Patents Issued in January 12, 2017
  • Publication number: 20170010809
    Abstract: It is provided a storage system comprising at least one controller and a storage device. The at least one controller verifies, for each predetermined storage area within a logical volume provided to the host computer, whether data of the each predetermined storage area is duplicated to another storage area. The storage device holds unshared data associated only with the storage area and shared data associated with the storage area and the another storage area in the case where the data of the each predetermined storage area is identical to the data of the another storage area. The at least one controller reads the unshared data in the case where a request to read the data is received under a state in which the unshared data and the shared data are held, and releases an area in which the unshared data is stored at predetermined timing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 24, 2014
    Publication date: January 12, 2017
    Inventors: Kazuei HIRONAKA, Akira YAMAMOTO, Yoshihiro YOSHII, Mitsuo HAYASAKA
  • Publication number: 20170010810
    Abstract: A solid-state drive (“SSD”), in one embodiment, uses a flash translation layer (“FTL”) to implement a wear leveling scheme for improving reliability of non-volatile memory (“NVM”). The SSD, which is a digital processing system operable to store information, includes a digital processing element and NVM device(s). The digital processing element which can be a memory controller is able to facilitate processing and storing data in the NVM device. The NVM device, in one embodiment, is divided the storage space into multiple blocks and each block is further organized in multiple minimum writeable units (“MWUs”) with a mapping table. While MWUs can be pages, the mapping table or address mapping table facilitates address association or map between MWUs and logic block addresses (“LBAs”) in accordance with a predefined wear leveling scheme.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 6, 2016
    Publication date: January 12, 2017
    Applicant: CNEXLABS, Inc. a Delaware Corporation
    Inventor: Yiren Ronnie Huang
  • Publication number: 20170010811
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, a memory device includes a nonvolatile memory, a first controller which controls the nonvolatile memory, a wireless antenna, a memory, a second controller, and a third controller. The wireless antenna generates electric power based on a radio wave from a first external device. The memory is operable based on the generated electric power. The second controller is operable based on the generated electric power and controls communication using the wireless antenna. The third controller controls data copy or transfer between the nonvolatile memory and the memory. The third controller receives, from a second external device, identification information and stores the identification information in the memory. The second controller transmits login information and identification information stored in the memory to the first external device via the wireless antenna.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 7, 2016
    Publication date: January 12, 2017
    Applicant: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventors: Keisuke SATO, Masaomi TERANISHI, Shuichi SAKURAI, Masahiko NAKASHIMA, Shigeki KOIZUMI, Michio IDO, Shigeto ENDO
  • Publication number: 20170010812
    Abstract: A virtual memory management apparatus of an embodiment is embedded in a computing machine 80 and is provided with an application program 21, an operating system 22, a volatile memory 11, and a nonvolatile memory 12. The volatile memory 11 is provided with a plurality of clean pages. The nonvolatile memory 12 is provided with a plurality of dirty pages and a page table memory unit 51. The operating system 22 is provided with a virtual memory management unit 23 which includes a page transfer unit 25.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2016
    Publication date: January 12, 2017
    Inventors: Hideki Yoshida, Tatsunori Kanai, Masaya Tarui, Yutaka Yamada
  • Publication number: 20170010813
    Abstract: Technology is disclosed for improving performance during playback of logged data storage operations. The technology can monitor a log to which data storage operations are written before data is committed to a volume; determine counts of various types of data storage operations; and when the counts exceed a specified threshold, cause the data storage operations to be committed to the volume. Some data storage operations can be coalesced during playback to further improve performance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 21, 2016
    Publication date: January 12, 2017
    Inventors: Dennis Dalessandro, Ellard Roush, Joseph Brown
  • Publication number: 20170010814
    Abstract: Output is produced from a memory block. A key memory is accessed to produce memory output based on a value of a first index. The memory output includes a stored compressed key and a stored index. A compressed key is produced based on the uncompressed key. The produced compressed key is compared with the stored compressed key. The stored index is output when the stored compressed key matches the produced compressed key.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 9, 2014
    Publication date: January 12, 2017
    Inventors: Pär S. Westlund, Lars-Olof B. Svensson
  • Publication number: 20170010815
