighting unit. The payments can be made through a smartphone. A cable is used to connect an audio jack of the smartphone and a PV power jack of the lighting unit. Analog AC signals including data about activation, payment, usage and status are transmitted over the cable between the service provider and lighting unit, through a smartphone. The power jack of the lighting unit is also used to connect to a solar panel of a charging unit and a battery of the lighting unit.
US09437064B1
A method for extending a communication range of a remote control system during a walkaway locking control function includes increasing a reception gain level of a portable controller of the remote control system to a high gain level. The high gain level provides an extended communication range in which the controller receives polling signals from a base station of the remote control system. The controller is unable to receive the polling signals while the controller is outside of the extended communication range. Upon the controller not receiving the polling signals, the controller transmits a command signal for receipt by the base station and decreases the reception gain level back to a normal gain level.
US09437063B2
Systems and methods for access control management designed for multi-unit buildings are provided. The disclosed systems can use mobile devices, a local mesh network, access control devices, and wireless communication to facilitate multi-unit real estate management. Mobile devices can download and use credentials to access appropriate areas and units in a building through local wireless communications with access control devices.
US09437060B2
A system in which a portable electronic device communicates with a keypad including a near field communication (NFC) tag in order to establish remote control of a controllable residential device over a home automation network. Upon placing the portable electronic device near the keypad, a control application running on the portable electronic device is launched and a graphical representation of the keypad is displayed on the portable electronic device. The portable electronic device then provides remote control of the controllable residential device over the home automation network. The portable electronic device may additionally provide expanded control options for the controllable residential device.
US09437058B2
Vehicle operation (e.g., speed, acceleration) may be limited based on various conditions such as a current charge condition of an electrical energy storage devices (e.g., batteries, super- or ultracapacitors), history of such, conditions related to the vehicle (e.g., mileage, weight, size, drag coefficient), a driver or operator of the vehicle (e.g., history with respect to speed, acceleration, mileage) and/or environmental conditions (e.g., ambient temperature, terrain). A controller may control operation of one or more power converters to limit current and/or voltage supplied to a traction electric motor, accordingly.
US09437051B1
Systems and methods which provide continuity of system operation using relatively little or no data replication between a primary site and alternate site are shown. A user may be provided credit in an amount corresponding to their user balance for performing value operations using systems of the alternate site while systems of the primary site are unavailable. The access to value provided by systems of alternate sites of embodiments of the invention is thus not contingent upon replicating the value stored by the primary site. Although user's individual data representing value may not be accessed during a period in which systems of an alternate site are in use, embodiments of the invention are adapted to reconcile the user balance data with the users' individual data representing value for return to use of the systems of the primary site by respective users.
US09437050B2
A fare device having modular architecture includes a display module that controls inputs and outputs of a display of the device, a fare media reader module that sends and receives data from a fare media and processes fare transactions conducted using the fare media as payment, and an external communications module that communicates external data with one or more remote devices. A controller controls operation of the modules. A carrier board includes one or more mountings with which to communicatively couple each respective module with the at least one controller and a common communications interface coupled between the one or more mountings and the at least one controller such that each of the modules is communicatively coupled with the at least one controller. The interface includes a single communications protocol and each module has a translation element that translates a native communications protocol of a corresponding module to protocol.
US09437049B2
A ticket dispenser comprising a housing body, a lockable housing door configured to close an opening in the housing body, a ticket dispensing aperture, a lockable security cover configured to prevent the removal of tickets through the aperture, and a lock assembly, wherein the lock assembly is configured to lock the housing door and security cover when in a first orientation, wherein the lock assembly is configured to lock the housing door and not to lock the security cover when in a second orientation, and wherein the lock assembly is configured not to lock the housing door or the security cover when in a third orientation.
US09437047B2
The invention discloses a method, an electronic apparatus, and a computer readable medium for retrieving a map. The method includes the following steps. Firstly, a picture of a printed map is obtained. A block area surrounded by a road outline in the picture is defined. A map service is queried to find an electronic map having a map area corresponding to the block area according to contents of the printed map. A plurality of 3-D models of a plurality of buildings located in the map area is retrieved. The 3-D models are mapped on the picture.
US09437039B2
A method of generating an image. The method includes simulating a presence of at least one light source within a virtualized three dimensional space. Within the virtualized three dimensional space, a light sensing plane is defined. The light sensing plane includes a matrix of a number of pixels to be displayed on a display screen. The method further includes using a light transport procedure, computing a gradient value for each pixel of the matrix to produce a number of gradient values. The gradient computation involves selecting a plurality of light path pairs that contribute to a pixel wherein the selection is biased towards selection of more light paths that pass through pixels having larger gradient values. The plurality of gradient values are converted to a plurality of light intensity values which represent the image.
US09437037B2
In the present invention, when a 3D medical image is displayed on a 3D display, the position of accompanying information displayed at the same time is appropriately controlled. The position of the accompanying information in the coordinate system of a 3D signal value that is an item to be drawn is computed, and said position is saved in a storage unit. By integrating a 3D data area and an accompanying information area, a drawing process unit generates an output image to be displayed in a display unit, said 3D data area being drawn for an area specified by mask information that specifies an area to be drawn among an array of the 3D signal value that is the item to be drawn, and being drawn on the basis of information that specifies a drawing method for a 2D image based on the 3D signal value array, and said accompanying information area being drawn for the accompanying information, which is associated with the item to be drawn, and being drawn on the basis of position information for the accompanying information determined by a drawing control unit. The display unit displays the drawn output image.
US09437032B1
A server computing system in a client-server computing environment includes a virtual display driver that marshals and transmits graphics application programming interface (API) functions to a client via a network. The server may receive capability information from the client, allowing the virtual display driver to resolve differences between the APIs supported on the server and the client.
