Patents Issued in March 1, 2018
  • Publication number: 20180059749
    Abstract: A power chip includes: a first power switch, formed in a wafer region and having a first metal electrode and a second metal electrode; a second power switch, formed in the wafer region and having a third metal electrode and a fourth metal electrode, wherein the first and second power switches respectively constitute an upper bridge arm and a lower bridge arm of a bridge circuit, and the first and second power switches are alternatively arranged along at least one dimension direction; and a metal region, at least including a first metal layer, a second metal layer and a third metal layer that are stacked in sequence, each metal layer including a first strip electrode, a second strip electrode and a third strip electrode, and strip electrodes with the same voltage potential in two adjacent metal layers are electrically coupled.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 5, 2017
    Publication date: March 1, 2018
    Applicant: Delta Electronics (Shanghai) CO., LTD
    Inventors: Yan CHEN, Xiaoni XIN, Le LIANG, Shouyu HONG, Jianhong ZENG
  • Publication number: 20180059750
    Abstract: An electronic device has a connecting unit configured to connect to an external device by cable and receive external power from the external device, and a control unit configured to execute a predetermined function using the external power. The electronic device logically determines a power supply capability of the external device connected to the connecting unit, and determines whether the external device is capable of power supply at the logically determined power supply capability. If it is determined that the external device is not capable of power supply at the logically determined power supply capability, a prohibited state in which the predetermined function cannot be executed using the external power is set to the control unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2017
    Publication date: March 1, 2018
    Inventor: Shuya Kaechi
  • Publication number: 20180059751
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a processor includes a plurality of domains each to operate at an independently controllable voltage and frequency, a plurality of linear regulators each to receive a first voltage from an off-chip source and controllable to provide a regulated voltage to at least one of the plurality of domains, and a plurality of selectors each coupled to one of the domains, where each selector is configured to provide a regulated voltage from one of the linear regulators or a bypass voltage to a corresponding domain. Other embodiments are described and claimed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 6, 2017
    Publication date: March 1, 2018
    Inventors: Sanjeev S. Jahagirdar, Satish K. Damaraju, Yun-Han Chen, Ryan D. Wells, Inder M. Sodhi, Vishram Sarurkar, Ken Drottar, Ashish V. Choubal, Rabiul Islam
  • Publication number: 20180059752
    Abstract: A method and an information handling system (IHS) provides a virtual alternating current (vAC) reset of the IHS. A vAC reset module (vACRM), in response to receiving a request for the vAC reset, sets a bit within an auxiliary (AUX) based register to invoke the vAC reset when a system restart command is issued. The vACRM changes/configures a vAC recovery policy to enable main rail power to be turned on and a system start-up procedure to be initiated when a restored vAC is detected. The vACRM uses a system restart command to shutdown the main rail power and to remove power from system components powered by the main rail. The vACRM switches off AUX power to AUX powered components, based on the previously set bit, and reapplies the AUX power, following a preset interval. The vACRM turns on main rail power and initiates a system start-up procedure, according to the vAC recovery policy.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 23, 2016
    Publication date: March 1, 2018
    Inventors: MUKUND KHATRI, SANJIV SINHA
  • Publication number: 20180059753
    Abstract: Various embodiments provide techniques and devices for scheduling power loads in devices having multiple batteries. Loads are characterized based on the power required to serve them. Loads are then assigned to batteries in response to the type of load and relative monitored characteristics of the batteries. The monitored battery characteristics can change over time. In some embodiments, stored profile information of the batteries can also be used in scheduling loads. In further embodiments, estimated workloads can also be used to schedule loads.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 8, 2017
    Publication date: March 1, 2018
    Inventors: Bojun Huang, Julia L. Meinershagen, Thomas Moscibroda, Stephen E. Hodges, Ranveer Chandra
  • Publication number: 20180059754
    Abstract: Multi-level data center using consolidated power control is disclosed. One or more controllers communicate with one or more power supplies and sensors to adapt to dynamic load requirements and to distribute DC-power efficiently across multiple IT racks. The distributed DC-power includes one or more DC-voltages. Batteries can be temporarily switched into a power supply circuit to supplement the power supply during spikes in power load demand while a controller reconfigures power supplies to meet the new demand. One or more DC-to-AC converters handle legacy power loads. The DC-to-AC converters are modular and are paralleled for redundancy. The DC-to-AC converters are sourced from the one or more AC-to-DC converters. The AC power is synchronized for correct power flow control. The one or more controllers communicate with the one or more AC-power supplies to dynamically allocate AC-power from the DC-to-AC converters to the multiple legacy IT racks.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 20, 2017