    Abstract: A method of scheduling memory operations to be performed by non-volatile memory devices in a storage system includes identifying a plurality of memory operations to be performed by a plurality of non-volatile memory devices in the storage system. The number of memory operations in the plurality of memory operations is no greater than the number of non-volatile memory devices in the plurality of non-volatile memory devices; each memory operation is to be performed by a distinct non-volatile memory device; and the memory operations include host writes, garbage collection writes, and garbage collection reads. The method also includes, for each non-volatile memory device, assigning preference values to each of the memory operations. The method further includes assigning each memory operation to a distinct non-volatile memory device, using the preference values assigned to each of the memory operations for each non-volatile memory device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 10, 2015
    Publication date: January 12, 2017
    Inventors: Steven Sprouse, Ryan Marlin
  • Publication number: 20170010816
    Abstract: Methods, apparatus, systems and articles of manufacture are disclosed to manage a cache. An example method includes in response to receiving a request to retrieve received data, retrieving first data from a cache, the first data received during a first time period, and retrieving, second data from a storage device, the second data received during a second time period prior to the first time period; and providing the first data and second data as combined data the, combined data being combined based on the first time period and the second period.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 18, 2014
    Publication date: January 12, 2017
    Inventors: Qiming Chen, Maria G. Castellanos, Meichun Hsu
  • Publication number: 20170010817
    Abstract: Electronic devices and memory management methods thereof are provided. Memory management methods may include setting page data of a nonvolatile memory as a read/write mode, copying the page data of the nonvolatile memory to a dynamic random access memory (DRAM) and setting the page data of the DRAM copied from the nonvolatile memory as a read only mode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2016
    Publication date: January 12, 2017
    Inventors: Sun-Young LIM, Taeksoo KIM, Indong KIM, Hangu SOHN
  • Publication number: 20170010818
    Abstract: A memory system includes a nonvolatile memory including a plurality of blocks as data erase units, a measuring unit which measures an erase time at which data of each block is erased, and a block controller which writes data supplied from at least an exterior into a first block which is set in a free state and whose erase time is oldest.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2016
    Publication date: January 12, 2017
    Applicant: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOSHIBA
    Inventors: Kazuya KITSUNAI, Shinichi KANNO, Hirokuni YANO, Toshikatsu HIDA, Junji YANO
  • Publication number: 20170010819
    Abstract: A hardware structure provides a way for check pointing a main shift register one or more times. The hardware structure includes an extended shift register used to store the data elements most recently shifted onto the main shift register which has an extra data position for each check point. An update history shift register has a data position for each check point which is used to store information indicating whether the extended shift register was updated. Check point generation logic derives each check point by selecting a subset of the data elements stored in the extended shift register based on the information stored in the update history shift register.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 8, 2016
    Publication date: January 12, 2017
    Inventor: Philip Day
  • Publication number: 20170010820
    Abstract: Hardware structures for check pointing a main shift register one or more times which include a circular buffer used to store the data elements most recently shifted onto the main shift register which has an extra data position for each check point and an extra data position for each restorable point in time; an update history shift register which has a data position for each check point which is used to store information indicating whether the circular buffer was updated in a particular clock cycle; a pointer that identifies a subset of the data positions of the circular buffer as active data positions; and check point generation logic that derives each check point by selecting a subset of the active data positions based on the information stored in the update history shift register.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 8, 2016
    Publication date: January 12, 2017
    Inventors: Philip Day, Julian Bailey
  • Publication number: 20170010821
    Abstract: The present invention provides an architecture and method for updating firmware storage device. The architecture comprises a host device and at least one storage device. The host device comprises at least one first firmware. The storage device comprises a controller and a first storage unit. The host device transmits the first firmware to the storage device. The controller loads the first firmware to the first storage unit, and executes one or more operation action according to an operation behavior defined by the first firmware. When the storage device is in boot state, it will ready to receive the first firmware provided from the host device, and update firmware by the first firmware. When the storage device is in shutdown state, the first firmware will disappear from the storage device so as to avoid other unauthorized host device to arbitrarily access the storage device by using the first firmware.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2015
    Publication date: January 12, 2017
    Inventors: PAN-LUNG TSAI, SHIH-CHIEH WENG
