Patents Issued in July 4, 2017
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Patent number: 9696406Abstract: In one aspect, methods and apparatuses disclosed herein improve positioning based on UL signals in a wireless communication network, by sending UL transmission configuration from wireless devices, and by using that information in the network for performing UL-based positioning of the devices. In this regard, the teachings herein advantageously recognize that obtaining UL transmission configuration information from the wireless devices themselves represents a more efficient, complete and richer mechanism for obtaining parameters relevant to configuring and performing UL-based positioning operations. As a further example advantage, the teachings herein provide for control-plane and/or user-plane signaling of UL transmission configuration information, which comprises, for a given wireless device, at least one of resource allocation information for one or more UL transmissions for the wireless device, and UL signal characteristics information.Type: GrantFiled: July 17, 2013Date of Patent: July 4, 2017Assignee: TELEFONAKTIEBOLAGET LM ERICSSON (PUBL)Inventors: Iana Siomina, Yang Zhang
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Patent number: 9696407Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a system and method for determining an ownship position of an aircraft. The method includes the steps of receiving data from a plurality of proximate aircraft and examining the data. Next, the method involves selecting a plurality of reference aircraft from the plurality of proximate aircraft, and receiving data from each reference aircraft. The data received from the reference aircraft is then correlated to a common time in order to create a reference frame for calculating the position of the aircraft. The next step of the method is to calculate the ownship position of the aircraft based on the data received from the reference aircraft and the common time. The system includes a receiver, processor, display, and transmitter, which are used to determine the ownship position of an aircraft.Type: GrantFiled: August 7, 2012Date of Patent: July 4, 2017Assignee: Rockwell Collins, Inc.Inventors: William T. Greenleaf, Andrew M. Vesel, Scott F. Bauler, Steve J. Nieuwsma, Richard S. Dove
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Patent number: 9696408Abstract: Various embodiments of the present invention provide methods, systems, apparatus, and computer program products for providing integrated attitude determination and attitude control for slewing of a satellite. In one embodiment a method is provided. The method comprises after receiving a repointing request, selecting a guide star sample comprising one or more guide stars from a guide star catalog; determining current attitude information; selecting and retrieving at least one point spread function (PSF) image from a PSF library; estimating an expected position for at least one guide star, the at least one guide star being one of the guide stars of the guide star sample; acquiring at least one star tracker image; calculating a cross-correlation function (CCF) to determine shifts in position of the at least one guide star compared to the expected position; and determining updated current attitude information based at least in part on the determined shifts in position.Type: GrantFiled: February 4, 2015Date of Patent: July 4, 2017Assignee: UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA RESEARCH FOUNDATION, INC.Inventors: Stephen Scott Eikenberry, Norman G. Fitz-Coy
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Patent number: 9696409Abstract: A land-based Smart-Sensor System and several system architectures for detection, tracking, and classification of people and vehicles automatically and in real time for border, property, and facility security surveillance is described. The preferred embodiment of the proposed Smart-Sensor System is comprised of (1) a low-cost, non-coherent radar, whose function is to detect and track people, singly or in groups, and various means of transportation, which may include vehicles, animals, or aircraft, singly or in groups, and cue (2) an optical sensor such as a long-wave infrared (LWIR) sensor, whose function is to classify the identified targets and produce movie clips for operator validation and use, and (3) an IBM CELL supercomputer to process the collected data in real-time. The Smart Sensor System can be implemented in a tower-based or a mobile-based or combination system architecture. The radar can also be operated as a stand-alone system.Type: GrantFiled: May 11, 2015Date of Patent: July 4, 2017Assignee: Vista Research, Inc.Inventors: Phillip A. Fox, Joseph W. Maresca, Jr.