    Publication date: March 1, 2018
    Inventors: Karimulla Raja Shaikh, Ravi Subramaniam, Denis Kouroussis, Rajeev P. Huralikoppi, Ryan Justin Kennedy, Erich Karl Nachbar, Shankar Ramamurthy, Pranthik Samal, Rajaram Soundararajan, Andrew Sy
  • Publication number: 20180059755
    Abstract: In a memory system in an embodiment, in a case of normal operation, a control unit returns a write completion response upon completion of reception of write data from a host, and writes the write data into nonvolatile memory in a multiple values. In a case of unordinary power-off, changeover to operation using a backup battery is conducted and the control unit writes dirty data that is not completed in writing into the nonvolatile memory, into the nonvolatile memory with two values. When next boot, the control unit reads the dirty data from the nonvolatile memory into the volatile memory, and thereafter writes the dirty data into the nonvolatile memory in a multiple values.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 2, 2017
    Publication date: March 1, 2018
    Inventors: Yoshihisa Kojima, Katsuhiko Ueki
  • Publication number: 20180059756
    Abstract: An integrated circuit device includes a peripheral control circuit configured to receive a low power intent signal from a first processor, and a first control register in the peripheral control circuit. The first control register includes a peripheral enable indicator for each processor that can use a first peripheral. Acknowledgement logic circuitry is configured to assert a first low power acknowledgement signal when the first processor issuing the low power intent signal has enabled use of the first peripheral as indicated by the peripheral enable indicator for the first processor in the first control register.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 26, 2016
    Publication date: March 1, 2018
    Inventors: SIMON J. GALLIMORE, COLIN MACDONALD, JAMES H. CARLQUIST
  • Publication number: 20180059757
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a processor includes: at least one core to execute instructions; a power controller to control power consumption of the processor; and a storage to store a plurality of entries to associate a dynamic capacitance with a time duration for which a current spike is to be exposed to a power delivery component. Other embodiments are described and claimed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2016
    Publication date: March 1, 2018
    Inventors: Avinash N. Ananthakrishnan, Jorge P. Rodriguez
  • Publication number: 20180059758
    Abstract: This invention provides a module for a handheld device. The module includes an imager with optics and image acquisition/processing processors that provide high speed acquisition and handling of acquired image data. The acquired image data is processed by the device processor using a module application that resides within the device. A removable retaining component mounts within the module's base portion. The retaining component varies to accommodate different devices. The base portion includes appropriate ports enabling optical transmission to, for example, cameras and illuminators so that various native functions of the device can be employed as desired. The base portion also houses a battery and charging assembly e.g. an inductive charging unit. The inductive charging unit can be adapted to pass data, in addition to power, between the inductive coils and the charging unit can be interconnected to a data network with attached devices that employ data from the module.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 28, 2017
    Publication date: March 1, 2018
    Inventors: Bryan Boatner, Kai Fluegge, Mario Joussen, Laurens Nunnink, Carl W. Gerst, III, Richard Reuter
  • Publication number: 20180059759
    Abstract: A semiconductor package includes a plurality of chips, which include a plurality of corresponding functional blocks having the same function among the chips, and only one of the corresponding functional blocks having the same function among the chips enables function, and one or more functional blocks enable function in each of the chips, so that the functional blocks are distributed among the chips.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2017
    Publication date: March 1, 2018
    Inventor: Kiyotaka UMEMOTO
  • Publication number: 20180059760
    Abstract: A storage operating device of this type is equipped with a drive which is supplied with electrical energy from a power supply network via an inverter, the inverter having an electrical intermediate circuit, wherein the storage operating device has a control device which is designed to detect a power failure and to react to the same. In order to create a storage operating device and a method for controlling a storage operating device which allows a guided stoppage of the storage operating device in the event of a failure of an electrical power supply network, at a lower cost than is the case in the prior art, the control device has means for detecting a power failure of the power supply network, for the purpose of monitoring the intermediate circuit voltage in the intermediate circuit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 11, 2017
    Publication date: March 1, 2018
    Inventor: Thomas Nottbrock
  • Publication number: 20180059761