  • Publication number: 20170010822
    Abstract: A method for managing a storage system includes: providing at least one heartbeat monitoring path between a set of expander control circuits within an expansion module in the storage system, for transmitting at least one of a plurality of heartbeat monitoring signals for a set of management modules in the storage system, wherein the expansion module is utilized for installing a set of shared storage devices, and each shared storage device within the set of shared storage devices is coupled to the set of expander control circuits, respectively, to allow the management modules to control the set of shared storage devices through the expander control circuits, respectively. The method further includes performing heartbeat monitoring according to the heartbeat monitoring signals, for at least one of the management modules to perform high availability management on shared storage devices and selectively take over management of non-shared components.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 24, 2016
    Publication date: January 12, 2017
    Inventors: Chi-Lei Ho, Shih-Kai Tsai
  • Publication number: 20170010823
    Abstract: A data storage device comprises a non-volatile memory comprising a plurality of blocks, each configured to store a plurality of physical pages at predetermined physical locations. A controller programs and reads data stored in a plurality of logical pages. A volatile memory comprises a logical-to-physical address translation map configured to enabling determination of the physical location, within one or more physical pages, of the data stored in each logical page. A plurality of journals may be stored, each comprising a plurality of entries associating one or more physical pages to each logical page. At startup, the controller may read at least some of the plurality of journals in an order and rebuild the map; indicate a readiness to service data access commands after the map is rebuilt; rebuild a table from the map and, based thereon, select block(s) for garbage collection after having indicated the readiness to process the commands.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2016
    Publication date: January 12, 2017
    Inventors: Andrew J. TOMLIN, Justin JONES, Rodney N. MULLENDORE
  • Publication number: 20170010824
    Abstract: An example embodiment of the present invention provides a process for opening and reading a file over a network, including a WAN. In the example embodiment, an edge file gateway appliance (or server) receives a request from an application such as a tile manager to open a file cached with the edge file gateway appliance at one point on a network and stored on a file server connected to a central server appliance (or server) at another point on the network. The edge file gateway appliance then forwards the request to open the file to the central server appliance, along with any offsets and lengths stored from any previous requests to read the file. The central server appliance responds by sending any file data described in the stored offsets and lengths to the edge file gateway appliance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 22, 2016
    Publication date: January 12, 2017
    Inventor: Hrishikesh A. Vidwans
  • Publication number: 20170010825
    Abstract: Method, apparatus and program storage device that provides a distributed file serving architecture with metadata storage virtualization and data access at the data server connection speed is provided. A host issues a file access request including data target locations. The file access request including data target locations is processed. Remote direct memory access (RDMA) channel endpoint connection are issued in response to the processing of the file access request. An RDMA transfer of the file-block data associated with the file access request is made directly between a memory at the host and a data server.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 8, 2016
    Publication date: January 12, 2017
    Inventors: Richard V. Kisley, Philip D. Knight
  • Publication number: 20170010826
    Abstract: A computer program product is provided for efficiently managing storage in a multi-tiered storage system. The computer program product comprises a computer readable storage medium having program instructions embodied therewith. The program instructions are executable by a processor to cause the processor to receive a command from an application, where the command is directed to at least one object. The program instructions are further executable by the processor to cause the processor to determine storage for the at least one object in a multi-tiered storage system based on the command, and store the at least one object in accordance with the determined storage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 7, 2015
    Publication date: January 12, 2017
    Inventors: Robert B. Basham, Joseph W. Dain, Evangelos S. Eleftheriou, Dean Hildebrand, Stan Li, Edward H.W. Lin, Harold J. Roberson, II, Slavisa Sarafijanovic, Thomas D. Weigold
  • Publication number: 20170010827
    Abstract: A file system of a controller includes a first nonvolatile memory capable of storing a file body and first and second management information indicating storage states of the file body and a second nonvolatile memory in which first and second flags indicating write states of the first and second management information and which can quickly access. Then, when power-off occurs during data writing, when the power-off occurred is determined from states of the first and second flags stored in the second nonvolatile memory and judges whether data is normally written.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 6, 2016
