Patent application number | Description | Published |
20110296047 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR SEAMLESS PLAYBACK OF MEDIA - Methods and apparatus are provided for seamless playback of media files by an application of a computing device. In one embodiment a method includes detecting a user selection for playback of one or more media files by the application, initiating playback of a first media file by the application based on the selection, and determining a time period to pre-load a second media file during playback of the first media file. The method may further include pre-loading data for the second media file, initiating playback of a buffer portion following an endpoint of the first media file, and continuing playback of the second media file following the endpoint of the buffer portion. | 12-01-2011 |
20110296305 | METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR MEDIA MANAGEMENT - Methods and apparatus are provided for matching media files stored in a media player device to media files stored in a computing device. In one embodiment, a method includes scanning a media player device for one or more media files, detecting an identifier associated with each media file stored on the media player device, wherein identifiers are generated by a media management application, and checking if detected identifiers associated with media files stored in the media player device correspond to identifiers associated with media files stored in the computing device. The method may also include determining one or more graphical indicators for a user interface of the media management application based on said checking. According to another embodiment, a user interface may be provided for a media management application by a computing device. | 12-01-2011 |
20110296325 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR USER INTERFACE DISPLAY - A device and methods are provided for operating a computing device to display a user interface for an application. In one embodiment a method includes executing code of an application program stored in the memory to display a user interface on the computing device, and detecting a display command in the code for an element of the user interface during execution of the application program, wherein the display command identifies a format identifier for the element. The method further includes determining one or more display characteristics of the element based on the format identifier, wherein the code includes a format identifier table defining one or more display characteristics of the format identifier, and displaying the element by the computing device, wherein display includes data from the display command based on characteristics of the format identifier determined from the format identifier table. | 12-01-2011 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20080231601 | INPUT DEVICE FOR CONTINUOUS GESTURING WITHIN A USER INTERFACE - An input device for a graphical user interface in a handheld mobile communications device. The navigation system comprises a trackball for generating trackball input when the trackball is actuated, a detector, proximate to and cooperating with the trackball, for generating detector input when the detector is actuated, and a processor to convert the trackball input and the detection input into a composite input signal for controlling a function in the graphical user interface. | 09-25-2008 |
20110302249 | METHOD FOR ASSISTED MESSAGE GENERATION - A method for assisted message generation on an electronic device is provided. The method comprises: receiving from an input device a request to compose an electronic message; identifying a message recipient associated with the electronic message; determining from a datastore a suggested message component for the electronic message in dependence on the identified message recipient; and displaying the suggested message components on a display screen of the electronic device. | 12-08-2011 |
20110307598 | AUTOMATED CALENDAR RECONCILIATION - There is provided a computer implemented method of providing data reconciliation on a first delegate device associated with an assigned task. The method comprises the steps of: determining a likelihood of failure of the first delegate device associated with the task defined in a first data entry thereon to complete the task, the first data entry associated with a start time and a task location; determining a replacement delegate device for completing the task in response to detecting task information for the replacement delegate device indicating suitability for the task; and updating respective data entries for the first delegate device and the replacement delegate device to associate the replacement delegate device for the task. | 12-15-2011 |
20120206375 | PORTABLE ELECTRONIC DEVICE INCLUDING TOUCH-SENSITIVE DISPLAY AND METHOD OF CONTROLLING SAME - A method includes: detecting a first touch at a first location on a touch-sensitive display; detecting a second touch at a second location on the touch-sensitive display; and displaying a navigation indicator on the touch-sensitive display in response to detecting the second touch while first touch contact is maintained. | 08-16-2012 |
20120309388 | Wireless Communication Device and Remote User Interface Device with Automatic Disconnect Apparatus and Method - A portable communication device, such as a cellular telephone, communicates via a wireless communication link with a remote user interface device, such as a hands-free interface. The portable communication device and the remote user interface device each comprises a motion sensor, by which each device can determine motion of the device with respect to the earth. The devices may share, via the wireless communication link, motion messages. The wireless communication link may be terminated as a function of the motion of the devices. After the wireless communication link is terminated, the remote user interface device may automatically enter a low-power mode. | 12-06-2012 |
