Abstract: Under adaptive frequency reuse technique, mobile stations in a cellular orthogonal frequency division multiple access (OFDMA) system are served by different radio resource regions with appropriate frequency reuse patterns to mitigate inter-cell interference and improve system capacity. In a first novel aspect, the mobile stations measure interference statistics and obtain interference measurement results. The mobile stations report the obtained interference measurement results to serving base stations. The serving base stations determine adaptive frequency reuse patterns based on the received interference measurement result. In a second novel aspect, a radio resource control element receives the interference measurement results, determines frequency reuse patterns and configures radio resource allocation based on the received interference measurement results.

Abstract: A mattress frame that occupies a small volume and can be used by a recipient without having to assemble the frame. The frame has four connected sides and is made of foam. The frame is rectangular in shape and has two longer sides and two shorter sides. The two shorter sides are folded in a U shape so that a bow-tie-shaped frame results. The bow-tie-shaped frame is rolled and packaged in a container. The frame can be rolled to form a spiral or an M-shape. A recipient of the rolled frame removes the frame from its packaging and the frame expands to its intended shape.

Abstract: A unified synchronous ranging channel is provided. The unified synchronous ranging channel has a ranging cyclic prefix length that is the same as a cyclic prefix length of a data channel. The unified synchronous ranging channel is used for one of initial ranging, handover ranging, and periodic ranging between a mobile station and a femto base station. In one embodiment, the synchronous ranging channel spans over a two-dimensional radio resource region having a first number of subcarriers along frequency domain, a second number of OFDM symbols along time domain, and a third number of time-domain repetition. At the transmit side, a ranging code sequence is generated by applying a fixed time-domain cyclic shift per OFDM symbol to a root sequence. At the receive side, the ranging code sequence is decoded by using a summation module, a likelihood-combining module, and a modified peak test module that normalizes a peak value.

Abstract: A unified synchronous ranging channel is provided. The unified synchronous ranging channel has a ranging cyclic prefix length that is the same as a cyclic prefix length of a data channel. The unified synchronous ranging channel is used for one of initial ranging, handover ranging, and periodic ranging between a mobile station and a femto base station. In one embodiment, the synchronous ranging channel spans over a two-dimensional radio resource region having a first number of subcarriers along frequency domain, a second number of OFDM symbols along time domain, and a third number of time-domain repetition. At the transmit side, a ranging code sequence is generated by applying a fixed time-domain cyclic shift per OFDM symbol to a root sequence. At the receive side, the ranging code sequence is decoded by using a summation module, a likelihood-combining module, and a modified peak test module that normalizes a peak value.

Abstract: A programmable analog tile integrated circuit configuration tool communicates a power management control characteristic query soliciting control requirement information for a novel Power Management Integrated Circuit (PMIC) tile in a Multi-Tile Power Management Integrated Circuit (MTPMIC). The configuration tool receives a user response to the query indicating control requirements across a network. The PMIC tile includes configuration registers. Configuration information bit values stored in the configuration registers control the operational characteristics of the functional circuitry of the tile. The configuration registers of each novel PMIC tile are accessible at pre-defined addresses on a standardized bus of the MTPMIC. In response to the user response, the configuration tool generates appropriate tile configuration information for loading the configuration registers such that the PMIC tile within the MTPMIC is programmed to satisfy the user's control requirements.

Abstract: A microcontroller integrated circuit includes an open-loop transimpedance amplifier (OLTA). An input lead of the OLTA is a terminal of the microcontroller. The cathode of a photodiode is connected to VDD and the anode is connected to the terminal. The OLTA maintains the photodiode in a strongly reverse-biased condition, thereby keeping diode capacitance low and facilitating rapid circuit response. The input of the OLTA involves a diode-connected field effect transistor that provides a low impedance. This low impedance decreases as the diode current increases, thus providing effective clamping of the voltage on the terminal. By this clamping, the amount of photodiode capacitance discharging necessary when transitioning from a high input current condition to a low input current condition is reduced, thereby further improving amplifier response time. The OLTA is small and consumes less than thirty microamperes and functions to mirror photodiode current and compare to a predetermined level.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a high-performance capacitor that may be incorporated into a standard CMOS fabrication process suitable for submicron devices is described. The parameters used in the standard CMOS process may be maintained, particularly for the definition and etch of the lower electrode layer. To reduce variation in critical dimension width, an Anti-Reflective Layer (ARL) is used, such as a Plasma Enhanced chemical vapor deposition Anti-Reflective Layer (PEARL) or other Anti-Reflective Coatings (ARCS), such as a conductive film like TiN. This ARL formation occurs after the capacitor specific process steps, but prior to the masking used for defining the lower electrodes. A Rapid Thermal Oxidation (RTO) is performed subsequent to removing the unwanted capacitor dielectric layer from the transistor poly outside of the capacitor regions, but prior to the PEARL deposition.

