Showing papers by "Motorola published in 2009"

uWave: Accelerometer-based personalized gesture recognition and its applications

Abstract: The proliferation of accelerometers on consumer electronics has brought an opportunity for interaction based on gestures or physical manipulation of the devices. We present uWave, an efficient recognition algorithm for such interaction using a single three-axis accelerometer. Unlike statistical methods, uWave requires a single training sample for each gesture pattern and allows users to employ personalized gestures and physical manipulations. We evaluate uWave using a large gesture library with over 4000 samples collected from eight users over an elongated period of time for a gesture vocabulary with eight gesture patterns identified by a Nokia research. It shows that uWave achieves 98.6% accuracy, competitive with statistical methods that require significantly more training samples. Our evaluation data set is the largest and most extensive in published studies, to the best of our knowledge. We also present applications of uWave in gesture-based user authentication and interaction with three-dimensional mobile user interfaces using user created gestures.

A Ferroelectric Oxide Made Directly on Silicon

Abstract: Metal oxide semiconductor field-effect transistors, formed using silicon dioxide and silicon, have undergone four decades of staggering technological advancement. With fundamental limits to this technology close at hand, alternatives to silicon dioxide are being pursued to enable new functionality and device architectures. We achieved ferroelectric functionality in intimate contact with silicon by growing coherently strained strontium titanate (SrTiO3) films via oxide molecular beam epitaxy in direct contact with silicon, with no interfacial silicon dioxide. We observed ferroelectricity in these ultrathin SrTiO3 layers by means of piezoresponse force microscopy. Stable ferroelectric nanodomains created in SrTiO3 were observed at temperatures as high as 400 kelvin.

Joint scheduling and resource allocation in uplink OFDM systems for broadband wireless access networks

Abstract: Orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) with dynamic scheduling and resource allocation is a key component of most emerging broadband wireless access networks such as WiMAX and LTE (long term evolution) for 3GPP. However, scheduling and resource allocation in an OFDM system is complicated, especially in the uplink due to two reasons: (i) the discrete nature of subchannel assignments, and (ii) the heterogeneity of the users' subchannel conditions, individual resource constraints and application requirements. We approach this problem using a gradient-based scheduling framework. Physical layer resources (bandwidth and power) are allocated to maximize the projection onto the gradient of a total system utility function which models application-layer Quality of Service (QoS). This is formulated as a convex optimization problem and solved using a dual decomposition approach. This optimal solution has prohibitively high computational complexity but reveals guiding principles that we use to generate lower complexity sub-optimal algorithms. We analyze the complexity and compare the performance of these algorithms via extensive simulations.

Downlink scheduling and resource allocation for OFDM systems

Abstract: We consider scheduling and resource allocation for the downlink of a cellular OFDM system, with various practical considerations including integer tone allocations, different sub-channelization schemes, maximum SNR constraint per tone, and "self-noise" due to channel estimation errors and phase noise. During each time-slot a subset of users must be scheduled, and the available tones and transmission power must be allocated among them. Employing a gradient-based scheduling scheme presented in earlier papers reduces this to an optimization problem to be solved in each time-slot. Using a dual formulation, we give an optimal algorithm for this problem when multiple users can time-share each tone. We then give several low complexity heuristics that enforce integer tone allocations. Simulations are used to compare the performance of different algorithms.

Electronic device with sensing assembly and method for interpreting offset gestures

Abstract: A method for interpreting at least two consecutive gestures includes providing a sensing assembly having at least one photoreceiver and a plurality of phototransmitters, wherein each phototransmitter is positioned to emit infrared light away from the electronic device about a corresponding central transmission axis, wherein each central transmission axis is oriented in a different direction with respect to the others, and controlling emission of infrared light by each of the phototransmitters during each of a plurality of time periods. During each of the plurality of phototransmitters and for each of the plurality of time periods, a corresponding measured signal is generated which is indicative of a respective amount of infrared light which originated from that phototransmitter during that time period and was reflected by the external object prior to being received by a photoreceiver. The measured signals are evaluated to identity a first gesture, and the electronic device is controlled in response to identification of the first gesture according to a first mode of operation. A parameter of a second gesture is also determined, and the electronic device is controlled in response to the determined parameter of the second gesture according to a second mode of operation.

Long-Reach Passive Optical Networks

Abstract: This paper is a tutorial reviewing research and development performed over the last few years to extend the reach of passive optical networks using technology such as optical amplifiers.

