Abstract: Methods and apparatuses are provided for reducing fingerprint image distortion. In one embodiment, a fingerprint sensing apparatus comprises an image sensor configured to capture a fingerprint image from a reflected light of the fingerprint, and a mirror and a lens in the light path between the prism and the image sensor to direct the reflected light of the fingerprint image from the prism to the image sensor. The image sensor is configured to provide an image plane, the prism and the mirror are configured to provide a subject plane, where the subject plane is adjusted based on a light path from a prism to the image sensor, and the image plane and the subject plane are extended and are configured to form an intersection, and the lens is adjusted to provide a lens plane that meets the intersection of the image plane and the subject plane.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses are provided for a fingerprint sensing apparatus. In one embodiment, a fingerprint sensing apparatus comprises a light source configured to produce an emitted light to illuminate a fingerprint of a user, a light modifier configured to illuminate the fingerprint with a substantially uniform light intensity using the emitted light from the light source, where the light modifier includes a curved surface configured to produce a diffused and reflected light based on the emitted light from the light source, a prism configured to direct a reflected light of the fingerprint illuminated by the diffused and reflected light from the light modifier, an image sensor configured to capture a fingerprint image from the reflected light of the fingerprint, and a housing configured to hold the light source, the light modifier, the prism, and the image sensor within the housing.

Abstract: Illumination devices are provided. In one aspect, an illumination device includes a housing including a plurality of electrically conductive leads. The illumination device also includes a lens unitarily formed as one-piece with the housing and a first light source electrically coupled to at least one of the plurality of electrically conductive leads and positioned behind the lens. The first light source is adapted to emit light of a first color. The illumination device further includes a second light source electrically coupled to at least another one of the plurality of electrically conductive leads and positioned behind the lens. The second light source is adapted to emit light of a second color different than the first color. The illumination device is adapted to be coupled to a surface of a substrate and emit light through the lens generally parallel to the surface.

Abstract: Illumination devices are provided. In one aspect, an illumination device includes a housing including a plurality of electrically conductive leads. The illumination device also includes a lens unitarily formed as one-piece with the housing and a first light source electrically coupled to at least one of the plurality of electrically conductive leads and positioned behind the lens. The first light source is adapted to emit light of a first color. The illumination device further includes a second light source electrically coupled to at least another one of the plurality of electrically conductive leads and positioned behind the lens. The second light source is adapted to emit light of a second color different than the first color. The illumination device is adapted to be coupled to a surface of a substrate and emit light through the lens generally parallel to the surface.

Abstract: The described principles provide a method and system for circumventing the use of live MDNs and nongeographic prefixes in new vehicle-hosted telematics devices, while allowing the purchaser/user convenient use of the vehicle-hosted telematics device. The telematics unit is programmed or configured from the manufacturer with the same parameters as a cancelled or deactivated unit, with a cleared number for re-acquisition. A geographically specific MIN/MDN is later programmed into the device based on one or more preset locational and other VDU triggers.

Abstract: The described principles provide a method and system for circumventing the use of live MDNs and nongeographic prefixes in new vehicle-hosted telematics devices, while allowing the purchaser/user convenient use of the vehicle-hosted telematics device. The telematics unit is programmed or configured from the manufacturer with the same parameters as a cancelled or deactivated unit, with a cleared number for re-acquisition. A geographically specific MIN/MDN is later programmed into the device based on one or more preset locational and other VDU triggers.

Abstract: Disclosed is an automatic control system using a power line communication method. The automatic control system comprises an operating module having an operating program; a power line communication module connected to the operating module; and an automatic control module connected to the power line communication module through a power line and adapted to control external appliances by means of a control signal supplied thereto from the operating module. The operating module receives and processes a signal from external appliances through the automatic control module, or generate an appliance control signal for transmission to the automatic control module, thereby implementing a low-speed power line communication together with the automatic control module through the power line communication module. The automatic control system may remotely control or monitor various electric appliances through an Internet network using a conventional power line.

Abstract: A fishing tackle apparatus comprises a base housing having at least one compartment, a lid hinged with the base housing for movement between a closed position covering the base housing and an open position exposing the compartment. The compartment is defined by upstanding side walls, two opposite facing front and rear walls have vertical slits form from a top of the walls to receive therein the crank fitted with the spool. A crank fitted with a spool for winding fishing lines onto the spool is installed in the compartment for winding used fishing line from or to the fishing reel. The crank comprises a shaft connected to a handle. The shaft has an adapter with grooved outer surface to securely engage the spool without slipping. The spool has a center aperture with inner grooves to engage the adapter of the shaft without slipping.

Abstract: Amplitude and phase jitter can be individually or simultaneously viewed and immediately quantified on an oscilloscope by alternately applying both jitter signals to the vertical (or horizontal) deflection plates at a prescribed chopping frequency and applying the chopping signal to the horizontal (or vertical) deflection plates. The chopping signal frequency should be sufficiently greater than the bandwidth of the jitter signals to permit proper sampling. The resulting display is two spaced vertical (or horizontal) lines, the lengths of which represent instantaneous amplitude and phase jitter, respectively. Another embodiment alternately applies one of the jitter signals to the vertical plates while grounding the horizontal plates and applies the other jitter signal to the horizontal plates while grounding the vertical plates, the alternation being effected at a chopping frequency which is sufficiently high to permit proper sampling of the jitter signals.

Abstract: The gain of an operational amplifier is switched between +K dB and -K dB by switching circuit positions of the input and feedback impedances. The gain is changed in 0.1 dB steps by changing either the input or feedback impedance by a ratio of 1.0116 for each step. The gain is changed in 1.0 dB steps by changing the other of the feedback or input impedance by a ratio of 1.122 for each step. A novel two-pole switching arrangement employs the foregoing techniques to permit unambiguous gain polarity changes.