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Patent number: 9696410Abstract: Provided are an apparatus for minimizing occurrence of an error in measuring an altitude, and a method thereof. A jamming suppression apparatus of an altitude measuring sensor includes a signal unit configured to transmit a radio frequency (RF) signal to the outside or receive an RF signal from the outside, and a processing unit configured to determine whether jamming has occurred on the basis of a noise signal received from the signal unit, and suppress jamming by performing at least one of a plurality of jamming suppression algorithms sequentially or simultaneously on the basis of a current altitude when jamming has occurred according to the determination result.Type: GrantFiled: June 27, 2016Date of Patent: July 4, 2017Assignee: AGENCY FOR DEFENSE DEVELOPMENTInventors: Jaehwan Lee, Jonghun Jang, Jaehyun Choi, Jineep Roh
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Patent number: 9696411Abstract: The system and method for multi-wavelength optical signal detection enables the detection of optical signal levels significantly below those processed at the discrete circuit level by the use of mixed-signal processing methods implemented with integrated circuit technologies. The present invention is configured to detect and process small signals, which enables the reduction of the optical power required to stimulate detection networks, and lowers the required laser power to make specific measurements. The present invention provides an adaptation of active pixel networks combined with mixed-signal processing methods to provide an integer representation of the received signal as an output. The present invention also provides multi-wavelength laser detection circuits for use in various systems, such as a differential absorption light detection and ranging system.Type: GrantFiled: January 8, 2015Date of Patent: July 4, 2017Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space AdministrationInventor: Thomas D. McGlone
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Patent number: 9696412Abstract: A system and method for measuring the temporal delay an optical signal experiences along a path is provided it uses single photon sensitive detectors and multiple optical pulse rates. The multiple optical pulse rates are chosen to allow each to be isolated in post-processing even if only a single detector is employed. The detectors can be time-gated at a repetition rate synchronized but different from the optical pulse rates, including the use of a pulsed-pump up-conversion detector. The pulse rate choice allows improved performance, including an extension of the unambiguous temporal delay range. The ability to isolate the pulse rates can also be used for measuring multiple path delays simultaneously or for spectrally resolving path characteristics without requiring the use of spectral filtering. The post-processing function can be segmented to include an initial signal quality estimation step so further processing can be aborted if it is unlikely to succeed.Type: GrantFiled: January 20, 2015Date of Patent: July 4, 2017Assignee: Nucript LLCInventors: Gregory S. Kanter, Daniel R. Reilly
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Patent number: 9696413Abstract: A method for aligning a measuring device installed alongside a roadway at an unknown installation height, the measuring device including a laser scanner, a camera and a display. A camera image generated by the camera is inserted into the display and superimposed by a road model, formed from a multiplicity of straight lines running towards an intersection point. The measuring device is subsequently rotated and tilted, as a result of which the camera image is rotated and shifted on the display, until the images of the roadway margins and edges running parallel thereto are in alignment at the intersection point.Type: GrantFiled: December 23, 2014Date of Patent: July 4, 2017Assignee: Jenoptik Robot GmbHInventors: Michael Trummer, Michael Lehning, Marcos Michaelsen, Marko Ortner
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Patent number: 9696414Abstract: A candidate companion screen device is located by a primary display device as being in the same room as the primary device using sonic signaling, and in response ancillary content related to content being shown on the primary display device is provided to the companion screen device. The ancillary content may be provided from the Internet based on information in the content being presented on the primary display device by, e.g., providing a link to a website to the companion device.Type: GrantFiled: May 15, 2014Date of Patent: July 4, 2017Assignee: Sony CorporationInventor: Brant Candelore
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Patent number: 9696415Abstract: A radar apparatus includes a change amount calculation section for obtaining, for each of a plurality of peaks of a first spectrum belonging to the same group, a peak value at the present point in time and calculating the difference between the peak value and a peak value obtained before the present point in time; a ratio calculation section for comparing the obtained difference with a predetermined difference threshold and calculating a ratio of the number of peaks whose differences are greater than the difference threshold to the number of all the peaks belonging to the same group; and a pedestrian determination section for determining that the object is a pedestrian when the calculated ratio is greater than a predetermined ratio threshold and at least one of peaks belonging to the same group differs from the remaining peaks in terms of the sign of the difference.Type: GrantFiled: October 1, 2014Date of Patent: July 4, 2017Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Makoto Nakai, Shin-ichiro Matsuzawa, Yoshiaki Minami, Yuji Oda