Text messaging conversation user interface functionality

Abstract: A computer readable medium, method and user device for a user interface functionality for SMS and SMS-like message conversations is provided. A group of individual SMS messages is treated as a single entity by the SMS conversation UI, the SMS conversation history UI saves space by including the SMS editor within the conversation history panel, and displays a pop-up display with useful information regarding the SMS message being edited.

Wireless communication device for providing at least one near field communication service

Abstract: A wireless communication device (102), for providing at least one Near Field Communication service to a user, comprises a Near Field Communication unit (218) for storing at least one application element (302-312) for use in providing at least one Near Field Communication service, and a user interface element (224) for managing the at least one application element (302-312) stored in the Near Field Communication unit to provide the at least one Near Field Communication service and for providing information relating to the at least one Near Field Communication service to the user The wireless communication device (102) further comprises a receiving element (226) for receiving update information for a Near Field Communication service and for transferring the received update information to the Near Field Communication unit (218) to update the Near Field Communication unit (218) and a user interface update element (228) for updating the information provided to the user by the user interface element according to the received update information transferred to the Near Field Communication unit

Control channel provisioning and signaling

Abstract: There is provided a communication device and a base unit, and methods thereof, for determining control information. The communication device receives a control channel message associated with the communication device in a control region on a first carrier from a base unit. The communication device also determines a set of resources in a search space within the control region, attempts to decode the set of resources in the search space for the control channel message, and determines control information from the decoded control channel message. The base unit generates a control channel message comprising control information associated with the communication device, determines a set of resources in a search space within a control region, selects a subset of resources within the determined set of resources for transmitting the control channel message, and transmits the control channel message on the selected resources in the control region on a first carrier.

Active reduction of electric field generated by a transmit antenna via an auxillary antenna structure

Abstract: A wireless communication device and method includes an auxiliary antenna that can actively cancel at least a portion of a near-field component of an electric field generated by a main transmit antenna. The auxiliary antenna can help comply with specific absorption rate requirements and can reduce undesirable signal rectification in hearing aid components.

Portable electronic device having directional proximity sensors based on device orientation

Abstract: A portable electronic device having one or more proximity sensors. The portable electronic device comprises a housing, one or more signal emitters to direct source signal(s) based on the orientation of the housing, and one or more signal receivers to receive return signals corresponding to the source signal(s). For one embodiment, the device may include multiple signal emitters and a sensor to identify an orientation of the housing. The appropriate signal emitter may be selected based on the orientation of the housing as identified by the sensor. For another embodiment, the device may include a mechanism to redirect a source signal from a signal emitter in an appropriate direction based on the orientation of the housing.

Method and apparatus for automatic near field communication application selection in an electronic device

Abstract: In a portable electronic device having a plurality of near field communication applications stored within a plurality of execution environments, an application discovery manager is configured to automatically select and launch one or more of the near field communication applications. A near field communication circuit receives a near field communication request from an external near field communication device. The application discovery manager identifies a near field communication technology, a protocol, and an application identifier and then references a registry table to determine identification parameters corresponding with the identified information. The application discovery manager then selects a near field communication application and launches it. The application discovery manager further configures a routing switch to direct data between the near field communication circuit controller and the appropriate execution environment.

Apparatus and method for communicating and processing a positioning reference signal based on identifier associated with a base station

Abstract: A base station communicates a positioning reference signal (PRS) to wireless communication devices over a downlink in a wireless communication system by encoding a PRS into a first set of transmission resources, encoding other information into a second set of transmission resources, multiplexing the two sets of resources into a subframe such that the first set of resources is multiplexed into at least a portion of a first set of orthogonal frequency division multiplexed (OFDM) symbols based on an identifier associated with the base station and the second set of resources is multiplexed into a second set of OFDM symbols, and transmitting the subframe. Upon receiving the subframe, a wireless device determines which set of transmission resources contains the PRS based on the identifier associated with the base station that transmitted the subframe and processes the set of resources containing the PRS to estimate timing (e.g., time of arrival) information.

