| Document | Document Title |
|---|---|
| US07694346B2 |
Cantilevered probe detector with piezoelectric element
A disclosed chemical detection system for detecting a target material, such as an explosive material, can include a cantilevered probe, a probe heater coupled to the cantilevered probe, and a piezoelectric element disposed on the cantilevered probe. The piezoelectric element can be configured as a detector and/or an actuator. Detection can include, for example, detecting a movement of the cantilevered probe or a property of the cantilevered probe. The movement or a change in the property of the cantilevered probe can occur, for example, by adsorption of the target material, desorption of the target material, reaction of the target material and/or phase change of the target material. Examples of detectable movements and properties include temperature shifts, impedance shifts, and resonant frequency shifts of the cantilevered probe. The overall chemical detection system can be incorporated, for example, into a handheld explosive material detection system. |
| US07694344B1 |
Method and system for enforcing network security by preserving event execution information utilizing a service event stack
A method and system is disclosed for enhancing network security by using a service entry stack in a distributed computer network. After an event system receives an indication for a publisher to publish a first event to a subscriber list of one or more event subscribers, authorization concerns are examined for publishing the first event to each event subscriber by sequentially examining each event subscriber in the subscriber list. When publishing the first event to the event subscriber, a service entry stack is utilized for recording event execution information and process hierarchy of the distributed computer network so that such information can be used for enhancing the security of the distributed computer network. |
| US07694341B2 |
Run-time code injection to perform checks
A digital rights management system permits an application owner to cause code to be injected into the application's run-time instruction stream so as to restrict execution of that application to specific hardware platforms. In a first phase, an authorizing entity (e.g., an application owner or platform manufacturer) authorizes one or more applications to execute on a given hardware platform. Later, during application run-time, code is injected that performs periodic checks are made to determine if the application continues to run on the previously authorized hardware platform. If a periodic check fails, at least part of the application's execution string is terminated—effectively rendering the application non-usable. The periodic check is transparent to the user and difficult to circumvent. |
| US07694339B2 |
Method and system for morphing honeypot with computer security incident correlation
A method, system, apparatus, or computer program product is presented for morphing a honeypot system on a dynamic and configurable basis. The morphing honeypot emulates a variety of services while falsely presenting information about potential vulnerabilities within the system that supports the honeypot. The morphing honeypot has the ability to dynamically change its personality or displayed characteristics using a variety of algorithms and a database of known operating system and service vulnerabilities. The morphing honeypot's personality can be changed on a timed or scheduled basis, on the basis of activity that is generated by the presented honeypot personality, or on some other basis. The morphing honeypot can also be integrated with intrusion detection systems and other types of computer security incident recognition systems to correlate its personality with detected nefarious activities. |
| US07694338B1 |
Shared tap DOS-attack protection
A method and system are provided for centralizing services subscribed to by customers of a service provider for detecting attacks at the customer-end of a communications network. A signal diverter is installed in a signal path carrying inbound communication signals common to subscribed customers and a portion of the collective inbound signals for each customer is diverted to a detection apparatus. Finally, based on parameters for each subscribed customer, a determination is made as to if a subscribed customer is experiencing an attack. |
| US07694334B2 |
Apparatus and method for traversing gateway device using a plurality of batons
A digital “baton” is provided from a firewall or other gateway, or other network device, to a device B outside the firewall, when a device A, which is inside the firewall, requests information from the device B. The device B may pass the digital baton to subsequent electronic devices that may respond to the request using the digital baton to send messages or information through the firewall to the device A. The firewall authenticates and filters the messages based on authentication of the batons contained within the messages. |
| US07694331B2 |
Phone with secure element and critical data
A wireless communication device is implemented with a smart card module to secure the transmission of sensitive or confidential information. The user of the device must request permission to activate an application on the smart card module from a remote source. After this first level of security is satisfied, the application on the smart card module enables the user to scan data via a machine-readable medium in order to make a data request to the remote source. If a second level authorization is met in regard to the data request, the remote source will transmit the requested sensitive or confidential information to the user to view and/or update. |
| US07694327B2 |
Information processing apparatus, information recording medium, information processing method and computer program
An information processing apparatus and method are provided. The information processing apparatus and method provides an attribute of a component which executes a process of reading data from an information recording medium is confirmed so that severe authentication corresponding to contents can be achieved. In authentication of a component which attempts to perform a process of data read from an information recording medium, it is confirmed whether or not an attribute of the component has a data process permission component attribute set in advance. For example, it is confirmed through the attribute confirmation whether the component is a hardware component or a software component, and only when the component is a hardware component, a process of the contents is permitted. |
| US07694326B2 |
Signal processing system and method, signal processing apparatus and method, recording medium, and program
When an algorithm bay is connected to a signal processing apparatus according to a first connection mode, a selector of the algorithm bay selects and sets a first function provided by a first function provider as the signal processing function of the signal processing apparatus. According to a second connection mode, the selector selects and sets a second function provided by a second function provider as the signal processing function Also, a first information provider of an algorithm bay may supply a signal indicating first information to a signal processor of a signal processing apparatus via a wired interface of the algorithm bay, a wired connection, and a wired interface of the signal processing apparatus. Similarly, a second information provider of the algorithm bay supplies a signal indicating second information for changing the signal processing function of the signal processor to the signal processor. |
| US07694325B2 |
Information broadcasting system
The instant invention provides a system and method of broadcasting audio and visual information to a plurality of audio reproduction devices and visual display devices utilizing a plurality of control computers linked thereto by a communications network. The invention employs a plurality of pre-recorded digital audio files and corresponding visual representation thereof to allow a user to construct message sequences for broadcast with a minimum of system input. Furthermore, a user may specify a plurality of broadcast zones to broadcast audio and visual messages. |
| US07694321B1 |
Program guide processing
A system and method for providing two modes of operation for a program guide and a video display depending on the position of a highlight or cursor. When the cursor or highlight is moved to a channel name/number grid, the video display will display program content of the program currently being received by the highlighted channel. On the other hand, when the cursor or highlight is moved to a program grid, the content of the video window does not change. |
| US07694311B2 |
Grammar-based task analysis of web logs
A method of detecting tasks performed by users wherein a single task is a sequence of web URLs invocation. Task patterns are detected in web logs to identify tasks performed by users and analyze task trends over time, across corporate divisions and geographies. A grammar-based framework is used to model and detect tasks from web log patterns. The framework has two components: a declarative unit—to generate a task grammar, and a processing unit—to detect tasks from access logs by generating a state machine for applying the task grammar to the tokens associated with the access records. By analyzing user tasks, rather than just URLs, useful business information can be extracted. |
| US07694301B1 |
Method and system for supporting input/output for a virtual machine
A method for supporting input/output for a virtual machine. The method includes the step of executing virtual machine application instructions, wherein the application instructions are executed using micro architecture code of a processor architecture. An I/O access is received from the virtual machine application. Virtual memory protection is used to generate an exception, wherein the exception is caused by the I/O access. A single step mode is entered to perform the I/O access using a host operating system. State data for the virtual machine application is updated in accordance with the I/O access. Subsequently, execution of the virtual machine application is resumed. |
| US07694293B2 |
Update package catalog for update package transfer between generator and content server in a network
A network wherein a generator is communicatively coupled to an update store or repository employs an update package container or catalog (UPC) that may be used to save information, using an XML format. The UPC may comprise update packages for one or more devices, and one or more transitions of versions for each device. The UPC may also comprise metadata information and security information associated with each the update packages. The complete update packages and associated metadata may be incorporated into an UPC, or external references to the update packages may be provided. |
| US07694284B2 |
Shareable, bidirectional mechanism for conversion between object model and XML
The concept of “renderers” and “translators” is introduced in connection with bidirectional conversion between object models and XML. A renderer embodies the logic responsible for mediating the parser specific APIs for reading and writing XML. It utilizes a plurality of translator objects, which embody the mapping information needed to convert the XML into object model instances. The translator objects themselves do not contain “knowledge” of parser implementations; thus, the translators are common and can be shared and reused by any and all renderer implementations. Since each translator embodies the knowledge and rules regarding how to convert an XML model to an object model, and how to convert object models to XML, it is thus independent of the particular renderer that is being used, whether it be SAX, DOM, or some other renderer. |
| US07694283B2 |
Method and apparatus for generating specification data
When a source program written in Java or the like and using methods of BigDecimal class, a priority conforming to a predetermined arithmetic rule is identified for an arithmetic operational method included in an arithmetic operation statement, and the arithmetic operational method and the identified priority are registered into a storage device. Then, in a case where it is judged based on data stored in the storage device that a plurality of arithmetic operational methods are included in an arithmetic operational statement, and an arithmetic operational method with low priority is defined as an instance of an arithmetic operational method with high priority, following processing is carried out to generate specification data, that is, the arithmetic operational method with low priority and an instance and argument of the arithmetic operational method with low priority are converted into a first subexpression using an arithmetic operational sign in accordance with a predetermined rule. Then, parentheses representing that the arithmetic operation are carried out with priority is added to the first subexpression. In addition, the arithmetic operational method with high priority and an argument of the arithmetic operational method with high priority are converted into a second subexpression using an arithmetic operational sign in accordance with the predetermined rule. Finally, the second subexpression is linked with the first subexpression. |
| US07694281B2 |
Two-pass MRET trace selection for dynamic optimization
A first potential hot trace of a program is determined. A second potential hot trace of the program is determined. A common path from the first potential hot trace and the second potential hot trace is selected as the selected hot trace of the program. |
| US07694277B2 |
Cross version customization of design environment
A client or Web application assembly or group of assemblies is bound to a version of shared assemblies associated with a particular targeted execution environment. The targeted execution environment (and thus the version of shared assemblies associated with it) may be selected or detected. A file such as a configuration file is automatically modified. The selected or detected execution environment may be the same as or different than the local version. The client or Web assembly is automatically bound to the targeted shared assemblies. A user interface enables the selection of a particular execution environment. Alternatively, a user interface informs of the detected targeted execution environment and enables the reconfiguration of the Web assembly. This invention provides a mechanism and process for maintaining legacy software after a new software development tool is installed, without deploying a new version of shared assemblies. |
| US07694274B2 |
Dynamically typed unsafe variance
A program execution engine that facilitates generic type variance verification is provided. The execution engine receives a program executable in the form of intermediate language (IL). The program executable can be based on code that includes expression(s) with generic type(s) which have been identified as requiring variance verification (e.g., covariance and/or contra-variance). The execution engine includes a variance verification component that dynamically determines whether value(s) associated with the generic type(s) identified as requiring variance verification comply with the particular variance verification requirement. The variance verification component can provide error information (e.g., throw an exception), if the specified variance is not safely compliant. Variance verification can be based on static checking which places the burden on a source language compiler to emit the run-time checks in intermediate language (IL), if run-time checked variance is required. Additionally, language(s) that do not support variance can treat generic type(s) as non-variant. |
| US07694266B1 |
Method and apparatus for dynamic frequency voltage switching circuit synthesis
Methods and apparatus provide for automated synthesis of an integrated circuit whose voltage is varied during operation (also known as dynamic voltage and frequency scaling or DVFS). The automation may include estimating technology parameters from timing libraries, and determining a translation factor that can be used in estimating path delays for an arbitrary voltage from path delays at another voltage. The automation may also include estimating a relative difficulty to synthesize a design for meeting sets of timing constraints specified at different operating voltages and frequencies by assigning one of the constraints a common base value among all the sets, translating the other constraint to maintain equivalency of synthesis difficulty, comparing the resulting equivalent constraints to identify a hardest-to-synthesis constraint set, and using that constraint set as a goal for a first synthesis of the circuit. |
| US07694264B2 |
Pulse link and apparatus for transmitting data and timing information on a single line
A routing block using a switch with a pulsed serial link. An input of a routing block is supplied with an information signal. The routing block has multiple outputs. The information signal includes a first edge and a second edge on a single line. The first and second edges are separated by a time period. One of the first and second edges represents information conveyed by the signal. The other one of the first and second edges provides timing information. The information signal controls the routing block to select one of the multiple outputs and the transferring the signal to said selected one of said multiple outputs. Depending on the number of bits of information transmitted in each pulse and the number of switches controlled by the control information, the decoded control data will include at least one bit outputted serially to a control signal generator block. |
| US07694262B2 |
Deep trench capacitor and method of making same
A trench capacitor, method of forming a trench capacitor and a design structure for a trench capacitor. The trench capacitor including: a trench in a single-crystal silicon substrate, a conformal dielectric liner on the sidewalls and the bottom of the trench; an electrically conductive polysilicon inner plate filling regions of the trench not filled by the liner; an electrically conductive doped outer plate in the substrate surrounding the sidewalls and the bottom of the trench; a doped silicon region in the substrate; a first electrically conductive metal silicide layer on a surface region of the doped silicon region exposed at the top surface of the substrate; a second electrically conductive metal silicide layer on a surface region of the inner plate exposed at the top surface of the substrate; and an insulating ring on the top surface of the substrate between the first and second metal silicide layers. |
| US07694260B2 |
Semiconductor integrated circuit, layout method, layout apparatus and layout program
An intermediate wiring layer, lowermost vias and uppermost vias of a semiconductor integrated circuit are disposed within a zone of wiring tracks, which are superposed by wiring traces of an uppermost wiring layer and wiring traces of a lowermost wiring layer, as seen from the direction normal to the plane. The lowermost vias are disposed so as to fit in a 4-row, 1-column rectangle, and the uppermost vias are disposed so as to fit in a 2-row, 2-column rectangle. The center of a via unit, which comprises the uppermost vias, as seen from the direction normal to the plane is disposed at the intersecting portion of the lowermost wiring layer and uppermost wiring layer. The center of a via unit, which comprises the lower vias, as seen from the direction normal to the plane is offset by a prescribed amount from the center of the via unit, which comprises the uppermost vias, as seen from the direction normal to the plane. |
| US07694259B2 |
Data models for describing an electrical device
A method and product are described for creating a model of a physical layout and/or a circuit layout of an electrical device. The layouts are defined in a user interface. A text file having metadata elements in a hierarchical format is produced that can be used by other programs. |
| US07694254B2 |
Method, computer program product, and apparatus for static timing with run-time reduction
Run-time reduction is achieved in timing performance of a logical design, such as a digital integrated circuit. A portion of the logical design that is expected to be stable with respect to timing performance, such as a clock tree, is identified. Timing sensitivities, including sensitivities to sources of variability, of the identified portion of the logical design are determined at a given instant. The timing sensitivities of the identified portion of the logical design are saved for re-use. The saved timing sensitivities are re-used throughout the timing analysis and in subsequent timing analyses. |
| US07694246B2 |
Test method for yielding a known good die
A semiconductor wafer is cut to singulate integrated circuit dice formed on the wafer. A die pick machine then positions and orients the singulated dice on a carrier base such that signal, power and ground pads formed on the surface of each die reside at predetermined positions relative to landmarks on the carrier base the die pick machine optically identifies. With the dice temporarily held in place on the carrier base, they are subjected to a series of testing and other processing steps. Since each die's signal pads reside in predetermined locations, they can be accessed by appropriately arranged probes providing test equipment with signal access to the pads during tests. After each test, a die pick machine may replace any die that fails the test with another die, thereby improving efficiency of subsequent testing and other processing resources. |
| US07694244B2 |
Modeling and cross correlation of design predicted criticalities for optimization of semiconductor manufacturing
A method and apparatus for modeling and cross correlation of design predicted criticalities include a feedback loop where information from the manufacturing process is provided to cross correlation engine for optimization of semiconductor manufacturing. The information may include parametric information, functional information, and hot spots determination. The sharing of information allows for design intent to be reflected in manufacturing metrology space; thus, allowing for more intelligent metrology and reduces cycle time. |
| US07694240B2 |
Methods and systems for creation of hanging protocols using graffiti-enabled devices
Certain embodiments of the present invention provide methods and systems for hanging protocol generation using gesture recognition. Certain embodiments provide a method for creating a hanging protocol based on gesture input in a clinical environment. The method includes specifying a hanging protocol specification using gesture-based input. The method also includes translating the gesture-based input into a hanging protocol. The method further includes facilitating display of clinical information based on the hanging protocol. Certain embodiments provide a gesture detection system. The system includes a sensor surface configured to detect gesture-based input made on the sensor surface. The gesture-based input specifies a hanging protocol layout. The system also includes a processor configured to identify the gesture-based input and translate the gesture to a corresponding hanging protocol definition for display of image and clinical data. |
| US07694239B2 |
Selection and deselection of objects at multiple levels of a hierarchy
Provided are techniques for viewing objects. A hierarchical structure is displayed, wherein the hierarchical structure includes two or more levels, and wherein each of the levels includes one or more objects. A control is provided to enable selection of one or more objects at each of the levels of the hierarchical structure. Selection of at least one object at each of two or more of the levels of the hierarchical structure is received. In response to receiving the selection, the hierarchical structure is displayed with the at least one object at each of the two or more of the levels shown as selected along with a list of the selected objects. |
| US07694236B2 |
Stack icons representing multiple objects
The features described herein are directed to a method and system for use in a computing environment for representing files stored in stacks by using a stack icon. The stack icon may include multiple thumbnail images as top elements, and may use common characteristics among the files to define the appearance of the stack. The system may also use metadata or file characteristics (e.g., time of last edit, size, etc.) to identify one file for top representation in the stack icon. The system may additionally include an empty stack icon, a generic stack icon, property based icons, and custom thumbnail icons. |
| US07694235B2 |
Integrated content guide for interactive selection of content and services on personal computer systems with multiple sources and multiple media presentation
A integrated content guide for multiple sources is provided with hyper-text type links to allow for the selection of various programs. The hyper-text links are provided for a transmitted and then stored digital bit stream. This allows for the embedding within the content guide what could be additional commercial information. The embedding may also be as to additional information for other related television or radio shows or the like. Information can be additional television shows, related information or activities on on-line services or automatic telephone ordering of products or services being displayed. |
| US07694226B2 |
System and method for generating a work of communication with supplemental context
A system for selecting, managing, sharing and displaying content data files in a manner that takes into account the contextual significance of said content data files to a narrative, an author(s) and an audience. A system that is able to place an absolute and relative value upon the significance of a media object is able to assist in stimulating the recollection of the author and audience, thus making every aspect more memorable and enhancing by improving the ease of use and the quality of the final result of the use of the system of this invention. |
| US07694216B2 |
Automatic assignment of field labels
A method for processing a document that includes a plurality of fields having respective contents. The method includes providing labels to be assigned respectively to the fields and one or more rules applicable to the contents of the fields according to the labels assigned thereto. A computer reads the contents of the fields, and assigns the labels to the fields responsive to application of the rules to the contents. |
| US07694215B2 |
Method and apparatus for providing sponsorship for a directory
A method for providing sponsorship for a directory comprises permitting a search of the directory. The method further comprising displaying a search result on a page and incorporating a designated web page of a sponsor on the same page as the search result. |
| US07694212B2 |
Systems and methods for providing a graphical display of search activity
A user's prior searching and browsing activities are recorded for subsequent use. A user may examine the user's prior searching and browsing activities in a number of different ways, including indications of the user's prior activities related to advertisements. A set of search results may be modified in accordance with the user's historical activities. The user's activities may be examined to identify a set of preferred locations. The user's set of activities may be shared with one or more other users. The set of preferred locations presented to the user may be enhanced to include the preferred locations of one or more other users. A user's browsing activities may be monitored from one or more different client devices or client application. A user's browsing volume may be graphically displayed. |
| US07694210B2 |
Turbo-coding DOCSIS information for satellite communication
Methods and systems for modifying DOCSIS-based transmission paths for communication in higher frequency and/or wireless environments, such as wireless terrestrial communication systems and satellite communication systems. An inner turbo-code is combined with a DOCSIS based Reed-Solomon (“RS”) forward error correction (“FEC”) coding scheme, to produce a concatenated turbo-RS code (other FEC codes can be utilized). In phase and quadrature phase (“I-Q”) processing is utilized to enable relatively low cost up-converter implementations. The I-Q processing is preferably performed at baseband, essentially pre-compensating for analog variations in the transmit path. Power amplifier on/off control capable of controlling on/off RF power control of remote transmitters is modulated on a transmit cable to reduce the need for a separate cable. |
| US07694206B2 |
Reception method, reception apparatus, and program for decoding an error correction code using soft-decision value
A reception apparatus, method and a program using the reception method are provided to prevent degradation of reception quality due to interference. In a reception apparatus, an ADC samples data rIq[k] and rQq[k]. Based on the sampled data, a level detector finds an interference evaluation value Cc[l] for each OFDM symbol by counting the number of times one of the data rIq[k]q and rQq[kq] is clipped to the maximum output range of the ADC. When the interference evaluation value Cc[l] is greater than or equal to an interference decision value thc, a weighting control section corrects a soft-decision value wl,m,n by multiplying it by a weighting factor γc so as to decrease contribution of an error correction code to decoding. |
| US07694202B2 |
Providing memory test patterns for DLL calibration
A system and method to provide memory test patterns for the calibration of a delay locked loop (DLL) using a pseudo random bit sequence (PRBS) stored in a serial presence detect (SPD) circuit memory. The test bits stored in the SPD memory are transferred to a memory controller register (MCR) and implemented on the system data bus as test patterns that closely simulate run-time switching conditions on the system bus, so as to allow more accurate calibration of the DLL. Test data write/read operations may be performed while signals for the test patterns are present on various bit lines in the data bus so as to allow for accurate determination or adjustment of the value for the delay to be provided by the DLL to the strobe signals during memory data reading operations at run time. Memory chips may also be tested over an operating range of values using the generated test patterns. |
| US07694199B2 |
Three boundary scan cell switches controlling input to output buffer
A process initializes the state of an output memory circuit of a scan cell located at the boundary of a logic circuit within an integrated circuit. Data is scanned into an input memory circuit of the cell while maintaining the cell in a mode providing normal operation of the logic circuit. The cell is placed in a test mode that disables normal operation of the logic circuit. The data scanned into the input memory circuit is transferred into the output memory circuit simultaneous with the placing the cell in the test mode. A transmission gate between the logic circuit and the output memory circuit and a transmission gate between the input memory circuit and the output memory circuit effect the changes between normal operation and test modes. |
| US07694193B2 |
Systems and methods for implementing a stride value for accessing memory
Systems and methods for implementing a stride value for memory are provided. One embodiment includes a system comprising a plurality of memory modules configured to store interleaved data in a plurality of memory storage units according to a predetermined interleave. The plurality of memory storage units can be defined by a memory range of consecutive addresses. The system also comprises a memory test device configured to access a portion of the plurality of memory storage units in a sequence that repeats according to a programmable stride value. |
| US07694192B2 |
Assisted problem remediation
A method (which can be computer implemented) for assisted remediation of at least one problem with a computer system includes the steps of obtaining data from the computer system, the data being indicative of the at least one problem; hypothesizing at least a first candidate remediation process for the problem from among a plurality of annotated remediation process descriptions, based at least in part on the data; associating at least a first attribute with the at least first candidate remediation process; and facilitating presentation of the at least first candidate remediation process with the associated attribute to a remediation agent. |
| US07694186B2 |
Method for actuating a system on chip (SOC) and computer system medium thereof
A method for actuating a system on chip (SOC) includes the following steps. First, determine whether the SOC is connected to a computer system via a communication connection. If no, determine whether a non-volatile memory of the SOC has an initial flag signal. If yes, read correction information stored in the non-volatile memory in response to the initial flag signal and set a corresponding first register of the SOC according to the correction information. |
| US07694185B2 |
Method and apparatus for providing simplified control for device fault and event handling
A method identifies, prior to runtime, a first device that is added to a system. Further, the method generates, prior to runtime, a statically precompiled database for the device that provides a first set of error handling data. In addition, the method identifies, during runtime, a second device that is added to the system. Finally, the method generates, during runtime, a dynamically allocated database for the second device that provides a second set of error handling data. |
| US07694184B2 |
Controlling software failure data reporting and responses
User input defines transmission filter rules to be met when sending an error report to a support provider. User input also defines collection filter rules to be met when including failure data within an error report. Error reports corresponding to crash failures at clients are filtered with the transmission filter rules to determine which of the error reports to send to the support provider, and each error report to be sent to the support provider is further filtered to remove any failure data that fails to satisfy the collection filter rules. Each error report that satisfies the transmission filter rules, along with the failure data satisfying the collection filter rules, is sent to the support provider for analysis. Standard and or custom failure responses corresponding to the failures at the clients may be retrieved and sent to the clients in accordance with the collection filter rules. |
| US07694182B2 |
Debugging system and method
In a multitask execution environment, a debugging device performs debugging setting for rewriting part of original recording content in a memory area shared by at least two tasks, and debugging cancellation for restoring rewritten recording content back to original recording content. The debugging device stores a memory area used by each task, and address information specifying each debugging target task and a respective address. When task switching occurs, if a next task is not a debugging target, recording content at a physical address specified by address information other than that of the next task and within the physical address space range used by the next task is put into a post-debugging cancellation state. If the next task is a debugging target task, in addition to the above processing, recording content at the physical address specified by the address information of the next task is put into a post-debugging setting state. |
| US07694180B2 |
Collecting debug information according to user-driven conditions
Collecting debug information includes facilitating a communication session for an endpoint operated by a user. One or more user-driven conditions are monitored, where a user-driven condition results from an action by the user. Data is gathered during the monitoring. Whether the communication session is satisfactory or unsatisfactory is determined from the one or more user-driven conditions. Monitoring is discontinued if the communication session is satisfactory, and debug information is generated from the gathered data if the communication session is unsatisfactory. |
| US07694172B2 |
Data backup device, data backup method, and recording medium storing data backup program
A data backup device according to the present invention comprises a first table, a second table, an update management part configured to perform recording in the second table an identifier of updated portion of a first memory, a table rewriting part configured to perform rewriting the first table such that the first table identifies the portion of the first memory identified by the second table, and a data copy control part configured to perform output of first data from the portion of the first memory identified by the first table. |
| US07694170B2 |
Match server for a financial exchange having fault tolerant operation
Fault tolerant operation is disclosed for a primary match server of a financial exchange using an active copy-cat instance, a.k.a. backup match server, that mirrors operations in the primary match server, but only after those operations have successfully completed in the primary match server. Fault tolerant logic monitors inputs and outputs of the primary match server and gates those inputs to the backup match server once a given input has been processed. The outputs of the backup match server are then compared with the outputs of the primary match server to ensure correct operation. The disclosed embodiments further relate to fault tolerant failover mechanism allowing the backup match server to take over for the primary match server in a fault situation wherein the primary and backup match servers are loosely coupled, i.e. they need not be aware that they are operating in a fault tolerant environment. As such, the primary match server need not be specifically designed or programmed to interact with the fault tolerant mechanisms. Instead, the primary match server need only be designed to adhere to specific basic operating guidelines and shut itself down when it cannot do so. By externally controlling the ability of the primary match server to successfully adhere to its operating guidelines, the fault tolerant mechanisms of the disclosed embodiments can recognize error conditions and easily failover from the primary match server to the backup match server. |
| US07694167B2 |
Maintaining routing consistency within a rendezvous federation
The present invention extends to methods, systems, and computer program products for appropriately detecting node failures in a rendezvous federation. A monitor node monitors a subject node. The subject node intermittently renews a time-to-live duration value with the monitor node to indicate the monitor node that the subject node has not failed. In some embodiments, each node in a pair of nodes monitors the other nodes in the pair of nodes. Thus, each node is a subject node and a monitor node. In further embodiments, an arbitration facility arbitrates failure reports. |
| US07694162B2 |
Conserving power by reducing voltage supplied to an instruction-processing portion of a processor
One embodiment of the present invention provides a system that facilitates reducing static power consumption of a processor. During operation, the system receives a signal indicating that instruction execution within the processor is to be temporarily halted. In response to this signal, the system halts an instruction-processing portion of the processor, and reduces the voltage supplied to the instruction-processing portion of the processor. Full voltage is maintained to a remaining portion of the processor, so that the remaining portion of the processor can continue to operate while the instruction-processing portion of the processor is in reduced power mode. |
| US07694156B2 |
Cryptographic unit and method for operating a crytographic unit
A cryptographic unit includes a first processing unit for determining an output signal on the basis of the AES algorithm and for determining a first comparison signal, a second processing unit for determining a second comparison signal, and a release unit for providing the output signal, wherein the release unit is designed to perform a defense measure against an external tapping of the output signal when the first comparison signal is not related to the second comparison signal in a predetermined relationship. The first comparison signal is determined in a different way as compared to the second comparison signal, so that, in the case of the injection of faults into the cryptographic unit, these faults may be detected very easily. |
| US07694153B2 |
Changing product behavior in accordance with license
A computer or other electronic device uses a cryptographic capability and hardware identifier to verify a provisioning packet for changing the mode of operation of the device or a licensed component. A secure memory stores the provisioning packet for future reference. A sequence number may be used to limit replay attacks. An exemplary use is conversion of a computer from metered use during a subscription period to unlimited use when the subscription terms have been satisfied. |
| US07694152B2 |
Memory controller with performance-modulated security
A memory controller utilizing a performance monitor to modulate the level of data security applied to the data being transferred to and from memory depending on the performance. The performance monitor tracks the response time for access to the memory over a defined time window. The response times are then compared to a predefined allowable response time. This comparison is done over a predefined window of time. When the actual response times exceed the allowable limits, the level of encryption is limited until performance parameters fall within the limits selected. The frequency with which the encryption mechanism is adjusted may also be predefined. Data transfers continue as the controller monitors system performance and controls the level of security applied to the data according to that performance data. The performance modulation can be different depending on what unit is accessing memory in multi-unit systems. |
| US07694149B2 |
Method for judging use permission of information and content distribution system using the method
A method is provided for judging use permission of information on one or more terminal apparatuses which use content provided by a content provider and metadata provided by a metadata provider and supplementing the content, the method comprising: metadata use permission judgment judging use permission of the metadata based on usage control information regarding use control of the metadata; and using the metadata in the case where in said metadata use permission judgment, the use of the metadata is permitted. Specifically, the usage control information includes the first signer identification information which identifies the range of the provider of the metadata that can be used. The metadata includes a signature of the metadata provider identified in the first signer identification information, and the second signer identification information identifying the signer of the signature. And, said metadata use permission judgment judges the metadata use permission based on the metadata provider identified in said first signer identification information, said second signer identification information, and signature verification. |
| US07694137B2 |
Image processing system and authentication method of the same
When a host computer connected to a network is to remotely control information in an image processing apparatus, authentication to the image processing apparatus is performed by using a password, and, on the basis of an encryption code of an encryption chip stored in the host computer, an authentication process for an operation with respect to the information in the image processing apparatus is performed by using a dictionary in an authentication server. |
| US07694136B2 |
Method for distributing and authenticating public keys using hashed password protection
A method to distribute and authenticate public encryption keys. A client concatenates its ID, its public key, and a secret password known to the client and a server, and hashes the result. The client forms an extended concatenation including the ID, the public key, and the hashed value, and sends the extended concatenation to the server. The server reads the ID and public key, and re-computes the hashed value based on its own knowledge of the password. If the received and the computed hashed values are the same, the server concludes that the client's public key is authentic. An analogous process enables the server to distribute its public key, and enables the client to authenticate the server's distributed public key. |
| US07694135B2 |
Security systems and services to provide identity and uniform resource identifier verification
A service is provided to allow a user, such as an API or web service, Internet input, or software or hardware client to perform a search on any one or multiple Uniform Resource Identifier (URI) and/or other protocol addresses accessible via a public or private network to establish a report in a summary and/or detailed format on the trustworthiness of the address. |
| US07694133B2 |
Systems and methods for protecting data secrecy and integrity
A technique for integrating message authentication with encryption and decryption is disclosed. Intermediate internal states of the decryption operation are used to generate a validation code that can be used to detect manipulation of the encrypted data. The technique is optimized with respect to processing time, execution space for code and runtime data, and buffer usage. The technique is generally applicable to a variety of block ciphers, including TEA, Rijndael, DES, RC5, and RC6. |
| US07694129B2 |
Methods of processing digital data and images
Systems and methods for processing textual messages which are integrated with one or more digital attachments is described. These systems and methods are useful in the electronic filing and processing of, for example, image data, and of textual data associated with the image data. One particular application of these systems and methods would be for the electronic filing and processing of dental x-rays with patient claim forms. |
| US07694123B2 |
Storing files for operating system restoration
A computer system comprising a processor, a first storage coupled to the processor and comprising an operating system, and a second storage coupled to the processor. The processor is adapted to store a group of files pertaining to the operating system on the second storage prior to launching the operating system. The processor is capable of using the group of files to restore the operating system. |
| US07694117B2 |
Virtualized and adaptive configuration of a system
A method and apparatus for virtualized and adaptive configuration. An embodiment of a method includes generating a system configuration. The configuration includes a setting, with the setting having an abstract value to be resolved based at least in part on a characteristic of a system. The configuration is installed in a recipient system, and a value is resolved for the setting based at least in part on a characteristic of the recipient system. |
| US07694116B2 |
Test method for verifying installation validity of a PCI device on a electronic device
A test method for verifying installation validity of a peripheral component interconnected (PCI) devices on an electronic device having a test module, comprises the steps of: (a) storing information of onboard devices and slots on motherboards of different electronic devices and information of PCI devices added in the slots of the motherboards in a first data storing device; (b) storing a bill of material (BOM) showing all possible configurations of the different computers in a second data storing device; (c) generating a configuration file according to the BOM and information of the motherboards and PCI devices; (d) the test module in the computer checking actual hardware configuration of the computer and comparing the actual configuration with the corresponding information recorded in the configuration file; (e) outputting a test result. |
| US07694115B1 |
Network-based alert management system
A system for managing network alerts including data connections adapted to receive alerts from network sensors, alert processing logic coupled to the data connections and further including alert integration logic operable to integrate the alerts, report generation logic coupled to the alert integration logic, distribution logic coupled to the report generation logic and a remote management unit coupled to the alert processing logic and being operable to dynamically modify the alert processing logic. |
| US07694114B2 |
Software selectable adjustment of SIMD parallelism
Selective power control of one or more processing elements matches a degree of parallelism to requirements of a task performed in a highly parallel programmable data processor. For example, when program operations require less than the full width of the data path, a software instruction of the program sets a mode of operation requiring a subset of the parallel processing capacity. At least one parallel processing element, that is not needed, can be shut down to conserve power. At a later time, when the added capacity is needed, execution of another software instruction sets the mode of operation to that of the wider data path, typically the full width, and the mode change reactivates the previously shut-down processing element. |
| US07694113B1 |
Method for translating instructions in a speculative microprocessor