    Abstract: Embodiments include a method of managing power and performance of an electronic device, the method comprising: providing a plurality of capacitors configured to be electrically connected to a power rail of the electronic device to supply auxiliary power to the electronic device when interrupt occurs in input power supplied to the electronic device; monitoring states of the capacitors; and controlling operations of the electronic device based on the results of the monitoring.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 6, 2017
    Publication date: March 1, 2018
    Inventors: Su-Yong AN, Byung-Ok KANG, Chung-Hyun RYU
  • Publication number: 20180059762
    Abstract: An information processing apparatus includes a wired electric power supply connector configured for connection with a wired electric power supply to receive electric power therefrom, non-contact electric power supply connector configured for electric coupling with a non-contact electric power supply to receive electric power therefrom, and a processor. The processor selects, for electric power supplied to each component of the information processing apparatus, one of the wired electric power supply and the non-electric power supply, wherein the wired electric power supply is selected at a time of startup of the information processing apparatus, and the non-contact electric power supply is selected if an operation state of the information processing apparatus or the non-contact power supply meets a predetermined condition. The processor controls the wired electric power supply connector and the non-contact electric power supply connector to supply electric power to each component based on the selection.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 25, 2017
    Publication date: March 1, 2018
    Inventor: Yoichi YAMANE
  • Publication number: 20180059763
    Abstract: A processing device includes a power management unit to receive a base clock (BCLK) frequency rate to be applied to the processing device; and to determine, using a reference voltage/frequency curve, a voltage corresponding to the BCLK frequency rate, wherein the reference V/F curve is generated based on a reference BCLK frequency rate of the processing device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2016
    Publication date: March 1, 2018
    Inventors: Ariel Gur, Daniel J Ragland, Ofer Nathan, Nadav Shulman, Esfir Natanzon
  • Publication number: 20180059764
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods of reducing clock path power consumption are described herein. According to one embodiment, an example apparatus includes a clock control circuit. The clock control circuit includes a command/address domain configured to selectively provide a command/address clock signal based, at least in part, on a chip select signal. The clock control circuit further includes a command domain circuit configured to selectively provide a command clock signal based, at least in part, on the chip select signal. The clock control circuit further includes a column latency domain circuit configured to selectively provide a column latency clock signal based, at least in part, on a memory command. The clock control circuit further includes a four phase domain circuit configured to selectively provide a four phase clock signal based, at least in part on the memory command.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2016
    Publication date: March 1, 2018
    Applicant: MICRON TECHNOLOGY, INC.
    Inventor: YUAN HE
  • Publication number: 20180059765
    Abstract: Embodiments for efficient phase level energy monitoring of a data center by at least a portion of a processor. Power consumption of each power phase of a three-phase power is monitored to generate a derived power utilization over a selected time period. The derived power utilization over the selected time period is used to load balance an overloaded power phase.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2016
    Publication date: March 1, 2018
    Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Shankar KM, Mahendra K. MAVILLA VENKATA, Kiruthikalakshmi PERIASAMY, Anuradha RAO
  • Publication number: 20180059766
    Abstract: Methods and apparatuses relating to transactional power management are described. In one embodiment, a hardware apparatus includes a hardware processor having a core, a plurality of power domains to transition to one of a plurality of power states in response to a power management command for each power domain, and a power transaction unit to assign a first power management command as a first power transaction and a second power management command as a second power transaction for concurrent execution, perform a commit of the first power transaction and the second power transaction when there is no conflict between the first power transaction and the second power transaction, and perform an abort of the first power transaction and a commit of the second power transaction when there is a conflict between the first power transaction and the second power transaction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 15, 2017
    Publication date: March 1, 2018
    Inventors: Rajeev D. Muralidhar, Harinarayanan Seshadri, Nivedha Krishnakumar, Youvedeep Singh, Suketu R. Partiwala
  • Publication number: 20180059767
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a mobile-client system may store location history data during a first time period in its memory, where the location history data comprises a plurality of geographic locations during the first time period and one or more time stamps corresponding to each of the geographic locations. The mobile-client system may detect whether it has a current network connection to an online social network. The mobile-client system may determine whether to transmit the stored location history data to a location server of the online social network, where if it is currently connected to the online social network, then the mobile-client system transmits the location history data to a location server using the current network connection, and if it is not currently connected to the online social network, then the mobile-client system refrains from transmitting the location history data to the location server.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 7, 2017