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Patent number: 9696416Abstract: A radar system that includes a gimbal and a platform secured to a frame through the gimbal is disclosed. The radar system includes an antenna rotatably supported by the platform for rotation about an axis and configured to scan a hemispherical field of view above the platform. A controller that controls the rotation of the antenna and a gyroscopic stabilizer that is secured to the platform to maintain the platform in a stable and level position during operation of the radar system and rotation of the antenna is also disclosed. A vehicle is also disclosed for traversing a geographic region with the radar system. The antenna may transmit in the X band. A telescoping mast having a first end secured to the platform and having a second end secured to the gimbal is also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: March 13, 2014Date of Patent: July 4, 2017Inventors: Guy E. Blase, Donald A. LaPoint
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Patent number: 9696417Abstract: An antenna includes a plurality of transmitting antennas that are: a first transmitting antenna that transmits a transmission wave in a right-upward direction relative to a reference axis substantially parallel to a road surface; a second transmitting antenna that transmits a transmission wave in a left-upward direction relative to the reference axis; a third transmitting antenna that transmits a transmission wave in a right-downward direction relative to the reference axis; and a fourth transmitting antenna that transmits a transmission wave in a left-downward direction relative to the reference axis. A transmission range of the transmission wave transmitted from each of the first transmitting antenna, the second transmitting antenna, the third transmitting antenna and the fourth transmitting antenna partially overlaps with the transmission ranges of the transmission waves transmitted from the transmitting antennas located in vicinity.Type: GrantFiled: February 23, 2015Date of Patent: July 4, 2017Assignee: FUJITSU TEN LIMITEDInventor: Eisuke Hayakawa
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Patent number: 9696418Abstract: A spatially-distributed architecture (SDA) of antennas transmits a set of uniquely coded signals. A first receiver having a known position in a coordinate system defined by the SDA receives reflected versions of the uniquely coded signals. A first processor receives the reflected versions of the uniquely coded signals and identifies a position of a non-cooperative object in the coordinate system. A platform having a second receiver receives non-reflected versions of the uniquely coded signals. The platform determines a position of the platform in the coordinate system. In an example, the platform uses a self-determined position and a position of the non-cooperative object communicated from the SDA to navigate or guide the platform relative to the non-cooperative object. In another example, the platform uses a self-determined position and information from an alternative signal source in a second coordinate system to guide the platform after a coordinate conversion.Type: GrantFiled: April 27, 2016Date of Patent: July 4, 2017Assignee: Propagation Research Associates, Inc.Inventor: Ernest Jefferson Holder
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Patent number: 9696419Abstract: An all-solid-state marine radar technology based on a non-rotating cylindrical array antenna is described. Multiple transmit/receive (T/R) modules are used to form the antenna beam, which allows the beam sequencing, the dwell time in each beam position, the resolution, and the beam shape to be varied in order to make best use of the available energy. Waveforms with a high duty ratio can be used on transmit in order to make efficient use of solid-state power amplifiers. High resolution in both range and Doppler provides high measurement accuracy and superior performance in clutter. Alternate embodiments, including continuous waveform embodiments are disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: May 6, 2014Date of Patent: July 4, 2017Assignee: MARK Resources, Inc.Inventor: Richard L. Mitchell
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Patent number: 9696420Abstract: A method of assessing an area for parking a vehicle includes ultrasonically scanning the area to obtain ultrasonic data, radar scanning the area to obtain radar data, and determining whether to park the vehicle in the area based on both the ultrasonic data and the radar data.Type: GrantFiled: April 9, 2013Date of Patent: July 4, 2017Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Aric David Shaffer, Vern Stempnik, Brian Choi, Mark Crawford
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Patent number: 9696421Abstract: A handheld through-wall sensing system comprising a transmitter/receiving operating at wireless data or cellular transmission frequencies. The system is operated in a monostatic radar mode with transmission occurring on frequency fo and reception on a predetermined bandwidth centered on fo. The system may be operated on a pulsed or pseudo “half duplex” mode and have a transmit/receive pattern that is a function of the desired minimum stand-off distance.Type: GrantFiled: March 6, 2014Date of Patent: July 4, 2017Assignee: SRC, Inc.Inventor: Marcello M. DiStasio
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Patent number: 9696422Abstract: Low cost, generally broad bandwidth synthetic aperture radar systems are detailed. The systems may be bistatic and include analog to digital converters in ground based receivers while transmitters and analogoue repeaters may be space-borne or airborne. Methods of producing synthetic aperture radar images also are detailed.Type: GrantFiled: May 8, 2013Date of Patent: July 4, 2017Assignee: The Secretary of State for DefenceInventor: Darren George Muff
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Patent number: 9696423Abstract: A method is disclosed for improving performance of a Sodar system adapted to locate discontinuities in the atmosphere by transmitting pulse compression signals such as plural acoustic chirps. The method comprises transmitting the acoustic chirps, receiving acoustic echoes of the chirps, and processing the acoustic echoes to provide an indication of the discontinuities, wherein the processing includes correcting range or resolution error associated with the acoustic echoes.Type: GrantFiled: October 2, 2013Date of Patent: July 4, 2017Assignee: WINDBIDCO PTY LTSInventor: Andrew Louis Martin