20130229437 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR NAVIGATING A MOBILE DEVICE USER INTERFACE WITH A DIRECTIONAL SENSING DEVICE - An electronic mobile device includes a display for displaying a graphical element. A tilt sensor is configured to sense first and second tilt angles of the mobile device. A processor is coupled to the display and the tilt sensor and configured to move the graphical element relative to the display in a first direction based on the first tilt angle, and to move the graphical element relative to the display in a second direction based on the second tilt angle. | 09-05-2013 |
20130311540 | METHODS AND DEVICES FOR INITIATING A COMPLEMENTARY APPLICATION - Methods and electronic devices for initiating a complementary application are described. In one example embodiment, a method, implemented by a processor of a first electronic device is described. The method includes: establishing a connection between the first electronic device and a second electronic device; receiving a communication, wherein the communication includes textual information; determining if the textual information includes at least one key term; and if the textual information includes the at least one key term, initiating an application on the second electronic device based on the at least one key term. | 11-21-2013 |
20140009393 | System and Method for Interfacing Between a Mobile Device and a Personal Computer - A system and method are provided for interfacing between a mobile device and a PC. The mobile device utilizes a connection with the PC for taking advantage of the larger display and input devices such as the keyboard on the PC to improve the user interface (UI). This also enables the user to take advantage of the mobile device's wireless connectivity at the same time, e.g. where the PC does not have the same connectivity. | 01-09-2014 |
20140078092 | PORTABLE ELECTRONIC DEVICE INCLUDING TOUCH-SENSITIVE DISPLAY AND METHOD OF CONTROLLING SAME - A method includes: detecting a first touch at a first location on a touch-sensitive display; detecting a second touch at a second location on the touch-sensitive display; and displaying a navigation indicator on the touch-sensitive display in response to detecting the second touch while first touch contact is maintained. | 03-20-2014 |
20140267055 | ELECTRONIC DEVICE INCLUDING TOUCH-SENSITIVE KEYBOARD AND METHOD OF CONTROLLING SAME - An electronic device includes a keyboard comprising a plurality of mechanical keys, a plurality of touch sensors interspersed among the plurality of mechanical keys to detect touches on the mechanical keys, and a controller coupled to the touch sensors and configured to group touch sensor data in a first set of groups to identify a first coordinate value of a touch location on the keyboard and to group the touch sensor data in a second set of groups to identify a second coordinate value of the touch location. The first set of groups differs from the second set of groups. | 09-18-2014 |
20140333431 | DEVICE FOR PROVIDING NOTIFICATIONS WHILE MATED WITH A CARRYING CASE - A device for providing notifications while mated with a carrying case is provided. The device comprises: an indicator; a first detector configured to detect when the device is mated with a carrying case, the carrying case having an open configuration and a closed configuration, wherein the indicator is hidden in the closed configuration and at least partially exposed in the open configuration; a second detector configured to detect when the carrying case is in the open configuration; and, a processor configured to place the indicator in a given notification mode when the first detector detects that the device is mated with the carrying case and the second detector detects that the carrying case is in the open configuration. | 11-13-2014 |
20150017909 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR CONTROLLING NFC-CAPABLE MOBILE COMMUNICATIONS DEVICES - NFC-capable systems and devices, and related methods, for controlling operation of an NFC-capable mobile device are disclosed. Through NFC communication, the NFC-capable mobile device detects a load associated with a surface proximate the NFC-capable mobile device. Based at least partly on a determined sustained intensity of the load, the NFC-capable mobile device triggers operation of a camera of the NFC-capable mobile device to capture an image of the surface proximate the NFC-capable mobile device. Based at least partly on a determined correspondence of the captured image with stored image data, the NFC-capable mobile device executes a device control command, such as to control some aspect of the NFC-capable mobile device based on the detected surface, which may be part of a holster for holstering the NFC-capable mobile device. | 01-15-2015 |
