Patents by Inventor Michael Schäfer

Michael Schäfer has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 12649286
    Abstract: A welding apparatus (1) for radio-frequency, RF, welding, comprises: a clamp (10) having two electrodes (100, 101; 100?, 101?) being movable with respect to one another for clamping one or more items (2; 2?) therebetween for a welding process; and an RF power supply (11) for providing an RF welding current to the electrodes (100, 101; 100?, 101?) of the clamp (10), the RF power supply being adapted to change the frequency of the RF welding current during the welding process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2022
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2026
    Assignee: Fresenius Kabi Deutschland GmbH
    Inventors: Marcus Müller, Lars Michel, Michael Schäfer
  • Patent number: 12629459
    Abstract: A swing device for moving a blood bag includes a stand, a tray for receiving the blood bag, the tray being pivotable with respect to the stand, an electromotive drive device operatively coupled to the tray for causing a rocking movement of the tray with respect to the stand, and a control device for controlling operation of the drive device. The drive device includes a rotatable shaft member which is rotatable for driving the rocking movement of the tray. The drive device also includes a position encoding device configured to encode a rotary position of the rotatable shaft member of the drive device, wherein the control device is configured to determine a position of the tray with respect to the stand based on an encoder value indicative of the rotary position of the rotatable shaft member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2022
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2026
    Assignee: Fresenius Kabi Deutschland GmbH
    Inventors: Marcus Müller, Lars Michel, Michael Schäfer
  • Patent number: 12615371
    Abstract: A video decoder includes one or more processors that are configured to: determine that a picture is in a 4:4:4 color sampling format, determine, based at least in part on an index signaled in a data stream, a matrix-based intra prediction (MIP) mode, decode a luma block of the picture using the MIP mode, determine, for a chroma block of the picture, whether a coding tree of the chroma block is a single tree, select an intra prediction mode for decoding the chroma block, and decode the chroma block using the selected intra prediction mode. The selected intra prediction mode is the MIP mode in response to the coding tree of the chroma block being the single tree, and the selected intra prediction mode is a planar intra prediction mode in response to the coding tree of the chroma block not being the single tree.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2025
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2026
    Assignee: Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft zur Förderung der angewandten Forschung e.V.
    Inventors: Jonathan Pfaff, Tobias Hinz, Philipp Helle, Philipp Merkle, Björn Stallenberger, Michael Schäfer, Benjamin Bross, Heiko Schwarz, Detlev Marpe, Thomas Wiegand
  • Patent number: 12581061
    Abstract: An apparatus includes at least one processor for decoding a block of a picture using intra-prediction that is configured to: decode, from a data stream, a mode index, the mode index indicating a matrix-based intra-prediction mode out of a plurality of matrix-based intra-prediction modes based on a size of the block, derive an input vector based on downsampling reference samples neighboring the block, determine a matrix based on the size of the block and the mode index, compute a respective output for each component of a matrix-vector product between the input vector and the determined matrix, the respective output computed by performing, a right shift by a number of bits which is independent of the matrix-based intra-prediction mode indicated by the mode index, and for each component of the matrix-vector product, use the respective output to predict a respective sample of the block.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2024
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2026
    Assignee: Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft Zur Foerderung der angewandten Forschung e.V.