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Patent number: 9696424Abstract: An imaging sensor device is configured to illuminate a viewing field using an array of focused light spots spaced across the viewing field rather than uniformly illuminating the viewing field, thereby reducing the amount of illumination energy required to produce a given intensity of light reflected from the spots. In some embodiments, the imaging sensor device can project an array of focused light spots at two different intensities or brightness levels, such that high intensity and low intensity light spots are interlaced across the viewing field. This ensures that both relatively dark and relatively bright or reflective objects can be reliably detected within the viewing field. The intensities of the light spots can be modulated based on measured conditions of the viewing field, including but not limited to the measured ambient light or a determined dynamic range of reflectivity of objects within the viewing field.Type: GrantFiled: November 25, 2014Date of Patent: July 4, 2017Assignee: ROCKWELL AUTOMATION TECHNOLOGIES, INC.Inventors: Richard Galera, Anne Bowlby, Derek W. Jones, Nilesh Pradhan, Francis L. Leard
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Patent number: 9696425Abstract: An optical distance measuring apparatus including a light source, a variable mirror scanning the light on an object, a receiving device receiving light from the object, a detected signal amplifying unit detecting a light receiving signal obtained by the receiving device, an amplification control unit detecting a set target value of light sensitivity of the receiving device or sets the light sensitivity based on a light quantity of reflected light, and a distance calculation unit detecting a flight time of the ranging light from a light emitting signal and calculating a distance up to the object, wherein in a first scan period, the amplification control unit detects the set target value based on a light quantity of the reflected light, and in a second scan period, the amplification control unit sets sensitivity of the receiving device to the set target value and the distance calculation unit calculates the distance.Type: GrantFiled: April 2, 2014Date of Patent: July 4, 2017Assignee: HITACHI MAXELL, LTD.Inventors: Shoji Yamamoto, Yoshiho Seo
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Patent number: 9696426Abstract: A system for scanning light to define a range gated signal includes a pulsed coherent light source that directs light into the atmosphere, a light gathering instrument that receives the light modified by atmospheric backscatter and transfers the light onto an image plane, a scanner that scans collimated light from the image plane to form a range gated signal from the light modified by atmospheric backscatter, a control circuit that coordinates timing of a scan rate of the scanner and a pulse rate of the pulsed coherent light source so that the range gated signal is formed according to a desired range gate, an optical device onto which an image of the range gated signal is scanned, and an interferometer to which the image of the range gated signal is directed by the optical device. The interferometer is configured to modify the image according to a desired analysis.Type: GrantFiled: March 18, 2013Date of Patent: July 4, 2017Assignee: Michigan Aerospace CorporationInventors: David M. Zuk, Scott Lindemann
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Patent number: 9696427Abstract: Embodiments for a depth sensing camera with a wide field of view are disclosed. In one example, a depth sensing camera comprises an illumination light projection subsystem, an image detection subsystem configured to acquire image data having a wide angle field of view, a logic subsystem configured to execute instructions, and a data-holding subsystem comprising stored instructions executable by the logic subsystem to control projection of illumination light and to determine depth values from image data acquired via the image sensor. The image detection subsystem comprises an image sensor and one or more lenses.Type: GrantFiled: August 14, 2012Date of Patent: July 4, 2017Assignee: MICROSOFT TECHNOLOGY LICENSING, LLCInventors: Andrew Wilson, Hrvoje Benko, Jay Kapur, Stephen Edward Hodges
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Patent number: 9696428Abstract: A method of measuring position information of an electronic device is provided. The method includes measuring position information including at least one of a position, a direction of movement, or a distance of movement of the electronic device by using a Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) module, measuring at least one of the direction of movement, the distance of movement, or a change of speed of the electronic device by using at least one of a geomagnetic sensor or an accelerometer, calculating the position information based on the information measured by using the GNSS module, and the at least one of the direction of movement, the distance of movement, or the change of speed of the electronic device measured by using the at least one of the geomagnetic sensor or the accelerometer, and adjusting a position information measurement cycle using the GNSS module based on an error of the position information.Type: GrantFiled: June 15, 2015Date of Patent: July 4, 2017Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventor: Yunwoo Lee
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Patent number: 9696429Abstract: A wireless tracking device operating in at least two modes to reduce power consumption and extend the operable period of the wireless tracking device. In an active mode, the wireless tracking device samples sensor signals at a higher resolution and may also actively communicate with a remote device via wireless connection. In a hibernation mode, most of the components or modules in the wireless tracking device are shut down to reduce power consumption. The wireless tracking device may switch to the active mode when a predetermine event is detected.Type: GrantFiled: December 28, 2010Date of Patent: July 4, 2017Assignee: FedEx Corporate Services, Inc.Inventors: Martin Turon, Xin Yang, Michael P. Dierks