A Novel Optimal Fuzzy System for Color Image Enhancement Using Bacterial Foraging

Abstract: A new approach is presented for the enhancement of color images using the fuzzy logic technique. An objective measure called exposure has been defined to provide an estimate of the underexposed and overexposed regions in the image. This measure serves as the dividing line between the underexposed and overexposed regions of the image. The hue, saturation, and intensity (HSV) color space is employed for the process of enhancement, where the hue component is preserved to keep the original color composition intact. A parametric sigmoid function is used for the enhancement of the luminance component of the underexposed image. A power-law operator is used to improve the overexposed region of the image, and the saturation component of HSV is changed through another power-law operator to recover the lost information in the overexposed region. Objective measures like fuzzy contrast and contrast and visual factors are defined to make the operators adaptive to the image characteristics. Entropy and the visual factors are involved in the objective function, which is optimized using the bacterial foraging algorithm to learn the parameters. Gaussian and triangular membership functions (MFs) are chosen for the underexposed and overexposed regions of the image, respectively. Separate MFs and operators for the two regions make the approach universal to all types of contrast degradations. This approach is applicable to a degraded image of mixed type. On comparison, this approach is found to be better than the genetic algorithm (GA)-based and entropy-based approaches.

A Wearable and Wireless Sensor System for Real-Time Monitoring of Toxic Environmental Volatile Organic Compounds

Abstract: An integrated volatile organic toxicants sensor with a Bluetooth device interface has been developed. The device is based on novel tuning fork sensor platform along with a wireless communication/interface technology taken in an integrated system approach. It features high sensitivity and selectivity. The sensitivity and selectivity are accomplished through the use of novel tuning fork sensor modified by design (molecularly imprinted) polymers and selective filtering. Experiments have shown that the device can detect toxic volatile organic compounds (VOCs) under high concentrations of common interferents from flavors and fragrances. Applications of the device for detection of BTEX in real-world situations such as outdoor and gas station VOCs have also been demonstrated. All these features make the device a promising candidate to be deployed in real-world applications, particularly in environmental health and air pollution studies.

Robust Video Stabilization Based on Particle Filter Tracking of Projected Camera Motion

Abstract: Video stabilization is an important technique in digital cameras Its impact increases rapidly with the rising popularity of handheld cameras and cameras mounted on moving platforms (eg, cars) Stabilization of two images can be viewed as an image registration problem However, to ensure the visual quality of the whole video, video stabilization has a particular emphasis on the accuracy and robustness over long image sequences In this paper, we propose a novel technique for video stabilization based on the particle filtering framework We extend the traditional use of particle filters in object tracking to tracking of the projected affine model of the camera motions We rely on the inverse of the resulting image transform to obtain a stable video sequence The correspondence between scale-invariant feature transform points is used to obtain a crude estimate of the projected camera motion We subsequently postprocess the crude estimate with particle filters to obtain a smooth estimate It is shown both theoretically and experimentally that particle filtering can reduce the error variance compared to estimation without particle filtering The superior performance of our algorithm over other methods for video stabilization is demonstrated through computer simulated experiments

Single sided capacitive force sensor for electronic devices

Abstract: A capacitive force sensor (100) includes a substrate (101) having at least one electrode pair (102,103) defining a capacitance disposed thereon. The substrate (101) is fixed relative to a first plate (106). A drive circuit (104) is configured to apply a voltage relative to a circuit ground (105) to the electrode pair (102,103). The first plate (106) is separated from a second plate (107) that is coupled to circuit ground (105) by a compliance member (108,109). The compliance member (108,109) is configured to oppose a compression force (110) while allowing the first plate (106) to physically move relative to the second plate (107). A capacitive detection circuit (111) is then configured to detect a change the capacitance when the compliance member (108,109) is compressed. The compression force (110) is then determined from the change in capacitance and the spring constant of the compliance member (108,109).

Synchronization for femto-cell base stations

Abstract: Timing synchronization between base stations of uncoordinated communication networks includes obtaining timing synchronization information from one base station, and adjusting a clock of the other station in response to the synchronization information. The timing synchronization information can be identified from a strongest synchronization signal from nearby uncoordinated base stations. The timing synchronization can accommodate clock offsets and frequency offsets.

Coexistence and incumbent protection in a cognitive radio network

Abstract: A method (300, 400) and a communication system (104, 106, 200) for dynamic RF spectrum allocation among a plurality of RF transmitters (108, 110, 112). A message can be received from a first communication system. The message can include a request (130) for available RF spectrum over which to transmit RF signals. The message can indicate a geographic location of a first non-incumbent transmitter (112) associated with the first communication system. Further, for the RF spectrum, a maximum power level can be determined at which the first non-incumbent transmitter may transmit without exceeding a threshold level of interference at least one focal point (134). A RF spectrum list (138) identifying at least the RF spectrum and the determined maximum power level can be communicated to the first communication system.

