Patents Represented by Attorney, Agent or Law Firm Haverstock & Owens LLP
  • Patent number: 8351676
    Abstract: Systems and methods for implementing a multi-step image recognition framework for classifying digital images are provided. The provided multi-step image recognition framework utilizes a gradual approach to model training and image classification tasks requiring multi-dimensional ground truths. A first step of the multi-step image recognition framework differentiates a first image region from a remainder image region. Each subsequent step operates on a remainder image region from the previous step. The provided multi-step image recognition framework permits model training and image classification tasks to be performed more accurately and in a less resource intensive fashion than conventional single-step image recognition frameworks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Shengyang Dai, Su Wang, Akira Nakamura, Takeshi Ohashi, Jun Yokono
  • Patent number: 8346005
    Abstract: A “Bokeh-Aji” image is one in which the region of interest is in focus and the background is out of focus. Detection of “Bokeh-Aji” type images and then isolation to the region of interest area in a low complexity way without any human intervention is beneficial. A set of tools for performing this task include SAD and high pass filtering based in-focus/out-of-focus area separation, in-focus/out-of-focus block distribution based “Bokeh-Aji” shot detection and region of interest isolation. By effectively integrating these tools together, the “Bokeh-Aji” images are successfully identified, and the region of interest area is successfully isolated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Assignees: Sony Corporation, Sony Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Ximin Zhang, Ming-Chang Liu
  • Patent number: 8345450
    Abstract: The configurations of a DC/DC resonant converter and a controlling method thereof are provided. The proposed converter includes an over-current protection apparatus including a first switch element having a first and a second terminals, and a first voltage element having a negative terminal coupled to a positive terminal of a DC input voltage source and a positive terminal coupled to the second terminal of the first switch element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Assignee: Delta Electronics, Inc.
    Inventors: Chao Yan, Jianhong Zeng, Wenxin Zhang, Yiqing Ye, Jianping Ying, Peter Barbosa, Wen-Chang Lee
  • Patent number: 8345062
    Abstract: The present invention generates a color template design to format a presentation. According to one aspect, a plurality of template designs are provided on a visual display. A selection of one of the plurality of template designs is received from a user. A plurality of source images that are separate from the plurality of template designs are provided on the visual display. A selection of a color from one of the plurality of source images is received from the user. Colors of the selected template design are automatically adjusted to match the selected the color from the source image. The selected template design may include framing, mat, background, and foreground portions, at least one of which is adjusted. After automatically adjusting the colors, the selected template design may be displayed and/or stored for use as a template.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Assignees: Sony Corporation, Sony Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Eric Edwards, Clay Harvey Fisher
  • Patent number: 8345976
    Abstract: Methods and systems disclosed herein provide the capability to automatically process digital pathology images quickly and accurately. According to one embodiment, an digital pathology image segmentation task may be divided into at least two parts. An image segmentation task may be carried out utilizing both bottom-up analysis to capture local definition of features and top-down analysis to use global information to eliminate false positives. In some embodiments, an image segmentation task is carried out using a “pseudo-bootstrapping” iterative technique to produce superior segmentation results. In some embodiments, the superior segmentation results produced by the pseudo-bootstrapping method are used as input in a second segmentation task that uses a combination of bottom-up and top-down analysis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Su Wang, Shengyang Dai, Akira Nakamura, Takeshi Ohashi, Jun Yokono
  • Patent number: 8342862
