Patents by Inventor Ross David Murch

Ross David Murch 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).

  • Publication number: 20090221252
    Abstract: System and methodologies for amplifier gain control in a communication system are provided herein. By leveraging similarities between the distribution of received signal samples in an MB-OFDM system and a Gaussian distribution, various algorithms described herein can be utilized to perform fast and low-complexity amplifier gain tuning. Received signal strength indication information corresponding to analog signal samples and/or digital signal samples obtained from an analog to digital converter are analyzed to obtain a signal energy distribution. The obtained signal energy distribution is then compared to a reference Gaussian distribution to adaptively tune an associated amplifier gain.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 29, 2008
    Publication date: September 3, 2009
    Applicant: THE HONG KONG UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
    Inventors: Henry Chun Cheung, Vincent Kin Nang Lau, Roger Shu Kwan Cheng, Wai Ho Mow, Ross David Murch
  • Patent number: 7525504
    Abstract: Systems and methods for employing switched phase shifters and a feed network to provide a low cost multiple beam antenna system for wireless communications. The present systems and methods may also facilitate multi-band communications and employ multi-diversity. The present systems and methods allow communication systems to achieve enhanced performance for communication or other services such as location tracking. The present systems and methods may employ switched phase shifters, multiple diversity antennas and/or a feed network having a multi-layer construction to provide an antenna system with low losses, low external component count and/or which is thin and compact.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2009
    Assignee: Hong Kong Applied Science and Technology Research Institute Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Peter Chun Teck Song, Ross David Murch, Angus Mak Chi Keung, Douglas Ronald George, Piu Bill Wong
  • Publication number: 20090096699
    Abstract: Generalized non-limiting embodiments include employing a dipole antenna and/or a half slot antenna. Each of the antennas constitutes three mutually perpendicular radiating elements to achieve good isolation and low antenna signal correlation between the three ports. In one generalized non-limiting embodiment the antennas are fabricated on FR-4 epoxy boards. Experimental results show that the antennas resonate a reasonable frequency and have a desired mutual coupling. In addition experimental results for the diversity performance and the MIMO channel capacity are also provided for these antennas and these results show that the herein described antennas offer good diversity gain and the channel capacity can be increased by as much as three times by using these antennas over conventional antennas.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 16, 2007
    Publication date: April 16, 2009
    Applicant: THE HONG KONG UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
    Inventors: Chi Yuk CHIU, Jie Bang YAN, Ross David MURCH
  • Publication number: 20090096676
    Abstract: An antenna that is easily fabricated on a low resistivity CMOS-grade silicon substrate is herein described. The antenna has a reasonable radiation efficiency. One generalized non-limiting embodiment includes employing an antenna that resonates at about 5.8 GHz. Another generalized non-limiting embodiment includes a differential feed operationally coupled to a first and a second half-antenna portion. Each of the herein described antennas have an efficiency of greater than approximately 20%.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 16, 2007
    Publication date: April 16, 2009
    Applicant: THE HONG KONG UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
    Inventors: Jie Bang Yan, Ross David Murch
  • Publication number: 20080303633
    Abstract: A non-pervasive modification to radio frequency identification (RFID) tag antennas is provided that can double the tag's reading range distance. Parasitic elements, such as a reflector and one or more directors, are added at appropriate separations to form a Yagi antenna. As a result, the antenna's gain is increased and consequently so is the RFID tag's reading range. The tag antenna's gain can be achieved without directly connecting to or modifying the existing RFID tag. However, since directionality is increased, multiple RFID tags can be attached to an object so that the tagged object can be read from multiple directions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2008
    Publication date: December 11, 2008
    Applicant: THE HONG KONG UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
    Inventors: Chi Ho Cheng, Ross David Murch
  • Publication number: 20080303733
    Abstract: Compact 24-port and 36-port multiple-input-multiple-output (MIMO) antenna designs and methods of construction based on a cube-like structure are provided. The antennas can be implemented with slot antennas distributed on the edges and faces of cubes. According to various embodiments of the disclosed subject matter, both spatial and polarization diversity can be achieved and average mutual couplings among the ports better than ?20 dB can be achieved providing good channel capacity in MIMO applications. The disclosed details enable various refinements and modifications according to antenna and system design considerations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 29, 2008
    Publication date: December 11, 2008
    Applicant: The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology
    Inventors: Chi Yuk Chiu, Jie Bang Yan, Ross David Murch
  • Publication number: 20080293410
    Abstract: A method for sensing channel availability in a wireless network includes receiving a measurement request message which includes a channel interval list. A first channel interval in the list includes information associated with a first starting channel number, a first number of channels, and first linkage information of the channel interval list. The method includes processing information associated with the message, generating a first list of contiguous channels, and performing at least first channel measurement to determine a first channel availability for each of the first list of contiguous channels. The method also includes determining whether the channel interval list further includes a second channel interval that needs to be processed based on at least first linkage information, and if needed, generating a second list of contiguous channels and performing at least second channel measurement to determine a second channel availability for each of the second list of contiguous channels.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 25, 2007