A method for use by a host microprocessor which translates sequences of instructions from a target instruction set for a target processor to sequences of instructions for the host microprocessor including the steps of beginning execution of a speculative sequence of target instructions by committing state of the target processor and storing memory stores previously generated by execution at a point in the execution of instructions at which state of the target processor is known, executing the speculative sequence of host instructions until another point in the execution of target instructions at which state of the target processor is known, rolling back to last committed state of the target processor and discarding the memory stores generated by the speculative sequence of host instructions if execution fails, and beginning execution of a next sequence of target instructions if execution succeeds. |
| US07694103B1 |
Efficient use of memory and accessing of stored records
Using memory is disclosed. A block of memory is obtained from a memory allocator. A first location in the block of memory is sub-allocated to a first block based backup and/or restoration related task. An indication is received that the first location is available to be sub-allocated to a subsequent block based backup and/or restoration related task, if any. |
| US07694099B2 |
Memory controller having an interface for providing a connection to a plurality of memory devices
A memory controller with an interface for providing a connection to a plurality of memory devices at least one of said plurality of memory devices supporting burst mode data transfers comprises data interface circuitry for connecting to a plurality of separate data buses for communicating data signals between said memory controller and a respective one of said memory devices, each of said data buses providing a dedicated data signal path to a different one of said memory devices, address interface circuitry for connecting to a common address bus for communicating address signals to each of said memory devices on a shared address signal path, address signals which are directed to different ones of said memory devices being time division multiplexed together on said common address bus, and device selecting circuitry for generating one or more device selecting signals synchronised with said time division multiplexing of said common address bus to select that memory device to which address signals currently asserted on said common address bus are directed. In this way, an increased bandwidth memory controller can be provided which is efficient for both short, narrow and long and wide burst lengths and which has interface circuitry with a relatively low pin count. |
| US07694093B2 |
Memory module and method for mirroring data by rank
A memory module including first and second ranks is provided. Each rank includes a separate plurality of individually accessible memory locations. Also included in the memory module is a control circuit coupled with the first rank and the second rank. The control circuit is configured to receive a write command for writing data to the first rank, and to process the write command to write the data to both the first rank and the second rank. Another embodiment of the invention features the control circuit alone. |
| US07694089B2 |
Resource efficient remote copy pair for data retention
A data processing system in which resources of a remote copy are prevented from being wasted uselessly during a data-retention period is provided. The data processing system includes: an application server 2000, a primary storage system 4000 which stores data used by the application server in a first storage volume, a secondary storage volume 5000 which stores the copy of data stored in the primary storage system in a second storage volume, and a management server 1000 which controls the primary storage system and secondary storage system; and the primary storage system and secondary storage system are configured to include an access control table in which an access inhibited or access permitted state with respect to the first storage volume and second storage volume is stored, and a remote copy pair table in which a corresponding relation between the first storage volume and the second storage volume is stored. |
| US07694084B2 |
Ultra low power ASIP architecture
A microcomputer architecture comprises a microprocessor unit and a first memory unit, the microprocessor unit comprising a functional unit and at least one data register, the functional unit and the at least one data register being linked to a data bus internal to the microprocessor unit. The data register is a wide register comprising a plurality of second memory units which are capable to each contain one word. The wide register is adapted so that the second memory units are simultaneously accessible by the first memory unit, and so that at least part of the second memory units are separately accessible by the functional unit. |
| US07694077B2 |
Multi-port integrated cache
A multi-port instruction/data integrated cache which is provided between a parallel processor and a main memory and stores therein a part of instructions and data stored in the main memory has a plurality of banks, and a plurality of ports including an instruction port unit consisting of at least one instruction port used to access an instruction from the parallel processor and a data port unit consisting of at least one data port used to access data from the parallel processor. Further, a data width which can be specified to the bank from the instruction port is set larger than a data width which can be specified to the bank from the data port. |
| US07694074B2 |
Removable medium apparatus and control method thereof
A removable-medium apparatus that outputs data that is stored on a removable medium that updates ID information that corresponds to data stored on said removable medium when it is detected that a removable medium is mounted, and sends the ID information that is updated. Also, it sends data when receiving a request to send data that is stored on said removable medium and that corresponds to the updated ID information. |
| US07694072B2 |
System and method for flexible physical-logical mapping raid arrays
A system, method and computer program for allocating physical memory from a group of N memory devices to logical volumes. A group of N memory devices are partitioned into a plurality of bands, each of the group of N memory devices sharing a portion of each of the plurality of bands. A cluster map for each of the plurality of bands is generated. The cluster maps indicate the physical address for each of a plurality of clusters. Each of the plurality of clusters are distributed equally over two or more of the N memory devices to ensure a specified level of redundancy for each of the plurality of bands. Each of the N memory devices share an approximately equal number of clusters. Available bands are determined and are allocated to a logical volume. |
| US07694066B2 |
Nonvolatile memory with active and passive wear leveling
A memory system including a nonvolatile semiconductor storage device includes: a nonvolatile memory unit that includes a first data area in which data is frequently rewritten and a second data area in which data is hardly rewritten; and a control unit. The control unit sequentially selects logical block addresses in the second data area in which data is hardly rewritten and updates physical block addresses at new rewriting destinations in the first data area in which data is frequently rewritten to physical block addresses corresponding to the logical block addresses selected. |
| US07694053B2 |
Slave assembly for determining source of data received over a two-wire master-slave communications bus
A method of determining a source of data received over a two-wire master-slave communication bus includes monitoring with a slave assembly a plurality of clock signals each generated by a master device and determining the source of data received over the two-wire master-slave communication bus based on the monitored clock signals. Examples of suitable slave assemblies and systems for performing the method are also disclosed. |
| US07694051B2 |
Method for calculating master/slave response time-out under continuous packet format communications protocol
A method of detecting master/slave response time-out under continuous packet format communications protocol, which calculates the time required for the slave device to respond to a Modbus request subject to Modbus TCP/UDP protocol. The method is to continuously send Modbus requests to a slave device through a detection device and to record each Modbus request sent time, and to have the slave device provide to the detection device a response for each Modbus request. By means of calculating the precise response time-out from the response time-outs which are gotten from the slave device responds to a predetermined number of Modbus requests, the user or manager can determine the response time-out required for the slave device precisely so as to give an EXECUTE instruction or command at the accurate time point. |
| US07694050B1 |
Method and system for addressing multiple instances of a same type of device on a bus
A method for addressing multiple instances of a same type of slave device on a bus is provided that includes receiving a plurality of unique device addresses at each of the slave devices and overwriting a default device address in each of the slave devices with a different one of the unique device addresses. |
| US07694045B2 |
Methods and apparatus for pipeline processing of encryption data
A calculating apparatus, or system, having a plurality of stages, such as in a pipeline arrangement, has the clocking rail or conductor positioned alongside the stages. With a large number, i.e., hundreds, of stages arranged in parallel sub-arrays, the clocking conductor is snaked alongside the sub-arrays. In individual stages it is arranged that the shortest of the two calculations taking place in a stage, takes place in the return path. An array can be divided into separate sections for independent processing. |
| US07694043B2 |
Method, system, for exchanging data via a buffer pool between a central processing unit and input/output processor that satisfies a predetermined threshold
A method is disclosed for exchanging data between a central processing unit (CPU) and an input/output processor (IOP). The CPU and IOP may both be senders or receivers depending on whether data is flowing to or from the CPU. Where data is flowing to the CPU, the CPU is the receiver and the IOP is the sender. Where data is flowing from the CPU, the CPU is the sender and the IOP is the receiver. A sender evaluates the amount of empty buffers and, in a preferred embodiment, whether there is more data coming to determine whether to release partially full buffers in its buffer pool. Partially full buffers may be released based on any threshold as desired from a simple integer to a complex algorithm. The evaluation of whether to release partially full buffers is preferably implemented where a sender obtains at least one data packet for sending to a receiver and where a sender obtains an empty buffer from a receiver. |
| US07694038B2 |
Maintaining and using nexus information on a host, port and device connection
Provided are a method, system, and program maintaining and using nexus information on a host, port and device connection. A login is received from a host port on a storage controller port, wherein the host port has been configured on the storage controller to access one or more devices. An entry is added to a host-storage controller ports data structure for the host port and storage controller port involved in the login. At least one pointer is initialized in the entry in the host-storage controller ports data structure to point to at least one entry in at least one intermediate data structure. One pointer is initialized in each entry in one intermediate data structure addressed by one initialized pointer in the host-storage controller ports data structure to point to a nexi data structure having a plurality of entries. |
| US07694035B2 |
DMA shared byte counters in a parallel computer
A parallel computer system is constructed as a network of interconnected compute nodes. Each of the compute nodes includes at least one processor, a memory and a DMA engine. The DMA engine includes a processor interface for interfacing with the at least one processor, DMA logic, a memory interface for interfacing with the memory, a DMA network interface for interfacing with the network, injection and reception byte counters, injection and reception FIFO metadata, and status registers and control registers. The injection FIFOs maintain memory locations of the injection FIFO metadata memory locations including its current head and tail, and the reception FIFOs maintain the reception FIFO metadata memory locations including its current head and tail. The injection byte counters and reception byte counters may be shared between messages. |
| US07694031B2 |
Memory controller including a dual-mode memory interconnect
A memory controller including a dual-mode memory interconnect includes an input/output (I/O) circuit including a plurality of input buffers and a plurality of output drivers. The I/O circuit may be configured to operate in one of a first mode and a second mode dependent upon a state of a mode selection signal. During operation in the first mode, the I/O circuit may be configured to provide a parallel interconnect for connection to one or more memory modules. During operation in the second mode, the I/O circuit may be configured to provide a respective serial interconnect for connection to each of one or more buffer units, each configured to buffer memory data that is being read from or written to the one or more memory modules. |
| US07694028B2 |
Multi-function device with model indentification
A multi function device includes a main board configured to control functions corresponding to a model of the multi function device and a sub board configured to be connected with the main board. The sub board carries out peripheral control corresponding to the model of the multi function device. Main board first identification information indicative of a category of the main board is obtained, and main board second identification information intrinsic to each model of the multi function device is also obtained. Then, the model of the multi function device is identified based on the main board first identification information and the main board second identification information when the multi function device is powered on. Further, function information corresponding to the identified model is obtained. The main board and the sub board of the multi function device are controlled based on the function information so as to function correctly. |
| US07694024B2 |
TCP/IP offload device with fast-path TCP ACK generating and transmitting mechanism
A network interface device has a fast-path ACK generating and transmitting mechanism. ACKs are generated using a finite state machine (FSM). The FSM retrieves a template header and fills in TCP and IP fields in the template. The FSM is not a stack, but rather fills in the TCP and IP fields without performing transport layer processing and network layer processing sequentially as separate tasks. The filled-in template is placed into a buffer and a pointer to the buffer is pushed onto a high-priority transmit queue. Pointers for ordinary data packets are pushed onto a low-priority transmit queue. A transmit sequencer outputs a packet by popping a transmit queue, obtaining a pointer, and causing information pointed to by the pointer to be output from the network interface device as a packet. The sequencer pops the high-priority queue in preference to the low-priority queue, thereby accelerating ACK generation and transmission. |
| US07694023B1 |
Routing a processor communication
A method embodiment includes determining whether a communication received from a first processor connected to a network interface unit is intended for a second processor connected to the network interface unit. The method embodiment also includes selecting a first communication path between a route through a switch and a route directly to the second processor through which to route the communication from the network interface unit to the second processor. The method embodiment further includes routing the communication from the network interface unit to the second processor through the first communication path. |
| US07694022B2 |
Method and system for filtering communications to prevent exploitation of a software vulnerability
A method and system for protecting an application that implements a communication protocol against exploitation of a communication-based vulnerability is provided. A protection system provides a protection policy that specifies how to recognize messages that expose a specific vulnerability and specifies actions to take when the vulnerability is exposed. A protection policy specifies the sequence of messages and their payload characteristics that expose a vulnerability. The protection system may specify the sequences of messages using a message protocol state machine. A message protocol state machine of an application represents the states that the application transitions through as it receives various messages. The message protocol state machine of the protection policy may be a portion of the message protocol state machine of the application relating to the vulnerability. The protection system uses the message protocol state machine to track the states that lead up to the exposing of the vulnerability. |
| US07694020B2 |
Network routing utilizing a product code
A method for utilizing a product code having product information contained therein for interfacing over a network. A representation of the product information is extracted from the product code, which product code is disposed on or in close association with an associated product. In response to this extraction, network routing information is associated with the product code information. |
| US07694019B2 |
System and method for accessing multiple addresses per domain name using networked repository
A system, method, and program product are provided that gather a plurality of IP addresses that each correspond to a common domain name. A list of domain names is provided for gathering corresponding IP addresses. For each of the received domain names, IP addresses are retrieved from a number of DNS tables. The unique IP addresses are identified from the gathered IP addresses retrieved for each of the domain names. The domain names and their associated IP addresses are stored in a domain name repository. |
| US07694016B2 |
Composite DNS zones
A plurality of separate DNS zones are combined to form a composite DNS zone. The composite DNS zone is viewed as a single DNS zone by other elements on the network. Each of the separate DNS zones becomes a component DNS zone within the composite DNS zone but can still be separately owned and managed using standard DNS protocols. As such, the composite DNS zone provides a transparent method of combining DNS data owned by separate parties into a single location that can be searched using a DNS request of the prior art.DNS requests directed to the composite DNS zone may result in a plurality of answer candidates. Some embodiments include algorithms for searching the composite DNS zone and assembling a DNS answer from the plurality of answer candidates. The composite DNS zone may include telephonic DNS data according to the ENUM standard. |
| US07694012B1 |
System and method for routing data
A method of and system for routing data includes passing a data request to a primary data source, encountering a type of error in accessing the requested data from the primary data source, and selecting one of a plurality of alternate data sources based on the type of error encountered. |
| US07694005B2 |
Remote device management in a home automation data transfer system
An automation network includes automation network devices connected to the network and a system layer interface that interfaces with a transport layer and an application layer of the home automation network. The system layer interface includes command libraries configured to upgrade a remote network device. The automation network queries the network devices to determine if there are lost network devices or newly added network devices. The automation network may update a new remote device with scene information related to any lost network devices. |
| US07694000B2 |
Context sensitive portlets
A method for presenting portlets within a portal can include providing a portal including a multitude of portlets, each portlet having at least one presentation attribute. A context in which access to the portal is requested can be identified and particular ones of the presentation attributes can be selected according to the context. Based upon selected presentation attributes, a presentation order can be determined for the portlets. |
| US07693996B2 |
Service level management system
A service level management (SLM) system where the system learns the structure of a web application, monitors the operation of the application, and controls the processing of incoming requests to achieve optimal performance as defined in a service level agreement (SLA). The system is operative for example in enterprise web applications and in enterprise data centers that deploy web applications and optimally is capable of controlling and maintaining a level of service of web applications. |
| US07693992B2 |
Technique for providing access to data
A data retrieval system provides data to a user of a client computer connected to multiple data stores and multiple other computers. A request for data is received at the client computer. The request is forwarded from the client computer to a server computer and intercepted at a reverse proxy caching connection. An attempt is made to locate the data at a data store at the reverse proxy caching connection. If the data is not found the request is forwarded to the server computer. In order to provide data to a user. A user interface is provided. Initially, data elements associated with a grouping of data elements are identified. Then, a subset of the selected data elements are selected based on weights associated with the data elements, without selecting more than a specified number of data elements that are associated with a same sub-category. |
| US07693991B2 |
Virtual clustering and load balancing servers
A method and system is provided intelligent network dispatchers that are capable of routing requests to one or more servers (e.g., LDAP servers) based on the requested application or the identity of the requester. The servers may be grouped into virtual clusters so that a particular cluster may service requests associated with a particular application or based on a type of customer (e.g., preferred or general customer) in order to grade levels of service. Also, a system resource monitor may provide continual monitoring of servers in virtual clusters to determine when one or more servers are overburdened or under burdened based on statistical performance data. As a servers performance changes, the system resource monitor may advise the intelligent network dispatcher causing a change in the rate of requests to the overburdened/under burdened server. The server may be temporarily removed from the virtual cluster until performance levels normalize. Further, servers may be re-assigned to other virtual clusters on demand to provide increased capacity to a virtual cluster. |
| US07693985B2 |
Technique for dispatching data packets to service control engines
A dispatching technique dispatches packets to a plurality of service control engines (SCEs) which in aggregate may be configured to handle traffic produced by a high-speed high-capacity data link. Upstream and downstream packets that are associated with a data flow between a subscriber and a destination node in a communication network are received from by a dispatcher which is located in a path used by the data flow. For each packet, the dispatcher identifies an SCE from among a plurality of SCEs that is to receive the packet based upon an address contained in the packet. The packet is then dispatched by the dispatcher to the identified SCE which processes the packet accordingly. After processing the packet, the SCE returns the packet to the dispatcher which further processes the packet including transferring the packet onto the communication network towards its destination. |
| US07693982B2 |
Automated diagnosis and forecasting of service level objective states
Systems, methods, and software used in performing automated diagnosis and identification of or forecasting service level object states. Some embodiments include building classifier models based on collected metric data to detect and forecast service level objective (SLO) violations. Some such systems, methods, and software further include automated detecting and forecasting of SLO violations along with providing alarms, messages, or commands to administrators or system components. Some such messages include diagnostic information with regard to a cause of a SLO violation. Some embodiments further include storing data representative of system performance and detected and forecast system SLO states. This data can then be used to generate reports of system performance including representations of system SLO states. |
| US07693981B2 |
System and method to publish information from servers to remote monitor devices
To assist in monitoring the intelligent messaging network, a system and method for publishing logging and status information from the servers is provided. A list of available servers accessible for monitoring by persons, devices, and applications via a remote monitor device can be provided. The remote monitor device may forward selected servers from the list of available servers in which they are interested. Also, particular information about the selected servers can be requested. Access to certain servers and information may be restricted to those with authorization. Authorization can be verified by the use of digital certificates. The requested information can then be gathered and provided to authorized persons or devices. Typically, the information includes logging and status information from the servers. The information can be provided as an XML page and viewed using, for example, a standard web browser. Further, if the information is provided to the remote monitor device as an XML page, a standard XML parser may be used to extract particular information from the XML page. |
| US07693979B2 |
Traffic fencing mechanism for control plane enabled networks
A device receives a traffic fencing (TF) function for a network, and provides a TF attribute, based on the received TF function, over a link of the network to enable activation of a TF rule of a link state routing (LSR) algorithm used by the network to implement the TF function for the network. |
| US07693973B2 |
Pluggable state meta-data processors based on meta information modeling in a service oriented architecture
A method and system for managing service state data of a service in a service-oriented architecture by establishing a pluggable meta-data processor comprising: establishing a platform independent, extensible meta-data information model to define meta-data about service state data; establishing an extensible meta-data definition comprising an extensible set of service state data attributes; configuring one or more extensible semantic processors; configuring a controller meta-data processor; and defining contracts among the semantic processors. |
| US07693970B2 |
Secured shared storage architecture
A secure shared storage infrastructure accessible by more than one customer is separated into a plurality of logical storage areas. A customer is associated with at least one logical storage area within the shared storage infrastructure. The customer and its logical storage areas are associated with at least one port in the shared storage infrastructure. Each customer has access only to the logical storage areas associated with the customer and cannot access the logical storage areas of any other customer. |
| US07693966B2 |
Automatic configuration of a network
The invention relates to a method and a device for monitoring and controlling the configuration of terminals and/or network components within an electronic network. A configuration unit is provided in the network, the configuration unit monitors the configuration and can automatically configure the terminals connected to the network, and/or the network components. |
| US07693964B2 |
Method and system for interfacing with a shipping service
A logistics node receives a purchase order from a customer. The logistics node selects an appropriate carrier to transport products specified in the purchase order and conveys shipping instructions to the selected carrier. The logistics node also coordinates the shipment by interacting with a source node (associated with a supplier of the products) and a destination node (associated with the recipient of the products). According to one exemplary feature, the logistics node provides an interface that permits users involved in the distribution chain to track the status of the shipments without having to enter tracking codes that are unique to individual carriers. According to another exemplary feature, the interface allows a user to access multiple “levels” of information regarding a shipment, including information pertaining to an individual product within a shipment containing multiple products. According to another exemplary feature, the interface allows a user to change the priority status associated with particular products that have already been presented for shipment. According to another exemplary feature, the interface provides different “views” for use by different respective users. Each of the views provides a corresponding different set of tools for use in interacting with the freight managing service. |
| US07693959B2 |
Content distribution system using an alternative domain name system (DNS) and content servers
The present invention is a network architecture or framework that supports hosting and content distribution on a truly global scale. The inventive framework allows a Content Provider to replicate and serve its most popular content at an unlimited number of points throughout the world. The inventive framework comprises a set of servers operating in a distributed manner. The actual content to be served is preferably supported on a set of hosting servers (sometimes referred to as ghost servers). This content comprises HTML page objects that, conventionally, are served from a Content Provider site. In accordance with the invention, however, a base HTML document portion of a Web page is served from the Content Provider's site while one or more embedded objects for the page are served from the hosting servers, preferably, those hosting servers near the client machine. By serving the base HTML document from the Content Provider's site, the Content Provider maintains control over the content. |
| US07693955B2 |
System and method for deploying a web service
A Web service can be deployed using a backend component such as an Enterprise JavaBean or Java class. The operation of the Web service can be mapped to methods of the backend component. An interceptor can provide access to SOAP contents of a Web service invocation message, passing contents to and from the backend component. The interceptor writes response data received from the backend component to a Web service response message, which can be sent to the client invoking the Web service. A codec, such as a serializer or deserializer, can be used to convert data in the Web service invocation message and invocation response message between XML representations and Java objects for use with the backend component. |
| US07693950B2 |
System and method related to generating and tracking an email campaign
A method and system for generating and tracking an email campaign is described. An email campaign generator generates an email campaign template from an email target database. The email target database comprises at least one email target. An email campaign engine generates a custom email corresponding to each of the at least one email target. The custom email is formed from the email campaign template. The email campaign engine sends to each of the at least one email target the corresponding custom email. A campaign tracker receives at least one response corresponding to the sent custom email. The campaign tracker creates a campaign tracking list that includes the received at least one response. |
| US07693946B2 |
Communication apparatus and method of controlling same
Disclosed is a communication apparatus in which it is possible to change the size of data transmitted at one time, the data size being changed to one size in case of transmission of e-mail via a mail server and to different size in case of transmission that is not performed via a mail server. E-mail data having image data as an attached file is generated and it is determined whether a predetermined server will intervene when e-mail is transmitted to a transmission destination. When it has been decided that the destination will be a mail server, it is determined whether the e-mail data has exceeded a prescribed size. E-mail data for which it has been determined that the prescribed size is exceeded is divided into a plurality of segments and then the e-mail data is transmitted to destination decided. |
| US07693938B2 |
Message broadcasting admission control system and method
A system and method of admission control for authorizing a submission of a broadcast message to a broadcast target area includes receiving a broadcast message record including the broadcast message and the broadcast target area for the broadcast message and validating the authority of a broadcast message originator originating the broadcast message record as a function of a broadcast message originator parameter. The method also includes identifying a broadcast transmission network providing broadcast message transmission to broadcast message receiving devices located within the broadcast target area and validating the broadcast transmission network against a broadcast transmission network parameter. The method further includes forwarding the broadcast message record to an output interface associated with the broadcast transmission network for transmission to the broadcast message receiving devices within the broadcast target area. |
| US07693936B2 |
Messaging schema for services interaction on prepaid and subscription system
Inter-service messages conform to a protocol message schema and support predetermined types according to the destination service. Because the schema and types are well defined, input queues corresponding to the services are able to quickly identify and remove non-conforming messages. The schema supports both prepaid and subscription business models and is extensible to other types. |
| US07693934B2 |
Network device, system and method for providing list of controlled devices
A network device having a message receiving module for receiving notify messages transmitted from controlled devices connected in a network, a device list management module for collecting information regarding the controlled devices connected in the network and creating and managing a list of service information of all the controlled devices connected in the network, and a control module for searching for service information of a specific controlled device, which has been requested by a control point, in the device list management module and transmitting the searched information. Since a controlled device has a list of other controlled devices connected thereto in a network, when a message searching for a specific controlled device has been received from a control point, another controlled device can transmit a response message to the control point on behalf of the specific controlled device even though the specific controlled device cannot receive the message from the control point. |
| US07693933B1 |
Method and apparatus for configuring relay processes used for dynamically configuring hosts in network communications
Techniques for configuring relay processes for dynamically configuring hosts for network operations include receiving, at a relay process on a network device, a first message from a first server that dynamically configures hosts for network communications. The first message includes first data that indicates a particular set of one or more network addresses for servers that dynamically configure hosts for network communications. The particular set is stored for use in directing second data to a server that dynamically configures hosts for network communications. The second data is received in a second message from a client on a host connected to the network device. The second data indicates a host request for configuring the host for network communications. These techniques allow a Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) relay agent on a router to be automatically configured with a set of addresses for DHCP servers. |
| US07693921B2 |
Reducing computational complexity in determining the distance from each of a set of input points to each of a set of fixed points
An aspect of the present invention takes advantage of the fact that the coordinates of fixed points do not change, and thus the energy (sum of squares of the coordinates defining the vector) of each fixed point is computed and stored. The energy of each variable input point may also be computed. The distance between each pair of fixed and input points is computed based on the respective energies and the dot product. |
| US07693917B2 |
Method for adaptive data management
A method for managing a back-end information storage infrastructure and a flexible development environment for data storage using a computer system. The method includes managing system resources including a relational database. Meta data models are created to model processes and to define meta data elements and their relationships by using trees and graphs. The method manages access to the data by authenticating users through several levels of authentication describing user rights, while providing management of multi-user access and concurrency. The method includes running the processes that generate instance data, storing the instance data following the meta data model, and transforming the instance data into physical views. |
| US07693913B2 |
Method and system for remote accessing a virtual database system
A compiler, which makes a computer carry out a process for generating a program used for a remote access to a virtual database comprising a first computer 11 including an application program and a second computer 12 being connected to the first computer 11 by way of a network and including one or more databases, replaces (1c) a description part relating to a DML execution process for the virtual database from a source code 7 of the application program with a description relating to an RPC process and generates a program for executing the DML execution process for the native databases based on the RPC process. The use of the program enables a high performance remote database access while applying a virtual database function aiming at facilitating a business logic buildup. |
| US07693911B2 |
Uniform metadata retrieval
A method for uniform metadata retrieval generates an interface for requesting metadata from a relational database. A hierarchical metadata request can be received via the interface. The hierarchical metadata request can be translated into a relational database metadata request. The relational database metadata request is utilized to retrieve metadata from the relational database. |
| US07693905B2 |
System and method for optimizing event predicate processing
Described is a system and method for optimizing event predicate processing. The method comprises processing a subscription including a plurality of subscription predicates, sorting the subscription predicates using a predefined sorting algorithm, processing an event including a plurality of event predicates and comparing the plurality of event predicates to the subscription predicates. When each of the subscription predicates is matched by a corresponding one of the event predicates, the event is output to a source of the subscription. |
| US07693903B2 |
Method for gathering and summarizing internet information
A computer method of gathering and summarizing large amounts of information comprises collecting information from a plurality of information sources (14, 51) according to respective maps (52) of the information sources (14), converting the collected information from a storage format to XML-language documents (26, 53) and storing the XML-language documents in a storage medium, searching for documents (55) according to a search query (13) having at least one term and identifying the documents (26) found in the search, and displaying the documents as nodes (33) of a tree structure (32) having links (34) and nodes (33) so as to indicate similarity of the documents to each other. |
| US07693896B1 |
Apparatus and method for perusing selected vehicles having a clean title history
A system and method for allowing a consumer to search a database containing used vehicles from a variety of sellers that can be queried to provide search results that include only vehicles having clean title histories. |
| US07693894B1 |
System and method for caching and utilizing flight availability data
A system and method operable to cache and retrieve flight availability data. System components are a cache database for storing flight availability data, an airline cache control for configuring the cache database for a plurality of airlines, a subscriber cache control for configuring the cache database for a plurality of subscribers, and a cache query utility for interacting with the cache database. Additional system components are a data display utility for displaying flight availability data stored in the cache database, a success rate utility for tracking statistics associated with use of the cache database, and a dual mode processing utility that allows access to flight availability data from either the cache database or a real-time response. The system is provided as an intermediary between the subscribers and a plurality of airline servers. |
| US07693889B1 |
Automated backup and recovery for content repository
Performing a backup is disclosed. A first set of data associated with a second set of data is backed up. The first set of data is made available for use before backing up the second set of data. The second set of data is backed up within a prescribed interval after completing the backup of the first set of data. One of the first set of data and the second set data comprises metadata associated with the other of the first set of data and the second set of data and the other comprises one or more items of managed content. |
| US07693887B2 |
Dynamic identification of a new set of media items responsive to an input mediaset
Systems and methods are disclosed for creating a list of media items that are similar to an input mediaset comprising at lease one input media item, optionally together with at least one input parameter that constrains the output in scope or number of items. Media items include music, videos, pictures and other such items that can be associated or grouped together by a human into a list or mediaset. The mediaset is formed by a human applying virtually any objective and/or subjective criteria. Those criteria need not be made explicit; a relation among the selected items is implicit in the list per se. Alternatively, objective criteria such as metadata can be used. |
| US07693882B2 |
Replicating data across the nodes in a cluster environment
Techniques are provided for managing replicated data items in a cluster of shared nothing nodes. The techniques include synchronously propagating changes to one or more replicas, while asynchronously propagating changes to the remaining replicas. Because the replicas to which the change is synchronously replicated may be a relatively small percentage of the total number of replicas, the overhead associated with performing an update is reduced. The process of selecting which nodes are involved in the synchronous update operation may take into account a variety of factors, including which replicas are available at the time the update operation is being performed. |
| US07693881B2 |
Methods and systems for moving data using locks
Methods, computer readable medium and systems are provided for moving data objects from a first storage location to a second storage location. One or more data objects may be selected having an identifier from a first storage location. The ID may be stored in a second lock object. Systems and methods consistent with the invention may determine whether the ID is stored successfully, and upon a successful storage, may store the ID in a first lock object. The data object is stored at a second storage location and the data object is deleted from the first storage location. After the ID has been stored in a first lock object, the ID is then deleted from the second lock object. |
| US07693872B2 |
Software web crowler and method therefor
System for crawling the web for multimedia files and indexing the files based on sound analysis and algorithmic translation. |
| US07693870B2 |
Information processing apparatus and method, and program used therewith
Systems and methods are disclosed for processing information. In one implementation, an image processing apparatus includes an acquisition unit that acquires two or more images to be grouped together. The images include time information as attribute information. The image processing apparatus groups the images based on whether the intervals among times represented by the time information are greater than at least one threshold value. The images are managed in the form of a binary tree structure and handled in single or different groups based on comparing a threshold value with the standard deviations of intervals among the times so as to match a user's subjective intention. |
| US07693868B2 |
Separation of employee data for different applications
The subject mater herein relates to human resources data processing and, more particularly, to separation of employee data for different applications, such as personnel administration applications. Various embodiments provide systems, software, and methods that maintain a first set of employee data in an employee object, wherein the first set of employee data is valid across one or more other objects, and executing a process of a business object requiring at least a portion of the first set of employee data. In some embodiments, the business object obtains the portion of the first set of employee data from the employee object and maintains a second set of employee data that is not valid across all other objects. |
| US07693866B1 |
Network-based system and method for accessing and processing legal documents
A system and method stores electronic legal documents, such as email messages, in a database system such that electronic characteristics associated a native format of the electronic legal documents are substantially preserved. The electronic characteristics that are preserved include metadata and conversational threading information, directory path information, attachments, and other electronic document information. Once in the database system, the stored electronic legal documents are indexed and can be searched by users at terminals. The users at the terminals are provided with access to the database system via a server. The terminals have user interfaces to provide the users with a variety of searching, processing, and saving capabilities, including the ability to follow conversation threads, view attachments, and index and retrieve selected electronic legal documents in a manner that allows use of the stored electronic characteristics. |
| US07693865B2 |
Techniques for navigational query identification
To accurately classify a query as navigational, thousands of available features are explored, extracted from major commercial search engine results, user Web search click data, query log, and the whole Web's relational content. To obtain the most useful features for navigational query identification, a three level system is used which integrates feature generation, feature integration, and feature selection in a pipeline. Because feature selection plays a key role in classification methodologies, the best feature selection method is coupled with the best classification approach to achieve the best performance for identifying navigational queries. According to one embodiment, linear Support Vector Machine (SVM) is used to rank features and the top ranked features are fed into a Stochastic Gradient Boosting Tree (SGBT) classification method for identifying whether or not a particular query is a navigational query. |
| US07693864B1 |
System and method for quickly determining changed metadata using persistent consistency point image differencing
A system and method accelerates update of a metadata search database using PCPI differencing. After first populating the search database, a search agent generates a PCPI and utilizes a PCPI differencing technique to quickly identify changes between inode files of first and second PCPIs. The differences are noted as modified metadata and are written to a log file, which is later read by the search agent to update the search database. |
| US07693862B2 |
User interface mechanism to formulate complex query against an entity relationship model
A graphical user interface and method of use thereof that allows users to interact with an entity relationship model. The user interface includes zones that allow users to navigate among the entities, roles and fields to create queries that are run against the model. Clicking on an entity in the shows the available fields for the entity. Users can drag and drop entities and fields onto a design surface to quickly and easily build queries. Rules are applied when either an entity or a field is dropped onto the design surface based upon the item being dropped (either an entity or a field), the position of the drop and also the properties that are associated with the item. Entities may be grouped and filtered to sort and limit the results of the query. After query is run, the results may be displayed in a separate area to the user. |
| US07693859B2 |
System and method for detecting file content similarity within a file system