Abstract: An analysis system analyzes digital images using a computer-implemented network structure that includes a process hierarchy, a class network and a data network. The data network includes image layers and object networks. Objects in a first object network are segmented into a first class, and objects in a second object network are segmented into a second class. One process step of the process hierarchy involves generating a third object network by imprinting objects of the first object network into the objects of the second object network such that pixel locations are unlinked from objects of the second object network to the extent that the pixel locations were also linked to objects of the first object network. The imprinting step allows object-oriented processing of digital images to be performed with fewer computations and less memory. Characteristics of an object of the third object network are then determined by measuring the object.

Abstract: A folding mattress support system replaces both a conventional box spring and the bed frame with rails. The mattress support system is lighter, quieter and easier to transport, and also provides more storage space beneath the mattress. The mattress support system includes bed frame assemblies, central connecting bars, edge attachments and a bed skirt. Leg brackets fold out from the bed frame assemblies, which themselves unfold in the middle. Central connecting bars connect inner side edges of the bed frame assemblies. Plastic edge attachments are attached at outer corners of the bed frame assemblies and hold a bed skirt taught around the frame assemblies when the frame assemblies are standing on the extended leg brackets. A mattress is then placed on top of the assembled mattress support system. Optionally, metal edge attachments at the head corners of the mattress support system both hold the bed skirt and support a headboard.

Abstract: A programmable spread spectrum clock generator (SSCG) reduces electromagnetic interference by spreading the frequency bandwidth of an output signal. The rate at which the frequency of the output signal changes, as well as other aspects of the output signal, are software programmable. The programmable SSCG receives a periodic signal whose cycles have substantially identical periods and outputs the output signal whose cycles have periods that vary smoothly over a plurality of cycles of the periodic signal. The programmable SSCG generates a control signal using the periodic signal. The programmable SSCG includes a variable delay element that generates the output signal by delaying the periods of the periodic signal based on the magnitude of the control signal. The output signal is generated without using a phase locked loop. Moreover, successive cycles of the output signal rarely have identical periods.

Abstract: A foldable mattress support is made by covering a metal frame with a fabric covering. The metal frame includes two sections that fold together at two hinges. A first section includes first upper and lower frames, and a second section includes second upper and lower frames. Each of the upper and lower frames is pivotally attached to a hinge. A bolt that is oriented along a first axis passes through the first upper frame and through a plate of the hinge. The first upper frame pivots about a first axis; the second upper frame pivots about a second axis; the first lower frame pivots about a third axis; and the second lower frame pivots about a fourth axis. Each of the axes is orthogonal to the plate, and the third axis is spaced farther apart from the fourth axis than the first axis is spaced apart from the second axis.

Abstract: An LED lamp includes a rectifier, an integrated circuit and a string of series-connected LEDs. The lamp receives an incoming AC signal such that a rectified version of the signal is present across the LED string. The integrated circuit includes a plurality of power switches. Each power switch is coupled so that it can separately and selectably short out a corresponding one of several groups of LEDs in the string. As the voltage across the string increases the integrated circuit controls the power switches such that the number of LEDs through which current flows increases, whereas as the voltage across the string decreases the integrated circuit controls the power switches such that the number of LEDs through which current flows decreases. LED string current flow is controlled and regulated to provide superior efficiency, reliability, anti-flicker, regulation against line voltage variations, power factor correction, and lamp over-voltage, over-current, and over-temperature protection.

Abstract: A controller IC adjusts the on time and cycle time of current flowing through the primary inductor of a flyback converter to generate a constant output current and constant output voltage. A desired output current limit is achieved even with an inductor whose inductance varies from the stated magnitude. A transconductance current is generated from a voltage across an emitter resistor and is then integrated to generate an integrated-current voltage. An inductor switch is turned on by an oscillator signal and turned off at the earlier of when the integrated-current voltage reaches a charge limit voltage during constant current mode or when the emitter resistor voltage reaches an error voltage during constant voltage mode. Current is output independently of the primary inductance by varying the current limit voltage inversely proportionally to the input voltage and by adjusting the cycle time so that it varies inversely proportionally to the output voltage.