    Publication date: January 12, 2017
    Applicant: FANUC CORPORATION
    Inventor: Akira Koizumi
  • Publication number: 20170010828
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for archival storage of an image are disclosed. The image is converted into one or more bit plane images. Fiducial markers are generated and written onto digital optical tape concurrent with writing the one or more bit plane images onto the digital optical tape.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2016
    Publication date: January 12, 2017
    Inventor: Daniel Scott Rosen
  • Publication number: 20170010829
    Abstract: A method, a system and an apparatus for predicting abnormalities are provided. A controller analyzes a plurality of command logs to obtain a predictive rule for accessing a storage device. The controller performs an anomaly detection for the command logs based on the predictive rule so as to obtain at least one command cluster. The controller establishes policy data corresponding to the predictive rule based on the command logs included in each command cluster, and sends the policy data to a data transmission interface coupled to the storage device. The data transmission interface obtains a processing action for a received data access command according to the policy data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 27, 2015
    Publication date: January 12, 2017
    Inventors: Chih-Ming Chen, Hsiao-Wen Tin
  • Publication number: 20170010830
    Abstract: An object of the present invention is to effectively reduce power consumption. A semiconductor device according to the present invention includes a first cache memory, a second cache memory whose power consumption is larger than that of the first cache memory, and a main memory whose power consumption is larger than that of the second cache memory. Capacity of each of the first and second cache memories is determined so that a total value of values obtained by adjusting current values of the first cache memory, the second cache memory, and the main memory in accordance with hit ratios of the memories becomes a predetermine current threshold or less.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2016
    Publication date: January 12, 2017
    Inventor: Naoshi ISHIKAWA
  • Publication number: 20170010831
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate generally to semiconductors and memory technology, and more particularly, to systems, integrated circuits, and methods to preserve states of memory elements in association with data operations using variable access signal magnitudes for other memory elements, such as implemented in third dimensional memory technology. In some embodiments, a memory device can include a cross-point array with resistive memory elements. An access signal generator can modify a magnitude of a signal to generate a modified magnitude for the signal to access a resistive memory element associated with a word line and a subset of bit lines. A tracking signal generator is configured to track the modified magnitude of the signal and to apply a tracking signal to other resistive memory elements associated with other subsets of bit lines, the tracking signal having a magnitude at a differential amount from the modified magnitude of the signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 19, 2016
    Publication date: January 12, 2017
    Inventor: Chang Hua Siau
  • Publication number: 20170010832
    Abstract: A non-volatile memory system and a method of managing the power of the same are provided. The non-volatile memory system includes a non-volatile memory configured to store a first mapping table comprising a list of a logical address and a physical address corresponding to the logical address with respect to a code region and a list of a logical address and a physical address corresponding to the logical address with respect to a general purpose (GP) region, and a controller configured to load the first mapping table from the non-volatile memory to a first memory and load the second mapping table from the non-volatile memory to a second memory. Power-up of the second memory is delayed with respect to power-up of the non-volatile memory system and the first or second memory is powered down if a condition is satisfied, so that power consumption of the non-volatile memory system is reduced.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2016
    Publication date: January 12, 2017
    Applicant: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jae-Hyeon Ju, Young Joon Choi, Han Gu Sohn, Hyo Jin Jeong
  • Publication number: 20170010833
    Abstract: Data writing and reading methods for a flash. The data writing method comprises: when remaining spaces of a data area and of an index area of a physical page are sufficient, sequentially storing present-instance write data into the data area of the physical page, and generating an index journal and sequentially writing same into the index area of the physical page; otherwise, organizing actual data in the physical page, storing the actual data into a data area of an idle page, and generating, on the basis of the actual data, an index journal and writing same into an index area of the idle page. The data reading method comprises: acquiring the actual memory address of to-be-read data on the basis of the index journal in the index area of the physical page, and reading the data from the actual memory address.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 23, 2014
    Publication date: January 12, 2017
    Inventors: Zhou Lu, Huazhang Yu
  • Publication number: 20170010834