Distributed compression for MIMO coordinated networks with a backhaul constraint

Abstract: We consider the uplink of a backhaul-constrained, MIMO coordinated network. That is, a single-frequency network with N + 1 multi-antenna base stations (BSs) that cooperate in order to decode the users' data, and that are linked by means of a common lossless backhaul, of limited capacity R. To implement the receive cooperation, we propose distributed compression: N BSs, upon receiving their signals, compress them using a multi-source lossy compression code. Then, they send the compressed vectors to a central BS, which performs users' decoding. Distributed Wyner-Ziv coding is proposed to be used, and is designed in this work. The first part of the paper is devoted to a network with a unique multi-antenna user, that transmits a predefined Gaussian space-time codeword. For such a scenario, the "compression noise" covariance at the BSs is optimized, considering the user's achievable rate as the performance metric. In particular, for N = 1 the optimum covariance is derived in closed form, while for N > 1 an iterative algorithm is devised. The second part of the contribution focusses on the multi-user scenario. For it, the achievable rate region is obtained by means of the optimum "compression noise" covariances for sum-rate and weighted sum-rate, respectively.

Multi-touch force sensing touch-screen devices and methods

Abstract: Described are methods and devices including a touch sensor layer configured to receive touch input and a force sensor layer stacked with the touch sensor layer, the force sensor layer includes an array of force sensors configured to receive force input The force sensor array includes individual force sensors Specific sensors of the disclosed force sensor array are associated with specific locations of the touch screen to add information that can be used to decipher which key is actually being pressed and may avoid falsing Both a touch signal and a force signal are utilized to determine the validity of a user touch input In one embodiment each force sensor may operate independently of the others Particular embodiments are described that utilize a coarse grid to determine valid touch inputs and that make a determination of a centroid location based on a plurality of force sensors to determine valid touch inputs

Architecture and enablers for optimized radio resource usage in heterogeneous wireless access networks: The IEEE 1900.4 Working Group

Abstract: Over the past decade or so, the wireless industry has undergone many significant changes. Radio systems have moved toward forming heterogeneous wireless networks: collaborations of multiple radio access networks, which in some cases operate different radio access technologies, such as second- and third-generation cellular RATs, IEEE 802.x wireless standards, and so on. On the other hand, multimode reconfigurable user devices with the ability to choose among various supported RATs have become a reality, and devices and networks with dynamic spectrum access capabilities, allowing real-time sharing of spectrum resource usage among different systems, are expected to be a part of the future radio eco-space. As a result of these changes, there is a need to develop a standard that addresses the requirements and leverages the opportunities posed by such a versatile radio environment. To this end, IEEE 1900.4 aims to standardize the overall system architecture and information exchange between the network and mobile devices, which will allow these elements to optimally choose from available radio resources. In other words, the standard facilitates the distributed dynamic optimization of the usage of spectrum offered by the heterogeneous wireless network, relying on a collaborative information exchange between networks and mobile devices, thereby acting as a common means to improve overall composite capacity and quality of service for the served networks. This article provides a snapshot of IEEE P1900.4 in its current form, covering the scope and purpose of the standard, reference use cases for which the standard is applicable, its system and functional architectures, and finally, the information model for its main interfaces.

Adaptive antenna tuning systems and methods

Abstract: Embodiments include antenna tuning systems and methods of tuning an antenna of a wireless device with an antenna, a circuit with at least one tunable component, and a processing system. The processing system determines tuning selection inputs during a communication session. Based on the tuning selection inputs, the processing system determines one or more component values for one or more tunable components. In an embodiment, the component value(s) are determined from a set of pre-defined component values. The tunable component(s) are controlled to have the determined component value(s). The circuit may be an impedance matching circuit that includes at least one tunable reactive component. Alternatively, the circuit may be an antenna tuning circuit that includes at least one variable component. In an embodiment, both an impedance matching circuit and an antenna tuning circuit may be implemented, with each type of circuit having one or more tunable components.