A system and method for detecting file content similarity within a file system. The system may include a storage device configured to store a plurality of files and a file system configured to manage access to the storage device. The file system may be configured to compute a compressed size of at least a portion of a given file, and to store an indication of the compressed size in a named stream corresponding to the given file. In one specific implementation of the system, the file system may be further configured to determine a value of a file harmony metric from the compressed size of the concatenation of a first and second file and the compressed sizes of the first and second files, where the compressed sizes of the first and second files may be stored in a corresponding one of a plurality of respective named streams. |
| US07693854B2 |
Two-pass harmonized tariff schedule classification
A Two-Pass Harmonized Tariff Schedule Classification system and method is disclosed using an integrated Trade Compliance System (TCS). A classification analyst may preliminarily classify each product by comparing information about each product with information concerning HTS codes. The analyst may store these classifications in a repository in the TCS database. Subsequently, the information in the repository input by the analyst may be reviewed during a second pass by other personnel. The other personnel can review the information in the database for accuracy, taking into account other bases for classification. |
| US07693851B2 |
Systems and methods for implementing a shared space in a provider-tenant environment
The present invention discloses methods and systems for tenants to execute application software hosted by a provider in a computer-based environment in which a provider may store a shared data structure associated with the application software, such that each of the plurality of tenants has access to the shared data structure. The provider may also distribute, to each of the plurality of tenants, respective tenant-specific data structures for storing data unique to each respective tenant for storage at each respective tenant, and send, based upon a data request generated by the application software, data of the shared data structure a first tenant of the plurality of tenants. |
| US07693850B2 |
Method and apparatus for adding supplemental information to PATRICIA tries
Method and apparatus for adding annotations to an index are disclosed. Annotation is defined as any supplemental information that may be stored in an index node in addition to the usual key and data references. Adding annotations to the index opens numerous applicative possibilities, including but not limited to, storing and retrieving aggregation, statistical, and security information pertaining to the indexed data and to the index itself. |
| US07693849B2 |
Masking object data based on user authorization
Provided are a method, system, and program for processing a request for an object from a user. Layout information for the requested object is accessed, wherein the layout information delineates fields in the object. A determination is made from access control information as to whether the user is authorized to access the fields indicated in the layout information. The data from the object in one field which the user is not authorized to access is masked. The fields from the object are generated into a formatted object formatted according to the layout information, wherein the masked data is presented unintelligible to the user. |
| US07693848B2 |
Method and apparatus for structuring documents based on layout, content and collection
A method and apparatus is provided for converting a document in a first format essentially comprising a flat layout structure into a structured document in a hierarchical form in accordance with predetermined attributes identified from the input format. The process comprises fragmenting the input document into a plurality of document content elements in accordance with a predetermined set of document attributes identifiable from the input document format. The content elements are clustered into selective sets having similar document attributes. The clustered sets are validated with reference to common textual properties organizational content common in documents in the collection. The clustered sets are then categorized into predetermined categories comprising structured elements of the structured document format and the document content elements are organized by hierarchical dependency from the predetermined categories wherein the organized document elements comprise the desired structured document format. |
| US07693845B2 |
Database systems, methods and computer program products using type based selective foreign key association to represent multiple but exclusive relationships in relational databases
Database systems, methods and/or computer program products provide for multiple but exclusive relationships between tables in a relational database. The multiple but exclusive relationship may be enforced based on a type associated with a record in a relating table. The multiple but exclusive relationship may be a one-to-many or a many-to-many relationship. A foreign key value of a record in a relating table may be selectively associated with a specific one of a plurality of related tables based on at least one attribute of the record containing the foreign key in the relating table. In particular embodiments of the present invention, the foreign key values of a record in the relating table are selectively associated with one of the plurality of related tables by defining a foreign key of records of the relating table and defining a plurality of types of foreign key associations, each of the types corresponding to a respective one of the plurality of related tables. One of the related tables having a type corresponding to a type value associated with a record of the relating table is selected and a record in the selected related table identified based on a foreign key value of the foreign key of the record in the relating table. |
| US07693844B1 |
Configuring processing relationships among entities of an organization
A system, method and carrier medium for configuring processing relationships among entities of a Financial Service Organization (FSO). The system, method and carrier medium may be used for processing and reporting FSO business data including transactional data. A business structure, which may include the processing relationship between various entities of the FSO, may be defined. A processing relationship configuration program may be used to create a processing relationship structure. A node may be created and uniquely defined to represent an FSO physical entity and/or an FSO function. Nodes structures may be defined to correspond to the processing relationship structure within an FSO. A node number may uniquely identify a node instance in the processing relationship structure. An FSO database table may be used to store the a processing relationship structure information. FSO transactions, such as executing a report, may be generated based on the defined processing relationship structure. |
| US07693840B1 |
Method and system for distribution of common elements
A system for updating web page common elements is provided. The system includes a distribution component that is operable on a first server. The distribution component transfers new common elements provided on the first server to a plurality of other servers that may be geographically dispersed. The plurality of other servers are each provided with a distribution agent that is operable to receive the common element and to store the common element in a directory on each of the plurality of other servers. The common code elements may be common elements, for example, on one or more enterprise web pages. A method for updating common elements for enterprise web pages is also provided. |
| US07693839B2 |
System and method for obtaining and tracking up-to the-minute delivery locations of employees via a database system
This present invention is a method and system for providing an up-to-the-minute location of a recipient for delivery of a message. A computerized system imports corporation databases containing employee location codes and delivery preference information (as well as addresses for various message media such as FAX telephone numbers, E-mail addresses, Pager telephone Numbers, etc.) to a database in or accessible by the corporation's Mail Room. The system includes WEB-based and telephone access to this information to allow employees to keep this information up to date. |
| US07693838B2 |
Method and apparatus for securely accessing data
A security manager receives a request for data that is subject to data security management. The security manager operates independently of a host partition and is not directly accessible or detectable by the host partition. The security manager determines whether to grant or deny access to the requested data based at least in part on a requesting user's authentication credentials. If the data request is approved, a security policy associated with the data is determined. In addition, instructions are sent to a system hypervisor to create a secure partition. The hypervisor loads the requested data and a verified version of an application necessary to access the data into the secure partition creating a secure environment for accessing the data. |
| US07693833B2 |
System and method for improving integrity of internet search
A system and method are provided to receive a search query from a user, typically via a web browser, the Internet, and a web server. A search engine obtains a set of potential search results based on the search query. For each Internet domain or web site mentioned in the search results, a set of data sources is accessed to obtain information concerning the legitimacy of the business associated with the Internet domain or web site. The legitimacy information is used to reorder or to change or to augment the appearance or presentation of the search result for the Internet domain or web site. The processed search results are returned to the user. |
| US07693832B2 |
Rich set of synchronization rules across multiple accounts with multiple folder and consent types
A unique system and method that facilitates synchronizing data across multiple accounts at about the same time is provided. The system and method involve configuring an intelligent set of synchronization rules that can apply to various data types from one or more user accounts or storage locations. In addition, the system or method can leverage off of existing search folders or search queries to configure the synchronization rules. |
| US07693822B2 |
Apparatus of generating browsing paths for data and method for browsing data
The present invention provides a method and apparatus of generating browsing paths for data, a method for browsing data and a computer program product. According to one aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of generating browsing paths for data. Firstly, a plurality of candidate browsing paths based on a data model describing the data structure is generated; next for each of the plurality of candidate browsing paths, importance of the browsing path based on a portion of data corresponding to the browsing path in the data is calculated; and at least one of the plurality of candidate browsing paths based on the importance is selected. |
| US07693821B2 |
Virtual pair algorithm for outer join resolution
A system and method for executing semijoin reductions on outer join operations are presented. Tuple lists are created based on a query. A sequence of semijoin reduction steps are performed, where each semijoin reduction step either switches one tuple list, or reduces all tuple lists at one relation. Virtual connector pairs are inserted into the tuple lists, and then all tuple lists are centralized at a common host. The join results are assembled at the common host, and negative row IDs are substituted. From the join result, the query result is retrieved by projecting to the requested attributes. |
| US07693820B2 |
Use of materialized transient views in query optimization
Methods and systems for integrating use of materialized transient views into generation of an optimized query execution plan. Features and aspects hereof provide rapid identification of common expressions in a query as transient view candidates and then rapidly select among the transient view candidates for those transient views that most benefit the cost of execution of the query. The selected transient views are incorporated into a generated final, optimized query execution plan including operator to materialize the selected transient views for re-use in execution of the query. |
| US07693816B2 |
Computer system, computer, data access method and database system
There is a program for transmitting a prefetch command to a database management system (DBMS) so that access data of the DBMS can be prefetched to a storage. The DBMS is able to generate an access plan conscious of prefetch and to access database (DB). The DBMS is, however, unable to recognize that a prefetch command program is halted and it cannot generate an access plan at a proper I/O cost. Database management system servers 1, 2, . . . monitor a prefetch program of a management server 5, understands that the prefetch program is halted and it can optimize an execution plan to access storage apparatus 3, 4, . . . by using an I/O cost changed when the prefetch program is halted. |
| US07693813B1 |
Index server architecture using tiered and sharded phrase posting lists
An information retrieval system uses phrases to index, retrieve, organize and describe documents. Phrases are extracted from the document collection. Documents are the indexed according to their included phrases, using phrase posting lists. The phrase posting lists are stored in an cluster of index servers. The phrase posting lists can be tiered into groups, and sharded into partitions. Phrases in a query are identified based on possible phrasifications. A query schedule based on the phrases is created from the phrases, and then optimized to reduce query processing and communication costs. The execution of the query schedule is managed to further reduce or eliminate query processing operations at various ones of the index servers. |
| US07693810B2 |
Method and system for advanced scenario based alert generation and processing
A computer based method and system generates alerts based on the detection of an advanced scenario in a data set. The system and method may take data related to events and entities, transform the data, and apply advanced scenarios to the data to produce matches that reflect the occurrence of an advanced scenario and the behavior of interest. The advanced scenarios can be defined to cover specific product lines and services, lines of businesses, and combinations thereof. The advanced scenarios can be defined to be indicative of a behavior class, or a specific behavior which is part of a behavior class. Alerts produced by the system can be grouped, prioritized and routed such that the appropriate users are notified in a timely manner. The system and method can be applied to a variety of industries including financial and health care, and can detect both illicit and licit behaviors of interest. |
| US07693807B2 |
Mapping between anonymous modules in a network environment
The present invention extends to methods, systems, and computer program products for mapping between anonymous modules in an event environment. Through the use of one or more event type to executable module bindings, a binding/dispatch manager maps events, for example, peer-to-peer, grid, or parallel processing computing events, to appropriate methods for processing the events. When an event is received from an event infrastructure, the binding/dispatch manager refers to annotations (e.g., based on the shape of the parameters) to identify an appropriate method for processing the event. Parameters are transferred to the appropriate method, which processes the parameters and returns any results to the binding/dispatch manager. In some embodiments, the binding/dispatch manager then forwards a response to the event infrastructure. |
| US07693805B2 |
Automatic identification of distance based event classification errors in a network by comparing to a second classification using event logs
A system and method to facilitate automatic identification of event classification errors in a network are described. Session data containing events logged by a user entity over a network in a predetermined period of time is retrieved from one or more event logs. Each event is further parsed to generate one or more event units. A frequency parameter of co-occurrence of the event units within each event of the session data is further determined and at least one session distance is determined among the events based on the frequency parameter. At least one classification distance is further retrieved from a data storage module, such as, for example, a database or a datastore, the one or more classification distances representing a relation between the events and corresponding classification categories within the database or datastore. Each session distance is further compared to each retrieved classification distance to ascertain event classification errors within the database or datastore. A predetermined error code is then assigned to each event if the corresponding session and classification distances are different. Finally, a list of classification errors containing the identified events and their corresponding error codes is output for further review and analysis, either through manual editing or, in the alternative, through automatic editing. |
| US07693804B2 |
Method, system and computer program product for identifying primary product objects
Methods, systems and computer program products for identifying primary product objects on a web page. A primary product object is the object that shows the best view of the product the web page is detailing. A set of features is extracted for one or more objects on the web page. The primary product objects are identified by computing the probabilities of one or more objects on the web page being a primary product object, the probabilities indicating the likelihood of the one or more objects being the primary product object. The probabilities are computed by querying a statistical model. |
| US07693802B2 |
System for determining postage rates on the basis of the thickness of the mail items
A system for determining postage rates, said system comprising a lever mounted to pivot about a pivot axis, a wheel disposed at one end of the lever and in contact, at rest, with a conveyor surface on which a mail item is conveyed, measurement means disposed at the other end of the lever for the purpose of measuring the angular displacement of said lever while the mail item is being conveyed and for the purpose of delivering a signal representative of the amplitude of said displacement, and a processor unit connected to the measurement means for determining the thickness of the mail item, the measurement means comprising an encoder provided with a plurality of openings, each of which corresponds to a determined threshold for a postage rate, which openings are distributed over a circular arc over an annular portion and are suitable for going past a stationary sensor comprising an emitter for emitting a light ray and a receiver for receiving said light ray, the processor unit being suitable for counting the number of openings through which said light ray passes as said wheel passes over said mail item, and for deducing from said number the postage rate corresponding to said mail item. |
| US07693798B2 |
Anonymous merchandise delivery system
A method for implementing an anonymous payment card transaction, in either a face-to-face transaction or a MOTO transaction, in which the user is allowed to select an option for anonymous delivery of goods. The option is conveyed to a money source by means of a customization parameter. The customization parameter is used to customize generation of a user one-time payment card number, to customize a user identifier or as a customization variable that is included in a user transaction data packet which includes the user one-time payment card number and the user identifier. A delivery agent can be used to deliver the purchased goods to a delivery location that is not known by the merchant by use of a tracking identifier provided by the money source to the merchant and the delivery agent. After the purchased goods are delivered by the merchant to the delivery agent, they can be delivered to a destination location and held for pick-up, they can be delivered to a second delivery agent, or they can be delivered to a delivery address provided to the delivery agent. A person receiving the goods can prove entitlement to such goods by presentation of a delivery code or a dummy one-time payment card number that can also serve as proof of receipt and by used to trigger a charge for the goods once they have been received. |
| US07693796B2 |
Method and apparatus for data recipient storage and retrieval of data using a network communication device
A system and method for data recipient invoked electronic commerce allowing data subjects to provide information over a network and data recipients to receive such information relating to the needs of s data subject such as purchases, distribution of application information and the like. The system includes a server having software which gathers the information from a data subject to complete a transaction over a network. The system has a data subject data structure that stores information for registered data subjects. The software is able to access the data subject data structure and enter the data subject's information during subsequent transactions. Having the software obtain and enter the data subject's purchasing information, the data subject does not have to enter the same information every time the data subject desires to effect a transaction over the network. In alternate embodiments, the same technology can be applied to other arenas where a user may have to enter the same repetitive information. |
| US07693795B2 |
Digital work protection system
Disclosed is a digital work protection system enabling a content distributor to flexibly define usage patterns of content permitted for users. The system is composed of a recording device and a playback device. The recording device acquires a digital work, range information showing a permission range within which the digital work is permitted to be used, and a subrange key for each subrange, generates an encryption key using all the acquired subrange keys, encrypts the digital work based on the encryption key to generate encryption information, and writes the encryption information and the range information to a recording medium. The playback device reads the range information and the encrypted information from the recording medium, acquires a subrange key for each subrange, generates a decryption key using all the acquired subrange keys, decrypts the encrypted information based on the decryption key to generate a digital work, and plays the digital work. |
| US07693794B2 |
Computer system and computer-implemented method for creating travel-expense statements
Computer system and computer-implemented method for creating travel-expense statements. The computer system is based on electronic data processing means comprising identifying means for automatically creating particular identifying data for identifying which of the travel-expense receipts were related to particular business trips, and determining means for automatically collecting the identifying data of the travel-expense data for determining the travel-expense receipts associated with the particular identifying data. Rather than showing all entries, only those automatically-identified entries may be presented to the user as items that should be associated with a particular travel-expense statement. |
| US07693781B2 |
System and method for wagering-based transferable financial instruments
An apparatus for providing a financial instrument comprises a memory operable to store a plurality of predefined states wherein each of the predefined states corresponds to at least one potential outcome of a probabilistic event. The memory further stores a plurality of predefined termination criteria wherein each predefined state corresponds to at least one predefined termination criteria. The memory further stores a financial instrument that is allocated a value based at least in part upon one of the plurality of predefined states. A processor is coupled to the memory and facilitates the transfer of the financial instrument. |
| US07693777B1 |
Computerized trading system
The present invention relates to computerized trading systems and associated methods, particularly those that implement trades in basis trading where the two instruments have different and non-universally agreed pricing mechanisms and metrics, such as futures crosses in the European derivative markets. The present invention allows traders to enter orders expressed in terms of their own metrics. These orders are then converted to be expressed according to a standardized metric such that comparisons may be made and orders matched. Once matching orders are identified, these orders can be reported back to the traders, expressed in terms of their own metrics. |
| US07693776B2 |
Automated trading systems
In an electronic trading system, prime brokerage services may be provided by assigning one or more dependent or child deal codes to a deal code. Prime broker trades are conducted via the dependent deal codes but appear to the market as deals with the parent deal code using credit assigned to the parent deal code. The prime bank customer is a dependent deal code of the customer bank which also trades on the system, allowing credit to be allocated by the customer dependent code for prime broker trades. A deal code may have several dependent deal codes which can trade with one another. Dependent deal codes can be used to expand the size of trading floors beyond that which can be supported by a single deal code and to assist in migration between system versions. |
| US07693770B2 |
Method and system for creating and marketing employee stock option mirror image warrants
A warrant on company stock that is used to determine value of employee options for U.S. accounting purposes on company stock. The warrant comprises an amortization factor, an exercise term that is the same or substantially similar to an exercise term of the employee options, and a strike price that is the same or substantially similar to a strike price of the employee options. The warrant also comprises a provision to periodically determine the amortization factor based on early forfeiture and/or early exercise of the employee options, a provision to apply the amortization factor to the warrants, and a provision to determine an intrinsic value of the warrants. Value of the employee options for U.S. accounting purposes is determined using market value of the warrants at issue. |
| US07693769B1 |
System and method for identifying tax savings opportunities for a taxpayer
The present invention is a computerized tax savings tool for adjusting a taxpayer's taxable income to identify tax savings opportunities. The tax savings tool may be implemented as a component of a proprietary tax preparation software system that is used to prepare tax returns for taxpayer clients of a tax preparation firm. The tool automates the calculations of legal steps that a taxpayer may take to reduce his or her AGI on a current or a future tax return, which in turn enables the taxpayer to take advantage of additional adjustments, deductions, exemptions, credits, etc. provided by the tax code of the taxing authority. The tax savings opportunities are presented in one or more onscreen reports that may be reviewed by a tax return preparer and taxpayer. The onscreen report identifies specific actions that the taxpayer may take to reduce his or her taxable income, and therefore, related tax liability. |
| US07693761B1 |
Account selection for financial processing in a relational database management system
A Value Analyzer system is a data-driven computer-facilitated financial model that provides accurate and consistent profitability calculations using account and event data stored in a relational database managed by a relational database management system (RDBMS), wherein the account data comprises attributes of the accounts being measured and the event data comprises attributes of account-related transactions. A selector function uses selection criteria to select accounts and events from the relational database in order to generate a number of inputs for profitability calculations. |
| US07693760B1 |
Method and apparatus for providing a tax service that is configurable for local jurisdictions
One embodiment of the present invention provides a system that implements a tax service that is configurable for local jurisdictions by an expert in the field, such as a tax professional, who may have little or no knowledge of computer programming. The system operates by receiving a request from a subscriber, wherein servicing the request involves calculating taxes for one or more local jurisdictions. Tax rules for a local jurisdiction can be fed into a tax rule base that is used by a tax engine that is configured to use these externally specified rules in performing tax computations. Next, the system uses the tax engine to calculate taxes for each local jurisdiction, and subsequently uses the results of the calculations in servicing the request. |
| US07693756B2 |
Method and system for determining absorption costs for transfers between inventory sites of a business operation
Embodiments of the present invention are directed to a computer-implemented method for determining absorption costs for transfers between a plurality of cost groups of a business operation. In one embodiment, a processing sequence for the plurality of cost groups is determined. For iteration (n) where n>1, a periodic moving average cost of a transferable item is then calculated for each of the plurality of cost groups according to the processing sequence, where the transferable item is to be transferred between the plurality of cost groups. A difference between the periodic moving average cost calculated in iteration (n) for each of the plurality of cost groups and a periodic moving average cost calculated in iteration (n−1) for each of the plurality of cost groups is then calculated. The steps of calculating the periodic moving average cost and calculating the difference are then repeated until the difference is within a specified tolerance. |
| US07693754B2 |
Quoting system for housing components
A quoting system for housing components, especially cabinets, includes a product database storing a plurality of product identifiers for different cabinet components, each having an associated cabinet style. The database also includes identifiers for products and/or services that are outsourced. The user need enter the description and product or service identifiers only once for an entire quote. The user can assign the pricing by style (or wood species). |
| US07693753B1 |
System and method for presenting items and obtaining user selections of those items
System and method for presenting items and obtaining user selections of those items. In one embodiment, the method comprises presenting a sequence of images of a plurality of items and adding a currently displayed item to a holding area responsive to accepting user input. In one embodiment, the presenting may be a virtual slide show. The method may be implemented as software on a stand-alone computer or in a client-server networked environment. |
| US07693751B2 |
Method and computer readable medium for integrating a diamond consumer, diamond retailer, and diamond wholesaler, including consumer tracking
The method for electronically vertically integrating a consumer, retailer and wholesaler of diamonds (or jewelry) includes maintaining a diamond inventory database which lists common characteristics, wholesale price and retail price. In the retail facility or space, the consumer electronically searches the diamond database and is presented with record displays of diamonds within the scope of the search and the retail price. A retailer's computer can mimic the consumer search and display the wholesale price. This tracking and a sales alarm trigger facilitates a face-to-face sale of the diamond. An alarm issues when the consumer's search exceeds certain predetermined parameters. A computer readable medium and an information processing system are included. |
| US07693748B1 |
Method and system for configuring a set of information including a price and volume schedule for a product
A system and method for aggregating demand is provided. At least one seller may sponsor a deal room to aggregate selling goods/services from a plurality of buyers. The demand aggregation system can include a dashboard for allowing the at least one seller to set up DealRooms, price curves, offers, products, customers, and/or customer groups, for example. The dashboard can include a plurality of wizards for configuring such information. The demand aggregation system can also include seller displays for notifying buyers of changes in prices relative to ship dates and times of order. The demand aggregation system can also include a predictive modeling and reporting function. An algorithm is employed to utilize product information to post a probability chart on a product price point. |
| US07693745B1 |
Asynchronous item transfer facility, system and method
Transferring a package from a source location to a target location, including obtaining the package from a shipper at the source location, the package containing no indication of the target location; affixing to the package a unique identifier; storing, in a package routing system, the unique identifier, and associating therewith, information identifying the target location; transporting the package toward the target locations associated with the unique identifier; and delivering the package to the target location associated with the unique identifier in the package routing system. |
| US07693744B2 |
Optimised messages containing barcode information for mobile receiving devices
A system for delivering coupons containing barcodes to a mobile device such as a mobile phone is disclosed. A message processor means (106) generates message data comprising a coupon. A message optimizer means (116) generates an optimized message responsive to the message data and the capabilities of the mobile device (124). Preferably the capabilities of the mobile device comprise device attribute associated with a mobile device type, and are stored in a database means (110). The optimized message is transmitted to the mobile device. For basic mobile devices, simple text message including barcode number and associated text will be delivered. Otherwise, subject to the mobile device supporting the required display dimensions and color depth, a barcode image, picture, and/or multimedia content will be delivered. |
| US07693743B2 |
Method and system for collecting, processing and presenting evaluations
The invention relates to a teamwork method and a computer system, using which the evaluations of a group about the features of different targets can be gathered and summarized. The system comprises a server (1), the workstation of the main user (3), a number of workstations for evaluators (4-7) and the software used by the web-browser. The main user formulates the inquiry. The server requests through email the evaluators to answer it. The evaluations are entered graphically using a two-dimensional table. The axes of the table present the dimensions to be evaluated. The program calculates normalization for the answers given so that the mean value is located in the origin. When a report is requested the server calculates the normalized mean-value figure, places the points in the two-dimensional table and adds ellipses around them, the dimensions of which present the deviation of the points in the direction in question. |
| US07693742B1 |
System, method and computer program product for a network analyzer business model
A system, method, and computer program product are provided for charging for network analysis. Initially, network traffic information is collected utilizing a plurality of agents. Next, the network traffic information is collected utilizing a plurality of host controllers coupled to the agents. The network traffic information may then be reported to a user utilizing a plurality of zone controllers coupled to the host controllers. In use, a reoccurring fee associated with the reporting may be determined based on a number of the agents, the host controllers, and/or the zone controllers. |
| US07693740B2 |
Dynamic selection of complementary inbound marketing offers
A database system and method comparing marketing events to marketing offers for offering to a candidate. The database system comprises a first database structure storing a first list of candidates, a second database structure storing a second list identifying marketing offers, a third database structure storing a third list identifying optimized marketing events for a first candidate from the first list, and a database manager software application stored on a computer readable medium. The database manager software application compares each of the optimized marketing events from the third list to each of the marketing offers from said second list in response to an inbound communication from the first candidate. The database manager software application extracts a first group of marketing offers from the second list. Each marketing offer from the first group comprises a same classification as any of the optimized marketing events from the third list. |
| US07693737B2 |
Enterprise planning
The invention is directed to a budget planning system that improves the accuracy and predictability of budget planning within large organizations by enabling organizations to reconcile corporate financial models and organizational targets with detailed spending forecasts. The budgeting system includes a database that is configured to store data defining a budgeting model for the organization. The model has a plurality of hierarchically arranged nodes, each node corresponding to a “contributor” that either provides forecast data or review data provided by contributors associated with lower level nodes. The system is configured to capture target data from a set of financial analysts, capture forecast data from the contributors and reconcile the target data and the forecast data according to the model. |
| US07693736B1 |
Recurring meeting schedule wizard
The present invention provides methods and systems for scheduling recurring calendar items. More specifically, a recurring meeting may be scheduled between participants where the recurring meeting includes at least two different meetings that are set to occur at two different times with a determined periodicity. Allowable dates and times for the recurring meeting can be scheduled based on a number of criteria defined such as the availability of the participants for all meeting times and the availability of participants for certain meeting times. |
| US07693734B2 |
System and method for scheduling conference resources
A method for scheduling conference resources is provided, that includes receiving a request for a conference reservation. The request may include the identities of a plurality of proposed participants, a proposed start time, and at least one fixed resource criterion. In accordance with a particular embodiment of the present invention, a projected location of at least one of the proposed participants is automatically calculated. The projected location may be a location at which the at least one of the proposed participants is expected to be at approximately the proposed start time. The method may also include automatically calculating a projected location of at least one invitee of the conference. In accordance with this embodiment, the projected location of the at least one invitee may be used to select an optimal one of a plurality of fixed resources, that match the at least one fixed resource criterion. |
| US07693729B2 |
System and method for conducting a clinical trial study
Described is a method and system for conducting a clinical trial. Medical data is obtained from a patient participating in the clinical trial. Then, the medical data and at least one identifier are transmitted, via a communications network, for storage at a remote server. The at least one identifier links the medical data to a record of the patient. Access to at least portions of the medical data is provided, via the communications network, to trial participants based on predefined clinical trial procedures. The remote server tracks accessing of the medical data by the trial participants and generation by the trial participants of work product responsive to the medical data. |
| US07693722B2 |
Simultaneous audio decoding apparatus for plural compressed audio streams
An audio decoding apparatus for decoding and reproducing a plurality of compressed audio streams simultaneously without sound interruption, even when the number of samples per frame is different. The audio decoding apparatus includes: a first and second audio decoder which decode two inputted compressed audio streams, and output audio data; a first and second intermediate buffer which temporarily hold the outputted audio data; a first and second audio output unit which convert the audio data into audio signals and output such audio signals; an output control unit which reads the audio data from the first and second intermediate buffer, and transmits the audio data to the first and second audio output unit. The output control unit repeats the reading and transmission of either the same number of samples of audio data or the number of samples of audio data for the same amount of transmission time. |
| US07693721B2 |
Hybrid multi-channel/cue coding/decoding of audio signals
Part of the spectrum of two or more input signals is encoded using conventional coding techniques, while encoding the rest of the spectrum using binaural cue coding (BCC). In BCC coding, spectral components of the input signals are downmixed and BCC parameters (e.g., inter-channel level and/or time differences) are generated. In a stereo implementation, after converting the left and right channels to the frequency domain, pairs of left- and right-channel spectral components are downmixed to mono. The mono components are then converted back to the time domain, along with those left- and right-channel spectral components that were not downmixed, to form hybrid stereo signals, which can then be encoded using conventional coding techniques. For playback, the encoded bitstream is decoded using conventional decoding techniques. BCC synthesis techniques may then apply the BCC parameters to synthesize an auditory scene based on the mono components as well as the unmixed stereo components. |
| US07693720B2 |
Mobile systems and methods for responding to natural language speech utterance
Mobile systems and methods that overcomes the deficiencies of prior art speech-based interfaces for telematics applications through the use of a complete speech-based information query, retrieval, presentation and local or remote command environment. This environment makes significant use of context, prior information, domain knowledge, and user specific profile data to achieve a natural environment for one or more users making queries or commands in multiple domains. Through this integrated approach, a complete speech-based natural language query and response environment can be created. The invention creates, stores and uses extensive personal profile information for each user, thereby improving the reliability of determining the context and presenting the expected results for a particular question or command. The invention may organize domain specific behavior and information into agents, that are distributable or updateable over a wide area network. The invention can be used in dynamic environments such as those of mobile vehicles to control and communicate with both vehicle systems and remote systems and devices. |
| US07693711B2 |
Speech signal decoding method and apparatus
In a speech signal decoding method, information containing at least a sound source signal, gain, and filter coefficients is decoded from a received bit stream. Voiced speech and unvoiced speech of a speech signal are identified using the decoded information. Smoothing processing based on the decoded information is performed for at least either one of the decoded gain and decoded filter coefficients in the unvoiced speech. The speech signal is decoded by driving a filter having the decoded filter coefficients by an excitation signal obtained by multiplying the decoded sound source signal by the decoded gain using the result of the smoothing processing. A speech signal decoding apparatus is also disclosed. |
| US07693710B2 |
Method and device for efficient frame erasure concealment in linear predictive based speech codecs
The present invention relates to a method and device for improving concealment of frame erasure caused by frames of an encoded sound signal erased during transmission from an encoder (106) to a decoder (110), and for accelerating recovery of the decoder after non erased frames of the encoded sound signal have been received. For that purpose, concealment/recovery parameters are determined in the encoder or decoder. When determined in the encoder (106), the concealment/recovery parameters are transmitted to the decoder (110). In the decoder, erasure frame concealment and decoder recovery is conducted in response to the concealment/recovery parameters. The concealment/recovery parameters may be selected from the group consisting of: a signal classification parameter, an energy information parameter and a phase information parameter. The determination of the concealment/recovery parameters comprises classifying the successive frames of the encoded sound signal as unvoiced, unvoiced transition, voiced transition, voiced, or onset, and this classification is determined on the basis of at least a part of the following parameters: a normalized correlation parameter, a spectral tilt parameter, a signal-to-noise ratio parameter, a pitch stability parameter, a relative frame energy parameter, and a zero crossing parameter. |
| US07693709B2 |
Reordering coefficients for waveform coding or decoding
Techniques and tools for reordering of spectral coefficients in encoding and decoding are described herein. For certain types and patterns of content, coefficient reordering reduces redundancy that is due to periodic patterns in the spectral coefficients, making subsequent entropy encoding more efficient. For example, an audio encoder receives spectral coefficients logically organized along one dimension such as frequency, reorders at least some of the spectral coefficients, and entropy encodes the spectral coefficients after the reordering. Or, an audio decoder receives entropy encoded information for such spectral coefficients, entropy decodes the information, and reverses reordering of at least some of the spectral coefficients. |
| US07693706B2 |
Method for generating encoded audio signal and method for processing audio signal
A method for generating an encoded audio signal, and a method for processing the same during the multi-channel audio coding are disclosed. The present invention provides the method for generating an encoded audio signal comprising: generating basic spatial information including basic configuration information requisite for a multi-channel audio coding process and basic data corresponding to the basic configuration information; and generating extension spatial information including extension configuration information selectively required for the multi-channel audio coding process and extension data corresponding to the extension configuration information. |
| US07693701B2 |
Structure for a configurable low power high fan-in multiplexer
A configurable, low power high fan-in multiplexer (MUX) and design structure thereof are disclosed. The MUX circuit includes multiple current control elements, which each include multiple inverters coupled to a transmission gate. Each current control element receives a data signal and a select signal that corresponds to the data signal. If a select signal exceeds a threshold value (e.g., a logical “1”), the select signal deactivates a pull-up transistor (e.g., a p-type field effect transistor), and the transmission gate enables the corresponding data signal to provide input to a logic gate (e.g., a NAND gate) coupled to the output of the MUX. If the select signal does not exceed the threshold value, the select signal activates the pull-up transistor, and the transmission gate prevents the corresponding data signal from providing input to the logic gate. |
| US07693700B1 |
Caching technique for electrical simulation of VLSI interconnect
Circuits, methods, and apparatus for including interconnect parasitics without greatly increasing circuit simulation complexity and run times. Interconnect paths are reduced to one of a number of simplified topologies based on path width, length, or other parameters. The input drive waveform is similarly approximated. A grid array is formed in advance, where each point in the grid array corresponds to a set of values relating to a path topology, input waveform, and resulting output waveform. The simplified interconnect path and input waveform are mapped into a set of parameters which corresponds to a location in the predetermined grid array. The output waveform is determined by interpolating output waveforms from gridpoints surrounding the location. |
| US07693696B2 |
System and methodology for zero-gap welding
A method for welding includes providing a pair of substrates with no gap between them. The welding process uses lasers that are moveable through a locus of points relative to the substrates and each other to weld the substrate together. The moveable lasers assist in controlling a formation of a weld keyhole that assists in expelling gases that develop during the welding process. |
| US07693695B2 |
Methods for modeling, displaying, designing, and optimizing fixed cutter bits
In one aspect, the invention provides a method for modeling the performance of a fixed cutter bit drilling an earth formation. In one embodiment, the method includes selecting a drill bit and an earth formation to be represented as drilled, simulating the bit drilling the earth formation, displaying the simulating, and adjusting at least one parameter affecting the performance. The method of design is used to make a fixed cutter drill bit. In another embodiment the method includes numerically rotating the bit, calculating bit interaction with the earth formation during the rotating, and determining the forces on the cutters during the rotation based on the calculated interaction with earth formation and empirical data. |
