Abstract: A switched mode power converter includes a feedback mechanism by which a coded train of pulses with well defined integrity is generated on a secondary side of the power converter and transmitted to the primary side for decoding and application by a waveform analyzer to regulate the power converter output. The pulse train is modulated by a secondary side controller and transmitted across an isolation galvanic barrier. The main transformer is used as the signal transmitter from the secondary side to the primary side of the power converter. The coded pulse train is recognized by a controller on the primary side and translated into a regulating driving signal for a main switching element. The transmitted coded pulse train can be embedded with very high frequency modulation that allows the isolation galvanic barrier to act as a capacitive signal transmitter.

Abstract: An embedded high frequency RFID system, method and device comprises a PCB having a non-conductive substrate and conductive traces on the substrate. The non-conductive substrate mechanically supports the PCB and the conductive traces electrically couple electronic components (e.g. microchips, resistors, capacitors) on the board together such that the PCB is able to operate. Additionally, the PCB beneficially comprises a high frequency RFID tag that is embedded within the PCB itself and locked in place by a non-conductive adhesive. As a result, the embedded high frequency RFID system, method and device enables each PCB to store data which gives each PCB sold to a customer a unique ID, which can be read over the life of the product.

Abstract: This invention relates to a substrate with via and pad structure(s) to reduce solder wicking. Each via and pad structure connects a component to conductive layers associated with the substrate. The substrate includes one or more plated vias, solder mask(s) surrounding the plated vias, and a conductive pad with a conductive trace connected to each plated via. The conductive pad extends beyond the terminal sides to increase solder formation and the solder mask reduces solder formation at the terminal end of the component. The via and pad structure is suitable for a variety of components and high component density. The invention also provides a computer implemented method for calculating the maximum distance of a conductive pad extending beyond the terminal side of a component.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes a microprocessor executable media controller operable to receive a media stream from a remote node, the received media stream being for an occupant associated with an on board vehicle input/output system, identify which on board vehicle input/output systems are restricted due to operator command and/or as a result of a governing law, and provide the media stream, in compliance with any restriction, to a selected input/output system associated with the occupant.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and a computer readable medium are provided for maintaining a persona of a vehicle occupant and, based on the persona of the vehicle occupant and vehicle-related information, performing an action assisting the vehicle occupant.

Abstract: Methods and systems for a complete vehicle ecosystem are provided. Specifically, systems that when taken alone, or together, provide an individual or group of individuals with an intuitive and comfortable vehicular environment. The present disclosure includes a system to generate a vehicle communication system. The vehicle communication system can determine which devices are within the vehicle. From this determination, the vehicle communication system may create a universal bus and hotspot where applications, data, multimedia information, and resources can be shared both with the vehicle and with the other devices in the vehicle.

Abstract: Methods and systems for a vehicle system that includes synchronizing a calendar with a vehicle control system and generating a smart-alarm based on events in the calendar. A vehicle receives authorization from a device to synchronize a calendar associated with the device with the vehicle. The calendar is synchronized with the vehicle and a smart alarm is provided to a user based on an event in the calendar and a supplemental factor.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for operating a snail wheel in a vending machine are disclosed. The method for operating the snail wheel includes accepting a 5 gallon water bottle into the snail wheel, lifting the 5 gallon water bottle up off a bottom shelf of the vending machine, rotating the snail wheel 90° from a starting point, stopping the snail wheel after rotating 90°, wherein at the 5 gallon water bottle rolls out of the snail wheel and onto a platform, and rotating the snail wheel 270° back to the starting point.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes a vehicle implementing one or more processing modules. These modules are configured to connect and interface with the various buses in the vehicle, where the various buses are connected with the various components of the vehicle to facilitate information transfer among the vehicle components. Each processing module is further modularized with the ability to add and replace other functional modules now or in the future. These functional modules can themselves act as distinct vehicle components. Each processing module may hand-off processing to other modules depending on its health, processing load, or by third-party control. Thus, the plurality of processing modules helps to implement a middleware point of control to the vehicle with redundancy in processing and safety and security awareness in their applications.