    Publication date: March 1, 2018
    Inventors: Andrea Vaccari, Yuntao Jia, Tushar Bisht, Jun Ge, Pierre Moreels
  • Publication number: 20180059768
    Abstract: Apparatus, systems, and methods provide dynamic spatial power steering among a plurality of power domains in the computer system on a per phase basis of a particular application. Dynamic spatial power steering may include, for example, determining a plurality of phases corresponding to an application comprising tasks for execution on a processing node. determining a spatial power distribution between a plurality of power domains on the processing node based on a performance metric for each phase, monitoring the application to detect a current phase, and applying the spatial power distribution correspond to the current phase to the plurality of power domains.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 19, 2017
    Publication date: March 1, 2018
    Applicant: INTEL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Jonathan M. Eastep, Rohit Banerjee, Richard J. Greco, Ilya Sharapov, David N. Lombard, Hari K. Nagpal
  • Publication number: 20180059769
    Abstract: A method, a user equipment, an apparatus, and a computer program product for wireless communication are provided. The user equipment may identify a power consumption condition that relates to a downlink channel associated with the user equipment. The power consumption condition may correspond to a time period that is shorter than or equal to a transmission time interval of the user equipment. The user equipment may configure one or more modems of the user equipment to reduce power consumption during the time period.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2017
    Publication date: March 1, 2018
    Inventors: Prashant Udupa SRIPATHI, Chinmay Vaze, Hongbo Yan, Raghu Challa
  • Publication number: 20180059770
    Abstract: The invention relates to an electronic mobile device (10; 20) comprising a device mode control unit (5) arranged to switch the mobile device from a first operational mode into a second operational mode. An orientation sensor (18; 28) is configured to measure a current orientation of the mobile device. A processor (6) periodically receives the current orientation from the orientation sensor, periodically stores the received current orientation as a reference orientation, and periodically calculates a differential angle between the current orientation and the stored reference orientation. The device is switched from the first operational mode to the second operational mode if the differential angle is above a predefined angular threshold value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 24, 2016
    Publication date: March 1, 2018
    Inventor: HARM KINGMA
  • Publication number: 20180059771
    Abstract: A semiconductor device is provided. The semiconductor device includes a receptacle which comprises a plurality of pins according to a universal serial bus (USB) type-C receptacle interface and a power delivery integrated circuit (PD IC) which transmits a toggle voltage signal that toggles between a first voltage level and a second voltage level to a first pin among the pins and detects a voltage level of a signal output from the first pin.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 18, 2017
    Publication date: March 1, 2018
    Applicant: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Je Kook KIM, Sung Ha PARK
  • Publication number: 20180059772
    Abstract: Provided is a photoelectric sensor capable of enhancing display flexibility of a display section mounted on the photoelectric sensor and making this display flexibility contribute to improvement in user's operability. In a Run mode, a current value is displayed in large-sized numerals on a display section. When switching is made from the Run mode to a setting mode and letter information is to be displayed in the setting mode, a current value is displayed in relatively small-sized numerals at the corner (e.g., lower left) of the display section.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 7, 2017
    Publication date: March 1, 2018
    Applicant: Keyence Corporation
    Inventor: Tomoki Hanada
  • Publication number: 20180059773
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a system and method for providing information through a head-up display (HUD) based on a driver's condition and a driving condition. According to the present disclosure, a system for providing HUD information according to a driver's condition and a driving condition includes an information acquisition unit that acquires information on a driver's condition and information on a driving condition and a candidate command extraction unit that comprehensively and simultaneously take the information on a driver's condition and the information on a driving condition into consideration to propose a candidate command related to a function determined as being necessary to the driver through an HUD.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2016
    Publication date: March 1, 2018
    Applicant: Korea Automotive Technology Institute
    Inventors: Sun Hong PARK, Young Dal OH, Dong Woon RYU
  • Publication number: 20180059774