    Inventors: Jonathan Pfaff, Tobias Hinz, Philipp Helle, Philipp Merkle, Björn Stallenberger, Michael Schäfer, Benjamin Bross, Martin Winken, Mischa Siekmann, Heiko Schwarz, Detlev Marpe, Thomas Wiegand
  • Patent number: 12539566
    Abstract: The invention relates to a sintering paste consisting of: (A) 30 to 40 wt. % of silver flakes with an average particle size ranging from 1 to 20 ?m, (B) 8 to 20 wt. % of silver particles with an average particle size ranging from 20 to 100 nm, (C) 30 to 45 wt. % of silver(I) oxide particles, (D) 12 to 20 wt. % of at least one organic solvent, (E) 0 to 1 wt. % of at least one polymer binder, and (F) 0 to 0.5 wt. % of at least one additive differing from constituents (A) to (E).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2026
    Assignee: HERAEUS DEUTSCHLAND GMBH & CO. KG
    Inventors: Ly May Chew, Wolfgang Schmitt, Michael Schäfer
  • Publication number: 20250386024
    Abstract: An apparatus includes an encoder, which receives image or video data, encodes the data and provides a bitstream. The encoder includes a CABAC encoder, which receives a binary valued syntax element associated with a block of the data to be encoded, and encodes, using a selected context model, the syntax element into coded bits for the bitstream. The syntax element includes a tool flag indicating whether or not certain coding tool is employed when encoding a block of the data. For a block of the data which exhibits an aspect ratio larger than 2 and for a block of the data which exhibits an aspect ratio less than or equal to 2, and to which blocks the certain coding tool is applicable, first and second context models for encoding the tool flag are selected from a group of one or more first and second context models, respectively.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 18, 2025
    Publication date: December 18, 2025
    Inventors: Jonathan PFAFF, Philipp HELLE, Michael SCHÄFER, Tobias HINZ, Björn STALLENBERGER, Philipp MERKLE, Heiko SCHWARZ, Detlev MARPE, Thomas WIEGAND
  • Publication number: 20250386027
    Abstract: An apparatus for determining an encoding of a motion field for a picture of a video sequence comprising a sequence of pictures, such that said picture is decodable using a reference picture, the motion field and the residual, according to an embodiment is provided. The apparatus comprises a trained neural network configured to determine the encoding of the motion field, being associated with said picture, depending on said picture and depending on the reference picture.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 18, 2025
    Publication date: December 18, 2025
    Inventors: Sophie PIENTKA, Michael SCHÄFER, Jonathan PFAFF, Heiko SCHWARZ, Detlev MARPE, Thomas WIEGAND
  • Publication number: 20250365418
    Abstract: An apparatus configured to select a predetermined intra prediction mode out of a plurality of intra-prediction modes which includes a first set of intra-prediction modes and a second set of matrix-based intra-prediction modes. The apparatus is configured to select a subset of one or more secondary transforms dependent on the predetermined intra prediction mode so that the subset is nonempty in case of the predetermined intra prediction mode being contained in the first set of intra-prediction modes or in the second set of matrix-based intra-prediction modes. The apparatus is configured to derive a transformed version of a prediction residual for a predetermined block, which is related to a spatial domain version of the prediction residual of the predetermined block via a transform defined by a concatenation of a primary transform and a predetermined secondary transform out of the subset of secondary transforms.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 7, 2025
    Publication date: November 27, 2025
    Inventors: Jonathan PFAFF, Tobias HINZ, Philipp HELLE, Philipp MERKLE, Björn STALLENBERGER, Michael SCHÄFER, Benjamin BROSS, Martin WINKEN, Mischa SIEKMANN, Heiko SCHWARZ, Detlev MARPE, Thomas WIEGAND
  • Patent number: 12418654
    Abstract: An apparatus includes an encoder, which receives image or video data, encodes the data and provides a bitstream. The encoder includes a CABAC encoder, which receives a binary valued syntax element associated with a block of the data to be encoded, and encodes, using a selected context model, the syntax element into coded bits for the bitstream. The syntax element includes a tool flag indicating whether or not certain coding tool is employed when encoding a block of the data. For a block of the data which exhibits an aspect ratio larger than 2 and for a block of the data which exhibits an aspect ratio less than or equal to 2, and to which blocks the certain coding tool is applicable, first and second context models for encoding the tool flag are selected from a group of one or more first and second context models, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2024
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2025
    Assignee: Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft Zur Förderung derangewandten Forschung e.V.
    Inventors: Jonathan Pfaff, Philipp Helle, Michael Schäfer, Tobias Hinz, Björn Stallenberger, Philipp Merkle, Heiko Schwarz, Detlev Marpe, Thomas Wiegand
  • Patent number: 12413725
    Abstract: An apparatus configured to select a predetermined intra prediction mode out of a plurality of intra-prediction modes which includes a first set of intra-prediction modes and a second set of matrix-based intra-prediction modes. The apparatus is configured to select a subset of one or more secondary transforms dependent on the predetermined intra prediction mode so that the subset is nonempty in case of the predetermined intra prediction mode being contained in the first set of intra-prediction modes or in the second set of matrix-based intra-prediction modes. The apparatus is configured to derive a transformed version of a prediction residual for a predetermined block, which is related to a spatial domain version of the prediction residual of the predetermined block via a transform defined by a concatenation of a primary transform and a predetermined secondary transform out of the subset of secondary transforms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2025
    Assignee: Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft zur Förderung der angewandten Forschung e.V.