    Abstract: An integrated system for transactionally managing main memory and storage devices derived from the interfaces and methodologies historically associated with dynamic memory allocation. The methodology has a wide range of applicability including areas such as hardware storage devices (i.e. firmware), operating system internals (i.e. file systems) and end-user software systems.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 29, 2016
    Publication date: January 12, 2017
    Inventors: Michael Andrew Brian Parkes, Gregory Michael Parkes
  • Publication number: 20170010835
    Abstract: A processing request is received. The processing request includes information about a first location where a set of data is stored and information about a second location where the set of data is to be transferred. The size of the set of data is determined. The size of the available portion of the second location is determined. If the size of the set of data is smaller than the size of the available portion of the second location is determined. Responsive to determining the size of the set of data is larger than the size of the available portion of the second location, the size of the available portion is requested to be increased. The size of the available portion of the second location is increased to a size larger than the determined size of the set of data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 1, 2016
    Publication date: January 12, 2017
    Inventors: Prajwal M. Alva, Sindury R.R. Baddam, Michael Bender, Kiran K. Kompala
  • Publication number: 20170010836
    Abstract: A method populates a parameter set for dynamically adjusting an operating condition in a memory block of a non-volatile memory circuit. A desired condition limit is identified, and a first parameter is computed as a function of a first memory operation to be performed on the memory block. The first parameter is included in a parameter set, and the memory block is cycled until the operating condition reaches the desired condition limit. After cycling, a second parameter is determined as a function of a second memory operation to be performed on the memory block, and the second parameter is included in the parameter set. The steps of cycling, and determining and the including the second parameter may be repeated until a desired number of cycles/parameters are reached. A retention bake may also be performed on the memory circuit, and a bit error rate resulting from a read operation verified.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 11, 2016
    Publication date: January 12, 2017
    Inventor: Ashot MELIK-MARTIROSIAN
  • Publication number: 20170010837
    Abstract: As disclosed herein a method, executed by a computer, for enabling live partition mobility using ordered memory migration includes receiving a request to initialize a migration of a logical partition (LPAR) to a destination system. The method further includes creating a list which includes memory page identifiers corresponding to memory pages of the LPAR. The memory page identifiers of the list are ordered according to a page transfer priority. The method further includes identifying memory pages of the LPAR that will be unmodified during an estimated duration of time of the migration. The method further includes updating the list, based on the identified memory pages of the LPAR that will be unmodified during the estimated duration of time of the migration. The method further includes migrating the LPAR based on the list. A computer system, and a computer program product corresponding to the method are also disclosed herein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 24, 2015
    Publication date: January 12, 2017
    Inventors: Uma Maheswara R. Chandolu, Chetan L. Gaonkar, Keerthi B. Kumar
  • Publication number: 20170010838
    Abstract: A storage device is provided. The storage device includes a nonvolatile memory device including memory blocks, and a controller configured to perform write, read and erase operations with respect to a selected memory block from among the memory blocks. If the number of error bits is greater than a critical value in a read operation with respect to the selected memory block, the controller is configured to perform a read reclaim of migrating valid data stored in the selected memory block to another memory block through at least two migration operations. In the read reclaim, the controller is configured to adjust an amount of data migrated in one migration operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 13, 2016
    Publication date: January 12, 2017
    Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: SeongCheol HONG, SongHo YOON
  • Publication number: 20170010839
    Abstract: The access from a host computer to a storage system is continued before and after data migration in the storage system. A first controller allocates a first logical storage area to a specific virtual storage area, stores first association information indicating the specific virtual storage area and the first logical storage area, and sends the first association information to the host computer. The first controller and the second controller perform data migration from the first logical storage area to a second logical storage area. The first controller releases the first logical storage area from the specific virtual storage area and reflects the release in the first association information. The second controller allocates the second logical storage area to the specific virtual storage area, stores second association information indicating the specific virtual storage area and the second logical storage area, and sends the second association information to the host computer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2014
    Publication date: January 12, 2017
    Applicant: HITACHI, LTD.