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Patent number: 9696430Abstract: Described herein is an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) system that incorporates sensor data to statistically minimize the time to autonomously locate a target on the ground. The system uses a two-stage approach to finding the RF target: 1) randomized flight, such as Lévy fight, to search the ground space and, 2) a geo-localization process, such as a simplex minimization process, to home in on the target.Type: GrantFiled: August 26, 2014Date of Patent: July 4, 2017Assignee: Massachusetts Institute of TechnologyInventors: Michael Jihong Park, Charles Coldwell
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Patent number: 9696431Abstract: It is disclosed to select a relative positioning method from a set of at least two different relative positioning methods that are for determining an estimate of a relative position between first and second entities. The method is selected in dependence on at least one of the following criteria: an estimated/measured distance between the first and second entities; a relative positioning capability, of at least one of the first entity, the second entity and at least one server entity associated with at least one of the first and second entities, to determine an estimate of a relative position between two entities; and an availability, at at least one of the at least one server entity, of a service providing data of at least one reference entity useable for determining an estimate of a relative position between the reference entity and one of the first and second entities.Type: GrantFiled: April 12, 2010Date of Patent: July 4, 2017Assignee: Nokia Technologies OyInventor: Lauri Wirola
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Patent number: 9696432Abstract: The invention relates to a device for processing information delivered by a photon detector, comprising: an analogue circuit for generating a signal comprising a series of pulses, each pulse having an amplitude proportional to the energy freed by an interaction of a photon in the detector; an analogue circuit for determining the instant at which the amplitude of a pulse of the signal is maximal; and an element for capturing the value of the signal at said instant.Type: GrantFiled: February 27, 2014Date of Patent: July 4, 2017Assignee: Commissariat à l'Énergie Atomique et aux Énergies AlternativesInventor: Patrice Ouvrier Buffet
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Patent number: 9696433Abstract: A radiation measurement apparatus includes an array-type radiation detector and an information calculation unit which obtains information on energies detected by pixels of the detector and information on a pixel on which a radiation ray is incident. The information calculation unit includes an energy conversion unit which converts a detected signal of a pixel which is equal to or larger than a predetermined threshold value into a detected energy value, a judgment value calculation unit which obtains a judgment value used to judge whether Compton scattering has been generated in the pixel in accordance with the detected energy, a judgment unit which judges whether the Compton scattering has been generated in the pixel in accordance with the judgment value, and a determination unit which obtains information on a pixel on which a radiation ray is first incident in accordance with a result of the judgment performed by the judgment unit.Type: GrantFiled: September 14, 2015Date of Patent: July 4, 2017Assignee: Canon Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Koji Yasui
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Patent number: 9696434Abstract: An apparatus and method for testing scintillator arrays, e.g., crystal arrays for PET imaging. The apparatus includes, a two-sided tray arranged to hold scintillator arrays in either side and slide the arrays into a light-tight box having a radiation source beneath the arrays and photomultiplier tubes (PMTs) above the arrays. When arranged in the testing position with the arrays interposed between the radiation source and the PMTs, ambient light from outside the box is prevented from leaking into the box and high-voltage power is supplied to the PMTs. Otherwise, to prevent PMT damage, the high-voltage is off. The radiation source is an arrangement of sealed low-activity pieces of radioactive elements, thus minimizing requirements for radiation shielding and minimizing safety risks. The method calculates a flood map from scintillation data/counts and performs analysis according to predefined criteria, e.g., the peak-to-valley ratio, to flag arrays exhibiting inferior quality.Type: GrantFiled: June 4, 2015Date of Patent: July 4, 2017Assignee: TOSHIBA MEDICAL SYSTEMS CORPORATIONInventors: Kent C. Burr, Zhengyan Wang, Madhuri Kaul
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Patent number: 9696435Abstract: There is disclosed a hybrid arrangement of more than one electron energy conversion mechanism in a detector arranged physically such that the electron image can be acquired from both energy converters in such a manner that selected high-illumination parts of the image can be imaged with an indirectly coupled scintillator detector and the remainder of the image acquired with the high-sensitivity/direct electron portion of the detector without readjustments in the beam position or mechanical positioning of the detector parts. Further, a mechanism to allow dynamically switchable or simultaneous linear and counted signal processing from each pixel of the image so that high-illumination areas can be acquired linearly without the severe dose rate limitation of counting and low-illumination regions can be acquired with counting, the switchover point determined by the dose rate at which signal quality breaks even between linear and counting modes.Type: GrantFiled: April 16, 2015Date of Patent: July 4, 2017Assignee: GATAN, INC.Inventors: Alexander Jozef Gubbens, Paul Mooney, Matthew Lent