    Abstract: A power connector comprises a slidably positionable earth pin. The earth pin is able to be positioned in a travel, or small form factor and in an operational form factor. The housing of the connector comprises a member having a slot that defines a sliding path for the earth pin. The member also has two sets of grooves for receiving a set of spring loaded protrusions on the earth pin. The protrusions come to rest in one of the sets of grooves thereby defining a small form factor and an operational form factor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Assignee: Flextronics AP, LLC
    Inventors: Roland Konersmann, Andreas Kniesel
  • Patent number: 8338922
    Abstract: A process for forming semiconductor packages includes partially etching a leadframe matrix, encapsulating it with mold compound, placing a semiconductor die in a leadframe unit and singulating the leadframe matrix. A system for forming semiconductor packages includes means for partially etching a leadframe matrix, means for encapsulating it with mold compound, means for placing a semiconductor die in a leadframe unit and means for singulating the leadframe matrix.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2012
    Assignee: UTAC Thai Limited
    Inventors: Saravuth Sirinorakul, Somchai Nondhasitthichai
  • Patent number: 8339231
    Abstract: A magnetics package comprising: a primary coil configured to conduct a current flow; a secondary coil electrically isolated from the primary coil and configured to conduct a current flow, wherein the secondary coil is embedded in a mold compound; and a magnetic core inductively coupling the primary coil and the secondary coil, wherein a current flow in the primary coil produces a magnetic field in the magnetic core, and the magnetic field in the magnetic core induces a current flow in the secondary coil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2012
    Assignee: Flextronics AP, LLC
    Inventor: Rajeev Joshi
  • Patent number: 8336428
    Abstract: A universal ratcheting tool provides improved handling of tools that are difficult to use on their own, specifically, hexagonal wrenches. The universal ratcheting tool includes a handle and a body with a ratcheting mechanism within the handle. The body includes a first aperture for receiving a tool, and the first aperture includes slots to accept a plurality of sizes of tools. The body also includes a second aperture where the tool extends out of the body. A retaining component is coupled with the body to retain the tool and a retaining tab is able to be used to open and close the retaining component. Once the tool is positioned and retained within the universal ratcheting tool, a user is able to easily install or remove an object such as a screw with the benefit of a comfortable handle and the ease of use of the ratcheting mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2012
    Assignee: Wagic, Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald L. Johnson, Robert J. Gallegos, Steven Simas Escobar, Anders Scot Hudson, Idriss Mansouri-Chafik Ruiz, Yugen Patrick Lockhart, Howard Allen Wilson, Eric M. Colton
  • Patent number: 8333393
    Abstract: A stroller with a braking mechanism that automatically configures itself in a braking position provides protection against the unattended stroller from rolling away. By applying force to a handle, the braking mechanism is released and the stroller is able to be pushed as usual. The handle and braking mechanism are biased in the braking position by a spring located near the rear wheels. The braking mechanism applies sufficient frictional force against the tire of the wheel to prevent the wheel from rolling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2012
    Assignee: Excelligence Learning Corporation
    Inventor: James I. Geeslin
  • Patent number: 8334927
    Abstract: A television includes a control section, an interface and an external software module. The control section includes a processor and an internal memory that is in communication with the processor. The internal memory stores original program instructions for use by the processor to operate the television in accordance with the original program instructions. The interface is accessible exteriorly of the television and is in communication with the control section. The external software module is connectable to the interface and stores additional application program instructions that are downloadable to the control section when the external software module is connected to the interface. The downloaded additional application program instructions enable the television to function in a manner differently than any of the original program instructions. A method for adding new application program instructions to a television is also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2012
    Assignees: Sony Corporation, Sony Electronics Inc.