Abstract: A novel method reduces methane slack when operating a biogas fermenter. When starting up a freshly charged fermenter, the methane portion of the produced biogas is initially so low and the portions of carbon dioxide and nitrogen are so high that the biogas cannot be directly used in a combined heat and power plant. Conventionally, the biogas generated during the startup phase has a small portion of methane that is discharged directly into the atmosphere or is flared off if the methane fraction is larger. The initially produced methane is consequently not used and becomes methane slack. To reduce methane slack, the biogas with the low methane fraction is fed to a gas treatment unit in which non-methane components of the gas mixture are partially separated, and the remaining gas mixture with a higher methane content is returned to the biogas fermenter until the methane fraction is sufficiently high.

Abstract: Nano-silver infused container arrangements are presented including: a nano-silver infused container body defining at least one opening; and a nano-silver infused container lid configured to close off the at least one opening. In some embodiments, the arrangement is a composition of a polymeric compound and a concentration of nano-silver particles. In some embodiments, the polymeric compound includes polyvinyl-pyrrolidione, polypropylene and polycarbonate.

Abstract: A self-adjusting mattress includes a support member, top and bottom foam layers, a movement mechanism and balancing bars. The support member includes a frame of longitudinal and cross bars and mesh panels between the bars. The support member has a middle section that is pivotally connected to upper and lower sections. The upper, middle and lower sections are coplanar in the flat configuration of the mattress. The movement mechanism includes multiple electric motors that move the mattress into an inclined configuration by rotating the upper and lower sections relative to the middle section. The bottom foam layer is molded around the support member. The molded foam flows above, below and through the holes in the mesh panels. The top foam layer is then glued or molded to the top of the bottom foam layer. The balancing bars extend less than half way under the upper section of the support member.

Abstract: A microcontroller integrated circuit includes an open-loop transimpedance amplifier (OLTA). An input lead of the OLTA is a terminal of the microcontroller. The cathode of a photodiode is connected to VDD and the anode is connected to the terminal. The OLTA maintains the photodiode in a strongly reverse-biased condition, thereby keeping diode capacitance low and facilitating rapid circuit response. The input of the OLTA involves a diode-connected field effect transistor that provides a low impedance. This low impedance decreases as the diode current increases, thus providing effective clamping of the voltage on the terminal. By this clamping, the amount of photodiode capacitance discharging necessary when transitioning from a high input current condition to a low input current condition is reduced, thereby further improving amplifier response time. The OLTA is small and consumes less than thirty microamperes and functions to mirror photodiode current and compare to a predetermined level.

Abstract: A novel Lucas-Kanade sub-pixel motion estimation method is provided. The motion estimation algorithm enables the estimating of a motion vector with reduced computation cost while maintaining high sub-pixel accuracy. The novel algorithm consists of two processing stages. In the first stage, a conventional motion estimation method is applied to obtain the motion vector at integer-pixel level. In the second stage, the Lucas-Kanade algorithm is applied to improve the motion vector to sub-pixel accuracy based on gradient information. Experimental result shows that the proposed method reaches comparable PSNR performance as conventional ?-pel algorithm but with significant saving on computation cost.

Abstract: Under adaptive frequency reuse technique, mobile stations in a cellular orthogonal frequency division multiple access (OFDMA) system are served by different radio resource regions with appropriate frequency reuse patterns to mitigate inter-cell interference and improve system capacity. In a first novel aspect, the mobile stations measure interference statistics and obtain interference measurement results. The mobile stations report the obtained interference measurement results to serving base stations. The serving base stations determine adaptive frequency reuse patterns based on the received interference measurement result. In a second novel aspect, a radio resource control element receives the interference measurement results, determines frequency reuse patterns and configures radio resource allocation based on the received interference measurement results.

Abstract: A method for processing video data involves receiving data from a series of images and analyzing the data to identify geometric forms. The forms are stored as metadata of a first data level and are linked by time stamps to the images in which the forms were identified. The metadata from an image and the previous image are compared, and delta metadata is generated from the difference. Delta metadata is also marked with time stamps. Metadata and delta metadata are analyzed, and objects are extracted from the geometric forms. The objects are stored as time-stamped metadata and delta metadata of a second data level. The process is repeated for higher data levels. A user inputs a database query to identify from among the stored input images that particular image sequence in which the extracted object is recorded. Queries started at higher data levels are quicker but less accurate.