Patents Assigned to The Hong Kong University of Science an Technology
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Patent number: 7672523Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatuses for defining a target bit rate and collections of coefficients of source data, as well as a global coding order of the collections of coefficients. A plurality of coding units and corresponding allowable truncation points for each of said collections of coefficients and a local coding order of said coding units can be defined. A rate value and a distortion value for each of said coding units can be defined along with an adaptive threshold value for each of said coding units. The encoding of the collections of coefficients is performed in turn according to the global coding order. During the encoding, if a predetermined termination criterion is not met for a particular coding unit, the particular coding unit will be included in an output code-stream, and if the termination criterion is met, an encoding of the one of the collection of coefficients will be terminated.Type: GrantFiled: March 2, 2004Date of Patent: March 2, 2010Assignee: The Hong Kong University of Science and TechnologyInventors: Yick Ming Yeung, Chi-Lim Oscar Au
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Publication number: 20100034730Abstract: The present subject matter provides a time- and energy-saving paste-state mechanochemical process to synthesize zinc oxide nanoparticles. Our nanoparticles are small, have abundant surface hydroxyl groups and exhibit excellent UV blocking characteristics. One embodiment involves a process for preparing zinc oxide nanoparticles comprising grinding, milling, or a combination thereof a mixture comprising (a) at least one zinc salt, (b) at least one additional inorganic salt, and (c) at least one alkali hydroxide compound.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 1, 2008Publication date: February 11, 2010Applicant: The Hong Kong University of Science and TechnologyInventors: Jun Lu, Ka Ming Ng, Shihe Yang, Jiyun Feng
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Patent number: 7659353Abstract: A method for limiting the transmission of light through a material is disclosed. In the method, a layer composed of a hyperbranched polymer formed via a copolycyclotrimerization reaction is interposed between a light source and the material. Also provided is a method for emitting light comprising exciting the hyperbranched polymer. In addition, methods for limiting the transmission of light and for emitting light using hyperbranched polymers formed by homopolycyclotrimerization reactions are disclosed. A new class of hyperbranched polymers produced by copolycyclotrimerization is also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: March 22, 2005Date of Patent: February 9, 2010Assignee: The Hong Kong University of Science and TechnologyInventors: Ben Zhong Tang, Kaitian Xu, Han Peng, Qunhui Sun, Jingdong Luo
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Publication number: 20100027909Abstract: Images encoded at low-bit rate may suffer from blocking artifacts, which can dramatically degrade the visual quality of the images. In accordance with the claimed subject matter, a convex optimization approach is provided in order to mitigate such blocking artifacts. Based on the analysis of image coding process as well as natural image properties (e.g., image complexity), a set of constraint functions can be constructed. In addition, an objective function can be constructed based upon, e.g. analysis of a quantization noise model. All functions included in the set as well as the objective function can be convex function. Accordingly, image deblocking can be formulated as a convex optimization problem which can be easily solved using numerical methods. Moreover, the feasibility of the convex optimization problem can be utilized to detect the true object edges and avoid blurring.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 4, 2008Publication date: February 4, 2010Applicant: The Hong Kong University of Science and TechnologyInventors: Oscar Chi Lim Au, Liwei Guo
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Patent number: 7652136Abstract: The present invention provides a diarylaminofluorene chromophore compound having the following structure: wherein: M is a metal atom of Ir, Pt; R is H, CH3, OCH3, or F; A is none or six-member carbocyclic aromatic ring system; 0?m?3 0?n?1. The invention also provides high-efficiency organic light-emitting devices fabricated using these compounds.Type: GrantFiled: September 12, 2006Date of Patent: January 26, 2010Assignees: The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Hong Kong Baptist UniversityInventors: Hoi-Sing Kwok, Wai-Yeung Wong, Xiao-Ming Yu, Gui-Jiang Zhou
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Patent number: 7652541Abstract: A novel form of an integrated variable inductor uses an on-chip transformer together with a variable capacitor. The variable capacitor can either be a varactor or a switched capacitor array and is connected to the secondary coil of the transformer. By changing the capacitance at the secondary coil of a transformer, the equivalent inductance looking into the primary coil of the transformer can be adjusted. With another capacitor in parallel to the primary coil, two different modes of resonance inherently exist, and a very wide frequency tuning range can be achieved by combining the two modes.Type: GrantFiled: August 2, 2007Date of Patent: January 26, 2010Assignee: The Hong Kong University of Sciences and TechnologyInventors: Howard Cam Luong, Lai Kan Leung
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Publication number: 20100009362Abstract: The presently described subject matter is directed to water-soluble conjugated polyene compounds that exhibit aggregation induced emission, as well as to water dispersible, fluorescent, polymeric microparticles and/or nanoparticles comprising the water-soluble conjugated polyene compounds. Also provided are methods of making and using the compounds and particles. The described conjugated polyene compounds are useful as bioprobes for the detection biomacromolecules, as well as in the manufacture of sensors.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 26, 2009Publication date: January 14, 2010Applicant: The Hong Kong University of Science and TechnologyInventors: Benzhong Tang, Yuning Hong, Matthias Haeussler, Hui Tong, Yongqiang Dong, Zhen Li, Changmin Xing