    Abstract: A display apparatus includes a display, a sensor configured to sense a user, and a processor configured to control, based on the sensed values of the sensor, the display to operate in one mode among a first mode for outputting information-providing content on the display, a second mode for providing a mirror function with the display, and a third mode for providing UI screen in which user interaction is performed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 28, 2016
    Publication date: March 1, 2018
    Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yong-hoon LEE, So-jeong PARK, Jun-yong PARK, In-jee SONG, Sul-hee YANG, Soo-yeon HAN, Soo-hwan KIM, Won-pil KIM, Dae-hyun NAM, Min-kyung YOON, Jae-eun CHEONG
  • Publication number: 20180059775
    Abstract: A method may include receiving, by a virtual reality (VR) platform, role information identifying a particular role associated with a user device; and/or identifying, by the VR platform, a virtual reality scene to be provided to the user device based on the role information, the virtual reality scene including a plurality of objects with sets of objects that are associated with information identifying respective roles associated with the sets of objects. A role may be associated with a corresponding set of objects that are relevant to a person performing the role. The method may include identifying, by the VR platform, a particular set of objects, of the sets of objects, associated with the particular role to be provided to the user device as a part of the virtual reality scene; and/or providing, by the VR platform the virtual reality scene including the particular set of objects.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2017
    Publication date: March 1, 2018
    Inventors: Ian C. SHAFER, Spencer AMER, Rishi BATRA, Daniel L. KANG, Ruth Ann LANIER
  • Publication number: 20180059776
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to virtual reality glasses. The virtual reality glasses include a glasses body The glasses body includes a first surface towards a user's face and a second surface configured to have an external electronic device mounted thereon for playing virtual reality contents The virtual reality glasses further include a fastening structure configured to fasten the external electronic device to the second surface. The fastening structure includes a connector fastener having a built-in connector which is connectable to an interface at a first end of the external electronic device, and at least one device fastener configured to fasten a second end of the external electronic device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 15, 2017
    Publication date: March 1, 2018
    Inventors: Hao JIANG, Zheng ZHANG, Yujie JIANG, Renlu PENG, Xiping LIU, Wenhui DING
  • Publication number: 20180059777
    Abstract: A system for combining six degree of freedom (6DOF) inputs, or positional and orientation inputs, from multiple 6DOF controllers in an augmented reality (AR) environment and/or a virtual reality (VR) environment is provided. In response to the detected movement of multiple controllers, and in particular, rotational movement of the multiple controllers providing user inputs in a virtual reality environment, the detected movements of the multiple controllers may be resolved to a single, common coordinate system to determine intended input to be applied to a selected virtual object in the virtual environment. The ability to resolve these inputs from multiple 6DOF controllers to a common coordinate system may provide a more natural user input mode, thus enhancing the user's experience.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 17, 2017
    Publication date: March 1, 2018
    Inventors: Tony KOBAYASHI, Paul DUBOIS
  • Publication number: 20180059778
    Abstract: A method includes receiving headset motion data over a headset interface of a device while playing an audio selection on the device. A preference indicator for the audio selection is generated based on the headset motion data. A device includes a headset interface and a processor coupled to the headset interface. The processor is to receive headset motion data over the headset interface while playing an audio selection over the headset interface and generate a preference indicator for the audio selection based on the headset motion data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 1, 2016
    Publication date: March 1, 2018
    Inventors: Vivek Tyagi, Sudhir Vissa
  • Publication number: 20180059779
    Abstract: The disclosure includes embodiments for providing occlusion adjustment for an in-vehicle augmented reality system. A system may include a three-dimensional heads-up display unit (“3D HUD”) installed in a vehicle. The system may include a memory storing instructions that, when executed, cause the system to: display, on the 3D HUD, a first graphic that is viewable by a driver of the vehicle as overlaying the interested object when the driver is looking at the 3D HUD; determine that at least a portion of the interested object is occluded by an occluding object; turn off the first graphic so that the first graphic is not displayed on the 3D HUD; and display, on the 3D HUD, a second graphic that does not overlay the occluding object and visually indicates to the driver the location of the interested object behind the occluding object when the driver is looking at the 3D HUD.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 23, 2016
    Publication date: March 1, 2018
    Inventors: Emrah Akin Sisbot, Kentaro Oguchi
  • Publication number: 20180059780