US09437030B2
Provided are a method and apparatus for displaying a two-dimensional (2D)/three-dimensional (3D) image, and apparatus to execute the same, the method including determining whether an input image sequence having a first frame rate is a 2D image sequence or a 3D image sequence, wherein, if the input image sequence is a 2D image sequence, generating a 2D output image sequence having a second frame rate, the 2D output image sequence including the input image sequence and a 2D intermediate image generated from the input image sequence, and wherein, if the input image sequence is a 3D image sequence, generating a 3D output image sequence having a third frame rate, where a left-viewpoint intermediate image, a right-viewpoint intermediate image and the input image sequence are repeatedly included in the 3D output image sequence, the left-viewpoint intermediate image is determined from at least one left-viewpoint image in a left-viewpoint image sequence included in the input image sequence, and the right-viewpoint intermediate image is determined from at least one right-viewpoint image in a right-viewpoint image sequence included in the input image sequence.
US09437028B2
Embodiments of the present invention relate to a method, an apparatus, and a terminal device for generating and processing information. The information generation method includes: generating gesture information according to an identified gesture path; detecting location information; and generating summary information according to the gesture information and the location information. The information processing method includes: receiving summary information, and extracting location information and gesture information in the summary information; and when detected current location information matches the location information obtaining a gesture path according to the gesture information in the summary information, and displaying on a viewing interface of the camera. By adopting the technical solutions provided by the present invention, a user can send gesture information when being at a certain location to a contact person, and the gesture information is displayed on a viewing interface of a camera of the contact person that arrives at the geographical location.
US09437027B2
The subject disclosure is directed towards layered image understanding by which a layered scene representation is generated for an image. Providing such a scene representation explains a scene being presenting in the image by defining that scene's semantic structure. To generate the layered scene representation, the subject disclosure recognizes objects within the image by combining objects sampled from annotated image data and determining whether that combination is both semantically well-formed and matches the visual appearance of the image. The objects are transformed and then can be used to modify the query image. The subject disclosure models the objects into semantic segments that form a portion of the scene representation.
US09437021B2
Embodiments of the present invention include a method, computer program product, and system for generating a visualization of an optimized project. The computer receives a project and a period of interest associated with the project. The computer determines a constraint status for each constraint associated with the project. The computer generates a graphical element that illustrates the constraint status. The computer generates a visualization of the project during the period of interest, wherein the visualization includes concentric geometric structures and the graphical element.
US09437016B2
A hybrid CT dataset is obtained from a combination of a integrating detector and a photon-counting detector. The hybrid CT dataset contains low-resolution photon-counting data and high-resolution integrating data. High-resolution panchromatic images are generated from the high-resolution integrating data, and low-resolution spectral images are generated from the low-resolution photon-counting data. The high-resolution panchromatic images inherit the resolution properties of the integrating detector while the low-resolution spectral images inherit the spectral information of the photon-counting detector. Subsequently, the low resolution spectral images are pansharpened based upon at least one high resolution panchromatic image that lacks spectral information according to a pansharpening algorithm.
US09437012B2
A method for automatically tracking multiple objects from a sequence of video images that may extract raw data about participating elements in a sporting, or other event, in a way that does not interfere with the actual participating elements in the event. The raw data may include the position and velocity of the players, the referees, and the puck, as well as the team affiliation of the players. These data may be collected in real time and may include accounting for players moving fast and unpredictably, colliding with and occluding each other, and getting in and out of the playing field. The video sequence, captured by a suitable sensor, may be processed by a suitably programmed general purpose computing device.
US09437011B2
A method of estimating a pose of a head for a person, includes estimating the pose of the head for the person based on a content, and generating a three-dimensional (3D) model of a face for the person. The method further includes generating pictorial structures of the face based on the estimated pose and the 3D model, and determining a refined pose of the head by locating parts of the face in the pictorial structures.
US09437009B2
The present disclosure describes systems and techniques relating to identifying and tracking objects in images, such as visual tracking in video images in unconstrained environments. According to an aspect, a system includes one or more processors, and computer-readable media configured and arranged to cause the one or more processors to: identify an object in a first image of a sequence of images, identifying one or more regions similar to the object in the first image of the sequence of images, identifying one or more features around the object in the first image of the sequence of images, preventing drift in detection of the object in a second image of the sequence of images based on the one or more regions similar to the object, and verifying the object in the second image of the sequence of images based on the one or more features.
US09437003B2
Provided is a method of correcting a medical image according to a patient's pose variation. The method includes attaching a marker to an object, generating a first non-real-time image and a first real-time image when the object is in a first pose, generating a second real-time image when the object is in a second pose, and correcting the first non-real-time image based on shift information of the marker when the object is changed from the first pose to the second pose.
US09436998B2
Methods and systems for capturing motion and/or determining the shapes and positions of one or more objects in 3D space utilize cross-sections thereof. In various embodiments, images of the cross-sections are captured using a camera based on edge points thereof.
US09436991B2
In a method, device and system for obtaining a medical image data set, a raw data stream is produced by a data acquisition device, the raw data stream including at least digital data of a medical raw data image set. The raw data stream is provided to a data compression device, wherein it is compressed. The compressed raw data stream is transferred to a data decompression device, wherein it is decompressed. The decompressed raw data stream is transferred to an image calculation tool, which produces a medical image data set operating on the decompressed raw data stream.
US09436988B2
A method of classifying the defects on a wafer having some same chips and corresponding system is provided. After receiving images formed by scanning the wafer using a charged particle beam, these images are examined such that both defective images and defect-free images are found. Then, the defect-free images are translated into a simulated layout of the chip, or a database is used to provide the simulated layout of the chip. Finally, the defects on the defective images are classified by comparing the images with the simulated layout of the chip. The system has some modules separately corresponds to the steps of the method.
US09436983B2
Embodiments of the present disclosure include systems and methods for image processing for enhancing, e.g., photos, videos, and graphics representations. Particularly, some embodiments perform a histogram-based SMQT decomposition of various attributes in an original image. The SMQT decomposition of these attributes may then be used to create a look-up-table indicating how to modify pixel attributes in the same or a subsequent image so as to enhance the same or subsequent image. The results of the SMQT decomposition for each attribute may be interpolated based, e.g., on user preferences, to achieve a more optimal enhancement.