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Patent number: 7642575Abstract: The present invention provides an integrated electronic microphone formed as part of a semiconductor device, and a manufacturing method therefor. The microphone is formed with a sensing electrode as part of a sensing membrane, and the sensing electrode is connected to the gate of a sensing transistor to provide an output. The microphone may be operated in constant bias or constant charge mode.Type: GrantFiled: December 29, 2006Date of Patent: January 5, 2010Assignee: The Hong Kong University of Science and TechnologyInventors: Man Wong, Yitshak Zohar
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Publication number: 20090317017Abstract: A method and system map high dynamic range images to low dynamic range images. An input set of luminance values can be divided into separate regions corresponding to particular luminance value ranges. A region value can be determined for each region. Based at least in part on the region value, a quantity of range assigned to each region for tone mapping can be dynamically adjusted until each region meets a decision criterion or stopping condition, referred to herein as “concentration.” A region can be said to be concentrated if all luminance values therein are within a concentration interval or range. After a region is concentrated, it can be tone-mapped by quantization.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 20, 2008Publication date: December 24, 2009Applicant: The Hong Kong University of Science and TechnologyInventors: Oscar Chi Lim Au, Chun Hung Liu
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Publication number: 20090309769Abstract: Described herein is an efficient encryption method and system having improved security features based on randomness. The method and system utilize a random dictionary insertion and a random dictionary permutation, and a key stream generated by a stream cipher. Security analysis results show that the method and system provides a higher level of security without incurring any coding efficiency loss, compared with a existing encoding methods.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 17, 2009Publication date: December 17, 2009Applicant: The Hong Kong University of Science and TechnologyInventors: Oscar Chi Lim Au, Jiantao Zhou
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Patent number: 7633778Abstract: A switched-capacitor regulator is provided for regulating the output voltage of a voltage supply. The switched-capacitor regulator includes a supply input terminal capable of receiving a supply voltage, two or more flying capacitors, a regulation switch located between each flying capacitor and the supply input terminal, and a voltage control circuit. The activity of the regulation switches is controlled by the voltage control circuit. In one embodiment of the invention, the voltage control circuit includes a feedback resistance area having one or more feedback resistors located between the output of the flying capacitors and a ground terminal, a first gain stage connected to the feedback resistance area, and two or more second switchable gain stages, which are each connected to a regulation switch and the first gain stage. The switched-capacitor regulator operates in pseudo-continuous regulator mode using three-stage switchable operational amplifiers with time-multiplexed pole-splitting compensation.Type: GrantFiled: March 31, 2008Date of Patent: December 15, 2009Assignee: The Hong Kong University of Science an TechnologyInventors: Kwok Tai Philip Mok, Hoi Lee
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Publication number: 20090295934Abstract: Demosaicking optimizations are provided for still and/or moving image (e.g., video) processes that efficiently generate viewable images. A demosaicking process selects a direction before performing interpolation in order to avoid interpolation across edges and also to minimize color artifacts. The direction to be selected is based on a direction similarity measurement. A digital capture device can includes a system that processes the image data by performing interpolation based on the direction similarity measurement(s) for color difference spaces. The images created based on the directional similarities demonstrate performance gains in peak signal to noise ratio (PSNR).Type: ApplicationFiled: February 13, 2009Publication date: December 3, 2009Applicant: The Hong Kong University of Science and TechnologyInventors: Oscar Chi Lim Au, Carman Ka Man Yuk
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Publication number: 20090294734Abstract: An electroconductive bonding material is formed as a Modified Electrically Conductive Adhesive (MECA), and consists of a resin matrix and a modified conductive filler. The resin matrix if formed by providing a thermosetting or thermoplastic resin-based polymer resin. The conductive filler is a metal filler material suitable for use as conductive filler for the resin matrix. The metal filler is modified by applying a material selected from one of halogens, pseudohalogens or their precursors.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 22, 2009Publication date: December 3, 2009Applicant: The Hong Kong University of Science and TechnologyInventors: Cheng Yang, Matthew Ming Fai Yuen, Bing Xu
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Publication number: 20090294153Abstract: Wetting and print transfer from a printing patterned transfer surface is enhanced by applying an ultraviolet radiation responsive material to the patterned transfer surface. Ultraviolet activation of the ultraviolet responsive coating is performed during a transfer of printing material to a substrate. The technique increases precision of the printing process and is useful for transfer of printing material to a substrate in order to establish printed circuit components such as circuit traces and printed circuit elements on the substrate. In a particular configuration the ultraviolet radiation responsive material can be made of azobenzene material or free radical initiators.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 22, 2009Publication date: December 3, 2009Applicant: The Hong Kong University of Science and TechnologyInventors: Matthew Ming Fai Yuen, Edward King Long Chan, Cheng Yang