    Abstract: Individual images for individual frames of an animation may be rendered to include individual focal areas. A focal area may include one or more of a foveal region corresponding to a gaze direction of a user, an area surrounding the foveal region, and/or other components. The foveal region may comprise a region along the user's line of sight that permits high visual acuity with respect to a periphery of the line of sight. A focal area within an image may be rendered based on parameter values of rendering parameters that are different from parameter values for an area outside the focal area.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 24, 2016
    Publication date: March 1, 2018
    Inventors: Kenneth J. Mitchell, Darren Cosker, Nicholas T. Swafford
  • Publication number: 20180059781
    Abstract: User gaze information, which may include a user line of sight, user point of focus, or an area that a user is not looking at, is determined from user body, head, eye and iris positioning. The user gaze information is used to select a context and interaction set for the user. The interaction sets may include grammars for a speech recognition system, movements for a gesture recognition system, physiological states for a user health parameter detection system, or other possible inputs. When a user focuses on a selected object or area, an interaction set associated with that object or area is activated and used to interpret user inputs. Interaction sets may also be selected based upon areas that a user is not viewing. Multiple devices can share gaze information so that a device does not require its own gaze detector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 27, 2017
    Publication date: March 1, 2018
    Inventors: Crystal Lee Parker, Mark Louis Wilson O'Hanlon, Andrew Lovitt, Jason Ryan Farmer
  • Publication number: 20180059782
    Abstract: A user of a computing device may interact with and control objects and applications displayed on the computing device through the user's eye movement. Detected gaze locations are correlated with actions performed by the user and compared with typical gaze locations for those actions. Based on differences between the detected and expected gaze locations, the eye tracking system can be recalibrated. An area around a gaze location encompassing a set of likely active locations can be enlarged, effectively prompting the user to interact with the desired active location again. The enlarging of the area serves to separate the active locations on the screen, reducing the probability of interpreting the user's gaze incorrectly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2017
    Publication date: March 1, 2018
    Inventors: Javier San Agustin Lopez, Martin Henrik Tall, Benjamin Antoine Georges Lefaudeux, Henrik Hegner Tomra Skovsgaard
  • Publication number: 20180059783
    Abstract: The disclosure includes a system and method for receiving viewing data that describes a location of a first user's gaze while viewing virtual reality content. The method also determining an object of interest in the virtual reality content based on the location of the first user's gaze. The method also includes generating a social network that includes the first user as a member of the social network. The method also includes performing an action in the social network related to the object of interest.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 3, 2017
    Publication date: March 1, 2018
    Inventors: Arthur van Hoff, Thomas M. Annau, Jens Christensen
  • Publication number: 20180059784
    Abstract: Embodiments relate to use of proximity sensors to control a digital interface. More specifically, proximity detection and analysis of the sensors, and translating the proximity into one or more commands is utilized to control the interface. In various embodiments, a system is provided with a set of sensors operatively coupled to a secondary surface. The sensors are in communication with a hub positioned proximal to the sensors. The hub is configured to be in communication with a remote interface. Similarly, the remote interface is configured operatively coupled to a remote physical device (e.g. digital interface). As changes in the sensor position data are measured, the remote interface device communicates an action based on a set of rules. The action is communicated from the interface to the remote physical device and functions to physically transform a functional aspect of the device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 23, 2016
    Publication date: March 1, 2018
    Applicant: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Michael R. Billau, Alissa J. Hartenbaum, Trenton J. Johnson, Saikrishna Vennam
  • Publication number: 20180059785
    Abstract: Embodiments relate to use of proximity sensors to control a digital interface. More specifically, proximity detection and analysis of the sensors, and translating the proximity into one or more commands is utilized to control the interface. In various embodiments, a system is provided with a set of sensors operatively coupled to a secondary surface. The sensors are in communication with a hub positioned proximal to the sensors. The hub is configured to be in communication with a remote interface. Similarly, the remote interface is configured operatively coupled to a remote physical device (e.g. digital interface). As changes in the sensor position data are measured, the remote interface device communicates an action based on a set of rules. The action is communicated from the interface to the remote physical device and functions to physically transform a functional aspect of the device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 23, 2016
    Publication date: March 1, 2018
    Applicant: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Michael R. Billau, Alissa J. Hartenbaum, Trenton J. Johnson, Saikrishna Vennam
  • Publication number: 20180059786