| US07693691B1 |
Systems and methods for simulating link performance
Systems and methods for accurately and quickly simulating link performance of a transceiver operating with any given transmission medium are provided. Accurate and quick link simulations may be provided using a link simulation platform. The link simulation platform may simulate link performance using transceiver behavioral models (e.g., transmitter and receiver behavioral models) that incorporate silicon level parameters, which parameters enable the behavioral models to substantially emulate the actual behavior of the transceiver portions of the link. |
| US07693686B2 |
Sensor arrangement with a sensor and a signal processing means
A sensor arrangement comprises a sensor responsive to a measurement parameter as a sensor signal and a signal processing means for the sensor signal, the signal processing means having a switching stage for comparison of the sensor signal with a comparison or switching value and for producing a switching signal in a manner dependent on the comparison. A functional stage is present, which constitutes one function of the sensor signal, is comprised in the signal processing means, such function including a time derivative of the sensor signal or a sensor signal value modified by an additive factor, and the output signal of the functional stage forming the comparison of switching value for the switching stage. |
| US07693681B2 |
System for determining three dimensional position of radio transmitter
A method for determining a three-dimensional position of an RFID tag includes moving a mobile object carrying an RFID antenna in a workplace to a first position where the RFID antenna receives a radio signal from the RFID tag. A horizontal angle and a vertical angle are determined from the RFID antenna to the RFID tag based on the feasibility of communication between the RFID antenna and the RFID tag as the RFID antenna is turned or moved in a horizontal direction and a vertical direction, respectively, at the first position. A distance from the RFID antenna to the RFID tag is determined based on the power of the signal received from the RFID tag. A three-dimensional position of the RFID tag is determined by vector calculation using the horizontal angle, the vertical angle, and the distance. |
| US07693680B2 |
Communications system for position detector
A communications system for a position detector comprises a position detector for detecting the amount of movement of a table, an A/D converter connected to the position detector, a numerical control device connected to the A/D converter and receiving a position signal converted by the A/D converter, and an information processor connected to the A/D converter via a USB capable of bidirectional communication. The information processor includes a storage section for preserving data and a program, a computing section for computationally operating the program, and a display section for indicating the results of computational operation by the computing section, and the data. |
| US07693677B2 |
Method of characterizing the distribution of the absolute permeability of a heterogeneous sample
The invention relates to a method having applications for oil exploration and CO2 storage of determining the three-dimensional distribution of the absolute permeability of a heterogeneous sample. The method includes: determining a 3D porosity map of the sample; carrying out a viscous miscible displacement experiment during which the evolution of the differential pressure on either side of the sample is determined; from this evolution, determining a 1D absolute permeability profile along the sample and constructing a first 3D permeability map from the 3D porosity map; estimating a simulated differential pressure by simulating numerically a viscous miscible test from the first permeability map and from the 1D permeability profile; determining the three-dimensional distribution of the absolute permeability of the sample by modifying at least once the first permeability map so as to minimize the difference between the simulated differential pressure and the differential pressure measured over the course of time. |
| US07693674B2 |
Low-noise source
In one embodiment, a low-noise source includes: a signal source; a variable amplifier adapted to amplify an output signal from the signal source to provide an amplified signal; a feed-forward amplifier adapted to amplify the amplified signal to provide an amplified output signal; a phase noise measurement system adapted to provide a first feedback signal responsive to phase noise in the amplified output signal; and a processor adapted to control the amplification provided by the variable amplifier responsive to the feedback signal so as to minimize phase noise in the amplified output signal. |
| US07693671B2 |
Battery control device, battery control method, battery pack, electronic apparatus and control circuit for calculating charging-discharging count of battery
A battery control device includes a unit to measure a voltage of a battery, a unit to measure an electric current of the battery, and a control unit to calculate an open-circuit voltage of the battery based on the voltage and the electric current of the battery, and to calculate a battery residual quantity ratio of the battery by use of relative information and the calculated open-circuit voltage, wherein the control unit calculates a charge quantity ratio of the battery by subtracting a battery residual quantity ratio at charge ending time from a battery residual quantity ratio at charge starting time, calculates a value obtained by multiplying the charge quantity ratio by a correction coefficient as a charging-discharging count of the battery, and integrates the charging-discharging count each time the charging-discharging count is calculated. |
| US07693668B2 |
Impact reporting head gear system and method
A system for determining airtime of a moving sportsman includes at least one accelerometer for detecting vibration or acceleration of the sportsman. A processor in communication with the at least one accelerometer processing signals from the accelerometer to determine free-fall. A pressure sensor may be used to determine change in altitude and the processor may process signals from the pressure sensor with the accelerometer signals to determine airtime and drop distance during free-fall. A method for determining airtime of a moving sportsman includes processing data from one or more accelerometers attached to the sportsman, to determine when the sportsman is in free-fall, and determining a time period corresponding to the free-fall. |
| US07693667B2 |
Method and system for determining a predicted flash endurance Vt of a flash cell after N program/erase cycles
A method and system for determining a predicted flash endurance Vt of a flash cell after N program/erase cycles. The method includes measuring a Vtp value and a Vte value of the flash cell after a cycle number in a range from 2000 to less than N/2 program/erase cycles; calculating a Vtp slope of a line starting from the measured Vtp value in a half logarithmic graph representation based on historical test data from flash cells of wafers having substantially the same process steps compared to the flash cell under investigation; calculating a Vte slope of a line starting from the measured Vte value in a half logarithmic graph representation based on the historical test data; and determining the Vtp and Vte values at 2 million program/erase cycles by extrapolating from the measured Vte and Vtp values. |
| US07693665B2 |
Identification of modified peptides by mass spectrometry
In various aspects, provided are methods for identification of the presence of modified peptides using at least in part mass spectrometric signals from metastable ions that are formed in the field free region of the analyzer. For example, in various embodiments where the modified peptides are phosphopeptides, such metastable ions can appear approximately 95 u lower than the precursor ion m/z value from which they were formed when the peptide contains a phosphate group. In various embodiments, detection of such metastable ions in a MALDI-TOF mass spectrum can identify the modified peptide. In various aspects, provided are methods for identification of the presence of modified peptides using at least in part MS/MS data from two or more of modified peptides, de-modified peptides and non-modified peptides by comparing the sequence and/or site of modification information for two or more of these three forms of a peptide. |
| US07693664B2 |
Method and computer program product for determining whether or not a test protein has thermostability
The invention relates to a method of judging the thermostability of a protein, comprising the steps of calculating an analytical value specific to a test protein by a principal component analysis based on the amino acid composition of the protein calculated from the data of the amino acid sequence of the protein or the nucleotide sequence of the gene and comparing the analytical value with an analytical value of a protein which is retained by a thermostable organism and corresponds to the test protein, and further relates to a program for allowing a computer to execute processing for judging the thermostability of a protein by the method, and a computer readable recording medium having recorded the program thereon. |
| US07693660B2 |
Computing long term orbit and clock models with variable time-horizons
A method and apparatus for determining long term orbit (LTO) models using variable time-horizons to improve the orbit and clock model accuracy. The method and apparatus use either historic ephemeris or historic measurements for at least one satellite to produce an orbit parameter prediction model (an LTO model). The parameter predicted by the model is compared to an orbit parameter of a current broadcast ephemeris. The result of the comparison (an indicia of accuracy for the model) is used to establish a time-horizon for the orbit parameter prediction model for that particular satellite. Such a time-horizon may be established in this manner for each satellite within a satellite constellation. |
| US07693657B2 |
Navigation device
A navigation device displays predicted traffic information downloaded from a server device and statistical traffic information stored in a storage unit, on the same screen. Both information items may be displayed in such a manner that at least a part of them is overlaid (a superimposed display). The predicted traffic information may be superimposed on the statistical traffic information. When traffic information of the same time band of the same object (link, mesh area) exists in both the information items, one thereof may be selected to be displayed. |
| US07693656B2 |
Navigation apparatus
In a navigation apparatus in a vehicle, a user designates a validating route, which is stored in a memory device. A control unit invalidates a predetermined function of the navigation apparatus at a start-up, which is for the first time after an in-vehicle battery is connected or which results from turning on of a power source. Use of the navigation apparatus by the user is thereby disturbed. When the control unit determines that a route, which the vehicle has traveled through, is included in the previously designated validating route stored in the memory device, the control unit re-validates the invalidated predetermined function. |
| US07693655B2 |
Navigation system including database for storing feature information for points of interest
In a navigation system, a current position is designated as a center of a start-point area. A category of a spot, e.g., a point of interest, is designated. Feature information of a spot within the start-point area then appears on a display device as initially provided information to a user with respect to the spot. This feature information allows the user to easily perceive the feature of the spot. The user only needs operation up to designating the category and can easily determine whether the spot is an intended one by perceiving its feature. |
| US07693654B1 |
Method for mapping spaces with respect to a universal uniform spatial reference
A method for generating maps of a desired area that are referenced to a universal uniform spatial reference frame includes a mobile platform having a mapping processor and at least one mapping sensor is provided. The mapping sensor is applied to determine the location of features to be mapped relative to the mobile platform. The mobile platform is moved to a new location, and the mapping sensor is further applied to determine the location of features to be mapped relative to the mobile platform. These steps are repeated until the desired area is mapped. The at least one mapping sensor is also applied to locate at least one position on the map of the desired area on a universal uniform spatial reference frame. Positions on the map of the desired area are transformed into the universal uniform spatial reference frame. |
| US07693653B2 |
Vehicle routing and path planning
A method of determining a path having an ordered set of waypoints to be visited by a mobile agent to accomplish a mission includes: producing candidate paths using a multi-objective optimization algorithm, subject to a path production heuristic; selecting a path from the candidate paths, subject to a path selection heuristic; instructing the mobile agent to move according to the selected path; modifying a maintained subset of the candidate paths to produce a new candidate path using the algorithm and subject to the path production heuristic; designating either the currently-selected path or the new candidate path as the newly-selected path, subject to the path selection heuristic; and instructing the mobile agent to move according to the newly-selected path. The method may further include iterating production of new candidate paths, either randomly or based on modifications of previous candidate paths, to continually update an operation plan for the mobile agent. |
| US07693642B2 |
Anti-overspeed system for vehicle and associated method
An anti-overspeed system is adapted to prevent overspeeding of an engine of a vehicle. The anti-overspeed system has an anti-overspeed hydraulic circuit operably connected to the engine and a controller for controlling the hydraulic circuit in a manner that prevents overspeeding of the engine. |
| US07693630B1 |
Snow melting system
A snow melting system for heating a vehicle to melt snow and ice from an exterior of the vehicle includes a vehicle. A power supply is positioned in the vehicle. Each of a plurality of heating elements extends through a portion of an exterior surface of the vehicle. Each of the heating elements is electrically coupled to the power supply. The power supply supplies power to the heating elements to heat the heating elements to melt ice and snow from the exterior surface of the vehicle. |
| US07693626B2 |
Vehicular tire monitoring based on sensed acceleration
Vehicle with tire monitoring capabilities includes at least one wheel, each including a rim, a tire mounted on the rim, a sensor system for sensing angular, radial, tangential and/or lateral acceleration of the tire and providing acceleration signals based thereon, and an antenna arranged on the rim or tire and coupled to the sensor system for communicating data about the sensed acceleration. A processor receives acceleration signals provided by the sensor system and determines the existence of an anomaly in the tire based thereon. When arranged on the wheel, the processor provides a signal indicative or representative of the determination of the existence of the anomaly via the antenna to a receiving antenna which conveys it to a reactive system. The reactive system may provide a visual and/or audible warning to the driver of the vehicle or to personnel at a vehicle or tire monitoring facility. |
| US07693622B2 |
Method and apparatus for selecting and providing a set of instrumentation signals for locomotive testing and diagnostic purposes
A technique for downloading data from a processor unit, such as an inverter control computer associated with a locomotive control system. When the software for the inverter control computer is originally built, a programmer assigns an ID number to all of the possible instrumentation signals that can be downloaded from the inverter control computer. From the complete list of the instrumentation signals, the programmer defines a default set of the instrumentation signals that are downloaded. If a user wishes to change the instrumentation signals that can be downloaded, then the user provides a command signal to the inverter control computer that changes the set of ID numbers of the instrumentation signals to be downloaded. |
| US07693619B2 |
Method and system for controlling sets of collinear control moment gyroscopes with offset determination without attitude trajectory of spacecraft
A control system of a spacecraft for controlling two or more sets of collinear control moment gyroscopes (CMGs) comprises an attitude control system. The attitude control system is configured to receive a command to adjust an orientation of the spacecraft, determine an offset for a momentum disk for each of the two or more sets of CMGs that maximizes torque, determine a momentum needed from the two or more sets of CMGs to adjust the orientation of the spacecraft, and calculate a total torque needed by taking the derivative of the momentum. The control system further comprises a momentum actuator control processor coupled to the attitude control system, the momentum actuator control processor configured to calculate a required gimbal movement for each of the CMGs in each of the two or more sets of collinear CMGs from total torque. |
| US07693615B2 |
Navigational system with a graphical scratchpad filler
A navigation system takes a graphical input and translates it into an alpha-numeric entry generally including latitude and longitude information. The system interprets the graphical entry, determines if a waypoint already exists or is depicted at the geographical location identified by the graphical entry and creates a new waypoint if no waypoint already exists or is depicted at the geographical location. |
| US07693610B2 |
Remotely controllable wireless energy control unit
A power management system and associated method includes provision of local wireless energy control units at remote sites for controlling power delivery to customer loads, and a central station with a wireless transmitter for broadcasting commands to the wireless energy control units. The wireless energy control units each comprise a bank of switches for controlling power delivery to electrical loads at each local site. The controllable switches preferably have a deformable bimetal member controlled by a heated coil for engaging and disengaging electrical contacts. Each wireless energy control unit is capable of being pre-configured so as to specify the order or priority in which electrical loads are disengaged, in response to commands to reduce power consumption received from the central station. The central station issues power reduction commands according to different priority levels or alert stages, causing the local wireless energy units to disengage local loads accordingly. |
| US07693605B2 |
Apparatus and method for calling mobile robot
An apparatus for calling a mobile robot includes a generator installed at a remote controller, and generating an RF signal and infrared signal for calling a mobile robot when a call signal is inputted by a user; and a controller installed at the mobile robot, calculating a direction of the remote controller based on a position of an infrared ray receiver that receives the infrared signal when an RF signal is received, rotating the mobile robot in the calculated direction, and then making the mobile robot to go straight ahead. When a user calls the mobile robot from a specific place, the mobile robot can move by itself to the specific space, thereby enhancing users' convenience. |
| US07693602B1 |
Cashless vending transaction management by a vend assist mode of operation
The present invention relates to a cashless transaction processing system implementing a VEND ASSIST mode of operation to effectuate a cashless vending transaction. The VEND ASSIST mode allows a computing platform 802 to oversee, control, and authorize by way of a system 500 the vend selection and sale price of a user selected vend item prior to fulfilling the user's request.The cashless transaction processing system includes a system 500 and a computing platform 802. The system 500 initiates a vending session when certain commands from an interconnected computing platform 802 are received or in response to presentation, by a user, of valid payment identification data. Computing platform 802 data communicates a VEND APPROVE or VEND DENY response to a system 500 initiated REQUEST VEND APPROVE data communication. A vend cycle is then initiated or preempted as appropriate. |
| US07693599B2 |
Method of knitting knitted fabric, knitting program for knitting knitted fabric, and knitted fabric
A knitting method is provided to knit a knitted fabric to the desired shape with sufficient pull down force acting to the knitted fabric without being piled up, when performing the bind off process after flechage knitting.The knitting method is related to knitting a knitted fabric of performing a bind off process after flechage knitting by using a flat knitting having at least a pair of front and back needle beds extending in a transverse direction and disposed opposite to each other in a cross direction, at least either of which is capable of being racked in the transverse direction so that loops can be transferred between the front and back needle beds.In knitting of narrowing a knitting width with flechage knitting, knitting a predetermined number of courses with flechage knitting by feeding a yarn from a flechage knitting yarn feeder, and binding off at least one loop held on a knitting needle without forming a stitch at the end of the knitting width by feeding a yarn from a bind off process yarn feeder different from the flechage knitting yarn feeder, and knitting steps are repeated. |
| US07693597B2 |
Computer readable storage medium for controlling substrate processing apparatus
A substrate processing method for removing a resist film from a substrate having the resist film formed thereon comprises maintaining the inner region of the chamber at a prescribed temperature by putting a substrate in a chamber, denaturing the resist film by supplying ozone and a water vapor in such a manner that ozone is supplied into the chamber while a water vapor is supplied into the chamber at a prescribed flow rate, the amount of ozone relative to the amount of the water vapor being adjusted such that the dew formation within the chamber is prevented, and processing the substrate with a prescribed liquid material so as to remove the denatured resist film from the substrate. |
| US07693596B2 |
System and method for configuring information handling system integrated circuits
Processing components to manufacture information handling systems have build-to-order integrated circuits with plural selectively-enabled features set at the information handling system manufacture location. For instance, fuses integrated in the integrated circuits are selectively blown at the information handling system manufacture location to permanently disable features so that the processing components have a desired configuration. As another example, feature enable or disable states are programmed in flash incorporated in the integrated circuit, with the flash programmability subsequently disabled to permanently set the features so that the processing components have a desired configuration. Features are set with keys provided by the processing component manufacturer to track the information handling system manufacturer's use of the features. |
| US07693594B2 |
System and method for scheduling driven availability check
In an embodiment, a scheduling process and an availability process are provided in which both the scheduling process and the availability process reside in a service architecture. The scheduling process is configurable to invoke the availability process at a point in the scheduling process, and a user of the service architecture may configure the scheduling process. |
| US07693590B2 |
Systems and methods for notifying of persistent states of monitored systems using distributed monitoring devices
A system and method for providing notification when a state of a monitored system persists for a specified period of time utilizing distributed monitoring devices is disclosed. It is first detected, utilizing a monitoring device, that a monitored system is in a specified state. A timer within the monitoring device is initiated in response to detecting that the monitored system is in the specified state. The monitored system is monitored, utilizing the monitoring device, to determine whether the monitored system remains in the specified state. If the monitored system remains in the specified state for a specified period of time, notification is transmitted from the monitoring device to a client device via a network. |
| US07693589B2 |
Anomaly anti-pattern
A method is presented for representing anomalies to a process. These anomalies are represented in an anti-pattern, which depicts non-productive emergent information that describes activities that are detrimental to the progress of the process. The anti-pattern includes visually-coded areas that describe how severe the detrimental activities are to the process when combined. After the anti-pattern is created for the process, new non-productive emergent information for a current process is mapped onto the anti-pattern in the form of data patterns represented as visual fences. Appropriate steps are then taken to address the new non-productive emergent information, depending on the visually-coded area to which the new non-productive emergent information is mapped. |
| US07693588B2 |
Method of curvature controlled data smoothing
The present invention relates to navigation of a path by a moving object, and, more particularly, to motion control systems for computer-controllable machine tools. |
| US07693587B2 |
Control of friction at the nanoscale
Methods and apparatus are described for control of friction at the nanoscale. A method of controlling frictional dynamics of a plurality of particles using non-Lipschitzian control includes determining an attribute of the plurality of particles; calculating an attribute deviation by subtracting the attribute of the plurality of particles from a target attribute; calculating a non-Lipschitzian feedback control term by raising the attribute deviation to a fractionary power ξ=(2m+1)/(2n+1) where n=1, 2, 3 . . . and m=0, 1, 2, 3 . . . , with m strictly less than n and then multiplying by a control amplitude; and imposing the non-Lipschitzian feedback control term globally on each of the plurality of particles; imposing causes a subsequent magnitude of the attribute deviation to be reduced. |
| US07693585B2 |
Enabling object oriented capabilities in automation systems
The invention relates to systems and methods that support object oriented access to information at multiple levels in a control architecture, for example. Such data access can be facilitated as a layer adjacent to or part of an MES system or as a white box cooperating to encapsulate data such as in the controller or the MES layer, for example. In addition, such object oriented data access can be built into a controller as a standard behavior of controller data types and tags of those data types. In this manner, data can be encapsulated as a data object to expose properties and/or methods related to the data utilizing a common interface with each data consumer. Thus, the data consumer can employ object oriented concepts, such as properties, methods, scope qualifiers, access qualifiers (private, protected, public enterprise), polymorphism, inheritance and the like directly with their automation system components. |
| US07693575B2 |
Heart stimulator with override for stimulation exceeding a maximum rate
A heart stimulator for electrical stimulation of a heart chamber includes a sensing stage sensing excitation of the heart chamber via an electrode lead having an electrode for picking up heart chamber electric potentials, a stimulation pulse generator generating electric stimulation pulses for delivery to the heart chamber via a stimulation electrode, and a control unit connected to the sensing stage and the stimulation pulse generator and being adapted to trigger the stimulation pulses at a controlled stimulation rate. A monitoring stage is provided for preventing too high of a stimulation rate for too long of a period of time, with the monitoring stage being connected to the control unit and being adapted to monitor the controlled stimulation rate, and to override the controlled stimulation rate by a fixed stimulation rate for a predetermined period of time if the average controlled stimulation rate exceeds a predetermined maximum rate. |
| US07693574B2 |
System and method for discriminating high frequency electromagnetic interference from cardiac events
A method for discriminating electromagnetic interference from a received signal in an implantable medical device includes identifying a frequency component in the input signal that corresponds to electromagnetic interference. The method further includes passing the physiologic frequency component through a bandpass filter, passing the electromagnetic frequency component through a high pass filter in parallel with the bandpass filter, detecting the electromagnetic frequency component from the high pass filter and using the detected EMI to mitigate one or more effects of the electromagnetic frequency component from the physiologic parameter signal passed by the bandpass filter. An implantable device for detecting a predetermined physiologic event includes an electromagnetic interference (EMI) detection module operable to receive a signal characteristic of a physiologic phenomenon, the received signal comprising a plurality of frequency components, the EMI detection module further operable to output a signal identifying frequency components associated with EMI that is included in the received signal; and a mitigation module operable to use the signal output from the EMI detection module to mitigate one or more effects of the frequency components associated with EMI from the received signal. |
| US07693573B2 |
Method for non-invasively determining the relative levels of two biological substances
An iontophoretic sampling device for non-invasively determining the relative levels of two substances present in a biological system. |
| US07693569B1 |
Method and system of determining motion in a region-of-interest directly and independently of k-space trajectory
A system and method for determining motion in a region-of-interest directly from MR data acquired from the region-of-interest and independently of k-space trajectory are disclosed. |
| US07693566B2 |
Method and apparatus for buffering electrophysiological signals during an MRI procedure
The subject invention overcomes the problem of electrical interference in signals taken during an MRI procedure by using a long cable and a unity gain buffer amplifier near the patient, with a low output impedance to drive the cable and thus greatly reduce the capacitively coupled interference. Passive low pass filtering is incorporated prior to the buffer amplifier to attenuate high frequency interference from the MRI system. Since the buffer amplifier requires no digital signals and does not emit high frequency signals, it does not interfere with the MRI system. |
| US07693565B2 |
Method and apparatus for automatically positioning a structure within a field of view
A medical imaging system for automatically positioning a structure of interest within a field of view (FOV) of an imaging detector comprises at least one imaging detector for detecting radiation. The imaging detector has a FOV and detects a first image while at a first system position with respect to a predetermined reference point. A structure detecting module detects a structure of interest within the first image and determines whether the structure of interest is within the FOV of the imaging detector. The structure detecting module determines a second system position with respect to the predetermined reference point at which the structure of interest will be positioned within the FOV of the imaging detector, and a controller moves the FOV of the imaging detector to the second system position. |
| US07693564B2 |
System, apparatus and method for forensic facial approximation
A system, method and apparatus for performing a facial approximation is described. The system includes an acquisition subsystem and a facial approximation algorithm. The method includes the steps of acquiring models of known skulls and a model of a questioned skull, comparing the models of the known skulls with the model of the questioned skull, and removing variation in the facial structure of the questioned skull due to skeletal variation between the known skulls and the questioned skull. The apparatus includes a bony structure software component, a bony structure warping software component, and a soft tissue software component. |
| US07693563B2 |
Method for image processing and contour assessment of the heart
One embodiment discloses a computerized method of facilitating cardiac intervention. The method may include inputting patient data and creating a computerized interactive model of a heart based on the patient data. The model may include features. The model may simulate at least one proposed cardiac intervention by adding or deleting features to the model, and determining the effects of the proposed cardiac simulation upon the entire model. Simulations may be repeated to allow the user to determine an optimal cardiac intervention. A template and/or patient specific instrument may be created from the model to use as a guide during the cardiac intervention. |
| US07693561B2 |
Method and device for determining the concentration of a substance in body liquid
For measuring the concentration of a substance in body fluid, such as the glucose level in blood or tissue, a strip electrode (18) and a ring electrode (19) are arranged at the specimen. The ring electrode (19) is in direct electrical contact with the specimen while the strip electrode (18) is electrically insulated therefrom. The strip electrode (18) is arranged parallel to an arm or a leg for obtaining a large interaction length. The electrodes (18, 19) form a capacitor in a resonant circuit. A modulated voltage in the MHz range close to or at the resonance frequency is applied to the electrodes and the response of the body fluid is measured. This design allows a measurement of high accuracy. |
| US07693553B2 |
Intelligent ringtone service
An apparatus and methods are disclosed for enabling a telecommunications terminal to notify its user of the arrival of a message via an acoustic or visual signal whose properties are based on attributes of the message. A network infrastructure element (e.g., a switch, a private branch exchange [PBX], a server, etc.) receives a message directed to a terminal and sets the values of ringtone properties (e.g., tempo, volume, pitch, rhythm, etc.) based on attributes of an incoming message (e.g., the sender, a priority, a subject, the location from which the message was sent, etc.). In a first illustrative embodiment the network infrastructure element sends the message and the instantiated ringtone to the terminal, while in a second illustrative embodiment the network infrastructure element sends the message and the property values to the terminal, and the terminal plays a locally-stored ringtone in accordance with the property values. |
| US07693551B2 |
Derivation of beamforming coefficients and applications thereof
A method for determining beamforming coefficients begins by obtaining channel information for a multiple tone communication. The method then continues by deriving the beamforming coefficients based on the channel information and a smoothness criteria. |
| US07693547B2 |
Mobile communication terminal, and core module and function module for mobile communication terminal
A mobile communication terminal 10 is assembled by a user incorporating an arbitrary desired function module 31, 32, 33 into a core module 20. When assembling the terminal, it is not possible for the core module 20 to know what type of function module is being incorporated in advance, but it is possible to ascertain the type of function module that has been incorporated by using identification information notified to the connection module control means of the core module 20 via the core module communication processing section of the function module 31, 32, 33 and the inter-module communication processing section of the core module 20. The core module 20 therefore implements a function appropriate to the users needs by appropriately controlling that function module. Therefore, it is possible to make effective use of resources, as well as reducing the burden placed on a user when upgrading or adding functions, to meet the diverse needs of the user. |
| US07693545B2 |
System and method for controlling functions of mobile communication terminal in a restricted zone
Disclosed are a system and a method for controlling functions of a mobile communication terminal when in a predetermined zone. The system includes a function control apparatus for requesting a function list stored in the mobile communication terminal when detecting that the mobile communication terminal has entered a predetermined zone, indicating functions to be deactivated and generating a first function control list when the function list is received from the mobile communication terminal, and transmitting the first function control list to the mobile communication terminal; and the mobile communication terminal for transmitting the function list to the function control apparatus in response to the request for the function list received from the function control apparatus, and updating the stored function list in accordance with the first function control list when the first function control list is received from the function control apparatus. |
| US07693543B2 |
Indication of user equipment capabilities before radio resource control connection
The invention is a method of setup involving at least one user equipment and a system. A method of setup involving user equipment in accordance with the invention includes transmitting a request for communications from at least one user equipment (10), having a current band of operation in a wireless network (12), to a controller (14) of the wireless network, the request containing information indicating any capability of the at least one user equipment to operate in any other band other than the current band of operation in the wireless network; and the controller, in response to the capability of the at least one user equipment to operate in any other band than the current band of operation and load conditions in the network, transmits to the at least one user equipment that the communications are to be established in another band in the wireless network than the current band of operation in the wireless network. |
| US07693541B1 |
Multimodal session support on distinct multi channel protocol
An improved mechanism for sharing information between a non-voice session and a voice session is described. Clients use communication devices to exchange voice information over voice sessions to voice node servers and exchange non-voice information over non-voice sessions to WAP gateways. Information about the activity in a session is stored as context data. When a client switches from communication over one type of session to another, context data for that client is located and retrieved. The retrieved context data is used to recreate the state of the prior session, thus eliminating the need to reenter information that was previously available. |
| US07693540B2 |
Mobile terminal having camera
A mobile terminal which includes a terminal body, a main printed circuit board (PCB) embedded in the terminal body, and a support member fixed to the main PCB and having a camera and a sub-PCB mounted thereto. |
| US07693539B2 |
Mobile communication system, radio network controller, base station and communication method
A mobile communication system comprises: a determination unit configured to determine as to layers of data to be transmitted by base stations to mobile stations for respective radio areas, based on area resource information concerning radio resources for the respective radio areas covered by the base stations; and a radio transmitter configured to transmit the data to the mobile stations according to a determination of the determination unit. |
| US07693538B2 |
Fast hard handover scheme and mobile station and base station supporting such scheme
The present invention relates to a method, mobile station and base station in a soft handover cellular communications system. A problem addressed is the complexity imposed by a soft handover combination node in the network for combining packets received from one mobile station over parallel diversity links. The combination node is a problem with respect to the network complexity, transmission capacity and retransmission delays. The present invention solves the problem by selecting on a packet-by-packet basis one of an active set base stations for forwarding the packet further uplink. Thereby no combination node in the network is needed. The mobile stations select the base station after transmitting a packet or prior to transmitting it. The selection is based on measures of the radio link qualities made during transmission of the relevant packet or made prior to its transmission. |
| US07693536B2 |
Base station, mobile station and control method therefor
An exemplary method for a communication network according to the present invention includes detecting movement of a mobile station, and modifying a control for the communication network based on the detection of the movement. In an exemplary embodiment, a transmit power control may be increased or decreased based the movement of the mobile station which is detected. Further, the network may determine a base station among plurality of base stations which provides the best communication path, taking into account a movement state of the mobile station. Accordingly, a stable hand over process may be realized, providing favorable communication quality and minimizing the occurrence of disconnection of the mobile terminal from a base station. |
| US07693535B2 |
Communication systems and methods for providing a group play list for multimedia content records
Methods for providing a group play list for a plurality of multimedia content records include associating respective ones of a plurality of users associated with a user network with corresponding ones of the multimedia content records on the group play list. A presence status of the respective ones of the users associated with the user network is detected. Rendering of the multimedia content records on the group play list to the users associated with the network is automatically adjusted based on the detected presence status. The user network may be, for example, a computer based social network. |
| US07693533B2 |
Method and system for merging multiple push-to-talk over cellular sessions
A method for performing session merging between PoC sessions under the environment of multiple PoC sessions is provided. A merging PoC client sends a request for the session merging with a merged session to a PoC server managing a merging session to which the PoC client belongs. The PoC server managing the merging session sends a session merge request to a PoC server managing the merged session. Negotiation of a CF (Controlling PoC Function) for managing a session to be merged is performed between the PoC server of the merging session and the PoC server of the merged session. When an entire CF of the session to be merged is selected as the negotiation between the PoC servers is completed, the PoC server of the merged session sends an UPDATE message of modified media parameters to a PoC client of the merged session. The PoC server of the merging session sends, to a PoC client of the merging session, a NOTIFY message of a merge request notifying that the PoC server of the merging session is selected as the entire CF. |
| US07693531B2 |
Method and system for decoding SACCH control channels in GSM-based systems with partial combining
Methods and systems for signal processing are disclosed herein and may include storing bit sequences for a plurality of previously received control channels. A bit sequence for a currently received control channel may be correlated with at least one of the bit sequences for the plurality of previously received control channels. One of the bit sequences for the plurality of previously received control channels may be selected to represent the bit sequence for the currently received control channel, based on the correlating. The selected one of the stored bit sequences for the plurality of previously received control channels may include a maximum correlation. The maximum correlation may be higher than a threshold value. The bit sequence for the currently received control channel may include slow associated control channel information. The bit sequence for the currently received control channel may be decoded using Viterbi decoder and/or fire code decoder. |
| US07693522B2 |
Method and apparatus for handing off a mobile terminal between a mobile network and a wireless LAN
A method for performing a handover of a mobile terminal between a 3G cell and a WLAN cell when the mobile terminal moves within a 3G cell into the coverage area of the WLAN cell. The present invention proposes that the handover be performed when there are no active calls. If there are ongoing calls, method proposes to wait until the calls are terminated before the handover is performed. After the ongoing calls are terminated, the handover is performed by disassociating from the radio access network of the 3G cell and associating with the access point of the WLAN, using the relatively straightforward disassociation and association procedures. The handover method according to the present invention obviates the need for complex and expensive protocols to ensure a seamless and error free handover of calls when moving from the coverage of the 3G cell to the coverage of the WLAN cell. This method can be used with either the loose coupling arrangement or the tight coupling arrangement. |
| US07693509B2 |
Mobile phone, incoming call notification method, and incoming call notification program
When an incoming voice call is detected, a mobile phone 100 judges whether an application that coordinates multicast service and unicast communication is running. If the application is not running, the user is notified of incoming voice calls. On the other hand, if in an application running state, priority mode setting information 1041 is referenced and data cell priority mode is judged. If judged to be in data call priority mode, data communication is continued without notifying the user of the reception of incoming voice calls. On the other hand, if judged to be in voice call priority mode, the user is notified of incoming voice calls. |
| US07693504B2 |
Method for reduction of the power consumption of a mobile data memory; application of the method to an identification system with at least one read/write device and a mobile data memory
The invention relates to a method for reduction of the power consumption of a mobile data memory with a non-contact data transmission by means of a read/write device. According to the invention, the mobile data memory, containing at least one energy store and user, is supplied, at least during a cyclic inactive idle mode, with a first clock frequency from a first oscillator and, for data receipt at least during a cyclic request time, with a second higher clock frequency from a second oscillator. The second clock frequency is determined above all for data modulation of a received signal, obtained from the reception antenna or from a combined transmission/reception antenna on the mobile data memory. The invention further relates to a mobile data memory and an identification system with at least one read/write device and one mobile data memory. The advantage of requiring no battery exchange during the life of the mobile data memory is thus conferred. |
| US07693502B2 |
Method and system for down-converting an electromagnetic signal, transforms for same, and aperture relationships
Methods, systems, and apparatuses, and combinations and sub-combinations thereof, for down-converting an electromagnetic (EM) signal are described herein. Briefly stated, in embodiments the invention operates by receiving an EM signal and recursively operating on approximate half cycles (½, 1½, 2½, etc.) of the carrier signal. The recursive operations can be performed at a sub-harmonic rate of the carrier signal. The invention accumulates the results of the recursive operations and uses the accumulated results to form a down-converted signal. In an embodiment, the EM signal is down-converted to an intermediate frequency (IF) signal. In another embodiment, the EM signal is down-converted to a baseband information signal. In another embodiment, the EM signal is a frequency modulated (FM) signal, which is down-converted to a non-FM signal, such as a phase modulated (PM) signal or an amplitude modulated (AM) signal. |
| US07693498B2 |
Probability optimized power amplifier module and transmitter
A power amplifier module includes a transmit power probability module and a power amplifier circuit. The transmit power probability module is coupled to determine a transmit power level probability. The power amplifier circuit is coupled to amplify an outbound radio frequency (RF) signal at a power level in accordance with the transmit power level probability and a desired transmit power level. |
| US07693494B2 |
High dynamic range pre-power amplifier incorporating digital attenuator