20150065037 | DEVICE, METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR EFFICIENTLY POWERING A NEAR FIELD COMMUNICATION DEVICE - A device, method and system for efficiently powering a near field communication device are provided. The devices comprises: a module configured to: exchange data with a near field communication (NFC) device; and transmit energy to the NFC device; and, a processor configured to: receive, using the module, energy data from the NFC device, the energy data comprising data for determining a difference between a current energy level of an energy storage apparatus at the NFC device and a given amount of energy for performing a given function at the NFC device; determine the difference from the energy data; and, transmit, using the module, an amount of energy corresponding to the difference, to the NFC device. | 03-05-2015 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20100194682 | METHOD FOR TAP DETECTION AND FOR INTERACTING WITH A HANDHELD ELECTRONIC DEVICE, AND A HANDHELD ELECTRONIC DEVICE CONFIGURED THEREFOR - A method for tap detection and for interacting with a handheld electronic device, and a handheld electronic device configured therefore are described. In accordance with one embodiment, there is provided a method for tap detection on a handheld electronic device, comprising: measuring acceleration using an accelerometer of the handheld electronic device; determining when measured acceleration exceeds an upper limit threshold and a lower limit threshold within a predetermined duration of each other; when the upper limit threshold and lower limit threshold have been exceeded, determining a rate of change of acceleration between the upper limit threshold and lower limit threshold and registering a tap input when the rate of change of acceleration exceeds a predetermined tap threshold. | 08-05-2010 |
20110080349 | METHOD OF WAKING UP AND A PORTABLE ELECTRONIC DEVICE CONFIGURED TO PERFORM THE SAME - The present disclosure provides a method of waking a portable electronic device and a portable electronic device configured to perform the same. In accordance with one embodiment, there is provided a method of conserving power on a portable electronic device, the portable electronic device having a device housing which comprises a touch-sensitive display, an accelerometer, and a force sensing transducer, the method comprising: causing the portable electronic device to enter a sleep mode in response to a trigger condition, wherein the touch-sensitive display is deactivated in the sleep mode and the force sensing transducer measures forces applied to the touch-sensitive display at a reduced rate relative to a rate of a full power mode when in the sleep mode; detecting an inertial event using the accelerometer; causing the force sensing transducer to measure forces applied to the touch-sensitive display at the rate of the full power mode in response to detection of an inertial event; detecting forces applied to the touch-sensitive display using the force sensing transducer at the rate of the full power mode; causing the touch-sensitive display to be reactivated in response to detection of a force which is greater than a predetermined wake force threshold; detecting touch events on the touch-sensitive display; and causing the portable electronic device to wake from the sleep mode in response to detection of a touch event within a first predetermined duration of the detection of the force which is greater than a predetermined wake force threshold. | 04-07-2011 |
20110307891 | METHOD AND DEVICE FOR ACTIVATION OF COMPONENTS - A method and electronic device for activating components based on predicted device activity. The method and device include maintaining a set of device activity information storing data collected from components in the device. The device activity information may be maintained over a predetermined time period and may include times associated with the collected component data. The device activity information may include data regarding scheduled events. Device activity and the appropriate activation state of a component on the device may be predicted based on the current time, current data collected from components in the device and data in the device activity information. | 12-15-2011 |
20130103957 | METHOD AND DEVICE FOR ACTIVATION OF COMPONENTS - A method and electronic device for activating components based on predicted device activity. The method and device include maintaining a set of device activity information storing data collected from components in the device. The device activity information may be maintained over a predetermined time period and may include times associated with the collected component data. The device activity information may include data regarding scheduled events. Device activity and the appropriate activation state of a component on the device may be predicted based on the current time, current data collected from components in the device and data in the device activity information. | 04-25-2013 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20100038967 | DISTRIBUTED POWER SUPPLY ARRANGEMENT - Distributed power supply arrangements and related methods are disclosed. Voltage is sensed at least one sense point in a power plane of a power distribution network. The power plane includes distributed source points and load points through which a plurality of power sources supply power to a plurality of loads. Currents supplied to the power plane by the power sources are regulated based on the voltage sensed at each of the at least one sense point. | 02-18-2010 |
20120092900 | CONTROLLER WITH PUNCTUATED SWITCHING CONTROL CIRCUIT - An example controller for use in a power supply includes a zero crossing detection (ZCD) circuit and a punctuated switching control circuit. The ZCD circuit is coupled to generate a ZCD signal in response to a zero-crossing of an ac input voltage of the power supply. The punctuated switching control circuit is coupled to the ZCD circuit to generate a switching signal to control a switch to regulate an output of the power supply. The punctuated switching control circuit generates the switching signal having an interval of switching and an interval of no switching in response to the ZCD signal, where the interval of switching has a beginning that is synchronized with the zero crossing of the ac input voltage and where the interval of no switching has a beginning that is synchronized with another zero crossing of the ac input voltage. | 04-19-2012 |