    Inventors: Naoyuki MASUDA, Hiroshi NASU, Tomohiro KAWAGUCHI, Takahiro KITO, Koji NAGATA, Ran OGATA
  • Publication number: 20170010840
    Abstract: An image processing apparatus that transmits image data via a network, and a method of controlling the same, store a common destination table that users can reference commonly, and a personal destination table that a specific user can reference, and control so that when a transfer destination of image data in accordance with an operation of a user is set, the user can set the transfer destination by referencing the common destination table excluding the stored personal destination table.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 21, 2016
    Publication date: January 12, 2017
    Inventor: Yoshihide Terao
  • Publication number: 20170010841
    Abstract: The invention relates to printing and other output of documents using data processors, and particularly to methods, apparatus, and computer programming useful for controlling output processes. In various aspects the invention provides systems, methods, and computer programming useful for minimizing the number of command inputs required from a user to complete printing or other output of multiple documents. In other aspects, the invention provides systems, methods, and computer programming useful for printing documents using content data received from users or other sources, together with previously-provided form data, according to predetermined formats.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 22, 2016
    Publication date: January 12, 2017
    Inventors: Thomas M. Kerigan, Robert Trojan, Jeffrey A. Martin
  • Publication number: 20170010842
    Abstract: The invention relates to printing and other output of documents using data processors, and particularly to methods, apparatus, and computer programming useful for controlling output processes. In various aspects the invention provides systems, methods, and computer programming useful for minimizing the number of command inputs required from a user to complete printing or other output of multiple documents. In other aspects, the invention provides systems, methods, and computer programming useful for printing documents using content data received from users or other sources, together with previously-provided form data, according to predetermined formats.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 22, 2016
    Publication date: January 12, 2017
    Inventors: Thomas M. Kerigan, Robert Trojan, Jeffrey A. Martin
  • Publication number: 20170010843
    Abstract: According to aspects of the present invention, a method, system, and computer-readable hardware for routing outputs of jobs performed on a mainframe comprises transmitting a list of completed jobs to a graphic user interface (GUI). A selection of a job from the list of jobs is received, and a list of outputs associated with the selected job is transmitted to the GUI. A selection of an output from the list of outputs and forwarding parameters associated with the selected output are received. The forwarding parameters include a recipient and a message type. Based on the selected output and the message type identified in the forwarding parameters, a message is created. The message is sent for delivery to the recipient.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 8, 2015
    Publication date: January 12, 2017
    Inventors: Richa Navani, Ravish M. Parikh
  • Publication number: 20170010844
    Abstract: Techniques for remotely controlling a presentation application are disclosed. In accordance with these techniques, a device, such as a handheld device, is linked over a network with a presentation running on a presentation application. In one embodiment, the remote control application allows the presentation to be controlled over the network by direct communication with the presentation application. In certain embodiments, the remote control application displays parts of the presentation, such as a slide being currently presented, and allows navigation of the presentation. In addition, in certain embodiments, the remote control application displays presentation notes, preview slides, or other information useful to a presenter operating the remote control application.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2016
    Publication date: January 12, 2017
    Inventors: Paul Bradford Vaughn, Michael Richard Peirce, Christopher Morgan Connors
  • Publication number: 20170010845
    Abstract: A display apparatus in a multiscreen display system includes an enlargement processing unit that converts a video signal of a video source to a video signal of an enlarged video having a size corresponding to a large screen and outputs a video signal of a sectional video in the enlarged video so as to display the sectional video on a liquid crystal panel, where the sectional video is associated with a position on the large screen formed by arranged screens of liquid crystal panels; a video analyzing unit that analyzes the video signal of the video source before this video signal is converted by the enlargement processing unit to the video signal of the enlarged video, so as to obtain predetermined video characteristics about the video signal of the video source; and a light control unit that performs light control of a backlight in accordance with a light control value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2014
    Publication date: January 12, 2017
    Inventor: Toshiyuki Noguchi
  • Publication number: 20170010846
    Abstract: The computing system includes a primary display, memory, and a housing at least partially containing a physical in put mechanism and a touch screen adjacent to the physical input mechanism: displays, on the primary display, a first user interface, the first user interface comprising one or more user interface elements; and identifies an active user interface element among the one or more user interface elements that is in focus on the primary display. In accordance with a determination that the active user interface element that is in focus on the primary display is associated with an application executed by the computing system, the computing system displays a second user interface on the touch screen, including: (A) a first set of corresponding to the application; and (B) at least one system-level affordance corresponding a system-level functionality.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 23, 2015