    Inventor: Guillermo Castano
  • Patent number: 8333394
    Abstract: A bucket stand is described herein. The bucket stand has a body for receiving and supporting cylindrical objects such as paint containers. Within the body is a padding for securing the cylindrical objects, so that when a user lifts the cylindrical object, for example, the paint container's handle, the bucket stand is lifted too. This permits better portability of both objects without having to separate them and carry each individually. Furthermore, the cylindrical object is only temporarily secured within the bucket stand for easy removal of the object when desired. The bucket stand is also able to be further elevated and includes wheels to enable sliding of the stand. Additional padding is utilized to allow various sizes of cylindrical objects to be retained. Some embodiments utilize angled walls, magnets and fasteners to further assist in securing the cylindrical objects within the bucket stand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2012
    Inventor: Carlos E. Cisneros
  • Patent number: 8334764
    Abstract: Before semiconductor units are shipped to customers, each unit is electrically tested for ensuring its functionality. However, when a unit is stuck in a test area of a testing equipment, subsequent units are thereafter not properly tested. A reflective sensor is used to check for a stuck unit within the test area. The reflective sensor includes a transmitter and a receiver. In each test cycle, a signal is transmitted toward the test area. An alert indicating a stuck unit is generated when: (1) the reflectivity and/or color of the transmitted signal is different from a bare test area reflectivity and/or color, (2) a reflected signal is received outside a window of the receiver or is not received by the receiver, or (3) the reflected signal has the same light intensity as the transmitted signal. Embodiments of the present invention protect untested units from being inadvertently shipped to customers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2012
    Assignee: UTAC Thai Limited
    Inventors: Suweat Nuanwan, Prayoch Tayaphat, Apichai Itdhiamornkulchai
  • Patent number: 8327655
    Abstract: The distributor unit (10) is coupled to a heat pump (12) and to various circuits for collecting (24, 28, 30) and for delivering (38, 40, 52, 56) heat, with the unit serving to provide selective interconnection therebetween in application of various predetermined combinational schemes for fluid distribution by automatically controlling an integrated network of stop valves (200). The schemes define modes of operation such as natural cooling or freeze-proofing, producing hot water and/or air conditioning from a single installation by optimizing transfers of heat between the circuits so that the heat pump is always operating in its thermodynamically optimum zone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2012
    Assignee: Hades
    Inventor: Georges Favier
  • Patent number: 8321295
    Abstract: A fact checking system verifies the correctness of information and/or characterizes the information by comparing the information with one or more sources. The fact checking system automatically monitors, processes, fact checks information and indicates a status of the information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Inventor: Lucas J. Myslinski
  • Patent number: 8317205
    Abstract: A mobile storage unit is disclosed. The mobile storage unit comprises at least two structural frames, a seat portion coupled to the at least two structural frames, a handle assembly coupled to the seat portion, a bottom panel coupled to the at least two structural frames whereby a storage area is created below the seat portion, above the bottom portion and between the at least two structural frames and at least two wheels coupled to the bottom panel. Through the use of the present invention, the potential for back problems that are associated with the use of the traditional backpack is eliminated. Additionally, the mobile storage unit provides an easily accessible storage area for the user/student in the case where no locker is provided. Furthermore, the mobile storage unit incorporates a seat portion which allows a user to utilize the mobile storage unit as a seat in situations where one is needed yet not available.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Assignee: Zuca, Inc.
    Inventors: Laura Elizabeth Udall, Nicholas V. Udall
  • Patent number: 8315769
    Abstract: A communication system for a vehicle includes a vehicle speed sensor configured to emit a periodic function with a parameter correlated to the speed of the vehicle, an acceleration monitoring system, a braking system engagement detector to detect a braking status of the vehicle, an alerting device capable of signaling other drivers of a deceleration condition of the vehicle, and a control device. The acceleration monitoring system is configured to compute the acceleration of the vehicle from variations in the parameter of the periodic function of the vehicle speed sensor and to output a deceleration status of the vehicle. The control device is coupled to the acceleration monitoring system, the braking system engagement detector, and the alerting device, wherein the acceleration monitoring system sends signals to the control device and the control device operates the alerting device in a manner dependent on the deceleration status of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2012
    Assignee: Vision Works IP Corporation
    Inventors: Alfred S. Braunberger, Beau M. Braunberger
  • Patent number: 8313684
    Abstract: A method thermoforms one or more shaped bodies from a thermoformable tape and a structure having a thermoformable tape with one or more shaped bodies. The thermoformable tape is positioned proximate to a thermoforming device and to thermoform the tape with one or more shaped bodies. The structure includes of a thermoformable tape with one or more shaped bodies formed within the tape. The tape can have a plurality of apertures along the edge of the tape configured to impart a positioning force. The thermoformed shaped bodies can be comprised of one or more antenna carriers. The shaped bodies can further include components such as an antenna radiator coupled to the antenna carrier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2012
    Assignee: Flextronics
    Inventors: Hans Norberg, Torkel Danielsson
  • Patent number: D670966
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2012
    Inventor: Thomas B. Haverstock
  • Patent number: D671795
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Inventor: Chih-Cheng Tai