20120140525 | ENERGY TRANSFER ASSEMBLY WITH TUNED LEAKAGE INDUCTANCE AND COMMON MODE NOISE COMPENSATION - An energy transfer assembly with tuned leakage inductance and common mode noise compensation is disclosed. An example energy transfer assembly for use in a resonant power converter includes a first winding wound around a bobbin mounted on a magnetic core. The first winding has a first number of layers proximate to a first end along a length of the bobbin and a second number of layers proximate to a second end along the length of the bobbin. The energy transfer assembly also includes a second winding wound around the bobbin. The second winding has a third number of layers proximate to the first end along the length of the bobbin and a fourth number of layers proximate to the second end along the length of the bobbin. The first and second windings are wound around the bobbin such that at least a portion of one of the first and second windings overlaps at least a portion of an other one of the first and second windings around the bobbin. A degree of overlap between the first and second windings is non-uniform between the first and second ends along the length of the bobbin such that a ratio of the first number to the third number does not equal a ratio of the second number to the fourth number. | 06-07-2012 |
20120250360 | LLC CONTROLLER WITH PROGRAMMABLE FRACTIONAL BURST FREQUENCY - A controller for use in an LLC resonant converter is disclosed. An example controller is controlled by detecting a maximum frequency signal to set a maximum switching frequency of the LLC resonant converter. A burst stop frequency and a burst start frequency are programmed in response to the maximum switching frequency. The burst stop frequency and the burst start frequency are fractions of the maximum switching frequency. The LLC resonant converter is switched in response to a feedback signal to regulate an output of the LLC resonant converter. The steps of switching the LLC resonant converter in a burst mode in response to the feedback signal reaching a value corresponding to the programmed burst start frequency and of stopping the switching of the LLC resonant converter in the burst mode in response to the feedback signal reaching a value corresponding to the programmed burst stop frequency are repeated. | 10-04-2012 |
20130141955 | CONTROLLER WITH PUNCTUATED SWITCHING CONTROL CIRCUIT - An example controller for use in a power supply includes a zero crossing detection (ZCD) circuit, a threshold detection circuit, and a punctuated switching control circuit. The ZCD circuit generates a ZCD signal that pulses each zero-crossing of an ac input voltage. The threshold detection circuit receives and compares an output of the power supply with a threshold reference. The punctuated switching control circuit generates a switching signal to control a switch to regulate the output of the power supply. The switching signal is generated to have intervals of switching and intervals of no switching, where each interval of switching begins responsive to the output of the power supply dropping below the threshold reference and each interval of no switching begins responsive to the output rising above the threshold reference. Each interval has a beginning that is synchronized with a pulse of the ZCD signal. | 06-06-2013 |
20130301305 | LLC CONTROLLER WITH PROGRAMMABLE FRACTIONAL BURST FREQUENCY - A method of controlling an LLC resonant converter includes programming a burst stop frequency and a burst start frequency in response to a maximum switching frequency of the LLC resonant converter. The burst stop frequency and the burst start frequency are fractions of the maximum switching frequency. The LLC resonant converter is switched in response to a feedback signal to regulate an output of the LLC resonant converter. The steps of switching the LLC resonant converter in a run state in response to the feedback signal reaching a value corresponding to the programmed burst start frequency, and stopping the switching of the LLC resonant converter in a stop state in response to the feedback signal reaching a value corresponding to the programmed burst stop frequency are repeated. | 11-14-2013 |
20140063863 | ENERGY TRANSFER ASSEMBLY WITH TUNED LEAKAGE INDUCTANCE AND COMMON MODE NOISE COMPENSATION - An energy transfer assembly includes first and second windings wound around a bobbin. The first winding has a first number of layers proximate to a first end and a second number of layers proximate to a second end of the bobbin. The second winding has a third number of layers proximate to the first end and a fourth number of layers proximate to the second end. At least a portion of one of the first and second windings overlaps at least a portion of the other one of the first and second windings. A degree of overlap between the first and second windings is non-uniform. An isolation barrier is between the first and second windings and around the bobbin. A distance between the isolation barrier and an axis of the bobbin varies along the length of the bobbin. | 03-06-2014 |