    Publication date: January 12, 2017
    Inventors: Jeffrey Traer BERNSTEIN, Duncan R. KERR, John B. MORRELL, Lawrence Y. YANG, Lance WILSON
  • Publication number: 20170010847
    Abstract: A method is performed at a computing system with a first housing that includes a primary display and a second housing at least partially containing (i) a physical keyboard and a touch-sensitive secondary display (“TSSD”) that is distinct from the primary display. The method includes: displaying, on the primary display, a first user interface for an application and displaying, on the TSSD, a first set of affordances corresponding to a first portion of the application. The method further includes: detecting a swipe gesture on the TSSD. If the swipe gesture was performed in a first direction, the method includes: displaying a second set of affordances corresponding to the first portion on the TSSD. If the swipe gesture was performed in a second direction substantially perpendicular to the first direction, the method includes: displaying a third set of affordances corresponding to a second portion of the application on the TSSD.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 22, 2016
    Publication date: January 12, 2017
    Inventors: Jeffrey Traer Bernstein, Duncan R. Kerr, John B. Morrell, Lawrence Y. Yang, Eric Lance Wilson
  • Publication number: 20170010848
    Abstract: In embodiments of multi-device pairing and combined display, mobile devices have device touchscreens, and housing bezels of the mobile devices can be positioned proximate each other to form a combined display from the respective device touchscreens. An input recognition system can recognize an input to initiate pairing the mobile devices, enabling a cross-screen display of an interface on the respective device touchscreens, such as with different parts of the interface displayed on different ones of the device touchscreens. The input to initiate pairing the mobile devices can be recognized as the proximity of the mobile devices, as a gesture input, as a sensor input, and/or as a voice-activated input to initiate the pairing of the mobile devices for the cross-screen display of the interface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2016
    Publication date: January 12, 2017
    Applicant: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC
    Inventors: Kenneth P. Hinckley, Koji Yatani
  • Publication number: 20170010849
    Abstract: A control method and an apparatus thereof applied to a terminal apparatus with a display device are provided. The terminal apparatus can establish a data connection with a wearable device. The method includes: receiving a control instruction generated by the terminal apparatus; acquiring a display picture on the display device of the terminal apparatus based on the control instruction; and sending the display picture to the wearable device through data connection, so that the wearable device displays the display picture. After the control instruction is generated by the terminal apparatus, the display picture on the display device of the terminal apparatus is sent to the wearable device through the data connection, to display the display picture on the wearable device. Thus, viewing experience different from viewing through the terminal apparatus is provided for a user and the viewing experience for the user is improved.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2015
    Publication date: January 12, 2017
    Applicants: Beijing Lenovo Software Ltd., Lenovo (Beijing) Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Rui DENG, Xiaohai ZHANG
  • Publication number: 20170010850
    Abstract: An HMD includes an image display section that allows a user to view an image and transmits an outside scene, an evaluation section that evaluates the state of the user, and a communication section that communicates with another HMD. A control section transmits visual field data on the basis of images captured with a right camera and a left camera to the other HMD, causes the communication section to transmit notification data on the basis of a result of the evaluation performed by the evaluation section to the other HMD, and causes the image display section to perform display on the basis of data transmitted from the other HMD.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 13, 2016
    Publication date: January 12, 2017
    Applicant: SEIKO EPSON CORPORATION
    Inventors: Shinichi KOBAYASHI, Masahide TAKANO
  • Publication number: 20170010851
    Abstract: An electronic device, system, and method performs an automated control. The electronic device includes an audio output device configured to play a sound. The electronic device includes a processor configured to receive state data indicative of a state of a user of the electronic device. The processor is configured to control an activation of the audio output device based upon the state data. The activation of the audio output device is based upon first setting data when the state data indicates a first state. The activation of the audio output device is based upon second setting data when the state data indicates a second state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 6, 2015
    Publication date: January 12, 2017
    Inventors: Rahul BUDDHISAGAR, Michael Krack, Jai Pugalia, Jeffrey Wong, Wayne Wong
  • Publication number: 20170010852