A novel digital attenuator circuit and associated pre-power amplifier (PPA) that substantially increases the dynamic range of the amplifier. Increased dynamic range is achieved by placing a digital current attenuator circuit at the output of the pre-power amplifier so that the minimum possible current output of the transistor switch array of the PPA can be further attenuated. The attenuator functions to split the current between the load and the power supply VDD (i.e. AC ground) based on device ratio that is controlled digitally via an input power control word. The digital attenuator is constructed as a segmented digitally controlled matrix or cell array comprising at least a pass and bypass matrix or array. The pass matrix controls the amount of current output from the PPA while the bypass matrix controls the amount of current shorted to the AC ground (i.e. power supply). By varying the number of transistors on or off in each matrix, the power output of the PPA can be easily and accurately controlled. |
| US07693493B2 |
Reducing amplitude modulated noise for a wireless transceiver
Mechanisms for reducing amplitude-modulated noise in a wireless transceiver are generally described. In one example, an apparatus includes a radio-frequency identification (RFID) transceiver, a digital-analog converter (DAC) coupled with the transceiver, a reconstruction filter coupled with the digital-analog converter, and hold logic associated with the reconstruction filter to enable the reconstruction filter to hold its output voltage. |
| US07693492B2 |
Method and system for providing a context for message compression
A method for providing wireless communication between a mobile station and a network station using a context for message compression is provided. Profile-specific information is stored persistently in a profile-specific dictionary. Communication is then provided between the mobile station and the network station using the profile-specific dictionary for message compression. |
| US07693490B2 |
Multi-equalization method and apparatus
A method and apparatus is disclosed for performing a multi-equalization of a transmitted signal on a channel having varying characteristics comprising equalizing the transmitted signal using a plurality of setting defining a plurality of equalizing functions to provide a corresponding plurality of symbol signal, synchronizing each of the plurality of symbol signals to provide a plurality of synchronized signals, selecting at least one of the plurality of synchronized signals according to at least one transmission performance criterion and providing the selected one of the plurality of synchronized signals. |
| US07693471B2 |
Sheet wrapping avoidable fixing apparatus and image forming apparatus
A fixing apparatus includes a fixing member to be heated and a pressure-contacting member for pressure contacting the fixing member. The fixing apparatus directs and conveys a recording member through a nip formed between the fixing member and pressure applying member in such a manner that a toner image carried on a recording member contacts the fixing member in order to be fixed thereto with heat and pressure. The fixing apparatus is configured to direct a tip margin of the recording member toward the pressure applying member across a virtual linear extension line drawn from a downstream end to upstream end of the nip when only the tip margin exits from the nip. A fixing member side separation device may be separately provided from the surface of the fixing apparatus so as to separate the recording member exiting from the nip. A gap formed between the downstream end of the nip and the tip of the fixing member side separation device is set smaller than the width of the tip margin. |
| US07693470B2 |
Image forming apparatus with a belt for conveying sheets
An image forming apparatus includes: a plurality of rollers including a drive roller and a follow roller; an endless belt made of an insulation material and looped around the plurality of rollers so that a bridging portion is formed between adjacent rollers and both ends of the bridging portion are supported on the adjacent rollers; a photosensitive drum positioned outside of and facing the outer peripheral surface of the bridging portion; and a transfer roller positioned opposite of the photosensitive drum with the bridging portion interposed therebetween. The inner peripheral surface of the belt is made of a material which has greater tendency to be charged in a polarity that is the same as developer in triboelectric series than the outer peripheral surface of the follow roller as an upstream-side roller. |
| US07693469B2 |
Image forming apparatus
The image forming apparatus is provided with: an image carrier that carries an image; an intermediate transfer belt that is arranged as opposed to the image carrier, and that rotationally moves in a predetermined direction; a primary transfer member that is arranged as opposed to the image carrier through the intermediate transfer belt, and that primarily transfers the image on the image carrier to the intermediate transfer belt; a secondary transfer member that secondarily transfers the image on the intermediate transfer belt to a recording medium; first, second and third hanging members that hang the intermediate transfer belt; and a drive device that transmits drive force to the first and the second hanging members such that drive force by the second hanging member is larger than drive force by the first hanging member. |
| US07693467B2 |
Image forming apparatus
A feeding unit that feeds a medium, a plurality of image carriers arranged in parallel along a moving direction of the medium, a developer image forming unit that forms a developer image on the plurality of image carriers, and a transfer unit that transfers the developer image formed on the plurality of image carriers onto the medium is described. The developer image forming unit forms a first developer image on a first image carrier of the plurality of image carriers, the first developer image being used for transferring a first pattern at a first interval on the medium along the feeding direction. Also, the developer image forming unit forms a second developer image on a second image carrier of the plurality of image carriers, the second developer image at the first interval and a second interval alternately on the medium along the feeding direction. |
| US07693466B2 |
Method for arranging image forming sections
A method of arranging a plurality of image forming sections, each of which includes a developing device and a cleaning device. The method includes arranging the plurality of image forming sections side by side along an inclined image carrier; and positioning the cleaning device above the developing device of other image forming sections in one of nearby ones of the plurality of image forming sections. |
| US07693465B2 |
Image forming apparatus and process cartridge
An image forming apparatus and process cartridge which uses a two-component developer comprising a toner and a carrier. By using toner and carrier having a small-particle size, deterioration of the toner fluidity over time can be avoided, and further by maintaining stable toner charge even in a low-humidity environment, stable high-quality image formation can be achieved. The occurrence of adherence of carrier to the solid portions of the toner image is reduced in addition to the occurrence of adherence of carrier to the edge portions, and image abnormalities, toner scattering and the like are prevented. |
| US07693457B2 |
Charging member, process cartridge, and electrophotographic apparatus
A charging member has a surface layer. The surface layer contains a polysiloxane having a first unit, a second unit and a third unit each of which is represented by a specific formula. The ratio of the sum of the mole numbers of the first and second units to the sum of the mole numbers of the first to third units is in a specific range. |
| US07693453B2 |
Image forming apparatus equipped with an electrographic photoreceptor having a surface with low surface free energy
An image forming apparatus having excellent cleaning property for an electrophotographic photoreceptor and capable of forming a high-quality, high-resolution image. A surface free energy (γ) of a photoreceptor (2), which is provided in the image forming apparatus (1), is set to 20 to 35 mN/m. A volume average diameter of toner particles included in a developer stored in a developing unit (29) to develop an electrostatic latent image and form a toner image is set to 4-7 μm When γ of the photoreceptor (2) is set to within a small range as the particle size of toner is reduced, even small-particle-size toner having increased specific surface area and largely affected by a inter-molecular force is limited in adhesion to the surface of the photoreceptor (2) to provide a good cleaning property and a high-quality image can be formed. |
| US07693452B2 |
Transfer belt unit and method for holding the same
A transfer belt unit which is mounted in an image forming device. The transfer belt unit contains a positioning member; a handle, and a guiding member. The positioning member positions the transfer belt unit with respect to the image forming device in a state where the transfer belt unit is inserted into a guide unit. The handle is placed on the rear side of the positioning member in a direction of inserting the transfer belt unit into the guide unit. The guiding member holds the transfer belt unit when the transfer belt unit is inserted into the guide unit by abutting on a guide surface of the guide unit together with the positioning member before the handle is inserted into the guide unit. |
| US07693451B2 |
Developing device and image forming apparatus
A developing device and image forming apparatus are provided. The developing device includes a chassis; a developer carrying member; a thickness regulating member; a supply member; and a conveying member. In a state in which the developing device is attached to a main body an opening of the chassis faces upward; the thickness regulating member pressure-contacts the developer carrying member from below the developer carrying member; the conveying member is disposed below the developer carrying member; the supply member overlaps a portion of the conveying member in a horizontal direction; and a portion of the conveying member is disposed within a vertical projection plane between a pressure-contact position of the thickness regulating member to the developer carrying member, and a contact position of the supply member to the developer carrying member. The image forming apparatus includes a main body; a plurality of photosensitive members; and a plurality of developing devices. |
| US07693449B2 |
Image forming apparatus with moveable image processing units
An image forming apparatus includes a processing unit which performs an image recording process for recording an image on a recording medium based on image data; a movement mechanism which moves the processing unit; a first control section which controls the image recording process performed by the processing unit; and a second control section which acquires a state of progress of the image recording process and controls the movement mechanism so as to move the processing unit to a position according to the progress state. |
| US07693448B1 |
Angled seal for laser toner cartridge hopper
A remanufactured laser printer toner cartridge having a foam gasket seal with the transverse edge of the inner periphery extending from a longitudinal edge at an acute angle, preferably about 22 degrees, which angled edge prevents post testing excess toner from building up into a roll and jamming at the exit port as the remanufactured cartridge's pull strip is pulled when making the cartridge ready to install into the printer, and minimizes the likelihood that the gasket will be pulled off of the cartridge hopper section and jam the pull seal exit port as the pull seal is removed from the cartridge. |
| US07693438B2 |
Image transfer device, image forming apparatus having the image transfer device, and method of measuring resistance of a printing medium or an endless track belt of the image forming apparatus
An image transfer device to accurately measure a resistance of a printing medium or a transfer belt, an image forming apparatus having the image transfer device, and a method of measuring the resistance of the printing medium. The image transfer device includes a conveyance unit, to which a reference voltage or current is applied, and which includes a first roller having variations of resistance along a circumferential direction, and a second roller to support the first roller, a transfer roller spaced apart from the first roller by a distance corresponding to at least the circumference of the first roller to transfer a developer agent of a photosensitive drum onto a printing medium, and a controller to measure resistance of the printing medium by detecting electric current or voltage difference between the first and the second rollers, and to supply the transfer roller with a transfer voltage or a current according to the detected resistance of the printing medium. |
| US07693433B2 |
Image forming apparatus and layer thickness calculating method
An image forming apparatus includes: an image carrier that rotates and carries a toner image by a surface layer disposed on a surface thereof; a charging roll that charges the surface layer while the image carrier completes one or more rotations; a power supply unit that supplies a current to the charging roll; a detector that samples and detects the current that the power supply unit outputs; a leak current detector that detects a leak current included in the current that the detector has detected; a layer thickness calculating unit that calculates a numerical value relating to the thickness of the surface layer on the basis of the current that the detector has detected; and a current leak state determining unit that determines a current leak state on the basis of the current that the detector has detected and the leak current that the leak current detector has detected. |
| US07693431B2 |
Image forming apparatus and control method therefor
An image forming apparatus which is capable of performing a failsafe image forming operation even when a memory device of a replaceable unit mounted thereon is faulty. A controller of the image forming apparatus determines whether or not a memory tag of a toner cartridge is faulty. If the memory tag is determined to be faulty, the controller causes image adjustment to be executed. |
| US07693423B2 |
Maximising power in optical communication networks
The relative launch power of signals at an add/drop node transponder is controlled to maximize available power. Known values of signal bandwidth and likely noise in the signal path, for example, derived from the system manager, are used to control the launch power into the optical amplifier, in order to optimize the launch power accordingly. |
| US07693422B2 |
Constraint-based design of optical transmission systems
Techniques are disclosed for designing optical transmission systems that efficiently compute cost-optimal configurations under one or more constraints. For example, in one aspect of the present invention, a technique for designing an optical transmission system comprises the following steps/operations. A set of one or more demands and a set of optical transmission system elements are obtained. Elements may be consecutively coupled via a span. At least one constraint on the design of the optical transmission system is obtained. The at least one constraint comprises: (i) a signal loss in a span should not exceed a given maximum signal loss; (ii) a signal loss in a span should not exceed a given maximum signal loss and a span should be longer than a given minimum span length; (iii) a signal loss in a span should not exceed a given first maximum signal loss and a span should be longer than a given minimum span length, however, at most one in m contiguous spans can have a loss up to a given second maximum signal loss, wherein the second maximum signal loss is greater than the first maximum signal loss; or (iv) a signal loss in a span should not exceed a given maximum signal loss and a span should be longer than a given minimum span length, and an average span loss of any m consecutive spans should not exceed a given average loss, wherein the average loss is less than the given maximum signal loss. A least-cost configuration is then computed for the optical transmission system based on at least a portion of the set of one or more demands and the set of one or more optical transmission system elements such that the at least one constraint is satisfied. |
| US07693411B2 |
Mobile terminal and auto-focusing method using a lens position error compensation
A mobile terminal and auto-focusing method for the same are disclosed. The auto-focusing method uses a lens position error compensation and includes: detecting a target object during a photograph mode; determining a lens position at which a focus value gradient related to the detected target object changes sign while moving a lens of the camera module in units of one step size; and performing lens position compensation by moving the lens to the found lens position. As a result, the lens position errors caused by a conventional a voice coil motor are compensated, thereby providing rapid and fine auto-focusing. |
| US07693408B1 |
Camera with multiple focus captures
A method and system provides a series of images having different focuses. The method can include storing at least one image in a buffer while an autofocus mechanism is determining a focus of the camera. Then, at least one image can be stored in the buffer after the autofocus mechanism has determined the focus of the camera. Images in the buffer can be transferred to a flash memory. In this manner, a plurality of images, each generally having a different focus, can be provided and the user can select an image having a desired focus. |
| US07693403B2 |
Method of performing automatic focus and a related digital image capturing device
A method of performing an automatic focusing procedure is used with a digital image capturing device. The method includes the steps of: executing an image capturing procedure; activating a pre-control signal by a processor; activating a control signal by a timing generator; executing an automatic focusing procedure; clearing the pre-control signal and the control signal immediately after the automatic focusing procedure is executed; and executing an exposure procedure. |
| US07693399B2 |
Method for providing program specific information recorded on high density disc medium
The present invention relates to method and apparatus of providing data stream together with program specific information (PSI) requisite for data stream selecting, separating, and decoding of a digital TV set. The present invention, when transmitting PSI to a digital TV set, measures time length of the PSI, creates time information preceding a transport time of the first TP belonging to data stream by the measured time length, converts PSI to at least one TP the created time information is added to, and transmits the converted PSI TPs before data stream TPs. Owing to the PSI provided along with a digital data stream, the digital data stream from a recording medium can be selected, separated, and decoded at a digital TV set without data loss. Furthermore, even though PSI is additionally provided, continuity among time information written successive TPs of PSI and data stream is always ensured. |
| US07693394B2 |
Recording medium having data structure for managing reproduction of data streams recorded thereon and recording and reproducing methods and apparatuses
The data structure on the recording medium includes a navigation area storing at least one playitem in a playlist. The playitem includes a stream indication field indicating the data streams associated with the playitem. For example, the stream indication field indicates the packet identifiers of the data streams associated with the playitem. |
| US07693390B2 |
Apparatus for controlling angle of AV front panel for automobile
An apparatus for controlling inclined angle of an AV front panel for automobile is disclosed. Rotating force from a motor is transmitted to a rack attached to a slide plate through a power transmission system, and the slide plate is thus extended outward. The outer end of the slide plate pushes a lower part of the front panel, and the upper part of the front panel is lowered along a trajectory guide. Thereafter, rotating force from a second motor is transmitted to a sector gear through a second power transmission system. The rotation of the sector gear causes an end of an arm link to be lowered, thereby allowing the upper part to exit from an opening of the trajectory guide. As the upper part of the front panel is lowered, the front panel is laid down to be accessed therein. |
| US07693388B1 |
Thermally stable IR transmitting chalcogenide glass
A thermally stable chalcogenide glass, a process for making the same, and an optical fiber drawn therefrom are provided. A chalcogenide glass having the composition Ge(5−y)As(32−x)Se(59+x)Te(4+y) (0≦y≦1 and 0≦x≦2) is substantially free from crystallization when it is heated past the glass transition temperature Tg or drawn into optical fibers. A process for making the thermally stable chalcogenide glass includes purifying the components to remove oxides and scattering centers, batching the components in a preprocessed distillation ampoule, gettering oxygen impurities from the mixture, and heating the components to form a glass melt. An optical fiber formed from the chalcogenide glass is substantially free from crystallization and exhibits low signal loss in the near-infrared region, particularly at wavelengths of about 1.55 μm. |
| US07693374B2 |
Tools and methods for manufacturing fiber optic distribution cables
Fiber optic distribution cables and methods for manufacturing the same are disclosed. The methods present one or more optical fibers outward of the protective covering for distribution of the same toward the subscriber. Specifically, the methods include presenting a length of distribution optical fiber outward of the protective covering that is longer than the opening at access location. After the opening is made in the protective covering at the access location, the optical fibers for distribution are selected. Then a tool according to the present invention is positioned about the optical fibers selected for distribution and slid within the protective covering of the fiber optic distribution cable until it reaches a cutting location within the fiber optic distribution cable. Consequently, the tool is positioned for cutting the distribution optical fiber at a cutting location within the fiber optic distribution cable at a downstream location. Thereafter, the tool is removed and the cut distribution optical fiber is routed through the opening at the access location so the distribution optical fiber is presented outside the protective covering. |
| US07693372B2 |
Optical communication module using refraction plate for optical axis compensation, and manufacturing method of the same
An optical communication module is fabricated to include a refraction plate made of an inorganic material whose refractive index varies little with temperature. The refraction plate is inserted in the optical path to perform optical axis compensation in a single lens system with long focal length. |
| US07693370B2 |
Method and apparatus for processing optical signals with supergratings
An optical component including at least one optical supergrating is provided. The optical supergrating includes a quantized refractive index profile adapted to exhibit a finite plurality of refractive indexes; which in turn are adapted to generate a reflectance spectrum in at least one spectral band corresponding to a Fourier transformed analog refractive index profile. |
| US07693368B2 |
Three color digital gobo system
A system of digitally controlling light output by producing separate control signals for different colors of light. The light is contained in an optical waveguide, either prior to shaping or after shaping. Each of the control signals is coupled to a digitally controlled device which controls the shape of the light output. The digital controlling device can be digital mirror devices, for example. |
| US07693366B2 |
Aligned narrowband optical filters having flat passbands and comprising offset cascaded broadband optical filters
A cascaded pair of broad bandwidth optical filters provides an overlap in pass-bands that forms a flat, narrow band optical filter. A first band-pass filter is operable to receive the optical signal and to transmit a first portion of the optical signal. The second band-pass filter receives the first portion of the optical signal transmits a second portion of the optical signal. The first band-pass filter has a first corner-pass wavelength of λa, a first corner-stop wavelength of λb, and a first pass-band center wavelength λpb1 such that λa≦λpb1≦λb. The second band-pass filter has a second corner-pass wavelength of λc, a second corner-stop wavelength of λd, and a second pass-band center wavelength λpb2 such that λc≦λpb2≦λd, wherein λa<λc<λb<λd. As such, the combined pass-band is λc≦λpb3≦λb. |
| US07693362B2 |
Optical connections and methods of forming optical connections
In one embodiment, an assembly having a first board, a second board, a fiber bundle, and at least one movable stage is provided. The fiber bundle has a first end and a second end, and the first end of the fiber bundle is attached to the first board first face. The movable stage has a second optical array provided thereon or therein. The movable stage is disposed on the second board such that the at least one motor steers the movable stage. The movable stage is steered such that the second optical array is aligned with the second end of the fiber bundle in a desired manner. |
| US07693359B2 |
Intrusion detection system for use on single mode optical fiber using a cost reduced polarimeter
A telecommunications optical fiber is secured against intrusion by detecting manipulation of the optical fiber prior to an intrusion event. This can be used in a non-locating system where the detection end is opposite the transmit end or in a locating system which uses Fresnel reflections and Rayleigh backscattering to the transmit end to detect and then locate the motion. The Rayleigh backscattering time sliced data can be stored in a register until an intrusion event is detected. The detection is carried out by a polarization detection system which includes an optical splitter which is manufactured in simplified form for economic construction. This uses a non-calibrated splitter and less than all four of the Stokes parameters. It can use a polarimeter type function limited to linear and circular polarization or two linear polarizers at 90 degrees. |
| US07693351B2 |
Interpolation processing method, interpolation processing program, and imaging apparatus
An interpolation processing method for performing interpolation processing of image data obtained by photoelectrically converting an object image using interpolation data, includes a first step of estimating object information, a second step of generating first input image data based on the object information, a third step of generating first transformation data from the first input image data to the image data, a fourth step of generating second transformation data from the first input image data to interpolated image data after the interpolation processing, and a fifth step of generating the interpolation data using the first and second transformation data. |
| US07693350B2 |
Pixel interpolation device and camera adapted to perform pixel interpolation of captured image
A camera includes an image capture unit which captures the image of a subject to obtain image data, a pixel interpolation unit which, on the basis of pixel data from multiple pixels arranged on a line in the image data obtained by the image capture unit, creates image data in an interpolation position on the line, and a storage unit which is stored with common coefficient data for pixel data from multiple pixels which are n-th pixels counted from the interpolation position in opposite directions on the line, the pixel interpolation unit performing interpolation operations on the pixel data from the n-th pixels using the coefficient data stored in the storage unit to thereby create the image data in the interpolation position. |
| US07693342B2 |
Evaluating method of image information, storage medium having evaluation program stored therein, and evaluating apparatus
An evaluating method of image information acquires image information, performs camera shake evaluation of the image information by determining a camera shake direction on the basis of the image information, and performs out-of-focus evaluation of the image information by using information concerning a camera shake direction determined in the camera shake evaluation. |
| US07693336B2 |
Method and apparatus for determining if an optical disk originated from a valid source
A method and apparatus for determining if an optical disk originated from a valid source, the method and apparatus scanning one major surface of the optical disk for mechanical surface imperfections, storing the locations of the surface imperfections relative to a datum, comparing a parameter of each of the locations of the surface imperfections with corresponding parameters of a master disk of known source for determining if the disk originated from the source from which the master disk originated. |
| US07693334B2 |
Pathological diagnosis support device, program, method, and system
A pathological diagnosis support device, a pathological diagnosis support program, a pathological diagnosis support method, and a pathological diagnosis support system extract a pathological tissue for diagnosis from a pathological image and diagnose the pathological tissue. A tissue collected in a pathological inspection is stained using, for example, hematoxylin and eosin. In consideration of the state of the tissue in which a cell nucleus and its peripheral constituent items are stained in respective colors unique thereto, subimages such as a cell nucleus, a pore, cytoplasm, interstitium are extracted from the pathological image, and color information of the cell nucleus is also extracted. The subimages and the color information are stored as feature candidates so that presence or absence of a tumor and benignity or malignity of the tumor are determined. |
| US07693333B2 |
Portable terminal and user interface control method thereof based on pattern recognition and analysis of image captured by camera
A portable terminal and a user interface control method thereof are provided. In the terminal and method, patterns of a subject image captured by a camera are recognized and analyzed. First and second images changed according to motion (movement, holding away from or drawing close to a user) of the portable terminal are captured by the camera module. Patterns of the first and second images are recognized. The motion of the portable terminal is analyzed based on the recognized patterns. Control commands corresponding to the analyzed motion are selected. A function corresponding to the selected control command is performed. The portable terminal can be intuitively and simply used as its motion is directly applied to user interface control. User interface can be controlled without an additional part, using a camera installed to the portable terminal. Also, the present invention can resolve the problems caused when the conventional navigation key is operated. |
| US07693330B2 |
Anti-piracy image display methods and systems with sub-frame intensity compensation
Image display methods and systems are provided wherein only portions of a still image of a motion picture, generated for display during an image time interval, are displayed during respective sub-intervals of the image time interval. A still image is thereby separated into portions and displayed separately during corresponding sub-intervals. Preferably, no single portion of the image includes all of the content of the entire image. However, the sum of all of the portions preferably includes all of the content of the image, and all of the portions are displayed within the image time interval. Although an image displayed in this manner can be correctly perceived by a viewer, recording of such an image may capture fewer than all of the portions of the image to thereby degrade the quality of recorded copies of the image and thus the motion picture. Intensity compensation is performed such that a consistent brightness is perceived by a user notwithstanding the fact that some portions are displayed for less time. |
| US07693329B2 |
Bound document scanning method and apparatus
A method, and an apparatus employing the method, of scanning a bound document. The method includes the acts of acquiring image data of the document that has an image attribute, identifying from the image data a group of image data that has the first image attribute, and modifying the group of image data having the first image attribute with a second image attribute. |
| US07693326B1 |
Method and system for implementing a low-complexity scheme in color conversion and down-sampling of image codecs
An image processing method and system using a low-complexity scheme is provided. According to one aspect of the method, input components from a RGB model are used directly to calculate the down-sampled components of a YCbCr model. In an exemplary instance where average down-sampling and a down-sampling rate of “4:2:0” are used, the following equations are used to derive the down-sampled components of the YCbCr model: Y l ″ = 0.29900 R i + 0.58700 G l + 0.11400 B l Cb ″ = - 0.04219 ∑ i = 0 3 R l - 0.082815 ∑ i = 0 3 G l + 0.12500 ∑ i = 0 3 B l + 2 SP / 2 Cr ″ = 0.12500 ∑ i = 0 3 R i - 0.10467 ∑ i = 0 3 G i - 0.02033 ∑ i = 0 3 B i + 2 SP / 2 where Ri, Gi and Bi are three input components of the color conversion for the pixel i and “SP” represents a specified sample precision under the RGB model. The foregoing method reduces computational complexity and cost thereby allowing an image color conversion process to be performed in a more efficient manner. |
| US07693324B2 |
Optical surface inspection
The present invention provides a method, an optical inspection apparatus as well as a computer program product for optical inspection of a surface. The optical inspection apparatus can be effectively applied for optical inspection of periodic structures on e.g. a semi-conductor wafer for the purpose of quality control. By effectively splitting a light beam into a plurality of spatially separated light beams and by selective usage of these light beams, various surface segments of the surface can be inspected simultaneously by superposition of respective images. A resulting superposition image can then be compared with a reference image for detection of defects of the surface. |
| US07693321B2 |
Mr method and apparatus for determining coronal and sagittal image planes from an image data set of a knee joint
In a method for determination of coronal and sagittal planes for the subsequent acquisition of new magnetic resonance slice images or the representation of magnetic resonance slice images from an existing image data set of a knee joint, starting from a data set representing a transversal slice image of the knee joint, the slice image is analyzed using at least one analysis algorithm to identify the medial and the lateral condyles of the femoral bone head shown as a transversal section and a point lying thereon in a section that defines a coronal plane that is tangential to the condyles. The sagittal plane proceeding perpendicular to the defined coronal plane is then determined. Coronal or sagittal slice images are then acquired or represented with orientations dependent on the identified planes. |
| US07693317B2 |
Image reporting method and system
A method and system are provided to report the findings of an expert's analysis of image data. The method and system are based on a reporting system that forms the basis of an image management system that can efficiently and systematically generate image reports, facilitate data entry into searchable databases for data mining, and expedite billing and collections for the expert's services. The expert identifies a significant finding on an image and attaches a location:description code to the location of that finding in order to create a significant finding and an entry into a database. Further descriptions of that finding, such as dimensional measurements, audio descriptions, 3D rendered snapshots, etc., may be automatically appended to the finding as secondary attributes of the finding within the database. At the end of the expert's evaluation of the image(s), the system sorts the findings in the database and presents the findings by prioritized categories. The expert edits and approves a multimedia report, which may be delivered to an Internet server for immediate access, archived in the database, sent by automated voice, fax or e-mail to an end-user, or any combination thereof. |
| US07693316B2 |
Apparatus and method for displaying hologram of a mobile communication terminal
Disclosed are an apparatus and a method for displaying hologram of a mobile communication terminal. The present invention can create hologram from two-dimensional image by providing a hologram processing function for a mobile communication terminal and provide the hologram to a user. Further, the mobile communication terminal with the hologram processing function can perform medical diagnosis on a user, and thus can save a life by performing accurate medical diagnosis in emergency through hologram communication with an emergency center. |
| US07693314B2 |
Finger sensing device for navigation and related methods
A finger sensing device may include a finger sensing area to receive a user's finger moved in a sliding motion, and a controller cooperating with the finger sensing area for generating successive image samples at least some of which are separated by different time intervals. The controller may generate finger movement signals based upon the successive image samples and the different time intervals. The controller may generate a plurality of repeating groups of ratio-metrically related image samples based upon the different time intervals. The reduced number of image samples may provide greater processing efficiency and reduced power consumption. |
| US07693311B2 |
Perfecting the effect of flash within an image acquisition devices using face detection
Within a digital acquisition device with a built in flash unit, the exposure of an acquired digital image is perfected using face detection in the acquired image is provided. Groups of pixels that correspond to plural images of faces are identified within a digitally acquired image, and corresponding image attributes to the group of pixels are determined. An analysis is performed of the corresponding attributes of the groups of pixels. It is then determined to activate the built-in flash unit based on the analysis. An intensity of the built-in flash unit is determined based on the analysis. Alternatively based on similar analysis, a digital simulation of the fill flash is performed on the image. |
| US07693310B2 |
Moving object recognition apparatus for tracking a moving object based on photographed image
A moving object recognition apparatus includes: a feature image extraction unit that extracts feature image portions for enabling the moving object to be determined from the moving image; a position detection unit that detects position information of the moving object in time series from the moving image, the position information based on which the feature image portion is extracted; a determination unit that determines identity of the feature image portions extracted from the moving object; and a track information retention unit that retains the time-series position information linked to the moving object having the feature image portion having the identity based on the determination. |
| US07693306B2 |
System and method for capturing images from mobile devices for use with patron tracking system
A system and method of tracking a patron in a gaming environment uses a database that stores known images and known text descriptions of existing patrons. An image of a patron is captured by an image capture device, and a text description of the patron is obtained. The image and the text description are transmitted to the database. A comparator compares the image or the text description to those on the database. The image is stored in a patron folder if the image or the text description is found to match an existing patron. The image is stored in a temporary folder if the image or the text description fails to match one of the existing patrons, and once the patron has been identified, the image is transferred from the temporary folder to the patron folder. |
| US07693303B2 |
Monitoring system and vehicle surrounding monitoring system
A parameter selection section selects one from a plurality of image synthesis parameters stored in a parameter storage section according to an output of a vehicle state detection section. An image synthesis section reads out camera images from frame memories according to the selected image synthesis parameter and generates a synthesized image showing a state of vehicle surroundings. A moving object detection section detects, in the thus generated synthetic image, a moving object region estimated as a region where a moving object is present. |
| US07693301B2 |
Known face guided imaging method
A known face guided imaging method applied for an electronic imaging device uses the scale of a known face sensed in a previous frame to define a scale range of a searching window, which adds a scale constraint into the searching window so as to search a current frame horizontally and vertically in the searching window to perform a face searching loop for a face. The invention simply sends a corresponding image patch within the scale range to a face detector for the face detection, and the searching space is constrained in a small group of scale ranges without the need of detecting the whole image of various different scales within the scale range, and thus the invention effectively reduces the huge quantity of computing values required for the detection process and greatly enhances the speed and efficiency of the face detection. |
| US07693295B2 |
System and method for securing headphone transducers
A system for securing headphone transducers is provided. In one aspect of the present invention, the system comprises a first transducer device having a first mechanical housing, which has an outer surface and an inner surface. A first coupling device is affixed to the outer surface of the first mechanical housing of the first transducer device. A second transducer device has a second mechanical housing, which has an outer surface and an inner surface. A second coupling device is affixed to the outer surface of the second mechanical housing of the second transducer device. The first coupling device is coupled to the second coupling device when in close proximity to each other, such that the inner surfaces of the first and second mechanical devices are opposed to each other. |
| US07693292B1 |
Method and apparatus for canceling fan noise in a computer system
One embodiment of the present invention provides a system that cancels fan noise in a computer system. During operation, the system obtains a fan noise signal using a microphone. Next, the system generates a spectral pattern based on the obtained fan noise signal. The system then uses the spectral pattern to identify a corresponding cancellation spectrum in an anti-spectra library. Next, the system generates a noise-canceling signal using the cancellation spectrum. Note that the amount of computation required to cancel fan noise is reduced because generating the noise-canceling signal using the anti-spectra library requires less computation than generating the noise-canceling signal using dynamic noise-cancellation techniques. |
| US07693287B2 |
Sound source localization based on binaural signals
Techniques are disclosed for sound source localization based on joint learning and evaluation of ITD and ILD representations that are measured in a complementary, correlation-based way using binaural time-frequency spectrums. According to one embodiment, from these measurements and learned representatives, which may, for example, be created by combinations of measurements from signals belonging to the same class, i.e., the same azimuthal location, probability distributions over frequency and class are computed. These probability distributions can be combined over cue and frequency using information-theoretic approaches to get a robust classification of the location and additionally a confidence measure for the quality of the classification result. |
| US07693286B2 |
Method of delivering direct proof private keys in signed groups to devices using a distribution CD
Delivering a Direct Proof private key in a signed group of keys to a device installed in a client computer system in the field may be accomplished in a secure manner without requiring significant non-volatile storage in the device. A unique pseudo-random value is generated and stored along with a group number in the device at manufacturing time. The pseudo-random value is used to generate a symmetric key for encrypting a data structure holding a Direct Proof private key and a private key digest associated with the device. The resulting encrypted data structure is stored in a signed group of keys (e.g., a signed group record) on a removable storage medium (such as a CD or DVD), and distributed to the owner of the client computer system. When the device is initialized on the client computer system, the system checks if a localized encrypted data structure is present in the system. If not, the system obtains the associated signed group record of encrypted data structures from the removable storage medium, and verifies the signed group record. The device decrypts the encrypted data structure using a symmetric key regenerated from its stored pseudo-random value to obtain the Direct Proof private key, when the group record is valid. If the private key is valid, it may be used for subsequent authentication processing by the device in the client computer system. |
| US07693285B2 |
Secure communication apparatus and method
A method and apparatus, such as a secure distribution server, receives encrypted information from a sender, wherein the encrypted information is for transmission to a plurality of intended recipients. In addition to the encrypted information, the method includes receiving an encrypted secret key that is encrypted using a public key associated with the secure distribution server. The method and apparatus decrypts the encrypted secret key to produce a decrypted secret key. The method and apparatus then encrypts the decrypted secret key with the corresponding public key of at least one (or each of a plurality of) intended recipient(s) to produce at least one (or plurality of) recipient-specific secure secret keys. The method and apparatus then forwards the received encrypted information sent by the sender and also sends at least one recipient-specific secure secret key to a corresponding intended recipient. |
| US07693283B2 |
Methods and apparatus for providing user anonymity in online transactions
End-to-end user anonymity is provided in electronic commerce or other types of online transactions through the use of an intermediary. An intermediary machine, which may be implemented in the form of a set of servers, receives communications from a consumer or other user, and generates and maintains an alias for that user. Connections between the user machine and any online vendor or other web site are implemented through the intermediary using the alias. The intermediary then communicates with the online vendor and supplies intermediary payment information. The online vendor charges the purchase to the intermediary, and redirects the delivery of the goods or services to the destination address provided by the intermediary. The intermediary charges the payment card number of the user, and arranges for the redirection of the delivery to the real user address. |
| US07693281B2 |
Method for distributing scrambled digital data decryption keys
An apparatus and associated methodology are provided for distributing individual keys for deciphering scrambled digital data transmitted by a broadcasting system to a plurality of terminals connected to a data exchange network. The broadcasting system includes at least one portal designed to provide the individual keys, at least one scrambling platform and at least one server designed to broadcast the scrambled data. The scrambling period of the data is divided and transmitted into a succession of encoding periods CPi, each defining a period of validity of an individual key Ki. A set of individual keys are supplied at each connection of a terminal to the portal. The set of individual keys includes at least one key corresponding to the encoding period CPi, and at least one key corresponding to the encoding period CPi+1. The terminal has also provided the date of a future connection to collect a set of deciphering keys corresponding to at least a future encoding period if the continuation of the access is authorized. |
| US07693277B2 |
Generating digital signatures using ephemeral cryptographic key
Generating a digital signature utilizing a cryptograph key includes: receiving into a computer system input data from a user (UID); generating within the computer system a cryptographic key as a deterministic function of the UID; clearing from the computer system the UID; generating within the computer system a digital signature as a function of the generated cryptographic key; and clearing the generated cryptographic key from the computer system following generation of the digital signature. The digital signature further may be generated as a function of whether a digital signature has yet been generated using the generated cryptographic key following receipt of the UID. Neither the received UID nor the generated cryptographic key is exported from the computer system. |
| US07693275B2 |
Online service system capable of predicting waiting time