20140071725 | CONTROLLER WITH PUNCTUATED SWITCHING CONTROL CIRCUIT - A power supply controller includes a switching signal generator, a zero crossing detection (ZCD) circuit, first and second logic gates, and an interval generator. The switching signal generator generates a switching signal and the ZCD circuit generates a ZCD signal that pulses each zero-crossing of an ac input voltage. The first logic gate generates a first output when the ZCD signal pulses while the output of the power supply is below a threshold reference. The second logic gate generates a second output when the ZCD signal pulses while the output of the power supply is above the threshold reference. The interval generator is enabled in response to the first output and disabled in response to the second output. The interval generator allows the switching signal to pass through the interval generator to the switch when enabled and does not allow the switching signal to pass when disabled. | 03-13-2014 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20090091957 | CASCADED PFC AND RESONANT MODE POWER CONVERTERS - A control unit controls cascaded PFC and LLC converters, the LLC converter having an input coupled to an output, of the PFC converter and providing an output voltage that decreases with increasing switching frequency. The control unit produces a sawtooth waveform with a linear ramp for controlling the LLC converter switching frequency, and hence its output voltage, in dependence upon a feedback signal. It also produces for the PFC converter a PWM signal with a frequency that is the same as or an integer fraction of the LLC converter switching frequency, by comparing two thresholds with the linear ramp in respective different cycles of the sawtooth waveform to turn on and off a switch of the PFC converter during these different cycles. Logic circuits prevent PFC converter switch transitions from occurring simultaneously with switching transitions of the LLC converter. | 04-09-2009 |
20100157630 | FLYBACK POWER SUPPLY WITH FORCED PRIMARY REGULATION - A flyback converter with forced primary regulation is disclosed. An example flyback converter includes a coupled inductor including a first winding, a second winding, and a third winding. The first winding is coupled to an input voltage and the second winding is coupled to an output of the power converter. A switched element is coupled to the second winding. A secondary control circuit is coupled to the switched element and the second winding. The secondary control circuit is coupled to switch the switched element in response to a difference between a desired output value and an actual output value to force a current in the third winding that is representative of the difference between the desired output value and the actual output value. A primary switch is coupled to the first winding. A primary control circuit is coupled to the primary switch and the third winding. The primary control circuit is coupled to switch the primary switch to regulate the output of the power converter in response to the forced current. | 06-24-2010 |
20110025278 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR IMPLEMENTING A POWER CONVERTER INPUT TERMINAL VOLTAGE DISCHARGE CIRCUIT - A circuit to discharge a capacitance between input terminals of a power system is disclosed. An example circuit includes a control circuit coupled to an input of a power system. The control circuit is coupled to detect whether an electrical energy source is coupled to an input of the power system. A switch is also included and is coupled to the control circuit and to the input of the power system. The control circuit is coupled to drive the switch in a first operating mode when the electrical energy source is coupled to the input of the power system. The control circuit is coupled to drive the switch in a second operating mode when the electrical energy source is uncoupled from the input of the power system. A capacitance coupled between input terminals of the input of the power system is discharged through the switch to a threshold voltage in less than a maximum period of time from when the electrical power source is uncoupled from the input terminals of the power system. | 02-03-2011 |
20110085357 | FLYBACK POWER SUPPLY WITH FORCED PRIMARY REGULATION - A flyback converter controller with forced primary regulation is disclosed. An example flyback converter controller includes a secondary control circuit to be coupled to a switched element coupled to a second winding of a coupled inductor of a flyback converter. The secondary control circuit is to be coupled across an output of the second winding to switch the switched element in response to a difference between an actual output value at the output of the second winding and a desired output value to force a current in a third winding of the coupled inductor that is representative of the difference between the actual output value at the output of the second winding and the desired output value. A primary control circuit is also included and is to be coupled to a primary switch coupled to a first winding of the coupled inductor. The primary control circuit is to be coupled to receive the current forced in the third winding by the secondary control circuit. The primary control circuit is coupled to switch the primary switch to regulate an output of the flyback converter coupled to the output of the second winding in response to the forced current. | 04-14-2011 |
20110095734 | CASCADED PFC AND RESONANT MODE POWER CONVERTERS - A power supply includes a PFC (power factor correction) converter that has an input and an output. The PFC converter input is coupled to an input of the power supply. The power supply also includes a resonant mode converter that has an input and an output. The resonant mode converter input is coupled to the PFC converter output and the resonant mode output is coupled to an output of the power supply. A control unit is also included in the power supply and is coupled to receive a feedback signal that is representative of the output of the power supply. The control unit is coupled to provide control signals coupled to control switches of the resonant mode converter at a controlled switching frequency to control the output of the power supply. The control unit is further coupled to provide a PFC control signal coupled to control a switch of the PFC converter at a switching frequency that is harmonically related to the controlled switching frequency. | 04-28-2011 |