    Inventors: Jonathan Pfaff, Tobias Hinz, Philipp Helle, Philipp Merkle, Björn Stallenberger, Michael Schäfer, Benjamin Bross, Martin Winken, Mischa Siekmann, Heiko Schwarz, Detlev Marpe, Thomas Wiegand
  • Publication number: 20250210573
    Abstract: A metal sintering preparation containing (A) 50 to 90% by weight of at least one metal that is present in the form of particles having a coating that contains at least one organic compound, and (B) 6 to 50% by weight organic solvent. The mathematical product of tamped density and specific surface of the metal particles of component (A) is in the range of 40,000 to 80,000 cm?1.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 4, 2025
    Publication date: June 26, 2025
    Inventors: Wolfgang SCHMITT, Thomas KREBS, Michael SCHÄFER, Susanne Klaudia DUCH, Jens NACHREINER
  • Publication number: 20250177718
    Abstract: A sterile connection device includes two carriages configured to receive two tubes to be joined. A motor moves one carriage through a first portion of a path from an initial position in which the tubes are heated toward an intermediate position. At the time of this movement, the heated portion of each tube is at a temperature less than its melting temperature, with the movement severing the tubes and optionally moving heating elements of the carriages from a retracted condition toward a deployed condition. Movement of the carriage is paused at the intermediate position and the severed ends of the tubes are heated to a molten condition by the heating elements. Movement of the carriage then continues through a second portion of the path to a final position in which the heating elements retract (as necessary) to expose the severed ends of the tubes, which are joined together.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 20, 2023
    Publication date: June 5, 2025
    Inventors: Tobias Kaiser, Michael Schäfer, Lars Michel
  • Publication number: 20250150593
    Abstract: A video decoder includes one or more processors that are configured to: determine that a picture is in a 4:4:4 color sampling format, determine, based at least in part on an index signaled in a data stream, a matrix-based intra prediction (MIP) mode, decode a luma block of the picture using the MIP mode, determine, for a chroma block of the picture, whether a coding tree of the chroma block is a single tree, select an intra prediction mode for decoding the chroma block, and decode the chroma block using the selected intra prediction mode. The selected intra prediction mode is the MIP mode in response to the coding tree of the chroma block being the single tree, and the selected intra prediction mode is a planar intra prediction mode in response to the coding tree of the chroma block not being the single tree.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 9, 2025
    Publication date: May 8, 2025
    Inventors: Jonathan PFAFF, Tobias HINZ, Philipp HELLE, Philipp MERKLE, Björn STALLENBERGER, Michael SCHÄFER, Benjamin BROSS, Heiko SCHWARZ, Detlev MARPE, Thomas WIEGAND
  • Publication number: 20250150589
    Abstract: An apparatus for decoding a data structure from a data stream is configured for sequentially reconstructing a set of features, wherein the apparatus is configured for reconstructing a feature of the set of features by deriving a quantization index from the data stream using arithmetic decoding; mapping the quantization index to a reconstruction value in dependence on a quantization state, and assigning the reconstruction value to the feature; updating the quantization state in dependence on the quantization index and the quantization state; and deriving the data structure based on the set of features. The apparatus is configured for deriving probabilities for the arithmetic decoding of the quantization index in dependence on the quantization state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 13, 2025
    Publication date: May 8, 2025
    Applicant: Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft zur Förderung der angewandten Forschung e.V.
    Inventors: Karsten SÜHRING, Michael SCHÄFER, Jonathan PFAFF, Heiko SCHWARZ, Detlev MARPE, Thomas WIEGAND
  • Publication number: 20250150595
    Abstract: A coding concept for encoding and decoding a picture is described, according to which a machine learning predictor is used to derive a set of features representing a motion estimation for the picture with respect to a previous picture. The set of features, as well as a residual picture derived using the motion estimation, are encoded into a data stream.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 10, 2025
    Publication date: May 8, 2025
    Inventors: Michael SCHÄFER, Sophie PIENTKA, Jonathan PFAFF, Heiko SCHWARZ, Detlev MARPE, Thomas WIEGAND
  • Publication number: 20250121429
    Abstract: A method for producing an aluminum strip (2) in a coupled casting-rolling process, includes the following steps: a) melting an aluminum raw material comprising at least one aluminum alloy in at least one melting assembly (4); b) determining the alloy composition of the melt (3); c) casting the melt (3) to form a hot strip by means of at least one strip-casting machine (6); d) rolling the hot strip in a rolling system (14) comprising at least one rolling device for shaping the hot strip for thickness and/or width reduction; and e) regulating and/or controlling at least one shaping parameter of the rolling system (14) as a function of the alloy composition of the melt (3). The disclosure also relates to a casting-rolling system (1) for carrying out the method.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 15, 2022
    Publication date: April 17, 2025
    Applicant: SMS group GmbH
    Inventors: Markus FISCHER, Guido FICK, Michael SCHÄFER, Michael BREUER
  • Patent number: 12225198
    Abstract: A block-based decoder is configured to partition a picture of more than one color component and of a color sampling format, according to which each color component is equally sampled, into blocks using a partitioning scheme in which the picture is equally partitioned with respect to each color component. A first color component is decoded in units of the blocks with selecting, for each of intra-predicted first color component blocks, one out of a first set of intra-prediction modes. The first set comprises matrix-based intra prediction modes according to each of which a block inner is predicted by deriving a sample value vector out of neighboring reference samples, computing a matrix-vector product between the sample value vector and a prediction matrix associated with the respective matrix-based intra prediction mode to obtain a prediction vector, and predicting samples in the block inner on the basis of the prediction vector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2025
    Assignee: Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft zur Förderung der angewandten Forschung e.V.