US09436973B2
In an image processing for correcting a distorted image obtained by photography by use of a super-wide angle optical system such as a fisheye lens or an omnidirectional mirror, to obtain an image of a perspective projection method, a composite index (Rn) combining a height on the projection sphere with a distance from the optical axis is computed (301), and a distance (Rf) from an origin in the distorted image is computed (302), using the composite index (Rn). Further, two-dimensional coordinates (p, q) in the distorted image are computed (303), using the distance (Rf) from the origin, and a pixel value in an output image is determined using a pixel at a position in the distorted image specified by the two-dimensional coordinates, or a pixel or pixels neighboring the specified position. It is possible to perform the projection from the projection sphere to the image plane, that is, the computation of the coordinates on the coordinate plane, while restricting the amount of computation.
US09436949B1
Geographically grouped data sets may be evaluated in order to determine an ROI for different assets. The ROI of an asset may be determined based on one or more accounting items, or on an expense percentage for the asset. The value for each accounting item and the value for the expense percentage may vary depending on the geographic location of the asset. The geographically grouped data sets may be received from a variety of sources, including proprietary databases, user inputs, and third party resources. Results from evaluating the geographically grouped data sets may be used to supplement and/or refine the existing data stored in the proprietary database. A subset of the available data may be used to generate an initial ROI for one or more assets. Initial ROIs may be used to filter and identify assets for more in depth, refined, or resource-intensive analysis.
US09436948B2
Systems and methods are described for a power aggregation system. In one implementation, a method includes establishing a communication connection with each of multiple electric resources connected to a power grid, receiving an energy generation signal from a power grid operator, and controlling a number of the electric resources being charged by the power grid as a function of the energy generation signal.
US09436941B1
A payment instrument is disclosed, including a memory configured to store one or more sets of identification data, a communication interface configured to connect the payment instrument to a network, one or more access interfaces configured to provide access to the one or more sets of identification data, one or more displays configured to display representations of the one or more sets of identification data, and a processing circuit configured to receive, via the communication interface, at least a part of a representation of one of the one or more sets of identification data from a server via the network, and cause the representation to be displayed on the one or more displays. Furthermore, a method and a system for operating payment instruments are disclosed.
US09436936B2
Systems, methods, means, computer program code and computerized processes include receiving a first set of de-identified transaction data from a first transaction data source, receiving a second set of de-identified transaction data from a second transaction data source, filtering the first and second sets of de-identified transaction data to identify transactions associated with at least a first entity and to create first and second filtered data sets, removing data associated with an identifier field for each of the transactions in the first filtered data set to created a de-identified first data set, removing data associated with an identifier field for each of the transactions in the second filtered data set to create a de-identified second data set, and processing the first and second de-identified data sets using a probabilistic engine to establish a linkage between data in each data set.
US09436926B2
A system can include at least one robot configured to autonomously navigate from a first location to a destination zone, the at least one robot having a generally cylindrical shape and including a storage container for storing at least one item for delivery, a plurality of image based depth sensor mounted proximate a top end of the robot, and a controller configured to navigate to the destination zone and to authenticate a delivery target for the item.
US09436924B2
Methods, systems, and apparatus adapted to automate ordering of test strips for use in an analyte meter device are disclosed. The method, system and apparatus includes inputting information from an indicia on a package of test strips indicative of a quantity of test strips in the package; tracking a number of test strips used in the analyte meter device; and generating an automatic order for additional test strips based on a signal indicating that a reorder threshold has been reached. Numerous additional features and aspects are disclosed.
US09436921B2
Mechanisms are provided for dynamically determining one or more automation levels for tasks of a workflow. The mechanisms receive a workflow from a source component and receiving context and state information for an environment in which the workflow is to be performed. One or more tasks and associated task attributes are identified in the workflow and applying one or more automation rules to the context and state information and the task attributes to generate one or more automation level settings from the one or more tasks. The one or more tasks are performed in the environment in accordance with the one or more automation level settings. The automation level settings specify a degree of automation to be used when performing the one or more tasks.
US09436918B2
A text span forming either a single word or a series of two or more words that a user intended to select is predicted. A document and a location pointer that indicates a particular location in the document are received and input to different candidate text span generation methods. A ranked list of one or more scored candidate text spans is received from each of the different candidate text span generation methods. A machine-learned ensemble model is used to re-score each of the scored candidate text spans that is received from each of the different candidate text span generation methods. The ensemble model is trained using a machine learning method and features from a dataset of true intended user text span selections. A ranked list of re-scored candidate text spans is received from the ensemble model.
US09436907B2
Calculating a value of a website visitor includes initializing a calculation model for calculating the value of the website visitor, the calculation model being a neural network model with visitor information as an input and the visitor's value as an output; training the calculation model by using a data sample and determining the calculation model; and obtaining the visitor information, and calculating the value of the visitor by using the determined calculation model.
US09436900B2
Various embodiments of RFID switch devices are disclosed herein. Such RFID switch devices advantageously enable manual activation/deactivation of the RF module. The RFID switch device may include a RF module with an integrated circuit adapted to ohmically connect to a substantially coplanar conductive trace pattern, as well as booster antenna for extending the operational range of the RFID device. The operational range of the RFID switch device may be extended when a region of the booster antenna overlaps a region of the conductive trace pattern on the RF module via inductive or capacitive coupling. In some embodiments, all or a portion of the booster antenna may at least partially shield the RF module when the RFID switch device is in an inactive state. The RFID switch device may further include a visual indicator displaying a first color if the RFID switch device is in an active state and/or a second color if the RFID switch device is in an inactive state.
US09436895B1
A method re-identifies objects in a pair of images by applying a convolutional neural network (CNN). Each layer in the network operates on an output of a previous layer. The layers include a first convolutional layer and a first max pooling layer to determine a feature map, a cross-input neighborhood differences layer to produce neighborhood difference maps, a patch summary layer to produce patch summary feature maps, a first fully connected layer to produce a feature vector representing higher order relationships in the patch summary feature maps, a second fully connected layer to produce two scores representing positive pair and negative pair classes, and a softmax layer to produce positive pair and negative pair probabilities. Then, the positive pair probability is output to signal whether the two images represent the same object or not.