20110267849 | FLYBACK POWER SUPPLY WITH FORCED PRIMARY REGULATION - A controller that forces primary regulation is disclosed. An example controller includes a switched element to be coupled to a second winding of an energy transfer element of a power supply. A secondary control circuit is coupled to the switched element. The secondary control circuit is to be coupled across an output of the second winding to switch the switched element in response to a difference between an actual output value at the output of the second winding and a desired output value to force a current in a third winding of the energy transfer element that is representative of the difference between the actual output value at the output of the second winding and the desired output value. A primary switch is to be coupled to a first winding of the energy transfer element. A primary control circuit is coupled to the primary switch. The primary control circuit is to be coupled to receive the current forced in the third winding of the energy transfer element in response to the secondary control circuit. The primary control circuit is coupled to switch the primary switch to regulate an output of the power supply coupled to the output of the second winding in response to the forced current. | 11-03-2011 |
20120105018 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR IMPLEMENTING A POWER CONVERTER INPUT TERMINAL VOLTAGE DISCHARGE CIRCUIT - A switch is coupled to a control circuit and to an input of a power converter. The control circuit is coupled to drive the switch in a first operating mode to transfer energy from the input to an output of the power converter when an electrical energy source is coupled to the input of the power converter. The control circuit is coupled to drive the switch in a second operating mode when the electrical energy source is uncoupled from the input. A capacitance is coupled between input terminals of the input of the power converter and is discharged to a threshold voltage in less than a maximum period of time from when the electrical energy source is uncoupled from the input terminals. The control circuit is coupled to drive the switch to have a high average impedance in the first operating mode. | 05-03-2012 |
20120281439 | FLYBACK POWER SUPPLY WITH FORCED PRIMARY REGULATION - A power supply includes an energy transfer element having first, second and third windings. An input of the first winding is coupled to an input of the power supply and an output of the second winding is coupled to an output of the power supply. A secondary control circuit is coupled across the second winding to switch a switched element coupled to the second winding in response to a difference between an actual output value and a desired output value to force a current in the third winding that is representative of the difference between the actual output value and the desired output value. A primary control circuit is coupled to a primary switch and to the third winding. The primary control circuit is coupled to switch the primary switch in response to the current forced in the third winding by the secondary control circuit. | 11-08-2012 |
20140029308 | INVERTER HAVING EXTENDED LIFETIME DC-LINK CAPACITORS - An inverter having extended lifetime DC-link capacitors for use with a DC power source such as a photovoltaic panel is described. The inverter uses a plurality of switchable capacitors to control the voltage across the capacitors. The expected lifetime of the capacitors can be extended by disconnecting unnecessary capacitors from a voltage. The capacitors may be periodically connected to a voltage in order to maintain an oxide dielectric layer of the capacitor. | 01-30-2014 |
20140097803 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR IMPLEMENTING A POWER CONVERTER INPUT TERMINAL VOLTAGE DISCHARGE CIRCUIT - A circuit includes a control circuit coupled to detect whether an electrical energy source is coupled to an input of a power converter. A switch is coupled to the control circuit to transfer energy from the input of the power converter to an output of the power converter during a first operating mode. The control circuit is coupled to drive the switch in the first operating mode when the electrical energy source is coupled to the input of the power converter. The control circuit is coupled to drive the switch in a second operating mode when the electrical energy source is uncoupled from the input of the power converter. The control circuit is coupled to discharge a capacitance coupled between input terminals of the power converter through the switch to a threshold voltage in less than a maximum period of time in the second operating mode. | 04-10-2014 |
20140098572 | FORWARD BOOST POWER CONVERTERS AND METHODS - Forward boost power converters, and related methods, are disclosed. In a switching mode power converter coupled between a first terminal pair and a second terminal pair, a first inductance is coupled to a first switch in a first circuit path across the first terminal pair. A capacitance is coupled to a second inductance in a second circuit path, and to the first inductance in a third circuit path. During their respective conduction periods, the first switch couples the first inductance across the first terminal pair, a second switch completes a circuit between the second terminal pair and one of: the second circuit path or the third circuit path, and a third switch completes the other of: the second circuit path and the third circuit path. Energy transfer involves both substantially linearly varying currents and substantially half sinusoidal current pulses. | 04-10-2014 |