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Patent number: 7619395Abstract: An End-Point Prediction scheme is described for voltage-mode buck regulators to generate adaptive output voltage to integrated-circuit systems. Internal nodal voltages of the regulator controller are predicted and set automatically by the proposed algorithms and circuits. The settling time of the regulator can therefore be significantly reduced for faster dynamic responses, even with dominant-pole compensation.Type: GrantFiled: July 13, 2006Date of Patent: November 17, 2009Assignee: The Hong Kong University of Science and TechnologyInventors: Kwok Tai Philip Mok, Man Siu, Ka Nang Leung
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Patent number: 7612676Abstract: The present invention relates to an RFID Tag and Antenna for use with an RFID tag and a method of radio frequency identification (RFID). The RFID Tag comprises a RFID chip 5 for storing data, an antenna 6 and an electromagnetic band gap substrate 12. The RFID chip 5 and the antenna 6 are mounted above the electromagnetic band gap substrate 12. The electromagnetic band gap substrate has a reflection phase which is different from 180° at the operation frequency of the antenna. The electromagnetic band gap substrate enables the RFID to operate even if it is mounted on a conductive object, as the reflection phase is not 180° so it does not destructively interfere with the radiation from the antenna at the operating frequency. Preferably the reflection phase is between 340° and 115° or ?95° and 145°. The preferred embodiment uses a band gap substrate having two mushroom-like conductive layers 3, 7 with a dielectric in between.Type: GrantFiled: September 21, 2007Date of Patent: November 3, 2009Assignee: The Hong Kong University of Science and TechnologyInventors: Matthew Ming Fai Yuen, Bo Gao, Ross David Murch, Chi Ho Cheng
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Patent number: 7605640Abstract: An exponential charge pump uses a number of identical or similar charging stages, each having a first and second capacitor. During a first clock phase, the first capacitor of each stage is charged by the second capacitor of the preceding stage, and, during a complementary second clock phase, the positive plate of the first capacitor of each stage is pushed to an increased voltage by the first capacitor of the preceding stage and charges the second capacitor of the next stage to the increased voltage at the same time. A similar mechanism occurs to the second capacitors in each stage, but with complementary timing. The increased voltage of the first capacitor of the last stage is pumped to an output capacitor during the second clock phase, and the increased voltage of the second capacitor of the last stage is pumped to an output capacitor during the first clock phase.Type: GrantFiled: June 20, 2008Date of Patent: October 20, 2009Assignee: The Hong Kong University of Science and TechnologyInventors: Wing Hung Ki, Feng Su, Yat Hei Lam, Chi Ying Tsui
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Patent number: 7585664Abstract: This invention provides an integrated circuit (IC) optical detector. The IC optical detector comprises a substrate and an IC. The substrate comprises a plurality of test sites defined thereon. The test sites comprise a surface suitably treated for coating of at least one test sample. The at least one test sample is capable of being changed by a reaction. The IC comprises at least one optical sensor array for simultaneously receiving and sensing optical signals from the test sites during operations Presence of at least one changed test sample at a test site changes the quantity of light directed through the test site. The change in quantity of light is detectable by the sensor array. The optical sensor array further converts the sensed optical signals to electrical signals. The IC automatically processes and outputs the electrical signals during operation. This invention further provides a method for detecting a specific sample within at least one test sample.Type: GrantFiled: October 14, 2004Date of Patent: September 8, 2009Assignee: The Hong Kong University of Science and TechnologyInventors: Mansun Chan, Jiong Li, Yijin Wang, Zuhong Lu
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Publication number: 20090196361Abstract: System and methodologies for low-distortion index assignment for quantization are provided herein. Various aspects described herein utilize a graph theoretic approach for determining an index assignment mapping between a quantization codebook and a signal constellation by employing a variation of the subgraph isomorphism problem. The graph theoretic index assignment algorithms described herein allow efficient determination of index assignment mappings for both binary and non-binary quantization schemes. Further, the topological structure of a signal constellation can be exploited to simplify the set of subgraphs to be searched in select cases. Various aspects described herein can additionally be utilized to determine index assignment mappings for space-time block codes in a multiple-input multiple-output wireless communication system.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 31, 2008Publication date: August 6, 2009Applicant: The Hong Kong University of Science and TechnologyInventors: Ho Yin Chan, Wai Ho Mow
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Patent number: 7567149Abstract: A waveguide structure is described wherein microwaves or radio-frequency waves can be guided in their propagation through channels whose cross-sections contain fractal patterns, with relevant dimensions much smaller than the wavelengths of the guided waves. A finite section of such waveguide can be used as an efficient delay line.Type: GrantFiled: April 5, 2006Date of Patent: July 28, 2009Assignee: The Hong Kong University of Science and TechnologyInventors: Weijia Wen, Ping Sheng, Che Ting Chan, Lei Zhou, Bo Hou