US09436893B2
A system and method for distributed similarity learning for high-dimensional image features are described. A set of data features is accessed. Subspaces from a space formed by the set of data features are determined using a set of projection matrices. Each subspace has a dimension lower than a dimension of the set of data features. Similarity functions are computed for the subspaces. Each similarity function is based on the dimension of the corresponding subspace. A linear combination of the similarity functions is performed to determine a similarity function for the set of data features.
US09436892B2
A method and apparatus for facial recognition by a computing device using an adaptive search window and regional similarity distribution analysis are disclosed herein.
US09436889B2
A region setting unit and a specific region extracting unit are included. The region setting unit sets, within an input image that is photographed at a reference time point out a first region estimated as highly probable to be a specific region and a second region estimated as highly probable to be a background region, which is a region other than the specific region. The specific region extracting unit extracts the specific region within the input image based on a first histogram which is a histogram of density values in the first region and a second histogram which is a histogram of density values in the second region. The specific region extracting unit extracts a specific region from the input image that is photographed at a time point different from the reference time point, based on the first histogram and the second histogram.
US09436887B2
Devices and a method are provided for providing context-related feedback to a user. In one implementation, the method comprises capturing real time image data from an environment of the user. The method further comprises identifying in the image data a hand-related trigger. Multiple context-based alternative actions are associated with the hand-related trigger. Further, the method comprises identifying in the image data an object associated with the hand-related trigger. The object is further associated with a particular context. Also, the method comprises selecting one of the multiple alternative actions based on the particular context. The method further comprises outputting the context-related feedback based on a result of the executed alternative action.
US09436881B2
An apparatus predicts a turn of a vehicle based on a picked-up image of a forward view of the vehicle. The forward view is imaged by an on-vehicle sensor to repeatedly acquire images. The acquired images include position coordinate information of a light source and information indicating whether the light source is a light source of a preceding vehicle or a light source of an oncoming vehicle. Based on such information, it is determined whether or not the light source is a light source of an oncoming vehicle newly appeared in the images and the light source is in a predetermined area near the left end or in a predetermined area near the right end in the images. When the determination result is affirmative, it is determined that there is a curve in the traveling direction of the vehicle.
US09436880B2
A vision system for a vehicle includes an imaging sensor having a forward field of view in a forward direction of travel of the vehicle. The imaging sensor includes an array of photosensing elements that has groupings of photosensing elements, each grouping having at least three neighboring photosensing elements. At least one photosensing element of each grouping is a red light sensitive photosensing element and at least one other photosensing element of each grouping is a white light sensitive photosensing element. A control may process image data captured by the imaging sensor to determine a taillight of a leading vehicle present in the forward field of view and traveling ahead of and in the same direction as that of the equipped vehicle. The control may process captured image data to determine rate of approach of the equipped vehicle relative to the leading vehicle.
US09436878B2
An edge image generating unit 12 generates an edge image, into which edge points whose variation in luminance relative to a surrounding portion is equal to or more than a predetermined value have been extracted, from an image captured by a camera 2. A candidate image portion extracting unit 13 extracts a candidate image portion, which is a candidate for an image portion of a lane mark, from the edge image. A lane mark recognizing unit 14 detects a lane mark candidate on the basis of the candidate image portion and, in the case of having detected a plurality of lane mark candidates 51b to 54b and 61b to 63b adjacent to each other, compares the luminance of a corresponding area in the captured image for each of the lane mark candidates and recognizes the lane mark candidate 51b to 54b having the maximum luminance value as a lane mark.
US09436876B1
A video segmentation system can be utilized to automate segmentation of digital video content. Features corresponding to visual, audio, and/or textual content of the video can be extracted from frames of the video. The extracted features of adjacent frames are compared according to a similarity measure to determine boundaries of a first set of shots or video segments distinguished by abrupt transitions. The first set of shots is analyzed according to certain heuristics to recognize a second set of shots distinguished by gradual transitions. Key frames can be extracted from the first and second set of shots, and the key frames can be used by the video segmentation system to group the first and second set of shots by scene. Additional processing can be performed to associate metadata, such as names of actors or titles of songs, with the detected scenes.
US09436875B2
A method, apparatus and computer program product are provided for extracting semantic information from user-generated media content to create a video remix which is semantically enriched. An exemplary method comprises extracting media content data and sensor data from a plurality of media content, wherein the sensor data comprises a plurality of data modalities. The method may also include classifying the extracted media content data and the sensor data. The method may further include detecting predefined objects or events utilizing the sensor data to create remix video.
US09436874B2
A method for discovering an augmented reality (AR) object is provided that is applicable to the field of AR technologies. The method for discovering an AR object includes, when it is determined, according to a pre-generated navigation route and a movement speed of a terminal, that a vicinity of a preselected AR object is reached, determining a status of the terminal; when it is determined that the terminal is in a searching state, starting a camera and acquiring a picture; and when the acquired picture includes the AR object, notifying of the AR object.
US09436870B1
The subject technology provides embodiments for tracking a user's face/head (or another object) using one or more cameras provided by a computing device. Embodiments implement exposure sweeping based on an average intensity of a current scene to a target intensity for a given image. If a face is not detected, an exposure duration and/or gain may be adjusted and the face detection is performed again. Once the face is detected, an average intensity of a virtual bounding box surrounding the detected face is determined and exposure sweeping may be performed solely within the virtual bounding box to reach a target intensity. When the average intensity is within a predetermined threshold of the target intensity, the detected face may be at an optimal exposure. Embodiments also provide for switching to another camera(s) of the computing device when not detecting a face in the image upon performing a full exposure sweep.
US09436866B2
A flat panel imaging system for imaging cells provided on a cell medium is disclosed. The system includes a housing having a base portion and a lid that collectively form a closed environment to exclude external sources of light, and a flat panel detector encased in the base portion and having an array of pixels each including a photodiode and transistor. The system also includes a first light source that illuminates cells on the cell medium to excite at least a portion of the cells and cause those cells to generate photons that are captured by the array of pixels and a second light source to illuminate cells on the cell medium with a light different from the light from the first light source and that provides for a capturing of photons representative of photons transmitted through the cells on the cell medium.