20140118014 | POWER GENERATING COMPONENT CONNECTIVITY RESISTANCE - Power generating component connectivity resistance monitoring techniques are disclosed. In an array of power generating components that are connected in parallel to a power bus, a power generating component measures an output current that it supplies to the power bus. Respective first and second power generating components measure a first voltage at an output of the first power generating component and a second voltage at an output of the second power generating component. A resistance in the array between first and second connection points in the array through which the output current flows is determined based on the measurements of the output current, the first voltage, and the second voltage. | 05-01-2014 |
20140265601 | PHOTOVOLTAIC BYPASS SWITCHING - A PhotoVoltaic (PV) panel bypass switching arrangement includes first and second switches. The first switch is to be coupled between a power system and a first end of a circuit path of the PV panel in which a PV cells are connected, and is controllable to connect the first end of the circuit path to a power system and to disconnect the first end of the circuit path from the power system. The second switch is to be coupled between (i) a point between the first switch and the power system and (ii) a point between a second end of the circuit path and the power system, and is controllable to open and close a bypass circuit path that bypasses the circuit path. The first and second switches are controlled based on a determination as to whether the circuit path of the PV panel is to be bypassed. | 09-18-2014 |
20140265603 | STRING CONTINUITY MONITORING - A system and method of monitoring a photovoltaic (PV) installation includes providing a string of multiple panel interface device enabled PV panels; operatively connecting an inverter to the string; operatively connecting at least one PV panel to the string; discharging an input capacitance of the inverter; comparing a current in the string to a predetermined current threshold value; and controlling connection of the at least one PV panel to the string based on the comparing of the current in the string to the predetermined current threshold value. A panel interface device may be used to discharge the input capacitance of the inverter. | 09-18-2014 |
20140265638 | INTELLIGENT SAFETY DISCONNECT SWITCHING - Intelligent safety disconnect switching methods and arrangements for PhotoVoltaic (PV) panels are disclosed. A determination is made as to whether a reconnect condition, for reconnecting a PV panel to a power system from which the PV panel is disconnected, is satisfied. The PV panel is automatically reconnected to the power system responsive to determining that the reconnect condition is satisfied. A determination is then made as to whether a power system operating condition is satisfied on reconnection of the PV panel, and the PV panel is automatically disconnected from the power system responsive to determining that the power system operating condition is not satisfied on reconnection of the PV panel. | 09-18-2014 |
20140306533 | VIRTUAL INVERTER FOR POWER GENERATION UNITS - A gateway controller allows a plurality of individual power generation units coupled to an electrical distribution grid to be controlled in a coordinated fashion. The gateway controller allows control of the plurality of individual power generation units as a single power generation unit. The gateway controller may determine required control parameters of the power generation units that will provide a desired combined behavior, such as combined alternating current injected into the grid, and issues commands to the power generation units based on the determined control parameters. | 10-16-2014 |
20140368058 | PHOTOVOLTAIC BYPASS AND OUTPUT SWITCHING - A PhotoVoltaic (PV) panel switching arrangement includes a first switch and a second switch, which in some embodiments are in a DC converter. The first switch is to be coupled between a power system and a first end of a circuit path of the PV panel, and the second switch is to be coupled between (i) a point between the first switch and the power system and (ii) a point between a second end of the circuit path and the power system. The switches are controlled for DC conversion of PV panel output where the circuit path of the PV panel is not to be bypassed, and to disconnect the first end of the circuit path from the power system and to close a bypass circuit path that bypasses the circuit path on a determination that the circuit path of the PV panel is to be bypassed. | 12-18-2014 |
20150016153 | PULSE MODE ACTIVE CLAMPING - An active clamp circuit includes a clamp capacitance and a clamp switch coupled in a circuit path, and a diode coupled across the clamp switch. | 01-15-2015 |
20150036395 | INTERNAL INVERTER COMMUNICATIONS - Inverter internal communication features are disclosed. A multiple-stage inverter includes DC to DC and DC to AC converter switches in different power domains, which share no common return path connection. Operating parameters for converter switches in both power domains are determined by a single controller, located in one of the power domains. Converter control signals are communicated from the controller across an interface between the power domains. Respective, separate controllers in each power domain are not required. Components on each side of the interface could be integrated into respective integrated circuits. A planar transformer implemented in wiring levels of a Printed Circuit Board (PCB) that carries components of the inverter could be provided to enable communications between the power domains while reducing component count and physical space requirements. | 02-05-2015 |
20150145336 | MODULAR POWER CONVERSION SYSTEM AND METHOD - A method for converting electrical power includes providing a modular power converter having a mode control module and a plurality of autonomously operating power conversion modules operatively connected to a first power bus; selecting, by the mode control module, individual modes of operation for the plurality of power conversion modules to meet a power conversion requirement; receiving electrical power of a first power type from the first power bus by at least one of the power conversion modules; and converting the received electrical power into electrical power of a second power type by the at least one power conversion module. | 05-28-2015 |