The present invention discloses an online service system capable of predicting waiting time. The service system serves the users through a queuing mode and an electronic whiteboard mode. The queuing mode comprises a queuing-user counting unit for counting number of the user entering the queuing mode, a service channel counting unit for counting number of the service channels providing service, and a waiting-time prediction unit for predicting and showing the waiting time to the queuing users. Alternatively, the queuing users can search for related information from the database through a search engine. Once the service channel is available, the queuing user can exit from the queuing mode and request for service through the electronic whiteboard mode by transmitting audio/video, picture and character data. The present invention may further provide a performance evaluation mode for the system manager's reference. |
| US07693271B2 |
Method and apparatus for handling an incoming call to avoid a conflict with an earlier call
A method for handling an incoming call received at an inbound terminal via an analog line is described. The method comprises receiving the incoming call at the inbound terminal; storing caller ID data enabling identification of incoming call; comparing a stored existing caller ID with the stored current caller ID to determine if an earlier incoming call is being signaled to an application; if the earlier incoming call is being signaled, disconnecting the earlier incoming call; and presenting the incoming call to the application thereby reducing the risk of conflict between incoming calls. |
| US07693270B2 |
Method and network for providing service blending to a subscriber
A method and communication network for providing a subscriber with a blend of services of the communication network delivered to the subscriber through a telephone and services delivered to the subscriber through a TV delivery system in communication with the network. Upon receipt of a message from a calling party, a service broker function may be configured to execute service package information associated with services of the TV delivery system subscription to include obtaining and delivering caller ID information of the calling party. The service broker function may be configured to alter the message request to generate a modified message request in respect to information affecting alerting of the subscriber's phone. The modified message is sent to the subscriber's phone so that, while information of the calling party is displayed on the TV delivery system, alerting of the phone is modified. |
| US07693266B1 |
Method and system for measuring acoustic quality of wireless customer premises equipment
A method, system, and medium are provided for testing a network communications component. A model of a substantially ideal communications network is provided and a test signal is generated at an input of the network model. An output signal from the model is transmitted to the network component. The signal is suitable for analyzing acoustic parameters of the network component. The acoustic parameters are analyzed based upon a response of the network component to the output signal. |
| US07693262B2 |
Use of nearly monochromatic and tunable photon sources with nuclear resonance fluorescence in non-intrusive inspection of containers for material detection and imaging
Methods and systems for detecting potential items of interest in target samples, using nuclear resonance fluorescence, utilize incident photon spectra that are narrower than traditional bremsstrahlung spectra but overlap nuclear resonances in elements of interest for purposes of detection, such as but not limited to the detection of threats in luggage or containers being scanned. |
| US07693260B2 |
Orthovoltage radiosurgery
A radiosurgery system is described that delivers a therapeutic dose of radiation to a target structure in a patient. In some embodiments, inflammatory ocular disorders are treated, specifically macular degeneration. In some embodiments, ocular structures are placed in a global coordinate system, based on ocular imaging, which leads to direction of an automated positioning system. In some embodiments, the position of an ocular structure is tracked and related to a radiosurgery system. In some embodiments, a treatment plan is utilized for a specific disease to be treated and/or structures to be avoided. In some embodiments, a fiducial aids in positioning the system. In some embodiments, a reflection off the eye is used to aid in positioning. In some embodiments, radiodynamic therapy is described in which radiosurgery is used in combination with other treatments and can be delivered concomitant with, prior to, or following other treatments. |
| US07693258B2 |
Orthovoltage radiotherapy
A radiosurgery system is described that delivers a therapeutic dose of radiation to a target structure in a patient. In some embodiments, inflammatory ocular disorders are treated, specifically macular degeneration. In some embodiments, ocular structures are placed in a global coordinate system, based on ocular imaging, which leads to direction of an automated positioning system. In some embodiments, the position of an ocular structure is tracked and related to a radiosurgery system. In some embodiments, a treatment plan is utilized for a specific disease to be treated and/or structures to be avoided. In some embodiments, a fiducial aids in positioning the system. In some embodiments, a reflection off the eye is used to aid in positioning. In some embodiments, radiodynamic therapy is described in which radiosurgery is used in combination with other treatments and can be delivered concomitant with, prior to, or following other treatments. |
| US07693257B2 |
Treatment delivery optimization
A method and apparatus to optimize delivery of radiation treatment. |
| US07693255B2 |
Compression pad and mammography apparatus comprising such a pad
Compression pad for a mammography apparatus comprising a compression plate made of a material transparent to X-rays, and a support by which said pad is configured to be mounted onto a mammography apparatus. The support has an arch shape configured to go over the edge of a compression plate, and said compression plate and said support comprise complementary mechanical means capable of enabling manual locking/unlocking of the support on said plate, in particular for cleaning said plate and said support. |
| US07693252B2 |
Medical image display apparatus and medical image display system
Noise originating from the difference between a second dose as an X-ray dose used for simulation and a first dose as an X-ray dose associated with raw data obtained by past imaging operation is calculated. Simulation pure raw data as information associated with a photon count and noise which are predicted to be detected by a plurality of X-ray detection elements when imaging is performed by using X-rays of the second dose is generated on the basis of the calculated noise and the raw data obtained by past imaging operation. A simulation image predicted to be obtained by imaging operation using X-rays of the second dose is generated by using the simulation pure raw data and displayed. |
| US07693251B2 |
Method and apparatus for ultrasonic inspection of reactor pressure vessel
The ultrasonic probe of the ultrasonic inspection apparatus, which is pushed onto the outer surface of the reactor pressure vessel, transmits and receives an ultrasonic wave to and from a penetration having a welded portion while changing an incident angle of the ultrasonic wave. Based on a result of reception of an echo obtained by the reflection of the ultrasonic wave on the inner surface of the penetration, an inclination angle of the penetration relative to a wall surface of the reactor pressure vessel is measured. A circumferential direction position of the penetration, which corresponds to the inclination angle, is calculated based on the relationship of an inclination angle and a circumferential direction position, which have been calculated in advance. Then, the circumferential direction position can be obtained as information on the inspection position. |
| US07693249B2 |
Method of improving nuclear reactor performance
The method of improving nuclear reactor performance involves generating an operational solution for a nuclear reactor based on a constraint accounting for a problem with operation of the nuclear reactor. The generated operational solution can then be implemented at the nuclear reactor. |
| US07693248B2 |
System and method for accelerated clock synchronization of remotely distributed electronic devices
A timing recovery system and method for accelerated clock synchronization of remotely distributed electronic devices is provided. The system includes a phase locked loop, a linear estimator and control logic. The method includes sampling a clock signal received from an electronic device, applying a linear estimation technique to estimate the frequency and phase of the received signal and providing those estimates to a phase locked loop to accelerate the phase locked loop acquisition rate and secure signal lock quickly. |
| US07693247B2 |
Phase locked loop having reduced inherent noise
A phase locked loop having reduced inherent noise is provided. The phase locked loop comprises a controlled oscillator for outputting a periodic output signal as a result of a control signal; a feedback unit for providing at least two periodic feedback signals having a constant phase shift to each other and each depending on the output signal; a phase/frequency detector for providing difference signals each depending on a periodic input signal and at least one of the feedback signals; and a control circuit for providing the control signal to the controlled oscillator depending on the difference signals. |
| US07693243B2 |
Method and circuit for timing recovery
A circuit and method for timing recovery. The circuit for timing recovery comprises an converter, a timing recovery controller, and a initial phase generator. The converter converts an input signal to sample data with a sampling signal. The timing recovery controller is coupled to the converter, and determines the sampling signal. And the initial phase generator is coupled to the AD converter, detects a change with the sample data only, produces an initial phase based on the change, and controls the sampling signal. |
| US07693242B2 |
DC offset correction for constant envelope signals
Methods (1500) and corresponding systems (400, 500) for determining and correcting a DC offset in a receiver operate to sample (1503) a signal to provide complex samples; estimate (1505) a Direct Current (DC) offset corresponding to each of the complex samples, the estimating the DC offset further including solving a plurality of equations relating to the plurality of complex samples, e.g., N simultaneous equations in N samples with a power of the signal invariant across the N samples, to deterministically derive offset values; and then remove (1517) the DC offset from the signal. |
| US07693239B2 |
Apparatus for decoding convolutional codes and associated method
A decoding device may include a sequential convolutional code decoder, and a parallel convolutional code decoder. The decoding device may further include a controller for selectively processing a convolutionally encoded input signal via at least one of the sequential convolutional code decoder and the parallel convolutional code decoder. The selection of decoder may be based upon a signal-to-noise ratio or the passage of time, for example. |
| US07693237B2 |
Systems and methods for synchronizing wireless communication systems
In one embodiment the present invention include systems and methods for synchronizing wireless communication systems. In one embodiment, a baseband processor includes a reference frequency for synchronizing processing of received data. The baseband processor may detect received data and determine frequency hopping sequences to program a frequency synthesizer. The baseband processor may synchronize the synthesizer's frequency changes to receive incoming data. Symbols received by the system may be detected and used to start the reference frequency. In one embodiment, the reference frequency has a period equal to the symbol period. Cross-correlators may be used to detect frequency hopping patterns. Clusters of results from the cross-correlators may be analyzed and the results used to control timing of the system. |
| US07693234B2 |
Method and apparatus for interleaving in a wireless communication system
The method and apparatus in accordance with the present invention receives bits, writes the bits row-by-row in a matrix, reads the bits column-by-column from the matrix, groups and rotates the bits read column-by-column from the matrix so as to evenly separate the bits in position, frequency, space over one symbol period. |
| US07693232B2 |
Transmitting method and transmitting device, receiving method and receiving device, and transfer method and transfer system
Data broadcast data, which is broadcast in data broadcasts, is constructed by disposing, for example, EMD (Electric Music Distribution) links required to acquire song data as actual broadcast data, which is broadcast in actual broadcasts by a transmitting device, the actual broadcast data is transmitted, and the data broadcast data wherein the EMD links for the song data in the actual broadcasts are disposed, is transmitted periodically during the transmission of the actual broadcast data. The actual broadcast data and the data broadcast data are received by a user terminal, and the EMD links disposed in the data broadcast data are stored whenever there is an input of an operation to attach a “bookmark”. Thus, audio data such as songs in programs broadcast can easily be acquired by radio. |
| US07693230B2 |
Apparatus and method of differential IQ frequency up-conversion
A balanced transmitter up-converts I and Q baseband signals directly from baseband-to-RF. The up-conversion process is sufficiently linear that no IF processing is required, even in communications applications that have stringent requirements on spectral growth. In operation, the balanced modulator sub-harmonically samples the I and Q baseband signals in a balanced and differential manner, resulting in harmonically rich signal. The harmonically rich signal contains multiple harmonic images that repeat at multiples of the sampling frequency, where each harmonic contains the necessary information to reconstruct the I and Q baseband signals. The differential sampling is performed according to a first and second control signals that are phase shifted with respect to each other. In embodiments of the invention, the control signals have pulse widths (or apertures) that operate to improve energy transfer to a desired harmonic in the harmonically rich signal. A bandpass filter can then be utilized to select the desired harmonic of interest from the harmonically rich signal. |
| US07693228B2 |
Channel estimation for orthogonal preambles in a MIMO system
A general architecture scheme to perform channel estimation on orthogonal transmissions for any number of transmitting antennas present. Generally, the channel estimation is applicable for wireless communications in a MIMO system. |
| US07693225B2 |
Inter-symbol and inter-carrier interference canceller for multi-carrier modulation receivers
A MCM (multi-carrier modulation) receiver that utilizes a plurality tones to transmit information. Identify a first subset of tones that have negligible ISI (inter-symbol interference) and ICI (inter-carrier interference), and a second subset of tones that ISI/ICI cancellation is needed to improve the performance. For tones in the first subset, conventional FEQ (frequency-domain equalization) is performed to obtained soft decisions from the raw decisions. For those tones in the second subset, perform FEQ along with ICI/ISI cancellation. For tones in the second subset, identify a third subset (one for each of the tones in the second subset) to perform ICI cancellation and a series of fourth subsets (one for each of the tones in the second subset) to perform ISI cancellation. The selection of the first subset, the second subset, the third subset (for each of the tone in the second subset), and the fourth subset (for each of the tone in the second subset) are based on examining the frequency response of the communication channel. |
| US07693224B2 |
Subcarrier adaptive thresholding
A communication device may obtain a channel estimate, and may adjust power thresholds governing an adaptive bit loading scheme. The communication device may include a transceiver arranged to receive data from a remote transmitter on a plurality of subcarriers. The communication device may also include a controller coupled to the transceiver. Finally, a memory unit may be coupled to the controller. The memory unit may contain a set of instructions that when executed cause the controller to cooperate with the transceiver to create a channel estimate, to create modulation criteria based at least in part on the channel estimate, and to command the remote transmitter, on a subcarrier-by-subcarrier basis, to employ a particular modulation technique on a particular subcarrier. Such a command may be based at least in part on a comparison of the channel estimate and the modulation criteria. |
| US07693223B2 |
Testing methods of a semiconductor integrated incorporating a high-frequency receiving circuit and a demodulation circuit
A semiconductor integrated circuit that can be tested in a reduced test time includes a high-frequency receiving circuit for receiving a high-frequency signal, and a demodulation circuit for demodulating a signal received from the high-frequency receiving circuit. The demodulation circuit includes a Static Random Access Memory (SRAM), an SRAM control circuit, and a test data transmitting circuit. The SRAM control circuit receives, from a semiconductor test device, test data for driving and testing the high-frequency receiving circuit, and writes the test data into the SRAM. The test data transmitting circuit reads out from the SRAM test data for driving and testing the high-frequency receiving circuit, and transmits the test data to the high-frequency receiving circuit. |
| US07693222B2 |
Method and system for re-multiplexing of content-modified MPEG-2 transport streams using PCR interpolation
A system and method is provided for revising the time stamp information in an MPEG-2 transport stream after content in the transport stream is modified. According to one method, successive PCR time stamps previously added to the transport stream are used to determine PCRSYNC time stamps for synchronization points in the transport stream by interpolation. The PCRSYNC time stamps are substituted into transport packets within the transport stream. The PCRSYNC is also used to determine modified time of arrival (TOA) stamps to be added to transport packets. According to a second method, PCR interpolation is used to determine the values of PCRSYNC. TOA interpolation of TOA stamps previously added to the transport stream are used to determine modified TOA stamps to be substituted into the transport stream for the previously added TOA stamps. |
| US07693221B2 |
Apparatus for processing a stereoscopic image stream
A system is provided for processing a compressed image stream of a stereoscopic image stream, the compressed image stream having a plurality of frames in a first format, each frame consisting of a merged image comprising pixels sampled from a left image and pixels sampled from a right image. A receiver receives the compressed image stream and a decompressing module in communication with the receiver decompresses the compressed image stream. The left and right images of the decompressed image stream are stored in a frame buffer. A serializing unit reads pixels of the frames stored in the frame buffer and outputs a pixel stream comprising pixels of a left frame and pixels of a right frame. A stereoscopic image processor receives the pixel stream, buffers the pixels, performs interpolation in order to reconstruct pixels of the left and right images and outputs a reconstructed left pixel stream and a reconstructed right pixel stream, the reconstructed streams having a format different from the first format. A display signal generator receives the stereoscopic pixel stream to provide an output display signal. |
| US07693220B2 |
Transmission of video information
The present invention relates to a method for transmitting video information, in which a bitstream is formed comprising a set of frames comprising macroblocks. At least one switching frame is formed into the bitstream, macroblocks of the switching frame are arranged into a first and a second group of macroblocks, each macroblock of the first group of macroblocks are encoded by a first encoding method to provide a switching point for continuing the transmission of video information with another bitstream formed from the video information; and macroblocks of the second group of macroblocks are encoded by another encoding method. Errors in transmission of video information are reduced by forming at least one SP-encoded frame by predictively encoding the macroblocks; replacing part of the SP-encoded macroblocks with intra encoded blocks; and transmitting the encoded frame containing both predictively and intra encoded macroblocks instead of the SP-encoded frame. |
| US07693218B2 |
Motion vector estimation with improved motion vector selection
The present invention provides an improved method for motion estimation. For this purpose, the prediction quality of a motion vector estimate is evaluated twice, namely by comparing the prediction quality with respect to the two previous fields individually and combining both calculated error values into a single error value for selecting the best motion vector estimate from a plurality of candidate vectors. In this manner, the determination of the real motion of an image object is improved by eliminating false estimates which are not detectable by only referencing a single previous image. |
| US07693217B2 |
Moving picture coding method and moving picture decoding method
A moving picture coding apparatus 1 includes a counter unit 102 which counts the number of pictures following an intra coded picture; and a motion estimation unit 101 which compares respectively only reference pictures which are the intra coded picture or the following pictures, selected from among a reference picture Ref1, a reference picture Ref2 and a reference picture Ref3 stored in memories 408˜410, with a picture signal Vin, and determines the reference picture whose inter picture differential value is smallest. |
| US07693216B1 |
Modulating transmission timing for data communications
A modulation method, applicable for augmentation of present art modulated signals. The method, for communicating data from a transmitter to a receiver, is based on periodical burst transmissions, set at a nominal timing, of signals which are either pure carriers or already modulated by data (e.g. ASK, FSK, PSK). Knowing the transmission timing and assessing the propagation delay, the receiver can estimate the nominal reception timing of these periodical transmissions. Modifying the nominal timing of a transmission, by a specific time period, is used to communicate a symbol between the transmitter and the receiver, according to a predefined encoding table which associates between a symbol and a unique time period. According to one embodiment of the invention, the transmitter is a distress radio beacon, configured to report its position upon activation, in periodical data burst transmissions, to ground stations through satellites. The present method is used to augment this report, complying with the present beacon specifications, yet providing a finer resolution of the reported coordinates. According to one embodiment, the position resolution is improved approximately from 125 to 8 meters. |
| US07693215B2 |
Blinder equalizer for QAM receivers
Methods and apparatuses for blind equalizers with multiple constant modules. In one embodiment, a circuit, includes: a filter to produce an output based on an input that represents a symbol being received, the symbol being one of a Quadrature Amplitude Modulation (QAM) constellation; a decision engine coupled to the filter to generate a result indicating one region of a plurality of regions in a QAM constellation diagram, the output of the filter being in the indicated region which includes a plurality of symbols of different radii in the constellation diagram; and an error reduction engine coupled to the decision engine and the filter to reduce a difference between a selected one of a plurality of constants and a modulus of the output; where each of the plurality of constants correspond to one of the plurality of regions; and the selected one of the plurality of constants is selected according to the result of the decision engine. |
| US07693214B2 |
Receiving device and analog-to-digital conversion device
Disclosed is a receiving device which comprises first and second AD converters for inputting a received analog signal and converting the analog signal to digital signals in response to sampling clock signals of mutually different phases, first and second adaptive equalizers for respectively receiving outputs of the first and second AD converters, third and fourth adaptive equalizers for respectively receiving outputs of the second and first AD converters, a first adder for adding the outputs of the first and second adaptive converters, a second adder for adding the outputs of the third and fourth adaptive equalizers, a first decision unit for receiving the output of the first adder, deciding a received symbol for output, and outputting a decision error, a second decision unit for receiving the output of the second adder, deciding a received symbol for output, and outputting a decision error, and a multiplexing circuit for multiplexing the received symbols output from the first and second decision units, for output. The decision error from the first decision unit is supplied to the first and second adaptive equalizers, and the decision error from the second decision unit is supplied to the third and fourth adaptive equalizers. |
| US07693212B2 |
Methods and apparatus for frequency rectification
A method of monitoring the condition of a machine is provided. The method includes receiving an input complex signal from the machine wherein the input complex signal has a plurality of signal components. The plurality of signal components includes at least one signal component containing a pre-determined frequency of interest and at least one signal component containing noise. The method further includes processing the input complex signal and generating an output complex signal having a plurality of signal components The plurality of signal components includes at least one signal component containing a pre-determined frequency of interest and at least one signal component containing noise. Processing the input complex signal includes executing a fixed-step integration and processing the output complex signal to assess whether a fault exists. |
| US07693208B2 |
Method and circuit for limiting the power of a signal compiled from spread-coded signals
The method is used for limiting the power of a transmission-end signal (xn) compiled from a plurality of differently spread-coded signals. In this context, it is assumed that the quantity of spread codes used for the differently spread-coded signals is known as code engagement information (Cch,SF,k; 80). First, correction spread codes are selected by virtue of the engagement information (Cch,SF,k; 80) being evaluated. On the basis of the selected correction codes, a spread-coded correction signal (y′n) is formed which is overlaid with the compiled signal (xn). |
| US07693207B2 |
Pre-ionizer for pulsed gas-discharge laser
In a CO2 laser a pre-ionizer is assembled in a flange configured to be attached to a laser-gas enclosure of the laser over an aperture in a wall of the enclosure. An aperture in the base of the flange is aligned over the aperture in the enclosure wall. The aperture in the pre-ionizer flange is covered by a ceramic membrane. A disc electrode is in contact with the ceramic membrane on a side of the membrane outside of the laser-gas enclosure. An RF potential applied to the disc electrode creates a corona discharge on the side of the ceramic membrane inside the enclosure. The corona discharge ionizes laser gas in the enclosure before RF power is applied to electrodes of the slab laser. A cylindrical ceramic sleeve extends from the membrane for containing the discharge. |
| US07693205B2 |
Surface emitting laser
A vertical cavity surface emitting laser capable of efficiently injecting carries into an active region directly under a photonic crystal mirror is provided. The vertical cavity surface emitting laser includes a first reflective mirror 102 constituting a lower mirror, a second reflective mirror 112 constituting an upper mirror, and an active layer 106 provided between the reflective mirrors on a substrate 100. The second reflective mirror 112 includes a periodic refractive index structure periodically arranged in a plane parallel to a surface of the substrate, which structure is composed of a first medium 1100 having conductivity and a second medium 1102 having a refractive index lower than that of the first medium 1100. A layer structure by a third medium 1104 having a refractive index lower than that of the first medium 1100 is embedded in the first medium 1100 on the lower side of the periodic refractive index structure. |
| US07693202B2 |
Semiconductor laser device and method for fabricating the same
In a monolithic dual wavelength laser device in which an infrared laser part 100 and a red laser part 130 are built on one n-type GaAs substrate 101, a p-type first cladding layer 105 of the infrared laser part 100 and a p-type first cladding layer 135 of the red laser part 130 are made of the same material and have different impurity concentrations. |
| US07693201B2 |
Light-emitting semiconductor component comprising a protective diode
A light-emitting semiconductor component which contains a sequence of semiconductor layers (2) with an area of p-doped semiconductor layers (4) and n-doped semiconductor layers (3) between which a first pn junction (5a, 5b) is formed. The pn junction (5a, 5b) is subdivided into a light-emitting section (7) and a protective-diode section (8) in a lateral direction by means of an insulating section (6). An n-doped layer (9), which forms a second pn junction (10) which acts as a protective diode along with the p-doped area (4), is applied to the p-doped area (4) in the area of the protective-diode section (8), the first pn junction (5b) in the protective-diode section (8) having a larger area than the first pn junction (5a) in the light-emitting section (7). The protective-diode section (8) protects the light-emitting semiconductor component from voltage pulses due to electrostatic discharges (ESD). |
| US07693195B2 |
Semiconductor light emitting devices and methods
A method for producing an optical output, including the following steps: providing first and second electrical signals; providing a bipolar light-emitting transistor device that includes collector, base, and emitter regions; providing a collector electrode coupled with the collector region and an emitter electrode coupled with the emitter region, and coupling electrical potentials with respect to the collector and emitter electrodes; providing an optical coupling in optical communication with the base region; providing first and second base electrodes coupled with the base region; and coupling the first and second electrical signals with the first and second base electrodes, respectively, to produce an optical output emitted from the base region and coupled into the optical coupling, the optical output being a function of the first and second electrical signals. |
| US07693193B2 |
Laser light source device, illumination device, monitor device, and projector
A laser light source device includes: a laser light source that emits a laser light; and an optical wavelength conversion section that includes a ferroelectric material carrying therein a plurality of polarization inversion rows in which a polarization inversion area and a polarization non-inversion area are alternately formed in a predetermined direction, and converts the laser light directed in the predetermined direction into a second harmonic. In the laser light source device, the laser light source is disposed at a fixed position to allow any one of the polarization inversion rows to be positioned on an optical path of the laser light. |
| US07693191B2 |
System and method for receiving a multiple format wireless signal
An apparatus (200) and method (300) for receiving a communications signal. A spread spectrum signal demodulator (210) is adapted to demodulate a packet header (110) of a data packet (102) that is communicated by a wireless communications signal. The packet header (110) is modulated with a spread spectrum technique and the spread spectrum signal demodulator (210) produces a packet header detection signal (220) representing a successful detection of a predefined packet header value. A non-spread spectrum signal demodulator (212) is communicatively coupled to the spread spectrum signal demodulator (210) and demodulates, in response to the packet header detection signal (220), a non-spread spectrum modulated data payload within the data packet. A data output select (234) produces demodulated data produced by either one or both the spread spectrum signal demodulator (210) and the non-spread spectrum signal demodulator (212). |
| US07693189B2 |
HPNA hub
Analog HPNA hub including at least one group of coils, the coils inducing HPNA signals there between, a plurality of filters, each of the filters coupled with a respective one of the coils and further coupled, via respective telephone wiring, with at least a respective HPNA node, wherein each of the filters enables transmission of HPNA data signals there through, and wherein each of the filters prevents transmission of conventional telephony signals there through. |
| US07693186B2 |
Systems and computer program products for header suppression in a network that guarantees in order delivery of packets
A method and computer program product for providing RTP suppression across a DOCSIS network. An index number and a set of rules are sent to a receiver. The index number indicates the type of header suppression technique (i.e., RTP header suppression) to be performed, and the set of rules define how to recreate the RTP packets on the receiving end. At least one complete RTP packet is transmitted upstream for enabling a receiver to learn the RTP header. Subsequent RTP packets are transmitted upstream for reconstruction at the receiving end. The subsequent RTP packets are comprised of delta values representing fields that dynamically change from packet to packet in an RTP header. |
| US07693184B2 |
Method and system for data transmission between a local area network and a main network authorizing format adaptation of said data
A telecommunications system SYST including a local area network WLAN, a main network INTNW, and an intermediate element INTM through which data packets Dpo, Epi/Tepi must pass in transit between the local area network WLAN and the main network INTNW. The system evaluates a volume of calls supported by the local area network WLAN, and truncates data packets if said volume is above a predetermined threshold. In the event of an overload, the size of data packets in transit through the local area network is automatically reduced without recourse to systematic and discriminatory elimination of a particular type of data. |
| US07693183B2 |
Method for signaling of splitting information
A signaling method for signal division information is disclosed. The signaling method divides a signal into several signals, and effectively represents division information of the divided signals. The present invention provides the method signaling for signaling signal division information comprising: assigning number of lower nodes equal to the number of divisions to a lower layer if a node of an upper layer is represented by a division identifier (ID); and un-assigning any lower node to the lower layer if the node of the upper layer is represented by a non-division identifier (ID), wherein the signal division information includes the division ID and the non-division ID indicating the presence or absence of a signal division at a node of a layer. |
| US07693173B2 |
Communication system, communication control method, communication control apparatus, and communication control program
Each terminal is provided with a time sync unit for performing a process of establishing with a destination terminal, using time sync information for establishing time synchronization relating to an access timing to a communication medium, and a communication monitor unit for monitoring time sync information in communication between other terminals, wherein the time sync information in communication between other terminals, which is obtained by the communication monitor unit, is transmitted to a terminal which is different from the other terminals and establishes no time synchronization. |
| US07693172B2 |
Apparatus and method for determining public long code mask in a mobile communications system
An apparatus and method of assigning a public long code mask (PLCM) to a mobile terminal in a mobile communications network is provided. The invention comprises assigning a first PLCM type, when the PLCM for the mobile terminal is based on an international mobile station identification number that is based on a mobile identification number (MIN) associated with the mobile terminal and assigning a second PLCM type, when the PLCM for the mobile terminal is provided by a service provider. |
| US07693169B2 |
Transmission apparatus and frame transmission method
A line unit holds in its active table data a number that indicates which flooding setting table is to be made active. An input frame forwarding unit embeds the number in an internal frame header of a frame that is to be output. As the number is embedded before the frame is forwarded to each line unit via a backboard, the output destination for the same frame is determined by a common active flooding setting table. Thus, frame destruction or duplication is prevented. |
| US07693166B2 |
Method and apparatus for transmitting data to network and method and apparatus for receiving data from network
A TOE (TCP/IP Offload Engine) can transmit data to and receive data from a network without causing a plurality of high order processes to influence each other in a computer mounted by a plurality of processors, each of which is mounted by a plurality of cores. The TOE 101 generates a notification queue for each high order process. The TOE driver 102 holds information that tells which high order process corresponds to which socket and which notification queue. When transmitting data, the outgoing data are temporarily held on the transmission buffer queue 102-4 and the transmission buffer is added to the notification queue that corresponds to the relevant high order process after the transmission. When receiving data, the incoming data are stored in the reception buffer on the reception buffer queue 102-3 and the reception buffer is added to the notification queue that corresponds to the relevant high order process. |
| US07693163B2 |
Method of operating internet protocol address and subnet system using the same
A method of operating an Internet protocol (IP) address that effectively allocates, creates, and processes an interface identifier (ID) of an IP address area, and a subnet system using the same are provided. Allocation is done such that in the IP address area including a subnet prefix area and an Interface ID area, certain bits of the Interface ID area are used as an index area of a subnet gateway. In this case, the allocation is implemented in order from the higher layer to the lower layer so that the Interface ID area is sequentially allocated from the higher bits thereof for the index areas of the respective layers. The combination of the certain bits of the allocated Interface ID and the subnet prefix area of the IP address area is used as the subnet ID of the respective subnet layers. The lowest subnet gateway allocates the Interface ID to terminating equipment trying to access to the IP network based on a format of the IP address. |
| US07693162B2 |
Communique system with dynamic bandwidth allocation in cellular communication networks
The communique system for cellular communication networks operates with existing cellular communication networks to provide communique communication services to subscribers. The communique can be unidirectional (broadcast) or bidirectional (interactive) in nature and the extent of the communique can be network-wide broadcast or narrowcast, where one or more cells and/or cell sectors are grouped to cover a predetermined geographic area or demographic population or subscriber interest group to transmit information to subscribers who populate the target audience for the narrowcast transmissions. The said communique system can dynamically allocate the available bandwidth to thereby serve subscribers with more control channel(s) and/or control channel bandwidth and/or communication channels and/or communication channels of greater bandwidth as the need presents itself. The dynamic bandwidth allocation can simultaneously occur in multiple domains: time, code, and frequency. The content of these transmissions can be multi-media in nature and comprising a combination of various forms of media. |
| US07693157B2 |
Quality of service support for A/V streams
An access control mechanism in a network connecting one or more sink devices to a server providing audio/visual data (A/V) in streams. As a sink device requests access, the server measures available bandwidth to the sink device. If the measurement of available bandwidth is completed before the sink device requests a stream of audio/visual data, the measured available bandwidth is used to set transmission parameters of the data stream in accordance with a Quality of Service (QoS) policy. If the measurement is not completed when the data stream is requested, the data stream is nonetheless transmitted. In this scenario, the data stream may be transmitted using parameters computed using a cached measurement of the available bandwidth to the sink device. If no cached measurement is available, the data stream is transmitted with a low priority until a measurement can be made. Once the measurement is available, the transmission parameters of the data stream are re-set. With this access control mechanism, A/V streams may be provided with low latency but with transmission parameters accurately set in accordance with the QoS policy. |
| US07693153B2 |
Decomposed switching node and method of operating the same
In a telecommunications network, a method of controlling a media gateway to handle a multiplex session, using a media gateway controller, the media gateway and the media gateway controller communicating using a standardised interface protocol, e.g. H.248, providing for a set of command messages each of which contains: a context field for identifying a context of the media gateway; a termination field for identifying one or more terminations of the media gateway; at least one descriptor for defining properties of the context; and optionally a package identity and at least one associated property. The method comprises, at the media gateway controller, generating a command message said structure and containing a multiplex descriptor including a package identifier, the package identifier identifying a package implemented at the media gateway for handling a multiplex session, sending the generated command message from the media gateway controller to the media gateway, and, at the media gateway, establishing the context identified in the message according to the specified package. Preferably, the multiplex descriptor includes at least one property which is one of a circuit assignment map and a contiguous or non-contiguous service type. |
| US07693151B2 |
Method and devices for providing protection in packet switched communications networks
A method and devices using that method are provided for reconstructing an encoded signal conveyed along a communication path in a packet switched network. The method comprises the steps of providing a communication signal that has been encoded into a plurality of frames; determining which of the plurality of frames is an essential frame, which loss would cause a relatively substantial deterioration in the quality of at least one proceeding frame upon decoding that at least one proceeding frame; packaging the plurality of frames into a plurality of packets, and identifying which of the packets comprise at least one essential frame; adding protecting information to at least one packet which proceeds a packet identified as a packet carrying at least one essential frame. |
| US07693147B2 |
Method and apparatus for remotely monitoring gas turbine combustion dynamics
Methods and systems for communicating information between a narrowband circuit and a broadband circuit for conserving bandwidth while monitoring gas turbine combustion dynamics are provided. The method includes receiving a stream of data through the narrowband circuit, splitting the stream of data into a plurality of data packets, and transmitting each of the data packets to a predetermined list of sockets through the broadband circuit. The system includes a narrowband network segment communicatively coupled to a broadband network segment, and a data network split/relay device communicatively coupled to the broadband network segment programmed to receive a stream of data from a server communicatively coupled to the narrowband segment. |
| US07693146B2 |
Method and system for filtering traffic from unauthorized sources in a multicast network
A method and system for filtering traffic in a multicast network are disclosed. Multicast packets are received at a network device which has a multicast routing table and a list containing nodes or interfaces authorized for transmitting multicast traffic into the network at the network device. The method includes determining if the network device is directly connected to a source of the multicast packet and only if the network device is directly connected to the source of the multicast packet, checking the list to determine if the source is an authorized source and dropping or blocking multicast packets from the source if the source is not an authorized source. The method further includes processing multicast packets from the source according to the multicast routing table. |
| US07693145B2 |
Method and apparatus for direct reception of inbound data
A method and apparatus for receiving inbound data on an I/O device wherein a request to receive inbound data is received. A direct-data-placement request-tag is generated and associated with a pre-allocated buffer when the request requires direct data placement. A non-direct-data-placement request-tag is generated when the request does not require direct data placement. The received request is then augmented with a generated request-tag and directed to a data interface unit. A data packet that includes a reply-tag and a payload is then received in the data interface unit. The payload is directed from the data interface unit into a pre-allocated buffer when the reply-tag correlates with a request-tag that is associated with a pre-allocated buffer. Otherwise, the payload is retrieved from the data interface unit when the reply-tag does not correlate with a request-tag that is associated with a pre-allocated buffer. |
| US07693144B2 |
Method of providing VPLS service in a bridged (e.g. 802.1D) network of a service provider
A method for providing VPLS service in a bridged (e.g. 802.1D) network of a service provider includes configuring the bridged network. Each ingress port of a bridging network element is assigned a port VLAN ID (PVID). The ingress ports are further configured to associate their respective PVID with data frames entering such ingress ports. Further, each VLAN ID is assigned a group membership where a frame is forwarded from an ingress port only to those ports that share group membership with this ingress port. |
| US07693143B2 |
Forwarding and routing method for wireless transport service
The routing method for wireless transport service comprises a step of receiving a unicast frame from an associated client; determining whether a destination of the unicast frame is locally associated. A wireless node delivers the unicast frame to a final destination if positive, otherwise, determining whether an associated transport device of a destination can be determined. The WITnet header is added and the associated transport device of the destination is put in an auxiliary address field if positive, otherwise, the next step is performed to add the WITnet header and put an address of a default edge device in the auxiliary address field. The next step is setting a tunnel frame flag, and then delivering the unicast frame to a next-hop toward the auxiliary address. |
| US07693141B2 |
Method and system for switching the state of a termination in a media gateway
A method for switching Termination state in an MG includes: exchanging between an MGC and an MG a ServiceChange request for a Termination in the MG, with a parameter used for instructing the Termination to be in a Test state carried in the request; testing by the MG the Termination according to the parameter. A method for switching the state of a Termination in an MG includes: after a test to a Termination is finished, switching the service state of the Termination to an InService or OutOfService state through exchanging a ServiceChange request for the Termination between an MGC and an MG Systems for switching the state of a Termination in an MG are also disclosed. When an MG or MGC tests a Termination, they can notify each other of the service state of the Termination, thereby simplifying the operations of switching the service state of the Termination. |
| US07693140B2 |
CDMA transmitting apparatus and CDMA receiving apparatus