US09436864B2
An electronic device may include a finger biometric sensor to sense a user's finger adjacent thereto, and a memory for storing finger matching biometric data and a subset of finger matching biometric data. The electronic device may include a processor coupled to the finger biometric sensor to acquire finger matching biometric data from the finger biometric sensor, and perform a finger pre-matching between a subset of the acquired finger matching biometric data and the subset of stored finger matching biometric data and based upon context data to generate pre-match data. The processor may also perform a finger matching between the acquired finger biometric data and the stored finger matching biometric data based upon the pre-match data.
US09436863B2
A biometric sensing device is operatively connected to a processing channel. The processing channel can include one or more variable gain amplifiers and/or one or more variable offset circuits. The signal levels associated with a section of a biometric image can be reconstructed using a digitized section of the biometric image and a particular gain and/or a particular offset value used in the processing channel to process the digitized section of the biometric image. The reconstructed sections of the biometric image can be combined to form a reconstructed biometric image. Additional processing operations can be performed on the reconstructed biometric image.
US09436859B2
Embodiments are directed to a method of identifying an identification (ID) tag. The method includes using a movable reader to determine a presence of an ID tag, an absence of the ID tag and that the ID tag has moved. The method further includes using the movable reader to determine a localization probability score of the ID tag, and, based on the localization probability score, adjust the movable reader's determination of the presence of the ID tag.
US09436855B2
A card reader for use with a mobile device includes a foot and/or a housing for a jack on the bottom of the card reader prevents the card reader from accidently turning off the mobile device during use.
US09436854B2
A connector module includes a housing and a conductive lead frame. The housing includes a cover and a base that define a cavity therebetween. The cavity receives a circuit card therein. The base has a top side and a bottom side. The top side faces the cover and defines part of the cavity. Multiple windows extend through the base between the top and bottom sides. The base includes a conductive layer at least partially covered by a non-conductive layer. The conductive lead frame is coupled to the bottom side of the base. The lead frame includes multiple contact beams that extend into the cavity through the windows of the base. The lead frame is electrically isolated from the conductive layer of the base by the non-conductive layer of the base. The lead frame further includes mounting contacts configured to be mounted to conductive components of a circuit board.
US09436845B2
A method for identifying an unclonable chip uses hardware intrinsic keys and authentication responses employing intrinsic parameters of memory cells invariant and unique to the unclonable chip, wherein intrinsic parameters that characterize the chip can extend over its lifetime. The memory cells having a charge-trap behavior are arranged in an NOR type memory array, allowing to create a physically unclonable fuse (PUF) generation using non-programmed memory cells, while stringing non-volatile bits in programmed memory cells. The non-volatile memory cell bits are used for error-correction-code (ECC) for the generated PUF. The invention can further include a public identification using non-volatile bits, allowing hand shaking authentication using computer with dynamic challenge.
US09436844B2
A system-on-chip (SoC) is provided that includes a centralized access enablement circuit for controlling access to a plurality of security features for multiple hardware modules of the system. Progressive security states corresponding to different stages in a chip's design, manufacture and delivery are utilized to enable different access control settings for security features as a part moves from design to end-use. The access enablement circuit for a SoC implementing different security states provides individual access control settings for security features in the different security states. One-time programmable memory and register controls are provided in one embodiment that allow different access control settings for an individual security feature in the same or different security states of the system.
US09436825B2
A system is disclosed for assuring the integrity of file segments. A first server has an associated file repository storing a plurality of files and transfers a file segment on an output upon request. A second server also has an associated file repository and receives and stores the file segment in the associated file repository. The second server identifies if there are additional segments of the same file in the associated file repository and processes the received file segment together with the additional identified file segments to identify the presence of malware. Finally, the second server transfers the received file segment on an output as a scanned file segment only if no malware is identified. A third server has an associated file repository and is configured to receive and store the scanned file segments in the associated file repository and to transfer a received scanned file segment to a client.
US09436823B1
A method and apparatus are provided to detect malicious code in a computing system, where the malicious code is obscured by manipulation of an input/output memory management unit. A peripheral component interconnect express (PCIe) device requests a translation of a bus address for a given device in the system and determines whether the requested translation was received. If the requested translation was received, the PCIe device further determines whether the bus address for the given device corresponds to a physical address for the given device. If the bus address for the given device does not correspond to the physical address for the given device, the PCIe device sends a notification that the computing system is potentially compromised.
US09436819B2
In an embodiment, an apparatus comprises a secure storage to store an entry having an identifier of a device to be paired with the apparatus and a master key shared between the apparatus and the device, and a connection logic to enable the apparatus to be securely connected to the device according to a connection protocol in which the device is authenticated based on the identifier received from the device and the master key. Other embodiments are described and claimed.
US09436816B2
A computer may identify an individual according to one or more biometrics based on various physiological aspects of the individual, such as metrics of various features of the face, gait, fingerprint, or voice of the individual. However, biometrics are often computationally intensive to compute, inaccurate, and unable to scale to identify an individual among a large set of known individuals. Therefore, the biometric identification of an individual may be supplemented by identifying one or more devices associated with the individual (e.g., a mobile phone, a vehicle driven by the individual, or an implanted medical device). When an individual is registered for identification, various device identifiers of devices associated with the individual may be stored along with the biometrics of the individual. Individuals may then be identified using both biometrics and detected device identifiers, thereby improving the efficiency, speed, accuracy, and scalability of the identification.
US09436800B2
The invention relates to a method and a system for collecting medical data produced by medical devices (1) situated, for example, in intensive care units and for disseminating said information to the health professionals using computer equipment (5).The process and the system include the following software modules: (I) one service module (DS) (21), (II) a data storage module (DDS) (25), (III) control modules (DAC) (26) accessible from any point of said computer communications network and controlling the distribution of said data D, (IV) a device interface module (DDI) (23), configured as a function of the specifications of said transmitter devices (1), (V) a communications interface module (DCI) (22), (VI) a configuration interface module (DCP) (28), (VII) a data portal module (DDP).