    Abstract: A system and method for providing audio services to a gaming application. A developer typically provides, in addition to a Main Server and Song Server, a system for interfaces or other interactive connections to the server or servers, such as a Gaze Developer Interface, User Device and Artist Interface. Music or other audio input is streamed to a user's device from the Main Server or Song Server, selected by choice and/or an algorithm, and files of an artist are uploaded from the Artist Interface. Feedback data and various metrics of interest are transmitted from the Main Server back to the Game Developer Interface and Artist Interface, and data regarding the user and preferences is transmitted from the User Device to the Main Server. A number of interactions between the user and artist or music are supported.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 7, 2015
    Publication date: January 12, 2017
    Inventor: TIMOTHY DONALD AMANN
  • Publication number: 20170010853
    Abstract: A receiver-server device that is a multi-tuner radio equipped with antenna capacity suitable for acquiring signal from multiple stations and providing remote access to that signal on a live or near-live basis via circular memory buffers accessible via the Internet is provided. Further, a smart user device is connected with the receiver-server device through the Internet as an input/output controller to select, scan and hear the available stations in live, near-live and fully time-shifted modes as well as in place-shift mode. A user may rewind or fast-forward the audio stream in a variety of increments or to pause the audio stream or return the audio stream to live monitoring. A home radio is provided for a user that can be accessed from anywhere, irrespective of the user's location, and performs in live, near-live and time-shifted modes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 12, 2015
    Publication date: January 12, 2017
    Inventor: Jeffrey Gelles
  • Publication number: 20170010854
    Abstract: The present invention enables a user to share his/her listening experience selectively with others without sharing headphones and without disturbing others who do not want to listen. In a preferred embodiment, a first listener can accomplish this by storing in a Portable Electronic Device or similar device a library of listening experiences, listening to one of the listening experiences, and while listening to that one listening experience streaming the one listening experience to at least one other Portable Electronic Device or similar device. A second listener at the other Portable Electronic Device can then listen to the same listening experience as the first listener at the same time. It is expected that the listening experiences will typically be songs or other music but the invention may be practiced with any type of audio content. The first listener may also create a playlist of the listening experiences in the library and make the playlist available to others.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 8, 2016
    Publication date: January 12, 2017
    Applicant: RMZ Development LLC
    Inventors: Richard M. Zelson, Joseph A. Sorisi
  • Publication number: 20170010855
    Abstract: A display device and a control method thereof are disclosed. The display device comprises: a body with a display on the front side; at least one speaker provided on at least one side of the body; at least one sensor configured to measure the distance from the body to an adjacent face; and a controller configured to change the quality of sound output through the at least one speaker based on the distance measured by the at least one sensor. Accordingly, sound can be altered and output based on the distance between the display device and the adjacent face.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 25, 2014
    Publication date: January 12, 2017
    Inventors: Chanhaeng LEE, Heawon KANG
  • Publication number: 20170010856
    Abstract: Example techniques involve a speaker grille of a playback device that is connectable to a capacitive proximity sensor, which may increase the area over which an object's proximity to the sensor can be sensed. An example implementation includes a playback device that includes an enclosure comprising a first surface and a second surface, one or more speakers mounted on the first surface, a conductive speaker grille covering the one or more speakers, one or more playback controls mounted on the second surface, and a capacitive proximity sensor oriented away from the second surface. The capacitive proximity sensor includes a grounding plate that is connectable to the conductive speaker grille.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 19, 2016
    Publication date: January 12, 2017
    Inventor: Thomas CALATAYUD
  • Publication number: 20170010857
    Abstract: Configuration information and selectable grouping options associated with the plurality of zones is displayed, for example, on a wearable device. Selection of a first selectable grouping option is received and in response a configuration change is transmitted. The configuration change may comprise information indicating a first zone is to join a zone group with a second zone of the plurality of zones. Updated configuration information is received indicating that a media playback system includes the zone group comprising the first zone and the second zone. The updated configuration information is displayed on the wearable device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 22, 2016
    Publication date: January 12, 2017
    Inventors: Paul Andrew Bates, Danielle Storlie
  • Publication number: 20170010858
    Abstract: A monitoring system that can be placed proximate to the head or ear of a user is disclosed. According to one embodiment, the monitoring system can be used with headphones, earbuds or headsets. The monitoring system can, for example, be used to monitor user activity, such as during exercise or sporting activities. The positioning of the monitoring system can also facilitate sensing of other user characteristics (e.g., biometric data), such as temperature, perspiration and heart rate. The monitoring system can also be used to control a an electronic device. In one embodiment, the monitoring system facilitates user control of the electronic device using head gestures.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 22, 2016
    Publication date: January 12, 2017
    Applicant: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher Prest, Quin C. Hoellwarth