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Patent number: 9696436Abstract: A scintillator crystal includes a plurality of first crystal phases, and a second crystal phase covering respective side surfaces of the first crystal phases. Each of the plurality of first crystal phases is a columnar crystal that includes a perovskite type oxide material containing both Gd and Tb, and emits light by being excited by radiation. The second crystal phase includes alumina. Assuming that a, b, and c respectively represent Gd, Al, and Tb in an element ratio among them that are contained in a total amount of substance of the scintillator crystal, the element ratio is within a range defined by (a, b, c)=(0.174, 0.795, 0.031), (0.207, 0.756, 0.037), (0.213, 0.775, 0.012), and (0.194, 0.795, 0.011) as vertexes in a ternary composition diagram.Type: GrantFiled: November 20, 2015Date of Patent: July 4, 2017Assignee: Canon Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Yoshihiro Ohashi, Nobuhiro Yasui, Toru Den
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Patent number: 9696437Abstract: Improved X-ray detectors are provided in a cross-strip geometry with better resolution than the electrode spacing. The basic idea is analog charge cloud reconstruction. An important practical aspect of this work is rotating the electrode pattern by about 45 degrees relative to the detector slab, which provides several performance benefits (equal length for all electrodes and greater ease of integration into vertical stacks etc.) that are expected to be especially relevant to achieve high performance from analog charge cloud reconstruction.Type: GrantFiled: October 30, 2015Date of Patent: July 4, 2017Assignee: The Board of Trustees of the Leland Stanford Junior UniversityInventors: Gabriella Carini, Sven Herrmann, Rebecca Fahrig
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Patent number: 9696438Abstract: A PET detection structure with application adaptability includes: at least two detector blocks and a detection ring for disposing the detector blocks. The at least two detector blocks are placed on the detection ring and surround a detected object in a manner of encirclement. The performance of each detector block includes inherent spatial resolution, time behavior, energy resolution, detection efficiency and maximum counting rate. The performance of the detector blocks are divided into a plurality of performance levels, and the performance level of one performance of at least one detector block of the at least two detector blocks is higher than the performance rate of the same performance of the other detector blocks.Type: GrantFiled: March 25, 2013Date of Patent: July 4, 2017Assignee: RAYCAN TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD. (SU ZHOU)Inventors: Qingguo Xie, Jingjing Liu, Luyao Wang, Jun Zhu
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Patent number: 9696439Abstract: A PET detector and method thereof are provided. The PET detector may include: a crystal array including a plurality of crystal elements arranged in an array and light-splitting structures set on surfaces of the plurality of crystal elements, the light-splitting structures jointly define a light output surface of the crystal array; a semiconductor sensor array, which is set in opposite to the light output surface of the crystal array and is suitable to receive photons from the light output surface, the semiconductor sensor array comprises a plurality of semiconductor sensors arranged in an array.Type: GrantFiled: August 10, 2015Date of Patent: July 4, 2017Assignee: SHANGHAI UNITED IMAGING HEALTHCARE CO., LTD.Inventors: Shaohui An, Qiang Zhang
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Patent number: 9696440Abstract: A radiation detector assembly is provided including a semiconductor detector, pixelated anodes, and at least one processor. The pixelated anodes are disposed on a surface of the semiconductor detector, and configured to generate a primary signal responsive to reception of a photon and a secondary signal responsive to an induced charge caused by reception of a photon by at least one adjacent anode. The at least one processor is operably coupled to the pixelated anodes, and configured to define sub-pixels for each pixelated anode; acquire primary signals and secondary signals from the pixelated anodes; determine sub-pixel locations for acquisition events using the primary and secondary signals; generate a sub-pixel energy spectrum for each sub-pixel; apply at least one energy calibration parameter to adjust the sub-pixel energy spectra for each pixelated anode; and, for each pixelated anode, combine the adjusted sub-pixel energy spectra to provide a pixelated anode spectrum.Type: GrantFiled: February 20, 2015Date of Patent: July 4, 2017Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Arie Shahar, Mark David Fries, Yaron Glazer, Jeffrey Michael Levy, Avishai Ofan, Rotem Har-Lavan
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Patent number: 9696441Abstract: A method of estimating stress in an earth formation is disclosed. The method includes: dividing a domain including at least a portion of an earth formation into a first region and a second region; estimating a first vertical stress in the first region and representing the first vertical stress as at least one point load; estimating a second vertical stress in the second region by a point load based method using the first vertical stress; and estimating at least one horizontal stress based on the second vertical stress.Type: GrantFiled: May 1, 2015Date of Patent: July 4, 2017Assignee: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATEDInventors: Cem Ozan, Martin Brudy, Wouter Van der Zee
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Patent number: 9696442Abstract: A hydrocarbon exploration method for determining subsurface properties from geophysical survey data. Rock physics trends are identified and for each trend a rock physics model is determined that relates the subsurface property to geophysical properties (103). The uncertainty in the rock physics trends is also estimated (104). A geophysical forward model is selected (105), and its uncertainty is estimated (106). These quantities are used in an optimization process (107) resulting in an estimate of the subsurface property and its uncertainty.Type: GrantFiled: October 3, 2014Date of Patent: July 4, 2017Assignee: ExxonMobil Upstream Research CompanyInventors: Weichang Li, Max Deffenbaugh, Dominique G. Gillard, Ganglin Chen, Xiaoxia Xu