Presence-aware cellular communication system and method

Abstract: A cellular communication system comprises a network supporting user equipment over an air interface, the network having a hierarchical cell arrangement with overlay cells and underlay cells. An underlay base station (105) is associated with a subset of registered user equipment. An activation server (117) switches the underlay base station (105) between an inactive mode and an active mode in response to detecting that registered user equipment meets a location criterion. The underlay base station (105) only supports user equipment when in the active mode, e.g., it may only transmit a pilot signal in this mode. Interference and power consumption may be substantially reduced by sending the base station (105) into the inactive mode thereby resulting in increased capacity of the cellular communication system as a whole.

Resource sharing in relay operations within wireless communication systems

Abstract: A wireless communication relay terminal including a controller coupled to a transceiver wherein the controller is configured to cause the transceiver to transmit a first portion of a first sub-frame during a first time-frequency region to a wireless communication device, to cause the transceiver to receive, from a base station, a portion of a second sub-frame during a second time-frequency region wherein the first and second time-frequency regions are non-overlapping. The controller is also configured to detect a control region within the portion of the second sub-frame received by attempting to decode information in a possible control region of the second sub-frame having at least one of several possible starting locations that are known a priori by the terminal.

A Grip Study for Talk and Data Modes in Mobile Phones

Abstract: The human hand influences the performance of small terminal antennas, and it is the main cause for absorption and detuning. Despite its importance in mobile-phone design and validation processes, it is still difficult to take it into account because of a lack of knowledge in the area. In this paper, a rigorous investigation methodology is described for the study of mobile-phone grip styles over a sample population of 100 subjects. Two main grip styles are identified in the talk mode, while most of the people use both hands in data mode. The index finger location is confirmed to be in the back region of the handset in most cases. The grip style has direct implications in the definition of a phantom hand. Regarding the talk mode, a procedure to estimate the palm-handset gap is proposed. The inclination of the handset with respect to the side of the user's head depends on the mobile-phone form factor and size. Moreover, we show that for the data mode, a worst-case scenario categorization approach is more suitable due to the time-varying nature of the fingers' position on the handset.

A full description of a simple and scalable fabrication process for electrowetting displays

Abstract: Electrowetting displays provide a high white state reflectance of >50% and have attracted substantial world-wide interest, yet are primarily an industrially led effort with few details on preferred materials and fabrication processes. Reported herein is the first complete description of the electrowetting display fabrication process. The description includes materials selection, purification and all fabrication steps from substrate selection to sealing. Challenging materials and fabrication processes include dielectric optimization, fluoropolymer selection, hydrophilic grid patterning, liquid dosing, dye purification and liquid ionic content. The process described herein has produced pixel arrays that were switched at <15 V on active-matrix backplanes, and which have individual sub-pixel areas of <50 × 150 µm2. The majority of fabrication processes can conform to liquid-crystal style manufacturing equipment, and therefore can be readily adopted by many display practitioners. Also presented are additional tips and techniques, such as controlling the onset of oil film break-up in an electrowetting display. This paper should enable anyone skilled in displays or microfabrication to quickly and successfully set up research and fabrication of electrowetting displays.

Method and apparatus for automatic application selection in an electronic device using multiple discovery managers

Abstract: In a portable electronic device having a plurality of near field communication applications stored within a plurality of execution environments, automatic selection of one of the near field communication applications is performed by a protocol discovery manager and an application discovery manager. The application discovery manager is disposed within a default execution environment. The protocol discovery manager, which operates in a near field communication circuit controller, performs application discovery at the mode switch level, the collision detection level and the protocol level. The application discovery manager performs application discovery at the application level. Where the protocol discovery manager selects an application, it can configure a routing switch to route data to the appropriate execution environment and launches the selected application, where only protocol level of identification is required. Where other levels are required, the protocol discovery manager selects and routes data to the default execution environment containing application discovery manager. The application discovery manager, upon selecting an application, can either launch the application or forward a message to the appropriate execution environment for further execution as required by the selected application.

Method and Device for Improving Battery Life of a Mobile Computing Device

Abstract: A method and device for extending the useful life of an energy storage device, for a mobile computing device is described. The method ( 150 ) can include the steps of: running ( 155 ) a first application in synchronous communication with a first application server; detecting ( 160 ) energy expenditure while running the first application; and synchronizing ( 165 ) a subsequent application based on the detected energy expenditure, by: continuing to communicate with the subsequent application if the detected energy expenditure is below a threshold, and discontinuing communication if the detected energy expenditure is above a threshold. Advantageously, this method can provide substantial energy savings in mobile computing device applications.