US09436797B2
The present invention relates to a more efficient and accurate method for the identification and quantification of comparatively low abundant glycopeptides, compared with general peptides, using mass spectrum obtained by using high resolution mass spectrometer. Therefore, the method of the present invention can be effectively used for the techniques for identification of biotherapeutics and diagnosis of cancer or disease by screening glycopeptide, the disease marker (Biomarker), from various samples.
US09436793B2
Among other things, one or more systems and techniques for tier based layer modification, such as promotion or demotion, for a design layout are provided herein. A metal scheme describes one or more metal layers of the design layout, which are grouped into a set of tiers based upon resistivity similarity between the metal layers. Wire segments of the design layout are evaluated for promotion to tiers providing improved performance, for demotion to tiers providing decreased performance so that relatively faster routing resources are freed up for other wire segments, or for modification such as widening of wire segments. Via count penalties corresponding to timing delays of additional vias used to reassign wire segments are taken into account during promotion. Routing resource gains associated with reassigning wire segments are taken into account during demotion. In this way, wire segments of the design layout are promoted, demoted, or modified.
US09436789B2
A structure, method and system for complementary strain fill for integrated circuit chips. The structure includes a first region of an integrated circuit having multiplicity of n-channel and p-channel field effect transistors (FETs); a first stressed layer over n-channel field effect transistors (NFETs) of the first region, the first stressed layer of a first stress type; a second stressed layer over p-channel field effect transistors (PFETs) of the first region, the second stressed layer of a second stress type, the second stress type opposite from the first stress type; and a second region of the integrated circuit, the second region not containing FETs, the second region containing first sub-regions of the first stressed layer and second sub-regions of the second stressed layer.
US09436783B2
A method, system and computer program product for estimating degradation and durability characteristics of a reinforced concrete structure are provided. Location-dependent information conveying structural information associated with different locations along the concrete structure is received, the location-dependent information having been obtained by applying a non-destructive testing (NDT) process to the concrete structure. The location-dependent information is processed in combination with information conveying material properties and information conveying estimated environmental conditions to derive concrete degradation simulation data conveying estimated degradation and durability characteristics associated with the different locations along the concrete structure. A signal is then released, causing the estimated degradation and durability characteristics of the concrete structure to be displayed on a display device. Aspects of the proposed approach may be integrated into concrete asset managing systems and be used to assist in managing, including planning maintenance activities in connection with, reinforced concrete structures such as bridges, roadways, ports and the like.
US09436777B2
Disclosed is a server computer that receives, over a network from a computing device, a request for a search suggestion related to a search query that is input into a search term entry area displayed by a web browser executing on the computing device. In response to receiving the request, the server computer transmits over the network to the computing device, instructions for the computing device to display a search suggestion related to the search query, the search suggestion corresponding to a search results web page. The instructions further cause the computing device to store, in a memory of the computing device, a web page component associated with the search results web page without causing the computing device to visibly display the web page component during display of the search suggestion.
US09436776B2
A method of communicating with a web server for web browsing, and an apparatus and system to perform the method, is provided. The method includes extracting resource information from script included in web page information, transmitting the resource information to the web server to request a resource corresponding to the resource information, and storing the resource.
US09436766B1
Systems and methods for providing relevant content may include applying a clustering algorithm to posts associated with a device identifier and labeled documents to cluster the unlabeled posts with the labeled documents to determine interests. Content related to the interests may be selected and provided to an electronic device associated with the device identifier.
US09436752B2
Application-level replication, the synchronization of data updates within a cluster of application servers, may be provided by having application servers themselves synchronize all updates to multiple redundant databases, precluding the need for database-level replication. This may be accomplished by first sending a set of database modifications requested by the transaction to a first database. Then a message may be placed in one or more message queues, the message indicating the objects inserted, updated, or deleted in the transaction. Then a commit command may be sent to the first database. The set of database modifications and a commit command may then be sent to a second database. This allows for transparent synchronization of the databases and quick recovery from a database failure, while imposing little performance or network overhead.
US09436748B2
Method and apparatus for replicating data structures over a network in which each data structure is assigned an owner node among a plurality of networked peer nodes. Preferably that owner can be ascertained through information in the data structure. When an update to the data structure is desired by a non-owner, a request to modify the data structure is sent out on the network and when received by the owner, the owner performs the modification. The owner node can then notify the other nodes regarding the update. The method, implemented through a single-writer, multiple-reader paradigm, insures availability, partition tolerance and eventual consistency; it avoids the high overhead costs and single point of failure drawbacks of the prior art centralized management and locking protocols. Administrators can connect to any peer node in the network to manage, monitor and request modifications to a data structure.
US09436746B2
According to some embodiments, a method and an apparatus of importing data using a database management system (“DBMS”) with integrated Extract, Transform and Load (“ETL”) functionality. The method comprises receiving a command to access data. The command is associated with an ETL function. An executable file associated with the ETL function is called and the data associated with the command is received.
US09436743B1
A computer-implemented method for expanding search results may include (1) identifying, within results of a search, a document that is a member of a document family that includes another document (or multiple other documents), (2) determining that a user has made a selection to include the document family within the results of the search, (3) creating a data map that includes a representation of the document identified within the results of the search, (4) expanding the data map by including, within the data map, a representation of each of the other documents in the document family based on the determination that the user made the selection, and (5) using the expanded data map to include the document family within the results of the search. Various other methods, systems, and computer-readable media are also disclosed.
US09436736B2
A plurality of streams of tuples is received by processing elements operating on computer processors, the processing element having one or more stream operators. A first stream of tuples is processed at a receiving stream operator. A streaming condition is then identified. The streaming condition is determined to be satisfied and an alternate stream of tuples is processed at the receiving stream operator.
US09436732B2
System and method embodiments are provided for adaptive vector size selection for vectorized query execution. The adaptive vector size selection is implemented in two stages. In a query planning stage, a suitable vector size is estimated for a query by a query planner. The planning stage includes analyzing a query plan tree, segmenting the tree into different segments, and assigning to the query execution plan an initial vector size to each segment. In a subsequent query execution stage, an execution engine monitors hardware performance indicators, and adjusts the vector size according to the monitored hardware performance indicators. Adjusting the vector size includes trying different vector sizes and observing related processor counters to increase or decrease the vector size, wherein the vector size is increased to improve hardware performance according to the processor counters, and wherein the vector size is decreased when the processor counters indicate a decrease in hardware performance.