An S/P converting section (101) converts input transmission signals A1, A2, B1, B2, . . . , K1, K2 to parallelized data, separated in individual transmission lines. Spreading sections (102, 103) spread the respective data under control of a spread control section (107). Adding sections (104-1, 104-2) multiplex spread data. Transmitting sections (105-1, 105-2) provide radio transmission processing to the multiplexed signals, and transmit the data via antennas (106-1, 106-2) by radio. The spread control section (107) controls the spreading methods in the spreading sections (102, 103) based on channel quality. This makes it possible to improve error rate characteristics of the received signal and as maintain spectrum efficiency when varying data is transmitted from multiple antennas. |
| US07693136B1 |
Reverting to analog service from IP phone
The present invention is directed toward a method, device, and system for use during a network failure. The invention provides a telecommunication device that may be circuit-switched and packet-switched enabled. In a first mode of operation the telecommunication device is operable to communicate via a packet-switched network and in a second more of operation the telecommunication device is operable to communicate via a circuit-switched network. |
| US07693135B2 |
Methods and apparatus for transferring from a PSTN to a VOIP telephone network
AIN based methods and apparatus for transitioning telephone numbers and customers from the PSTN to a VOIP network are described. AIN line number portability features are used to allow a few gateway switches that interconnect the PSTN and VOIP networks to service customers whose telephone numbers were originally serviced by several remote PSTN switches. AIN LNP triggers are used to forward PSTN calls, directed to the PSTN switch previously used to service a telephone number, to the gateway switch assigned to route such calls to the IP network. AIN triggers set at the gateway switch insure that the subscriber with the ported telephone number continues to receive AIN services provided before the telephone number was ported to the IP network. Calls from ported telephone numbers to telephones in the PSTN are billed from PSTN switches through the use of AIN functionality and triggers set at the gateway switch. |
| US07693134B2 |
Method and apparatus for providing multimedia ringback services to user devices in IMS networks
The invention comprises a method and apparatus for providing multimedia content to a calling party device. Specifically, the method comprises receiving a connection establishment request from a calling party device where the connection establishment request is operable for establishing a connection between the calling party device and a called party device in an Internet Protocol (IP) Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) network, obtaining multimedia content information in response to the connection establishment request where the multimedia content information is operable for establishing at least one multimedia session with the calling party device, and transmitting at least a portion of the multimedia content information towards the calling party device contemporaneously with establishment of the connection. |
| US07693129B1 |
Method and system for frame and frequency synchronization in packet-based orthogonal frequency division multiplexing
A method, system, and computer program product for frame and frequency synchronization in packet-based Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM) in wireless digital communication systems. An OFDM packet includes a preamble preceded by a Cyclic Prefix (CP). The method includes computing a timing metric for packet-based OFDM. The timing metric yields a sharp peak at a preamble boundary. The preamble boundary is detected, based on a threshold. The threshold is determined a priori, based on mean and variance of the timing metric at the preamble boundary and in its neighborhood. The mean and the variance are evaluated for an Additive White Gaussian Noise (AWGN) channel. The detection of the preamble boundary enables frame synchronization in packet-based OFDM. The method further involves the task of frequency-offset estimation, using the preamble. The frequency-offset estimation enables frequency synchronization in packet-based OFDM. |
| US07693123B2 |
System and method using primary and secondary synchronization codes during cell search
A system and method for improved cell searching includes a subframe having a Primary Synchronization Code, which is comment to all Node Bs in the system and is used to indicate the positions of a set of Secondary Synchronization Codes. This greatly simplifies the cell searching procedure and improves cell search performance. In one embodiment, the Primary Synchronization Code is sent in the PCCPCH and the Secondary Synchronization Codes the are sent in the DwPTS timeslot. |
| US07693122B2 |
Resource reservation in a wireless network with distributed medium access control
A wireless network with distributed medium access control allows establishing of a virtual channel between a source node and a destination node via at least one intermediate node. The virtual channel may be established for the entire duration of a communication between the source node and the destination node, and, to establish the virtual channel, a request handler can transmit a virtual channel request, requesting an allocation of transmission resources for the virtual channel. Based on the virtual channel request, a virtual channel confirmation can be generated by the destination node and can be returned to the source node, indicating an allocation of the resources for the virtual channel. A communication handler can then transmit data from the source node to the destination node using the available transmission resources. |
| US07693117B2 |
Power-saving mechanism for periodic traffic streams in wireless local-area networks
A novel method for coordinating the delivery of frames to and the receipt of frames from a power-saving station in a wireless local-area network (LAN) is disclosed. The illustrative embodiment establishes a wake-up schedule for a power-saving station based on a temporal period and temporal offset that reduces the frequency with which multiple stations in a network wake up simultaneously, thereby reducing traffic delays and power consumption. The illustrative embodiment is particularly well-suited to networks with traffic that has delay/jitter quality-of-service (QoS) requirements (i.e., voice calls, videophone calls, etc.). |
| US07693116B2 |
Method for assigning time slots and base station apparatus utilizing the same
A processing unit performs adaptive array signal processing. A modem unit performs modulation and demodulation processing. A derivation unit derives signal strength as radio communication qualities among a plurality of terminal apparatuses of half rate format. A control unit assigns time slots in a plurality of terminal apparatuses of half rate format to be communicated with a base station apparatus. The control unit selects two terminal apparatuses whose difference between signal strengths is smaller, from among the plurality of terminal apparatuses of half rate, and then assigns time slots, having predetermined relationships, in these selected terminal apparatuses. |
| US07693115B2 |
Method of transmitting or receiving a data packet in packet data communication system using a hybrid automatic repeat request
A method of transmitting/receiving a packet using a hybrid automatic repeat request in the mobile communication system is disclosed. The packet data transmitting method includes transmitting at least one sub packet divided from plurality of encoded packets generated by repeating a bit stream that is made by encoding information desired to be transmitted with 1/5 rate turbo encoder, and transmission start point information of the sub packet through the sub packet identifier field on the accompanying control channel. |
| US07693114B2 |
Apparatus and method for determining soft of softer handoff in mobile communication system
Apparatus and method for determining soft or softer handoff are described. The present invention includes the steps of comparing sectors in an active set to set values corresponding to the soft or softer handoff for the sectors, respectively in a base station, transmitting a first parameter for selecting cell switching parameters between the sectors neighboring each other in the active set to a mobile station wherein the set values for the respective sectors are included in the first parameter, generating values of a parameter PDCH_GROUP_IDENTIFIER corresponding to a packet data channel group identifier using the set values included in the first parameter, determining whether a serving sector and a target sector among the sectors are in the soft or softer handoff using the generated values of the parameter PDCH_GROUP_IDENTIFIER, and selecting the cell switching parameters accordingly. |
| US07693113B2 |
CDMA system transmission matrix coefficient calculation
A hermetian of a system response matrix is to be determined. Spreading codes, channel specific multipliers and channel impulse responses are provided. The channel code specific multipliers have real and imaginary values. Channel codes being a combination of a real spreading code, a complex scrambling code and a sign of the channel code specific multiplier. Real and imaginary components of an approximate hermetian of the system response matrix are determined. The channel code specific multipliers are applied to the real and imaginary components of a result of the convolutions to derive the hermetian of the system response matrix. |
| US07693110B2 |
System and method for downlink signaling for high speed uplink packet access
A wireless communication system (100) and method for providing high speed uplink packet access from user equipment (128, 130) to a base station (114, 116, 118, 120). Each of the user equipment (128, 130) and the base station (114, 116, 118, 120) includes a transmitter (1106, 1206), a receiver (1104, 1204), and a controller (1108, 1208) coupled to the transmitter and the receiver. Data packets are transmitted from the user equipment (128, 130) to the base station (114, 116, 118, 120). Control information, corresponding to the data packets, is transmitted from the base station (114, 116, 118, 120) to the user equipment (128, 130). The control information includes an absolute grant channel indicator and/or channelization code(s) assigned to the user equipment (128, 130). The controller (1108) of the user equipment (128, 130) is configured to minimize a number of channelization code per scheduling active set cell to be monitored by the user equipment based on the absolute grant channel indicator and/or to utilize the channelization code(s) in response to handoff and/or entering an active channel state. |
| US07693105B2 |
Integrated wireless distribution and mesh backhaul networks
Networks, devices and methods related to wireless networking. A wireless network using nodes that perform both distribution and backhaul functions is provided. These nodes constitute the key elements of a wireless network that would be deployed and controlled by a wireless network operator. Each node contains a distribution wireless module which is wirelessly coupled to the wireless end user device using a point to multipoint scheme. Also integrated into each node is at least one backhaul wireless module with a directional wireless antenna. Each backhaul wireless module communicates by way of a point to point wireless link with the backhaul module of one other node. The nodes in the wireless network are interconnected to form a mesh backhaul network. Because of the nature of a mesh network, data traffic can be routed around obstacles that may prevent line of site links. Furthermore, the mesh network allows dynamic routing of data traffic to avoid congestion points or downed links in the network. |
| US07693102B2 |
Communication system, method thereof, switching center thereof and base station control station thereof
A WCDMA communication system that enables smooth data transmission although a communication rate corresponding to a communication service desired by a user can not be ensured due to lack of resources. If the desired communication rate can not be ensured due to lack of resources, instead of an alternative lower communication rate which is compulsorily set to by the base station control station (2-1, 2-2), the communication rate for actually effecting a data communication is negotiated between a switching center (1) and the base station control stations (2-1, 2-2), only when it is possible to provide a service at a communication rate lower than the requested communication rate. As one method of this, an indicator that indicates whether the communication rate can be negotiated or not is provided in a RAB assignment request to be transmitted from the switching center (1) to the base station control stations (2-1, 2-2). Only when this indicator indicates passable, the base station control stations (2-2, 2-2) decide, in the case of lack of resources, a communication rate lower than the desired communication rate, and transmit to the switching center (1) a RAB assignment response containing this decided communication rate. The communication service for a user terminal (4) is started in accordance with this communication rate. |
| US07693097B2 |
Method of predicting transmission speed adaptations
The present invention provides a method that is implemented in a base station. The method includes predicting a transmission rate adaptation associated with a mobile unit during a first time interval. The prediction is based on a signal-to-noise ratio for transmission associated with the mobile unit in the first time interval. The predicted request is for a transmission rate adaptation that is predicted to occur during a second time interval subsequent to the first time interval. The method also includes performing a system reconfiguration or a resource reallocation for communication between the base station and the mobile unit at the predicted transmission rate during the second time interval. The system reconfiguration or the resource reallocation is performed prior to the second time interval. |
| US07693095B2 |
Apparatus and method for compensating for frequency / phase pulling bursts in received OFDM signals
A method and apparatus is provided for processing a received orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) signal at a receiver, wherein said signal has been distorted by one or more transmission bursts from a transmitter. The method and apparatus generate a phase compensated OFDM signal based upon a pre-fast fourier transform (pre-FFT) phase progression estimate and information regarding timing of the one or more transmission bursts. |
| US07693087B1 |
Selection and optimization of potential hub candidates within a network
A method, system, and medium are provided for selecting one or more hub aggregation points from a number of candidates on a network. The method begins by obtaining selection criteria for each of the candidates. Using the obtained criteria a score for each candidate is determined. This determination involves assigning intermediate scores for each criteria and applying a weighted multiplier to the intermediate score. The total of the intermediate scores is the overall score for any candidate. The method continues by selecting potential hub aggregation points for further consideration based upon the determined score of each candidate. The method then calculates a least cost route for each point on the network under consideration to each of the selected hub aggregation points. Different combinations of selected hub aggregation points can then be used to iterate through the least cost routing analysis to arrive at a final selection of hub aggregation points. |
| US07693065B2 |
Packet transceiver system and method
A packet transceiver system includes a detection module (210), a dropped rate determination module (110), a transmitting module (120), and a recalculation module (230). The detection module detects a network congestion status. The dropped rate determination module determines a packet dropped rate based on the network congestion status. The transmitting module transmits voice packets, dropping voice packets according to the packet dropped rate, ensuring an even distribution of dropped voice packets during the transmission. The recalculation module receives the un-dropped voice packets, and recalculates the dropped voice packets. A packet transceiver method is also provided. |
| US07693064B2 |
Forwarding packets to a directed acyclic graph destination using link selection based on received link metrics
Each network node having at least one destination-oriented link toward a directed acyclic graph (DAG) destination can receive a corresponding set of path performance metrics via the destination-oriented link. The set of path performance metrics, initiated by the DAG destination outputting initial link metrics on each of its source-connecting links, identifies aggregate link metrics for a corresponding path to the DAG destination via the corresponding destination-oriented link. The network node outputs a corresponding updated set of path performance metrics on each of its source-connecting links based on the received set of path performance metrics and the corresponding link metric for the corresponding source-connecting link. Hence, each network node in the DAG can assess the performance of each connected path to the DAG destination, and forward a data packet via a selected destination-oriented link based on the corresponding path performance metrics and forwarding policies for the forwarded data packet. |
| US07693062B2 |
Sending real-time and dependent information over separate network paths
In one form of the invention, a process of sending real-time information from a sender computer (103) to a receiver computer (105) coupled to the sender computer (103) by a packet network (100) wherein packets (111,113) sometimes become lost, includes steps of directing (441) packets (111) containing the real-time information from the sender computer (103) by at least one path (119) in the packet network (100) to the receiver computer (105), and directing packets (113) containing information dependent on the real-time information from the sender computer (103) by at least one path diversity path (117) in the packet network (100) to the same receiver computer (105). Other forms of the invention encompass other processes, improved packets and packet ensembles (111,113), integrated circuits (610), chipsets (DSP 1721, MCU), computer cards (1651), information storage articles (1511,1611), systems, computers (103,105), gateways (191,193), routers (131,133), cellular telephone handsets (181,189), wireless base stations (183,187), appliances (1721,1731,1741), and packet networks (100), and other forms as disclosed and claimed. |
| US07693059B2 |
Advanced VPN routing
Under the present invention, a method, system, and program product for providing advanced Virtual Private Network (VPN) routing that includes classifying a network transmission, between a user and a host, wherein the classification is based upon a destination port, protocol, and the like, for routing the communication either via the VPN or not via the VPN and selectively routing the network transmission based upon the classifying of the transmission. |
| US07693057B2 |
Method, network element and terminal device for marking data packets
A method and network element for marking data packets to be transmitted in a packet switched network with a priority information I, the packets being treated in the network according to the priority information I. The priority information I is calculated based on a required bit rate BSIO. The priority information I may be additionally calculated based on a nominal bit rate NBR and on a momentary bit rate MBR, such that a terminal device used with the network element is able to inform the network element in advance about the required bit rate. |
| US07693056B2 |
Method and system for a communication node with a plurality of network interfaces
The invention relates to a method for a communication node with a plurality of network interfaces. Configured on the communication node is a virtual interface, which is accessible from the applications able to be executed on the communication node. A configuration module generates an identifier assigned to the communication node. The identifier is stored in an identifier table. The configuration module checks the communication node for available network interfaces and sets up a network interface table with the available network interfaces. At least one IP address of an available network interface is stored in the identifier table in a way assigned to the identifier, and a connection module connects at least one of the available network interfaces to the virtual interface. |
| US07693049B2 |
Self-organization of sensor networks using ant colony optimization
A system and a method for organizing optimal paths in a sensor network. Optimal paths are determined based on an objective function that balances the performance and energy consumption of sensor nodes. Each sensor node stores and updates pheromone values and aging factors associated with each of its neighbor nodes. The pheromone values provide an indication of the speed of a given path, while the aging factor represents the use. Paths are compared using these variables and an optimal path is selected on each transfer so that the load is spread across a variety of sensor nodes, increasing network life. |
| US07693048B1 |
Enhanced internal router redundancy
Disclosed are methods and apparatus for providing redundant data forwarding or routing capabilities. In one embodiment, a network device includes a designated router and a non-designated router. The designated router generally provides layer 3 switching or routing for data received into the network device. Although the non-designated router is active, it generally does not provide forwarding capabilities until the designated router fails. The non-designated router's logical interfaces are disabled, while the designated router's logical interfaces are enabled. The non-designated router becomes the new designated router when the first designated router fails. In general terms, the routers of the network device provide redundancy with the network being aware of only a single router within network device. That is, the network is only aware of a single router. This is accomplished by having the routers share the same IP and MAC address on each logical interface. The routers do not each also use a unique IP and MAC address in addition to the shared IP and MAC address, in contrast to conventionally configured routers of the hot standby router protocol (HSRP). |
| US07693045B2 |
Verifying network connectivity
A system comprising a computer including a plurality of network interface controllers (NICs), the plurality of NICs associated with an address. The system further comprises a switching apparatus coupled to the computer and an echo device coupled to the switching apparatus. The echo device is adapted to send a packet to the switching apparatus to verify connectivity with the plurality of NICs. The packet comprises the address. The switching apparatus compares the address with a data structure to locate a matching address. If no matching address is located, the switching apparatus sends copies of the packet to each of the plurality of NICs coupled to the switching apparatus. |
| US07693043B2 |
Method and apparatus for advertising repair capability
A method of advertising repair capability in a network repair scheme using network repair addresses for repairing around a repairable network component in a data communications network having, as components, nodes and links therebetween, comprises establishing whether an alternate repair path is available around a repairable component. If such a repair path is available, the method further comprises issuing a corresponding notification to nodes in the network. |
| US07693041B2 |
STFBC coding/decoding apparatus and method in an OFDM mobile communication system
A mobile communication system for modulating input data with a specific size into an OFDM (Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing) symbol and transmitting the OFDM symbol through at least two different antennas. A replica generator generates replica data by cyclically-circulating the input data. An encoder generates a first antenna signal and a second antenna signal by encoding the input data and the replica data. A first IFFT (Inverse Fast Fourier Transform) block generates a first OFDM symbol by performing IFFT on the first antenna signal, and a second IFFT block generates a second OFDM symbol by performing IFFT on the second antenna signal. A first antenna transmits the first OFDM symbol, and a second antenna transmits the second OFDM symbol. |
| US07693038B2 |
OFDM radio communications system, transmitter and receiver
Each of a general chunk to which pilot signals are allocated at a general density, and a high-density chunk to which pilot signals are allocated at a higher density than the density of the general chunk, is transmitted in a frequency band common to OFDM transmitters. Each of the OFDM transmitters allocates the high-density chunk to any one of OFDM receivers, which notifies poor receiving quality. |
| US07693031B2 |
Method and apparatus for achieving system acquisition and other signaling purposes using the preamble in an OFDM based communications system
In the system acquisition process system information is non-coherently detected using correlation of reconstructed and received preamble signals, such as the primary broadcast control channel (PBCCH) and the acquisition pilots (TDM1, TDM2, and TDM3). The phase correlation signals between the correlated signals of PBCCH and TDM2 or TDM3 and between the correlated signals of TDM2 and TDM3 are combined to decode other sector interference (OSI) information and the like. Acquisition is also made more efficient by taking advantage of predictable information based on system synchronicity. The sync/async bit is included in at least one of the acquisition pilots. The mobile then uses knowledge of system synchronicity to more efficiently detect the additional information in the superframe preamble. |
| US07693030B2 |
Dual-path optical recording media and an apparatus for accessing thereof
A dual-path optical recording medium and an apparatus for accessing such are disclosed. The dual-path optical recording medium includes a substrate, an intermediate recording layer, a holographic recording layer and a dichronic mirror layer. The intermediate recording layer is a rewritable data storage layer with a relatively low storage capacity. The holographic recording layer is a write-once data storage layer with a relatively high storage capacity. The dichronic mirror layer is located between the holographic recording layer and the intermediate recording layer. The apparatus for accessing the dual-path optical recording medium includes a first light module capable of generating a first laser light, and a second light module capable of generating a second laser light. |
| US07693028B2 |
Method and apparatus for detecting probe position error in a data storage system and method and apparatus for tracking data
An apparatus for detecting a probe position error includes a position error extracting unit extracting probe position errors from signals detected by a probe; a position error adding unit calculating the probe position errors in units of a predetermined time; and a signal processing unit storing a past probe position error calculated by the position error extracting unit and generating a probe position error by processing the past probe position error and a current probe position error. An apparatus for tracking data includes a scanner moving a data storage medium; a probe detecting the signals from a data storage medium; an error detector detecting probe position errors in a half-period of an error extracting signal by applying the error extracting signal used to extract the probe position errors to the signal detected by the probe; and a compensator compensating for the probe position errors detected by the error detector. |
| US07693027B2 |
Apparatus and method for controlling recording signals
An apparatus and method for controlling a recording signal are provided. The apparatus may include a light generator generating light used to write information to an optical disk, a light amount compensator setting a voltage level of the recording signal as a second level when the write operation is performed or stopped, and a light amount controller supplying energy to the light generator based on the second level of the recording signal until the voltage level of the recording signal reaches a first level when a rewrite operation is started and controlling the light generated by the light generator to be constant after the voltage level of the recording signal reaches the first level. The apparatus and method for controlling the recording signal may reduce write quality deterioration due to a lack of initial power of the recording signal when an optical disk recording apparatus starts a rewrite operation after stopping a write operation due to buffer underrun, insecure servo signals, wobble quality, contamination of discs, changes in recording speeds, and/or external shocks. |
| US07693025B2 |
Optical pickup and optical information apparatus
An optical pickup includes a detector, a plurality of light guiding units, and a switching controller. The detector detects, using a plurality of detection areas, a reflected light beam that is emitted from a predetermined light source and is reflected off an optical recording medium. Each of the light guiding units has a specific light guide pattern and inputs a predetermined part of the reflected light beam to a predetermined detection area in accordance with the light guide pattern. The switching controller switches and selects the light guiding unit that acts on the reflected light beam from among the plurality of light guiding units according to a predetermined switching condition. |
| US07693024B2 |
Recording/reproducing method and disc
At startup when reproduction from a recording medium such as an optical disc is started, search time for searching for management information to manage recording states of user data is shortened to reduce startup waiting time. The present invention provides a recording/reproducing method for performing recording/reproducing onto/from a recording medium having a first recording area to record user data, a second recording area to record management information to manage a recording state of the user data, and a third recording area to record non-user data other than the management information, wherein recording position information of the newest management information within the second recording area is recorded at a predetermined position in the third recording area. |
| US07693016B2 |
Optical recording method, optical recording apparatus, one-chip CPU device, and computer program
There are provided an optical recording method, an optical recording apparatus, a one-chip CPU device, and a computer program. Reference data corresponding to a recording condition of a first recording layer, a physical characteristic value correlated with the recording condition, and a physical characteristic value correlated with a recording condition of a second recording layer are extracted from a data table in a memory, and the recording condition of the extracted reference data is set as a recording condition of a recording medium as an information recording target. When no correlated reference data exists, the closest reference data are extracted from the data table, and a recording pulse condition suitable for recording information on the second recording layer of an optical disk as the information recording target is extracted on the basis of the correlation between the recording condition of the reference data and the physical characteristic value. |
| US07693013B2 |
Optical disc for storing both data requiring defect management and real-time av data
An optical disc (1) for storing digital data, comprising a first storage area (10) for storing a first type of digital data and a second storage area (20) for storing a second type of digital data. Each of the first and second areas comprises a user-data area (11, 21). Furthermore, the storage areas (10, 20) are logically independent. The second storage area (20) has a defect management area (22a, 22b) associated with the user-data area (21) of the second storage area (20) for storing defect management data. |
| US07693012B2 |
Apparatus for demodulating address in pre-groove symbols and apparatus for decoding pre-pit symbols
The invention provides an apparatus for demodulating an Address In Pre-groove (ADIP) symbol. The ADIP symbol is carried by a wobble signal of an optical disk and comprises a series of ADIP bits permuted according to one of a plurality of permutation patterns to make up the ADIP symbol. A wobble extraction module extracts the wobble signal from the optical disk. A reference wobble generator generates a reference wobble with the same frequency and phase as a fundamental frequency and phase of a positive wobble cycle of the wobble signal. A waveform difference measurement module then measures a difference between the wobble signal and the reference wobble to obtain a series of difference measurement values respectively corresponding to the ADIP bits. A pattern matching module then compares probabilities of the permutation of the ADIP bits agreeing with each of the permutation patterns according to the difference measurement values to determine the ADIP symbol. |
| US07693004B2 |
Semiconductor memory device
This invention discloses a semiconductor memory device having a voltage supply circuit for generating a driver power supply voltage. The voltage supply circuit is provided with a first voltage supply circuit for precharging the driver power supply voltage to a power supply voltage level of a memory cell, and a second voltage supply circuit for supplying a voltage lower than the power supply voltage level of the memory cell as the driver power supply voltage. |
| US07693000B2 |
Semiconductor device
In a semiconductor device having a data input buffer capable of inputting write data to each of memory units, the data input buffer is changed from an inactive state to an active state after the reception of instruction for a write operation effected on the memory unit. The data input buffer is a differential input buffer having interface specs based on SSTL, for example; which is brought to an active state by the turning on of a power switch to thereby cause a through current to flow and receives a signal therein while immediately following a small change in small-amplitude signal. Since the input buffer is brought to the active state only when the write operation's instruction for the memory unit is provided, the data input buffer is rendered inactive in advance, before the instruction for the write operation is provided, whereby wasteful power consumption is reduced. In another aspect, power consumption is reduced by changing from the active to the inactive state in a time period from a write command issuing to a next command issuing. |
| US07692993B2 |
Semiconductor memory device
A semiconductor memory device includes a plurality of memory blocks, a plurality of refresh block counters, a refresh word line counter, and an arbitration circuit. The plurality of refresh block counters generate block addresses of at least two memory blocks to select at least two memory blocks to be refreshed from the plurality of memory blocks. The refresh word line counter generates a common word line address that is common to the at least two memory blocks. The arbitration circuit generates at least one first word line address based on the at least two block addresses and the common word line address and arbitrate so that each word line indicated by the at least one first word line address is refreshed during a period in which a word line indicated by an externally applied second word line address is accessed. |
| US07692984B2 |
System and method for initiating a bad block disable process in a non-volatile memory
A system and method for disabling access to individually addressable regions of an array of non-volatile memory. In response to receiving an initial valid command, a process for disabling access to the defective portions of the array of non-volatile memory is initiated in addition to executing the initial valid command. One implementation provides receiving a memory command and determining whether an indicator has been set. In response to the indicator not being set, access to defective regions of the array of non-volatile memory is disabled in addition to executing the memory command. The indicator is also set to prevent the disabling process from being performed in response to receipt of subsequent memory commands. |
| US07692980B2 |
Method of and apparatus for reading data
Provided are an apparatus and a method of capturing data by using a data transition of a data signal. The method includes detecting a data transition of a data signal input from an external source, generating a pulse signal corresponding to the detected data transition, and capturing the data signal by using the generated pulse signal as a trigger. Accordingly, stable capturing of data can be performed without changes in margins even when data bits of the read data enter a controller at different times due to skews. |
| US07692979B2 |
Memory readout circuit and phase-change memory device
In a memory readout circuit for use in a phase-change memory device comprising phase-change elements as memory cells, a sense amplifier sets readout voltage, which is applied to a selected phase-change element selected among the phase-change elements by a column selecting switch, to voltage equal to or higher than hold voltage of the selected phase-change element but lower than transition voltage of the selected phase-change element in a readout cycle. The selected phase-change element is read out as a dynamic state in the case where the selected phase-change element is in a set state. |
| US07692976B2 |
Memory device with control circuit for regulating power supply voltage
A Local Dynamic Power Controller (LDPC) generates and deliver to a load a full swing voltage supply signal and a reduced swing voltage supply signal. Both the full and reduce voltage supply signals are generated from a single power supply. The full swing voltage supply signal is supplied when the load is in full operational mode whereas the reduce voltage supply signal is provided when the load is in a sleep mode. As a consequence, power dissipated in the load is reduced. |
| US07692972B1 |
Split gate memory cell for programmable circuit device
A split-gate memory cell, includes an n-channel split-gate non-volatile memory transistor having a source, a drain, a select gate over a thin oxide, and a control gate over a non-volatile gate material and separated from the select gate by a gap. A p-channel pull-up transistor has a drain coupled to the drain of the split-gate non-volatile memory transistor, a source coupled to a bit line, and a gate. A switch transistor has first and second source/drain diffusions, and a gate coupled to the drains of the split-gate non-volatile memory transistor and the p-channel pull-up transistor. An inverter has an input coupled to the second source/drain diffusion of the switch transistor, and an output. A p-channel level-restoring transistor has a source coupled to a supply potential, a drain coupled to the first source/drain diffusion of the switch transistor and a gate coupled to the output of the inverter. |
| US07692970B2 |
Flash memory devices that utilize age-based verify voltages to increase data reliability and methods of operating same
Disclosed is a method of verifying a programmed condition of a flash memory device, being comprised of: determining a level of an additional verifying voltage in response to the number of programming/erasing cycles of memory cells; conducting a verifying operation to programmed memory cells with an initial verifying voltage lower than the additional verifying voltage; and selectively conducting an additional verifying operation with the additional verifying voltage to the program-verified memory cells in response to the number of programming/erasing cycles. |
| US07692969B2 |
Nonvolatile semiconductor memory device including plural memory cells and a dummy cell coupled to an end of a memory cell
A nonvolatile semiconductor memory device having a plurality of electrically rewritable nonvolatile memory cells connected in series together includes a select gate transistor connected in series to the serial combination of memory cells. A certain one of the memory cells which is located adjacent to the select gets transistor is for use as a dummy cell. This dummy cell is not used for data storage. During data erasing, the dummy cell is applied with the same bias voltage as that for the other memory cell. |
| US07692966B2 |
Nonvolatile semiconductor memory device having assist gate
In this AG-AND type flash memory, a layered bit line configuration where a memory array is divided into a plurality of sub blocks, new main bit lines are allocated so as to correspond to each sub block, and a main bit line is selectively connected to a global bit line in an upper layer via a switch is adopted, so that charge sharing write-in is carried out between two main bit lines. Accordingly, write-in of data into the flash memory can be carried out with low power consumption, and the threshold voltage can be controlled with precision. |
| US07692964B1 |
Source-biased SRAM cell with reduced memory cell leakage
A Static Random Access Memory (SRAM) cell having a source-biasing mechanism for leakage reduction. In standby mode, the cell's wordline is deselected and a source-biasing potential is provided to the cell. In read mode, the wordline is selected and responsive thereto, the source-biasing potential provided to the cell is deactivated. Upon completion of reading, the source-biasing potential is re-activated. |
| US07692954B2 |
Apparatus and method for integrating nonvolatile memory capability within SRAM devices
A nonvolatile static random access memory (SRAM) device includes a pair of cross-coupled, complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) inverters configured as a storage cell for a bit of data and a pair of magnetic spin transfer devices coupled to opposing sides of the storage cell. The magnetic spin transfer devices are configured to retain the storage cell data therein following removal of power to the SRAM device, and are further configured to initialize the storage cell with the retained data upon application of power to the SRAM device. |
| US07692952B2 |
Nanoscale wire coding for stochastic assembly
Methods for obtaining codes to be implemented in coding nanoscale wires are described. The methods show how to code a reduced number of nanoscale wires through the use of rotation group codes. The methods further show how to generate different code permutations through random misalignment and how to promote uniform code probability selection. |
| US07692951B2 |
Resistance change memory device with a variable resistance element formed of a first and a second composite compound
A resistance change memory device including: a semiconductor substrate; at least one cell array formed above the semiconductor substrate, each memory cell having a stack structure of a variable resistance element and an access element, the access element having such an off-state resistance value in a certain voltage range that is ten times or more as high as that in a select state; and a read/write circuit formed on the semiconductor substrate as underlying the cell array, wherein the variable resistance element comprises a recording layer formed of a first composite compound expressed by AxMyOz (where “A” and “M” are cation elements different from each other; “O” oxygen; and 0.5≦x≦1.5, 0.5≦y≦2.5 and 1.5≦z≦4.5) and a second composite compound containing at least one transition element and a cavity site for housing a cation ion. |
| US07692947B2 |
Nonvolatile ferroelectric memory and control device using the same
A nonvolatile ferroelectric memory immediately outputs data stored in a page buffer without performing a cell access operation when a page buffer is accessed. Since a block page address region and a column page address region are arranged in less significant bit region, and a row address region is arranged in more significant bit region, the cell operation is not performed in the access of the page address buffer, thereby improving reliability of the cell and reducing power consumption. |
| US07692945B2 |
Reconfigurable input/output in hierarchical memory link
A memory system and memory module includes a plurality of memory devices, each having a plurality, e.g. four, ports for transmitting and receiving command signals, write data signals and read data signals. One of the memory devices is connected to a host or controller, and the remaining memories are connected together, typically by point-to-point links. When the memory system configuration is such that at least one of the ports in at least one of the memory devices is not used, one or more other ports can use the pins that may otherwise have been used by the unused ports. As a result, a set of reconfigurable, shared pins is defined in which two ports share the pins. The port that is not being used in a particular application for the memory device is not connected to the shared pins, and another port that is being used in the application is connected to the shared pins. This allows for the used of fewer package pins and, consequently, reduced package size. |
| US07692937B2 |
Resonant converter and voltage stabilizing method thereof
A resonant converter and voltage stabilizing method thereof are provided. The resonant converter includes a converting stage circuit, a diode-rectifying stage circuit, a filter and load stage circuit, a logic circuit, a driving circuit, and an energy-recycling circuit. The method includes steps of recycling an energy from the filter and load stage circuit to the converting stage circuit when the resonant converter is light- or zero-loaded. |
| US07692935B2 |
Bi-directional DC-DC converter and control method
A bi-directional DC-DC converter uses a transformer for both step-down and step-up operations. A switching frequency for operating a switching device is set separately for the step-down and step-up operations. When, for example, the switching frequency during the step-up operation is lower than the switching frequency during the step-down operation, the range in which the duty ratio in PWM control can be controlled is widened, compensating for step-up ratio insufficiency. Conversely, step-down ratio insufficiency is compensated for by making the switching frequency during the step-down operation lower than the switching frequency during the step-up operation. |
| US07692934B2 |
Assembling/disassembling and fixing a printed circuit board
For assembling/disassembling a printed circuit board, a specially shaped spring is to be integrated inside the device. The assembly/disassembly of the printed circuit board in the device is simplified by virtue of the fact that the printed circuit board has to be pressed only against the spring and a fixed supporting part of the device to which the spring is attached. In order to be able to press the printed circuit board, among other things, perpendicularly against the fixed supporting part, the specially designed leg spring is fastened underneath the fixed supporting part. The legs of this spring protrude outward on both sides beyond the top-side of the supporting part. During assembly, the printed circuit board is guided between the top-side and the protruding spring legs. The printed circuit board is fixed by additional supporting parts of the device. |
| US07692932B2 |
Resilient grounding clip in electronics chassis
The devices and methods herein provide ground for computer cards inserted into a computer card chassis (e.g., VME chassis, CompactPCI chassis, ATCA chassis, etc.). A resilient clip may be configured with a chassis member of the computer card chassis. The clip is affixed to the computer card chassis and maintains contact with a ground plane, such as an ESD shield. The clip may have a self locking mechanism which insurers that the clip resides at a fixed position with the chassis member. A computer card may then be inserted into the computer card chassis and thereby make contact with the resilient clip. The computer card may include a ground pin which inserts through an aperture within the chassis member to make contact with the resilient clip. Accordingly, the inserted computer card may be provided with ESD protection as well as a ground reference potential from the computer card chassis. |
| US07692931B2 |
Microelectronic packages with leadframes, including leadframes configured for stacked die packages, and associated systems and methods
Microelectronic packages with leadframes, including leadframes configured for stacked die packages, and associated systems and methods are disclosed. A system in accordance with one embodiment includes a support member having first package bond sites electrically coupled to leadframe bond sites. A microelectronic die can be carried by the support member and electrically coupled to the first packaged bond sites. A leadframe can be attached to the leadframe bond sites so as to extend adjacent to the microelectronic die, with the die positioned between the leadframe and the support member. The leadframe can include second package bond sites facing away from the first package bond sites. An encapsulant can at least partially surround the leadframe and the microelectronic die, with the first and second package bond sites accessible from outside the encapsulant. |
| US07692930B2 |
Low profile DIMM board
A primary memory board is disclosed. The primary memory board comprises a printed circuit board (PCB) having a front side and a back side, a plurality of DIMM surface mount connectors, and at least one component. The plurality of DIMM surface mount connectors are mounted on the front side of the PCB. The at least one component is mounted on the back side of the PCB and is positioned opposite the location of at least one of the plurality of DIMM surface mount connectors mounted on the front side of the PCB. |
| US07692926B2 |
Integrated thermal systems