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Patent number: 9696443Abstract: Apparatus, computer instructions and method for processing seismic data related to a subsurface of a body of water. The method includes inputting data indicative of recordings made by detectors disposed on a depth-changing profile in response to an acoustic wave reflected from the subsurface; applying a matched mirror migration procedure to the data, wherein the matched mirror migration procedure uses an up-traveling U wave and a down-traveling D wave, at least one of the up-traveling U wave or the down-traveling D wave being constructed based on (i) actual positions of the detectors disposed on the depth-changing profile and corresponding recordings, and (ii) fictitious mirror positions of the actual detectors on the depth-changing profile and corresponding recordings with a changed sign; and generating in a processor an image of the subsurface based on the matched mirror migration procedure.Type: GrantFiled: July 2, 2014Date of Patent: July 4, 2017Assignee: CGG SERVICES SASInventor: Robert Soubaras
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Patent number: 9696444Abstract: Systems, computer readable media, and program code to provide for filtering noise and/or restoring attenuated spectral components in acoustic signals, are provided. An exemplary embodiment of a system is configured for dynamically filtering each of a plurality of raw FFT data samples of a record to remove or attenuate background noise contained therein to thereby produce a corresponding plurality of cleaned FFT data samples. The sample-specific background noise is removed or attenuated by a record-specific dynamic filter to produce the corresponding cleaned FFT data samples.Type: GrantFiled: September 12, 2014Date of Patent: July 4, 2017Assignee: Saudi Arabian Oil CompanyInventor: Yunlai Yang
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Patent number: 9696445Abstract: Computational systems and methods that combine global frequency-wavenumber-domain (“f-k domain”) filters with localized eigenimage based event selection to generate a resulting wavefield with reduced filter imprints on gather edges, reduced noise, and correct treatment of aliased energy are disclosed. The methods are executed by applying filters to the full set of seismic gather data in the f-k domain in order to obtain a resulting wavefield from recorded pressure and/or particle velocity data. The output of the filter is iteratively decomposed according to local dip values using eigenimage processing based on singular value decomposition (“SVD”). The same sample locations are extracted using SVD from the input in addition to generating input for a subsequent iteration with already processed data removed. Eigenimage processing methods allow for correct treatment of spatially aliased energy in f-k domain filtering.Type: GrantFiled: March 14, 2013Date of Patent: July 4, 2017Assignee: PGS Geophysical ASInventors: Tilman Kluver, Anthony James Day
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Patent number: 9696446Abstract: A seismic survey system having a source array (11) coupled to a deflector device (15) that controls the position of the source array. A positioning system unit (16) is mounted on the source array to provide a signal to a controller, informing the controller of the current position of the source array so that the controller can control the position of the deflector device (15) and the coupled source array. A seismic source (14) on the source array may be triggered when the source array is at a desired location as measured by the positioning system unit. The deflector device (15) comprises one or more wings (18) in a generally vertical or, alternatively, in a generally horizontal arrangement disposed adjacent to a central body (19). The streamlined central body has connection points that allow the deflector device (15) to be connected to a tow cable (13) from the tow vessel (12) and to the source array (11).Type: GrantFiled: September 27, 2013Date of Patent: July 4, 2017Assignee: WESTERNGECO L.L.C.Inventors: Martin Howlid, Rohitashva Singh
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Patent number: 9696447Abstract: A method of locating buried objects using a locator having at least one antenna array including three mutually orthogonal antennas each sharing a common center point includes simultaneously determining a plurality of magnetic fields associated with a plurality of different electromagnetic signals and providing a visual indication of the determined magnetic fields on a display of the locator.Type: GrantFiled: October 14, 2013Date of Patent: July 4, 2017Assignee: SEESCAN, INC.Inventors: Mark S. Olsson, Dawn E. Schaffer, Ray Merewether, Michael J. Martin, David A. Cox
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Patent number: 9696448Abstract: A ground tracking apparatus for connection to a locator or other measurement device and configured to determine position, motion, and/or orientation information is disclosed. The ground tracking apparatus may include a ground follower assembly including one or more wheels, which may be detachably coupled to a buried object locator system to capture three-dimensional positional and orientation information during a locate process, as well as provide output data or information to be integrated with maps, photographs, drawings, or other data or information.Type: GrantFiled: July 13, 2015Date of Patent: July 4, 2017Assignee: SEESCAN, INC.Inventors: Mark S. Olsson, David A. Cox, Ryan B. Levin, Ray Merewether, Sequoyah Aldridge