US09436720B2
A system and method for maintaining the safety of volume operations. A storage controller receives a request to delete a first volume. In response to this request, the storage controller can delete a link between the first volume and its anchor medium. The storage controller can also delay the deletion of the first volume's anchor medium. Later on, if the user wishes to restore the first volume, the storage controller can reconnect the first volume to its previous anchor medium, effectively restoring the first volume to its former state and undoing the deletion operation.
US09436719B2
Systems and methods for regularly updating portions of a merged index are provided. Initially, upon receiving an indication that modifications have occurred to content of web-based documents, dynamic update of index (DUI) objects that identify the documents and expose the modified content are composed by ascertaining relative positions of the modified content within the documents, and packaging identifiers of the documents, the relative positions, and metadata underlying the modified content into a message. The DUI objects are applied to an overloading index that maintains structured records of recent modifications. In particular, portions of the overloading index are targeted utilizing the document identifiers and the relative positions specified by the DUI object, thereby updating the targeted portions within the overloading index corresponding to the modified content without rewriting the entire overloading index. Periodically, an association process is invoked for grouping the merged index with the overloading index for search purposes.
US09436711B2
A computer implemented method and apparatus for preserving analytics while processing digital content. The method comprises receiving a command for processing analytics-enabled digital content from a source file to a target file; accessing source analytics metadata from the source file; and converting the source analytics metadata to a target analytics metadata in the target file, wherein the target analytics metadata is in a format consistent with a target file format.
US09436710B2
Systems, methods, and media for managing an in-memory NoSQL database are provided. In some embodiments, systems for managing an in-memory NoSQL database are provided, the systems comprising a hardware processor that is configured to: identify a group of keys capable of being included in a complex multi-key database command, the group including a first key and a second key, the first key being associated with a first value and the second key being associated with a second value, the first value and the second value being stored on different servers that are part of the database; and cause the first value and the second value to be both stored on a given server.
US09436705B2
Techniques apparatuses for grading images and video clips are described. These techniques and apparatuses enable highlights of these graded images and video clips to be more-quickly created, at a high quality, or using fewer resources.
US09436699B2
Various technologies described herein pertain to performing a file operation on an inputted file on a computer system. File data retained at a first location in a data store and a first file name retained at a second location in the data store can be provided. The inputted file can include the file data. Moreover, the first file name is a hard link to the file data. Further, a file operation command related to the file data can be received during installation or removal of the inputted file. Accordingly, a second file name retained at a third location in the data store can be created in response to the file operation command. The second file name is created while the file data is immutably maintained at the first location in the data store. Further, the second file name is a hard link to the file data.
US09436698B2
For sharing a file system between multiple operating systems, a method is disclosed that includes sharing a file system between two or more operating systems, the two distinct operating systems concurrently operating on a computing device, determining, by a processor, that one of the two or more operating systems has an altered need for the file system, and changing interfaces to the file system based on the altered need.
US09436697B1
Techniques for detecting advanced security threats may be realized as a method for detecting a security threat including generating a resource at a client, implementing the resource on the client, monitoring system behavior of the client having the resource implemented thereon, determining whether a security event involving the implemented resource has occurred based on the monitored system behavior, and generating a report when it has been determined that the security event has occurred.
US09436696B2
A method for implementing defragmentation of a data area is provided. The method may include receiving a data change event for the data area and determining, whether the data area has exceeded a defragment threshold based on a defragment threshold value. The method may further include adding the data area to a candidacy list when the data area is determined to have exceeded the defragment threshold based on the defragment threshold value. The method may also include defragmenting the data area when the data area is determined to have exceeded the defragment threshold based on the defragment threshold value and removing the data area from the candidacy list following the determination.
US09436694B2
Deleting content is disclosed. A delete request is received for a file that is distributed with a plurality of nodes. The file is replaced with a first delete token. A determination is made as to whether all nodes in the plurality of nodes have replaced their respective copies of the file with first delete tokens. The file is deleted.
US09436688B2
In some example embodiments, a system and method are illustrated to link a plurality of scenes from at least one multimedia file. The system and method include loading a plurality of multimedia files including a first and second multimedia file. The first multimedia file includes a first scene, and the second multimedia file includes a second scene. The system and method include linking the first scene with the second scene. The linking includes connecting a first durational data for the first scene with a second durational data for the second scene. The first durational data identifies a first start location and a first end location for the first scene. The second durational data identifies a second start location and a second end location for the second scene. The system and method further include generating a linked durational data file as a result of the linking.
US09436684B2
At least one processor may determine one or more issues in one or more of a plurality of documentation topics that document at least one software functionality based at least upon applying one or more business rules to the one or more of the plurality of documentation topics. Responsive to determining the one or more issues, one or more entries may be inserted into an issues report, wherein the one or more entries include information regarding the one or more issues.
US09436678B2
Features are disclosed for processing a user utterance with respect to multiple subject matters or domains, and for selecting a likely result from a particular domain with which to respond to the utterance or otherwise take action. A user utterance may be transcribed by an automatic speech recognition (“ASR”) module, and the results may be provided to a multi-domain natural language understanding (“NLU”) engine. The multi-domain NLU engine may process the transcription(s) in multiple individual domains rather than in a single domain. In some cases, the transcription(s) may be processed in multiple individual domains in parallel or substantially simultaneously. In addition, hints may be generated based on previous user interactions and other data. The ASR module, multi-domain NLU engine, and other components of a spoken language processing system may use the hints to more efficiently process input or more accurately generate output.
US09436676B1
A method for processing an original user writing, implemented by a computer processor, to modify relationships between words, phrases, signs and symbols comprising the writing, where necessary, to generate a modified writing that more clearly conveys a semantic content intended by the user, or consistent with the core principles associated with its mechanisms, when compared to the original user writing. The method includes receiving an original writing from a user, processing to perform a linguistic analysis on the original user writing in accordance with a plurality of rules to identify semantic content and based on the processing, and the semantic content, altering the relationships between the words, phrases, signs and symbols within the writing, where necessary, to realize a modified writing reflecting the altered relations.