    Inventors: Jonathan Pfaff, Tobias Hinz, Philipp Helle, Philipp Merkle, Björn Stallenberger, Michael Schäfer, Benjamin Bross, Heiko Schwarz, Detlev Marpe, Thomas Wiegand
  • Publication number: 20250030847
    Abstract: Techniques for block wise encoding and decoding may be applied to encoders, decoders, and methods for encoding or decoding and include assigning, based on a first signalization in the data stream, the predetermined block to the first set or the second set, sorting the assigned set of intra-prediction modes according to intra-prediction modes used for neighboring blocks, neighboring the predetermined block, to obtain a list of intra prediction modes, deriving, for the predetermined block, from the data stream, an index into the list of intra prediction modes, predicting the predetermined block using an intra prediction mode onto which the index points. The decoder or encoder, if the assigned set is the first set of intra-prediction modes, in sorting the assigned set, uses a second mapping which maps each intra-prediction mode of the second set of prediction modes onto a representative one in the first set of intra-prediction modes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 2, 2024
    Publication date: January 23, 2025
    Inventors: Jonathan PFAFF, Heiko SCHWARZ, Philipp HELLE, Michael SCHÄFER, Roman RISCHKE, Tobias HINZ, Philipp MERKLE, Björn STALLENBERGER, Martin WINKEN, Mischa SIEKMANN, Detlev MARPE, Thomas WIEGAND
  • Publication number: 20240430452
    Abstract: An apparatus for block-based predictive decoding of a picture comprises a combiner configured to combine a residual signal a predetermined block of the picture and a reference signal for the predetermined block so as to obtain a first spectrum, the residual signal correcting a prediction error of a prediction of the predetermined block of the picture; a reducer configured to perform thresholding on the first spectrum to obtain a second spectrum so that coefficients below a threshold value are set to a predefined value; an extractor configured to obtain from the second spectrum a modified version of the residual signal; and a reconstructor block configured to decode the predetermined block of the picture from the data stream on the basis of the modified version of the residual signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2024
    Publication date: December 26, 2024
    Inventors: Phan Hoang Tung NGUYEN, Gerhard TECH, Jonathan PFAFF, Michael SCHÄFER, Jennifer RASCH, Tobias HINZ, Heiko SCHWARZ, Detlev MARPE, Thomas WIEGAND
  • Patent number: 12160571
    Abstract: Techniques for block wise encoding and decoding may be applied to encoders, decoders, and methods for encoding or decoding. In one example, there is provided a technique to decode or encode a predetermined block of the picture by assigning, based on a first signalization in the data stream, the predetermined block to a first set or a second set; sorting the assigned set of intra-prediction modes according to intra-prediction modes used for neighboring blocks, neighboring the predetermined block, to obtain a list of intra prediction modes; deriving, for the predetermined block, from the data stream, an index into the list of intra prediction modes; and predicting the predetermined block using an intra prediction mode onto which the index points.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2023
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2024
    Assignee: Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft zur Förderung der angewandten Forschung e.V.
    Inventors: Jonathan Pfaff, Heiko Schwarz, Philipp Helle, Michael Schäfer, Roman Rischke, Tobias Hinz, Philipp Merkle, Björn Stallenberger, Martin Winken, Mischa Siekmann, Detlev Marpe, Thomas Wiegand