The present invention is a MEMS-based two-phase LHP (loop heat pipe) and CPL (capillary pumped loop) using semiconductor grade silicon and microlithographic/anisotropic etching techniques to achieve a planar configuration. The principal working material is silicon (and compatible borosilicate glass where necessary), particularly compatible with the cooling needs for electronic and computer chips and package cooling. The microloop heat pipes (μLHP™) utilize cutting edge microfabrication techniques. The device has no pump or moving parts, and is capable of moving heat at high power densities, using revolutionary coherent porous silicon (CPS) wicks. The CPS wicks minimize packaging thermal mismatch stress and improves strength-to-weight ratio. Also burst-through pressures can be controlled as the diameter of the coherent pores can be controlled on a sub-micron scale. The two phase planar operation provides extremely low specific thermal resistance (20-60 w/cm2). The operation is dependent upon a unique micropatterened CPS wick which contains up to millions per square centimeter of stacked uniform micro-through-capillaries in semiconductor-grade silicon, which serve as the capillary “engine,” as opposed to the stochastic distribution of pores in the typical heat pipe wick. As with all heat pipes, cooling occurs by virtue of the extraction of heat by the latent heat of phase change of the operating fluid into vapor. |
| US07692925B1 |
Heat dissipation device
A heat dissipation device includes a base, a first fin unit and two second fin units arranged on the base. The base has a substrate and two parallel heat spreaders extending integrally and perpendicularly from the substrate. The first fin unit is arranged on the substrate and sandwiched between the heat spreaders. A plurality of first channels are defined in the first fin unit and parallel to the heat spreaders. Each of the second fin units is perpendicularly arranged on the substrate and located at a lateral, outer side of one of the heat spreaders. A plurality of second channels are defined in each of the second fin units and extend along a different direction compared to that of the first channels. |
| US07692924B2 |
Rack for housing a liquid-cooled electric unit
The present invention provides a rack suitable for housing a liquid-cooled electric unit. A rack 2 comprises an electric connector 12 for supplying electricity to the housed electric unit 50, and a fluid connector 14 for supplying cooling liquid to the housed electric unit 50. The fluid connector 14 and the electric connector 12 are arranged at different positions in a horizontal cross section (plane) of the rack 2. More preferably, the electric connector 12 is mounted on a back panel 6 of the rack 2, while the fluid connector 14 is mounted on the foreside of the rack 2. Such a configuration makes it less likely that the cooling liquid leaking from the fluid connector 14 drips onto the electric connector 12. |
| US07692919B2 |
Notebook computer with detachable display unit
A notebook computer with detachable display unit is disclosed. The notebook computer includes a main body, a hinge, and a display unit. The hinge includes an electrical connector, an elastic element, a post, and a pivot shaft. The electrical connector is connected with the elastic element. The post is combined with the pivot shaft. The pivot shaft is assembled on the main body. The display unit defines an opening therein. The display unit includes an electrical connector, an opening, and a locking mechanism. The opening is configured for receiving the post. The electrical connectors of the hinge and the display unit are configured for engaging with each other. The locking mechanism is configured for locking or detaching the connection between the display unit and the main body. The elastic element can reduce the shock that the electrical connectors suffered when the display unit is connected or disconnected to the main unit. |
| US07692916B2 |
Capacitive coupling plasma processing apparatus and method
A plasma processing apparatus includes a process container configured to accommodate a target substrate and to be vacuum-exhausted. A first electrode and a second electrode are disposed opposite each other within the process container. A process gas supply unit is configured to supply a process gas into the process container. An RF power supply is configured to apply an RF power to the first electrode or second electrode to generate plasma of the process gas. A DC power supply is configured to apply a DC voltage to the first electrode or second electrode. A control section is configured to control the RF power supply and the DC power supply such that the DC power supply causes the DC voltage applied therefrom to reach a voltage set value, when or after the RF power supply starts applying the RF power. |
| US07692911B2 |
Arrangement for protection of electronic components
In devices for producing strong current high power impulses, the electronic components, which include passive components including capacitors and/or switch elements, including semi-conductor switches, diodes or similar elements, need to be protected against overcurrents in the event of an error function. Generally, serial resistance and serial inductance are used. The serial resistance and the serial inductance are combined together in such a manner that a coil having necessary resistance and inductance values is produced. |
| US07692910B2 |
Failure detection in a voltage regulator
A control logic detects voltage regulator failure in a power supply. The control logic comprises first and second lines configured for respective connection to a controller node and a phase node of a voltage regulator, a delay element coupled to the first line configured to delay signals at the controller node into alignment with signals at the phase node, and a level detector coupled to the second line configured to convert the signals at the phase node into at least two digital representations indicative of respective signal thresholds. A logic compares timing of the delayed signals with the digital representations and detects occurrence of a voltage regulator fault based on the timing comparison. |
| US07692909B2 |
Power supply device having overvoltage cutoff function, image display device, and method of cutting off overvoltage
A power supply device having an overvoltage cutoff function, an image display device, and a method of cutting off overvoltage are provided. The power supply device includes a switch unit which cuts off a power supply to the power supply device; and an overvoltage sensing unit which compares a voltage of the power supply device with a specified reference voltage, and if the voltage of the power supply device is higher than the specified reference voltage, generates an overvoltage cutoff signal to control the switch unit. The overvoltage cutoff signal is used to report a power supply cutoff state. Accordingly, the damage of the power supply device due to an unstable AC input voltage can be prevented and the user can be alerted to the overvoltage through the display of the power supply cutoff state. |
| US07692908B2 |
Protection of polarity-sensitive components connected in parallel with a direct current motor or inductor
Circuits and methods for protecting polarity-sensitive components, such as light emitting diodes, electrolytic capacitors or integrated circuits, operating from a DC current source including a DC motor, an inductor or relay having a positive terminal and a negative terminal for receiving current from the current source, a protection diode connected parallel with the positive and negative terminals of the motor in a reverse bias configuration, at least one polarity-sensitive component connected in parallel with the protection diode and the DC motor, and a polarity protection transistor connected either between the nominally positive current source terminal and the positive motor terminal, or between the nominally negative current source terminal and the negative motor terminal. |
| US07692907B2 |
Circuit for electrostatic discharge (ESD) protection
A circuit capable of providing electrostatic discharge (ESD) protection, the circuit comprising a first set of power rails comprising a first high power rail and a first low power rail, a first interface circuit between the first set of power rails, the first interface circuit having at least one gate electrode, a first ESD device comprising a terminal coupled to the at least one gate electrode of the first interface circuit, and a second ESD device comprising a terminal coupled to the at least one gate electrode of the first interface circuit, the first ESD device and the second ESD device being configured to maintain a voltage level at the at least one gate electrode of the first interface circuit at approximately a ground level when ESD occurs. |
| US07692904B2 |
Ground fault circuit interrupter
A method of preventing an overload current from a power supply to a load through a ground fault circuit interrupter includes the steps of: obtaining an interrupted fault current from a hot wire to a ground wire via a first zero-phase current inductor and a fault current from a neutral wire to the ground wire via a second zero-phase current inductor; amplifying a signal of the fault current by an Op-Amp; and determining the fault current by a programmable control module, wherein when the fault current is larger than a preset threshold, the programmable control module sends a control signal to a control switch such that the control switch electrifies a second coil of a trip breaker to drive an armature at an unlocked position, so as to separate a movable terminal with a fixed terminal for electrically disconnecting the load with the power supply. |
| US07692903B2 |
Apparatus and method for controlling a circuit breaker trip device
An apparatus and method for controlling the operation of a solenoid in a circuit breaker includes a control circuit configured to receive an activation signal in response to a predetermined condition. The control circuit, in response to said activation signal, provides a first energizing signal to the solenoid for a first predetermined period, and cuts off the first energizing signal for a second predetermined period. The control circuit further provides a second energizing signal to the solenoid for a third predetermined period. |
| US07692901B2 |
Magnetoresistive effect thin-film magnetic head with anti-ferromagnetic layer for magnetic domain control
A thin-film magnetic head includes a lower electrode layer, an MR multi-layered structure, through which a current passes in a direction perpendicular to a lamination plane, stacked on the lower electrode layer, soft magnetic layers for magnetic domain control formed on both sides in a track width direction of the MR multi-layered structure, an anti-ferromagnetic layer for magnetic domain control continuously stacked on the MR multi-layered structure and the soft magnetic layers for magnetic domain control, the anti-ferromagnetic layer mutually exchanged-coupled to the soft magnetic layers for magnetic domain control, and an upper electrode layer stacked on the anti-ferromagnetic layer for magnetic domain control. |
| US07692900B2 |
Head stack assembly, and storage having the same
A head stack assembly includes a suspension that supports a head that records information in or reproduces the information from a recording medium, a base plate that attaches the suspension to an arm that rotates the suspension, and a suspension substrate provided onto the suspension and electrically connected to the head, the suspension substrate having a long tail having a bending part near the base plate. |
| US07692894B2 |
Thin film magnetic head that has solenoid type recording coil
A thin film magnetic head is provided. The thin film magnetic head includes an upper coil wire group and a lower coil wire group. Two columns of coil contact groups that are formed on both end portions of individual coil wires of the upper coil wire group and the lower coil wire group, connect both end portions of the coil wires. An insulating resist layer buries a space between coil contacts of the coil contact groups. An inorganic insulating layer buries a space between the two columns of coil contact groups. The upper coil wire group, the lower coil wire group, and the two columns of coil contact groups form a thin film coil that applies a magnetic recording field to the magnetic material layer. The insulating resist layer and the inorganic insulating layer are located at the same lamination height as the two columns of coil contact groups. |
| US07692893B2 |
Side-by-side magnetic head configuration with flared pole tip layer and read sensor sharing same plane
A method and apparatus for processing sub-micron write head flare definition is provided. The method for processing a perpendicular magnetic head forms a portion of a perpendicular write head, where the portion of the write head includes a first pole layer, a coil layer, a second pole layer and a write pole, the method forms a portion of a magnetic read head adjacent to the portion of the perpendicular write head, where the portion of the read head includes a shield layer and a sensor, the method also laps the write pole concurrently with the sensor to define a flare position of the pole tip and to define a sensor height, where the flare position of the pole tip is defined in the same photo-lithography step as the back edge of the sensor. |
| US07692892B2 |
Two-material base for a data storage system
An enclosure system includes a motor assembly that has a motor magnet and at least one motor coil. The enclosure system also includes a base coupled to the motor assembly. The base includes a first portion that includes a non-magnetic material and a second portion that includes a magnetic material. The first portion of the base is in closer proximity to the motor magnet than the second portion of the base. |
| US07692888B2 |
Apparatus, system, and method for detection of fly height margin using controlled excitation of air bearing mode
An apparatus, system, and method are disclosed for fly height detection. The apparatus includes an actuator configured to induce vibrations in a glide head that is configured to detect physical asperities on a disk surface. The apparatus may also include a second end of the suspension arm coupled with the glide head and a sensor module that is configured to communicate with a control module in response to the glide head coming in contact with at least one physical asperity. The system includes the apparatus, a disk having a surface comprising physical asperities, and a head gimbal assembly configured to calibrate a fly height margin for the disk. The method includes inducing vibrations in a glide head, detecting physical asperities on a disk surface, and communicating with a control module in response to the glide head coming in contact with at least one physical asperity. |
| US07692887B2 |
Method and apparatus for measuring resistance of a resistive sensor
An apparatus and method for determining a head parameter value (e.g., head resistance) of a resistive head. A test head current is supplied to the head during a head parameter measurement interval using the same current sources that supply a bias current to the head during an operating (read operation) interval. The determined head parameter value is latched for use in setting the control loop gain for a control loop that controls the current sources during the operating interval. |
| US07692882B2 |
Laser diode and lens assemblies
A laser diode assembly and a tens assembly associated with a pre-scan unit for use in a laser printer are presented. Further presented is a laser diode/collimation lens apparatus. Each of the laser diode assembly, the lens assembly and the laser diode/collimation lens apparatus includes a mounting bracket comprising a compressible section. |
| US07692880B2 |
Gas-tight encapsulating enclosure for a power transmission device
A gas-tight enclosure casing surrounds an enclosure casing interior space. A sight glass is situated on the enclosure casing and enables an area located inside the enclosure casing to be monitored. The sight glass is provided in the form of a lens system. An area to be monitored is focused upon a sensor array of an optical sensor via the lens system. |
| US07692877B2 |
Optical lens system for taking image
An optical lens system for taking image comprises four lens elements from the object side to the image side: a first lens element with positive refractive power having a convex object-side surface; a second lens element with negative refractive power having a concave object-side surface and a concave image-side surface, at least one of the object-side surface and the image-side surface of the second lens element being aspheric, inflection points being formed on the image-side surface of the second lens element; a third lens element with positive refractive power having a convex object-side surface and a convex image-side surface; a fourth lens element with negative refractive power; and an aperture stop being located between the object side and the second lens element. |
| US07692875B2 |
Optical pickup and optical disk device having this pickup
An optical pickup according to the present invention includes a plurality of light sources for emitting a plurality of light beams including first and second light beams of respectively different wavelengths, an objective lens for converging the plurality of light beams, and a grating structure shaped axisymmetrically with respect to the optical axis of the objective lens. Pth-order diffracted light (where p is a non-zero integer) which is formed from the first light beam (e.g. blue) by the grating structure is converged on an information layer of an optical disk (e.g. a BD) corresponding to the first light beam, owing to the converging actions of the objective lens and grating structure. Moreover, qth-order diffracted light (where q is a non-zero integer such that q≠p) which is formed from the second light beam (e.g. red or infrared) by the grating structure is converged on an information layer of an optical disk (e.g. a DVD or CD) corresponding to the second light beam, owing to the converging actions of the objective lens and the grating structure. Thus, by appropriately using diffracted light of different orders, it becomes possible to perform convergence on optical disks of different wavelengths and base thicknesses, with reduced spherical aberration. |
| US07692874B2 |
Wide-angle optical system and imaging apparatus using the same
A wide-angle optical system comprises, in order from its object side, a stop, a first lens (L1) having positive refracting power, a second lens (L2) having negative refracting power and a third lens (L3) that is an aspheric lens. The third lens is configured such that as viewed in a lens section including an optical axis, a portion thereof near the optical axis is in a meniscus shape convex on an object side thereof, and an object side surface and an image side surface thereof at a peripheral site are in a meniscus shape convex on an image side thereof. The optical system satisfies the following conditions (1-1) and (1-2). −0.40 |
| US07692871B2 |
Zoom lens device and image pickup apparatus including the same
A zoom lens device includes, from an object side to an image side, a first lens unit having a positive refractive power, a second lens unit having a negative refractive power, a third lens unit having a positive refractive power, and a fourth lens unit having a positive refractive power. The zoom lens device is formed so that a distance Ximg between a position of the first lens unit at the wide-angle end and a position of the first lens unit that is maximally moved towards the image side, a distance Xobj between the position of the first lens unit at the wide-angle end and a position of the first lens unit that is maximally moved towards the object side, and a focal length fw of the zoom lens device at the wide-angle end are suitable values. |
| US07692860B2 |
Wire grid polarizer and method of manufacturing the same
A wire grid polarizer includes a substrate adapted to transmit predetermined wavelengths of light, a plurality of dielectric wires extending parallel to one another along a first direction on the substrate, the dielectric wires including a dielectric material adapted to transmit the predetermined wavelengths of light, and a plurality of metal wires extending along the first direction between the dielectric wires, wherein sidewalls of the metal wires include portions in contact with sidewalls of the dielectric wires and portions not in contact with the sidewalls of the dielectric wires. |
| US07692859B2 |
Optical system for 3-dimensional display
An optical system that can add an optical depth information to a two-dimensional image (72) represented by substantially collimated light, e.g. by using a collimated light source in front of a LCD display. The optical system includes a first array of optical lenses (70) arranged at a first distance in front of the two-dimensional image (72), and a second array of optical lenses (71) arranged at a second distance in front of the two-dimensional image (72), the second distance being larger than the first distance. Optical properties, e.g. focal length, can be adjusted for the optical lenses of the first and second array of optical lenses (70, 71) in response to the optical depth information. The optical system can serve as an optical front for 3D multiview displays. Depending on embodiment, both horizontal and vertical angular resolution can be obtained, and the front end exhibits only a small brightness loss. |
| US07692856B2 |
Focus error detecting optical system for a microscope
A focus error detecting optical system has an optical parameter which makes a focus lock-in range by a focus error signal be a value capable of detecting focus on a front surface of a cover glass and focus on a back surface thereof separately. A control section, based on the focus error signal obtained by the focus error detecting optical system, brings a focal point of an observational optical system to a focus position. Further, focus error detecting optical systems include optical units each having an optical parameter corresponding to a numerical aperture of respective objective lenses. A control section selects the optical unit of the focus error detecting optical system corresponding to the objective lens in use. The control section, using a focus error signal obtained by the selected focus error detecting optical system, brings a focal point of an observational optical system to a focus position. |
| US07692850B1 |
Lumped-Raman amplification structure for very wideband applications
Improved lumped Raman amplification systems are disclosed. A lumped Raman amplification structure provides optimized efficiency, low noise figure over a range of gain settings, and a high saturation threshold. Responsibility for amplifying different portions of the spectrum is divided among multiple stages. In one particular implementation, two outer stages amplify a first band and two inner stages amplify a second band. The two inner stages also apply a small amount of amplification to the first band. A modification improves noise figure in the second band by adding some amplification in the second band to the first stage. |
| US07692848B2 |
Wavelength conversion module, laser light source device, two-dimensional image display device, backlight light source, liquid crystal display device and laser processing device
A wavelength conversion module includes: a first fundamental wave propagation optical fiber for propagating a fundamental wave emitted from a laser light source; a first wavelength conversion element, optically connected to the first fundamental wave propagation optical fiber, for converting the fundamental wave emitted from the first fundamental wave propagation optical fiber into a harmonic wave; and a first harmonic propagation optical fiber, optically connected to the first wavelength conversion element, for propagating the harmonic wave emitted from the first wavelength conversion element, wherein the core diameter of the first harmonic propagation optical fiber is 0.5 to 0.9 times as large as the core diameter of first fundamental wave propagation optical fiber. |
| US07692847B2 |
Electrophoresis display and electronic apparatus including an electrophoresis display
An electrophoresis display includes an element substrate; a counter substrate; an electrophoresis layer sandwiched between the element substrate and the counter substrate; and a driver circuit disposed in an area of the element substrate that is outside a display area. In this electrophoresis display, the counter substrate overlaps the display area and at least part of an area of the element substrate where the driver circuit is disposed. |
| US07692845B2 |
Electrophoresis type display device and method of fabricating and driving the same
Provided is a electrophoresis type display device includes a pixel electrode and a common electrode on a substrate and inducing an in-plane electric field; an electric charge layer on the pixel electrode and common electrode and having a plurality of first particles and a plurality of second particles, the first and second particles charged with opposite polarities; and a backlight unit supplying light toward the substrate. |
| US07692838B2 |
Nanolaminate deformable mirrors
A deformable mirror formed out of two layers of a nanolaminate foil attached to a stiff substrate is introduced. Deformation is provided by an electrostatic force between two of the layers. The internal stiffness of the structure allows for high-spatial-frequency shapes. The nanolaminate foil of the present invention allows for a high-quality mirror surface. The device achieves high precision in the vertical direction by using foils with accurately controlled thicknesses, but does not require high precision in the lateral dimensions, allowing such mirrors to be fabricated using crude lithography techniques. Such techniques allow structures up to about the meter scale to be fabricated. |
| US07692829B2 |
Scan method and scanner utilizing the same
A scan method includes providing a scanner, including an image sensor, a reference pattern and a transmission mechanism. The image sensor scans the reference pattern to generate reference data. The transmission mechanism transmits at least one recording media between the reference pattern and the image sensor. Finally, the image sensor generates scan data, and the scanner compares the scan data with the reference data to obtain a transmission condition thereof. |
| US07692828B2 |
Image reading apparatus
An image reading apparatus comprises a conveyance rotating body for conveying an original document, an image reading sensor for reading an image of the original document being conveyed by the conveyance rotating body, and a plate-like member for pressing the original document being conveyed by the conveyance rotating body against an image reading surface of the image reading sensor, wherein the plate-like member is curved such that the central part thereof as viewed in the direction orthogonal to the conveying direction of the original document first comes in contact with the image reading sensor. |
| US07692824B2 |
Image reading apparatus
An image reading apparatus that includes: a document delivery path that couples, through a reading position, a document mounting portion and a document discharging portion; a switchback delivery path coupled to a predetermined position of the document delivery path and inverting a leading and a trailing end in the document from a downstream side of the reading position, thereby returning the document to an upstream side of the reading position; an image reading unit that reads the image of the document delivered in the reading position of the document delivery path; a skew detecting unit that detects a skew of the document passing through the reading position; and a control unit that delivers the document to the switchback delivery path to read both sides of the document again when the skew detecting unit detects the skew of the document. |
| US07692822B2 |
Image reading apparatus, image forming apparatus and image reading method
The image reading apparatus comprises an original document platen on which an original document is placed, an electroluminescent layer disposed inside the original document platen, transparent electrodes that cause each area of the electroluminescent layer to emit light, and a light receiving device that is disposed opposite the original document across the original document platen such that the light receiving device can receive the light from the electroluminescent layer that is reflected off of the original document. |
| US07692820B2 |
Device and method for comprehensive temperature sensing and calibration of a full width array image sensor
A method and or a device for comprehensive temperature calibration of a full width array (FWA) image sensor may minimize loss of productivity and/or image quality. Multiple temperature sensors disposed along a width of the FWA image sensor may provide temperature points used to correct for temperature shifts in output of individual pixel sensors of the FWA image sensor. Under control of a microprocessor, a real-time correction may be calculated for each pixel of the FWA image sensor. The correction may be based upon a real-time temperature profile of the FWA image sensor and temperature dependent factors of at least one calibration equation. The factors may be predetermined, or be determined at factory test, at warm-up or at a specified time. |
| US07692818B2 |
Image reading apparatus
An image reading apparatus for reading an image on an original document by irradiating it with light and photoelectrically converting reflected light from it by an image pickup unit, including: an original document guide member positionable opposite to the image pickup unit, with a conveyance position of the original document therebetween; a white reference member that is positionable, the same as the original document guide member, and has a reference white color; an achromatic constant-density reference member that is positionable, the same as the original document guide member, and has a reference achromatic constant-density; a drive unit that moves one of the three members so as to be positioned opposite to the image pickup unit; and a control unit that controls execution of detection processings for dust detection from data obtained by moving, as described above, the achromatic constant-density reference member and the white reference member by reading them. |
| US07692817B2 |
Image processing method, image processing apparatus, image forming apparatus, computer program product and computer memory product for carrying out image processing by transforming image data to image data having spatial frequency components
Image processing is carried out by transforming image data to image data having spatial frequency components, by judging whether the absolute values of the coefficients of the predetermined frequency components of the transformed image data are equal to or more than a predetermined value, by modifying the coefficients of the AC components of the image data depending on the result of the judgment, by inversely transforming the image data having the modified coefficients to image data having spatial coordinate components, by comparing the gray levels of the inversely transformed image data with predetermined values, and by transforming the gray levels to quantized levels corresponding to the result of the comparison. By carrying out proper image processing corresponding to the characteristics of the image, the number of gray levels of the image can be decreased while the characteristic portions of the original image are maintained properly. |
| US07692816B2 |
Image processing apparatus, image processing method, and computer product
When first image data, which is in a first color space, is converted into second image data, which is in a second color space corresponding to an image output unit. Upon converting the image data, if the first image data is color data, background removal process is switched OFF. Otherwise, the background removal process is switched ON. Thus, it is possible to obtain an image desired by a user. |
| US07692813B2 |
Image processing apparatus and method, and storage medium
Upon synthesizing objects, information bits indicating the types of objects are lost. To solve this problem, this invention provides an image processing apparatus having discrimination means for discriminating a type of object to be rendered, determination means for determining the presence/absence of synthesis of the discriminated object, synthesis means for synthesizing an object and information of the type of object in accordance with the determination result, and processing means for appending information indicating the type of synthesized object to a rendering result obtained by rendering the object to be rendered in units of pixels. |
| US07692811B2 |
Image forming apparatus and method
A printed material is read to provide an image data thereof. The printed material includes an image of an original, and an additional image not recognized or hard to be recognized with naked eyes. The additional image is to be visualized when an image is formed based on the image data with an image forming apparatus. Further, the printed material includes and a code which represents information. When the code is detected in the image data, a stamp image is synthesized with the image data based on the detected code. Then, the image data synthesized with the stamp image is provided. For example, an image is printed based on the image data. |
| US07692807B1 |
System and method for batch printing high-volume electronic documents from a network
Large volumes of electronic documents can be printed from a network, such as the Internet, using a batch printing technique. Sizable print jobs are broken into batches, which are sent sequentially to a printer executable component at the client side. As one batch finishes printing, another batch is sent to the printer executable component. Logs are kept so that if there is an interruption in the printing, a print job can be re-started at any batch, instead of having to re-start printing in its entirety from the beginning. The electronic documents may also be downloaded for storage alternatively or in addition to printing. Stamps may be applied en masse to the electronic documents to be printed. |
| US07692805B2 |
Print job distribution processing
To provide a technology for, if a first distribution destination printing device cannot continue printing according to a print job, causing a second distribution destination printing device to execute an unexecuted print job without using a server. The first distribution destination printing device, used for a printing system, includes a print job processing module that acquires a distributed print job supplied from a distribution source device and gives the distributed print job to a printing execution module. The print job processing module acquires, from the distribution source device, device identification information for identifying the second distribution destination printing device among a plurality of distribution destination printing devices, the second distribution destination printing device belonging to the same group as the first distribution destination printing device. The print job processing module, if the first distribution printing device cannot continue printing according to the distributed print job, generates the unexecuted print job, and supplies the unexecuted print job to the second distribution destination printing device. |
| US07692801B2 |
Optical stacked structure inspecting method and optical stacked structure inspecting apparatus
An inspecting method inspects an optical stacked structure having a reflection layer and at least one light transmitting thin film sequentially stacked on a substrate. The inspecting method irradiates inspection light on the optical stacked structure from a side provided with the light transmitting thin film, measures a light intensity of reflected light from each layer, that changes depending on a change in an optical path length to each layer, and inspects a thickness of the light transmitting thin film based on the light intensity of reflected light for a specific wavelength. |
| US07692800B2 |
Multi-level light curtain with structure light sources and imaging sensors
Systems and methods for detecting an obstruction in a detector surface fields are provided. In one respect, a set of lines may be projected over substantially a half of the detection area and may subsequently imaged and evaluated. Other embodiments may include a second set of lines that may be projected over substantially a second half of the detection area and may subsequently imaged and evaluated. The images may be evaluated to determine if there are breaks (e.g., an obstruction) in the projected set of lines. Based on the evaluation, the detector may provide dynamic feedback signals to a processor, which may adjust the position of the detector or provide a signal indicating an obstruction. |
| US07692798B2 |
Method for biomolecular detection and system thereof
A method of sensing at least one target on a receptor having a substrate and a translucent coating includes minimizing interference fringe patterns in an image of the target. The method also includes passing the image of the target through an imaging system intermediate the receptor and a detector. |
| US07692796B2 |
Optical characteristic measuring apparatus
An optical characteristic measuring apparatus includes: a light source section which sweeps wavelengths of a first input light and a second input light respectively, frequencies of the first and second input lights being different from each other and polarized states of the first and second input lights being perpendicular to each other, and outputs the first and second input light; an interference section which inputs one branched light of the first and second input lights to a measuring object, makes output light from the measuring object interfere with other branched light of the first and second input lights, and outputs a plurality of interference lights; a plurality of light receiving sections which are respectively provided for the interference lights, receives the interference lights respectively, and outputs signals in accordance with optical powers of the interference lights respectively; and a low-pass filter for filtering the outputted signals. |
| US07692793B2 |
Analyzing tunable optical filters using tunable source
The specification describes an optical wavelength monitor/analyzer that uses a cost effective wavelength reference source. The wavelength reference source is a nominally fixed wavelength laser with inherent tunability over a very limited wavelength range, i.e. a few nanometers. Tuning is effected by changing the temperature of the laser. The limited range is useful for making multiple wavelength measurements in the context of analyzing wavelength drift in tunable optical filters. |
| US07692789B1 |
High resolution analysis of soil elements with laser-induced breakdown
The invention is a system and method of detecting a concentration of an element in a soil sample wherein an opening or slot is formed in a container that supports a soil sample that was extracted from the ground whereupon at least a length of the soil sample is exposed via the opening. At each of a plurality of points along the exposed length thereof, the soil sample is ablated whereupon a plasma is formed that emits light characteristic of the elemental composition of the ablated soil sample. Each instance of emitted light is separated according to its wavelength and for at least one of the wavelengths a corresponding data value related to the intensity of the light is determined. As a function of each data value a concentration of an element at the corresponding point along the length of the soil core sample is determined. |
| US07692784B2 |
Apparatus and methods relating to enhanced spectral measurement systems
The apparatus and methods herein provide light sources and spectral measurement systems that can improve the quality of images and the ability of users to distinguish desired features when making spectroscopy measurements by providing methods and apparatus that can improve the dynamic range of data from spectral measurement systems. |
| US07692782B2 |
Method for fabricating haze noise standards comprising nano-structures on an insulating thin layer
Method for the fabrication of Haze noise standards having, respectively, an insulating thin layer and a plurality of nano-structures of hemi-spherical form on the insulating thin layer, with the respective standards being fabricated by: the formation on at least one insulating layer of seeds made of a first semi-conductor material by chemical deposition from a first precursor gas for the first semi-conductor material, formation on the insulating layer of nano-structures based on a second semi-conductor material and in the form of hemi-spheres, from stable seeds of the first semi-conductor material, by chemical deposition from a second precursor gas of the second semi-conductor material. The invention also relates to a calibration method using standards obtained by means of such a method. |
| US07692781B2 |
Glazing inspection
A method of forming a shadowgraph image is described, comprising the steps of illuminating a glazing (52), e.g., a vehicle windscreen, with light from a localized light source (50), said light being expanded and collimated by a lens optical system (54) or a mirror optical system, forming a virtual shadowgraph image of the glazing in a virtual image plane (56), which may be positioned behind or in front of the glazing: and imaging the virtual image onto a CCD camera (62). The glazing may be moving relative to the light source or may be stationary. Furthermore, a method of glazing inspection is described, comprising forming a shadowgraph image as outlined above; processing the shadowgraph image to exclude measurement points corresponding to obscure areas of the glazing as non-valid measurement points: obtaining a processed image by determining an illumination value for each valid measurement point; constructing a reference image by scanning a convolution window point by point over the processed image; and comparing the illumination value of the corresponding point of the reference image. |
| US07692780B2 |
Surface inspecting apparatus
A surface inspecting apparatus is provided with an illuminating means for illuminating a repeated pattern formed on the surface of an object to be inspected by linear polarization; a setting means for setting an angle formed by a direction on the surface of an incidence plane of the linear polarization and a repeating direction of the repeated pattern at a prescribed value other than 0; an extracting means for extracting polarization components vertical to an oscillation surface of the linear polarization, from light generated in a specular direction from the repeated pattern; a light receiving means for receiving the light extracted by the extracting means, and outputting light intensity of the specular reflection light; and a detecting means for detecting defects of the repeated pattern, based on the light intensity of the specular reflection light outputted from the light receiving means. The setting means sets the angle formed by the direction on the surface of the incidence plane of the linear polarization and the repeating direction of the repeated pattern so that a difference between the intensity of light from a normal portion on the surface and the light intensity of light from a defective portion on the surface is at maximum. |
| US07692777B1 |
Optical clinometer
The invention is directed to an optical clinometer comprising a housing or vessel with a transparent liquid which forms a liquid horizon and which is suitable for changing the direction of at least one optical beam bundle depending on inclination. At least one light source is provided for illuminating at least one structure or for generating at least one light point or light spot. An optical device is responsible for imaging the at least one structure or the at least one light point or light spot through the liquid and by of total reflection at the surface of the liquid on photoelectric sensor elements of at least one line-shaped or surface-shaped sensor arrangement, wherein the optical device for imaging the structure or the light point or light spot is arranged on the underside of the bottom of the housing or are a component part of this bottom, and the optical device is formed of an individual optical element which couples light in and out and images the structure or the light point or light spot. |
| US07692774B2 |
Image pickup apparatus
The present invention provides an image pickup apparatus with a thin-shaped body. The image pickup apparatus includes: emitter means 8 for emitting an imaging light; light transmission means for leading the imaging light that comes from one face directly to another face, and leading the imaging light that comes from a certain position of the another face to a different position of the one face; and image pickup means for picking up an image equivalent to the imaging light from the light transmission means. Therefore, the emitter means can be placed substantially on the same plane as the image pickup means under the one face M1 of the light transmission means. Thus, the body of the image pickup apparatus can be thinner. |
| US07692773B2 |
Light emitting diode based measurement systems
Various light emitting diode (LED) based measurement systems and methods are provided. One system includes one or more arrays of LEDs arranged along a flow path of a sample. The array(s) are configured to illuminate the sample as the sample moves along the flow path. The system also includes one or more detectors configured to detect light resulting from illumination of the sample by the array(s). One method includes illuminating a microsphere at different positions along a flow path of the microsphere. The method also includes detecting light resulting from the illumination to produce individual output signals corresponding to the illumination at the different positions. The method further includes combining the individual output signals to produce a single output signal having a signal-to-noise ratio that is greater than a signal-to-noise ratio of the individual output signals. |
| US07692772B2 |
Apparatus and a method for measuring distance using a laser beam
A laser distance measuring apparatus which measures a turnaround time after emitting a laser beam outputted from a laser diode to a target until receiving the laser beam reflected by the target by a light receiving module via a band-pass filter to calculate a distance to the target, includes temperature control module for adjusting a temperature of the laser diode; level detecting module for detecting a level of the reflected laser beam received via the band-pass filter; main control module for outputting a temperature control signal to the temperature control module so that the level is kept in a predetermined range. |
| US07692770B2 |
Proximity type exposure apparatus
An apparatus and method for aligning a substrate and a mask are discussed. In one aspect of the present invention, the apparatus includes a mask stage, wherein the mask stage includes a mask fixing stage configured to fixedly support a mask; a base stage supporting the mask fixing stage; and at least one guide unit disposed in the base stage, coupled to the mask fixing stage, and configured to move the mask fixing stage, so as to move the mask in a predetermined direction. |
| US07692767B2 |
Projection optical system and exposure apparatus with the same
A projection optical system comprises eight reflectors and forms a reduced image of a first surface (4) onto a second surface (7). It comprises a first reflective imaging optical system (G1) for forming an intermediate image of the first surface and a second reflective imaging optical system (G2) for forming an image of the intermediate image onto the second surface. The first reflective imaging optical system includes a first reflector (M1), a second reflector (M2), a third reflector (M3), and a fourth reflector (M4) successively as light enters from the first surface side. The second reflective imaging optical system includes a fifth reflector (M5), a sixth reflector (M6), a seventh reflector (M7), and an eighth reflector (M8) successively as light enters from the first surface side. This realizes a reflective projection optical system which can favorably correct aberrations while having a favorable reflection characteristic with respect to X-rays and keeping the reflectors from becoming bulky. |
| US07692763B2 |
Exposure apparatus
A device manufacturing apparatus includes a conveying device which conveys a substrate, an acquiring device to acquire an amount of warpage of the substrate, based on a measurement or an input, a storing device which stores a database representing a correspondence between a parameter related to a conveying condition and the warpage amount of the substrate, and a controller which controls, based on the database, the conveying device to convey the substrate in accordance with a parameter corresponding to the warpage amount acquired by the acquiring device. |
| US07692762B2 |
Exposure apparatus
An EUV exposure apparatus is configured to maintain the reflective index of the optical element as high as possible and to minimize the maintenance frequency of the optical element by restraining attachments of released gas particles by degasifying to the optical element. An exposure apparatus is configured to expose a pattern of an original on a substrate by using extreme ultraviolet light. The exposure apparatus includes an optical element configured to receive the extreme ultraviolet light, a barrel configured to support the optical element, a chamber configured to store the barrel, and a partition wall configured outside and around an optical path of the extreme ultraviolet light in the barrel. |
| US07692760B2 |
Liquid immersion exposure apparatus, method of controlling the same, and device manufacturing method
A liquid immersion exposure apparatus including a stage which carries a substrate, a projection lens unit which projects a pattern onto the substrate, a unit which supplies liquid to a space between the substrate and the projection lens unit and recovers the liquid from the space, and a controller which controls driving of the stage. The controller changes a driving profile of the stage according to a liquid immersion condition. |