    Publication date: November 27, 2008
    Applicant: Huawei Technologies Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Wing Chau Chan, Kwok Shum Au, Rui Wang, Tianyu Wu, Kin Nang Lau, Shu Kwan Cheng, Ross David Murch, Wai Ho Mow
  • Publication number: 20080261572
    Abstract: A mobile device facilitates customized services for its user. For example, a mobile device can record information about a user using multiple inputs (e.g., sensors, GPS, camera, etc.). The information recorded creates a log of activities and interests of the user. One or more parts of the log are published and the user receives additional information based on the published information, such as other nearby people with similar interests or coupons. Other services of the mobile device can include biometric (e.g., facial) recognition of people, voting/polling, and language translation. The services available on a mobile device can be pre-configured so that the user can use the various services out of the box.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 25, 2008
    Publication date: October 23, 2008
    Applicant: The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology
    Inventors: Chi Ying Tsui, Ross David Murch, Roger Shu Kwan Cheng, Wai Ho Mow, Vincent Kin Nang Lau
  • Publication number: 20080246734
    Abstract: Body-based sensors are used to interact with one or more mobile devices. This interaction can be an alternative to or a supplement to traditional input methods on mobile devices. In order to facilitate everyday use, sensors can be hidden in jewelry or other fashion accessories normally worn by a user and wirelessly coupled to the mobile devices. When certain body movement is detected, a mobile device can automatically initiate one or more processes that perform various actions, such as actions on that mobile device or actions on communicatively coupled devices. The body movements can be user-defined so that a user can customize his interaction with the mobile device to meet the user's particular needs. The sensor array can also be adapted to turn on or off depending on the current environment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 20, 2008
    Publication date: October 9, 2008
    Applicant: THE HONG KONG UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
    Inventors: Chi Ying Tsui, Ross David Murch, Roger Shu Kwan Cheng, Wai Ho Mow, Vincent Kin Nang Lau
  • Publication number: 20080246439
    Abstract: Systems and methods that recharge power supply units of portable electronic devices by leveraging energy harvesting or scavenging techniques. A recharge component accumulates energy from a plurality of sources, and supplies an electric current to the portable electronic device for a charge thereof. The sources of energy are based on routine user actions such as muscle movements (e.g., walking, movement of eye lashes, body heat), and can further consider environmental factors such as exposure to sunlight, temperature, as well as availability of external power sources.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 24, 2008
    Publication date: October 9, 2008
    Applicant: THE HONG KONG UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
    Inventors: Chi Ying Tsui, Ross David Murch, Roger Shu Kwan Cheng, Wai Ho Mow, Vincent Kin Nang Lau
  • Publication number: 20080248750
    Abstract: A mobile device with full functionality is comprised of two or more hardware components. Each hardware component provides a subset of mobile device functionality. Full functionality includes transceiver communications, processing, non-volatile memory, power, input and output. A communications interface, whether wired or wireless means, is used to link the two or more components together to produce a fully functionally mobile device. One or more of the hardware components can be advantageously embedded in or proximate to a piece of jewelry, a garment, or a fashion accessory. Other non-portable hardware components, when available, can also be linked to two or more components of the mobile device to provide additional functionality.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 25, 2008
    Publication date: October 9, 2008
    Applicant: THE HONG KONG UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
    Inventors: Chi Ying Tsui, Ross David Murch, Roger Shu Kwan Cheng, Wai Ho Mow, Vincent Kin Nang Lau
  • Publication number: 20080246629
    Abstract: A mobile device with local and remote services and applications for collecting, storing, analyzing and delivering health data to medical professionals and others. The mobile device communicatively connects to sensors attached to a body to collect health data and remote servers to send raw and massaged data for medical analysis. The mobile device also provides alerts and alarm messages based on the health sensor data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 25, 2008
    Publication date: October 9, 2008
    Applicant: THE HONG KONG UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
    Inventors: Chi Ying Tsui, Ross David Murch, Roger Shu Kwan Cheng, Wai Ho Mow, Vincent Kin Nang Lau
  • Publication number: 20080248779
    Abstract: Methodologies and related devices and systems are provided that facilitate provision, usage, publication, and/or rating of media content by providers and/or users media content. According to one aspect, content preloaded on a mobile device can be activated based on user fulfillment of an access requirement. According to another aspect, a user of a mobile device can publish user associated information to locate substantially matching users. According to a further aspect, users of mobile devices can share and rate content to create a community of aggregated content. Various modifications are provided that facilitate monetizing or incentivizing the described methodologies and related devices and systems.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 25, 2008
    Publication date: October 9, 2008