    Abstract: Embodiments relate to use of proximity sensors to control a digital interface. More specifically, proximity detection and analysis of the sensors, and translating the proximity into one or more commands is utilized to control the interface. In various embodiments, a system is provided with a set of sensors operatively coupled to a secondary surface. The sensors are in communication with a hub positioned proximal to the sensors. The hub is configured to be in communication with a remote interface. Similarly, the remote interface is configured operatively coupled to a remote physical device (e.g. digital interface). As changes in the sensor position data are measured, the remote interface device communicates an action based on a set of rules. The action is communicated from the interface to the remote physical device and functions to physically transform a functional aspect of the device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 23, 2016
    Publication date: March 1, 2018
    Applicant: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Michael R. Billau, Alissa J. Hartenbaum, Trenton J. Johnson, Saikrishna Vennam
  • Publication number: 20180059787
    Abstract: A strain measurement ring measures strain information describing deformation of a strain-sensitive element included in the strain measurement ring due to movement of a user's finger. The strain measurement ring includes a semi-rigid band coupled to a deformable band, which together encompass a portion of the user's body. The semi-rigid band includes two coupling ends each coupled to a respective coupling end of the deformable band. The deformable band includes the strain-sensitive element. The strain measurement ring may include an emitter to transmit strain information to a virtual reality/augmented reality (VR/AR) console. The strain measurement ring may include an actuator to change the tension of the deformable band in response to haptic command signals from a VR/AR console. As a result, the strain measurement ring may apply pressure to the user's skin to simulate contact with a virtual object.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 25, 2016
    Publication date: March 1, 2018
    Inventors: Sean Jason Keller, David R. Perek, Tristan Thomas Trutna, Garett Andrew Ochs, Nicholas Roy Corson, Raymond King
  • Publication number: 20180059788
    Abstract: A method to be executed by a computer. The method includes defining a virtual space. The method further includes displaying in the virtual space an operation object. The method further includes detecting a motion of a part of a body of the user. The method further includes moving the operation object in synchronization with the detected motion. The method further includes monitoring a monitoring target and changing a display mode of the operation object or an accompanying object accompanying the operation object in accordance with a change in the monitoring target.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2017
    Publication date: March 1, 2018
    Inventors: Yasuhiro NOGUCHI, Futoshi KAJITA, Atsushi INOMATA
  • Publication number: 20180059789
    Abstract: An electronic device includes a first housing portion and a second housing portion. A reflective surface defines a major surface of the second housing portion. A signal emitter and a signal receiver are supported by the first housing portion. The signal emitter delivers signals to the reflective surface and the signal receiver receives reflections of the signals to determine one or more of location of an object or whether the object is touching the reflective surface. One or more haptic devices are supported by the second housing portion. One or more processors, operable with the signal receiver and the one or more haptic devices, actuate at least one haptic device when the signal receiver detects the object touching the reflective surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 23, 2016
    Publication date: March 1, 2018
    Inventor: Scott DeBates
  • Publication number: 20180059790
    Abstract: A blending system is provided for displaying information. The blending system may include a display system. The display system may project or display an image on a blending container. The image may be a gradient marking or text relating to a blending process. The display system may contain a projection device capable of projecting an image, a control component operatively controlling the blender display system and at least one sensor operatively evaluating data associated with a blender device to provide feedback to the control component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2016
    Publication date: March 1, 2018
    Inventors: David J. Kolar, Jack W. Gee, II, Phonesacksith Guy Kettavong
  • Publication number: 20180059791
    Abstract: An electronic device may include a haptic actuator. The haptic actuator may include a haptic actuator housing, at least coil carried by the haptic actuator housing, and a Halbach array of permanent magnets movable within the haptic actuator housing responsive to the at least one coil. The electronic device may also include a controller coupled to the at least one coil.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 25, 2017
    Publication date: March 1, 2018
    Inventor: Arman HAJATI
  • Publication number: 20180059792
    Abstract: An electronic device may include a device housing, a touch display carried by the device housing and configured to sense a user input at a location thereon, and haptic actuators spaced apart within the device housing. The electronic device may also include a controller coupled to the touch display and the haptic actuators. The controller may be configured to cooperate with the touch display to determine a sensed location of the user input on the touch display, and drive the haptic actuators to focus a haptic sensation at the sensed location on the touch display.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 25, 2017