Abstract: A collection, aggregation and reporting of activities associated with applications of an Intelligent TV set is provided. Activates may include most used, least used, installed, available and removed. Periodically, a report is generated and sent to a receiver over a network.

Abstract: An intelligent television can provide various interfaces for providing video-on-demand (VOD). The user interfaces include unique visual representations and organizations that allow the user to utilize the intelligent television more easily and more effectively. Particularly, the user interfaces pertain to the display of VOD content and better organizations thereof. Further, the user interfaces provide unique process of transitioning between the VOD content.

Abstract: A system for and methods of performing lateral measurements of a work fixed to an XY translation stage of a CNC machine comprises coupling a range-detecting laser scanner to a tool mount of the CNC machine that is translatable along the X, Y, and Z axes. The work is surrounded by reflectors that are coupled to the XY translation stage, preferably parallel to the X and Y axes. The laser scanner is initially positioned at a predetermined coordinate, and its laser output is directed toward one of the reflectors. The distance from the laser scanner to the work is measured and is correlated with the laser scanner position to determine a coordinate of the work. The scanner is then incremented along one of the X and Y axes and another coordinate of the work is determined. The periphery of the work is similarly scanned, and the lateral measurements are determined therefrom.

Abstract: A remote control for a television is provided that can include at least one hotkey having an assigned function that depends on at least one of a currently selected silo and panel displayed by the television.

Abstract: A system for vehicle to another party communications that includes a vehicle personality module adapted to create a vehicle personality and a communications system that utilizes the created vehicle personality for one or more communications instead of a user's profile. The one or more communications are associated with one or more of an identifier and an icon representing the vehicle personality, with this identifier and/or icon sent with at least one communication and displayable to the recipient of the communication.

Abstract: An intelligent television and methods for user interaction between the intelligent television and the user are provided. In general, a user is provided with navigation, notification, and setup options which enable one or more functions associated with the intelligent television. The presentation of options is based on input received by the intelligent television. As a user provides input to the intelligent television via a remote control or other input device, the intelligent television is configured to interpret the input and provide interactive functionality in the form of content presented to the display of the intelligent television.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes a microprocessor executable social networking module operable to enable on board processing modules of different privately owned vehicles to wirelessly connect to exchange vehicle-related information.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to a method of forming a magnetics package. The method includes providing a primary coil configured to conduct a current flow; providing a substrate having a surface and a secondary coil extending from the surface, the secondary coil configured to conduct a current flow; encapsulating the secondary coil in a secondary mold compound; removing the substrate from the secondary coil, thereby leaving the secondary coil embedded in the secondary mold compound; and inductively coupling the secondary coil to the primary coil through a magnetic core, the secondary coil is electrically isolated from the primary 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.

Abstract: A printed circuit including a non-conductive substrate, a first conductive layer printed on the non-conductive substrate and one or more additional layers printed on the substrate. The first conductive layer is able to have one or more antennas each forming a predetermined pattern, a first conductive sheet and one or more conductive traces. The one or more additional layers include a first electrode printed on the top of the first conductive sheet, a buffer printed on top of the first electrode, a second electrode printed on top of the buffer and a second conductive sheet printed on top of the second electrode. The printed circuit is further able to include an RFID chip electrically coupled with the antennas and at least one of the first and second conductive sheets via the conductive traces, wherein the first and second conductive sheets, the buffer and the first and second electrodes form a power source that provides electrical power to the RFID chip.

Abstract: A method, system, and executable instructions are provided that receive a request to change a programming channel, display, on the television screen, an on screen channel changer, the on screen channel changer comprising electronic program guide (“EPG”) information and a number input bar comprising digits, receive, from the remote control, a channel selection based on digits using the on screen channel changer, and change to the selected channel.

Abstract: Methods and systems for a complete vehicle ecosystem are provided. Specifically, systems that when taken alone, or together, provide an individual or group of individuals with an intuitive and comfortable vehicular environment. The present disclosure builds on integrating existing technology with new devices, methods, and systems to provide a complete vehicle ecosystem.