20150256059 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR IMPLEMENTING A POWER CONVERTER INPUT TERMINAL VOLTAGE DISCHARGE CIRCUIT - A circuit for use in a power converter includes a control circuit coupled to detect whether an electrical energy source is coupled to an input of the power converter. A switch is coupled to the control circuit, and is coupled to transfer energy from the input of the power converter to an output of the power converter during a first operating mode. The control circuit is coupled to drive the switch in the first operating mode when the electrical energy source is coupled to the input of the power converter. The control circuit is coupled to drive the switch in a second operating mode when the electrical energy source is uncoupled from the input of the power converter to drive the switch to discharge a capacitance coupled between input terminals of the power converter to a threshold voltage in less than a maximum period of time. | 09-10-2015 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20090153528 | SETTINGS CONTROL IN DEVICES COMPRISING AT LEAST TWO GRAPHICS PROCESSORS - In a device comprising at least two graphics processors, a determination is made that the device has switched from a first or current graphics processor to a second or target graphics processor. At least a portion of settings corresponding to the first graphics processor are identified for application to the second graphics processor, and settings of the second graphics processor are updated based on these transferable settings. The transferable settings may be identified based on a change indicator(s) that signals which settings corresponding to the first graphics processor have been changed. Where necessary, certain ones of the transferable settings may have a translation or transformation applied thereto. Subsequent transitions in the active graphics processor may cause a similar transfer of settings to occur. In one embodiment, transitions between graphics processors may be caused by a change in power condition of the device. | 06-18-2009 |
20110047489 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR CONFIGURING A PLURALITY OF DISPLAYS INTO A SINGLE LARGE SURFACE DISPLAY - A method is disclosed that provides, by mapping logic, output to a selected display of a plurality of displays forming an arrangement, where the selected display provides a visual indication in response to the output. The visual indication indicates that the selected display is ready to be mapped to an image data portion corresponding to the selected display's physical position within the arrangement. The method maps the image data portion to the selected display. The image data portion is stored in a frame buffer, and is mapped in response to input indicating the selected display's physical position. The frame buffer stores a single large surface image as a plurality of image data portions, where each image data portion is mapped to a corresponding display of the plurality of displays. An apparatus is also disclosed, that operates in accordance with the method. | 02-24-2011 |
20130050572 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR PROVIDING DROPPED PICTURE IMAGE PROCESSING - A method and apparatus adaptively creates a dropped frame rate converted frame from a plurality of source frames using at least one alternate support frame in lieu of neighboring source frame, in response to corrupted picture identification information. Stated another way, a frame rate converter, in response to corrupted picture indication information, replaces at least one corrupted source frame with a temporally modified frame created from at least one alternate source frame. The corrupted picture identification information indicates that a source frame, or segment thereof, includes at least one corrupted or dropped source frame (or segment thereof). Accordingly, although a source frame has been dropped or is corrupted, the frame rate converter does not base its output on a repeated frame or a corrupted frame output by a decoder and instead utilizes other non-neighboring source images as though they were neighboring frames, instead of using a repeated frame or corrupted frame. | 02-28-2013 |
20130160111 | Device and Method for Use of Real-Time Biometric Data To Control Content and Device Access - A device and method for unobtrusively conducting security access checks via biometric data. The device and method obtains biometric data in response to a request for content and initiates a security clearance process that is substantially unobservable to an individual with clearance to access the requested content. | 06-20-2013 |
20130216198 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR AUTOMATIC TIME-SHIFTING FOR A CONTENT RECORDER - A content player includes a pausable mass storage device player that can be used to record and play content. The pausable mass storage device can become paused in response to an assertion of a pause signal. Once paused, the content player remains paused until the pause signal is deasserted. The content player also includes an event detector that is coupled to the pausable mass storage device player. The content player detects a non-viewer initiated event, (e.g., an automatic event such as the receipt of an email with embedded enhanced content), and to assert the pause signal in response thereto. The content player receives content, detects an event, and in response to detecting the event, pauses the content to a presentation device and spools the content onto the mass storage device. | 08-22-2013 |