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Patent number: 9696449Abstract: Disclosed are methods and systems for conditioning electrodes while deployed in the sea with a marine electromagnetic survey system. An embodiment of the method may comprise deploying electrodes in seawater during a marine electromagnetic survey. The method further may comprise coupling at least one of the electrodes to a controllable current/voltage source while the electrodes are deployed in the seawater. The method further may comprise sending a first conditioning signal from the controllable current/voltage source to the at least one of the electrodes coupled to the controllable current/voltage source.Type: GrantFiled: May 23, 2016Date of Patent: July 4, 2017Assignee: PGS Geophysical ASInventors: Robert Andras Juhasz, Ulf Peter Lindqvist
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Patent number: 9696450Abstract: An electromagnetic energy transmitter is provided for induced polarization logging with a borehole to surface electromagnetic (BSEM) transmitter. The transmitter is lowered into a well borehole to a desired location in a well borehole to emit electromagnetic energy for the surveys. The transmitter affords more accurate measurements of its position in the well borehole. The transmitter also senses pressure and temperature conditions at its borehole location to provide indications of detected potential problems in the well from the survey or other sources, and to reduce risks and enhance safety and quality of the operations.Type: GrantFiled: March 21, 2014Date of Patent: July 4, 2017Assignees: Saudi Arabian Oil Company, BGP Arabia Co, Ltd.Inventors: Alberto Marsala, Muhammad H. Al-Buali, Tang Biyan, Zhanxiang He
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Patent number: 9696451Abstract: A resistivity logging system includes a plurality of excitation electrodes, at least one return electrode, and a plurality of monitor electrodes. The resistivity logging system also includes a controller that determines a level of excitation current to be emitted by at least one of the plurality of excitation electrodes during a subsequent excitation cycle based on a comparison of measured downhole parameter values corresponding to excitation current emitted in two previous excitation cycles.Type: GrantFiled: June 10, 2014Date of Patent: July 4, 2017Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.Inventors: Joni Polili Lie, Alberto Quintero, Abdul Qadir Shabbir, Daniel Viassolo, Burkay Donderici, Luis Emilio San Martin
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Patent number: 9696452Abstract: Among other things, radiation systems and techniques for generating volumetric data and projections images of an object(s) under examination are provided. The radiation system comprises at least two detector arrays and at least one radiation source. During an examination, the radiation source and at least one detector array are rotated about the object while a second detector array is substantially fixed in place. In one embodiment, the radiation source is configured to, at times, illuminate the first detector array and, at times, illuminate the second detector array. For example, the radiation source may illuminate the first detector array during nearly all of the rotation while the second detector array is merely illuminated at a single gantry rotation angle. Information generated by the second detector array may be utilized to yield volumetric data while information generated by the first detector array may be utilized to yield a projection image, for example.Type: GrantFiled: November 2, 2012Date of Patent: July 4, 2017Assignee: Analogic CorporationInventors: David Schafer, Ram Naidu, Serge Savard
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Patent number: 9696453Abstract: A method for predicting at least one property of a geological formation may include generating mapping function values relating a plurality of reference elemental compositions to corresponding reference properties thereof based upon at least one non-linear mapping function. The method may further include determining a sample elemental composition of at least one sample associated with the geological formation and performing, using a processor, an interpolation to map the sample elemental composition to at least one sample property based upon the mapping function values and the at least one non-linear function.Type: GrantFiled: March 9, 2013Date of Patent: July 4, 2017Assignee: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATIONInventors: Robert Freedman, Vivek Anand, Susan Herron, Michael M. Herron
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Patent number: 9696454Abstract: A method of identifying barite in a subterranean annulus that surrounds a wellbore, where the method includes detecting gamma rays in the wellbore that are generated from the annulus, obtaining a count rate of the detected gamma rays, comparing the count rate with reference data, and determining the presence of barite in the wellbore based on the comparison. The count rate can be a ratio of counts of detected gamma rays obtained from spaced apart receivers on a downhole tool, or a ratio of detected inelastic and capture gamma rays. The reference data is obtained by using a simulation algorithm.Type: GrantFiled: January 6, 2016Date of Patent: July 4, 2017Assignee: Baker Hughes IncorporatedInventors: Sandeep Gade, Qiong Zhang, David Chace, Feyzi Inanc, Otto N. Fanini, Yonghwee Kim
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Patent number: 9696455Abstract: The present disclosure describes a downhole tool that includes an electrically operated radiation generator that selectively outputs radiation to a surrounding environment based at least in part on supply of electrical power; a radiation detector that determines a first radiation metric based at least in part on first radiation measured when the electrically operated radiation generator is outputting radiation and that determines a second radiation metric based at least in part on second radiation measured when the electrically operated radiation generator is not outputting radiation; and a control system that determines whether the surrounding environment is properly shielded based at least in part on a relationship between the first radiation metric and the second radiation metric.Type: GrantFiled: November 12, 2015Date of Patent: July 4, 2017Assignee: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATIONInventors: Richard J. Radtke, Christian Stoller, Michael D. Hackbart