US09436659B2
A system and method to view, edit, share, and organize files using software in the form of a computing application for a computing device, allowing a user to keep annotations directly on a document that may be transferred between updates. This allows multiple users to work on one project and share edits no matter where they are or what device they are using.
US09436657B2
In a method for analyzing acquisition values of an electronic device using a computing device, the computing device receives an acquisition value of the electronic device acquired by a data acquisition device. If the acquisition value is discrete data and the acquisition value is different from a previous acquisition value of the electronic device, the acquisition value is stored into a storage system. If the acquisition value is the continuous data and a first state corresponding to the acquisition value is different from a second state corresponding to a previous acquisition value of the electronic device, the acquisition value is stored into the storage system.
US09436656B2
A method for systematically handling errors, and an assemblage for carrying out the method, are presented. The method serves for systematically handing errors for a goniometer in the context of the transfer of position data with a position transducer, the position transducer possessing markings that are sensed with at least one sensor; a profile being deposited in a memory region in connection with said markings; the position transducer generating as a function of its position, by way of the markings, position signals that carry, as data, parameters that are deposited into a further memory region beginning with an address pointer value of 0; said address pointer being incremented with each position signal; and a synchronization between the position signals and the profile being created, and the values stored in the profile being used to modify the number of pulses outputted to the goniometer.
US09436646B2
Combined sockets for selectively removable cards in computing devices are disclosed. In one embodiment, a socket is provided that can accommodate both a subscriber identification module (SIM) card and a secure digital (SD) card. The cards are held in place within the socket in a back to back configuration by springs which further help insure that contacts on the cards are electrically coupled to conductive pins in the socket. While it is contemplated that the socket will be used in mobile terminals such as smart phones and tablets, the socket may be used in other computing devices that use such cards.
US09436638B1
An inter-rack server system for a packet processing is disclosed. The system can include a plurality of servers arranged into multiple racks a plurality of top of rack (TOR) units connected to the servers, each TOR unit configured to operate as a TOR switch connecting each of the racks to another of the racks, and a plurality of offload processor modules, each offload processor module having an input-output (IO) port and multiple offload processors, wherein a first offload processor module on a first server on a first rack is connected directly to a second offload processor module on a second server on a second rack, with connection provided through respective IO ports.
US09436635B1
A computer implemented method, system and product comprising establishing a lease contract for an analytic subscription, defining an analytic subscription as an evaluation that is passed to a provider that provides a Boolean evaluation model and a potential true/false event expression, receiving, via the bus, events from the systems of records until the expiration of the lease; and rejecting during a specified period of time events received from the systems of record after the expiration of the lease period.
US09436626B2
A method and circuit for a data processing system (200) provide a processor-based partitioned priority blocking mechanism by storing interrupt identifiers, partition identifiers, thread identifiers, and priority levels associated with accepted interrupt requests in special purpose registers (35-38) located at the processor core (26) to enable quick and efficient interrupt priority blocking on a partition basis.
US09436625B2
Banks within a dynamic random access memory (DRAM) are managed with virtual bank managers. A DRAM controller receives a new memory access request to DRAM including a plurality of banks. If the request accesses a location in DRAM where no virtual bank manager includes parameters for the corresponding DRAM page, then a virtual bank manager is allocated to the physical bank associated with the DRAM page. The bank manager is initialized to include parameters needed by the DRAM controller to access the DRAM page. The memory access request is then processed using the parameters associated with the virtual bank manager. One advantage of the disclosed technique is that the banks of a DRAM module are controlled with fewer bank managers than in previous DRAM controller designs. As a result, less surface area on the DRAM controller circuit is dedicated to bank managers.
US09436614B2
In a computing system including an application executing on top of a virtualization control layer, wherein the virtualization control layer maps portions of a virtual memory to portions of a physical memory, a method for managing memory including: identifying, by the application, a range of virtual memory whose probability of being replicated in the virtual memory exceeds a given threshold; obtaining, by the application, at least one memory address corresponding to the range of virtual memory; and passing, from the application to the virtualization control layer, an identifier for the range of virtual memory and the memory address corresponding to the range of virtual memory, wherein the identifier is useable by the virtualization control layer to identify similar ranges within the virtual memory.
US09436612B2
Embodiments relate to saving data upon loss of power. An aspect includes sizing a write cache buffer based on parameters related to carrying out this emergency data save procedure. A computer implemented method for allocating a write cache on a storage controller includes retrieving, at run-time by a processor, one or more operating parameters of a component used in a power-loss save of the write cache. The component is selected from the group consisting of an energy storage element, a non-volatile memory, and a transfer logic. A size for the write cache on the storage controller is determined, based on the one or more operating parameters. A write cache, of the determined size, is allocated from a volatile memory coupled to the storage controller.
US09436606B2
A system and method to defragment a memory is disclosed. In a particular embodiment, a method includes loading data stored at a first physical memory address of a memory from the memory into a cache line of a data cache. The first physical memory address is mapped to a first virtual memory address. The method further includes initiating modification, at the data cache, of lookup information associated with the first virtual memory address so that the first virtual memory address corresponds to a second physical memory address of the memory. The method also includes modifying, at the data cache, information associated with the cache line to indicate that the cache line corresponds to the second physical memory address instead of the first physical memory address.
US09436603B1
During execution of an application that accesses a shared memory, a security component may, based on an indication from a performance monitor, determine that the application is carrying out a timing side-channel attack. The performance monitor may trigger an interrupt if a pre-determined number of cache line flushes is executed, after which the security component may inspect program instructions of the executing application to determine whether those instructions are likely being used in such an attack. In response to determining that an attack is under way, the security component may take action to mitigate or curtail the attack. The security component may modify the program instructions or page mapping of the executing application to make accesses to portions of the shared memory targeted by the cache line flushes predictable or consistent (e.g., by replacing the instructions with traps, removing them, or inserting instructions immediately before or after them).