    Publication date: March 1, 2018
    Inventor: Arman HAJATI
  • Publication number: 20180059793
    Abstract: An electronic device may include a linear haptic actuator that may include a housing, coils carried by the housing, and a field member linearly movable within the housing and that may include at least one permanent magnet cooperating with the coils. The electronic device may also include a controller configured to drive the coils in a multi-phase arrangement so that at least one coil is driven while at least one other coil is used to sense a position of the field member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 25, 2017
    Publication date: March 1, 2018
    Inventor: Arman HAJATI
  • Publication number: 20180059794
    Abstract: A haptic actuator for generating haptic feedbacks to provide perceptions of different characteristics is provided. The haptic actuator includes a vibration mechanism and a striking mechanism. The vibration mechanism, in response to a receipt of a predetermined electric power, applies a steady vibration to a vibrating body. The striking mechanism, in response to the receipt of an electric power larger than the predetermined electric power, strikes the vibrating body in order to provide a haptic feedback to the vibrating body. The haptic actuator is able to apply a vibration according to the vibration mechanism and a vibration according to the striking mechanism to the vibrating body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2017
    Publication date: March 1, 2018
    Inventors: FUSANOBU NAKAMURA, MITSUHIRO YAMAZAKI, ATSUSHI NAGASHIMA, KAZUNORI YAMAMURA
  • Publication number: 20180059795
    Abstract: A haptic device configured to provide haptic feedback to a user. In one aspect, a user or part of a user is located on the haptic device including actuators and damping elements. A haptic feedback wave is generated by an actuator and propagated to the user or part of the user on the haptic device. Damping elements receive the haptic feedback wave and suppress the haptic feedback wave to reduce a reflection thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 19, 2017
    Publication date: March 1, 2018
    Inventors: Sean Jason Keller, Tristan Thomas Trutna, Ravish Mehra, Christoph Omid Hohnerlein, Elia Gatti, Riccardo DeSalvo, David R. Perek
  • Publication number: 20180059796
    Abstract: Methods, systems and computer program products controlling navigation of a visual aid during a presentation are provided. Aspects include obtaining a presenter profile that includes associations between gestures of a presenter and desired actions for the visual aid and receiving indications of one or more movements of a presenter during the presentation. Aspects also include determining whether the one or more movements correlate to a gesture included in the presenter profile and based on a determination that the one or more movements correlate to the gesture included in the presenter profile, executing in the visual aid a desired action associated with the gesture.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2016
    Publication date: March 1, 2018
    Inventors: KEVIN C. CARR, AL CHAKRA, JEREMY CRAFTS, BRYAN M. DEMPSEY, MARIT L. IMSDAHL
  • Publication number: 20180059797
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure provide techniques and configurations for an apparatus to determine a command to the apparatus, based on vibration patterns. In one instance, the apparatus may include a body with at least one surface to receive one or more user inputs; at least one sensor disposed to be in contact with the body to detect vibration manifested by the surface in response to the user input, and generate a signal indicative of vibration detected; and a controller coupled with the sensor, to process the vibration-indicative signal, to identify a vibration pattern, and determine a command based at least in part on the vibration pattern, based at least in part on a result of the process of the signal. The command may be provided to interact, operate, or control the apparatus. Other embodiments may be described and/or claimed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2016
    Publication date: March 1, 2018
    Inventors: Paulo Lopez Meyer, Hector Alfonso Cordourier Maruri, Julio Cesar Zamora Esquivel, Alejandro Ibarra Von Borstel, Jose Rodrigo Camacho Perez, Jorge Carlos Romero Aragon
  • Publication number: 20180059798
    Abstract: An in-vehicle device includes a gesture detection unit for recognizing a user's hand at a predetermined range; an information control unit controlling information output to a display; and an in-vehicle device control unit receiving input from a control unit equipped in a vehicle to control the in-vehicle device. When the gesture detection unit detects a user's hand at a predetermined position, the output information control unit triggers the display to display candidates of an operation executed by the in-vehicle device control unit by associating the candidates with the user's hand motions. When the gesture detection unit detects the user's hand, and the user's hand has thereafter moved from the position, the information control unit changes a selection method or a control guide of the operation to be executed by the in-vehicle device control unit, which is displayed on the display, to subject matter which matches the control unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 1, 2016
    Publication date: March 1, 2018
    Applicant: CLARION CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Takashi MATSUBARA, Shintaro TAKADA, Naoki MORI