    Applicant: THE HONG KONG UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
    Inventors: Chi Ying Tsui, Ross David Murch, Roger Shu Kwan Cheng, Wai Ho Mow, Vincent Kin Nang Lau
  • Publication number: 20080249969
    Abstract: Mobile devices, mobile device systems and methods applying to mobile devices are provided that employ intelligent agents in combination with a wide array of remote utilities and information sources to facilitate improving a mobile device user's experience. By collecting contextual information from numerous information sources related to the mobile device user's context, more accurate and optimized determinations and/or inferences are formed relating to which remote utilities to make available to the mobile device user. This facilitates less confusion for the user in selecting desired mobile device content, services, and/or applications. The devices, systems, and methodologies also provide for an improved user experience in an open remote utility provider model.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 19, 2008
    Publication date: October 9, 2008
    Applicant: THE HONG KONG UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
    Inventors: Chi Ying Tsui, Ross David Murch, Roger Shu Kwan Cheng, Wai Ho Mow, Vincent Kin Nang Lau
  • Publication number: 20080250408
    Abstract: Systems and methodologies for sharing functionality among mobile devices in a peer to peer manner are described herein. A mobile device can include a plurality of functional components that can each perform respective functionality. Examples of the functionalities can include transceiver communications, processing, power, memory, input and output for the mobile device. Further, the mobile device can include a sharing component that enables sharing a particular third party functional component to replace or supplement operation of a corresponding functional component of the mobile device. The third party functional component, for instance, can be made available for sharing by at least one of a disparate mobile device or a stand alone functional component. Moreover, a host component can allow a disparate mobile device to use an available one or more of the plurality of functional components of the mobile device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 25, 2008
    Publication date: October 9, 2008
    Applicant: THE HONG KONG UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
    Inventors: Chi Ying Tsui, Ross David Murch, Roger Shu Kwan Cheng, Wai Ho Mow, Vincent Kin Nang Lau
  • Publication number: 20080129511
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: September 21, 2007
    Publication date: June 5, 2008
    Applicant: The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology
    Inventors: Matthew Ming Fai YUEN, Bo Gao, Ross David Murch, Chi Ho Cheng
  • Patent number: 7075485
    Abstract: Systems and methods for employing switched phase shifters and a feed network to provide a low cost multiple beam antenna system for wireless communications. The present systems and methods may also facilitate multi-band communications and employ multi-diversity. The present systems and methods allow communication systems to achieve enhanced performance for communication or other services such as location tracking. The present systems and methods may employ switched phase shifters, multiple diversity antennas and/or a feed network having a multi-layer construction to provide an antenna system with low losses, low external component count and/or which is thin and compact.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2006
    Assignee: Hong Kong Applied Science and Technology Research Institute Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Peter Chun Teck Song, Ross David Murch, Angus Mak Chi Keung, Douglas Ronald George, Piu Bill Wong
  • Patent number: 6975278
    Abstract: Disclosed are systems and methods which provide multi-band antenna elements using multiple radiating branches interconnected with a feed plate, thereby providing a multi-band antenna element having a single feed. Additionally or alternatively, a wide band antenna configuration is provided utilizing multiple radiating branches of a multi-band antenna element of the present invention. Embodiments utilize one or more reflectors, such as to provide directivity and/or radiation pattern shaping, including utilizing one or more radiating branches of a multi-band antenna element as a reflector for another one or more radiating branches of the multi-band antenna.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2005
    Assignee: Hong Kong Applied Science and Technology Research Institute, Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Peter Chun Teck Song, Ross David Murch
  • Patent number: 6897808
    Abstract: A compact integrated antenna device is described which has two feed ports. The antenna device has a Y-shaped transmission plate spaced from a parallel grounded plate, and the feed ports are connected to the transmission plate at locations on the transmission plate which are on different branches of the Y-shape. The antenna device can be utilized in compact wireless communication handsets to provide diversity signals or act as a duplexer allowing the receive and transmit signals to be mutually isolated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2005
    Assignee: The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology
    Inventors: Ross David Murch, Chun (Samuel) Kuen Ko
  • Patent number: 6876334
    Abstract: Disclosed are systems and methods which provide a tapered conductor strip adapted for broadband wireless communication. Embodiments provide a conductor strip which is curved along its face, thereby providing an aperture taper. The conductor strip configured to provide an aperture taper may be placed over a planar ground plane to form a wideband tapered strip antenna element. Embodiments further provide a conductor strip which is curved along an edge or edges thereof, thereby providing an impedance taper. The dimensions of the impedance taper are preferably selected to provide a desired characteristic impedance with respect to an antenna element formed therefrom. Embodiments may further include a shorting pin or shorting plate configuration to generate an additional mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2005
    Assignee: Hong Kong Applied Science and Technology Research Institute Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Peter Chun Teck Song, Ross David Murch